Perfect On Paper

by NintendoGal55


The Apple Household

“Ya'll took a lot wettin' out there! What in the hay were ya doin'?” Applejack wanted to know, giving both her friends a towel.

“Nothing!” Rainbow Dash said quickly, sitting down and drying her face and mane with the towel. “We were just talking! I was looking for her and found her out there! It started to rain and then you found us!”

“Well of course Ah did, Ah knew Fluttershy was still out there in the rain an' Ah didn't want her ta get sick,” Applejack said pointedly.

“Oh, I'm fine...but thank you,” Fluttershy murmured, drying herself off with the towel.

Applejack nodded, clearing her throat. “Awright then. Fluttershy, y'all go take a nice bath. Ah think ya need it, just ta relax. It's all yers fer now, Fluttershy, an' Ah won't take no fer an answer.”

“Okay,” Fluttershy nodded, and then made her way toward the stairs.

Applejack smiled at her, then turned back to Rainbow Dash with a serious expression. “Rainbow, Ah need ta speak with ya 'bout some things.”

“You don't have to keep it all secret and stuff, AJ,” Rainbow deadpanned. “Cat's out of the bag. I know why you want to talk to me.”

“Just indulge me,” Applejack said crossly, clearly not in the mood for jokes.

Rolling her eyes, Rainbow just nodded and followed after her into the living room. She sat on one of the sofas, while Applejack sat down on an easy chair near the coffee table. Normally, there would be a fairly awkward silence when it came to any kind of an impending discussion, which was what Rainbow was expecting. Even if just to gather her thoughts for a minute.

But Applejack wasted no time.

“Awright, so ya know why Ah want ta talk to ya,” Applejack said coolly. “Before we begin, do you want a drink or somethin'? Ah got some apple juice.”

“Yeah, sure, apple juice is fine,” Rainbow said offhandedly.

Nodding, Applejack exited, going to the kitchen. Rainbow sat, tensing a bit, wondering just what her friend was going to want to say to her. It was obviously about Fluttershy and in relation to her love life. She bit her lip, trying yet again to gather her thoughts, even if just to have an idea of what she would be trying to say about it all. What would Applejack ask? What would Applejack tell her?

By the looks of it all, it seemed that she was exactly right. Either on the night of her date itself or some time in between today, Fluttershy had confided in Applejack about what was going on. Now the protective Earth pony was going to confront her about it. Probably to tell her to stop hurting Fluttershy and to be careful about doing that.

Rainbow sighed, running a hoof through her mane. This was not going to be easy at all.

Applejack came back a few moments later with two glasses of apple juice with straws on a tray that she held in her mouth. She placed it on the coffee table, then returned to her chair while the Pegasus mumbled a thank-you before reaching for one of the glasses.

“Ah ain't mad at ya, RD,” Applejack told her in a calm, casual way. “Ah only wanna hear yer side o' the story.”

“My side of that... Oh, so Fluttershy told you everything?” Rainbow winced.

“Kinda sorta, enough o' the gist of things,” Applejack nodded, taking off her hat and placing it aside. She sipped her juice for a moment before continuing. “She told me her side, an' even though Ah can guess how things went and are goin' even fer you, Ah do want ta hear yer side of it.”

“...Fair enough, I guess,” Rainbow sighed, sipping her drink too. “Okay, guess I'll start from the beginning. Fireworks show last week. Fluttershy actually asked me to go with her during Comet's welcome party. Since Comet already asked me first, I had to say no. Fluttershy got really sad for some reason...well, looking back, now I know why. She wanted to go with me alone. Heh...I was pretty clueless,” she laughed humorlessly. “Anyway, so fast-forward, night of the fireworks. I went to Fluttershy's for dinner that night. We had an awesome time! She admitted to me that she liked mares, right? I told her I did too, we just kinda got that off our chests and it felt good.

After, we went down to the park to meet Comet there. There was still time to go before the fireworks started, so we talked a bit, and then Fluttershy offered to go get some drinks. Looking back again, Fluttershy felt like a third wheel since Comet and I yakked on and on together and often left her out. I didn't mean to, I really didn't. ...Anyway, so she goes to get the drinks, Comet and I talk some more. One thing led to another, I dropped some not-so-subtle hints that I liked her...ya know, liked her liked her! ...What the hay am I, nine? Whatever. So then she kissed me. I don't know when Fluttershy got back, but apparently she saw us kissing, left her saddlebags behind and then ran off. After we settled, I began to realize something was wrong because Fluttershy hadn't come back yet. Not sure how long it had been, but I think a little TOO long. So I turned and went down the hill to find her. Yeah, stupid, I know, since the park was crowded. But I found her saddlebags there. I know she didn't leave them behind since she would need them to bring the drinks back.

