//------------------------------// // Top of the World // Story: Hike for the Future // by icouldntthinkofone //------------------------------// “Why don’t we set up camp half a mile down the trail, then come back up here to watch the sunset? The only response she got was a nod from the girl in front of her. Several months ago, Fluttershy had come to her talking about how there was a hiking competition- ten pairs would trek 100 miles across the Everfree Forest. The competition was to raise awareness about environmental issues; though there was a cash prize for first, second, and third place. Being the nature-lover she is, Fluttershy wanted to do it for the experience, as she would never miss an opportunity to spend time outside, enjoying the natural world. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand was in it mostly for the money…who was she kidding? She did it for her girlfriend, the way Fluttershy lit up when talking about it was all the convincing Rainbow Dash needed. A little over a week since they hike started they were almost finished. This would be their last night in the woods and they hand just reached the zenith of the mountain range along their path. It was starting to get late and such an opportunity to see the sunset from the mountain top could not be passed up. With their tent set up, the couple made a quick dinner of rice and beans, with a side of canned veggies. The short hike back up to the peak wasn’t terrible, they brought their dinner, hydration packs, a small tarp and blanket and of course: flashlights. “I love this,” Dash said softly, she sat on the tarp leaning against a tree with Fluttershy sitting between her legs, the blanket over the both of them. “Me too,” Fluttershy replied, lifting their entangled hands to kiss the back of Rainbow Dash’s. They sat in a contempt silence taking in the sounds of nature and the slightly shifting sunlight. “I love you, ‘Shy,” Rainbow muttered pressing a kiss against soft pink hair. Fluttershy grimaced- she loved the affectionate gestures from Rainbow Dash- it was just that she had not properly washed her hair since their adventure started. Dips into streams and dry shampoo could only go so far when it came to hair care. “I love you too, Dashie.” Several moments passed before Rainbow Dash urged Fluttershy up so they could take pictures. Photography was one of Rainbow Dash’s hobbies, well taking photos of Fluttershy was her hobby. Rummaging through her backpack, Rainbow Dash felt for the small square box she had brought on the trip. Checking to ensure that Fluttershy was distracted by the view Rainbow, slipped the box into her pocket before grabbing the camera. There was no doubt in her mind that Fluttershy could model is she chose to do so. She was slender, had flawless skin, soft facial features, long gorgeous light pink hair, and the most amazing teal colored eyes. Those eyes. They were Rainbow Dash’s weakness, they were so expressive and could always hold Rainbow’s intense cerise eyes (until Fluttershy got to shy and turned away). After snapping a few shots of her girlfriend and the sunset, Dash stood next to Fluttershy. Instead of watching the sunset, her gaze was fixed on the girl next to her. “What is it?” Fluttershy questioned, turning to face Rainbow Dash, a slight blush on her cheeks. Rainbow Dash smiled, bringing a hand up to stroke Fluttershys’ cheek. “You’re just...so beautiful, baby.” The blush deepened as she brought her hand up to cover Rainbow’s own, turning to press her lips to the warm palm. Leaning down Rainbow Dash stole a soft kiss, her free hand reaching into her pocket. “Fluttershy…you are my everything, my moon and my sun,” Rainbow sunk to a knee as she spoke, opening the small box. Fluttershy let out a gasp and clasped both hands over her mouth, tears swelling in her eyes. Rainbow Dash swallowed before continuing, “I love you so much. Your smile, the way you turn away embarrassed when I catch you looking at me; or when you catch me looking at you. How kind you are to animals, how hard you study, I love everything about you. I could go on and on. Baby, would you give me the honor of marrying you? Will you marry me?" Daylight was fading quickly at this point, but Rainbow could see the tears streaking down the other girl’s face. She held her breath, they had not talked about the future at all. They had only been together for a little over a year and a half and living together for the past five months. Was it too soon? Did she misread the signs? The panic was starting to set in as there was no reply from her girlfriend. What was she supposed to do now? A rock was digging into her knee uncomfortably, but she couldn’t will herself to move. Rainbow Dash was about to close the box when she heard it. “Yes,” it was so soft that Rainbow nearly missed it over her own thoughts and worries. “Dashie, yes!” it was louder this time. “Really?” her voice was strained almost pleading, praying her mind wasn’t playing tricks on her. “Yes! Dashie, I will marry you!” Fluttershy was laughing as tears continued to fall down her cheeks. Rainbow Dash shot up, slipping the ring onto the appropriate finger; before picking up Fluttershy kissing her as she spun them around. They could not properly celebrate as neither had a proper shower in over a week. The only source of bodily hygiene they had were the baby wipes they brought with them and the occasional dip in the stream. Fluttershy lay against Rainbow Dash, as her fiancé traced over the tattoo of three butterflies she had on her right side. The hike back to their camp had been rather quick; Fluttershy admired her ring and stole kisses from Rainbow Dash, as darkness fell around them. Her ring was stunning; it was a simple band with three large stones in the center as a few