Hi everyone. Queen Baby here. I am happy to hear that people liked chapter 9 and weren't too weirded out by it. I was thinking of following the scene from Black Swan to a T, but I decided to change it a bit. I found it funny either way. So coming soon, Fluttershy will continue to battle and slowly defeat her inner demons. While Rainbow Dash will start to be overpowered by hers. Sorry, but I need some sort of dilemma besides the old, "Does she like me? Oh yes she does, let's date." But don't worry, the actual problem will gradually build up and come on full fledge in the chapter that takes place right after the episode of Keep Calm and Flutter On. So since I have a few people saying I should make it rated M and have some adult scenes, I will. Once it gets to that part of the story, after they have dated for a bit I will. I will be sure to state in the warning which chapter will have it. Again I own none of this. Hope you guys like chapter 10. Pinkie's time to shine will come soon!

Fluttershy's small alarm clock rang softly in the dark room, on the small dresser on Rainbow Dash's side of the bed. In the instant the small beeping went off, Rainbow Dash felt tender hooves start rubbing softly along her arms. Rainbow woke in a bit of a stir. She looked around to find Fluttershy's blue eyes shining in the moonlight. The smaller pegasus was still wrapped in the strong and sweet embrace of the rainbow mare sleeping in bed with her.

"Rainbow, it's time for you to get up and go to work." Fluttershy softly whispered. Dash turned her head to look to the clock to see that it was unfortunately true. "Oh, ugh, yeah, you're right Shy." She yawned as she stretched her muscular arms forward, Fluttershy moving along with them, still being held. "How can you even hear that thing. It's as quiet as you." She joked.

Rainbow Dash gave her one last squeeze as she took one last whiff of her, then she rolled out of bed and stood on the ground. Fluttershy stuck out her hooves, missing the familiar warmth and contact. She blinked the sleep out of her blue eyes as she smiled in her friend's direction, "Do you need me to get breakfast ready for you Dashie?" she said in a quiet voice before a yawn took over. The animal caretaker was still very sleepy, never having much of a need to wake up before sunrise unless to feed and care for a baby animal.

Rainbow Dash stretched out her wings and back as she answered, "No thanks. You go back to bed. I can do it. Get some good rest so we can have a blast when I get back." Rainbow Dash smiled as she tilted her head at the sight of her shy friend cuddling with a pillow. Fluttershy was already falling back to sleep, even though she still missed having a live pony to sleep with. "Oh, ok Dashie. Um, I will see you, see… later to" her voice trailed off to soft breathing, it was the closest Fluttershy could get to a snore.

Rainbow Dash grabbed the blanket with her teeth and tucked Fluttershy in better. She then rubbed the top of her blue head against Fluttershy's softly. "Damn, she is too cute. Especially when she is sleeping. Stupid early shift, cutting into our sleeping time." Rainbow Dash washed up in the bathroom, and quietly flew down the stairs and into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen, she turned on the lights. She saw a note.

Good Morning Rainbow Dash! I left the left over salad in a container for breakfast. I'm sure you know where the cereal is in case it isn't enough. I also packed some really tasty cherry tomatoes in a bag for work. I hope this will be ok for you? The best pegasus and best friend in the world deserves at least that. I promise I will start packing you some better things, I was just kind of pressed on time last night. Sorry. Look at me, I'm rambling on while the most important weather mare needs to go to work, and you probably need to eat. Sorry, squee! I just want to say thank you for being here for me, and have a great day!

With Love,

Fluttershy

Rainbow Dash smiled at the cute note that could only be written by Fluttershy. "With love huh? Things are looking good for you Dash." She said to herself with a grin. She looked into the fridge to see what Fluttershy had. She noticed the left over salad in a small container. She licked her lips as she grabbed that and the bag of cherry tomatoes next to it. She gobbled up the salad and wolfed down the cereal. She drank a big cup of apple juice and washed the dishes quickly, drying the counter top.

She did one last stretch, and then grabbed the tomatoes in her teeth. She trotted outside, the moon was low, and the stars were fading. She took a big breath of the fresh early morning air as her wings sprang open at the thought of flying. She noticed the rabbit's small hut and took a peak in. There she saw Tank sleeping inside his shell, a small blanket over it. Angel was sleeping on top of the tortoise, a small pillow and cover with him. The hut wasn't big enough for the rabbit and large tortoise to lie side by side. She took a double take at the tiny shot glasses on the floor, and what looked like a tiny wallet size picture of her tacked up to the wall, and tiny darts where her left eye was.

