Perfect On Paper

by NintendoGal55


Nights of Troubles

Six months had gone by since Rainbow Dash had been dating Blazing Comet, as well as having discovered Fluttershy's feelings for her. Unexpectedly, the past six months were quite a roller coaster, in Rainbow's opinion.

She had come to the point in her life that she wasn't even sure what to think anymore.

This brings us to tonight.

Celebrating being together for six months, Comet actually did take her to a fancier place in Manehattan, just to try and mess around with the idea. Rainbow agreed to it, and even dolled up in the same dress she wore on their first date. On top of that, they were REALLY in the big city this time, especially since it was nighttime, with all the lights on and everypony bustling about within “the city that never sleeps”, something exciting to behold.

Rainbow was, for the most part, enjoying herself. She was excited to see Manehattan, even willing to try a fancier place, despite she still didn't care for them all too much. She hoped Comet was having fun too, despite that this normally wasn't her style either.

“So, Dash, things going all right for ya?” Comet queried, smiling.

“You bet!” Rainbow grinned. “It just so happens that you're looking at the awesome pony who managed to master a whole new trick!”

“So it would seem! Tell me!” Comet grinned, leaning over the table a bit as she lay her head in her hooves, like a child being told a bedtime story.

For one brief moment, Rainbow almost couldn't help but see a lot of Fluttershy in that little pose. It was something so cute, so serene, something she often did, considering just how innocent she was. Shaking her head of such thoughts, she cleared her throat.

“Well, just about a week ago, I was working on mastering a trick that I call Cloud Swirls! Of course I did that before, especially when I'd practice my routine to master the Sonic Rainboom! But I'm not just gonna swirl the clouds, I'm gonna round them up together to create one GIANT swirling cloud! So there I was, practicing and building it up, then it worked perfectly! WHOOSH! There it was! The giant swirling cloud of all the clouds rolled into one!” Rainbow waved her hooves about for emphasis, grinning widely.

“Hey, awesome! Then what?”

“I....got on top and stomped on it t to make it rain?”

“That's it?” Comet chuckled, shaking her head. “You'll have to show me it sometime, Dash! Did your friends see it?”

“Oh, uh, yeah! Yeah...” Rainbow wasn't sure how to tell her it was only Fluttershy that day before they'd gone to Sugarcube Corner to celebrate with Pinkie, later joined by the others. “Real proud of me they were!”

“Ha, glad to hear it!” Comet smiled, sipping her wine. She made a face of distaste, pushed it aside, and opted for her glass of water instead. “So how's Fluttershy doing? Lately, she's been a lot more perky!”

“You bet! She's doing awesome! She's happy again!” Rainbow cajoled, giggling a bit. Hoping with all her might to derail the subject of her best friend, she cleared her throat. “So, uh, how's your aunt? Is she doing okay?”

“Actually, I'm glad you asked,” said the orange Pegasus as she shifted in her seat a bit. “She's doing very good! Her treatment's been helping so much. She can walk again, take better care of herself, it's fantastic! I think our support and help have helped to do wonders for her. Now she's able to look after my sister if I ever need to go out, so I don't have to worry too much about hiring a sitter if I need one when I leave. The three of us have been doing a lot more together, that's kinda why I'd been busy over the past week. We're going out to Canterlot on vacation with our parents, to celebrate.”

“Oh, so you'll...be out of town awhile?”

“Yep!”

Rainbow bit her lip. She was more than glad to hear that her marefriend's aunt was doing well, but then to hear that she was going away for a while? This didn't sound good at all. Comet being gone meant she'd have to occupy herself in other ways. Oftentimes that meant Fluttershy. And without Comet around to derail her crazy emotions...

'No! I can't think of it that way! I'm NOT gonna get tempted! I can handle myself! I don't need somepony else to derail me! Nope! Not at all!'

“Auntie really likes you, Dash,” Comet smiled warmly. “She pretty much considers you part of the family. And you already know Star loves you.”

“Uh...well, thanks...that's great...you know I like them too!” Rainbow grinned nervously. Something about this conversation was not sitting well with her. Not to say she didn't appreciate the sentiment, especially since she knew those facts already, but what was Comet trying to get at?

“I know,” Comet smiled, and then straightened her posture a bit as she took on a more serious look. “Dash...I think we should talk.”

Uh-oh.

