Rainbow Dash is going on her first date, and her friends are a little more than excited...
When Rainbow Dash tells her friends Soarin' asked her out, the other five mares decide to take matters into their own hooves; however, their seemingly amazing and helpful ideas not only guarantee a night she remembers, but one she would rather forget.
“Oh, come on, Rainbow Dash - just a bit of eyeliner? It won’t kill you.”
Rarity held the eyeliner with the magical glow from her horn and inched it towards her friend’s face. With each attempt, Rainbow Dash turned her head away like a child would from a spoonful of repulsive medicine.
“Ah reckon ya leave her alone,” Applejack sat by the vanity next to Rainbow Dash, folding her arms casually. “RD looks already fine - maybe a little too fine.”
As Rarity finally moved away, Rainbow Dash had a chance to look in the mirror for the first time that evening. Initially, she did not recognize herself. The pony in the mirror had the same rainbow mane except strands of colorful locks cascaded in perfect curls down her neck. Her dress was one of Rarity’s masterpieces, which captured the rainbow-themed style and mixed it with elegance and grace.
As much as she did not want to admit it, she looked stunning.
“You like it, don’t you?” Rarity smiled at Rainbow Dash’s gaping expression and then sighed. “Just a little bit of makeup, Rainbow dear. It’ll enhance your features.”
Snapping out of her stupor, the pegasus turned to the white unicorn. “Hey! I've been to the gala, Shining Armor’s and Cadence’s royal wedding, and Twilight’s coronation.And even at those I didn't put that… stuff on my face. I didn't need it.”
Applejack nodded in agreement. “Darn tootin’ ya didn't. Ah think ya look just fine without it.”
“I don’t know Applejack,” Twilight cut in, looking at Rainbow Dash. “The gala, wedding, and my coronation are different cases because those events were not about Rainbow Dash. She is going on her first date tonight, and well… she needs to look presentable.”
The pegasus snorted. “Oh, and this ritzy dress isn't presentable enough itself?”
“This a matter of impressing a stallion,” Rarity scolded. “And from my experience, most of them prefer their mares dolled up. At least, for the first date. First impressions are everything, you know.”
“Rarity, I don’t think Soarin’ really cares about that,” Rainbow Dash tried to say as calmly as she could. “I've seen him a bazillion times before without any 'enhancers'. Why should tonight be any different?”
Before Rarity could answer, Twilight interjected. “It’s just for tonight. Do it this once, and we won’t bother it with you anymore.”
Applejack facehoofed, and opened her mouth to protest before Rarity’s harsh glare silenced her.
Fluttershy tentatively spoke up. “Um, girls, I don’t think it’s such a good-” But she stopped short when Rarity brought that same gaze onto her. “I mean, I guess a little makeup can't hurt.”
Rainbow Dash looked around the room - from the timid eyes of Fluttershy, to the matter-of-fact disposition of Twilight, to the sympathetic gaze of Applejack, to the absence of Pinkie Pie, and to the strong glare of Rarity.
“I really don’t have much choice, do I?”
“No,” Rarity said firmly.
“And you guys won’t leave me alone unless I comply, right?”
Applejack opened her mouth once more, but a glance at Rarity silenced her. Biting her lower lip, the orange mare mouthed to Rainbow Dash: 'Do it to shut her up'.
With a huff, Rainbow Dash lowered her head in submission and gazed forlornly at the approaching eyeliner. At Rarity’s command, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and felt the pencil-like makeup tool trace the base of her eyelids. “You know, I’m really regretting telling you guys that Soarin’ asked me out.”
The tracing stopped and silence fell in the room. Rainbow Dash cracked open one eye and immediately knew she hit a nerve The look of Rarity's face was a mix of hurt and anger. Rainbow Dash quickly shut her eye and allowed her unicorn friend to continue. The pencil resumed its task, pressing against her eyes in a harsher manner. Rarity's anger permeated as she continued the procedure. The silence blanketed all sounds in the room aside for Rarity’s curt instructions for Rainbow Dash to open her eyes, close them, look up, pucker her lips, smile - and all the while some tool was pressing against her face.
Right as the unicorn finished, Pinkie barged in.
“Oh good! I’m not too late!”
“Where were yah?” Applejack asked.
“Helping Rainbow Dash with her date tonight, silly!” Pinkie replied, bouncing towards the dolled up pegasus. “Oooh, so fancy!”
Reluctantly, Rainbow Dash dared another look into the mirror. If it wasn't her own face, she would've been impressed with her features which met her eyes; but being that it was her own face, and considering the circumstances which lead to its makeover, she could only regard it in contempt.
“Thanks, Pinkie,” She muttered.
Pinkie wrapped a hoof around her a little too suddenly. “What’s with that frown, Dashie? You wanna smile for when he comes!” She grabbed each of Rainbow Dash’s cheeks and pulled them into a smile, smudging her hooves with blush.
“Pinkie!” Rarity shrieked. “You ruined her makeup! Now I have to fix it!”
Again Rainbow Dash found herself at the mercy of flying powder and fluffy brushes. Swirling powder flew into her nose and she sneezed.
“There,” Pinkie said as Rarity pulled away. “Now we’ll have to prepare you before Soarin’ comes.”
Rainbow Dash heaved an exasperated sigh. “Didn't you guys just prepare me?”
“There’s more to it than dress up!” Pinkie shoved a long sheet of paper into the pegasus’s face; it stretched out the door. “Here’s all the stuff I have planned for the two of you to do. Look - first Soarin’ knocks on the door, and I bring out my party cannon and throw you a good-luck-on-your-first-date-Rainbow-Dash-we-love-you party! And as you guys leave, confetti falls from the threshold of the front door! And… Oooh! Glitter!”
Pushing the list from her face, Rainbow Dash staggered back. “You aren't serious about this, are you?”
“Don’t be so embarrassed,” Pinkie chided. “Of course I am. We’re gonna make sure you have the best date ever! Right girls?”
The group nodded in unison.
“Now, remember, Rainbow,” Rarity began, adjusting the necklace around Rainbow Dash’s neck. It seemed her previous anger had subsided. “Be a lady. Remember that walk I taught you?”
“Yes, but I didn't actually think you’d have me-”
“Well, you must!” Rarity stared intently into her friend's eyes.
A book, covered in a magenta glow, hovered before Rainbow Dash’s face. “This has great facts about how to make a perfect first date, and dates after that,” came Twilight’s voice from somewhere nearby. “It has places go, things to say, and even little cues of how to know whether or not you should date him next time!”
“That’s a date for eggheads,” Rainbow Dash backed away from the book into Applejack.
“Don’t listen to all that hooey,” the farm pony said, guiding Rainbow Dash away from the hovering book. “A way to a stallion’s heart is through his stomach, right?”
“Yeah...”
“So give him lots ta eat!” Applejack shoved a crumpled up piece of paper into Rainbow Dash's hoof. “It’s mah apple pie recipe! Actually, it’s an Apple family apple pie recipe. Been handed down from Apple to Apple through the generations…” And she rattled on about her family, which faded from Rainbow Dash's mind as she tried to read the recipe.
She crumpled it back up. “AJ, I can’t read your hoof-writing. And I’m not much of a cook, last time I checked.”
“Um, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy gently said. “Maybe you should just let him-”
“Take you for a walk in the moonlight!” Rarity finished, wrapping her arm around the cyan pegasus. “Oh, it’ll be so romantic! I can just see it now!” She released Rainbow Dash and began prattling away. “Picture this, the two of you walking down the lane, side by side under Luna’s full moon. You’ll look into each other’s eyes and talk about... lovely things! And maybe you’ll even end the night with a kiss!”
Rainbow Dash went in for facehoof, but stopped herself before she smudged her makeup, otherwise Rarity would start fussing with her again. Instead, she scowled as all of her friends crowded her, their excited voices blending into an incoherent cacophony. And just as she was about to lose her mind, the doorbell rang.
Silence.
“It’s him!” Pinkie whispered excitedly and ran towards the party cannon. Her giddy hooves fumbled as she grabbed it, knocking it to the ground with a loud thump. Without warning, it shot confetti, streamers, and balloons across room, almost hitting Rarity and Twilight. Balloons exploded, the sound deafening everypony’s ears. The commotion soon stopped, everything slowly settled, and a messy room remained in its wake.
There was another knock at the door, and Rainbow Dash feared that if she didn't answer it soon, Soarin' would leave. Before any of her friends could draw another breath, she raced to the door, tripping over her dress and getting her hooves tangled in streamers. When she once again regained her balance, she brushed off the streamers and rested her hoof on the doorknob, reluctant to open it.
