Fluttershy hummed a little tune to herself as she watered her plants in the early morning. A few birds flew above her head, tweeting along to her little bird song. She did her best to smile, holding the watering can in her teeth. She even managed a giggle when she saw Angel Bunny wiggling his nose cutely. The shy mare admired her work, thinking back to the elderly stallion that used to water her plants. As much as she wanted to help by employing him, he was far too harsh with her delicate flowers. She was happy she was able to refer him to the water works department, it paid better anyway. She took a break and sniffed some of her lilacs until she heard a pony yelling, startling her.

“FLUTTERSHY! I need you here right now!” Rainbow Dash yelled with the ferocity of a tiger’s roar. The birds flew back into the trees as Fluttershy hid behind her ever brave Angel Bunny.

Once the animal care taker realized it was her mare friend, and not an attacker, she rushed upstairs. “Oh dear!” she worried in her quiet voice. She rushed into her home to hear the pained wails of her mare friend coming from the kitchen. “Oh no, Dashie, are you alright?” the caring pegasus called out as she rushed in the kitchen. What she saw surprised her into a stupor.

Rainbow Dash was biting her lip, her magenta eyes watering. She had one hoof stuck in a jar that read, “Candied Fruits: Angel Bunny Only!” And on her right flank, right above the cutie mark, was a baby cactus stuck in her. Rainbow Dash wobbled over, the jar making her walk uneven as the annoying pain in her flank made her hop in an odd fashion. “You better not start laughing Shy!” Dash warned in a pained voice.

Fluttershy held a hoof to her mouth, the sudden suspicion making her suppress a giggle. “No of course not Dashie.” Guilt pulled at her heart strings as she saw how uncomfortable her mare friend was. She rushed over and wiggled her blue hoof free from the jar. “Oh you poor thing. How on earth did this happen sweet’ums?” Fluttershy fussed as she held her hoof above the cactus, afraid to touch it.

Dash’s wings popped out in agitation as she stuttered in disbelief. “Wh-wha!? You mean you don’t know who could possibly be so evil as to, ugh, as to plan all this?” Dash said in a rather rotten mood. Angel appeared looking as smug as a bug in a rug, twirling his whiskers much like a traditional villain. Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof at the rabbit as he hid behind his owner, “YOU! Oh, how I HATE YOU!” Rainbow snarled out.

Fluttershy hopped over to completely cover their views of each other. “Now Dashie, he was outside with me the whole time. How could he have stuck a cactus to your flank from outside?” Fluttershy questioned, trying to calm her mare friend down. Playing peace keeper between the flashy pegasus and the mischievous rabbit was turning into a full time gig. It seemed both wanted her full attention, and both would pick on the other when she wasn’t looking. Needless to say, Fluttershy found herself looking forward to her spa time with Rarity more and more each week.

“Awe don’t defend the little runt Fluttershy. He booby trapped the jar specifically for me. I’m telling you, he is trying to kill me!” Dash complained, wincing in pain and deciding to stand still. Angel hopped in front of her, shaking his bunny fist. He was not a runt, he is fairly big for a rabbit. Not to mention the strongest around.

Fluttershy rolled her eyes and pulled Angel back. “Now Rainbow Dash, there is no need to resort to name calling. What were you doing sneaking treats from his jar anyway?” Fluttershy asked in a warning tone. She figured she needed to do something to calm her mare friend down.

It worked, as a guilty look came over Dash’s face, her wings folding back up and her ears dropping low. “Well, I, you know… I just wanted a taste! But he didn’t have to try and assassinate me!” Rainbow tried to defend herself as she sat down and waved her hooves in the air. She had seemed to forget the cactus momentarily, the reminder of the painful plant sending her flying back up and hovering in the air with the pain in her rear.

Angel snickered to himself at her misery. Fluttershy cleared her throat, getting his attention. The rebellious creature tried to fake innocence, but Fluttershy saw right through. “Now Angel Bunny, I gave you those treats because you behaved very well while we were visiting my parents. Now I know those were special for you, but that doesn’t mean you can behave so poorly when someone else wants them.” She scolded. Angel looked away, crossing his arms.

Fluttershy decided to assert herself. “Well, if you can’t say you’re sorry, then maybe I will give Dashie here all the candied fruits.” She threatened as she held the jar above her head. Rainbow smiled as Angel made a look of shock. He hopped up and down frantically, waving his paws for her attention. She raised an eyebrow at him, making him put his paws together in a pleading fashion. “Go on and apologize Angel.”

Angel kicked at the ground like an upset foal. He hopped over and made a few apologizing gestures that Dash didn’t believe for a second. He looked back to his mama with big eyes. “Well, I think the cactus was more than enough of a punishment for Dashie here for trying to sneak treats. But to show her you really mean it Angel, I want you to share some of your treats with her.” Fluttershy demanded in a nagging tone.

Rainbow let her self fall to the ground gently as she smiled triumphantly. Angel grimaced at her, pulling out a single candied fruit. He flinched at his pony’s voice. “Come now Angel, more than that. She has a cactus in her flank.” The motherly mare nagged. He pulled out as much as he could grab, about a hoofful.

Dash grinned like mad as Angel slowly and disgruntledly put his snacks in her possession. He quickly closed the lid and ran off with his treats, deciding to hide them from her. Rainbow opened her mouth and greedily ate them all, her mouth a gooey mess as she chewed. She made sounds of enjoyment as she delighted in the tasty morsels that brought her enemy’s defeat. She relished the victory until pain filled her senses as she flew in the air again. “EEEEEEEOOOOOOWWWW!” she screamed.

She looked down to see her lover holding the cactus by the pot in her mouth, looking sheepish. She placed it down, a blush on her face. “I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, I tried to be as gentle as possible.” She tenderly apologized. The cyan mare landed, showing her flank to her mare friend. Fluttershy frowned as she noticed there were still a few needles in there, and some redness. “Oh my poor baby. Let me get the tweezers.” Fluttershy saw Dash flinch at the thought. She gave a small smile that brought a big one to her mare friend’s. “How does a big and scrumptious dessert sound to cheer my amazing flyer up?” She asked to try and ease the tension.

Rainbow Dash gave another smug grin and shook her head eagerly. “I think that will do the trick. Thanks babe!” Rainbow performed a quick turn and caught her surprised mare friend on the lips. These mornings have their ups and downs, but both ponies seemed very happy and in love.

