“HERE we are!” Pinkie Pie cajoled as she came out from the kitchen, a tray of cupcakes in her mouth and on her head. “Cupcakes for us all!” She placed the trays onto the table in front of her friends, one at a time, in the most Pinkie way possible.
“Gosh, thank ya kindly!” Applejack immediately beelined for one, taking it off the tray with her mouth and gobbling it up in one bite.
“Applejack, darling, you must learn to take one bite at a time!” Rarity uttered in disgust, levitating a napkin to the Earth pony's muzzle to wipe it.
This made Applejack blush, despite that she tried to hide it. “But they're small! Ah can eat 'em just fine in one bite!”
“Regardless of their size, one must always display good manners when eating in public! Especially if you want to savour the wondrous treat you are given!” Rarity told her, still wiping her mouth with the napkin and then tossing it away.
Applejack grumbled as she looked away from the Unicorn, already scowling with annoyance. Twilight Sparkle giggled as she levitated a cupcake over to herself, taking a bite from it.
“They're delicious, Pinkie!” Twilight praised, taking another bite. “Did you do something different to them?”
“Nopey-dopey-lopey!” Pinkie Pie shook her head and grinned before she sat down with her friends, right next to Twilight. “I made them the same way I always do, of course! With just a hint of the Pinkie Pie Secret Extract!”
“Oh, and what's that?” Fluttershy took a sip of her tea.
“Duh, it's a secret, silly filly! That's why it's called the Pinkie Pie Secret Extract!” Pinkie Pie playfully rolled her eyes, but grinned widely. “If you figure it out, though, then you'll get a prize!”
“And what kind of prize would that be, darling?” Rarity raised a delicate eyebrow.
Pinkie giggled, winking. “You'll see! It's a surprise! You'll just have to guess what it is if you want to find out what the prize will be!”
Applejack snickered before she turned to Rarity, raising a hoof to one side of her mouth in the gesture of sharing a secret. “How much ya wanna bet that the prize is a party fer figurin' it out?”
“Ooh, I would certainly bet my latest hat on it!” Rarity whispered back, giggling.
“Fine, then Ah'll throw in mah scarf!” Applejack stood back, holding her hoof out to the fashionista Unicorn.
Rarity smirked, nodding as she shook hooves with her. “It's a bet, dear Applejack!”
“Awright, yer on!” Applejack smirked, and looked back at the table. “Hey! How 'bout we hoof wrestle? Winner take all!” She placed her hoof onto it, ready to hoof wrestle.
“Again, darling? Oh, all right!” Rarity placed her hoof on the table, rolling her eyes.
“Oh dear...” Fluttershy's eyes went wide with concern.
“Don't worry, Fluttershy,” Twilight assured her. “Rarity can hold her own, you'll see.”
The two ponies immediately began to hoof wrestle, to which Rarity was actually slowly winning. Fluttershy was surprised at this, but now could see she knew better than to underestimate Rarity's strength. She was in very good shape, after all, so who was to say she didn't have enough power of her own to put up a good fight in hoof wrestling?
“Yer not gonna beat me...” Applejack was now in the lead.
“Oh, you certainly don't know that it's not over until it is over, darling!” Rarity smirked, taking the lead now.
The door burst open, and two Pegasus ponies came right in, one of them being an ever-familiar cyan mare with a rainbow mane and tail.
“Hey hey hey! Look no further, your friendly neighbourhood Rainbow Dash has arrived! Hold your applause!” Rainbow Dash announced dramatically, full of herself as usual.
“Howdy, Rainbow Dash!” Applejack waved at her with her free hoof, only to then be beaten by Rarity. “Hey! Ah wasn't ready!”
“Fair's fair, darling,” Rarity winked, blowing her a kiss.
“Hey, Rainbow!” Twilight smiled. “What's going on?” Her eyes fell on the other mare standing next to Rainbow Dash.
“Everypony, this is my new pal, Blazing Comet! She's from Cloudsdale and just moved to Ponyville for a while to take care of a relative!” Rainbow Dash said, gesturing to the other Pegasus.
Blazing Comet was a fairly tall Pegasus, reaching to be just a bit taller than Rainbow Dash. She had a thin, though muscular build to her body size and her legs. Her coat was dark orange, her mane and tail were a smokey black that was long and messy, tied back with a yellow hair tie. As a contrast, her eyes were bright green, and her cutie mark depicted a comet with a fiery trail following it.