So then I realized, since the drinks were in there, that she ran off. And you'd think that it would've been a glaring neon sign, right? Nope! Comet comes down, a little disappointed by everything and tells me to go find her. 'Cause you know, I knew that I wouldn't be able to have a good time unless I knew Fluttershy was okay. So I flew off, looking around the park and then around town for her. Finally, I gave up and went to her house. When I finally got inside, I found her crying. Then...I guess she told you?”

Applejack nodded, quiet for a few moments as she took this in. She nodded again, looking at her friend. “Yeah, she did. She told me that somethin' inside was tryin' ta tell her ta just get it out, ta tell ya how she felt. Despite that she knew she had no chance with ya. Then she tells ya, an'...ya know the rest, you were there.”

“...Yeah, I was,” Rainbow looked down again with shame. “When she told me she loved me, I didn't see it coming. I really should have. Looking back, there were all kinds of signs, and the night of the fireworks...she was even planning to confess. But I ruined it without meaning to!”

“...How'd ya feel that time, then?”

“TERRIBLE! I wanted to punch myself for hurting her! I wanted to clip my wings! I never wanted to fly again! ...Fluttershy's my best friend, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt her. And that's all I ever do! HURT her! I don't deserve her, AJ! Why should she subject herself to me? A stupid clueless idiot who didn't even know she was in love with her and manages to hurt her over and over again?”

Applejack gave her a pointed look before she set her now-empty glass down. “Are ya seriously sayin' that?”

“It's true, AJ! All I do at some point or another is hurt her feelings! What kind of a friend am I? What kind of Element of Loyalty am I?! Now I hurt her by rejecting her wonderful, sweet, awesome, unconditional love! How LAME is that?!”

“Rainbow...yer mah friend and I love ya, but...yer real stupid sometimes,” Applejack deadpanned.

Rainbow sulked. “Thanks for rubbing it in.”

“Just listen ta me. Don't ya think you're not givin' yerself enough credit? First off, Fluttershy's in love with ya. She loves ya. Now, don't ya think she'd have cast ya aside a long time ago if you were really that terrible ta her? Friends fight and get annoyed with each other sometimes. Look at you an' me. We feel like killin' each other sometimes, but in the end, yer one o' mah best friends an' ya know Ah'd never let ya down, sugarcube. The point is, this is the same with Fluttershy. Sometimes, yeah, ya get annoyed with her. But that ain't bad. Doesn't make ya horrible. It makes ya...well, a pony. Now, think of all the things ya did fer her, the things ya did together.”

“But I-” Rainbow began, but was cut off.

Applejack silenced her with holding up her hoof. “When y'all were fillies, when bullies picked on her, ya told 'em ta back off.”

“Well, yeah.”

“Whenever she hurt herself an' you were around, ya took care of it and made her feel better by makin' her laugh.”

“Well, yeah, but-”

“Ya take her with ya every year durin' Cider Season an' ya let her go in front of ya. Even though ya don't have ta, ya do it anyway.”

“Don't even get me started on-”

“Ya go with her ta the butterfly migrations. When ya don't even have ta, but ya go with her 'cause you want ta spend time with her.”

“Sure I do, it's the only thing worthwhile about 'em. It makes her happy.”

“An' you keep makin' her think she owes ya.”

“...Shut up! I don't always have an easy time expressing myself!”

“Ah know, sugarcube. Anyway, then how 'bout the time she was hungry an' wanted ta buy a treat, but she had no money? Ya gave her enough bits to buy FOUR cupcakes.”

“Hey, she was hungry, I had some extra money to play with, so sure I gave her some!”

“Ya take her out ta lunch to her favourite place ta eat sometimes fer no reason at all.”

“I like the food there, too!”

