“Momma!  Wake up!”  A small squeak called, though it was loud enough to wake me up from my peaceful sleep.  “Momma you’ve got to wake up!” I heard another squeak…this time louder as I felt something tugging on my mane.  Oh…its Angel…he must be waking me up for breakfast.

“Alright Angel…I’m up…” I groggily replied as opened my eyes to see my little bunny staring…quite angrily at me…oh he always gets like this when he doesn’t eat. “It’s ok…I’m up now Angel…” I calmly replied as I lifted my hoof and pet him on his little head.  I then got up and straightened myself on my…couch?  

I’m on my couch?  As I came to my senses more and more I looked around to see that I was indeed in my living room and I was sleeping on my couch.  But why was I …oh yeah…that’s right…Rainbow Dash said she was coming over…so I stayed up waiting for her…and she didn’t show up…I must have passed out on the couch…but I’m still so tired…I have no idea when I must’ve fallen asleep but I can definitely tell that I didn’t get much sleep…especially if Angel woke me up for breakfast…oh yeah…breakfast…I better feed Angel before he gets even more upset.

“Ok Angel, would you like some breakfast?” I asked sweetly as I looked down at my little bunny with a smile…although he was not the least bit amused at my question…like usual.

“Breakfast?” He squeaked back in annoyance as he folded his paws and thumped his foot on the ground angrily, “Momma, it’s late in the afternoon!   It’s almost past lunch time!” He then squeaked as loud as he could as he pointed to the clock on the wall.  I looked up and noticed that it was almost two o’clock.

“Oh my goodness!” I shouted with a gasp as I jumped off my couch with both my fore hoofs at my muzzle in shock, my wings automatically unwrapping themselves and keeping me airborne. “I’m so sorry Angel, here let me get you fed along with the rest of the animals!” I apologized before I frantically flew to the kitchen to go get some food.  

How long did I stay up last night?  I can’t really remember…five…six…I don’t know…and what makes it worse is that I’m still so tired…all I feel like doing is going back to sleep.  No…I can’t do that…I have to feed Angel…along with all the other animals staying at my cottage.  Thankfully most of them have already started to hibernate so there weren’t many animals still awake that needed to be fed.    I went to the kitchen and got out the box of the box of animal food I usually used to feed all the animals, along with a whole bunch of bowls.  I went back into the living room and placed the bowls around the room, pouring some food into it for the animals to come in and eat.

“Alright everypony…lunch is ready!” I then shouted after I was done, flying up to the ceiling to ring the bell that alerted all the nearby animals that food was served.   After I did that I started to see a variety of animals coming in through the windows, small animal houses around the ceiling, and even some mice coming out through the mouse holes.

“Awwww yeah Fluttershy…this groundhog was in the need for some grub!”   A cheerful groundhog thanked in an unusual manner as he strutted in and went over to a bowl, immediately digging in as soon as he reached it.

“I’m sorry about the late meal…I…had a rough night.” I apologized, feeling bad that I didn’t give any of them a proper breakfast.  Oh…they must all be starving right now!

“Ah forget it Fluttershy…you can never do this groundhog any wrong!” He shrugged off as he looked up and waved his paw at me, his mouth still full and spitting out a few chunks after he talked…which made me giggle a bit.

“I’m glad…” I said in relief as I flew back into the kitchen, quickly making a small salad for Angel since he doesn’t really like the food I give all the other animals…he didn’t earn the name ‘Mr. Pickypants’ for nothing. After I was done making it I flew back in the room and found him impatiently waiting in the center of the room still thumping his foot against the floor.

“There you go Angel Bunny…” I warmly said as I placed the bowl of salad in front of him, which made him instantly pick it up and shove it in his face devouring the contents as fast as I could.   I sighed in relief as I turned around to go lay back down on my couch…now that my job was done I could relax and maybe rest some more.

“Momma aren’t you forgetting something?” I then heard Angel ask in a concerned squeak as I turned around to see him looking at me with an eyebrow raised.

“Forgetting what?” I asked curiously, hoping it wasn’t important.  He put the bowl down and got out a big leave.  He put the leaf around him like a robe and then punched up his ears like a towel wrapped around a pony’s mane…it almost looks like he’s going to the…

“Oh my goodness!” I almost screamed as my eyes widened at what it is I was forgetting, “I’m going to be late for me and Rarity’s weekly get together at the spa!” I then frantically said as I turned around and rushed to the door.

“Thanks Angel!” I gratefully shouted as I opened the door and left, turning around and smiling at my bunny…who was proceeding to shove the bowl back in his face, “And take care while I’m gone please!” I then asked politely before shutting the door and leaving…ohhh…I hope he heard me and wasn’t completely distracted by the food in his face…oh I can’t make sure though…I have to go to the Spa or else I’ll be late…then Rarity will be upset and I couldn’t possibly live with myself if that happened!

I flew to Ponyville as fast as my little wings could take me…I bet Rainbow would be there already…she could get there in no time at all.   And here I am struggling to keep up a speed that she would most likely call ‘cruising speed.’  Oh if I wasn’t such a bad Pegasus maybe I wouldn’t have this problem.  I closed my eyes and tried to flap my wings as hard as I could trying to summon all of my five point zero wing power to get there as soon as I could.  Oh dear I shouldn’t close my eyes though because who knows what I might-

“Ahhh!” I shouted in pain as I felt my whole body slam into something.  I opened my eyes and moved away from the thing I hit and regained my balance.  I then rubbed my head from the pain I felt upon hitting the object.  I looked over at the thing I hit and saw it flying and regaining its balance with its purple wings and…oh dear!

“Twilight!” I immediately called in concern after recognizing who it is I ran into, “I’m sorry I ran into you!  I was in a rush and I should’ve watched where I was going!” I then immediately apologized as I flew over to her, feeling very guilty and stupid for flying with my eyes closed…oh if only I was faster and more competent as a flyer!  This wouldn’t have happened!

