*Written in Soarin's POV*
“You got lucky this time...it doesn’t look like anything serious.” the woman said, examining Rainbow Dash one last time.
We sat in the nurse, Ms. GumDrop’s office. I had taken Rainbow there immediately after our conversation to make sure that everything was alright. Rainbow sat on one of the cots that our nurse had, an ice pack on both her head and foot.
“How did this happen anyway?” Ms. GumDrop raised an eyebrow as she questioned Rainbow. Her magenta eyes locked with my eyes as she spoke immediately.
“I fell on the docks earlier. I must have tripped or slipped on something and wasn’t fast enough to catch myself. Soarin was worried about me so he helped me here.” she slightly smiled and I could barely look at her. My heart rate immediately increased just by seeing her beautiful grin. Her voice was soothing, I could listen to her all day. I can’t deny the fact that I like her.
“Well, you should be a bit more careful next time. If this was anything serious, we would have had to send you home.” Ms. Gum Drop explained, writing down something on a slip of paper before giving it to Rainbow.
“The pain in your foot should calm down by tomorrow morning. Your headache might last a little longer, but don’t do anything to aggravate it more okay?”
Rainbow smiled again before replying.
“I won’t. Thanks.”
She stood up and I immediately placed my hand around her wrist without even thinking. I wanted to be sure that she wouldn’t fall again, but I didn’t think I’d have such a reflex. I felt my face heat up as she looked at me with her beautiful eyes. She furrowed her brows and hesitated a bit, but she didn’t pull her hand away.
“I’m okay, Soar. I think I can walk on my own now.” Rainbow smirked.
“R-right.” I stuttered and watched as she headed out. I started following her before Ms. GumDrop called my name.
“Yes?” I asked innocently.
“I can see the way you look at her, Soarin. You are pretty much giving yourself away.” She chuckled.
I stood there in shock as I stared at the blue haired woman. She wore a smug smile on her face as she began to put everything away.
“How could you tell?” I asked, baffled.
All she did was laugh a bit before continuing.
“Honey, I've seen you here thousands of times, with many people. I’ve watched you grow. You have never looked at anyone with so much love and admiration before.” she smiled genuinely.
“But I must say, Soarin. This is your first day meeting her right?” she asked me and waited until I nodded to continue, “well, sweetie, get to know her first. She might not turn out to be the way you thought. I don't want to see my favorite little patient getting hurt.”
I knew that Ms.GumDrop didn't mean any harm, she was just looking out for me. Honestly, from what I have seen, Rainbow Dash doesn't look like a bad person. I remember she had said that she had gotten kicked out from Junior Speedsters’, but as she said, she was only a kid. I could see in her eyes that she may seem intimidating, and I'm not gonna lie, I’m pretty scared of her, but deep down she is a completely different person.
“Of course Ms.GumDrop, I’ll be careful,” I said and left the small building. I saw Rainbow’s colorful hair through the dark, she was sitting on the steps that led to the office. She looked as if she were hugging herself and she stared at the ground blankly. She must have been daydreaming.
I walked over quietly and sat next to her. She didn't even notice that I was there until I spoke up.
“Sorry about that.”
She turned to look at me, and this time I actually had the courage to look her in the eyes.
“It’s fine,” she stated and stood up.
“Ready to go?” she asked and pointed in the direction of the cabins, which were pretty far. I nodded and stood up for myself. We both began to walk slowly in silence. I stole a few glances at her every now and then but tried not to stare for too long. I’m not sure if she noticed me looking at her, I hope she didn’t, but I couldn’t help it. I obviously didn’t want to just like her because of her looks, and the cabin was still pretty far. I could try to learn more about her now.
“So, are you from Cloudsdale?” I asked smoothly. She looked at me and smirked a little. I still haven’t gotten used to that.
“Technically, yeah. I was born and raised here until I got to middle school. I moved to Canterlot and stayed there ever since.” she explained, putting her hands in her pockets.
“Well, what about your friend, Fluttershy? You two seem really close”
Rainbow seemed to hesitate for a moment before answering.
“She was born and raised here too. When she got to middle school, her parents told her that they were going to move to Canterlot for a fresh start. She was terrified. I was her only friend at the time and if you can’t already tell, it takes a lot for her to open up to anyone. I knew that she wouldn’t really make it without me, and I don’t blame her ‘cause I’m just that awesome,” she said smirking a bit and flipped her hair. I laughed and took note of her confidence.
“But, I asked and begged my parents to let us move to Canterlot too. My mom was looking for a new job at the time anyway and my dad was always complaining about our neighbors. They agreed and when I told Fluttershy that I’d be coming with her, she burst into tears. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy.” she finished with a large grin on her face, but it wasn’t a cocky grin, it was more of a kind one.
I thought that I had fallen for her looks, but I honestly don’t think that was the case. She was not only beautiful but confident and loyal. She was willing to leave everything that she had ever known behind in an instant, just so that her one friend wouldn’t be alone.