“Hey!” Blazing Comet smiled as she waved at them. “So you're all of Rainbow Dash's friends, huh? Cool! It's great to finally meet you all!”
“Allow me, of course, to introduce you!” Rainbow Dash brought the other mare over to the table, beginning to introduce her friends. “This is Applejack, she's the cool farm pony who runs Sweet Apple Acres with her family!”
“Howdy, Blazin' Comet! Nice to meet ya!” Applejack grinned, extending her hoof.
“Hey, likewise! I love apples!” Blazing Comet chuckled, shaking hooves with her.
“Aw shucks, always glad ta hear! Be sure to come on by sometime, Ah'll hook ya up!” Applejack winked.
“This is Pinkie Pie, she helps the Cakes run this joint right here, of course!” Rainbow Dash indicated to Pinkie.
“Hello hello hello!! We never met before, that's how I know you're new!” Pinkie Pie immediately got into Comet's face, grinning widely as she bounced around. “So that means I'm gonna have to throw you a party! A big welcome party! Yep! Ooh, but it's already three, I'll have to work fast! Okay, tonight! Be here at Sugarcube Corner at seven! It's a party in your honour! So don't be late!”
Blazing Comet's eyes went wide, having expected this. But she smiled. “Wow, gosh! A party just for me? It's been a long time! Why not? I'll be there!”
“Awesome! I'll get to organizing things right away!” Pinkie Pie dashed up the nearby staircase at the end of the shop.
Comet giggled, shaking her head. “You were right, Dash. She is pretty nutty!”
“But she does throw awesome parties!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “All right, where was I? Oh yes! Over here is Rarity, she's the oh-so proper Unicorn who likes all the fancy stuff!” The baby-blue Pegasus gagged a bit. “She's also the owner of the Carousel Boutique, and well, I gotta admit she makes awesome dresses! So if you want her to make you something, you'll get it!”
“Certainly right!” Rarity agreed. “A delight to meet you, of course, Blazing Comet! I will surely make a dress for you should you ever request it! All I would need is for you to come by and let me take your measurements, of course!”
“Heh, sure! I'll keep it in mind, Rarity,” Blazing Comet smiled, shaking her hoof.
“Over here is Twilight Sparkle, she-”
“Ah, Twilight Sparkle!” Blazing Comet interrupted. “I've heard about you, actually! My cousin works as an astronomer in Canterlot, and he says he's seen you a lot! His name's Star Night!”
“Oh! Star Night's your cousin? Get out of town!” Twilight smiled widely. “He's very adept with astronomy, Princess Celestia told me to talk to him if I ever needed a little extra help! That's fantastic!”
“I know! He's really cool, even if he talks about space all the time!” Blazing Comet laughed, grinning. “So it's cool to finally meet you, Twilight Sparkle!”
“Thank you, it's great to meet you too!” Twilight shook hooves with her.
“Guess it is a small world after all...” Rainbow Dash said dryly, but was smiling anyway. “All right Comet, last but definitely not least is my best friend in the world, Fluttershy! Just um...be patient with her, she's a pretty shy. But she's sweet as can be!”
“Ah, so you're the famous Fluttershy!” Blazing Comet grinned, approaching her slowly. “Dash has told me a lot about you!”
A very nervous, blushy Fluttershy sank in her seat while mumbling a hello.
Understanding, Blazing Comet chuckled and shook her head. “Guess I'll try again later. No problem! So Dash, you still taking me on the Fastest Tour of Ponyville?”
“You bet I am!” Rainbow Dash winked at her saucily. “See you guys at the party! We'll talk then!”
“All right, well it was certainly nice meeting you!” Twilight smiled.
“Until later then, y'all!”
“Thanks, everypony! See you then!” Blazing Comet smiled, and then sneered toward Rainbow Dash. “Last one out is a rotten dragon egg!”
“You're on!” Rainbow Dash smirked.
The two Pegasi bolted out the door, leaving a strong draft of wind in their wake, ruffling the manes of the other four remaining ponies. For a few moments, they were in awe as they stared out the door, neither of them speaking a word. Only Pinkie Pie's humming and giggling from the kitchen could be heard, at least until Applejack spoke up again.
