//------------------------------// // Chapter 61 - Residue // Story: Trixie's Forest Retreat // by crowscrowcrow //------------------------------// Resting on the couch, Trixie gave another look towards the bathroom door. She had been in there a number of times the past two weeks, but this was the first time she’d seen Rainbow Dash even acknowledge its existence. It had surprised her greatly when Rainbow hid herself in there. It seemed that it was certainly not a normal occurrence as even Fluttershy had seemed worried about Rainbow Dash’s behavior. They had tried to get in and check on Rainbow Dash under the guise of any number of offers, but each was soundly rejected. She tried to be nice, but she really didn’t want to see either of us. With a sigh, Trixie looked away from the door and let her eyes rest on Fluttershy. Ever since they had given up on trying to convince Rainbow Dash to come or out, or let them come in, Fluttershy had been on the couch, busily preening her wings. It seemed like such an odd thing to be doing to Trixie. As far as she could tell Fluttershy’s wings were already very well kept. Trixie recalled one of her conversations with Fluttershy about the animals in the meadow, at the time she had been told that sometimes birds would preen to calm down when they were feeling stressed. I wonder if the same goes for pegasi? But, then that would mean she is frustrated or something, wouldn’t it? “Fluttershy? Trixie has a question.” Looking up from her wing, Fluttershy blinked. “Huh? Oh, uh, sure. What would you like to know Trixie? I-It’s not about uhm… you know, is it?” A cute blush shone through on Fluttershy’s cheeks. Trixie shook her head. ”No, or wait… no, at least not right now.” For a few moments, Trixie’s mind wandered on the possibilities for actually asking about that, but she’d have to spare Fluttershy for now. She gave an uneasy smile as she noticed Fluttershy staring at her with a dreading look. “Uh, forget that. Fluttershy, you offered to dry Rainbow’s wings instead of Trixie. So that means you know how to uhm, prevent Trixie’s mistake, right?” Fluttershy nodded, stretching and folding one of her newly preened wing to illustrate her point. “Yes, for the most part. I think… I have a better idea of which parts are sensitive.” “Could you teach Trixie?” “D-do what?” Trixie scooted closer and pointed at Fluttershy’s wing. “Teach Trixie what spots are sensitive, that way Trixie will know what she shouldn’t touch.” She smiled with the prospect of learning more about pegasi, or rather about two pegasi in particular. “I-I’ll think about it.” Fluttershy blushed and returned to busily preening her wing for the third time. Her lips stroking flat each feather and arranging them in a perfect pattern, only to repeat doing exactly that again. Time crawled by, but Fluttershy did not seem to return to the topic of her own volition. Though Trixie made good use of her time, carefully observing the methods Fluttershy was employing. She had always been great at learning by example, and this did not seem that hard after she was given repeated demonstrations. Maybe she just is not sure how to go about it. I guess it would just come natural to pegasi to know what areas are sensitive, and they would not normally have to be taught. “You said before preening is relaxing right, Fluttershy? How about if Trixie takes care of your wings, while you explain it.” “Uhm n—” Fluttershy began while shaking her head, but was interrupted as Trixie continued. “Then when Rainbow gets back, we can help her relax?” Trixie could see it now, the three of them on the couch with Rainbow Dash in the middle. each preen one wing properly, without repeating her mistake. Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, but still went with her original answer, shaking her head. ”I don’t think that is a good idea Trixie.” She looked uncomfortable. “Oh, come on. Trixie would really like to know for next time.” “N-no. What makes you think there will be a next time?” Fluttershy said, a little harsher than Trixie had expected. Trixie folded her ears back. “But… Trixie just made a mistake… So, it would be good to know how to do it properly, right?” ”W-what I mean is. It’s not just about wings being sensitive Trixie.” Fluttershy took a deep breath, and looked a little more resolved afterwards. “Touching, and especially preening, another pegasi’s wings is… intimate. ” “Oh!” Trixie exclaimed, and blushed. “Trixie did not realize… but wait. You were offering to dry her wings before!” Trixie raised an eye brow while she stared at Fluttershy, feeling fairly sure there was something she was not telling her. It was possible that Fluttershy had oversimplified her explanation for the sake of keeping it short, but it did not quite feel right to Trixie. Fluttershy colored scarlet. “T-that was different. Rainbow Dash said she couldn’t do it herself remember? It was just to dry her wings.” “Sure, but isn’t it also