“That was...really sweet of you,” I said looking at her. I found that I wanted to hug her, but I didn’t as it would be weird. I wanted to take her hands and tell her how amazing she was, but then again, I didn’t want to scare her away. Maybe I was moving too fast.
I stopped thinking for a moment and felt her playfully punch my shoulder. I know it wasn't meant to hurt, but I had to try to not hold my arm in pain.
“Hey. I'm not sweet. I'm cool.” Rainbow said smoothly.
“Got it.” I laughed, “So, how long have you been playing soccer?”
“Well, my dad always told me that when I was a toddler, I'd always watch the games with him. Then when I was around four or five, I was put one of those kid teams. I haven't stopped playing since.” she smiled again.
“Do you have a favorite team?” I asked.
“My favorite team? The Wonderbolts! Who else? I wouldn't plan of making it on a team I didn't like.” Rainbow stated proudly, referring to what she had told me when we first met.
I suddenly thought about telling her that I was related to the captain of the team, but I didn't want this to end like the previous times. I'd always try and get girls to like me, but in the end, I’d find out that they had only hung out with me to brag that they dated someone who was technically “famous”. I could feel that Rainbow Dash was different. Compared to the other girls, I really felt something different from her. I liked her a lot, and if I was going to get to know her, I want her to like her for me, not because of my cousin.
“I like them too.” I said smiling, ”I plan on making it on the team one day like you.”
“Cool. We can play together. I wouldn't mind having you as a teammate.” She smiled again and I honestly didn't think I could take any more.
“What about you? You haven't told me anything about you yet.” She looked at me with her sparkling magenta eyes.
“O-oh. Well, I really like pie?” I said, not knowing what to say in front of her. I mentally slapped myself as she looked at me with a confused look on her face.
“Ew,” she said and stuck her tongue out, “You’re a pie lover?”
I looked at her and my eyes widened.
“Yes!” I said shocked, “Is there a problem??”
“I just don't like pie...I hate them.”
“How can you not like pie?!” I stopped walking and shouted.
She laughed again and I seemed to calm instantly. Her laugh was loud, but to me, it sounded amazing. Everything about her was amazing.
“I didn't know you were so obsessed with it,” she smirked at me after she calmed down.
“Well, of course, I am,” I replied simply.
“I'll keep that in mind then.”
As we continued walking, I saw that she became quiet and I caught her yawning.
“Tired?” I smiled slightly.
“What gave it away?” she said sarcastically and smiled back.
We had finally made it to the cabins and I opened the door. Both Fluttershy and Fleetfoot were asleep, and I was sure to be careful and quiet. I watched as Rainbow didn’t hesitate to climb onto her bunk without even changing.
“Rainbow?” I called and walked over to find her asleep completely. I couldn’t help but smile. I remembered what had happened just an hour ago.
Fluttershy was freaking out when she had come back from the nurse. She had told us that Rainbow never even made it there, and it had been three hours since we had last seen her. Fluttershy had thought she must have fainted or gotten hurt, but she didn’t know where she wandered. I volunteered to go search for her as Fleetfoot calmed Fluttershy.
After searching around, I decided to go to one of my favorite spots in camp. There was this beautiful big tree by the river, and that was the last place I would look before panicking myself. Then, I saw her there. The moonlight shone perfectly on her light blue skin. Her breathing was calm and slow. Her multi-colored bangs hung over her closed eyes, and the rest of her hair draped over her shoulders. I didn’t think she could get any prettier, but I was very wrong. I almost felt bad waking her up.
I didn’t want to be a creep and watch her as she was resting, so I walked away and got ready for bed myself.
The sun was shining once again over Cloudsdale Kick. It was extremely hot outside, so many kids were taking a dip into the lake. I jumped when I felt a pair of hands grip onto my shoulders.
“Dude, calm down.” Thunderlane laughed from behind me.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that!” I complained, laughing a little myself.
“So, how is camp going? I heard that you got stuck with a bunch of girls,” he smirked and wiggled his eyebrows.
“First of all, ew. Second, camp is going pretty great so far.” I smiled and thought about Rainbow, “What about you?”
“I mean things could be going better, I just wish I could-” Thunderlane stopped speaking and looked at something behind me. He froze and suddenly a smirk appeared on his face. His orange eyes became full of wonder and happiness. I turned to see what he was looking at and my heart immediately dropped.
“Who is that?” he asked as if he were out of breath. He pointed to a rainbow-haired girl who was smiling and talking with her friend. I knew the minute I saw her eyes, it was Rainbow.
“Um...I share a cabin with her.” I answered honestly and tried to keep smiling.
“You know her name?” Thunderlane asked, not taking her eyes off of her.
I frowned again and sighed as I looked at Rainbow myself. Her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and despite the heat, she wore long jeans.
“Rainbow Dash,” I said, “her name is Rainbow Dash.”
Thunderlane bit his lip as he seemed to be thinking.
“Come with me. I'm gonna need your support.” He said quickly and began to walk towards her.
“Hey gorgeous,” he smiled as he stopped in front of both Fluttershy and Rainbow. I saw Rainbow’s eyes flash with anger as she looked between both Fluttershy and Thunderlane. She must have thought he was flirting with Fluttershy. However, as she found that he was staring at her, the anger quickly dissolved into confusion.