After the ordeal of her mare friend plucking little cactus needles from her body, and after enjoying a big fancy breakfast, Rainbow Dash decided to enjoy her day off by taking a nap on a cloud that she used as a hammock that tied between two trees. The relaxed mare had her dark sunglasses on, keeping one eye open for any enemy white rabbits. She rested on her back, arms crossed behind her head as she took a deep breath, the pain in her rear already dulled out. She reached over and grabbed the sweet iced tea her mare friend had prepared for her as she finished caring for all her animal friends. This would be the last of summer, and soon Fluttershy would have to get all her animals prepared for fall, and Rainbow Dash would have to start on the climate changes and new cloud and wind patterns the season called for.

The happy cyan mare felt her eyes grow heavier as her body relaxed. A sudden darkness covered her view, making her grimace in annoyance. She blinked her eyes open and lifted her glasses to see the pretty smiling face of her lover gazing upon her resting form. Dash felt a smile creep on her lips as Fluttershy’s soft features glowed with adoration for the weather mare. Her heart made strong by a whole life of being an adventurous and athletic pony started to beat faster as the yellow face inched closer. “You really are a beautiful sight to see Shy. I can just stare at that smile all day.” Rainbow said in a soft tone. All this time dating Fluttershy had taught the eccentric pegasus about not always needing to be so bold and brash.

Fluttershy could see Dash’s face delight in the blush she caused. She made a soft chuckle, nuzzling against the side of the resting pony’s face. Dash closed her eyes to the caresses, letting her sense of touch do all the work. “Why thank you Dashie. And may I say you look so, um, so cool with your glasses.” Fluttershy complimented. Indeed she liked the way Dash had them pushed up her head, and the way it brushed her prismatic mane back to fully see her face.

Dash surprised her by pulling her into a one arm hug, making the timid mare meep. “And…?” Dash hinted, always hungry for compliments. Her happy smile grew into a cheeky one as she traced her hoof down Fluttershy’s side.

“Oh my, and amazing of course?” Fluttershy continued, wondering if she satisfied her mare friend’s need for attention. Rainbow gave her a look that said, go on. The ground loving pegasus had to laugh inwardly, touched to see how much filly like innocence and playfulness remained in her lover. “Oh my, I can’t forget awesome!” she said enthusiastically. Dash wiggled her eyebrows even more, egging her on. “And spectacular, and hehe, radical, and astonishing, fantastic, and beautiful you look when you wear your sunglasses like that.” She said with a sweetness in her voice that always sent Dash’s mind reeling as she placed a gentle hoof on her chest, right above the heart of the Rainbow.

A love struck look was written all over Dash’s features as she sat up on her cloud. “That sounds more like it. You’re the only pony I let get away with calling me beautiful you know?” Dash teased as she placed her glasses back over her eyes, looking as charming to the animal lover as ever.

Fluttershy chuckled as she placed her fore legs onto the cloud hammock. She tilted her head in her shy way, letting her mane come over her face in just the way that left her mare friend wanting more. “Well, I call you beautiful because you are beautiful Dashie.” She leaned forward and planted a soft kiss to Dash’s nose. “My very own personal beautiful rainbow.” Fluttershy said in a dreamy voice. The Element of Kindness was thankful to have her true love at last.

Dash smiled that smug smile, her heart touched. “Well, I suppose you want to join your beautiful and awesome mare friend for a nice afternoon nap on a cloud? I even have it low to the ground, just how you like it.” Rainbow Dash said with such sureness in her voice. Then the glimpse of Fluttershy wearing her saddle bags caught her eye as she frowned slightly.

Fluttershy made a sorry face as she looked down. “Well, actually, today is the day I meet Rarity for our weekly spa date.” Fluttershy said in a small voice, almost ashamed of enjoying going out without her mare friend by her side. Fluttershy truly enjoyed these small moments with Rarity that brought the two of them together, something she wished she could convince her lover to try. It was her moment to get away from all her responsibilities and troubles, and just enjoy in some girly girl time. Sometimes even Twilight and Pinkie would join, and some mischievous giddiness would ensue. They have even managed to get Applejack to come along and just relaxed as Aloe and Lotus worked their bodies.

Rainbow Dash scoffed as she leaned forward and stomped her front hooves on the ground while still remaining on the cloud. “You got to be kidding me Shy! It’s my one day off before the new busy schedule before the weather starts! I was planning on spending the whole day snuggling with my cuddle buddy!” Dash complained, hoping to guilt trip her into spending the day with her instead of Rarity.

Fluttershy hunched over, feeling bad for ruining her mare friend’s plans for the day. “Oh, I’m sorry Rainbow Dash. I want to do all those thing with you, I really do!” She felt her stomach tie into knots at seeing her rainbow knight cross her arms upset. “It’s just I could really use a nice spa day, things have been so hectic lately. And, and Rarity and I always go to the spa on this day… for a while now.” Fluttershy scuffed at the ground, her voice trailing off, nerves getting to her. She heard Rainbow Dash give a defeated sigh as she softened up. Fluttershy peaked through her mane with big sad eyes.

Rainbow sighed yet again, unable to fight the adorableness that is Fluttershy. “I guess I will just have to find something else to preoccupy my time for the next few hours.” Dash grumbled to herself as she leaned back into her cloud and let her glasses fall back on her face. “Horse apples! What about me?” she thought to herself. She straightened up when she felt Fluttershy lean over her and plant another kiss, this time to her lips.

“Oh, thank you Dashie, for understanding. I promise to give you lots and lots of extra attention when I get back to make up for this.” Fluttershy tried to comfort her, her caring smile on her face as she bat her eyes in just the right way.

Dash relaxed again, accepting the promise. “Well you better my little Flutter Butter. Don’t let lil Miss Prissy Pants trick you into more modeling afterwards. Tell her you got an attention starved pegasus who will be eagerly awaiting your return that needs some loving.” Rainbow stated as she grabbed her drink to take a swig.

Fluttershy nodded eagerly, “Oh yes Dashie, I will. I best be going, I can’t be late. Love you!” she said as she flew off, getting her wings some exercise. Rainbow Dash waved her goodbye, relaxing a little more into her cloud.

