> A Cloudsdale Reunion
>  by Darkmetroidz
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Derpy Hooves the mailmare hummed as she went about her work. She had run her morning mail route so many times she could do it blindfolded, but why would anypony want to miss enjoying the beautiful scenery of Ponyville? She passed rows of thatched-roof houses, over the verdant fields of Sweet Apple Acres, and along the outskirts of the Everfree forest. 
Derpy's bag was a good deal heavier than normal, but she had been expecting that today. With summer beginning next week, the traditional Equestrian season for family reunions had begun, and everypony and their sister in town would be getting tons of mail from their relatives across Equestria. 
The next stop on her route was at the cloudy home of Ms. Rainbow Dash, Ponyville's lead weatherpony. Derpy sorted through the stack of parcels in her bag for Rainbow's mail. That can't be right. She thought. The letter in her hoof bore the address and name of the pony in question, but it was stamped with the seal of the Cloudsdale guard. Usually all Rainbow Dash gets is junkmail, Wonderbolts Monthly, and those other magazines she told me never to look at. 
The bluish mare shrugged, and put the letter, along with an advertisement for cosmetic wing surgery, and one of those off-limits magazines into the mailbox. They came in a black plastic wrapper, so she could only guess what was inside. Derpy rang the bell on the mailbox, and shouted "MAIL CALL!" up to Rainbow Dash. Hopefully she hadn't slept in too late today. The weather schedule called for clear skies by noon, but it was already ten-thirty and the sky was totally overcast. 
Later along her route, Derpy Hooves arrived at Fluttershy's cottage. Unlike her friend, Fluttershy got tons of mail. Alongside frequent correspondence from ponies whose animals she cared for, and a constant flood of solicitations for charity, she also received bulk shipments of supplies for her animals. Feed, medicine and the like. Her mail was strangely lacking today. Just a single envelope, this one stamped with the sigil of the Commander of the Pegasi in Cloudsdale. Again, unsure what to make of it, Derpy rang the bell, called to Fluttershy, and went on her merry way, debating what flavor of muffin she and her young sister would prepare later that day. 
*	*	*
Rarity gave Rainbow Dash a confused look, "I'm sorry, but you need me to do what?" Rainbow was a dear friend, but what she was asking was something rather personal. 
"Can I borrow your fainting couch?" Rainbow Dash said again, more slowly than the last time.  
The white unicorn looked uneasily insider her boutique. She was closed for lunch, so nopony would be coming in. "Alright, I suppose. However, you will have to share." Rarity opened the door, and showed her friend what she meant. Fluttershy was already on the couch, bawling. 
"Is something the matter Rainbow Dash?" Rarity's voice was laden with concern. She was the last pony Rarity had ever expected to utilize the couch intended for use in the event of the worst possible thing happening. Rainbow usually could take anything without breaking her stride. 

Her thought process was interrupted by a weeping Fluttershy. "Oh goodness, this is just awful!" She cried.
"Dearest, please tell me what's the matter," Rarity pleaded, "I cannot bear to see you in such a state!"
Fluttershy sniffled, "I got a letter in the mail today. From my dad."
The answer was met with a sigh of relief, "Of course you did, Fluttershy. Everypony gets mail from their relatives at this time of year. Reunion season starts in a few days. Why, I've already gotten letters from my parents, my grandparents, my Uncle Trotsly, and from Sweetie Belle." Rarity read the last letter aloud, "'Dear Rarity, Please can you turn down the crying? The Cutie Mark Crusaders are trying to brainstorm right now. One drama queen is bad enough, we can't tolerate three." Rarity wadded up the letter and deposited it in the trash.
"'Everypony hears from their relatives?' Not the Flutters," The butter-colored pegasus sighed.
"And not the Dashes." Rainbow added. "Hey, Fluttershy? Could you maybe scooch over a little?"
Rarity took it upon herself to council her friends, "Is there some sort of issue with your families. I never hear either of you talk about them."
"You see, the Flutter family is very important in Cloudsdale," Fluttershy explained, "My father, Commander Flutterfury, and his father before him, were the Commander of the city. Basically like mayor, but even more powerful."
"And?" Rarity pressed.
Tears began welling in Fluttershy's eyes again, "My dad hates me! Before I fell out of the city the day I got my cutie mark, my father said I was the biggest disappointment of a Flutter ever born, that I'm afraid of my own shadow, and I can barely fly. And he's right! 2.3 wingpower. My uncle Thunderwind was teased by the family because he could only manage eighteen."
Rarity put a comforting hoof around Fluttershy. "Don't sell yourself short dear. You have your own talents-"
"HE DOESN'T CARE!" She exclaimed, tears erupting like water from a geyser, "Every Flutter is an amazing flyer and fearless leader!"
Rarity cocked her head, "Why did he write to you then?"
The frail pegasus sniffled, "Because my brothers asked him to. He says he wants me to come home so I can grow a spine."
"Brothers?" Rarity and Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
She nodded, "My two brothers, Gale Force and Afterburner."
Rarity sighed, "Well, are you going to go?" 
Fluttershy's voice had taken on a familiar weak timidity, "I don't want to, but I guess I have to. I don't want to cause any trouble."
Rarity squeezed herself onto the couch, letting her friend snuggle up to her, "I'm sure he misses you dearly. Now for you Rainbow Dash."
"Pretty much the same. My dad hates every choice that I've ever made." Rainbow said flatly, hanging her head off the side of the couch.
"How so?"
Rainbow started a list, "Well, he says that I'm 'wasting my time wanting to be a showpony with the Wonderbolts.' He wants me to join the Pegasus Expeditonary Force, like him, and the last, like seventeen generations before him. Plus he says that I'm gayer than a double rainbow covered in glitter."
"Aren't you though?" Rarity asked, "I thought you had come to terms with yourself liking mares."
"That's the problem!" She exclaimed, taking off into the air in annoyance. "He's intent on 'straightening me out,' and he thinks that some stallion in the army will make a LOVELY husband for me."
"Oh my, an arranged marraige?" Rarity was intrigued, "And here I thought those were only performed by nobility in Canterlot."
"Nope. Important Pegasi marry their children off all the time. My dad is a Wing Captain, and he's picked out some promising young stallion that he's been training." Rainbow Dash looked cross with the entire situation, "I hate his guts for this."
"Well, could you perhaps talk to him to persuade him that you just aren't interested?" The unicorn quipped.
Rainbow Dash had a wonderfully terrible idea. "I'll do better than that!" She took off flying, leaving a hole shaped in her likeness in Rarity's wall.
Rarity stared at the hole in shock, "And who do you think is going to have to clean this?" She demanded. 
*	*	*
Twilight was right in the middle of an engrossing scene in a romance novel when a frantic knock came at the door. "Spike, could you get that?" She asked, too entranced to leave her seat.
Spike groaned, and put down the bowl of pancake batter he was working on. He opened the door to see a cyan mare sitting on the doorstep, ears folded back. "Hey Rainbow Dash, I thought I told you the new Daring Do book won't be out for another month."
She shook her head, "No, that's not it. Is Twilight here?" 
"Yep. I'd be careful. She's in the middle of some steamy novel and doesn't want to be-" Rainbow rushed into the library before he could finish. "Disturbed." He shrugged, and returned his thoughts to fresh flapjacks. 
Twilight looked up from her book, and was startle by her friend, "Rainbow Dash! Are you okay? You don't look so good."
Rainbow Dash told Twilight what she had told Rarity, the letter, her father, the marriage. "My dad wants me to marry this stallion, and he won't listen to me if I just tell him that I like mares."