Rainbow looked mortified as her throat tightened. She felt as if a spotlight was being shined upon in her an otherwise dark room.

“I think-...Dash, what's wrong?” An amused smile crossed her face. “You look like I'm about to tell you that you're going to die in seven days!”

“Heh heh...sorry, you know what those 'talk' related phrases do to me!” Rainbow blushed, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof, smiling sheepishly.

“Sorry, you're right. I wanted to tell you something I'm thinking of....that better?”

“It'll do! Sorry, go ahead.”

“Thanks. Well, Dash, I'd been thinking a whole lot about us. It might seem a little sudden for me to say this, but I really do feel certain about it. I've been thinking it for a while, and I really think I should get it off my chest,” Comet took a breath as she gathered herself, looking to Rainbow with a very serious look, but a hint of a smile in her lips and eyes. “I'll just come out and say it. I-”

“Hey! Comet!! Hello there! I didn't think I'd see you here!” A unicorn with a silvery white coat, dark blue mane, and one eye being gold, the other being blue. “It's been so long!”

“Oh wow! Moon Dancer! Hi!!” Comet grinned so widely, getting up from her seat and embracing the unicorn. “Wow! It's great to see you, buddy!”

“Likewise!” Moon Dancer giggled, hugging her back. “Sorry, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?”

“Oh no, not at all!” Comet shook her head, seeming to forget she was saying something important just moments ago. “Moon Dancer, this is my marefriend, Rainbow Dash!”

Putting up a front, Rainbow grinned widely as she stood up. “Yep! That's me! Rainbow Dash! Maybe you heard of me?”

“I certainly have!” Moon Dancer giggled, extending her hoof. “You were that brave Pegasus who saved that unicorn and the Wonderbolts during last years Best Young Fliers' competition! Plus, even with that, Comet here's been writing about you sometimes!”

“Guilty!” Comet snickered. “So how are you? What brings you around these parts?”

“I just moved here, actually! I was living out in Trottingham after I left Canterlot, and now I decided to move here to the big city!” Moon Dancer explained.

“Aw, that's great! You'll have to tell me more about it!” Comet nudged her best friend lightly. “So, did you do...it?”

Moon Dancer smirked. “What do you think?”

“SNAP!” Comet laughed hard, bringing her foreleg around the unicorn's shoulders. “I knew it! I just knew you would! Good for you, buddy!”

“I couldn't have done it without your advice, Comie!”

“You little lug, stop it! It was all you! Now go out there and keep on shining through!”

“Oh, thank you! I will...” Moon Dancer said shyly. “Anyway, I don't mean to keep you from your date. I'm here with my cousins and I saw you, decided to say hello. How long will you be in town?”

“We're heading back to Ponyville tonight, and then next week I'll be in Canterlot with my family, I'm taking my aunt and sister to visit our parents since they'll be off work for a while,” Comet explained.

“Hey, cool! My cousins and I are going to visit our grandparents in Canterlot on Tuesday, we'll be there until Sunday. Maybe we can meet there, catch up?” Moon Dancer suggested.

“Sounds good! See you then, buddy!” Comet gave a playful smirk, hoof-bumping her friend.

“Bye for now! It was nice meeting you, Rainbow Dash!” Moon Dancer smiled to them brightly before she trotted off.

“Wow,” Comet turned back Rainbow Dash, grinning. “I can't believe it! What a small world this is. So! Yeah, that was Moon Dancer!”

“I noticed,” Rainbow smiled awkwardly.

'I think this was how Fluttershy felt that night of the fireworks... Kind of wish she was here too, then we could have a double...something with each other and Moon Dancer. Maybe then nopony would be ignored! ...What the hay am I thinking?! I'm on a DATE! With Comet! This is our night! Nopony else allowed!'

Comet blinked, and then looked sheepish. “Sorry, Dash... I was a little carried away, wasn't I? I was just really glad to see her, since it's been a long time. I didn't mean to ignore you there. Sorry about that.”

“Nah, forget about it!” Rainbow waved her hoof.

'Man, they had so much chemistry. And Comet WAS in love with her at some point. ...I wonder if she still loves her? Can you really love two ponies at once? No, what the hay am I thinking?! That's her problem, not mine! Not like I'm going through that! No! Fluttershy's appealing...but I can't be in love with her! I'm with Comet, I love her, and she's been so wonderful to me. We're perfect for each other. No two ways about it!...She did get really touchy with Moon Dancer, though. ...Nah, they're just best friends and I guess they like to get close. I like getting close to Fluttershy. So there!'

