Loving Rainbow

by Swift Bolt

First published

Pinkie discovers her feelings for Rainbow. Will Rainbow return the feelings?

Pinkie Pie has fallen in love with Rainbow and has been following Rainbow Dash everywhere she went! At first Rainbow liked the admiration and support but after a while it was starting to get weird. Will Rainbow return Pinkie Pie’s feelings?

Edited/Co-written by WingsPony

Chapter 1:A Clingy Pinkie

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Cheering at the top of her lungs, Pinkie Pie raised her arm to set off her air horn. Just after Rainbow scored another goal in her latest soccer match.The loud noise nearly made Fluttershy jump out of her skin. Although, she wasn’t nearly as excitable as her pink friend. Fluttershy waved a small flag in support. While, the two friends watched the game Fluttershy was lost in deep thought.

*Things are a lot noisier since, Pinkie has been attending Rainbow's soccer matches...Now that I think about it. I don’t remember Pinkie ever being interested in Rainbow's matches. Yet, she has been to every game for the last few weeks...I wonder why?*

Fluttershy was torn from her thoughts when Pinkie Pie blared her air horn. After the game the two of them met up with Rainbow. In a burst of excitement Pinkie Pie glomped Rainbow, causing the two friends to tumble to the ground. Rainbow was a little alarmed when Pinkie knocked her over. But she shrugged it off knowing that her friend was a little more excitable than most. Even though Fluttershy knew it wasn’t any of her business. She couldn’t help but feel curious about Pinkie’s behavior. In the end Fluttershy decided to keep quiet about the matter for now.

Over the course of the last few weeks; Fluttershy noticed that Pinkie went everywhere Rainbow went. Pinkie was acting like a baby duckling with the way she followed Rainbow around.

A few days after her soccer match, Rainbow started to notice how clingy Pinkie had become. At first it was cool having a big supporter around. But after awhile it started to feel a little strange. She couldn’t even remember the last time she was alone. Rainbow managed to give Pinkie the slip for a short while. Seeing that the hallways were Pinkie free. She let out a small sigh of relief allowing herself a moment to breathe. Fluttershy walked out into the hall and towards her locker.


Rainbow saw this as her chance to talk her worries about Pinkie Pie’s recent behavior. Telling Fluttershy about the last two weeks of her time with Pinkie. As she confided her feelings to Fluttershy. It felt as if a huge weight was lifted off of her shoulders. Fluttershy absorbed every word of Rainbow’s tale.

“I've noticed it too, she has been very attached to you lately.” said Fluttershy ”I didn’t really notice until your last soccer game. I don’t ever remember her cheering for you like that. Pinkie Pie seemed to go way over the top...” Fluttershy commented not really sure how to explain it.

Rainbow sighed “I really love all the attention and everything but it’s starting to get a little weird.”

“What are you going to do?” asked Fluttershy.

Rainbow groaned “I don’t know! I just can’t tell her to get lost!”

Rainbow paused for a moment as she scratched her chin. “Maybe, you can find out why she is acting like this?” asked Rainbow.

Fluttershy hid behind her pink bangs. “Oh I don’t know, I’m not really comfortable with poking around in other people’s business....” mumbled Fluttershy.

“Please,for me?” Rainbow asked with a soft smile. ”I really wanna get to the bottom of this!”

Fluttershy let out a soft sigh as she gave in. ” I guess I can give it a try.”

Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy in for a friendly hug. ”Thanks Fluttershy! I owe you one!”


The next day at school, Rainbow started to walk to the front entrance of CHS but stopped in her tracks. She froze in place for a second or two after spotting her pink friend. Rainbow quickly ducked for cover, before walking to the back entrance through the gymnasium. From there she headed down the hallway and to her locker.

Pinkie continued to wait for Rainbow until the first bell rang. Realizing that Rainbow must have either gotten to school earlier. She let out let out a sad sigh as she turned around and headed to class. As Pinkie walked into her first class and was pulled aside by Fluttershy who was also in her first class.

“Hello Fluttershy-” Pinkie began to talk as Fluttershy cut in.

“Pinkie can I ask you something?” Fluttershy began ”So I’ve noticed for the past few weeks you have clinging to Rainbow Dash like a little remora to a shark’s underbelly. I just was wondering why?”