“Well shoot, that there was a mighty nice pony!”
Twilight smiled and nodded, “I agree! That's so cool that Rainbow Dash made a new friend like that! She seems very nice.”
“I concur, such a lady she must be with all that style!” Rarity gushed, giggling.
“Um...yes...she certainly does seem...nice...and um...seems to...be able to keep up with Rainbow,” Fluttershy murmured, sitting back up straight again.
Twilight and Rarity both exchanged glances, while Applejack looked from the two, then to Fluttershy, before it dawned on her. There was something a little off about the way Fluttershy was acting at the moment, though neither knew what it could've been or how serious it even was. For now, they resigned to just let it go and enjoy their treats.
Moments later, Pinkie Pie returned with a few papers on her person.
“Twilight! I am appointing you to help me organize this party!” Pinkie said, slapping an army helmet she pulled out of nowhere onto Twilight's head.
“Um, what do you need me to do?” Twilight blinked. “You're more qualified than I am.”
“Duh, I just need you to sit back with the list and check off when I tell you to!” Pinkie grinned widely, taking another helmet and slapping it onto her head. “I've got a lot of baking to do, anyway, so I'll need an extra hoof!”
“Ah'll help, too!” Applejack volunteered, getting up from her seat. “Yer gonna need an extra hoof with the bakin', ah would bet! 'Sides, Ah done did all mah chores fer the day, so Ah got some free time!”
Pinkie Pie grinned widely, swiped off her hat, then slapped an army helmet onto Applejack's head as well. “You're hired, AJ!”
“Yee-haw! Even with mah own helmet!” Applejack said with glee, rising up on her hind legs to wiggle her forelegs excitedly. “How 'bout you two? You wanna help?”
“I would love to, darling! But Fluttershy and I are due at the spa in ten minutes, I'm afraid!” Rarity replied, and got off her seat. “And we can't possibly ruin our hooficures!”
“Um...we could come and help with decorating after we're done...” Fluttershy suggested, getting up as well.
“Hmm....” Rarity thought for a moment, and then smiled widely. “A perfectly splendid, idea, Fluttershy!”
“Okey-dokey-lokie! See you then! Report back here at 16:00 hours!” Pinkie Pie said cheerfully before she guided Twilight and Applejack to the kitchen.
“Come then, darling! Let us be off!” Rarity said, turning to the creamy yellow Pegasus as she trotted toward the door.
Fluttershy nodded and mutely followed the Unicorn out of the bakery. Strange as it may have sounded, she couldn't help but feel even just a tad bit envious of Blazing Comet right then. Then again, she gave absolutely no reason to hate her, she was nothing but polite and very nice to everypony, even to her. Of course, there was an obvious reason, though it was more of a worry than anything.
“The usual, please!”
Almost immediately, Aloe and Lotus eagerly whisked the two ponies away to get started on their annual weekly spa treatment. With their robes equipped, their first stop was in the sauna.
Rarity and Fluttershy made themselves comfortable on the wooden bench as the humid, steamy air permeated the sauna. Aloe brought a fresh pail of water, pouring it over the hot rocks to create more steam with a soup ladle. The pink-maned mare sighed softly as she relaxed, closing her eyes as she settled against the wall, with nothing but the heat and steam caressing her face and her hooves. Inside the secluded, steamy, very hot sauna, with its wooden walls, floor and benches alike, the tub of hot rocks, it was a perfect little haven. Her scenes were at rest, at times only her senses of smell and touch were all she needed, whilst she let the rest of herself just lie back.
The watery, steamy smell of the sauna struck her nostrils, and she breathed in once, allowing the air to flow to her lungs. Then she breathed out with contentment. With her eyes closed, it wasn't long before she lost herself in sweet daydreams. The heat was just lulling her to sleep...
~She was within a meadow, with the majestic rolling hills all around her as she danced. The blue skies, clouds overhead, all kinds of flowers and animals surrounding her! It was all too perfect, and just a beauty to behold! Fluttershy giggled and danced around, singing and humming. The sweet smells filled her senses, the breeze blew around her, it was a perfect day.
Then, from the sky, down descended a streak of a rainbow...that then landed near her. Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy giggled and cooed with excitement, blushing as the blue Pegasus approached her.
