"Great job guys! We're totally going to kick butt in the upcoming inter-school soccer tournament!" Rainbow Dash said to her team, who were all sprawled on the grassy field, tired from soccer practice. "And tomorrow, we're going to train even harder!" Rainbow Dash continued, and she punched her fist in the air.
The rest of the team groaned loudly.
"Come oooonnnnnn, Rainbow. Haven't we train hard enough for today?" whined one of the strikers.
"Yeah, we're really tired!" complained another teammate. The rest of the soccer team slowly nodded in agreement and began voicing their disapproval too.
Rainbow Dash wasn't about to turn soft on her team just because they started protesting though.
"This is our chance to shine!" Rainbow said, taking a step forward. "Don't you guys want the opportunity to lift that big shiny trophy?"
The team continued to protest and whine.
"But we need to rest!"
"My legs are cramping up."
Rainbow held both of her hands up. "Alright, alright, stop! You guys are complaining an awful lot today.There's got to be a reason behind this." She placed her hands on her hips, and raised an eyebrow at them. "Speak up."
"Tomorrow is a special day, Rainbow..." said the midfielder.
"Yeah, it's a really important day too..." said the defender.
"Well, for couples maybe... but still..." said the goalie.
"Stop it! You guys are making me confused. Can one person please, tell me the whole thing?" Rainbow asked impatiently.
"It's valentine's day tomorrow. Everyone here got plans." said the goalie. "Don't you have something to do tomorrow, Rainbow?" he continued, raising his eyebrows up and down repeatedly at her.
"V-valentine's day?" Rainbow stuttered, glancing at the date on her watch. It was the 13th. Valentine's day is tomorrow?
"Yeah." said the goalie, "You know, the day where guys gives girls flowers, eat chocolate together, and go on romantic dates..." he trailed off, a dreamy look in his eyes.
"Of course she doesn't! She's Rainbow Dash! I bet she doesn't like that sort of thing." the defender said.
"Yeah! Rainbow is too awesome for that sort of thing. Right, Rainbow?"
"W-what? Y-y-yeah! Pfft... valentine's day. I have...I have no interest in that sort of mushy stuff." But I am interested...
"Sorry, Rainbow. But we all have plans for valentine's day. Hope you understand."
* * * * * *
Rainbow heaved a heavy sigh as she shut her locker door. Another year, another valentine's day, and she'll be spending it alone...again.
Why has no one ever asked me to be their valentine? she thought bitterly to herself, I'm a girl too.
Maybe its because how she acts. She's the captain of every sports club in Canterlot High, not to mention very passionate about sports. She likes to be cool, and awesome. Students and friends all see her as a strong, and determined friend. But due to how she acts among everyone, they start to see her as a guy who is stuck in a girl's body.
Even her best friends don't see her as a girl. They never invited her to join them for cupcakes or candies. They never invited her to join them for spas or manicures. Even if they did ask Rainbow to join them, she always said no.
Is not like she hates the candies and spas. But after being treated like one of the guys for so long, she kinda got used to the idea. And before long, it was getting more and more difficult for her to show her feminine side to everyone. The more she wanted to, the more she stopped herself from doing so. She was afraid that people opinion on her might change for the worst if they ever saw her acting more like a girl instead of acting more like the Rainbow Dash they know.
What if everyone thinks I'm too girly? Will they think I suck? Will they think I'm uncool? the very thought scared her. She wanted to be more like a real girl. To be treated like one. But at the same time, she wanted to be the Rainbow Dash she is today. Isn't there a way for her to be more like a girl yet cool and awesome at the same time?
Doesn't anyone like me as a girl? Doesn't anyone like me for who I am?
She let out another heavy sigh, and left the locker room.
"Isn't there anyone that loves me?" she whispered under her breath.
* * * * * *
I'm in love with Rainbow Dash. Mayo Mayo thought to himself, staring absent-mindedly at the clock on the wall, watching the seconds slowly tick by. Mayo Mayo was the only student left in his class. He wanted to finish the day's homework, but the time passed by without him realizing it.
Tomorrow is valentine's day huh... Mayo wanted nothing more than to ask Rainbow Dash to be his valentine. He liked the way she flicks her rainbow-coloured hair after a hard day of training, the way she flashes that trademark cocky grin of hers, the way she acts. It was all so...mesmerizing. It was very hard to find girls like her. She was... one in a million.
All the other girls in Canterlot High are attractive too. But none of them are able to compare to Rainbow Dash. The king of sports! The captain of every sports club! And a very loyal friend.
Mayo Mayo remember the first time he actually spoken to her. They were assigned to do a project together. Mayo was nervous at first, not really knowing how to actually talk to her. But Rainbow Dash was the first to break the ice.
"Hey." she had said, giving him a cocky smile, "Rainbow Dash."
"M-m-mayo Mayo" he stuttered, feeling himself blush for some unknown reason. He heard Rainbow Dash snicker.