smaller stones followed on either side. She was fairly certain the middle stone was a diamond, the two stones on either side of the main one were a light pink, most likely sapphires. The rest of the smaller ones alternated between pink and clear, most likely the same type of stones as the larger three. She hoped it didn’t cost too much. Rainbow Dash worked hard to make sure the bills were met and rent was covered, as Fluttershy was a fulltime student with a part-time job at a vet clinic. Her small income was enough to make sure they had groceries every week. Truth be told, Dash could have proposed with a woven grass ring and she still would have said yes. The hand stroking her side had stopped and Rainbow Dash’s breathing was now even and deep. Smiling, Fluttershy could not wait to show off her new ring to their friends. The last several miles of the trail were not horrible, the excitement of a hot shower, soft bed, and seeing their friends urged them on. Even though she only wore her engagement ring for a few hours, Fluttershy felt naked without it on. She had asked Rainbow Dash to carry it for her in its box, stored safely in her fiancé’s backpack just in case anything happened to it while she was wearing it. By the time they had reached the end, it was early in the afternoon and as expected their friends were waiting form them at the finish line. Greetings were exchanged along with hugs as they all chatted excitedly about the past week’s events. “You guys came in second,” Twilight Sparkle informed the couple as they made their way to a tent filled with food and water. Rainbow Dash shrugged, “the experience trumps the first place win,” she winked at Fluttershy, before continuing, “besides $500 for second isn’t bad at all! It’ll take care of the bills for a few months, and will buy textbooks for Flutters.” “First, second or last place, it doesn’t matter. It calls for A PARTY!” an excitable Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she took another bite out of a large muffin. “Lef’s eat at da Itawin pwace we wike,” she managed to get out in between chewing. Celebrating with their friends was the last thing Rainbow Dash wanted to do, she wanted to go home, shower, properly celebrate the engagement and sleep for a day straight. She was about to answer when Fluttershy cut in. “Umm...Pinkie. I think Dashie and I want to go home and recover first. We can go out tomorrow? If that’s okay...” she said timidly, playing with her long ponytail. “Of course it’s okay, Darling!” Rarity replied, “We all know how exhausted the two of you must be,” she stared at Pinkie willing their hyperactive friend to take a hint. “Yeah! Get sleep and shower, the two of you need it!” the couple blushed as Pinkie finished off yet another muffin. The friends had agreed to meet up tomorrow night at their favorite Italian restaurant for dinner. Walking to the cars made Rainbow Dash realize how exhausted she actually was. Applejack managed to slyly pull Rainbow away from the group as Fluttershy and the three other girls continued to talk, walking ahead of the two. “So…” AJ drawled out as the pair headed to her truck. She had agreed to take Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy home after their hiking challenge, the rest of their friends had come with Rarity to show their support. “What’s up AJ?” Rainbow replied, acting nonchalant. “I didn’t see a ring on ‘er finger. Did ya chicken out or did she say no?” Rainbow Dash scoffed, “she said yes. I’m just holding onto it for her.” Applejack was the only one who knew Rainbow was planning on proposing, in fact she had dragged her best friend with her to help pick out the ring. “Congrats, Dash! Will you make the announcement tomorrow?” “Oh yeah, most likely. I’ll see how Fluttershy wants to go about it. Do me a favor and act like you’re surprised AJ.” “Ya got it, partner.” The drive home was several hours long but both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had fallen asleep within the first half hour of the drive and stayed knocked out until Applejack pulled up to their apartment. Thanking their friend for the lift the couple sleepily stumbled into the apartment. Fluttershy immediately went to check on Angel bunny (Twilight was in charge of looking after him on their trip). Rainbow Dash dumped their backpacks off at the entrance and walked straight into their bathroom to take a shower. She was standing there when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist. “Hey you, how are you feeling? Still sleepy?” Rainbow Dash asked turning around the water hitting her back. Fluttershy nodded, trying to maneuver around Dash so she could get under the running water and finally wash her hair. “Rainbow! I’m trying to actually shower,” she squeaked as Rainbow Dash’s hands teasingly wandered, as she was shampooing her hair. “Yeah, but we’re in the shower together. We should be doing together things!” Rolling her eyes Fluttershy soaped up her body as she let the shampoo sit in her hair a little longer. She turned and kissed Dash “get out and let me finish up, without distractions.” “Fine,” Rainbow whined as she got out to towel off and bolted to their bedroom. By the time Fluttershy had gotten out of the shower and made it to the bedroom, Rainbow was sprawled out on the bed, softly snoring. Surprisingly she was wearing clothes, Fluttershy was certain she would be watching TV, waiting for her naked. Fluttershy crawled over the bed and straddled Rainbow Dash, leaning down to kiss her awake. Strong hands gently gripped her waist as Rainbow kissed back. “Hey beautiful,” she looked up into those teal eyes before flipping them over, “time to celebrate our engagement?” Fluttershy nodded pulling Rainbow Dash into a deep kiss as the night gave way to passion.