Four months had passed since that date and Pinkie hadn’t asked Rainbow Dash out since. She thought Pinkie had just dropped the whole idea. That was until nearly a month later she finally asked Rainbow Dash out on a second. And you know what? It was exactly the same: just two friends hanging out together. Maybe there was something romantic to it or maybe it was just a friendly meeting that happened to be just the two of them.
After that it became just a regular thing for the both of them, hanging out together once a week. Today was their twelfth ‘date’ now and even if Dash didn’t fully realise it, she had started to feel something for Pinkie Pie. And it scared her.
It wasn’t really in her head now but there had been a few times she’d had to keep telling herself over and over again that they were just friends. She was flying towards Sugercube Corner to meet her now, still trying to think of what they’d do today. Last week they’d run into Applejack. She joined them and unbeknowingly becoming a third wheel. So whatever they were going to do, Dash wanted it to be just the two of them.
That, and the fact she’d run out of prank ideas. Hopefully Pinkie Pie would have an idea. But if not, then they could always just head down to Stark’s Pond and go for a swim. She arrived at Sugercube Corner and as always, Pinkie was waiting out the front for her. “Hey Dashie!” she cheered as Rainbow Dash came to a very sudden stop right in front of her.
“Hey Pinkie Pie.” Dash replied after she practically plummeted from the sky, making a 60 to 0 in 3.5 landing. “So, what d’ya want to do today? Swimming, go for a walk, just find something that looks fun and do it…?” she said, thinking of the only things she could.
“All of that sounds super fun, especially the part about the fun stuff! But I’m a little hungry, you wanna have something to eat first?” she asked.
“Yeah, sure.” Dash answered as she took a few steps towards the door Pinkie was standing in. “What ya got cookin’ today?” but Pikie put up a hoof and blocked her from entering Sugarcube Corner.
“Mostly cupcakes but i’m not in the mood for those right now. How about a scrumptious sandwich instead? I know a great place for that not to far from here.” Pinkie said, just as infused as ever.
This should’ve been Dash’s first hint that something was up. since when was Pinkie ever not in the mood for sweets? But Dash simply replied in her usual demeanor “You mean the only sandwich place in Ponyville? Sure, let’s go.” and the two set off.
The walk was short but Pinkie kept oddly quiet. And oddly close her Dash as they walked. Which should’ve been Dash’s second hint, but no, she was oblivious as ever. Soon enough the arrived at The Knuckle. Dash had no idea why a sandwich shop would be called that, most the ponies in Ponyville, herself included, had no idea what a ‘knuckle’ even was.
The two of them found a table and took a seat each. Dash picked up the menu and asked “So what d'ya want? On me.” then remembered offering to pay for one of Pinkie’s meals was going to be VERY expensive. Too late now…
“I can’t choose, it all looks sooo good, don’t you think?” Pinkie said, salivating over her options. And over the menu. She has a bit of a drooling problem sometimes. But that didn’t bother Rainbow Dash, she simply chuckled form the sight. It was going to cost her but it was worth it.
A waiter came by and the two ordered, and to Dash’s surprise, Pinkie’s meal was actually reasonable. Pinkie Pie finished her sandwich in about half a second whereas Dash took her time, bite by bite. For once, Dash was the slow one, something she wasn’t used to. This wasn’t a competition though so she put her competitive nature aside and just enjoyed her sandwich and company.
Eventually, she finished her food and waved for the check. “So, what you wanna do know Pinkie? Head off somewhere, plan some pranks, I’m up for anything.”
“Oh geez, I don’t know Dashie. We’ve had so much fun already today.” Pinkie replied with a smile as always.
“Really?” Dash question. “This was fun?”
“Well… yeah. Just hanging out with you, that’s always fun.” she answered with just as big of a smile but a much quieter tone. That being said, it was still a normal pony’s full speaking voice in volume. And it should’ve been Rainbow Dash’s third, fourth and Fifth hint that something was different about today. “You know Dashie, it’s been four months since the wedding.”
“Has it?” Dash replied. She didn’t usually keep track of those thing. Actually, she let Pinkie do it for her. Four months isn’t exactly a huge milestone but Dash suspected Pinkie wanted to throw them a one-third anniversary party. Before either could say any more though, the waiter arrived and placed a bill on the table. Dash picked it up and took a look at how much they owed.
“So what’s the bill?” Pinkie asked.
“Don’t worry about it Pinkie, I said it’s on me remember?” Dash said reaching into… um… and pulling out 13 bits. Quite a generous 3 bit tip too. She was just in a good mood today for some reason. “Thanks for that.” she said to the waiter before he left.
“No, thank you miss.” he replied.
“No, thank you Dashie!” Pinkie copied, reaching across the table and hugging her friend. Dash was taken aback at first but slowly accepted it and even gave Pinkie a slight hug back. maybe she knew why she was in such a good mood today. Todays was going to be great, just like it always was with her and Pinkie. She began to pull away her when...
Pinkie kissed her.
It was quick, just a peck on the lips, but she quickly pulled away and said “I’m sorry.” both happy and ashamed at what she’d just done. Pinkie hadn’t been talking about it being four months since the wedding. What she meant was, it had been four months since their first kiss.
“Na, no it’s... cool.” Dash replied, unable to hide her sudden nervousness at the situation. She liked Pinkie… maybe she was in love with her. But... how could she be with another mare? And an earth pony at that? Dash’s entire life was about flying, she even lived in a house made out of clouds! Her entire family lived in Cloudsdale and without unicorn magic and some way of getting up there Pinkie couldn’t even exist up there!
Pinkie Pie however didn’t pick up on Dash’s nervousness and just heard her say 'it‘s cool.’ She planted another kiss on her, this one much longer than the last. Dash didn’t resist, she enjoyed it. It felt right… yet wrong. She didn’t know what she could do. She had to tell Pinkie it couldn’t be, but she also wanted it to be. She wanted to do something, anything! And as was often her first response; she flew away.
Leaving Pinkie standing there, still staring at Dash as she drew further away into the distance.