It was the day before Tornado Day, the final day for training. On a fortunate level, Rainbow Dash was doing far better than before. She took Twilight’s words to heart moreso, and felt better knowing she had a chance to reconcile with Fluttershy, so to speak.
But what made it even better, was Fluttershy actually coming back. An amazing sight to behold, she had come back looking like a whole new pony. Determined, ready, and just about all graceful. To say the least, Rainbow Dash had been completely thrilled. If not for the fact that her entire team was around, she would have likely tackled her fillyfriend with all kinds of hugs an cheers she was so happy! She wasn't sure what Fluttershy had done to regain some confidence, but whatever it was, it seemed to have worked!
Fluttershy had flapped her wings quick and fast, her eyes narrowed in concentration and determination...and took off along the track! Not exactly at a high speed, but still a lot faster than the first time she tried. It didn’t matter, she was giving it her all and trying her best. There was even quite a fairly nice breath of wind that passed as she flew by the anemometer. Dash had smiled, feeling just so proud of her then as she watched her every move. It didn’t help that her wings were pretty much showcasing her excitement, but that didn’t matter. It didn’t overshadow how proud she felt. To see Fluttershy not only making an improvement, but giving it her all was wonderful!
It was almost a tearful moment of joy. Rainbow felt immensely proud of her improvement, it was a wonder she was able ot hold herself together. To see her best friend trying her best. Nothing could have possibly ruined the moment.
Unfortunately, that rainfall upon the parade occurred in the form of Fluttershy measuring at 2.3 wing power. Of course, that was a huge improvement.
It was pretty much expected at this point that Fluttershy would feel that way, and Rainbow Dash could see where she was coming from. Even with everything at hoof, Fluttershy was still the weakest flyer of the entire team. It was no wonder she felt intimidated and upset to have been unable to even come close to catching up to everypony else. Especially after having apparently worked hard to do better (was that what she’d been doing?) as she apparently had been doing the past week.
But Rainbow Dash didn’t care about that. It didn’t matter to her at all. She didn’t want Fluttershy to achieve 10.0 wing power unless she actually could. If she couldn’t, as long as she was doing her best, that was all she wanted. For Fluttershy to do her best. It meant a lot more to her to see that than any amount of wing power ever could. All she wanted was for Fluttershy to be the best she can be, no matter what her wing power level was.
Unfortunately, it did nothing to encourage or comfort Fluttershy. If anything, it made her angrier.
It definitely wasn’t helping with the fact that Fluttershy was angry now. She could understand why being the weakest was the worst feeling, she’d been through that, and hated feeling it. But what more could she say? Agree with Fluttershy and further prove her point? Or to lie and say it’s nothing? The latter was yet again out of the question. All this was doing was driving Fluttershy away, again.
Much like before, she ran off again, this time with her animal friends following after her.
Weakened and defeated, all Rainbow Dash could do was sadly stare after her. It didn’t even occur to her that her team was seeing her like this in a vulnerable state. But right when everything seemed great again, what with the events of before, Fluttershy coming back with a whole new set of confidence and determination, ready to give it her all and doing just that...only to fall victim to her nervousness and insecurity yet again? This really hurt more than she could comprehend. All she wanted was for Fluttershy to do her best. But apparently to Fluttershy, this wasn’t good enough. And if the first time wasn’t bad enough to drive her away, this surely did.
Failure. Rainbow felt like a failure. She had failed her beloved, her best friend, more than she could think of. Failed to help her, failed to motivate her, failed to make her feel better. Failed to support her rock, her pillar of strength. All she could do was stare blankly, stare at nothing. Stare at nothing as she wallowed in her own misery.
Sure, there may have been plenty of wing power to break the record, but Dash just didn’t care. She just couldn’t take any comfort in that at all. What good was breaking a record when Fluttershy wouldn’t even be there to share it with her, especially when said pony was this upset?
She sighed, placing her hat back on her head. “If only there was a way to get Fluttershy out of the dumps.”
Later on in the afternoon, while everypony was taking a break, since they were going to be training late, Rainbow Dash just sat alone under a tree, sulking a little. She just couldn’t help but feel unmotivated. The first time Fluttershy ran off was bad enough and a stinger to her heart, but this time, it just tore her apart. It tore her apart to see Fluttershy this upset, this overtaken with insecurity and humiliation. As well as that, she blamed herself for this. If anything Fluttershy’s reactions were understandable.
‘Am I...really just a bad fillyfriend? Did I not encourage her enough? Did I...make her feel like all she’s going to do is humiliate herself? I want her here with me so much, I don’t care about her wing power!! I care about her! Why can’t anypony understand that? Why can’t she? I’m being selfish, aren’t I. That has to be it. At least Fluttershy’s doing the right thing and telling me no. Even if I want her there.’
“Rainbow? Hey, are you all right?” Twilight asked, coming over to her.