The off duty weather mare grunted to herself, trying to get comfy. “Buck, this sucks! Why is everypony always stealing my precious time with Fluttershy? It’s bad enough things didn’t go as planned on our vacation.” The upset mare thought back to herself, the memory coming back to her.

Rainbow Dash woke up by herself in Fluttershy’s bed to the smell of pancakes and coffee. She yawned a big yawn, stretching out her body and wings to their limit as she stumbled out of bed. She scratched her back, “Woo, we sure had a long night of some good old loving… Boy am I starved.” She said to nopony in particular. She opened the door to bump into her father, his mane looking just as messy and his eyes red. Dash blushed, remembering how he heard last night as he gave her a knowing look. “Hehe, hey dad? Did you get enough sleep?” she questioned carefully.

He snorted in her face, stallions got grumpy when they didn’t get enough sleep. “No actually I didn’t. And you know why little missy.” He warned her in a whisper. “Let’s just hope Shy’s father didn’t hear.” He finished, a look of worry crossing his daughter’s face. He trotted into the bathroom, “Gotta shave the stache for Minerva.” He grumbled to himself.

Rainbow Dash smiled at her father as he went into the bathroom. “Ah Jeez, I gotta pee!” she thought as she did a little dance. She ran into the other bathroom that was down stairs. Once she was all done and cleaned up she followed her nose into the kitchen. She smiled sheepishly at Sunbeam, who also gave her a knowing look. Fluttershy was busying herself with setting the table, more than happy to get up early and help her mom with breakfast.

“So, which one of you girls snuck into our bedroom and swiped the suitcase?” she asked once she had both of them in the room. Dash was about to stick a freshly baked muffin in her mouth as she froze in place. Fluttershy also stopped moving, looking like a scared baby animal in a forest full of predators. Rainbow Dash started mumbling incoherently as Flash walked in.

They all gasped as Sunburst burst into the kitchen, looking at Rainbow Dash accusingly. “Sunbeam! The suitcase was gone when I got up this morning!” He growled in Dash’s direction. She yelped and took a fighting stance. Flash looked dumbfounded at what to do, still too early of an hour for his tastes for thinking. “They were fooling around in our house, after I forbade them to grrrhhhmph!”

Sunbeam stuck a nice hot muffin in his mouth, silencing him. “Come now Sunny! When I awoke I simply brought it back down to them. No need to act like they are little fillies anymore with no sense. I’m sure they can control themselves, and practice safety.” She covered for the young mares, giving them both a wink. Both Ponyville residents relaxed, practically melting on the floor and being saved the terrible embarrassment.

Flash chuckled, knowing the truth. “Yeah Sunny. Besides, they’re both girls. It’s not like they can get each other pregnant.” He joked. He seemingly forgot how outrageous his long time friend got at the word as he rushed to him and started shaking him wildly.

His eyes were wide and fearful. “Who said anything about Fluttershy getting pregnant! She’s still a baby herself, she can’t have any babies!” he yelled as he shook Flash, who was fully awake by now.

“Calm down, they can’t do that biologically! By Celestia get a hold of yourself Sunburst!” Flash had to yell.

Sunburst dragged his hooves along his face, trying to calm down. He took a deep breath, “I am sorry everypony. I, I think I need a drink.” He apologized as he ran a hoof through his mane. Sunbeam passed him a cup of coffee to calm his nerves, Flash’s voice remarking a “You and me both” easing the tension.

“Please excuse him girls. He gets nervous at obstetrics. You should have seen him faint when I told him I was pregnant!” she joked as she poured Flash a cup of joe.

“Tell me about it, I thought he would have a heart attack in the waiting room. Had to give him some sedatives to calm this giant down.” He said as he poured some sugar into his mug. He took a sip. “Mmm, you make such divine coffee Sunbeam.” He complimented.

“Shut up, I get scared when a pony’s giving birth!” Sunburst yelled, being ignored by his friend and his wife. Fluttershy looked surprised, never seeing her father like this before. He was acting as frightful as she does with dragons.

Sunbeam walked and put a wing over her daughter’s back, “Actually, our sweet Shy made this delicious batch of coffee for us.” She stated proudly, the way any mother would, watching her daughter pour coffee for everypony else as they all took a seat at the round table.

Rainbow Dash took a seat between her lover and her father. She sniffed the sweet aroma and spiced it up to her liking. “I didn’t know you made coffee Shy.” Dash spoke before taking a sip. Her eyes gleamed with a new vigor as she slurped it down, even with it being so hot. “Scratch that! I didn’t know you made the best coffee ever Shy!” she said as she licked her lips and put her mug out for more.

“Oh yes, I try not to make so much at home. Caffeine is so strong for me you know. I usually only spoil myself with it right before and right after hibernation to give myself energy for work.” Fluttershy explained as she blushed. Dash opened her wing closest to Fluttershy. She took a look at her surroundings, not sure how well the older generation would react, but dared to drape her in a wing hug anyway.

Sunburst was too focused on his cup of coffee, thoughts of birthing shaking him. Flash was slowly drifting in and out of consciousness from lack of sleep, even with the aid of coffee. Sunbeam smiled at the gesture, making eye contact with her daughter and giving her a smirk. She looked back and grinned even wider at her sleepy friend, “Is our guest bed that uncomfortable Flash?”

He cast a glare at his daughter, who looked like a balloon about to pop from the pressure. He took another big swig to give him more energy. “Nah, just some crazy kids being all loud and inconsiderate outside.” He answered with emphasis.

Sunburst finally took control of himself as he nodded in agreement. “I know, those crazy rascals. That’s why we left Cloudsdale. We thought this neighborhood would be quieter.” He complained as he served everypony their pancakes. He gave both his girls a kiss, one on the lips for Sunbeam, one on the forehead for Fluttershy. Both mares looked delighted.

“How did you like Fluttershy’s room Rainbow Dash? Was it like going back in time?” Sunbeam asked, knowing what a good job they had done replicating Fluttershy’s fillyhood room.

Dash smiled at the attention being on her and nodded. “Yeah, like walking into the Twilight Zone!” she repeated her old joke, making everypony chuckle. She turned her head when she felt Fluttershy shift under her wing and run her hooves up and down her chest. She stared at her mare friend, eyes bulging out as she tried to see if their parents would react. She saw Sunburst’s jaw get firmer but no bad signs about small affections. “Why is she being all cute and cuddly in front of them?!?!” Dash worried in her mind.