"S-s-sorry!" she said with difficulty, trying to suppress her laughter. "Your name is--" she snorted loudly. "--sorry.. I ca--I can't." And she suddenly burst out laughing. Everyone in the classroom turned around to stare at the both of them.
"Is something the matter Rainbow Dash?" the teacher asked, raising an eyebrow, chalk in hand.
Rainbow fought to keep her face steady. "Yes Ma'am, everything--" she giggled "--everything's fine."
She leaned in close to Mayo Mayo. "Sorry!" she whispered "Your name is just. So. Funny!" and she winked at him.
Mayo Mayo should had felt insulted, but he couldn't. He didn't wanted to. He was having a different feeling though.
Mayo sighed and began packing his things. After that introduction, they managed to complete their assignment without any further snickering or sudden outbursts of laughter. They became swift friends, and found themselves having some things in common, food for instance. They talked about the burgers they liked, the shakes they enjoyed, and the fries they loved.
But the longer they spent time together, the more Mayo Mayo felt his love deepen for her. He was captivated by her. Her tomboyish ways, her adorable laugh, everything about her was perfect in Mayo's eyes.
Mayo Mayo wanted to tell Rainbow Dash how he felt about her. How much he enjoyed her company, and the feelings he get whenever she's with him. Mayo wanted to tell Rainbow Dash that he love her.
That is one problem though.
Does she even like that sort of thing? Mayo thought to himself. The students were saying that Rainbow wasn't the kind of girl who likes that sort of mushy stuff. That she didn't like things like falling in love or finding a boyfriend. She only love one thing, and that is sports.
What if he gets rejected by her? What if their current relationship as friends is broken because of his idea of wanting to confess to her? There were a million things that could go wrong.
But he didn't want to keep his pent-up feelings within him, he wanted--no-- needed to tell her how he felt. It was something he must do.
Confessing to a girl is one thing. But confessing to the Rainbow Dash? It was like a whole new level. But Mayo Mayo was determined. He was ready. Rejected or not, he will tell her his feelings.
"Mayo?" there was no mistaking that voice. Mayo looked up from his bag and saw Rainbow Dash giving him a tired wave.
"Rainbow? What are you doing here?" he asked, standing up.
"Soccer practice." Rainbow entered the classroom and headed for her desk, "I think I left something here. Why're you still here?"
"Homework." Mayo showed her a stack of papers. "I wanted to finish it before going home."
Rainbow Dash searched around her desk, pocketed the item she was looking for, and walked towards Mayo's desk. "You already finish it?" to which Mayo nodded, grinning.
"Yup. All done."
"Can I copy it?" Rainbow pleaded, stepping closer towards him. "Today's work is really tough. I'll probably spend the whole night doing it."
"Now, now, Rainbow Dash. As students of Canterlot High, we must give it our very best in what we do. And that includes homework." Mayo Mayo gave her a teasing smile. "You're on your own."
"Come on, Mayo! You know I'm horrible with algebra." Rainbow tried to make a swipe at the papers Mayo was holding. But Mayo raised his hand even higher, just out of Rainbow's reach.
"Nuh uh, no way! You have copied a lot from me! The teachers might start to think that you're actually smart." he teased, laughing. He stood up, lifting the papers even higher.
"Hey!" Rainbow scrunched her face at him. "That's mean!" she took a step forward and tried to grab the papers again, only to trip herself, right into Mayo.
"Whoa!" Mayo cried out, and they both tumbled to the floor, the papers in Mayo's hand scattered all over.
"Ooohh..." Rainbow groaned, rubbing her forehead. Mayo let out a groan as well. They both looked up and found their faces only inches away from each other.
Mayo's heart began to beat like crazy. Rainbow Dash was looking right back at him with her cerise-coloured eyes. He could feel her warm breath on his chin.
This is it! This is my chance! Mayo thought to himself, ignoring his homework that was all over the floor. Tell her how you feel! Mayo gulped.
"Rainbow..." he whispered "I...I need to tell you something."
"Wha...what?" Rainbow whispered back, her heart was racing like mad. She had never been this close to a guy before. They were staring deep into each other eyes, unmoving. It was like their bodies had frozen.
Mayo slowly lifted one hand and placed it against Rainbow's warm cheeks.
"I love you." he said softly, gently rubbing his thumb on her cheek.
Rainbow's eyes widened. Her heartbeat accelerated. He...he loves me? The warm feeling of Mayo's hand was soothing, and comfortable.
Mayo tried to calm himself down. His heart was beating so hard and fast it might actually burst out of his chest. He can't believe he actually confessed to her. To Rainbow Dash! She haven't said anything, only staring. Should he push his luck? He gotten this far. Maybe...maybe a kiss was possible? He slowly leaned in, his lips yearning for hers.
Rainbow pushed Mayo back, stopping his advances. This...this isn't possible. It can't be true. She must be dreaming. How can anyone have feelings for her? When she's not even acting like a real girl? This must be a lie. A trick!