Luna’s moon was full and bright this clear evening as Soarin’ landed right outside of Ponyville, dressed and all for the night. A bouquet of flowers rested comfortably in his mouth. Once more he made sure that his tie was secure around his neck.
In all his life, he never thought that he would ask Rainbow Dash out.
After not only after saving his life for a second time at the tryouts, but saving his position to participate in the Equestrian Games, Soarin’ felt very indebted to Rainbow Dash and had a serious talk with his teammates.
“So what do you think we should do?” Spitfire asked. “You owe her the favor, not me or Fleetfoot.”
“Rainbow Dash taught us some valuable lessons,” Soarin’ answered, turning towards Fleetfoot. “The least we can do is teach her and her team some lessons of our own.”
The turquoise mare grinned. “You mean lethonth in flying, right?”
Soarin’ nodded. “Exactly.”
“She’s a good flyer, you know,” Spitfire sipped from her water bottle. “Why do you think we tried to replace you with her?”
Though they had rectified that error, Soarin’ could not suppress the sting that rose within his chest. Spitfire caught his expression and quickly said, “I mean, she’s got a lot of talent; what more can we offer her besides the basic training of a Wonderbolt cadet?”
“There’s a lot we can show not just to her,” Soarin’ answered, swallowing his slowly ebbing pain, “but to her team as well. We can help her train her teammates.”
Despite herself, Spitfire exchanged a grin with Fleetfoot. “I guess that’s not a bad idea…” And Soarin’ felt uncomfortable about the look between the two, but Spitfire’s professional persona helped put him at ease. “Alright, let’s do it.”
A Visit to Ponyville soon followed. Team Cloudsdale offered to help team Ponyville to train for the Games, to which Rainbow Dash readily agreed.
After the first session, Soarin’ gave the Ponyville team leader some pointers. Next practice was an improvement, so it became traditional that both he and Rainbow Dash would discuss techniques, and exchange advice. At first it was only after training, and it would be brief. Eventually the exchange became less factual and more conversational. Sometimes Spitfire had to prompt Soarin’ when it was time to leave, and he would apologetically pull away from the rainbow mare. Finally Spitfire just gave up and decided to let Soarin’ leave when he was ready.
Both Spitfire and Fleetfoot teased him one time when he got back late one night. Face flushing, Soarin’ had tried to tell them off. Of course, it only confirmed their suspicion.
“Face it, loverboy,” Spitfire laughed. “You like her.”
Fleetfoot snorted. “We thaw thith from the beginning!”
Wiping her eyes, the team captain gave Soarin’ a sinister grin. “Fleet’s right. Come on, Soarin’, why don’t you ask her out? You’re already spending a lot of time with her as it is.”
“I’ve been thinking about it,” Soarin’s ears fell flat against his head. “I’m not sure if she’s ready for that kind of thing.”
“Never know until you try,” Spitfire was not known to be so soft and encouraging, but now was one of those moments she let her gentler side manifest. “Personally, I don’t think she’ll turn you down.”
The next practice came and went, and Soarin’ stayed, per the usual, talking to Rainbow Dash. As Spitfire and Fleetfoot left, the golden mare winked at him for good luck.
When Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps retired for the evening, it was just the two blue pegasi. Rainbow Dash offered him a tour of Ponyville, but the night was already getting late and he would have to get back to the Headquarters before Spitfire would come stalking him.
“Sorry Dash,” he said. “But I need to head back.”
“Yeah, I understand,” she tried to keep a cool disposition, but her disappointment was palpable.
“We can take a rain check,” Soarin’ suggested, trying to keep his developing nerves at bay. “Maybe next week?”
“But I thought the Wonderbolts are on vacation next week,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Won’t you guys want the time off from training us?”
“We don’t only have to hang out when it revolves around training.” He decided to cut to the chase. “I guess I’ll be straight with you; would you like to go out with me?”
Apparently, the question caught her off guard. Gaping at him only made Soarin’ wonder if this had been a good idea.
“You mean…” She began, her voice unsteady. “You mean like a date?”
Soarin’ tried to reply as casually as he could. “Yeah.”
It took a moment for the mare to answer. “Nopony ever asked me out before,” she mused, almost as if to herself. Soarin’ held both his composure and breath while she contemplated.
“Thanks for the offer, Soarin’, but I think I’ll have to decline.”
Heart falling into his stomach and eyes widening, Soarin’ could not hold back his question. “Why?”
Tears welled up in Rainbow Dash’s eyes before she literally fell to the ground guffawing. Before Soarin’ could wonder what could be so funny, Dash pointed a hoof at him and panted: “The look on your face… priceless!”
She stumbled onto her feet and wiped her eyes. “Of course I’ll go out with you.”
Sighing, Soarin’ tried to slow his racing heart rate. “Oh, that’s good to know.”
Both agreed to go out for dinner at the local Ponyville pizza shop and swing by Sugarcube Corner for some desert. The day before their date, a gray pegasus with unkempt yellow mane and a strange pair uneven and confused eyes came to the Wonderbolt Headquarters. It took Soarin’ a moment to recognize the brown satchel slung around her shoulders and the mail-pony cap upon her head.
“Letter for Mister Soarin’!” She called.
“Thanks,” Soarin’ answered, taking the letter from her. “Do you by any chance know what happened to Priority Mail - our usual mail-pony?”
The mare opened her satchel and took out a package, which Soarin’ knew was not for him. “Oh, he sprained his wing, so I’m filling in his shift until either he gets better or if somepony else takes his place for me. I’m working a double load, here.”
Soarin’ could see she was exhausted. “Well, good luck.”
“Thanks!” And she was gone.
The stallion immediately opened the letter and recognized Rainbow’s hoofwriting.
Hey Soarin’,
There’s been a slight change in plans. Don’t worry - the date’s still on. Same time. Would you be able to pick me up from my friend’s place instead of mine? It’s not hard to find in Ponyville - just east of the Town Hall. It’s called the Carousel Boutique.
Sorry about that - my friends just want to see me out, and not all of them are pegasi, so they wouldn’t be able to stand on the clouds. Don’t let them know I told you that they’ll be there when you pick me up because they’re trying to be discreet about that. Between you and me, they’re doing a really bad job at it.
Also, my friend Rarity managed to get us reservations at Bon Appétit - some really fancy shmancy restaurant just outside of Ponyville. She tells me they have good food, and, as she says, ‘delectable desserts’ . So, I guess we’ll be going there.
I’ll see ya tomorrow night!
Rainbow Dash
Still sitting at Ponyville’s entrance, Soarin’ held the letter in his hoof, squinting his eyes to make out the address to this Rarity’s location. After walking/flying around the town, he failed to even find the Boutique, let alone Town Hall. Earth ponies walked about, engrossed in their affairs, so he resolved to ask for help.
“Excuse me,” he asked a big red stallion lugging a cart full of hay. “Do you know where the Carousel Boutique is?”
“Eeyup.”
“Could you tell me how to get there?”
“Eeyup.”
There was an awkward silence for a brief moment until the red earth pony turned his head towards the left. “Just follow that path yonder. It should take yah right there. See it?”
“Uh… no.”
The large stallion studied Soarin’ for a minute, as if he knew him from somewhere. As far as Soarin’ was concerned, he had never encountered this red pony before.
Jerking his head back as if he recognized the pegasus, the large stallion cleared his throat. “Nevermind, Ah’ll show ya the way.”
Soarin’ was a bit surprised. “Oh, thanks.” He started to realize that Rainbow Dash’s friends were not the only ones in Ponyville that knew about their date…
The red pony nodded in response and turned his head to shout, “Applebloom!”
A little earth pony filly appeared on the scene, a large pink bow tied into her fuschia mane. “What is it, Big Mac?”
“Ah need t’ help somepony,” Big Mac answered. “Would yah mind watchin’ the cart ‘til Ah get back?”
Applebloom, as Soarin’ supposed her to be, gave him a curious stare. “Wait a minute, isn’t that Rainbow Da-”
“Follow me,” Big Mac interrupted, and Soarin’ obeyed, though the filly’s statement clearly confirmed his suspicion.
As the distance between the two stallions and the little earth pony grew, he could hear Applebloom say: “Oh, Scootaloo is not gonna like this.”
“Did I just miss something?” He asked the large pony beside him.
“Nah,” Big Mac grunted. “Don’t pay attention t’ her.”
It wasn’t too long until they arrived at a building which Soarin’ presumed was his destination. Gazing at the edifice, it was obvious as to why it was called the Carousel Boutique. Its circular structure along with long rods attached to pony manikins made Soarin mentally spin it in circles like a merry-go-round.
“Thanks, Big Mac,” Soarin’ said, nodding to the red pony.
