“Ughhhhhhhhhh…” Dash groaned loudly from the sound of an alarm clock, surprised to not hear the usual rock playlist she was accustomed to every morning. Instead, she opened her eyes with a scowl, trying her hardest to resist the urge to pull a pillow over her face. “Not now…still tired...”
On the other hand, Fluttershy was feeling fantastic. The sounds of kittens and puppies that she had set as her morning greeting always made her smile. She sat up in her bed and stretched her arms over her head with a yawn. After a moment rubbing her eyes, she realized that she had not gone to bed alone. A sense of giddy nervousness filled her tummy as she turned to look down at Dash curled up on her side, eyes shut hard. “D-Dashie?” Shy muttered, reaching for her phone to turn off the alarm but keeping her eyes on her sleeping form.
“No.” Dash grumbled angrily. “That’s the other one…I’m sleepy.” She gave in and pulled a pillow over her head. Fluttershy just sat there and giggled, watching Dash next pull the blanket over her face.
“Wait…” Dash bolted up into a sitting position. “Fluttershy?” She asked, feeling very self-conscious of her usually wild rainbow bed head. “H-Hey! When did…” She stopped and rubbed her eyes. “Oh right, yeah” She giggled hard and pulled the blanket over her shoulder to hide her body from view “…I spent the night.”
“Mhm.” Fluttershy gently placed a hand over her thigh more in a gesture of concern that anything else. “D-Did…you sleep ok?”
“Yeah, better than ok.” Dash nodded and smiled down at her. “I slept awesome! Like a rock.” She wiggled her nose and scrunched her face before wiping the drool hanging off her lip. “You…sleep ok?”
Fluttershy smiled brighter and nodded slowly up at her. “Mhm…” She muttered softly while lazily tracing her eyes up and down Dash’s lovely form. “Better than ever…”
“Totally.” Dash got up off the bed, swinging her legs over the side, and arched her back with her hands on her hips to pop her spine a couple times. It looked painful, but Dash seemed to like it. “Ahh, yeah. Nice.”
With a sudden blush, Shy turned away. Seeing Dashie’s white spandex clad butt so early in the morning was like a little slice of heaven. “I-I…umm…I’m gonna go get some cereal.” Shy got out of bed and walked to her bedroom door, completely unaware that she had kicked her flannel pajama bottoms off during the night while she slept, leaving her cute little butt open for the gentle backhand. “E-Eep!!!”
Dash recoiled her hand and immediately blushed extremely hard, putting a hand over her mouth. “I…am so…so sorry….I didn’t mean to do that….It just kinda happened! Fluttershy, I’m so sorry…Sometimes I do really stupid stuff!”
Shy hid her face behind her hair, trying desperately to hide her massive smile while savoring the tingling from her butt cheeks. “It…It’s ok. Hee…” Shy shook her head and gave Dash a quick little hug before leaving the room, surprising the flustered athlete. It was unusual to receive physical affection right after slapping someone on the tooshie, unless…no way. Dash shook her head and giggled at herself as Fluttershy walked down the hall.
Fluttershy’s mother was already in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. “Hello, sweetie. I noticed you had company over.”
“H-Hi, mom…” Fluttershy felt extremely guilty and embarrassed for reasons she wasn’t entirely sure of. “I-I did…It’s Rainbow Dash. I-I am so sorry I forgot to tell yo-“
“Rainbow Dash?” She asked. “I know, don’t worry, hun. I understand if you forget to tell me things every now and then. It’s just nice to see you two hanging out again.”
“It is…” Fluttershy stood on her tip toes to reach the kitchen cabinet with all the bowls. She began pouring some raisin brand into her bowl and went to the fridge for the milk. “She came by to cheer me up yesterday.”
“Aw, she is such a peach.” Her mother giggled softly. “You’re lucky to have such a dear friend.”
“I…am...” Fluttershy poured her milk and hid her face behind her hair. This was a behavior she started to have early as a child, and her mother could tell when she didn’t want to be pushed too far on certain subjects of conversation.
Her mother went back to her coffee and began thumbing through her newspaper. After a few more minutes, the sound of Fluttershy’s bathroom shower came on with a loud crackling voice yelling, “H-Hot! Ow ow ow!”
Fluttershy’s head turned towards her room, and she got up to run towards the noise. She opened her door and turned straight towards the bathroom where a very stark naked Rainbow Dash was standing, a towel around her body. “Oh crap, I’m sorry. The shower burned me. I totally didn’t mean to scare you, Shy.”
“Are you ok?” Fluttershy walked up to her and put a hand on her shoulder. Her worry for her friend outweighed the desire to visually inspect the distraught girl.
“I think the shower might be different since the last time you stayed over, sweetie.” Fluttershy’s mother hummed as she peeked her head in through the door. She held out Dash’s gym bag for her. “You may need this to change. Just turn the nozzle half way to the left instead of all the way.”
“Thanks…” Dash cowered a bit in her towel. “I’ll keep that in mind. Sorry for all the morning ruckus. I feel pretty dumb.”
“Oh don’t be silly.” Her mother waved a hand at her and smiled warmly. “Fluttershy, go eat your cereal before it gets soggy.” She turned back to Dash. “Want me to make you a cinnamon roll?”