"What do you want to do about it?" Twilight naively asked.
Rainbow rolled her eyes, "Do I have to spell it out?" She kissed Twilight full on the lips without warning. Twilight resisted at first, but as Rainbow's tongue infiltrated her mouth, Twilight found herself resisting less and less, loosening up and returning the kiss, wrapping a hoof around her head. 
Rainbow grinned. She knew a trick for pleasuring a pegasus Twilight had surely never heard of. If it worked on pegasi, it must work on alicorns. She started gently rubbing the spot between Twilight's wings. The result was perfect. Twilight's eyes rolled back, her jaw loosened, her leg was twitching. Her entire body seemed to melt in euphoria. Rainbow squealed with delight as Twilight started moaning. Finally, her wings unfurled in a dramatic 'whomph!'
"Have I made my point?" Rainbow Dash asked. "I'm leaving for Cloudsdale tomorrow, will you be my date?"
"I get it, and I'm in." Twilight gleefully smiled, "After that, I couldn't refuse anything!"
Spike stood in the doorway, jaw on the floor from what he had witnessed. He recomposed himself, pretending he had just walked in, "Hey Twilight, breakfast is served." His voice was deceptively normal. Inside he was having a breakdown. 
"Coming!" Twilight called, as she cantered into the attached kitchen, "Rainbow, are you hungry?"
"Nah, I'm good." Rainbow yelled back. She turned to leave, but was blocked by a furious purple dragon. 
Spike glared Rainbow Dash square in the eyes, "If you're just stringing Twilight along to get yourself out of this marriage," He snapped his spatula to make his threat. "She's confused Rainbow. I swear if you hurt her, I will END you."
The following morning, Fluttershy, Twilight and Rainbow Dash met in the town square to begin their flight to Cloudsdale. Rainbow could have made the trip more than three times faster alone, but with Twilight being new at flying and Fluttershy being... subpar at it, she kept her pace to a reasonable meander. 
They arrived a couple hours later, landing before the Cloudiseum on the south side of the city. "Well, this is goodbye for now," Fluttershy waved. "Good luck."

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fluttershy sat, paralyzed with intimidation, before her father's residence. She had been raised in this same great structure, but all the same, she felt like an insect standing before it. The Commander's hall was fronted with a great staircase, and giant white pillars that watched over the palace like silent titanic sentinels. The doors were huge, easily three times her height. She weakly knocked, barely loud enough to be audible. Just before she decided that no one was home and that she should return home, a handsome young pegasus opened the door. His coat was black, and his mane a deep orange. "Sis, is that you?" He asked.
Fluttershy's eyes flashed, her face spreading into a huge smile, "Afterburner? Oh my, you've gotten so big!" She ran up to her brother, who wrapped her in an embrace with his wings.
"Fluttershy, I'm so glad you're home!" He smiled, "Hey Gale, come here, Fluttershy made it!"
A minute later, another pegasus, this one taller than Afterburner, showed up at the door. His coat was a similar hue to hers, but slightly darker, and his mane was green. He looked every bit as mighty as a Lieuntenant of the Pegasus Expeditionary Force, the position his dress uniform and gleaming medals attested to. "Big sis, I can't believe it's been so long!" The second brother, the elder, Gale Force, joined in on the hug. "Dad can't wait to see you. Come on inside."
"He can't?" Fluttershy asked, surprised.	
"No, he's been looking for you for ten years. But you've kept quite the low profile. At least until you got involved in this business in Ponyville. He's read all about you sis. He thinks you're a hero!"
Fluttershy nervously laughed, "Gosh, I don't know about that."
The interior of the house was more or less as she remembered it. Big, lofty, fancy, and intimidating. The eyes of the portraits of countless former commanders staring at her. But it was home. And Fluttershy could feel something unlike anything she'd felt in it before; Love.
They ascended a double staircase, and stopped at the door atop it. "Dad's in his office, waiting." Afterburner whispered. "Go on in."
Fluttershy pushed open the door. Inside sat her elderly father. His coat was the same buttery yellow as hers, and his mane, which had once been so vibrant green, had gone grey. His eyes, shaded as they were behind his aviators, still showed the signs of pleasant surprise when she entered the room. But still, when she looked him in the face, all she saw was the stone-cold expression that had kept her from ever coming back, all those years ago.
"Um, if you want, I'lll go-" Fluttershy meekly stammered. Before she could finish, she saw the tears in his eyes.
"My sweet, sweet daughter. How I've missed you all these years. I'm sorry I didn't bring you home sooner." He gave his daughter a wing-hug, holding onto her dearly, refusing to let go, "I'm sorry the way I treated you when you were a filly. Your brothers made me realize that I was the reason you never came back after the accident."
The apology brought forth a torrent of tears from Fluttershy. She clung tightly to her father, basking in his embrace.
Afterburner and Gale Force joined in, snuggling around their dad and sister, "I reckon we're finally a family again!" Afterburner gleefully cried.
"Why did you finally ask me to come home?" Fluttershy asked. 
Flutterfury was genuinely apologetic, something she had never seen before. "Truth is, I meant to bring you home ages ago, but you had dissapeared off the face of the earth. Nopony could find our young Ms. Flutter. Then, one day, the Equestria Daily printed an article about you and your friends confronting Nightmare Moon. I didn't believe it at first, but then a while later, I saw another article, featuring you. What's this I hear about you reforming a deity of chaos?"
"Oh, Discord? He really isn't so bad once you get to know him," She cheerfully remarked.
"Well, two things happened after that. First, I knew where to find you, so I could finally get a letter to you. Second, I realized I misjudged you as a foal. I never thought you would amount to anything. Was I ever wrong." An admission of wrongness. Fluttershy wondered if she was dreaming. "I realized that you really are a Flutter by every sense of the word." 
Afterburner brought out a wrapped box the size of a small foal, "Open it!" He excitedly said, nudging it in front of her, "After all, it is your birthright."
Fluttershy opened the crate and gasped at its contents. Inside was a polished suit of armor, forged from steel and silver, crafted to Fluttershy's form. On the breastbone was, in gleaming pink ruby, a butterfly worked in the fashion of her cutie mark. "Luckily, that Unicorn stylist from Ponyville had your measurements so we could have this made." Gale winked.
A suit of decorative Pegasus armor. It was custom among Pegasus nobility to wear such armor for important occasions, such as rallies or weddings. Having one of her own erased all doubts in Fluttershy's mind. She was part of the family. Accepted. Loved. She had proven herself to her father. And she could not be happier.
Flutterfury removed his sunglasses, "Fluttershy, I want to make something absolutely clear. Even if you had never done any of those things we read about, you would still be here today. I realized how much of a fool that I was to allow you to slip away from me. I am proud of the things you have done, but more than that, I am proud of you. I consider myself the luckiest old stallion in Equestria to have a daughter as nurturing and kind as you are."
"When we first found out where you were, I went down to Ponyville to ask around about you." Afterburner said, "I talked to some of your friends. They all said that you were, without a doubt, the biggest-hearted pony they had ever known. We wanted to invite you home for reunion season, but Dad was afraid you wouldn't want to. I talked to that Unicorn, Rarity. She said she would put in a good word for us."
Fluttershy blushed. So that was why she had talked so highly of her family. 
"Your brother had a big announcement he wanted to make." Flutterfury revealed, "But he didn't want to say anything without you here."
"Oh my gosh, congratulations! Who are you marrying?" 
