It had been three days. Three whole days that Rainbow Dash had some fun with her friends. Same routine every morning. She would wake up early, work her duties of cloud busting or controlling weather in certain areas of Ponyville, take a nap and then hang out with one of her friends. Only every time she tried to, they’d be working their shifts or doing something. But that didn’t stop her from seeing them.
She knew that ponies like Rarity or Pinkie Pie remained busy during the day, but they’d always make time for their friends. That was always the case, and for three days, it had been no exception.
Day one.
Cloud duty was no sweat. No bad weather was scheduled for the day, clear sunny skies were planned all around. The only trace of any bad weather at all was personally requested to her by Applejack, who actually requested it for a few days ago. Those fields need rainwater after all.
After her regular duty, Rainbow Dash took a long stretch of her joints and wings before heading off. Since she had nothing else to do that day, she thought maybe she’d spend it with Applejack. She could always help out with the apple bucking and she was sure that Applejack wouldn’t decline. It would also try and give herself some idea of what the toys were, providing she could squeeze the information from Applejack.
Flying high above the streets of Ponyville, Rainbow Dash looked down on its citizens. Not much activity was happening, but she recognised a few of them. It was very uncommon to spot one of her personal friends below, considering their duties and this new craze meant they were barely on the streets. Rainbow Dash decided to just speed over to the farm anyway, it wasn’t like a pony was going to grab her attention.
The familiar layout of Sweet Apple Acres was brought to Rainbow Dash as she neared towards the farm. She always enjoyed being at the farm, but she never knew why. Maybe she found Applejack to be great company, or maybe she just liked apples. Hanging out with Applejack and conversing with her was something she wouldn’t give up though, even if they did argue a lot. Of course, Applejack was always the one to start the arguments, it was never Rainbow Dash.
“Afternoon Rainbow!” Rainbow Dash was so lost in thought that she missed the greeting from her friend and smacked right into a tree. “Is something wrong?”
Rainbow Dash fell to the ground and got back on her feet, wiping away some dirt. “Nah, just daydreaming.” Rainbow Dash looked around the farm to see how much progress Applejack had made. She was carrying three carts behind her, full of apples. The apples were so highly stacked; it was hard to figure out why they hadn’t all fallen out. Rainbow Dash averted her gaze and saw that quite a bit of the farm had already been bucked.
“Rainbow? You ok?” Rainbow Dash looked back at Applejack.
“Uh yeah. So AJ, I was wondering. If you wouldn’t mind of course.” Applejack already had an inkling of where this was going. “How about I help out today?”
“Of course! I’m just going to offload these apples to Big Mac for sellin’, then I’ll come back here.” Before Applejack could move, she felt a hoof on her shoulder.
“Maybe I’ll come with you; it’s a bit of a journey. Perhaps we could talk or something?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.
“Are ya tellin’ or asking?” Rainbow Dash blinked a few times just trying to answer that.
“Uhhh telling. Yes.”
Both ponies set out to travel to Applejack’s older brother, who was stationed at the other side of the farm. He worked in the other orchards, and was closer to the town, so Applejack brought him the apples from the other side of the farm, and then he’d go to town and sell them. Sweet Apple Acres was bigger than most ponies thought it was, so Rainbow Dash certainly wasn’t lying about saying it was a journey.
Rainbow Dash was hovering beside Applejack, who was pulling three full carts with no struggle. Earth ponies always had stronger physical strength than pegasi or unicorns. Rainbow Dash was still one of the strongest ponies around, but Applejack could trump her in some departments involving physical abilities. It was something that Rainbow Dash secretly hated to admit too.
For a few minutes, there was silence. No voices could be heard but those from the wheels of the carts and the gentle breeze of air that Rainbow Dash created. Both ponies would look at each other, pass off a smile to avoid the awkwardness, try to say something and then look away. After what should have been said a long time ago, Rainbow Dash finally spoke up.