The cyan mare looked at her with a flat stare.
“...Right, I know, dumb question,” Twilight admitted, sitting down in front of her. “I’m sorry about what happened. But for what it’s worth, Fluttershy really did make an improvement.”
“Yeah...but it wasn’t enough for her. ...And she’s right. I’d feel humiliated if my wing power was measly compared to everypony else’s,” Dash sighed. “...No wonder she didn’t take me seriously when I said she did awesomely.”
“She was just upset, Rainbow. I know you were being sincere about it, and I think she knows that. But I guess her insecurity and nervousness got the better of her anyway.”
“Ya think?”
Twilight bit her lip, placing a hoof on her shoulder, “Look, you’re not going to get anywhere by moping about it. We still have Tornado Day tomorrow, and we still have to keep going. I know this is a lot harder for you by now, but you’re going to have to do this. ...Do it for Fluttershy, for Equestria, for your your team, for yourself. You can do this, Rainbow.”
“Right...” She didn’t feel so sure.
“Rainbow...” The unicorn began, exhaling, “Fluttershy loves you. I know that. And you love her too. And that’s where you’re going to have to stand up and keep fighting.”
“Fine... Whatever. It just won't be cool without my mare. You know how much I can’t stand being uncool.”
“Well, I can’t argue with you there,” Twilight shook her head.
“See... and a Rainbow Dash without her cool is no Rainbow at all.” The cyan mare turned away, preparing to leave for the comfort of the skies.
The unicorn exhaled again and looked at her seriously, “That may be, but the Rainbow Dash I know would never give up without a fight. And I know Fluttershy wouldn’t to see you like this.”
“I won’t, egghead. I just need to be left alone for now.”
“All right. Just don’t be too late,” Twilight said, now walking away back to the field.
“Me? Late?” She let out a humorless laugh, taking off into the sky to find a nice cloud to sleep on.
Tornado Day.
It had come, and was finally coming into play. All of Ponyville’s pegasi were gathered around the town’s highland reservoir, each equipped with a pair of aviation goggles. Twilight had brought along a much bigger anemometer, pinwheel and all, to monitor everypony’s wing power as a whole during the process.
Unfortunately, there was a bump in the road, as they soon discovered. It wasn't only Thunderlane who was out sick with the Feather Flu, according to his little brother, Rumble. But eight pegasi total were absent for whatever reason. One being out sick was bad enough, but eight? Twilight took the chance to use an abacus, making some calculations. Rainbow Dash had felt anxious, uncertain about what this could mean. Would the loss of eight pegasi, the loss of about 80.0 wing power (give or take) total be a huge difference?
Much to their dismay, it was.
“You might not have enough wing power to create a tornado powerful enough to lift the water to Cloudsdale!” Twilight exclaimed, panic evident in her voice.
“Well...should we pack up?” Spike asked, looking at the cyan pegasus for guidance.
Rainbow Dash hesitated, looking over her shoulder at her team. Sure enough, they were all waiting, somewhat impatiently, for her to give the a-okay to begin. Spitfire, who had somehow brandished a watch, was checking it over and holding it to her ear as if to make sure it was working.
Giving up and trying again later seemed like a better option, but she knew better. The deed had to be done today, just as planned. Record or no record broken, the water needed to be lifted to Cloudsdale first and foremost. Rainbow Dash knew that they couldn’t back down, not after they had come this far. She was not going to let their training and hard work be in vain. The record didn’t matter in the long run, it was only a status symbol. What really mattered was the goal itself, to make enough rain clouds for Equestria, no matter what. She had to look at this logically, as Twilight usually would, and could see that it was by far the best option right now.
They were going to do this. For Equestria, for Cloudsdale, for Ponyville, for her friends, for her team.
And especially, Rainbow Dash was going to do this for Fluttershy.
Determined, she shook her head, “No. Of course not! Forget the record! Cloudsdale still needs water!” Rainbow Dash flew over to address her team one last time, “Okay, everypony! Let’s give it all we’ve got! On the sound of the horn, we take off!”
With a glance glance to Twilight, who tapped the giant anemometer, smiled and pointed toward Spike. The little dragon then took a deep breath before he blew into the large horn with all his might, sounding it off loudly.
On cue, all of the pegasi flew up into the air in a line, two by two, above the reservoir. Among them, Rainbow Dash turned and joined in with them. The rush of the event coursed through her, exciting her, as they all flew rapidly, creating a tornado. It grew, strongly, gaining speed and height, as the wind tunnel formulated all around them perfectly.
Overall, it was amazing. Dash could feel the strong wind turbulents all around her, which any slight off movement could knock her off her wings and send her flying. And she loved every second of it! This was what flying was about, this was what excitement was! An awesome stunt and yet still brought purpose to Equestria. A perfect combination.
Unfortunately, they weren’t gaining much speed. The water was beginning to rise within the wind tunnel, which was good, but it seemed to be slowing down, everything was. What was going on?
