//------------------------------// // Original 7: Love Shared // Story: Two Hearts, Fall Apart // by NintendoGal55 //------------------------------// It was early morning; the sun had yet to fully rise into the sky above. Even then, it wouldn’t have woken up the sleeping cyan pegasus. It was rather normal for her to sleep in, as she was not typically a morning pony to begin with. She valued her sleep as much as the next pony, but this morning was somehow different. Rainbow Dash was forcing herself to stay asleep, but failing. Her body felt rested, energized, and alive, as if she had been racing in her sleep, or perhaps her dreams. Even then, it did not explain the feeling she had. She tossed and turned, yet could not seem to find a comfortable spot to lay in. It was then she felt something under the blankets with her. Somepony was in her bed. “Wh-Wha...?” Dash mumbled sleepily, cracking her eyes open to see just what was going on. Much to her surprise, her tired, but slowly awakening eyes focused on a head of pink hair, along with a creamy yellow ear poking up from it. The other pony, now seen to be Fluttershy, was asleep with her back facing her, but still quite close to be able to smell the strong scent of... musky ocean breeze and apple cider. “....Fluttershy? ….Fluttershy, you’re here...” Dash mumbled softly, scooting closer to her bedmate. “Last night was... just a dream, huh? I guess it was... had this weird dream that you... said you were from another dimension.... and I was beginning to miss you... Heh... well I’m glad everything’s okay now... So... hey, you awake?” She gently nuzzled the back of her head. Something was off about her mane. It was rougher. Not exactly coarse, there was still some softness within it, but it still felt rougher, like she didn’t wash it very often. “...Fluttershy?” “Five more minutes, Dash...” the tired voice of her friend replied. Pouting slightly, Dash rolled over onto her back, staring up at the ceiling for a bit. For whatever reason, she felt a strange compulsion to... snuggle with Fluttershy. Not that snuggling with her was a foreign thing, especially not recently, but everything about this moment had every sense in her body screaming for snuggles. ‘Weird... what’s up with me? I feel... kinda... sore, yet really good, but it’s all down-’ Rainbow Dash sat up in bed with start, wide-eyed. ‘I HAD SEX WITH FLUTTERSHY LAST NIGHT!!!!!’ Her mind screamed. ‘Last night wasn’t a dream!!! I didn’t get drunk and fall asleep, dreaming all that! It REALLY HAPPENED!!’ “Oh my gosh....” Rainbow Dash uttered, wide-eyed, breathing heavily as she stared straight ahead. On top of that, a hard blush smeared her cheeks. Groaning a bit, Fluttershy shifted over a bit, resting beside her while still looking away. “You talk a lot... in your sleep...” she muttered. “...Of course I do, Flutters. You know that...” Dash said softly, not quite looking at her. “You know that better than anypony.” “Doesn’t change... how cute it is...” A half yawn came out as she spoke while she tugged on the blanket slightly. Exhaling, the cyan pegasus looked out the window for a moment. She bit her lip, feeling every bit uncertain about this entire situation. What to do next, where to go from here, everything. Her mind reeled with so many unanswered questions, it made her head spin. ‘What NOW? I slept with Fluttershy... my best friend! I mean, yeah, I guess I’m glad I had sex for the first time with somepony I actually trust and care about... But what now? What’s it mean? What’s she gonna do? What am I gonna do?’ “What was I... saying in my sleep?” Dash asked, trying to get her mind off the topic for as much as she could. Fluttershy, at last too awake to lay down any more, sat up in the bed... and Dash’s heart stopped. The pony in her bed did in fact look somewhat like Fluttershy, but her mane was much shorter, her ears were pierced several times, and her eyes were shaper, more edgy, almost wild. She scratched the back of her head slightly before answering. “Talkin’ about how much you miss ‘Shy, I guess... you were pretty low key about it, ya know?” She looked over to Dash with a questioning gaze. Dash didn’t answer her right then. At that moment, the dawning realization that this was not Fluttershy, that everything that came to be last night was shared with... this alternate version of her. But the real Fluttershy was somewhere in another dimension. A place Dash couldn’t find her and help out of. ‘She’s gone.... Fluttershy’s.... really gone... Replaced... she’s been... replaced... And she’s... gone... probably... n-never coming back...’ Dash thought, staring down at her lap. ‘And the last thing I said to her was... was... making her believe I wouldn’t-what was I thinking?! Just because... Pinkie showed up? Just because of THAT?! It’s not like it was some stranger! All we did was kiss, all we did was... that... and I... I liked it... and now... I just went and had sex with her replacement! Why?! ...She’s awesome, she turns me on, she looks like Fluttershy.... And the Fluttershy I know is... is...’ “...I gotta use the bathroom. I’ll be back,” Dash said listlessly, getting out of bed. Without waiting for an answer, she went into the bathroom and shut the door. Releasing a breath, the prismatic pegasus turned on the faucet in the sink to splash some water in her face. She did so, managing to burst her senses all the more. Looking into the mirror, she could see her reflection had seen better days. Her mane was more frazzled than usual, her eyes were tired and heavy, even her coat looked fuzzier. Groaning, Dash turned off the water, drying her face. “Fluttershy’s gone... she’s gone... if Twilight doesn’t do something, if she can’t get her back...” Dash mumbled to herself. “If I never see her again, I’ll-” Time seemed to freeze all around her. Memories flooded back to her mind, resurfacing as if they’d only happened yesterday. Those fillyhood days they’d had together, growing up like the best of friends they were. Fluttershy’s sweet smiles, laughter, fun frolicking, adorable habits, her voice, everything was coming back. Even the day before, during their intimate moment. ‘Gone... never gonna see her... again?’ At that moment, Rainbow Dash burst into tears. She fell over onto the floor, sobbing brokenheartedly into the towel she was holding. A loud knocking came from the door. “Hey, Dash? You okay in there?” Hearing her voice then, knowing way too well that it wasn’t Fluttershy, only seemed to hurt Dash more. “I’m fine!” She yelled amidst her sobbing. “Look, Rainbow Dash, hiding away from this isn’t gonna help...” Fluttershy called back through the door. “You need to talk about this... We both do...” “G-Go away! Go away! You’re not her! You’re not Fluttershy!” Yelled the heartbroken pony, angry tears flowing down her face. “I want my Fluttershy back!” It wasn’t Fluttershy, it was nothing more than a replacement clone, reminding her of the cruel reality at hoof. Dash couldn’t handle the thought; all it did was make her crumble. Her body all but collapsed, her heart sank into her stomach... she felt so lost. So alone. Fluttershy was gone, possibly forever. With nothing but an in-name-only alternate version in her place. Rainbow Dash didn’t want this anymore. She wanted her best friend, the sweet and meek pony she’d always known. “...Fluttershy!” Dash wailed, crying all the more. “I’m not...” Fluttershy heard the words repeated. “Hey, you better listen here! I may not be the Fluttershy you know, but that doesn’t make me some two-bit copy! I’m just as real as she was! Look, I know you must miss her, but don’t go taking this out on me...” She slumped against the door, hanging her head low. “You’re not the only one hurting, ya know...? How do you think I feel? I’m not even in the right reality... Everyone I know is still here, but... different. It’s like being a stranger in your own home... and it’s creepy. But I’m not gonna just give up. I can make the best out of this and there’s still a chance that your Twilight can fix this... right? So, stop being a filly and mare up...” She sighed heavily. “... Don’t you think your Fluttershy must be hurting, too?” “.....Door’s open,” was all Dash could say. Fluttershy lifted her head up to look at the door knob. She took a deep breath as she stood upright once more. When she opened the door, the first thing her eyes caught sight of was Rainbow Dash, looking away. She took a single step forward, but quickly moved back, looking away. “Look I... I don’t know what you want me to say, okay? But we really do need to talk about this...” Managing to look at her, Dash sniffled loudly, her eyes bloodshot and teary. “It’s not just th-that... I never g-got to... say I was... sorry...” “Yeah... I know the feeling...” Fluttershy said sadly. Wiping her eyes, Rainbow Dash sat up, choking a sob. “The last time I saw her... was yesterday... before I went to the library... I was... doing some tricks... while getting ready for the storm. Fluttershy was with me... supporting me... like she always does-did. Once I was done, I went and sat with her... not sure how it happened, but we got... real cuddly... And she just, got all sweeter than usual... Then she got a little startled from the thunder… Heh, heh... cute... I fell down onto the grass, she was on top of me... felt like a dream or something... I didn’t feel like myself, yet it felt... real awesome. She kissed me-or I kissed her, I don’t remember... it was... great... Really great...” She smiled ever so slightly at the memory. At least before it melted into a sad frown. “...Then Pinkie came along, interrupting us, and I... ugh... I was an idiot. I made...Fluttershy think I’d... never wanted that in the first place. I took off before she could say anything...” Dash trembled, hugging herself as the tears began to flow once more. “I never got to say goodbye... or tell her that I was sorry... and that I... thought our kiss was awesome...” Fluttershy sighed as she nodded. “I... can kinda understand what you’re talking about. You’re upset about how things went down. You panicked and acted on impulse... Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve... done some pretty stupid things, too. Way more than I can count... But, I’m sorry about how things happened...” She shook her head, forcing a weak smile. “But hey, it’s not the end of the world. There’s still a chance you’ll see her again and make things right. You just gotta not stop trying. That’s what you-my Rainbow Dash would tell me, back when we were fillies.” Sniffling, Dash looked at her again, trembling slightly. “I-I know... I know I shouldn’t give up... we shouldn’t... We gotta get you home... get Fluttershy back here... I just... Who am I even kidding? She probably doesn’t even miss me... If your Rainbow Dash is anything like her, like you said... she’s probably so much gladder to be with her than me... Probably doesn’t even want to come back... Why would she... when she’s got a me who’s just like her? Somepony who’s gonna treat her right... be a better friend to her than I ever was... Why would we she want to come back to a complete coward like me? I was valuing my stupid... stupid reputation over.... over the one pony... who means more to me... than anything... What kind of friend am I?” Fluttershy placed a hoof on Dash’s shoulder. “That’s why you gotta try to fix it. Nothin’ worth having is easy. Life is naturally a pain in the flank, you gotta work at happiness... I kinda wish I was this smart back in my reality... Anyway, I’m sure if you do see her, she’ll listen... and even if... she does get together with my Rainbow Dash... the best we could be is be happy for them. They’re still our friends, after all...” She did her best not to show her own emotions, hiding them away. “But what then? What if she really doesn’t want to come back? What if she does stay out there? ….What about you? You’re gonna be forced to stay here when all you wanted was to go home... What then? We trade places with them? ...What do I care if she’s with your me...?” Dash looked away, wondering why this made her even more uncomfortable. “At least she’ll be happy...” “Well, I guess we find out.” Fluttershy spoke up, turning away from Rainbow Dash. “I don’t know what will happen and I’m not gonna pretend I do anymore. All we can do is wait and see.” “Fine, fine! Okay!” Dash sighed, standing up on all fours. “Let’s just go see Twilight and-... wait a second. Did you just say... they’d get together? As in... romantic? Lovey-dovey? ...Really? Your Dash and my Fluttershy?” Fluttershy didn’t bother to look back. “Yeah, well, that’s what you were implying just a minute ago, wasn’t it?!” Her tone was oddly bitter as she spoke. Rainbow Dash blinked. The bitterness in her tone didn’t go unnoticed. By the sound of it, she could only deduce that Fluttershy was bothered by that idea. For whatever reason, she not only came to that conclusion, but didn’t even like it. “I never said that,” Dash frowned lightly. “I just said that your me would be a better friend to-” It dawned on her. “...Oh no... you have got to be kidding me...” Dash began to laugh a bit, shaking her head. “You’re jealous, aren’t you?” Fluttershy reeled back as she glared at the cyan pony in front of her. “Oh, shut up! As if I care what they do!” “Obviously you do care if you came to that conclusion and were pretty angry about it! If you really didn't care, you wouldn't be saying these things or acting like that!” Dash retorted. “Don’t try to lie to me, I know the way you think! Hard-headed, stubborn, and trying to look tough! Of course you’re gonna lie about that kind of thing! I know I would! Just admit it. You want to go back. You want my Fluttershy to come back here and stay here. You’d take your me away from her. Why? Because I think you like your Rainbow Dash! Admit it! You’re jealous of my Fluttershy because she’d be a better Fluttershy for her than you ever were!” A mixture of odd emotions rose up inside of Fluttershy. Too many to account for. She knew on some level that Rainbow Dash was right, but on the outside a very different emotion was showing. Anger. “Yeah, so what?!” Fluttershy shouted loud enough startle Dash. “I was a horrible, worthless, sorry excuse for a friend! I took advantage of my Rainbow Dash all the time! I hurt her! Made her feel like she wasn’t even a pony! I bucked up and I know I did, okay?!” Her face was almost completely red as a small amount of tears started to form. “You think you messed up?! You don’t even know what it’s like! I... I know that if your Fluttershy is anything like what you say she is then... then...” She felt almost defeated. “Then I know she would make a better me...” “Hey, I messed up, too! I’ve messed up in the past and I messed up yesterday! I’ve had my share of being a moron to her! And you know what, you’re right! She is a better you! Just as your Rainbow Dash is a better me! They deserve each other! At least they’re happy and will make each other happy!” Dash yelled, tears flowing all over again. “They deserve better than you and I! We treated them like garbage and forced them into each other’s hooves! A better you, and a better me! Dream come true for them! While we’re sitting here and reaping the penalty! Face it, we deserve this... we deserve to lose them forever! They must be ten times happier in the past day together than they ever were in their lifetimes with us! And they deserve this, we deserve this! If we take it away from them... we’re just gonna make it worse.” “Maybe... Maybe you’re right...” Fluttershy spoke with a sombre tone. “But, you know... at least you still got a chance to make amends with our Fluttershy… I lost that a long time ago....” She wiped a few tears away, “Sitting here, just beating ourselves isn’t going to make anything better, though... We both know we bucked up. We both know that things are bad. But, if we just sit here, thinking about how bad we’ve got it, we miss the point of all of this! We shouldn’t be yelling at one another about how we should be miserable forever... We should be