Gale grinned, "Well, my boss at the academy wants to set me up with his daughter. Truth is, she's a bit of a maverick, but he says she's beautiful, and very talented. He says she needs some discipline and order in her life, and I'm just the pony who can provide it."
"Who's your boss?" Fluttershy inquired. 
"Captain Inferno Dash of the P.E.F." Gale declared. 
Fluttershy gulped as the realization dawned on her. This was going to be an awkward reunion season. 

> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a rare occasion indeed. The infallible Rainbow Dash was nervous. Her father had that effect on people. The stallion named Inferno Dash (or just 'Sir Yes Sir!' to the cadets) was a yellow pegasus with a mane streaked red and orange. He was famous around Cloudsdale for the way he flew. He did not do stunts like the Wonderbolts (he detested stuntponies such as them) but he looked like he was on fire when he flew. Rainbow Dash had, as a filly, thought it would be incredible to see him performing tricks, but he had balked at the notion. That little statement had grounded her for a week. 
She hadn't even seen him yet. She and Twilight stood before the door of the Dash residence. Rainbow was having trouble working up the courage to knock on the door. Twilight was rapidly becoming cross. "Rainbow Dash! Just knock already. It's starting to get cold up here and we aren't wearing clothes."
"Alright, alright!" Rainbow yelled, her hoof shaking as she knocked on the door. The end result was a knock more like Fluttershy's than her own. Rainbow normally didn't knock at all. She usually just barged right inside. 
Inferno Dash opened the door to see a shaking cyan mare and a purple alicorn. "Rainbow Dash, welcome home," Inferno cordially nodded. He looked at Twilight critically. "Who is this?"
Rainbow sidled up along Twilight, "This is Princess Twilight Sparkle."
"It's so nice to meet you," She smiled, giving a graceful little bow.
"Rainbow Dash, could I speak to you privately?" Inferno pulled his daughter inside. "Who is that?" He angrily whispered.
"I told you, she's Princess Twilight Sparkle." 
Inferno knitted his eyebrows angrily, "I got that. Why is she here?"
"She's my date." Rainbow Dash stammered.
The twitch in Inferno Dash's right eye signaled pure, unbridled rage. "Date? What did I tell you about bringing mares here?" He shouted.
"Dad, she's right outside." Rainbow gestured toward the door.
"I don't care! I told you to never, EVER bring other mares around here. You mother is on her deathbed right now. You'll put her in her grave flaunting your little marefriend around here."
"I can't just tell her to leave! She's a PRINCESS!" Rainbow stood firm, planting her hoofs in the ground defensively. 
Inferno's nostrils flared with anger. "I don't care if she was Princess Celestia herself. I cannot allow her to be here. We are going to dinner tonight to meet a special young stallion that I want you to meet."
"Dad, you can't make me do this!" She yelled, "I don't want to go to dinner, and I don't want you to set me up with ANYpony you've met at the academy."
Her father just kept getting angrier, "Gale Force is a dutiful, charming, and well-mannered stallion. You need some order in your life. I don't know anypony more qualified."
Now it was Rainbow Dash whose nostrils flared, "I don't need order in my life. I'm a grown mare and I can make my own damn choices."
"You cannot even begin to comprehend how disappointed I am that you didn't enlist in the Pegasus Expeditionary Force. You broke a line of eighteen generations of Dashes enlisting and commanding in the force. You marrying Gale Force will at least save the family from disgrace."
"But I don't have any interest in stallions!" She defiantly screamed. 
"I go through the trouble to find you a husband who, quite frankly, I would rather have as a child than you. You will at least show your father the courtesy to meet him and make a decent impression." The comment stung. Rainbow Dash was no stranger to spats with her father, but he had never gone so far as to say something like that. 
Rainbow's tail went between her legs, a clear sign of submission. She might have had an iron will, but her father was made of even tougher stuff. "Fine." She sighed.
"You will have to tell your 'marefriend' to leave. I will not have her staying under my roof."
"But dad-"
"Now Rainbow Dash." He commanded.
The door creaked open. The pegasus' ears were drooping, her eyes glued to the ground. "Twilight, I'm so sorry, but you can't stay here. You should just go home."
"I'm sorry, what?" Twilight was understandably irritated. She had flown all the way out to Cloudsdale for Rainbow Dash, and now she was being sent home after being there for less than a couple of hours. 
"I'm sorry Twilight. My father won't let you stay."
"Fine, I'll leave." Twilight unfurled her wings. "Spike was right about you." She flew off, tears streaming down her face. Rainbow Dash shuddered. Normally, Spike did not represent any kind of threat to her, but judging by how protective of Twilight he was, Rainbow Dash had reason to be concerned. She had no clue what kind of freaky powers baby dragons had, but she had a nagging feeling she would become uncomfortably acquainted with them. 
Rainbow Dash went back into the house. Her father stood before the door, glaring at her unsympathetically, "You should never have brought her here. Now come upstairs. Your mother has been waiting to see you."
Rainbow walked inside, and up the small staircase to the right of the front door. The house's upstairs had multiple doors, three of which were bedrooms, the fourth being her father's office. Rainbow Dash nudged open the door to the master bedroom, which her parents normally shared, and walked to the bedside.
Morningdew Cloudrunner Dash, in her prime, looked much more like her daughter than did Inferno. Her coat was a similar shade of cyan, but given her illness, looked much duller than it had been when Rainbow was a child. She had once been the talk of Cloudsdale, the most sought after mare, because of her exquisitely beautiful mane. It had been almost platinum, and shone with a brilliance that nopony had ever seen before. But her beautiful hair had fallen out, leaving the bedridden mare looking a shadow of her former self. 
"Rainbow Dash, is that you?" She hoarsely croaked, struggling to turn to see her daughter. "I've missed my little troublemaker so much..."
Inferno laid his hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. "Our girl is home, Morningdew. We were invited to dinner tonight to meet that young suitor I've been telling you about." He removed his hat and sunglasses as he spoke.
Morningdew smiled, "I had hoped I could live to see our baby's wedding day." 
"Well, she isn't sure about going quite yet." Inferno commented. Now Rainbow Dash was on the spot, in front of her dying mother.
"Oh, is that so?" The disappointment was palpable in her voice. 
Rainbow groaned on the inside, "No, I'll go. Dad, what did you say his name was?"
Her father's reaction was a mixture of surprise and pleasure. "His name is Gale Force Flutter."
Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped, "Uh, dad-"
"Wonderful!" Her mother's cheers were weak and hoarse. Rainbow Dash sighed. She couldn't find the heart to say what she wanted in front of her mother. 
"I hoped you'd come around." Inferno's voice had relaxed significantly since their confrontation at the door, "We had a dress made for you for tonight. That Unicorn in Ponyville sure knows her stuff.
Rarity. Rainbow groaned, Why in the name of Celestia does she never tell me things like this.
Inferno looked at the clock that hung on the side of the bed that he normally slept on, "You had best get ready. Our reservations are for six o'clock. Everything you need is in your bedroom.
Rainbow Dash kissed her mother before leaving. Inferno followed suit, and went into the guest room, where he had been sleeping since Morningdew's illness had became serious. "You've made your mother very happy," Inferno said. "She isn't going to be around much longer, but she wants grandfoals before she dies."
Rainbow nodded as she opened the door to her bedroom. The room was exactly as she had left it. She looked under her bed. The box of Wonderbolt toys she had stashed there since she was a filly were still there. She looked around. The room was so plain. She had a small cloud bed that was not half as wide as the gigantic mattress she had back in Ponyville. The only decorations on the wall were scattered decals of clouds. She had one bookshelf, loaded with texts her father had put there. She rooted through the shelf. Surprisingly, half of the Daring Do series was on the shelf, scattered around. Rainbow couldn't believe the series had been under her nose for so long, and it took hospitalization to get her to give it a chance. 
