//------------------------------//
// Session 07 - I'll Smile When You Speak 
// Story: Red Eye 
// by Fonypan 
//------------------------------//






A trio of soft knocks drew Twilight Sparkle's attention from her book. She left her studies and answered the door. Rainbow Dash stood outside, wearing a soft smile.

"What's up, bookworm?"

"Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. I'm just studying."

"Still? You've had your nose in a book for weeks!"

"I'm trying to figure out what's up with Fluttershy. Her wounds don't seem to be healing, but they're not festering, either. Her injuries just stay the same. It's weird."

"Yeah, that left wing is a mess. Did you find anything?"

"No. None of my medical textbooks cover this. It doesn't make any sense!"

"You need a break. Forget about Fluttershy for a while."

"But—“

"Come on! I want you to watch the sunset with me!"

Twilight eyed her friend strangely. "That doesn't seem like you."

Rainbow Dash blushed. "What? I'm a pegasus pony. I'm allowed to think the sky is pretty!"

"Well, it has been pretty lonely here since Spike passed away. It would be good for me to get out for a while."

"That's the spirit! Race you to the top of the big hill!"

"Race?"

"Onetwothreego!"

Rainbow Dash took off in a blur, leaving her friend behind. Twilight closed up the library, then ran after Rainbow Dash. She quickly became winded, but put forth her best effort at keeping Rainbow Dash in sight.

"Rainbow, slow down!"

"No! You run faster!"

Twilight kept her eyes on the blue pegasus and did her best to catch up. Rainbow Dash led her through the outskirts of Ponyville, and then out of town. As the two ponies started up a tall hill, Rainbow Dash sped up and vanished. Twilight Sparkle reached the top of the hill alone and stood, panting.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash took Twilight to the ground with a flying tackle from behind. She rolled in the grass with Twilight held snugly in her forelegs, giggling like a filly.

"You got here first! You beat me, Twilight!"

Twilight laughed. "Did you let me win?"

Rainbow Dash sat up and feigned indignation. "Me, throw a race? Never! You won fair and square.”

Twilight sat up as well and hugged Rainbow Dash. The two ponies leaned on each other and stared at the sky. The brilliant blue had already begun to pinken. The sky shifted through a dozen shades of red-gold before fading into a deep indigo.

Countless stars dotted the night sky. Twilight searched for constellations with a smile spanning her face. For the moment, all of her troubles were forgotten. There was nothing in the world except for the night sky, and the two mares relaxing beneath it.

Twilight nuzzled Rainbow Dash’s neck and whispered, "You're my best friend, Rainbow."

"Just a friend?"

Twilight gave Rainbow a strange look, and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could say a word, Rainbow Dash planted a forceful kiss on Twilight's lips. Once the initial shock wore off, Twilight leaned in to the kiss and surrendered herself to Rainbow Dash. Time stood still. It seemed that nary a second had passed once the kiss ended.



"Dash, I had no idea!"

"I love you, Twilight Sparkle."

"I-I love you too, Rainbow Dash!"