//------------------------------// // XIX (RD/FS) - Is there something you want to tell me...? // Story: Taming the Storm // by Wolfie 03 //------------------------------// Mid-June, 1005 A.D. The morning sunlight seemed to cast an angelic sheen to the pink mane and yellow fur of the pony sitting in the expansive garden. The sun was barely awake, though this didn’t deter the early rising animals of the royal menagerie from greeting their new friend. The normally shy pegasus sat, back straight and face fully uncovered, and spoke with each creature that came her way with a large smile. There was very little noise as the rest of the large castle was only barely waking up. The blue mare watching didn’t make a sound. Her ears twitched as they processed the little bits that rang through the air, and flattened every so often as their owner confronted the warm fuzzies tickling her chest. Anxious blue wings twitched even as they held onto several tickets and a small notation for a local restaurant. “Oh, thank you, this is lovely.” Fluttershy spoke clearly to the squirrel that held up two acorns for the mare. Gently, she took the offering. “Yes, this would be a nice breakfast, that’s very thoughtful of you.” As she spoke, more of the animals chattered at her about their own meals, ones both found and brought especially for them. They made motions of offering but were waved off by a loving hoof. “No, no, I couldn’t take from your meals. They were for you, and you’ll need all the strength you can get from them.” Come on Dash, you can do this. This is the perfect moment to walk up and ask about- about breakfast. Just, take it slow. Like Tank said. Swallowing the nervous lump, the cyan pegasus trotted up, trying to keep a steady pace as her heart raced. She moved slowly to not startle any of the other beings in the clearing. “H-hey Fluttershy.” This caution was wasted as the butter yellow pony startled while her new friends scattered for cover. Rainbow’s ears flicked back as she grimaced. “Sorry ‘Shy.” A single teal orb peered back from behind the pink locks. Bright and clear, they showed the glint of fear at being startled. Realizing who it was, she straightened up with a bashful grin. The pegasus allowed her mane to cover the majority of her face once more. “O-oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there… W-were you waiting for me?” Fluttershy hunched inwards. “Am I in the way…?” Dash flinched. Stepping closer, she reached out hesitantly. “No way Fluttershy, you aren’t in the way at all.” The usually brash mare remained steady, staying in place without any unnecessary movement. “I was just curious if you had eaten yet. And if you wanted to catch some-some breakfast…” The cobalt pegasus removed the hoof,  her own smirk turning shy. “And, uh, catch a play with me later? Maybe check out the local shops…?” Both mares blushed, gazes dashing away as their cheeks became covered in red. The yellow mare spoke hesitantly, her heart fluttering. “O-oh…? Uhm… If.. If you want, that’s fine. A-are you sure you want to invite… me?” Fluttershy couldn’t watch the other’s reaction and began to turn her gaze to the left. She was prevented from turning away completely by a gentle blue hoof that knocked into her shoulder. “As if I would want to hang out with anypony else.” Rainbow leaned into the shyer mare, lowering her voice. “If, uh, you don’t want to, that’s fine too.” “No no, it’s fine. I would love to ‘hang out’ with you today…” The two shared warm grins. Rainbow Dash winced when her stomach finally complained at the lack of substance. Fluttershy giggled, covering her muzzle with a hoof. The speedster chuckled embarrassed. “Uh, let’s go ahead and get that breakfast, huh?” The cyan pony stood up slowly. She lead the way back inside, checking each time that the other mare was still close by, and went at a very moderate pace. Her ears twitched at each of the other’s hoofsteps. Fluttershy noticed this lack of speed and frowned thoughtfully. She watched the leading mare carefully but got lost in the smooth movements of the lithe flyer. She blinked bewildered when a brown object moved from the corner of her vision. Focusing once more, she found the brash mare holding a chair for the animal caretaker to sit in. “Oh! Thank you Dashie…” “You’re welcome ‘Shy.” Rainbow flashed a smirk to her old time friend and took a seat across the way. Once in place, servers came forward and offered various options. Rainbow ordered for the both of them; her choices were appreciated by her companion who blushed happily at the lighter breakfast salad chosen. The meal went by quietly as neither spoke. After they were finished, Dash was the first to stand up, except she then paused by her chair, one hoof on the back while she stared unfocused towards the table. The stillness drew Fluttershy’s attention immediately. She also stood up, hooves resting against the table as she watched her friend cautiously. “Rainbow…? Is everything ok?” Fluttershy queeried. She inched slowly