//------------------------------// // Regrets // Story: Pink Rainbow // by WingsPony //------------------------------// Pinkie Pie broke free from the mob, she wrapped her arm around Rainbow Dash. The action pulled Rainbow Dash out of her daze, Pinkie Pie tilted her head towards the door. Rainbow Dash nodded as she was pulled along, after they walked in silence Pinkie Pie pulled a key from her pocket. Rainbow Dash didn’t even notice that they stopped walking. Unlocking the door in front of them Pinkie Pie pulled Rainbow Dash into an old janitor closet. Rainbow Dash was about to ask Pinkie Pie what they were doing in a dark janitor’s closet. When Pinkie Pie flipped on the light switch revealing a large work room. Rainbow Dash saw a handful of mannequins wearing newly crafted dresses. Laying on the a large desk was sewing machine.Next to the sewing machine is where sketchbook laid. Rainbow Dash glanced over at the two large book shelves, that were lined with bolts of different colored fabrics. It didn’t take Rainbow Dash a long time to realize this was Rarity’s work room. Pinkie Pie made her way to the end of the room to a small rack that had a few blouses. Pinkie grabbed one of the shirts and removed it from the coat hanger. She held up the shirt in triumph, Rainbow Dash gave a sheepish smile. “I hope Rarity likes the shirt I picked out.” Rainbow Dash just shrugged her shoulders. “ She should, she made the thing didn’t she?” Pinkie Pie laughed “ Of course she made it silly, I know she would freak out if it doesn’t match the rest of her outfit.” Pinkie Pie leaned close to Rainbow Dash’s face with a stony expression. “ It is very important that I pick the right one.” “Um, I guess.” said Rainbow Dash After they got their prize Pinkie Pie turned off the lights and locked the door. The hallways were completely empty as they made their way back to the lunch room. “So Dashie, what did you want to talk about?” “Oh I just wanted to ask you about your cousin Moose. You know stuff like that.” “Aw that’s easy, why all the secrecy, you could have just asked me earlier.” Rainbow Dash looked down at the floor avoiding Pinkie Pie’s eyes. “I was to embarrassed to ask with everyone listening. Then Applejack got in my face and I hurt poor Rarity! I’m so pathetic!” Pinkie Pie stopped in her tracks she grabbed Rainbow Dash’s shoulders forcing Rainbow Dash to look her in the eye. “No your not, you just made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes Dashie, even I make mistakes. One time I put salt in a batch of chocolate chip cookies instead of sugar! Boy those party guests weren’t happy about that!” Rainbow Dash cracked a lopsided smile, she gripped Pinkie Pie in a tight hug. After she let go she blushed in embarrassment, Pinkie Pie gave her another hug before Rainbow Dash could protest. They walked in silence the rest of the way to the cafeteria. Rainbow Dash didn’t have the nerve to ask Pinkie Pie anymore questions. Meanwhile Pinkie Pie was lost in her own thoughts. * Poor Rainbow Dash, she was just feeling a little frustrated. I know she didn’t meant to hurt anybody. Still I think Applejack was acting kind of aggressive. I wonder what that was all about? What do you think Moose?* There was a short pause in Pinkie Pie’s thoughts as her new persona leaked into her mind. * I think that Rainbow Dash was just feeling a little trapped, like a caged tiger. I should do something nice for her! Maybe she would stop feeling so flustered if I take her out somewhere?* Moose’s voice rang in her bustling brain; Rainbow Dash was waving her hand in front of Pinkie’s face. As she tried to get her friend’s attention, when that wasn’t working Rainbow Dash pinched Pinkie Pie’s nose. Blocking off the air from entering her body Pinkie Pie snorted loudly in alarm as she was brought back to her senses. Titling her head in confusion Rainbow Dash quirked an eyebrow. Pinkie Pie didn’t seemed bothered by Rainbow Dash’s staring. She grabbed Rainbow Dash’s arm and dragged her the rest of the way to the lunch room. Seeing that Rarity was now conscious Pinkie Pie ran to her side. She held up the new shirt with a smug smile. Rarity was to woozy to think about how Pinkie Pie managed to steal her key to her work room. Even in her dizzy state Rarity was really grateful for the clean shirt. Rarity made an attempt to stand up to walk to the nearest bathroom to change. When she stumbled Rainbow Dash caught her in her arms. Carefully Rainbow Dash helped Rarity stand to her feet while leaning against Rainbow for support. “I got ya Rares.” said