Rainbow Dash stood in front of the sweet shop in the Canterlot town market. She thought she could get something for Fluttershy. Was it sappy? Yes, it was very sappy. Was it something Rainbow Dash normally did? No, it was not. Still, this was Fluttershy, and she wanted to make her friend feel special. She realized she was getting odd looks from ponies around her. Rainbow Dash sighed, she had been standing there for the past 15 minutes. She finally forced herself to go inside.
The smell of chocolate and candy teased her nostrils. Rainbow Dash licked her lips as she looked around the shop. She walked among the shelves, looking for something Fluttershy might like. She saw strawberry shortcakes, chocolate cakes, blueberry muffins, hazelnut cookies, cupcakes, and many more sweets. Her mouth began to water and Rainbow Dash quickly swallowed. She was here for Fluttershy, not for herself.
She paused in front of a pouch of cookies. They were sugar cookies with icing on top. Each spot of icing was in the design of a butterfly. Rainbow Dash raised a brow, seeing these cookies were very fitting. She took two pouches and put them in her shopping bag. She continued looking and brought several more sweets before going to the front to pay for them. Rainbow Dash left the shop and made her way back to the castle. She froze when she saw a familiar looking Griffin.
"Gilda?" her eyes widened.
She hadn't seen the griffin since Gilda had left Ponyville about two years ago. Now she was in Canterlot. Gilda spotted Rainbow Dash and frowned, looking at her distastefully. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes in response. They hadn't exactly parted ways on good feelings the last time they saw each other. Now there was a cold feeling between them. The two approached each other and a silent moment passed.
"Dash, long time no see. What are you doing here in Canterlot?" The Griffin finally spoke.
"I'm here on request from Princess Celestia herself," Rainbow Dash said proudly. "All my friends are here too. We're being given the honor to prepare the Grand Galloping Gala."
Gilda snorted and said, "The Grand Galloping Gala? Really, the princess asked you to plan a lame event like that? Is it just me, or have you gotten even more pathetic since the last time I saw you?"
Rainbow Dash bristled and said, "Well why are you here anyway?"
"Me?" Gilda smirked and said, "I'm here for the Best Young Fliers competition. I thought I would enter this year."
Rainbow Dash gasped. "You? You're entering the competition?"
"Why are you so surprised Dash? I'm one of the best fliers of my kind, and I thought I should show off my skills to these ponies," said Gilda.
"Well that may be true, but I won last year and I'm going to win again this year," said Rainbow Dash with a grin. "Unlike you, I can do a sonic rainboom."
Gilda scoffed and rolled her eyes. "A sonic rainboom? There's no way you can do that. That's impossible."
"Oh yeah? Well just watch me, because I can do it in 10 seconds flat!" Rainbow Dash boasted.
"Whatever," Gilda muttered. She looked at the pegasus again and noticed her bag full of treats. "What's in the bag?" she asked, curious.
Rainbow Dash's face softened and she blushed slightly. "Oh, these...they're for a friend of mine. I thought she might like them."
"Ugh, when did you get so sappy, Dash?" Gilda said coldly. "And you're giving them to a mare? What are you, a fillyfooler now?"
Rainbow Dash blushed again at that, but she kept her calm. "I guess I am," she said boldly.
"Disgusting, that's even worse." Gilda sighed in annoyance and turned. "I've got better places to be. See you at the competition, Rainbow Crash," Gilda used the insult she had once defended Rainbow Dash from when they were younger.
Rainbow Dash growled, but managed to control her anger. She stayed put as the griffin walked off. She couldn't get upset now. She needed to go see Fluttershy, so they could go for a walk in the gardens. She wasn't about to let Gilda ruin her happiness. She turned and continued walking back to the castle.