over. “...Dashie?” “Hm? Oh, it’s nothing.” The cyan straightened up with a half smile. “Ready? We can probably hit those shops before going to that play.” “Uhm, ok. Wh-what play is it…?” The animal caretaker followed after the speedster but found she didn’t need to move nearly the pace she usually did when trailing the blue pegasus. In fact, she was surprised to find she was almost even with the other mare. She normally was several ponylengths behind but was shocked to see the corner of the cerise orbs. A pair of eyes that seemed to look back to the mare following more often than not. “It’s… It’s that one play, ‘Into the Forest’.” Dash explained. She kept a sweeping guard on the area as they passed through the castle; though her attention did remain on the yellow mare at her right the most. Her ears flicked back anxiously. “You… You like that one, right?” “Oooh, yes, I’ve heard about that one! It’s a lovely play based on old ponytales that have been passed down the ages.” Fluttershy perked up as she thought to what she knew of the production. She stopped when she compared it to what the brasher mare watched. “Are… Are you sure you want to watch it…? It’s a little, uhm… well, it might, uh, not be… what you… like…?” Rainbow waved her hoof dismissively. “Nah, don’t worry Fluttershy. I know.” The timid mare settled down, fluffing her wings. She ducked her head slightly while her hooves moved even more sluggishly. A featherlight touch along her shoulder blades startled her into focusing on her surroundings. Glancing over, she noticed a light blue wing floating over her form as sharp cerise orbs looked back firmly. “Hey, don’t be getting down on me. I want you to enjoy what we do too. If you don’t like something, just tell me. It’s fine, honest.” “Well I don’t think you would find anything that would suit your plebeian tastes.” A naizel voice came from the right. The owner was a grey stallion with short charcoal mane and tail. Beside him was a pale olive mare with purple and white mane. “I’m amazed they can even afford anything here. What are they even here for?” The equally snobby mare raised her head into the air, nose well posed for maximum effect. The shy mare crouched towards the ground with each harsh word. Ears flat, she felt her center fill with lead as extra voices seemed to fill the air as judging eyes glared at her. A husky voice broke through the clouds, delivering a chance out of the darkness. “Hey, back off. It’s a free city, anypony can be here.” Dash half flared her wings as she stood tall. “And if you must know, we have even more reason to be here than you do! Fluttershy here used to be a high-end model.” “Oh? And why is she not now then? Couldn’t handle it?” Jet Set stared at the yellow pegasus with half-lidded eyes. His wife chuckled to herself. “Nah, it’s more like the world wasn’t able to keep up with her. She decided that you snobs weren’t able to appreciate her abilities or her efforts.” The cyan pegasus half-smirked, laying a wing over top of the yellow back confidently. “AND, if you guys still think that the most desired model has no reason to be in Canterlot, then maybe we’ll think about that the next time we go saving Equestria.” The couple shared bewilder glances. The bejeweled mare started to lose her stern appearance. “What… do you mean…?” “Well, we are two of the holders of the elements of harmony. You know, those things that keep horrible chaos monsters from devouring the world? So you know, you’re welcome.” Rainbow kept close to the other mare, eyes half closed as she delivered the last line. With each complimentary word from her old time friend and crush, Fluttershy stood taller, feeling the light pressure of the other’s wing on her trim form. The warmth helped boost up the needed confidence to add her own to the conversation. “Rainbow Dash, honestly. That wasn’t necessary. If they want to use their afternoon to say very rude things to everypony else, then that’s what they can do.” Fluttershy sternly glared at the duo. Turning to the mare on her left, she smiled sweetly. “But we have a lovely day planned which will be much more enjoyable and pleasant. Unlike how other ponies’ may end up if they keep trying to act rudely to everypony they meet.” Dash threw back her head and laughed loudly. She twitched her wingtips down to enwrap the butter yellow barrel and tugging her along. Fluttershy grinned bashfully at the reaction, dipping her head at the apparent pleasure of the other pegasus. When they were several paces away from the stunned unicorns, the speedster gave the mare in her grip a gentle shake. “Don’t even dare to think you were too hard on them ‘Shy. That was great!” “I don’t know Dashie… Ever if they were VERY rude and trying to be hurtful.” The gentle pegasus scowled before shaking her head clear of the negative thoughts. “It’s not very nice to be rude back.” Noticing her crush opening her mouth to defend the action, the yellow pony shook her head. “Not even if they were rude first.” Rainbow stuck out her tongue playfully as