“Ah can go on, but Ah made mah point. But Ah do have ta say this,” Applejack gave a smile then. “Look at ya, Rainbow. The fact yer this upset 'bout hurtin' her says everythin'! You care about her. Yer bein' compassionate fer her feelin's. An' that's great, really. But ya gotta calm down, step back, an' do the right thing.”

“What IS the right thing?” Rainbow wanted to know, anticipating.

“That ain't up ta me ta decide. But Ah think what ya can do is still be a good friend ta her. Don't treat her any differently than ya normally would, give her time ta feel better from this, be patient, an' in time, things will be better. If yer friendship with her can survive this, it'll make ya both stronger,” Applejack told her seriously, but with a smile.

Rainbow thought of that for a moment. It made sense, she thought. To just be the same old Rainbow Dash to Fluttershy, like nothing happened? Obviously not, but to treat her no different than before. That was easy.

“But I can't just pretend that she doesn't love me!”

“Ya don't have ta. Ya just have ta accept it an' understand. No need ta talk about it, but ya don't have ta ignore it. She cain't help how she feels.”

Setting her empty glass down, the cyan mare leaned back against the couch as she thought about what Applejack was saying. With a breath, she looked up at the ceiling, her mind jumbled with everything that had transpired in the past while. She was indeed a few steps further to truly reconciling with Fluttershy, to finally showing her how much she wanted to still be a good friend to her. That the fact there was one-sided romantic feelings between them didn't bother her.

“It doesn't even bother me. I mean...well, if I just look at it in the big picture, I guess I can't help but feel kinda flattered,” Rainbow admitted. “Sure, I feel bad that I can't return them, but it's still sweet! Fluttershy's a great pony. I think anypony who had her love and loved her back would be the luckiest pony in Equestria.”

“Yer just sayin' that,” Applejack teased.

“Oh no! I mean it! Rainbow Dash tells it like it is!” Rainbow winked, chuckling. “I really mean it, she's awesome, and she deserves the best. I feel like the luckiest gal around to be her friend. Without her, I know I wouldn't be where I am today.”

Chuckling, the farm pony smiled a bit more as she nodded for her to go on.

“Anyway, I just want her to know that even with her feelings, she's still my best friend. I don't want to lose her, AJ. I just don't think I'd be able to live with myself if I did. I just can't not have her in my life!”

“Then ya just need ta keep her close, sugarcube. Keep bein' her friend an' do what ya can. ...But Ah gotta say somethin' else, too,” Applejack now looked at her with a calm, serious expression. “When Ah found you two, there was sparks flyin' everywhere. What were ya tryin' ta do ta her? Ya looked ready ta pounce!”

“Pounce?! Isn't that...no! I didn't want to do anything!”

“You had this look in yer eyes, an' Ah could see you was tryin' not ta move.”

Rainbow sighed, holding her head in her hooves. “I don't know, okay?! Something was coming over me and I don't know what! ...I think some things Twilight said earlier were messing with my mind. That's gotta be it! Maybe I'm just over-thinking it!”

“Ya could be right. But Ah think yer curious,” Applejack said bluntly.

“Curious? About what?” Rainbow rose a brow.

“About Fluttershy.”

“I don't follow.”

“...Ya gotta be kiddin' me. Ah mean ta say that yer curious 'bout Fluttershy lovin' ya,” Applejack told her, shaking her head a bit, her ponytail swaying with each movement.

All at once, Rainbow Dash felt her cheeks grow REALLY hot. Was she curious? In a sense, she kind of was. She never had anypony express love for her, at least not one that she truly believed and trusted. Especially not from her friends. Pinkie Pie may have been one to throw “I love yous!” like a ball, but even she meant them in a friend or sisterly kind of sense.

But Fluttershy was definitely something different, to be sure. It was no wonder that in a sense, yes, Rainbow was admittedly curious about it all. But was it worth it? Was it worth thinking about, when she knew full well it could never happen?

“I know what you mean now, AJ, and I don't know. I guess I am, but I can't think like that. I'm with Comet now, and that's where my romantic...thoughts and intentions should be focused. I can't just sit here and imagine what could've been! What's that going to do?”

“Ah'm not sayin' ya should. That's up to you. But Ah can see that ya are, if nothin' else.”

Blinking, Rainbow tilted her head. “What else is there?”

“Nothin',” Applejack shook her head again. “Look, Ah just want ya to be careful 'round Fluttershy a bit an' please try not ta hurt her.”

