Fluttershy lay on her stomach on a hard hospital bed. Her vision was clouded in darkness. She didn’t know how long she was out. She felt a small pain in her right arm as she felt a needle pricking her skin and being pulled out. Her eyes felt heavy. She felt a cooling sensation as a bright light was shown on her face. She tried to shut her eyes and shifted her head so her mane would block the offending light.

Fluttershy groaned a bit as she heard a soothing voice ring in her ears. “Oh Miss Fluttershy! Wake up please dear. Come now.” Sang Nurse Red Heart softly as she moved the pink hair from the yellow face. Fluttershy cracked open one eye. She saw the friendly face and smiled a bit. She then blinked her eyelids and slowly but surely forced them open. She let out a powerful yawn to her, which to every pony else was the yawn of a mouse. A small one to boot.

A pink tongue licked the yellow lips as she gulped a bit trying to moisten her dry throat. She finally rose up to a seated position as she turned to fully face her nurse. She weakly began speaking, “Oh, my head. W-what happened? ” she gave the nurse pony a look of confusion.

The nurse smiled as she handed a glass of water to her patient who took it with much excitement. “We had to put you under in order to save those wings of yours, remember. Don’t worry, those painkillers I put in should kick in soon enough for that strong headache. Tell me dear, how do your wings feel?”

The yellow mare finished her water quickly as it lessened the pain a bit. For the first time since when she went in to be examined she realized she couldn’t feel her wings. No pain, no nothing. She gasped a bit as she had a flash thought cross her mind. Herself with only little stubs for wings. She dropped her glass which was luckily caught in unicorn magic. She took a look back to see that they were still firmly attached to her back, wrapped in fresh bandages.

“OOOOHHH THANK GOODNESS!” she sighed with relief. She faced the nurse with a smile, “I don’t feel anymore pain, but I can’t really feel them at all.” The nurse nodded and spoke, “The first set of sedatives weren’t enough to keep you under during the surgery. So we had to inject them with more, manually, into the wings. It was only the only thing we could do, believe me, you wouldn’t want to wake up during.”

Fluttershy shrank smaller at the thought of the pain and fear of waking up in surgery as she nodded softly. She cleared her throat, “Um, excuse me Nurse. Do you know when I can see my friend Rainbow Dash?” The nurse unicorn fluffed Fluttershy’s pillow and gave a kind look. “Soon enough dear. But first the doctor needs to check you over and ask you some more questions.”

Before the timid pony could answer there was a knock at the door. There entered the same doctor from before, looking a bit more tired then before. He had obviously done most of the work during the procedure. Even with his current lack of energy, he gave her a sincere smile as he walked over.

“Good morning there, sunshine. Nice to see you finally awake.” Fluttershy blushed at her nickname, but smiled none the less. She felt more comfortable around the doctor, not to mention happy to feel the meds were helping her head. “Hello, Doctor.” She plainly and sweetly said.

He smiled. He couldn’t help but have warm feelings toward the shy young mare. She reminded him so much of his dearly departed wife, Sherry. In fact if his patient had a deeper yellow fur and a fiery red mane, they could be twins. Not to mention her shy demeanor, reserved nature, and polite manners were so much like her. Unfortunately the current condition of Fluttershy’s wings also reminded him of her final days. He pushed the memories to the back of his mind as he focused back to his work.

“Alright there Miss Fluttershy, the procedure was a success. I expect a full recovery for you. But you will be needing close observation for at least two nights. And check ups. You will also need a special exercise regiment and diet to keep your wings and back muscles in shape to be able to regain flight. But we will discuss all of that stuff later. Tell me, how are you?”

Fluttershy took in all the good news and smiled. “At least I will be flying again. What luck!” she thought. “I am doing fine Dr. Fixit. Thank you for asking. My wings aren’t hurting right now. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you saving my wings. And how happy it makes me to hear I will be flying again. I promise to never let this happen again.”

His smile disappeared as he thought about the questions to come her way. “Well, I have some things to talk to you about. Do you feel up to it?” Fluttershy felt a pang of worry at his look, but pushed it aside. “Yes. What is it?”

The doctor closed his eyes and sighed. He really hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as he was prepared for. He did like this pegasus, and wanted this to be an easy and quick recovery for her as possible. “I need to know about all that happened last night that led you to do this to your wings.” He said uneasily.

He frowned more as he saw her reactions. She was hurting alright. She hunched over, her blue eyes going big and filling with water and pain. His smile was completely gone as she looked down in shame. She had fear on her face. Probably afraid of the judgment she was sure to receive. The nurse put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder as she looked into those blue eyes, “Remember what I told you sweet heart. We don’t judge here. We want to help you. Don’t be afraid.”