“So AJ. Twi and Pinks got those toys you all go on about.” Applejack snapped to the topic and smiled at Rainbow Dash. Truth is she liked to talk about it.
“Yeah, I was there. Took em long enough too! Me an’ Rarity been using them for weeks now.”
“What do you do with them then?” Applejack facehooved.
“They’re toys Rainbow. What do you do with toys? Play.” Rainbow Dash’s mind went back to the gutter.
Oh you ‘play’ with them alright.
“So you and Rarity go up to her bedroom.” Rainbow Dash waited for a nod before continuing. “And you ‘play’ with toys.” Applejack started to show concern.
“Didn’t you ask this yesterday? Yes that is what we do.”
“How can you talk about it so open like that? Isn’t that sort of discussion best sorted for ponies who... you know, do that sort of thing?” Rainbow Dash’s question caught Applejack off-guard. Applejack wasn’t aware that Rainbow Dash was thinking about that.
“It’s fun Rainbow. In fact, Rarity wants to hook you and Fluttershy together.” Rainbow Dash’s jawline opened.
“What!? Me and Fluttershy?”
“Came from Rarity, not me.” Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes.
“I’ll just have to have a ‘chat’ with Rarity then!” Applejack shook her head.
“I don’t think so Rainbow.” Applejack spoke in a calm manner. “Y’see, Rarity told me that Fluttershy told her she wanted to try it out with ya while they were at that fancy there spa after I left the workshop yesterday.” Rainbow Dash flew right close to Applejack’s face.
“She said what!?” Applejack rearranged her stetson, which had almost fallen off her head due to Rainbow Dash’s shouting.
“Yeah.” The orange pony made sure that Rainbow Dash was a few feet away from her before carrying on. “She wants to try them out with ya.”
“So is that why she was acting so shy yesterday?” Rainbow Dash realised the stupidity of her question when Applejack laughed in her face. “I mean more than normal. I offered to help her out at her cottage, and she ran off making an excuse as to why I couldn’t.”
Applejack raised a hoof to her chin. “I guess so.”
Rainbow Dash cut any contact she had with the real world as her mind took over. She continued to hover involuntarily and was pressed deep in her thoughts. Fluttershy felt something for her? No wonder she didn’t want Rainbow Dash to come over. And what with these new toys around, Fluttershy would be quick to jump on the bandwagon to express her true feelings.
She is kinda cute I guess. Wait. Whoa whoa whoa Dash! What are you saying!? You’re not a relationship pony, cut it out. You and Fluttershy are just friends. You have to tell her no. It’s just a small crush, she’ll get over it.
Rainbow Dash hadn’t noticed, but Applejack did concerning the blush on the cyan pony’s cheeks. Applejack didn’t say anything of it as Rainbow Dash seemed to come back to the world.
“So Rainbow, how’s everything?”
“Eh?” Rainbow Dash lowered an eyebrow and Applejack rolled her eyes.
“How’s life?”
“Oh. Well I guess it’s going good. This toy craze thing though is getting a bit irritating though. It’s ‘toy’ this and ‘toy’ that. I really rather wouldn’t like to know what two or more ponies do in the bedroom in private you know.” Applejack was confused again, but shrugged it off.
“Fair enough. I can promise to stop talking about it in front of ya if you want.” Rainbow Dash thought about it, but shook her head.
“Nah. I know Rarity wouldn’t let you keep that promise.” The comment made Applejack chuckle slightly. Oh how true it was. “Hey look, there’s Big Mac!” Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof towards a red stallion in view. Seems that their conversation had made the time go by.
“Howdy Applejack. Mornin’ Miss Rainbow. I’ll be taking them apples if you’re finished.” Big Mac received his answers as Applejack loosened the carts behind her. As his sister moved out of the way, he attached himself to the carts.