“Like a what to a shark?” Pinkie asks confused.

“It’s a small fish that clings to…..Pinkie don’t change the subject! Just answer the question!” Fluttershy retracted a little with a sheepish grin ”...If you...Want to….That is...” added the shy girl as she hid behind her long pink locks.

“Well you see-” Pinkie began. “One day me and Dashie were aloneonedayandsomething happenedand I then realizedthat I loveherand I’ve beentryingtosee….”

Fluttershy had to stop her energetic friend because Pinkie had a tendency to talk a little too fast.

“Pinkie Pie please slow down.” asked Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement before continuing with her tale.

“Well Rainbow and I were both practicing in the music room a few weeks ago. So after we finished; I asked her if she wanted to have a sleep over. She said yes of course, then later that night. We played games which Rainbow won every single time! Somehow the subject of love came up you know about past crushes. It was then, I looked over at her while we were talking. Suddenly something just clicked! I was just like wow Rainbow is so awesomely beautiful! Somehow, I kind of just knew.” stated Pinkie while shrugging her shoulders.

“So you were trying to make sure that you love her? And that's why you're following her around? ” asked Fluttershy.

“Yups! Turns out that I love her more than anyone! Cross my heart, hope to fly! Stick a cupcake in my eye! And that’s saying a lot because I love everyone! Since, you know, everyone is my friend!” Pinkie giggled with a bright smile.

As Pinkie finished talking, the final bell rang signalling the start of a new class. They both took their seats. Pinkie propped her elbow on her desk her thoughts with filled with a certain rainbow haired athlete. Absent mindedly Pinkie watched the minutes slowly pass her by.

“Tick! Tick! Tick!”

The sound got louder as the last minute of 1st period ticked by. Pinkie had to force herself not to scream at the clock to move faster!

“Rrrriiiinnnggg!”

Pinkie popped up and zoomed out of class with her things in order to look for Rainbow. Fluttershy pulled out her phone to check her messages. She saw that she had a new message from Rainbow.

Fluttershy quietly read it to herself. “Fluttershy meet me in the music room when lunch starts!

As the day went on Rainbow did everything in her power to avoid her super energetic and clingy friend. She hid behind and inside of lockers and in bathrooms around school, just to avoid Pinkie. By lunch time Rainbow was exhausted, when the lunch bell rang. Rainbow grabbed her lunch from her locker she then she walked straight to the band room. Opening her bag lunch, Rainbow took a rather large bite out of her sandwich. Only to enter the band room moments later, with a mouth full of food. She looked around for Fluttershy. After taking another large bite; Fluttershy walked in and set her down her own lunch.

“So did you find out why Pinkie has been following me?”

Fluttershy avoided eye contact with Rainbow, she wasn’t sure if she should tell Rainbow that Pinkie has a crush on her. The stubborn athlete arched an eyebrow; she could tell that Fluttershy knew something about their pink friend.


“Well tell me!” Rainbow requested impatiently, in that very moment Pinkie bursted through the door.

“Hey! Why didn’t you guys come sit with us?” Pinkie asked while glancing between the two of them.

“Well we were discussing...“ Rainbow stuttered trying to find something to use as an excuse.

“Songs!” Fluttershy blurted out with a shy smile.

“Songs?” Pinkie repeated with a confused look on her face.


“Yea, we are discussing what kind of songs we should play at our next performance. It’s a secret project that the two of us have been working on...” said Rainbow while she nervously scratched the back of her neck

“But I can help you Dashie!!” Pinkie complained as she got a little closer to Rainbow’s face.

Pinkie’s close proximity to her made Rainbow feel very uncomfortable. Yet, hearing the new nickname “Dashie” made her blush a slightly. No one has ever called her Dashie before. Rainbow thought it sounded kind of cool but she would never openly admit it to anyone.

“Pinkie Pie, please leave!” yelled Rainbow.

With a downcast expression Pinkie walked to the door.

”I’m sorry, Pinkie I didn’t mean to shout at you.” Rainbow rubbed the back of her head. “I just need to talk to Fluttershy for a bit at least until lunch is over.”

