Chapter Eight: Those Eyes

Manehatten, past city borders

On a small road to the blissful city unfriendly eyes watched, waiting.

Waiting...

Waiting...

Suddenly, something spoke in a coarse voice. “They should be here by now.”

“Shut up! We don’t need some stupid pony taking notice.” Reprimanded another.

The eyes continued to peer out from the roadside, watching the peaceful city of Manehatten.

Suddenly, a small troop of griffins rounded a corner. They marched slowly along the road as if on their way to the city. They bore no markings to identify themselves and were garbed in light leather armor. They all had no use for weapons due to the extremely sharp looking talons that clacked lightly with each step.

“Yes....” Expelled one happy watchers as the group marched closer.

The twelve griffins came to a halt, not far from the where the eyes were keeping their silent watch. Their leader, a young muscular griffin who wore extra trimming on his shoulder plates stepped forward.

He glanced around and wondered where the creatures he was supposed to meet were situated.

Silence.

Typical.

They always seemed to enjoy their cloak and dagger games and as much as the young captain enjoyed sneaking about with his unit, he was getting sick of how hard their allies were to find.

“Sometimes I wonder why the council bothers with those creatures... its not like we need them to take over Equestria anyway...” One cocky young griffin muttered as the troupe idled in wait.

“The grand master knows we need them, so shut it, or you’ll get us all killed.” Threatened the pack leader before he turned to survey the landscape once more.

“Birdbrain Volibeak...” Muttered one of the rear troopers.

Before the captain could get violent toward the offending griffin he heard a noise and with flared wings, turned to face the side of the road.

A rough hiss escaped from the bushes causing a grin to cross the griffin patrol leader’s face. He set off at a slow march, motioning for his fellow griffins to follow him.

The unit stalked into the outcropping to find themselves face to face with a pack of changelings.

The evil creatures were everywhere. In every bush, tree and shrub they dwelt, leering at the newcomers.

The lead griffin cleared his throat. “I, Captain Volibeak demand to speak to the scaly in charge here.” He demanded as his long claws dragged the soil underclaw with as much menace as he could muster.

“I am.” Hissed one of the jet black creatures, it’s jade green eyes flashing in the late day sun. “You griffinzess are late...” It added before morphing into a bear, gaining a height advantage over the now smaller griffin.

Not one to back down, Captain Volibeak took a step forward. “We encountered a few... problems along the way. But... they are ‘fixed.’ Not that you scum would care.”

“All that matters is that you are late... Our queen grows restless... We hunger for the love within this nation.” Replied the towering bear with a cruel grin upon its face.

“And you can have their love.” Butted in the lead griffin. “We don’t care about that... All I want to know is... have you found the relic?”

His question was met by an irate glare from the bear as it continued to tower over its ally.

“Yesss.”

Silence met the reply as the bear turned and began stalking off as if nothing had happened.

“Well then, where is it?” Arrogantly asked Captain Volibeak.

“We can show you.” The bear’s form flickered for a moment before it retuned to the jet-black changeling. “But our queen wishes for you lot to be the ones to retrieve it.”

“That is fine by me.” Gruffly replied the irate griffin. “Get a move on then.”

The slinky changling appeared to grin at his ...friend... before it turned, opened it’s wings and began buzzing off. The rest of the unnatural looking creatures followed suit, sticking close to the ground as they flew off. The small griffin troop stood in shock as more and more changlings appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, rapidly forming a swarm of death.

“If this is their scouting party... I would hate to see their war party...” Remarked one griffin as she stood in awe of their allies numbers.

The lead griffin huffed. “But we are superior creatures. Now move your hides, before I skin them.”

The rest of the small scouting group took off obediently into the sky, flying above the warped creatures below as they allowed themselves to be led along toward their goal.

Ponyville, Fluttershy’s Cottage

Rainbow Dash awoke to a sight she had previously only dreamed of. The pretty yellow face of the mare of her dreams glowed, inches away from her own. Soft warm breaths from the sleeping pony sent tingles along Rainbow Dash’s neck as Fluttershy continued to dream. Shining red eyes wandered along the face of her loved one, studying every little detail. She slowly began to recall the events of the night before, the amazing time she had shared with her fillyfriend. It was almost too good to be true. Yet here she was lying on a cloud with her long time crush wrapped up in her forehooves.

Her body slowly began itching for some action and she contented herself with running a hoof through the messed up pink mane that mingled with her own polychromatic one. She felt both a little tired from the nights activities as well as extraordinarily refreshed. It was an unusual sensation that overall left her felling like a new pony. Something momentous had happened and it made the lack of sleep worth it. The light blue daredevil began to grin slowly, she knew they now had something extra to look forward to doing together. Fluttershy was now well and truly hers and she intended to be the coolest and best fillyfriend ever!

Despite her urges to stretch her wings, she found it easy to remain locked in the cozy embrace. Fluttershy was just so warm and cuddly, it was hard not to enjoy simply idling with her. In fact, it felt like could happily remain in her embrace like this forever! That sounded all too appealing. She would just about give up her wings if it meant she could remain in her loving hooves...

Fluttershy stirred lightly, shifting a bit and sleepily nuzzling her fillyfriend.

“Hey there, beautiful... are you awake yet?” The cheeky mare asked coyly.

“Mmmm... no... don’t wake me up... I want to be with my Dashie.” Fluttershy murmured in her sleep.

“Well how about you stop dreaming about me then, I’m right here...” Rainbow grinned widely as a sense of victory welled up inside.

“No you’re not...”

The bold mare blew gently upon the yellow snout in her face making it twitch in the most adorable of ways. “Oh yes I am, snuggly.”

“Nopony can call me that but my Rainbow...” The sleepy mare complained, running a hoof along the cyan mare’s head and ruffling her mane.

