“... So, tell me, Fluttershy, in the reality you are from, what was your Rarity like?” Pinkamena asked curiously as the trio made their way across Ponyville. “So far, you’ve explained that our Rainbow Dash is much like yourself, that the ‘Pinkie’ and Twilight you knew were the reverse of of this Twilight and myself, and that Applejack was most certainly not a dress maker... so, what of your Rarity?”
“My Rarity...? Well, she’s actually...doing what your Applejack does. She runs her own dress shop, only hers is called the Carousel Boutique,” Fluttershy explained. “She also has a bit of a more classy accent she puts up.”
Pinkamena nodded as she looked over to Twilight. “Would please make a note of this, Twi?” She asked kindly.
“Okey-dokey-lokie!” Twilight said enthusiastically, producing her notepad and pen with her magic, writing this down. “Wait till you meet our Rarity!”
“Let me guess. She’s the complete opposite and acts more like my Applejack?” Fluttershy guessed, her voice dry.
Pinkamena nodded and pointed ahead. “You’re about to find out. You may want to brace yourself for impact.”
“...What? What are you talking about?” Fluttershy asked, confused.
Without any forewarning, Fluttershy was tackled to ground by a blur of white and purple. Her eyes went wide as she staring up at this reality’s Rarity. Her mane was parted down the middle and braided into large sections. Around her neck was a loosely tied dark purple bandana. However, the most striking thing about her was her eyes. They were sharp, determined, rough, yet still held a since of honor that Fluttershy was so used to seeing in both Rarity and Applejack.
“Fluttershy?! Where were you today?!” Rarity was half shouting. “You promised you were going to help out at Sweet Apple Acres before the rain set in! Well, guess what? You’re late.” She looked down at pegasus underneath her carefully before her expression changed. “What’s wrong with you, Fluttershy? And... are you wearing hair extensions?”
“Um...h-hello, Rarity....” Fluttershy smiled sheepishly. She’d been right, and was now greeted with the comical idea of Rarity being a farmer. “Um...there’s....a few things...we have to tell you...”
“Hi, Rare-bear!” Twilight greeted. “You’re not going to believe any of this, but it’s true! Flutter-Butter over here isn’t Fluttershy at all! She’s another Fluttershy from another place! Completely different from who she is!”
“Allow me to expand upon that, if you would.” Pinkamena locked eyes with the farmer. “Apparently, this Fluttershy is from a different reality. One is which I assume has each of us behaving in a different, polar opposite manner. It would seem that her Twilight attempted to see into the ninth level of multiverse somehow. Through means I’ve yet to uncover, she involuntarily switched our Fluttershy with her own and Twilight and I are currently looking for a way to fix the conundrum.” She stopped and look at the white unicorn.
Rarity stared at her with look of utter bewilderment. “And... you’re not pulling my tail...?” She gave Pinkamena a questioning expression. She knew that Pinkamena would never lie about something like this, and even if she did, why would she? Looking down at the timid mare under her, she stepped off of her, noting that something was indeed different about Fluttershy.
“I swear to you, this is not our Fluttershy.” Pinkamena said with the utmost seriousness.
This was when the creamy yellow pegasus managed to get up. “It’s true... I was part of that experiment, something went wrong... and I ended up here, somehow... I-I can’t explain it... but that’s how it went. And now... until we find some kind of way to send me back, I’ll... be here for a while...”
Rarity looked between the three ponies in front of her. She sighed as a small smile came over her face.
“Well, why didn’t anyone tell me sooner?” Rarity extended her hoof out to Fluttershy. “It’s a pleasure to to meet you, sweety.”
“Nice to meet you too, of course,” Fluttershy shook hooves with her. “Um... if you don’t mind my asking... you work at Sweet Apple Acres?”
Rarity shook her head. “Not at all. I’ve never been one to shy away from a question.” She raised her head up proudly. “I do, in fact, work at Sweet Apple Acres. I assist most with apple-bucking and daily maintenance of the property... along with a few other minor things was well.”
“...I see....” Fluttershy gazed at her friend’s counterpart, wondering just how comical it would be if her Rarity found this out. “That’s interesting, Rarity...”
“I’d also like to apologize for tackling you like that. I thought you were- well, you know.” Rarity waved it off. “So... are you any good with your hooves?”
Fluttershy thought about that for a moment. It wasn’t often than Applejack would ask her to help out at the farm, at least not in the same way she’d ask Rainbow Dash. She herself was better at helping with the animals and insects from destroying the crops, while maybe doing some other little odd jobs.
“Well...I’m not very strong or good at heavy lifting... but I can help you out with the animals, watering some plants, planting, and stuff like that...” Fluttershy offered. “Um... what is it you need help with?”
Before Rarity could answer, Pinkamena placed a hoof between the two. “While I can understand you’re short-hoofed at the time with the weather schedule the way it is, but I don’t believe it would be wise to push our new friend here too hard on her first day of interdimensional travel. If need be, I’m sure Twilight would be more than willing to assist you, Rarity.”
“Sure! I’ll help out!” Twilight nodded, bouncing on the spot, grinning widely, “And then Flutter-Butter can help you tomorrow!”
Rarity took a step back with a nervous smile. “Um... Thanks, Twilight, but I think I can manage the rest of today’s work with just Big Mac and myself...” Memories of the last time Twilight helping her and the oddity of all the trees coming to life bothered her slightly. “Yeah, I can handle it. I might ask Fluttershy for a bit of help tomorrow with gardening the crops, but that’s about it.” She looked over to the shy yellow mare. “I’m sure I’ll see you around, sweety. And don’t be afraid to drop by Sweet Apple Acres if you ever need anything.”
“All right, sure...” Fluttershy nodded, smiling a bit. “I’ll keep that in mind, Rarity. I’ll come by tomorrow afternoon, if nothing else.”
“Wonderful,” Rarity grinned as she quickly shook hooves with Twilight and Pinkamena. “Now, if you girls would excuse me, I need to get back to work soon or else Big Mac is going to start slacking again...” She gave one last smirk as she trotted down the road.
The three ponies waved her off down the road, before continuing on their way. Fluttershy pondered in silence, taking in more and more that everypony she knew had pretty much switched personalities (and sometimes jobs and hobbies) with another pony. It was going to be quite an adjustment, she knew that much, and hoped that she would be able to at least live with it somehow.
“Well now, that was a rather pleasant diversion, wouldn’t you say?” Pinkamena asked with warm and friendly tone.
“...Yes, I think so,” Fluttershy managed, nodding a bit, and smiling.
“You’re not still scared, are you?” Twilight asked, sadly.
The creamy yellow mare shook her head, “No. I’m not scared. I suppose I... overreacted a bit, but I just didn’t know what to expect or why any of it was happening. Now... now that I know a bit more about what’s happened... I guess I just have to go from there, and try to live with it... I... well, now I’m beginning to expect it, to know that everypony is different than I remember. But of course, I’m different to the rest of you, as well... so that’s part of it...”
Pinkamena nodded in response. “I can understand how you must feel, Fluttershy, but rest assure, as different as things may be, I’m positive you must also see a certain level of similarity as well. I know we can’t expect you to adjust overnight to this, but we all do want what’s best for you.”
Touched, Fluttershy offered Pinkamena an appreciative nuzzle. “Thank you, Pinkie-sorry... Pinkamena. I really appreciate the effort you two are putting in to help me with this, to help me adjust to this new world... It really does help me to know I can turn to either of you for help...”
Pinkamena smiled a bit at this gesture as she returned it. “Of course, Fluttershy. As odd as it may sound, I was once in a very similar situation a long time ago... But come now, we should get you home. Or what will be your home for a while... and before you make Twilight too jealous.” She chuckled a bit.
“Mine!” Twilight giggled, bringing her foreleg around Pinkamena’s neck.