”Aww okay...I’ll see you later then...” muttered Pinkie.


Pinkie made her way back to the lunchroom to her friend’s table she took her seat despairingly. Rarity frowned when she noticed Pinkie’s gloomy mood. Applejack and Sunset both giggled as they fed each other.

“What is the matter deary, did you find Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy?” asked Rarity as she eyed the lovey-dovey pair.

“Oh I found them, they were busy discussing what songs to play at our next show,” sighed Pinkie Pie.

“But isn't our next show next month?” asked Sunset Shimmer absent mindedly as Applejack fed her a bite of salad.

Meanwhile, Applejack accidently got a small glob of ranch on Sunset’s cheek. Both girls were completely oblivious to Pinkie’s sour mood. With a goofy smirk, Applejack grabbed her napkin to wipe Sunset’s face. Sunset felt her heart beat a little faster as Applejack gazed lovingly into her eyes.Rarity looked at the doting couple shaking her head; she elbowed Applejack breaking her out of her trance. Applejack shot a glare at Rarity for elbowing her, Rarity motioned her head towards Pinkie. Applejack felt her annoyance dissolve after she noticed Pinkie’s ever worsening attitude. Seeing how she went from cheerful and energetic to depressed and sorrowful after returning.

“What’s wrong sugarcube?” asked Applejack with the raise of an eyebrow.


“Well, I feel like Rainbow doesn’t like hanging out with me anymore...” Pinkie mumbled while poking her food with her fork.

“Well of course she does, I mean you guys are friends. ”Sunset remarked.

“Maybe...I just don’t know anymore.” whispered Pinkie just before she slammed her head on the table in frustration. The others looked at each other with worried expressions.


Now that Pinkie was gone, Fluttershy slowly inched away from Rainbow Dash causing Rainbow to scoot closer. This process went on for a few minutes until Rainbow got fed up.

”Enough!” She half yelled.”Fluttershy tell me what you out found out!”

Fluttershy whimpered as she shook her head no. She hid her face behind her bangs. ”I..I can’t…” she muttered.

Rainbow groaned. ”Why not?!”

Fluttershy continued to shake her head, Rainbow was starting to get frustrated. Rainbow now towered over her, in her fright Fluttershy let out a tiny whimper.

”I don't want this to ruin your friendship with her,” said Fluttershy in a half whisper.

“If that happened then it might cause everyone else to stop being friends!....” Fluttershy said raising her voice slightly more than normal starting to gain a little bit of confidence.

Rainbow slammed her fist down on the nearest surface. ”What do you mean you can’t tell me!” growled Rainbow. The fierce look in Rainbow’s eyes made Fluttershy flinch. Causing the shy girl to tear up and start crying. Seeing Fluttershy’s tears instantly cooled off Rainbow’s anger. She knew that her pounding headache was no excuse to be so insensitive towards Fluttershy. Rainbow’s anger was now directed to her own recklessness.

”Fluttershy, I am sorry...I didn’t mean to go off the handle like that. I’m just not feeling well.”

After a while Fluttershy calmed down, she looked over at Rainbow. Fluttershy put a shaking hand on Rainbow’s shoulder.

“If I tell you….You have to promise that you won’t let this destroy your friendship with Pinkie!” demanded Fluttershy.

“I promise.” said Rainbow half heartedly.

Fluttershy sighed. “Pinkie Pie loves you.” Fluttershy said staring at Rainbow, who was now laughing.

“That’s the big news? Pinkie loves me, ha! That girl loves everyone!” chuckled Rainbow.

Fluttershy shook her head, her expression was dead serious. Rainbow’s laughs were reduced to a nervous chuckle.

“ No Rainbow, she is in love with you” stated Fluttershy.

Rainbow looked away as her cheeks turned a light pink. ”I...Um..Wow….So Pinkie...Loves me?”

Fluttershy’s words echoed in her mind as she slowly absorbed the impact this big news could have. Not sure what to say, Rainbow stood up without another word. Taking the rest of her uneaten bag lunch to the nearest trash can. Rainbow went to her next class as the bell rang. She couldn’t shake the thoughts spinning through her head.