“No Fluttershy it’s ok, I was kind of in a rush as well and wasn’t exactly watching where I was going either…”  Twilight kindly shrugged off after rubbing her head as well, oh same old Twilight…very forgiving even after a head on collision with a foolish Pegasus.

“Can you either of you rush to save me?  I’m kind of falling here!” I heard somepony else shout from above, we both looked up to see a small purple dragon falling down from the sky.  Oh it’s Spike!  He must’ve been riding on her back and been tossed off after the collision.  Twilight wasted no time and caught him in her magic aura right as he fell down towards us, then she gently floated him over to where she was and put him on her back.

“Whew…” He called out in relief as he wiped away the sweat from his forehead, then suddenly a flash of purple happened and Spike was strapped in by a seatbelt so it wouldn’t happen again. “You know I think you should make this seatbelt thing a permanent addition…I don’t want to be a purple stain on somepony’s roof…” Spike then suggested as he grabbed the seatbelt and tightened as much as he could and looked at Twilight with an eyebrow raised.  Twilight narrowed her eyes at him slightly, not amused by his suggestion.

“Oh no it was my fault Spike…I’m kind of late so I was in a bit of a rush…” I said a bit ashamed as I raised both my fore hooves up at him, trying to make it clear that it wasn’t her fault and that it was mine.

“No it really wasn’t Fluttershy…we were both in a rush and just happened to bump into each other…that’s all!”   The purple Alicorn shrugged off as she rolled her eyes playfully and waved a hoof at me dismissively.

“What the heck are you in a rush for anyways?” Spike questioned as he looked at me curiously, wonder what my reason is for causing this accident that sent him plunging down towards the ground.

“Oh I got to meet up with Rarity at the spa!” I answered with a smile as I started to descend down towards the ground, not wanting to risk being hit by another oncoming flyer.

“Lucky!” Spike immediately shouted in jealously as he folded his arms and grumbled to himself as Twilight started her descent with me.

“Oh I didn’t realize that it was that time of the week again!” Twilight happily responded, giving me a much more positive answer than what Spike gave.  I smiled and nodded as I felt my hooves safely touch the ground…oh thank goodness now all I have to worry about is ponies walking into me instead of flying into me…which is much less painless but still I kind of want to avoid that.

“Then I hope you enjoy yourself Fluttershy…” The princess replied encouragingly as she landed on the ground as well.   We were in the center of Ponyville but it wasn’t really busy at the moment…which means I don’t really have to worry about running into anypony thankfully.

“You’re probably going to have a more enjoyable time than me…” She then said in a softer tone as she turned around and started to trot off her ears flopping down in sadness.  Oh no something’s wrong…and it’s not from our little midair collision!

“Oh…is something the matter?” I asked in concern as I trotted up next to her, fearful that something horrible might have happened.

“I got an urgent letter from the Princess saying I have to come to Canterlot as soon as possible!” Twilight answered a bit loudly as she looked at me with her violet eyes…fear and concern very evident in them.

“Oh dear…what happened?”  I asked dreadfully as I put a hoof to my muzzle, “If you need any help you know you’ll always have my support…along with everypony else’s!” I then frantically offered as I reminded her that I would help her no matter what…even if my help was a minimal contribution.

“I know…and if it comes to that you and the others will be the first ponies I go to…” The Alicorn responded with a smile as she took a deep breath and then exhaled as if trying to release some stress.

“Well hopefully it doesn’t come to that…” Spike then added in s hopeful tone, which made me nod in agreement…yes I would like to avoid stressful problems and horrible battles please…thank you…

“Yeah I hope it’s just something about me and my princess duties or something and that’s it…” Twilight agreed as well as she nodded and started walking again, with me alongside her.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” I said in a comforting tone as I looked at her and smiled at her to show her that she has my support.  As I looked at her I noticed a familiar pink looking pony infront of a shop.

“Oh…there’s Pinkie Pie!” I said as pointed to her, which caused Twilight to stop and turn to look where I was pointing.  As she looked I noticed that she was talking to a white unicorn with a blue colored mane with cyan stripes through them.

“Yeah…and she’s with Vinyl Scratch…” Twilight said a bit in disappointment, calling the name of the other pony as she saw the two in front of a shop…both chatting away happily which made Twilight seemed concerned…she’s probably sad that she’s busy and that she can’t go over to say goodbye to her.

“I wonder what the heck they’re talking about…” Spike questioned as he saw them as well…oh I think I know what they’re talking about.

“I’m sure they’re getting together to plan the ‘Goodbye Fall, Bring On The Winter Goodness’ party she always throws every year…” I answered as I raised my hoof up, knowing exactly why they’re talking…they’re most likely talking over what kind of music to have at the big party.

“Oh yeah…it is about that time of year isn’t?” The purple Alicorn said in realization as she looked back with a smile and nodded at me…looking a little too happy to be honest.

“Oh yeah…I know I don’t want to miss that party!” Spike added as he smirked a little mischievously and rubbed his claws together…I rolled my eyes at this as he was probably planning something silly for the party.

“Easy there Spyro…I know you’re excited…I’m excited as well.” Twilight teasingly said as she looked back at him with a grin and an eyebrow arched which caused his smirk to turn into a nervous smile as he shrugged at her.

“I can’t think of anypony that wouldn’t be!” I added as I giggled at the sight of what was in front of me, putting a hoof to my muzzle.

“We’ll I’m going to go over and talk to her…I don’t want to keep you and make you late to you get together with Rarity.” Twilight then said as she looked at me and then nudged her head over to where Pinkie Pie was.  I was about to answer but I was cut off when Twilight’s attention was moved back to Spike as he was tugging on her mane slightly.

“Ummm…shouldn’t you be more concerned about getting to Canterlot Miss ‘I’m in a Rush and almost sent me spiraling to my doom!’” Spike pointed out as he folded his arms at he, which caused her to blush a little bit and nervously rub the back of her head.

