"So my suggestion worked? You are going with Rainbow Dash. Hmm?” Rarity was relaxed in a bath next to her spa partner.
“Yes. We walked and talked last night. I even did a few flying tricks; that’s why I was so eager to get here early today; I kinda crashed,” Fluttershy let the warm water soothe her sore muscles. “But it was alright. And Rainbow Dash really seems to want me to come with.”
“Darling, did you nudge your feelings at all? Try to give her a little hint?”
“Oh no.I mean, I told her I would really miss her but that was it. And it certainly didn’t seem like she got any hints from it,” Fluttershy lifted herself out of the spa-bath. “Which is fine for me. I just want to support her.” Fluttershy threw her eyes towards the ground and engaged in a frown.
Rarity slapped her hooves against the surface of the water in protest. “But Fluttershy you are perfect for her! Why not? Is there a disadvantage? Think of the wonderful times you could have together!” Rarity lifted her hoof onto Fluttershy’s shoulder. “This is something you must do. For yourself, dear. And for Rainbow Dash.”
“I’ll try I guess,. It’s just so much Rarity. So many new things... I don’t know... I guess... I don’t like risks.”
“What risks? Am I hearing you right? Rainbow Dash would never abandon you! She’s the element of loyalty! Even if things do not go as planned, which is preposterous to begin with, she would always stick by you and never judge you dear.”
“Rarity, can you keep your voice... Down?” Fluttershy did her best to hide her stress of the unknowns.
“I shant! Never in the name of love!”
“It’s not love! Just a crush. Please, Rarity, calm down.”
“Darling, I’ve seen the way you look at her. Tell me why you love her? I have to know!”
Fluttershy did her best to quiet her loud, energetic friend. “Maybe we can talk about this somewhere else. Somewhere where there aren't any other ponies-”
“The more you don’t speak the louder I will become! I must know! Tell me about her! Tell me, tell me, tell me!” Rarity bounced with energy of a filly.
“It’s hard to describe... we’ve been friends for so long... I like laughing with her... smiling. Having fun together; simply spending time with her. She’s that kind of pony.”
“You could say that about any of our friends! Tell me what you find attractive about her!”
The thought pierced Fluttershy’s comfort level; it was a topic she had never discussed with another pony. She felt trust with Rarity however, and attempted to converse her thoughts. “She’s really pretty but in a natural kind of way. I guess I like the way she soars in the air; it’s really beautiful and graceful, her rainbow trail is always amazing. I love her eyes; they’re so unique and full of energy. It’s hard to say really.”
“That’s all? Well, I guess you’re too shy to talk about it. But don’t worry. I think I understand. Wait... I know I understand.”
“Rarity?”
“Oh,I have my ways. I know how a romance works. I’m the expert. And I can only see a wonderful future ahead. For both of you.”
“Okay Rarity, and thank you for understanding.”
Rarity put on a robe as she exited the spa. “Don’t thank me dear. It is my responsibility to ensure that all ponies find their true love!”
Fluttershy let out a soft giggle. “That’s a big responsibility.”
“One couple at a time dear.”
Dash should be at the cottage soon. Waiting for me. Fluttershy trotted across Ponyville towards her home. Cloudsdale. I haven’t been there in a long time. Since the best fliers competition. The mare ruffled her feathers several times. Gotta get these ready. Lot’s of flying ahead. Especially with Dash; she’ll keep me on my wings.
The animal-caretaker approached her cottage to find several different species of animals awaiting her arrival. Distinct cries of corresponding to the each animal soon followed. “Hello friends! How are each and everyone of you?”
“We’re all waiting for you! What’s up pal?”
“Rainbow Dash! It’s great to see you! Oh, am I late? Sorry!”
“You’re not late, I’m early! I just came by to talk to you for a little while. You were at the spa right?”
“With Rarity, yes. We had a nice time. Trying to rest my wings, you know? After you made me do all those fun tricks, I’m not used to flying that much.”
“I’m sorry ‘Shy. I didn’t know it would make you sore like that,” Rainbow Dash made her way towards Fluttershy. “Are you game for going with me?”
“Of course. And don’t worry I’m fine. It was totally worth it; I haven’t felt that excited in a long time.”
“Well maybe I can help you with some more tricks when we are there? I can practice mine and after that, I can take a little break and watch you try some!”
Fluttershy smiled at the thought. “Sounds good Dashie... I mean, Rainbow Dash.”
“Na... It’s okay Fluttershy.”
“You about ready? To leave, I mean.”
Fluttershy brought Rainbow inside and reached for her saddlebags. “Of course I’m ready. It was my idea, Dash.”
“Well, I’m not bringing much. I left it outside. Just one saddlebag; it’s outside right now.”
“Twilight agreed to watch the cottage while I’m gone,” Fluttershy confirmed. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
“What are we waiting for? I’ve already said my goodbyes this morning. Let’s get out of here pal!”
“Wait!” Fluttershy cried. “I mean, I’m sorry, but I have to say goodbye to all my animals before I leave.”
“Oh yeah,” Rainbow realized. “Take your time ‘Shy.”