“You sure? I feel pretty bad, I didn't mean to make you feel like a third wheel.”

“No, it's fine! You haven't seen her in a long time and wanted to say hi, so it's okay!”

Comet smiled. “Thanks for understanding, Dash.”

“No problem!” Rainbow smiled. “So, uh...what did you want to say before?”

“Oh! Right, well...” Comet hesitated a bit, looking unsure. “Dash, this will be a big step and I hope you'll think about it before you start freaking out.”

'She's breaking up with me, isn't she? Darn it....I knew this was coming! There hasn't been much spark or excitement between us, I know! But that doesn't mean we can't fix it! Oh no, it's about Fluttershy, isn't it? That's why she's breaking up with me! She sees that I'm feeling weird around her! Darn it! What am I going to do?!'

“Dash, I want to get married.”

'Phew! Okay, she's not breaking up with me! That's good! Okay, I think I can-'

“WHAT?!”

A few ponies at other tables turned to stare at them, a few of them glaring with disapproval over her loud outburst.

“Oh, get over yourselves!” Comet said to them tersely before turning back to Rainbow Dash. “Um...Dash? Please don't make a scene.”

“S-Sorry but...Married?” Rainbow squeaked. “I...Comet! Married?! It's...Isn't it a bit early to be thinking about that?”

“Dash, I know it's sudden, but I'm serious. And I also don't mean in the next few months, either. I just want to be sure about where this is going,” Comet explained in a softer voice.

“But...Comet...I'm not ready to get married!” Rainbow uttered in shame. “I mean sure, maybe one day I'll finally settle down, but right now, I-”

“You're afraid of commitment, aren't you,” Comet deadpanned, looking distraught.

“No! That's not it! It's not that I don't want to commit, I do! I just...why do we have to get married to commit?” Rainbow was beginning to panic and almost wished it HAD been a breakup speech. At least then she would know what to expect.

“You just don't want to commit to me, is that it?”

“No no no! That's not it either! Why does everypony think that because I am who I am that I don't want to be tied down, that I don't want to commit to one pony, that I don't want to be 'caged'? That I'm all wild and want to sleep with anything that moves? This is too much for me now! I can't commit like that! Getting married...that's a huge step! I can't just make that decision on the spot! I mean come on, we've only been together six months and eight days! Yeah, I counted! ...Comet I...do love you...I'm just not ready for that yet.”

Rainbow slumped in her seat, staring down at her lap. This was not working. She could not believe what was happening. Things had been going awkward but just fine throughout the date, but now it was all coming crashing down. She hadn't even thought about them getting married one day. If it came to be, then she would think it over, but now it was far too sudden. Had she ever thought of it, she figured it wouldn't come up until they had been dating at least a year. But now? She wasn't sure what to think. It was a lot of pressure on her part for such a big commitment she would have little power to turn away from.

At the same time, the last thing she ever wanted to do was hurt Comet's feelings on this matter. To make her think she didn't want to commit, but that wasn't true. Her heart sank, her stomach churned with dread, and she felt as though she were going numb. Hurting Fluttershy was horrible, but now she would be hurting Comet, making her think she didn't love her? That was an image she fought hard not to think about. She wasn't about to hurt somepony else she cared about by making them feel they weren't loved.

“Dash,” Comet spoke up, looking at her again. “I'm really sorry. It is...something I want, but I think it's unfair of me to put so much pressure on you like that. I guess I just really wanted to be sure, to really make sure we know where we stand. Like I said though, I also didn't mean for it to happen in the next near future, either, so no worry on that. You understand, right?”

Feeling a little guilty, Rainbow nodded, smiling a bit. “Yeah, sure I do. I guess I can't really blame you. Hey, who doesn't want secure notions in a relationship...right?”

Comet nodded a bit, drinking her water some more. A unicorn waiter then brought over their food held in magic, setting the plates on the table. Both Pegasi then stared with utmost distaste. Not that the food wasn't good, it was what they wanted. The only problem was the portion size, especially since it was on a pretty big plate, which made it all the more miniscule. The portion itself was barely enough even for a couple of bites.

“What the hay is this?! Did we order off the Kids menu?!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“No, I'm pretty sure we didn't!” Comet frowned, shaking her head. “I can't believe it! We're paying a week's salary's worth for food and THIS is what we get?!”