“...Oh! You two are-? Oh! Oh my...I’m sorry, I had no idea...” Fluttershy giggled a bit, blushing. “Considering that my Pinkie and Twilight aren’t dating... I didn’t make the connection.”
Pinkamena giggled as well. “I can see that. Well, I can honestly say I pity your reality’s ‘Pinkie’ then.” She cuddled her marefriend gently. “However, this is not the time for boasting. Let’s be off, shall we?”
Nodding, the timid pegasus agreed to this idea. At least now she would be able to relax, wherever her home was supposed to be, and prepare for her rendezvous with Rainbow Dash. She smiled, her heart skipping a little bit at the idea.
‘She may not be my Rainbow... but at least we can keep each other company.’
They arrived at the edge of the Everfree Forest, which, to Fluttershy’s surprise, consisted of a very similar cottage to her own. Despite the different colouration and landscape layout, there wasn’t all too much that was different. All except for animals running around, a chicken coop and pens, it was pretty much her home. She felt relieved at some level, at least there would be some familiarity in this regard.
Inside, the overall layout was the same, just with some different sorts of furniture, paint job, and other sorts of knick-knacks. There were also some sports equipment laying around, it was a bit of a mess, but not a pigsty hazard. Upstairs, she had a bit of a bigger bed, with a more low-key style of covers and pillows.
On the walls of her room, surprisingly, were posters of the Wonderbolts, some music stars, and sports teams. Fluttershy couldn’t help but think that this was very akin to a room Rainbow Dash would have.
“Well, it’s different than my own home...but it’ll be fine. I’ll just have to keep it clean and maintained...” Fluttershy said, nodding toward the room.
Pinkamena smiled as she looked about. “No need to put yourself through any paces, just relax for now, Fluttershy.”
“Yep! You just relaxies and then be ready for your little date with Dashie!” Twilight giggled with glee, winking at her.
Looking at the clock, it was 2:28, which surprised Fluttershy. It hadn’t been very long, and yet, it felt as if several hours had passed.
“Oh, and I suppose you may wish to meet your house’s other occupant as well.” Pinkamena gestured off to the side, pointing at a small, shy looking white rabbit. “His name is Devil Bunny... oh, but don’t let his name fool you, he’s really quite the opposite.”
Settling her eyes on the white rabbit, Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “...A-Angel? ...Oh... I’m sorry, Devil... Hello, there...” She smiled, slowly approaching the rabbit so as not to scare him. “I’m Fluttershy... Not the same one you remember, but I’ll take care of you. I hope... we can be friends?” She gingerly held out her hoof.
Devil looked over the yellow pegasus before him. She looked like his mother, she smelled like his mother, but her mannerism was completely different. He considered what was said and found himself understanding it less than before. However, there was one thing he was sure of. Whoever this pony was in front of him was, whether it was his mother or not, was nice, even sincere when she spoke. That was all the reassurance he needed.
Rather than taking her hoof as Fluttershy had seen Angel do countless times, Devil bounced over to her side and hugged her foreleg gently, even slightly tickling her with his whiskers.
“Awwww....” Fluttershy giggled, gently touching his back. “It’s lovely to meet you, Devil... I’m glad we can get along.”
Pinkamena giggled a bit at the sight before going over to stand beside Twilight. “Now, was there anything else you needed before we head back, Fluttershy?”
“Um...I don’t think so, not at the moment... but um, if I do... I’ll come see you. Um, come to think of it...where do you live, Pinkamena?”
“Twilight and I both reside at the library, however, I still do most of my private work at the room I rented from the Cakes several years ago.” Pinkamena spoke calmly. “It still has most of my personal books and what not, and I occasionally assist Twilight with her job as a cook... although, admittedly, I’m not much of a chef.”
“Oh...so...you two live together? That’s really sweet....” Fluttershy smiled. ‘Wow, Pinkie, not much of a baker or cook? This truly is quite a strange parallel world...’
Pinkamena smiled in turn as she gave a gentle kiss to Twilight on the cheek before turning back. “So, if you need anything, we’ll either be at our home or at the Cakes’. Twilight, are you ready to leave?”
“Yepperoonie! Let’s go, Pinkie-Winkie!” Twilight kissed her cheek, too. “See you later, Flutter-Butter! Come over to the library anytime you like! We’ll be there!”
Smiling, Fluttershy nodded. “Oh, I will. Thank you, girls. Thank you so much for everything.”
“Oh come now, Fluttershy. I’m sure if the situation was reversed, you would do the same.” Pinkamena chuckled. “Let’s be off now, Twilight. We have quite a lot of work ahead of us.”
Nodding, the alicorn gave a dramatic salute, “Aye aye, Captain Pinkie!”
Pinkamena lead the way down stairs and called back up, “Oh, and, Fluttershy, I’m not sure how the mail works where you’re from, but if a large, male pegasus crashes into you home by the name of Thunderlane, he’s the mail pony... Anyway, we’ll come check on you tomorrow.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Fluttershy giggled a bit. “Um, well, I’ll see you girls tomorrow!”
The front door closed, and Fluttershy explored the house a little bit more. As well as that, she cleaned up the little messes, put clothes and sheets in the hamper, dusting, whatever she could do to spruce the place up. Following her around was Devil Bunny, likely to get more used to her.
“Well, Devil Bunny...it’s a very complicated story...but your Fluttershy and I were switched...so I’ll be here for a little while...” Fluttershy explained, finishing up in dusting the downstairs.
Devil followed her, nodding his head in agreement, as he watched his temporary owner do something he had never really seen before. Clean. Within certain rooms of the home, he had no idea there were even carpets at all. It was really something amazing to him. After some time, he tired a bit and seemed to ask something Angel would have considered. He asked if he may sit on Fluttershy’s back as she cleaned and watch.
“Oh, of course you can!” Fluttershy lowered to the floor, crouching low on all fours so that he could get up onto her back.
Devil gently climbed onto Fluttershy’s back and nuzzled beside her neck. He was rather happy to see this side of his mother, even if this pony wasn’t truly her.
“Well, Devil....we’re going to make the best of this!” Fluttershy smiled at him over her shoulder. “It’s all we can do, and, well, it shouldn’t be too hard. I think I might enjoy myself as I adapt. And besides... I have good friends to help me here... Something I never thought of, but, I’m so glad for. Not to mention Rainbow Dash...”
She smiled brightly at the thought of her lover, and went to work on resuming her dusting. It wouldn’t be very long before she had to get going.
Later, at about 3:55, Fluttershy arrived at Rainbow’s cloud home. It was indeed around the same location as it was back home, if not a bit closer to town and to the ground. While her Rainbow’s cloud home was still hanging relatively low to the ground, this one hung even lower. Maybe not quite at the reach of an average pony, but it was a far less high of a drop.
Much as she expected, this cloud home was far less majestic, but still appealing. It took more of a basic home look. It did still have a rainbow fountain, flowing into a little rainbow pond. The structure was two floors, with a possible attic space, an ordinary front door, along with a little access ramp for animals. There was even a paved walkway leading to the front door, which Fluttershy guessed made it safe for the animals to walk on.
There was a pen on the ground near the house, plenty of perches for birds, along with a chicken coop. Excited, Fluttershy flew over to see the menagerie of animals.
“Oooh! Wow! Look at all of her animals!” She squealed with delight. “Hello, friends!” Fluttershy then sang out a little tune for good measure.
Many of the animals were taken back by this sudden change in the yellow mare’s personality. She was normally rather rude to them, however, something felt different about her. She had an odd appeal to her, an almost calming allure. After a few seconds, several of the smaller animals began to move closer. Then, the larger ones. Before long, most of the animals were slowly approaching her with pleasant looks on their faces, smelling her, touching her mane and tail, and simply adjusting to this strange new pegasus before them.