“Oh, but I am your Rainbow, snuggles.” Dash snickered, having a ball with her sleepy companion. “So why don’t you wake up?”

“No...” The wistful whine melted the athlete’s strong heart, this was all too cute to be a normal day in the life of Rainbow Dash.

“Come on.” Dash lightly licked her nose.

“Ee!” Fluttershy squeaked, her face twitching as she brought a hoof up to brush along her nose.

“Is my pretty pegasus awake now?” The cheeky mare asked.

“....Fine...I’m awake...” Fluttershy pouted, opening her eyes. She blinked, looking a bit surprised. “...Rainbow?”

“Who else but awesome old me?” Beamed the egotistical pegasus, lighting up the sunny mare’s world.

“...So... last night was...?” Fluttershy asked hopefully.

“Why do you think we’re on a wet cloud?” Dash giggled like a naughty filly.

“...Oh... hee...” Fluttershy blushed, a forehoof arriving quickly to cover her heating muzzle.

Dash stroked the shy pony gently, savoring the moment. “Hey Flutters. How about we go get cleaned up and then I’ll take you out to breakfast? My treat.”

“Oh... okay. Um... I... I should probably tend to my animals first. They are probably all wondering where I’ve gone.”

“You do that, I’ll help if you need it.” Dash winked. She picked herself up, allowing a slow stretch to overcome her body, working all the kinks out.

Fluttershy smiled, before standing slowly and doing as her partner did, “Thank you, Rainbow.”

They flew off, heading back to Fluttershy’s cottage. As it turned out, they hadn’t gone too far, especially since Fluttershy’s cottage was in a remote location, after all. It only took a couple of minutes by way of leisurely flight to get back, anyway.

The two young lovers touched down, right outside the front door. Fluttershy nuzzled her messy companion softly. “Now... how about I start them off and if I need any help, you can join in. I don’t want you to scare any of my cute little critters.”

“You got it,” Dash kissed the still glowing yellow mare on the cheek and strutted off to sit nearby, happy enough to watch and get a few more easy moments of waking up.

Angel came outside, having heard them talking. He looked a mixture of annoyed and slightly confused, especially since he wondered where his caretaker had gone all night. But as he came near, he scrunched up his nose and waved his paw as if to ward off a bad smell.

“What is it, Angel? Is something wrong?” Fluttershy softly asked, approaching her little pet.

Angel gave her a look as if to say “Are you serious?”.

She lent down to pick him up but he bounded out of reach. The bunny rapidly began pointing first at her, and then at his nose, he then waved his paw as if trying to ward off a bad smell. Then he fell on his back clutching at his throat, pretending to choke to death under the ever so slightly noticeable assault of the musky smell wafting from the two lovebirds.

“....Oh goodness...I’m so sorry, Angel! You’re right... Once I finish tending to everyone, Rainbow and I will take a bath to get cleaned up, don’t worry.” Fluttershy assured.

He tossed her an annoyed look, especially appalled by how she could let her mane become such a mess and bounded angrily off to go find his own food. As soon as he made it inside he slammed the front door. There was no way he was letting that randy rainbow pegasus back inside without a bath. Two sweaty pegasi were too much for his poor nose!

“Looks like we should have taken a dip first.” Dash commented wearing a grin upon her muzzle.

“But I’m sure we can’t be that bad... It’s only like I smell a little of you.”

Dash giggled. “Yea... I see that little pest likes the smell of me so much, I nearly killed him.”

“Oh, he’s only being overly dramatic, Rainbow.” Fluttershy nuzzled her mare, inhaling the erotic scent that she had already grown to enjoy from her companion.

“Figured,” Dash chuckled. “But you do look like you need a bath. I’ve given you my messed up mane.”

The pretty pink maned mare slowly turned, a purposeful stride in her step as she moved off to tend to her pets, tail waving coyly in the air. “Well what if it suits me right now. I’m sure my Dashie needs a bath more than me. I can’t remember the last time I saw you shower.”

“Hey! Not fair!” Complained the speedster. “I do shower, and you know it!”

The buttery mare gave a departing wink, “and when you do, I’m sure you will look even prettier for me.”

Fluttershy went to work on finishing up tending to her animals. As much as she would have preferred a bath right now with her mare, the strong blue pegasus decided to wait a moment to allow her fillyfriend some time with the pets. Rainbow Dash smirked as she watched her fillyfriend’s hindquarters, feeling her wings rise as she caught a glimpse of what the messy tail hid.

“Bath time!” Called out the speedy mare, grabbing the surprised pegasus in her forehooves as she lifted off into the air.

The athlete gracefully looped around in mid air, flying right down into the peaceful creek that ran alongside the house. Fluttershy gasped in shock as the cold water impacted with her.

“How’s that, Fluttershy?” Dash grinned cheekily as she floated under the shocked pony.

“Rainbow!!” Fluttershy whined, shivering and pouting. “....Why did you do that? It wasn't fair.”

“Nope. You gave me a free shot.” The cheeky mare ran her hoof along said area, causing the shy pony on top to ‘eep’ and jump.

“Dash, you naughty pony!” Fluttershy slapped the offending blue hoof.

“You weren’t complaining last night...” Rainbow purred, smirking.

“Well.... no...” Fluttershy blushed, looking away for a moment. “But this isn’t fair... you killed the mood. Bad Dashie! Don’t do it again, please. ...i-if that’s okay with you.” As her sentence faltered, her gaze fell to the water in submission.

A guilty look overcame the cyan pegasus then as she brought a foreleg around her shoulders. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I guess I wasn’t thinking, was I? I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

“It’s okay. We’re still learning...” Fluttershy snuggled into her wet mare. “You’re so much warmer than this stream...” She cooed, gently yet dominantly pressing her pegasus back into the water.