"What the hay! Tank, you should kick that rabbit's butt for me. I better have a talk with Fluttershy about that. Little monster." She then focused on the work day ahead as she flew over the land toward her cloud job for instructions on today's weather.

At Sunrise

Fluttershy turned in her sleep for what had to be the 100th time in the two hours Rainbow Dash was gone. She had slept for most of the time, but was constantly moving, her body trying to find the source of heat and cuddly body full of comfort. The sun's bright rays reached her eyes, causing them to flutter open.

She turned to lie on her back and stretched. She then brought her legs and arms close as she turned her head into the pillow her blue companion was sleeping on. "Oh my, what a beautiful morning. I wish I had Dash here to rest with. Hmm, this pillow smells like her." She said dreamily. She always loved Dash's scent. To Fluttershy, she smelled like flight. Like morning dew and the softest and purest of cloud, mixed in with the crisp scent of morning air.

After a few moments of relishing in Rainbow's scent, she started her day. After cleaning up and feeding the animals, she noticed it would soon be time for Rarity to come over. She prepared a spot of tea for the unicorn and decided if she should eat now, "Well, we usually grab lunch after our spa dates. I think just a little something to tide me over." She had a little freshly cooked rice in the cooker. She scoped herself some and drizzled a little bit of honey on top, then mixed it in. She enjoyed the small snack in silence. Just as she finished the last bite she heard a knock at the door.

She smiled and rushed over, opening the door. There, Fluttershy saw Rarity, looking beautiful as ever, wearing a different sun hat, and carrying a saddle bag. "Why hello Fluttershy darling, you look absolutely wonderful this morning. May I come in?" Fluttershy opened the door and stepped to one side, giving the white unicorn access.

Rarity walked inside the cottage, and with use of her magic, she pulled out some fabric from her saddle bag. She held it above Fluttershy as the yellow mare took hold of it. "There you are darling! It took me a little while to find the perfect match, but I think you will be quite pleased." Fluttershy unwrapped it, and looked on with wide eyes she awed at its beauty.

There lying in her arms, was a beautiful shawl, an earthy green in color. It blended perfectly with Fluttershy's creamy yellow fur. Embedded in it were small sapphires, looking like little raindrops. The fabric itself felt very fine and soft against her, it was light weight, yet it had a firmness that seemed warm and comforting in mildly cold weather.

Fluttershy looked to Rarity with thankful eyes, "Oh Rarity, t-this looks perfect. Thank you so much for making this for me. I can't begin to explain how self conscious I feel about my wings right now. Thank you." She confessed. She placed it on the sofa and hugged her purple mane friend.

"Oh dearie, it is my complete pleasure. It was tons of fun to make, and for a friend, it made it all the more special. It is my gift, to you." Fluttershy pulled away and sat down to look at her friend. "Oh but Rarity, it means so very much to me. I guess I just want you to know. I feel awfully bad when walking around town like, well, this." She opened her wings for emphasis, "Rainbow's quilt idea was good, but this will look better, and more natural, at least until they are well enough to take off the bandages."

Rarity looked on with curious eyes. She was always fascinated by a pegasus' wings. And she always thought that Fluttershy was exceptionally beautiful, that's why she chose her to be her model. It hurt to know that Fluttershy had been so depressed that she would hurt her wings in such a manner. She knew a pegasus' wings were their pride and joy, much like a horn was to a unicorn. Fluttershy had told them the story of what happened. And she could tell by the bandages just about what it must have looked like. But she was still curious. Something inside her wanted to see for herself what it must have looked like. But she didn't dare ask.

Fluttershy seemed to pick up on her curiosity though. She hid behind her mane as she slouched, wings tucking neatly back in, ears and eyes downcast. Rarity cleared her voice, realizing her staring was noticed, "How do they feel dear? I hope better?" she said nervously.

Fluttershy seemed to brighten a little at the question. "Oh yes, much better compared to before. The night it happened, it hurt so much. Probably some of the worse pain I have experienced. They are very sensitive you know. The morning after they hurt to. And after the emergency surgery, any little touch would send such searing pain throughout my body." Rarity had a surprised look on her face as she lifted a hoof to her forehead in typical Rarity fashion.