Fluttershy giggled, smiling brightly at her animal friends. “Oh, I’m very glad to see all of you, too! I’m sorry if my counterpart was so... rude to you... but I’ll be here for a while! It seems Rainbow and I have a shared interest in animals...”
She spent a little time with the animals, getting to know them and feeding them if she had to, before she had to attend to her appointment. Promising to see them again, Fluttershy then flew up to the cloud home, landing at the doorstep.
Fixing her mane, making sure she didn’t smell, as well as her breath, Fluttershy rang the doorbell.
“I-I’m coming!” Fluttershy heard from the other side of the door, followed by several odd noises. There were several more sounds, which could be assumed to be locks on the door being undone. As the door opened, Rainbow Dash stood in front of her half wet, half dry. A towel was wrapped around her waist, along with a second one on her head, concealing most of her mane, aside from the single braid that fell loosely. “I-I’m sorry about that! I was just... um, wanting to freshen up a bit before you got here...” Rainbow let out a nervous giggle.
“Oh... I’m sorry... should I... come back later?” Fluttershy asked with concern, blinking.
Rainbow blushed brightly as she quickly shook her head. “No no, it’s okay... I just wanted to... l-look nice for you...”
“Awww....” Fluttershy giggled, flattered. She came inside, nuzzling their noses. “You’re so sweet, Rainbow... You didn’t have to, of course... You already looked quite beautiful... Oh! And there’s something I wanted to do...”
Rainbow Dash looked around nervously as she blushed once more. “T-Thank you, but, um... w-what’s the thing you wanted to do, Fluttershy?”
Giggling, the creamy yellow pegasus gently drew Rainbow into a hug, then kissed her sweetly. Full-on and with a hint of passion, but keeping it slow and gentle. Minding the towels so they wouldn’t fall, Fluttershy gave her a gentle squeeze, then released her as they parted.
“I’ve always wanted to greet you with a kiss...” She smiled.
Rainbow Dash stood there, paralyzed with emotion. Her heart raced and her mind slowed. Almost against her will, her wings flared up behind her, undoing the towel at her waist.
“Wow...” This was all the cyan pegasus could muster to say at the time as a smiled played on her lips. “I always... wanted you to greet me like that too...”
“Oh?” Fluttershy beamed, and approached her slowly. “What... else have you... fantasized about, Rainbow?” She batted her eyelashes cutely.
“I-I uh, I um... hmm... I...” Rainbow tripped over every attempt to form a natural sentence, but failed almost every time. “H-How about we, um... talk about that after dinner?”
A small pout formed at Fluttershy’s lips. “Oh, come on...” She mumbled. But when she smelled dinner cooking in the kitchen, she came to realize that it was probably the better idea. “...You’re right, I’m sorry.... I wouldn’t want all of your hard work to go to waste...”
“My what...?” Rainbow Dash said with flustered look on her face. Then she remembered what Fluttershy was doing there to begin with. “O-Oh, yes. I mean, no. It wasn’t too much trouble to make, just some simple pasta dishes I learned how to cook back in Junior Flight Camp...”
“Really?” Fluttershy smiled brightly, advancing on her lover and giving her a hug, nuzzling her cheek. “Aww, Rainbow, that’s wonderful! I love pasta! It smells so good, I can’t wait to try it! Oh...you’re going to spoil me...” She kissed her cheek.
Rainbow giggled a bit as she returned to hug. “No, I’m not... besides, I’m sure you must be hungry... then again... I’m not sure how anypony would feel after, well... you know.” She broke away from the hug shyly as she lead Fluttershy into the kitchen. “And you like pasta too? My- um, this reality’s Fluttershy liked pasta a lot. That’s why I learned to cook it.”
“I see...” Fluttershy nodded, smelling the intriguing aroma. “That’s really sweet of you, Dashie....” ‘It sounds like she did a lot for her... I can see why...I know I did, too...’
As the two arrived kitchen, Rainbow gestured towards the dining table. “So, um, you can sit wherever you would like to. I know the table’s not that big, but I promise the chairs are comfy. Oh, let me get you a plate, okay?” She asked sweetly.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to help you set the table?” Fluttershy asked, taking a seat in one of the chairs. She smiled, seeing that they were indeed very comfy. “Um, you don’t have to worry about the size of the table, I think it works just fine.”
Rainbow turned back with a small smirk. “Thank you... Oh, and it’s fine. You are my guest.” She quickly filled a bowl up with pasta and carried it over to Fluttershy. “Here you go! Um, the two bowls on the table are cheese and tomato paste. The noodles are already lightly seasoned, so you could eat them like that too... Um, oh! And if you need the salt or pepper, I can get those for you real quick.”
Fluttershy looked down at her bowl and beamed, taking a sniff. “This smells delicious, Rainbow! It really does... Um, that’s all right, I’ll be fine. Why don’t you get yourself some and join me? I think that’s all I need right now...” She giggled, reaching over to spoon some tomato paste and cheese into her bowl.
“O-Oh, right...” Rainbow Dash said before she remembered the odd pressure on her head. “I-I’ll join you in just a second, I need to go and... um, dry my mane real quick.” With that, she began to head back out of the kitchen beyond Fluttershy’s sight. “I’ll be right back, F-Flutters...”
“Um, okay...” Fluttershy giggled, shaking her head and waiting at the table.
Realizing there were no drinks to be served, she got up, going over to the fridge and pulling out a bottle of apple juice. She searched around for glasses, seeing that the kitchen area was definitely decorated differently than her Rainbow Dash’s home. It was more of a quaint country kitchen, as much as it could be in a cloud home. Eventually, she located the glasses, placing them on the table along with the juice.
‘This Rainbow Dash has a very clean, quaint and cozy home... My Rainbow sometimes can be messy, but her home was...majestic, really ‘cool’ in her eyes, and interesting...’ Fluttershy thought, taking her seat back at the table.
“Okay then, I-I’m back.” Rainbow Dash called into the room. Her mane was indeed dry, however there was something else different now as well. It looked as though she had applied a light amount of makeup. Nothing overbearing but, noticeable, nonetheless. “S-Sorry if I kept you waiting... I was just, um, you know.” She giggled a bit nervously as she also, fixed a small bowl for herself and sat down. “I uh, I hope everything tastes okay...”
Taking in her appearance, Fluttershy smiled warmly as she proceeded to spoon-twist her pasta around her fork. “It’s all right, Rainbow. You didn’t keep me waiting at all. Although... you sure look beautiful... pretty Dashie...” She winked sweetly.
Rainbow blushed as she tried to do the same, but fumbled the fork several times. “Tha-Thank you... I’m glad you think so.”
“Oh! I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to fluster you...” Fluttershy apologized, taking note of her lover’s fumbling. “Yes, I’ll save that for later... um... for now, let’s just eat... and we’ll make pleasant conversation...” She smiled.
“No! I mean...” Rainbow stumbled in her speech for a second, “I kinda, um... like it when you say stuff like that. I’m just not use to it.”
Smiling in understanding, Fluttershy reached over to touch her hoof across the table. “I understand, Rainbow... I’m not used to it, either. I mean...it’s not that my friends don’t compliment me, they do. It’s just...it takes getting used to, and you just don’t see yourself like that on a daily basis...”
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “Y-Yeah, I guess you’re right...” She chuckled nervously as she put her hoof over Fluttershy’s. “But it is nice... ya know?”
“It’s very nice, especially when you know they mean it...” Fluttershy looked into the other mare’s captivating cerise orbs. “I know I mean it... you’re beautiful... inside and out.”
“Not as beautiful as you, though, Fluttershy...” Rainbow said almost dreamily. “If... I’m beautiful, then you’re at least... twenty percent more so then I will ever be...”
‘Twenty percent.... Like twenty percent cooler...’ Fluttershy thought, her eyes going wide.