she bumped the mare. “Bleh. They seemed mean last night too anyways. They just want to make everypony suffer.” “Oh- oh no! I can’t believe I didn’t recognize them!” Fluttershy jerked back, trying to pinpoint the two upper crust nobles. “What if they don’t like Rarity’s designs because of what we said? What if her entire business becomes ruined because of what we just did?! O-oh no!” Strong blue hooves stopped the now almost frantic animal caretaker from moving away. “Woah woah woah! There’s no way two snobs like them can ‘ruin’ Rarity’s work. She’s waaaay cooler than them.” Dash rolled her eyes. “And you’re even better. So if they can’t deal with either of our awesomeness, then that’s on them.” The trim pegasus giggled as she blushed heavily from the gentle restraint. The brasher pony usually didn’t touch others for long, and the two locations where the cyan hooves rested were tingling pleasantly. Rainbow’s cheeks flushed as well as she shifted to instead sling one hoof around the slim shoulders. “Come on, let’s get going. We won’t have much time to visit the shops before the play the way things are going.” Rainbow Dash lead the way to the largest craft stores of the district. The building was a mix between a classy restaurant and a proper supply store. The walls were mostly glass, on all three levels, while the shelves were slightly shorter than a pony’s heights, making it necessary to have long lines of them to show all of their wares. The shopkeepers kept tabs on everyone walking about, but became less interested when they realized the two pegasi weren’t planning to buy anything just yet. Dash kept behind the other mare, watching for what caught the animal care-taker’s interest. Fluttershy beelined for the knitting section and cooed over the expansive amounts of colors. She glanced at the price tags and flinched back, though her gaze lingered on some of the more exotic hues. Rainbow kept track of the ones that seemed the most interesting and checked on the clock. She winced at the time. Nudging the other pegasus, she dipped her head towards the clock then the door. The yellow pony nodded in acceptance and turned to follow her long time crush. Knowing they only had so much time before the play started, Rainbow lead the way to the large theater. As they got closer to the location, more of the ponies heading inside wore specialized clothing for the occasion, from decorative hats to full suits that matched and yet stood out from the crowd. The pegasi were among the most noticeable as they lacked any sort of clothing. Something that the surrounding crowd seemed to pick up on and began to mutter among themselves. Fluttershy, sensitive to the ponies around her, noticed immediately and began to shrink in fear and embarrassment. A nose poking her side caused her head to jerk upwards as she quietly eeped. “Don’t start thinking that stuff ‘Shy. You’re-” Rainbow looked away, eyes fierce while her cheeks burned bright. “-you’re way more beautiful than any of them.” “You… really think so…?” The timid mare spoke softly as she watched the other cautious. “Sure. Why do you think I said any of that before…?” Dash didn’t wait for a response as her throat closed up. Coughing a few times didn’t help the large apple that seemed to be stuck there. Instead, she took lead once more, and went for the ticket booth. Showing the reservation stub, she stood proudly as the stallion on the other side lost his snide grin and humbly offered the tickets. She held no patience for anypony’s sass as they went to show their tickets and find their seats. Any time she felt the yellow pony beside her flinch or crouch lower, she stepped closer, letting their fur touch and her confidence to flow into the other. Once they found their seats, top box with other high end ponies, the duo settled in place. Slowly, the theater quieted. Billowy curtains rose into the air as narration started for the play. Rainbow Dash barely hid her eye roll at the immediate song and leaned back, hooves resting on the hoofrests to prevent them from crossing in front of her. Geez, that one mare has as much backbone as Fluttershy does. Hay, Fluttershy has more! What if that was her in the play? That’d be funny. She does talk to birds as it is. Who would be the boy…? Probably Spike. He’s the youngest of us and male. Hmm, this is amusing. Maybe I won’t fall asleep if I pretend they are all of the others, and me of course! Who would be the baker and ‘his’ wife? Well, it doesn’t quite fit, since both Pinkie and AJ are dating other ponies, but they are bakers… The brash pegasus shrugged to herself minutely. I probably would be this ‘prince’ Fluttershy’s character wants to meet so much. Feeling a concerned gaze on her lithe form, Dash checked on the mare to her left and found Fluttershy watching anxiously. Quickly, she gave a reassuring grin and turned back to the play. Letting her mind wander in this manner, replacing the main characters with her friends and herself, the theatrical production finished without the