"Emergency surgery. Oh my, Fluttershy! That plus the stay at the hospital and the psychiatrist! It's a good thing you have that modeling money to fall back on. I am so sorry none of us could have come there to visit you. If only we knew." Fluttershy made a shy smile as she looked to her front hooves, "Oh, Celestia herself paid for most of it. I only paid ten bits. That was so nice of her. It wouldn't have mattered though, I wasn't allowed visitors for my suicide watch." Fluttershy frowned when she saw that Rarity flinched to hear that.

"It is really fine though. Rainbow Dash is doing a great job taking care of the animals and me. I'm sorry we waited so long to tell you all, we were just trying to prepare a way how I suppose." The pegasus noticed how the fashionista grimaced at the mention of the weather mare. They may have made up, but she still felt a little hard feelings about it all. They were all protective of Fluttershy, her being so sensitive and all.

"Yes, well she should be doing at least that my dear. That was no way to behave." She said in a serious tone. Fluttershy felt bad for hearing Rarity speaking of Dash like that. It made sense in her mind for Rarity to be upset, but it was hurting her none the less. She felt she had to defend Rainbow Dash as nice as possible.

"Oh, but she is really sorry. I can't begin to tell you how much it is eating her up. She really regrets it. I was talking to her last night. This instant wasn't much different from when I took those classes from Iron Will. And I was a terrible pony that day." Fluttershy said sadly.

Rarity thought about what she had to say, and lightened up as the words struck meaning with her. Fluttershy continued, "And you and Pinkie found enough kindness in your hearts to forgive me." She said worriedly. Rarity smiled and pulled her in for a hug. "Even though that example is slightly different, you are right Fluttershy. You know you are very wise."

Fluttershy smiled and hugged her 2nd best friend back. After a moment, they pulled away, "But none the less, give her a little trouble. She deserves it sometimes. And who better to put her in her place then her best friend?" They both laughed at that. The teapot started whistling, ready for drinking.

Fluttershy jumped up and skipped to the kitchen. She looked back at Rarity from the doorway, "Rarity, I made us some of your favorite tea. Would you care to join me before the spa?" Rarity nodded her answer as Fluttershy ran into the kitchen. Rarity was pleased to see her in such high spirits, especially after such an ordeal. She really needed to give the timid mare more credit, she really was stronger then she appeared.

Soon the two spa buddies were sitting outside in the garden, watching the animals frolic, enjoying the good weather. The two sipped at their tea peacefully. Next to their table was a tiny table, with Angel and Tank enjoying their tea.

"You should bring Opal over for some playtime. It has been a little while." Said Fluttershy. Rarity smiled at the mention of her grumpy cat, "Yes, she could use some socialization." She said as she fixed her hair with a hoof. They continued sipping their tea. Fluttershy kept on noticing how Rarity was stealing glances at her bandaged wings.

Fluttershy decided that Rarity meant no harm. "Rarity, do my wings make you uncomfortable?" Rarity spewed out her tea into the grass, grabbing a napkin, covering her mouth, a strong blush forming and easily seen on her white cheeks. She looked away, embarrassed at being seen as rude. Fluttershy had to hide her giggling with a hoof, as her other reached across the little table and patted Rarity's arm.

"Don't be ashamed Rarity. I'm not mad. It's only natural to be curious." Rarity moved her teacup to the side, and looked her friend in the eye. "I am terribly sorry Fluttershy. I don't mean to be rude. It's just, the bandages are hiding it. I know it seems weird to want to see an injury. I'm not sure what's the matter with me. But I'm not uncomfortable or anything."

Fluttershy shut her eyes peacefully and listened to her friend. She reopened them, "I understand. If you want, I can show you. I consider you like family. And one should never be afraid to share with family." Even though Rarity tried to hide her excitement at seeing injured wings, Fluttershy could see the glint in her eyes. Rarity tried to speak with as much sensitivity in her voice as possible, "If you don't mind dear. I'm sure I will stop peeking and wondering if you do."

Fluttershy opened her wings, she turned to look at her unicorn friend one more time, a serious look on her face, "Rarity, it's not pretty?" warned Fluttershy. Rarity thought for a split second before nodding her answer. Fluttershy then proceeded to remove the bandages from her wings. Rarity did a double take, her eyes growing wide.