Rainbow Dash observed the actions. She never really saw much of Applejack’s big brother, and when she did, he wouldn’t usually be up for talking. It was assumed that he was nervous to talk around ponies he didn’t know. He knew Rainbow Dash a bit though, so at least there was that. Rainbow Dash thought up a plan, and turned towards Applejack.
“Hey AJ, would it be ok if I accompanied Big Mac into town? I knew I said I’d help you out, but I don’t see him that often.” Big Mac didn’t react while Applejack removed some sweat from her forehead.
“I don’t see a problem with that.” She faced Big Mac. “How ‘bout you big brother?”
Big Mac didn’t respond for a few seconds. It was unsure if he was actually thinking about it or if he was just a little slower today. “Eenope.” Big Mac motioned for Rainbow Dash to join her as Applejack waved to the pair.
Rainbow Dash looked towards their destination and back at Applejack at frequent periods, making sure she was out of site before she initiated her plan. With her friend finally out of site, a smile grew on her lips as she deliberately looked away from Big Mac.
“Soooooo what do you think of these toys?” Big Mac grew a little flush at the question.
“Toys? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Big Mac clicked his eyes back and forth. The truth is, he thought Rainbow Dash was hinting at the Smarty Pants doll he had. He kept it a secret, or at least he was until Gabby Gums found it out. Since then, Big Mac hadn’t felt comfortable talking about anything that could be a toy. Or at least, if the conversation turned towards his doll.
“Relax big guy, I know about the doll. I meant these new toys that’s got Ponyville in a stir.” Big Mac felt a little relieved that Rainbow Dash knew about his doll but didn’t call him out on it.
“Haven’t got ‘em. Not interested either.” Rainbow Dash began to formulate her plan.
“Yeah, I heard two ponies are needed for the best result possible. I’m sure you’ve noticed AJ has gone over to the Carousel in the evening.”
“Yeah, when she comes back she looks all tired out. Then she tries to tell me all about it. I keep telling her I don’t want to know.” Rainbow Dash changed her posture to a more open one.
“Yeah, AJ is pretty tough. Not as tough as you I’d say.” Big Mac agreed with a nod, but stopped as he wanted to question that meant.
“What do ya mean by that?” Rainbow Dash stroked her hoof along Big Mac’s mane.
“Just how strong are you Big Mac?” Big Mac was starting to grow with worry.
“Fairly.”
“I see.” Rainbow Dash hovered around Big Mac, making it look like she was checking out his figure. “You have a very strong-looking body.” She smiled. “I like that.”
Big Mac gulped. “Miss Rainbow?” His voice was quieter than normal. “What are you saying?”
Rainbow Dash slowly rubbed her hoof along Big Mac’s neck to his cheek. “It’s a very gorgeous coat.” Big Mac flushed.
"Well thank you but-“
“And I think I’d like to touch it more. What do you say Big Mac? We could be more than friends.” Rainbow Dash finished off with a wink, sending Big Mac into a display of sweat and terror.
“Miss Rainbow! I’m flattered, but I don’t think of you the same way. I’m sorry but I hope you can understand.” Rainbow Dash portrayed a groan.
“Shame. Because I got some killer wing power.” Rainbow Dash showed off her beautiful wings and feathers, stroking them shortly afterwards. “Well, let me know if you change your mind. See ya.”
And in no time, Rainbow Dash was out of sight, trying to hold back her laughter. She knew that playing with Big Mac’s feelings wasn’t the right thing to do, but she also knew he would never think of having a marefriend. He was too dedicated to the farm and nervous around other ponies to actually think about dating. He was also just as honest as Applejack was, so if he’d said he did actually feel the same way then Rainbow Dash would actually have to do something.
Luckily for her, that wasn’t the case. She knew that deep down; Big Mac could tell it was just some harmless fun though. There was only way to know though. If a lecture from Applejack explaining why she wasn’t good enough for her brother came soon, or a simple smack across the face, Applejack would have been told. She doesn’t know if Applejack’s lesson would have been worth it though.
