Today was another day for Fluttershy. She watered the plants, fed the animals, and did everything she normally did, yet she felt she hadn't done anything useful. She realised that it was because she felt lonely. Of course, the animals kept her company, but she didn't have anypony to be with when the nights drew in, or anypony to be comforted by when something went wrong. Her train of thought stopped there though, as Rainbow Dash flew by. Usually, she wouldn't dare call out to anyone, but over the months she had developed a better friendship with Dash, and something about the flanks drew her in, though she wasn't sure why.
"H-Hey rainbow dash!"
"What's up, flutter?" said Rainbow Dash, puzzled at why Fluttershy had called her.
"oh, nothing Rainbow Dash... I was just wondering where you were going!" responded Fluttershy, searching for something to talk about. Fluttershy felt stupid for calling Dash out, especially with nothing to say,and she showed it. In her worry, she looked up at Rainbow Dash, and for an instant, when their eyes met, she saw a startling sapphire blue she hadn't seen before, but she quickly looked down in embarrassment.
"Well, I'm just off bake some cupcakes with Pinkie again", replied Dash, feeling slightly sorry for Fluttershy, being so worried all the time.
"Are you sure everything's alright?"
"Oh yes, I'm perfectly fine.", Fluttershy was glad Dash didn't notice her stare, but realised it didn't matter anyway, she would still have nothing to do.
"Look, Flutters, I really have to go, you know what happened last time I was late, but after, maybe we can go... chase some clouds, or... something!" said Rainbow, Fluttershy's sudden dejection disturbing her.
"Well... okay then. See you later, Dash!"
As Rainbow Dash left, Fluttershy still felt dejected, but knew there was little else she could do. She thought of Rainbow Dash's body, a sudden hot feeling shooting through her body, and in a burst of courage decided she would follow Dash. Fluttershy felt scared as she travelled to Pinkie's house, realising she hadn't bothered to put anything more than her household pink sweater on. She could've flown, but was too scared of wind, or anyone seeing her so she trotted unsteadily through town, keeping to the back roads. As she neared Pinkie Pie's house, she realised just what she was doing. Was it safe? What would Dash think when she walked in? But it was too late for that now.
She cantered through the open door, trying yet failing to act natural, to find that the front room was empty, though the light was on in the kitchen, as always. As she wiped beads of sweat from her face, Fluttershy sneaked into range of the muffled voices.
"... a GREAT idea Dashie!"
"Not so loud, pinkie! It feels like the whole of Ponyville can hear you!" Fluttershy could barely listen to Dash,
"Okay, okay, let me put on my sneaky voice"
"Pinkie! Can't you act serious just once?"
"Back to the plan. Now when'll we do it?"
"I'm thinking around five, that gives us maximum embarrassment"
"Yay! Okay, now that that's done, let's make some cupcakes!"
"I really don't know what it is about you and cupcakes, but sure, I'll help."
Fluttershy suddenly heard hoofbeats getting closer, and slowly backed out into the doorway, but too late.
"Fluttershy! What are you doing here?" exclaimed Pinkie. "Oh... nothing, I was just wanting to help do some baking,
it's been a bit quiet at my home" Fluttershy could feel herself shivering with fear, just as Dash trotted in to the room. "Fluttershy? I said we could play later, right now Pinkie and me need to... cook!" Said Dash, pausing slightly at the end. "Oh shush Dashie! She just wanted to help us make food!". "Well, i guess she could come, then, but wait here first" Dash shot a warning look at Pinkie, trying to block the kitchen from Fluttershy's view. She then went to hide what looked like a map. All the time Fluttershy was looking at Rainbow Dash, she didn't know why, but something about the pony amazed her. She tried not to blush, yet it still happened. "No need to be afraid, Fluttershy. It's okay, you can join us to do our baking" Said Dash, again worried at her friend's health, and for now, her happiness overcame her curiosity, and she joined them.
As the cupcakes were finally being put in the oven, Pinkie said she had to go off to help take care of her siblings. Now was her chance, Fluttershy thought, "Umm, Dash, that's , uh, I like your hair today" Fluttershy managed to say, though almost too soft to hear. "Oh, thanks Flutters" Dash responded, in deep thought. Fluttershy saw that it couldn't happen. She was too scared to even approach Dash, let alone talk to her, and even now Dash didn't even notice her. Fluttershy tried to hold back tears, but couldn't. She started softly crying next to Rainbow Dash, tears silently running down her cheeks. Dash, breaking from her thought, saw Fluttershy sobbing next to her. Suddenly, a deep sense of shock, and worry came over her, "Fluttershy, it's okay, I'm here for you" Dash tried to comfort her, but only felt awkward in trying. "Dash, it's just... Dash, I..." Fluttershy's words faltered in her mouth, she couldn't say anything. Then, she looked up into Dash's eyes, and not only did she once again fall in love with the sparkling deep blue, she saw a sense of true care. "Fluttershy, I'll be there for you. Don't ever forget that" Dash realised that Fluttershy was still looking into her eyes, and she noticed the love in hers. Dash, now understanding, sidled up next to Fluttershy, and hugged her. Fluttershy finally stopped crying, wiping tears from her eyes, and feeling the comfort of Rainbow Dash's soft, thick fur against hers.