“Any time,” he replied. “G’luck!”
“Uh, thanks?”
But Big Mac was already down the road, and soon almost out of sight. Soarin’ drew in a breath as he stood by the door, gazing into the diamond shaped peepholes. But all he could see was his own reflection - a surprisingly handsome stallion in a tux and a bouquet of flowers tucked under his wing.
On the count of three, he rang the doorbell.
Silence then-
CRASH!
Soarin’s ears perked up in alarm. It sounded like something fell - something heavy. Nopony screamed or moaned, so hopefully nopony was hurt. He stood there for a little longer, listening to the sound of scurrying footsteps and low, agitated whispers. Rainbow Dash had informed him that her friends would be there, so he wasn’t surprised to hear more than one voice.
He knocked a second time, and all became silent again. Something felt rather strange, and he began to wonder if Rainbow Dash was ever going to answer - if she was even in there at all. Fear gripped at the edge of his mind, whispering the worst to him. Pushing it away was tough, but he held his composure and tried to keep his bad thoughts at bay.
The knob jiggled, and the door creaked open. Soarin’ held his breath as light poured out from the Boutique. When his vision cleared, the stallion dropped his bouquet onto the ground, along with his jaw.
Rainbow Dash stood before him, the light illuminating every detail of her features. It was as if she was under water, her mane swaying gracefully as she turned her head, her lashes flowing as she blinked, and her lips slowly changing shapes as she moved them. Soarin’ nearly lost his breath.
“Hey, ready to go?”
Soarin’ was still gazing at her. “You’re gorgeous.”
Rainbow Dash took a step back. “What?”
Suddenly, he snapped out of his stupor and blushed when he realized what he had just said. “Uh, I mean…” He swooped the bouquet off the ground and held it towards her. “These are gorgeous. Picked them out just for you.”
The mare took the bundle of flowers and held it to her nose. “Thanks.”
Phew, Soarin’ thought with relief. He offered her his arm. “Shall we head off?”
By the way Rainbow Dash hesitated, Soarin’ could see that she was not used to these kind of formalities. Awkwardly, she slipped her arm through his.
“Ready when you are,” She answered, her body leaning into his due to her very strange gait.
Rarity watched as the two pegasi flew into the air.
“Well,” she harrumphed, “She didn’t use that elegant gait. We spent the entire afternoon practicing.”
“More like ya spent the entire afternoon lecturin’ her about it,” Applejack remarked, sweeping the last of the confetti into the dust pan.
Sometimes it was better not to argue, so Rarity ignored her earth pony friend’s quip. She peeked back out the window, and there was no sign of neither Rainbow Dash nor Soarin’. Looking back at the others, she cleared her throat.
“Alright, girls, that was almost a disaster.”
“Seemed pretty disastrous to me,” Pinkie mumbled as she straightened out her cannon. “She didn’t leave with a party. What kind of a pony would leave for her first date without an official party?”
“Ah jus’ hope we didn’t scare the hay out of that poor stallion,” Applejack sighed. “And Ah hope it don’t sabotage the rest of the date.”
“We’ll just have to make sure about that.” Rarity wrapped a hoof around both Pinkie and Applejack while gazing at Twilight and Fluttershy. “Girls, why don’t we see to it that this date will be Rainbow’s best date ever.”
Neither the Gala, the royal wedding, nor Princess Twilight’s coronation could prepare Rainbow Dash for the majesty of the edifice that stood before her. Its massive structure could easily take up a bulk of Ponyville, which explained why it was located on the outskirts of town. She expected such grandeur from a castle; coming from a restaurant, this certainly surpassed her expectations, and she could not help but gape in awe.
Soarin’, however, seemed unfazed by the sight. Perhaps he had seen all sorts of places during his Wonderbolt career.
Upon entering the facility, Rainbow Dash suddenly felt out of place. Ponies here pranced around with style and class. Had Soarin’ not been with her, she would have eased her discomfort by stomping her way through and ignoring any dramatic gasps or disgruntled glares from those around her. Instead, she kept her composure while observing her surroundings and pacing her steps as she and Soarin’ walked through the foyer.
They stopped in front of a podium right at the threshold of the dining area. A maitr’d stood behind it, his eyes gently glimmering as he greeted the two. He spoke with a thick French accent.
“Welcome, madame and monsieur,” he bowed. The foyer’s light gleamed off his glossy black coat. “How may I be of servees to you?”
Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. “Uh, we have a reservation for two.”
The ebony pony straightened. “Of course.” A navy aura emanated from his horn, and he summoned a sheet of paper. It hovered its way over to him, glowing with same navy magic. Pulling a pen out of his front pocket, the maitr'd asked, “What is ze name?”
A groan escaped Rainbow Dash’s lips. “Soarindash…”
She heard the pale blue stallion beside her choke back a laugh. “Really?”
“Ah yes, here eet eez” The black stallion scribbled something on the paper and then placed it onto the podium. “If you will pleez follow me.”
Once she entered the dining hall, Rainbow Dash was impressed with the scene. Tall windows were evenly spaced from one another around the room’s perimeter, and the mare saw a breathtaking view of the nighttime landscape. Among the windows was a huge glass door that lead to a garden. Ponies were coming in and out, and the fragrance gently drifted into Rainbow Dash’s nose as she passed by. The color scheme was surprisingly calming: burgundy carpet, cream colored tablecloths, mahogany chairs with red velvet cushions, and off-white dishes that looked so delicate Rainbow Dash feared she may break something just by looking at it.
“Here we are,” the maitr’d stopped at a table right by a window. He pulled out a chair, and slightly bowed. It took Rainbow Dash a moment to realize he was holding it out for her. With an awkward smile, the pegasus gathered up her skirt and sat down. She planted her hind hooves on the carpet to scoot herself forward, but the ebony unicorn had already started pushing her into the table.
Of course Soarin’ had the privilege of taking his own seat. Rainbow Dash knew she would never get used to being treated like a lady; how Rarity enjoyed this, the rainbow pegasus would never fathom.
The female pegasus mumbled a polite 'thank you' as the maitr’d bowed and backed away.
They were now alone.
Soarin’ bursted out laughing.
“Oh, shut up!” Rainbow knew what was on his mind.
“Sorry,” he gasped. “But… Soarindash? That’s hilarious!” He finally calmed down enough to speak clearly. “I take it that wasn't your idea.”
Rainbow Dash's cheeks grew hot. “No… it was actually Pinkie’s idea. She has a way with creating words.”
Another waiter came by and handed them their menues and filled their glasses with water. Soarin’ was still chuckling. “It’s a cute name, though.”
“Oh lovely,” Rainbow Dash once again felt herself leaning for a facehoof but caught herself just in time.
Soarin’ stopped laughing, but a smile didn’t fade from his face. “If it bothers you, I’ll drop the topic.” He took his glass and began drinking.
For the first time that evening, Rainbow Dash felt relieved. “Thanks.”
“Hey. What are friends for?” Soarin’ placed his cup on the table. “Anyways, this is our first date; let's just have a good time.” His face grew serious and it appeared that he was studying the mare in front of him. “You okay?”
Rainbow Dash didn't realize that she was scratching her eye while simultaneously avoiding getting mascara on her hoof. It must have looked ridiculous.
“Yeah,” her hoof fell so quickly to the table that it sent a jarring pain into shoulder. Wincing, she managed to give a reassuring smile. “I’m fine… Just a little sore.”
“Be careful,” Soarin’ said softly. “You’re gonna need your hoof for eating.”
“Nah. I like diving my face into a plate full of food and making a mess.” Rainbow Dash gave Soarin’ a boastful smirk. “Bet I can out-eat you.”
The stallion returned the smirk. “Try me.”
Rainbow Dash was more than ready for a challenge. “You’re on!” And she picked up the menu and began searching through its contents fervently.
"Wait, Dash," Soarin's voice caught her attention, and she looked up. "I was kidding."
Rainbow Dash lowered her menu in disappointment. "Oh..."
"We can save a competition for another time," Soarin' said. "How does that sound?"
"Sounds great," Rainbow Dash replied, listing in her mind all the possibilities she could use to compete against Soarin' and win. "When that time comes, I'll be ready. But don't chicken out."
Soarin' arched a brow. "It's going to take a lot more than an opponent like you for me to chicken out."
The mare huffed haughtily. "Then you're in for a surprise."
When Soarin' gave no reply, Rainbow Dash returned her focus back to the menu. She busied her thoughts with the list of the selections, trying her best to brush away a sense of uneasiness. Usually she could tune out her surroundings, but Rainbow Dash felt very distracted. It was as if there was somepony standing in her personal space. Once the feeling grew too strong to ignore, the mare brought her attention away from the menu noticed something in her peripheral vision. She looked a little harder and dropped her menu at the sight of a waitress carrying a set of napkin cloths with her white magical horn.