impatient mare falling asleep. While Rainbow had imagined replacement actors, she checked periodically on Fluttershy and found she was enraptured by the story. Flinching whenever a ‘bad pony’ came forward, the butter-yellow pony had both hooves to her mouth as she watched. Heh, watching a play was a total success… Except that prince was a total waste of space! I can’t believe he ditched the mare he had been wanting that whole ball. Dash scrunched her muzzle, annoyed. Her heart pinched at the thought of the past. Even-even if I did leave ‘Shy behind before, I’m not doing that ever again! The blue pony came back to her surroundings as the sounds of polite hoofclaps echoed through the room. She peered at her best friend and saw the pleasure written all over her face. The brash mare in turn grinned gently. As the audience around them applauded, Fluttershy joined them, coming back to her surroundings languishly. The sight of rainbow hair next to her seat made the mare’s heart race in shock and pleasure. Dashie is still awake! Oh, I hope she wasn’t bored, it was such a nice play… The timid pegasus peered cautiously from behind her bangs. The other mare still wore a smile though it was from her normal ones, softer, with a sombre touch. Seeing such a different facial expression, Fluttershy didn’t notice the mass of ponies exiting all at once. Snobbish voices drifted over as the nobles pushed their way to the front. Startled, the animal caretaker paused anxiously, ducking her head. With each timid eep and meep, she backed up, out of the way, until she hit a force that would never falter. Soft feathers brushed along the canary yellow back. Inhaling sharply, Fluttershy glanced to her right. There, squeezing in between the set of chairs in front of them and the yellow mare herself was Rainbow Dash. Her left wing settled protectively over the shy pony while she critically eyed the crowd. “Come on ‘Shy, these reservations won’t last forever.” Dash murmured before raising her voice. “Oy! Do you mind? Wait your turn.” With a firm hoof to the next to cross pony’s chest, she propelled the other pegasus forward with her wing, using her own shoulder to make room when needed. Feeling two teal orbs resting on her, the usually brash mare added a few uncommon phrases as she walked through the masses. “Pardon us. Excuse us. Coming through. Watch out, uh, please…” Rainbow pushed down the awkward feeling she got from trying the ‘new’ phrases and focused on getting the two of them out. Her fur stood on end before shivering in waves when she felt the canary mare lean into her. “Rainbow?” The whisper was just close enough to a twitchy blue ear that it was heard clearly. “Are you alright…?” “Wha-? Sure I am! Just, uh, don’t want to miss the meal.” Dash checked that she still had the paper and sighed relieved. Only to stiffen when she noticed the pale-yellow muzzle closer to her own. Fluttershy, free of the large crowd of the theater, tried to peak at the paper, brow lightly furrowed. “Where is it for…?” She glanced to the other mare and realized how close the two were at the moment. Muzzle flushing red, she jerked back to hide behind her bangs. “Oh.. It’s uh, at… Les Plus Grands Gourmandises.” “Yeah, I heard it was a good place to go. Unless… you don’t want to?” Rainbow stopped and faced the other pony. “You can tell me if there’s something wrong.” “Well, it’s a… very popular place…” “Yeah and…?” “... and there will be a lot of ponies there…” Fluttershy hunched down as she explained. “Sure. Probably.” Dash still didn’t understand the issue and continued to wait for the more timid pegasus to respond. “Well, they’ll-they’ll probably be watching everything… and everypony around them…” “Well, I don’t know about EVERYthing around them…” “And… uhm… I’m just… not sure… if I can handle… all those watching eyes…” The canary pegasus shut her own gaze, tears pricking the corners. Hearing an exhausted sigh, Fluttershy flinched. “I’m-I’m sorry Dashie!” About to leave in shame, the crying mare stopped when she felt two hooves and wings wrap around her. Muffled by the mass of pink strands, Rainbow’s voice came out softly. “Please don’t cry…. I’m the one that’s sorry. I didn’t think that all these snobs would bother you so much…” The athletic mare pulled back slightly to stare into watery teal eyes. “Trust me, you are a thousand times cooler and nicer than them. But we don’t have to go there if it’s really going to hurt you.” Dash put her muzzle back on top of the pink mane, waiting for a sign from the other. “I just want you to have a good time.” Fluttershy wiped at her muzzle, moving carefully lest she disrupt the protective hug she was in. Her mind wheeled, confused by the brash mare’s word choices. “Why… Why do you want to do any of these things? I do enjoy a play and lovely tea parties every so often, but you don’t usually want to…” Emboldened by the embrace and unable to look into anxious cerise orbs, the butter yellow pony continued. “I want you to enjoy things too… And I… I didn’t think