“Oh but I didn’t even show you all of Angel’s stuff I had prepared for when he visits with me!” Fluttershy exclaimed, the thought of her bunny giving her courage to show any public affection in front of their parents.

Rainbow Dash smiled at seeing Sunburst and Sunbeam visibly cringe at the mention of the critter. “Uh, Angel…” they moaned in unison.

“I have never met a meaner and more unpleasant rabbit!” Sunburst complained.

Sunbeam looked to the young lovers. “I don’t know how you tolerate him Fluttershy.” Sunbeam added.

“Finally, those who know my plight!” Dash cheered.

Fluttershy huffed and puffed cutely. “He is a good boy once you get to know him. Besides, I have had plenty of practice dealing with Rainbow here.” Fluttershy came back, a gleam of defiance in her eyes.

“Hey!” was all Rainbow Dash could say.

Flash looked back and fourth to everypony before smiling goofily to himself, “Well, I have just got to see this rabbit that has everypony’s feathers ruffled!”

Rainbow Dash grumbled to herself as she settled her luggage on the cloud. She couldn’t believe their parents would just invite themselves on their lover’s getaway. “First dad says he’s meeting this lady of his at the same beach we are going to. Then Sunbeam has the bright idea to do a big family beach trip! And that mean old Sunburst wants to stay at the same hotel! What rotten luck!” Dash complained to herself as she fastened everypony else’s luggage to their cloud. She inwardly groaned when she heard her mare friend.

“Oh thank you Dashie for understanding! I just know we will all have an amazing time together!” Fluttershy said with a smile that warmed Dash’s cold and grumpy heart. The yellow mare fluttered over to her mare friend and nuzzled her with love. “We will be like one big happy family! Oh this trip is turning out so wonderful! Oh thank you Dashie! Thank you, thank you!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

Rainbow sighed as she smiled contently at her mare friend. “How can I be upset when she is so happy and grateful for all of this? Even if it isn’t the alone time I wanted, it’s still happy times with my love, creating memories. And I can’t say no to family like, especially after such a long break of not seeing them. I guess.” Dash though as she pulled Fluttershy into a hug.

Rainbow Dash tried her best to remember those words when they went to the desk and Sunburst insisted they be upgraded to two rooms that connected, seemingly ruining any chance for privacy. “I guess you two girls can have the room with one bed and us old farts can have the room with two.” The huge stallion offered, not wanted to be too over bearing.

Rainbow Dash sighed again at the memory of being stuck with them the whole time, even if they had lots of fun. It had been forever since either her or Fluttershy had been to a beach, and Fluttershy made it quite clear she wanted to plan a beach day with their best friends, knowing they would love it. She felt the cool breeze as her eyes drifted shut.

The cyan mare’s eyes sprang open as she was in the darkness. She felt confused as the cloud she was laying on was no longer there, instead it was replaced by cold hard rock. She inspected her surroundings, unable to make anything out. Barely any light came through as she forced herself to her legs. She started to sweat as she realized she was in some eerie looking woodsy area. The Element of Loyalty started hyperventilating as she realized she was in a very dangerous part of the Everfree.

She quickly took to the skies, only for the thick branches of the trees to knock her back down. She winched as she felt thorns prick her wings, and cursed under her breath at feeling trickles of blood make their way from her wings to her body. Panic filled her heart as the thought of not being able to fly hit her like a blast from Pinkie’s party cannon. Her heart stopped and her eyes tried to adjust to the night as she heard the rustle of something in the bushes from behind her.

She quickly turned on her hooves to face whatever made the noise. “Who’s there! I’m warning you, I will rip you apart if you come near me!” She went on the defense and spoke with a harsh and threatening tone, fear gripping her heart and bleeding wings flared out. Suddenly she could see much better in the dark as she saw the brown bush move some more. Her eyes widened when a hoof came out. It looked reddish pink, and she wondered who it could be. Maybe Pinkie, maybe Big Mac, although the hoof didn’t seem right for either of them.

She felt her stomach churn as the smell of rotten flesh hit her nose and the wet and slushy sound of the hoof as it dragged against the rocky ground. Indeed her vision did improve as it slowly dragged itself out of the bushes. It was a pony, at least Dash thought. Except it was skinless, the pinkish red actually its bloody muscles, black veins bulging over its dead body.

Dash gulped as she scooted back. It gurgled and groaned, revealing it’s decaying and yet still sharp teeth. It had no mane, just specks of hair that looked like it was yanked out. And it held a pair of wings that were mere skeleton now. But its eyes were what sent a chill up her spin. They were so lifeless. They held no pupil, no soul. It glowed with a sickly yellow as stared her down, coming closer.

It started to growl at her, moving from a slow trudge to a canter. “Yikes!” Dash yelped as it dug its teeth into its own lips and moved to her, blood slowly oozing. Without a second thought she turned and ran from the unnatural creature. Her wings flapped, aiding in her speedy getaway. She skidded to a stop as she heard a familiar scream. Only one thought came to her head. “Fluttershy!”

Rainbow Dash shot up from her resting spot, screaming her mare friend’s name as the hammock flipped over and shot her to the ground. The rudely awakened mare cradled her head and groaned from the rough contact with the ground. “Doh, what the buck was I dreaming about?” Dash thought aloud as she kicked the cloud away with anger, making her drink spill on top of her.

She growled at her goof up, thankful she at least had it in a plastic cup. She shook the sick thoughts of her dream away as she noticed how far down the sun had gone. “Where is Fluttershy, she said she would make it short?” Dash wondered as she picked up the spilled cup.

She washed up her face, and still no sign of her lover. She grunted, jealously thinking of Rarity eating up her precious time with Fluttershy. Her face slowly turned red, She is probably cuddling a little too close to her. Showing off her looks! trying to get her attention that belongs to me! a random thought crossed her mind. She decided to kill some time by hanging with Pinkie, knowing the party pony could pick her up from her sour mood.

She made it to SugarCube Corner in a jiffy. She walked in to be greeted by the Cakes. They informed her that Pinkie left early to join Fluttershy and Rarity. Rainbow grimaced and nodded her thanks, leaving the bakery and pouting to herself. She walked about town, looking for something to occupy her time. She passed by the spa, her pride not allowing her in. But curiosity got the better of her as she went around the back and hovered by a vent.

