//------------------------------// // A New Day // Story: Perfect On Paper // by NintendoGal55 //------------------------------// When Fluttershy awoke the next morning, she could feel a source of warmth right up against her. Once she managed to focus and open her eyes, she was overjoyed to see none other than Rainbow Dash still in bed with her. The cyan mare was already awake, having been looking out the window, but looked over at her once she was awake. A grin crossed her face as she rolled onto her side to face Fluttershy. “Good morning, sunshine!” Fluttershy giggled, beaming at her, “Good morning, Rainbow....did you sleep well?” “You bet I did! Now that I know last night wasn't a dream, it was great! How about you? Wait, don't tell me, you slept awesomely!” Laughing, the creamy yellow pony snuggled into her love, filled with warmth and utmost happiness. “Of course. I...slept well knowing you were here with me.” There really was something wonderful and heartwarming when you woke up next to somepony you loved, this was no exception. Even when it occurred a few months ago, it was still a wonderful feeling. It just dismayed Fluttershy to know that they wouldn't do this very much, considering they still lived in different homes. A part of her just wanted to spring out “Move in with me!” right then and there, just to be closer to Rainbow Dash. But she didn't want to intimidate her in any way. In time. In time they would work this out to their liking. Until then, maybe they would simply settle to having some sleepovers. Fluttershy cooed sweetly when she felt Rainbow snuggling her close and running a hoof through her mane. Many times, this was a moment she only ever dreamed of. An impossible dream she thought never to come true. But now, here they were, together and cuddling. With all the love in the world. She felt warm, safe, and very loved right now, it was a moment she never wanted to end. A kiss was placed on her forehead, making her giggle, but then she was jolted when Rainbow Dash was slowly getting out of bed. “W-Where are you going?” She asked, her voice a bit more panicked then she intended. “Just going out to stretch my wings a bit!” Rainbow told her, flapping them a few times for good measure. A pout formed at her lips. “Hey, I'm not leaving you,” Rainbow assured, trotting back closer to her. She kissed her forehead again, smiling. “Just going out to get some air, stretch my wings a bit, that's all. I'll be right back.” Encouraged, yet still disheartened, Fluttershy exhaled as she nodded. The window was opened and the cyan Pegasus was already outside in a flash. Did she really not enjoy quiet snuggling? Was she being too clingy? Was she afraid of what she had almost tried to do last night? Was she “snuggled out” from last night? Fluttershy whimpered, curling up on her bed again. 'I'm so selfish, aren't I? We're together now, and I complain about THIS? What is wrong with me? Sure, she was gone for some time, but that's no excuse. I'm sure she wants to cuddle...just not every ten seconds. I can't help it...being close to her is just wonderful. But am I too clingy? Will I be too clingy? What can I do?' Closing her eyes, the timid pony lay there for some time, none too sure how long. But eventually, she heard Rainbow Dash enter the room through the window again. For a moment she tensed, but relaxed as she waited for the said mare to speak up or go downstairs. However, Fluttershy's eyes shot open when Rainbow got back into bed behind her, placing a foreleg around her body while she nuzzled the back of her neck and her mane. A soft, dreamy sigh escaped her as well, which made Fluttershy's troubles melt away. “You didn't think I missed your 'Come back to bed' hint, did you?” Rainbow whispered in her ear. She nibbled it lightly, pulling her closer. “...I'm sorry,” Fluttershy whispered, smiling none the less. “No you're not,” Rainbow chuckled, still nibbling her ear. “I know you want me in bed with you, snuggling, Fluttershy. Don't apologize for that.” “I just don't want you to think I'm clinging...or trying to cuddle with you when you don't want to.” “We've been away from each other for over a month, you've spent who-knows-how-long pining for me, we're finally together and you're worrying about clinging? Please, Fluttershy, I think this counts more as making up for lost time. Besides, I know I have a lot of making up to do.” “Oh, Rainbow my dear...you don't have to make up for anything. I could never hold waiting against you. After all, I was even trying to move on.” Fluttershy felt Rainbow's grip on her tighten, and her muzzle gently nuzzling her neck again. She giggled, deciding to just bask in the feeling of her embrace and sweet gestures. “I know I don't have to, but I want to, Fluttershy! After all this time, I just want you to feel loved,” Rainbow said softly. “Just as you made me feel loved.” Rolling over to face her, Fluttershy beamed and kissed her gently, snuggling more into her beloved. “You have, Rainbow...you really have.” A bright smile overcame Rainbow's face. “I love you, Fluttershy.” “I love you too, Dashie...welcome home again,” Fluttershy whispered against her lips. It was another hour before the two lovestruck Pegasi finally came downstairs to have breakfast together. Fluttershy's animal friends all of course clamoured for some food, not