Laid gently on her bed was a dress undeniably made by Rarity's hooves. She groaned. The dress was a very wispy white, stitched to look like a veil of clouds. It had none of the pizzazz or coolness Rainbow demanded on the rare occasions she was forced to wear clothes. She put it on anyway. It seemed Rainbow Dash had met her match. Inferno was quite possibly the only pony in all of Equestria with a will stronger than hers. Something about the middle-aged pegasus inspired fear and awe in those around him. That intimidation factor had kept Rainbow Dash in line as much as possible while she was young, but at the first chance she got, she left Cloudsdale for Ponyville, looking for a new home where she could be herself. 
Being myself. She shuddered. The first time she had told her father she wanted to be a Wonderbolt, not a soldier, she had been spanked, grounded, and set to bed without dinner. The first time she had brought a mare around the house, her father kicked her out for a week. Only her mother had been able to calm him down enough to allow her to enter the house again, but their relationship was never the same. There was always an unspoken animosity between the two that kept Rainbow Dash far away from home whenever she came to Cloudsdale. 
She looked at herself in the large mirror that, like everything else, had been there since she was a filly. She could barely recognize herself. She looked... ladylike. Like a blue Rarity with wings. She thought. She did have to commend herself for the job she had done styling her hair. She had, somehow, managed to impose order upon her mane, tying the usually uncombed rainbow into a braid that looked sophisticated enough.
Her father came in a few minutes later, "You look perfect." He smiled. Inferno could be nice enough, as long as Rainbow Dash didn't step out of line, an event that was all too frequent. Rainbow cautiously took her father's hoof as they walked outside to their chariot-taxi. As soon as they sat, the two strong stallions began pulling the chariot off toward Cloudsdale's center, where most of the city's restaurants were situated. 
They pulled up to the fanciest establishment in the sky; The Aerolounge. Great. Just finding something I can pronounce is going to be hard enough. She thought, annoyed. Forget finding something I like. Saying Rainbow Dash has a sophisticated palette is a bit like saying that Rarity has a fondness for dirt. You can say it all you want, but it does not become any less false. 
The two pegasi entered the restaurant, which was predominately black with occasional green accents. Her father talked to the host standing before an ornate podium. She could not make out what they were saying, until the brown, suited employee nodded and addressed her, "Right this way Miss." He called.
She looked around the restaurant, until she saw Fluttershy sitting with what she assumed to be her family. It's going to be a weird date, that's for sure. She thought. 








> Interlude 1- Spike's Dilemma
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike sat around a table in Sugarcube Corner, along with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. With Twilight gone for their weekly Twilight Time session, Spike had decided to take the fillies out to have some fun. Their newest quest had turned out to be "Cutie Mark Crusader Poker Players," and Spike was more than happy to teach them. While they had lived in Canterlot, Spike had learned a few interesting card games, especially from Shining Armor. Currently they played at Blackjack, and had decided to use candies as their currency. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were having difficulties, but Applebloom had shown general aptitude. They also had a side-bet going what a card-playing cutie mark would look like. Spike insisted it would be the spade suit, Sweetie Bell the diamond, Scootaloo the club, and Applebloom thought it would look like a playing card. 
"Alright little ponies, show me what you've got," Spike called out. The girls put down their cards.
"Seventeen." Scootaloo declared
Sweetie Belle grinned, "Nineteen."
Spike turned over his face-down card, a king. "Twenty." He smiled.
All eyes went to Applebloom. She was showing a six and a ten. Then she revealed the face-down five. "Twenty-one. Pay up y'all." Everyone groaned as they pushed a pile of chocolates and peppermints toward Applebloom. She had as much candy now as the other three players combined, probably more.
Their game was interrupted when Twilight burst into the bakery, bawling. She ran up to the counter, to a very concerned-looking Mrs. Cake. "Oh dear, Twilight, is something the matter?"
"I don't want to talk about it, just give me some cake." She sniffled, pushing a few bits toward the earth pony.
She nodded, and wordlessly fetched the Princess a decadent slice of chocolate cake. Twilight devoured it, then left, mumbling about asking Rarity about what flavor of ice cream she uses to deal with depression. 
"I think I had better go," Spike frowned, "It was great playing with you guys, why don't we meet up again sometime?"
"Heck, I think we'd better go and start havin' Spike Time every week too." Applebloom grinned. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.
"Can't wait!" Spike yelled as he ran out the bakery. 
"So, who gets his candy?" Scootaloo asked.
"Let's play another hand for it." Applebloom insisted. 
Luckily for Spike, Twilight was not difficult to find. The depressed Alicorn's sniffling and sobbing could be heard from a long distance away. Spike finally caught up to her as she left the town market, carrying saddlebags humorously overloaded with strawberry ice cream. 
"Twilight, what's the matter?" Spike asked. "What happened with Rainbow Dash? You were only gone for a few hours."
"I don't want to talk about it." Twilight kept walking past her young dragon. Spike wordlessly followed her back to the library, the whole time his mind ran into overdrive trying to think just what had happened that could upset her so much. It didn't take him long to suspect that Rainbow Dash was involved. 
Once inside the Golden Oak Library, Spike renewed his inquisiton, "Twilight, please. Tell me what happened."
She sat on the floor, and opened the first tub of ice cream. With her horn, she started scooping the pink dessert into her mouth. Soon that one was gone and she started on another. 
At some point during the fourth or so carton, Twilight finally opened up. "You were right about Rainbow Dash Spike." She wept, "She made me leave before I even went inside. She wouldn't stand up to her father for me, even though that's the reason I went with her in the first place."
Spike tipped his head. He had worried this would happen. "Is there anything that I could do for you?" He asked.
"No Spike. I just need to be alone for awhile."
Spike nodded, and left. 
*	*	*
"She did what now?" Applejack shouted, outraged. "Ah never would've thought Rainbow would go an' do somethin like that to poor Twi." 
Spike nodded. "I have to cheer her up somehow. She's locked herself in the library with fifty gallons of strawberry ice cream."
"Oh nelly, we've got another Code Blue on our hooves." Terror was plain on Applejack's face. 	
"What's a Code Blue?" He asked.
AJ sat down to explain the story, and gestured for Spike to sit beside her. "A couple years before you and Twi moved to Ponyville, Rarity was seein' some unicorn from Canterlot. That stallion was her world, lemme tell ya. Then one day he just stopped comin'. Rarity waited months for him to come back, but he never did. None of her mail got delivered, and she couldn't find him in Canterlot. She went into a depression for darn near a year.  Nopony was gettin any new clothes, and Rarity wasn't out findin gems anymore. It got so bad that the mayor had to call an emergency meetin to figure out how to cheer up Rarity."
"So what did you guys do?" Spike asked.
"We introduced her to a nice country gentlecolt named Buck Wheatly. They were together for awhile, then they broke up on a good note. Far's I know, Rarity still writes him every now and again."
"So should we find Twilight a special somepony?"
Applejack laughed, "Darlin, you don't know the first thing about datin. Ya can't go lookin for love right after a breakup. It ain't right."
Spike argued back, "But Twilight wasn't with Rainbow Dash for even a day! Can that even be a breakup?"
