//------------------------------// // Rest And Relaxation. // Story: Cuddling is the best remedy. // by TheFimFicCritic //------------------------------// Today is another lazy day. You’ve got nothing to do and Dash is tired. The work-load today really got her sore. You feel bad for her, she should not be in this much pain. You get up off the couch and walk into your room where Dash is napping the pain away. You climb in and snuggle up to her wrapping your arms around her like you usually do. Unfortunately Dash wakes up and yelps in pain. “Oh gosh I am so sorry Dashie, I didn’t hurt you too bad did I?” “No not too badly, but enough to wake me up.” “I’m so sorry Dashie. Do you want me to let go of you?” “You better not. Just don’t hold me too tight okay?” “ Alright… You want me to rub your belly?” She giggles. “Sure.” You begin to caress your mare’s stomach. rubbing her soft, velvety fur. You chuckle and smile. Even when she is sore she can’t help but indulge in your touch. Her sighs are music to your ears. “Is this helping any Dashie?” “No. How about you rub my shoulders? They hurt the most.” “Alright.” She rolls over so she is resting on her stomach. Being mindful of her wings you straddle her back. Placing your hands on her shoulders you gently begin to rub in small circles, trying your best to get the tension out of her sore body. Dash sighs as your hands knead away the pain. You smile and continue to gently rub, feeling the tense muscles relax as your hands tenderly attend to her. “So how was work?” You say as you continue to caress her shoulders. “Well I was the only one who showed up today.” You nod your head. “So I had to get all the snow ready for hearths warming in Ponyville… It wasn’t easy. Everypony was with their families because I gave them the day off.” You stop rubbing. Dash looks back at you. “Why did you stop?” “I’m just trying to understand why you did that. You knew you would have to do all the work on your own.” You say. “About a year ago I tried and failed to stop winter from coming.” “Really? I haven’t heard about that.” A realization hits you. “You feel like you have a debt to pay.” Rainbow nods her head. “I felt like if I could do the work on my own, I could put that behind me. Instead I feel tired and sore.” “Dash, you didn’t have to do that. Though I am sure your employees are grateful for the day off, they wouldn’t want their boss to over exert herself like she did today.” You see her smirk. “Can I ask you one thing?” She says. “Anything.” “Can I shower? I didn’t get a chance to after I got home.” You chuckle. “A nice warm shower may be just what you need.” You carefully pick her up and gently rest her against your chest. Being careful not to jostle her around too much, you carry her to the bathroom and get the shower running. With the warm water running, you place Dash in the shower and prepare to leave before Dash latches onto your arm. “Something wrong hon?” “Would you mind washing my mane for me?” She asks as she hands you a bottle of shampoo. You look into her shimmering eyes. You take the bottle and open it. Pouring a dollop in your hands, you place them in Dashies luxurious mane. She smiles and sigh contently as you softly massage her scalp. You smile and continue to caress her soft mane. Her smiling face makes your heart leap with joy. You continue to lather the suds into her mane, being sure you get behind her ears as well. She giggles and places her head under the running water. “I’ll go get the fire started while you finish.” “Alright, I’ll be right out!” You smile and get up, walking into your living room and tossing some wood and tinder in the fireplace before lighting and watching the fire. Turning around you see her. Wet mane drooping over one eye. Your breath catches in your throat as you see her, She is giving you a half lidded gaze. “Oh. My. God.” Dash giggles at your remark and trots over to to you. Her wet cyan fur glowing in the gentle light of the fireplace. You shake your head, clearing your head. “Dash, did I not leave you a towel?” She giggles. “You did, I Just wanted to see your reaction to my wet mane.” You chuckle, “It looks absolutely fantastic, but you left a huge trail of water.” You get up and walk into the bathroom, grabbing the towel you begin to dry the floor. Making your way to the living room, you find Dash staring into the fire. “Something wrong Dash?” Rainbow shakes her head. “Are you sure?” Rainbow nods. Walking back into the bathroom, you throw the towel into the hamper and get a fresh one out of the closet. You walk back into the living room and kneel down beside Dash. You place the towel around her and gently begin to rub, starting with her fore-legs and back, then to her chest and stomach. You pull the towel away and embrace her. “What? Not gonna dry my mane?” she whispers into your ear. You respond with a simple “Shh.” “I guess that means you like-” “Shh.” Rainbow Dash giggles and nuzzles you. You two remain embraced, only listening to the fire and the occasional crack of the burning wood. Rainbow breaks the hug and gives you a gentle kiss, the fur on her lips tickling your own. As the two of you remain lip locked, the fire seems to brighten. Seemingly responding to the fire in your hearts. You pull away and look deep into Rainbow’s eyes. You lean your forehead against hers. “So, how about we go take a nap?” Rainbow suggests. “How about I make my mare a nice salad to eat?” “Or you can do that. Food’s good too.” You chuckle and get up, you make your way to the kitchen and get out your knife and a head of lettuce. “So, what would you like on your salad Dash?”