“Believe me, AJ, I'm gonna do all I can to make sure that WON'T happen,” Rainbow promised, determined. “I want Fluttershy to be happy. I'll make sure that she is.”


That evening, both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stuck around for dinner after having helped out Applejack with the chores. Dinner this time was a much more talkative affair, considering that Apple Bloom was asking questions, Rainbow Dash was sharing (or bragging) some stories, while Applejack either interjected or asked questions of her own. Granny Smith laughed jovially the whole time, while Big Macintosh just simply looked on with a warm smile. Fluttershy too was quiet, but also kept her smile as she observed her friends and Apple Bloom just having a ball.

After dinner, that was when Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo came along, since they were having a sleepover with Apple Bloom. Granny Smith took back to knitting, Big Macintosh and Applejack were going to make a delivery into town, so Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy offered to look after the three fillies until they got back.

Which brings us to right now.

Fluttershy was playing a game of Snakes and Ladders with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, while Rainbow Dash was helping Scootaloo build a model of a flying dinosaur from a kit she had with her. They were all in the living room, the rain pattering on the windows to add to the atmosphere, a roaring fire was going in the fireplace, and filled the air with soothing sounds of snaps and crackles, with the radiating warmth. Fluttershy had the board game set up on the floor near it while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sat on the floor with her, playing the game. Scootaloo had her model set up on the coffee table as she and Rainbow worked on it, carefully.

“Are you sure you two don't need help?” Fluttershy offered once more, smiling.

Chuckling, Rainbow Dash shook her head. “We got it, Fluttershy! Don't worry!”

Nodding, Fluttershy smiled some more and then went back to her game with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Hey Rainbow Dash, I gotta ask you something!” Scootaloo said, balancing the model's wing carefully.

“Really now, squirt?” Rainbow teased, smirking. “All right, what's on your mind?”

Scootaloo grinned widely as she looked up at her big sister figure. “Apple Bloom told Sweetie Belle and me all about it! You're dating Blazing Comet! That's so awesome!”

“Oh, should've figured you pipsqueaks knew about it,” Rainbow chuckled, smiling. “Guilty as charged, though! We're dating, yes. So how'd she know?”

“Fluttershy told her,” Scootaloo explained. “A few nights ago, Fluttershy was helping out here at the farm and stayed for dinner, then Apple Bloom said that she told her what was going on!”

“Ohhh...figured,” Rainbow cast a sideways glance toward Fluttershy.

“Yep! And you know, Comet's awesome and cool, just like you! Seems like an ideal match! But um...I think you're with the wrong pony.”

Now the cyan Pegasus snapped her gaze back to the little filly. “What? Why the hay would you think that?”

Scootaloo grinned, unfazed. “You and Fluttershy are perfect for each other! Apple Bloom was telling us that the other day. At first I thought she was crazy, but Sweetie Belle agreed with her. Still though they were crazy. So Apple Bloom told us some things, I guess I thought about it, and now seeing you guys here, I think they're right!” Her little wings fluttered like crazy as she bounced a bit. “You guys are cute together!”

Blinking, Rainbow Dash blushed as she looked away from the little pegasus and down at the table, trying to gather some kind of nerve to respond to her. Now Scootaloo, the little Pegasus that idolized her was saying that she and Fluttershy were cute together. Twilight had said the same thing. How was she supposed to respond to that, especially to a child who clearly didn't know their issues? She didn't want to burst her bubble, but she also didn't want to lie to her, either. It was, in principle, a sweet sentiment, and she did appreciate it. Despite that it wasn't true in so many ways.

“Hey, Scoot, that's really nice of you to say. But it's just not like that. You'll understand when you're bigger and know all the crazy grown up issues,” Rainbow managed, looking toward her.

Now Scootaloo pouted. “That's not fair! Everypony always says that I'll understand something when I'm older! Hey, I'm not stupid! I can understand!”

Chuckling, Rainbow smiled and ruffled her fuzzy purple mane. “I get it, Scoot. I thought the same when I was your age! But trust me, it's really hard to understand. Even I still don't understand it. I don't want to bore you.”

“Fine,” Scootaloo gave up and sat on her rump. “But I still mean it! We think you guys are great together! Plus, she is pretty cute!”