Fluttershy gave a sniff and sighed. She composed herself, and with all the strength and bravery she could muster she began, “W-well, it all started late afternoon yesterday. I was walking home from the library after returning a book, when I saw my friend Rainbow Dash fly by and stop. She didn’t look very happy…”

Thirty minutes later

The usually calm unicorn doctor felt his blood boil as he listened to her finish her story. Those beautiful blue eyes were filled with tears that had threatened to spill over. When she spoke of the act of self mutilation itself, she held her head down, to ashamed to make eye contact with either of them. She brightened a bit when she got to the part about her blue friend apologizing and them making up. She seemed to stutter more and blush when she said they slept together in the same bed, but that it was only that.

He was amazed that she could forgive so easily. He really hoped that pegasus he yet had the pleasure of meeting really meant what she said. He supposed so seeing how she spent the night and brought her to the hospital. But why would any pony ever say such terrible things to another. Especially one as sweet and sensitive as the one that lay before him.

He couldn’t help but feel angry at her friend. He saw so much of his wife in the young mare that he felt protective of her, even if they barely knew each other. Not to mention, to say that she didn’t deserve to have wings, that she was better off an earth pony, and a failure, was just unthinkable to him. Especially since she herself was a pegasus, she surely must have known how important a pegasus’ wings are to them. What a deep and personal insult. Why, if a pony, especially another unicorn told him he would be better off without a horn, he would definitely blow a fuse.

Dr. Fixit gave out a big sigh as Nurse Red Heart hugged the sad pony patient. He cleared his throat and spoke, “I see Fluttershy. Did you have any thoughts during this time, to do more then hurt yourself?”

Fluttershy looked down again in shame, but replied, “Do you mean, suicide, doctor?” A brief pause, “Yes I do.” He calmly stated. She felt a lump grow in her throat again, “Y-yes, I did. Before I hurt my wings, I-I thought about grabbing a knife and going into the Everfree Forest so none of my animal friends that slept inside could see me. I know I shouldn’t ever think like that, b-but at the time everything she said sounded so true.”

He rubbed his temples with his hooves as he felt sadness grip his heart. “What stopped you?” he asked out of curiosity. She finally looked up at him since he asked the question, “Everyone I love. My animal friends, my pony friends. Even Rainbow Dash. Even if what she said hurt me so much. I just knew them finding my body or never seeing me again would hurt them so badly, and make them sad. I couldn’t do that. I would feel like a coward if I did.”

He didn’t know what to say. That was a straight answer after all. He was surprised when she continued, “I know it was wrong of me to think so, but at that time, I felt taking my life was wrong. But taking my wings was right, like it would fix all my problems, make it so I wasn’t... a failure.” she said, voice sounding defeated.

She tried to continue, but he stopped her. “Miss Fluttershy, you are not a failure. You can do many great things. I suppose other ponies are just too dense to see that. Maybe they need a lesson in kindness” all three of them smiled at that.

“Y-you know that I am the element of kindness?” she meekly asked. He chuckled, “But of course, who doesn’t. I have followed much of you and your friends' endeavors in the papers. Always a good read.”

“There is more I wish to tell you, but it can wait. First I need to ask, is this the first time you thought about suicide.” She frowned and looked to the window, smiling lightly at the birds she saw flying about. “No it hasn’t. It has never been so bad before. I was never so close to wanting to do it though.”

He placed his chart down and fiddled with his glasses. “I see. Fluttershy, it is in your best interest that I keep you in a 72 hour hold here. It is something we have to do when there is a risk that a pony will commit suicide.”

Her eyes grew wide at his remark, “B-but, I don’t want to. I promise to not hurt myself again, I swear Dr. Fixit. I’m over it now. I can’t stay here, please.” She looked with fear and desperation in her eyes as she started to hyperventilate.

He stood up and walked closer to her as the nurse held her down with gentle pressure. “Now please, Miss Fluttershy, calm down. It is for your own good. It is the rules. I already requested a psychiatrist to come here and talk with you. He can help with your emotions so we can tend to your body. I promise no harm will come to you.”

The timid mare hugged herself as she shut her eyes, “You don’t understand doctor. I can’t be gone that long. Two days was already pushing it. How will my animal friends survive without me? I just can’t.”