~ ~ ~
Fluttershy walked through the Canterlot market place. She wanted to buy Rainbow Dash something in thanks for her asking Fluttershy to go on a stroll through the Royal Gardens. She wanted to get something cool for Rainbow Dash, since the tomcoltish pegasus didn't like girly and fancy things. The problem was, however, Fluttershy wasn't sure where she could find something 'cool' enough for Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy continued through the market place when she saw a long line of ponies leading to a stand. Fluttershy flapped her wings and rose above the ground. She hovered high enough to see the stand, where two Wonderbolts were signing pictures for their fans. They were Soarin' and Spitfire. Fluttershy knew Rainbow Dash would like to have a signed photograph of her two favorite Wonderbolts. So she went ahead and got in line.
She smiled at the two Wonderbolts when it was her turn.
Spitfire recognized her and gave her a wave. "Fluttershy, right? Rainbow Dash has told us a lot about you."
Fluttershy found herself blushing and she made a small smile. "Really?"
Spitfire nodded, "Yep. Now did you want a signed photograph from both of us or just one of us?"
"Both of you, if you don't mind that is," said Fluttershy.
"We can do that!" said Soarin' with a big grin.
She got a signed photo from each of them, and she tucked them both in her bag. She said goodbye to the two Wonderbolts and Fluttershy left the stand. She started heading back to the castle. Then she spotted Rainbow Dash's old friend, Gilda the Griffin.
Gilda looked a little irritated as she walked through the crowd. Fluttershy didn't know why, and she wasn't sure she wanted to know. She didn't want anything to do with the griffin, so she thought best to avoid her. Fluttershy slipped through the crowd, trying to stay out of Gilda's line of sight. Unfortunately, the griffin caught sight of the shy pegasus and approached her.
"Hey, if it isn't Fluttercry," said Gilda with a cruel smile. "Where's your buddy, Rainbow Dash?"
Fluttershy took a step back, afraid of the intimidating griffin. "She's at the p-palace..." Fluttershy stammered. "I'll tell her you said hi?"
Fluttershy smiled weakly and turned, quickly walking away. Gilda growled and grabbed her by the tail, pulling Fluttershy back towards her. She spun Fluttershy around so she could face her. Fluttershy trembled, looking at Gilda fearfully.
"I really should go now, I'm sorry to bother you," said Fluttershy in a soft whisper.
"You realize you're one of the lame ponies who took my one best friend away from me, right?" Gilda hissed at her.
"I am?" Fluttershy squeaked.
"Yes," said Gilda in a harsh tone. "I won't forgive you for that. Ever."
"I'm s-sorry..." Fluttershy spoke in a shaky voice.
Gilda glared down at the frightened pegasus, not caring about the effect she had on her. "You're pathetic, and you're weak. I still can't believe Dash decided to hang out with lame ponies like you."
With that, Gilda shoved Fluttershy away. Fluttershy whimpered as she was knocked backwards and she landed on her back. Gilda rolled her eyes and left without another word. Fluttershy slowly got back up to her hooves and took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She turned and hurried back to the castle, not wanting to be alone any longer.
~ ~ ~
It was now evening, and Rainbow Dash stood at the front entrance to the Royal Gardens. She had a blanket folded and draped over her back and a basket in her mouth. The basket contained the savory sweets Rainbow had gotten at the sweet shop, as well as fruits and vegetables she thought Fluttershy might want to feed to the animals. Soon she saw the yellow mare approach her, and smiled, but it quickly faded when a look of panic crossed Fluttershy's face.
"Oh, you're here already?" Fluttershy gasped and shut her eyes, bowing her head. "I'm so sorry, Rainbow Dash. I didn't mean to make you wait!"
Rainbow Dash couldn't help but chuckle a bit. She put a hoof on Fluttershy's back and said, "It's fine, Flutters. I just arrived a few minutes ago."
"Okay..." Fluttershy still looked a little nervous.
"Hey, I brought us snacks!" said Rainbow Dash. "I also have a surprise planned for us. But we need to hurry so we don't miss it."