Applejack tipped her hat downward, "Anytime somepony's heart gets broke is a breakup Spike. What Twilight needs is somepony who'll be there to comfort her an listen to her.
Spike shrugged. "You sure? She doesn't seem to want me around."
"Probably because you told her it was a bad idea from the get-go. She needs somepony who hasn't been involved in this at all. Probably the furthest pony you can find from Rainbow Dash."
Spike snapped his claws, "I think I know just who that is!" Spike ran off eagerly, off into the orchards. "HEY BIG MACINTOSH! CAN YOU HELP ME WITH SOMETHING?"
Applejack ran off following him, "That wasn't who I had in mind!"

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		Despite the family outing being about Gale Force, Fluttershy still found herself attracting much more attention than she typically appreciated. Every stallion (and a good number of mares) stared at her with jaws hanging open as the Flutters rode past in their chariot. One dark blue colt, armed with a harp, stopped them along the road so that he and his two companions, one with a flute and the other with a violin, might play her a song. Strangely enough, Fluttershy did not mind. She felt a new-found confidence with her father and brothers at her sides, enough to the point where she felt comfortable enough to blow a kiss toward the bards. 
"You're a regular charmer sis," Afterburned laughed, nudging her in the ribs, "I guess all the stallions back home are always chasing after you."
Fluttershy gave a dainty laugh, "Oh no. Almost nopony pays attention to me in Ponyville. I usually just stay out of sight."
The bards, who were following them now, beating their wings as they played, balked at the notion, "Stay out of sight?" One gasped.
"Alas, she is a cruel beauty to hide such a sight from the world." The second melodramatically declared.
"Madame, for the sake of the stallions of Equestria, you mustn't! Your beauty is Celestia's gift upon the world, do not deny us your radiance!" The final stallion sung.
Gale and Afterburner were both laughing at the theatrics of the musicians. Eventually, they gave up their pursuit, the effort of trying to maintain a perfectly played serenade while flying at roadway speeds was proving too difficult for the trio of heartthrobs. 
The restaurant, the Aerolounge, was a popular venue for the noteworthy citizens of Cloudsdale. The establishment offered one of the few fine dining experiences in the city, one comparable even to Canterlot eateries. The Flutters entered, and were quickly seated by the host. The staff knew the Flutters by sight, and many among them noticed the addition of the young, lovely mare among them. 
"Sir, this would not happen to be your son's fiancé, would she?" Asked their waiter as he brought them to their table, "The wedding is the talk of the town."
Flutterfury shook his head with a chuckle. "This is my daughter, Fluttershy. After being gone for so many years, my firstborn foal is home." Everyone in earshot of Flutterfury clapped at the revelation. Fluttershy nervously waved back to the onlookers.
They were taken into the back room, which contained few tables, none of which were occupied. The waiter pulled out a chair for Fluttershy. "Such a gentlecolt," She giggled as the waiter blushed. 
"How many more guests are you expecting?" The server asked them.
"Two more, thank you." Flutterfury answered. Wordlessly, the waiter pulled two more chairs up to the large round table, and fetched the requisite menus. The family chattered for a few minutes before they saw two more pegasi walking their way, one of which Fluttershy instantly recognized, even though her rainbow mane was arranged in a sophisticated style. 
"Fluttershy?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, darting away from her dad to hug her friend. "I wasn't sure if you'd be here, how are you?"
"Oh, I'm very well Rainbow Dash, how are you?" She smiled.
Rainbow looked at her father out of the corner of her eyes, "I'm great. Haha..."
Fluttershy curiously looked around, "Is Twilight not here? I thought you were-" 
"She couldn't make it. I asked her to be my guest so she could maybe meet my date whom I am so excited to meet, but urgent business came up and she had to go home." Fluttershy was suspicious of her nervous smile and rapid speech, but didn't press her any further. 
"Excited to meet him eh?" Afterburner chuckled, "Then may I, Afterburner Flutter, kindly introduce you to our brother, Gale Force." Gale stepped forward. Rainbow had to admit, he was as handsome as they came. In the PEF style, he kept his mane shorn very short, but it gave him a very professional and disciplined air. 
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Rainbow Dash nervously laughed. 
Gale bowed chivalrously, "Milady, the pleasure is mine. Your father did not exaggerate when he told me how lovely you are."
Rainbow Dash blushed. She knew she didn't like stallions. She had never liked stallions. And yet here she was blushing like a filly. Why in the name of Celestia did he have to be so charming?  
"I'm sure that's what you say to all the pretty mares," She said. She could feel herself becoming jittery. She hadn't entered the restaurant with a plan. She didn't know how to let Gale Force off without disappointing her father. He being Fluttershy's brother made it even worse for her. She had no idea what Fluttershy thought of this situation, but the way she sat next to Afterburner and Commander Flutterfury did trouble Rainbow. She was not her usual awkward self. Fluttershy had opened up around her family. She had even struck up a conversation with Inferno, and they both seemed to be having fun. 
So that was another pony who she would be letting down tonight. 
No. I have to make this work. Rainbow Dash vowed with a new sense of commitment. She felt an unwelcome, familiar feeling, one that she had ridden herself of since she had left Cloudsdale. She felt queasy with bad memories. Compulsion. Almost nopony could ever get Rainbow Dash to do something she didn't want to do. But Inferno Dash had always had a hypnotic effect on her. He was able to exert his will on her to such a degree that it reduced her to putty in his hooves. In all her years, Rainbow Dash never figured out what her father did to her that made her feel the way she did. Was it fear? She certainly did have a healthy fear for his wrath. Duty? Was her being his daughter make her obligated to concede to his will? Perhaps it was dependence, a foal's need to attach themselves to a protector that would offer guidance, a youthful instinct she had never outgown? It didn't matter, at least not in Rainbow's mind. All that mattered was that she, Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer in Equestria, who had confronted Nightmare Moon, Discord, the Changeling horde, and so many more, was powerless before her father. And it made her furious. While under Inferno's watchful eye, she never was able to develop her passions. Indeed, she had gotten her cutie mark while she was away from him, at Junior Flight Camp. And while he was impressed by her capabilities, he still insisted she focus her efforts in enlistment in the PEF. To be a ranger, or a captain. With him around, she could never be who she wanted to be. 
Like for so many years under his hoof, Rainbow Dash waved the white flag. She concentrated hard, attempting to emulate Rarity's manners as much as possible. Okay, maybe that's asking for too much. She conceded. Maybe Twilight-level politeness is enough. The thought of Twilight brought a pang of guilt into her chest. She had not been able to rid herself of the image of her friend flying off, in tears. Rarity it is then. 
She sat at the table, with Fluttershy at her left and Gale Force on her right. Inferno Dash, fortunately, was sitting on the far side of the table, and seemed distracted by his conversation with Fluttershy's dad. 
She looked over the menu, searching desperately for something she could identify. She longed for Applejack's apple fritters which had recently become a mainstay of her diet. 
"Does anything look good to you?" Gale asked. 
This must be what it feels like to be Fluttershy. Rainbow thought with annoyance, "I haven't found anything yet. What are you looking at?"
"Uh, well the Eggplant casserole looks good." He answered. Rainbow immediately referred to the page of the menu containing the dish in question. She grimaced. She despised eggplant. 
Luckily, the next page did contain a few dishes she was at least comfortable with. Pasta Primavera may not have been a favorite for Dash, but at least she knew what the waiters would be bringing her. 
Gale Force gave another try at striking up a conversation, "So, Rainbow Dash. What do you like to do for fun?" 