“I’m sorry dear, but you must. If anything do it for them. If your mental health declines any further and you have an accident, then what? Your animals would much rather have their caretaker well and happy. I am sure one of your friends would come over and care for them while you are here.” He tried his best to soothe her anxieties.

She made rapid shallow breathes for a minute or two until she finally calmed down, “I’m really sorry I got carried away there. I usually don’t stay away from home. The few times I have, have been to fight some great evil threatening Equestria.” She finally spoke, trying to make light of her small panic attack.

Dr. Fixit smiled as he patted her shoulder, “Now, now Miss Fluttershy, no need for apologies. But do you see why I would like for you to be evaluated? We can get you all the help you need, so that you won’t get so stressed in these situations.”

She nodded lightly as she looked to her front hooves that she had been tapping together lightly, “Yes sir, I do. Um, may I please have my friend Rainbow Dash come in? I would like to ask her about my animals. If that’s ok, of course?”

Both Dr. Fixit and Nurse Red Heart smiled at her unending politeness. The doctor looked at the nurse as she was already walking out to get the visitor, “Right away my dear. I will have her in shortly. Please make sure she doesn’t break anything, okay?” she gave a wink as she closed the door.

Dr. Fixit stood up tall as he picked up his chart with his magic, “We shall discuss more on your condition as well as the road to recovery we will take in detail later. I suspect you have many things to talk about to your friend in regard to your animals?” He smiled more as he saw her perk up at the thought of her creatures. She was far more pretty when she was happy he thought.

As he made his way to the door he took one last look at his patient. She gave an appreciative smile, “Thank you Doctor, for everything.” She simply stated. He made a courteous bow letting his neat mane fall over his face a bit. “You are very welcome, I am here to serve after all. It is my calling to help ponies.”

With that he walked out the door and left the small pegasus alone with her thoughts.

Out in the waiting room

Nurse Red Heart made her way out into the waiting room and saw her target sitting in a chair glancing back and fourth from the clock to her magazine anxiously. The nurse felt herself huff and puff in anger. She had always liked the pegasus, even if she did annoy the daylights out of her and made her work day harder. She knew deep down inside she was good, even if reckless. But after hearing what happened, she felt much anger seeping through. How could any pony say such awful things anyhow?

She spoke loudly enough from her desk, “Miss Dash! We have a pony who is awake and waiting to see you.” Rainbow Dash instantly tossed the magazine aside and took to the air. She flew close to the speed of sound, startling the nurse pony. She thought for sure she would crash into her. But the experienced rainbow mare stopped right in front of her.

She raised her hooves to her cheeks and pushed them together, “Really, she’s awake. And she’s ok. Oh my gosh. Finally! Take me to her Red, take me to her.” Rainbow Dash’s ecstatic mood was cut short as she felt magic grip her body and pull her down to the ground, a little rough to.

The unicorn made a scowl as she put her front hooves to the desk. Her face was a little red and she looked pretty mad. “DON’T call me Red!. DON’T fly in this hospital. PLEASE BEHAVE.” She said rather bluntly. Yup, the nurse pony still felt a bit of disdain toward the blue pegasus at the moment.

Rainbow Dash looked shocked at how mad the usually calm nurse got at her. Well, more mad then usual. She didn’t know why, she just wanted to see Fluttershy. She had been waiting all day after all. But she decided against picking a fight in favor of getting a look at her friend faster.

“Sorry Nurse. I will. Can I… please see Fluttershy now?” she felt stupid for having to be so polite. Nurse Red Heart finally controlled her outburst and felt a tad embarrassed at being so unprofessional. “Of course, you must be very worried. Right this way.” She led the way to the double doors.

Rainbow Dash felt joy over take her again as she followed behind merrily. They stopped in a hall. “Ok, now don’t go crashing into everything. Your friend is in the fourth room on the left.” She then turned around and back to her desk. Rainbow Dash waited until the nurse was out of view and smiled.

She took to the air even though she wasn’t supposed to. She quickly dropped down and almost crash landed into a stallion. He was about her height, and looked like a doctor. Rainbow Dash gave a guilty look as she tried to move past him to get to the door. “Uh, sorry doc, excuse me.” She gave him a look as he continued to block her way. He clearly didn’t look amused.

“Hmm, blue fur. Rainbow mane. Rainbow Dash I presume.” He didn’t look to happy to see her. She gave him a sly look as she tried to play cool. “Sure am, the one and only!” She puffed her chest. He gave a look around to see that there was no pony else around. “Ah. Yes. The one and only who bullied her friend into hurting herself.” He gave her a stern look as she gasped and made herself smaller.

