//------------------------------// // A Dash of Love // Story: One of a Kind // by cpthitsugaya //------------------------------// --A Dash of Love-- “This place is brand new! Everything here tastes amazing too!” Baer seemed really enthusiastic about Sugar Cube Corner. He spent the few moments they took flying there to go on and on about how good the ice cream was and how much they'll love it there. In sync, the three pegasi landed right outside the entrance and made their way in. They approached the counter and saw a middle aged mare standing behind the glass cover. She asked with a smile, “How may I help you gentlecolts?” Baer turned and asked, “Can we get three sundaes?” “Well, of course!” She then proceeded to create three sweet masterpieces with different flavors of ice cream, with condiments on the top. Baer then turned back around to talk to his new friends. “Believe me, I’ve been here once or twice, this place is mind blowing!” Lightning laughed a bit out of a hint of doubt. He then turned with Baer, only to see Dash staring blankly at a young mare sitting in a corner booth, alone. Lightning waved his hoof in Dash’s face and asked, “Dude, are you....ok?” Dash quickly shook his head and replied, “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” Baer looked at Dash and said, “Sure you are! Why not go over and say hi?” Dash shrugged and told him, “‘Cause I’m here to be with you guys.” In synchronization, Lightning and Baer both frantically replied, “Nooo! Dude, it’s cool! Go say hi!” Dash nodded and nervously trotted over. The mare appeared to be about their age, maybe even a year older. She was beautiful. Long, flowing red mane with pink highlights, a light red coat, and bright blue eyes. Luckily for the group, she was also a pegasus. Dash proceeded to sit down on the bench next to her, and looked up to her. He smiled, and instantly began striking up a conversation. “Heh, Dash is smooth, huh?” said Baer. Lightning shrugged. He himself was always the timid one, but since colthood, he has become a lot less timid. However, he still couldn't simply approach somepony and instantly strike up a conversation. That must be another one of Dash’s talents, among other things. He seemed really happy talking to her. Not once did he break a smile, smirk, or grin. The same went for her; because she was laughing a bit, smiling widely, and seemed really interested in him. Or at least, that’s what both Lightning and Baer hoped. The mare then stood up, and shook his hoof quickly while departing. As she left, Dash came back over to Lightning and Baer. Both were rather eager to see what happened. Dash sat down next to them with a very disappointed look, and leaned down on the table. “So, uh, what happened?” asked Lightning. “Well, she was really funny and wanted to talk more, but she had to go. But, she said for me to meet her here again tomorrow,” Dash explained “That’s great news!” said Lightning, “Why are you sad?” “Because she left.” Baer snickered a bit and turned to look out the window. “What’s so funny, Baer?” Dash seemed a bit annoyed. “Heh, nothing! Just don't get your head caught in the clouds- it’s our job to move them.” Dash laughed a bit at his ridiculous statement and reassured Baer that this new mare wouldn't affect his work ethic at all. (That’s a lie and a half!) “So Dash, what do you think?” asked Lightning, “Is she awesome?” He nodded and looked at Lightning. “I can’t wait to talk with her some more. She’s fun to be around.” It’s good to know Dash found somepony to make him happy. Well, happier than he was before; which is really saying something. “Well, what’s her name?” asked Lightning. “Cherry Raindrops. It was her great grandmother’s name.“ “So, you’re going to meet her here after work tomorrow?” Dash nodded again and replied, “Duh, I gave her my word.” “Yeahhh, I’m going to need you to come in on Saturday and, uh oh, Sunday...” Dash struck Baer with a fierce, irritated stare as Baer then fell over and began bursting in laughter along with Lightning. “Oh, Dash! If only you could see what you look like right now!” exclaimed Baer. Both Baer and Lightning continued laughing as Dash got up, and walked over to the counter again. “Baer, that was horrible!” exclaimed Lightning. Although, they both kept their hysterical laughing going, as Dash came back with a small glass of water. He tapped his hoof against the table, simply waiting for the two to get over the joke. “You guys are jerks.” Dash then took a quick swig of water. Baer replied, “Ahh, get over it Dash! Don’t worry, if the sky needs clearing, Lightning and I can handle it on our own!” They both nodded as Dash looked a bit guilty. “Oh, alright. Thanks, guys.” “No problem, bud! This is way more important than some dumb ole clouds anyway.” Dash smiled and put his empty cup down on the table. “So you guys ready to leave?” he asked. “Yeah, whenever you are,” replied Baer. “Not much to do back at the house though, unless you like to read a lot. Dash’s eyes flew wide open as soon as he heard the word, “read.” He asked, “What kind of books?” “Umm, non-fiction, fillydelphian poetry, and a couple adventure series.” “Awesome! I’ll have to check that out after I finish practicing my bass.” Lightning walked over to the counter and paid the mare working the counter six bits, as Dash and Baer both took off to get back home. Hastily, Lightning rushed out and flew off to catch up to them. Lucky for him, they were taking the scenic route back. A couple of minutes ticked by while they flew over the town center, noticing a few buildings being constructed, and areas being cautiously cleared. One of the newest additions was the Carousel Boutique, which would sell the suits and dresses of Ponyville. Lightning wasn’t too sure who would run a store like that, if anypony was running it at the moment, but he shook it off and continued flying over a small patch of woods. As they flew over the woods, they found a small clearing with a large tree standing dead in the center of a field of flowers. Such a strange location for a tree to be, it could be a perfect home for somepony who isn’t one for neighbors. As they came up to their cloud house, a new face was standing there waiting for them. From the distance, it looked like the mare that Dash had been talking to earlier. As they flew closer, Dash had slowed down, and flew in front of Baer knowing who it was. Cherry.