Rainbow Dash “Thanks Rainbow dear, would you mind walking with me to the restroom?” “Of course I will.” Fluttershy and the others attempted to follow them but Rarity politely shooed them all away. The hallways were still fairly empty Rainbow Dashed looked over at Rarity. A feeling of regret began to engulf Rainbow Dash once again as she saw the purple bruise making it’s presence known. “Hey Rares, I um-” Rainbow Dash eyes just focused on the floor as they walked. It was really hard for Rainbow Dash to choke out her words. She wasn’t use to admitting that she had made a mistake. The reason wasn’t arrogance or pride it was her need to be as perfect as possible. Her slight miscalculation caused someone she loved pain. What I mean is that I-” Rainbow Dash let a out a deep sigh, she wasn’t one to show weakness. Especially not to the people she cared about. “I’m just really sorry about what happened earlier. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I just wanted Applejack to get out of my face! I don’t what’s gotten into that girl?” Squeezing Rainbow Dash slightly made the athlete looked over at her. “I know you didn’t mean to hurt me Rainbow darling. But if you broke my nose I would killed you!” A chill went down Rainbow’s spine, she had a feeling that Rarity wasn’t joking. Clearing her throat Rarity continued her thought. “As for Applejack I think she is just feeling rather hurt at the moment. When was the last time you two had spent any time together?” Racking her brain Rainbow Dash tried to think of the last time she spent some quality time with Applejack. Her memories were a little hazy due to her thoughts being elsewhere for the last couple of weeks. Suddenly she began to feel guilty. “I’m not really sure?” replied a meek Rainbow Dash “Don’t tell anyone this but Applejack really does look up to you.” “She does?” “Of course darling, but don’t ever breathe a word about this. Applejack is a very sensitive girl.” Rarity’s words echoed in her thoughts as Rainbow Dash waited outside the restroom while Rarity changed her clothes. As soon as Rarity came out of the bathroom with her fresh shirt the bell rang. After Rainbow Dash made sure Rarity could walk on her own. She decided to go on to her next class, Rainbow Dash couldn’t focus on the lesson. So she took out her phone thought about what Rarity told her about Applejack. Without much thought she sent Moose a quick text message. “I really need to talk to someone, do you mind meeting up later?” Putting away her phone, she just waited for time to go faster. A few minutes later Rainbow Dash’s phone buzzed. Carefully pulling out her phone, she read as discreetly as she could. “I’m sorry Rainbow, I can’t meet up today but I can call you later if you want?” Rainbow Dash quickly typed her message so she wouldn’t get busted by the teacher. “ Okay, sounds good I will call you when I get home.” As the hours ticked by it didn’t take long for Rainbow Dash to sprint home as fast as she could. She didn’t care that she was blowing off soccer practice. All that mattered was talking to Moose within minutes Rainbow Dash darted onto her bed. Locking the door behind her she dialed Moose’s number while laying on her back. “Hello, how are you Miss. Rainbow?” Moose’s voiced rang in her ears like a well tuned orchestra, she couldn’t help smiling. “I could be better, I accidentally hurt one of my friends today.” answered Rainbow Dash with a weary tone. “What happened?” said Moose. The pair continued to talk about their day for hours Rainbow Dash didn’t even realize that it was already past her usual bedtime. “Thanks for talking to me Moose, it really helped me sort out my thoughts.” Moose chuckled “Anytime Rainbow, maybe we can hangout out tomorrow? After school of course.” Moose quickly added “YEAH!” shrieked Rainbow Dash. In her excitement, her voice cracked causing her to blush. Rainbow Dash coughed into her hand to distract Moose from her outburst. “Sure, sounds cool, I guess I will see you tomorrow then.” “I look forward to it, sleep tight Miss. Rainbow.” Moose’s voice was playful as he spoke. “ Yeah, you too! Night!” Rainbow Dash could hear a faint chuckle before she hung up her phone. She was to tired to give it much thought. Rainbow Dash had a lot to think about, her mind was filled with thoughts of Applejack and Moose before she drifted off to sleep. “Thanks for the ride Big Mac! I’m really looking forward to spending the day with your family.” said Sunset She tried to sound as excited and grateful as possible hoping to get a response out of the man. “Eeyup!” replied