Much to her dismay, she could see a few of the pegasi being knocked about as they bumped into each other. It continued on in a vicious circle, as everypony’s flying was cut off drastically, with them flying around everywhere without their wing support. The tornado died down completely within a matter of seconds, with everypony sent flying to the ground and into the water. The water itself collapsed back into the reservoir where it started, creating a splash.
Rainbow Dash went flying as well, caught up in the mess, sliding across the ground and landing face first into a tree trunk.
This was not going well.
They couldn’t give up now. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to stop just yet! It was just a hiccup in the process, they could start over and try at least once more. She had just barely caught sight of Fluttershy a few seconds ago as she was falling, and knew that now with her there to see this, she could not just let her down like that.
“No! One more time! I’ve got to know we gave it our all! If I’m going down, I’m going down flying!” She flew up into the air, facing her team. “C’mon, ponies! Let’s make this happen!”
As expected, the entire team of pegasi cheered loudly with gusto, especially Snowflake yet again. It was settled, they would try at least one more time, just to give it their all. Not to go down without a fight.
The horn was blown, everypony flew into the air, repeating the process once more. The tornado was created, forming a strong wind tunnel within the water source, everypony giving it their all!
The water level was funneling through, going fairly high, but at a slow pace. By the looks of things, Rainbow Dash was unsure, but figured Twilight was probably right. What if they really didn’t have enough wing power to even reach the 800 wing power minimum?
But Dash kept on going along with everypony else, determined to still try harder. They just had to keep going as best they could, it was all they could do. Whether or not it would be enough was still undetermined, but they had to try their best. No matter what would happen.
Going...going...going....going against the ferocious wind tunnel...
A flash of yellow and pink met appeared next to her at the corner of her eye. Could it be?
She glanced, briefly, and her hopes were met. Fluttershy, decked out in a pair of goggles as well, was flying with her! She came after all! Rainbow Dash grinned widely upon seeing her, a sense of joy overtaking her. It had given her comfort to know Fluttershy was at least there to witness this event, but it was even better to see that she was overcoming her insecurities and helping along with the tornado.
Now was not the time to celebrate. They still had to keep going to keep the tornado moving and lift up the water. At least now, they had a small boost, which was far better than nothing.
Briefly, the two pegasi flew, side by side, giving it their all.
But moments later, Fluttershy had gone. Where did she go? Had she fallen behind? Pulled ahead? Dash felt worried, almost willing to stop and try to find her, but she couldn’t let go now! Not when they were this close! She just hoped Fluttershy was okay and would be able to pull through.
“You can do it, Fluttershy! I know you can! I believe in you!” She said, her voice unheard in the strong winds. Rainbow located her somewhere below her, unseen by her. Despite she couldn’t hear nor see her, the rainbow maned pegasus softly said three simple words meant for her. “I love you.”
All she could do was keep on going, just like everypony else within the funnel. To keep going and hope for the best. If nothing else, at least they would have tried their hardest.
The tornado grew, stronger and stronger, the water level funneled higher than before! Whatever happened, it worked! The stream of water shot up, right out of the tornado, and arched, much like a rainbow, to its destination. Pretty soon, the reservoir was emptied, all of the water safely transferred to Cloudsdale. Rainbow Dash inwardly cheered, so proud of her team, so proud of Fluttershy! They’d done it!
Through the wind, the sound of Spike blowing the horn was heard, signaling that they could stop the tornado. Soon after, everypony slowed down their flying, gradually decreasing the power of the wind tunnel. They all flew up, separating the winds, and then flew down to the ground. All of them cheered with pride and glee, glad to have managed to succeed at the task. Their hard worked had paid off, tenfold.
Landing hard, but awesomely onto the ground, Dash grinned with pride at having been able to lead her team into success. However, there was something missing from this picture. Or, rather, somepony. Where was Fluttershy?
Looking around, wondering where she was, Rainbow Dash then looked up as she heard the sound of rushing wind up above. Sure enough, Fluttershy was flying, all by herself, in circles, as if the tornado was still going. She must have gotten so caught up in it that she hadn’t realized it was over! Amusing as it was, Dash knew she had to get her down right.
She flew up, grabbed a nearby cloud, and flew over to where Fluttershy was flying. Carefully, she timed her move, going in closer. Finally, she managed to stop Fluttershy and give her a comfortable landing on the cloud, keeping her safe from harm, smiling at her the entire time.
“Whoa, girl! Take it easy!” Dash said in amused good humour.
“W-What?” Fluttershy said, disoriented. “Did we do it?”
Rainbow grinned, spreading her forelegs for emphasis. “Yeah! We did it!” She flew in and gave her fillyfriend a big hug. “You did it!”
