//------------------------------//
// Deeper 
// Story: A Not Quite So Daring Dash 
// by darbselah 
//------------------------------//

	“Please, Miss Dash, I need you to take this seriously.” The unicorn rubbed his muzzle between his eyeglasses in obvious irritation.

            “I am being serious!” the Pegasus retorted, equally annoyed. She snuck a glance at the clock above the psychiatrist’s head. “Almost two hours!” She was at her wits end trying to give an answer that would satisfy the shrink.

            “’Because I felt like a little danger’ is hardly an acceptable answer.”

            “Well, if you’d rather I lie, then help me come up with a better one!” Of course she was already lying and they both knew it, but it was equally clear that she was not going to give an answer he would consider “acceptable.”

            His eyes closed as he audibly exhaled through puffed cheeks. “Miss Dash, we have already spoken to your pegasus friend and she told us that you seemed upset and were trying to get away.”

            “So?” Rainbow scoffed, “I had an argument and wanted to blow off some steam. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

            “Nothing wrong with blowing off some steam, sure-” he reiterated, “-It doesn’t become a problem until you exhibit reckless and self-harming behavior. I believe-.”

            “Bucking Celestia! There was nothing ‘self-harming’ about it!” Dash vulgarly interrupted. “Reckless? Sure. I would have been fine though! I’ve already explained this to the Doctor, and I don’t need or want to go through it again!”

            Doctor Kindheart took a few calming breaths. “I don’t want to argue with you Rainbow Dash. I get it, I really do.” She looked on incredulously, doubting he got it at all. “You don’t need my help, or anypony’s for that matter. You are independent, strong, and can most likely take care of yourself.” Maybe he did get it… a little. “Maybe you flew into that storm because you ‘felt like a little danger,’ or maybe you weren’t really thinking at all; it’s just where you ended up. It’s obvious that this conversation isn’t going anywhere so I’ll leave you with this-” He leaned forward and even went as far as to rest a hoof on Rainbow’s “-Even if you are ‘fine,’ you have friends who are concerned - and not just a little bit; but really and truly concerned. They care about you and want to do all they can to help.  So, even if you don’t feel you need it, let them help you.” He stood from his chair and headed out, stopping at the door. “There’s a good chance they might need that.” With that, he gave his first genuine smile of the day and exited.

            With the psych review out of the way, Rainbow’s release was finally imminent. She signed forms and half-listened to the nurse on proper wing care - she was a bucking unicorn, what did she know about wings?  “…And of course no flying for six weeks.” That caught Rainbow’s attention.

                   “What!? Six Weeks!? Are you serious!?” she asked in disbelief. She had been grounded multiple times, but only for a couple of days at most! How was she supposed to survive six weeks on the ground?

                   “It’s protocol to escort you to the lobby,” the nurse went on, choosing not to answer the question.  Another nurse approached with a wheelchair. Dash glanced at it in dismay, but decided not to argue. She just wanted to be out as soon as possible. Two days of unconsciousness and eleven more of unbearable consciousness had almost made her consider being more careful in the air...almost.

                   Upon reaching the lobby she was welcomed by the smiling faces of Fluttershy and Twilight. After greetings and far too many hugs, they were finally on the threshold to sweet freedom. “Well everypony,” she turned to address literally everyone in the surrounding area, “it’s been a real treat and I’m sad to have to leave. I can honestly say-” she paused for effect “-that I’ll truly miss you all. From Nurse Tenderheart’s constant mothering and well-intentioned nagging, to Doctor Horse’s persistent questioning on every none-of-his-business topic he could come up with. Can’t wait ‘till I’m back. Because, you know, that’s bound to happen.” With that, she made her way out of the hospital, with Twilight and Fluttershy catching up to her. 

                   Fluttershy’s jaw had nearly dropped to the floor and Twilight could only face-hoof and shake her head in disgust, “Honestly Rainbow? What was that all about?”

                   Rainbow wasn’t about to let the lavender pony ruin her mood. She rolled her eyes, “Oh come on, Twilight. It was just a little good-hearted ribbing.” The more she thought about it, the more she realized it was too late. Her mood was already ruined.

                   Once they had put a little distance between themselves and the hospital, Dash began chewing on the bandages that held her wing to her side.

                   “Uh… Are you sure you should be doing that?” Twilight asked.