Big Mac with his go to response. Sunset frowned at her failed attempt to get Big Mac to open up to her. She didn’t want to lose the bet. This could be her only chance to see Applejack in a big, goofy, fluffy dress. Applejack chuckled at her brother’s response, she playfully elbowed Sunset. With new determination Sunset tried once again, she wasn’t giving in just yet. “ So how are you enjoying your first year of college, did you make any friends yet?” With a nod Big Mac replied “Eeyup!” Feeling frustrated Sunset face-palmed. “This is going to be a long day.” “Ain’t that the truth.” chuckled Applejack. For the rest of the drive to Sweet Apple Acres Sunset tried her hardest to make the shy man talk. To Applejack’s pleasure Big Mac was as silent as ever. As soon as they pulled in the driveway Apple Bloom came running towards the truck and pulled Sunset from her seat. With a smile Sunset allowed herself to be dragged by the young girl. Sunset spent the rest of the day playing games with Apple Bloom. She had completely forgotten about her bet with Applejack. Sunset had found herself in a pink loose fitting dress that she wore over her clothes. She sipped ice tea from her teacup; Apple Bloom had placed a large sunhat on top of Sunset’s head. Sunset had no idea why she couldn’t refuse a single request made by Applejack’s younger sister. If she was back in Equestria she might have suspected she might have been subjected to being under a spell. But that wasn’t the case, perhaps it was Apple Blooms large ember eyes. As soon as Apple Bloom gave Sunset the puppy eyes she would just crumble under the cuteness. It was then that Sunset suspected that she had a weakness to adorable children. Giggling at the thought, Sunset just smiled warmly at the young girl across from her. Lifting her pinkie as she drank her tea, Sunset squinted her eyes with her nose high in the air. “I say Miss. Bloom this tea is by far the best I have had in ages. What is your secret?” said Sunset with a haughty accent to match the mood of their tea party. “ That’s a secret Miss. Shimmer, ya understand.” said Apple Bloom “Why of course Miss. Bloom, I completely understand. Why I-” Sunset was interrupted by Applejack’s laughing, Sunset felt her face catch on fire. Applejack was leaning against the doorframe as she tried to get a hold of her laughing. Pulling down the edges of the large sunhat over her eyes; Sunset could still feel the sting in her cheeks. Seeing their tea party had been interrupted Apple Bloom huffed in annoyance. “Applejack! Don’t interrupt our tea party!” Apple Bloom shouted in a flustered tone. Applejack clutched her sides as she wheezed out a reply between fits of laughter. “Believe me, I tried to keep quite as long as Ah could!” Feeling some of her embarrassment starting to fade Sunset just grumbled. “Weren’t you supposed to be working instead of spying on us?” “Ah was, until the sun set about ten minutes ago. So Ah came up here ta check up on ya.” “What! You mean it’s already dark out, I have to go home and-” “Whoa there Sunset, since it is dark out why don’t cha just eat dinner with us.” Excited at the thought of Sunset staying longer Apple Bloom nearly shrieked at the top of her lungs. “Yeah! Can Sunset spend the night! Please! Please!” Applejack just rubbed the back of her head with her hand. “Sure she can but that’s up ta Sunset.” Without another word Apple Bloom gave Sunset her biggest cutest stare she could muster. Like clockwork Sunset felt her heart instantly melt into a puddle of goo. Sighing loudly Sunset gave Apple Bloom a lopsided grin. “I guess I don’t have much of a choice. Do you mind if I sleep over AJ?” “ Sure ya can, I hope yer hungry! Cause Granny Smith and Big Mac made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn on the cob!” Sweat began to drip down Sunset’s brow as she thought about the dinner she was about to take part in. She has been a vegetarian since she came through the portal. Until just a few months go, she couldn’t stand the taste of those supplements that Fluttershy gave her any longer. Sunset knew that she had to take the vitamins to get the full nutrition that every healthy human needs. Taking Rarity’s advice of eating very small portions of meat had helped, she even felt a lot more energetic than when she was only eating veggies and vitamins. Still she was very cautious when it came to eating meat. Sunset shivered at the horror stories she heard about restaurants that were busted for having horse meat slipped in the food. Over the last few months she mostly ate small