“Wait, is there someone else behind me?” she asked and looked over her shoulder.
Thunderlane laughed a bit before speaking again.
“I meant you. What? No one's ever called you pretty before?” Thunderlane asked her, still smiling.
I have, I thought. I just never got the chance to tell you in person.
“Well, not really,” Rainbow replied simply and looked at Thunder. Fluttershy seemed to have a slight smile on her face but remained silent.
“Seriously? With those eyes of yours?” he seemed to be saying almost everything I've ever wanted to say to her. Rainbow’s face reddened and she looked at the ground. She looked at Fluttershy for a moment before turning back to Thunder.
“N-nope,” she stuttered, “C’mon Flutters, we need to go and do that thing you wanted.”
I watched as she gripped onto Fluttershy’s hand and led her away from us. She looked at me and paused for a moment, but she continued on.
“Hey, I got her to blush,” Thunderlane smirked.
“Yeah, I saw,” I muttered, not really paying attention to anything he had said. Rainbow’s reaction wasn't what I expected from her, especially after seeing her personality the night before. Maybe she was upset about something.
“I'm gonna go and see what Fleet’s doing. I'll catch up with you later.” I patted Thunderlane’s back and made my way to where Rainbow was headed. I followed the girls to the tree that I found Rainbow sleeping next to, and they seemed to be talking. I quickly hid behind a nearby bush to listen in.
“What was that?!” Rainbow stressed.
“I think he likes you.” I heard Fluttershy whisper.
“Really?! I couldn't tell!” Rainbow shouted sarcastically. She sighed and seemed to pull at her hair.
“What is wrong with me..”
“Rainbow, it's nothing bad. You just got a little flustered. I mean, he didn't seem the type to take things slow.” Fluttershy cooed.
“Yeah, but do I look like the type to get all mushy because a guy called me pretty?”
“Well, to be fair, I don't think you've ever gotten that from anyone before. Not from my brother, or from-”
“Ok, I get it! Just don't bring the other one up please.” She cut Fluttershy off.
I assumed that the people Fluttershy was talking about were people that Rainbow had dated before, especially with how she had gotten when Fluttershy brought the topic up.
“Soarin probably thinks I'm just like all these other girls, sappy and gets all worked up if a guy speaks to her.” I heard Rainbow sigh dejectedly. I wanted to jump from the bushes and tell her that she was wrong and that I thought that she was unique. She was different, and that's what I liked about her.
“I get what you're saying, but why does Soarin’s opinion about you matter so much?” Fluttershy questioned.
“I-it doesn't! I'm just- ugh!” Rainbow screamed out in frustration.
“I can't believe I'm stressing out over a compliment. I should have kept it together instead of getting all worked up.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Well, you couldn't control that.”
“Yeah but now he thinks I like him back or something.”
“Well, now you know what to expect from someone like him. Next time when he tries to make a move, you'll keep cool like normal. You'll be the Rainbow Dash we both know and love. And you'll shut him down easy.” Fluttershy explained, sinking down to Rainbow's level and gave her a hug. Rainbow closed her eyes and seemed to hug her back.
Her behavior towards Fluttershy was completely different from her attitude that she gives me and anyone else at camp.
“Thanks, Shy,” Rainbow said softly and stood up, “I just want this summer to be completely drama-free. I'm not ready for someone new yet.”
“Why do you say that?” Fluttershy asked curiously.
“I mean, I guess...I know we broke it off a month ago, but..I’m still pretty upset behind what he did. I know it wasn't even that long but we were together for five months and I thought that this one would work out. I hate his guts obviously but it still-” Rainbow stopped as her voice cracked. I was afraid she was going to cry, and that I would have run to comfort her. Who was she talking about? Why did they hurt her?
“Rainbow, you're still hurting!” Fluttershy wrapped Rainbow Dash into another hug. This time, Rainbow didn't respond at all, she closed her eyes and allowed Fluttershy to comfort her.
“You know it's okay to cry right?” Fluttershy suggested.
“I may be angry and upset, but I am not going to cry. It's what he wants, and I’m not going to give him the satisfaction to see me broken. You got that? Besides, I don't cry, you know that.” Rainbow said dismissively.
“You can go on ahead if you want...I'm gonna stay here for a little bit okay?” Rainbow added.
Fluttershy was hesitant, but she allowed Rainbow to cool off.
Seeing this made me realize a few things. First, I'd have to keep Thunderlane away from Rainbow, or at least stop him from making her uncomfortable. I also saw that if I ever wanted a chance with Rainbow, I'd better take things really slow. And finally, I now know that someone must have done something to Rainbow in a past relationship. I need to show her that I am nothing like them. I’m determined.
With all of my thinking, I didn't see that Rainbow had gotten up from the tree and started heading in my direction.
I looked up in horror as I felt her get close to me. I looked up to see her widened eyes, they looked tired and upset.
“S-Soarin?!”
“Hey Dash,” I croaked.