Cinnamon rolls were something she enjoyed whenever she spent the night at Shy’s place as a kid. It surprised her how much Shy’s mom could remember. “Uh, yeah that’d be cool. Thanks.” Shy’s mom smiled with a nod and gently pulled her daughter out of the bathroom back to the kitchen. Dash sighed and closed the bathroom door, taking the towel off slowly. Her skin felt tender from the burning water, but after adjusting the temperature, it felt pretty darn nice. It had been over a day since she last showered, and she hoped Shy and her mom wouldn’t be too upset about sleeping in her bed.
The inside of the shower was just as adorable as Shy’s own room. There were tiny shampoo and conditioner bottles in the shape of little animals, and all the soap bars were shaped like paw prints in paw print dishes. Dash wasn’t sure what was what, so she opted to soap herself down with a bar of soap head to toe.
Fluttershy finished her cereal and got up to go back to her room to change, but after a moment’s hesitation, she sat back down. “I-I’ll wait…” She sighed.
“Something wrong, sweetie?” Her mom asked.
“N-No…I was…just going…to change.” Fluttershy shook her head. “I’ll wait until she comes out.”
“You’re a very nice friend, honey.” She gave the top of head a kiss before going to the pantry to fetch the promised pastry. “When I was your age, my friends would slip a raw egg into my shower.”
“That’s terrible.” Fluttershy looked up at her and marveled at the many things that still surprised her about her mom. She must have had a much more fun and interesting childhood, minus the magical disasters.
Her mother just shrugged and giggled. “You get used to it after a while.”
Dash emerged from Shy’s room five minutes later wearing a school t-shirt and a pair of white trimmed blue short shorts with a lightning bolt on the butt, her gym bag over her shoulder. The smell of a fresh cinnamon roll wafted to her nose, quickening her pace down the hall to the kitchen. “Wow, that smells awesome.”
Shy’s mom held out a plate with a cinnamon roll. “Here you are. Enjoy.”
Dash took the roll and began digging in hungrily at the kitchen counter. “Awthsome.” She said with her mouth full. Fluttershy giggled softly into her hand as she watched her beloved eat. There were bits of cinnamon roll all over her cheeks, and Shy found herself reaching out with her thumb to brush the crumbs away. “Uh...thankth.” Dash swallowed and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “Sorry. I keep forgetting I’m kinda messy.”
“It’s alright, sweetie.” Shy’s mom patted the top of her head and smiled down at her. “You two can leave the dishes when you leave. I don’t want either of you to be late for school. Fluttershy, please go change now.”
Shy had forgotten all about changing when Dash came into the kitchen. “Oh, yes of course.” She got up and took quick little steps down the hall to her room. While she was doing that, Dash stopped chewing her food to stare at that cute little butt, half amused and half intrigued. Her gaze had not gone unnoticed by the woman standing over her.
With a clearing of her throat, Shy’s mother tapped her on the shoulder. “Please eat up.” She said with no hint of harsh stern. She knew it was in everyone’s best interest to hide any suspicion of anything going on between them. Fluttershy was growing up, and she was making her own decisions. If this was some random boy that had spent the night, there would have been problems, but Rainbow Dash was her daughter’s friend that she had known for nearly all her life. However, at some point, she knew she would have to have a talk with her daughter.
“Oh, right. Sorry.” Dash polished off her plate and looked up at her. “Thanks for the breakfast. I really needed that.”
Fluttershy came back in less than a minute wearing one of her usual green skirts and a soft tone yellow zip up hoodie. It was so casual, but Dash couldn’t help but notice how adorable it all looked on the small girl. “You two run along now.” Her mother said, gently nudging them towards the door. She gave her daughter her backpack and opened the front door. “Have a good day at school.”
“Ok, mom.” Shy nodded her head and received a kiss on the cheek
“We will.” Dash rolled her eyes when she received a kiss on the cheek as well.
The door closed behind them, and they began walking down the street. Dash put her arms behind her head as she walked before patting her tummy. “That was great.” She giggled. “I gotta spend the night more. Your mom is still pretty nice to me.”
Shy looked up at her and asked earnestly, “Do…you really mean that?”
“Huh? Mean what? Come over more?”
“Y-Yes…” Fluttershy looked down at the ground.
“Oh, yeah totally.” Dash nodded her head and patted her head. “I had an awesome time. You make a good pillow, I slept like a rock, I had a cinnamon roll for the first time in forever, yeah I mean that.”
Shy wrapped her arms around Dash’s waist and hugged gently. “That means a lot to hear you say.”
“Really?” Dash patted the top of her head again. “Well…cool.” She blushed a bit as she felt Fluttershy squeeze her waist.
Shy let go of her and turned to look back down at the ground. Dash shrugged, and they began walking down the street again. In silence, Dash pulled her phone out and began going through messages. She had a message from her dad that asked about where she had been all night. A quick message back to her dad was all she needed to put his mind at rest. Without anything to say, and feeling very conscious of the silence, Shy awkwardly fiddled with her hair while leaving Dash to her phone.
While they walked in silence for a few minutes, Fluttershy took the time to mull over the events of the day before in her head. Something about stealing that kiss had somehow made Shy feel slightly giddy, almost less stressed and less afraid of the world and everything around her. True, she wasn’t in a ‘relationship’ with Dash, but…to some degree, it did feel that way. Maybe her love was one sided, but she knew, deep down, and above anything else, that she loved Rainbow Dash.
The realization of how intense and real her love was made the girl’s cheeks turn red. A flame that originally started out as a small flicker was growing into a warm fire in her chest. With just as much giddy excitement as worrisome apprehension, she noticed one final truth. If her relationship wouldn’t go any further, her heart just might completely take over her actions, leaving her mind in the passenger seat.