“...Rainbow?”
Rainbow blushed a bit as she leaned closer with a concerned look. “D-Did I say something wrong? I was just trying to be sweet, like you... I’m sorr-”
“No, no! Rainbow, that was sweet... it really was....” Fluttershy smiled, her eyes glazing over. “...Could you... say it again? Twenty percent cooler?”
Rainbow blinked in confusion. “Um... sure, I guess. Twenty percent... cooler? Like that?”
The creamy yellow mare nodded. “Yes, but... say it with gusto... like you’re really excited and confident!”
“I can try that...” Rainbow said with small small smile. She took a deep breath, then looked up to Fluttershy. “You’re... at least twenty percent cooler now!” She sat back down blushing from her outburst. “Was... that better?” She looked up to her guest with ever hopeful eyes.
Fluttershy felt a little stunned. If not for the braid and makeup, it would’ve been an exact... clone. She smiled warmly, nodding, “Yes... much better, Dashie. Thank you... That was great.”
“O-Okay then!” Rainbow blushed brightly as she held back a giggle. “So, um... was there any reason you wanted me to say that?”
“...Well, not really... just that it reminded me of home, that’s all. It was just a funny little connection,” Fluttershy said, eating more of her pasta.
Rainbow Dash nodded once more. “Oh, all right. So, your Rainbow Dash says that sometimes too?” She asked curiously as she began to eat as well. “Oh, and please do tell me if the pasta is too salty for you...”
“Mmm,” Fluttershy said, swallowing her bite, “No, it’s perfect! I usually put salt in the water when I’m making pasta, anyway. It adds flavour, and makes the cheese stick on better. It was a trick I learned a long time ago... So no, it’s just perfect, actually.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Rainbow smiled as she watched her eat. “I really hate to pry but, um... with your Rainbow Dash... did she...? You know?”
“...’Did she’, what?” Fluttershy repeated, confused. “What do you mean?”
Rainbow Dash became flustered quickly as she looked away. “Oh, uh, nevermind...”
The pink-maned timid pegasus pouted, “Oh, come on... don’t leave me in suspense now, Dashie! You know you can ask me anything... really, and I’ll answer you as best as I can. Please... just tell me?”
Rainbow looked back a little less tense. “W-Well... did your Rainbow Dash... like you?”
“...Like me?” Fluttershy blinked, realizing what she was asking. She tensed a little bit, feeling uncertain about how to answer that. Her mind reeled back to the last time they’d seen each other, when upon sharing that very intimate moment. “Well...I...I couldn’t...say for sure... We...did share a kiss...and she...”
“I’m not lying! I just... Gah, whatever! As if I would ever... ‘Shy, I’m gonna call it a day and split... Later!”
The memory of the very last thing she’d ever said came rushing back as Fluttershy’s thoughtful look faded into a frown. She looked down at her half-eaten bowl, trembling a bit.
“...No. She doesn’t... It’s one-sided... I suppose she may be attracted to me... but attraction doesn’t mean love. So... no. She was just my best friend...” Fluttershy mumbled, shaking her head.
“O-Oh...” Rainbow spoke aloud. ‘I know how that feels... Longing for somepony, but the pony you love not even giving you the time of day... It’s just... I can’t believe that other me wouldn’t want to be with her. She’s so kind, gentle, sweet, pretty and cute... She’s... awesome.’
Rainbow reached across the table to brush a few strands of hair out of Fluttershy’s eyes. “Well... it’s her loss, then!” She said in a serious tone. “If she couldn’t see how awesome you were... then... she didn’t deserve you anyway... You’re the nicest, kindest, pony I’ve met in a long time a-and...” Her voice was slowly cracking. “I’m glad you’re here... w-with me...”
Taking this in, Fluttershy felt speechless. She felt conflicted, uncertain at this point. Deep inside her heart, she did want to return home, and try to make amends with her own Rainbow Dash... But then on the other hand, she couldn’t help but strongly take this reality’s Rainbow Dash into account. Her gut wrenched, feeling as if it were being pulled back and forth in tug-o-war, while her mind reeled.
‘Maybe... she’s right... Would I really be wasting my time with my Rainbow? Now I have a choice, in a sense... I can stay here with a Rainbow Dash who would love me... or go home, if I ever can... to a Rainbow Dash who, although I’ve known all my life... doesn’t love me back. Well, it’s not the end of the world, of course... But... it would be kind of sad... to leave what I could have here, and go back to that... losing it forever... Well... maybe I just won’t. Maybe I will stay here... it might just end up coming to that. Staying here... I’ll miss my friends, my animal friends... but, I guess... I would just have to make the best of it... I mean, it’s not bad. Pinkamena, Twilight, Rarity and Applejack... even though they’re different, have been very nice and welcoming to me... they’ve even helped me...
‘And Rainbow... she just loves me. She’s very sweet, kind, loving... She is a lot more like me, but she’s still her own pony... What choice have I got? My best friend...or an alternate version...’
Tears gathering in her eyes, Fluttershy smiled sadly at her lover, leaning over to nuzzle their noses. “I think...you’re right... M-Maybe...Maybe I should stay here... And with you... I mean... I don’t know of the relationship you had with your Fluttershy... And I won’t try to replace her...but I will love you... as me... and for who you are...”
Rainbow Dash quickly stood up and rushed over to Fluttershy, pulling her into a loving embrace. “Oh, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I-I promise I’ll make sure you feel at home here a-and I take care of you! I’ll help with anything you need! I-If you want, I’d even let you move in with me, here! I promise I’ll love you back and I’ll never leave... I swear!” Everything single word she spoke was through her own tears, but there was no sadness in her voice, just joy. The feeling of knowing that she was loved, this was all she had ever wanted and while this wasn’t her Fluttershy, she did not care. She was loved.
“...Rainbow...” Fluttershy felt tears flow from her eyes, and she returned the loving embrace; holding her crush’s alternate counterpart tightly.
It was all she could manage at the moment, as she relished the wonderful feeling that coursed within her. To think that she was loved like this, in a way she’d always hoped, but never truly expected. In a world that wasn’t her own, with a pony who was different from whom she remembered... Fluttershy didn’t even care about that, now. Everything about this felt so right.
All she wanted was to be happy, happy in her life, and to one day share her life with somepony.
‘Yes, I want her... I want this... I love her... We can make this work... We can be together...’Fluttershy thought, gently stroking the rainbow braid idly. She sniffled, trembling a little, but was feeling so happy. It wasn’t sad, just pure joy.
“I love you...” Fluttershy said softly, pulling back a little to meet her gaze, smiling through her tears. “I’ll stay here with you... I’ll never leave you, Rainbow. I won’t go. I’ll stay. This is what I’ve always dreamed of... And really-I couldn’t live with myself... if I left you with somepony who didn’t love you... when you had that chance. No. I won’t let it happen. I’ll stay here, with you... with all of you. I may have a lot of adjusting to do, but that’s nothing I can’t handle! I love you.... And I want you, I want to be with you, if you’ll have me, Dashie...”
Rainbow Dash nuzzled against her sweetly as she cried back. “I love you too... and of course I’ll have you! It’s all I ever really wanted. To be close like this. To... to feel like this.” She pulled away slightly so that she was able to see Fluttershy’s face. “I love you so much... and I meant every single thing I said. I... I don’t want you to leave... I just want you...”
“And I... I want you, too...” Fluttershy managed softly, kissing her forehead. “It’s all I wanted, too. I don’t care what anypony thinks of this... I know what I want, you know what you want, we know what we want. I love you, and we love each other... that’s what counts, that’s what matters. I do miss my Rainbow... I always will, there’s no denying the good times we’ve had, that much is true. She’ll always be there in my heart. But, I’m going to move on, to make my own choice and to live the life I want. If I ever can go back...well, then I’ll only go back to say goodbye and get proper closure. Beyond that, I won’t leave you, my darling...” She held the cyan mare closer, nuzzling her neck. “I’ll never leave you.”