you liked these sorts of things….” She trailed off, face flushed, as she realized how much she had said out loud. Nervous, she leaned over, drawing closer to the blue chest. Dashie’s heart is going really fast… Is she ok? Fluttershy tilted her head up to check on the other but paused with a start. The two encircling hooves had started to rub the tense yellow spine reassuringly. Slowly, teal eyes finished their travels upward to see the blue face turned red. “Well, I wanted to show you that I like- er, well, I can do these sorts of things too. ‘Cause I know you like ‘em and… and I would to show that I’m more than a show off-y mare who’s cooler than cool and hotter than hot, you know?” Unable to hold back the swell of embarrassment, Rainbow released the other mare and sat stiffly facing the left. “Rainbow Dash!” Shocked, Fluttershy leaped to defend her crush from herself, moving to try and catch the embarrassed eye.“I already know that! You are much more than a very good flyer! You don’t have to prove that to anyone, especially not to me!” The animal caretaker put a hoof on the slumped cobalt shoulder. You’re great ‘Shy… I don’t know why I never saw it before. Rainbow half turned to her oldest friend with a gentle smirk, eyes half-lidded with warmth shining out. “Thanks ‘Shy.” Unthinkingly, she stretched out with her neck and brushed her muzzle alongside the yellow one, eyes closing at the feeling. Fluttershy’s limbs went rigid as her fur tingled pleasantly at the touch. Face, ears, and neck covered in a bright red hue, the yellow pegasus gaze was wide open with her mouth dropping down slightly. Just as her mind recovered enough to start reciprocating, Dash moved back, her own visage fire-truck red. “Alright. We still need to eat right? Let’s just… head back to the castle. We’ll get a simple lunch and have a picnic in the garden.” The lithe mare waited for an agreeing nod before leading the way back. The closeness they walked at didn’t seem as distracting this time; both ponies merely enjoyed the sensation instead of worrying. When they arrived, Rainbow signalled for the other pegasus to wait while she spoke with a guard. She hoofed over her old reservations and made a few basic selections from the castle’s chefs instead. Once that was done, she turned to find her crush enjoying the sun on her face, head leaned back and waves of pink hair flowing down the sides. Breathless, the usually bold mare took cautious steps closer. “Ready? We’ll eat in the garden.” “Really?” “Really.” “Oh, that’s so nice. All the animals seemed so friendly as well, it’ll be nice to chat with them more and-” Fluttershy cut herself off as she grew suspicious. “You really don’t mind, sitting with me as I talk with all the animals? I know it’s not the coolest thing…” “Already told you…” Dash lightly bumped the other with her shoulder, smile in place. “... you are definitely cool, and I like hanging out with you. And don’t you forget it.” The impatient mare trotted on with a grin. The pegasus trailing behind gave a tiny squeal and took to the sky, floating over the ground in a rare moment of pure happiness. Upon entering the gardens, Fluttershy was immediately greeted by the animals who regaled her with stories of breakfast, lunch, and sights to see around the large castle grounds. One in particular caught her ear, causing the shyer mare to go still. Rainbow Dash, having been watching with a dotting expression on her face, straightened. “What is it? Something up?” “Oh, uhm, some of the animals… thought we might want to see the… the small maze in the middle of the courtyard.” “A maze?” The blue mare looked into the distance, memories surging. Her ears went flat while her gaze narrowed. “Haven’t been in one since that time we fought Discord.” Blue ears picked up as she checked on the other pegasus anxiously. “You going to be ok?” Fluttershy perked up with a smile. “Oh yes. It was a lovely maze, though a little scary not knowing what things try to startle a pony. But once I knew where Discord was, I was fine.” The mare wilted slightly as her thoughts continued. “Except for forcibly being turned mean.” “Wait, so he didn’t try to mess with you or anything? You were fine until we all went a little crazy?” Dash relaxed, letting the tension go from her wings as flying to Discord’s new location to break the statue into tiny rumble was no longer needed. “Oh yes. I’m sure this maze will be pleasant as well; uhm, so long as there’s nothing startling there.” Fluttershy nodded reassuringly. Another wave of shock went through her as the cobalt mare covered her with a wing. “Don’t you worry, I’ll be there to keep you safe. Looks like the food’s done too, why don’t we take it to the center?” Rainbow dipped her head in thanks to the servant who brought the basket to them. Meal in hoof, the speedster lead the way into the tall hedging. She kept a wing on the shyer mare and stayed close enough to enjoy the way their fur brushed against each other. Knowing how much Fluttershy liked cuddling when