“Hey, pal. Sorry I'm late, just had to take care of some awesome tricks...but I made sure I took care of them in one shot so I could spend more time with my favourite pony,” Rainbow Dash said suavely, her eyelids lowering partway as she smirked a little.
“Oh, Rainbow Dash...” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, looking at her longingly. “You came to me...you came...”
“Sure I did!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, and nuzzled her a bit. “I missed you, and I promised I'd meet you here.”
“Thank you...um....hug?” Fluttershy smiled hopefully.
A laugh escaped Rainbow Dash before she immediately enveloped the lovestruck Pegasus into her forelegs. “Mm-hm, of course!”
Completely dazed with so much love, Fluttershy snuggled against her, relishing in her warmth. The sleek, baby-blue coat felt heavenly against her cheek, and she could feel the pounding of the rainbow mare's heart in her chest.“Oh, Rainbow...I love you....”
Gently, Rainbow Dash tilted Fluttershy's head a bit to look down at her. She smiled, genuinly, with so much love and sweetness to behold. “And I love you, Fluttershy. I love you more than anything in the world, and I'll always be there for you. Don't you worry about a thing, I'm not going anywhere. I don't know what I'd do without you, you're my rock, my inspiration, my everything, Fluttershy! I love you,” she then leaned down toward her, lips puckered.
“Dashie....” Fluttershy cooed, and leaned up to kiss her as well. “My love...my dearest...Oh, Rainbow Dash...”~
“Fluttershy, darling! Whatever are you doing?”
Jerking awake, Fluttershy blinked wearily as she realized that she had been daydreaming yet again, even to the point of tuning out reality completely. She took a few breaths, managing to settle back on Equestria, as she then turned her attention back to Rarity.
“I...I'm sorry...I was just...well, I was....”
Rarity giggled, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Now now, there's no need to apologize. I do, however, need to ask. You were mumbling in your little daydreams...and I could not help but hear that you mentioned the name of Rainbow Dash within it. And judging by your tone, and the smile on your face, is there something you would like to tell me?”
Fluttershy squeaked, her cheeks flushed, moreso than because of the fact that she was indeed very warm right now in the middle of a sauna session. She swallowed hard, looking back into the kind, curious azure eyes of Rarity. “I....Rarity...do you...promise not to tell anypony?”
“Darling, of course I promise I will not tell! You know me better than that,” Rarity smiled, sitting back and letting go of her. “I may be one to gossip and fish for gossip, but if there is one thing I would never do, that is to reveal a secret of a dear friend without their consent. I promise you that I will not tell! ...No, I Pinkie Pie Promise, for good measure! Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” She placed her hoof over her eye to prove her point.
“Well...” Fluttershy took another deep breath, relieved to know that she could trust her with this very tormenting secret she harboured. “Well, Rarity...I....I wanted...to say that...I...well...I'm....I'm in love.”
“Just as I thought!” Rarity beamed, giggling like a schoolfilly. “You certainly do have the eyes and the air of a pony in love! Oh my yes! Now then, while I admit I can attest to whom it may be that has captured your heart, would you care to share that with me?”
Gulping, Fluttershy mumbled under her breath.
“What's that, darling? I didn't hear you.”
“-sh.”
“Darling, you really must speak up now.”
“-ash.”
Rarity sighed softly, her smile fading, and came closer to her. “Fluttershy, we are not getting anywhere with this. Please, speak up, dear.”
“RAINBOW DASH!” Fluttershy squealed loudly, and then placed her hooves over her mouth in shock. “I...I mean...yes...I'm in love with Rainbow Dash...”
“Ah, I see!” Satisfied, Rarity was all smiles again. “I should have known. You always did look to her in such a special way, and need I say that you truly do seem more...comfortable and confident around her?”
Blushing more, Fluttershy came to find the planks that made the bench they were sitting on to be far more interesting. “Yes...it's true! I love her so much...I've been in love with her for a long time!”
“Awww...darling, that's wonderful that you're in love! Truly it is!” Rarity beamed.
“So...you're...really okay with it?” The creamy yellow Pegasus looked to her Unicorn companion for answers, as if afraid of what kind of answer she would receive, despite that she seemed to obviously already know what it would be.