“Wait… Rarity?”
The white unicorn, who was in the midst of walking through Rainbow Dash's proximity, paused in front of her friend. “Oh!” She whispered.
“What are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash whispered back.
She sheepishly pushed some of her mane away while she cleared her throat. “Oh… well, you know… just taking care of some business - like, you know, making sure your date is absolutely perfect.”
“Perfect?” Rainbow Dash echoed.
“Don’t you worry about a thing, dear,” Rarity answered, “you won’t even notice that I’m here.” And she was gone before the pegasus had a chance to respond.
Rainbow Dash turned towards Soarin', hoping he had not seen Rarity. However, he already had his menu lowered and it appeared that he had been watching. He looked confused.
“Heh… Guess Rarity has connections here," Rainbow Dash laughed nervously. "She failed to tell me that she works here part time.”
Soarin' looked a little concerned. “Is everything okay?”
I hope so, Rainbow Dash thought as she bit the inside of her lower lip. But she waved a hoof and said, “Nah, it’s just… never mind, do you know what you’re ordering?”
Soarin' did not look entirely convinced, but Rainbow Dash was thankful that he did not press the matter any further. “I’m actually debating between a few options." He flipped through the menu again, his eyes scanning each page. “Have you decided yet?”
Rainbow Dash looked at the list of dishes, but she felt her appetite slipping away. “No, not yet.”
“Why don’t yah try the Special?”
Rainbow Dash looked up at Soarin’. “What’s the special?”
The stallion shrugged. “I don’t know; I didn't say anything."
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash saw two other waitresses by her table.
“Applejack? Pinkie?”
“Give me those menus,” Applejack took them from the couple. “Ah know what’ll make yer meal extra special.”
“Desserts!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, throwing confetti in the air.
“Now Pinkie,” Applejack remonstrated, “that’s after the main course. Ah have t' get it for them, first." She looked at both Rainbow Dash and Soarin' with a toothy grin. "Whadd'ya say?”
Rainbow Dash spoke quietly to Soarin’. “I don't think we have much of a choice. Wanna try AJ’s 'special'?”
The stallion looked at the two mares and then back at Rainbow Dash. “I guess." He smiled and added, "Guess I won't have to worry about what I want to order."
"Fantastic!" The orange pony exclaimed, and both she and her pink friend happily made their way towards the kitchen. Pinkie bounced enthusiastically between tables, receiving angry comments from waiters and customers alike for her recklessness.
For some reason, Rainbow Dash found their absence more unnerving than relieving. Her mouth went dry at the thought of their return, and she took a few sips from her glass to help ease the tension. Initially, the water was soothing, but it tasted funny; she spat it back into her cup and gazed at its contents with a frown. Some of her lipstick tainted her drink, the water now sloshing around with a prominent pink tinge.
She wondered how Rarity functioned with all her make up and accessories.
“I can fix that.”
Twilight levitated Rainbow’s glass with her magic and undid the lipstick mess.
“Better?”
“Uh… thanks,” Rainbow Dash answered.
“It’s no problem,” Twilight pulled out her book and placed it right next to Rainbow Dash's plate. “You know, it says that to make a date romantic, there needs to be candle lights.”
“There’s plenty of light already; I don’t think it’s really-”
Poof! Scented candles of all shapes and colors in glass holders sat clustered together in the middle of the table; the aromas mixed together in a heavenly blend.
“-necessary.”
The little flames danced and flickered, greeting the couple with gentle gestures. Twilight smiled at her work and nodded proudly. “And it’s exactly how it should be.” And she happily trotted away with the book tucked under her wing.
An embarrassed smile crossed Rainbow’s lips. “Heh, heh. What else do you expect from an egghead?”
But Soarin’ seemed too fascinated by the candles. The little fires illuminated his green eyes, giving them a majestic glow beneath his black lashes. Small shadows stretched from his brows and cheekbones and lips, outlining the shape of his face. Yellow highlights streaked erratically across his cheeks, forehead, and navy mane, dancing with the flickering flames. Rainbow Dash could see the reflection off his pupils as his eyes wandered from candle to candle.
When he looked up, his eyes locked with hers. Rainbow Dash felt so much heat that she wondered if Twilight had brought them too many candles. All the warmth then consolidated from different regions of her body into her chest. She smiled at the stallion across the table. It was shy and pathetic, but she could feel it become more confident when Soarin' returned the expression. Something inside stirred - a feeling completely brand new, and she found herself enjoying its presence. With all these sensations racing inside her, Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and found herself leaning forward-
“Soup’s on, lady an’ gent!”
Applejack plopped both ponies’ meals right between them. Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open and she jolted back as if she had woken up from a deep sleep. At the moment, she wanted to glare at her friend for interrupting, but she decided against it; if Applejack knew that both she and Soarin' were making goo-goo eyes, the orange earth pony would never let her live it down. Instead, Rainbow Dash just gazed at the meal the orange farm pony prepared for them.
It was a fancy dish for Applejack's style. While the pegasus expected something apple related, each portion of her meal contained no trace of anything related to an apple. Most of the plate was covered with vegetables, including lettuce, slices of tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and olives, slivers of onion, croutons, and an assortment of seeds. A clump of wild rice sat atop the center of the salad. Some loose grains fell and were lost in the vegetable mixture. Roasted potato chunks were heaped together on a small portion of the plate that contained no salad. Pinkie Pie set a basket full of different kinds of bread, along with some spreads, on the center of the table.
Rainbow Dash was too busy observing her meal while the orange pony spoke about some family history related to the dish. It was only once Applejack finished speaking that the pegasus came to. Relieved to be alone, Rainbow Dash brought her attention to her date across the table. A small, genuine smile crossed her lips as she watched him eat, his mannerisms akin to a child who had never seen food before. When he looked up to meet her gaze - crumbs of food clinging around his cheeks, lips, and chin - he swallowed, smiled shyly, and wiped his face with napkin.
“Forgot my manners,” he said and resumed eating with a more polite disposition. But it was not without a glance at her plate.
“You gonna eat that?”
“Of course I will,” Rainbow Dash grabbed her dish protectively. “You have your own plate.”
He laughed, and she realized that he was joking. One whiff of Applejack's cooking stimulated Rainbow Dash's appetite; she took a deep breath and started to eat.
As Rainbow Dash brought her fork to her lips, a small shadow quickly flickered across her vision. She looked up, but found nothing unusual. Something nicked at her mane, and her ears twitched in response. Whipping her head from side to side, the mare tried to locate the source of the disturbance. Everything seemed normal until she heard something: a soft chirp followed by what appeared to be the sound of ruffling feathers.
Rainbow Dash scanned her surroundings once more. “Is that a-”
Soarin’ yelped, and Rainbow Dash caught sight of him dropping his fork and flailing his hooves. Her mouth hung open as the stallion swatted at a small, feathery critter. His hoof knocked it away, and it gave a harsh cry before it darted towards Rainbow Dash’s plate.
“Sweet Celestia! It's a bird!” Rainbow Dash quickly recovered from her shock and chased the bird with her hooves. “Get outta here!”
The bird flew away from Rainbow Dash's arms and hovered over the table while it squawked in agitation. It swooped towards Soarin’s dish again. The male pegasus grabbed a napkin and tried to chase the bird away, but its beak had already penetrated into the salad. Soarin' went to swat it a second time when it came back for more, but he missed; the bird nabbed some of the seeds that spilled onto the table. When Soarin' went for a third time, the creature was already back in the air. It came back down, but this time it was heading for Rainbow Dash's plate.
The mare prepared herself. Watching the bird carefully, Rainbow Dash timed its every movement. When it came close enough, she reached over and caught the creature with her bare hooves.
It squawked noisily while flapping its wings frantically. It pecked profusely at the mare while trying to claw her with its talons. Fortunately, it did not hurt much. However, holding the bird while its body constantly twitched this way and that made it difficult to keep her grip. With a desperate squawk, the bird wriggled its way out of Rainbow Dash's weakening grasp. With its escape came some loose feathers that drifted around gracefully like snowflakes.
It also left a present on her bodice.
“Oh, gross!” Rainbow Dash cried. She grabbed a napkin and started wiping the white mess on her dress.
Soarin’ knocked the irritated bird away from the table with the napkin. He looked over at Rainbow Dash. “What happened?”
Screams and angry shouts filled the restaurant, followed by an agitated chirp. Rainbow Dash glanced around and saw frantic ponies chase after the bird. She returned her focus to her dress; the stain refused to come off.