With how bad she felt and how much she crouched over he was now towering above her. He continued to speak, “I am Dr. Fixit. The one who performed on your friend in there. We were able to save her wings and she should be on her way to a full recovery as long as she keeps with the plan.”

Rainbow Dash felt like flying away at the way he was looking at her. But she knew she couldn’t do that. She sat up straighter, “Oh, that’s great. I will be sure to help her as much as I can.” She tried at a smile that she quickly took back seeing him get a little red in the face.

He finally sat on his haunches as he tried to control and choose his next words, “Fluttershy told me everything about last night. Even things I’m sure you don’t know. Things I will leave for her to tell. I am sure you are sorry for what you said, but I don’t really care. I am quite offended to hear such things being said, to a friend no less. Especially a pony as kind as her.” Rainbow Dash felt like crying now. She felt her lip quiver but sucked it up. She wouldn’t let a stranger see her cry. Even if he was right. His expression softened as he saw how close she was to tears. Perhaps she was really sorry, maybe he overreacted.

“Look now filly, I don’t mean to come off so bad. I just feel really close to your friend in there. Even if we barely met. She was hurting pretty bad in there, and I don’t want to see that.” Rainbow Dash shifted her gaze from the doctor to the floor. “She has that affect on ponies. She is a real likable one. One you feel you need to protect. But don’t let her fool you, she is plenty strong.” Said Dash.

He wasn’t sure how to correct her. “I understand that. I never said she was weak. I think every pony needs to give her more credit. But she is in dire need of help. She can’t cope with it all alone.” Rainbow Dash felt a tad more comfortable knowing that this stallion didn’t hate her. And that he honestly cared for her Fluttershy.

He sighed a bit wanting to get a better point across of just how strong she was. “I will have you know that she is no bad flier. I don’t mean to be harsh, but she said you called her a failure of a pegasus. Did you know she has a problem?” She shook her head no with big sad pink eyes.

“Yes, well, I have heard and read plenty of stories of you and your friend’s adventures. And ones I would like to point out are the ones where Fluttershy would fly fast and keep up with even you. Are you aware of how hard that is for her?” More silence. The doctor took it as a clue to continue.

“She didn’t grow out quite as even as a pegasus usually would. We probably never would have known if not for this incident. You see, even with her small size, her length and the length of her legs are unproportional to her wingspan. Meaning she has smaller then normal wings. This means she has to work harder to maintain flight.”

It all made sense now. When they were fillies, Fluttershy had an extra hard time learning to fly. She was lankier and taller, but with similar sized wings then the smaller Rainbow Dash. This led to her friend’s fear and anxieties in flight and to her self confidence issues. Back then it could be blamed on a random growth spurt, but by now she was a full grown mare. She was a bit smaller then herself, but looking back, Fluttershy’s wings did seem on the small side.

Dr. Fixit cleared his throat to gain her attention, “What I am trying to say is, even with her set back, she manages to keep up. You were wrong in calling her a failure. As I am sure you know by now. Guessing from the shy way she acts, being bullied is nothing new to her?”

“Yeah, poor shy was always getting picked on. I couldn’t stand to see those jerks picking on such a sweet filly. So I would fight them for her. Watch her back. We soon became friends. She was my only friend back then.” Rainbow Dash admitted, finally getting a smile from the stern doctor.

“She thinks very highly of you. But I think she is not used to being bullied by a friend. I’m just saying it isn’t wise to say such mean things. Especially since it isn’t true.” She nodded in agreement. “I was being really stupid and cruel doc. I really didn’t mean it. I wish I could take it back, seeing all the pain I put her through. I can’t begin to tell ya how sorry I feel.”

She ducked her head but felt a hoof bring it back up. The doctor looked much kinder now as he spoke, “I know. I can tell now that you must care about her a lot. Just try and keep that temper in check, and just be there for her. I am sure you two must be anxious to see each other by now. I won’t keep you any longer. You will have an hour.”

With that he let his hoof drop as he stood and walked down the hall. Rainbow Dash felt her face blush. “He couldn’t know how she felt about Fluttershy, could he?” she thought. She soon resumed her happy demeanor as she hastily opened the door.

Rainbow Dash was greeted by a most beautiful sight. Fluttershy lay in bed under the covers. Her big blue eyes blinked in surprised at the quickly opened door. A huge smile that could rival Pinkie’s came over the yellow face. “R-rainbow?”