“Well, I am Rainbow Dash... and I’m on fire, baby!” Dash giggled, allowing her lover to snuggle in close.

Fluttershy giggled as she continued to cuddle into the plush cyan coat. “Now... how about we have a proper bath? I don’t think my stream is made for ponies to wash up after a... special night... I-if that’s okay with you?”

“What the hay... but you’re taking it with me, Flutters,” Dash smirked.

“I never said I wouldn’t.” And with that, the emboldened pegasus whipped up a wing adding a further layer of muddy water to her already drenched companion’s coat.

Fluttershy let out a light giggle before leaping ungainly out of the stream and rushing inside with her fillyfriend hot on her trail.

After their bath, the two mares dried off with Fluttershy’s warm, fluffy towels as they sat on the living room floor. Of course, Fluttershy snuggled close, to which Rainbow Dash happily accepted and cuddled her fillyfriend close.

“...Rainbow?”

“Yes?” Dash asked, a confident grin plastered across her face.

Hesitating with what she was about to ask, the creamy yellow pegasus looked around nervously for a moment. She bit her lip, considering whether or not to go through with it, Fluttershy managed to gaze into her companion’s curious cerise eyes that met her own. She realized now was pretty much as good at time as any. Too soon, maybe, but then again, considering everything else, it didn’t seem like a stretch at all. At least, she hoped it wasn’t.

Heart pounding, muscles contracting, and her stomach churning with anxiety, Fluttershy voiced her little wish in a soft whisper as she looked up at her lover pleadingly. “Rainbow Dash... would you like to move back in with me?”

A massive grin spread across the light blue mares face. “Fluttershy... I’d love to!”

“Really...? Y-you don’t mind living here again? I know how much you wanted to get away and have your own, more awesome place.”

“Well, sure! It was my first place too, so I know my way around! Living here again will be cool. I'll even keep my cloud house so we can use it as a ‘vacation’ retreat!” Dash pacified, grinning as widely as her muzzle would allow.

“Yay!” Fluttershy cheered, hugging the smiling pegasus.

“You didn’t think I’d say no did you?”

“Well... no. Um... Maybe...?” The meek reply was barley audible, even in the quiet of Fluttershy’s cottage.

“We have got to work on that.” Remarked Dash.

“Work on what?” Asked the shy pony, still recovering from the aftermath of the good news.

“That... you know. The whole being too shy to ask something. I’ve always been happy to move back in! I just thought that maybe you needed some more space.”

Fluttershy stood in silence for a few moments as she processed the new information. “Thank you Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to me, really.”

“Hey Fluttershy... How many spare sets of bedsheets do you have?” The cheeky speedster giggled, wearing a cunning look upon her face.

Fluttershy looked confused. “Um... you don’t want to sleep in the same bed? If you’d rather not, that’s okay! I don't mind... it can be just like when we first moved here... and back at the apartment... But I do have plenty of spare linen.”

“No, Fluttershy!” Dash cut her off before she could assume too much, “You missed my point... you know...” She nuzzled up to her mare, lifting one of her hind legs to come into contact with Fluttershy’s nether regions.

“O-Oooh....!” Fluttershy trembled at the contact. “I-I... see what you mean... But um... well... my bed is too small... we should... get a bigger bed...”

“I think that can be arranged!” Dash winked. “My bed’s a bit on the small side, too. Awesome, but small for two ponies. Tell you what, I’ll bring my stuff here later, and then we’ll go find a nice big bed!”

“Okay, and I’ll buy the linen for it.” Fluttershy smiled.

“As long as it’s soft like my clouds and looks cool, that works for me!”

“I’ll do my best, my love.” Fluttershy replied as she snuggled back into the embrace of her fillyfriend.

“Right... now how about I take you out for some awesome breakfast?” Dash exclaimed, almost throwing her partner off.

“Hee... sure...” Fluttershy giggled, thankful that her fillyfriend was excited to share such a thing at least.

Rainbow Dash led her fillyfriend out the door and immediately took off into the sky. Dash giggled as she offered her hoof to her pretty yellow partner. The shy mare accepted it and allowed the bold to assist her into the sky. Both were ready to begin a new day in their lives together, so to speak. While they certainly had taken big steps in the past few weeks, it all felt right to them. Having not only been friends since fillyhood, as well as having lived together ever since they were older fillies, it just made sense and felt like falling back into an old routine.

Fluttershy hoped, that since things had changed drastically since they moved to Ponyville, Rainbow Dash would still be fine with them living together in her cottage again.

Pinkie Pie was working the register at Sugarcube Corner that morning, happily humming to herself as she cheerfully served the customers. Just as always, she was having a super day and felt nothing less than the happy tingles of joy when she managed to make the customers smile upon giving them their desired treats.

The pink Earth pony paused, concentrating for a moment on her Pinkie Sense. She smiled then, knowing exactly what was going to come.

Pinkie giggled to herself. “Dashie’s going to crash into the shop in about five seconds!”

The front door burst open and in flew Rainbow Dash with her elated fillyfriend clutched in her hooves as if the shy mare were her bride.

“Guess what, Pinkie! We’re getting married!” Cried a very elated cyan pegasus, trailing her signature polychromatic trail.

The pink party pony’s jaw hit the floor. A dead, stony silence now filled the bakery for a few moments. At least, until Pinkie sprang to life again, what with having let the information sink in.

“You’re what? Dashie that’s amazing!” Pinkie sprung into the air like a shell from one of her canons. “Ooh! This calls for a massive party! Oooooohh!! And I’ll throw your reception and make your cake! Yay!! This will be wonderful!”

“Oh, what will be wonderful, darling?” Rarity queried as she walked into the shop.

“Hi, Rarity! Guess what?! Dashie and Flutters are getting married!”