“I could get TEN of these back home at the diner for HALF the price of this!”

“For this price, I could get at least three and a half or two full meals back home! I could get enough to feed my aunt, my sister and myself easily!”

“At this price, I could get two day's worth of groceries at the market! Maybe three if anything's on sale!”

“For half this price, I could get a full plate of food at a more casual place! And still have enough left over to get a piece of cake!”

“I don't even want to know how big their cake slices are!”

“I'll bet they'll only put the strawberry!”

“You want to leave?”

“Right behind you!”

The two Pegasi gobbled up their pathetic portions in one bite, left a tip for the waiter (he was only doing his job, after all), a note, and then left. A classic Dine and Dash...with a little extra thrown in for good measure.


“Well, Dash, I don't think we'll ever be going THERE again!” Comet laughed as they walked along Central Park.

“You can say that again! No measly little foal-sized meal will work for this belly!” Rainbow smirked, using her wing to pat her stomach.

“Neat idea on grabbing a couple corn dogs from that vendor on the way here!”

“What can I say? It was time for some REAL food!”

The two shared a laugh, then sat upon one of the benches in the park. Since it was about sunset, it wasn't as busily bustling as it usually was. However, here were pony couples walking by here and there, or even just ponies alone or with friends taking an evening stroll through the park, just like anypony would do. The breeze was cooling, offering a balance between the warmth of the day's closing end, and the city noise out and beyond Central Park was as noisy yet interesting as ever, especially in contrast to the mild quietness of the park.

Rainbow Dash, though she felt relaxed, something made her a bit uneasy Quiet moments between her and Comet weren't at all uncommon, but it never felt quite right. If there was a quiet moment between them (and even her other friends), it was usually because they were doing something. Taking silent breaks now and then to concentrate on whatever task they happened to be working on, and then sometimes exchanging conversation or mere small talk.

An example was when Rainbow would sometimes go to read at the library with Twilight. She'd be sitting back on the stairs, reading the latest Daring Do novel (or whatever other book happened to tickle her fancy), Spike would be doing a chore or cooking, and Twilight herself would be reading and/or studying on the library floor. Sometimes they spoke to each other, sometimes they just read.

Or when she would volunteer to help Pinkie Pie with baking at Sugarcube Corner. If they weren't getting getting silly, they would either be working on whatever they happened to be baking or sometimes chatting it up while doing so.

With Comet, it was the same kind of thing. The closest they came to quiet moments were when they'd lie back on the clouds after one or both of them were practicing their tricks, trying to outdo each other, and racing. But those lasted a few minutes and they usually spoke while doing so, with just a few quiet moments in between that didn't quite count. Either way, they were always doing something during moments they didn't speak to each other.

Then when it came to quiet, calm, relaxing moments that involved doing nothing but stare at the scenery all around, enjoy the smells, and just be together all at once, were best shared with Fluttershy. It just felt so much more natural to share those kinds of moments with her. She even grew to appreciate them because of her. Fluttershy was just the kind of friend she felt she could do certain things with, share certain things with. Quiet moments like these were one of them.

None the less, Rainbow Dash tried hard to enjoy this. She even leaned up against Comet, taking in her scent.

It didn't work.

Not to say that Comet's scent was bad. It wasn't. But it was a little too musky and seemed to smell of some burning fireplace. Even when she wore perfume, it only combined both scents together. Sometimes it worked, other times it just didn't. But either way, it was nothing compared to Fluttershy's wonderful scent. It hurt her to think that, that she preferred how Fluttershy smelled instead of her own marefriend's scent.

“Dash?”

“Yeah?”

“I definitely don't want to pressure you...but will you at least think about what I said?” Comet said softly, nuzzling their heads. “That's all I'm asking. I'm not telling you to make a decision. Just to think of it.”

Exhaling, Rainbow Dash managed a nod. “Sure, Comet. Fair enough.”

“...Thank you, Rainbow Dash...that means so much to me. Thank you for at least listening to me and understanding....”

“You're welcome, Fluttershy...”

Comet jerked, and looked down at her with surprise. “...Fluttershy? Dash, what is up with you? This is the third time in the past two months that you called me Fluttershy.”

Panicking, Rainbow fiddled with her hooves a bit. “Sorry! It's just...the way you said it and all...just kind of reminded me of her and I wasn't really thinking.”