“Oh I’m just going to say goodbye to her…I mean who knows how long I’m going to be gone…I want to say goodbye…I mean I want to say goodbye to all my friends…but I won’t waste that much time to visit them all…” She explained as she looked at him with a smile on her face, trying to convince him as she pointed out that she was most likely going to be gone awhile…oh dear…I hope she’s not gone for long and I especially hope she isn’t sent on some dangerous mission!

“But since she’s right there…I can take out a few seconds to talk to her.” She then finished as she looked back over to Pinkie, who was laughing and bouncing up and down as Vinyl nodded in approval…I guess they agreed on something.

“Well alright...” Spike then agreed, finally caving in to Twilight’s demands as he smiled and nodded at her.

“Bye Fluttershy…if anypony asks tell them I’m at Canterlot and that I’ll be back as soon as possible!”  The purple mare then said sternly as she looked at me with a smile, giving me her goodbye as well as giving me an instruction on what to do should anypony wonder where she’s ask…a request I can most certainly follow with ease.

“Alright I will!” I agreed cheerfully with a nod as she turned around and walked away.  “Bye Twilight, Bye Spike!” I then shouted as I raised my hoof and waved goodbye to them both.  Spike turned around and waved back at me while Twilight just turned her head and nodded at me with a smile on her face…though it looked more nervous compared to gentleness it had before…I sighed in content as she’s probably worried she might miss the party Pinkie is planning at the end of the week…she doesn’t want to miss it as I don’t want to miss my…oh no!

“Oh dear, now I’m really going to be late!” I frantically said as I remembered that I have somewhere I really need to be.

I turned around and started to gallop as fast as I could towards the spa.  I didn’t want to fly in risk of having another mid-air collision.  But in doing so I was going to get there much later compared to if I just flew over there.  Oh no I hope Rarity isn’t there already and is waiting for me…she’s going to be so upset at me!  I desperately turned the street corners still galloping at my top speed, flapping my wings to help give me an extra boost of speed.

When I reached the spa I rushed inside and saw an empty reception area…save for a pink purple mare sitting behind a counter looking at a clipboard.  It was Aloe and she looked up at me and smiled, nodding as if expecting me…well I’m sure she was since I come here every week with Rarity.  It seems she wasn’t here…I looked up at the clock and saw that I was a few minutes early thankfully…though I had to make sure that I was here first…and that Rarity didn’t come in and already start the treatment without me.  

“Oh Aloe…I’m here!” I called as I trotted up to the counter, “Did Rarity get here already?” I then asked nervously before biting m y lip in fear of what her answer was going to be.  Oh please say she isn’t here!  Oh please say she isn’t her!   Oh please oh please tell me she isn’t here!

“No…you’re fine Fluttershy…” She answered as she shook her head…giving me the answer I so desperately wanted.

“Oh thank goodness…” I replied, feeling just as relieved as I normally would after the spa treatment…maybe I can skip it now since I already feel refreshed…no I still have to do this with Rarity…and since she isn’t here that means I have to wait on her…though I have no problem waiting on her.

I sighed as I walked over to the couch and sat down on my haunches.  I looked on the small table in front of me and saw a pile of magazines.  I picked up the one that read ‘Knitting Patterns for the Upcoming Winter’ and was delighted to see that they had it out…well winter is fast approaching so it’s best we get magazines like this now to prepare ourselves to the harsh cold that the cold season will inevitably bring.

I opened it up and began reading it…oooh there’s a very interesting scarf pattern in here…I think I might like to knit this sometime later.  Right now though, I’m just thankful that I didn’t Rarity waiting.  I continued to read the magazine and after a few minutes I looked up at the clock to see that it already passed our appointed meet up time…oh dear she’s running a few minutes late again…that’s ok I don’t mind…besides I was almost late here myself!

Unfortunately though, as time continued to go on…I felt my fatigue and overall tiredness catch back up with me from earlier.  That midair collision woke me up but now its effects have faded and even though this magazine was very interesting…it wasn’t really helping me stay awake.  Oh dear…why did I stay up so late waiting for Rainbow?  She’s more than capable of dealing with any threat or problem she comes across and I didn’t have to stay up worrying about her.

As a consequence for that I’m now extremely tired and now that I think about it I probably look like a wreck.  I felt my eyelids start to get heavy and I was starting to get concerned that I might accidently doze off.  I don’t want Rarity to walk in and see me sleeping on this couch.  Oh she’ll definitely get the wrong idea in that I’m a bad friend for falling asleep before she got here!  I don’t think I could deal with that!

Those thoughts were quickly erased when I heard the sound of a door flying open and bells jingling.  I looked up from the magazine in my hoofs to find an exhausted and panting Rarity standing at the front door wearing one of her normal designer hats.  She was taking in heavy breaths and sweat was pouring down her face, she looked like she just sprint a marathon to get here.  Oh she didn’t have to do that!  She should know that I have no problem waiting on her!

“I-I’m so…so sorry Fluttershy…I…I hate…you know…be…being late.”  The white mare apologized in between gasps for oxygen.  I sure hope she doesn’t pass out, I’d feel terrible knowing that it was my fault she rushed to get here.  Of course, I’d feel even worse if she spent all her energy to get here only to find that I wasn’t here at all.

“Oh no, It’s fine!  You can get here whenever you like, you don’t have to push yourself to get here on my account!”  I returned in my usual supportive tone as I tried to convince her to stop worrying about being on time….after all I was almost late myself.  After I said that I closed the magazine, put it back on the pile of magazines from where I got it, and then finally got off of the couch.

“Oh don’t be silly!”  She immediately responded as she walked in closed the door behind her with her magic….shrugging off my apology like she usually.  Once she was inside she took off her hat with her unicorn magic and set it on a nearby hat rack, “You know me darling, I’m a very punctual pony that always has to meet deadlines!”  Rarity then said with a smile as it appears she finally caught her breath, but was still looking much worn out.

“I can’t be late for anything…not ever under any circumstance…especially if it’s a weekly thing with one of my dear friends!”  She then almost shouted as she moved her head to the side which caused her mane to swoosh in the air, trying to strike a dramatic pose.

