Rainbow Dash hated a lot of things. For example, she hated make-up and ball gowns. She hated horse-drawn carriages and candle-lit dinners at fancy restaurants. And she especially hated romantic walks in the park. But above all else, in that moment, she really, really hated Rarity.

"But darling, you simply must wear the dress!"

Rainbow stomped her hoof. Her wings flared out, sending the little squares of fabric pinned to them flying everywhere. "For the last time, Rarity, I don't want to wear the dress!"

"Yes you do, Rainbow. You do want to look good for your date tonight, don't you?" Rarity asked.

Rainbow frowned. "It is not a date."

Rolling her eyes, Rarity said, "Darling, please. Do you honestly think that it isn't a date?"

"It is totally not a date. Lightning and I are just hanging out. That's all."

"Of course. I mean, she's only renting out a horse-drawn carriage to take you to a candle-lit dinner at a fancy restaurant. Nothing romantic about that at all."

"Hey!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I forget to mention the romantic walk in the park?"

Rainbow's face couldn't have been more red even if she wanted it to be. Kicking at the ground with a hoof, she said, "I... I guess I'll wear the dress."

Rarity grinned triumphantly. "Perfect."

Rainbow sighed. "Why did I ever agree to this...?" she mumbled under her breath.

Just then, the door to the boutique creaked open. The whole room went deafeningly silent as Lightning Dust ambled inside, a light blush painting her cheeks.

Rainbow's jaw hit the floor.

Lightning Dust was wearing an elegant silver ball gown. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, letting the world get a better look at her smile and brilliant amber eyes. Her tail swished back and forth nervously as her eyes darted all around the room, looking everywhere but at Rainbow.

She was the epitome of beauty.

"That," Rarity said plainly, pointing a hoof at Lightning. "That is why you agreed to do this, Rainbow." Next Chapter: 2. Book – TaviPlaysTheBass Estimated time remaining: 14 Minutes