The Grand Galloping Gala came and went, and in Rainbow Dash’s mind, it was a good riddance.

All those months dreaming and waiting were for nothing, as her entire evening was spent in a vain attempt to get one second with her idols: the end goal of all her work and accomplishments.

On this night, it simply wasn’t meant to be. However, in Dash’s mind, there was a silver lining.

The Wonderbolts may have gotten away from me now, but they can’t ignore me forever. Someday...

Someday. That was the word that kept Dash going. She always needed to look on the bright side, always had to chant the word to herself during arduous training sessions; on tedious, humdrum duty on weather patrol; and on long, sleepless nights looking up at the stars, hoping someday to be known as Rainbow Dash: Wonderbolt.

Someday was the only day in Dash’s mind.

Princess Celestia was gracious enough to provide lodging at the castle after the hangout at Pony Joe’s. Dash had to admit, that while her cloud home was a work of beauty only made possible by pegasus craftsmanship, her suites were pretty swanky digs.

Well, ‘swanky’ by the standards of unicorn architects, but still, B plus for effort.

Speaking of unicorns, Dash had realized she hadn’t talked to a certain one in quite a while... and that was bothering her.

She couldn’t deny it anymore. Dash wanted to do things to Rarity... and those things included taking her out on dates and having long, intimate conversations with her. It was far beyond lust at this point. Needless to say, this terrified Dash a great deal.

However, what overcame this terror was concern for her friend. Dash knew that Rarity had been waiting her whole life to meet her prince charming... and that prince charming was everything that Dash had expected him to be, but Rarity must have been devastated. Her ideal vision of Prince Blueblood imploded before her very eyes. Rarity–the pony who promised Dash that she’d always be there for her and support her in chasing her dream–lost her dream.

Dash had to be there for her.

She knocked on the door to her suite. “Hey, Rarity, it’s me. Can I come in?”

“Oh, but of course, Dash. Show yourself in.” Rarity said in her typical sing-songy voice... odd. Dash fully expected Rarity to not respond, or at the very least, be wailing loudly. She sounded too normal for the situation. Dash had to get to the bottom of this, so she opened the door and...

Why? Why was she stretching like that? She could see everything! Oh, Celestia, Rainbow Dash wasn’t going to forget this.

Might be confusing, but hey, silver lining, amirite, me?

“How are you this evening, Dash?” Rarity said as she continued stretching on the bed.

Dash didn’t respond for a moment, but eventually cleared her throat as Rarity looked at her with perplextion. “Oh, I was-uh just... what exactly are you doing right now?”

“Oh, why it’s simply some stretches I was planning to do before helping myself to that treadmill over there.” Rarity pointed to the gadget that was near the window. “You and I both know what all those delicious delicacies at Joseph’s establishment will do to the figure of yours truly.”

“...Neat.” Dash said curtly, still overcome with lust reminiscent of a school filly stumbling into the basketball team’s locker room. To complete the comparison was the not-too-subtle blush on Dash’s cheeks.

“Oh yes, neat, indeed.” Rarity said as she finished her last stretch. “And once I get a good workout in, I’ll treat myself to a lovely bath in the jacuzzi. Oh, Dash, this night will be simply divine.”

Dash cocked an eyebrow. “Divine? Uh, Rarity, I dunno what happened in the last couple of hours, but you seem... kinda not right.”

“Why, whatever do you mean, darling?”

“Whatever do I mean?”

“Is this a new habit of yours, dear? Repeating everything I say?”

“Repeating everything you–” Dash stuffed a hoof in her mouth and cleared her throat. “Nevermind.”

Rarity scooched herself to her pillows and pat the open space on her bed. “Come now, Rainbow Dash, talk to me. Tell me what bothers you.”

“I think the better question is what’s bothering you.” Dash said as she hopped onto the bed. “Why aren’t you upset at the fact that Princey boy wasn’t all you had him cracked up to be?"

Rarity groaned and shuddered. “Oh, Celestia, don’t mention that beast. I just took a bath earlier to make absolutely sure I got rid of every germ of that slime!”

“Okay, that’s what I was expecting... why aren’t you more upset?”

“Eh? Rainbow Dash, I don’t believe I understand.”

“Gah!” Rainbow threw her forelegs up in the air and fell on her back. “Rarity!” She shouted to the ceiling. “Get mad, already!”

“Mad? Are you mad?” Rarity crawled up to Dash until her face was directly above Dash’s. “Are you absolutely sure you’re feeling alright, dear?”

“Yeah, I’m feeling awesome, what the heck is your problem?”

Rarity giggled. “Well, darling, not to rain on your parade, but I fail to see how not being upset or angry about something means I have a problem.” She then yelped as Dash flung herself into an upright position, causing Rarity to fall on her back.

“This was your dream!”

It was clear that Rarity didn’t hear that as she was on the bed giggling uncontrollably. “Dash, stop. You rough-house more than Sweetie Belle and her friends!”