“That bird pooped on me!” She shouted.
Soarin’ gaped at her. “Whoa!”
The shouting stopped, and Fluttershy appeared immediately at the table with the bird perched on her shoulder. Following her was a disgruntled manager. He spoke to her harshly. Had it not been for the bird’s protection, the pale yellow mare would have flown out of the restaurant in tears. Instead, she profusely apologized both to the manager and to Rainbow Dash and Soarin' for any disruption and damage the bird had caused and immediately took it outside after being told to do so.
As soon as the manager left, Soarin’ grabbed a napkin and reached towards Rainbow Dash. “Here, let me help you clean that up.”
“It won’t come out,” Rainbow Dash huffed; she stood up. “Excuse me for a minute, please.”
Soarin’ was half sitting and half standing, the cloth still in his outstretched hoof. “Uh… well, alright. But let me know if there’s anything I can do, okay?”
Mumbling a quick okay in response, Rainbow Dash fought the urge to fly quickly over the tables. Instead, she walked deliberately and hurriedly towards the bathroom, hoping nopony would notice the stain. But the ponies were too busy in their affairs; apparently the bird hadn't caused too much trouble outside of hers and Soarin's table. Once Rainbow Dash reached a wooden door marked with cursive word Ladies, her sour mood shifted into childish curiosity when she entered the bathroom.
Everywhere she looked, something was glistening with class from the marble sinks to the granite floor. Above the sinks were large mirrors boarded with a gold frame. She approached her reflection tentatively, fearing that the bird had made a mess out of her. But she smiled in relief when she found herself looking more or less the same before she left Rarity's boutique. Though it was not her style, Rainbow Dash had to admit she was quite stunning. Except for the white splotch of bird excrement near her collarbone.
As she wet a paper towel, she could hear the quiet, timid voice of Fluttershy as she entered the bathroom.
“Oh my goodness, Rainbow Dash, I’m soooooooo sorry.”
Now that all her previous good feelings faded away, it took every ounce of energy to refrain from losing her temper. “What was with the bird?”
Off the mirror’s reflection, Rainbow Dash watched Fluttershy lower her gaze. “Oh, that was part of my choir. He just got scared and flew off.”
“Your choir?”
“I was going to have them chirp a song for you and Soarin’.” She twirled her pink mane in her hoof as she continued, “But I guess I didn't realize that no animals were allowed in this vicinity. I almost got thrown out.”
Dabbing furiously at the now diminishing splotch, Rainbow Dash felt her mood slightly lift. “Lucky you didn't. I'm actually glad that they didn't sing.”
She could hear the insult in Fluttershy’s voice. “Oh, I didn’t mean… Look, I’m sorry.”
Rainbow Dash turned from the mirror. "Wait, Fluttershy, I didn't-" But she was gone, and Rainbow Dash knew she would have to apologize later.
Had there not been makeup on her face, the mare would have rubbed her eyes in exasperation. Instead, she continued to clean off the stain until it was completely gone. She contemplated on wiping off her make up as well, but with her friends lurking about the restaurant, Rainbow Dash thought better of it.
When she met Soarin’s eyes upon her arrival, Rainbow Dash involuntarily smiled.
“Looks like you got it out,” the stallion commented.
Rainbow Dash took her seat. “It took some time, but a little soap and water did the trick.” She noticed that Applejack replaced both hers and Soarin’s meals with a fresh plate due to the bird incident.
Looking at his untouched plate, Rainbow Dash realized that Soarin' had been waiting for her. But he seemed impatient to start eating, as he readily grabbed his fork.
“Mmm,” Soarin’ carefully wiped his mouth after the first bite. “Wow, your friend certainly knows how to cook a meal. This stuff is good.”
Rainbow Dash bit into her dish. “AJ knows how to kick flank when it comes to cooking.”
To her relief, the rest of the meal ran smoothly. As they conversed, Rainbow Dash nearly forgot about her friends. Occasionally, she'd glance around for a familiar face. So far, neither Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Twilight, nor Fluttershy had been around. She inwardly smiled as she exchanged stories with Soarin'.
"How hard was it for you to get into the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Pretty hard," Soarin' replied. "The group of cadets were all very qualified flyers when I was in the Academy, so my chances of making it onto the team seemed pretty slim, not to mention that the Wonderbolt captain of that time was quite a hard pegasus to impress."
"Spitfire wasn't captain then?"
"It was shortly before she got the position," Soarin' answered. "Thunderbolt was captain at the time, and he was very intimidating. Spitfire may yell and bark orders like a drill sergeant, but Thunderbolt made her look tame." He leaned forward and whispered, "but he's a lot nicer than Spitfire once you got to know him."
Rainbow Dash grinned. "Why am I not surprised?"
Soarin' sat back and continued, "Anyways, I did not know that about Thunderbolt until I actually passed the final test before actually becoming a Wonderbolt. I remember that day; I also remember that when I passed, Thunderbolt approached me with this huge smile on his face, and in front a crowd full of ponies gave me a a crushing hug. He congratulated me, and when he let go..." Soarin's voice faltered as his cheeks reddened. "I threw up in midair - in front of everypony."
"Oooh!" Rainbow Dash held back a laugh. "Oh, that stinks."
The stallion buried his face in his hooves. "That was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life."
"It happens to everypony," Rainbow Dash said softly. "There was this one time where I..."
“Ladies and genticolts!” Pinkie’s voice boomed across the restaurant. “I’d like to dedicate this very special song to my bestest friend, Rainbooooow Dash and her wonderful date, Soarin'! The best couple in all of Equestria!”
The room went deathly quiet as the lights dimmed. A white spotlight suddenly appeared, shining both Rainbow Dash and Soarin'. Blinded by the light, the mare blinked her eyes open and noticed that everypony in the room was staring at both her and Soarin'.
She sunk into her chair.
Pinkie continued. “We’re so happy for you, Dashie! Hit it!”
Party music filled the room. Trumpets, kazoos, accordions, cymbals, and other instruments Rainbow Dash could not identify rang into her ears. Pinkie’s voice flowed through the song, and the cyan pegasus’ face turned so red that she swore she looked like Big Mac.
Oh Dashie, we’re so glad, it’s true
Your special somepony is here for you
Though you were too tough to admit
It looks like you two are a great hit!
Pinkie's voice rose a few octaves on the last word. Rainbow Dash slammed her face into the table as she listened to the other ponies around her murmur and laugh. She could feel their eyes on her, and she could feel that she and Soarin' were the topic of their little conversations. Maybe if she’d just kick herself hard with her hind leg, she’d wake up and it would be just a terrible dream. Not only did it not free her from this nightmare, it was going to leave a bruise for the next few days.
“Come on, Rainbow!”
Without warning, Rainbow Dash was suddenly whisked onto her hindquarters by a pink set of hooves.
Don’t have to be such tough nut
She wrapped her arm around Rainbow Dash and furrowed her brows while exaggerating a frown.
Always have to prove that you’ve got guts
She jabbed Rainbow in the chest.
It’s so nice to that sweet smile
And think of that special kiss for a while
Pinkie grabbed Soarin’ and literally threw him into Rainbow Dash. The two tumbled onto the floor, while the pink mare absentmindedly bounced around them, her voice warbling with the motion. Before either pegasus could catch his or her breath, Pinkie grabbed both of their hooves and started dancing again.
“P-Pinkie!” The music drowned out Rainbow Dash’s voice.
The rest of the song flew by like a blur. The only thing Rainbow Dash was aware of was the swirling colors of the room: gold, cream, white, brown, red, and an occasional pink splotch of Pinkie, who continued to sing. Her voice blended into the music while Rainbow Dash’s ears rang intensely.
Upon the last clap of the cymbals, Pinkie threw the Pegasi back to their tables. Both Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ sat stunned in their seats. Either the other ponies were clapping, or Rainbow Dash was hearing things. When she finally recovered, she noticed Soarin’s disheveled mane. It looked as though he had been struck by lightning.
Applejack appeared at the table. “Dessert’s on it’s way.”
Rainbow Dash gave her a meek smile. “Oh… Great.” She could still feel eyes from the others on her, and the soft voices of conversations. She even thought she heard somepony snicker, but she was too embarrassed to look around, lest she would make eye contact. Instead, she just sat in her seat, gazing sullenly at her hooves.
Blood rushed to her cheeks when she finally looked back at Soarin’, who reflected the same embarrassed expression.
“Maybe we should head out,” Rainbow Dash suggested as she stood up.
Soarin’ nodded. "I agree."
A white face appeared inches away from Rainbow Dash's muzzle. “What?” Rarity’s voice sounded almost desperate. “Rainbow, darling, you can’t miss out on Applejack’s cake. She made it especially for you two for this occasion!”