The yellow pegasus hovered through several rooms and took precious time with her various pets. “Alright Elizabeak, make sure you remember to stay inside the coop for Twilight. Momma will be home soon; I promise.”
Rainbow Dash greeted many familiar faces around Fluttershy’s cottage; many participated in the best pet’s competition. Tank was enjoying a stay at Sweet Apple Acres; Applejack had volunteered to watch over him.
“Hey Fluttershy? You said your wings were sore?” Rainbow asked.
“Well, only a little. I’m fine. I promise.”
“Why don’t I take your saddlebag? I fly better with even weight anyways.”
“Are you sure?” Fluttershy didn’t particularly like the offer; it suggested she was too weak for Rainbow.
“After a crash like that, I’m surprised you’re still flying! Don’t sweat it! Hand it over here!”
“Thank you Dash. I can carry it; it isn’t a problem. You don’t have to...”
“Quit repeating yourself! I got this!” Rainbow slung the saddlebag against her back.
“All my animals are ready for me to leave. I’m ready. Whenever you are, that is.”
Dash spread her wings about and threw herself upward. “Let’s go ‘Shy!”
“Right behind you!” Fluttershy kept the pace with Dash; who seemed to enjoy the challenge that extra weight provided.
The flight to Cloudsdale wasn’t particularly long; something that Fluttershy saw as a calming thought. Her main concern was with Rainbow Dash. Oh my, I hope this doesn’t affect her flying tomorrow. Or make her think I’m a weak friend.
“You’re awful quiet back there Fluttershy,” Rainbow closed the distance between them. “Something on your mind?”
Fluttershy felt a cyan feather impact her left wing. “Nothing Rainbow Dash.”
“Oh come on. I know you. Something’s up.”
The thought of lying to her friend alongside the futility of doing so forced Fluttershy to attempt the truth. “I really like spending time with you Rainbow Dash. And I don’t want to hold you back. Seeing you carry my bags,iIt kinda makes me sad.”
“Now that’s just ridiculous! And you know it!” Dash stopped in midair. “You’re helping me! I should be the one carrying your bags! Why are we even talking about this? Come on, let’s keep going! I don’t want you feeling like this, okay?”
“Thank you Rainbow Dash... I’ll stop thinking like that, I promise.”
“Here we are!” Several pegasus buzzed around the elegant formation of clouds as the pair took their first step. “Well, let’s go to the hotel.”
“Right behind you Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow greeted several pegasus while Fluttershy trotted beside her crush. Rainbow felt confident with a friend by her side; just as Fluttershy felt.
“Hey! We’re looking for a room?” Rainbow opened the door to the hotel.
“Right. How are you girls?”
“I’m here for the Wonderbolt trials! Rainbow Dash; you’ve probably heard of me!” Rainbow flexed her wings. “And this is my support; Fluttershy!”
“Let’s see... You already paid in advance so- here, room 27. Just go up the stairs and it should be on your left on the second floor,” the hotel worker handed them the key. “Have a good stay and good luck.”
“Thanks!” Rainbow dismissed the attention from the desk and proceeded upward. “27, that’s a good number. A lucky one; I’m going to need it.”
“Here we are,” Dash kicked the door open. “And... wow, this is awkward.”
Fluttershy refused to reply, fearing the unknowns.
“Darn it. Totally forgot about that,” Dash threw her bag down. “I didn’t change my room order. It’s a single bed room.”
Fluttershy quickly attempted to fix the situation. “It’s okay, I can sleep on the couch.”
“Really, I mean I guess so,” Rainbow turned her head in shame. “You come all this way to help me out and have to sleep on the couch. Why don’t you have the bed?”
“I can’t have you sleeping on the couch,” Fluttershy claimed her spot. “You take the bed... I don’t want you sore... I mean, that would be terrible. And I’m fine.”
“I hate to agree with you, but yeah, I don’t wanna risk being sore. I’ll make it up to you. I promise,” Dash began to unpack. “How about we go grab a bite to eat?”
“Lead the way!”
“There’s a restaurant downstairs. Let’s go get a quick snack.”
“Hey Fluttershy?” Rainbow approached the stairs. “Race you down the stairs!”
Fluttershy chuckled at the sight of the athlete.. She really knows how to bring fun into any situation, no matter how mundane.
“Come on, I’ll even give you a head-start!”
“Oh sorry,” Fluttershy ceased her thoughts. “I don’t need a head-start. I’d love to race Dash.”
“I’d love to race?” Rainbow gently knocked Futtershy’s shoulder. “Come on, we gotta get some fire in you!”
“I’m going to beat you... if that’s...”
“Come on!”
“You are going... I’m going...”
Rainbow knocked her hooves together. “You’re awesome! Act like it!”
“Look out Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy stormed down the stairs. “‘Cause I’m about to kick your flank!”
“Fluttershy?” Rainbow stood in disbelief. “Nopony beats Rainbow Dash in a race!”
“Nopony... umm... well.. loses to Fluttershy?” Fluttershy followed by giggling with excitement. ““Oh, this is so much fun!”
“Now you’re getting it!” Rainbow approached the ecstatic pegasus. “Now you are going what happens when you challenge me!”