There’s a small characteristic about fire that most people often forget. Flames, no matter the size, can be contagious.
Dash chuckled as she scrolled her thumb across her phone. An image had caught her eye that made her laugh, although Fluttershy paid no heed to any of it. With a quick and hopefully nonchalant glance, Dash looked the small girl over. She seemed lost in her thoughts, a behavior Fluttershy often portrayed when something important was on her mind. It somehow bothered the athlete. She stared at her for another whole second and scowled at herself. Was she so obtuse to her best friend that she didn’t feel comfortable asking what was on her mind? Had they become so distant in the past years that it was socially awkward to open up to each other?
With her thumb and index finger pinched together, Dash squeezed the bridge of her nose and sighed softly in frustration. It was unnerving to feel so frustration for no reason. There had to be some reason why she felt so mad at herself. Dash bit her lip and let her mind trace the source. This frustration was simmering, and she could feel other emotions in tandem at play. She could feel a sense of worry for Fluttershy, a worry she did not know she could possess. She felt a desire to make her happy, almost for no reason. Sure, they were friends, but this was almost unconditional. She felt some form of desire for her…almost as if she felt the need to be with her at any time. Lastly, she could feel…
Dash palmed her face and shook her head, rubbing her temples. Maybe I didn’t sleep as well as I thought. Dash sighed and let her arms fall to her sides. Whatever this feeling was, it was kind of dumb. Almost as if I’m falling for that dork. Dash’s eyes grew wide as her hands trembled. What she was feeling now was the same feeling she had once felt as a small child for a girl a year older than her in elementary school. She was fast, quick, strong, everything she had wanted to be growing up. What was her name?...Gilda?
“Um...Dashie?” Fluttershy hesitantly put a hand on Dash’s shoulder after noticing her peculiar facial expressions and body movements. “You ok? You look like you’re not feeling well.”
“Huh???” Dash’s head bolted up to look at who was talking to her. “O-Oh, no I’m good…” Dash shook her head to clear her mind and swallowed. “Yeah, totally. Just kinda…zoned out. I dunno…I get stupid sometimes. Sorta kinda just check out.” She forced a chuckle. “That’s why I’m an athlete, not a bookworm, huh?”
Fluttershy knew she was just trying to use her less than impressive school academic performance to play off something else. She also knew that Dash was never the kind of person to zone out. They already had a friend like that, and Dash was not much like her. “No, I don’t…I mean, I think you’re…smarter than you think. You’re not stupid. You’re not stupid at all.”
“You…really think so?” Dash asked, genuinely surprised. “I’m no egghead. You should see my last Spanish test. I barely passed…like, BARELY passed.”
“Maybe Spanish isn’t your best subject.” Fluttershy tried to console her, but a part of her wanted to steer the conversation towards what was really bothering her. “Is…this about Spanish class?”
Dash shook her head. “No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.” She smiled at Shy, getting a smile in return.
“Well, alright.” Fluttershy withdrew her hand. “You would tell me if something is wrong, right?”
“Y-Yeah, totally.” Dash nodded her head and stared ahead. “I promise. Nothing’s wrong. Maybe I’m getting dizzy from not having any Gatorade or something.”
Fluttershy’s eyes face lit up, and she reached into her bag to pull out a small juice box. “Do you want some apple juice?” She asked, holding it out to Dash.
“Um…but it’s yours.” Dash shook her head. “It’s ok. Save it for lunch.”
“But, I want you to have it.” Fluttershy gently grasped Dash’s hand and put the juice box in her palm. “Drink for me, please?” She looked up at her with a pleading expression.
A very slow forming blush spread across Dash’s cheeks as she gazed into that adorable face. “S-Sure…” She muttered, closing her fingers around the juice box while feeling nearly breathless and captivated. “I’ll...drink it…for you.”
“Thanks, Dashie.” Fluttershy broke the gaze to hug her around the waist for a quick split second. “Just tell me if you need some cookies for energy or something. I can always give you more juice boxes too.”
Dash giggled hard and began to sip it. “Can I get a sponge bath if I sprain my ankle?”
“Please don’t sprain your ankle!” Fluttershy gasped, the joke completely going over her head.
“Relax, Shy. I won’t. I’m not planning on it.”
Fluttershy sighed with relief. “Ok…That does make me feel better.”
“Hey!!! Heyyyy!!! You guys!!!”
With a groan, Dash shoved the now empty juice box into her gym bag and looked up to see Pinkie Pie running full speed towards them. “Did she run all the way over here?” Dash mumbled, not really asking anyone in particular.
Pinkie sidestepped Dash with incredible skill and picked up a very surprised Fluttershy, squeezing her tightly with her arms pinned to her side. “P-Pink…k-kie…” Fluttershy tried to choke out a struggling complaint, but couldn’t take in enough breath to even speak.
“I missed you so so so…” Pinkie nuzzled her face against Shy’s side. “…so so much!” She put Fluttershy down and got inches away from her face. “Are you ok??? I was hoping you were feeling better today.”
Dash put a hand over Pinkie’s face and pushed her back. “Seriously, Pinks. Chill. You’re gonna choke her out before school even starts.” Dash looked to see Shy heaving a big breath of fresh air while trying to fix her hair back to normal. “She WAS feeling better until now.”