happy for them.” Trembling a bit, Dash wiped her eyes, letting the words sink in. Of course, Fluttershy was right. If there was any sort of solace they had in any of this, it was that: their counterparts finding each other, finding happiness, and treating each other better. She felt her heart sink, knowing she’d never see her best friend again. The idea of that filled her with dread and misery, but at the same time, she felt a strange sense of comfort. “...You’re right, Fluttershy... At least they’re happy, right? If they’re treating each other a heck of a lot better than you and I treated ‘em... We gotta be happy for them. They deserve it, and at least... that’s a good thing...” Dash managed, nodding her head. She looked to the alternate-no, to Fluttershy, and hugged her. “I didn’t make as many amends as I could have. She’s still gone before I could say sorry. ...Never mind, though. It’s not gonna matter anymore. If they’re happy, we may as well make the best of this. I’m just... sorry you couldn’t make peace with your Rainbow Dash... And uh, you know... I’m sorry, too. You’re real, you’re just as much Fluttershy as mine was... I uh... was just upset, that’s all.” Suddenly, as if from nowhere, Fluttershy started laughing wildly. “Man, what is wrong with us?! Here we are talking like we know the two’re gonna get married today and whining about it like little school fillies! We don’t know what’s going on over there!” She continued to chuckle while fighting off her tears. “I mean, come on? If she’s anything like my Rainbow Dash, those two are probably too scared to talk to one another!” “Hey, give ‘em some credit! They’re not mice!” Dash rolled her eyes a bit, but managed a smile. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. We don’t know what’s goin’ on over there! I could be right, they’re just friends! I guess... well,” she grew serious once more, pondering the situation, “we should just... find a way to get over there. If nothin’ else, we can... see what they want. If we’re right and they are together and happy, or even just plain happier... we can just, well, let them be. But I guess if Fluttershy really wants to come back, no reason we can’t try to get her back, right?” “Exactly! We don’t know what’s going down over there!” Fluttershy held in her giggles. “Besides... I really hate to say it, but you make for some wicked company! So, if I gotta be stuck in some freaky new reality, at least I can drag you along for the ride, eh?” She pulled out of the hug with a grin on her face. Despite the situation at hoof, Rainbow Dash managed to smile, and even laughed a bit. She also couldn’t forget about this, the very strange but understandable bond they had now. If there was anything that could help them through, it was this. “You got that right, Fluttershy... And hey, you know, you make wicked awesome company yourself!” A soft blush tinted her cheeks, her gaze shifting. “And uh.... last night was... awesome. I know I kinda freaked out, but it was still awesome.” Fluttershy nodded back. “Yeah, last night was way more fun than I thought it would be, Dash. You sure know it! So, you wanna hit the town? I kinda wanted to do a few pranks here and there... just to get them out of my system!” A grin crossed Dash’s face, which melted into a smirk. “Before or after we head to Twilight’s?” “Before, of course!” Fluttershy gave a playful teasing grin to Dash. “After all, we can’t have Miss Bookworm killing the fun before we can have any, right?” “Heh, may as well have a blast before she breaks the ‘Sorry, can’t help you!’ news!” Dash laughed, nudging her lightly. Fluttershy darted out of the room quickly, then turned back around. “So, you coming or what? Or... are you too busy staring at my flank again...?” Although she wasn’t, Rainbow Dash couldn’t resist it as she came up beside her. “How can I, when you’ve got such a hot flank?” She purred, giving her flank a rub, winking at the creamy yellow mare. “Well, you better get used to seeing it... as it’s the only thing you’ll be able to see of me!” Without any other warning, Fluttershy took off out of Dash’s sight. Sighing and rolling her eyes, Dash couldn’t help but smile as she followed after her. ‘Yeah, she may not be my Fluttershy... but I’ll definitely make the best of this! She’s still awesome to be with, and... hot dog, the sex is THE BEST!’ Celestia’s sun had risen far higher into the sky, a signal of the late morning. Within the Golden Oaks library, all seemed quiet; it would soon become anything but. At her desk lay Twilight Sparkle, sprawled over some papers and books, fast asleep. She had not slept at all the previous night due to her reading. She had pressed on until the early hours of the morning, hoping to find something, anything, that could have been of use. She had poured through countless books, tomes, scrolls, and manuscripts, with the hopes of finding something that could have been of help. But it was in vain. She had stopped some time ago after Spike and Pinkie Pie had insisted that she rest and simply wait until Princess Celestia sent them word of another copy. Twilight groaned in her sleep as she reached up and tugged on something draped over her. It was then that something crossed her mind. ‘I didn’t fall asleep with something on me...’ She slowly began to stir from her slumber, forcing her eyes open. There was indeed a blanket over her. One from her room, in fact. She looked about the room in silence before thinking of the reason for this. ‘Pinkie must have done this before going to sleep as well. I wonder... is she still here?’ “Pinkie?” Twilight called into the empty looking room. “Are you still here?” No response. But the door did open, revealing a relieved-looking Spike. “Twilight!” He said, coming over to her. “You’re awake!” Twilight slowly began to get up, removing the blanket. “Spike...? How long have I been asleep? Where’s Pinkie Pie?” “It’s almost ten-thirty, and Pinkie’s in the kitchen, making you breakfast!” Spike explained, pointing his thumb toward the doorway. “She sent me to come see if you were awake yet.” “Oh... That’s very kind of her...” Twilight shook herself from her tiredness. “I don’t believe... Princess Celestia hasn’t responded to my letter yet, has she?” The baby dragon shook his head, “Nope, haven’t heard a thing! All I got was a letter from Cadance,” he held up some parchment. “She wanted to know if you’d be coming to your brother’s surprise party and if you could help her set it up!” “My brother’s... Oh, dear Celestia...” Twilight groaned. “I’m not sure anymore... With the current state of affairs, I don’t believe I can make it... Not without making some type of progress...” “I know...” Spike mumbled, nodding. “It’s not for two weeks, since his birthday’s next month. She wants to have it earlier to really make it a surprise. There isn’t much else we can do, Twilight, not until Princess Celestia gets back to us.” Twilight started to get up from her chair with a saddened look on her face as she approached her assistant. “I know, Spike... I just wish there was something more we could do.” “...Well, at least... the other Fluttershy’s having fun...” He said, giving a mild shrug. “Don’t remind me...” Twilight groaned. “So, what’s Pinkie making for us? Nothing too extreme, I hope...” “Pancakes and waffles!” Spike grinned, patting his stomach. “I tried to help, but she insisted on doing it herself! She’s even got some fruits to have with the waffles, and it smells so good!” Twilight was a bit taken aback this, surprised to hear her friend would go to such trouble. “Um, wow... So, can we go into the kitchen, or is she not letting anypony in until she’s done?” She placed a hoof up to door. “Pinkie? Can we come in?” “Come on in and sit down, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie called. Twilight blinked a few times, but shrugged at Spike. “I guess we can go eat...” Opening the door, the pair went into the kitchen, finding Pinkie working away at the stove. The dining table was also set quite nicely for a regular breakfast: three plates, napkin holders, utensils, a jug of orange juice, a carton of milk, and three cups. ‘Wow, I gotta admit, Pinkie really is going out of her way this morning... afternoon... whatever time it is.’ Twilight stared in awe as her friend cooked. ‘This really is nice of her... I wonder if... If what happened yesterday meant anything. Was it just to calm me down or...?’ “Hellooooo, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie greeted, turning around to face her. Sure enough, she even had an apron on that read Kiss the Cook along it, completing the domestic image. “Come and sit down, you silly filly! It’s ready!” Twilight felt an odd combination of feelings, but shook most of them away as she was still feeling tired. “All right, then. Spike, care to join us?” She teased as she made her way to her seat. “Very funny,” Spike rolled his eyes, going to the table and taking a seat as well. Pinkie distributed pancakes and waffles to their plates, giving two of each, as well as the same amount for herself. She took her seat at the table, removing her apron before doing so. With a big, bright smile, she clapped her hooves in delight. “We shall now partake in a delicious and hearty breakfast! After that, we must, of course, prepare for tonight’s epic super special awesome sleepover!” The earth pony announced, winking at the two. “Count me out of that!” Spike made a fake gaggimg motion before he proceeded to eat. “Yes, the sleepover...” Twilight sighed, using her magic to cut up pancakes. “This will be very interesting to say the least... Considering that Fluttershy won’t be here with us, or rather, this alternate Fluttershy will be here.” “It’ll still be fun, Twilight! We can get to know the new Flutters, our friends will get to know her, it’ll be funsies!” Pinkie insisted, giggling. “After all, Dashie seems to like her tons, so it’s all good!” Twilight tried to smile a bit, but it was half-hearted. “I suppose you’re right... Still, there’s just so many things we don’t know yet. For example, why this Fluttershy, out of all the infinite possible others, was the one that got switched with our Fluttershy? Did it have to do with something ‘Shy was thinking, or something about that reality in general?” She took a bite of her pancake, and her eyes went wide. “... These are absolutely wonderful, Pinkie! Thank you.” “You’re welcome!” Pinkie giggled, eating her helpings as well. “If you ask me,” Spike reiterated, “it might’ve had something to do with what Fluttershy was thinking. It was probably about Rainbow Dash! That other Fluttershy acts just like Rainbow, maybe that’s why that particular Fluttershy switched with her?” Twilight