Fluttershy smiled at that and followed Rainbow Dash into the garden. They walked among the trees and shrubbery. Every so often, Fluttershy would spot a bunny or a rare kind of bird or some other adorable animal. Keeping Rainbow Dash's surprise in mind, she didn't spend too long with each animal that she saw. Rainbow Dash was patient with Fluttershy, since they were here for the animal loving mare. Soon they reached the tree which contained Rainbow Dash's surprise.
Rainbow Dash spread her wings and flapped them, lifting off from the ground. Fluttershy followed, more curious about what the surprise was. She followed Rainbow Dash up into the tree and they landed on a thick branch that was wide enough for both of them to stand on. Rainbow Dash moved an overhanging branch out of the way and Fluttershy's eyes widened.
Philomena, Princess Celestia's pet, was in the tree. She was standing right next to a nest full of fiery colored eggs. Fluttershy gasped in awe and she looked at Rainbow Dash happily. Rainbow Dash grinned, glad to see her surprise was a success.
"Shh, just watch," Rainbow Dash whispered.
Fluttershy nodded and turned her attention back to the nest. The eggs began to wobble and their shells cracked. One by one, a small orange head popped out of each shell. Fluttershy's eyes widened even more, if that was possible. She had never seen phoenix eggs hatch before. Sure there were plenty other birds that she had cared for and helped their eggs hatch, but never a phoenix's eggs.
"They're beautiful," Fluttershy murmured. She looked at her friend and smiled, "Thank you so much Rainbow Dash! Really!"
Rainbow Dash smiled back at her. "No problem Flutters."
Cheeping brought the two mares' attention back to the baby phoenixes. They were waving their tiny wings and begging their mama to give them food. Philomena stepped into the nest and gathered up all her babies under her wings. Fluttershy smiled as the phoenixes happily cuddled up with their mother. Soon Philomena looked at the two observing ponies and squawked at them. Fluttershy understood and looked at Rainbow Dash.
"We should leave them alone now, Rainbow," said Fluttershy.
Rainbow Dash nodded in understanding. Fluttershy was an animal expert, so she knew best. The two pegasi flew out of the tree and back to the ground. Rainbow Dash looked around and decided that their current location would be a good spot to settle down. So she put down the basket and let the blanket slide off her back. Fluttershy laid the blanket out flat on the ground and Rainbow Dash started unpacking the basket. Once all the sweets were out, the two mares sat side by side on the blanket.
Luna's moon was already high in the sky. The stars twinkled like jewels embedded into the darkness of the night. Rainbow Dash looked over to Fluttershy, who was gazing up at the starry sky. She smiled and nudged the yellow pegasus gently. Fluttershy turned her attention to Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy remembered her present for Rainbow Dash. So she reached into the bag she had brought with her and took out the two signed photographs. She set them on the blanket and pushed them towards Rainbow Dash.
"I got these for you, Rainbow," she said shyly.
Rainbow Dash looked at the two photographs, and she grinned. "Oh my gosh oh my gosh, Fluttershy! How did you-I mean this is-- wow! Thank you!"
Fluttershy giggled and said, "Well the Wonderbolts were handing them out. I knew you would want one so I got one of Spitfire and one of Soarin'."
Rainbow Dash beamed at her. "This is awesome!" She exclaimed. "Hah, Fluttershy, you just made my day! Though I wish I could have met them myself."
Fluttershy blushed deeply and said, "Don't worry Rainbow Dash. You'll still get to see them at the Best Young Fliers competition next week!"
As Fluttershy reminded her about the competition, Rainbow Dash was also reminded about Gilda. She sighed and looked down. It would be great seeing the Wonderbolts, but not so great seeing Gilda again. She still hated the griffin after the way she had treated everypony about two years ago. She hated Gilda even more for the way she treated Fluttershy. That particular memory brought a scowl to her face.
Fluttershy noticed her expression and her smile faded. "What's wrong, Rainbow?" she asked cautiously.
Rainbow Dash looked back at Fluttershy as she responded, "About the competition at the end of this week, you'll never believe who's participating."
"Who?"
"Gilda," said Rainbow Dash bitterly. "I ran into Gilda in the market today. She told me she was taking part in the Best Young Fliers competition."