Pulling away, giving her a cheeky grin, the cyan pegasus held her wing up high. Sure enough, Fluttershy caught on as she shyly but sweetly raised her own wing as well. They slapped them together in a high-wing to further celebrate their success.
Landing back down on the ground together, Cloudchaser turned to them with a smile.
“Great job, Fluttershy! That was awesome!” She praised.
“Yeah, we couldn’t have done it without you!” Flitter agreed.
Fluttershy looked away shyly, rubbing her foreleg bashfully. Of course it was natural for her to get this embarrassed from attention, but nonetheless, Rainbow Dash just looked on to her with happy, almost tearful joy, feeling so proud of her. It was by far one of the proudest and most wonderful moments in her life, and she could not have asked for better. Having seen Fluttershy truly overcome her troubles and give it her all was by far a crowning achievement she hoped Fluttershy would never forget. It was truly amazing.
If it was possible to fall even more in love with her, or even just fall in love with her all over again, Dash felt as if she were doing just that. Maybe even a bit of both. Having been so enraptured at the moment, she barely even realized that Spitfire of all ponies, one of her idols, had come to land near her and addressed her.
“Nice job, Rainbow Dash!” Spitfire praised, smiling cheekily. “You may not have set a new record, but you showed a lot of guts!” She nudged her playfully like they were pals.
Oh, this was just too awesome! For everything to have come through so well, and to be praised by Spitfire herself, Dash felt ready to explode! Yet, she felt calmer than ever before. In fact, she felt great! There was no need to squeal and dance like a filly. In fact, she could even think of somepony else who deserved the praise more than she did.
“Thanks!” Rainbow said, pleased, yet humbled. “But, if you want to talk guts, then you’ve got to give to my number one flyer! Fluttershy!” She smirked, pointing toward her beloved with confidence. “Let’s hear it for Fluttershy!”
Sure enough, after that declaration, a few of the pegasi grabbed Fluttershy happily, tossing her up in the air in celebration before catching her again, repeating the process. “Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Fluttershy can really fly!”
Glad to see Fluttershy finally getting the recognition she deserved, Dash felt that her work was complete. Nothing more could have made this moment so amazing.
She flew alongside Spitfire, following Twilight and Spike, followed by the pegasi carrying Fluttershy, followed by the rest of her team, as they all went off to celebrate their wonderful success.
“Spike? Um...would you...take a letter? ...If you don’t mind...”
“Of course, Fluttershy! Just begin when you’re ready!”
After the little impromptu team celebration, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had joined Twilight and Spike back at the library, where Fluttershy said had one last piece of business to take care of. To write a letter to Princess Celestia about the very important lesson she had learned over the past week.
Spike stood by, paper and a quill in hand as he patiently awaited for Fluttershy to begin her letter. Rainbow and Twilight stood by, observing with smiles. Especially Dash, who looked exceptionally proud as she beamed at her lover with absolute joy.
Fluttershy cleared her throat, then began to dictate her letter.
“Dear Princess Celestia,
Sometimes you can feel like what you have to offer is too little to make a difference. But today, I learned that everypony’s contribution is important, no matter how small. If you just keep your head high, do your best, and believe in yourself, anything can happen. Sincerely yours, Fluttershy.”
Spike finished writing the letter, rolled it up, and then cast his magical fiery breath onto it. Rainbow went over to Fluttershy, kissing her on the cheek and bringing a foreleg around her shoulders.
“That’s my girl,” she whispered into her ear.
“So, what are you two going to do now?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow as she smiled at them with amusement.
“Well I was thinking I could take sweetie pie here for a romantic flight then out for dinner!” Rainbow Dash said, smiling lovingly at her mare.
From beside her, Fluttershy giggled and blushed, burying her face into her neck. Shock passed over a few of their friends faces, it was highly unusual to hear the tough weather pony utter such things. However, on the other hoof, it showed that the rough ride had brought the two lovers closer together than they ever had been before.
“Awwww!” Spike cooed, wringing his fingers together. It was likely that he was getting some ideas, but they could all tell it was sincere.
“Well, after the rough week you guys have had, I think you earned it,” Twilight giggled, winking at them. “Don’t let us keep you! You go on and have some fun.”
“We will, Twi!” Dash promised. “And you know, thanks a lot you guys, for your help this week. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Yes....thank you, Twilight...and for giving me that push I needed earlier...” Fluttershy said softly.
A warm smile overcame the unicorn's face, “You're welcome, girls. Despite the shortcomings we've faced, it's been a great week. I'm glad I could help! I had a lot of fun and really learned a lot of new things. And you know me, I try to help my friends however I can.”
“It was pretty awesome!” Spike said, grinning widely, “Thanks for letting me help too, Rainbow Dash!”
“You know it, Spike!” Dash chuckled, patting his head and spines. “I knew I could count on you, too!”
The rough, tough tomcolt mare then walked her fillyfriend out the door, placing a protective wing over her for the short duration. Even though it was unnecessary, it made both mares happy. Dash got to be the protector and her shy lover got to snuggle under cover.