least of which being Angel. In doing so, the said bunny cast warning glances toward Rainbow Dash, as if to tell her certain things. Especially to take care of Fluttershy and to NOT hurt her. Rainbow Dash retorted by rolling her eyes but stating that she would rather clip off her wings and never fly again before ever hurting Fluttershy. Satisfied, the bunny went back to happily eating his carrot. They ate breakfast together, making small talk, but just simply enjoying each other's presences in the morning. Rainbow Dash could see yet again just how peaceful and sweet mornings with Fluttershy were, even to the point that she wished they could wake up and have breakfast together every morning! But that was silly, they couldn't possibly have been ready for that step just yet. They'd only been together for over a month, most of which had been spent away from each other. It wasn't even official until her return the day before, so that added the rushing factor. However, the sentiment remained. She could get used to this, should they have chosen to have more sleepovers together. That alone was appealing, as it would certainly give them something of a closer idea of what it would be like to live together. It also wasn't to say the idea in principle wasn't appealing, either. After breakfast, while Fluttershy went to go take a bath, this was when Rainbow took a chance to take care of a long-awaited task. “Hey Twi, you mind getting Spike to mail this to the Princess?” “Rainbow Dash!” Twilight grinned, giving her friend a hug, then let her go. “You're back! Wow! When did you get back?” “...Yesterday,” the cyan Pegasus admitted sheepishly as she entered the library. “Yesterday?” Twilight repeated, closing the door behind her. “But...why didn't you tell anypony?” Rainbow hesitated, but placed her letter on the floor for a moment before she sat down, rubbing the back of her head with her hoof. “I wanted to spend time with Fluttershy. ...Alone. Without interruption. I was going to tell you guys! I just wanted to be selfish and have Fluttershy all to myself, okay? Is that a problem?!” Laughing, the Unicorn shook her head. “Of course not, Rainbow. I'm sorry if it sounded like that. If you wanted to spend time with Fluttershy so much, that's okay,” a thought occurred to her and Twilight smiled. “So, you and Fluttershy are together, then?” Blushing a bit, Rainbow nodded before grinning. “You bet! I know more than ever that I love Fluttershy and I want to be with her! I love her, Twilight! I love her!” Twilight laughed, grinning. “A few months ago, you freaked out about the idea. Kind of interesting to see you so enthusiastic about it.” “I know, but who cares! I know what I want and I'm taking it!” Rainbow declared, hovering in the air. “And I'm still the speed demon! I'm still the hopeful Wonderbolt! I'm still Rainbow Dash!” “Well Rainbow, that's a good attitude to have. So, what have you learned?” “It's all in here!” Rainbow held up the scroll. “But you know what? I learned a lot about love. Just because somepony might seem perfect for you because of how much they're just like you, that doesn't mean they are. Sometimes, the one you love was right in front of you all along. ....Wow, that's sappy,” she groaned. Chuckling, Twilight took the letter in her magic and read it over briefly. “You got it down pretty well! I'll have Spike send it over right away.” “Thanks, Twi,” Rainbow smiled a bit. “Hey, can you tell Pinkie I'm back? She can throw that party for later! I'm off!” “Where are you going?” Twilight queried, and turned around to call Spike to come downstairs. “Making up for lost time!” Rainbow said, before she flew out the door. Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned a pretty important lesson when it comes to love. Sometimes, you can meet somepony who is just like you, and can keep up with you. You think that it's too good to be true, that they're perfect for you. And on paper, they seem perfect for you. But when you get down to it, you realize that it's more like dating yourself. Just because somepony might seem perfect for you, doesn't exactly mean that they truly are. Being with somepony like yourself is not only clashing, but it's boring! I learned that in my short-lived relationship with Blazing Comet. Fluttershy is nothing like me in a lot of ways, anypony would think it's stupid for us to be together because we apparently have nothing in common. Well, I'm gonna prove to them that they're the ones who are stupid! Fluttershy is perfect for me, even though she's different from me in a lot of ways. I'm just gonna say it. I love her so much. I can't think of anypony else I want to be with than her! She's perfect for me, by being imperfect for me. Sometimes, what seems perfect on paper and what doesn't can turn out to be what you didn't expect. This was something of the same lesson I learned when I was trying to find a pet, wasn't it? Your awesome and loyal subject Rainbow Dash Dear readers, I know these chapters have been short. I do apologize, but it is the best I can do at this point. There isn't much else to do. However, the next chapter will have a brief interlude of the welcome back party and also Fluttershy and Rainbow's first date. Please be patient. I will have it out as soon as I can. Then a brief epilogue will follow. Then this story will be finished.