“Aw, but I was so worrrriiiieeedd.” Pinkie made a pouty sad face and nuzzled up against Dash this time, receiving a long sigh.
“Seriously, Pinkie.” Dash flicked a finger against her cheek and began patting Shy’s back.
“So, is everything ok?” Pinkie stood between them and draped her arms around their shoulders. “You two friends again?”
“Yeah, of course we are.” Dash nodded and giggled. “We never stopped being friends in the first place.”
“Whewwww!” Pinkie made a dramatic sigh. “Thank goodness!”
Fluttershy felt very nice being showered with so much affection in the morning. “I’m ok, Pinkie. Thank you.”
“Awww. You’re so cute.” Pinkie patted the top of her head and pinched her cheek. “You’re super duper welcome. So did you girls just hang out yesterday?”
“Mhm. We had a lot of fun.” Dash scratched the back of her head and blushed a bit, remembering Fluttershy being the best snuggle pillow. “We played board games and watched some TV.”
“Ooooh, sounds like fun!” Pinkie clapped her hands together. “Can I play board games with you guys next time? Please? Pretty pretty please with a cherry on top?”
“Fine fine, relax.” Dash smirked at her. “But you have to bring the snacks.” Fluttershy’s head perked up when she heard Dash’s mischievous tone. “And you also have to bring some of your famous Pinkie punch.
Pinkie gasped loudly and covered Dash’s mouth. “Shhhhh! My special punch is supposed to be secret! You can’t tell anyone!” She turned to Shy and stared fiercely at her. “That goes for you too.”
“I-I...I don’t even know what you’re talking about.” Fluttershy pulled her hoodie over her face.
“Okayyy, Pinkie. Chill out!” Dash pushed Pinkie away from Fluttershy and sighed, reaching into her bag for a flashy looking headband. She held it out at Pinkie, making her eyes grow wide.
“Oooh! Shinyyyy…” Pinkie took it and began pulling her poofy hair up to put it on. “Look at me! I’m a dancer!” She began doing the moonwalk facing backwards, making her arms perform a wave. They kept walking down the school as Pinkie began doing bits and pieces of different weird dances. When they reached the corner street, someone was else was waiting for them.
“That’s pretty impressive.” Sunset commented, walking up to the three girls. “Nice moves, Pinkie.”
“Hey, Sunset! What’s up?” Dash put up her hand and received a high-five.
“Sunset!!” Pinkie hugged her waist. “When did you get here?”
“I’ve been here.” Sunset straightened out her leather jacket. “I was waiting here to walk to school with Dash, but I didn’t know you guys were here too.”
“H-Hi, Sunset.” Fluttershy did her best to sound cheerful despite a tinge of disappointment.
“Hi, Flutters.” Sunset smiled at her and began walking with the trio down the street. “What’s with the headband?”
“Oh, Dash gave this to me!”
“Whoa whoa whoa, I didn’t give it to you.” Dash shook her head. “I showed it to you so you would…Let me have it back.”
“Aww…but it’s so cool! Can I keep it, pweeeaasee??” Pinkie made the biggest puppy dog eyes she could up at her.
“No.” Dash grabbed the headband and yanked it off her forehead, away from her poofy hair. “I need this later.”
“Phooie.” Pinkie made sad doggie noises and laid her head on Sunset’s shoulder. “Dashie can be such a meanie-head.”
Sunset giggled and decided to play along, putting her arm around Pinkie’s shoulders. “Yeah, Dashie is a meanie-head.” She turned to Dash and stuck her tongue out at her.
“Hey! Why am I the bad guy here???” Dash crossed her arms and scowled although she knew they were just joking. “Sunset, I thought we were pals! You just got here, and now you’re taking her side?”
“See? See see see?” Pinkie snickered back at her. “Total meanie-head.”
Fluttershy however, didn’t know they were joking. She never was much for social cues or jokes, so she spoke up to say, “I don’t think you’re a meanie, Rainbow.”
“See?” Dash put her arms around the adorable girl and hugged her, sticking her tongue out at Pinkie. “Fluttershy thinks I’m cool.”
“Oh yeah?” Pinkie made an angry scrunched face. “Well maybe you should just marryyyy her!” She snorted with a giggle.
Fluttershy blushed incredibly hard, feeling very nervous as Dash held her close. “I-I…I um-”
“Fine!” Dash made a dorky cross-eyed face at Pinkie. “Doi-doi-doi.”
Pinkie was never one to back down from a funny face fight. She crossed her eyes and sucked her lips in like she had just bit into a lemon. Sunset began laughing hard while Fluttershy tried to sink deeper into her hoodie.
“You two look ridiculous.” Sunset commented.
“Not me. I look cool.” Dash shook her head and crossed her arms, making Fluttershy feel very relieved to not be put on the spot anymore. “I always look cool.”
“Yeah, cooooool.” Pinkie drew the last word out while wiggling a finger around her ear in a circle. “Cool as a cucumber, maybe.”
“Oh, that’s it.” Dash tossed Sunset her bag and took a long step towards Pinkie.
In a low crouch, Pinkie got into a karate stance and waved her hands around slowly. “Get ready for some Pink-jitsu! Hoi-yaahhhh!”
Dash and Pinkie began circling each other on the sidewalk, trading incredibly silly faces and crouching low in fighting stances. Their dorky dance lasted all the way down the next block while Sunset poked fun and Fluttershy nervously watching for any safety hazards.