Rarity winched from the sight of the wings, "Fluttershy, you poor thing." Rarity leaned over the table, inspecting the wings. Fluttershy pulled back, embarrassed. "Oh my, sorry for my rudeness, they are probably still tender, aren't they?" asked the fashion loving pony.

Fluttershy started wrapping them back up, "A little, I guess I am still self conscious about them." Fluttershy said with a smile. Rarity had to shake the frightening image of the injury from her head, "Well, a lovely day at the spa will do wonders for you. And don't worry, I am sure your wings will be as good as new soon enough."

Fluttershy smiled at Rarity's attempt to comfort her as she quietly sipped her tea. She looked around at the beautiful day surrounding them. Rarity also seemed to notice, "Beautiful day we are having, aren't we?" the white pony suggested. Fluttershy smiled at the mention of weather.

"Oh yes. Courtesy of Rainbow. Poor thing had to get up early to cause a light drizzle, then clear the skies before sunrise." Rarity nodded in agreement, "Well, she certainly did a good job. She sure knows how to make a beautiful day." Fluttershy held her head up with her hooves, her face getting its dreamy look, "Yeah, she sure can." Fluttershy said with a sigh.

Rarity raised an eyebrow as she noticed the tone of voice and facial expressions of her friend. She started rubbing her chin with a hoof as an idea popped into her head. She decided to leave it alone though, seeing how hectic things were. "I think it's about time we start for the spa, don't you think?" Fluttershy seemed to snap out of her daydream as she collected the tea set with a tray and ran inside. She left them in the sink and came back out in a flash, "I think so to. I have been looking forward to this."

Once at the spa, Rarity ordered them the extra special treatment for them both, offering to pay for it all. Once the steam room, hooficures, horn filings, and massages were done, they were left alone in a hot tub, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the wind chimes. The two were completely relaxed. They had already spent much time talking all about the new customers rolling into the boutique, and about the fashion lines Rarity had the pleasure of designing for. She had been swamped by all the business, and happy to finally have some down time to just relax with a good friend.

Soon the topic went to what Fluttershy had been up to. They avoided any serious discussion on her more dark sides. But they did talk about the wonderful treatment she got at the hospital. They talked about her animals. And from the animals, Rainbow Dash had been brought back up.

"So, Rainbow Dash has been doing a good job caring for you and the animals my dear?" asked Rarity, as she checked her reflection out in her freshly shinned hoof. "Yes, she has been taking such good care of us. She helps me around the house. She helps me with the pain and bandages. Soon she will help me get these wings back into shape. The doctor says it will be a little while before they are ready to fly, so I have to keep them in shape once the swelling is completely down and the pain is gone. Maybe about a week more."

Rarity noticed how Fluttershy seemed to speak differently when it came to their flying feathered friend. "Yes. Tell me, do they hurt much now?" asked Rarity nonchalantly. Fluttershy relaxed into the hot water, "Not really. In fact, the hot tub is doing wonders for them. You have to be careful with the way they are touched, but the water feels oh so nice." She said with a sigh.

"So no massages for now? That's odd. I would think that would help with the pain?" Rarity said. Her suspicions only grew when she noticed Fluttershy blush and she sank deeper into the water, only her eyes showing. Fluttershy finally rose enough out of the water. "Well, that's not entirely true." She said a little worry in her voice. The corners of Rarity's mouth turned up slightly.

Fluttershy gulped, she knew that look in her friend's eye. "You see, Rainbow Dash has been giving me some really good massages. And yesterday, she was giving them to my wings." Rarity seemed to glow at the words, as she remembered the conversation from yesterday about wings. She decided to play innocent, "Oh, well that was really nice of her. Hmm, now if my memory is correct, isn't there only one bedroom in that cottage of yours?"

Fluttershy seemed unaware of the importance, "Why yes, yes there is." Rarity tried to keep her voice level calm as her curiosity grew. "So where has our dear Rainbow Dash been sleeping while she has been nursing you? I hope not in the living room with all the animals?" Fluttershy was wearing a nervous smile as her cheeks turned a deep red.