“Fluttershy, darling, of course I am! My parents may be...eccentric, to say the least, but there is one thing I have always admired of them. They have never once spoken any kind of prejudice against the love of two mares or two stallions. They have always had the firm belief that love is love, no matter the gender. It is a quality that has been passed down to me and to Sweetie Belle, which I must forever thank them for. Upon even my own volition, I completely agree,” Rarity told her. “Besides, I would not be a good friend if I didn't support him or her in who they loved just because they happened to be of the same gender!”
Taking that in for a moment, a wash of relief overcame Fluttershy. It did feel good to tell somepony of her deep, hidden feelings, especially to somepony she trusted. Maybe in time, she could also tell her other friends and seek some advice from them, too. She exhaled, taking another few moments to enjoy the humidity of the sauna before she turned to Rarity once more.
“Thank you, Rarity...I'm so glad you understand,” Fluttershy said softly.
“Think nothing of it, darling! I'm always happy to help!” Rarity smiled brightly. “So then, when are you going to tell her?”
Squeaking, Fluttershy jumped and was now on her stomach, as if cowering along the bench. She trembled, as if it were cold. “T-T-T-Tell her?! I can't! I...I can't!”
Rarity raised a brow in confusion. “Why not?”
“It's just...well I...um....it's...oh...it's a bit complicated.”
“Darling, are you afraid of telling her simply because you fear the idea of rejection and ruining your friendship?”
“Well...yes...that is one thing, but...”
“But?” Rarity prompted.
Sighing heavily, the creamy yellow mare sat up again, taking a moment or two to gather the right words to explain the situation. The memories of those days continued to sting her heart, having only ever spoken about it with Rainbow Dash at all. “Well....you see, back when we were fillies, Rainbow Dash was always accused of being a...filly fooler. Because of how much of a tomcolt and how athletic she was, you know? Plus, she only ever hung out with me, and I with her, never any guys. They just...rudely called her names in association with liking other mares. She hated that, and always told them she would never like mares.”
“Ah....I see, and you took that to heart,” Rarity concluded, nodding. “So you're afraid to tell her because you feel that she will react badly to it due to fillyhood difficulties with that?”
“Yes....I'm scared she'll think I believed the rumours,” Fluttershy whimpered, looking down at the slabs again.
“Darling, I think you know as well as I do that Rainbow Dash cares about you deeply. I think that if you were to tell her you were in love her, regardless of how she feels, she certainly should know that you of all ponies would mean it,” the white Unicorn told her seriously, but kindly. “If nothing else, dear, at least she will take your feelings seriously.”
Sniffling a bit, fighting back the urge to cry, Fluttershy looked at Rarity again. Her kind, understanding words processed into her mind as she tried to believe them. She knew Rarity would never say such a thing to get her hopes up to spare her feelings. She hoped to Celestia that it was true that Rainbow Dash would take her feelings seriously, understanding that she truly loved her.
“As well as that,” Rarity continued, “you should tell her how you feel. If for nothing else than to simply tell her the truth. You should at least give her that.”
“Oh, but Rarity, I can't! I'm too frightened!” Fluttershy squeaked. “I...I just....I love her so much! I want to be with her...I don't know if I can handle being rejected!”
“Fluttershy,” Rarity came closer to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. “darling, please calm down. How Rainbow Dash feels is up to her, but you will not know how she feels unless you tell her. I cannot speak for her, but I assume that if nothing else, she may even want to give you a chance. You're her best friend, and I don't see why she would turn you down without trying.”
“But...if she doesn't like mares...she wouldn't do that...”
“Perhaps not, no, but you will not know until you tell her. I am also not saying that you should tell her immediately, either! You will know when the time is right. However, I should warn you that you will have to be wary, because you don't want to lose her to somepony else if you're too late,” Rarity told her.
Fluttershy blinked. She had not thought of that. The idea of somepony else snatching up Rainbow Dash before she could have the chance to confess? Now that just put pressure on her. It could happen at any time, she knew.
“I-I know...I just...I don't know how to tell her!” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Well darling, you know Rainbow Dash the best, I'm sure you can figure a way to tell her. You see, a great way to do that is to bring somepony in their element, to make them comfortable. As well as that, to show them you care by paying attention to what they like,” Rarity smiled, then scooted back from her. “Now then, shall we move along?”
