Rainbow has a crush, and Rarity seems to be the only one who wasn't informed. As she searches for the identity of Rainbow Dash's new love interest, Rarity questions whether or not her conclusions are based on reality... or on what she wishes were true.

It was a surprise that Dash offered a kiss as a prize at the charity auction. It was a surprise that the colts were as "enthusiastic" as they were. It was a surprise that Dash didn't leap on the colts and beat them for their comments.

But, the biggest surprise of all was which one of her friends bid on her kiss... and why.

This story is a sequel to Who-dunce-it?

The crime? Burglary. The stolen goods? Nothing—or so the obscenely wealthy Duchess Clearglass claims. The culprit?

Well, that's Rarity's job. Whether she wants it to be or not.

Reading the previous story is not necessary to enjoy this one, but will provide additional context.

Every night, in a little stable just outside of town, an old mare lays down to sleep. And every night she has the same dream of rainbows and open sky...

Fluttershy's kindness to all creatures is legendary in Ponyville. When a freak storm blows in from the Everfree Forest, however, she and her friends discover the limits of compassion, and the dangers of living with your heart wide open to the world.

This story is a sequel to Resident Weevil

Oh, autumn. The season which has the Weather Bureau arrange for the temperature to fall below freezing overnight, followed by what almost seems to be random shifts of wind and climate during the day until you reach the point of perfect comfort -- which lasts for about three seconds. It's the sort of weather which a mare of dignity and taste can't possibly dress for without dragging a complete wardrobe behind her in a cart, along with optional changing booth. And Rarity's just a little fed up with this. Really, the eye twitches are hardly noticeable. And what's her solution?

Adjust the official schedule. After breaking into Rainbow's office.

Well, of course Twilight will help! What are friends for?

Now with author Patreon, SubscribeStar, and Ko-Fi pages. While this story is tagged as a sequel, this just indicates that it takes place after those events: no previous reading is required.

Rated C for Cumulonimbus Crackfic.

Rainbow Dash knows one thing for sure, she is definitely not a barbarous, uncivilized dolt who doesn't know polite conversation from a hippopotamus's rear end. And also that she's definitely not the one who's wrong. Rarity is wrong. Rainbow Dash is absolutely, totally, a hundred percent sure of it.

But then why did Rainbow just buy a wagon load of apology bouquets?

Rainbow Dash can’t find her sunglasses. Rarity can’t find her fainting couch. Pinkie Pie can’t find, well, everything. Something’s wrong with the space where ponies store their favorite belongings, but will Twilight Sparkle be able to figure out why?

Rarity has expanded her business into Canterlot and even helped Rainbow Dash fly with the Wonderbolts. This may just be the greatest moment of her life.

And yet, on the train back to Ponyville, she can't help but think about what could still go wrong. Fortunately, one of her friends is here to listen to her worries... though Rainbow Dash seems to have her own concerns at the moment.

A condensed and refined version of an entry in the November 2015 Writeoff Competition. Prompt: Out of Time

Also, in case it needs to be said, the cover image does not accurately reflect the train in the story; it was just the most appropriate thing I could find on Derpibooru.

Rarity and Rainbow Dash's Hearth's Warming Eve movie night takes a hilarious turn when an oversized scarf becomes the center of cozy chaos. Worst of all, cookies are at stake.

Part of Serina's Hearth's Warming Eve Collection for 2023.