A chaotic mess of cyan and yellow fur erupted in massive collision. Hooves collided, wings fluttered, and mares struggled.
“Victory,” Rainbow leapt beyond the last stair. “Sweet victory!”
“I guess so Rainbow Dash! Maybe if you don’t tackle me next time I might win!”
“I wasn’t going to let you win! Nopony-”
“I know Rainbow Dash! That was a lot of fun!”
“Sorry about the tackle,” Rainbow lifted her friend up. “Hope you’re okay.”
“Oh, I’m fine. I actually.. sorta... well... liked it...” Fluttershy trailed off meekly.
“Huh?”
“I liked the race!”
“Uh... Okay?” Rainbow Dash gazed at Fluttershy in mild shock, unable to believe what she was hearing.
Fluttershy quickly changed the subject. “That race made me hungry.”
“Hay yeah! Let’s go!” Dash’s previous gusto made an immediate return and she raced off toward the nearest table Fluttershy in tow. The two mares were quickly seated and awaited service.
“How are you fine young mares doing today?” A waitress approached the pair and offered them menus.
“Awesome! I’m here for the Wonderbolt trails! Rainbow Dash, I bet you’ve heard of me! And this is my good pal Fluttershy!”
“Oh yes, you did that Sonic Rainboom in the Young Flyers Competition a while back. Good to see you are back in action.”
“Back in action? I never stopped!” Rainbow handed the menu back. “Hit me up with some soda! And a big salad!”
“Sure. And what will it be for you?” The waitress scribbled several notes on her order-sheet.
“I think a water and a bowl of soup will be fine for me now,” Fluttershy replied. “Thank you very much. ”
“I’ll be back with your drinks soon. Have a nice stay girls.” The waitress trotted off into the kitchen.
“Have I told you about my double agility routine?” Rainbow’s eyes shone with the enthusiasm of a filly.
“I don’t recall. Maybe you could refresh me?” Fluttershy smiled. Fluttershy had memorized nearly all of Rainbow’s routines, yet she was quite content to hear them again.
“So I start by dashing through several clouds, followed by a...”
The sight of the athlete’s enthusiasm and general love for life forced Fluttershy to lose herself in Rainbow Dash’s words as the mare rambled on and on.
“Then I finish in style! Wait, I’m always in style! Then I’ll finish with an awesome amount of style! Like style and-” Rainbow spread her wings apart and lifted her hooves. “Coolness to the max!”
“I think you might be too cool!” Fluttershy chuckled. “They won’t know what to do with all that awesomeness!”
“As soon as I join the Wonderbolts, nopony is going to be able to handle me!”
Fluttershy didn’t reply; both mares were content with the following silence. There wasn’t any room for formalities. They were simply happy to be laughing with each other.
“One water...” The waitress came into view and placed the beverages on the table. “And one soda. Your salad and soup will be out soon.”
“Hey thanks!” Dash took a quick sip of her soda.
“Thank you very kindly,” Fluttershy smiled.
“I’ll be soon with your food. Have a nice time.”
Fluttershy emptied her glass in a under a minute, forcing a giggle out of Dash. “Jeez Fluttershy, thirsty?”
“I haven’t been this active and excited in a long time. I guess it gets me thirsty... really thirsty!”
“Well if you think this is fun, I got something to tell you. We haven’t even started yet!”
“I can’t wait Dashie!" Fluttershy lit up like an excited filly.
“That reminds me. Have I told you about my Speed Routine? The third one? It’s so awesome! You gotta hear about it! I start with a downward spiral...”
“Don’t you worry, I’ll sleep well tonight! But we gotta get up early! Well, I do, I guess you can sleep in if you want,” Dash suggested as the pair entered the room exhausted. “You do what you want to do.”
“I can be up with you Dash... that’s why I’m here, right? I mean, unless you want some alone time tomorrow,” Fluttershy placed herself upon the couch and reached for a pillow. “Your choice.”
“Are you kidding me? I’d love to have you there! Quit being so formal!”
“Well Dash, then I’m game... if that’s... sure Dash, I’m going!”
“There you go! That’s what I want to hear!”
“Well, if you insist I be assertive... I’m awfully tired. Is it okay if I head to bed early?”
Dash reached for the light. “You read my mind. I’m tired too.”
“Fluttershy?” Rainbow whispered amongst the darkness.
“Yeah Rainbow?”
“I’m glad to have you here.”
Fluttershy found the comfort of the shadows a second time. “I’m proud to be with you as well.”
Several cold chills jolted around Fluttershy’s coat. I really, if I could just, no... no... she wouldn’t want to do that.
“‘Night ‘Shy!”
“Sleep tight Dashie,” Fluttershy wrapped the blanket tightly. “Dream of a Sonic Rainboom.”
Rainbow Dash was asleep in a matter of seconds while Fluttershy bounced thoughts through her head, using the darkness as a source of comfort. The athlete remained as boisterous in her sleep as her flight, rolling several times and spreading her hooves in various directions.
She wouldn’t want to snuggle. Fluttershy glumly thought to herself as she made her slow descent into the realms of slumber, her dreams attempted to prove her wrong.