The alabaster unicorn looked like she had just been hit by a sledgehammer.

“What?!” She quickly recovered as her mind pieced together the unexpected news. “Oh darlings! It’s so wonderful to hear!” She rushed up to the two pegasi who were still wrapped in each others hooves.

“Well... actually...” Fluttershy began.

“This is marvelous!! Oh, Fluttershy, you must allow me to make your wedding dress! It would be my honour! Rainbow Dash, I will also construct a fine dress for you, too!”

“Um, actually...” The quiet pegasus once again attempted to get a word in.

“Now now, dear! I insist!” Rarity waved her hoof. “I’ll be sure to make dresses for the wedding party, of course! We’ll all have a meeting about it later on!”

Dash let out an immature giggle. Things were getting to be too good!

“But... Rarity...” A very brushy yellow pegasus attempted, one last time.

“Ooooooooohhh!!! That sounds nice, Rare-bear!” Pinkie giggled brightly. “Who’s gonna be the bride?!! Fluttershy? I knew it! Dashie, who do you want to be your best mare?! I bet it’ll be Applejackie! Or you can pick me! But wait, nope! I’m doing the reception and helping with catering yummy treats, so Applejackie it is! Where’s Twi-Twi? She can help organize the wedding itself, she’s super duper good at organizing!!”

At the end of the party mare’s raving, Rainbow Dash couldn’t take it any longer, she toppled over onto the floor laughing. A very embarrassed Fluttershy gazed down at her.

“Rainbow Dash! Why in Equestria are you laughing?! This isn’t funny! This is a joyous occasion! I would expect you to take your upcoming marriage to Fluttershy seriously!” Rarity chided.

“That’s exactly it!” Managed the pony in hysterics before she continued to laugh raucously.

“It’s exactly what, Dashie?” Pinkie cocked her head curiously, joy still permeating out of her like a waterfall of chocolate.

“Best... joke... ever!” Cyan hooves pounded the ground, trying to relieve her aching tummy as laughter continued to rack her body.

“I had nothing to do with it... she just... did it on the spot...” Fluttershy admitted, looking away shamefacedly.

“Oh darling! I’m sorry!” Rarity came up to her yellow friend and offered her a hug. “I never meant to embarrass you.”

Fluttershy smiled, “It’s okay, Rarity... I-I think it was very sweet of you.”

“So... it’s cancelled?” Pinkie whimpered sadly, mane wilting.

“Darling, it was never on to begin with. It was all just a crazy joke from our town prankster here.” Rarity turned to the grinning culprit, giving her an angry glare.

“Awww, but Dashie, that’s saddy waddy! You don’t want to marry Flutters? But why not?” Pinkie pouted.

Rainbow Dash resisted the urge to facehoof, instead wrapping a wing around her shy companion. “Look, Pinks. Come on, it's too soon!”

Pinkie grinned, instantly recovering. “Okay!”

Blushing, but smiling appreciatively, Fluttershy giggled and nuzzled her lover.

“Sorry about being too fast for you there Fluttershy. I don’t want to push you.” The cyan mare whispered back.

“Rainbow... All you need to do is ask.”

Dash blushed, looking away with a bashful smile. It was almost hard to resist actually seeing that through. Then again, she wasn’t even sure if they were ready for that. Dash knew she certainly wasn’t ready, even if her shy fillyfriend was. Which was odd considering what had happened yesterday and this morning. But she figured it better to wait until a more appropriate better time.

Besides, Fluttershy deserved a much better marriage proposal than this.

“I think I’ll pass on that, Fluttershy.”

For one split second, Fluttershy looked stricken. “...Oh, okay. I'm sorry.”

“But only for now. We should wait. And besides, I'd rather ask you to marry properly. You know... do it in the most awesomest way ever... I'm not so good at being sappy, so that's why I kinda need more time to think about it. What I meant to say to Pinkie was it was too soon... But I do want to in the future.” A little smirk overcame the daredevil's face as she whispered in her ear, “Promise.”

Inwardly berating herself for having doubted Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled her fillyfriend again, nodding, “I understand, Rainbow. You're absolutely right. We should wait.” Turning to their friends, she spoke up. “There... is one thing, though... We... well... decided to move back in together.”

“Yay! I still get to throw a party! Moving in party time! Look out, Pinkie Pie coming through!” The party pony bounced ecstatically out into the kitchen. “Party next week! Don’t miss it!”

“We won’t.” Dash replied to the long gone party pony.

“Well, I guess.” Fluttershy shyly said.

“You two girls missed your party yesterday. I think you at least owe Pinkie that much.” Rarity smiled kindly at the couple.

“Oh yeah...” Dash grinned mischievously as the memory of what they had done instead of the party sprung to mind.

“Um...! Sorry... we were... well we um... were doing things! And unpacking boxes!” Fluttershy gulped. “And lost track of the time.”

Rarity giggled. “Fluttershy dear, you really are no good at lying. Whatever happened must have been good for the two of you to skip out on a Pinkie party.”

“Yep! It was fun. Fluttershy and I got to unpack a few things too.” The mischievous look had yet to leave the cyan mare’s face as she told the half truth.

Rarity raised an eyebrow, but then caught on. “Oh... well at least you managed to enjoy yourselves...” She giggled.

“So! You two will be there for the Moving In Party, right?!” Pinkie Pie grinned, bouncing up to the pair.

“Yes Pinkie. We will.” Fluttershy promised with a smile. “It's the least we could do for having missed out, and we do apologize for that.”

The spastic earth pony leapt for joy, accompanied by several streamers. “Oh goodie! I don’t want to find two of my bestest best friends in the whole of Equestria to have bailed again to have sweet kinky pegasus sex! But that's okay, you sillies! I wouldn't want you to show up feeling completely tense, anyway!”