* I’m not into girls! I like guys! I mean, sure I check out my friends every now and then. But that doesn’t mean I like them more than a friend? * thought Rainbow.

The rest of the day was a haze as Rainbow marched from one class to another. Later that night Rainbow layed in bed thinking as she wrestled with her thoughts. Eventually sleep overtook her.

Chapter 2: Embrace

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The next morning, Pinkie awoke; she didn’t waste anytime as she got ready for the day. After getting dressed and eating a quick breakfast of toast and strawberry jam she bolted out of the door in the hopes of finding Rainbow before school. Once, Pinkie made it to main entrance, she sat on the steps leading to the school’s entrance. Pinkie sat on the far side of the stone steps to make sure that she wasn’t in the way of incoming classmates.

Her icy blue eyes were constantly scanning the numerous students. Those blue spheres never stopped looking for a flash of rainbow hair in the river of teens. The loud chime of the school bell signaled the end of her search. Her lips slowly turned into a frown as she walked to her first class of the day.

Not having any luck finding Rainbow, Pinkie started to feel nervous. The more she thought about it the more she was sure something was wrong. She did have a sixth sense about these kind of things. While her English teacher droned on about the lesson plan. Setting her phone on her lap she texted Rainbow a quick message asking if she was okay.

With the teacher’s back turned Pinkie clicked send. A small bit of her worry eroded after sending the message. The moment of comfort was chiseled away with every passing minute without a reply. As the hours ticked by, switching from class to class. Pinkie began to get impatient waiting for the lunch bell. As soon as it rang she bolted out of the room as fast as she could in the direction of the cafeteria. Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she ran at a breakneck pace. Reaching the door to the cafeteria caused her to screeching a halt.

Flinging open the door, with a crazed look in her eye. She scouted the lunch room for any sign of her athletic friend. Rainbow was nowhere in sight, feeling deflated Pinkie took a seat next to Applejack and Sunset. While Rarity and Fluttershy took their seat just opposite of Pinkie. Spotting Fluttershy filled Pinkie with a new found hope. If anything was seriously wrong with Rainbow then Fluttershy would be the first to know. Launching herself across the table Pinkie grabbed Fluttershy by the shoulders. The quick action caused the skittish girl to squeak out in surprise.

“Fluttershy! Have you seen Rainbow Dash?”

“No, I haven’t seen her?”

An icy pit began to form in her stomach with the return of her anxiety. Without a word Pinkie released her grip, her face smacked the table as she slid back to her seat. Rarity and Fluttershy both shared a concerned expression.

“Pinkie dear, is everything alright?” asked Rarity.

Pinkie’s face was still on the table making her response muffled. Fluttershy bit her lip in guilt knowing that she just couldn’t do anything for Pinkie since the others were present. Applejack was too busy feeding Sunset to notice anything. Which caused Rarity’s eye to twitch in frustration. Sunset and Applejack’s PDA was annoying enough. While, Rarity attempted to lecture Applejack on common courtesy. Pinkie sat in silence for the rest of the lunch period.

The more she thought about Rainbow, the more her anxiety grew. The rest of the day was a blur. Pinkie perked up as soon as the last bell rang for the day. She quickly gathered her things and ran as fast as she could to Rainbow’s house. It didn’t take her long to reach her destination. Cautiously Pinkie walked up to the door. There was no response after she knocked a few times. Taking a chance Pinkie reached for the doorknob. With a turn of her wrist the door creaked open.

“Rainbow, are you home?” whispered Pinkie.

Poking her head in nearly room, came with the same result...empty. Now there was only one room left to check. Rainbow’s room was at the top of the stairs. Creeping on her tiptoes Pinkie could see Rainbow fast asleep in her bed. Once, Pinkie made it to Rainbow’s side she saw a sea of discarded tissues. It didn’t take a genius to see that Rainbow was very sick. Pinkie’s lips formed into a thin line as she watched Rainbow’s labored breathing.

She also noticed that Rainbow was nearly out of tissues, cough drops and cold medicine. Like a ghost Pinkie disappeared into the hallway and grabbed Rainbow’s house key on her way out. Locking the front door behind her. Pinkie headed to the nearest convenient store. She bought all of the things that Rainbow would need to recover.