“Um…D-Dashie…Pinkie…Girls?...Um, girls?” Fluttershy was desperately trying to get their attention. “Girls!” Everyone turned to look at her pointing at a stop sign. The four of them had been walking and not paying attention to the four-way intersection up ahead with the school now visibly in the distance.
“Oh…” Pinkie stood up straight. “Whooopppsss…”
“Sorry…” Dash looked to where she was pointing. “We got carried away.”
“I’m sorry too.” Pinkie genuinely looked sad this time.
“Hey, it’s ok.” Sunset patted both of them on the back. “It’s funny to watch you two play around, but be careful.” They both nodded.
“I…I’m sorry for shouting…” Fluttershy managed to squeak, looking down at the ground. “I...didn’t mean to.”
“No worries.” Dash put her arm around her again. “Don’t feel bad. You did us a huge favor.” Sunset nodded her head, and Pinkie did the same. Dash gently hooked her arm through Shy’s and nuzzled the top of her head, making the smaller girl squeak. She did feel pretty bad now after seeing how upset Shy had gotten. “Uh…Come on. Let’s get to class before we end up late.”
“Good idea.” Pinkie nodded her head and crossed the street. “I wanna buy a candy bar before class!”
“That’s great, Pinks.” Dash rolled her eyes and held Shy’s hand as they crossed the street together. After what just happened, it was fairly obvious that Fluttershy was now a bit paranoid of getting into an accident. Hopefully that would go away after the day was over.
Sunset’s ears perked. “Hey you know, a candy bar sounds pretty good right now.”
“Then what are we waiting for!” Pinkie grabbed her hand and pulled her hard towards school. “Let’s go!”
“H-Hey! Pinkie!” Sunset just laughed and ran right behind her, trying to keep pace.
Dash just sighed with a shrug and crossed her arms again. “Well that was fun…”
“Mhm…” Fluttershy gave a small nod as she yawned, her hand covering her mouth.
“You ok?” Dash asked her. “You look like you’re still sleepy.”
“I’m ok.” She looked up at her and blushed a bit. “I…just wanna…go back to bed…It was nice having someone to snuggle.”
“Yeah.” Dash giggled and patted the top of her head before stepping towards school with her hands resting behind her back. Fluttershy picked up her pace to keep up with her.
Inside Canterlot High’s hallways, Dash and Fluttershy could see two more of their friends standing next to an open locker. Rarity had her hands up as if she was warding off an attack, and Twilight stood behind her with a comb and a spray bottle. “Rarity, you need to hold still.” Twilight tried to scold her.
“I’m sorry, darling. I just can’t let my guard down.” She growled softly. “Who knows when that Pink fashion fiend will show her head to ruin my appearance?”
Twilight giggled and combed the brush through her hair before spraying the area a few times. “I’m sure Pinkie isn’t going to ruin your hair today as long as you keep an approximate three foot distance between the two of you, adding one extra foot as a safety buffer zone.” Rarity turned to her and raised an eyebrow. “I mean…I’m sure she doesn’t do that on purpose.”
“Um, quite.” After a few seconds, Twilight lowered her hands, and Rarity examined her appearance in the mirror she kept on the inside of her locker door. “This is splendid work, darling!” She exclaimed with a smile, twirling around in place. The back of her fitted white skirt raised a bit as she finished her rotation. “You really do know what you’re doing, dear.”
“Thanks!” Twilight beamed. It felt nice to be useful to her new friends. “After I got your text, I did some research last night to prepare myself.”
“I marvel at the things you can learn in just one night.” Rarity put a dab of eyeliner in a couple places before popping her lips a few times to see if her lipstick was dry enough.
“Hey guys.” Dash waved a hand. “Is it makeup time already?”
“Oh, you think you’re so clever, don’t you.” Rarity scowled at her.
“Good morning, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy.” Twilight waved hello to both of them.
“Hello, Twilight.” Fluttershy smiled up at her. “You two look nice today.”
“Don’t we?” Rarity put her hands on her hips and giggled. “I must admit I had my doubts, but I knew my beauty would shine through even the worst of wardrobe functions.”
“Hoorayyy.” Dash said sarcastically. “So, what’s with Twilight doing your hair?”
“If you must know, I needed an extra pair of hands to apply some protective conditioner. Just in case our…” She snarled. “…pink party animal decides to make me go completely bald.”
“Gross.” Dash rolled her eyes.
Rarity ignored that. “Twilight here has been an exceptional support to me this morning.”
“Oh, come on, Rarity.” Twilight blushed a bit. “It was nothing.”
“It certainly isn’t nothing. Your assistance may mean the salvation of my appearance today.”
“That’s real sweet of ya.” Came a new voice. Rarity closed her locker door to stare directly into the face of Applejack sporting her usual Stetson.
“Goodness!” Rarity put a hand over her heart and took a deep breath. “Applejack, darling. You nearly scared me stiff.”
“Heh.” Dash smirked.
“Don’t you even start.” Rarity pushed a finger at her nose. “It is WAY too early for bad puns.” She cleared her throat and ran a hand over her hair. “It’s very nice to see you, dear.”
“Well howdy to ya.” Applejack nodded her head at everyone before turning her gaze back to Rarity. “Ya’ll look real nice.”
“Oh?” Rarity blushed just a bit and smiled. “Do I? In this old thing?” She lifted the hem of her skirt a bit. “Well, I’m certainly glad you think so.”