Fluttershy nodded. Aloe and Lotus immediately swept in to take them to the next bit of their spa routine. This time, for their facials, and not before wrapping towels in their manes.
“So Fluttershy, have I given you something to think about?” Rarity queried as Aloe placed a couple of cucumber slices onto her eyes after applying the mud mask.
“Well, I suppose...” Fluttershy murmured, deciding this time to let the mud cover her entire face. Cucumber slices were placed onto her closed eyes as well, just as the two spa ponies helped them to relax. “There...is that fireworks show coming up in about two weeks....maybe I can ask Rainbow to go with me.”
“Aha! Now that's the ticket! Surely Rainbow Dash would just love a fireworks display! You see? How hard was that? You thought of it right on the spot!”
“True... Well, I suppose I can take her out that night...maybe try to warm her up to the idea?”
“You're getting there, darling! Perfect thinking!”
Fluttershy smiled a bit, feeling a sense of ease coming over her. At least now she had a clear objective of what she could do to hopefully win Rainbow Dash's heart. It was all part of the process, wasn't it? Not just confessing, but also making some kind of an effort win that pony. That's what she had to do. She had to prove to Rainbow Dash that she was worthy of her affections, and would work hard.
'Well, there is the fireworks, she will love that for sure. Maybe I can cook her favourite meal for her... That's easy.' Fluttershy thought, and then held her hoof out for one of the spa ponies to file it. 'I'll even get her a gift! Yes, a gift! Something she'd like...oh, that would be easy! She's been looking for a new pair of flight goggles, anyway. Yes! This is perfect! Oh, Rainbow Dash... you're worth it...'
Later on, it was 6:53, with the party all set up and ready at Sugarcube Corner. Given that it was about welcoming a new citizen to town, Pinkie Pie insisted that just about everypony should come. Since some ponies were busy or out of town, only about half the townsfolk or so showed up, but were still enthusiastic to welcome the newcomer. It was no surprise, even, that Pinkie Pie would take it upon herself to throw a welcome party to make the newcomer feel right at home and try to extend a friendly hoof.
The entire bakery was decorated with many space-themed paraphernalia, including some posters, and also some documented photographs of comets and asteroids to further fit the mood of the pony they were welcoming. Toy spaceships hung on strings from the ceiling, black and blue balloons with star patterns floated about or were tied to chairs and other things. Twilight had even brought in a few charts and tables that depicted the speeds and directions of comets, most of which were on the walls for all to check out. Some space-themed games, including pin the tail on the comet.
It was about one minute or so later when Rainbow Dash came in alongside Blazing Comet, who took in the sights of the party with wide, but happy eyes.
“Hey, cool! This is pretty neat!” Comet praised. “Haven't had a space-themed party since I was a kid!”
“You like it? I knew you would! Thought you would since you like comets and space stuff, it'd be perfect!” Pinkie Pie immediately bounced to the orange Pegasus' face, grinning widely. “So now I extend my hoof to you in one big WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!”
Comet laughed, grinning. “Thank you, Pinkie Pie! It's great to be here! It was real swell of you to throw me such a thoughtful party!”
“Don't mention it! It's what I do! Now then, come! I'll have to introduce you to everypony!” Pinkie immediately whisked her away without waiting for a response, already introducing her to whoever they came across.
Rainbow Dash snickered, and trotted over to where her friends were standing around. “Hey, guys! Some party you put together!”
“Well of course! Just as Pinkie does, we wanted to make sure Blazing Comet felt at home and welcome here!” Rarity cajoled with a nod of approval.
“Sure as tootin' turned out real nice!” Applejack took in the decor for a moment, grinning. “Ah'm just glad she liked it!”
“Are you kidding, this is freaking awesome!” Rainbow Dash said with glee, spreading her forelegs with emphasis.
“Part of this definitely is in thanks to Fluttershy, who helped us hang everything up,” Twilight pointed out with a smile.
Fluttershy blushed and nodded a bit. “I...I just...wanted to help as much as I could...she...deserves it.”
“Awww, you guys are too much! Thanks a lot, she's been a great friend since I met her and I'm so glad you guys like her!” Rainbow Dash grinned, giving them all a quick hug of appreciation.
