Rainbow Dash inwardly grunted and cursed her busy mind. Whilst her head was keeping her up, her body was in need of sleep and refreshment. She would probably have savagely tossed and turned if it weren't for the pink mare in her hooves. The only thing that brought her any form of consolation at the moment was Pinkie Pie.

In her mind though, Pinkie's past and future also gave her great concern. She often wondered where Pinkie Pie was hidden for several years, even after her return, the thought lingered. By far the most worrying thing on her mind, however, was tomorrow's date with Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash tried her best to remain optimistic, but she couldn't deny the thought in her head about things going wrong, about what if Pinkie Pie never falls for her. About what would have happened if.... no, thought Rainbow Dash. I can't think like this.

But what if I wasn't fast enough, her thoughts taunted. Rainbow Dash felt a single tear fall out her eye as a scene flashed before her mind of herself carrying Pinkie Pie's broken body to the hospital.

Rainbow Dash sighed heavily, trying to keep herself from breaking down. She knew what she needed to do. She needed to do the same thing she always did to clear her mind. She needed to soar. She slowly removed her hooves from Pinkie Pie.

After confirming she was still asleep, Rainbow Dash made her way to the window, and climbed out onto the flat ledge of the porch roof. Rainbow Dash scanned the sky, before taking off into the night.

***

Pinkie slowly became aware of her surroundings, waking up more as she noticed Dash slowly moving away from her in the bed. Pinkie wasn't overly concerned, figuring Dash was uncomfortable, or maybe too warm, and just needed some room. However, she soon noticed the mattress appearing to rise behind her. She still wasn't concerned over it, though she was curious. Maybe Dash just needs to use the little filly's room, she thought. However, she noticed Rainbow Dash walk slowly to the window. The moonlight illuminated a single tear making its way down her cheek. Pinkie Pie watched as Rainbow Dash climbed out the window and took to the sky. Or perhaps she needs a friend.

Pinkie Pie hopped out of her bed. She made her way over to the window and slowly climbed through it, hoping Dash was far enough ahead to not notice her yet. Pinkie then sat down on the roof of the porch and scanned the skies for some sign of where Dash went. Thankfully, Rainbow's mane and tail contrasted against the back drop of the night sky, letting Pinkie spot her easily as she soared high above. Pinkie then opened her wings and jumped off the roof in pursuit, determined to find out what had caused the tear on Rainbow's cheek

***

Rainbow Dash flew through the air with an element of grace and finesse, instead of her usual speed and agile acrobatics. She was far too preoccupied to concentrate on flying in her usual manner. As she flew, she heard another pair of wings beating next to her. Great! Now I'm hearing things, she thought. However, she soon saw pink in the corner of her eye. Rainbow Dash brought her hooves to her eyes, giving them a rub, before turning her head to confirm she saw what she thought she did.

Right next to her was Pinkie Pie, and she didn't look happy. She didn't look sad, angry, or even upset either. She just simply looked blank. "Dashie, we need to talk. Can we get back home?"

Rainbow Dash's life flashed before her eyes. A mare saying 'we need to talk' is never a good thing, thought Rainbow Dash. She wasn't really in any position to say no. In fact, she couldn't say no. "I guess so," she replied, downhearted.

***

Silence lingered in Pinkie Pie's room. Pinkie Pie stood looking straight at Rainbow Dash, her soft gaze showing solemnity. Rainbow Dash didn't notice these emotions, however, as she was busy looking everywhere except Pinkie Pie.

After a long silence, Pinkie Pie spoke. "Dashie, what's wrong?"

"I just needed to fly," Rainbow Dash lied.

"Dashie, you're my best friend. I know it's something deeper than that. Tell Your Pinkie friend."

"It's just....I don't want to talk about it."

"Please...for me, Dashie. Seeing you like this is making me a saddie waddie. You don't want that do you? I don't want you to be one either."

"I've just been over thinking things, Pinkie. That's all."

Pinkie Pie looked down at the ground. "Is it about me not loving you yet because..."

Unaware of what Pinkie Pie was about to say, Rainbow Dash immediately cut in. "No. Not at all, you can't help that. It's just...I was responsible for you earlier, and you nearly fell. There's no other way, a fall from that height would have....I can't even bring myself to say it."

"Oh." Pinkie Pie found herself at a loss for words. She thought for a minute before speaking again. "About that. Dashie, you tried to tell me, I didn't listen to you. The important thing is, you managed to save me. I'm super grateful about that, even if I was being silly by thinking you were trying to drown me. I know you felt responsible for me, but it's not your fault. It's like....If the Cakes's made a cake for Princess Celestia, and trusted me to take it to Canterlot, and I ended up eating it because it looked awesomazingly awesome, that wouldn't be their fault."

"I guess your right, Pinkie. I just..." Rainbow Dash trailed off.

"What was that, Dashie?"

"I don't think I'd be able to cope with losing you."

"And you didn't." Pinkie Pie briefly thought for a minute. "Dashie, there's something I need to tell you."

"Huh?"

"I'm going to be serious now. I know it's out of my character but here goes...Rainbow Dash, I wanted to tell you this tomorrow, but I can't hold it back. You have always been my best friend, together we laughed, shared memories, both good and bad. When I disappeared, you had hope for me. When I got back, you spent the most time in the hospital with me. When I asked you to come all the way out here with me, you did. When I had nightmares on the train, you reassured me. When I fell, you caught me. When I went into shock, you brought me back. You are my rainbow in the dark. You truly are the element of loyalty, and I now know beyond any shadow of a doubt that you do love me. Somewhere between that, I fell in love with you. I love you, Rainbow Dash."

Time stood still and space disappeared for Rainbow Dash. The only thing that mattered to her at the moment was the pink mare in front of her. Nothing else. "Really? You sure?"

"Of course, Dashie. I've never been more sure about anything." Pinkie Pie moved closer to Rainbow Dash, slowly closing the gap between the pair. Soon enough, Rainbow Dash began to close the gap too. Before long, the two mares stood right in front of each other, their muzzles only a few centimetres away. The pair closed the gap as their lips touched and they shared their first kiss.

***

Princess Cadence sat on her throne at the Crystal Empire, preparing to wind down for the day before she felt it. The princess of love smiled softly to herself, knowing a couple who would share eternal love had united.

"All the best to them," she whispered.

"To who?" Shining Armour looked at his wife, confused.

"I'm not exactly sure,"

"The feeling you get when two ponies who will share eternal love unite?"

"Yes."

Author's Notes:

Chapter named after (but not based on) the great song by Dio. Please don't call me out on the spelling of armour. I'm British, we spell it that way.

Now the minor things are addressed, the HMS RainbowPie has set sail. I hope you like this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's a good day for me today (I found my pokemon, how is that not a good day?) So I'm sure you will like it.

Now looking far better thanks to Phaoray