Fluttershy squealed in surprise and hid her face in Rainbow’s mane at the very open declaration Pinkie had made.

“Pinkie! We would never do that!” Rainbow Dash cried out defensively.

“Oh yes you would.” The springy mare bounced closer, a cheeky grin covering her whole face. “Why else would your coats shine and your mane look so nice and your-”

Dash stuck a cyan hoof in the overtalktive pony’s mouth “Okay we get it. Just.... please calm down. You’re embarrassing Fluttershy.” She rocked her fillyfriend back and forth comfortingly. By the blush on both their faces, it was clear that Fluttershy wasn’t the only pony embarrassed.

“I'm fine, Rainbow.” Fluttershy said with indignation, but did nothing to stop their sweet contact.

The door to Sugarcube corner once again opened to reveal Twilight Sparkle, who wore a smile on her muzzle, delighted to see her friends.

“Hiiiiiii Twi-Twi!” Pinkie bounded up to her unicorn friend and hugged her.

“Hello Pinkie. What is going on here?” Twilight asked with a lost look upon her face. Nonetheless, she returned the hug and patted the earth pony's back.

“Oh, we were talking about things!” Pinkie giggled.

“Things that make such wonderful news and gossip!” Rarity gushed, she couldn’t help herself.

Fluttershy paled at the alabaster mare’s remark. “Rarity, please, no. Don't start spreading this around. I'm not saying it's because we want to keep it secret, but it's just that I don't want anypony else knowing our business.”

“Darling, don’t you worry, I only said it would make gossip. Not that I would actually spread it,” assured the snow white unicorn, patting her friend on the head.

“O-okay, thank you.”

“Okay, Pinks! Hand over the goods! ….Yeah, that’s the real reason for here. Food!” Rainbow spoke up then, motioning to the pink earth pony.

“Okey-dokey-lokie!” Pinkie nodded, before she bounced off to the kitchen.

Twilight blinked a few times, looking around the room. “So... what is going on?”

“May I?” Rarity asked the new couple.

Fluttershy glanced up at Rainbow Dash who grinned down at her lovingly. “It’ll be okay. She’s only Twilight.”

“I know, and of course we can tell her,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Well, dear,” the alabaster unicorn turned back to Twilight, “Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are moving back in together!”

“Really?” Twilight’s confused look broke into a smile, “Aww, that’s great, you two! I guess it’ll be nice to be living together again, won’t it?”

“Yep, it’ll be awesome!” Rainbow Dash replied as she held herself proudly by her fillyfriend’s side. “Fluttershy and me are going to have so much fun!”

“Oh...” Fluttershy giggled, flattered at her sweet compliment. “Well yes...it’s going to be lovely...” She gently nuzzled her fillyfriend, enjoying how open her affections were around their friends.

“Okay, get a room you two.” Twilight said, cutting into their moment of intimacy.

“Don’t ya’ll encourage ‘em!” Applejack laughed as she came into the room from the kitchen. “Howdy, y’all! Ah was just helpin’ out in the kitchen since Ah have some free time this mornin’!”

“Hey there, AJ!” Dash waved at her farmer friend.

“Oh don’t worry Applejackie.” Pinkie appeared alongside the orange mare. “They’ve already gotten really close and kinky! Dashie told us all about it! Theres not much more that they can do.” She giggled as Fluttershy hid in utter embarrassment under the wing of the cyan pegasus next to her who looked as if she wanted to deck the loudmouthed party pony.

Applejack’s jaw dropped as she whistled, “Weeeellll doggy!”

“Pinkie. I don’t need everypony knowing about my love life. I’ve got a reputation of awesomeness to keep and that won’t help it.” Rainbow Dash complained, slowly advancing upon the cheeky mare.

“As one who must upkeep a reputation of her own, I certainly concur,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “It would be best if we were not to broadcast such things.”

“Don’t y’all worry, Ah won’t tell anypony,” Applejack promised.

“OOhhh! Silly me!” Pinkie disappeared super quick with a comical swoosh.

“What is she all about?” Twilight asked, feeling completely lost again.

“Breakfast for everypony!” Pinkie yelled as she boldly re-entered with a cart bearing some breakfast dishes. Cereal, milk, eggs, toast, waffles, fruit, and pancakes.

“Oooohh! Yummy!” Fluttershy smiled brightly, feeling hungrier than she thought and emerging completely from her lover’s protection.

Dash’s tummy announced itself as she allowed herself to be herded toward the tray of food by her hungry fillyfriend.

“Hope y’all enjoy! Pinkie an’ Ah prepared it!” The proud farmer announced, trailing her fellow earth pony.

“It looks great, Applejack, Pinkie! Let’s eat!” Twilight added last before she joined in, horn aglow, ready to take her serving.

The 6 mares took a dish each, settling down, two per table. Fluttershy immediately settled down next to her mare, settling into her morning meal. Rainbow smiled broadly as the attack of warm fuzzes assaulted her system, yellow feathers brushing against light blue.

Getting a cute idea, Fluttershy took her spoon and took a small helping of fruit salad, holding it out to Dash for her to take.

Dash looked at her for a moment, a big blank look upon her face. She blinked a few times as if wordlessly asking what was going on.

Fluttershy gave a grin between the spoon she held in her teeth.

Dash’s lips formed a small “o” as realization hit her. A blushing Fluttershy slid the offending spoon into her mare’s mouth. The speedster quickly ate the offering, grinning uncertainly at the blushing pegasus.

With a sweet, loving smile, Fluttershy placed the spoon down and then leaned forward to nuzzle their noses.

Raucous laughter hit them as Pinkie Pie hit the floor, falling into a fit of giggles.

“Darling, that is the cutest display I have ever seen.” Rarity chimed in, trying to ease the tension a bit.

