The day had been a pleasure for both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. Hours passed by in each other's company far quicker than either of them would have liked. During the time, they chatted, went out, played pranks on the locals, and even though it was her day off, Pinkie Pie volunteered to take a bit of the work-load off the Cake's backs. Rainbow Dash just observed. She knew baking wasn't her forte. By far, the best thing about the day, however, was that Pinkie Pie was none-the-wiser about the surprise party.

A quick time-check told Rainbow Dash that the party was to begin in about fifteen minutes time. She had already formulated a plan to convince Pinkie Pie to go with her to Sweet Apple Acres, the location of the party. "Hey Pinkie. Since we're all done here, I was thinking maybe we could go and prank some more ponies. I have a great idea."

"Ohhh more pranks?" Pinkie Pie asked, "What do you have in mind?"

"We should prank all our friends. Let's start with A.J. I'm sure she's working in the barn today. There must be a ton of cool pranks we can play on her. You in?"

"Well it's getting really late now. Are you sure she will still be working?"

"I'm positive."

"Ohhh maybe we could hide her tools, or cut a rope, or maybe even run off with the barn."

"Pinkie, how are we going to run off with a barn?"

"Oh right." Pinkie laughed sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I'm just super duper excited for this I guess."

"Well then, let's get going. The sooner the better."

***

Under the setting Sun, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had just arrived outside the barn at Sweet Apple Acres. "I don't know, it looks really dark in there. Are you sure Applejack is working I there?"

Rainbow Dash just managed to suppress a chuckle. "I'm positive Pinkie Pie. I say we head in and see how we can prank her."

"Ok, I'll go in first." Pinkie Pie slowly pushed the red door open. It was dark. There seemed to be no pony inside at all. Nothing. "Dashie, there's nopony in here."

"Oh really?" Rainbow Dash asked. Suddenly, the whole barn lit up, showing an extra four ponies

"SURPRISE!" The Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack shouted at once.

The next thing that happened made Rainbow Dash feel all warm and fuzzy, giving her a sense of accomplishment that she felt was deserved amongst the five of them. Pinkie Pie bounced off the floor slightly, beaming as her mane and tail somehow inflated into their former poofy volumes. "Wow, you four planned this just for me?"

"Actually," started Twilight, "it was the five of us."

"yeah, we couldn't'a done it without Dash," added Applejack.

"But Dashie was with me all day," Pinkie Pie stated.

"That is precisely the point, darling. You see, Twilight tasked Rainbow Dash with keeping you occupied while we set this up for you," Rarity replied.

"You probably would have found out if it wasn't for Rainbow," Fluttershy added.

"Ohhhhh, so this is why I heard Twilight earlier. It also really explains why you wanted to put off..." Pinkie Pie cut herself short, realising that this wasn't the best time to spill the beans on their planned holiday.

"Wait. Who's putting what off?" Twilight cocked a brow in confusion.

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. "You tell them."

"You can if you really really want to," replied Pinkie Pie, not quite understanding the fact that Rainbow Dash didn't want to.

Rainbow Dash didn't quite understand why she didn't want to. After all, two of the four ponies present had recommended it. It was just something she didn't feel like doing. Despite her reluctance, she exhaled a deep breath and took up the role. "We're going away for a while soon."

Silence fell upon the room. Several uncomfortable moments passed for Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie was too busy eying up the range of delectable sugary treats lying on top of several tables across the barn.

Applejack spoke first. "Ya mean, yer leavin' Ponyville for a while?"

"yeah, we are," Rainbow Dash replied bluntly.

"Wait, just the two of you?" asked Twilight.

"yeppers," replied Pinkie Pie. "Isn't that just super terrifically awesome?" This eased both Twilight's and Rarity's nerves instantly, even inducing a small knowing wink off the white unicorn to Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, but where are you going? How long are you going to be gone?" asked Fluttershy.

"We're going to the rock farm where my family lives. It will be awesome. Dashie will meet Mama Pie, Papa Pie and two of my three sisters. The other one of my sisters is away on rock research, but maybe you will all meet her soon."

"Yeah," added Rainbow Dash, "we will be gone a month or two. Three months at most."

"Oh well I guess that's ok. Maybe you can see if there are any adorable little critters there," replied Fluttershy, who was now satisfied.

"Well, I, for one, think a holiday is a great idea for the two of you to share. After all, the past few years haven't been particularly easy on either of the two of you, given Rainbow Dash's affection for Pinkie Pie," stated Rarity.

"Rarity!" the white unicorn's pegasus marefriend scolded her to the best of her ability with her timid voice.

"It's cool Flutters. Pinkie knows how I feel."

"Oh...well I'm all for this idea aswell then...It urmmmm sounds like a really good way to get rid of a lot of the stress from the past few years," said Fluttershy.

"I'm with Fluttershy and Rarity," added Twilight. "It could serve as an excellent opportunity for the two of you to bond deeper."

"Yeah, sounds great an' all," replied Applejack, half heartedly. She didn't like the idea at all, but thought it better to agree. This didn't go unnoticed by a purple alicorn in the room.

"So, what are we waiting for? Invitations? I have some on me, but let's not waste time. Let's PARTAY!" shouted Pinkie Pie enthusiastically.

Author's Notes:

Go easy, I'm awful at group dialogue