amounts of steak since it was full of iron. She even enjoyed small amounts of fish and lamb but only if it was cooked properly. Nothing was worse than eating poorly cooked lamb, all gamey and chewy. Sunset did avoid hot dogs like the plague; especially after researching what hotdogs were made of. The other type of meat she avoided was anything with wings like chicken. Just the thought of eating a creature with wings nearly made her sick. It didn’t help that back in Equestria her foal hood friend was a pegasus. Not to mention, princess Celestia had wings as well. Before Sunset could say another word she was pulled into the kitchen by an enthusiastic Apple Bloom. In her excitement Apple Bloom started the process of making Sunset a plate of food. Sunset sighed as she sat the large table while she thought about what she should do. *What should I do? Do I just suck it up and eat it so I won’t be rude? Well Applejack does know that I don’t really meat very often. It does smell kind of good. I think Granny Smith used herbs to season the meat, is that rosemary? Ahhh! What am I saying, I’m not going to eat this am I?* As if Apple Bloom could read her mind the girl flashed Sunset an adorable smile. * Aw! Dang it! Those big adorable eyes! If I refuse to eat it, then she will blame herself for picking food I don’t like! Well…At least she didn’t give me a leg or a wing…* Sunset poked the deep-fried bird to check for any bones, she sighed in relief when she didn’t find any. Eating meat with bones creeped her out more than anything. Using her fork to stab the breaded chicken breast, Sunset slowly brought the meat to her lips. Taking the smallest bite possible, Sunset began to chew her food. As the herbs and flavor of the meat washed over her tongue. Sunset was stunned by how much she was enjoying the taste. Lost in the flavor of her new favorite dish, Sunset let out a low moan in delight. Unfortunately for her, this didn’t go unnoticed by Applejack. A loud chuckle snapped Sunset out of her little world. A feeling the all too familiar burning in her cheeks. The rest of dinner went off with a hitch Sunset enjoyed it so much that she even went back for seconds. After dinner Sunset went up to Applejack’s room. She gratefully accepted a pair of Applejack’s pajama bottoms. Sunset shed her leather jacket and slipped on the pajamas once she was dressed Applejack pulled out a sleeping bag and laid it on the floor. “Alrighty, so you’ll take the bed while I’ll sleep on the floor.” said Applejack with a kind smirk. “Are you sure? There is enough room for both of us on the bed.” Applejack shook her head “Um that’s alright, I wouldn‘t want to crowd ya.” “ I don’t mind, it is your bed after all.” shrugged Sunset Applejack sheepishly sat on the bed next to Sunset, the two didn’t move an inch. Without warning a pajama dressed Apple Bloom burst through the door. Apple Bloom leapt right onto the bed, causing Sunset to bounce right on top of Applejack. Sunset’s felt her head collide with the farmer’s a wave of pain pulsed through her head. Applejack wasn’t much better she was dizzy for a moment before she realized that Sunset’s lips had brushed against hers for a second. The realization was too much for the farmer, Applejack pushed Sunset off of her as fast as possible. Causing Sunset to land in the middle of the bed. Applejack’s face was redder than a cranberry as glared at her younger sister. “Apple Bloom! Ya just can’t come crash’n here like that! Ya need ta go sleep in yer own bed little Missy!” “Awww I’m awful sorry Applejack, Ah was just so excited that Sunset gets ta spend the night. Can Ah please sleep in here pretty please!!!” Not feeling like arguing in front of her guest Applejack just nodded her head in agreement. Squealing with happiness Apple Bloom grabbed Sunset’s arm. “Ah call dibs on sleeping with Sunset!” “It’s settled then, you two get the bed while I’ll sleep down here.” Applejack didn’t think she could handle sleeping next to the girl she just brushed lips with. Not that it was her official first kiss; no that honor belonged to a boy named Carmel. But Sunset was the first girl she ever had contact with, it happened so fast that Applejack wasn’t sure how she felt about it. Apple Bloom turned out the light, she then snuggled up close to Sunset. As Sunset was about to close her eyes, the extra warmth coming from Apple Bloom was lulling her to sleep. Applejack broke the silence in the room with a chuckle. “Looks like ya lose Sunset!” Snapping her eyes open Sunset just groaned loudly causing the farmer to laugh. “There