“Why wouldn't we? She's nice, polite, and seems like a very easygoing pony!” Twilight glanced toward Pinkie and Comet, who were currently talking to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Given the way Comet was smiling brightly at the three fillies, especially with how Scootaloo was excitedly grinning at her, seemed that she was winning them over. “And she seems to be good with kids! We'd love to get to know her, too!”
“Awesome! Once the party is in full swing and she's gotten the hang of it, we'll all sit down and she can tell you guys about herself!” Rainbow Dash nodded rapidly, now helping herself to a cupcake from one of the tables.
“Splendid! We look forward to it then, darling!” Rarity cooed, and then went to fix up some punch.
The rest of the gang went their ways to mingle as well, except for Fluttershy, who quietly followed after Rainbow Dash while the said Pegasus was eating her cupcake. All the while she had been decorating for a good portion of the rest of the afternoon, she had been concocting ideas on how to ask Rainbow Dash to the fireworks show. Just off-handedly, as if it were an everyday thing? She wasn't sure she would take it seriously. But then she feared if she put in some kind of an elaborate setup to ask her to it, she would scare her away by giving her wrong (yet right) idea.
“Um....Rainbow Dash?”
“Mm-hm?” Rainbow Dash turned around, her mouth full of cupcake. “Whashup, Fwuddershy?”
“Well...” Fluttershy paused a moment to allow her friend to finish her bite. “I just...um...wanted to ask you something, actually.”
Swallowing her bite, Rainbow Dash wiped her mouth with her hoof as she regarded the creamy yellow Pegasus curiously, “Okay, what'd you want to ask?”
“Well...there's...um...there's the....uh....well, fireworks show going on in a couple of weeks, right? So, um, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go together?” Fluttershy took a breath, inwardly congratulating herself on managing to ask simply but managing to get her point across.
“Oh, you want to go with me?” Rainbow Dash reiterated, and then smiled. “Aww, that'd be awesome! Thanks for the invite, Fluttershy! But I can't. I promised Comet I'd go with her!”
“O-Oh...” Fluttershy's ears drooped as her hopeful gaze melted into one of sadness. “I-I understand...that's okay. Hope you two will have fun, then...”
Rainbow Dash's own smile faded then. “Fluttershy, what's wrong? Why are you so sad all of a sudden?”
“N-Nothing, I just...well I just...never mind. Enjoy the evening, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy began to walk away to find a way to relieve her pain, only to be stopped by her best friend.
“Now hold on a second. Are you sad I had to say no?” Rainbow Dash looked at her suspiciously, but with understanding and sympathy. “Did you really want to go? You know you can, Fluttershy! Wait, everypony else is busy, right? That's why you asked? Hey, you can even go with Comet and me!”
“With us to what?” Comet had trotted over to them, smiling. “Sorry, was I interrupting?”
“Nope!” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Fluttershy was just asking about the fireworks thing, and I told her I promised you we'd be going together. So, I thought she could come with us! Would that be okay?”
Comet nodded and grinned. “Sure! I don't have a problem with that. Would you like to, Fluttershy?”
“Um...n-no...I couldn't....” Fluttershy began to back away a little.
“Aw, come on! The more the merrier!” Comet insisted, grinning.
“Yeah! We'll have a blast together!” Rainbow Dash agreed. “Three super cool Pegasi out there enjoying the fireworks! YEAH! Couldn't ask for better! So come on! You really want to go, and I'd hate for you to be there all alone with nopony to share it with!” She threw her foreleg around Fluttershy's shoulders. “Pretty please? Come on...for your pal?”
Fluttershy blushed at their close contact, but just couldn't say not the big, sweet smile Rainbow Dash wore as she looked at her hopefully. She smiled a bit, and nodded. “All right. We'll all go together.”
“That's the spirit!” Rainbow Dash gave her a friendly nuzzle, then let her go. “C'mon Comet, let's go get some punch!”
“Right behind you!” Comet laughed, turning to Fluttershy. “You know, thanks for that, Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash really wanted you to come along, you know.”
“Um...oh...I...I see...um...well, have fun...” Fluttershy mumbled, and trotted off to go think for a while.
Before anypony asks, no. I am not going to turn Blazing Comet into some kind of a jerk or anything like that. This is an exploration in how sometimes somepony can seem perfect on paper, but it turns out, it's not what it seems to be. This is from a romantic compatibility standpoint, not her being a bitch in sheep's clothing.