Dash gave a little annoyed scowl and looked away. But when Fluttershy snuggled up and lay her head on her shoulder, she found it impossible to keep the smile off her face.

“Well Fluttershy... what super cool thing would you like to do now?” Dash asked, grinning cheekily.

“Um....I don’t know, Rainbow...” Fluttershy giggled, “Is there anything you want to do?”

“How about I take my special somepony out, show you some tricks, play some games and who knows, we might even fly to Canterlot if you’re feeling bold!” Dash wrapped a forehoof around the shyly smiling mare.

“Oh my... it sounds like an adventure, then...” Fluttershy smiled.

“Yep. What better way than to have an awesome adventure with my wonderful fillyfriend!”

Fluttershy looked around shyly, wondering what her animal friends would think of her if she disappeared off on a random adventure with her marefriend. “Well...”

“Look, Fluttershy we don’t have to if you don’t want to. But I figure you’d get to see all kinds of creatures on the way there. As long as you don’t keep stopping each time you see some dumb bunny, then we could make it to Canterlot with time to spare. Pinkie Pie’s party is next week so unless you have something else on soon, I would love to go on an adventure with you. Then I can show you a little surprise.”

“A surprise?” The creamy yellow pegasus looked at Dash with curiosity.

The athlete took to the skies hovering just out of her fillyfriend’s reach. “It sure is! At least I think it will be. Anyhow. It’s going to be awesome! Come on!”

Fluttershy allowed herself to be yoinked into the air by her grinning companion. The shy mare softly stroked her companion as her partner powered along. It wasn’t like she had anything on today, or tomorrow for that matter. It might even be fun to venture out. After a few moments with the wind in her mane, she began to smile. The shy mare could feel something begin to kindle inside. An adventure might be just the thing they needed. It would allow them to build on their budding relationship and spend copious amounts of time together. ‘Yes Rainbow... I think I will go to Canterlot with you. I think I remember hearing Rarity say something about all the wonderful unique animals they have there!‘ she let out a soft squee of joy, feeling ready to fly herself to the central city in Equestria, and by her side, the best fillyfriend ever! ‘And in the city we can do the most wonderful things together... there are plenty of animals for me to see and the Wonderbolts headquarters for Dash to visit. Then when we are alone, we could snuggle... and maybe even have some private-’

“Right first stop. A nice comfy cloud! I gotta have my after breakfast nap. Care to join me Flutters?” The wonderful voice of her special somepony broke the silence, and her line of thought.

“Well, sure... but I’m not tired...” Fluttershy admitted, jiggling her head a little to clear away any potentially dirty thoughts. “But I’ll certainly lie down with you.”

“Because I’m awesome?” The bold pony couldn't help but puff out her chest.

“No,” Fluttershy cooed softly in the powerful pegasus’s ear. “Because I like to snuggle with you, Rainbow.”

“Good enough.” Dash snickered, winking.

Fluttershy continued to allow her athletic fillyfriend to fly for them both as she cuddled into the well toned mare’s embrace, relishing the peace they had together.

Rainbow Dash quickly found a cloud big enough for two pegasi and settled down upon it. She patted the spot beside her. With a giggle, Fluttershy more than happily settled down with her, laying down with her legs curled under her, nuzzling her head into the cyan mare’s neck.

“Awwwww, snuggly...” Dash gently kissed her lover gently as she stroked her mane.

Fluttershy quickly found her spot, right between the strong mare’s forehooves and she snuggled up, giving her fillyfriend a quick kiss.

“Rainbow my love...?” Whispered the enraptured yellow pony.

“Yes?” The bold pegasus asked as she softly patted her companion.

Snuggling in more to her beloved, Fluttershy closed her eyes and basked in the warm feeling, inhaling the scent of her special somepony mixed with rain and lavender, “Thankful you so much.”

“You’re most welcome, Fluttershy. But I kinda think I should be the one thanking you.” A cyan hoof ruffled the shy pony’s mane affectionately.

“Oh, Dash....” Fluttershy gave a hearty laugh, shaking her head, “No way, I should be... I especially have to thank you for agreeing to move back into the cottage... I mean, I don’t mind the solitude at all, I really don’t. But sometimes, when I thought back to when we first lived there together, I found myself missing you... a little. It'd be nice if we lived together again.”

The cyan pegasus gave her a loving lick. “Well... how else am I supposed to have my desert at night? It’s going to be awesome moving back in.”

“Your dessert? ...But you can have dessert even if we don’t live in the same house, Rainbow,” Fluttershy giggled, not quite catching on.

Rainbow Dash giggled like a naughty filly, “Oh, I’m not talking about that kind of dessert, silly.”

Fluttershy’s cheeks heated up and she hid in the spiny rainbow mane of her protector. “Rainbow Dash... You naughty pony! Don’t, please... otherwise... um... I might not allow you to make it to Canterlot...” She trailed off as she felt a sudden burst heat well up inside. Not much. But enough to start something if they weren’t careful.

The speedster licked her lips in anticipation, a grin upon her light blue muzzle. “Might want to make your threats a little less appealing there...”

“Um...” The yellow pony snuggled up as close as she could, she knew how she could get her marefriend to ease off and it was time to make her do so. “If you don’t stop... I’ll... I’ll... I don’t know... just please...” She gave the athlete an appealing look, ruffling their feathers together.

“Or what?” Dash smirked, licking her lips. “Planting the seed of a threat only makes my imagination run wild.”

“I know...” Determined, Fluttershy licked the bold mare’s cheek affectionately, “how about... if my pretty Rainbow takes me to Canterlot, we can continue to explore each other there...”

“Wow, now who’s being naughty, Flutters,” Dash smirked, licking her lips again. “But I like where this is going. Okay, a little daring adventure to Canterlot, then...”