Looking to her left again, Rainbow glanced toward Fluttershy again. The way the yellow pony was bathed softly in the light of the room and the fire seemed to add something of a warming, softer sense of beauty to her. Moreso than normal, to be sure. She looked absolutely radiant and calm, even smiling a lot. Though not quite in her element of being around her animal friends, this did still count for a moment of Fluttershy enjoying something well within something she would adhere to.

'Yeah, she really is so cute.' Rainbow thought, a warm, dreamy smile crossing her features as she admired the kind Pegasus a few more moments.

“All right, silly head, enough of that! We'll talk later. Let's finish this model and get it underway!” Rainbow Dash turned back to Scootaloo with a grin.

Eager at the idea, Scootaloo smiled widely as her wings fluttered in place again. “Okay! Let's do this!”


Applejack and Big Macintosh were running late, as it seemed, according to Derpy Hooves. The mailmare, who had seen Applejack and Big Macintosh in town, was told that due to some complications, was sent here to tell them. They told her to pass the message on to the household about the fact they would be home later than expected. This meant of course that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had to take care of putting the Cutie Mark Crusaders to bed.

That meant giving them a bath, reading them a story, and then tucking them in.

“Okay, pipsqueaks! Listen up! Since it's almost your bedtime, it's time for your bath!” Rainbow Dash announced. “And NO fussing!”

“...If that's all right...” Fluttershy added softly.

“YAY!! CUTIE MARK CRUSADER BATHTIME!!”

A rush of wind blew past the two Pegasi as the fillies ran past, already running upstairs. Fixing her mane a bit, Rainbow chuckled as she nudged Fluttershy lightly.

“Whaddya know, they didn't even fuss about it,” she chuckled,

Giggling, Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “I'll say. Shall we?”

They went upstairs, going up to the bathroom where the three fillies were waiting. It was then time to prepare! Rainbow Dash proceeded to plug the drain and then turn on the water, adjusting the knobs to an appropriate temperature. Fluttershy was over at the built-in shelves, gathering three filly-sized towels and searching for some shampoo and bubble bath.

“I brought my rubber ducky!” Sweetie Belle proclaimed, holding up a bright yellow duck toy.

Scootaloo produced a toy boy from her saddlebags. “I've got a boat!”

“An' Ah've got a whale!” Apple Bloom shared, indicating to a toy Orca whale on the floor.

Fluttershy giggled as she brought over the bubble bath over to the tub. Rainbow stepped aside to let her add it by running it under the tap's flowing stream. Once it was added, the water was turned off since it was at a decent level in the tub, and they ran their hooves through it to spread the bubbles all around. Satisfied, they turned back to the three fillies.

“All right you three, we'll just put you in now,” Fluttershy picked up Apple Bloom, placing her into the tub.

“Me next! Me next!” Scootaloo bounced.

“Okay okay, pipsqueak, it's your turn,” Rainbow chuckled, picking up Scootaloo and helping her into the tub.

Fluttershy picked up Sweetie Belle, placing her into the tub with her friends as well, making sure they were all comfortable. Almost immediately after, this was when they started to laugh and splash each other, getting water and bubbles everywhere.

“Now girls, please don't splash too-”

“Look at me! I've got a beard!” Scootaloo laughed as she formed a bubble beard all around the lower half of her face.

“And I've got a funky hat!” Sweetie Belle piled some bubbles onto her head in the shape of a silly, misshapen hat.

“Awww...Ah cain't top all o' that!” Apple Bloom pouted. “Aw well! Take some of this, girls!” She grinned, splashing her friends.

“Girls, please don't-”

“Hey!” Rainbow said loudly. “Don't start splashing! It's gonna make the floor all slippery!”

“Sorry, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo said sheepishly, smiling nervously. “Let's just play with the toys!”

“Awright!! Ah'm Willy the whale, an' he's swimmin' around!” Apple Bloom moved her whale toy along the water, making little noises.

“Ooh! And Rubber Ducky comes up to say hi to Willy!” Sweetie Belle giggled, squeezing her rubber duck as she glided it along the water.

“And I've got the SSS Equestria Liner cruise ship sailing along the open sea! The open sea of all kinds of bubbles!” Scootaloo made noises like a boat as she sailed it along the water, laughing.

“All right, you sillies, hold still,” Fluttershy took Apple Bloom's foreleg, washing it with a washcloth she had dipped into the water.