After paying for her items she rushed back to Rainbow’s side. She set down a new box of tissues, a bag of cough drops and a fresh bottle of medicine on the nightstand. Pinkie cleaned up Rainbow’s ocean of tissues and emptied the wastebasket. Before she left the room Pinkie lovingly kissed Rainbow on her forehead.

A strong smell of tomato soup wafted throughout the house. The delicate aroma was nearly lost on Rainbow’s stuffy nose. It was just enough to arouse her from her slumber. Every muscle in her body ached as she stumbled her way into the kitchen.

“Dad, is that you?” Rainbow’s voice was hoarse as she barely got the words out.

“Rainbow! Your up!” squeaked Pinkie in her excitement.

Rainbow flinched at Pinkie’s shrieking, her head throbbed in pain from being congested. Realising her mistake, Pinkie wordlessly ushered Rainbow to the nearest seat at the table. Feeling weak, Rainbow did not resist Pinkie as she pulled out a chair for her. A large grin found its way to Pinkie’s lips as she thrusted a bowl of tomato soup in front of Rainbow.

As well as a cup of water with a large pink curly straw. Hungrily Rainbow took a few sips of her soup. Pinkie sat across from her with her own bowl of soup. The only sound in the room was the noise of clinking spoons. Rainbow was grateful for the silence. She wasn’t sure that she could take Pinkie’s usual chatter at the moment. A tired smile tugged at Rainbow’s lips when she took a small sip from her pink curly straw. The action was so ridiculous that she couldn’t help but smile.

“Thanks Pinkie for the soup.”

The small compliment made Pinkie’s smile just grow in size. She grabbed up Rainbow’s dishes to wash them. Now that dinner was over Pinkie escorted Rainbow back to her bed. Once they reached her room, Rainbow raised an eyebrow. Now that she was awake she noticed that her room was a lot cleaner. Not only that, but now she had a brand new supply of medicine. The gesture was not lost on Rainbow.

She was genuinely touched by Pinkie’s action’s. Just as Rainbow pulled the covers over herself; Pinkie handed her a dose of night time cold syrup. It didn’t take long to Rainbow to get drowsy, soon the room was filled with Rainbow’s light snores. Sitting on the edge of the bed Pinkie let out a sigh of relief. Knowing that Rainbow was okay was like a weight lifted off her shoulders.

The next morning Rainbow felt a little better. She sleepily made her way to the living room. A loud snore caught her attention Rainbow saw Pinkie curled up in a ball on her couch. The foggy memories from the night before sluggishly made their way back to the forefront of her mind. Seeing her hyperactive friend sleeping peacefully was a rare occasion. It didn’t take long, before Pinkie began to stir from her dreams. After yawning loudly Pinkie darted into the kitchen to make a Saturday breakfast for the both of them. With nothing to do Rainbow sat at the table. Alone with her thoughts Rainbow began to tap her fingers on the table. Minutes later a bowl of chopped fruit and a small portion of cinnamon oatmeal was placed in front of her.

Even a simple meal like this looked like an artistic masterpiece. Rainbow didn’t know how it was even possible to create something so beautiful. Reluctantly, she disrupted the delicately stacked fruit with a flick of her spoon. Out of the corner of her eye Rainbow saw Pinkie staring at her with a content smile. Something deep inside her began to stir. Rainbow set down her spoon with a pained expression as she stared her hyper friend in the eye.

“You don’t have to take care of me you know.”

Her statement seemed to catch her pink friend off guard. Though it didn’t last long. With a swift shake of her head Pinkie recovered.

“ I know, I don’t have too. I just want to.”replied Pinkie with a warm smile.

It was as Rainbow feared, Pinkie was not going to come out and say it. It was as if she knew that admitting her true feelings would only lead to rejection. And she was right Rainbow couldn’t return her affection at least not in the same capacity as her dear friend.

“Look Pinkie, I know alright. I know you have a crush on me.”

Pinkie’s light pink cheeks were immediately drained of color as she stared at the ground. “I...Just.” She was at a lost for words so she continued to blankly stare at the ground.

Rainbow stared at her sympathetically. “Fluttershy told me and you’re really awesome. But I just don’t feel the same way.”

