“Well, I've got everything! I'm outta here,” Rainbow Dash declared, turning to Zara as she came back into the bar.
“So you're leaving, hon,” Zara smiled warmly at her. “It sure was wonderful having you around.”
Rainbow grinned widely, flattered, “Thanks, Zar! I gotta say, it was a good time working here in this town! You know, the next time I want to get away, I'm bringing Fluttershy here. No, I'm going to. Really.”
Zara laughed, shaking her head, “I believe you, hon. I can see the truth in your eyes. So, tell me, Rainbow Dash, you must have learned a lot while on this journey, haven't you?”
“You know, I have! I've got a lot to write to the Princess about!” The cyan Pegasus nodded with glee, “One thing I learned kind of reminds me of when I got my pet tortoise, Tank. At the time, I wanted a pet who could keep up with me, who could fly and was all fast and daring, all that good stuff. But now, I look back and I realize how short-sighted and shallow that was. I thought I wanted somepony who was just like me. Somepony who could understand me to the core and share my love for flying. I even though back then that there was no way Fluttershy and I would work. But wow do I want to go back in time and kick myself! She might be different from me in some ways, and she can't fly fast like me, I don't even care about that! I love her. She's the perfect pony for me, because she's Fluttershy.”
“An interesting lesson to learn, wasn't it?”
“You said it!”
The Zebra chuckled again before she reached for something in her bag, taking it out with her mouth and placing it in front of Rainbow Dash on the floor, smiling, “There you go, hon. That's the rest of the money I owe you. I think it should cover whatever expenses you need for the trip home.”
Rainbow grinned, peering into the bag for a moment. Her eyes went wide when she could see it was just about filled to the rim with golden coins, “Wait, Zar...this is too much! That's at least double what you owe me!”
“It's just a little extra,” Zara chuckled, “Take it, hon. You earned it.”
“But-”
“Please, it's all yours. Better safe than sorry, I always say, especially when it comes to budgeting.”
Rainbow looked from the bag of money to her former boss, seeing the Zebra bartender smiling at her kindly. Deciding not to argue any further, she managed a soft but grateful thank-you before slipping the money into her saddlebags. With everything she needed, there was nothing more for her to do. It was time to go.
However, Rainbow threw her forelegs around Zara, grinning.
“Thanks a lot for everything, Zar! It was just what I needed! You were an awesome help to me!”
Chuckling, Zara smiled more and patted her back before returning the hug, “It's no problem, hon. I do this a lot with anypony who needs a little extra help. And you're certainly no different. But of course, I won't be forgetting one of the most unique-looking ponies I'd ever met.”
“Same to you! I haven't met a lot of Zebras! There's one living back home, in the Everfree Forest outside Ponyville! Her name's Zecora. Do you know her?” Rainbow grinned, pulling away.
“That I don't, hon,” Zara shook her head, “But I see you have encountered others like me, then. Wonderful.”
“I'll say!” Agreed the daredevil as she headed toward the doors of the bar, looking at her over her shoulder. “I'll definitely write you sometime! Especially when I plan to bring Fluttershy here with me!”
“All right, I'll keep an eye out for them,” Zara walked over to see her off. “You have a safe trip home, Rainbow Dash. It's time you returned to where you belong.”
Rainbow nodded, opening the door with her hoof, “You're telling me. I can't stand another minute away from Fluttershy or my friends! No more games, no more detours, I'm going straight home.”
“Good luck, hon. You'll be in my prayers.”
“Heh, okay! See you, Zara! Thanks again!”
“Anytime, hon. Take care now.”
Rainbow grinned at her former boss before she walked out of he doors of the Inn for the last time.
She'd had a great time in Port Pegasus, having had a nice job, a great mentor, the opportunity to see such a sweet place, being able to do another Sonic Rainboom, everything. Overall, she was very glad to have had the chance to come and to stay here, which in turn had been thanks to the fact that she was broke the first night she had come. Funny as it sounded, the cyan pony was pretty thankful for that.
Now she soared up into the skies, set and bound for the north east of Equestria. The road to Ponyville, her home, her friends.
The road to her beloved.