The older Pegasus sighed, nodding and looking away. “I can see that. It's just...why?”

“...Actually, to be honest...”

“Yes?”

Rainbow swallowed, coming out with yet another excuse that although was true, still was not the entire truth. “I've never been to Manehattan until now, and neither has Fluttershy. I just couldn't help but think of bringing her here sometime, just to get her out of dodge and see the big city for a while. I know it's not her thing, but she'd certainly try it even for just a day or two. Sorry, that was just...lurking at the back of my mind and my mouth ran off on its own with my brain trying to keep up with it.”

“...Oh,” Comet looked at her again, then nodded slowly. “Fluttershy has just been on your mind almost every time we're together. But, I'm sorry, it's none of my business. I think I'd know you better than that.”

Despite how relieved she felt, Rainbow felt like a louse all over again. Fluttershy was on her mind all the time, and it was taking its toll on her more than ever before. It didn't make sense, not in the whole picture of things. Why was she on her mind all the time? Why were things somehow leading back to her? Specifically this?

Was Comet feeling as though she didn't get enough attention? That she took second place to Fluttershy? Was that how she felt?

Swallowing hard, Rainbow looked out at the water, seeing a family of ducks swimming by along the surface. She smiled.

'Fluttershy would love to see this. I think she'd just really like Central Park the best. It'd be perfect for her. Quieter, lots of trees and grass, all kinds of critters, and a sweet little water source. She'd love it! ....Darn it, there I go again! Thinking about her! Why can't I feel this way about Comet? Why can't I open up to her like I can to Fluttershy? I haven't even told her about that night six months ago when we foalsat the Cutie Mark Crusaders! ...I don't tell her a lot of things. Nothing too big, for sure. But why not? She's my marefriend! Why wouldn't I tell her things? ...Why do I feel like I can't tell her certain things? Or secrets? Aren't lovers supposed to still be best friends? I don't know. If we were friends, I'd have felt more comfortable, but this? ...What the hay is wrong with me?! I can't even tell her the WHOLE story about how I got my cutie mark!'

“Comet?”

“Yes, Dash?”

“...You know I love you, right?”

Comet smiled, nodding as she nuzzled her nose. “Of course. I love you, too.”

“...Great,” Rainbow managed to smile a bit.

At least she could try her hardest to enjoy the rest of their evening, right?


Fluttershy, in tears, practically pounced to the door. She just hoped, hoped that Rainbow Dash was home. It was practically killing her, she needed somepony who would understand, for the most part. But above all, she needed her. She needed her so badly. Her best friend, the one she trusted the most, the one she wanted to share this with.

She knocked, hard, not even caring about the rain falling all around her. It didn't stop her from sobbing as she tried to gather herself, but was failing.

Moments that felt like minutes passed when the door finally opened, revealing a surprised Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy almost wanted to smile with relief, glad that her best friend was home this evening. But it was all it seemed to take before she collapsed on her haunches, still sobbing.

“Fluttershy? Fluttershy!!” Rainbow immediately pulled her inside out of the rain, shutting the door behind them. “Fluttershy, what's wrong? It's after nine and it's raining! Are you okay?”

“R-Rainbow Dash...Rainbow...I...” Fluttershy sniffled, lips quivering.

“Wait here, I'll get you a towel,” Rainbow told her, flouncing off to the bathroom.

Nodding, Fluttershy remained where she was, as if afraid to move, dripping wet. She trembled, still a bit cold, but warming a bit at now being indoors. A moment or so later, Rainbow Dash returned with a towel, wrapping it around her to warm her up. She brought her to the couch, setting her down to make her comfortable.

“Okay Fluttershy, start from the beginning. What's wrong?”

Feeling her friend's foreleg come around her, Fluttershy looked up at her with teary eyes, In turn, she looked into the concerned, compassionate cerise eyes of her best friend in the world. The one pony she trusted the most, aside from Rarity, to confide in. Since this situation also somewhat involved her...it seemed all too appropriate to share it with her.

“....Rainbow... It's...it's...Sky Blue!” Fluttershy sniffled loudly, still crying. “Sky Blue...died...! D-D-Died! DIED! ...Right in front of me!

This made Rainbow's eyes go wide as she stared at her with utmost shock. She was even still shocked when she pulled Fluttershy into a hug.