“Say it any louder Rarity,” Rainbow Dash spoke through gritted teeth, “and I’ll...”
“WHO WANTS SOME CAKE?”
The unmistakable shrill of Pinkie’s voice pierced through Rainbow Dash’s ears. The female pegasus' jaw nearly hit the floor when she saw Applejack wheeling what appeared to be a wedding cake, except for the missing bride and groom figurines on the top. Instead the Apple family’s trademark sat at the climax - a large red apple with a big green leaf sticking out of its stem. Blue and green frosting ruffled around the pastry’s circumference. There was no way she or Soarin’ could finish that off - and there wouldn't be enough space to bring it home as a doggy bag.
“Sit down, sit down,” Rarity ushered the reluctant pegasus back into her seat. In doing so, she accidentally knocked over the scented candles. The flame caught onto one of the napkins, and the smell of burnt cloth began to fill the air.
Twilight appeared on the scene instantly. “Oh my goodness!” A magenta aura appeared around her horn while a book covered in the same glow hovered before her. She flipped through the pages furiously. “There’s nothing in the book of dating about what to do when there’s a fire!”
“Egghead!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “Put that stupid book down and use your common sense!"
Soarin’ grabbed a pitcher of water and thrust it onto the flames. The fire instantly extinguished, and smoke slithered its way out of the fading embers. Unfortunately, Rainbow Dash was in range of the water’s path. It splashed all over her, including through her bodice, and it trickled down her chest and belly. Even her wet skirt was sticking to her legs.
Soarin’s hoof went to his mouth. “I am so sorry, Dash.”
Right as Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to say something, a large shadow appeared over the table. Everypony looked up and screamed. The large cake was flying in the air like a rocket; its target was the cyan pegasus. Rainbow Dash gasped as she shut her eyes tightly.
Splat!
Everywhere that she was wet, cake and frosting stuck to her like glue. It was in her mane, on her face, on her hooves, and under her dress - pressed between her body and material. There was cake on the table - there was cake all over the entire place!
Ponies surrounded her, the faces of her friends pressing into her personal space.
"Oh my goodness! Are you alright?"
"What does the book say about this?"
"Mah cake! It's ruined!"
"Dashie! We're so super-duper-duper-DUPER sorry!"
"Darling, let me fix up your mane and makeup."
Rainbow Dash couldn’t take it anymore. She held her breath until her face turned red and her body trembled uncontrollably. With a loud scream, she opened her wings and took to the air.
"No more!" She cried. "Just leave me alone! LEAVE. ME. ALONE!"
She bolted out of the restaurant before anything else could go wrong.
Soarin' sat dumbstruck in his seat, gazing at the empty chair across the table. It took a moment to register that Rainbow Dash left. Once the shock wore off, he felt a complex of emotions stirring inside: embarrassment, regret, frustration, sadness, disbelief, and so much more. Which one to settle on, he could not decide. But the thought of Rainbow Dash brought up a pang of guilt that he hadn't done anything to help.
With a heavy sigh, Soarin' wiped cake off his body and suit. He noticed Rainbow Dash's pastry covered friends were in a similar state of shock and confusion as he. Only the two earth ponies were clean of cake; they were gazing at each other with wide eyes and an expression of horror.
Finally, the orange mare broke out of her trance. “Ugh, Pinkie!” she snapped. “What in tarnation were ya thinkin’? Why didn’t ya just let me bring the cake?”
Soarin' gazed at the abandoned cart that held the large dessert. It lied on its side with crumbs and streaks of frosting scattered all over the carpet as if somepony knocked it over.
Pinkie blinked her shock away as she fumbled with her hooves. Her ears fell flat against her head. “Because dessert was my idea, and I just wanted to make it really special for Dashie.” Then her brows furrowed deep into her eyes as she glared at her friend. “You already served them their dinner - twice!. The least you could've done was let me bring them some cake! After all, we agreed we'd both get a chance to serve!"
"Dessert was your idea?" The orange pony snorted, and leaned forward on the table that stood between them. "Who made the cake? Ah did."
"Because you wouldn't let me," Pinkie growled. "It's only fair that you'd at least let me serve dessert. But nooo - you had to pull the cart away from me like this," she yanked the table towards her so that the orange mare stumbled forward. "You could have just said no."
“Ah did,” the farm pony protested once she regained her balance. “Yah just didn’t listen.”
“You never said anything.”
“Ah did so.”
“No you didn’t. And now Rainbow Dash is gone!”
Well, that explains how the cake went flying, Soarin’ thought as he turned to his focus to the purple alicorn.
She was frantically flipping through her book. Pages were glued together with frosting, and she almost had to tear them apart. “If a date goes wrong… There’s got to be something in here about a situation like this.”
“Twilight!” The orange earth pony cut in. “Put that dang book down! It ain’t gonna help the situation.”
The book slammed shut and pounded on the table with a loud thunk. “Then what do you propose I do, then?”
“Ah’d say we make Pinkie Pie apologize for throwing the cake on her!”
“Um,” a pegasus’, which Soarin’ failed to remember her name, timid voice peeped in.
Pinkie’s hoof went to her chest. “Me? You’re blaming all of this on moi?”
The pegasus tried again. “Actually it’s not-”
“She’s not the only one, Applejack,” Rarity interjected, addressing the orange pony with a stern expression. There was accusation in her tone. “You should have been gentler with the way you handled the cake.”
“Well, it probably-” the pegasus was cut off again.
“Rarity, are yah sayin’ this is mah fault?”
Rarity opened her mouth, but four other voices in addition to her own came out. The yellow pegasus, in contrast to her previous apprehensive approach, started shouting angrily. Pinkie's tone was high by nature, so her arguing sounded like she was shrieking. Twilight and Applejack argued primarily with each other, the latter stomping her front hooves like an angry bull.
Soarin' backed away slowly, creating a safe distance between himself and the screaming mares. Though he could not make out any words that were shouted, it was obvious they shared a core problem. But that would never be resolved if they continued in this manner.
"Hey!" Soarin' shouted as loud as he physically could, "Knock it off!"
To his astonishment, the arguing ceased, and the restaurant became eerily silent as each mare obediently turned her attention towards him.
Within the blink of an eye, the yellow pegasus transformed from an angry beast back into her usual shy and gentle self. She twirled her hooves around each other sheepishly. "I think we angered Soarin'."
"I'm not angry," Soarin' said. "But, you were all getting a little too angry. Right now the problem isn't about whose fault it is. There is no fault here. But I will say that all of you did contribute to this."
"How so?" Though Applejack was no longer bickering, she was no less angry. "What have Ah done to upset Rainbow Dash?"
Before answering, Soarin' had to think what he could say that would explain to the farm pony what happened without offending her. He chose his words carefully. "You didn't intend to upset Rainbow Dash, and it's not just you yourself. It's a culmination of everything. Think about it from Dash's point of view: How would you feel if you were going out with a stallion and your friends followed you into your date?"
“Are you saying,” Twilight replied, gazing between the stallion and her book, “That Rainbow Dash didn't want us to help out?”
Applejack's expression eased after the alicorn spoke. "Ah guess I wudn' wan' mah friends taggin' along on mah date..." She folded her arms and brought her gaze to the floor.
The pale yellow pegasus' ears fell flat against her head. "I never really thought about how Rainbow Dash would feel; I just assumed she'd be happy because we were all trying to help her."
Twilight's eyes sparkled with clarity. "That's the problem. It wasn't just you, Fluttershy. We all assumed what we thought Rainbow Dash needed."
"But," Pinkie began, her lips quivering and her eyes bulging, "but... we just wanted to help her!" She quelled her tears with some steady breaths. "And we never asked if she wanted us to help her make this evening super-duper special."
Rarity patted Pinkie on the back. "We were terrible, and I say it's pretty pathetic that we didn't even realize it until now."
Everypony nodded in agreement.
Twilight gazed at Soarin' solemnly. "We are so sorry, Soarin'. We didn't mean to embarrass you or Rainbow Dash. We just got carried away."
"Apology accepted."
The relief on Twilight's face only diminished a little. "Now we owe Rainbow Dash an apology."
"We can't do much of anything until we clean this mess," Rarity indicated the cake that splattered everywhere, along with tables and chairs that were knocked over from the whole incident. “We can’t just abandon it. This wouldn't be here if it weren't for us.”
Applejack surveyed the room as if for the first time. “Oh yeah. Nopony else but us is gonna clean it.”
“But what about Dashie?” Pinkie whimpered, puckering her lower lip. “She might get really, really mad if somepony doesn't apologize to her soon. Maybe she'll never want to talk to us again!” Tears brimmed her eyes.