Dash couldn’t believe her luck when she heard Pinkie’s scream that rattled her brains. “So, Dashie still doesn’t know what you are up to Fluttershy?” Dash heard her pink friend say. She instantly felt her fur rise at the words, but remained silent. Unfortunately, Fluttershy’s voice was too quiet to even make it to the vent, not to mention through it. She could faintly pick up Rarity’s posh accent.

“But of course not Darling. No offense, but our flashy friend is usually too busy tooting her own horn to notice what other ponies are doing.” Rainbow grabbed the vent as if it were a pony’s head.

“Pst, what the heck Rar! You’re usually too busy looking in the mirror to know what I’m doing!” Dash came back, even if nopony could hear her. “Sides, only snooty unicorns without dates toot horns!” she grumbled to herself.

She had to push her head away at hearing Pinkie’s loud voice return. “Awe don’t say that Rarity, you made Flutters all saddy waddy!” Pinkie yelled.

“Don’t call her Flutters Pinks, only I can call her that!” Dash complained, getting possessive.

“Well I mean no harm Fluttershy. But it is the perfect plan after all. To think you and Applejack have been doing this for weeks now. And you barely just told us to let us join in.” Rarity apologized and explained excitedly.

Rainbow felt her heart drop as she almost lost her ability to fly. She held on to the vent for safety. “AJ! Really! What the buck, I thought we were all friends!” the weather mare panicked as all sorts of crazy scenarios ran through her head.

“Yeah Fluttershy, how can you not let me in on this action. You know if anypony can cover up the tracks so Dashie is none the wiser, it’s me!” Pinkie’s voice echoed through the vents and in Dash’s ears.

Rainbow Dash felt sick to her stomach as thoughts of her mare friend cheating on her entered her heart. She glided down to the ground, feeling weak. Her mind was reeling, having heard enough.

“No way, just no way Fluttershy would do this to me! She wouldn’t, she couldn’t!” Dash begged aloud as she lay flat on the ground. “No, it has to be a misunderstanding. She would never be so cruel. We love each other, we really do. Yeah, true love, we were meant to be!” Dash tried to reason. “But why would she be hiding seeing Applejack from me, and why are Rarity and Pinkie so keen on keeping it a secret?” Dash asked herself as she dug at the ground.

A light bulb went over her head, her eyes sparking with realization. No no no, my sweet Shy would never do that to me. It must be the rest of my so called friends trying to confuse and seduce her! I bet AJ just uses Winona as an excuse and tries to put the moves on her. What a lair, always saying she had my back! Dash thought, a hurt expression on her face at the thought of one of her best friends, one she was particularly close to, betraying her in such a way. “And that greedy Rarity, probably just jealous I have the most beautiful mare in Equestria and is trying to get her all to herself. Why else does my Shy always have to model for her when she hates the attention. She probably pervs out at seeing her in clothes!” Dash accused as she sat up and stomped the ground.

She huffed and puffed, tears forming that she refused to let fall. “Yeah, buck those guys. And Pinkie Pie, I thought I could trust her. She is just too crazy and wild, she just follows whatever crazy sign her body tells her. Like to convince my dear Flutters to cheat on me with everypony. Huh, I know how she gets everypony in Ponyville to smile now, the tramp. Now she is trying to make a follower and addict of Fluttershy!” the rainbow maned pegasus concluded.

“Those jerks… those, those… BITCHES!” Dash growled, feeling her hooves shake. “They are corrupting my dear sweet Shy’s mind, forcing her into a sort of sick, twisted orgy! Well, I can put a stop to this…” a dark expression crossed Dash’s face as she rubbed her hooves together. “It seems my dear sweet Shy needs a little lesson on loyalty. And a little reminder on just who owns her body and heart. Something I will make sure she never forgets.” Dash said with a scary tone that was full of being sure. She felt a new vigor come over her as she flew to her first destination.

Fluttershy flew home, not realizing how fast time went, having fun at the spa. She felt refreshed. Even the stress of planning a surprise birthday party for her lover unable to rattle her nerves. She did feel bad for keeping her mare friend waiting for so long. She was intent on making up for it whatever way she could. Fluttershy found it odd that things seemed quieter than usual in her home.

She didn’t worry about it much, too focused on seeing her marefriend. She opened the door, a little confused as to why it was so dark. She flipped the light, and jumped to see Rainbow Dash seated in the armchair, head held low, an icy glare in her eyes. The usual brightness that the cyan pegasus held for her was missing, as they stared at each other for a moment. "Oh no, she must be really upset for me taking so long. I better apologize."

Fluttershy walked over slowly, Rainbow still not saying a word. Shy smiled and gulped, not realizing she would get this mad. “Oh Dashie, I am so happy to finally be home with my big strong pegasus. I’m sorry I took so long. I lost track of time, I didn’t even realize…” Dash cut her of with a swift yet soft hoof to the mouth. There was something in the magenta eyes that shook Fluttershy to her core.

“Don’t worry about it babe. I’m happy to finally have you here. And all alone too.” Fluttershy smiled, the tension leaving her shoulders. Dash still had that soul crushing stare, but she felt better about it. She leaned forward, closing her eyes and kissing her odd feeling mare friend softly. She was surprised to not feel her kiss back. She pulled away to see that there was still something off about her eyes, but a small smile was on her lips.

“Follow me into the dining room Shy. I have a surprise for you.” Dash spoke flatly as she got up and walked to the destination, not even looking back to see if Fluttershy would follow. Fluttershy hunched over, the awkwardness in the air like a noose around her neck. But she obeyed and followed. She found it odd that her animal friends had not come out to greet her yet, not even Angel. She was surprised to see a few candles lit, and the table made up with lots of tasty deserts, fruits and flowers on the table. “What is wrong with me? My Dashie isn’t mad, she is probably just hurt because she went through all this trouble for me and I come home late.” Fluttershy felt reassured as a warm smile graced her features.

Dash smirked at her and pulled out a chair. “A sweet banquet for a sweet mare, my lady.” Dash said, still in a flat one. Fluttershy nuzzled her and took the seat. She eyed the big silver platter with a silver lid that lay close to her. She smiled, feeling awkward again, not knowing how to break the ice between them when it always came so naturally before.