“She's dead? ...How'd she die?”

“I was...I was...visiting her...after all these years. I was in Cloudsdale today, bringing my aunt some treats. I ran into Sky Blue...you remember her, of course....?”

“Yeah, I do! She was the receptionist back in Flight Camp! Real nice lady.”

Fluttershy buried her head in her shoulder, nodding as she held her best friend tightly in return, her sobs subsiding. “I ran into her...we got to talking, and went to get a drink together at the cafe. We were talking about things...I told her about you and your life now...I told her mine...our friends...and then... She said...she said that she was feeling funny. I asked her why...and that...she...she died of a heart attack! Right in front of me, Rainbow! Right in the cafe! I-I didn't...all I saw...was her head falling onto the table as...she collapsed! I was crying and screaming, panicking...!”

“Shhh, Fluttershy, it's okay,” Rainbow soothed gently, rubbing her back. “Slow down. Take a moment, and keep going, okay? It's all right, you're okay.”

Sniffling, Fluttershy nodded and sobbed quietly. She felt Rainbow's forelegs tighten around her, even gently rock her. It soothed her greatly, relaxing her body and her tears. Warm, cozy, understood. This was all in part of how she felt right now in her best friend's embrace.

Sky Blue had been something of a favourite aunt figure to the two of them when they were fillies, considering how kind and helpful she was to them. It even started when Fluttershy had begun her first day at Flight Camp, and the kind Pegasus had assured her that everything would be okay, and meant it too. For Rainbow Dash, she truly got to see how nice she was when she was there to assure her that she herself would be okay when she was fretting over where she'd gone after falling off the cloud. According to her, at least.

Having not seen her for years, Fluttershy had been thrilled to talk to her again. It was as if time had not even passed. Despite they had both aged, considerably, she had felt like a young filly again. Sky Blue hadn't changed. She had been the same kind, warm, loving woman she remembered. It was truly a treat to see her again...even though she met with a terrifying tragedy.

Fluttershy felt her sobs subside, with only her tears and little occasional sniffles remaining. She snuggled more into the cyan Pegasus, seeking her warmth, and earning no attempts to move away. Finally, she managed to continue,

“After she did... the other patrons and the manager were helping me, and they reported to the healthcare workers who took care of the body. I went to the hospital and filled in the paperwork... The autopsy report said that she had died of a catastrophic heart attack, due to immense stress and some related heart problems. Her family was contacted, and we found her will. She wants you and I to be there at the funeral...her wish was for everypony she cared about to be there.”

“Okay,” Rainbow said softly, nuzzling her. “When's the funeral?”

“On Sunday, in Cloudsdale. They're going to have a wake, and then cremate her before setting her family will set her ashes free in the river,” Fluttershy said softly, sniffling as she looked up at her. “Will you go with me, Rainbow Dash? Please? ...I really don't want to go alone. I'll understand if you're busy and-”

“I'm going with you,” Rainbow said, placing a hoof over her lips. “She said she wants us to be there, right? I have nothing going on that day, anyway. We'll go to Cloudsdale together and to her funeral. Together! As the Element of Loyalty, I'm not letting you or Sky Blue down.”

Managing the slightest of smiles, Fluttershy nodded as she hugged her again. “Rainbow...thank you so much. I know how much this would mean to her. And it means so much to me...that we could share this moment with her, somehow... Considering all she ever did for us.”

Rainbow nodded in agreement, smiling a bit. “Yeah! You're right. And we're going to see her off into the next part of her life beyond here with awesomeness!”

Giggling, the creamy yellow Pegasus nuzzled her friend. “You're absolutely right. Thank you, Rainbow...”


As the night grew later, Rainbow Dash refused to let Fluttershy go home alone, especially in the storm, and especially due to how worried she was about her. She let her spend the night, with no hesitation. Fluttershy had tried to refuse, but Rainbow Dash didn't budge. She was adamant about it.

Fluttershy was given Rainbow's bed. But she really didn't want to sleep alone. Rainbow then got into bed with her, promising to keep her company. Much to her own surprise, Rainbow Dash held her the entire night as they fell asleep together. Nothing inappropriate nor lewd occurred. She just held her in her forelegs, never once letting her go.

It was by far one of the best nights of sleep Fluttershy ever had.


Oh, don't you worry, everypony. I'm going to detail that bit of their evening in the next chapter. :D