           She was short in her response, “I didn’t hear anypony tell me not to.” She continued to work at the bandages with her teeth. 
                  “T-that… that doesn’t seem right.” Fluttershy seemed shocked.

                   “Isn’t your specialty with animals?” Rainbow deadpanned. “Maybe you should stick to that,” she added sharply, causing Fluttershy to flinch slightly and paw at the ground.

                   Twilight sighed loudly. “I’ll head back and see if there’s anything else we need. Someone left in a hurry.” With that she shot Rainbow a look from the corner of her eyes, and turned back toward the hospital, leaving a nervous Fluttershy with an annoyed Rainbow Dash.
                   Rainbow couldn’t really explain what had happened over the last ten days or so, but ever since she and Fluttershy had kissed, she almost felt a certain hostility toward her long-time friend. She didn’t know why, but she felt as though her friend had taken advantage of her weakened state. She knew this wasn’t really the case, but still; she found herself attacking Fluttershy at almost every opportunity.

                   She continued tugging at the bandages with renewed fervor, a sight which Fluttershy couldn’t take anymore. “Please stop, Dash!”

                   Rainbow sighed, letting go of the wrap and settled back on her haunches, and tried her best to look away from her concerned friend. Fluttershy persisted, “Rainbow?”

                   She ignored Fluttershy, not really wanting to talk. Where am I gonna stay for the next few weeks? She wasn’t sure she had the bits to stay in a hotel for six whole weeks, and she really didn’t want to impose on any friends - not to mention, she didn’t want to hear the constant badgering of her friends asking her if she was doing okay over that long of a time period. Maybe she could work out a trade with Applejack? She could help out around the farm as much as she was able to in exchange for sleeping in the barn.

                   “Dash?”

                   She didn’t know if Applejack would accept any help, that pony was stubbornly independent. Still, she could probably coax-

                   Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt a muzzle push against her neck.

                   “What, Fluttershy!?” she practically yelled.

                   The nervous mare backed away so quickly, she nearly fell with a pathetic whimper. Rainbow finally looked at her and regretted it instantly. She couldn’t stand seeing tears in those wounded blue eyes. Dash looked at the ground, and felt lower than low. It was a blessing when Twilight trotted up, a flash of fire in her eyes.

                   “Rainbow Dash, the bandages stay on for the next week, at least, and not even the tiniest bit of flying for the next six weeks.”

                   Rainbow scowled. “Fine. I need to head over to Sweet Apple Acres and see if Applejack has room in her barn for me.” Rainbow set off leaving the two ponies standing there. Twilight looked to an obviously upset Fluttershy, and quickly ran to catch up with Rainbow.
           Once she caught up, she yanked Rainbow to the side, earning a wince of pain out of the mare.“What is your problem, Rainbow?” she hissed. “Why are you being so rude to us?”

                   Rainbow once again didn’t feel like answering and continued on, glower growing deeper with each step. Why wouldn’t they just take a hint? She wanted to be alone… Or did she? Something clicked right then. Why am I being so rude? She really didn’t like being this way, but she didn’t know how to fix it. She stopped suddenly, not knowing what to do.
 

=+=+=+=

 
                   Fluttershy followed a ways behind the other two. She didn’t know how much more she could take of Rainbow’s attitude. She was afraid that maybe things had been moving too quickly, and that was the reason for Rainbow’s rapid change. She fought back the tears that had threatened all too often recently.  If only Rainbow knew how much it hurt her to see her this way. She knew Rainbow was hurting, and it was torture for her to not be allowed to comfort the colorful pegasus.
 
Fluttershy was nearing a breakdown herself, and had no idea how to deal with it.

                   If she’d just talk to me I’d feel so much better... Up ahead, Rainbow abruptly stopped, head hanging low.

                   Fluttershy cantered to catch up. “Rainbow, are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” 

Rainbow didn’t answer, and Fluttershy could see her eyes screwed up as if in pain… or holding back tears. Finally the weather Pegasus released a large sigh.

                   “No, I’m fine. Umm, Twilight… could I maybe, well ya know, s-spend the night in the library?” Twilight smiled gently at her downcast friend.

                   “Of course, Rainbow. You’re welcome anytime.”

                   “Maybe… maybe I could come over for a bit as well?” Fluttershy nearly whispered.

                   Twilight shot her a meaningful look that Fluttershy didn’t understand. “No, Fluttershy, I think you should go home and get some rest. Feel free to stop by tomorrow though,” she added with a smile.