“So Fluttershy, you ready?” Dash asked, looking to her.
Blushing a bit, Fluttershy nodded and gave her a nuzzle, “Are you sure? You had a very long, tiring day, Rainbow. I don’t want you to overexert yourself...”
“Me? I fly fast all the time Snuggly. It’s you I’m worried about. Do you want a free ride?” She offered, wearing a light smirk.
“F-Free...ride? I....Rainbow Dash, I couldn’t...” Fluttershy began, looking at her with surprise.
But Rainbow already crouched low on the ground, allowing her room to climb onto her back.
“I...I....I...” She heard Fluttershy stammer.
“Come on, Fluttershy, I offered, didn’t I? I did say a romantic flight, too. So I’ll change things up a bit! You can ride on me. Besides, after what you did today, even that’s not enough to reward you. So go on, get on my back and I’ll give you the flight of your life.”
A dreamy soft coo emitted from the pony behind her, and then Fluttershy gently climbed onto her back. She brought her forelegs around her, nuzzling into the portion of her rainbow mane that was behind her neck. “Oh, Rainbow... you’re so sweet.”
“And awesome!” She wriggled the pony on top into the best position then, flaring her wings, she took off into the late afternoon sky.
Flutttershy couldn’t help but spread her wings too, enjoying how the cool breeze played through her feathers as her fillyfriend did all the work. She nestled deep into the flowing rainbow mane as it whipped around. Bringing it under control, she planted herself on top if it, resting her chin on her cyan mare’s head.
She gazed around at the receding landscape below, content to relax despite the unfamiliar height.
“You’re getting comfy up there, arent you?”
“Yes...” She softly cooed, nuzzling the gliding pegasus gently. “You’re so wonderful, Rainbow Dash. So cozy...”
“You just wait... I’ll show you just how awesome I am. Hold on tight!”
Dash felt Fluttershy hold on to her tighter, and she took the cue to fly up into the sky a lot higher, above some of the clouds. She then flew downward, quite fast, just to get Fluttershy’s blood going. A squeal of surprise emitted from the timid pony, but Rainbow Dash slowed down and started to fly at a steady yet brisk pace.
Feeling more comfortable with the more sedate pace, Fluttershy began softly flapping her wings, imitating her bearers wingbeats. Elation flooded her system, it felt amazing, up there all alone, wings working in unison with only her dearest love for support.
“Soooo, you like it so far, Flutters?” Dash looked over her shoulder at her partner, smirking playfully.
Giggling, Fluttershy nuzzled her, “I do, Rainbow...”
“Oh good. Since you're joining in... Wanna see how fast we can make a four winged pony fly?” Even on a date, the athlete couldn't help but offer a speed related activity to her companion.
“O-Okay....um....but um...not too fast...I...I don’t...want to fall...”
In reply the bold pony wrapped her forehooves around Fluttershy’s ones. “There. Does that make you feel better? You won’t fall as long as you have somepony as cool as me here, Flutters.”
A sweet coo of appreciation came from Fluttershy and she felt a kiss on her ear, “Thank you, Rainbow. I’m sorry...I didn’t mean to make you think I didn’t trust you. But I do. I trust you more than anything.”
“Oh good. Ready for some action?” The anticipation rang out clearly in the bold mare’s voice.
She was so looking forward to it.
“...I’m ready, Rainbow my love...” Fluttershy whispered into her ear causing the powerful cyan pegasus to grin.
Dash's powerful wings began to blur as the couple picked up speed. Fluttershy did her best to join in, straining under the pressure required to maintain their acceleration.
The two lovers flew along at high speed, enjoying the wind in their manes. Nothing else mattered, just the open sky, the wind, and each other. It had indeed been a trying week, to which Dash could attest for them both, but overall, she couldn’t have felt happier. Sharing this wonderful moment after the storm with Fluttershy was more than she could have asked for, let alone expected.
Rainbow Dash grinned wider, racing the wind as fast as she could, despite the passenger on her back, but still flew in care of her precious cargo. She wasn’t even sure where they were going, but it didn’t matter. Who needed a destination to have some fun on a flight?
To make things even better, she could feel that her snuggly companion was enjoying the ride too. The constant nuzzles in between the periods where Fluttershy was gazing below made Rainbow Dash’s heart soar.
“Higher, Rainbow! Higher!” Fluttershy squealed happily like an excited filly, laughing with delight.
“You got it!” Dash grinned widely, flying a little bit higher above the clouds. “Having fun up there?”
“Oh yes! I am! I love it!” Fluttershy said, sounding overjoyed. “Oh Rainbow, this is wonderful! I feel so alive!”
“And this Fluttershy...” She pulled off a loose backflip, grinning. “...Is why I love flying!”