“Well, Ah ain’t much of a fashion gal, but Ah can tell when someone looks right pretty. Ya’ll take care now. Ah gotta go give my lil sis her lunch. Darn gal ran right out the house without even grabbin’ all her books. See ya’ll at lunch!” Applejack just gave her an innocently bashful smile before walking away down the hall. Twilight was a bit puzzled at the sudden change in Rarity’s demeanor, and it was very hard not to notice how self-conscious she had just become in front of Applejack. Dash just rolled her eyes, clearly bored of listening to Rarity talk about her appearance for the millionth time, leaving Shy to stare at everyone’s feet.
For a long moment, Rarity’s eyes followed the distancing backside of the country gal. Dash noticed this and smirked. “Too early, huh?” She giggled.
Rarity flashed Dash a dangerous stare and put a finger over her mouth. “Not. A. Word.” She quietly hissed. A heavy blush covered her pale face when she pulled her finger back. “A girl’s appearance is never a joke.”
“Welllll…” Twilight twirled her thumbs together and clutched her book bag. “…I think I’ll be going to class now.” She gave everyone a smile and walked off. “Nice seeing you girls.”
“And I shall be off as well.” Rarity scowled at Dash, only receiving the same smirk as before. “You best keep what you’re thinking to yourself, if you know what’s best. Tah-tah, Fluttershy.”
Shy received a hug from her, and she smiled before letting her go. Dash moved in for a hug but only received a jab in the ribs with an elbow. “Ow! Hey!”
Rarity huffed and held her head high. “It serves you right, dear. Now you behave yourself and don’t get Fluttershy into any trouble.” She walked away proudly.
Dash groaned and rubbed her side. “That was mean.” She turned to Shy. “Did you see that? What was that for???”
Fluttershy giggled softly and gently poked Dash’s side. “Are you ok? You’re not hurt, are you?”
She sighed and shook her head, moving her hands up and down the lower part of her back. “Nah, I’m good. She was right. I did kinda deserve that.”
“But…why?” Shy nervously put two fingers together, feeling silly for not understanding. “Was it because you teased her?”
“Uh, yeah.” Dash giggled and rubbed the back of her head. “I went too far there.”
“I see…” Fluttershy poked her side again. “Are…you sure you’re ok?”
“Totally.” Dash gave her a nod and laughed. “She doesn’t hit hard. I’ve been kicked in the shins way worse at practice.”
“O...kay.” Shy looked up at her with an adorable smile. “As long as you’re ok.” The bell for morning classes rang out throughout the school, and Shy nearly jumped. “Eep!..Oh…sorry.”
Dash didn’t even notice her little fright. “Yikes, class…Well, I guess I’ll see you at lunch, as long as I don’t die from boredom in geometry. Gym class might be a little late, so save me a seat?”
“Sure.” Shy just nodded, feeling the usual crushing disappointment of school actually starting. She was surprised to get a big, tight hug from her best friend. “D-Dashie?”
“Oh, heh…my bad.” Dash let her go and blushed a bit. “I dunno…I just thought you wanted a…nevermind.” She took off down the hall. “See you later!”
Shy stood there, waving meekly with one hand while mumbling, “I…I did want a hug…”
-o0o-
Lunch today was gross. That was all Rarity had to say about it. Everything on her tray was a sloppy mess of soggy carrots and corn, sour and flavorless salad, and something that was supposed to be chicken fried steak but had the visual consistency of a flat sea slug in gravy sauce. This lunch truly was an absolute disappointment. The only thing she got it for was the salad, and even that was inedible.
“Ew.” She sniffed the air around the food and immediately pushed the tray away. The only other people sitting at the table with her were Fluttershy and Twilight. Both of them held the same level of appreciation for what was being served today.
“Is this…” Twilight picked up the sea slug chicken with her fork and watched it ooze back down onto her tray. “…tofu?”
Fluttershy didn’t even want to guess. She had decided that she would buy a granola bar from the vending machines before the day’s last class started. “It…looks like a doggie chew toy.”
“That truly is disgusting.” Rarity got up and picked up the three of their trays with an angry scowl. “I’m going to throw these away and buy us some real food after school.”
“Really?” Twilight pushed the glasses back on her face to look up at her. “You would really do that for us?”
“Of course! I simply cannot allow my friends to suffer threw such vile sludge this place calls a meal. After school, I will be taking us to a nice sushi restaurant.”
“I’ve never had sushi before.” Fluttershy felt nervous about eating raw fish. “Is…it safe?”
“Of course, dear.” Rarity giggled. “I’ll be right back.” She left to dispose of the food properly.
Twilight turned to her and added, “I feel like we should be making our own lunches.”
“It’s not always bad. We usually eat pretty well here. I think Applejack’s grandma might be sick today. That might be why the food is so terrible.”
“That’s a relief.” Twilight’s tummy growled. “Too bad though…I am pretty hungry.” She sighed and laid her head on the table.
Rarity came back holding three Styrofoam boxes filled with various greens. “Here you are.” She set them down in front of her friends. “It’s just a simple salad. I’m afraid we don’t have any dressing, so I apologize. This was the best the kitchen could do so short staffed. I did ask if Applejack’s grandmother was here, but she had taken a personal day.”
“Thank you so much!” Twilight took her fork and bit into it. She chewed her food and swallowed before speaking, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy enough time to do the same. “I really need this.”
“It’s wonderful, Rarity.” Fluttershy beamed up at her, very grateful to have something edible. “Thank you.”