Rainbow sniffled as she spoke. “A-And I’ll never leave you either... I know I’m not very brave, or fast, or anything like that, but... I’ll alway be there for you, Fluttershy, I promise...”
“I’ll always be there for you, too... And really... I’ve learned that true bravery comes from overcoming your fears,” Fluttershy lay their foreheads together, sniffling a bit herself. “I’m not fast or daring... but I will protect you with my life... I promise, Dashie. I promise.”
‘She’d really go that far... for me?' Rainbow thought to herself as she tightened her grip. ‘She’d do that for me, even though she’s not like my Fluttershy... Wow... If she’s willing to do that, then maybe I...’
Rainbow Dash pulled her closer. “I know you would, but... it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t try to protect you too. So, I’m gonna do my best... to be brave, too.”
“Doing your best... is all you can do,” Fluttershy giggled, nuzzling their noses and curling her forelegs around her neck. “I’ll do my best as well... we both will. This will be quite a bit for both of us, but I think we can make it.”
“I think so, too... No, I know so. We can make this work.” Rainbow smiled back at her warmly.
Giggling softly, Fluttershy kissed her sweetly, then pulled back, stroking her braided mane. “I love you, Dashie...”
“I love you too, Flutters...” Rainbow kissed her back gently before pulling away. “So, um... we should probably finish eating before it gets too cold.”
Nodding, the creamy yellow pegasus released her lover and they returned to their seats. With some idle but pleasant chatter made, they soon finished eating dinner. Fluttershy, of course, insisted on helping her with the dishes, despite Rainbow’s protests in how she didn’t have to.
“Oh, come on... You’re giving me so much, and you even offered me a place to live if I wanted...” Fluttershy said, pouting playfully. “Can’t I pull my weight around here, too? I’d feel bad making you do all the work...”
Rainbow giggled a bit as she tried to hide her blush. “That’s true... but you didn’t agree to living here just yet. So, until then, you’re my guest... Therefore, no work for you! Besides, we still have dessert.”
“And how long do I have to not live here before I can help out?” Fluttershy challenged, giggling.
“Hmm... Until you live here.” Rainbow Dash playfully poked Fluttershy’s nose.
Now Fluttershy rose an eyebrow, giving her a playful smirk. “You know, it would be very easy... I don’t have my old home to go back to... And this one is certainly nice, the deed is still in my name, so it’s technically mine... But then there’s you... And I love it here... there’s even a menagerie of animals, which is just wonderful... Mmm... I could easily stay here with you, and we could keep the cottage as our own little private retreat...”
Rainbow Dash almost froze up at the idea. ‘Our own... private retreat? Like what some of those rich, married ponies have? Where they go to-oh my... That sounds way too amazing. And she’s really willing to stay here? This is just like a dream...’
“W-Well, if you really wanted to move in here... it wouldn’t be a problem at all.” Rainbow laughed nervously. “I could help you bring anything from there here and ask Thunderlane to help out... and we could have Devil Bunny keep Fluffy out of trouble... and we could do this every night, a-and...” She began to trail off once more, daydreaming.
“And what?” Fluttershy giggled, looking to her with a curious smile.
Rainbow snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh, um... don’t worry about it!” She gave small grin. “Just thinking out loud...”
“Oh, come on, Dashie...” Fluttershy approached her, sidling up to her. A playful yet fairly suggestive smirk overcame her features. “I think I’d like to know what’s on your cute little mind about little ol’ me and you... So, come on, tell me,” she said teasingly.
If it were possible for Rainbow Dash’s mind to shut off, this was the exact moment it did. Every single muscle, every follicle of her physical being locked up. Her wings went up and stiffened. Even her tail frenzied up as she locked eyes with Fluttershy. Everything she was doing had been dropped at the sight of her.
“F-F-Flutters...” Rainbow stuttered out almost absentmindedly, her body trembling as she became short of breath while her face heated up with a mixture of embarrassment, confusion and excitement.
“Yes?” Fluttershy smiled more, leaning closer. “Aren’t you going to tell me what’s on your mind, Dashie?”
Rainbow learned closer. “I-I... I...” Her mind was no longer in control of her body. She was acting mostly off impulse, but as such, she blissfully unaware of crimson red liquid dripping from her nose once more.
This of course had Fluttershy’s teasing smirk melt into a look of concern. “Rainbow! Your nose! It’s bleeding again!”
She quickly rushed to grab some paper towels from the counter, coming back to hold them against Rainbow Dash’s snout.
Rainbow, however, was too lost in thought to even realize what was going on around her. ‘Fluttershy... She looked... Just for a second... She looked just like my Fluttershy. I could just feel it, it was so... so... Oh, geez... I was so- no! I was just... I don’t know, really... Do I miss my Fluttershy? Of course I do, but... she was never interested in me. She was always wanting to hang out with other ponies than me...’ She slowly started to come back to her senses as her eyes met the timid yellow mare’s. No, I just... I’m just being submissive, that’s all...’
“M-My nose started bleeding again, didn’t it?” Rainbow asked, still dazed.
“It did... oh, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked with concern, tilting her head back a bit. “Do you have a bit of a nose bleeding problem?”
Rainbow shook her head. “Nah... It’s kinda hard to explain.” She began to hold the paper towels herself. “Whenever I get really excited and um, stuff, my nose starts bleeding. Dunno why...” She looked away a bit.
“Oh... I see...” Fluttershy nodded in understanding. She wiped her nose with the paper towel, then pulled away to get a better look. She took another piece, holding the fresh one to Rainbow’s nose. “Is....what you were suggesting we do....intimate?”
Rainbow Dash once more became flushed as she turned red. “M-Maybe... Bu-But only if we were- I mean, if you wanted to... No, I mean... yes...” She just barely whispered the last word out.
“Rainbow... you can tell me. I can’t promise how I’d feel about something, especially since I don’t know what it is... but you can share it with me. I promise, if nothing else, to hear you out first. Okay?” Fluttershy smiled, kissing her cheek.
“Okay then...” Rainbow spoke up, somewhat recovered from her ordeal. “I was just thinking aloud and stuff earlier... I do that sometimes. I uh... didn’t actually realize you heard me until you said something about it. I-I guess, I was being a little silly...” She chuckled a bit.
“It’s okay, we all have our moments... Maybe it was silly, but I don’t mind,” Fluttershy assured, pulling away the paper towels. Sure enough, her nose had stopped bleeding. Relieved, she tossed them away into the garbage can. “Besides, you’re my silly, now!” She giggled.
Rainbow did her best not to laugh, but did anyway. “I guess so!” She looked over her shoulder to see her refrigerator and smiled. “Oh, um, would you like to head upstairs now..? We can have dessert in the bedroom, if you like?”
“Oh? What did you have for dessert?” Fluttershy asked, grinning.
“Well... go upstairs and I’ll get it for us!” Rainbow beamed back a response.
Fluttershy pouted playfully. “You’re not going to tell me?”
Rainbow Dash gave her a teasing grin. “I want it to be a surprise!”
“Oh, fine...” The creamy yellow mare kissed her nose, then turned to head upstairs. “I’ll be waiting for you, then!”
Going upstairs, it didn’t take long to find Rainbow’s bedroom. The only other rooms upstairs were the bathroom and a guest bedroom. Inside the master, it was somewhat similar to her own Rainbow Dash’s bedroom. There was a round double bed, a single window, a closet, and an en-suite bathroom. The rest of the furniture consisted of a dresser, a desk, a reading chair, a bookshelf, and two nightstands. On the walls were some photographs, some of her friends, family, and some of natural landscapes and animals.