Rainbow Dash didn’t actually know what to do now. She’d spent at most a couple of hours at Sweet Apple Acres, so it was only getting to mid-afternoon. She could go visit another one of her friends, but she didn’t know who. One thing was obvious though; she couldn’t go to Fluttershy’s cottage. After what she’d heard, she couldn’t bear to face her yet. Declining her best friend was one thing, but doing it straight away was something she couldn’t bring herself to do. Still, she didn’t want to drag it on a lot, as the more Fluttershy felt towards her, the more heartbroken she’d be.
She could set up some pranks, but again, who? She mostly enjoyed pranking her best friends, and it’d best not to prank Applejack considering she might receive some physical torment from her later. Fluttershy was out of the question too. She could go request the aid of Pinkie Pie for a duel pranking session, but she’d be working.
After consideration, she decided not to prank. She was feeling some Daring Do right now, but didn’t actually want to read. But that lead to a possible location: the Golden Oaks Library. Twilight would always make time for her. Like a bullet, Rainbow Dash sped off to her new destination.
Rainbow Dash was always confused why exactly the library was located inside of a tree. Trees are used to make paper after all so wasn’t that like cannibalism in terms of the big tree or something? Rainbow Dash couldn’t understand and she didn’t want to either. One thing was certain; Twilight Sparkle was indeed inside and with the lack of explosions or groans coming through the walls, she wasn’t busy.
Deciding to just barge through the main door rather than knocking, she was met when a book flied right into her face. As she saw the words of a book she only presumed to be on a boring subject fall to the floor, she saw Twilight’s unhappy stare revealed in the distance.
“Oh. Hey Twi.” Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her mane. “Guess I should have knocked first huh?”
Twilight didn’t move from her current position. She was sat on her haunches by the table in the centre of the room. She was in the middle of a book of some sort, but Rainbow Dash would have to ask her to know more.
“Yes, that may have been the nice thing to do. What if I was casting a spell and you walked right in and I turned you into a newt or some other creature?” Rainbow Dash just stared at Twilight.
“There’s a spell that turns a pony into a newt?”
“I was just using an example. Although now that you mention it, there is a spell that can turn ponies into amphibians, and-“
“Ok! Enough of that.” Rainbow Dash closed the door behind her and joined Twilight at the other end of the table. “So what you reading?” Twilight beamed up.
“Oh this? It’s just a little something I...” As Twilight trailed off, a blush formed and she turned away, levitating the book towards Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash closed the book to look at the cover, before falling to the floor in hysterics. Twilight was giving her another bad look, but she didn’t care. To her, it was priceless.
“A dating guide? Really Twilight?” Rainbow Dash had to hold a hoof to her mouth to prevent laughing as Twilight began to explain.
“Why yes. Pinkie Pie recommended it to me. As we went through a little foreplay last night, I-“ Rainbow Dash lost it at ‘foreplay’. Twilight only became half-lidded at the childish behaviour. Rainbow Dash had small tears forming in her eyes as she motioned for Twilight to continue. Keeping a constant eye on Rainbow Dash, Twilight hesitated to continue. “While we had our fun, she said that my choice of dialogue wasn’t... how should I say? Optimal? She recommended me to read or look at a dating guide so our future sessions may proceed with better results.”
Rainbow Dash was about to open her mouth to laugh even more, but Twilight used her magic to prevent her mouth from opening. Rainbow Dash’s cheeks puffed out as she tried to contain the humour. After a few seconds, Twilight rolled her eyes to wait for the laughter to come to a stop.
When Twilight became convinced that Rainbow Dash had finished, she released her grip on her mouth. “Really Rainbow Dash? How you are finding this so amusing is beyond me.”
“Twilight, would you say you’re... bad?” Rainbow Dash was grinning hugely at Twilight.
“I suppose so, yes. I was hoping that something in here would help me to improve.” Rainbow Dash was close to breaking into laughter again.