“Oh please, you two. It’s nothing.” Rarity smiled at the simplistic healthiness of her salad. “I’m just thoroughly relieved we have at least SOMETHING edible here at school.” They ate for a bit in silence until all three had finished. Since it was a small meal, it only took a few minutes. “So, darling.” Rarity turned to Twilight. “How do you like it here at Canterlot High?”
She smiled again. “I like it very much. It’s fun, there’s always so much to do, and I have friends to spend time with here. I’ve honestly never been happier.”
“Awww!” Rarity cooed. “That is such wonderful news!” She squeezed Twilight’s hand, and Fluttershy gave her a quick hug.
“Plus, I’m learning a lot from you all.” Twilight took her glasses off to clean them. “Right now, I’m learning about fashion from you, and I’m learning about parties from Pinkie Pie.”
“She’s teaching you about parties?” Shy asked.
“Mhm. When she came over, she was going on about how I have the best house for throwing parties. She said the rotunda overlooking the garden would be perfect for a dance floor.”
“I’m sorry?” Rarity gasped. “Your house has a rotunda?”
“And a garden?” Fluttershy smiled and let her eyes drift to a lovely image of a field of flowers. “That sounds lovely.”
“Just how big is your house, exactly?” Rarity interlocked her fingers with her elbows on the table and rested her chin on top of her hands.
“Um…” Twilight felt a bit embarrassed. “It’s…regular size? Maybe a little more.”
“And just how much more is a little more?” Rarity pressed.
Pinkie walked up behind her holding a tray with a total of five sea slug chickens on it. “Are we talking about Twilight’s house???” She sat down next to Rarity, making the fashionista scoot a whole foot farther away from the dangerous creatures on Pinkie’s tray. “It’s huuuuuggee!!! You could ride bumper cars in that place!”
“It’s not that big.” Twilight put her hands up. “Honest.”
“I had no idea you lived in such a marvelous home!” Rarity grabbed her hands and squeezed them again. “You MUST show me sometime! Tell me something. Do you happen to have crystal chandeliers in the dining room?”
“Welllll…” Twilight giggled. “We do have a couple.”
Rarity clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh, that is simply divine! I’ve always wanted crystal chandeliers!”
“I’ve always wanted a garden full of flowers.” Fluttershy smiled up at Twilight in admiration.
“And bumper cars!” Pinkie interjected with some chicken gravy on her cheek. The other three girls turned to her and grimaced because she was actually eating those dreaded unknowns on her plate. “What?” Pinkie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “Bumper cars would bring the room together!”
“Right, indeed.” Rarity turned back to Twilight. “I just had the most wonderful idea!” She took a sharp inhale. “We should all have a formal tea party at your house sometime!”
“Oh, I love tea parties.” Fluttershy nodded her head.
“Parties!” Pinkie thrust her fork into the air. “And you, Rarity!” She pointed the fork at her. “You can design Twilight a new dress!”
For the first time in a while, Pinkie had something incredibly brilliant to say. “Now that, Pinkie Pie, is a perfect idea!” She turned to Twilight and clapped her hands over the nervous bookworm’s palms. “Could I design a new dress for you?”
“I…sure?” Twilight looked around the table awkwardly. “I mean if you really want to. You don’t have to.”
“But I do indeed want to!” Rarity nearly jumped for joy. “It’s perfect! I already have a few designs I’ve been working on for the other Twilig- …oh never mind that. I know exactly what to make for you! You will look absolutely smashing!”
“Tea party at Twilight’s house!!!” Pinkie shouted before finishing off her first victim on her tray.
After Sunset opted to get at least one thing to eat, she made her way from the kitchen to see some of her friends already gathered. She heard a part of their conversation and asked, “Tea party?” Sunset took a seat on Twilight and Fluttershy’s side. All she had on her tray was a pile of vegetables. “What’s this about a tea party?”
“Oh and you!!!” Rarity pointed an excited finger at her, making the flaming haired girl instantly recoil. “You shall be receiving a new dress as well!”
“Really?” Sunset giggled. “What’s the occasion?”
“No occasion. We just wanna have a party at Twilight’s place.” Pinkie held out another victim on her fork towards Sunset. “Wanna chicken slug? It’s pretty gooood!”
“Umm, no thanks.” Sunset pushed the creature away from her face. “And I think those are supposed to be chicken fried steaks.”
“Really?” Pinkie looked it over. “I was sure they were slugs! Chicken slugs! I’m pretty sure they’re chicken slugs.”
“I don’t think there’s such a thing as chicken slugs.” Twilight shook her head.
Pinkie stood up and shouted at the top of her lungs, “Hey everyone! Are these chicken slugs???”
The whole cafeteria went silent and looked over at her. Some girl’s voice spoke up to break the awkward tension. “No?”
Pinkie sat back down and stared at her food intently. “Sooooo, the plot thickens, aye? I’m onto you, not-chicken slug.” She bit the end off, staring intently into the distance, her jaw moving slowly up and down.
“PULEASE stop talking to your food. And I use the word ‘food’ as loosely as possible.” Rarity sighed. “I would rather you eat it so I don’t have to stare at it any longer.”
Pinkie stuffed the slug into her mouth. “Like thith?”
“Ewww!” Rarity just turned away from her and sighed for a long moment. “Like I was saying, I shall make a new dress for you both.” She pointed to Twilight and Sunset again. “And perhaps we could have a fashion show!”