Fluttershy inspected a few of them, curious. A few on the wall, desk, and nightstand consisted of a few single shots of... Fluttershy. She was finally seeing her alternate counterpart! In some photos, her mane was long. Others consisted of her mane being shorter. Rainbow Dash was in a few shots as well, looking adorable and usually with her hair long or a little short. Some were filly shots, others seemed to have taken place recently or a few years previous.
One in particular made Fluttershy smile a bit. Not only did she have a similar one back home, but this one was adorable. It was the two of them, as fillies, hugging each other while grinning at the camera. In the corner, messy but legible writing read:
You’re my best friend forever, Dashie! XOX ~Flutters
Feeling her heart soar, yet sink, Fluttershy stared sadly at the photo. She could only imagine how much it must have meant to her...and how it felt as if maybe this world’s Fluttershy just didn’t seem to care anymore.
‘Poor Rainbow...it’s an awful feeling... I’m sure she misses those good times... they must have been very close back then; like Rainbow and I had been.’ Fluttershy thought. ‘Well...it’s her loss, now. Rainbow will be happy...and I won’t let her down.’
“Okay, I got dessert, Fluttershy!” Rainbow called from hallway. “It’s a little messy, but I think we should be able to eat on the bed...”
Snapped out of her reverie, Fluttershy quickly jumped onto the bed; making herself comfortable and as if she’d been there the whole time. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, trying not to look or act as if she’d been caught trying to steal a cookie.
“Um...okay, Rainbow!”
Walking into the room on her hind legs, Rainbow Dash was carrying a rather large bowl filled with ice cream with two spoons on either side. Fluttershy couldn’t make out all of the different types, but it appeared to contain several flavors she could tell were delicious.
“S-Sorry for the wait!” Rainbow called over to her lover, “I wasn’t sure what flavor you would like so... I just got a little be of everything.”
“You could’ve asked...” Fluttershy giggled, eying the dessert. “But they all look delicious... and I’m always willing to try a new flavour of ice cream.”
Rainbow blushed a bit as she set the bowl down on the bed. “Yeah, I know I should have, but I wanted to surprise you a little bit...” Grabbing a spoon, the cyan mare giggled. “Dig in.”
Taking the other spoon, Fluttershy stabbed it at a random scoop of ice cream. She tasted it, finding it to be strawberry ice cream. Always a nice little standard but delicious flavour!
“So... why did you want to have ice cream on your bed?” Fluttershy asked curiously, taking another taste of another flavour.
“Oh, um... no real reason!” Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head as she somewhat slid a dream journal underneath her bed, out of sight.
“Yes there is...” Fluttershy giggled, smiling. “If it’s nothing... why won’t you tell me?” Realizing what she was saying, who she was talking to, her smile faded. Ears drooping, she looked away, ashamed. “...N-Never mind... I’m sorry....”
Rainbow Dash recoiled a bit at seeing Fluttershy’s mood drop. “No no! Don’t be sad! I was just, um... Well...” She started to blush a bit. “I always thought it would be kinda... romantic to share ice cream in bed, ya know...? Um, well... any dessert, really, but that’s beside the point... I just thought it would be nice...”
Looking up at her again, Fluttershy smiled warmly, “That’s really sweet, Rainbow... It is... But that’s not it. I just... well, even when something is no big deal, not something so private or secretive... you just don’t want to share them to others, for whatever reason. There I was, trying to justify it, saying that if it’s nothing, why would you hide it? And I... I do that a lot sometimes... Where I have something that isn’t even that big of a deal, and yet it isn’t something I openly broadcast. Because I’m a private pony, I keep to myself... And I’m sorry if I pressured you... that wasn’t my intention. But like I said, that’s a really sweet thought. I like the idea... I um... never really thought of it myself, but now that I do, I see how nice it can be.”
“No, you didn’t pressure me...” Rainbow said sweet. “I just get a little worried about if my ideas are stupid or something. I know I can overreact sometimes, even if I don’t mean to. I guess I just... don’t wanna mess this up...”
“...Oh....” Understanding, Fluttershy finished another bite of ice cream, reaching over to touch her shoulder. “I understand...I get that way all the time. It’s....y eah, really not something I’m proud of. But um... if it helps, I won’t laugh at you, or make you feel bad for them. If there is a chance I don’t like one of your ideas... I’ll just tell you, I won’t lie to you, but I also won’t make you feel bad for it. Um... I-I know that’s easier said than done, but I’ll try. The last thing I want to do is lie to you and lead you on. But at the same time, we can also compromise. I know you wouldn’t do something to hurt me or anything like that, so of course I’m going to hear you out with your ideas. Um... if you can... do the same for me, too. If you don’t like an idea I have, tell me... and we’ll work it out… Okay?”
Rainbow sat there, taking it all in slowly before answering. “I can definitely do that, Fluttershy.” She scooped up another bit of ice cream, but instead of eating it, she held it up to Fluttershy. “Try it. This is really good.”
Smiling brightly, Fluttershy nodded, taking the spoon into her mouth. The ice cream melted onto her tongue, filling her taste buds with a very sweet flavour. Giggling, she withdrew from the spoon, finishing the helping.
“Mmm! That’s delicious!” She said, nodding in approval. “What flavour is that?”
“Butterscotch. It’s one of my favorites.” Rainbow Dash giggled a bit. “Hey, Fluttershy? Can I ask you something?”
Curious, the creamy yellow pony looked at her alternate companion, “Mm? What is it, Rainbow?”
Rainbow blushed a bit as she shied away a bit. “Well, um... you asked me why I wanted to have dessert on the bed and all so... what did you think I really wanted to?”
“Oh! Oh...” Fluttershy blushed a bit, looking embarrassed. “Nothing in particular! I just, never knew of such an idea... it was... out of the box, I suppose... and I wondered what your reason was behind it. I mean, I know we don’t always need a reason... we just do things because we want to sometimes... But um, yeah, I was just curious.”
“Didn’t you just tell me not to shy away from questions like that?” Rainbow Dash teased a small bit. “But I understand. It is a little ‘left field’ I guess... However, if you thought it was something else, you could always tell me.”
“I didn’t, but um... if it did... I’d tell you so,” Fluttershy giggled, blushing a little bit. “Still, like I said... it’s sweet. If it’s something you wanted to do, well, no reason we can’t partake! ...As long as we don’t spill and make a mess.”
Rainbow Dash scooped up a small amount of ice cream in her spoon, then reached over and smeared a little bit onto Fluttershy’s nose. “Like this?” She giggled.
“Hey!” Fluttershy laughed, shuddering slightly from the cold treat being smeared on her face. She took some on her own spoon, smearing it onto Rainbow’s nose. “There, some for you!”
Rainbow snickered as she placed her spoon down. “So, we’re even?”
“I think so...” Fluttershy giggled. She eyed her for a moment, then leaned in, proceeding to lick the ice cream off her lover’s face. “But I’m going to have to clean you, first...”
Rainbow Dash blushed brightly once more, before giggling. “Well... o-okay, but... what about you? You’ve still got some on your face too.” She leaned in gently licked her companion’s nose. “There... now, I think we’re even...”
“I think we are...” Fluttershy winked, and proceeded to eat some more ice cream.
“So, um... I was wondering...” Rainbow said fidgeting a bit, “would you like to stay here for the night? L-Like a sleepover?”
The invitation surprised Fluttershy a little bit, but she smiled and nodded. It had been ages since she’d had a sleepover, let alone with Rainbow Dash! She placed her spoon down, clapped her hooves, and giggled with delight.
“Yes, of course!”
“Really?! Okay then! I’ll get a few things here and there and, um... I hope you don’t mind, but I normally like to sleep with socks on... I get cold hooves at night.” Rainbow fought off the urge to blush.