Rainbow Dash felt all giddy at finally seeing her friend and in good shape to boot. She galloped to her bed side, a spring to her step. “FLUTTERSHY! You’re ok! Oh my gosh I was SOOOO worried about you pal.” Rainbow Dash went in for a hug that Fluttershy happily returned. “Oh Dashie, you don’t know how happy it makes me to see you. I missed you so much.”

Fluttershy was so happy she could cry. Dash felt herself get a bit hot under the collar at hearing how much her friend missed her. She gave her one last squeeze before pulling up a chair to sit in. She removed the saddle bags before sitting. They both felt a wave of relief hit them at finally being reunited. Dash couldn’t keep her eyes off of her friend, and was just happy to be in her presence.

“Dash, stop looking at me like that. I’m not dead.” Fluttershy giggled a bit, and then giggled some more at seeing how red the normally blue face became. “I was just so freaked out something bad would happen Flutters. It’s great to see you will be fine.”

Rainbow Dash gently slid the covers off of the injured mare and took a look at her wings. “Looking better. Do they feel any better?” Fluttershy could only nod.

Fluttershy gave her a questioning look before speaking, “Oh, did you get to meet my doctor. Older stallion, unicorn, about your height. Did he tell you about my expected recovery? Isn’t he just the nicest doctor you ever met? He and Nurse Red Heart made me feel so safe. They were very kind to me and made me feel at home here.”

Rainbow Dash’s smile faltered a little for just a second. “Yeah, I think so. Um, very nice guy.” She half lied. Rainbow laughed at hearing a certain yellow tummy grumble. “Sound’s like some pony can go for a snack. Here let me get the berries and nuts those critters gave us. I couldn’t finish them all.”

She reached inside and pulled some out. “I know from personal experience how nasty the food is here. I can sneak you some good stuff if you like.” Rainbow’s grin became mischievous at seeing the hungry eyes of her friend. “Say Fluttershy, do you want me to feed you this time?” she gave the timid mare a suggestive looked and tried not to bust out laughing at seeing her turn red and get all flustered.

“”Uh, oh, um… ok? Thank you Rainbow.” Rainbow Dash sat at the edge of the bed and started to hoof feed her friend. She really liked feeding Fluttershy. It made her feel good. Fluttershy seemed pretty comfy with the idea as well as she finally got over the initial shock and enjoyed the treatment.

“Oh my, I can’t believe I am eating from her hoof. A filly could get used to this.” Fluttershy thought happily. “Yup, just call me Nurse Dash. Here to take care of my favorite filly.” She joked. Well, not really.

Fluttershy tried to get comfortable, but was having trouble. “Are all the beds this hard Rainbow?” Dash got the cue and brought the pillow from the chair and placed it behind her friend’s back, “Yeah, the food isn’t the only thing that bites here. So tell me, how long are they keeping you here?”

The shy mare lived up to her name as she ducked behind her pink mane. “Oh, uh. You see, they told me I was on a 72 hour hold.” Rainbow raised a questionable eyebrow. “Ok… why did they say it so weird. 3 days of down time to make sure your wings are fine. Sounds a bit extensive, but better safe then sorry.” She reached forward and moved the hair from her face. She gave a reassuring smile and rubbed her shoulders gently.

Fluttershy just looked more glum making Rainbow Dash worried. “Dash, there is something I haven’t told you. Promise not to be mad?” Rainbow Dash felt worry step in. “I pinkie promise Fluttershy. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. EEEOUCH! I forgot to shut it.” She rubbed her eye and then resumed looking at her friend.

Fluttershy looked away, feeling much dread at having to confess these feelings a second time in one day. And to the pony she feared hearing them the most. “Please don’t blame yourself. This is in no way your fault. It is just something stupid I felt. And this isn’t the first time either. You see, last night before biting my wings, I was feeling really low. I felt like I was running out of options. I told the doctor I had thoughts of taking a knife, walking into the forest, and well. You know, ending it all.”

Fluttershy heard a huge gasp and was to afraid to look her fillyhood friend in the eye. “Please Rainbow, I would never go through with it. The love I have for all my animals. The love I have for all of my friends. The love I have for you stopped me.” Fluttershy looked up to her friend, hoping for and yet hoping not, that she would get the hint. Her fearful side won, as Rainbow seemed to be shocked by the news.

All Rainbow could think of was how utterly guilty she felt. Not only did she make her best friend hurt, and hurt herself. But she made her want to kill herself. She felt sick to her stomach. She couldn’t even hear the rest of what she said. Tears pour from her eyes as she flung herself at her injured friend.