“Pay attention!” Dash jumped on top of Rarity and pinned her to the bed. “Why are you not mad that your dream is dead?” She tried to ignore how soft Rarity’s body was, but it was easier said than done. Not to mention, the awesome smell. Dash didn’t ordinarily like perfume, but she admitted, she had no gripe with whatever it was Rarity was wearing.

Rarity’s eyes widened. “Dead? Rainbow Dash, I hardly think one night can all and out kill a dream.”

“What? You’re crazy. Your dream is as dead as dead.”

“My dream is to find a prince charming, and while Prince Blueballs–Oh, dear sweet Celestia, you’ve got me saying it, too.”

Rainbow couldn’t help but giggle.

“While he may not have been the one, there are others out there, ready to treat me like a princess. Someday.” Rarity’s eyes fluttered as she gazed off dreamily.

Rainbow snorted. “Nuh-uh. We’ve been through this, Rarity. There’s nopony like that. Love doesn’t work that way. Even dummy like me knows this.”

Rarity scoffed. “Well, ‘dummy’ is certainly accurate. I must say, Dash, when you gave me that spiel on infatuation and love a few weeks ago, I daresay, I might have been humoring you. What do you really know about love beyond school-filly crushes followed by one-night stands?”

Dash’s eyes narrowed. “I know what it’s like to fall for some flighty, shallow filly who lives in her own little fantasy world.”

“Well, I’d say you two are perfect for each other, then. I mean, my dream may be delayed, but at least I know it will happen!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, come now, Dash, let’s stop kidding ourselves! You’ve been dreaming and waiting to talk to the Wonderbolts and dazzle them, and what happens? You become the evening’s premier wallflower!”

Dash gritted her teeth and pressed her snout against Rarity’s. “I don’t know what that last part means, but you better not be implying that I don’t have a shot with the Wonderbolts?”

“And what if I am?” Rarity stuck her tongue out, inching dangerously close to Dash’s bottom lip, which quivered at the near contact.

Dash’s heart raced, but she kept her resolve, pushing their snouts closer together. “You’re full of it, Rarity. Someday, I will be Equestria’s greatest Wonderbolt, while you stay in Ponyville as a miserable, old maid.”

Rarity scoffed. “Well, someday, my husband and I will live in a lovely Canterlot penthouse, while you rot in Ponyville punching in and out at your day job of moving clouds.”

“Someday, you’ll see how much of an idiot you’re being.”

“Someday, I’ll be proved right when I meet my prince!”

“Someday, you’ll realize there is no prince! And that real ponies who’re into you...” Dash groaned loudly. “Oh, to heck with it.”

Dash closed her eyes and closed the gap between them. Rarity gasped as their mouths pressed together. Dash made sure to keep it to the lips. She wasn’t totally reckless with abandon. She could also sense that Rarity’s eyes were open, but were slowly starting to close. It was then, that Dash called the whole thing off, as she separated herself from her friend and quickly jumped off of her. She moved to the foot of the bed and watched as Rarity, in a near-catatonic state of shock, slowly got up and reclined against her many pillows. She looked to Dash, who simply threw up her hooves.

“Well... nice being your friend, Rarity. Lemme know when you and your prince get married, I’ll do a sonic rainboom at the reception.” As Dash hopped off the bed and she was stopped by a stern threat.

“Don’t you dare walk away, now!”

Dash gulped. Well... that could mean a lot of things. Good things, even. Silver lining, remember. She turned around and saw not anger in Rarity’s eyes, but rather, befuddlement. Dash scratched the back of her neck. “Uh... so...”

Rarity gulped. “What... was that?”

Rainbow scoffed. “Geez, Rarity, do you need a point-by-point diagram? Should I get a hold of Twilight so we can teach you what kissing is?” Dash’s face was swiftly introduced to a magically tossed pillow.

“I’ll ask again. Just what was that about?”

Rainbow sighed. “You know that speech I gave you about really being into somepony... who do you think I was talking about?”

Rarity’s eyes once again widened to a bizarre magnitude. “You mean... you...”

Dash merely nodded.

Rarity sighed and fell face-forward onto the bed. “Lord, help me.” She mumbled into the sheets. “I’m a total fool.”

Dash grinned. “Yeah, but nopony holds that against you.”

Rarity raised her head and Dash just grinned widely... which seemed effective, because soon, Rarity was giggling. Dash thought she was in the clear and giggled along with her, but soon met another pillow in the face.

“Ow! Stop throwing things!”

“How dare you, Rainbow Dash? I had thought that in recent months, we’d truly become close friends. How could you have not been honest with me?”

“Wow, you really like to find drama where you can find it, huh?”

“Oh, don’t take that road, Ms. I Shall Pin My Friend Down To The Bed and Kiss Her Like I’m A Dashing Rogue in A Romance Novel.”

“Look, can we stop the banter already?!”

“You’re the one who starts it!”

“You’re the one who keeps it going!”

“That’s because I think you’re funny!”

“And I think you’re pretty!”