“But you don’t have to do it for something like this, and besides you look exhausted now.”  I countered as I walked up, my ears drooping down in concern for my friend’s health.  After I said that she chuckled slightly before once again smiling at me.

“Don’t worry about it, besides if I look exhausted then it’s a good thing I came here.  This is a relaxation spa after all!”  She reminded me as she walked past me and up to the counter.  I sighed in relief that she was going to be ok and felt my ears stick back up.

“The usual please!”  She then said sternly as she closed her eyes and raised her hoof to Lotus.  She was practically ordering her, but the mare behind the counter looked very much content with doing so though as she smiled, nodded, and then zipped away through the nearby employee door.

“And speaking of looking exhausted.”  Rarity then said as she turned around to look at me with a concerned look.  “You look absolutely dreadful!  Did you not get your recommended ten to twelve hours of beauty sleep last night?” She asked a bit dramatically as she moved closer to me to get a better look at my tired face.  I’ve told her time and time again that the recommended hours of sleep is eight but she has her heart set on at least ten.  I don’t think I could sleep that long even if I tried…I mean I just couldn’t!

“Well I didn’t exactly have a good night’s rest…” I answered softly as I looked away feeling a little ashamed now that I know I look terrible on the outside…oh now I really wish I got more sleep last night!

“Say no more, we can talk about this more as we relax and unwind.  But first we have to make sure we both look like we just came back from Canterlot!”  My fashionable friend stated happily as she turned back around and pointed her hoof at the door to the spa changing room with a bright smile on her face.  I nodded to her and I followed her into the changing room.  

“Once again sorry about being late Fluttershy…” She apologized as I entered the room and shut the door behind us. The room was filled with complementary robes and towels on shelves, though Rarity and I had our personal robes we always used and had stored here in personal baskets.  

“Oh like I said it’s no problem Rarity…”  I said dismissively and with a smile she got out her robe from her personalized basket.   She had a white robe with a fancy ‘R’ on each side of it…just in case if somepony saw it they would know who it belonged to I guess.

“I wanted to be here on time but I stopped by Sweet Apple Acres to talk to Applejack.”  She then said explaining why she was late as I got out and put on my simple and plain robe.  

“Oh what did you talk to her about?” I asked curiously as Rarity grabbed her lavish looking towel with a fancy ‘R’ on that as well…. meanwhile I just grabbed my towel which was nowhere near as extravagant as hers…though I don’t think anypony could outdo her when it comes to styling and accessorizing.

“I wish I could tell you what we talked about but there wasn’t any talking at all.” She answered after giving off a sigh…then trotting up to the door so we could leave and go over to the first part of our usual spa get together…which was the sauna.

“Oh dear what happened?” I asked in concern as I felt my ears droop back down in fear of what happened…I hope nothing happened to Applejack…although I think I have an idea of what might be wrong.

“She was too busy with Rainbow on her roof and was too frustrated to keep up a decent conversation with me…” The white unicorn explained in an annoyed tone as she rolled her eyes and opened the door with her magic…quickly walking through it as soon as it was open.

“O-Oh my…I…I’m sorry…” I apologized sincerely and with a stutter as I followed her through the door, which shut behind me.  W-Well…that explains what happened to Rainbow…she was caught last night and thought she didn’t need to hide at my place anymore….oh well…at least the problem will be resolved…though I still feel horrible since I had a hoof in helping to make that hole in Applejack’s roof.

“Oh please Fluttershy it’s quite alright...” She replied dismissively as she looked back and smiled at me as we continued trotting down to the sauna.  “I should be thankful because if I stayed any longer I would be keeping you waiting even longer!” The white unicorn then said as we started walking down to the sauna room.

“And I can’t have that now can I?” She then teasingly finished as she looked back at me with her azure eyes and with a smile on her face.  

“No, I guess not.” I agreed with a smile and a nod because if she did take any longer…I’d probably be asleep and Rarity would be upset…so I guess everything works out in the end…almost.

When we reached the sauna room we put our towels on top of our heads and wrapped it around our manes to cover it up.  I always thought we should bring another towel to cover our tails up but Rarity said that would be silly.  So our manes need to be covered up but our tails don’t?  I still don’t get it.  Anyways, when we entered the sauna room it was already going and we took our spots at the far end of the room.  The steam immediately felt good against my coat, relaxing me and waking me up at the same time.  I saw Lotus come in and trot over to the rocks so she could pour water on it to make more steam.

After she poured some more and made more steam I heard Rarity make a deep sigh of comfort and relief.  I looked over to see her closing her eyes and leaning against the wall, trying to absorb every bit of bliss this room could offer. I smiled as I could never enter that stage of harmony she easily reached.  I was glad I had a friend like her and that we could do this each week.  Then I remembered how yesterday she passionately tried to set up a dinner date with someone she knew and I would get back to her on that later that day with my answer.  However I was sidetracked by Rainbow Dash and I never got a chance to answer her.  I felt a little bad that I didn’t get a chance to respond to her.

“Rarity…I-I’m sorry.”  I apologized as I looked down at the floor and rubbed my left sleeve with my right hoof.  Hoping she would forgive me for my little blunder.

“Oh Fluttershy what are you apologizing for now?”  I heard Rarity respond sounding bewildered; I looked back up at her to find her face matching her tone.  Did she already forget about it or is she just being nice and pretending not to know what I’m talking about?

“You wanted to set me up for a dinner date with somepony last night…and I said I would get back to you about that and…I didn’t…” I explained as my voice began to get softer with each word as I felt guiltier with each passing syllable.  “I’m sorry...” I then finished in a whisper as I gave another apology.

“Oh think nothing of it Fluttershy!  It’s not like it was a done deal and you stood somepony up!  I could set it up at any time I wished!  So don’t fret about it and relax.”  She cheerfully said with a smile as she waved her hoof at me dismissively.  Well, that is true she just asked me if she would like me to set up a date she didn’t say that a date was already set up.  I sighed a bit in relief at what she said, the sauna heat also helping me as well.