Dear Fluttershy,
As I write this, I've made up my mind. I'm coming home! I'm leaving the day after I write this. Now, don't tell anypony else yet.
I want to see you without anypony knowing. At least for a little while.
From where I'm at, it'll be a few days before I make it home, and it'll depend. But I'll go as fast as I can! I don't care that I have to go halfway across Equestria! The journey back will add to my thinking, but at least now I know what I want.
All I can say is that I can't wait to see you!
I love you, Fluttershy!
XOXOX
Rainbow Dash
Despite how anxious she was, Fluttershy felt very excited ever since receiving the last letter from Rainbow Dash. While the past month hadn't been easy, there was always the hope for the future, knowing that her best friend in the world would soon return home. The uncertainty, for the most part, had no longer plagued her. The same went for her sorrows, which no longer dampened her hopes.
What still stood to be true was her desire to see her friend happy.
Stepping outside, Fluttershy searched around her home to make sure all of her animal friends were either inside of her house, or in a safe place, due to the fact that the rain clouds had been gathering all morning. It was reported that the Pegasi weather patrol were scheduling a downpour today, so she made sure to be prepared for this.
'I only hope...wherever she is...that she is safe from this weather...if it is raining out there. Wherever you are, Rainbow my dear.'
Still, Fluttershy smiled. She then checked around her home once more, just to be completely certain that she didn't miss nor overlook anything. Satisfied, she then lowered herself down to the ground and trotted toward her mailbox, checking to make sure it would spring any leaks. Next was her garden, which she gave a quick once-over to make sure neither plant would be damaged.
Having checked everything, Fluttershy determined herself ready for the downpour. Now all she had to do was go back inside, curl up with a book, some hot chocolate, and to get comfortable under a nice, warm blanket.
“All right, now I should-”
The creamy yellow Pegasus was cut off when it then started to rain. She sighed, shaking her head, inwardly berating herself for not having had good timing. As she turned to go inside, Fluttershy paused when she heard a noise from behind her. The soft clopping of hooves landing on the ground, obviously a Pegasus descending to the ground. Heart swelling, but trying not to get her hopes up, she knew she had to turn around just to make sure. Even if it wasn't, there was somepony who obviously wanted to see her about something.
But why in the rain? Was something going on? Already her anxiety was rising, so Fluttershy decided to just turn around and get this over with.
Upon turning, Fluttershy felt as if her heart skipped a beat.
Standing before her a few metres away was an ever-familiar light blue Pegasus, gleaming beautiful cerise eyes looking back at her, and of course, a mane and tail consisting of all six colours of the rainbow. A big smile spread on Rainbow's face as she regarded her with unbridled glee.
All her life, since knowing her, Fluttershy felt an immense happiness whenever Rainbow Dash bestowed a big smile to her. Right now was certainly no different, especially considering the circumstances.
“Hey there, pal...” Rainbow said in a soft voice over the pouring rain.
“...Rainbow Dash...” Fluttershy managed, unsure if the other pony would hear her.
For some time, they stood there, soaked in the rain, bringing forth memories of a similar event that happened many months ago. Neither moved, nor looked away from each other. It was a wondrous moment to behold, something they could not believe was actually happening, as if it were all a dream. A dream they were afraid to wake up from, that any kind of movement would trigger such an event.
Neither knew who moved first, but it didn't matter. The two Pegasi were instantly hurrying to each other, and it wasn't long before they were embracing tightly. In a fit of happiness, Rainbow picked her up and flew about in the air, laughing jovially. Fluttershy giggled and squealed with glee, holding on to her beloved tightly.
While hovering in the air together, still embracing, all it took was for their eyes and smiles to meet before they promptly locked lips in a heated kiss.
Heart soaring, Fluttershy circled her forelegs around Rainbow's neck as she kissed her with fervency. She moaned at the back of her throat, losing herself in the wonderful feeling. This was no dream, it was really happening. Rainbow Dash was back, in all of her awesome glory. As if she never even left. Finally, they were together once more.
No, this is not the end. It's just brief, and I had nothing else to put. So stay tuned for the next bits that will feature their time together as a couple. :D