they were younger, Rainbow was sure the proximity was fine. Together, the duo figured out the simple puzzle and found the middle. The clearing had a single tree placed in the middle with a low, long oak bench with intricate vines carved into the back and sides. The birds and small critters, hearing the approach of their new friend, rushed to greet the ponies. Fluttershy began to interact with the animals and slowed her walk to the goal. Dash, another heated smirk in place, floated to the seating and settled down to watch, basket secured underneath. She was pleasantly surprised when the yellow pony politely broke off the other conversations and sat right against the blue form. Fluttershy gazed at their surroundings with a smile. “This is so lovely… So peaceful and quiet!” The tranquility of the air gave the timid mare the willingness to push past her normal limits. Gently, ready to accept the potential negative outcome, she kissed the left cheek of the bolder pegasus. “Thank you…” Rainbow Dash froze at the tingles that raced under her fur. Vainly trying to wet her suddenly dry mouth, she coughed lightly before responding. “It’s - uh, it was my pleasure.” Dash watched wide-eyed, as the other pegasus beamed at the answer and leaned into the sky-blue chest. Once Fluttershy found the perfect niche on the two hooves to rest on, Rainbow cautiously lowered her own head to the pink mane covered neck and shoulders, growing just as comfortable. Neither cared about their surroundings or the food still waiting for consumption. Drifting in and out of a doze, Fluttershy thought of the last time they rested like this. “It’s been a long time since we’ve done something like this… It’s kind of nice…” The butter yellow pony scooted closer, enjoying the warmth and sense of protection the other gave off. “Hmm? Yeah, guess it has. I acted pretty dumb before…” Dash murmured as she looked sleepily to the sky. “I’ll make it up to you…” She began to slip back into a peaceful rest, most of her thoughts growing muddy. Fluttershy smiled lazily, sensing how close her crush was to falling asleep properly. “Night Dashie…” “Night ‘Shy… Love you…” The lithe mare whispered softly with a grin. Two teal orbs snapped open. Breath seizing in her chest, Fluttershy stayed perfectly still, ears tensely waiting for any other words. She waited, heart racing, but there was no other sleepy comment. Nervous, she turned in place, burying her nose into the blue fur and tried to take a few calming breaths. Did she just….?!? -TTS- The duo stayed out in the middle of the maze for another half hour before waking enough to eat lunch. They stayed mostly quiet as they ate, both showing the proper etiquette by not talking with their muzzles full. During which Dash found she was the target of curious eyes. While it wasn’t unusual for the timid pony to look at someone else, it was odd to see her not flinch back when the opposing pair connected gazes. Rainbow tried to ignore it only to fail within moments. “What’s… What’s up ‘Shy? Something on my face?” The cobalt pony tried to focus on her nose but merely crossed her eyes dizzily. “No no, I’m just wondering… if there was anything you… wanted to say…” The yellow pegasus blinked slowly, watching carefully. Dash scrunched up her nose as she stared into the sky, thinking. She tapped her chin as her mind raced. “Uhhh, noooo…?” Aside from the very first and main reason of why we went around these snooty places and ponies… “Oh, uhm, ok…” Fluttershy backed away self-consciously Rainbow sighed, sensing the withdraw had something to do with what she said. She closed the distance, leaning up against the hunched shoulder. “Hey… Hey… Come on Fluttershy, there’s no need for long faces. What’s wrong?” She tried to peer into the mane covered face but could only barely make out the small nose. “N-nothing… It’s ok.” “You sure?” Fluttershy took a deep breath and sat up straight, giving a brief smile. “Yes. I will be ok.” “Well I hope so.” Dash peered closely before breaking out into a smug smirk. “I need a happy pillow for a great nap after all.” The tension broke. The two mares laughed, with the quieter one putting both hooves to her mouth in shock at her reaction. Seeing that Dash still laughed, Fluttershy allowed herself to continue her enjoyment of the moment. “Oh yes, of course! I’m sure it would be a much bumpier pillow than one that had such a nice day with her best friend.” The animal-caretaker beamed and nuzzled the cobalt mare. “It was a sweet and lovely thing to do.” Rainbow couldn’t think of a response. Cheeks burning, she waited for her crush to get comfortable once more before settling herself, ignoring the part of her mind suggesting to work off the meal with flight. No way am I giving up this chance… -TTS- The train ride back for the group of friends was much quieter. Twilight and Pinkie Pie had taken a secluded car, which meant that Pinkie was preoccupied enough that the others could be on their own without worry. When they first trotted off, happily stuck