“Same to you, squirt,” Rainbow Dash proceeded to wash a grumbling Scootaloo. “Hey, hold still! I don't want this to get in your eyes!”

“It tickles!” Scootaloo squirmed.

Sweetie Belle giggled, grinning widely as she watched the spectacle of the two older Pegasi washing her friends. She was next when Fluttershy finished washing Apple Bloom, then began cleaning her next. When the two other fillies were washed, they went back to playing while waiting for Sweetie Belle to be done. Filling a pitcher with some water, Rainbow Dash flew over the tub carefully, and poured the water onto their manes to wet them.

“Now it's time to wash your manes!” Fluttershy held the bottle of shampoo in her mouth for them to see.

“Do we have to?” Scootaloo complained.

“Scoot, this is part of the game,” Rainbow told her, taking the shampoo bottle from Fluttershy. She squeezed some into Scootaloo's mane, gave it back to Fluttershy, and went to work on lathering it into the purple strands with her hooves. “There ya go, Scoot, like it?”

“Mmmm, that feels good, Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo giggled.

“Me next! Please?” Sweetie Belle waved her hoof eagerly.

Smiling, Fluttershy nodded and squeezed some shampoo onto Sweetie Belle's mane. Like Rainbow was doing, she lathered the suds into the soft curled mane carefully, so as not to get it in her face or eyes. After washing through her mane, she moved over to Apple Bloom in order to wash hers. In doing so, Rainbow Dash filled the pitcher with some fresh water again, using it to pour over the fillies' manes to rinse out the shampoo.

After they were washed, they let the fillies play in the tub for a little bit together. Luckily, they didn't splash so much this time.

“Oh...this takes me back,” Fluttershy admitted with a little smile. “During the days that it was fun to be in the tub.”

“You said it!” Rainbow chuckled, looking toward her. “Used to have all kinds of bath toys, I had the coolest collection!”

Fluttershy giggled, shaking her head. “I didn't think they had 'cool' bath toys.”

“Sure they did, silly! You just had to know where to look!”

“I'll take your word for it then, Rainbow.”

They shared a hearty laugh, looking back at the three devilish little angels as they played in the bathtub together. Working as a team was nothing new for them, they'd done so many times in the past. But for looking after fillies, specifically the Cutie Mark Crusaders, this was very likely the first time they'd ever truly done so, together. So far, even with just a bit more to go, not even halfway through the tasks just yet, it was already looking to be a very enjoyable experience. Despite the little hassles here and there.

After some time, as it was getting closer to their bedtime, they got the fillies out of the tub (much to their protest) and dried them off. Now all clean and dry, it was time to get them to bed so that they could relax for story time.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy took the three of them to Apple Bloom's bedroom, where two sleeping bags were set up along the floor near her bed. Apple Bloom immediately hopped onto her bed, the other two crusaders following to sit with her on it.

“So then, girls, what storybook would you like for us to read from?” Fluttershy smiled, going over to the little bookshelf.

“Actually, we want you guys to tell us a story!” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah! Telling us a story!” Sweetie Belle nodded.

“Uh-huh! Tell us one!” Apple Bloom agreed.

Rainbow looked at Fluttershy for help as the latter joined the former to sit with her on the floor next to Apple Bloom's bed.

“Oh...you want us to tell you one? On the spot?”

“As in...improvised?”

“Uh-huh!” The three fillies nodded.

Rainbow shrugged then. “Okay, guess we can try! I'll go first!”

---------

Once upon a time, in the land of Equestria, there was an awesome Pegasus, her name was Rainbow Dash! She the was the fastest, coolest flier out of Cloudsdale! But one day, there was...a threat to the Kingdom!

---------

“Ooh ooh! It was a...” Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle for help.

“A giant monster!” Said Sweetie Belle.

---------

It was a giant monster, threatening to destroy the entire country! Scary and big as it might have been, it was no match for Rainbow Dash! Nothing could stop her! She was already in action, making sure this monster would pay for attacking everypony and everything!

But she didn't do it alone! She had her best pal, Fluttershy!

-------------

“Um...Okay...” Fluttershy giggled. “What did I do?”

“You decide! This is our story! ANYTHING can happen!”

“Okay, um...let me see...”