“Then my Rainbow Dash will be all mine...” Softly cooed the pink maned pegasus. “My pretty wonderbolt...” She ran a hoof through the strong cyan wings, teasing them open.

Chuckling, Rainbow gave her a lick on the cheek, “You know I love it when you call me that, Fluttershy...”

“Yay!” She quietly cheered, “Time for my Wonderbolt's nap. I’m already making you nice and warm.”

“Yep. Nothing better than you...” Rainbow Dash let out a contented sigh of relief. She allowed her eyelids to close as she basked in the combined warmth of her partner and the early day sun.

Fluttershy lay cuddled up with her sleeping fillyfriend. Although she couldn’t sleep, it was a very comfortable position to be in. Nice and warm with the best mare in all of Equestria... she couldn't’ think of any way that things could get even better right now.

Suddenly a thought crossed her mind, ‘How long have we been lying here? My poor Angel bunny must be starving!’ She gazed back down into the face of her sleeping mare and once again found herself unwilling to leave.  ‘Oh, he can manage...he’s very smart and resourceful. I’m certain he must have gotten himself some food. But perhaps I should check really quick just to make sure... Oh, but I don’t want to leave! It’s so warm, so comfy...and what if she wakes up and finds me gone? No, it'll be okay. She'll understand.’

She slowly extracted herself from the protective grip of her loved one. She leaned down, gifting a soft kiss to the sleeping mare, planting it right on her forehead. “I’ll be back soon, Rainbow.”

She snuck over to the edge of the cloud and took wing with only a single glance back to confirm she hadn’t disturbed the sleeping speedster.

Fluttershy descended toward her cottage, finding that Angel was in his little house outside, with a carrot in his paws. When he saw her coming, he stopped short and gave her a look. Clearly, he had been hungry waiting for her, but had got carrot himself. He always preferred her to do the legwork and deliver his noms and this had left him in a rather fowl mood.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Angel.... I was preoccupied again. But don’t you worry, I promise you that I will make a much more concerted effort to still care for you and all of our animal friends! But soon we’ll have more help, since Rainbow will be living with us again!”

Rolling his eyes, Angel went back to eating his food, even going so far as to turn away from his caregiver. He knew that if the speedster moved back in, no such help would ever come. It could only lead to even longer waiting times between meals.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you two get along just fine again!” Fluttershy giggled. “Anyway, I’m going to tend to the laundry before we head to Canterlot, then...” She trotted inside to fetch the laundry hamper.

The small animal gazed after his mother figure, wondering why she could possibly wish to go gallivanting off to outside lands. Deciding it must be the rainbow ponies trickery. He knew that there was no way he could steer her away from that pony, not after all these years. With a shrug he wandered off, happy enough that his caretaker was at least safe. Even if she did go, the soft pegasus was sure to be back to baby him later.

Fluttershy quickly cleaned up her room and gathered the laundry, washing everything then took it all outside to hang on the clothesline.

She hummed gently to herself as she worked, clipping a few pegs to her wings for quick access. One, or rather, two of the items were the lingerie nightgowns they’d worn the night before. She giggled, hanging them up on the clothesline as she took a moment to admire them. Oh, she would never forget how Rainbow looked in it! Maybe they could buy other types, too... The creamy yellow mare smiled at the thought. Or even have Rarity make something for them. Once they had a few they could even swap around each night for fun.

A couple of her bird friends came to help, taking both ends of a sheet in their talons and placing it over the clothesline. Fluttershy thanked them, pinning the fabric to the line with a couple of clothespins. The birds chirped sweetly, continuing to help her out by taking some of the garments from the basket, ready for her to hang.

“Okay, I should be done in a bit... thank you, my friends!” Fluttershy smiled warmly at the birds, “Hopefully I’ll make it back to the cloud before Rainbow wakes up... Hee... not that it would matter too much... we’ll have many mornings after this where we’ll wake up together. Oh, isn’t it wonderful? I never thought she would be willing to live here again... She had always wanted a place more ‘cool’...more her style....

“When she moved out, I was certainly glad for her, even if I missed having her around. We’ve lived together since, ooh, we were fairly young... It was certainly some adjusting I had to do. But I’m sure glad I had all of you for company... It’ll be wonderful for all of us to be together again! I can hardly wait!” She giggled, pinning another sheet onto the line. “Of course, it’ll take adjusting for all of us, won’t it?”

The creamy mare took a moment to rest her hooves upon the line, adding the last few garments before her planned flight back to her fillyfriend.

“Hello there, hot stuff.” Dash floated down upon a small cloud, grinning madly at the pegasus who still had her hooves propped up on the line.

Fluttershy jumped at the unexpected sight, “Oh... Rainbow. Hi... I was just getting ready to come back to you.”

“Hey don’t stop. I’m enjoying the view...” The grinning pranksters eyes slid down the pretty yellow pony’s body, cheeks heating slightly as the red globes came to rest upon their final destinations.

“O-Oh...!!” Fluttershy blushed as she realized exactly where her lover’s line of vision stopped. She almost felt self-conscious, about to cover herself with her hooves. But what good would that do? They’d already seen every inch of each other, especially last night. As the initial surprise melted away, she smiled a bit.

“Hee... oh, Rainbow... you naughty thing...”

The bold mare hopped off her cloud, slowly continuing to make her way toward the shy pony on hoof. “Well... Do you mind?”

She came to her fillyfriend who was still propped up on the clothesline and nose bumped her.  Fluttershy giggled, smiling more at her. Dash smiled in return, nose bumping her again.

“No... I-I don’t mind...” The creamy yellow pegasus said softly, her cheeks pinkening.

“Oh good.” Dash lightly kissed her on the cheek. “Just watching you do things can be awesome... especially with a little extra...”