Rainbow inhaled. Think Rarity. Think Rarity. Think Rarity. Classy. Effeminate. Oh Celestia what am I doing? Rainbow could almost feel her coat turning alabaster as she spoke, "Well, uh I love dresses." Come on Rainbow Dash. There's more to Rarity than that. "I like reading books." At least that one is true. Well. Kinda. She dug deeper, trying to channel Rarity. She hoped nopony could see the sweat beads that had begun running down her neck. "I like to sing, dance, cook." Let's just hope he doesn't ask for a demonstration. Rainbow Dash gulped when she saw the entire table looking at her. Inferno gave an approving nod. Fluttershy looked at her, eyebrow raised in confusion. Gale Force looked almost... disappointed. And Flutterfury and Afterburner seemed to be simply observing her. 
"Oh. That's so... Interesting." He smiled. 
"How about you?" She asked, trying to form her words with more annunciation. Again, just like Rarity. 
"Well, work keeps me pretty busy, but when I'm not on duty, I like to study biology." So maybe interests do run in the family. "I read a lot, I play games..." Afterburner was looking at him intently, giving a gesture signaling him to keep talking. "I write poems- sometimes. I'm not very good." 
Fortunately, at that moment, the waiter came back to take everypony's order. It might not have been her ideal meal, but Rainbow Dash was at least pleased that she managed to find a dish she could tolerate, and fortunately, Rarity's obsession with fine wines had been a blessing, allowing her to at least have an idea of what sort of beverage she ordered. It wasn't the hard Apple Family Cider she was used to, but perhaps that was for the best. Her getting drunk would be- as Rarity put it- the worst possible thing, at least at the moment. 
The forty-five minutes required to get the meal out to the Dashes and the Flutters were among the most agonizing in Rainbow Dash's life. Her mind was moving at speeds she had never thought possible, trying to fabricate answers to the endless questions about her life that Gale Force was posing. She had no idea if any of the things she had said contradicted each other. Words were moving straight from brain to mouth, without an instant for review. 
"So, do you like music?"
"Listen to it all the time! I love classical stuff. Can't get enough of Octavia's string quartet!"
"Do you like travelling?"
"I don't as much as I'd like, but I love going into Canterlot, and Manehattan for plays."
"So you're into theatre?"
"Yeah! I love Hinny of the Hills!" The occasional honest answer brought momentary relief to Rainbow Dash, but she could never truly relax, because she would already be formulating answers to questions he might ask next.
"So, uh, do you race by any chance?"
Rainbow Dash swallowed hard. Of all the lies she had to tell, this one was the most painful. She felt her father's eyes on her with searing intensity. Fluttershy, thankfully, had excused herself to the ladies room. Had she been there, Rainbow Dash had no doubt she would have spoke up about the lie. Whether or not anypony would hear her was another question, but not one she had the energy to think about. "Oh, no. I couldn't. It just isn't... ladylike." She felt so fake as she spoke, and suspected she looked it too. 
"Oh. Okay then." Gale Force looked disappointed. Their food arrived after one of the most agonizing waits Rainbow Dash had ever endured. The conversation mercifully shifted to food, in which Rainbow Dash participated only minimally. She never really liked Pasta Primavera, but the taste came as sweet relief to the young mare. She had, hopefully, done it. She ate her food in dainty little bites, and despite her struggles, managed to at least pretend she ate with utensils on a normal basis. 
	
> Interlude 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, you want me to go an' comfort Twilight?" Big Macintosh asked. Spike nodded. Applejack had given up trying to persuade him against enlisting her older brother, and had returned to applebucking. To say the red stallion was apprehensive was an understatement. Spike had never seen a pony so big act so skittish.
"Please, Big Mac." Spike pleaded, "Twilight is really upset. I can't stand to see her like this."
"Alright, alright. Ah'll talk to her on one condition; No romantic stuff. Ah ain't lookin for a special somepony right now."
The dragon happily agreed, "That's fine. I doubt Twilight is in the mood for romance right now. It's a, uh... what did AJ call it again? A code blue?"
Big Macintosh's eyes bulged at the mention of the term, "Nelly, that changes everything! Ah'll get goin over right away!" He scooped Spike up onto his back, and took off galloping toward town.
Spike held on tightly to Mac's mane. Despite his size, he was one of the faster earth ponies Spike had met. Even when Twilight ran hastily, it still took her almost twice as long to get from the library to Sweet Apple Acres as it did for Big Mac to traverse the same route.  Many of the ponies on the street were observing the spectacle as it passed. It was a strange sight to see the quiet farmer look so determined. That he was carrying Twilight's faithful assistant only added to the spectacle.
"So, y'all got a plan?" Macintosh asked, "Ah may not be too smart with the ladies, but ah reckon she'll think it's a mite odd that I come down when she's feeling down. If y'all haven't noticed, ah don't visit the library much."
"Just say that you heard she was upset and wanted to see if you could cheer her up." Spike suggested. "Hey, I have an idea. Head over to Sugarcube corner."
Five minutes and a saddlebag loaded with creampuffs later, Big Mac and Spike had left the bakery and were back on their way to the library. Macintosh nervously knocked on the door. He was not good with women. He was unsure if he would be able to help Twilight, but if it really was a code blue...
He did not want to take the risk. Rarity's depression had proven catastrophic, and with Twilight being a princess, the potential for a disaster became even greater. An here Ah am, a farmer tryin to cheer up a princess. Macintosh allowed himself a chuckle. 
His knock was dainty for his size, but still audible just the same. A weak voice, obviously one weak from crying, answered from within. "Come in." It feebly invited. 
She sounds worse than Ah thought. The stallion pushed his timidity aside. Twilight was one of the nicest mares in town, and a friend of his sister's besides. The door creaked open. The library was unusually dark. No candles were lit, and all the blinds were drawn. Sitting in a pile of empty ice cream tubs was undoubtedly Twilight Sparkle, reveling in her misery.
"Uh, hi Twilight." He cautiously waved. "Ah heard you were feelin' down, so Ah thought Ah'd come check up on ya. I brought some cream puffs. Hope ya don't mind."
Twilight sniffled, "Thank you so much. I've just had the worst day today."
Spike only told him told him the gist of the situation, but Macintosh decided it was best to feign ignorance to what had happened altogether, "Somethin' the matter with Princess Celestia? Don't go worryin' about her Twi. Ah'm sure she's mighty proud of ya. You're as clever as a box of jackrabbits."
Twilight smiled, "Thanks, I think. But no, that isn't it. I had some relationship issues that I really would rather not talk about."
"That's fine by me. Ah don't know much bout any romantics, but Ah do know that a mare as pretty and smart as you deserves to be treated real nice." What are you doing? His conscious screamed. You don't want to go leading her on! The southern gentlecolt that so heavily formed his background had taken the reins away from his normal, shy self. 
Twilight blushed, "Thank you so much. Um, if you aren't doing anything today, could you maybe stay here for a little while? I could really use somepony to keep me company."
"Uh, sure, Ah guess." He shot a glance to Spike, who was observing from the window. The message got across. Go an help mah sister while ah'm here. Spike dutifully ran off to help Applejack. He couldn't buck apples like Big Mac could, but maybe with Applebloom's help the two of them could clear out a few trees by claw or by hoof. 
Twilight stood up and looked around the library, embarrassed by the mess. "Would you mind maybe moving somewhere more... clean?"
"Sure, where do ya have in mind?"