“Well…that’s good…I was worried I was going to hurt somepony…” I replied, my tone slightly louder than before as I put a hoof to my muzzle and looked away…not wanting to think about what would’ve happened if Rarity did set up a date that I didn’t show up to.  “I’m glad that didn’t happen.” I then said in relief as I gave off another sigh and smiled back at her.

“That’s the spirit!  Now just relax!  We’re at a spa after all!”  She then advised as she took in a deep breath, “Though we have to move onto the second phase now.” Rarity then said as she stood up and walked to the entrance.  I merely nodded and followed her out of the sauna.

“Still, I feel bad about not talking to you later when I said I would.”  I pointed out as I followed her into the second room right next to the sauna where they apply the facial creams and do massages.

“Oh like I said think nothing of it, you just needed some time to think after all.”  Rarity responded as Lotus went to cover her face in cream, while Aloe just put two small blotches on my cheeks.

“Well I said I need to talk to somepony first.” I reminded her as the two spa ponies walked over to her and put cucumber slices over her eyes.  They walked over to me about to do the same and I shook my head and raised my hoof telling them no as usual.

“Oh yes that’s right, well who did you talk to Twilight Sparkle?” The white mare asked curiously as she was led to a spot to lie down on, I just walked over to the spot next to her and laid down myself.  After Rarity got comfortable both Aloe and Lotus quickly put some pillows under her.

“No, it was Rainbow Dash.”  I corrected sincerely as pink and purple mares who gave Rarity her pillows tried to do the same for me, but once again I shook my head.  They nodded and went over to get a file, and then Lotus returned to Rarity to work on her unicorn horn.  Aloe came to me with a file as well and I smiled and shook my head at her.  She blushed slightly and walked away…she always forgets I’m a Pegasus not a Unicorn for some reason…

“Rainbow Dash?  Why in Equestria would you ever think about talking to her about romance?”  Rarity asked sounding both stunned and a bit offended that I would even mention her name in a situation like this,   “The only thing she could help with would be how to a date wrong!”  She then insulted a bit harshly as she kept her head still so the working on her horn would have little problems.  She didn’t have to say it like that…that was kind of mean.

“Well, she’s my longest friend so of course she would the first pony I go to.  So we talked it over dinner and-”

“Wait wait wait…” Rarity almost shouted, cutting me off almost in shock as she took off the cucumber slices and looked at me like I just tore up her newly made dress.  Lotus stopped filing her horn and simply walked off thinking her work was done.

“Dinner?  You two talked about it over dinner?”  She questioned with curious look in her eyes as she arched an eyebrow at me.  What’s so strange about talking about something over dinner?

“Y-Yeah…is that bad?” I replied a little softly as I confusingly looked at her, feeling my ears drop down…feeling that I did something wrong.  She simply chuckled and got up, tossing the cucumber slices into a nearby waste disposal bin.

“Not at all Fluttershy,” The still chuckling mare said as she started walking to the door, I got up and started following her.  What it is that she finds funny? “What do you say Fluttershy? Should we take a mud bath or a hot bath today?”  Rarity then asked as we left the room, turning her head to look at me.  I thought about it for a second before making my decision.

“Hot bath…if you don’t mind….it’s just…you know…winter is coming and it’s starting to get colder.”  I answered and then explained hoping she wouldn’t mind my suggestion…plus a hot bath would keep me awake and from falling asleep like in the sauna.

“Brilliant idea Fluttershy, it is going to get quite chilly lately and so we’re going to need all the hot baths we can get!”  She agreed with a smile as she looked back ahead and started heading towards the bath room.  “Two hot baths please!  Ready by the time we get to the room!”  Rarity yelled as she held her hoof up to get Aloe’s attention.

“Why of course, which fragrance would you like for your bath?” She responded gleefully, then asking the white unicorn as she walked up to her.  Knowing Rarity she’ll only take the best and most expensive.

“The best fragrance you have!  Cost is not an option, especially when you’re always trying to look at your best!”  Rarity replied still shouting as she moved her hoof around and dramatically moved her head to side, causing her mane to flow behind her.  I giggled to myself slightly happy that I got it right, that she would want the most lavish fragrance they could offer.

“And for you?”  She then asked as she turned and looked at me.  This caught me off guard as I wasn’t expecting her to ask me and made a little eep in shock.

“O-Oh…none…I can just take a normal hot bath.”  I eventually responded as I smiled a little nervously…especially after the little eep I made earlier.  She just nodded to me though and then zipped off most likely to get the baths ready.

Rarity started chuckling again as she started heading towards the baths.  “What’s so funny?”  I asked curiously as I was wondering if she was laughing at my response or about the thing earlier.

“Oh it’s nothing, I was just…thinking about some things…but such things are impossible if you and Rainbow Dash just talked over a homemade sandwich.” The dress designer stated as explained the source of her laughter.  Why is it so funny though?  That’s what I want to know…and we didn’t talk over a homemade sandwich.

“Ummm…Rarity…we didn’t eat anything homemade…we went out to eat.”  I corrected as we entered the room with the baths.  Aloe and Lotus just getting done pouring a bunch of fragrance smells into Rarity’s bath.  She then walked over to Rarity and wiped her face clean with a cloth so none of the facial cream would get into the tub.

“Oh I see…so which fast food trash bin did Rainbow unfortunately take you to?”  She then asked a little teasingly as she took off her robe and gave it to the light blue mare. She also took off the towel from her head, letting her hair freely fall, and then gave it to her as well.  She then walked over to the tub and gently placed her hoof in to get a feel for the water and prepare herself to get in.  It…it wasn’t that either…but…saying I’ve been to an expensive place like the York and Albany is a little embarrassing…but I guess I have no choice if I want to tell Rarity the truth.

“W-Well…it…it was actually the…York and Albany.” I informed almost in a whisper as I looked down.  That was so quiet I almost thought she didn’t hear me.  Then I heard a splash and I looked up to see Rarity missing and a bunch of ripples in her tub.  Then she burst out from under the water with the biggest look of shock on her face I’ve ever seen.