different if it’s just to learn how to do it?” Trixie grinned confidently. Hiding herself behind her mane, Fluttershy whispered. “Let’s say I agree, and I let you practice. Do you really want Rainbow Dash to walk in while you are preening my wings?” Trixie felt a brief stab of fear in her chest at the thought. She immediately forced it down, but just the fact that it had been the first place she went to deflated her confidence. She slumped on the couch, laying down with a sigh, and mumbled. “N-no… nevermind.” Trixie, you foal. Don’t you trust her? I do! But, she does not trust me… She will think I am is cheating on her again. Nonsense! She has not gotten mad at Trixie since. We even had plenty of good times! The Great and Powerful Trixie is brave, not a coward! Being careful is not being a coward. I already screwed up once tonight. I-I only have two chances left. Rainbow Dash did not yell at me, but she left immediately. She’s not in a good mood already, I don’t want to upset her more. I just… want to do something right. She laid her chin down on her hooves and stared into the low crackling flames of the fire. It was not fair. Trixie could think of dozens of things Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had done for her, but she could not think of a single thing she had tried to do for them that actually worked the way she planned it to. All Trixie does is depend on them, but she has not given anything back. Why do they even bother keeping Trixie around? Is it just because it’s their fault Trixie is hurt? Only because they pity Trixie? This train of thought was doing her mood no favors at all, instead she felt a stinging feeling in her chest while she considered the possibility. While Trixie was contemplating the chance she was fooling herself, she remembered having a similar conversation once before. Applejack’s voice echoed through her head. That has got ta be the dumbest thing Ah have ever heard. Ah got half a mind ta put you over mah knee fer thinking of Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy like that! Trixie perked up, blinking as though she had just awoken a few seconds ago. Trixie should visit that little hayseed again sometime. She smirked and looked towards the three mugs that stood near the fire, the sweet scent of hot cocoa was alluring. Looking back over to Fluttershy, Trixie noticed she seemed to have calmed down, as she was no longer preening her wings. Fluttershy held a smile while she rested her head on the armrest of the couch. Oh, good. Fluttershy is not upset with Trixie for pestering her. A loud slam behind them nearly made Trixie jump through the roof and, landing on all fours, she spun around. Rainbow Dash was standing in the door opening of the bathroom, some steam clouds rolled out with her it to the ceiling. Trixie could see Rainbow Dash was already perfectly dry, towels were haphazardly discarded behind her on the bathroom floor, but other than that it was left in proper state. Rainbow Dash smiled widely as she trotted into the room and took in a deep breath. “Ahh, fresh air! Well, kind of anyway, hah! Cool air I guess.” She spread her wings and flew over onto the couch, settling on the empty spot between Trixie and Fluttershy. She rested her hind hooves on the little table by the fire. “So what did I miss? Oh yeah! Chocolate, still got some?” Trixie blinked, Rainbow Dash did not seem upset at all. Instead she was more cheerful then she had ever seen her, there was some kind of glow about her. It took Trixie a moment to recover before she pointed to the door with a smirk. “What is it with you and doors? Can’t you ever open one normally?” “Hey, I usually try to take the window, but that didn’t work. Fluttershy’s bathroom has really small windows.” “Oh, right, Trixie is sure it has nothing to do with that you did not want to get wet again.” She motioned towards the rain clattering against the window, but she could not keep her smile from spreading. Everything’s okay! It’s really okay! Fluttershy smiled brightly reached for the mugs on the small table to divide the hot chocolate between them. “Of course, Rainbow, we weren’t going to start without you.” Trixie smiled widely while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy chatted, she could not be happier with how it turned out. She stared at Rainbow Dash, admiring her new found energy. Grinning, a deep blush spread over Trixie's cheeks. Trixie held her mug in her hooves, it was still pleasantly warm due to the proximity of the table to the fire. She took a sip and licked her lips. “Mhm this is great, Fluttershy.” “Thank you, Trixie, but you deserve a bit of credit you know. You did help make it.” Fluttershy smiled warmly at her. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash had been chugging the chocolate and finally let the mug sink back into her lap while she breathed a satisfied sight. “Ahhh, that was awesome. Good job you two then, heh.” She set the mug back onto the table, then stretched. Following Rainbow Dash’s example, Trixie chugged a good few gulps of her chocolate as well, it was a wonderful feeling to have her insides warm up all at once. The sweet taste lingered in her mouth long after the last swallow, much to Trixie’s delight. “Oh, would you like some of mine, Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy offered, holding out the mug. “I’m not very thirsty, I don’t think I could finish the whole thing.” “Really? Thanks, Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash slipped a hoof around Fluttershy, hugging her while she hooked her free hoof through the handle. She brought the mug up to her lips to drink a few gulps, then returned the mug to Fluttershy. Trixie noticed Fluttershy blushing while Rainbow Dash drank, then stare down at the mug before she took a sip herself again. The normally creamy mares cheeks seemed to be on fire as she did so. Though Trixie could think of a number of reasons why she might be, she settled on it just being the warmth of the drink. Watching the exchange, Trixie contemplated offering her own chocolate as well. Rainbow Dash would like it, and maybe she’ll hug Trixie too? Trixie smiled at the idea of earning a bit of favor with Rainbow Dash, by doing something good for her. She froze when she realized something else though; Rainbow Dash would give the mug back. T-then, if Trixie drinks after that, it’s kind of an indirect kiss, isn’t it? Blushing, Trixie looked down at her half-empty mug, feeling giddy with excitement. She sat up and scooted a little closer while she held out the mug. “Rainbow Dash, Trixie has had enough too, would you like hers?” To her delight, she saw Rainbow Dash’s eyes glisten at the offer. “Oh man, must be my lucky night huh? What’s with you two not drinking as much? Heh, I’ll bet it cause you’ve had no work all day.” She laughed but then give Trixie a smile. “Seriously though, thanks, Trixie.” She slipped one hoof through the handle, and used the other to give Trixie a hug as well while she raised the mug. Trixie nearly melted in the embrace, and snuggled up against Rainbow Dash for the brief moment it lasted. Trixie took in the sweet scent of honey emanating from Rainbow Dash’s fur, then blinked. Wait, honey? That can’t be right? She glanced up quickly at Rainbow Dash, who was still drinking, then nuzzled against her and found she really did smell like honey instead of her usual scent of rain. What the hay? Distracted, Trixie startled when Rainbow Dash suddenly leaned away from her to set the mug on the table. Trixie looked on puzzled, then reluctantly let go of Rainbow Dash to claim her prize. Blushing heavily, she could feel her heart thump in her chest while she reached out to grab the mug. It felt light, much lighter than it should. Trixie’s heart sank when she looked inside the mug and confirmed her fear: It was empty. “It’s gone?” She stared down into the empty mug, hoping maybe there were still a few drops she could make do with. Glaring at Rainbow Dash, she set the mug back down. “Why did you drink all of it?” Rainbow Dash looked back at Trixie in confusion. “What? Uh, because you said you had enough? So I drank the rest. You did ask me if I wanted yours.” She smiled at Trixie uncomprehendingly while Trixie’s face fell. “B-but, that’s… Trixie… didn’t mean…” She trailed off and shook her head while she slumped back on the couch. She wanted nothing more than to kick herself for being so stupid, one little mistake and she ruined her whole plan. Now she didn’t have anything: no chocolate, no indirect kiss, no warmth. Why does it always backfire? It’s not fair… Trixie can’t even blame anypony else this time. She just said it wrong. That’s even worse! Mhm, it’s not all bad, Trixie found out Rainbow Dash smells weird today… Well that’s ju— “Uhm, Trixie?” Fluttershy’s voice pulled Trixie out of her thoughts. She looked towards Fluttershy who held out her own mug out, keeping a caring smile on her lips. “Would you like the last of mine?” Trixie’s ears perked up, her eyes meeting with Fluttershy’s, then looked down at the mug and blushed. She quickly nodded and took the mug with both hooves. “Thank you, Fluttershy!” Smiling while she looked down, swirling around the bottom of chocolate in the mug. F-Fluttershy, AND Rainbow Dash! Reveling in the idea for just a little longer, Trixie finally brought the mug to her lips and sipped the last bit of chocolate slowly. Even if the chocolate was almost cold, it warmed her up far more than when it had been hot. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash continued with undiminishable enthusiasm. “Alright that was good. Now! Who here would like to hear a good ghost story?” She coughed to clear her throat, then continued in a sinister voice. “It all happened, on a stormy night. Just. Like. This one. This, is the harrowing tale of The Screeching Mare!” …Curse you, Rainbow Dash.