close to one another, Applejack tipped her hat back with a hoof. “Well shucks, Ah’d have thought you’d make some comment about them Rainbow.” The farmer smirked, peeking at her own marefriend. “Guess ya ain’t gonna complain now that y’all are cuddling?” “Darlin’!” Rarity swatted the orange hoof she held on to. Then she glance towards Fluttershy with a small grin. “Though it did look adorable.” Fluttershy eeped with a blush but didn’t hide like she wanted to. Instead, she focused on the brasher mare, waiting to see the reaction. Rainbow swished her tail as she thought, two sides warring in her mind. One look into calm and caring teal orbs cooled her anger at the teasing jab. “Well, takes a brave kind of pony to admit they like those sorts of things.” Dash leaned forward, condescending smirk in place. “Maybe you need to work on your own honesty if you’re looking for someone else to complain about it.” She turned, ignoring the confused stares. “Come on ‘Shy. Rarity probably wants to check that her marefriend does like all that cuddling they do.” Together, the two pegasi left their confused friends behind. The blonde scratched her head. “What the hay…?” “I told you something is going on!” Rarity frantically whispered as she tugged on the hoof in her grasp. “Eeyup! Ah ain’t arguin’ with ya…” Applejack agreed, leading the way to an empty compartment. Down the hall, Dash opened a door for her crush, dipping her head playfully. Seeing the glint of amusement, Fluttershy giggled with a hoof over her mouth and entered. Once they were settled side by side, she stared at the prismatic pony. “Are you… ok with cuddling…?” “Hm? ‘Course I am. Always have been.” Rainbow scrunched her eyes as she remembered the past. “I was just acting foalish when we were younger. Thought it wasn’t cool enough for me.” “Oh…” Fluttershy wilted. The cobalt mare noticed and encased her in a wing hug. “Hey. It is very cool, especially since I’m doing it with the coolest mare around.” “Really…?” “Really.” “O-oh…” Fluttershy couldn’t keep up the neutral expression and succumbed to the raging blush across her face. Slowly, she laid down and settled against the blue fur. Rainbow smiled and found her own comfy location amidst the pink mane. She was about to take another nap when a soft question floated up from the mare under her. “Was there… anything you wanted to say…?” Fluttershy’s ears were at attention as she waited for the response. “Nah… I don’t think… there’s much left to say… about… cuddles…” Dash couldn’t prevent her mind from drifting away, slurring her words at the end and falling asleep as she spoke to her long time friend and crush. The canary mare exhaled, heart sinking slightly. The blue hooves encircled lovingly around the slim barrel, a motion that was returned just as carefully by the other pegasus. -TTS- “I know Tank, I know.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I shouldn’t keep using you as an excuse to see her. But-! But she has been a little ‘off’ lately.” The pegasus shrugged. She glanced over to where her pet tortoise was flying gently next to her. She waited patiently for his croak and eye motion to be finished. “I don’t know, just watching more or something.” The duo fell silent as they completed the rest of the way to the grass covered cottage on the edge of town. Most of the day was gone, used up with chores that were put aside for the trip to Canterlot. It was at sunset that Dash finally managed to get away to check on the animal caretaker. Except that Fluttershy wasn’t in her cottage but on the hill beside it. Her mane and coat colors stood out from the grass. The setting sun highlighted the contrasting colors, stunning the brash mare mid-flight. Left only with coasting, Dash landed near the timid mare and waited for her to get over her shock. Fluttershy stiffened at the silent approach until she saw the stock of rainbow locks. Settling back in place, she shifted from watching the sunset to watching the other pony, checking the addition with a half smile. “Oh my. What is it? Is there something you want to tell me…?” Content from the previous view and amused by the now extremely overused excuse, Fluttershy felt a little braver than usual. Eyelids dropping halfway teasingly, she tilted her head to the right, waiting to see Rainbow’s reaction. The results were immediate. Blue fur flushed to bright red. Ceries orbs widened before taking one long blink. After a shuddering breath, Dash’s hooves went to her mane and scrambled them as she groaned, throwing her head back. She snapped forward, gaze determined. Much gentler than when she roughed up her mane, she took hold of the butter yellow shoulders and pulled Fluttershy close. She barely let out a surprised gasp at their proximity before shutting her eyes to embrace what was about to happen. In the blink of a slow watchful eye, the two were kissing. As their mouths connected, both mares melted at the sensation, leaning into the touch. Rainbow moved her hooves to the other’s head and rubbed them through