                   What!? She just sat there mouth half open as she watched Twilight gently nudge Rainbow to get her walking again. Rainbow and Twilight started on their way, with Dash leaning slightly into Twilight, leaving behind a shocked and hurt Fluttershy. Did Twilight just make a move on Rainbow? She shook her head, not wanting to believe it. No, Twilight would never do that to her. Plus, she was fairly certain that Twilight didn’t even swing that way.

                   Twilight was right about her being tired, but the animal-loving pegasus didn’t want to head home yet. She felt that she needed to talk to somepony, and there was only one that she had shared her feelings for Rainbow with. So, she plodded, with her mane dragging on the ground from her head hanging low as she made her way toward the Carousel Boutique.

                   The Boutique’s sign had already been flipped to CLOSED, but Fluttershy noted the lighted window above the showroom as she tapped shyly on the door.

                   “Sorry, were closed for the day,” the sing-song voice called down. “We’ll be open tomorrow at ten.”

                   “Rarity, it’s me,” Fluttershy softly piped. She heard a series of doors followed by hooves quickly approaching.

                   “Oh, darling! Please, come in!” Rarity smiled, moving aside to invite her friend inside. Fluttershy took the invitation, mane still dragging as though she didn’t have the energy to hold her head up; something that Rarity noted.

                   “Things didn’t go too well at the hospital I take it?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

                   All Fluttershy could do was shake her head.

                   “Oh darling, I’m so sorry.” Rarity offered a hoof over the quivering pegasus’ shoulder to pull her friend against her as she guided her to lay on some pillows in the showroom. “Give me one moment dear.” She offered one more tight squeeze before disappearing behind the showroom and into the attached kitchen. She returned, promptly, with two cups and a bottle of Sweet Apple Acre’s finest. Pouring them each a generous amount, she asked how Rainbow’s release had gone.

                   Fluttersy took a deep drink, one that caused a satisfying burn in her throat. Taking her time, she answered, “Oh, Rarity, I think she might actually hate me,” Fluttershy disclosed. “She snaps at me every time I say anything. She’s made it quite clear she doesn’t want me around. Also, quite clear she …might..want… somepony else...,” she trailed off.

                   “What was that?”

                   Fluttershy fidgeted with her hooves, avoiding looking at the fashionista. She could feel the tears pressing her defenses once again, and fought for control as Rarity patiently waited.

                   “I think, maybe… maybe she wants some other pony,” she admitted.

                   Rarity didn’t answer immediately, and in fact seemed lost in thought. She held her cup up to her pressed lips, but didn’t drink. Fluttershy shifted nervously at the lack of response and began scanning the room, not looking at anything in particular. What is she thinking?

                   “Umm…Rarity? Did you hear me?” she asked meekly.

                   “I… was just thinking,” Rarity started carefully, “Now don’t take this the wrong way, Fluttershy, but what if she doesn’t really want anypony right now?”  She examined the Pegasus closely, waiting for a reaction.

                   Fluttershy shook her head slowly, examining her own shaking hooves. “Do you think it’s possible?” she whispered, more to herself than Rarity. Oh Celestia, could I be that blind? The possibility was of course there, but it wasn’t one she was prepared to accept.

                   Rarity put her untouched drink down gently on the coffee table. She looked up into Fluttershy’s eyes, speaking softly.  “She needs comfort and companionship. That doesn’t necessarily translate to romance, dear. Maybe she has just wanted you to stay close by as a friend, and that is the extent of it.”

                   “But… but…” Fluttershy’s mind raced. “She kissed me. That means something. Doesn’t it?” It had to. You don’t just kiss someone for the need of comfort, do you? She didn’t notice Rarity’s eyes widen at the revelation.

                   “Fluttershy,” Rarity scooted next to the quiet Pegasus and placed a hoof on her back, “You have to realize that there’s a chance she was confused. She seems to have an abundance of feelings she’s trying to deal with and maybe she was just… vulnerable.”

                   Fluttershy scoffed hopelessly. Rainbow Dash vulnerable? It just didn’t seem to make sense. The statement seemed to ring with truth though, even if it did seem to turn logic on its head.

                   “I hope that’s not all it was...” she looked away from her friend, letting her mane hide her tears.