Pinkie stood there frozen with shock as Rainbow’s words continued to flow from her mouth.

“I don’t think I even like girls like that. I’m sorry Pinkie.” said Rainbow as she watched for some kind of reaction.

“It’s okay, I just...I don’t know...I thought that maybe-” Pinkie let out an exasperated sigh. “I should go, I probably annoyed you enough.”

Rainbow flinched at her friend’s words, feeling a small pang of guilt. After realizing that maybe she wasn’t as subtle with her growing discomfort of Pinkie’s constant attention. Gathering her things Pinkie headed towards the door.

“I..um..see you later Dashie.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

The door closed ever so softly behind Pinkie as she walked out. A single tear dripped down her face. A loud thud nearly made the fragile girl jump out of her skin. Whipping around to see what was going on; she saw Rainbow coming towards her. Closing her eyes Pinkie braced herself for the worst. Instead she felt a pair of warm arms wrap around her. As Rainbow embrace her in a gentle hug.

“Hey, it’s okay. I don’t hate you or anything. I just need a little space that’s all.”

A small smirk pulled at the corners of Rainbow’s mouth. “ Besides, how can I be upset with someone who thinks I’m so amazingly awesome!”

Rainbow shook slightly as Pinkie giggled while she was pressed against her chest. “You are pretty great.”

“Laughing huh? That’s always a good sign.” chuckled Rainbow.

With a goofy grin on Pinkie’s face, Rainbow playfully ruffled her bubble gum colored locks.

“Let’s go finish breakfast before you go.” said Rainbow.

Tightening her grip for one last squeeze, Pinkie released her grip and skipped into the house. Rainbow felt a content smile pull at the edges of her mouth.


The following weeks Pinkie had kept her promise to give Rainbow a little more space. The two of them would still spend time together but Pinkie no longer stalked Rainbow. The final school bell rang throughout the school, Pinkie nearly jumped through the ceiling. She could barely contain her excitement. It was Friday after all, not only was the weekend in sight. But it was also the day of Rainbow’s latest soccer match. Watching Rainbow play was always the highlight of her week.

Like a whirlwind Pinkie grabbed her things and burst out onto the soccer field. Patiently, Pinkie waited for her favorite soccer player to make her grand appearance. Not long after she arrived, Rainbow made her way to the edge of the field. Rainbow waved to Pinkie Pie in the stands before she started her warm up routine. By juggling the ball from foot to the other in a rhythmic pattern. It slowly became their new tradition before every game.
Rainbow continued her warm up until the head referee called the team captains onto the field. She headed over and went through the motions of coin flip. Rainbow called heads as the referee tossed it into the air. The coin landed flat in his palm revealing heads.

Pinkie squealed with excitement as she watched Rainbow’s team get to the ball first. Moments later the two teams were all set up to start the game. Blowing his whistle the game could finally begin. A few minutes into the game Rainbow scored the first goal of the game. Right on cue Pinkie cheered at the top of her lungs.

The game was now tied 3-3 with only two minutes left on the clock. Rainbow received the ball in midfield. After getting the ball she broke out into a sprint. Now at full speed she blasted down the field and dribbled past a few opponents. With only a minute remaining she passed the ball to her teammate, Fleetfoot. She didn’t waste anytime as they both ran down the field. Fleetfoot managed to dribble the ball all the way to the goal box. Now that Rainbow was open once again. Fleetfoot crossed the ball into the air towards Rainbow. Seeing her chance Rainbow planted her strong foot on the ground and leaned forward. She got just enough air so that her head connected with the ball. With enough power to fly right past the goalie and into the net.

Rainbow’s footing was slightly off causing her to land on her back just as the ball entered the goal. Jumping up, Rainbow quickly dusted herself off before running to the stands to celebrate. Instinctually Rainbow made a beeline to her number one fan. Swept up in her excitement Pinkie grabbed Rainbow into a crushing bearhug. Seeing the startled look on Rainbow’s face made her shrink back.

“I’m sorry, I know you don’t like it when I get all clingy.”

A faint blush crept over Rainbow’s features as she returned her friend’s hug. “It’s okay...I’m getting use to it.” muttered Rainbow.