“Um, thank you very much for going through all this trouble for me Dashie. I really appreciate it. It makes me feel so special.” Fluttershy explained. She felt her heart warm at seeing some emotion return to Dash’s face, her smile growing larger. It looked strangely content and sad. It was soon back to the icy stare though that was getting Fluttershy sweating all over again.

“So, any trips to the Apple Family Farm Fluttershy?” Dash asked nonchalantly. Fluttershy gulped, eyes shifting back and fourth.

"She couldn’t possibly know about her surprise party, could she? No, she must just have been wondering about why I was out for so long." she thought. She started to frown as Rainbow’s stare became harder. Fluttershy raised a hoof to her mouth and coughed. “Oh no, not since we got back from our trip. I probably won’t go back until, um, sometime next week if all goes well for Winona.” Fluttershy explained with a smile.

“Do you love me Fluttershy?” Fluttershy blinked at the random question. Just how upset was Rainbow Dash about her being late?

“Of course I love you Rainbow Dash. What made you think I don’t?” Fluttershy asked, concerned. She placed her hoof over Dash’s, to which the blue pegasus pulled her limb away.

“I mean it. Am I your one and only? Always and forever?” Dash asked, almost in a begging tone, her empty eyes now replaced with fear. "I still love her. Even if she is betraying me. Celestia she is beautiful." Dash randomly thought as her life hung on the next words that would leave her mare friend’s mouth.

Fluttershy looked confused. "Is she on about me wanting other ponies? What have I ever done to make her think that of me?" Fluttershy wondered. She grabbed both of Dash’s hooves in her own and pulled her to be nose to nose with her. “Yes, Rainbow Danger Dash, I love you with all my heart. You are my one and only, always and forever.” Fluttershy said with a confidence she rarely held. Dash’s expression softened, unable to see a lie in her body language or words. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes, until Fluttershy’s moved the platter. “What’s in there?” she asked quietly.

Dash kept her eyes on Fluttershy as she used her wing to lift up the cover. Fluttershy’s face lit up to see a very tasty looking cake with pink and yellow icing. “This looks delicious Rainbow, that was so sweet of youuuuuie!” Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy into a deep and rough kiss that was full of pain and passion. The shy mare didn’t know how to react except to feel. After several moments of the rough love Dash let her go and pulled away.

They looked at each other, Fluttershy noticing the desperation in the magenta eyes. She squeaked in surprise as she felt strong and rough blue hooves grab her by her sides and lift her up only to be laid down on the table, Rainbow Dash’s wings moving the food out of the way. Before the yellow mare knew what was happening, her mare friend was on top of her, holding her down on the table.

“Dashie, What are you doing?” Fluttershy asked in a slightly scared tone, not appreciating the rough treatment. She tried pushing her off, but Dash was too big and strong. The ground loving pegasus started hyperventilating, unsure of just what was going on.

Dash bent her face low to Fluttershy’s ear, “Shhh. Don’t fight me Shy.” Rainbow whispered in her ear as her hooves traced along the length of her body. She kept her weight on the smaller pegasus to hold her still as she started kissing her neck desperately and a little too hard for the shy pony’s tastes.

Fluttershy wiggled and squirmed, feeling both excited and uncomfortable from the way her mare friend was holding her. “Rainbow, what’s going on?” Fluttershy managed to spit out before moaning softly as Dash played with her wings. Fluttershy hated to admit the rough handling wasn’t all bad, but she still felt uncomfortable to have her Dashie all maniacal and possessive.

Dash grunted and even let out a good growl as she placed hot kisses all over her mare friend’s body, sending a shiver up her lover’s spine. She started nipping at Fluttershy’s neck, making her whimper in a strange mix of pain and pleasure. “I’m going to make her feel so good, she will never dream of leaving me for another!” Rainbow thought rather angrily as she raised her body just enough to harshly force yellow legs apart and grind her hoof aggressively on her sex.

“Ow, Dash stop, that hurts!” Fluttershy whined. She hadn’t even realized that she had grabbed the sides of the table in anticipation and fear. She looked on with sad eyes as her gaze met with the magenta orbs, now looking darker than before.’

Rainbow Dash sat back, pulling her hoof away. “I’m sorry beautiful. You know I love you so much!” she exclaimed in a lustful tone. “But don’t worry, I’m going to give you everything you want tonight.” She continued.

Fluttershy was losing any excitement she felt before as it was being replaced with fear and unease. She tried to sit up, still on her back. Rainbow Dash forced her back down with one hoof as she grabbed a piece of cake with another. She smeared the cake in between Fluttershy’s legs and went to work on her.

The timid mare’s body tensed at the sudden sensation. “EEEP! That’s cold!” she shrieked as her hooves instinctively started kicking, Dash ignoring her struggles. She threw her head back as she felt Dash’s tongue touch inside her in sporadic movements. "This is wrong. This doesn’t feel right! Why is she doing this?" Fluttershy worried in her mind, not feeling any actual love in her mare friend’s ministrations. When Rainbow started sucking on her too hard, even using her teeth a little in an aggressive way, she had had enough. “Rainbow, stop! You’re hurting me!” Fluttershy called out.

Rainbow halted her actions instantly, letting her go and rearing her head back. She wore a face of confusion, looking to the pony that meant the world to her with big sad eyes. She tilted her head to the side, still holding Fluttershy’s legs apart. She grimaced when she saw the fear etched on the yellow face. The same look Fluttershy held on her face when she was a filly, and others would attack her. “What! What am I doing wrong?” Dash asked, afraid she was losing her.

Fluttershy managed to pull herself out of her mare friend’s grip and started inspecting herself. Rainbow Dash was afraid she had hurt her in that moment, reaching her hoof out and laid it on her shoulder. “I don’t know what you were doing Dash, but I didn’t like it. Ow, it hurts down there.” Fluttershy spoke in a miserable tone.

The cyan mare felt like her heart was ripped out. She started thinking clearly. She realized she wasn’t making love to her mare friend, she was lusting over her and treating her like an object to posses. She felt just as low as she did the night she yelled all those terrible things to her. Tears started welling up in her eyes as she grabbed the delicate yellow hoof and started kissing it tenderly. “Fluttershy, I- I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought you would like all this.” She tried to explain as she gestured to the smeared cake and spilled food.