Smiling, the creamy yellow pegasus shook her head. “Of course I don’t mind. I can understand, I sleep with socks on if it gets cold at night. Besides... I bet you’re adorable with socks on...”
Rainbow Dash chuckled as she shook her head. “Nah, not really... but if you like... I think I might have an extra set of socks for you to wear... if you wanted.”
“All right,” said Fluttershy, nodding, “I’ll take you up on that, Dashie.”
“Okay then, um... they should be in the drawer over by the nightstand.” Rainbow Dash confirmed. “I’ll take the ice cream back downstairs if you’re done. I’m full myself.”
Taking a few more bites, Fluttershy smiled and placed the spoon back into the bowl. “I’m done, too. You can take it downstairs now. And, um... thank you for dinner, and dessert... it was all absolutely delicious...” She beamed brightly at Rainbow, reaching over to touch her cheek. “I really appreciate it.”
Getting up, Rainbow Dash picked up the bowl with a blush slowly forming. “No problem... I’d be happy to do it again sometime... o-or every night...” She quickly made her way over the door. “I’ll be back in just a few minutes.” With that, she was once more out of sight.
Getting up off the bed, Fluttershy went to the nightstand drawers, pulling one of them out. Sure enough, it contained some socks, all of them different colours and patterns. She pulled out a pink and yellow striped pair-why Rainbow had them was obvious-to wear to bed that evening. Placing them on the bed, Fluttershy walked around to explore a bit more, curious. Most especially at some of the things sitting on the desk.
One thing on the desk that caught her eye was a board game, turning out to be an old classic; Jumanji.
“Oooh!” Fluttershy took the box off the desk, inspecting it. “How lovely, I haven’t played this game in ages!”
Rainbow Dash returned to the bedroom smiling from ear to ear as she looked over to Fluttershy. “Okay, I put up the ice cream... Hey, what ya got there?”
Turning around, Fluttershy showed her the game in her hooves, “I just noticed this right here on your desk. I haven’t played it in a long time, and I...never really have anyone to play it with... Why don’t we play it?”
“Really? I was hoping to find somepony to play that with me one day...” Rainbow said with a happy tone. “Sure, let’s play!”
“Yay!” Squealed a very happy Fluttershy, already setting the game up on her bed.
It was going to be a very, very fun evening for them, now.
Later that evening, it was fairly late when Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy decided to turn in for the night. They had worked together at making sure all the animals were fed and taken care of, both impressed with each other’s skills at doing so. It wasn’t long before all was well, and they were ready to get to bed. This of course had also led to the inevitable “Where do I sleep?” discussion.
“Well, it is your home, Rainbow...” Fluttershy said softly, looking away shyly. “I um... well... until I... do... officially... live here with you... where should.... I sleep?”
Rainbow Dash blushed a bit at the question. “W-Well... I do have a g-guest bedroom... but, um... since we’re kinda treating this like a sleepover... you could sleep up here with me...?”
“Oh...” Fluttershy giggled a bit, responding by bringing her forelegs around her fillyfriend. “I’d be happy to sleep here with you, my sweet Dashie...” She kissed her cheek, nuzzling her. “I’ve.... always... w-wanted... to hold you, cuddle you and kiss you all night long...” The admittance of this fantasy made her blush immensely. “Ever since... Flight School... and Junior Speedster’s Flight Camp... we-sorry, Rainbow and I shared a room... and sometimes we slept in the same bed... especially during a storm, when I’d get scared... When we did, it just... made me so happy, feel so safe... like I just... belonged there with her... in her hooves...”
A look of wistful sadness overcame her features, her grip tightening ever so slightly on the cyan pegasus. She sighed, trembling a bit as the memories of those days flooded her mind... a reminder of what was now lost, never to be seen again, at least not in the same way. Nonetheless, Fluttershy felt a strange panging for home.
‘No... it can’t be... I mean, I do miss Rainbow, I really do... I could never forget those days, and that she was my best friend all those years... But everything’s okay now, it’s different... So... why do I... miss her so much, now? Why are these memories so... sad for me? I have a new life now, and this wonderful mare right here... Why does it matter?’
Either way, Fluttershy sniffled and felt tears pool in her eyes.
“Rainbow... hold me tonight... please...” She whispered, trembling a bit more and fighting back tears. “I-I don’t want to be alone...”
Rainbow Dash was taken aback by this sudden change in Fluttershy’s mood, but it did not change how she felt, nor what she felt she had to do. Wrapping her forelegs around Fluttershy tightly, Rainbow rested her head atop her lover’s. She cuddled her close, feeling her heart skip a beat each time she felt her tremble.
“It’s... It’s okay, Fluttershy... you’re not alone. I’m here with you... just like I promised.” Rainbow said with her voice cracking slightly. “I’ll be here with you forever... I won’t let you be alone anymore...”
Snuggling more into her neck, Fluttershy sniffled, smiling a bit against her coat. “...Thank you, Rainbow... I’m sorry... I was just feeling a bit emotional... but I’ll be all right. Everything will be fine.”
“It’s... it’s okay. I know how that is... but I don’t mind if you cry.” Rainbow Dash nuzzled the top of her head. “I know everything will be okay, but if you need someone to cry on... I can be there for you...”
Moved by her lover’s comfort, the yellow pony managed to take a few calming breaths; most especially with the comforting scent of her perfume. Fluttershy savoured the sweet, flowery scent, along with the heartfelt embrace. It had been a long time since she’d thought back to those memories, the younger years, when things were simpler. Though those days were gone, they remained in her mind, fueling her hope for the future. Despite that for some time, that future dream seemed unreachable.
But now it was here. In the most unexpected and unorthodox way possible.
It didn’t matter, though. Fluttershy felt happy, comforted, and overall, peaceful. What more could she ask for?
“Thank you, Dashie... I’ll remember that,” Fluttershy whispered softly, kissing her neck lightly in thanks. She pulled away a little, nuzzling their noses. “Well... enough of that, then. Shall we... go to bed?”
Rainbow smiled a bit as she moved near the head of the bed. “If you want... But are you sure you’re tired? It’s only about nine.”
“Well... we don’t have to sleep just yet... we could just lie down together...” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, climbing onto the bed. “And cuddle...”
“C-Cuddle...?” Rainbow said. ‘When she says that, I know what she means... but then, why am I thinking this has a double meaning...?’
Giggling, Fluttershy lay back on the bed, decked out in her own socks, and beckoned Rainbow to join her. “Come to bed, sweet Dashie...”
Rainbow Dash blushed heavily as she slid under the blankets. “Um, o-okay...”
Once she was in bed also, Fluttershy crawled over and cuddled up to the cyan pegasus, nuzzling her. She giggled with glee, proceeding to plant butterfly kisses along her lover’s face, all while stroking the soft strands of the rainbow mane.
“Are you comfy, Rainbow?” Fluttershy queried between her kisses.
Rainbow giggled as she squirmed under the blanket while she tried to nod. “V-Very comfy.”
“Yay!” Giggled the timid pony, kissing her forehead, before meeting her lover’s eyes. “Oh, Rainbow... I hope I’m not dreaming... This really is too wonderful to be true, isn’t it? But I hope it’s not another dream...”
Rainbow Dash felt completely transfixed by those gentle teal colored eyes. They were so different, yet so similar to the Fluttershy she knew. It was an odd feeling, to feel so far away from someone, but to be looking right at them. All she could do was smile.
“If this is a dream, Fluttershy...” Rainbow said with a gentle, shushed voice, “then please, promise me you won’t wake up...”
“I could never wake up from a wonderful dream...” Fluttershy whispered, stroking her mane. “Not with you, my love...”
Rainbow Dash felt so peaceful, so calm in this moment, it was absolute bliss. “I love you, Fluttershy...”
“And I love you, Rainbow...” Fluttershy kissed her forehead, snuggling more into her. A thought then occurred to her. “...Rainbow?”
