You let Rainbow Dash close the gap between you entirely. After your barrels begin to touch, you move your hoof so that it falls on the far side of Rainbow Dash, and apply slight pressure.
Taking the hint, Rainbow Dash gently bows her neck and presses forward against you, letting her head rest under your chin. The hoof she has left wrapped around you begins to stroke your back gently, and every once in awhile she squeezes you gently with it, accompanying the motion with a nuzzle against your neck.
Several slow dance songs are played in a row, and they all seem to blend together for you. You are simply focused on holding Rainbow Dash against you as you sway side to side.
Hours later, a surprise practice scheduled for tomorrow is announced and Rainbow Dash stays behind with her teammates to prepare. The evening ends with a tight hug from Rainbow Dash. She nuzzles you for just a moment, and you could have sworn that her lips had lingered against your cheek for at least part of it.
As the cool night air breezes past your mane on your chariot trip home to Ponyville, you can’t help but look back on the evening as one of the greatest of your life, even if you couldn’t spend the ride home in Rainbow Dash’s company.
You’re in ecstasy, and you can’t wait to see her again.
Proceed to Chapter 38.