Fluttershy finally saw the pegasus she fell in love with return. She let Rainbow Dash caress and kiss her hoof and arm, still uncertain of what exactly brought this change, and if she would change back. “You were scaring me Dashie. Why would I like you not acting like you?” Fluttershy asked her lover.

Dash gulped, still very confused as to how her plan could have crashed and burned. “But how could you not like all the things I was doing? I was being strong and rustic like Applejack, and romantic like Rarity. I even brought you all these treats to make you smile like Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow answered, looking frantic.

Fluttershy sat there, questioning her mare friend’s state of mind. “Why are you trying to be like them Dashie?” Fluttershy flinched as she felt Dash’s grip on her arm grow tighter.

“I know they are all trying to get you Fluttershy. I am pretty sure every damn pony in town wants to steal you from me. And damn it all if I’m going to lose you. I don’t care what it takes, I will be whatever it is I have to be to make you stay!” Dash yelled, looking scared.

Fluttershy’s blue eyes started welling with tears, “Dash, you’re talking crazy. I swear on my life that nopony is trying to steal me from you. I only have eyes for you.”

“STOP LYING TO ME!” the cyan mare screamed as she slammed her hooves on the table. The sudden flash of anger made the timid pony jump and almost fall off the table. Rainbow Dash caught her before she fell, and pulled her close so they were nose to nose. “Stop it Fluttershy. I may be stupid, but I’m not that stupid. I can see how beautiful you are. I can see how everypony wants you! ”

Rainbow Dash started shaking her, Fluttershy’s eyes growing wide with fear as she wore that nervous smile she held the night she hurt herself. “Stop playing me for an idiot Fluttershy! I am not going to lose you to anypony! I don’t want you near our friends anymore, they will only try to mess with your mind!”

Fluttershy screwed her eyes shut as her ears flattened against her head. She hated all the yelling and shaking. Tears started spilling from her eyes as she trembled in her mare friend’s hold, “Please stop it Dashie. It’s starting to hurt.” Fluttershy meekly muttered, feeling a slight painful sensation in her arms.

Rainbow Dash’s heart stopped at the words as she let go instantly. She watched Fluttershy put some space in between them, not trusting to be so close. Rainbow Dash ran her hooves through her colorful mane, almost pulling her hair out in her nervous state. She stared down at her blue fore hooves. The hooves that were causing the love of her life pain at this very moment. She felt tears pooling in her eyes, she used everything she had inside her to not let them fall. “I gotta go for a fly Shy. I’m sorry.”

Rainbow Dash hopped off the table and flew out the kitchen window into the night sky. Fluttershy sat at the table, rubbing her arm. She looked about in the darkened kitchen, a cold shiver running up her spine as she sniffled the last of her tears away. She sat there for some time, looking toward the window her mare friend flew through. Once some of her animals started coming back inside from where ever they had ran off to, she decided she needed to clean up the kitchen and get things ready for bed. She felt Angel rub against her hoof, and she pet the little concerned rabbit. “Oh Angel, what happened to us?”

Once all her chores were done and she put all the animals to sleep Fluttershy slowly trudged off to bed. She hadn’t eaten anything, not feeling hungry. She managed to get Angel to sleep in bed with her tonight, not wanting to be alone. She cuddled her little rabbit, who decided to let her snuggle him. She looked to the empty side of the bed that Rainbow Dash had been sleeping in since that terrible night. She whimpered and moaned as she coddled her pet closer.

“Angel, I just don’t know what happened. What’s wrong with my Dashie? Have I been doing something to make her feel this way?” Angel continued to cuddle with her, rubbing his nose to her fur. He wished he had the answer to her problems, not wanting to see her cry.

“I know what it feels like to not be good enough, and feel like somepony else will take the cake. But I try so hard every day. Everyday Angel, everyday I give my heart fully and solely to her. Why doesn’t she believe me?”

Angel cuddled harder as he heard her muffled cries. He was going to give the rainbow pony hell for making his mama cry again. He was being nice to her before, because she was at least making her happy. Maybe a little accident involving a few matches and her colorful tail would get his point across.

They fell asleep together like this. Fluttershy frowning as she witnessed her dear lover fall apart, unable to help her. Angel thinking of ways to avenge his mama, the first pony to ever show him kindness, and the only pony to ever truly care for him.

Rainbow Dash had been flying for a few hours now. She felt so torn apart by everything in her life. She felt terrible for hurting her mare friend the way she did. And for leaving so abruptly. Flying for hours in the night sky, she couldn’t help but feel like this was a repeat of that awful night. Right now, she pitied Fluttershy, and felt sorrow and regret for what she had done.

But another part of her burned with fury. She knew that Fluttershy had been allowing her friends to seduce her in such ways. She just had to. Why else would she be so eager to be alone with them? And it rocked the blue pegasus to the core, to know that the pony she held closest to her heart was so willing to throw it all away for their so called friends. She hated every single one of those ponies, certain that even if she didn’t have evidence, that Twilight was probably in on it too. Flying over Ponyville, she hated Fluttershy for hurting her so.

She felt it harder and harder to fly, her body unwillingly gliding to the ground. She forced herself higher and made her way back to the cottage where her beloved slept. She gave a deep sigh as all the memories of holding her close, and just how much her life changed for the better. She landed in front of the cottage and looked at it haphazardly. Standing in front of the home of her lover, where most of their fondest memories where, she loved Fluttershy for everything she is, everything she has done, and everything she brought out in herself.

She let herself in, being careful to be quiet for all the sleeping animals. She snuck into the kitchen, and felt her heart strings being pulled at seeing how Fluttershy had cleaned the mess she made. She remembered spilling lots of the food, and the mess she made with the cake, in her failed attempt at being romantic. Her stomach grumbled as she opened the fridge, looking for a little snack.

She turned her face in anger at seeing an apple. “I betcha Applejack just sweetens her up with these.” Dash thought bitterly as she went for a pear instead. She munched on the fruit. “I wish I could decide on how I feel about Fluttershy so I know what to do.” She threw out the end of the pear, to see all the treats Dash had brought her thrown away. She felt hurt by the discovery. “Do I really mean so little to her.” Was her pained response.

She sighed again as she leaned on a counter. “Well, I know I have to apologize for scaring her, and yelling at her… and hurting her.” She felt the tears threaten to spill again at the thought of physically hurting the kind mare. “It’s not like I meant to do any of those things. They were accidents. I was just trying to get her to see things my way. I didn’t mean to be so rough.” She pleaded to herself, deciding that she had to say sorry for that.