She felt the creamy yellow wings of her fillyfriend brush against her own as her excited companion joined in. Together they pulled off basic tricks whilst laden. Both young mares were unleashing calls and shouts of joy as they flew along. Dash slowly but surely was ramping up the difficulty of her maneuvers and Fluttershy felt heat radiate from her love as they flew higher and higher.
After a few flights around, they landed on a cloud for a few minutes to rest. At least, this was the plan, before a big grin broke out on Fluttershy's face. Dash raised an eyebrow, wondering what she was thinking about.
“Rainbow! Come catch me!” Fluttershy giggled, flying away.
“Hey! Come back here!” Dash laughed, chasing after her.
“Nooooooo!” Fluttershy dodged out of the way of her speeding fillyfriend.
The athlete seemed to recover quickly, turning to her pretty mare wearing a broad smile. She once again darted towards her friend. The shy pony squealed like an excited filly and dropped out of the way once again.
Dash zoomed around and caught her surprised mare. “Gotcha!”
In response, Fluttershy gave her a brisk kiss on the muzzle and took to the skies once more. The two continued to play, chasing each other across the sky, far above the clouds like a pair of fillies without a care in the world.
Despite her speed, she found it hard to actually catch her fillyfriend. The quiet pegasus was surprisingly good at getting out of her way. A surprising challenge she hadn't expected, yet definitely enjoyed! Feeling the strain of the wind in her feathers, she knew her wings were starting to tire. All that speed was quite a good way to tire onesself out. However, there was fun to be had.
She sped toward the giggling yellow pegasus in front, aiming right for her. “Incoming!” She yelled.
She missed her target, barreling on past the pretty mare.
Dash flipped in the air, coming round to face a giggling Fluttershy. “Oh you want some, do you?” She gradually flew closer and closer, a different approach was needed.
The normally scared of heights pony giggled, she was safe up here with her rainbow. “Yes...”
Rainbow Dash smirked in a predatory manner before she pounced, tackling her fillyfriend onto a nearby cloud. “Gotcha!”
“Hee! Oh no!” Fluttershy giggled with glee, beaming up at her. “You got me, Rainbow!”
“I sure as hay did, Flutters,” Dash licked her lips, settling on top of her. She chuckled, nuzzling their noses before just taking a moment to drink in the sweet sight of her. Her smirk melted into a loving smile, as she gazed at her beloved with adoration and admiration. “You know, Fluttershy, what you did today really took a lot of guts! I meant it when I said you were my number one flyer, you know.”
Fluttershy blushed, looking up at her shyly. “I....I had a feeling you did... I know you wouldn’t just say such a thing lightly.”
“Never!” Rainbow shook her head. “You were so awesome!” She said in a high squeak, beaming and holding her cheeks like an excited little filly on Hearth’s Warming morning.
“Really...?” The creamy yellow pegasus giggled, her cheeks pinkening all the more. She looked up at her with brightened, batting eyes, her smile growing.
Dash nodded, nuzzling their noses, “Of course! I knew you could do it if you just gave it your all and tried your best! And you did, Fluttershy. You came in there and did exactly what you could always have done if you just tried and believed in yourself! You did all of that! I’m...well I...okay, I’m no good at this sappy stuff....! I’m so proud of you, pal! I’m real proud!” Unable to help it, she had tears in her eyes by this point. “I don’t care about your wing power, all I wanted was for you to give it your all. I meant it when I said you did awesome yesterday.”
“I-I know...I’m sorry I didn’t seem to believe you.” Fluttershy raised her forelegs and embraced her. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash... that means the world to me...I’ve always wanted to make you proud of me...”
“I am, Flutters. I am...” She melted into the hug, kissing her tenderly.
The creamy yellow pony kissed back, relishing the taste of her loved one on her lips. She ran her hooves along her rainbow’s sides and began to play with the bold pony’s spiky mane.
Neither pegasus knew how long they were engaged in their little romantic sweetness on the cloud, but it felt as if time stood still all around them. Even when Celestia’s sun was slowly dipping into the horizon as the afternoon faded toward the hour of twilight. For that time they just simply lay there together on the cloud, wrapped in each other’s embrace, seeing and feeling nothing but each other.
“I love you, Rainbow...” Fluttershy said softly, kissing her muzzle.
Dash grinned, caressing Fluttershy’s cheek with her hoof, “And I love you too, Fluttershy. My number one flyer...”
A soft squee escaped the complimented mare as she grabbed Rainbow Dash and rolled her over, nuzzling her. As soon as she had the bold pony on her back, the timid one brought their mouths together once more.
This completely disabled Rainbow Dash from doing anything other than returning the affection, running her hooves along her partners side, softly moaning, in complete bliss. Fluttershy responded in kind as she too ran her hoof along Dash’s side and massaging the base of her wing. Little moans of pleasure emitted from the creamy yellow pegasus, to which the bolder pony responded with sensual growls of her own.
