Of Apples and Oranges, Diamonds and Darkness.

Rainbow Dash had a similar feeling, about her as she lay in bed with absolute satisfaction. The last week in Cloudsdale had been a blast. She had promised Scootaloo to only be gone for the day but, she met him. He was everything she ever wanted out of a stallion: A gentlecolt, a professional, and treated her like a queen, also the intimate side was a plus. They had had dinner at various establishments and at homes of friends throughout these last few days, their days spent in athletic competition or peaceful time together. Today was spent in this bed, intimacy at is peak, she blinds were shut and the room was dark with the only thins trips of light forcing their way through the blinds with a faint golden glow. He had just gotten up to get 'cleaned up' after a morning of fun and tonight she was to return home.

And to think just a week ago she tried to kill him.

He was reported to have died, after they kidnapped the Cutie Mark Crusaders on orders from Celestia, Rainbow Dash confronted them in Canterlot and nearly removed his wings in a show of merceless force. After sine troops from Cloudsdale found their bodies in the Canterlot Gardens they took them to a clinic to be either pronounced dead or revived.

Soarin' was the only one to survive, and despite what Rainbow had done, seeing her again after his recovery was for some odd reason, relieving. They only briefly discussed and apologized for the events that had occurred and, next thing they knew, here they were.

“You ready to go Dashie?” Soarin' playfully cooed his girlfriend.

“I will just give me a few.” Rainbow grumbled, she was tired and frankly did not want to get up and go again but, the night was awaiting them and she owed him all things considered. She got up and drearily made her way to the bathroom to wash up for her trip. Her mane was nappy and frazzled but it did not take long for her to revert it to its normal shape. To say Dash wasn't much for hygiene is a bit of an understatement, regardless she was satisfied and they were on their way to the edge of the city overlooking Equestria.

“So when do I get to see you next?” Soarin' asked planting a gentle kiss on his pareners' cheeck.

“When you get off your lazy flank and come down to my place.” Rainbow nuzzled his neck as she prepared to take off.  “Make it soon.”

She was up and out at impressive speeds, the clouds above and the ground below mixing together in a hazy blur, though even now she could spot various features that indicated Ponyville was nearby. It wasn't too long she made it over what once was Canterlot, though she took her time this evening to give some room to think about the week she had had, it couldn't have gone any better and her mind; he was perfect for her, and being one who was ready to settle down in the romatic sense, it was nice to have this opportunity.

While it was still light in Cloudsdale it was clear night had fallen on Ponyville; the streets were empty and a few lights from homes were all that displayed any signs of inhabbitance.  She decided to walk through town, it was rare she ever strolled through at night. It was oddly comforting to pass the many landmarks and familiar places: Sugarcube Corner, Twilight's tree-house, Carousel Boutique...

Carousel Boutique.

Rainbow didn't see any lights on which likely meant everypony inside was asleep. She decided she'd deal with Scootaloo tomorrow as she was tired and knew the kid would go into a raving fit upon seeing her. She took off from there up and over what once was Sweet Apple Acres, it still messed with her head a little, the whole thing was gone, it was but a field of clean-cut grass rolling along the hills that once held a revered orchard and family. On her way towards her home she noticed the lights of Flutterhy's cottage were lit. She figured a quick detour wouldn't hurt, especially considering she hadn't spent time with Fluttershy for some time.

The cream-colored pegasus was startled by the knocking on her door, who could be here so late?

“Oh why hello Rainbow Dash, finally back I see?” Fluttershy smiled, glad her friend had returned.

“Yeah, figured I had to come back at some point. Can I come in?” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“Oh but of course!” Fluttershy bowed out of the way as Rainbow sat down on her couch, it appeard Fluttershy was preparing some late-night tea for herself and Angel Bunny.

“So...” Fluttershy began, “What was your business in Cloudsdale?” The animal-lover started some tea for Rainbow as well.

“Well...I'm not sure if I really want to talk about that yet.” Rainbow found herself oddly uncomfortable talking about the stallion in particular, especially considering the mare she was talking to.

“Oh well that's okay Dashie, I didn't meed to be intrusive.” Fluttershy said.

“Hey no problem, it's just nice to be back.” Rainbow took a sip of tea, not usually her beverage but tonight it hit the spot.

“Scootaloo will be very excited you're back, she's missed you.”

“I'm sure.” Rainbow Dash sighed, “She been okay?”

“Well...yesterday she certainly got into some trouble?” Fluttershy looked around nervously anticipating Rainbow's reaction.

“Oh yeah?” Rainbow's eyebrows were raised.

“Twilight said she got in a nasty fight with another filly at school and, I'm not too sure but I think she was expelled.”

As good as the tea was, a good amount of it sprayed out of the cyan mare's mouth.

“What?!” Rainbow was floored,

“Yeah I haven't seen them in awhile so she would know more than I do.”

“Looks like I'll be talking to her tomorrow...do you know who the other pony was?”

“Twilight didn't say, I'm sorry.”

“Naw it's alright, little brat I leave for a few days and she goes and beats somepony up. I never did that, the worst I ever did was talk trash...”

“I'm sure she had a reason, she never seemed like an angry filly.” Fluttershy could tell Rainbow was worried.

“She has her moments..” Rainbow shifted uncomfortably, “I'm sure Rarity hates me right about now.”