------

Fluttershy was the Element of Kindness, and she used her words and kind actions in order to-

----------

“Oh come on! This is an action and adventure story! Make it big and exciting!”

“...Sorry...”

“Nah, it's okay. Just do what you feel!”

--------

Fluttershy, Element of Kindness, was not about to go down without a fight. She was determined to help her friend through this grievous battle no matter what! Times were tough, but she was not going to let anything stop her!

“Come on, Fluttershy! We have to stop this beast!” Rainbow Dash said with all the awesome coolness she had. “We can do it if we work together!”

“But how will we stop him? He is bigger and more powerful,” came Fluttershy's nervous response.

“Don't worry! We'll find a way! All we have to do is make sure we kick him down! The bigger they are, the harder they fall!”

“R-Right! That's true!”

So they swooped into action, ready to take down the giant monster that was terrorizing the land! Before they could get close-

------

“The monster's minions kidnapped Fluttershy!” Scootaloo intervened.

“Oooh...so now it's a rescue!” Rainbow grinned. “I can dig that!”

---------

Fluttershy was captured! Rainbow Dash was furious, because how DARE they kidnap her best friend! She was not going to take that lying down! With all of her anger and rage, she flew in with the Element of Loyalty at the ready. No way was she going to hold back, because-

------

“Fluttershy was her special somepony and she was not going to let the big giant monster harm the pony she loved!” Sweetie Belle threw in, all giggly.

Fluttershy blushed, looking away, while Rainbow just looked mortified for a brief moment.

“...Fine, I'll humour you squirts this time. But it's just pretend!”

“Okay!”

-------

No way was she going to hold back, because she loved Fluttershy and wasn't about to let anything bad happen to her! Now she was mad. Raging!

“HEY! You big stupid meanie! You let Fluttershy go right now!” Rainbow Dash yelled in anger to the big monster.

“I shall never release her, Rainbow Dash!” Said the giant monster.

Rainbow Dash smirked with smug determination, knowing what she was up against, and had nothing to fear. “You're going to regret it, you big dumb idiot! You'll rue the day you EVER messed with Rainbow Dash!”

“You can never defeat me! I'm far too powerful and dangerous!”

“We'll see about that!”

The battle raged on, with Rainbow Dash up against the giant monster and his minions. It looked to be a big, tough beat down, with a lot of trouble over the horizon. This was definitely going to be a lot of big trouble.

FOR THEM!

Not a monster didn't go undefeated when Rainbow Dash swooped through them like dominoes! It was finally her against the monster!

“You can't win this time, monster! I'm going to destroy you!” Rainbow Dash yelled with ferocity.

“You shall never defeat me!” Yelled the monster.

Too late! The power of loyalty, friendship and love all manifested within her body and her necklace! POW! Right in the kisser! She shot the monster flying through the air and disappearing into the horizon! Gone was the threat! Rainbow Dash was a hero!

Locked in a cage was Fluttershy, struggling to escape! But she freed her, and vowed never to let anything bad happen to her again.

“Oh Rainbow Dash, my hero! You saved my life!”

“Anything for my best friend in the world, Fluttershy! I'd never let that monster keep you prisoner forever!”

“Thank you!! And thanks to you, Equestria is saved!”

-----------

“They kissed, got married, and lived happily ever after!” Sweetie Belle threw in.

“Tha end!” Apple Bloom concluded, giggling.

“Hey, that was great!” Scootaloo grinned.

Chuckling nervously, a little uncomfortable, the two Pegasi looked away from each other with soft blushes. It was only just pretend, despite how much it reflected what the three fillies (and Fluttershy) wanted in real life.

“All right girls, it's time for bed now,” Fluttershy said softly, motioning for them to get into their bed/sleeping bags. “Please?”

“Get to bed, squirts,” Rainbow said seriously. “Now.”

Apple Bloom settled into her bed happily, laying back in the mattress with her head on the pillow. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo climbed down to the floor, then got into their sleeping bags, snuggling into them. Fluttershy tucked in Apple Bloom, while Rainbow Dash tended to the sleeping bags to make sure they were snug and comfortable.

“Okay you three, you're going to sleep. Relax, don't stay up late, and sleep. No late-night crusades! Don't you make me sic Fluttershy's stare on you!”

“Um...just please sleep, okay?”