It was pure heaven.
They parted, though reluctantly, never once taking their eyes off each other.
“Hey Fluttershy...”
“Yes Dashie?”
“I have a suprise for my special somepony.” Her grin lit up Fluttershy’s world who found herself quickly sharing the silly look.
“...What is it?” Fluttershy asked cutely, looking at her with begging eyes.
Dash giggled softly. “Here, let me show you.”
She burst up, taking Fluttershy with her off the cloud and into the late skies above. The creamy yellow pony held to her tightly, looking as curious and full of wonder as always. Dash grinned, hoping Fluttershy would enjoy this little idea.
“Hang tight, Flutters! We’re going down!”
“Going wh-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!”
Rainbow Dash barreled down from the sky at a high speed, holding her precious pony in her clutches as she did so. The sky and clouds rushed all around them as the ground came closer and closer with every metre fallen. But right some feet above the earth, Dash’s wings flew open, zipping back into the air and flying about fifty feet or so above the ground.
She glided along, relishing the feel of the wind as it mashed the two lovers manes together. Fluttershy was barely able to comprehend the speed at which they had descended and just held a stunned silence. It felt amazing, but her tummy was still up there somewhere, or so it felt.
“How was that, Fluttershy?”
“Amazing...” The awed small voice barely had the power to reach the cyan mare’s ears. “Scary... but, with you... fun.” She cuddled into her protector. “You’re amazing, Dashie.”
The bold pegasus chuckled. “Yes I am... and here we are.” She announced, snapping her cuddly companion out of the zone.
“Where?” Fluttershy blinked her big eyes innocently.
Rainbow Dash landed on the ground, gently letting Fluttershy down. As it turned out, she had brought them to their favourite diner in Ponyville. Sweet Briar Rose Diner. Most would say, “Why not go someplace big and special for this kind of celebration?”, but to that, Dash would blow a raspberry.
It was their favourite place, the first diner they ever tried since moving to Ponyville, and there was always something new and different to try on the menu, anyway. Dash loved it for how, well, awesome and fun it was, and Fluttershy enjoyed the simplistic and comfortable charm of the place. Most of all, they shared a lot of good memories here, which just made it all the more special for them.
“My lady, dinner awaits,” Rainbow said in a sincere yet teasing suave manner like a stallion would.
Fluttershy giggled, beaming at her. “Aww, Rainbow...you’re too much! Hee...”
“You mean I’ve had too much...” The bold pegasus giggled, leaning in closer to her mare, “of you.”
“O-Oh....” Fluttershy blushed immensely and looked away with a bashful smile. “Oh Rainbow...” She cooed, nuzzling her.
“Yes, dear?” The giggling protector replied softly, nuzzling her fillyfriend lovingly as she lead her toward the doors of the diner. As cheesy as she could get with Fluttershy, she didn’t even care anymore. It was actually fun, and well, Fluttershy loved it. So why not?
“You’re such a romantique...” Fluttershy cooed lovingly, giving her a half-lidded smile.
“What can I say, Flutters, you just have that weird kind of charm to bring out that side of me.” Dash gave her a cheeky grin, nuzzling her again. “Now I hope you’re hungry, because it’s all on me! We’re going to dine like royalty!”
“Rainbow, I am not going to make you spend a lot of money, especially not on me,” Fluttershy said meekly.
Rainbow held up a hoof to silence her. “Nope! Not today, Flutters. You’re my number one flyer, you’re my snuggly, and what you did today deserves a huge reward. I’m treating you to dinner tonight. And hey, you earned it.”
Fluttershy opened her mouth to protest yet again, but caught herself. “...Well...I can’t argue with that... I did work very hard... I’m not getting something for nothing...”
“Atta girl! That’s what I mean!” she chuckled to herself softly, leading her main mare in alongside her.
The couple made their way to their usual seats, quickly relaxing into their seats. Dash put a wing over Fluttershy as is to ward off other ponies and delighted herself by nuzzling her fillyfriend. This earned a heap of giggles from the shy pony as she fought for control of her self as warm fuzzies continued to explode around them.
“Good evening you two, the usual I assume?” The smiling face of their water appeared.
“No way. This time its a proper date!” Dash grinned at the attendant.
“I see,” the waiter chuckled. “Well, Rainbow Dash, I sure have my work cut out for me! What’ll it be, then?”
“Um...” Fluttershy looked to Dash nervously.
“Go on. You’ve earned a treat. On me.” She nudged her companion.
“Um...well...I...um.... I’ll have the usual, and um...maybe...nachos....with the sauce...and peppers... Hee...I have to admit that’s a guilty pleasure.”
“And what would yourself like miss?” He asked, ready to write it all down.
“Well... lets see. I’ll have that... it looks like it will be awesome.” She pointed to the menu in front of them. “And that too... that looks cool. Then gimme and ‘Shy some of that.” She finished off pointing to an image of hay fries.