“You went where!?” She asked in a scream as she moved to the edge of the tub closest to me.  It was a little scary which made me back up a little bit in fear.  Di-Did I do something wrong?

“Y-York and Albany.”  I answered in a squeak, confirming my earlier statement as I heard her scream yet again like I just robbed her boutique of all her designer dresses.

“York and Albany is one of the finest restaurants in all of Ponyville, no, in all of Equestria!  Only the best of the best can go there and ponies who do go there will have their lives changed!”  She screamed at the top of her lungs, almost falling backwards into the water upon learning the place we ate at.  R-Really?  I mean it looked special but it was kind of empty and the food wasn’t that great…does it really deserve all the praise you’re giving it?

“I should know!  I’ve been there and it’s an experience I’ll never forget!”  She then shouted…though more in a proud boastful way as she put a hoof to her forehead to try and be dramatic.

“O-Ok then…can you please calm down now?” I asked politely as I held my hoof out to her, hoping she’d relax finally and not scream anymore. She didn’t respond immediately and after a few minutes Rarity still remained in the same place, her hoof moving from her forehead to her chin as if trying to think something over.

“Alright…just one more question.”  She agreed as she grinned and pointed a hoof at me, giving me a condition that she can ask one more question.  I looked over and saw both Lotus and Aloe still standing in the room the room looking a little uncomfortable to the whole situation.  I didn’t want them both to stand here listening to us the whole time and be miserable.  So I took of my robe, along with my towel, and gave them both to Aloe her.  Then I gestured my hoof towards the door after she took it.  She quickly nodded and left as fast as she could with Lotus trailing quickly behind her.

“Y-Yeah?”  I simply said as soon as I saw the door, turning back to look at her.  After I replied Rarity smiled …well…oddly.  She seemed very interested as to what happened last night for some reason.

“Did she or did she not pay for the meal?”  She asked seriously as she stared right into my eyes like if this was a life or death situation.  D-Does it really matter who pays for it?  I mean as long as it’s paid for it shouldn’t matter right?

“Sh-She paid for it, I wanted to pay for my meal but she insisted that she paid for it.”  I answered honestly expecting another outburst or scream of some kind.  But instead…all I heard was a long gasping sound as she put her hooves to her mouth.  I-Is it really that surprising?  Yeah I know it’s not really like her to do something like that…believe me I know…but she has her moments.

“What happened afterwards Fluttershy!  You have to tell me!” She insisted screaming at the top of her lungs as she almost jumped out of the tub at me.  Do-Do you really have to scream?  I thought we agreed on no more screaming?  Is it really that vital for you to know?

“W-Well…she got mad at a waiter and almost got into a fight…” I mentioned as I began to recall the events from last night…remembering when I opened the door to find Dash ready to beat up that waiter.  She sighed and put her face down on the edge of the tub as if I failed her in some way.  

“No after the restaurant, what did you do after you both left?” She then clarified as she lifted her head up with an annoyed expression on her face.  Oh she wants to know about that...again I can’t really see why it matters to her so much that she knows.

“Well…” I started as stepped into the tub, sighing a little bit in relief at the warm water and its soothing feel against my coat...it wasn’t waking me up though…I was already wide awake because of all the screaming Rarity has done.  “After we left we decided to go back to my place to spend the night.”  I explained feeling more relaxed than ever.  When I turned to look at the fashion queen she had a horrified look on her face with both hooves covering her mouth.  D-Did I just insult her or something?

“I can’t believe you two went so far in one night!  D-Did Rainbow devastate you?  Absolutely plough you into the bed?  No wonder you looked so miserable and tired when I got here!”  Rarity remarked as she lowered her hooves into the water.  D-Devastate me?  Plough me into the bed?  I know Rainbow can be kind of aggressive and violent…but…she would never attack me…ever…

“Poor dearie…I should’ve known she would be rough...I can only imagine what she did to you last night…” She sympathetically said, thinking I was in pain when I really wasn’t… “Oh yeah…I can just see it now…mmmm…marvelous” She then went on in a scared voice before it changed into…into a low pleased sounding tone…wait first you were horrified…then sympathetic…now please…I…I don’t get it.

“Oh the passion that took place last night….ohhhh…OOOH…I don’t know if I’m getting hot from the water or the stimulation I’m getting from thinking about you two and the hot experience you two shared…” She went on as she smiled weirdly and started to fan herself with one of her hooves.  F-Fires?  There…There wasn’t a fire last night…uh…uhh…. R-Rarity…you’re really scaring me now…

“W-What are you talking about?  For one thing…Rainbow never even showed up last night…” I pointed out as I found myself going to the edge of the tub furthest away from Rarity and her…I…I don’t even want to know what….

“Aw really?  Oh shoot…and I was really getting excited too…” She said disappointedly as her faced changed from overzealous to unamused in an instant.  To me that makes me feel better and I let out a sigh of relief….why she’s getting excited over the thought of Rainbow beating me up is beyond me…  

“What happened?  I thought you said you two spent the night?” The curious Unicorn then asked now sounding a little angry as she leaned in closer to the edge of the tub.  I was still against the other side so I was still far away from her.  What is it about this topic that is making Rarity this…obsessive?

“Well…I said we decided to spend the night together…though Rainbow said she had to go home to get Tank and…then…she never showed up.”  I explained as I put a hoof to the side of my face to help think it over…which it really didn’t…I don’t know why everypony does that when trying to remember...it never really does help...

“What kind of mare spends a nice dinner with a pony, pays for the meal, agrees to spend the night, then goes back home to get her pet, and then not show up!?  Honestly!   The nerve of that pony!   Element of loyalty my flank!”  She yelled now furious as she lifted her right hoof and hit the tub with it.  W…Why is she angry now?  I’m not angry!  So why is she!?  D-Did I upset her by telling her this?