"You've known Rainbow Dash longer than I have," Soarin' said to the pink mare. "And I don't think she's going to hold a grudge against you because of that. She's not that kind."
She wiped her blue eyes. "But we never did this to her."
"If she's a true friend, which I believe she is, she won't be mad at you forever," Soarin' handed Pinkie a tissue, and she blew into it noisily.
"But somepony needs t' check on her," Applejack's voice edged with concern. "Ah just can't bear the thought of her bein' by herself in a state she's in."
“Maybe you should give her some time,” Soarin’ said. “I don’t really think she’s ready for apologies right now. But maybe... maybe I should go check on her."
“That actually would be quite a chivalrous thing to do,” Rarity spoke with her usual proper intonations. “A gentlecolt must take care of his lady.”
"Yeah," Pinkie agreed. "You didn't do anything to her."
Twilight smiled sheepishly. "Sorry to quote from The Perfect Date," she indicated the book, "but it does say the stallion should take care of his mare. Even thinking about it logically, it would make sense that you make sure she's okay."
Rarity cleared her throat. “Well girls, let's leave this to Soarin'. In the mean time, this mess won’t clean itself. Let’s go fix this place up. And let me deal with the manager - I will have to explain everything to him. That is, if he’s not too cross with me.”
“I just hope Rainbow Dash will be receptive to me.” Soarin’ sighed.
Applejack eyed him dubiously. “And if she ain’t?”
Shrugging, Soarin’ replied, “Then I’ll just let her be.”
His intuition was right. Rainbow Dash had not gone very far. Judging by how the glass doors to the gardens hung open unevenly, the stallion conjectured that she had blown through. Wind beaten plants indicated the direction she went, and Soarin’ followed the makeshift path until it led him towards a small pond. The soft, wet ground revealed hoof-prints, which only stretched a few paces until he came across a familiar figure. She sat on her haunches with her back towards him. Frosting coated her dress, fur, and mane. As he neared, he could see her shoulders shaking, and he could hear little sobs.
Soarin’ spoke softly. “It’s me.”
“Hey,” her voice was cracking.
Good. She didn’t turn me away.
“Look, Dash, I’m really sorry.”
Rainbow Dash sniffled but managed to keep her voice leveled. “For what? You haven’t done anything.”
“I know,” he replied. “But I’m not apologizing for anything I’ve done. I’m just sorry about the whole thing. I’m sorry that I have to see you crying like this.”
“I’m not crying!” Rainbow Dash choked. “It’s all this makeup in my eye.” She turned around to face him. Black eyeliner, mascara, and cake smeared beneath her red eyes, trickling down her tear-stained cheeks. Frosting dangled on her forelock, ready to fall off at any given moment. The neat rainbow curls of her mane now had strands of random colors pointing in every direction.
Soarin' realized he spent too much time observing her when fresh tears streamed down her face and she wailed, "I'm a mess! I know! I'm going to be the laughing stock in all of Ponyville!" And she buried her face in her hooves.
Before Soarin' attempted to respond, Rainbow Dash removed her hooves so she could look at him and said, "I'm really sorry, Soarin', I never meant for things to happen the way they did; I just wanted to spend the evening with you and have a good time. Had I known this would happen, I wouldn't have told my friend. But I did... because... because we’re so close, and I felt that it was something I wanted them to know about. I had no idea that they would…”
Her voice faded as another stream of tears broke loose. She barely could utter: “that… they would… ruin it.”
Soarin’ waited; she still had more to say.
Gasping, Rainbow Dash spent a moment to recollect herself. “Now you probably think I’m a total freak with crazy friends who don’t know how to respect boundaries.” She wiped her face again. Makeup stained her hoof. “But I guess I wouldn’t blame you. I’m sorry I wasted your evening and made a fool out of you. If you want, you can leave me; I'm not worth your time.”
As sad as the situation was, Soarin' could not withhold a small smile from her. “If you think your friends scared me away from you, then I take it you don’t know me very well.”
Her response was an uneasy stare, but she stopped crying. “So you don’t think that we’re all just crazy freaks? That my friends went haywire getting themselves involved in something that’s not their business?”
“They love you,” Soarin’ replied. "Listen, right after you left, they realized what they did. You should've seen the look on their faces. I think one of them started crying."
“Is that true, or are you fluffing that up to make me feel better?”
“I promise, Dash, it’s true.”
The skepticism did not leave her face. “Really?”
Soarin’ tried as best as he could to express his sincerity. “I don’t know how else I can prove it to you, but they really do feel bad.”
“Pinkie promise?”
“What’s a Pinkie promise?”
She narrowed her eyes and locked her gaze on his with an iron grasp. “Nopony breaks a Pinkie promise. Once you make it, you have to keep it. That means you better be telling the truth.”
The severity in her tone of voice implicated that this was no child's play. Soarin’ did as best as he could to convey how seriously he was taking his word. He mimicked the gestures Rainbow Dash demonstrated for him and said clearly, “I Pinkie promise, it’s true,” while consummating the promise with a hoof over his eye.
Rainbow Dash still kept her gaze strong, studying him intently. "Do you know what happens when a Pinkie promise is broken?"
Soarin' gulped. "Probably something not good."
Without warning, she flung herself towards him, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face into his chest. Soarn’ stiffened, his eyes slightly wide as he rested a hoof on her back. He didn't realize a Pinkie promise could be that powerful.
“Thanks,” Her muffled voice was warm against his body. She lifted her head and looked at him straight in the eye. “By the way, this is just between us, right?”
“My lips are sealed.”
Rainbow Dash nodded as she casually pulled away. “Good.”
She walked towards the pond and looked at her reflection. For a moment, she just gazed at it before suddenly splashing her hooves into the water. Soarin' watched in the faint moonlight as she brought the water to her face, the makeup and frosting dripping down her cheeks and into the wet ground.
Rainbow Dash continued in this manner for a few more moments, getting both her dress and mane sopping wet. All the curls were now matted flat against her neck as if she had just climbed out of the pool. When Soarin' looked heard, he could see that all the smeared makeup around her cheeks and eyelids were nearly gone. Her face was free of the catastrophic dessert as well. Besides for her slightly reddened eyes, there was no evidence of tears.
Rainbow Dash sighed in contentment and approached the stallion. “Is it all off?”
“You missed some over here,” Soarin’ bopped the tip of his wing against her nose.
Rainbow Dash’s head snapped up. “H-hey!” There was laughter in her voice. A good sign.
She prodded his chest with her hoof. “Don’t do that again. I am the master prankster, and nopony pulls a prank on me and gets away with it. Even you.”
Soarin’ raised a brow. “I’m not sure if I should be scared.”
“It’ll come when you least expect it.”
“Then I’ll just have to be on my guard.”
“It will go down. And when it does, I’ll be ready.”
Whether or not she meant that as a threat, Soarin' was not worried in the least. Maybe one day she'd get him back, but in the meantime, he managed to help her feel better. She was smiling, even if it was a bit mischievous, but it was better than seeing tears. Despite her wet and disheveled appearance, she was very pretty. The moonlight glimmered off the water droplets across her face and mane, which gave her a majestic glow. At some point he would tell her how stunning she looked, but he would save that for another time.
"Thank you," Rainbow Dash said quietly.
"For what?"
"For finding me," she replied. "And for making this night end somewhat nicely."
"It doesn't have to be over just yet," Soarin' replied as he looked to the sky. He climbed onto all fours. “Come on."
“Where are we going?”
Soarin’ stretched his wings open. “Let’s go for a flight. The night’s still young, and the date doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Why don’t we make the last of it?”
He inwardly smiled when he heard the sound of unfurling wings and feathers ruffling. A second later, a shadow hovered above him and he saw the familiar figure of one of Equestria's best flyers climbing higher into the sky.
When it came to flying, there was a certain kind magic that gave the energetic rainbow pegasus a special power that any unicorn's or alicorn's horn failed to provide. Despite the evening's unfavorable events, being in the air brought upon a sense of euphoria as Rainbow Dash soared through the sky, the moon being her only source of light and the pony beside her being her only company. Ponyville was nothing but a little lit up dot in the center of blackness. It was time to go home.
Soarin' must have known that, too, for he hovered right in front of her. They gazed down at the sleeping town.
"Well," Rainbow Dash began, her voice breaking the silence, “Can’t say this is the best date, but I can say that these last couple of hours really helped.”
The moon highlighted the details of Soarin's face. “Glad I can help.”
“I guess we should probably call it a night,” Her voice lowered a little more than she intended.
Soarin’ sighed. “Well… would you like to do this again? I mean, go out?”