"Well, upstairs is good." Warning sirens went off in his head.  Notgoodnotgoodnotgoodnotgood! He wasn't savvy with the mares, but he knew that Twilight's upstairs was her bedroom, and he also knew what an invitation to the bedroom meant. He allowed her to lead him anyway. Perhaps he felt pity for the heartbroken mare, or maybe he did feel just a tiny little itty bit of attraction toward her. He knew getting physically involved right now would only make matters worse. But he went anyway.
Twilight did not settle down in her bed, or wait for an advance from Macintosh. Nor did she did do anything sexual, or even make any off-color remarks. She nestled down onto her guest bed, a large pile of straw (Twilight never anticipated having guests for the night) and motioned for Big Mac to join her. The stallion settled down beside the smaller mare, who snuggled up to him the instant he stopped moving. She nuzzled his neck affectionately for awhile, occasionally accepting a cream puff from his saddlebag. After about half an hour of cuddling and cooing, she used her horn to pull a blanket out from a chest, covered them in it, and fell asleep. Eventually, without anything to entertain himself, Big Macintosh conceded allowed himself to drift off. He had been working particularly hard on the farm lately, and with the havoc of the day, he was all too happy to fall asleep at six PM. 
Silently, so Twilight wouldn't wake up, Macintosh allowed himself a chuckle. "Ah doubt Granny ever thought today'd happen. Here Ah am, sleepin in the same bed as a mare." He had built up the confidence to call this a date.  Everything had remained blissfully innocent, and he had to admit, he felt useful here. Twilight had needed a rock, and he had provided that bastion of confidence for her. "Ah guess Ah might know a few things about mares." He smiled. Twilight's breath was light and peaceful, her head still leaning against his. After planting a gentle kiss goodnight on her muzzle, Big Macintosh finally surrendered himself to sleep. 
*	*	*
Spike returned well after dark. He, Applejack and Applebloom had put in a hard day in the fields. Sure, they had came nowhere close to the day's quota with Big Mac off with Twilight, but having Spike had at least helped pick up some of the slack. Granny Smith had insisted Spike come back in a week or so. The Apple family would be getting together for their annual reunion. Spike had initially refused, but he couldn't say no to Applebloom (partly because he loved foals, and partly because she promised her Apploosan relatives would love to play cards with them). The filly had even gone so far as to teach him a traditional Apple family square dance. Granny Smith had said that anypony who spends a day working hard in Apple family fields is as good as family. 
The lights were still off in the library and the ice cream cartons still littered the floor. Spike had feared that Big Mac hadn't been able to help, until he went upstairs and found the two asleep in Twilight's spare hay pile. They looked pretty cute, he had to admit. Spike had no say in Twilight's love life, but he had always thought Big Mac might be a good stallion for her. He was very caring and very respectful to mares, even if he was a bit awkward around them. Spike giggled. If this goes anywhere, Applebloom and I might actually become family! He pushed the thought away. Now wasn't the time for anypony to consider Twilight getting married. He instead gave a sigh of relief, took up a pen and quill, and decided to inform the Princess that a crisis had been averted. After his letter was sent, he settled down in his basket, and went to sleep.

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash spent the rest of her week in Cloudsdale, mostly in the company of the Flutter siblings. Inferno had eased up on her significantly, not even mentioning a curfew or raising a word of objection when she happily declared she was going to attend a Wonderbolts show. The show and accompanying race ran long, not ending until well past midnight. 
Rainbow crept into her house. She hoped that everypony inside had already gone to bed, but as she opened the door, she saw the sight that was the dread of her childhood. There sat Inferno Dash, copy of the Cloudsdale Examiner in hand, sitting stoically in his armchair.
Years of nerves got the better of her as she started stammering, "Dad, I'm so sorry, the show ran long and-"
Inferno chuckled a deep, hearty laugh, "You're a grown mare Rainbow Dash. You don't need to explain yourself to me."
Rainbow Dash flicked her ear, and made sure it was not obstructed, "Did I just hear you right?"
Her grayed father nodded, "I said that I think you've grown up into a fine young lady. I was very impressed how maturely you handled yourself at the restaurant. I talked to Commander Flutterfury, and he is very proud of both of you for making the choice that you felt was right for you, even though you were probably worried we'd be angry." He took his daughter in his hooves, "I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days. Seeing my daughter so happy is the greatest feeling in the world. I think you'll make a fine Wonderbolt."
Rainbow's eyes glimmered, "So you approve?"
"I don't agree with your decision, but I can't argue that it's what you want to be. It's written plain as day on your flank." He pointed a yellow hoof at her cutie mark. "Cutie marks don't lie."
Rainbow Dash could not resist herself. She threw herself at Inferno, enveloping him in a passionate hug. He flinched at first, but gradually returned the embrace. 
After a minute, he removed Rainbow's iron grip from his body, "Come upstairs, your mother wants to see you."
Rainbow solemnly trekked up the stairs. She knew her mom was hoping the marriage would go through. She thought Morningdew would be disappointed. 
She was mistaken. Inside the master bedroom, Morningdew Dash was propped up in her bed, the warming smile from Rainbow's foalhood emblazoned on her face. She still looked ill, but the improvement in her health was staggering. She had returned to reality from the brink of death, and in the dark room, radiated life and hope. "How was the show dear?" She asked.
"It was awesome! Gale and I got great seats, and we even managed to get Soarin and Spitfire's autographs!" Rainbow Dash's typical enthusiasm for the Wonderbolts had brought her wings into a flurry, leaving her absentmindedly floating above the ground. 
Morningdew smiled, "I'm glad you and Gale Force are spending time together. That's the only way a stallion and a mare can get to know each other. Right dear?" She turned to Inferno and smiled. The old stallion blushed. "I wanted to tell you that I'm feeling much better. The doctor came by earlier today. He said I'll still be in bed for a while, but my condition has improved by leaps and bounds."
"When your mother is better we'll be taking a family vacation. Either to Germarey, or Prance."
"I can't wait." The young mare walked to her mother's side, and took her and her father in her hooves.
"I have never felt so much love in this house," Morningdew said, "Has something gone on between you two?"
Inferno and Rainbow both laughed awkwardly, "Well, I suppose you can say we've gained a newfound respect for each other's views." He grinned. 
Morningdew clapped happily, "I am so proud of you two." She looked at the clock and gave the same warm, motherly smile as did Princess Celestia. "It's so late. You both had better be off to bed."
Rainbow Dash slept until ten the next morning, and immediately went over to Gale's house. Fluttershy answered the door, "Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. Are you looking for Gale Force?"
She nodded, "Yeah. I'm going to be leaving for Ponyville this afternoon and wanted to say goodbye."
"Um, out of curiosity, what are you planning on doing about Twilight when you get home? I hope she isn't mad that you have a coltfriend."
Rainbow Dash felt her eyes swell to the size of dinner plates as everything that was good in her life suddenly died. How could I forget about Twilight? She must hate me after what happened! There's no way I can bring Gale to Ponyville! Rainbow Dash tried in vain to recompose herself. She tried deep breathing, counting, and a little bit of yoga for good measure. Nothing could calm her racing nerves. "Oh Celestia, what am I gonna do?" She wailed, "Twilight's gonna hate me for kicking her out and then coming home with a guy!"
"Maybe if you just apologize?" Fluttershy asked. "I'm sure Twilight will forgive you."
Rainbow shook her head, "After what happened, she'll never want to talk to me. Remember what happened when Rarity got ditched a few years ago?"
The memory sent shivers down Fluttershy's spine, "Oh gosh, do I! I had to host a charity meeting in a torn dress because Rarity wasn't working. Everypony was staring at me, it was awful!"