placed a hoof on her chin. “That is a possibility, but it raises the question as to just what thought it was, and why she was thinking about that. Then, there’s the matter of the spell itself...” The alicorn took a slip of her drink as she thought aloud. “We know why it happened, but we don’t know how it forced the two to switch... I really hope Princess Celestia has another copy of the book.” Both mares looked at Spike expectantly. He looked from one to the other, then rolled his eyes. “Staring at me isn’t going to make a letter from her come any faster,” he deadpanned. “We know, Spike.” Twilight spoke back. “But you are the one who sent it. Anyway, it won’t do us much good until we get the book, so... I guess I’ll just have to relax and wait.” Looking to the lavender alicorn sadly, Pinkie brought her chair closer, nuzzling Twilight gently. “It’ll be fine, Twi-Twi. We just have to be patient and wait. Princess Celestia is very wise, you know she’ll have an answer for us.” Twilight looked back to her, a smile slowly forming on her lips. “Thanks Pinkie... You’re right. Princess Celestia has always had the answer and hasn’t ever let us down. I just hope that Fluttershy-our Fluttershy is okay, where she is.” “...I think she is okay,” Pinkie said softly, smiling. “I think our little baby is just fine, Twi-Twi.” “... Our little baby?” Twilight repeated slightly confused. ‘Pinkie Pie has always been overly affectionate to all of us, but lately she seems even more so. But I haven’t seen her acting like this around any of the others... So, does that mean something? I wonder what it would be like if we did- no, no, this is not the time nor place for such thoughts...’ Twilight shook her head, freeing herself from her thoughts. “Pinkie, Fluttershy is older than you...” “And she’s growing up...” Pinkie faked a sniffle. Before Twilight could respond, two blurs, one rainbow-streaked and the other yellow, came rushing in through the nearby open window. Two pegasi went tumbling to the floor, laughing and landing on top of one another. When the dust cleared, it revealed to be Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. They giggled madly, barely even noticing the audience they now had. “Whoa! Hi, Dashie and Flutters!” Pinkie greeted, grinning. “What were you two doing? You’re just in time for breakfast!” “Hey, Pinks!” Dash waved, grinning madly. “Twilight, Spike! Aw man, you guys sure missed our awesometastic pranking spree!” Fluttershy playfully pushed Rainbow Dash a bit. “Are you kidding me? Who said anything about it being over?” She paused as she looked about the room. “Uh, you gals know that it’s a little late to be havin’ breakfast, right?” Pinkie gasped, wide-eyed. “Travesty! It’s never too late for breakfast! Ever! Why, sometimes, I have breakfast for dinner! Supper for breakfast! And brunch for lunch!” “Isn’t brunch and lunch the same thing anyway?” Fluttershy asked bluntly. “Twilight overslept, so Pinkie decided to just make some breakfast late, that’s all,” Spike shrugged. “Heh, I know that feeling...” Dash mumbled, shaking her head. “So!” Pinkie eyed the two, giving a big grin. “You two ladies are still getting along, eh? Having fun?” Twilight could only roll her eyes at the scene before her. “Pinkie, I’m quite sure they have been... assuming I think I know what you’re talking about this time...” “Oh, we’ve had a lot of fun! Right, Dash?” Fluttershy shot a playful smirk over at her companion. In response, especially to just mess with her friends, Dash gave Fluttershy a quick kiss, and winked. “You said it, all right!” “Ooooh!!” Pinkie giggled, slapping her hoof on the table, causing the dishes and utensils to clatter noisily. “Must be fun to have a special somepony that’s able to keep up with you now, Dashie!” At that, a stricken look overcame the cyan pony’s face, and she looked away ever slightly. Twilight shot a shocked look to Pinkie, who just smiled and winked at her. She knew exactly what she was doing. “I’m gonna go look for a book to read,” Dash said, exiting the kitchen and going down to the library section. Fluttershy shrugged as she looked over to pink earth pony. “Well, I guess I’ll follow suit... Oh, and Pinks, as Applejack would say, assurez-vous vous déplacez sur Twilight, ‘kay?” With a slightly stiffened chuckle, she left the room, going after Dash. Confused, Pinkie looked over at Twilight and Spike, who were exchanging very knowing glances. “Um... what did she say?” She asked, tilting her head cutely. Twilight did not respond, move, and was quite possibly not breathing at the time either, before quickly shouting an answer. “Nothing! It was just gibberish! No meaning at all! None!” A low pitched, nervous giggle came out at the end. ‘Did she just tell Pinkie to... make a move on me?! Does Pinkie even...? Maybe she does. I’ll have to ask her... o-once this is all taken care of, of course! I-It’s not like I want to actually date Pinkie Pie... right?’ “Okay!” Pinkie said amiably, and gestured to the table. “Shall we finish up?” Down in the library, Rainbow Dash barely spoke even a single word as she scoured the titles for something to read. Normally her first choice, any new release of a Daring Do book, weren’t exactly coming to her mind. Instead, she just scanned the spines randomly, looking for something that interested her. Something. Anything. Although aware that Fluttershy was in the room as well, Dash felt unable to look toward her. She did so, seeing that the other pegasus was also scanning a few book titles, using her hoof to do so. ‘Why did Pinkie say that?! Why?! This Fluttershy can keep up with me, and therefore I like her better? No! No, that’s not some reason to like another pony better! Sure, it’s pretty awesome, but come on!’ Dash thought, plopping down on her haunches as she scanned a lower shelf. “Something on your mind, Dash?” Fluttershy asked with a small hint of concern. Managing to glance toward her, Dash sighed, looking back at the shelf. “I don’t know. Guess I... just didn’t like that implication Pinks said. That because you can keep up with me, I must like you better, right? ...When is everypony going to realize that I didn’t care if Flutters could keep up with me or not?” Fluttershy sighed as she leaned against a bookshelf. “Yeah, I get you. Most ponies don’t seem to catch on to stuff like that. It’s always, ‘Oh, you’re this and they’re like that too, so you must date!’ Gah, I got sick of hearing that back where I’m from... But there’s not much you can do about it. Well, other than getting your Fluttershy back and proposing to her.” “You got that right,” the cyan pony mumbled, shaking her head. “Well I-wait, what?! The hay do you mean proposing?!” Fluttershy moved over the Rainbow Dash’s side, smiling almost teasingly. “Oh, come on, Dash... You and I both know you really want her back... for more reasons than one, I might add.” Eyes wide and cheeks pink, Dash shook her head. “Y-You got it all wrong! I don’t!” “Oh, do I now?” Fluttershy walked away a bit. “You know... you and my Rainbow Dash do share one thing in common... wanna know what that is?” “...What’s that?” Dash looked at her with a confused frown. “You both keep dream journals...” The yellow pegasus giggled. “Oh, like this little bit I read from yours after you passed out. To die for, I swear... How did it go? Oh, right. ‘I had that dream again, me and Fluttershy were at the royal wedding, except, it was our wedding! Oh, she looked so beautiful in that wedding gown. My heart was just a flutter as I saw her...’ Need I go on?” “You read my dream journal?!” Dash squeaked, now wide-eyed. “Y-Yeah... maybe, sometimes, I kinda dreamed of Fluttershy... so what?! I can’t control my dreams! A-And she’s pretty, she looks nice in outfits... so what?” Fluttershy giggled sweetly. “Soooo, you wouldn’t care if I read aloud the one you titled, ‘FlutterMaid’, or maybe that one really spicy one about her being a model... Oh, and didn’t I spy a few magazines under you bed with her on them? ” “I-I think she’s attractive! Yeah, she’s attractive! I’ll admit that!” Dash said, blushing. “J-Just ‘cause I’m attracted to her doesn’t mean I’m gonna marry her like that!” Fluttershy was having too much fun to simply stop. “Is that so? Then need I bring up the fact that you’ve admitted to wanting to in several dreams? Or that you have a ‘you know what’ in your room? Ooh, or the little love letter you have in the journal and-” “Y-Y-Y-You know what?” Dash squeaked, wide-eyed. “Don’t play dumb with me, Dash.” Fluttershy teased in a mocking tone. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” “...Fine, okay, maybe I-... wait, love letter?! I-look, I was... it...” Dash blinked, taking another step back, looking around frantically. Fluttershy gave her a coy look. “Relax, will ya? I didn’t read it. I just saw it in the journal. Looked like you were actually gonna send it, too. Had a stamp and everything...” Looking a bit flustered, Dash rubbed her forelegs nervously. “...How’d you even know it was a love letter?” “Let’s see...” Fluttershy bit her lip a bit. “It was addressed to Fluttershy, it was written in red ink, smelt of perfume, the stamp had a rose on it, and it was sealed with as kiss... You do that for all the letters you write?” “...No...” Dash mumbled, looking around a bit. Fluttershy started to step closer. “So, if that’s not a love letter, then what was it?” “...I-It was... a long time ago! Yeah! I wrote it a long time ago!” Rainbow Dash said, trying to sound convincing. Only for it to sound as if she had no idea what she was talking about. “... It was dated two days ago, Dash.” Fluttershy moved in even closer. There was no hiding it from her. Dash’s ears drooped as she felt the dam burst, the volcano erupt, and the twig snap. Everything she’d hidden, even from herself at times, was coming out. Her biggest secret was to be revealed, in her own words. She felt compelled to do so, in all senses of why she would. It all came rushing through; there was no holding back. “F-Fine! I’ll admit it! I don’t want to hide anything from you anymore...! I-I do! I love Fluttershy! I’m head over hooves, loop-de-loop, over the moon! I’m in love with her! I dream about her all the time, I wrote a love letter to her, I write about her in my journal, I keep her modeling page magazines! Fine! There you have it! Me! Rainbow Dash, fastest flyer out of Cloudsdale, in love with her best friend! Fluttershy! Ooooh, the awesome daredevil in love with a complete shy and gentle softie! Yesterday was awesome because I finally kissed her for real! There! That’s it! I love Fluttershy! Are you happy now?! Do I have to-” Dash was cut off in her confessional rant when Fluttershy came forth and kissed