“Pardon my language dearie…” She then apologized feeling bad for her outburst and unladylike conduct…at least she apologized for it…I thought what she said was pretty mean…

“Well…she was probably caught by Applejack.” I suggested as I raised my hoof, hoping that would calm her nerve somewhat.  Instead she just looked at me confused.

“Caught by whom now?”  She asked as she looked at me with one of her eyebrows raised to emphasize her confusion.  Oh that’s right…I never explained the whole point behind it all…that’s right…so silly of me…no wonder she got so uptight and…excited…because it seemed like Rainbow Dash wasn’t herself and it was making her happy to know this…for some reason.  Yeah…that’s it.

“Oh Applejack, you see Rainbow Dash kind of…put a hole in her barn…so she decided to hide in that restaurant since she thought that would be the last place Applejack would look.  Then she wanted to spend the night to continuing hiding…though I guess she got caught….which is why she probably didn’t show up…she didn’t need to hide anymore.”  I happily explained with a smile while also going into my theory on why she never showed up. This only further disappointed her as she sighed and leaned against the edge of the tub, sinking slightly.

“Well that explains why she was on her roof when I went over there…” Rarity remarked as she looked down and put a hoof to her chin before shaking her head and looking back up at me,

“But, oh phooey…you just smashed my hopes Fluttershy…I guess there really wasn’t anything there…” She then said a bit sadly her ears dropped down and as she sunk further into the tub.  I smashed her hopes…I should probably apologize to her then…wait what does she mean ‘wasn’t anything there?’  Like…nothing in the restaurant or something…I don’t know…but maybe she’s upset because she thinks I didn’t have a good time…which couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Well, not exactly…despite all the uncomfortable things that happened such as me lying to Applejack saying I was on a date and what happened afterwards I really did enjoy myself.” I happily said with a smile telling her that it wasn’t all bad.  After I said this I saw her ears instantly perk up as she stopped sinking and got back up with an excited grin on her face.  Oh dear did I say something wrong again?

“You said you were dating Rainbow Dash to Applejack!?” She screamed as she rushed up to the edge of the tub again leaning over it to try to get as close to me as possible.  I leaned back against the furthest edge again to get away.  Oh dear she’s screaming again…why is she so…sporadic today?

“Well…Applejack eventually found us…Rainbow Dash hid under the table and I lied to her saying I was on a date with somepony…she believed me and left.”  I explained in a matter of fact fashion…feeling bad again as I remembered I lied to Applejack…the element of honesty ironically enough.

“Well…how did Rainbow take it?”  The hysterical white mare then asked as she smiled more which was really starting to make me uncomfortable for some reason…maybe it’s the fact that I’m explaining my lies and blunders to her.

“Well…she didn’t take it well…she sort of freaked out about it…I apologized and she calmed down…only to freak out again when I tried to ask her what she thought about me dating other ponies.” I answered a bit nervously and quietly as I didn’t want her to freak out so more…I was feeling really uncomfortable in a place where comfort is top priority!  I couldn’t even look at her anymore, instead I was looking at myself in the reflection of the water…I looked terrified and nervous…though I think I always look like that…that makes me feel even worse…oh great now I’m starting to feel bad by just looking at myself in the reflection…this just really isn’t my day!

“Ohhhh…well what was her answer to your question?” She asked curiously as her tone changed from hysterical to inquisitive in like the blink of an eye.  I looked back up to see her rubbing her chin with her left hoof.  Wait…she wants to know if Dash gave me the ok to let her set up dates for me with other ponies!  Of course!  That’s why she’s so passionate about this whole topic!  Why didn’t I see it earlier!  I feel really foolish now…and a little terrible because the answer I give her isn’t going to be the one she wants to hear.

“She didn’t give me one…she looked really nervous and uncomfortable…she couldn’t come to a thorough conclusion and just told me ‘She’ll think about it and get to me later.’” I answered as I looked up recalling the events of last night and her…well her not answer and instead her reason for a prolonged answer.  I looked back down to see her once again looking excited…wow…I guess she did like that answer.

“Go to her.”  She simply said in a loud tone sounding more like a command than anything else.  She wants me to leave and go to Rainbow…as in right now?

“W-Why?” I simply asked a little disturbed as I titled my head a bit at her.  She didn’t immediately respond, instead she looked to the side for a bit, quite possibly to think of an answer or how to phrase it.

“W-Well you didn’t get a proper answer from her!   She can’t just leave you out to dry like this…you must get an answer from her!”  Rarity then answered in a stern voice as she looked at me and pointed at me with her right hoof.  Wow she’s really determined to get me out there isn’t she?  I don’t know if I should be grateful or scared…but in any case I don’t think I could just walk up to Rainbow and demand and answer from her.

“Well, I don’t think she would be comfortable with me doing that…I mean I did say I would give her some time after all…” I replied looking to the side and putting a hoof to the bottom of my muzzle, thinking about what would happen if I do go up and ask her for an immediate reply…the results are…not encouraging…and I don’t think I could do that to Dash…especially after last night with me saying to give her time.

“Well some time has passed hasn’t it?  So go see her and demand an answer!  I mean how long did you stay up last night waiting for her anyways?”  She asked now sounding aggressive and annoyed as she looked at me rather…unpleasantly.  Oh no…I’m making her mad…again…I’m really being a bad friend today!

“Well…pretty late actually…I only got a few hours of sleep last night…” I answered honestly and softly as I looked down, feeling horrible for upsetting Rarity…again.

“Oh dear, so that’s the reason you look so tired” She replied sympathetically which did make me feel a tad bit better “…and you think that doesn’t give you enough incentive to get an answer from her…nopony could make me stay up that long and then not see me the next morning!  So go to her now and tell her this…then she’ll give you an answer!”  She explained as she sounded much more cheerful…I looked up to see that she was now smiling as well.  Oh that’s good…she’s not upset anymore…I think.  Well at least she now knows that I’m tired from lack of sleep instead of Rainbow ‘ploughing me’ or something…I mean really why would Dash ever do that to me?