“We don't want to hear any noise!”

“Please be quiet...”

“And don't cause any trouble!”

“Please behave...”

The three fillies all nodded, smiling, even if they were slightly nervous of being on the receiving end of Fluttershy's infamous stare.

“Okay! Goodnight Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy!” Scootaloo closed her eyes.

“G'night, Rainbow Dash an' Fluttershy!” Apple Bloom closed her eyes, too.

“Goodnight, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash!” Sweetie Belle also closed her eyes.

Once the Cutie Mark Crusaders were settled, Rainbow and Fluttershy left the room and closed the door behind them. They went back downstairs to wait in the living room for Big Macintosh and Applejack to return, having promised that they would wait until they returned before leaving after having put the kids to bed.

They settled near the fireplace, getting another fire going for the warmth. For some time, they simply sat around in silence. It wasn't awkward, just a contended and quiet silence shared between two friends. Normally, Rainbow Dash would've opposed moments like these, thinking that quiet moments were boring and stupid. But it was Fluttershy who brought out a more relaxing side of her, allowing her to just enjoy laying about and doing nothing. It was certainly refreshing, if she thought about it.

Now here they were, two friends having done a bit of a foalsitting, and relaxing by the fire on a cool rainy night.

“You really are good with them, Fluttershy,” Rainbow remarked, smiling at her. “I see Rarity and Twilight weren't lying.”

“...Well...I have learned a lot since looking after them, I'm glad it has managed to work,” Fluttershy murmured with a blush.

Chuckling, Rainbow gently patted her mane. “I mean it, Fluttershy, you'd make a really good mom.”

Looking up at her, the creamy yellow Pegasus smiled brightly, touched. “Oh, thank you, Rainbow Dash. That means a lot to me...”

“Hey, anytime!”

“And you know...you were good with them, too. Especially Scootaloo. I think you made a good choice in signing up for the Big Sis/Little Sis program with her. You really do well in taking care of her.”

“D'aww...thanks, I try. She's a good kid. I feel bad that she can't fly yet. Kind of reminds me of you a little bit back then, when you weren't able to fly...” Rainbow sighed a bit, but she was still smiling. “I hope I can teach her well.”

“Just as you helped me, Rainbow,” Fluttershy cooed, giving her a friendly nuzzle. “I know she can do it. With your help, I know she can do it......I know she'll do well."

Blushing a bit, Rainbow had to wonder why she was feeling this way. Why this moment together was getting to her more so than it should have. But regardless, she was starting to enjoy these moments, these sweet feelings. Fluttershy was happy again, and it was a wonderful sight. Especially compared to how sad she had been seeing her over the past days. Maybe that was it. She was just glad to see her happy, and was relishing in sharing happier moments with her.

“I think you're right,” Rainbow nuzzled her back. “She'll do wonders.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “I fully agree.”

“Awesome. So hey, we did good tonight!”

“Oh, we certainly did! I'm glad...it was nice to do this together, it really was.”

“Heh...you know, it was! I haven't foalsat in ages, so it was kinda cool to get back into it, especially with you there to help!”

“I'm glad...you were there to help too, Rainbow Dash...”

Chuckling again, Rainbow looked at her with a warm smile, her eyelids lowering a bit. “No problem, Fluttershy.”

“I mean it, it was wonderful,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Yeah...wonderful...”

Silence befell them again as they looked at each other, lost in the moment. Or just in each other's eyes. Only the glow of the fireplace alit the room, surrounding them in dancing shadows, creating such an alluring, beautiful atmosphere.

'She's beautiful...she looks so happy...' Rainbow thought, feeling her heart pound in her chest.

This had to stop. She knew exactly what was going to happen if this went on any longer. Rainbow knew that if this went on, only one thing was going to happen. What terrified her the most about it was not the act itself, though that was nerve-wracking, but the feelings of it. The fact that she wanted it to happen. She wanted to kiss Fluttershy.

Thankfully, Applejack and Big Macintosh came in through the door, having finally returned from their delayed delivery out in town. It broke the spell over the two ponies, and it was silently understood that they would never speak of that moment again.

But even after, Rainbow Dash could not ignore the thoughts in her head about how she had wanted to do that. Even for just one fleeting moment, she had even been willing to forget she had a girlfriend.

Hopefully, over time, these urges would fade.