"Oh, um, she was sleeping in my room." Said the pegasus. She was growing uneasy at the silence in the room, "I-in b-bed with, um, me." Rarity was indeed starting to make a connection. She never knew Fluttershy's preference in relationships. The poor thing was so shy, she had trouble talking to any pony for a long time. She had wondered if maybe her friend liked mares. She was always more comfortable around them after all.

That also made Rarity think back to their rainbow friend. Now that was a hard case. There had always been rumors of her being into other mares. She hated to think it, but there was the whole rainbow thing as a sort of sign. But she had heard that Dash had had colt friends after flight school. Well, at least dates. Fluttershy never talked about having dates. But as far as she or any of the others in the circle of friends knew, Rainbow Dash showed no interest in being romantic with either mare or stallion. All she ever talked about was being a Wonderbolt.

But after the talk they had yesterday, she seemed to pick up on some hints that may have proved otherwise. Rarity was even beginning to think that maybe even Dash herself was unaware of the feelings she has been feeling. In fact, after yesterday, Rarity had thought back to all the instances when it seemed like Dash had a bit of a crush on Fluttershy. And she always noticed how important Rainbow was to the timid mare. How Dash always defended her, well except when it came to that dragon evacuation. And how Fluttershy was the only one to bring out Dash's soft side. But she always excused it as them being best friends. They had been besties since filly hood.

But now, things had been looking different between the two. And when it comes down to romance, Rarity had to dig up all the info she can. And this was not just the gossip queen in her talking, but the hopeless romantic in her wanting to see her friends happy. Rarity had a strong feeling in her gut that Fluttershy indeed has been harboring feelings for the future Wonderbolt. The problem was getting her to fess up to it. She couldn't be straight forward, she would scare her friend away. No, she had to be there for her friend in this confusing time, and maybe lead her to the right direction.

While Rarity was making connections in her head, Fluttershy was sitting silently, starring at her, in complete dread. The longer her friend remained silent, the deeper she sank back into the water. "Oh my gosh, what is she planning? Does she not approve? Should I say something? I think I already said too much. What if she tells the others, I'm not ready. No Fluttershy, have faith in your friends. This is Rarity, she will support you in whatever you choose. I guess it would help to tell someone about it. Maybe get a different perspective?" Rarity moved closer to her spa friend and laid her arm around her shoulder.

"Well, I see nothing wrong with that. You two have been best friends since, forever. I'm sure you had sleepovers as fillies. Besides, it's not like anything was going on?" Rarity leaned forward with big eyes, mouth opening. Fluttershy turned even more red, "N-no, that wouldn't be very proper. We aren't a couple." Rarity believed her. She knew Fluttershy was a lady, and would want to do things right. But she did like the answer. She didn't deny liking Rainbow Dash, or even mares in general. A good sign.

"Of course, I was only joking. But you know, in my opinion, I think you and Rainbow Dash compliment each other very well." Fluttershy sat up and looked to her friend, hope and relief written all over her face. Fluttershy decided now would be the best time to bring up her questions. "Rarity, how do you feel about a mare being romantically involved with another mare?" Rarity was a little caught off guard by her friend speaking without being led into it first.

"Well, to be honest, I don't think it's any different from the traditional relationship. As long as it is in love, with trust and respect, what should it matter." Fluttershy smiled even brighter as she hugged her friend. "Thank you Rarity, that's great to hear." Rarity hugged her back with much warmth. After the hug, Rarity continued, "Is there a reason why you would ask Fluttershy?"

The yellow mare gulped one more time, deciding this was the perfect opportunity, "Well, actually yes. I think I have a crush on a very special pony. A mare actually." Rarity had to control herself, she was about to explode with giggles, "Oh, well, whoever could it be. Any pony I know?" Fluttershy only meeped as she slowly nodded her head.

Rarity decided to take it slow, "Well, is it… me!" she joked. Fluttershy blushed and gave a nervous laugh, "Rarity! I-I think you are very beautiful, and wonderful. I just don't think you are my type." Rarity silenced her with a hoof and smile, "Meerly an ice breaker my dear. Besides I agree. You know my unfortunate luck with stallions as of late. If I were to decide to go for mares, I would probably want one a little more, how would one say, rugged than me? Different, but the same."