“Oh Twilight, you’re just inexperienced. Obviously Pinkie Pie is better at it than you.” Twilight rolled her eyes once more.
“Obviously.”
“And what, did she flat out tell you to read tips?”
“Well yes and no. She told me that I wasn’t exactly the best at foreplay.” Twilight made sure that Rainbow Dash wasn’t about to fall to the floor again before continuing. “But she also said that if I didn’t want to read outside material, she wouldn’t mind. She said that she’d be happy to teach me over time herself.”
It suddenly hit Rainbow Dash what exactly the topic of conversation was about. She felt disgusted in her mind, her stomach felt like it could empty right now. And worst of all, Twilight Sparkle was completely oblivious to it all!
“Uh Twilight, perhaps you shouldn’t be talking so open about this sort of thing. To me anyway.” Twilight raised her head from the dating guide.
“Oh? Why is that?” Rainbow Dash didn’t know if Twilight was in denial or just pure stupid.
“I assume you foreplay with these toys of yours. With Pinkie at night-time?”
“Yeeees.” Twilight made sure to be correct of what she was asked. “It tires me out quite quickly too, but Pinkie seems to have incredible energy and fantastic endurance. Earth pony physical capabilities really excite me.”
Rainbow Dash had her bottom jaw to the floor and her eyes focused on Twilight. She shook her head to rid of the poisoned image she’d been fed.
“That’s a bit too much information Twilight. You only had to say yes. Besides, you only got these toys yesterday, so why do you act like you’ve being doing it for weeks?” Twilight presented another blush.
“Remember when they arrived yesterday? Imagine since then that Pinkie and I have been playing with them, session after session. If I can recall, we got in about five sessions yesterday alone. She wanted to stay the night as well after so much fun, so I let her. We may have also played a few hours into the night too. Oh, and once this morning before she left.”
Rainbow Dash rubbed her eyes as furiously as she could to rid the image of Twilight Sparkle. Not from her mind, but physically too. If she gouged out her eyes, she wouldn’t have to see such a demon. No matter how she tried, it wasn’t working. It did make her eyes sore though.
“Twilight... why would you tell me that? Just. Why?” Rainbow Dash scraped her head with both her hooves down her face. Unfortunately, the purple unicorn wasn’t getting the right message.
“Pinkie and I don’t have a problem with sharing it. We told Rarity and Applejack when they came by momentarily last evening. They’re happy with sharing some of their experiences too.” A huge groan from Rainbow Dash told Twilight to stop and frown. “Have I said something wrong?”
Rainbow Dash jumped up. “YES! Yes you have! Twilight, what you and Pinkie do in your own private time in your bedroom is nice and all for you, and believe me I’m happy for the both of you, but it isn’t something I want to hear. Now, I’m going to leave. I think I need to read some Daring Do to take my mind off this.” Rainbow Dash headed to the door.
“Wait Rainbow!” Rainbow Dash only turned her head around. “Could you not tell Pinkie about this? Reading so much of this book I mean. I’m trying to play more innocent right now but I want to surprise her in a few days. Then, I reckon we’ll have a great time. I’m sure she’ll appreciate all of the improvements I will have made.” Twilight looked confused as Rainbow Dash started to laugh of all things. It wasn’t her usual laugh either; it was a laugh of a maniac. “Rainbow?”
“Oh I wouldn’t worry Twilight.” Rainbow Dash continued her madmare laugh. Twilight had a raised eyebrow.
“Why’s that?”
“Because. I’m going to forget we ever had this conversation. Don’t worry about me talking to Pinkie about it; I’m going to erase all traces of our talk from my mind. When I drill a nail through my skull.” Before any reply, Rainbow Dash bolted through the library door leaving Twilight once again in confusion.
“What’s got into her? Pinkie enjoys talking about this.” She shrugged. “Oh well, it isn’t for everypony I guess.”