is always next time, in the meantime yer gonna help me package apples for the next week!” said a gleeful Applejack. “Don’t remind me!” croaked a distraught Sunset. The last thing Sunset heard as sleep took over her was the giggling of a smug farmer. Moose was now dressed in some loose fitting jeans with a white T-shirt. He was happy that he didn’t have to wear a hat. The wind blowing through his short hair felt so refreshing. With Rarity’s help he was ready for his get together in record time only two hours! Moose thought back to the last conversation he had with Rainbow Dash just the day before. He didn’t have time to dwell on the past when he saw Rainbow Dash approaching him. Rainbow Dash walked right up to him giving him a hug, Moose returned the hug. Causing Rainbow Dash to smile. When they parted Moose grabbed her hand as they took a stroll through the park. Rainbow Dash just clutched Moose’s hand as they took in the relaxing scenery around them. Feeling a little bold Rainbow Dash leaned her head against Moose’s shoulder as they walked. With the new contact Moose looked over at Rainbow Dash. He was surprised to see the serene look on her face. The longer they walked around the more he enjoyed Rainbow’s company. As they walked Moose told Rainbow more about himself and why he staying with Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash’s enjoyed listening to Moose’s words. She absorbed every detail he gave her about himself. With every minute they spent together the more confident Rainbow Dash became. She even opened up about herself to him. Rainbow Dash explained that she lived with her dad but he was constantly on the road training for soccer and that she didn’t see him very often. As they walked Moose noticed that it was starting to get dark once again. Moose offered to walk her home to make sure that she was safe. Rainbow Dash graciously accepted his offer. On the way to her home Rainbow Dash snuggled as close as she could to Moose. * I never knew Rainbow Dash could be so snuggly. It kind of sweet and it feels nice.* Amused by his thoughts Moose focused his attention to the girl holding his arm. She had such a peaceful smile on her face, Rainbow Dash looked up at him with her sparkling magenta eyes. Moose felt a cold pit in his stomach. After few seconds passed the cold feeling turned into warmth that spread throughout his chest. Moose had never felt anything like it; he could feel the air in his lungs freeze up when Rainbow Dash held him a little tighter. Once they reached Rainbow Dash’s house Moose felt disappointed that they would soon have part ways. Rainbow Dash mirrored his feeling about departing. “I had a lot of fun just walking in the park with you Moose. It was nice to just to hangout.” “Yeah, I enjoyed spending time with you to, I never knew that walking around with someone would be so enjoyable.” “I know right, who knew that just being close to someone could be that much fun.” Rainbow Dash’s cheeks flushed as she spoke. Moose laughed full hearty at her flushed cheeks. His chuckling was contagious, her laughter soon filled the night air with her light peeling notes of laughter. It was music to Moose’s ears, losing herself Rainbow Dash snorted loudly. Instantly her cheeks were set aflame Moose laughed as well. “ You are too cute Rainbow, especially when you laugh. It is like music to my ears.” “Well I’m glad you like it sometimes I try my best to keep it in. I tend to snort.” Moose pulled Rainbow close to his chest, he placed a hand on top of her head. “Please don’t ever stop yourself from laughing Rainbow. Whenever you do, you rob the world of beautiful music.” whispered Moose. “I’ll try to keep that in mind, ugh I really don’t want you to go.” Rainbow Dash sighed in defeat. “But I know if you stay much longer than it will be dark. I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Moose hugged Rainbow Dash close to his chest before he pulled away. “I know what you mean, I don’t want to leave either but I’m afraid that I have to go. I will see you real soon.” Moose winked at Rainbow Dash, her face blushed slightly knowing that he wanted to see her again. Wanting one last hug Rainbow Dash leaned into his chest. She inhaled deeply taking in his scent with each breath. Minutes passed Moose enjoyed the extended hug. He loved hugs but they never lasted this long. But he knew that he had to leave sooner rather than later. Reluctantly Moose parted from Rainbow Dash’s arms. With a goofy smile Moose waved goodbye to Rainbow Dash as he started his journey back to Rarity’s.