//------------------------------// // Chapter Four: The Long Night // Story: City of Shadows // by GuyGalProductions //------------------------------// Chapter Four: Thunder and lightning raged outside, occasionally flashing the room with a bright light. Feeling restless, Fluttershy awoke, sitting up in bed. She stared blearily toward the doorway, noticing a figure standing there. Because of the dim light, she could only see a silhouette within the shadows. Fear and dread coursed through her, rendering her immobile. Lightning flashed, illuminating the room, revealing the figure to be Rainbow Dash. “...Rainbow?” Fluttershy spoke softly in the darkness, turning on her lamp. “Why are you here? Is… Something wrong? Did something happen?” “You don’t have to turn on the lights,” Rainbow whispered as she approached Fluttershy’s bed. “Nothing’s wrong… but something did happen…” Rainbow crawled onto Fluttshy’s bed and onto Fluttershy’s herself, practically pinning the ex-model to the bed, “Something wonderful happened… I realized I need you Fluttershy… I need you in every way… and all night long~” Stunned, Fluttershy stared up at her, feeling a thrill course through her body. Everything about this moment was conflicting. It was exciting, exactly what she was hoping for. But at the same time, she wondered how and why Rainbow changed her mind. Didn’t she have her own moral compass to uphold? Weren’t they going to wait? “R-Rainbow, I… I need you, too… More than I can say… But, what brought this on? I thought we were going to wait until the case was solved…” Fluttershy managed. “Screw the case,” Rainbow cooed, trailing kisses up Fluttershy’s neck to her earlobe, her hot breath playing over the sensitive skin. Outside thunder cracked, a flash of lightning illuminated the dim room as bright as day for all of a second. “Why should we be afraid of shadows and smoke~” Soft gasps and moans escaped the pinkette, her body all but surrendering to the sweet pleasures Rainbow was offering. “Yes… Oh, please… yes…. Oh, Rainbow… I’ve never wanted another woman as I do you…!” “I’ve wanted you for so long Fluttershy…” Rainbow whispered directly into her ear, her hands wandering over Fluttershy’s body inspecting her soft curves. “...I’m not going to hold back… I don’t care about any rules anymore...I want to make you mine… and I’m going to have you~” Bringing her hands up, Fluttershy touched her face and smiled lovingly, “You can have me… make me yours, Dashie… You’ve waited for too long. I’m here for you now, and I always will be. Sombra may have taken my life from me, but I won’t let him take you away, or anything else. I just want to be with you, you wonderful detective… I’ve waited my whole life for a moment as amazing as this… Kiss me, please… I want to taste your enticing lips…” Rainbow planted her lips on Fluttershy’s kissing her with a fierce passion. Another flash of lightning illuminated the room, and then suddenly the lights cut out, leaving the lovers in darkness. For once, Fluttershy didn’t care. She was too wrapped up in finally taking things further with the woman of her dreams. Her fingers wove through her hair, bringing her closer as their kissed deeply. Far deeper and more passionate than any kiss she’d felt in her life. Moans sounded from her throat, her body churned with pleasure, as it all shot down south. “Dashie…” She moaned between kisses, bringing her arms around the stronger woman’s back. Rainbow growled sensually. Her hand slide down Fluttershy’s body, her finger’s leaving a light trail down her tummy and then… lower… “Oh, Flutters… You feel so nice and warm…” Rainbow purred. Giggling, Fluttershy nuzzled her, moaning softly, “You’re warm and cozy, Rainbow…” “Mmmm… I love you Fluttershy… I love you completely…” Rainbow cooed to her, “...and I’ll always be here to protect you… to make you safe…the only screaming you’ll be doing from now on... will be my name.” “Rainbow….!” Fluttershy cooed, tears pooling in her eyes and streaming down her face. “I love you, too… I feel the safest than I ever have when I’m with you. Oh, Rainbow, I love you! I’ll scream your name to the heavens above!” All at once, everything felt better than ever. She felt safe, she felt warm, she felt sure-footed, more than ever. But overall, she felt loved. To be loved and to love another was a beautiful feeling she’d always hoped to experience. Now here it was, in the form of the very detective she’d hired to help her. Fluttershy could’ve have asked for anything better. A woman she came to call her friend, her protector, her helper, was now her lover. There didn’t need to be any rational explanation. Romance happened unexpectedly, and this was as unexpected as it could get. At least for her. A woman who could see past her beauty, past her life as a model, and just as the woman she was. “You will Fluttershy, you beautiful creature~” Rainbow nuzzled her face into Fluttershys neck. “... you wonderful kind woman…” “Rainbow…” Fluttershy cooed, stroking her hair, “You’re a wonder… a real wonder…” “....She is, isn’t she?…” A deep basso voice rumbled out of the shadows, “....But she isn’t wonder enough to save you…” Rainbow kissed at Fluttershy’s neck with a heated passion, uninterrupted and clearly not noticing anything amiss. Fluttershy trembled with fear, the voice striking her ears. Was she imagining it? She had to be, Rainbow didn’t seem to notice what was going on. Sighing with relief, she surrendered further to Rainbow’s ministrations. “Oh, Dashie…” A shadowy indistinct figure loomed over the pair. It was something ethereal, wispy like smoke, and yet terrifyingly menacing. Where once there had been warmth there was now a bone penetrating chill. “....a pet name… how sweet…” Mocked the figure with a cold mirthless laugh. “...I don’t believe I ever received that honor…. my little butterfly~” Fluttershy gasped, tensing from beneath her lover. “R-Rainbow….! He’s here…! Help me!” “Shhh… it’s okay Fluttershy, I’m here, nothing can hurt you…” Rainbow said sweetly. “...She’s wrong… I can hurt you…” The voice continued with a sinister sweetness, a dread inducing mirror to Rainbow’s tone. “...But I don’t want to hurt you yet… You’re my little pet… maybe… maybe I’ll hurt her instead...” Rainbow stroked Fluttershy’s hair, trying to soothe her. “No… No… please don’t hurt her… Please… Leave us alone… Please…” Fluttershy began to