Winter solstice was nearing in Equestria. This year was like the year of winter premieres, first the return news of an ancient ball and now plans for the celebration of the longest night. After Luna's rehabilitation of Nightmare Moon, Celestia had begun to bring back some customs and new events for her sister. To show that she was equally important as her.

The wonderbolts were doing last rehearsals for Luna's first Winter Moon Celebration. They were going to be in the opening of the situation, thrilling the ponies more than ever. It was the end of the day for the wonderbolts. A certain rainbow mare just had a shower, drying herself. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey, Dash!" he leant to the lockers, a towel on his neck.

"Hey, Clips," Dash replied, placing her uniform.

"Clips? When did that become a thing?" Soarin asked. "Anyway today you had an amazing performance today."

"Thanks. And it became a thing after I crashed you, last lunch."

"Oh, c'mon! I-I was just kidding there Dash. I swear!" he told, a tint of pink on his face.

"Relax Soarin. I'm just pulling your wing." Rainbow grinned. "How does it feel to taste your own medicine?"

"Not a bit funny."

"You know how I felt now mister. Hurry up or Spitfire will kill our flanks!"

****

"D'aww aren't they so cute together?" cooed a mare from the behind of the door.

"They sure are but we should give them a push. They are acting too dumb to notice." another mare replied.

"What's your plan Spitsy?"

"You shall see in the hall Fleet. And don't call me that."

"Aww, I think it really suits you Spits!" Fleetfoot kept saying it. "Spitsy, Fleetsy we are on a ditzy!"

"UGH! Shut it Fleetfoot!" She yelled then noticed hoof steps towards the door.

Spitfire and Fleetfoot swiftly flew to the meeting hall. The team was gathering there to listen to the daily and weekly reports. Spitfire panted and took her place. Whew, this was so near! Soarin and Dash were the last ones to join them. Soon, they started to talk about the topics. Winter solstice, the ball and the new year...

Rainbow tried hard to not to show her boredom. She played with her multicoloured mane, noticed a stare on her. Soarin's two shiny emeralds were focused on her, dreamily. When she looked back, he stuttered and blushed. Why was he doing this anyway? Was something wrong with her? She was about to ask Soarin but, her words interrupted.

"So, Soarin who is your plus one pony for the ball?" Spitfire inquired, out of blue.

"My what?"

"Plus one pony, your date or companion for the occasion. Who are you taking with you?"

"I-I h-haven't decided yet."

"Very well! You are so lucky Soarin. I have a suggestion for you!" Spitfire exclaimed.

"W-who is it?"

"Rainbow Dash of course! You two hang out very much don't you?" she replied. 'Oohs' covered the room.

"I-I don't know what you are talking," Soarin said, his eyes darting around. "Why would I go with her?"

Then, he went to Spitfire's side. Wrapped a wing around her nervously. "When I have a friend like you?"

Rainbow's eyes widened slightly, her vision getting blurry. She let out a small gasp. Was their "friendship" nothing for him? Were everything they enjoyed, they experienced a lie? If he hadn't cared about her then why did he help her? She hadn't got answers any of these. Just something echoed in her mind again and again.

"Why would I go with her?"

****

Girls were hanging out in Sugarcube Corner tonight. Pinkie was preparing to a cake competition with the Cakes and she invited them along to taste their newest cake. Pinkie slid elegantly towards the table, serving the slices. It was her maneuver to surprise the judges.

"Hmm, this cake looks so beautiful darling!" Rarity awed.

"Sure does Rarity. Let's test it out." Applejack responded.

"Of course it is both beautiful inside outside silly!" Pinkie joined them.

Twilight and Fluttershy already were digging in. Rainbow idly played with her slice, didn't involve the atmosphere.

"It's really delicious dear! I have good news for you. Our dresses are completed!" Rarity exclaimed.

"Well, it's wonderful to hear Rarity," Twilight answered.

"Wonderful!? It's marvellous darling; we shall mesmerise the ball!"

Rarity proceeded to argue with Twilight. Dash was lost than ever, still as the sky before the storm. Fluttershy noticed Rainbow and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"Rainbow, are you OK?" she whispered.

"O-oh I'm fine." Dash lied.

"No, you absolutely not. Did something happen?"

"I-I don't know how to phrase it. J-just feeling stabbed back by somepony."

Rarity cut her argument with others and began to listen to Rainbow's conversation. She hadn't spoken since they arrived, Rarity couldn't help but dived in their matter.

"Who had stabbed you back darling?"

"S-Soarin." Dash said quietly. "He said that he wouldn't go to the ball with me! He ignored our friendship."

"Oh, my!" gasped Rarity.

"It was a mistake to think that he cared about me! Why would he anyway? I'm still a disaster for the wonderbolts!"

"Rainbow Dash, dear, there has to be a misunderstanding. You mustn't judge yourself."

"What if there isn't Rares?" responded Dash, unsure.

"Well, in that case, you are going to be the most magnificent mare in the ball!"

Hearts Warming Eve ball here we come!