“I don’t think that’s a good idea…I said I would give her some time and I don’t want to pressure her…that will only lead to more awkward situations.” I advised as I looked at her again hoping to convince her that it wasn’t a good idea to just walk up to her out of the blue and ask her like that.

“Oh that’s fine, just wait then!”  Rarity responded with a smile as she waved her hoof at me.  Really?  You were just having a meltdown trying to get me to go and now you don’t care?  Rarity…I-I’m sorry but…what’s wrong with you?!

“Just be close to her as much as possible…I mean if you weren’t she’d probably forget about the whole ordeal…and that way she would come to answer much sooner with you near her…” She then explained as she closed her eyes and raised her right hoof as if lecturing to me.  Oh now I get it…but I don’t think Rainbow would forget something like that…I mean it’s really important to me so I know she couldn’t forget…then again I can’t really see her telling me what it is because of how uncomfortable she was with it to being with…ohhhh…

“I don’t know…” I responded confused as I shook my head and looked back down at the now cool water. “Plus I don’t think Rainbow would like it if I hung around with her a lot…I think she would be annoyed…” I added as I looked back up at her, knowing full well that I can get on…Dash’s nerves sometimes…especially with my shyness and nervousness in public…though never to the point where she pushed me away…because we still most of our fillyhoods together…

“Oh I don’t think you should worry about that…you’ll be fine...besides it’s not like you have much to do anyways with winter coming up.” My azure eyed friend said with a smile, stilling trying to urge at me.  Well…she does have a point…most of my animal friends have already started to go into hibernation.  I still have to help some of them…like angel bunny for instance…but that’s not for another couple of days and I basically have all the free time I could want…though  I didn’t really want it since I love spending time with my animal friends…

“Well…” I simply replied still not quite sure as I moved my hoofs in the water to make a small whirlpool.

“Oh Fluttershy…just go…you’ll be with Rainbow Dash after all…what’s the worst that could happen!” She practically demanded, sounding excited and loud as she held both her hooves in the air.  Well…that’s’ true too…if I am with Rainbow nothing bad could possibly happen…I mean even if she was annoyed with me she would never leave me or hurt me…I know from past experience should wouldn’t…so...she’s right…I will go to her!

“Alright…I’ll do it.”  I then agreed with a small nod and a smile which caused her to scream loudly and fall back into the tub.  G-Geez…again with the overexcitement…would she get this excited if she was trying to get Applejack or Twilight on dates with someponies?

“Good for you Fluttershy!  You already know where she’s since I’m sure she’s still working on Applejack’s roof…so go to Applejack’s!” Rarity practically cheered still screaming as I went to the edge of the tub to get out.  She’s right, if Rainbow’s has to work on her roof it’s going to take her a long time…and…maybe I can help her…maybe…

“You can do it Fluttershy!  I believe in you…and in Rainbow!”  She said encouragingly as I got out of the tub and tried off.  I simply looked back at her and nodded, though I don’t know why she believes in Dash…unless she believes she’ll give me a quick response.  Wow she really does have faith in her…probably more than me…now I feel a little bad for doubting her when she didn’t.

I walked over to the door to leave, when I got there I turned around and I waved goodbye with her with a smile on my face. “Go find and get your Rainbow girl!  I’m rooting for you!”  She then yelled as she waved back to me.  I looked confused at her for a second before turning back around and leaving.  

‘Go and get your Rainbow?’ What’s that supposed to mean?  Rainbow is most definitely not mine nor will she ever…I don’t think it’s nice to assume I own her.  Well…I don’t think Rarity meant it like that…maybe she meant it as ‘Go and get your friend’…yeah…that makes sense I guess.  It’s worded weirdly but since its Rarity I guess I can see it.   I grabbed my robe and which was right outside the door on a hook next to Rarity’s and went back to the changing room.  I put it back in my personal basket along with my towel and reminded myself to come back later to pick up the basket so I can wash my robe and towel.  I then left the changing room and trotted up to the front counter where Aloe was happily sitting behind.

“Thank you for everything…it was a lovely experience as usual” I thanked gratefully as I got out the required number of bits needed to pay for my stay and put it on the counter, since I always got the same treatment I knew the price by heart,  “But I’m afraid I have to leave early…” I then informed a bit reluctantly as this is the first time I’ve done this…but it’s important…well at least to Rarity it’s important…

“Oh it’s fine Fluttershy…” She dismissed in her usual pleasant manner as she took some bits off the counter, leaving behind some…oh since I’m leaving early I didn’t go through the whole treatment…it’s a bit weird getting back change for once. “Just be sure to come again.” She then suggested as she titled her head at me, the smile still present on her pink muzzle.

“Oh I will and you know it…” I responded happily as I took the remaining bits she left behind and put them away.  “I’ll see you next week!” I then said cheerfully, reminding her of my next annual visit as I turned around and headed to the front door.

“Goodbye Fluttershy!” Aloe shouted as I reached door, saying her goodbye to me as she usually did, “Oh and Good luck with Rainbow Dash!” She then yelled encouraging me as I opened the door to leave…how does she know about that?  Was she right outside the door listening to our conversation?  Huh…and I thought she wouldn’t like hearing us talk…oh well...I’m just happy I got her support in this matter!

“Thanks!” I gratefully replied as I looked back and smiled at the pony who was waving at me.  I then left and shut the door behind me.  I then turned around, opened up my wings and flapped them to get into the air, heading to Sweet Apple Acres to see Rainbow.  I just hope Applejack isn’t pushing her too much…she should know that Rainbow gets…rather testy if she gets pushed too much…especially when it’s doing something she doesn’t like…and when she’s in a bad mood it makes her difficult to talk to…oh this is going to make it hard to ask her that question again…especially if she hasn’t thought it over yet…oh dear…oh dear…

I really just hope she doesn’t get too uncomfortable when I ask her that question.

Next Chapter: Chapter 3 Estimated time remaining: 21 Hours, 37 Minutes