Fluttershy smiled. "That's exactly how I feel." Rarity put on an expression of false concentration, "Maybe Twilight? Applejack, or Pinkie?" With each name the shy pony shook her head no. "Rainbow Dash then?" She heard the small whimper and saw the blue eyes widen. Rarity turned her body so she could fully face her friend. "Yes, I think, no, I know I'm falling for her." Rarity was surprised by the sureness of the voice and words. "Those therapies with the doctor have helped" she thought. But soon enough she was practically singing with glee, so happy her friend had been bitten by the love bug.

"Fluttershy, this is marvelous news. You simply must tell me everything. Don't leave out one simple raunchy detail. Oh ho ho, how are you deciding to confess your love? It must be PERFECT! Just tell me whatever you need, I will help. We can nab this filly in the bag for you yet."

Fluttershy was getting a little dizzy from all the excitement and fast words. She was a bit overwhelmed. But also relieved to get it off her chest and talk about it. She was even too afraid to talk to her animals about it. "You won't tell anyone, will you Rarity?" Rarity flipped her mane, "Of course not my dear. It will be our little secret, at least until you are ready. But the one pony I think you should talk to is Rainbow herself. You can't beat around the bush forever."

And there the two friends talked and planned, feeling excitement at the task ahead.

Later On

Rarity and Fluttershy were sitting outside in a patio at a restaurant. They both sat, enjoying a daisy sandwich and sharing a large order of hay fries, and complimented with some fresh cranberry juice. "Ah, a perfect way to end a delightful spa trip, don't you think?" asked Rarity in her sing song voice she used when she was relaxed. "Oh, the best. Um, thank you Rarity, for being here for me."

The two ponies shared a smile. Both looked completely refreshed after a spa day. An idea popped into Fluttershy's head, bringing her to speak. "Oh Rarity, I almost forgot. Do you remember that talk we had with Scootaloo, and her secret crush? Of course you remember, who could forget?" Fluttershy answered her own question. Rarity was all ears at the sound of another prospective romance, even if just "puppy love". "Yes I do. Do you know who it is?" Fluttershy looked around to make sure no one was listening, then she leaned in and whispered, "Well, it's not 100%, but I think it's Applebloom. Rainbow and I saw them playing, and Scootaloo acting funny around her. Her wings, well, popped up."

Rarity smiled at the mental picture. "Well, I am certain it is harmless enough. But shouldn't you be telling Applejack?" Fluttershy took another look around, "Well, there's more." Rarity leaned in to, "More?" Fluttershy took a sip of her juice before continuing, "Yes. Sweetie Belle and Spike were there to. And the way Spike was looking and acting, I, I think he may have a crush on your little sister."

Rarity's eyes popped out of her head. "That is something. My, little Sweetie Belle, and Spikey Wikey. I suppose I will have to have a word with my sister." Fluttershy looked worried. "Oh, but Rarity, Spike was very respectful. I don't think Sweetie knows. I am sure Spike will be a perfect gentleman." Rarity nodded. "I know I can trust Spike. I remember back when he had a crush on me. It's just, how can a relationship like that work out. I care for them both, I don't want to see either get hurt."

"I know Rarity. I just thought you should know. Maybe we can all get together and talk about it. See what we can do. I was going to tell Applejack later when I see her. I do so hope they will all be ok." Said Fluttershy. "Me to. Thank you for the heads up Fluttershy, be sure to keep me posted on operation get the rainbow." They both laughed at the silly name. Soon they finished up and paid. They hugged and said their goodbyes. Fluttershy decided she could walk home herself.

Her spirits were lifted at how many ponies complimented her on her shawl. Before she knew it, it was half past noon, and she was in front of her home. But before she could cross the little bridge over the stream, she was tackled by a blur of pink. Fluttershy now lay on her stomach, flat on the ground. On top of her was an ecstatic Pinkie Pie, and Gummy holding onto her ear.

"Hiya there Fluttershy!"

Hi guys. That's chapter ten. Sorry not much Flutterdash. I wanted to expand on Fluttershy's and Rarity's friendship. I know it is a bit shorter then the others. It was going to contain the Pinkie scene, but I thought that would be better as its own chapter, along with RD coming back. Don't worry, soon those two will have their date. Hopefully next chapter, you guys can pick up on Dash's problem. I hope I can get Pinkie right. Can't wait to finish chapter 11. Goodnight!

He Queen Baby