“Thanks!” They both said in unison.

After a long silence, Rarity chuckled and feigned embarrassment. “Why, Rainbow Dash, you’re too kind.”

“Okay then, I’ll be crass. You’re totally hot, and I’d tap that this second.”

Rarity’s face turned bright-red as she burst into laughter. “Stop it! Stop it! It’s–haha–NOT FUNNY!”

Dash grinned. “Your laughter says different.”

Rarity calmed down after a while and looked Dash straight in the eye. “You’re really the only pony who knows how to make me laugh.”

“Eh. I try. You’re not so bad, yourself.”

Rarity giggled. “Why, thank you... do you really think I’m, er, ‘hot’?”

“Like you wouldn’t believe. I don’t know what it was with that flirting you did all those weeks ago, but I can’t get my mind off it. You’ve got skills, Rarity.”

Rarity flicked her hoof. “Oh, stop, you...” She sighed, blushing nonetheless. “I’m terribly sorry if you’ve been under stress because of me.”

“Pfft. You’re fine... sorry if that was your first kiss I stole.” Dash sunk her head.

Rarity placed a hoof on her lips before smacking them. “Oh, think nothing of it.” A wry smile appeared on her face. “It’s not like I didn’t like it.”

Dash’s face shot up in pure amazement. “You... you... you...”

“Yes, Dash. Moi.” Rarity giggled. “I must say, it was quite cavalier of you to take me like that. It’s rather endearing. I... want more of it.”

A long, awkward silence followed, only stopped when Dash cleared her throat. “So...”

“So,” Rarity began as she picked up and fluffed the pillows she had thrown with her magic. “I propose that you come over to my house in the evening once all of us are back in Ponyville. There, I shall make you dinner, and we’ll have a nice time, like our breakfasts together.”

“Uh...” Was all Dash could say in her amazement, eventually, she added, “Should I, like, wear anything special and junk?”

“Oh, just come as you are. Besides, knowing you, I would have to prepare you myself, and frankly, a lady shouldn’t be forced to make sure her date is presentable.”

“Okay, cool... um, I can bring, like, wine or something, if you want.”

Rarity beamed. “Oh, yes! That would simply be wonderful of you. Do get a bottle of red wine, then.”

“‘Red red wine, you make me feel so fine’ red wine?”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Please tell me that’s not the only way you’ve heard of red wine?”

“Hey, that song was part of my childhood. Don’t tell me you didn’t like it.”

“It’s a rather watered-down version of the original version.”

Dash rolled her eyes and groaned. “You purist.”

“Will you get the wine, or not?”

Dash bowed condescendingly. “Yes, your majesty.”

“Thank you.” Rarity sneered, before smiling again. “I must say, I look forward to seeing you.”

Dash blushed. “Uh, yeah. Me, too... um, I think I’m gonna go.”

“Very well, then.” Rarity opened the door wider with her magic. “Then, I shall see you in the morning. I assume we’ll be keeping this hush-hush to our friends until we’ve officially had the date.”

“Uh, yeah. If you want.”

Rarity smiled again. “Very good. Have a wonderful night, Rainbow Dash.”

“You, too.” Dash was about to out the door, but something was still on her mind. She turned and walked closer to the bed. “Just so we’re clear, you are into mares, right? You’re one of those, whatchacallit... bisexuals, yes? I mean, I’m a fillyfooler, so I don’t really know what it’s like to switch sides, but I don’t wanna come to a situation where we’re getting it on, and suddenly, you’re all like, ‘Ew, puss’–OW!” Dash was hit in the head with a tea-kettle conveniently placed on a dresser by Rarity’s bedside.

Dash rubbed her temple. “What was that for?”

“Has anyone told you how impossible you are, Rainbow Dash?!”

“You might have mentioned it once or twice.”

“Well, clearly, this is going to define our relationship. Just what have I gotten myself into?”

Dash grinned mischievously. “I think you’ll like what you’ll be getting into.”

Rarity groaned and rolled her eyes. “Good night, Rainbow Dash.”

Dash strolled out of the room as the door slammed behind her.

“Remember!” Rarity’s muffled voiced pierced through the wall. “Red wine!”

Dash shook her head in dismay. Someday, she would figure out mares like Rarity, her... Dash couldn’t believe it, but Rarity now seemed to be her girlfriend. She missed out on the Wonderbolts, and instead, started a relationship.

Was it the best night ever? Only time would tell. The more important question was: was Dash prepared for what came next?

She had no clue.

Author's Note

"Red Red Wine" was a reggae song originally recorded by artist Squeal Diamond, Rarity's uncle, 45 years ago.

The popular version of the song was recorded 15 years later by the reggae fusion group Dooby 40, and has remained a cultural staple in Equestria, maintaining airplay on adult contemporary stations and at public gatherings and events.

Strangely enough, while the original song and its cover both take heavy influence from Zebra genres, only a few members of Dooby 40 are actually zebras, while the rest and Mr. Diamond are Equestrian ponies.