She slowly walked up the stairs, not feeling up to flying. "And I know I still love her. Celestia, I love her more than life itself! I could never leave her, no matter how much she is hurting me. I couldn’t stand to be apart. But I can’t let her go around fooling with other ponies." She waged war in her mind.

She stopped at Fluttershy’s bedroom door, unable to move. “Yeah, I will let her know I still love her with all of my heart. I will tell her I want us to work this out. But I will make her understand that she won’t be allowed to see those ponies again! I won’t be cheated on, she will just have to comply!” Dash decided as she slowly opened the door.

Looking into the dark room and seeing the sleeping form of the pony of her dreams made her lose all the nerve she had to be straight forward. She made a big gulp as she walked on in. The creaking she made awoke the sleeping pegasus with a fright.

Fluttershy shot up, flicking on the light and squeezing Angel to her side. “Stop, don’t come any closer! Dashie! Help!” Rainbow Dash rushed to her side to stroke her face as Angel angrily wiggled from her grip and landed on the bed. Fluttershy blinked the sleep from her eyes, the tear stains apparent. “Ra-Rainbow Dash?” she meeped out.

Rainbow felt her heart dance at the cute look as she gently stroked her hoof on Fluttershy’s cheek. She also felt heart broken to see she had been crying for some time. “Yeah Shy, it’s me. I came by to apologize.” The blue pony whispered as she rubbed noses with her.

Fluttershy held her face in her hooves and looked into the magenta eyes. “You scared me so much in the kitchen Dashie. And you were gone for so long, I was so worried.” Fluttershy whined, although happy to know her beloved Rainbow was safe and home. “You never left before.” The words made the sky loving pegasus flinch.

Rainbow sat on the bed, looking sad. “I’m sorry for making you worry too. I shouldn’t have just left like that. I was just so upset, and scared I might say or do something stupid.” She gently placed her hoof on Fluttershy’s thigh, and rubbed soothingly. “And I never should have yelled at you. I promised myself that night I would never get that angry, but here I went and bucked up again.” She grabbed one of the yellow hooves and held it close to her heart. “And I shouldn’t have been so rough with you. I’m so sorry Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to hold you or touch you so hard, honest.”

Fluttershy gave a weak smile as she let her continue to hold her hoof. “It’s OK Dashie. I’m a big filly, little things like that can’t harm me. I guess I was so sensitive because I hated you yelling at me, and hated the things you were saying.” Fluttershy admitted, looking straight into her eyes.

“Well it’s true Fluttershy. I know they all want you, and have been trying to get you. I know you are falling into their traps! And I won’t stand for it.” Dash spoke, trying to keep her volume under control.

Fluttershy’s gaze turned hard, “I am NOT cheating on you Rainbow Dash. I have never even thought about that. I can never see myself with anypony besides you. How many times do I have to say it!” she shot back, pulling away from her lover.

Dash leaned back, “Don’t lie to me Flutters. I am willing to forgive you, I am willing to work this out! But you need to work with me, give me something to believe in so I can see for myself that you aren’t going to leave me!” Rainbow spat out, her volume rising.

Fluttershy felt insulted at what she said. She even felt angry. She remembered all the advice Flash and her mother gave her about this. But she didn’t want to have to be so mean to her Dashie. She gave in and complied, “What do you want me to do Dash?”

Rainbow smiled an egotistical smile. “I forbid you from seeing any of our friends until I am sure I can trust them with you. And you can only see them after that if I’m with you. In fact, I don’t want you leaving this property unless I’m there to make sure no funny stuff happens,” she demanded, smiling as if she just came up with an ingenious plan.

Fluttershy’s mouth hung open at her request, in utter shock of it all. “What the- How could? You, you, are you crazy Rainbow?” Fluttershy softly yelled as she rose to a standing position on her bed.

Dash blinked in surprise but didn’t budge. “No, why would you say that?”

“That is the stupidest request I have ever heard. You want me to be a hermit and never see anypony? Next, you will be asking me to stop talking to my animals?” Fluttershy accused, trying to get her point across.

“No! I’m telling you Shy, it’s for your own good. I’m the one who loves you, and I know best.” Dash defended, crossing her arms. Fluttershy stood over her, glaring at her,

“No you don’t Dash. And controlling me isn’t the same as loving me. If you really loved me, you would have to trust me. I trust you, and I have never done anything to break your trust. So you need to figure out a way to get over all of this, because I will not leave my friends!”

Rainbow pushed her face against Fluttershy’s, “So you saying those ponies mean more to you than me?” Fluttershy grimaced, trying to hold in her screams.

“No, that’s not what I mean! Rainbow Dash, I love you with all my heart. And I respect you to the highest degree. I trust you with my life. I expect the same from you. This conversation is over, I’m going to bed, and we can figure it out in the morning.” Rainbow made a sound of protest, “OVER! Good night Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy turned off her lamp and went back under the covers.

Rainbow frowned as she grumbled to herself. She went to her side, feeling bad as she heard Fluttershy whimper and sniffle. She placed a hoof on her, only for the shy mare to scoot as far away as possible. Rainbow sighed as she faced the other way and tried to get comfortable. She couldn’t relax, only thinking of how she could possibly lose the love of her life, and desperately thinking of ways to save their relationship.

Author's Notes:

Alright. So this was a very hard chapter to write, especially for Rainbow Dash’s actions. It may seem like she is going over board, and that it is frustrating for everyone, but that is how it is meant to feel. I know people who get so jealous that they think up crazy scenarios in their minds and believe it to be truth. The dream scene was meant to symbolize Dash’s emotional and mental descent, and her inability to see what’s wrong and how to save their relationship. She is not alone in the wrong, as I try to show that Fluttershy keeps letting her think like that. Sometimes someone just needs a wake up call. I know for a long time I held in what was bothering me about my boyfriend, until I couldn’t take it and we broke up. After a short time apart, we both realized what needed to be done, and he changed for the better. Although Dash has changed a lot from the beginning of this fic, she still has those issues of wanting to be the center of attention and being jealous, which really show cases through here. How will things work out? Can they save everything they built? The next chapter may tell. I personally felt bad writing the last half of this chapter, but it needed to happen. Let me know what you think, and if it really made sense. Thanks again! 