But...isn't this what she wanted? Wasn't she wishing for someone to like her? To love her? Someone has appeared and confessed his feelings to her. Is a dream come true...right?
"Sorry." Mayo apologized. "I...I shouldn't have tried to do that." I'm so stupid! What was I thinking? Mayo looked at Rainbow. She was still looking at him.
"Why..." He heard her say, "Why do you love me?"
"Why?" Mayo was confused at the question. Isn't it obvious?
"I...I don't act like a real girl. I don't go to spas or eat sweet things with my friends. I'm treated by everyone like a guy. People call me the king of sports. Everything I do... isn't very...girly. Wouldn't you like a girl who acts more like a real girl?" Rainbow asked, her eyes moist.
"But I thought you liked being that way."
"I do! I really, really do! But...but I'm a girl too! I want to paint my nails! Gossips about guys! I want to be more like a girl! Instead...instead of being Rainbow Dash, the king of sports..."
Mayo frowned. Something was bothering Rainbow Dash. A lot.
"Rainbow... is something troubling you?"
Rainbow Dash remained silent and she slowly stood up. Mayo followed suit, standing behind her. He saw her shaking.
"Rainbow... talk to me." He slowly approached her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"I...I dunno." Rainbow said softly. "We had practice, and suddenly my teammates started talking about valentine's day. I find it unfair, how that they all got dates and plans to do on valentine's day. And...and yet here I am...alone."
"Why has no one ever asked me to be their valentine?" she continued, turning around to face Mayo. "Is it because they all see me as person who doesn't enjoy that sort of thing? Is it because I act like a guy instead of girl? Is it...is it..." tears began to flow from her eyes. "Is it because I don't act like a girl?" she sniffed a little, rubbing her eyes.
"All I want, is to be who I am. Not someone who desperately tries to change herself. But...but it's hard! I cannot choose which side I want to be on! I feel more safe, more secured, when I'm me, the king of sports! The captain of every sports club! But the longer I stay at this side, the more I lose my other side. The girly side of me! What if...what if I never find someone special? What if I forget how to act like a real girl? What if I'm treated like a guy forever?" Rainbow Dash began to sob.
"What on earth are you talking about?" Mayo said, shaking her shoulders. "Didn't I just say that I love you?"
"No! You're just saying that to make me feel better! No guy would ever like me if I stay like this! I will be forever alone!" she struggled to escape Mayo's grip on her shoulders.
"Rainbow Dash!" Mayo raised his voice, causing Rainbow to stop, she hiccuped.
"I said it two times already. And I will say it another million times if I have to. I. Love. You." Mayo pulled her in, hugging her. Rainbow hiccuped again.
"Listen to me, Rainbow. The more you think about what others might think about you, the more desperate you want to change. You're so worried that nobody might like you, that you start to lose sight of who you truly are. You also lose sight of the people around you that sees you and accepts you for who you truly are." Mayo rubbed Rainbow's back, trying to stop her from hiccuping.
"You are still a girl, no matter what. Nothing can change that. Just because some people treats you one way, doesn't mean everyone else will. You mustn't be afraid of showing who you want to be. Girly or not girly." Mayo looked down at Rainbow and lifted her chin gently with his hand.
"Besides..." he whispered as he bought his lips closer to hers. "I love you. Just the way you are."
Their lips met, and Mayo felt himself melt. Her lips tasted sweet, like honey. Her scent filled his nostrils, and her skin was smooth as silk.
The kiss didn't last long though. Rainbow suddenly hiccuped, breaking their lips apart. They gaze at each other silently, with the occasional hiccup from Rainbow.
"Do you...do you--(hic)--really mean it?" Rainbow asked, blinking.
"Every word."
"But...but I act like a--(hic)--like a guy. I'm not like other girls."
"You sure ain't acting like one now. And that's exactly why I love you."
Rainbow Dash blushed, her heart was more at ease now, and she was feeling calmer. What she really thinking to much? Was she just being a worrywart?
Maybe...maybe it wasn't all that bad. Being the king of sports, the captain of every sports club. Being treated like a guy. Doing the thing she wants to do. It made her happy, relaxed. She just lost sight of that. Forgotten and swept away.
But it was coming back. There was no reason for her to worry so much about it. Just be herself, be her true self. Not to mention one of her wishes did came true.
She looked up at Mayo, giving him a pleading look. She wanted him to kiss her, to fill her with feelings she once thought she will never get. Mayo smiled at her, and was just about to reach her lips---
(HIC!)
Mayo chuckled. "Maybe we should get you some water first." They both giggled, and headed for the door, hand in hand. Mayo stopped at the door, remembering something.
"Hey, Rainbow?" he looked at her.
"Ye--(hic)-- yes?" Rainbow Dash looked back at him, smiling sweetly.
"Will you be my valentine?"