She could not help but smile. “Yeah! Totally! But…”
"But what?"
Seeing his disappointed expression, Rainbow Dash quickly replied. “I shouldn’t have said ‘but’. What I meant is that I’d like to go out with you again. I just need to have a word with my friends.”
“I don’t think they’ll bother you about that again.”
“It’s not that,” Rainbow Dash flapped harder; she was starting to get tired and her wings felt that they would give out soon if she did not rest them. “I want to let them know that we’re still dating, and that they didn’t sabotage the opportunity.” She folded her arms and added, “And I’d also like to hear an apology directly from them.”
Soarin’, too, was losing altitude. “Well, I don’t think that’ll be an issue. That’ll probably be the first thing they’ll do once they see you.”
“And that’s going to be tonight,” She could feel the intensity in her voice, so she toned it down. “Anyways, I’ll take care of that. In the meantime, I guess we’ll be in touch about next time.”
“Absolutely,” Soarin’ replied.
Rainbow noticed the scenery had changed and started to wonder why until she realized that both she and Soarin' had been descending; now they were in level with the trees. There was no point in staying in the air, so they both headed for the ground.
Once their feet touched the earth, Soarin’ took her hoof in his. “We have to end with formalities, you know.” And he kissed it.
Rainbow Dash yanked her hoof free as if he had bitten it. “Knock it off,” she tried to yell, but it came out as a garbled chuckle. “You'll make me sick.”
“Just following the protocols of The Perfect Date.” Soarin’ nodded back towards the direction of the restaurant.
“Don’t be an egghead and follow something because a stupid book says so,” Rainbow Dash folded her hooves and tried futilely to frown. It only made Soarin’ chuckle.
“Usually a date ends with a goodnight kiss.” And he gave her a mischievous grin. "Afraid of catching cooties?
"I'd be lucky if that's all I had to worry about with you," Rainbow Dash shot back, reflecting that same smirk.
But she couldn't stay happy for too long. Turning her head towards her hometown, a combination of different emotions welled up inside her chest, each one either encouraging or discouraging her to do what needed to be done. Rainbow Dash knew exactly what it was that she had to take care of, but it did not abate the doubts and fears that plagued her mind.
What if Soarin' was wrong and they really hadn't learned their lesson? Then what? Would they make Rainbow Dash crazy again? Or even if they had learned, Rainbow Dash felt afraid to face them. What was so scary about that? They would apologize and make amends. But for some reason, the cyan pegasus felt reluctant upon encountering them. Maybe she was afraid that-
"Would you like me to come with you?"
His question broke her out of her thoughts. After she asked him to repeat himself, she replied, "No. I think I need to do this myself."
"You sure?"
Rainbow Dash nodded a lot more confidently than she felt. "Yes."
"It'll be fine, I promise," Soarin' gave her a gentle squeeze on her shoulder. "Good night, Rainbow Dash, and good luck. Looking forward to next time." He opened his wings and flapped into the air.
“Goodnight,” She called back, watching him disappear into the night.
His absence was so palpable that Rainbow Dash felt so cold and lonely. Never in her life was she so apprehensive to see her friends. With some internal encouragement, she quelled all her dubious thoughts that invoked trepidation. She repeatedly told herself that everything would be fine, so she headed towards the Carousal Boutique, where her intuition told her that he friends would be there.
Waiting for her.
Rarity, her usually neatly curled and clean mane now in disarray and coated with frosting, propped herself up from her red couch as soon as Rainbow Dash entered the room. Initially, the pegasus assumed that the unicorn was lying in her usual dramatic rampage about how terrible something is or was. After seeing the dark lines under her eyes and how slow and awkward she moved, Rainbow Dash realized that Rarity was purely exhausted.
The others looked just as beaten up. All, except for Pinkie and Applejack, were stained with cake remnants. The pink mare rested her chin on one of Rarity’s sewing tables, her blue eyes gazing upwards and her mane completely deflated. Applejack stood against the window, her gaze flickering between outside and the pony who had just entered the room. Fluttershy seemed too busy fiddling with the strands on her tail to notice anything outside of her thoughts. Twilight, who had been holding a book that she probably had not opened at all, snapped her head up and looked at Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow Dash,” the alicorn began. Indications of uncertainty were evident in her tone. All the other ponies, including Fluttershy, turned their focus towards the rainbow maned pegasus. “Welcome back… how was the rest of your evening?”
Rainbow Dash was not sure how to honestly answer that question. “I guess you could say things turned out a little better.”
“Come on, girls, let's cut t' the chase and apologize,” Applejack began, and turned her attention away from the window completely. “Look, Dash, we’re awfully sorry fer what we did back in that fancy facility.”
“We just wanted to make sure that you had a really good time,” Fluttershy added.
Twilight nodded in agreement. “We just got so carried away with our own ways of how we could make this evening absolutely perfect, that we forgot to take into consideration if that was something you wanted.”
“More than that,” Rarity gently brushed down the untame strands in her mane, “we shouldn’t have stepped in to help in the first place. I’ll speak for myself; I just had an idea of what would make your evening with Soarin’ very special that I thought very little about you and a lot about me. What I wanted for your date. I never asked you if you wanted to eat at Bon Appétit, or if wanted me to make you a dress, or give you a makeover. I just acted out of complete selfishness to satisfy my own ego, which ended up ruining your whole experience. I'm so sorry.”
“It’s not just you, Rarity. We all played a role in this,” Fluttershy spoke lowly, gazing at her tale.
“We just wanted to make you happy,” Pinkie lifted her head. “But instead, we made you very, super, duper unhappy. Miserable!” Plunk! Her face hit the table.
“Bottom line,” Applejack concluded. “We are very, very sorry.”
Silence befell them while Rainbow Dash soaked up what they had just told her. She was not sure what to say, or if she should say something at all.
Finally, she decided to speak. “I appreciate your apologies, and I know you guys all feel really bad.” She smiled at them. “This is definitely something to write about in the Princesses’ journals.”
Pinkie’s head popped off the table. “Does that mean you forgive us?”
“I don’t know,” Rainbow Dash replied, “You guys really embarrassed me, especially in front of Soarin’. I want to forgive you, but I think I’ll need time.”
Twilight sighed as her ears gently dipped down. “We understand.” A collective, yet reluctant nods followed in agreement.
Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. “Ha! The look on your faces!”
Applejack frowned at the laughing mare. “What the hay is all this about?”
“Come on,” Rainbow Dash breathed. “You really thought I wouldn’t forgive you? ‘Course I do! You’re my best friends, after all!”
Wiping her brow in relief, Rarity gently hugged Rainbow Dash. “Well, that’s good to hear, darling.”
“Woohoo!” Pinkie’s mane poofed back to its usual fluffiness as she hugged Rainbow Dash. “You forgive us!”
“We promise we won’t do anything like that again next time,” Fluttershy said once Pinkie released her hold on the rainbow mare. “Unless there won’t be a next time…”
“Yeah!” The pink pony nearly gasped. “What happened with Soarin’? Is he really embarrassed to be with you that he’s all like ‘oh my gosh, I can’t be with this mare with super crazy friends who can’t leave us alone on our date?’ and he never, ever wants to go out with you ever again?”
Four faces glared at her, and Pinkie shrunk back. “What?”
But Rainbow Dash answered her. “No, Pinkie. He did not say anything like that.”
“So, you two will go out again?” Rarity asked with obvious hope in her voice.
Rainbow Dash grinned. “Yes. But we’re still trying to figure out when. He’s pretty busy, with the Equestrian games coming so soon.”
“I’m just so glad that he’s willing to give you a second chance,” Fluttershy gave her friend a gentle squeeze.
Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest. “A second chance? Soarin’ wasn’t put off with me; I’m so awesome that he’d be willing to go out with me no matter what.”
Of course the Element of Honesty had to give her piece. “That’s almost true, Dash, except for the whole you-are-so-awesome business. Ah think Soarin’ likes you fer you.”
“In any event,” Twilight interceded, “when he’s got some time, we’ll know to steer clear from you,” she gestured towards Dash.
“Yeah, we’ll just leave ya two alone,” Applejack took her hat off. “Ah promise.”
“And each of us will hope that you two have a wonderful time,” Fluttershy added.
Rainbow Dash smiled, and for the first time that evening, she felt sincerely happy. “Thanks, guys.”
Launching her hooves in the air, Pinkie screamed, “GROUP HUG!!!” And all six mares huddled together. Hooves intertwined with each other, and cheeks rested against one another. Rainbow Dash could have sworn she felt a tear trickle down her face, but she would not admit to anypony that it came from her eye.
Soarin’s right, Rainbow Dash thought, My friends really love me. And I really love him.