“Yes, Flutters?” Rainbow responded quickly.
“Is there... anything you wanted to do, while we’re here... snuggling?” The creamy yellow pegasus asked softly with curiosity.
Almost in the same second that Rainbow heard this question, her wings flared up as she felt an odd pressure build up in her nostrils. “Um, uh... W-Well, maybe... if you wanted to... B-But that depends on w-what you mean by that...” Her face was almost completely red as she spoke. “N-Not that I wouldn’t want anything and everything to- er, with you...”
“Well, games you wanted to play, sorts of snuggling, positions...” Fluttershy said, gazing at her with a smile. “Or... intimacy...?”
Something in the way Fluttershy said that struck a chord inside Rainbow Dash. It made her heart skip a beat. It made her lungs feel weak and labored. It was just like earlier.
‘There it is again... She looked like my Fluttershy just for a second. Why does that excite me? Why do I feel so... so...? Gah, it doesn’t make sense. What’s wrong with me? I know I miss her, but why is she on my mind right now? At a time like this? Or maybe... Is that it? Am I just really submissive? Or is it something else...? Rainbow thought to herself. ‘I don’t know. But something about when she acts like this...’
“I mean... if you wanted to... of course...” Fluttershy said, looking away shyly. “I... definitely would.... love to get intimate with you, Rainbow.... but only if you’d want to... If it doesn’t feel too soon... but if you do want to wait, that’s fine. I would never force you... ever... so... it’s up to you...”
Rainbow was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Fluttershy. “Huh, what? N-No, I would to be intimate with you! I was just... in really deep thought, that’s all.”
“....Oh...” An embarrassed blush coated Fluttershy’s cheeks. “I’m sorry.... Um... what were you thinking about, if you don’t mind my asking?”
To this, Rainbow blushed a dark shade of crimson. “W-Well... you promise not to laugh?”
Fluttershy nodded, kissing her nose. She could understand her fear of that, it was something Rainbow Dash would sometimes say. Just as always, Fluttershy would assure that she wouldn’t laugh. Even if it was funny, it was never laughter that was directed at her, but more at the situation than anything.
Stroking her lover’s mane, Fluttershy looked her in the eye, “I promise I won’t laugh. You can tell me what’s on your mind.”
“Okay, well you see...” Rainbow shied away a bit as she spoke. “I was just thinking about how... sometimes... you kinda remind me of my- um, this reality’s Fluttershy... but in a good way. Like, back in the kitchen and... just a moment ago. I don’t know why, but I... I’m not sure how to explain it... I just...”
“Oh!” Fluttershy caught on, and giggled a bit, “I see what you’re saying, Rainbow. Um...earlier on, when you said twenty percent cooler... it reminded of my reality’s Rainbow Dash... She says that sometimes... So... I guess maybe... I just had a moment of reminding you, and you just... miss her a little, I suppose. You’re used to her. I can understand that,” she said softly.
“I see...” Rainbow Dash nodded, remembering earlier at dinner. “So... I guess there are a few things that aren’t so different after all. Yeah, I know I kinda miss this Fluttershy too, but I’ll be okay.” Rainbow smiled sweetly before blushing a bit more. “H-However, I think... there something else to it too...”
“Something else? What do you think it is?”
Rainbow suddenly felt very embarrassed as she pulled up the blankets over most of her body. “I, uh... I think... I might... kinda... just a bit... like that.” She pulled the blankets up even more, hiding her snout. “N-Not the reminding part... well, no, I like that part too. I guess, I mean... the me feeling submissive part... Oh, does that make any sense?” She finally completely covered her head. “It’s been on my mind for a while now, it’s kinda bothering me a bit, and I just don’t get... Is there something wrong with me? It’s weird... I just... bleh...”
“Hmmm....” Fluttershy pondered this a moment, trying to make sense of it. “Rainbow, are you trying to say that you... like feeling submissive?”
Rainbow pulled the sheets down a bit, enough to see Fluttershy’s face. “I... I don’t really know... I think I do... kinda...”
Thinking that over, Fluttershy smiled and kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing wrong with that, Rainbow. Some ponies are more... well, submissive than others. I know I am... I mean... Rainbow has always taught me to step up, be assertive where it counts... but it doesn’t mean you have to change who you are. It’s all about knowing how and when to act where it counts.”
Rainbow Dash pulled blankets off her head and stared. “Really? So... there’s nothing really wrong with me?”
“Of course not. Nothing at all,” Fluttershy assured her, patting her shoulder. “If you’re submissive, that’s just who you are, Rainbow. I’m submissive... it’s who I am... and that’s all right. I always remember one thing, of course. I have good friends who just want me to be the best I can be. And you know what? I say the same to you. I want you to be the best you can be. Whatever that is... even if it’s submissive.”
“Okay then, I can do that.” Rainbow said with a wide smile. “I was a little worried there was something really wrong with me for a second... but I understand. I guess... I’m just me. But, um... would you mind if, uh...” the cyan pegasus blushed as she tried to form her words once more. “Nevermind... Just thinking aloud again.”
Shaking her head, Fluttershy looked to her lover attentively. “Mind if I what? You can tell me, Rainbow.”
“W-Well, I was wondering if...” Rainbow started to ask very hesitantly, “if, um... if you would... maybe act like that again? L-Like back in the kitchen and... earlier...? I mean, y-you don’t have to. It was a silly suggestions... I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking and I, um...”
“You.... want me to act like your Fluttershy? ...In turn kind of acting like my Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy confirmed, smiling.
Rainbow Dash reflexively pulled the blanket back over her head as she started to giggle nervously. “S-See? It was just a silly idea! I-I don’t why I said t-that, I-”
This in turn made Fluttershy yank back the covers, crawl on top of her, and look down at her with a suggestive smirk. She giggled, finding this to be an interesting little game they could try. If this was what her sweet, submissive lover wanted... she was all too willing to try.
“What’s wrong, Dash? Can’t take the heat? That’s too bad... I was hoping to... roll in the hay with you...” Fluttershy cooed seductively, stroking Rainbow’s side with one hoof. “Why wouldn’t I find your adorable, meek, submissiveness to be sexy?”
Rainbow Dash almost felt her heart completely stop at the sound of this. “O-Oh, wow... I uh... I would love to do that with you, F-Flutters...”
It was a little hard to stay in-character, so to speak, since Fluttershy felt a mixture of wanting to laugh and hoping she wasn’t too rough. At the same time, Rainbow appeared to be enjoying this, so it seemed that she was doing a good job. It even felt strangely exhilarating to take on more of a dominating role like this.
With a strange jolt overtaking her body, Fluttershy leaned down and kissed along Rainbow’s neck; all while rubbing her hooves along her sides.
“I’ll make sweet love to you, Dashie, I’m going to make you cry out my name to the sky...” Fluttershy purred.
Rainbow Dash felt an odd sensation inside her body, like that of a roaring flame. It made her body clench and melt at the same time, made breathing almost impossible, and all the while, she loved it. Every moment, every kiss, the odd feeling swelling up deep inside her, a near all-consuming longing she felt. It was sinfully blissful.
‘Is it wrong for me to like this so much?’ She thought in her dazed state, ‘No... no, it’s not. This feels so... I don’t even know how to describe it! Please, don’t let this be a dream... This is too perfect to be another dream. Fluttershy...’
Rainbow slowly brought her forelegs around her lover, pulling her down lower. “Oh... Flutters... I... Oh, I love you... So much. Please... don’t stop...”
Allowing herself to be pulled in more, Fluttershy nuzzled Rainbow and smiled amidst her ministrations. In a sense, she broke character and went at this more gently.
“And I love you, Rainbow... so very much... I won’t stop.” She cooed lovingly.
The night went on, as both mares transcended into a beautiful night of gentle and sweet lovemaking.