“Fluttershy, I am so sorry. I am the worst friend, ever! Please forgive me! I promise I will never hurt you again. I will make this up to you. Just, don’t ever try it. I don’t care what any pony says, you are amazing. If I ever say different, just kick me as hard as you can in the flank, and tell me off. I never want to make you feel like that again. I don’t know what I would do if you passed. I would probably die, kill myself along side you! You hear me, Fluttershy, I’m begging ya, don’t ever do it, or feel that way again.” She sobbed, not caring who heard.

Fluttershy was crying to now, stroking the pretty prismatic mane. She held Dash’s face and lifted it up to stare into her magenta eyes. How she hated seeing the pain in her eyes. “Rainbow Dash, I swear I will never, ever do that. I was being stupid and wrong. The love I felt for every pony stopped me. The love I feel for you told me not to do it.”

Rainbow Dash stopped crying and felt her heart pound in her chest. “The love for me. She can’t possibly mean, could she? Well, now isn’t the right time to ask. Fluttershy’s mental health is at stake.” She thought as she composed herself and sat up.

Fluttershy felt her pull away from her hooves and hoped she didn’t some how make it worse. She saw that Rainbow looked less sad and more in control. She had to finish, “Like I was saying, this isn’t the first time I felt that way. It has happened a few times before. The first was the day we met. I was getting it so bad. The bullies beat me pretty bad. Remember how we met at the cloud edge. You asked what I was doing there. And I said watching the view. Well, I was thinking about what it would be like if I just threw myself off. I’m really sorry for thinking that way, I know I shouldn’t. I know I don’t deserve that. But meeting you really helped pulled me out of that spot. You turned my life around and made it so much better.”

Rainbow Dash laid her head down on her friend's chest as she wrapped her up in a hug. It was all she could do. She didn’t know what to say, or what to do. All she knew was that she had to be there for Fluttershy and protect her from further harm. So she lay there, holding her close listening to her heart beat. It beat softly and fast. Even her heart beat sounded shy she laughed inwardly at her thought.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to think. The mare of her dreams laid in bed with her, again. This time she was laying on top of her like a big blue blanket. Rainbow felt nice and warm, like the best safety blanket she could ever hope to have. Her heart rate and breathing rate were quickening. She looked down to the rainbow colored head that was rested on her chest, and felt warm fuzzies build up as Rainbow nuzzled her a bit.

The little nuzzles stimulated her sense of touch so much. She wished they could lay here forever. Well, maybe in her own soft bed. But with Rainbow Dash as a blanket, anywhere would do. She felt herself relax after a minute, and started to pet Dash’s colorful mane. Fluttershy started to hum a soft old lullaby her mother used to sing when she was a little filly after coming home crying from being bullied. This seemed to make Rainbow Dash happy as her tail swished back and fourth. She raised her head a bit and looked up at her Fluttershy. Dash gave her a big smile and hugged her even more.

Fluttershy started flicking her ears playfully with the tips of her hooves. Rainbow Dash made a look of mock anger as she started blowing raspberries on the yellow stomach. Fluttershy started kicking softly as she laughed hard. “Oh, no. Please, stop. Stop Rainbow, it t-tickles. Hehehe.” She laughed. “You started it Shy. Don’t mess with the Dash.” The cyan mare said as she puffed out her chest trying to look all tough after sitting up off her friend.

Once Fluttershy was able to calm down she looked at her rainbow friend. She gave her a sweet stare and flicked the tip of her pink tail to tickle the blue chin. “Hey quit it. I will tickle you again if you don’t.”

“Ok Dashie. Um, can I ask you for a favor?” Rainbow Dash started playing with the flowing tail as she listened, “Sure, whatever you wish is my command your highness.” She laughed a bit. Fluttershy squirmed a bit at her tail being played with. It felt strange, but good. It was sending those familiar shivers up and down her spine. He wings rustled a bit but being wrapped up they couldn’t move much, preventing any pain or further injury.

“Um, ok. Well, since I am not going anywhere for three days, I was wondering if you can stay at my cottage and take care of my animal friends for me? I mean if it’s not too much trouble for you. Oh, of course you mind. You are probably too busy for all of that. I just don’t know what to do. Some pony needs to be there for them.”

Rainbow Dash lifted a blue hoof up to set softly on the yellow lips. “Shh Shy. I got it. Of course I will take care of all those hungry critters for you. I put you here, it’s only fair I take care of things while you are gone. I had a good little crash course on the critter sitting. There ain’t nothing too hard for Dash to do.” She flashed her a daring smile as she tossed her mane up over her head.