“Right... now back to the task at hoof...” She snuggled up to Fluttershy, offering a delicate nibble to the mare’s ear.
Fluttershy squeaked, melting under the affection. “Dashie... not in public...”
“But you’re my main course.” The cheeky pony replied, continuing her work.
“Noooo....” Fluttershy giggled, trying to squirm away, but was failing. “Oh Rainbow, you naughty thing...”
“Who, me? No way! I’m awesome, remember?” She could barely contain laughter of her own.
“True...” Fluttershy nuzzled her, snuggling. “And you’re mine...”
“Well good, 'cause I know what I’m going to do while I wait for my food...” Dash could barely contain her eagerness.
“Um...and what would that be?”
“Have some fun with my number one flyer.” A cyan hoof wormed its way over the shy mare’s back and slid down Fluttershy’s side.
Wearing a cheeky grin, Dash proceeded to gently tickle her fillyfriend, wrapping her in a hug with her other hoof to ensure there was no escape.
“Hee hehe hee....! Nooooo!!” Fluttershy giggled, squirming a little. “Dashie noooo....”
“Fluttershy, yes...” Dash laughed back, slowly rolling her partner over onto her side for better tickle action.
“Nooooo...” The creamy yellow pegasus squealed and giggled softly, trying to squirm away.
Dash stopped her assault as Fluttershy’s face passed within inches of her own. She now had a better idea. The giggling mare under her attempted to rise but found her passage blocked by a pair of hypnotizing red eyes.
“Hey there, filly. Looking at something?” Dash then gave her a quick lick on her muzzle.
“Yes Rainbow.” Fluttershy ran a hoof through Dash’s mane. “The most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen.”
“Me, beautiful? Nah, can't be! I’m cool and awesome.”
Fluttershy pressed up against her fillyfriend. “No, I mean it. You’re beautiful... I remember your dress from the Grand Galloping Gala. You looked gorgeous. And you have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen...” With a loving, caring expression on her face, Fluttershy nuzzled up against her bold companion.
Dash’s wings began to flare and she started to rise only to be pulled back down by Flutershy’s forehooves. But all the same, her cyan wings shot up as the two became locked in a tender conflict that was kissing. They even nearly fell back along the seat amidst their sweet kissing and giggles. As they were beginning to wrap their forelegs around each other, a throat was heard clearing.
The waiter smiled with amusement at them as Rainbow straightened herself, as did Fluttershy. Both seeming to pretend like nothing happened.
“You meal.” He smiled generously at them. “That’s quite a show there, fillies.”
Fluttershy blushed profusely at the comment. They were supposed to keep things on the down low... this was public!
“What show? Nothing happened!” Dash blushed hard. “Just uh...give us our food, thanks...”
“Thank you...” Fluttershy mumbled.
Dash immediately burst into motion, eating her food like there was no tomorrow. Fluttershy on the other hoof, picked at hers slowly and tentatively, taking small bites as if afraid it would bite her.
“Shouldn’t you slow down?”
“Nope! I’m good, Flutters!”
“Just don’t eat too much at once, I don’t want you to choke...”
Dash waved it off, swallowing another bite, “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. I’m fine, really!”
Fluttershy decided to take action and leaned over. “Dashie...” She planted a big kiss on the cyan mare’s cheek causing her to stop. “There. Please slow down.” She gave the torn pegasus a pleading glance. “Do it for your fillyfriend. She doesn’t want you to choke...” She nuzzled up against the speed eater.
“I... I can’t win against that...” Protested Rainbow Dash.
“I know...” Giggled Fluttershy, beaming at her and then kissing her muzzle. “May I have a bite?”
“Sure...” Dash said with a goofy smile, allowing her fillyfriend to share her meal.
“Aww...thank you...” Fluttershy giggled, and took the fork. She took some of the food, taking a bite. “Mmmm!! Delicious. ...Oh...I have an idea...” A smile overtook her face as she scooped up more food with the fork, holding it to Dash’s mouth. “Come on...eat up.”
“No.” Dash failed to look completely serious in her defense.
“Please?”
“Really, Flutters?” It was hard for the rainbow pegasus under the pleading gaze of her fillyfriend. “Come on, we're not fillies anymore.”
“Please?” Fluttershy brushed her side against her guardians causing warm fuzzies to rush through their bodies.
As much as Dash wanted to argue further, there was just no winning against Fluttershy's more maternal and sweet tendencies such as this one. “Oh, fine. Just this once can’t hurt.” Dash opened up, granting entrance.
Fluttershy chucked. “ I remember this one time when we were fillies...”
“Who could forget?” Dash mumbled, accepting the bite. She tried to scowl, but she was smiling. “Lot of good times with you, Flutters.”
“A lot of wonderful times, Dash...” Fluttershy cooed, nuzzling their noses. “And right now...will be another wonderful memory.”