sob, trembling with fear. “Rainbow, he’s there…. can’t you see him? Hear him? He’s going to kill you!” “Fluttershy, it’s okay. He can’t hurt you and he can’t hurt m-” Rainbow’s words we cut short. She looked down to see a red stain blossoming over her shirt. Fear such as Fluttershy had never seen in her eyes now was the only thing that her cerise gaze held…. and then even that was gone. “They all die in fear…” Sombra laughed, “...all of them, in the end… you will too, butterfly… you will too…” “NO! NO! RAINBOW NO! NO!” Fluttershy screamed in sorrow and terror, realizing she was now alone in this world… with the only woman she ever loved now dead. At the hands of her tormentor… XXXX In the world beyond her dreams, Fluttershy was screaming and thrashing in her bed, the covers and sheets being taken along for the ride. You would think she was struggling against something, feverishly beating back an assailant, if not for the fact that she was lost in the grasp of a nightmare. “No! No no! Rainbow, now! No! Nooooo! Nooooooooo!” Fluttershy screamed, pounding at the air and the mattress, squirming. “No! No! Nooooo!” The door to the bedroom burst open, slamming hard into the wall. “Fluttershy!” Rainbow shouted, gun in hand and looking every bit as if she had just been jerked awake by the screams. “Fluttershy! What’s going on!? What happened!?” “Sombra killed you! Killed you!” Fluttershy screeched, still hysterical. “Fluttershy look at me,” Rainbow said, placing the gun on the nightstand, “I’m alive, I’m right here.” Rainbow grabbed the pinkette’s wrist and placed her hand over her own heart. “See? Feel that? My heart is still pumping and everything.” Trembling, now realizing she was awake, Fluttershy sniffled, looking at her with wide eyes. It was then that she realized this was real. Rainbow’s heart was beating, she could feel it. Her hand was even inches away from her breast… But she couldn’t even find pleasure in that. “Rainbow…” She uttered, bursting into tears. “Shhh.. Shhh…” Rainbow wrapped her arms around the traumatized woman. Surprisingly, this was something emotionally related that she had some skill with, or at least some practice. She had comforted a few kidnapping and other victims in her day. It wasn’t fun, but she at least could at least help somewhat. She stroked Fluttershy’s hair, trying her best to do what she could to calm her. Managing to take a few deep breaths amidst her crying, Fluttershy relaxed a little bit. Her sobs lessened to whimpers, while her body quaking managed to settle. She was no longer trembling with fear. All the while, the comfort of Rainbow’s embrace was slowly overtaking the fear from her nightmare. Sniffling, she cuddled closer, seeking the warmth she was offering. ‘It was just a dream… Just a nightmare… I’m sad all that never happened… But at least Sombra didn’t kill her. Thank heavens… I’m just glad she’s alive...’ Fluttershy thought, nuzzling into the strong woman’s embrace. “I’m okay…” She whimpered softly, “I’m sorry… I just had a nightmare…” “I’m not surprised…” Rainbow murmured, “All the stress this is putting on you… I know yesterday was a good day but it’s probably the most normal day you’ve had in months… Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’m here now. I’ll protect you. It’s what I’m here for.” ‘That’s not the half of it… I dreamt you had become my lover… That we loved each other… It was beautiful. So beautiful… You looked into my eyes and said you loved me… It felt real. It was one of the sweetest moments I think I can ever think of. And it was just a dream. Then he killed you… He killed you… I can’t let him kill you… He’s already taken so much from me… I can’t let him take you...’ Fluttershy thought, her teary gaze meeting Rainbow’s. Hesitantly, she reached up and touched her cheek, “I was terrified it happened… that he got you… I don’t want to lose you…” She whimpered. “No one’s going to get me,” Rainbow assured her, “I’m too good for that. I’m not going to leave you alone Fluttershy, I already told you that. I’m not going to let him hurt you and he won’t be hurting me.” “I’m so glad, Rainbow…” Fluttershy murmured, leaning a little closer to her. Rainbow offered a sad yet comforting smile. “Wanna come out and watch some TV and get your mind off things?” ‘I’d rather you cuddle me, kiss me, and make love to me...’ But she couldn’t say that. Not like this. “Y-Yes… that’d be nice…” Fluttershy murmured. “Come on,” Rainbow said offering her hand. “It’ll be the two of us in jammies watching crappy middle of the night TV. Kind of like a slumber party… you know, except that I’ll have a gun….” The sentiment managed to make Fluttershy smile. She took Rainbow’s hand, allowing her to lead her over to the living room. Rainbow brought her to the couch. “Feel free to wrap yourself in the blanket, it might help you feel a bit better.” Rainbow gave her another little smile. A more inexperienced or unfeeling person may have just written off the bad dream as nothing, but Rainbow could that this was only the latest in a long line of stress induced panics, the second in almost as many days. “Can I get you something? Water? Snack?” Rainbow inquired. “Um, I’m okay for now…” Fluttershy assured, sitting on the couch and making herself comfortable. Rainbow sat next to her and flipped on the TV, surfing the channels trying to find something innocuous. “Does this happen a lot? The nightmares?” “They come and go,” Fluttershy said, curling up a bit on the couch. Rainbow rubbed at her leg in a comforting manner. “I’m sorry Fluttershy…” ‘I’m doing my best to protect her… I just wish I could protect her from her own head...’ Giving a smile, Fluttershy looked over at her, “It’s okay. I’m… well, I’m used to dealing with the nightmares alone. But it’s nice… nice to have someone here with me… It makes me feel a bit better.” “I can imagine. Waking up alone after something like that has to be another kind of hell,” Rainbow said solemnly. Hesitating, the pinkette scooted closer to her, snuggling in, “I’ve managed, but sometimes…. Sometimes I wished someone was there for me…” Rainbow stayed silent for a moment, allowing herself to indulge in wrapping her arm around Fluttershy. Rainbow had lived much of her life alone, that much was true. So long had she been alone that she had stopped caring about if there would be anyone there for her. In fact she had always suppressed those desires for intimacy, sufficing herself with brief emotionless physical intimacy and only sharing emotional intimacy with the occasional clients, however these were of course one sided…Maybe when all this was over she would try opening up… Seeing how lonely Fluttershy was, it reminded her of her own longing for at least one confidant… one partner… In response, Fluttershy blushed, smiling more as she snuggled close. “We’re going to find an end to this,” Rainbow sighed, “We will. I’m going to get you your life back.” Fluttershy cuddled in, the warmth overtaking her once more, “I have every faith in you, Rainbow. More than I can say… After all, you were the one who solved the Apple Case when the police had been on it for over ten years. And it only took you two months~” “Wow you really didn’t walk into my office without doing your homework, did you?” Rainbow chuckled. “Oh, no. When I saw you stop that robbery, and heard your name, I did some research. There wasn’t much, but enough. When I saw how talented and amazing you were, having been able to solve really tough cases, let alone in a matter of time… I figured you’d be the one to help me…” Fluttershy giggled. “Let’s hope you’re right…” Rainbow said, “Sombra has targeted many women, most of them lived alone, far from any support system, few friends. By calling on me… by looking for help, you may have broken the cycle. He may like to appear in control, but serial killers rely on patterns. They need them. It helps them feel in control. You’ve changed things, let’s hope it’s enough.” “That… does make sense,” said the pinkette, angling her head a bit to meet her gaze, “I’m sure he must know you’re with me by now, somehow… So maybe we did break it. He will find a new one, I’m sure… But I hope we can stay a step ahead of him in some way.” “We do have him on the run,” Rainbow said with a nod. “I get the distinct impression that he attacks his victims shortly after revealing his little spy game. And he must do it in their homes, so as to retrieve the equipment. He tried to carry on like everything was the same, but he hasn’t be psychologically torturing me, so he didn’t scare me…. and I won’t let him scare you. Not if I can help it. He counts on that fear, so let’s turn it against him.” Rainbow rubbed at Fluttershy’s shoulder. “We won’t let ourselves jump at shadows. I’m gonna be brave, and so are you. We’re going to do it together.” Fluttershy took a breath, “I hope I can be. I’m easily scared, but… I’ll do my best to be brave. If that’s what can counter against him, I will try to work my courage.” “You won’t be doing it alone,” Rainbow unconsciously held Fluttershy closer. “You’ll have me with you. I don’t know why it’s easier for me to laugh at danger, but maybe having me there with you will be what you need to be brave.” “I think…. You’re right,” Fluttershy murmured, snuggling closer. “You really know how to help me feel better. I think I feel braver knowing you’re here.” “What can I say, I’m a one woman anti-anxiety pill.” Rainbow said smiling down at Fluttershy. She knew she was supposed to only trying to be comforting her client, but Rainbow could hold back the feeling of comfort and contentment that she too was feeling. This made Fluttershy giggle, her smile growing, “I’d say you are…” Rainbow forgot herself for a moment and brought her other arm around, placing her hand on Fluttershy’s cheek. “You… you’re gonna be brave...I just know it…” All at once, Fluttershy’s cheeks heated up, her eyes widening ever slightly. Her heart pounded, while her body seemed to melt all over, despite the cool shivers running up her spine. “Thank you….” Fluttershy said softly, placing her hand over Rainbow’s, smiling more. “Your encouragement helps me so much~” Rainbow leaned in for all of half a second, and then she hesitated, pulling her hand away though her arm remained around Fluttershy’s shoulder. Dash felt a flash of frustration. She wanted this so bad. It felt so natural. Being close to her was like breathing, it felt so wrong to deny them both over a code of conduct… She shook her head. ‘When this over… but what if it isn’t over soon enough… what will I do then… Guess I’ll just have to see...’ A perfect moment, then it was gone. Fluttershy almost wanted to just scream. The temptation was back, full force, and not ceasing its grip on her. They were so close. It would’ve been so easy for her to just bring her hand to Rainbow’s neck, draw their faces close together, and just do it. Rainbow looked away from Fluttershy, desperately pissed at herself for having to hold back. What could have been a such an amazing moment now felt soured. Leaning a little closer, Fluttershy hesitated, trying with all her might to summon her courage. ‘Just do it, Fluttershy. You want her, she wants you, too, just do it. Why wait? You’ve never had this chance before, so take it! Take it! Kiss her!’ The pinkette pulled back. Both relieved, yet upset at herself for not taking it. The tension between them was not going to dissipate any time soon, she knew it. Any logical solution would be to nip it in the bud and try to find ways to quell the temptation. But the last thing she wanted was to make things awkward. Especially when it was all going so well. They were just going to have to overcome that temptation until the time was right. Fluttershy at least knew that they weren’t going to let this slip through their fingers completely once it was all over. She just hoped they would make it and be able to get through all of this. The most important priority was getting the case solved, no doubt. However, another little element seemed to buzz at her thoughts. ‘In my dream, I said I loved her… Granted, she said it first, but that was still my dream. Do I love her? I mean… I’m attracted to her, I want to date her, kiss her...and do more… But love? We’ve only known each other a couple of days, now. Does love happen that fast? Well, it is unexpected, of course. I mean, when I first saw her, I thought she was attractive. But I didn’t go after her looking for love. I wanted her help with the case. I just… happened to develop feelings for her? Well, I guess I can understand… I’m attracted to her physically, I enjoy her company, she makes me laugh, she’s encouraging, she’s rough around the edges… Mmm, maybe I am developing feelings for her...’ Rainbow, ground her teeth, still utterly frustrated with herself. Here was this wonderful, sweet tender woman, who offered Rainbow something she had forgot that she needed in the form of kindness and companionship…. and Rainbow had to stifle herself almost entirely. ‘I spend my whole damn life relying on my instincts. Yeah that makes me impulsive, but if I don’t trust my impulses what would I be? Now everything in me tells me to kiss this woman… to hold her without restriction… to… to… Damn, I want to screw her but… the word feels wrong… make love to her? Oh sweet Celestia, am I that far gone?... To even think about the “L” word…' Rainbow sighed. ‘Just keep pushing forward, you make it to the end of this and you can stop holding back… You know why you shouldn’t be doing anything now… you know why you can’t let yourself run with your emotions… For god sakes, the woman is paying you, and if that wasn’t enough to make things too complicated… what if things went south, huh? Where would your case be then? What would happen to her...? Eye’s on the prize Dashie… finish this, then have your fun...’ Fluttershy snuggled closer, trying to keep her urges down, but didn’t want to lose their closeness. It was about the only comfort she had since waking up. She kept her eyes on the television, trying to clear her mind and calming herself down. “After the case…” She said to herself softly, thinking out loud. “You said it, sister,” Rainbow said in reply, catching her words, and giving her a slight smile. Giving a slight smile back, Fluttershy lay her head into her shoulder, making herself comfortable. It was all they had for now. All they could do. After an hour or so, Rainbow caught herself starting to yawn again. “Think you’re up to getting a few more Z’s?” “Yes… I think so…” Fluttershy murmured, though reluctant to leave Rainbow’s comforting hold. Rainbow pursed her lips in thought for a moment. It was a risk, and another step in the direction of temptation, but Fluttershy’s health, mental as well as physical, should be Dash’s chief priority. “Would you… you know… Like me to come with you?” ‘Did she just-?’ “...What did you say?” Fluttershy asked in a soft, anxious tone. Just to make sure she heard her right. Rainbow looked away a bit, already feeling guilty know the pleasure they would both take in the action. Pleasure that they shouldn’t, not while they were professionally entangled. “You have a pretty big bed and well, I figure it might help with the nightmares...If I slept in the same room.” Blushing immensely, Fluttershy smiled, “Yes…. That’d be nice. I think it would help.” ‘What am I doing?! Her sleeping here on the couch was the only thing I had keeping us from getting tempted! Now with her sleeping in my bed, we’ll probably be all over each other in a matter of-oh my goodness, no! Fantasies! Go away! I can’t think of that! No no no! Okay… Okay, I’m calm… I can do this. She’s just going to be there to help me sleep better. We’ll be fine. We’ll be okay.’ Rainbow suppressed the part of her that sought to scoop up the taller woman in her arms and carry her to the bed. She got up off the couch, and gave a stretch. “Let’s get to it then.” ‘This is for her own good. It’ll help her stay calm and be brave. Just… just keep it in your pants Dash, and everything will be okay...’ Nodding, Fluttershy stood up and mirrored the idea of stretching, “All right, let’s go.” Slowly, she led the way to her bedroom, feeling a pang of nervousness and yet excitement. The temptation was growing, she knew that this was not going to be easy. But for the intent, it was going to help. Fluttershy blushed, then climbed back into bed, scooting over a bit further down to give Rainbow some room. Rainbow climbed into the bed, wiggling about a bit to get comfortable, though found it wasn’t a particularly difficult task. “Damn, ‘shy… the heck is this bed stuffed with? Angel feathers?... I don’t think I’ve ever been in a bed so comfy…” “One of the softest tempur pedic mattresses…” Fluttershy said with a smile. “I just love comfy beds. For a good part of my childhood, my parents insisted on giving me a hard mattress. Oh, sure, it was good for my back, but I hated it. So… I broke it, forcing them to let me buy a new one. I’ve been with soft mattresses ever since.” “Lemme guess, you jumped up and down ‘til you heard something break?” Rainbow snickered a bit. “I gotta admit, it’s hard to imagine you breaking anything with how gentle you are.” “Kind of, I also took a hammer…” Fluttershy blushed, giving a bigger smile, “Well, I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures.” Rainbow let out an impressed whistle, a playful smile spread across her lips, “Wow, remind me not to push you too far.” ‘I can think of one way you can push me too far...’ Fluttershy blushed at the thought, “Oh, don’t worry. It takes a lot to do that.” “Alright well, if I ever need you to tap into that, just promise not hold back, ‘kay?” Rainbow said as she nuzzled into one of Fluttershy’s soft pillows, trying to compress down the growing desire to wrap the ex-model in her arms. “I won’t,” Fluttershy murmured, rolling onto her side to face her. She shuddered ever slightly, having to fight off the urge to snuggle against the other woman. “This is nice… I haven’t had pillow talk in forever. Maybe… Maybe this will help, just talking a bit about anything until we fall asleep.” “Yeah, I mean, I never really quite saw the appeal of pillow talk,” Rainbow said, sorely tempted to reach out and touch the woman of her dreams, “But then again, I don’t think I’ve ever really shared my bed with anyone I truly wanted to be there, you know?” “Oh, well….” Fluttershy blushed a bit, giving a smile, “I hope we can make it fun…” “Yeah...fun…” Rainbow repeated, wishing that fun could include certain activities she knew were out of bounds. ‘I sure know what kind of fun we could have… Now we’re in my bed, in a very intimate setting… If we let ourselves, we’d be all over each other. Body, no… stop it… Don’t do this to me! Don’t tempt me… I can’t do this to her. I can’t! Not like in my dream, oh no, not the dream! It was sweet, it was wonderful-but no! I can’t think of that! I can’t expect her to do that! Not now, not like this.’ “Fun…” Fluttershy repeated, glad for the covers concealing how she was trembling now. Every urge in her body was screaming for her to do something, begging for the physical need. Rainbow said nothing now, losing herself momentarily in thoughts of all of the times she had held in one hand a magazine clipping of Fluttershy while her other hand was otherwise occupied below her waist. ‘Oh dammit… this was a sucky idea… you just looooove to make this harder on yourself don’t you? You want to protect you client? Sure yeah, jump in bed with her, that clearly makes sense… or at least it seemed like it did at the time… but you should probably remember how hard you want boink this particular client… Seriously you have a drawer filled with clipping of her photos right next to your ‘special toy’...C’mon Rainbow, c’mon… you’re not a teenager, you can manage to control yourself right?... Right!?’ “Guess… we should...uh….sleep?” Rainbow offered. “Or talk more, whatever you’d like…” “I’d like to talk, that’d be fun! Um… about whatever,” Fluttershy said, giving a sheepish smile. ‘Nice going, Fluttershy. A woman you want to make love to is in your bed, you two want each other, but you can’t teach other! Oh, don’t be coy, you masturbated to her more than once… Saviour worship! Stop doing that! She’s a real person and a human being. Okay. stay calm, and talk about something. Anything that won’t spark your sexual temptation!’ “So,” Rainbow paused, having trouble thinking of a topic for conversation, “See any good movies?” “Movies? Um, well, yes… I have… I sometimes go to the movies if there’s something I want to see. In disguise, of course,” Fluttershy gave a little giggle. “You know, I don’t normally uses disguises but, I might want to pick your brain about that sometime,” Rainbow gave a bit of a laugh, “I mean, sometimes it good for the bad guys to know who I am. A reputation is as useful as any tool, but sometimes it can be rough if I need to be a little more covert.” “Ooh, like going undercover?” Fluttershy asked, smiling. “That’s really interesting.” “Yeah, as awesome as I am, there are just some jobs where ‘Scruffy P.I.’ isn’t exactly the way I need to present myself,” Rainbow said, actually enjoying sharing a bit about her work. The pinkette gave giggle, leaning up on her elbow, “True, I suppose there would be some jobs where you would have to make sure you don’t stand out. I know a lot of tricks to making sure I don’t stand out, I’ve been using them my entire life.” “And there are other jobs where I need to stand out but not as a rough and tumble gal, you know?” Rainbow said. “ Sometimes I need to try and look like a knock out, instead of looking like I’m going to knock someone out.” ‘I bet you are a knockout when you put effort into it. You’re a uniquely beautiful woman. With your rainbow hair, your lovely cerise eyes, and the way you hold yourself… Oh gosh, I hope we can go undercover together during the case… I wonder how she looks in a swimsuit-damn it! Not again!’ “That makes sense,” Fluttershy said softly, nodding a little, “Must be interesting.” “Suddenly making friends with a model seems to be a pretty good idea. I bet you know all kinds of tips and tricks,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “Hee, I certainly do. As a model, you have to learn all kinds of senses of posture and how to carry yourself. If… well, you ever need a little help, you can tell me. I still have a lot of connections to designer agencies. They still let me use their samples once their clothing line picks up,” Fluttershy said, winking. “Woah, really? That would be awesome. I can always use for access and connections,” Rainbow said grinning. Fluttershy smiled even more too, “Well, you can let me know if you need me to contact them. It’d be no problem at all.” “Thanks Fluttershy,” Rainbow said beaming at her from her pillow. A little blush coated her cheeks at the sight of her smile, to which Fluttershy felt a warmth in her heart. “Oh, you’re very welcome, Rainbow. Anything I can do to help will be good.” “Jeez, could I get any more lucky? I mean, you are pretty cool person, you’re paying me, and I’m getting connections,” Rainbow’s smile became a little warmer. “You might just be the best thing to happen to me.” “Oh, come on…” Fluttershy blushed even more, giggling bashfully. But with the smile on her face and the sincerity in her voice; it was impossible to think it was anything but true. “I mean, that’s so sweet of you to say. I… I feel the same way….” “Well, I’d hold off on the praise until I can finish off your case,” Rainbow said, unable to keep a feeling of pride from her chest, “Thanks anyway though… it really does mean a lot.” Fluttershy scooted ever closer, not even registering that, “You’re welcome. And thank you, too… It’s really nice to know that. I… I’m very glad we could interact as more than just client and detective. It makes me feel pretty happy. I’m really glad to call you my friend.” “I am too Fluttershy,” Rainbow said a growing feeling of warmth in her chest, “It’s a bit surreal. I loved you work. I know it sounds a bit lame to say it like that, but… you could say I was a really big fan… and here you are, inches away… and I get to call you my friend too.” “Gosh… Thank you so much. It’s always nice to meet someone who appreciated my work,” the pinkette said softly, her smile growing. “Awww man, That just makes me sound even more like a silly fangirl,” Rainbow said with a little laugh. “I’ve seen worse,” Fluttershy giggled, shaking her head. Rainbow eyelids lowered to half mast, unable to help herself, “I bet none of them got to sleep in your bed though~” ‘Don’t flirt. You’re going to get tempted again. Don’t do it. Just laugh and say something like-’ “Well, not all of them are willing to try to get to know the real me… and not all of them are unique and attractive, strong women like you~” Fluttershy whispered, her own eyes half mast. Rainbow bit her lip, summoning up her force of will, “Damn it, Fluttershy… this… this blows.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “...there is so much I want to do right now…” ‘Fluttershy, why did you do that?! Now you’re putting her in a difficult position! Why couldn’t you just stop trying to get her into bed with you and be friendly?’ Fluttershy thought, inwardly reprimanding herself. She bit her lip, averting her eyes for a moment, realizing exactly what she was getting at. “....Me too…” Fluttershy whispered, all but ready to turn away. “I’m sorry Fluttershy,” Rainbow said, breathing out a sigh, “We can’t seem to stop ourselves… and we can’t embrace our feeling either… at least not yet. It’s pointless to ignore it anymore. We need to… I don’t know… compromise.” A soft blush marred Fluttershy’s cheeks, but she managed a small, even if sad smile. “I’m sorry, too. I… I never felt this way about anyone before, it’s all new to me. But I don’t want us to regret anything. We can… compromise. We’ll… We’ll hug, we can hold hands, sit next to each other… b-but that’s it, we won’t do anything else. We’ll just be good friends. Good friends… Until the case is over…” ‘Good friends who are immensely attracted to each other and want to be more than just friends...’ She added inwardly. “Sounds good to me,” Rainbow said managing a slight smile of her own. “Maybe if we can do a little, we won’t snap and go too far.” “Okay… A-A little…” Fluttershy repeated, reaching over to hold her hand. “We could even… flirt, just a bit… N-Nothing wrong with flirting…” “Yeah,” Rainbow nodded, squeezing Fluttershy’s hand and even bringing an arm around to hold her client, “If we take things slow enough, the case should be done before we get hot and heavy.” Despite her blush, a bright smile overcame Fluttershy’s features as she came closer and snuggled. “That’s right, we’ll be fine by then… I’m glad we… had this talk… I-I do feel a bit better now, actually… A lot better.” “Me too… guess that supposed iron will of mine doesn’t apply to wonderfully cute and kind ex-models,” Rainbow said as she rubbed the pinkette’s lower back. “And my shyness from others doesn’t seem to apply to amazing, awesome, sharp and beautiful detectives,” Fluttershy giggled, a shiver running her spine. “Seems we are already taking full advantage of our flirting privileges,” Rainbow chuckled. Fluttershy giggled, reaching up to touch her hair, “I’m only… telling the truth… Um, Rainbow? ...When I first came to your office… were you… um…flirting with me?” “Uhhhh…” Rainbow felt herself blush, “Yeah I was... I thought you were a look-alike. See, I got really drunk one night and told Pinkie all about these… lets call them fantasies… that I had about the beautiful pink haired model. I thought she’d hired someone as a prank.” Eyes wide, Fluttershy blushed quite a bit and giggled. While she was now aware that Rainbow had fantasies about her, it did still thrill her in some way to hear it. She cuddled a bit closer, her voice lowering to a soft whisper, “I think that was a missed opportunity either way…” “Yeah well, maybe once this case is over we can have a little fun and indulge in a little role play~” Rainbow said with grin. “Will you throw me down onto your desk and have your wonderful way with me?” Fluttershy smiled, giggling. Rainbow’s breath hitched in her throat, and her eyes went wide, “Holy fuck Flutters! There’s flirting and then there’s flirting! You’re going to make me ruin your sheets with talk like that....” “Sorry…” Fluttershy blushed, looking away a little, “Th-That was a bit too much…” “It’s okay,” Rainbow said apologetically, trying to make up for her outburst. “Uh… It’s just, that kind of...flirting… is… well, let’s say I really really like it, which is bad, even though it’s good and… Ugh this so so damn complicated. Just don’t feel bad, okay?” “No, you’re right… Innocent, sweet flirting… We should keep it at that…” Said the timid woman, managing to calm herself. Rainbow smiled, holding the pinkette close to her. There was so much more she wanted to do, that they both wanted to do, but until then they at least had this. Closing her eyes, Fluttershy smiled more and nuzzled into Rainbow’s neck, taking in her scent. She felt better, like a weight was lifted from her being, and that she could finally be a little more free. Their attraction for each other was more or less out in the open, leaving them more aware than ever before. But there was to be limitations on them, despite that they wanted otherwise. At the same time, Fluttershy felt so happy. She not only had someone who was helping her with the case; she had met someone she could call her friend. Then hopefully, one day, something more. “Will you… hold me while I sleep?” She whispered. “Of course ‘shy,” Rainbow whispered back, “I was planning on it… and then, hopefully, I’ll be able to protect you, even in your nightmares.” Fluttershy smiled, feeling her body tingle and yet warm up, “I feel… so safe in your arms… I don’t think I’ve felt this wonderful going to bed in forever…” “Good,” Rainbow said, a warmth in her voice, “That’s the idea.” “...I’m not still dreaming, am I?” “Want me to pinch you?” Giggling, Fluttershy shook her head, “I can think of a better way… But we’ll save that for later…” “Mmm… You… you are too damn sexy for your own good,” Rainbow gave her back another little rub. “Well, until then, I can assure you that this is real, okay?” “I believe you…” Fluttershy yawned a little bit, snuggling closer, “I think I’m ready to sleep now… Thank you, Rainbow… goodnight…” “Goodnight, Fluttershy,” Rainbow replied, holding her close as she began to drift off. “...gonna keep you safe…” The two fell asleep, with no further nightmare disturbances. XXXX As the sun shone into the bedroom, Fluttershy squirmed ever slightly, feeling something odd against her. Whatever it was, it was behind her, and much too solid to be a pillow. There was even something around her waist, holding her in place. But it was tight nor forceful; it was gentle, like a protective hold. “Mmm…” Fluttershy yawned, opening her eyes. It was morning, she was in her apartment. Last night contained a nightmare, a very dreadful nightmare that ruined a beautiful dream. Then it became even better. Fluttershy smiled to herself, waking up a bit more as she relaxed and took in the room a bit more. She tried to move, but felt the hold against her tighten. Looking down, it was an arm. An arm! Managing to look over her shoulder, Fluttershy’s heart stopped. Rainbow Dash was in bed with her. Sleeping, spooning her, in bed with her! Fluttershy tensed, both with relief and yet surprise. It occurred to her that last night’s events since waking up from her nightmare were not a dream. Her cheeks pinkened as she tried to make sense of it all. ‘We talked about our feelings… We can’t do anything to each other until after the case… We’re sexually attracted to each other… She stayed with me last night to protect me and because we wanted to cuddle...’ Fluttershy thought, then gently rolled over to face Rainbow. ‘Oh gosh… She looks so… sweet and peaceful in her sleep.’ She reached over, gently caressing her hair. ‘She’s so close… I could kiss her awake… I could-NO! She’s asleep! That’s rude… You don’t kiss someone while they’re sleeping!’ It was by then, much to her relief, that Rainbow was beginning to wake up. “Morning beautiful,” croaked Rainbow Dash, her voice a bit rougher from sleep. Rainbow eyes cracked open. She remembered everything from the night before and the beautiful woman in her arms only confirmed that their talk last night had truly been real and not a beautiful flight of fancy. ‘Fluttershy…. Fluttershy in my bed… no wait, scratch that, her bed. I’m in a model’s bed… I’ve hit the jackpot...’ “This… this is pretty awesome…” Rainbow murmured through a yawn, squeezing tightly to Fluttershy’s midsection. Blushing, Fluttershy gave a warm smile, “Hi, Rainbow… You’re right… this is awesome… It’s wonderful…” “Wonderful…” Rainbow nuzzled her, “I like it… It’s a good word… Wonderful… We solve this case and then these mornings get even more wonderful~” “Oh, yes…. They will,” Fluttershy giggled, nuzzling back, “I feel better than I ever had in years.” Sounding almost surprised, Rainbow responded with, “...Me too.” The confession surprised Fluttershy, to which she met her gaze once more. She smiled, blushing a bit more, reaching up to touch her face, “I’m so glad… I may not have known you long, but… I… I can’t help but feel… like I’ve known you forever.” “Not to get too sappy but...” Rainbow felt herself giving a smirk in spite of herself, “... same here. I just feel really comfortable around you, without having to try hard or even think about it.” “...Rainbow…” Fluttershy had to fight off the urge to pour all of her affection onto the woman. It was hard, she was dying to, but had to hold back. At least for now. Instead she cuddled close and nuzzled into her neck. “Where have you been all my life…” “Getting my ass kicked, and kicking some in return,” Rainbow said, her smirk becoming a full fledged grin. “The usual.” The thought of that made Fluttershy conflicted, but she knew there wasn’t anything she could really say nor do about it, “....At least you’re here, now…” “Yeah, and I gotta say I am pretty excited about it,” Rainbow said snuggling against the ex-model. “...Here is a pretty awesome place to be, and not just your fluffy bed and your cushy pad~” “Where’s here?” Asked the timid woman, slightly puzzled. “With you.” Rainbow said simply, “Having you in my arms. Very awesome.” ‘All those women in the romance novels who describe how it feels to be in the arms of the one they love have nothing on this...’ Fluttershy thought, all but agreeing with her. There definitely was something to be said about being within the embrace of someone you loved and wanted to be with. She smiled, nuzzling into the soft skin of her neck and returning the embrace. “Awesome… I love being in your arms~” Rainbow leaned in close, whispering into Fluttershy’s ear, “You know what’s also awesome?~” Trembling, Fluttershy looked at her, “What…?” Rainbow licked her lips, a single sultry word falling from them, “Breakfast~” She burst out in a fit of laughter, “I’m starving. I don’t know if it was the late night craziness but I am in desperate need of some chow.” A part of Fluttershy wanted to feel down about the complete loss of their intimate moment. But she also couldn’t help but appreciate her sense of humour. Not to mention, she was hungry, too. “O-Of course… Well, I’ll just get started on making some breakfast…” Fluttershy murmured, reluctantly pulling away. “You can make the coffee~” “Deal,” Rainbow said tousling her hair playfully. Giggling, Fluttershy got out of bed, heading out of her room. She looked around the apartment, making sure that everything was still in place. So far, it was. Relieved, the ex-model headed to the kitchen, proceeding to prepare making breakfast. Rainbow followed after, stretching and yawning wide as she made her way to the coffee pot. “I think I’m going to need to bring over some stuff, not that I don’t love sleeping in my clothes and then wearing them again all day or anything,” Rainbow chuckled. “Oh, are you sure? We can always buy you a few things…” Fluttershy said. “Buy a few…” Rainbow gave her a look, momentarily doubting the pinkette’s sanity, “Jeez… I keep forgetting just how much money you have. No, It’s okay ‘shy. Besides, I may not have the flashiest wardrobe, but it’s mine and I like it.” “Huh? I-oh! No no… I didn’t mean it the way it might’ve sounded! Of course you’d pick out the kind of outfits you like and it’s more just an extra bonus… I-I’m sorry…” Fluttershy turned away in shame. “Oh no, Fluttershy, I wasn’t trying to put you down,” Rainbow placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s… well to be honest it makes me a bit uncomfortable. I’m not exactly used to things being that easy, okay? I understand you were just trying to be nice…” She gave a guilty smile. “Sorry for all that… just sort of my way of playing off the inner tension, ya know?” “...I-I understand…” Fluttershy murmured, sighing, “I can see what you’re saying… I’m sorry, though… If you really do want something, you can ask… I shouldn’t assume.” “To be fair, I probably wouldn’t ever have asked,” Rainbow sighed. “Stubborn pride and all that. So, thanks for the offer, I’ll remember it.” Nodding, Fluttershy went to the stove and prepared to fry some eggs and bacon. All while making sure she had some bread ready to be placed into the toaster. Calming herself down from the moment of shame, she managed to hum a little bit to a sweet tune. Rainbow smiled to herself as she made quick work of the coffee preparations. The way Fluttershy could simply hum off a little tune like that, not just this morning but the previous one as well, it made Rainbow wonder if Fluttershy had spent a past life as some sort of fairy tale princess. ‘This is… so unreal. It’s almost like we’re roommates, or something… It’s wonderful.’ Fluttershy thought, smiling more to herself as she cooked breakfast. ‘I just wonder for how much longer… Admittedly, I still don’t feel safe, but how can we keep it up? She’ll want to go home eventually. I’ll have to learn to take care of myself without her. We can’t keep it up forever… Even if I wouldn’t mind. And I can’t just ask her to move in with me, she’ll get uncomfortable. No… No, I shouldn’t. I can’ do that to her… We’ll… We’ll let it happen naturally. She at least knows that she’s welcome here anytime. So that’s good.’ Rainbow rubbed idly at an inch on the tip her nose while she waited for the coffee to brew, “It’s funny isn’t it? The two of us doing this together again.” “...You’re right, it is…” Fluttershy murmured, glancing toward her. “And it’s just so easy too, with you that is,” Rainbow chuckled, a note of disbelief in her voice. “I tried living with someone once, or rather she tried to live with me. I got hit over the head with cello in the end. A cello! Those things are heavy!” “Oh my gosh!” Fluttershy whirled around, facing her, “Oh, Rainbow… I’m sorry!” “It’s okay,” Rainbow laughed off the concern, “I’ve got a hard head... actually I think that’s what she screamed at me as she stormed out.” “...Was it an ex-girlfriend?” Fluttershy asked, her voice quaking. “Yeah,” Rainbow frowned slightly. “Probably one of my longer relationships, which really isn’t saying anything, since it was only a couple months long. She got kicked out of her apartment when it went condo, and insisted that she move in with me.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that was a ship destined to sink.” Fluttershy wasn’t sure whether or not she should feel jealous, but what was the point? It didn’t matter who had Rainbow first. The point was that she had her now. Or was eventually going to, rather. Still, she smiled in support. “I’m sorry, though. It can still be unfortunate if it doesn’t work out. I… well, only ever had one other relationship,” she confessed. “Oh?” Rainbow asked, though perhaps not sounding as offhanded as she had hoped to. “Suppose it didn’t end too great?” Shaking her head, Fluttershy turned back to the stove, “Not at all. It was back when I was still a model. My ex-girlfriend… she was also a model. An underwear model, actually We had to work together for a collaboration shoot, and she asked me out after it was over. I… well, I never had anyone ask me out, so I took the chance to try dating. Her name was Beauty Mark, and she was a lovely lady. We went out for quite a few months, about half a year. However, when I quit my modeling career, she broke up with me. Well, not just that… but she said she only dated me because of how popular I was, how my modeling was giving her more attention. Oh… if that wasn’t enough, she admitted to have been cheating on me. With a man, right behind my back. She even said she’d started seeing him a week before I quit! I-I know she wasn’t the love of my life, but I still felt violated and humiliated…” At the memory, she began to sigh heavily and beat at the eggs with her spatula. Rainbow simply gaped at her, trying to process how someone could have done that to Fluttershy of all people. “Well… Good riddance to a bad bitch,” Rainbow swore, feeling that such a self-interested cow of an ex-girlfriend deserved the harsh epithet. “I’ll say,” Fluttershy agreed, exhaling, “To be honest, my relationship with her wasn’t even much. It was just...there. She was...my first, but I didn’t enjoy it. It felt mechanical…” Realizing what she was talking about, she blushed and went back to cooking. “I know what you mean,” Rainbow said nodding, grabbing a mug from Fluttershy’s cupboard. “It’s like your body wants or needs it but the rest of you could care less. It’s a feeling I’m all too familiar with.” “..You’ve had that happen?” Fluttershy looked to her with a curious smile. “The majority of my romantic entanglements start at a bar at 2am and end around 10am the following morning,” Rainbow said with a sardonic grin. “Yeah, I know the feeling.” ‘In other words, one-night stands,’ Fluttershy thought, but wasn’t about to get on her case about it. ‘But it is kind of nice… perhaps I’ll be able to satisfy her...’ “...I had a one-night stand a couple of times,” Fluttershy mumbled, “It didn’t work out.” “Yeah, it’s definitely not an exact science,” Rainbow commiserated. “Almost by definition it never works out. Personally, I never saw why people can be so damn proud of having them.” “I-I know…. I even knew models, male or female, who would continuously brag about the fact that they’re single and having a one-night stand all the time,” Fluttershy agreed, “I never understood why they were proud. Most especially when they lead other people on into thinking it’s going to be more… I-I never was into it myself, but I would at least let the woman know it was a one-time thing… I mean… that’s just the honest thing to do…” “Yeah, I mean no point in being dishonest about it. I know I never am.” Rainbow sighed. “I mean all it really says about you, if a one night stand is the only thing you can muster, is that you’re either too immature to try a relationship, too selfish to want to spend time with someone, or too abrasive to stand being around.” She managed a laugh. “I personally think I’ve hit the trifecta at different points in my life.” Turning off the stove, Fluttershy hesitated a bit. She looked to her friend and detective, then approached her. Bringing her arms around the other woman, she nuzzled into her shoulder. “Well… I guess it all doesn’t matter anymore… We have each other… and I… well, if the circumstances were different, in some way… I wouldn’t see it as a one-night stand,” she murmured. Rainbow blushed lightly, but held Fluttershy tightly. “This definitely wouldn’t be a one-night stand. You’re way too good at cooking breakfast for that.” Rainbow chuckled a bit before adding, “More than that you are awesome Fluttershy, I’m sure I’d want more than one night.” “I know I’d want you more than one night,” Fluttershy smiled. Rainbow’s mouth tugged up at the corners. “Well then it’s settled. When this case is done, whatever this is, whatever we’re doing, it’s going to be more than a night’s fun.” ‘Oh…. she isn’t quite certain… but that’s okay, at least we will know where it goes...’ “You’re right,” Fluttershy hesitated, then planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. She let go, and went to get the food onto some plates. Rainbow was momentarily stunned. She lifted her hand to her cheek and touched the place where Fluttershy’s lips had been. She felt a wide smile split her lips. ‘Oh wow… That was amazing...I am definitely going to need more of those!’