Twilight looked up at her and nodded her head once. “I would love that. I don’t think I’ve ever had friends over for a party before!”
“Are you sure it’s alright if we come over?” Fluttershy asked her. “I don’t want to impose if it’s a bad time.”
“No, it’s ok. My parents have been on my case about making friends for years now. They’ll probably take pictures or something if I brought friends over.” She giggled. “And my brother would love to meet you all.”
“Oh, this is going to be perfect!” Rarity squealed. “A tea party, dancing, fashion show, and pictures!”
“As your friends, we are glad to come over and hang out with you.” Sunset patted her on the back. “It took me a while to figure out that I can ask my friends to hang out with me when I want. You should know that if you want friends over, you can always just ask us.”
“Thank you, Sunset.” Twilight gave her a hug. “That’s really nice of you. It’s nice to know you girls are here to actually spend time with me.”
“Of course, darling.” Rarity very gently pinched her cheek. “We think you are an absolute doll!”
“Aww!” Twilight blushed a bit and giggled. “Thank you, Rarity.”
“You are just the sweetest dress maker ever!” Pinkie got right next to Rarity’s side and hugged her around the waist.
“Pinkie Pie!! You didn’t wash your hands!” Rarity pushed her away and ran her hands up and down her dress to smooth out the wrinkles. “And now I smell like that disgusting food!”
“Sorry...” Pinkie withdrew and dug into her pocket to pull out a pack of mint gum. “Would this help?”
Rarity looked at it and sighed, begrudgingly taking a stick of gum. “Yes, dear. Thank you very much.”
As the girls went back to talking about the upcoming tea party, it was decided that tomorrow, a Friday, would be the perfect day for their festivities. Applejack walked up to the table with Rainbow Dash, both smiling with glee. “Hey gals!” Applejack tipped her hat.
“You guys!” Dash quickly slid into a seat next to Fluttershy and grinned. “Awesome news! The first game of the season is coming up!”
“Really?” Sunset put her hands together. “When? When?”
“When when when whennnnn???” Pinkie got up and shook Dash by the shoulders.
Dash pushed Pinkie back gently and ignored her. “Tomorrow! Right after school, we’re gonna have a skirmish against the Trottingham Tailwhips! Isn’t that awesome or what???”
Applejack sat down on the other side of Rarity. “Plus, me ‘n my ‘lil sis are gonna be servin’ the best darn candy apples this side a the great big blue.” She chuckled. “My Granny Smith’s makin’ em all day today fer the big game.”
“That’s super duper diddly duper…” Pinkie sighed. “…but we just planned a tea party tomorrow.”
“Tea party?” Dash giggled. “Ok, that’s lame. You guys go have your tea party. Me and Sunset will be out on the fields having real-” Rarity reached across the table and flicked her finger against Dash’s forehead. “Ow! What is it with you today??? You’ve been beating up on me ever since I got to school.”
“If you would please refrain from talking for the next ten seconds,” Rarity cleared her throat. “We have organized a small party at Twilight’s house tomorrow.”
“She’s right…” Twilight did her best to hide some disappointment. “It’s ok if you can’t come. I understand you have other priorities.”
“Well shucks, sugarcube.” Applejack took her hat off as part of her apology. “Ah’m sorry. If Ah had known ‘bout this little shin-dig, Ah woulda planned on sellin’ candy apples another time.”
“Well, we could plan this next week if you like.” Sunset told Twilight. “Would that be ok?”
“Sure.” Twilight sighed. “I understand. It’s ok, really. We can always do it another time.”
“Well nuts…Sorry Twilight.” Dash sighed and looked over at her. “You look really bummed out.”
“No, I’m not bummed. I’m not bummed at all.” It was an obvious lie to spare Dash’s feelings, but everyone could see clear through it.
“You sure?” Pinkie asked her. “Cause you look pretty bummed.”
“I’m fine.” Twilight nodded her head, and Fluttershy put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “Stuff like this happens when you have friends…right?”
“Hmm…” Pinkie stared down at the table for a long moment. “Ideaaaa….” She turned to Dash with an inquisitive and intense expression. “Rainbow Dash!”
“What???” Dash nearly jolted back.
“When does your game start?”
“After school.”
“When does it end?”
“I dunno, maybe a couple hours later?”
“Hmm, I see…I see…How interesting.” Pinkie rubbed her chin.
“What’s interesting?” Twilight asked her.
“What are you scheming?” Rarity scowled at her. “You better not cause any unnecessary trouble.”
“Wait!” Sunset clapped her hands together. “How about we hold the party after the game!”
“Bingo!!!” Pinkie shot a finger out at Sunset. “You’re right on the money!”
“Well, shucks!” Applejack nodded her head. “That’s a great idea! We’ll all go to the game, ‘n afterward, we can all go back to Twilight’s fer a right fun time.”
“Yessss yes yes yes yes yes!!!” Pinkie shook her head over and over again until Dash reached out and put a hand under her chin to keep her from throwing her neck out. The smile from Pinkie’s outburst still remained on her face. Everyone smiled and turned towards to Twilight.
“Does that sound alright with you?” Fluttershy asked her.
“It’s perfect!” Twilight felt almost giddy in anticipation. “I would love that! My first school sporting event and my first party!”
“Awesome!!!” Dash giggled, then put her hands up. “I mean about the game, not the boring tea-” Both Applejack and Rarity growled low at her with angry scowls. “I mean, yeahhhh. Heh…Tea Party. Awesome...”