“Rainbow, don’t be silly... You’ll get bored after five minutes and want to do something else, no matter how appealing the view is...” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Nah, I can handle it when it comes to you,” Dash flew around, coming behind Fluttershy and hugging her around her torso, nuzzling her head on her shoulder.  “You’re worth every little boring moment. Sometimes, when I think of everything we’ve done, I gotta admit, I think of the more boring moments.” She whispered into her lover’s ear, a grin upon her muzzle.

“...Really?”

“Sure! I don’t know why, but when I think of the times where nothing happened, I gotta admit, they’re nice. Easy...”

Fluttershy let out a small squeak of joy, tuned and cuddled her companion. “Oh thank you!”

Dash chuckled and nuzzled her, “No need to thank me, Flutters! I gotta make sure no pony else ever is snooping on my mare. Come on, don’t get mushy on me...”

“Too late,” the pink-maned pony giggled and kissed her muzzle.

Dash pulled away grinning, “all right... now you’ve asked for it!” She dived straight back in, planting a quick flurry of kisses all along the giggling pegasus’s muzzle.

“No... no... Dash.” Fluttershy managed in between giggles as the soft assault continued.

“Oh yes!” The bold mare laughed back, bringing a hoof around her mare’s back.

Fluttershy took flight, still giggling under the bubbly assault. “Now Rainbow... we... we both have to make it to Canterlot. I would very much like to get my date before you get too cuddly.”

“But that would ruin all the fun.”

Fluttershy continued to hang in the air out of her reach.

“Okay. How about I race you there?” Ever one for a race, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but offer.

“B-but I can’t hope to keep up with you dear...” Fluttershy began to sink

“Trust me Fluttershy. I’ll swing round and give you a lift if you start to fall behind. But you do have wings and I need my pegasus to know how to use them.” The speedster zipped up to the same height of the floating yellow mare.

As much as Fluttershy could fly no problem, and even have a decent speed, there was that persistent underlying fear. Of being too slow for somepony so fast. Even though she was reassured time and time again, the fear still persisted her.

“...You’re right,” Fluttershy murmured, trying to keep a brave face. “And I can use them just fine, so I really don’t know what the problem is, either...” She bit her lip, but decided not to let her nerves get the better of her. “Then let’s do it. I can do this!”

“Awesome! Come on Flutters, follow me!” The rainbow-maned daredevil took off, leaving her signature trail behind her.

Fluttershy sighed. ‘What have I just got myself into?’ With less gusto than her companion showed, she flew off in loose pursuit.

As expected, while the pair flew off toward the majestic, mountainside city of Canterlot, Rainbow Dash was far up ahead, while her pink and yellow companion lagged behind in pursuit. It was almost embarrassing, to which the latter hoped nopony could see them. Regardless, she knew it would be better to try than to give up, which still did sound like a better option. But she had to remember, just had to remember, that Rainbow Dash loved her no matter what. It was pretty much the best motivation she had in all of this, which did help things along. Maybe not so much her speed, but at least it kept her in the game.

The leading mare glanced behind herself to take a peek at her loved one. Deciding that the precious yellow pony was now too far behind, Dash came round in a tight loop and rushed at her surprised fillyfriend.

It was all Fluttershy could do to get out of the way as she began falling like a surprised earth pony, screaming at the top of her lungs as she plummeted to the ground below.

Spotting the oversight in her flawed plan, Rainbow Dash swooped down and plucked her lover from the clutches of gravity. “Gotcha!”

A blush coating her cheeks, Fluttershy couldn’t help but smile and bring her hooves around Rainbow’s neck, gazing at her with adoration. It was very reminiscent of the past when they were fillies, and Dash had come down to the ground and scooped her up after her victorious Sonic Rainboom. A wonderful memory that to this day remained close to her heart.

The victorious mare continued to fly with her charge in her forehooves and a grin upon her face. Although she didn’t plan on carrying her fillyfriend all the way there, now seemed like a good time to allow the pretty pony to have a quick break.

“I hope you’re getting those wings warmed up again Fluttershy. I want to be able to cruise the next part with you.”

“R-really?” The soft voice of unbelief reached the bold pegasus’s ears.

“Yes ‘Shy. As cute as you are in my forehooves, it’s much easier for me when you fly along by yourself.” Rainbow paused for a moment to allow the words to sink in. “Plus...I might want to show off to my aerial spectator.”

“Oh... Of course,” Fluttershy smiled. “All right, you can let me go, then...I’m good to fly.”

“I didn’t say I wanted to let go of you yet...” Dash purred, nuzzling her nose.

Fluttershy giggled, “Hee...Oh, Rainbow...”

“Yes yes. Suck it up while we’re alone snuggly. The snobs in Canterlot don’t like fillyfoolers as far as I know...” Cerise eyes gazed around thoughtfully.

“That’s okay, we'll be fine as long as we're together.” Fluttershy cooed softly. “Besides... you don’t normally like being too affectionate in public. Maybe they will think we are still just friends.”

“And awesome! You can never forget the coolness Flutters. Everypony knows I’m hot stuff.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Yes...” The quiet mare fell into silence, happy to simply enjoy the feeling of her fillyfriends powerful movements as they cut through the air.

After a little while, they neared the city skyline and Rainbow Dash let Fluttershy go. The two pegasi cruised along together, enjoying the warm glow of the sun on their backs and the wind in their manes. Rainbow Dash chose to stick close to her fillyfriend as she didn’t want anything to happen to her while they were so far from home. They continued their leisurely flight together, occasionally brushing wingtips and giggling like school fillies sharing silent jokes.

They day was surely continuing to get better and better. Both ponies couldn’t wait till they arrived.

Rainbow Dash paused as she caught a dark form flying high in the sky further above them. She looked after it for a moment, but then shrugged it off. It was probably nothing to get concerned about, anyway.