the pink locks, sending her hooves into warm tingles just like how the rest of her face felt. Once her body briefly stopped craving the embrace, she shifted back, breathing heavily. Languishly, she opened her eyes to watch the other pegasus. Fluttershy was slower to wake from the her haze of emotion. Teal orbs flickered before staying open, focusing on the bold mare with a soft ‘oh my’. Dash moved her hooves to the yellow shoulders once more and took a steadying breath. “Fluttershy, I really really like you. I-I only realized how much recently, but I know I’ve felt this for a long time.” The blue pony broke eye contact. “I was just too- too chicken to figure it out.” Like magnets, cerise and teal eyes locked once more. “I wanted to show you how I can do more, uh, ‘fancy’ stuff. And make this really romantic and stuff. But you’re just too awesome.” Subconsciously, she allowed her hooves to roam. They went from rubbing the trembling shoulders to one hoof caressing the canary yellow muzzle as the other traveled down the foreleg to hold the other’s hoof. “... And really beautiful…” Fluttershy nibbled on her lower lip, the memory of the kiss fresh in her mind, and leaned into the hoof on her muzzle. “Oh Dashie… I… I wanted to hear you say that for… a long time.” She moved her own hooves to reciprocate the embraces, curling one around the one on the side of her head and one completing the hoof holding. “I’ve always cared deeply about you. You are wonderful, beautiful, and truly amazing…” With each compliment, she inched closer, bridging the gap between their faces. “I couldn’t dare to hope you would ever like me as much back…” Rainbow spoke quieter, gaze fixated on the soft lips that grew ever nearer. “You are one of the bravest mares I have ever known…” Her words trailed off as their muzzles reconnected. The warmth of the setting sun couldn’t compare to the heat they felt as they finally got to embrace as they had longed to. The two pets sitting nearby snuck away after a half minute of watching. Angel was urged by Tank to leave, though it was at a much slower pace. The tortoise had a large grin while the bunny was rather grumpier. The two pegasi stayed on the hilltop well after the sun went down, moving closer to conserve body heat, and kept the wonderous feeling going. Flutershy could barely feel her hooftips as her chest filled with extreme joy. Her mind was abuzz, white and peaceful. She wasn’t sure, but she had a half-thought of putting her hooves on the trim blue shoulders and didn’t realize when her limbs followed through with the idea. She could feel the soft touch of the other’s hooves against her head as she tilted to fix more snugly against the other.. Rainbow felt a rush unlike anything she felt before. Making a Sonic Rainboom might be cool, but their kiss, their touch, was by far warmer and more enticing. It blew every dreamed and imagined scenario out of the sky. By the time her wings went entirely loose and hung limply on her sides, the bold mare finally pulled back, panting. Her muzzle buzzed pleasantly. It was so tempting to just continue as they had been. She took a few large gulps of air, though it didn’t help settle her racing heart. The love she found in teal pools cleared up the last of the haze in her mind at least. “I’ve been such an idiot Fluttershy… I-we could have had this much…” Dash leaned close, kissing the yellow brow, “... much sooner… I was just too scared of the change that would come after.” “After?” Fluttershy murmured, moving her limbs down to rest on the lith mare’s hips, marveling at the ability to hold her crush that way. Rainbow stretched her neck up with a warm grin, eyes shut in pleasure. “Hmmmmmm…” She shifted back to the other, booping their noses together. “Hay, if me being honest about how much I like the physical contact stuff gets this kind of-of feeling, then it’s pretty good to me.” She gazed serenely to her crush. “Fluttershy, will you be my marefriend?” “Yes…! I would love to.” The animal care-taker couldn’t hold back her happiness and kissed her new marefriend. Dash’s mouth couldn’t stop forming a happy smile even as they continued to kiss. It was only as a cloud passed over the newly raised moon that the duo thought about their location as they were left in darkness. The blue pony glared at the sky. “Dumb night time…” “Princess Luna works really hard for the night sky to look rather nice.” Fluttershy beamed at the skyline. She peeked teasingly at the blue pony. “It is cold outside. Would you like to stay over?” All the muscles in the cobalt pegasus’ limbs went from a fluid state to a more tense one. “You… You mean it?” Dash watched and got an agreeing nod. “Yeah! Yeah, sure! Let’s-let’s go!” Fluttershy smiled at the reaction. Leading the way into her home, she checked on all the other critters inside before going to her room. Rainbow Dash wore another bright blush but followed along. Together, they finished their cuddling session in the comforts of twin sized bed until morning. bed until morning.