“Are you sure I’m not asking to much Dash? It’s not just one morning, it’s three whole days. That’s nine full meals, plus 6 playtimes. Naptimes and bedtimes. And helping any hurt or sick animals. Maybe you should ask Twilight and Spike for some help. You know, take shifts.”

Rainbow Dash tossed her head to one side as she rubbed her hoof against her chest and looked at her reflection in it, “Come on now Shy, I got it all under control. Well, as long as that bear friend of yours isn’t due back for another visit.” She gave her yellow friend a look of worry.

Fluttershy just smiled at the thought of her big teddy bear, “Oh you mean Harry. He usually only comes once a week. You know what Dash, I believe in you. You can do anything. I trust you completely with them.” Rainbow looked touch. Fluttershy saying she trusted you completely with her animals was not just mere words. This was serious. She loves those critters more than anything else, even herself sometimes. This was a great responsibility for Dash, one she won’t allow herself to mess up, she was amazed Fluttershy could still trust her after this whole ordeal.

“Thanks Shy, I promise, I won’t let you down.” Fluttershy leaned in further and gave her secret crush a big hug as she nuzzled her neck. “Oh thank you so much Dashie. I can’t tell you how much better I will feel knowing some pony will be there to care for and love them. And with Angel there to help, I am sure things will go smoothly. I’m sure you guys will be as close as peas in a pod after this.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes popped out of her head at the mention of the little white rabbit. “Oh yeah, Angel. I almost forgot.” She thought about locking the little bugger in a box and throwing him in the basement until Fluttershy came back. Probably easier said then done. “That isn’t a problem is it? I am sure he will behave if you explain the situation. He helps me around the house all the time. He knows the feeding and sleeping schedule better then anybody else. He knows where everything is. He is also a great cook. I am sure if you ask him nicely he will make sure you have a yummy salad waiting for you at the end of each day.” She smiled and looked desperately into the magenta eyes, just begging for the cyan mare to get along with the white bunny.

Rainbow Dash groaned knowing what she had to do. She had to stand by the promise she made. Maybe this was karma teaching her a lesson. In the form of the meanest rabbit she ever met. “Of course we will get along Shy. I promise to be as nice as possible. I’m sure he will be a great help to me. I am not scheduled for much weather duty this week, so I will have plenty of time for them. Should be a cinch.”

Fluttershy felt herself get all giddy as she gave one of her famous and loud cheers. “Yay. Thank you so much Rainbow. You are the best friend I could ever hope to have. You are so good to me. Woo hoo!”

Rainbow Dash blushed at her friend’s quiet gushing, “Save it until after you are all better and back to caring for your animals Flutters. Please.” They continued talking to each other. Fluttershy listed off all the instructions and tips for the three days she would be gone. Rainbow Dash felt her head get dizzy at all the talking, trying her best to listen diligently.

Finally Fluttershy felt she had gotten all the details across as she fell back on her pillow. Tired from all the talking. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She held them closed for half a minute before she felt a rather big weight lay itself softly across her small frame. She opened her eyes to see Rainbow Dash getting herself comfortable on top of her as she looked at her with playful eyes. She looked like an overgrown puppy the way she cuddled and stared.

Fluttershy couldn’t be happier. Having Rainbow so close was a dream come true. Rainbow Dash spoke first, “You know, even under the bad circumstances, our little sleep over was pretty fun. I figure I may as well get one good last cuddle in to last for the both of us. But do me a favor, keep it between us. I got a reputation of coolness to keep.”

Fluttershy gave a toothy smile, “Of course Rainbow, no pony will ever know. I really like cuddling like this to. Reminds me of when we were fillies and we used to play all afternoon in the clouds. We would get so tired we would collapse on top of each other and then roll around and laugh. Then sometimes we would nap. You know, you were always a great pony blanket. You still are. I feel the warmest with you close to me like this.” She confessed with a blush forming on her cheeks.

Rainbow Dash felt her cheeks getting red at their closeness. She also felt her smile grow at those happy memories. Fluttershy may not have known it, but she pushed her through her rough fillyhood and kept her strong as much as she did for her. “All you got to do is ask, Flutters. I am always willing to be a blanket to keep my pretty filly nice and cozy.”

The blue pegasus had to hold in her laughter at seeing her friend turn redder. She got herself comfortable laying her head down somewhere on top of her chest and tummy. “Shy, do you know you make a great pony pillow? Seriously, you are a perfect pillow. Just soft enough, with enough support and width to keep my neck straight. I swear I could just fall asleep. I’m gonna start bringing you to my naps on my clouds. You can definitely make it 20% cooler.” She laughed at her own overly used catch phrase.