                   Rarity ran her hoof up and down Fluttershy’s back. “I hope so as well, ” she breathed as she pulled the weeping mare into a caring embrace.
 

=+=+=+=

 
                   “Ha! That makes it four in row, egghead!”

           Twilight was bewildered. “I don’t get it! My strategy was flawless! I even took all your tendencies and quirks into account!” she shook her head with disappointment at her failure.

                   “Yeah, well, you can’t really strategize against complete awesomeness, Twi.” Dash began setting the pieces up again. “Wanna make it five straight, genius?”

                   Twilight sighed and stood up from the board, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she stretched her back. “Probably not tonight, it’s getting pretty late as it is.” she said through a yawn.

                   Rainbow Dash’s ears pressed against her head as she shot a dirty look at the discourteous clock which seemed to side with Twilight. “Yeah, alright,” she sighed. “Can I just crash down here on the couch?”

                   “Sure, but I think you should get cleaned up first. I’m sure you’ll feel better after a shower.”

                   Rainbow raised her foreleg and gave herself a quick sniff. “Bleh! I’ll smell better too!”

                   Twilight laughed at her friend’s antics. “There’s towels under the cupboard and soaps and shampoos on the tub ledge. If you need anything, just give me a yell.”

                   Dash rolled her eyes as she left. “Sure Twilight, I’ll be sure to call you if I need my back scrubbed.” She smiled back at the purple mare as she ascended the stairs just to reassure she was kidding. Twilight, for her part, laid on the couch. She crossed her forelegs, and magically pulled a book Patience with Patients and How to Reck for a Wreck to pass the time. As tired as she was, she didn’t want to go to bed without first making sure Rainbow was settled.
 

=+=+=+=

 
                   As usual, Twilight lost herself in her reading and was startled when she looked up at the clock to see Dash had been in the bathroom for well over two hours. The book dropped unceremoniously to the couch in Twilight’s panic as she raced up the stairs to the bathroom door and knocked lightly.

                   “Rainbow? Is everything okay?”

                   No answer.

                   “Rainbow?” she rapped harder on the door.

She heard water sloshing and then: “Twi… Twilight? Umm, I think I need some help,” a barely recognizable weak voice answered.

Twilight burst through the door to see Dash laying her head on the side of the tub, eyes half closed and chest panting in labored breath.

                   “Oh my Celestia! Rainbow, are you okay?” Her fear was not abated by the pink tinge the water had taken on.

                   “Rainbow, what were you thinking!? You can’t just scrub at a wound like that!”
                  “I… I didn’t know,” tears filled the injured mare’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Twilight.”

                   “Don’t apologize. Come here,” she said as she soaked herself helping the mare out of the tub. She forgot in her alarm that she could probably have done it easier with magic.

                   “Okay, it looks like you tore some stitches in your side again. I should be able to fix it… if I can just-“ her magic came back to her now “-There.” She looked Rainbow over, making sure the sutures in her wing were still holding. Besides some blood on her coat and the paleness in her face, she looked to be okay.

                   She grabbed a small rag from under the cupboard and soaked it in warm water. “Here, let me help you get cleaned up.” With careful dabs and light strokes she washed her shivering friend, blushing slightly at the intimacy of the situation. Afterward, she magically pulled a plush towel from the cupboard, heated it with her horn, and wrapped it around the quivering Pegasus.

                   “Can you walk?”

                   “I…” Rainbow couldn’t speak, and nodded instead. Twilight suspected there was just as much emotional trauma as physical, but she wasn’t sure it was a good time to do anything about it. Letting the smaller mare lean against her she led her to her bedroom.

                   “T-T-Twilight, I-I can sleep on the c-couch,” she managed through chattering teeth. 

Twilight ignored her as her horn lit up, pulling the sheets down and lifting Rainbow out of the towel and onto the bed. The cyan pony continued to tremble as Twilight inspected the repaired stitching in her side.

                   “I think it looks okay now,” she stated and began to prepare bandages to cover it again. The miserable pony’s tremors made the task quite daunting. 

                   Finally finishing, she wiped the sweat from her brow. “There, that looks good now. Oh Dash, you’re shaking so badly.” She pulled the covers as tightly as she could while still being gentle around the pegasus, and magically heated the blanket. “Maybe we should get you back to the hospital.”

                   “N-no. I’ll b-be fine.”

                   “But, Rainb-“

                   “No, Twilight.”