her. But not in a rough and passionate sense. It was soft and gentle... much like her first kiss with her Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash trembled a bit, before embracing her and kissing back. It wasn’t the same, but it felt similar, and no less enjoyable. She all but melted as the creamy yellow mare ran a hoof through her mane, the other stroking her back. They kissed for some time, savouring each other; engaging in probably one of the sweetest and most gentle kisses they’d ever shared. Dash felt at ease, peaceful, and even comforted. Whatever it was, she felt a spark reach her heart. This definitely wasn’t her Fluttershy, but that didn’t make her any less of a pony, much less a Fluttershy herself. The warmth and compassion she felt from the other mare was evident, even mutual. She felt it fill her body, reach her senses, and overcome her, like a warm blanket. Fluttershy’s lips were soft, warm, melding with her own perfectly, much like yesterday. Dash let out a soft coo, much unlike herself, but she didn’t care. A warm tongue touched at her lips, to which she opened her mouth and eagerly granted it entrance. Their tongue dueling wasn’t as intense as it was before, but still passionate. It excited her and warmed her all at once. Pulling away, the two gazed at each other with lust. Yet, within that lust was caring, understanding, compassion, kindness...and love. “...Y’know Fluttershy, in a crazy way... I love you, too,” Dash admitted, giving a chuckle. Fluttershy chuckled a bit, as a small smile began to form on her lips. “Well, ya know that there are different kinds of love, right?” She stepped back a bit. “Duh, of course,” Dash said, shrugging mildly. “Well, there you go!” Fluttershy stuck her tongue out. “Hey, come on! I’m trying to bear my soul, here!” Dash giggled, sticking her tongue out right back. Fluttershy nodded with a grin. “Yeah, I get you. It’s cute...” She turned her head away a bit. “Anyway, I understand what you mean... I kinda, in a freaky way, love you too. It’s, well… crazy.” Giving a grin of her own, Dash nuzzled her a little. “Awesome. If anything, that’s really making the best of this. ...You’re still gonna pay for snooping, y’know. That was not cool.” “Yeah, yeah, sure I will...” Fluttershy teased a bit. “How about I let you get me back later on tonight... What do you say to that?” “Fine, you’re on! And we’re not gonna drink this time, either.” Dash poked her snout, smirking. “I’ll take you on so hard, you’ll be sore all week.” “You guys!” Pinkie interjected, coming between them. “You can’t have hot kinky pegasus sex tonight! We’re gonna have our super special awesome sleepover!” Fluttershy stumbled backwards, shouting in both anger, and shock. “Pinkie? Where the buck did you come from?!” Ignoring her, Pinkie grabbed Dash’s shoulders, shaking her a little, “Please, Dashie! You two can have your sexy times later and tomorrow, but tonight is gonna be fun! Flutters here is our guest of honour! So, no, no, no, no, no, and no!” “Okay, okay!” Dash tore away, shaking herself. “I got it, yeesh!” “Guest of honour, huh?” Fluttershy inquired. “If that’s the case, would you kindly explain where and how you just happened to appear out of thin air?” “I didn’t do that, silly!” Pinkie winked at her. “I’m just quick!” Dash whispered to her, “It’s uh... better that you don’t question how Pinks does what she does.” Fluttershy let out an exhausted sigh, hanging her head low. “Fine, whatever.” She shook her head in annoyance. ‘At least it made sense when my Twilight would do that stuff. She had MAGIC, and that explains whatever it was she did. This Pinkamena... er... Pinkie, is just an earth pony, right? Geh... So creepy...’ “So!” Pinkie came up again, looking excited. “You two need to be alone for your epic bedroom stuff or are you going to take it elsewhere?” “You’re almost more frightening than Pinkamena, you know that?” Fluttershy mused to herself quietly. Giggling, the pink earth pony winked at the two before she hopped off upstairs. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both stared after her, both unsure about what to do or say next. “Okay, Dash, I’ve made up my mind.” Fluttershy looked back to her lover. “If your Fluttershy doesn’t want to come home, we are going to switch the two Pinkie’s... as I honestly think this one is more frightening.” Dash giggled, shaking her head. “Okay, Flutters. But trust me, Pinkie’s the kinda pony who grows on you.” Fluttershy smirked at this. “Oh, really? Well, that’s what they said about my Applejack and I never got used to her!” “...How long have you lived in your Ponyville?” Asked the cyan pony. “I’m gonna guess about as long as you did.” ‘Shy gave her a playful grin. Dash thought that over, snickering. “Yeah, probably. Why did ya, anyway?” Fluttershy blushed a bit as she turned her back to Dash. “That’s um, not really important...” “Oh, come on! I want to know! I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours!” “Nah, I’m good!” Fluttershy started to head into another room. “You coming or what? If I got to go to a sleepover for friends-slash-strangers, I want to get this built up energy out!” “Awesome! How do you want to play it? Race, fly, play some iron pony games?” Dash followed her. Fluttershy kept her head forward as she answered. “Yeah, sure. All of the above. Let’s just go!”