Fluttershy paled at this and said, "I ran into her too... Well more like she saw me and came after me..."
Rainbow Dash looked alarmed. "She did? Did she hurt you? Are you okay?"
Fluttershy shook her head, "No she didn't. She did blame me for taking you away from her though."
Rainbow Dash snorted and said, "It's her own fault she lost a friend like me."
"Rainbow, she sounded really mad when she was talking to me. I'm a little worried," Fluttershy admitted.
"She's just a griffin with a bad attitude," said Rainbow Dash. "I wouldn't worry too much about it."
"If you're sure, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy smiled gratefully at her friend.
"Enough about Gilda," said Rainbow Dash. "Let's eat!"
Fluttershy nodded in agreement, not wanting to talk about the griffin any further. Rainbow Dash got the pouch of sugar cookies with butterfly shaped icing and handed it to Fluttershy. The yellow mare smiled when she saw the cookies. As she opened her pouch, Rainbow Dash started eating a blueberry muffin. The two pegasi ate together under the clear night sky. When they finished eating, they both sat side by side and watched the stars.
Fluttershy decided now was her chance to tell her. At the same time, Rainbow Dash decided now was the time to confess. Both of them ended up saying each others' names again, which resulted in both of them blushing.
"You go first," said Fluttershy politely.
"No no, you go ahead," said Rainbow Dash.
"Okay, well, I know the Grand Galloping Gala will be this Saturday night, which is after the Best Young Fliers Competition on Friday," Fluttershy began. She took a deep breath and told herself to be brave. This was Rainbow Dash after all, her long time friend and crush. She swallowed and continued, "And I know we'll all be going to the Gala together, but I was just wondering if you and I could share a dance or two?"
Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy for a moment. It was apparent that the shy pegasus was embarrassed and nervous at the same time. Still, the normally timid mare had mustered up the courage to ask Rainbow Dash to dance with her at the Gala. She saw Fluttershy swallow anxiously and decided to speak before she took her silence the wrong way.
"That...would be fun, actually," said Rainbow Dash with a smile. "It would be great if we could dance together. I mean I don't want to sound sappy or anything, but it'll be nice spending time together like that."
Fluttershy smiled, relieved. "Yeah, it will be nice, I mean I hope it will," she said, her cheeks growing warm.
Rainbow Dash looked at the light pink color in Fluttershy's cheeks. It made her look more adorable, and very beautiful. Rainbow Dash looked at her friend for one long moment. She wanted to tell her, but she wasn't sure how. So Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Fluttershy, um, can you please close your eyes for a moment?" she asked nervously.
Fluttershy looked a little surprised by the question, but nodded. She closed her eyes for Rainbow Dash. The cyan pegasus leaned forward, bringing her lips to meet Fluttershy's. The yellow pegasus gasped, but Rainbow Dash reached out with a hoof and held the back of Fluttershy's head. Rainbow kissed Fluttershy deeply, and she allowed herself to be lost in the kiss. The kiss lasted for several long but blissful moments. Finally, they drew apart.
Fluttershy was blushing a deep crimson now. She hadn't expected Rainbow Dash to kiss her. Her lips had tasted so sweet, and Rainbow Dash had kissed her ever so gently. Fluttershy had never kissed or been kissed before. So this was her first kiss. It was the same for Rainbow Dash. She had never really been interested in love until now. Now of course, seeing the timid mare that she had grown up with, she realized she wanted that love more than ever. She loved Fluttershy, and she had just shown it through a kiss.
"That was...really nice," said Fluttershy with a small smile.
Rainbow Dash blushed, "Yeah, it was."
Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash for a moment before asking, "So...does this mean we're...?"
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow, "Do you want it to?"
"Well, yes," said Fluttershy.
"Then yes," Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
"Should we tell the others?" Fluttershy asked.
"Tomorrow," Rainbow Dash replied. "Right now, let's just be alone for a while longer."
"Okay," Fluttershy smiled happily.