           Twilight gave in. “Fine, but I’m not leaving you alone.” She gingerly climbed on top of the covers. “So don’t try to make me leave, because it won’t work” She said this in mock anger, giving her friend a harsh look that quickly melted into a smile. The two continued to look at each other and Twilight felt heat flush her face. She felt a sudden and strong urge to just wrap her hurt friend in a tight embrace, and protect her from the world. It wasn’t necessarily a romantic feeling; rather, a deep love for a close friend. She pressed her forehead into Rainbow’s and closed her eyes. “I’m here for you, Rainbow Dash.” The words sounded intensely passionate, even to her ears. She quickly pulled away in embarrassment.

                   She curled up in a tight ball next to dash, the only layer between them being the covers, and stole a quick glance at her friend whose eyes were already closed above a nearly unperceivable smile. Sighing, she closed her eyes, unable to suppress the smile that slid to her own face.
 
           

        “Oww!” Twilight exclaimed at the sudden assault on her head. She looked around, disoriented, and raised a hoof just in time to stop a second offending kick.

                   “Noooo… just…” Rainbow followed that with a low groan. Her eyes were still closed as she kicked out again and again.

                   “Rainbow!” Twilight moved to try and soothe the distressed pony, obviously in the throes of a nightmare. Oh no… Rainbow’s forehead was scorching and, in the moonlight from the window, Twilight noticed a sheen of sweat covering the cyan coat. She ran to the bathroom, pulled a towel from the cupboard, and drenched it in cool water. After she squeezed out the excess, she hurried to Rainbow and placed the cloth over her head, brushing her hoof through the moaning filly’s mane as she tried to calm her struggling friend.

                   “It’s okay Rainbow. I’m right here.”

                   Rainbow’s eyes fluttered open. “Twilight?”

                   “Yes, I’m here,” she smiled down Rainbow.

                   Rainbow closed her eyes, a pained expression marring her face “I don’t feel so good, Twi.”

                   Twilight continued stroking the colorful mane with a look of worry. What should she do? She was unsure if this warranted an emergency trip to the hospital, or if she should just keep a close eye on her. She really wished she had another one of her friends with her, or that at least Spike wasn’t in Canterlot on errands. She wouldn’t dare leave Rainbow to get one of her other friends, so her options were very limited.

                   If she had to leave she would have to take Rainbow with her, and if she was going to risk moving Rainbow, the only place she would take her would be the hospital. Was she just panicking? Did Rainbow really need the hospital? She pressed her hoof against her friend’s face but, with her hoof still wet from the towel, she couldn’t tell exactly how hot Dash was. Hesitating only for a moment, she pressed her cheek against Dash’s. She was still way too hot, but she did seem to be cooling and her body was definitely more relaxed. Dash's  cheek felt impossibly soft against hers and she closed her eyes, relishing the feeling,  just for a moment. 

                   “Twilight? What are you doing?”

                   “Nothing! I mean – I was trying to see how hot you are.”

                   Dash chuckled weakly. “Nice moves, egghead.”

                   “What!? Oh no, not like that, I mean…” She blushed furiously, partly because she realized she liked the feel of Dash’s cheek on hers. Wait, what!? She had never thought about another mare like that before.

                   “I’m just playing with you, Twilight. Geez, settle down. I’m sorry I embarrassed ya.”

                   Twilight shook the confusion from her head. “No. I mean, you didn’t. I uh...was actually trying to figure out what to do for your fever. As far as what I’ve read, fever and infection usually go hand in hand. Which means I should probably be getting you to the hospital.”

                   “Ugh, Twilight, can’t I just sleep and see how I feel in the morning?”

                   “But,” Twilight bit her lower lip, “I’m just worried for you. You were moaning in your sleep, and your coat was so hot it almost hurt to touch.”

                   Rainbow rolled away, showing Twilight her back. “I’ll be okay Twi. Let’s just go to sleep.”

                   Twilight’s brow furrowed in concern. She didn’t want to give up so easily, but she found herself laying back down with her coat pushing firmly against her friend’s.This way I’ll hopefully be able to tell if her fever spikes again she told herself, but the blush returning to her face exposed the lie. As she drifted to sleep a stray hoof found its way around the Pegasus’ middle.
                    

=+=+=+=

 
                   Fluttershy tossed and turned in her bed, a rough and exhausting sleep gripping the troubled mare...