Teeth were ground and hooves were madly stomped as Rainbow Dash desperately tried to think of a solution, "I got it!" She shouted, "I'll send you to scope things out before I come into town. That way, I'll know how to handle things."
"Do you think that would work?" Fluttershy asked apprehensively, "I don't want to accidentally upset Twilight."
Rainbow Dash gave a reassuring nod, "This is the best chance we have not to hurt her feelings. Don't worry, just ask how she's doing, and when you're done, come talk to me."
The two mares were seen off by their families at Rainbow Dash's house. The fathers and brothers stood on the front stairs, and Morningdew waved from the window. They took off and cruised at a respectable speed, slow enough for Fluttershy to keep up, but fast enough to return to Ponyville before dark. They agreed to use Fluttershy's cottage as their meeting point. Rainbow opened the house and waited inside, while Fluttershy set course for the library.
The sky was clear this day in Ponyville. The sun hung lazily just above the horizon, painting the town a magnificent shade of orange. Fluttershy examined the streets, looking for the alicorn in question. Her search did not take as long as she had expected. She saw Twilight within minutes, strolling down the street with Big Macintosh. Fluttershy swooped in a little closer. The two seemed awfully close to be friends. Then she saw it. She gasped. This changes everything!  She thought excitedly. 
*	*	*
Rainbow Dash poked around the cottage. There really wasn't anything there to do, so Rainbow occupied herself with scrutinizing every detail of the house. There was a note taped to the cupboard in her kitchen. She took it off and read it. 
Dear Fluttershy,
Hope your flight home was alright. I know you aren't as fast as your friends, but just keep trying your best! Anyway, I made a pie for you. It's a new recipe I'm trying out. Eighty-seven berry surprise. You wouldn't believe how many countries I had to visit to get eighty seven different kinds of berry. I went out for my spa appointment with Pinkie Pie, I should be back before ten. Pie is on the counter.	
Love, Discord
Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder, and surely enough, there was an admittedly beautiful looking pie on the counter. The smell was enough to start her drool reflex, as was the rainbow of berries that could be seen through the fine decorations Discord had worked into the crust. She found another note on the pie.
Rainbow Dash,
This pie is not for you. However, if you are hungry, there is one ready for you. Turn around.
Love, Discord. 
She turned around just quickly enough to see the cream pie smash into her face. She fumed with anger. She had no idea how Discord could manage to be everywhere at once, messing with her meanwhile taking a relaxing soak in a chocolate milk hot tub with Pinkie across town. She licked the cream off her face. At least the god of chaos had the common courtesy to use homemade cream in his pranks. 
*	*	*
Fluttershy cautiously approached Twilight. Her friend smiled as she landed, "Hi Fluttershy. How was your trip?"
"Oh, it was wonderful. I had a very nice time with my father and brothers." She was still giddy from how affectionately her father had treated her, and the joy was pervasive in her speech and body.
"I'm glad to hear that." Twilight's causal expression dropped into a scowl. "So. How's Rainbow Dash?"
Fluttershy released a slight eep. Twilight hadn't wasted any time asking the off-limits question. Her brain went into overdrive trying to formulate the least-angering answer she could manage. Or she tried. Instead, her brain-to-mouth connection was set to instant message, and she wound up saying what happened without any dressing-up. "Rainbow Dash likes my brother but the two of them decided they aren't going to get married! They decided they wanted to get to know each other first!"
Twilight rolled her eyes. "So, she ditches me the first chance she gets for some handsome stallion?"
Fluttershy was reduced to a cowering mass, "She feels really bad about this Twilight. Please don't be angry."
Twilight giggled. "I guess I can't be too mad. Right after she dumped me, a certain dragon arranged a little date for me and this handsome stallion." Big Mac blushed.
"So you aren't upset?" Fluttershy asked hopefully.
Twilight shrugged. "A little bit, but I'll get over it. After all, we were only together for a day. And if it hadn't been for her, I would never have ended up together with Big Macintosh."
Macintosh nuzzled Twilight. "The two of us are off to the farm. Applejack is runnin' herself ragged tryin' to set up for the family reunion, so Ah thought Twi might be able to lend a hand. She and Spike are gonna be honorary guests this year."
"That's so wonderful!" Fluttershy piped, "I'll go tell Rainbow-"
"No need Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash said as she descended to the ground. "By the way, Discord made you a pie." Fluttershy couldn't help but notice a few stains of Discord's famous clotted cream all over her front. 
Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight squarely in the eyes, "Twilight, I'm so sorry with what happened in Cloudsdale. I let my dad intimidate me into making you leave. I should have fought back."
Twilight looked back with understanding and compassion in her soft, purple eyes, "I understand. Sometimes you really can't argue with your parents. Besides, it was his house, what was I going to do, force my way inside?"
"I guess not." Rainbow laughed, "So, are we cool?"
Twilight nodded, "Yeah. I think you've learned a valuable lesson from this."
Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah. Do you want me to write a letter to the Princess?"
"I don't think that's necessary. All in all, everything turned out all right for both of us. You're dating Fluttershy's brother, and I'm dating Applejack's brother." She deadpanned as she realized the implications. "If Pinkie is really Applejack's cousin, the family reunions are going to get strange in the future."
"Well, we aren't exactly 'dating'," Rainbow awkwardly laughed, "I'd prefer to say that we're friends. But I don't want to think about anypony getting married right now. We're still young, we have time to take things slow."
Twilight turned her head, "Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?"
She nodded, "Couldn't be better."
The couple walked past, and Fluttershy flew home, leaving Rainbow Dash alone in the evening sun. Spike came running past, but stopped in his tracks when he saw Rainbow Dash. "Hey Rainbow," he waved.
"Hey Spike. What's the matter, do you not want to kill me anymore?" She joked.
The little dragon shook his head, "Nah. Twilight got over things pretty fast. She and Big Macintosh really hit it off."
She smiled, "You know, I'm happy for them."
Spike grabbed Rainbow's mane and pulled her head down to his level, "But if you ever hurt Twilight again, I will-" he didn't finish the threat, instead puffing a burst of fire dangerously close to her face and showing off his sharpened claws. 
"SPIKE, hurry up!" Twilight shouted from down the road, "Applejack still needs our help, and I'd like to be there before dark!"
"Coming!" He yelled. Spike ran down the trail, every now and again shooting a glare towards Rainbow Dash. 
She smiled. Absentmindedly, she started rifling through her saddlebag, which she had never bothered to take off. She found a paper inside, one she hadn't known was there. 

To the jewel of my eye,

I could write poem and prose about your mane
Which gleams with prismatic splendor.
Or about your eyes, with starlight twinkle,
Or your wings, supple as silk.
But that belays my true reason
And that would be treason,
For loving a mare such as you.
For Rainbow Dash makes my heart beat true,
And that is because you are you. 
Pardon my words, but it is the truth.
For my love, I cannot lie. 
To all of the norms, you are aloof,
For normalcy, you give 
Not a hoof.
You are one of a kind
Unique among mares
And your wonderful soul
Does always remind
That despite what I've seen
I have yet to glean
From the Earth
A gem as beautiful as you. 

Love, Gale Force Flutter.

Rainbow Dash smiled as she returned the letter to her bag. She made a mental not to ask Rarity to translate some of the language for her, but it set her heart aflutter just the same. Not that good my ass. She thought, as she returned home as the sun dipped below the horizon. He was a heartthrob, and was certainly more in love with her than she was with him. But that could always change. She still was unsure about him, but Rainbow Dash had a good feeling about this.