Fluttershy laughed at it to, hearing her say it so much. “Well, I will always be here to be the perfect pillow for the perfect pegasus.” She said with the sweetest and most genuine of tones making Rainbow Dash d’aww at its utter cuteness.

The flashy pegasus hugged her tighter and nuzzled her harder. “You have to be the sweetest and cutest pony ever Fluttershy.” They continued to enjoy the feel of the other against their bodies. Blue melting into yellow as a pair of yellow hooves started to rub Dash’s back. “Oh that’s the spot. feels fantastic Fluttershy.”

Rainbow Dash nearly flew into the ceiling at hearing the door open, but managed to stop herself and stand up on the bed. Dr. Fixit stood in the doorway with another, taller stallion. A coffee colored earth pony with a reddish mane. “Oops, I hope I didn’t interrupt anything. I forgot to knock, please forgive our intrusion.” He gave an embarrassed smile seeing the tender moment disappear and replaced with an awkward silence that was uncomfortable for every pony.

The unidentified stallion made his way toward the bed, letting Rainbow Dash hop off and move quickly to the side, her blue face red. Of course she wasn’t blushing as much as Fluttershy, who quickly pulled the covers over her face with an eep. “Hello, Fluttershy I presume. I am your psychiatrist, Dr. Shrink Adink. You may call me Shrink, every pony finds it funny anyways. Please to make your acquaintance.”

He held out a hoof, she slowly peered out of her covers and with about as much courage as a mouse she shook hooves. He smiled, already being informed of her shy nature, as clear in her name. He was surprised she came out of her covers so easily. He turned to look at the blue pegasus in the room. “Ah, do you happen to be the famous Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow looked back and fourth from Dr. Shrink to Dr. Fixit. She wasn’t sure if she would get the same reaction from this guy as she did the last. He was probably informed about the whole situation. She stayed strong but humble. Trying not to be brash, “Yes, just Rainbow Dash. I’m here to make sure my good pal Fluttershy is ok. After all the trouble I caused, it’s the least I could do. Please do everything you can to help her. I don’t care how many bits, I am willing to get the money to pay for it all.”

“Certainly the element of loyalty I see. I was sent from Canterlot. Once knews got to Princess Celestia about one of the Elements of Harmony needing help, I was rushed right over..” Shrink said with a smile.

“Oh great, the Princess knows now. I am so dead!” Rainbow didn’t even try to hide her words. “Now, now, she merely needed to know the basics as to why her best head doctor was leaving. No specifics given.” Dr. Fixit piped in, only to receive a friendly shove from his fellow doctor.

Shrink stood up and headed towards the door, “I am afraid there are still some tests the good doctor needs to finish, and to tell you Fluttershy. Unfortunately there will be no visitors during your 72 hour hold. I am sorry, but I can’t risk a relapse until I fully diagnose you.” Fluttershy thought he didn’t sound like he was from Canterlot. She also didn’t like how frank he was being. She preferred Dr. Fixit’s bedside manner.

As he left the unicorn spoke up, “Yes I am sorry Miss Dash, but visiting hours are up. Fluttershy and I have much to discuss before she gets her first session in. I am sure you don’t want me to get Nurse Red Heart here.” He smirked at seeing her roll her eyes.

“Alright, I get the hint. When will she be allowed out?” she asked. “At noon exactly in three days. I shall expect to see you then to make sure she gets home ok.” Rainbow turned to look at the smaller mare in the bed, “You bet your horn Fixit. I promise I will be here when they let you out Shy. Don’t worry about the animals, I got a handle on it.” Dr. Fixit frowned, rubbing his horn, feeling threatened.

They both shared a loving hug. Fluttershy whispered into the blue ear, “I’m gonna miss you Dashie.” Rainbow closed her eyes taking every bit of the pegasus in her arms and put it into her memory bank. “I’m gonna miss you to Shy. I will be thinking of you the whole time.” She whispered back. After that she left the Doctor and his patient to themselves as she began her fly home.

Author's Notes:

Hi guys. Sorry for the long update. Life has been crazy. Especially because I hurt my back and for a few weeks it hurt to be on the computer. But I will continue to post more up. I have a bunch of chapters written, just need to proof read them. They start to get longer starting next chapter. How do you like the story? I know it's still a little dark, but I tried to leave a light at the end of the tunnel for this chapter. Fluttershy will soon learn her self worth. Be prepared for more comedy coming from animal sitting next chapter. Thanks to all the readers!