Annika couldn't believe she was actually here. What in world did she think she was doing? The whole scheme was utterly ridiculous. Simply impossible. Yet, here she was; pacing outside somepony's door and talking to herself like some silly foal with an imaginary friend.
"Of all the silly…"
"She would never even consider…"
"Foal Hearted Lunacy…."
"Annika?"
"Silly, foolish, crush…"
"Annika."
"Perhaps nopony has seen me! I could just leave now and avoid the shame."
"Annika."
"Get it together, Annika. Simply collect yourself. Go home, and nopony will ever know…"
"ANNIKA!" Sweetie Belle had been half asleep and confused when she opened the door, which is the only reason it took several attempts to speak loud enough to get Annika's attention.
"Oh! Hello Sweetie Belle." Annika exclaimed. "Fancy meeting you here."
"On my own doorstep in the middle of the night?"
"Oh dear! It is the middle of the night, isn't it? I do apologize for the intrusion. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm so sorry for waking you. I'll just go now. I can't imagine what you must be thinking of me…"
Sweetie Belle stepped out the door and took Annika's face between her hooves in an attempt to stop the rambling. "What. Is. Wrong. With. You?"
Annika stared into Sweetie Belle's intense, and alarmingly close to her own face, gaze. Instantly, it was as if her stream of consciousness short-circuited, and all she could do was stare back.
Sweetie Belle waited an entire moment before releasing Annika's face. Impressive restraint for the usually impatient pegasus. When she did, the unicorn seemed to deflate a bit.
"Dooo you wanna come in?" Dash finally asked, confused. Annika just looked around in response. Sweetie Belle stepped aside, so Annika could enter. Annika didn't move. She just looked around. A strange, blank expression on her face.
Starting to feel concerned, Sweetie Belle stepped out the door and turned around giving the other pony a gentle nudge through the door. Annika took a few short steps and stopped without crossing the threshold, so Sweetie Belle draped her wing over Annika's back and led her into the house.
Sweetie Belle led Annika to an old, comfy couch (one of RD's favorite places to nap). Even in her blank state of mind, Annika couldn't help but note how kind and gentle Sweetie Belle was being. Perhaps, she had been spending some time with Fluttershy? Or perhaps, Sweetie Belle was just too tired to be feisty and frustrated at having her home stormed by some inconsiderate, nigh catatonic, pony in the middle of the night. The thought made Annika's mind go blank again, and without realizing it she hung her head.
Dash stood, trying not to stare at the shell of a pony in front of her. What had happened? Was this some changeling that had no idea how to pretend to be Annika? Should she call Twilight? Was some funky magic happening? Was there somepony that had done something so awful it broke Annika's spirit? And her sense of direction? Because Dash never would have guessed that she would be Annika's go to pony if tragedy struck.
In the back of her mind, there was the suspicion that the unicorn was simply being melodramatic. Dash easily dismissed the thought though. Annika's melodrama was almost alway loud, and Dash had seen enough of it to know that the pony in front of her was experiencing something real.
Ok. Now what? What would Fluttershy or Twilight or AJ do for her? Sweetie Belle asked herself. Fluttershy would treat her like a wounded animal. So that means food, water, shelter. Dash was proud of herself for already inviting Annika inside. I am such an awesome friend! She thought cajolingly, before returning to the task at hand. Fluttershy would also be careful to make sure Annika felt safe. Fluttershy would be gentle.
This was going to be tricky.
"Stay here," Sweetie Belle said. "I'll be right back." She dashed upstairs, and was back in a flash with a blanket.
Oh crap! Annika's face simultaneously more crestfallen and shocked from Sweetie Belle's typically startling departure and return. Still in the air from her sprint upstairs, Sweetie Belle quietly said, "Sorry" as she draped the blanket around her friend.
Annika jumped at the sound and the sensation. She hadn't realized Sweetie Belle had returned.
Double crap!
Sweetie Belle landed. "Sorry again."
Annika just stared.
"I'm going to go get you some water. Do you want something to eat?"
Annika just stared.
Sweetie Belle was getting really weirded out.
"Oook. I'll be right back." She noticed the unicorn bracing herself. "Don't worry, I'm just gonna walk this time," Sweetie Belle said and Annika visibly relaxed.
Before she could think better of the idea, Dash leaned over and gave her friend a gentle nuzzle. "Everything is ok," she said quietly. "I'll be right back."
As she walked out of the room Sweetie Belle thought, That was good. Fluttershy would be so proud of me. Once she was in the kitchen though, her heart sank. Fluttershy would have more to offer a crazy, distressed pony than chips and stale leftover hayfries.
Then she remembered that she'd visited Applejack yesterday. AJ always sent home a bag of apples. I wish she'd send cider instead.
Dash arranged the apples and two glasses of water on a tray, which she balanced expertly on her back and returned to the living room. Annika hadn't moved. She was looking around the room more though. That seemed like a good sign. Perhaps she'd start commenting on the clutter or the decor and things would start feeling more normal. Sweetie Belle realized that Annika may have never been in the house before; she couldn't remember for sure.
Sweetie Belle set down the tray and moved one of the glasses to an end table, so Annika could reach it.
Ok. What would Fluttershy do? Check. Now, what would Twilight do? Sweetie Belle could hear Twilight's voice in her head. Identify the problem. Consult all possible reading materials on the subject and any related subject matter that arises during the research process. Create a possible solution. Develop a plan for executing the proposed solution. Develop twenty seven layers of contingency plans….
Ugh.
She decided to start by sitting down.
"Ummm…." Surprisingly, Annika turned to look at her, and actually seemed to focus on her. "Do you want to talk?"
Annika shook her head.
Crap. Now what? Sweetie Belle repressed the exasperated huff that had risen in her throat, and took a deep breath instead. Ok, plan B.
"Do you just want to sit for a while?"
A nod.
"Do you want me to go?"
Shake.
"Ok. We'll just sit then."
With that Sweetie Belle relaxed back onto the couch. She thought about going to get the Daring Do book she was reading, but decided that she didn't want to chance startling Annika again.
Annika was sitting statue still and military straight; only her eyes moving mechanically around the room without really seeing anything. After ten minutes, Sweetie Belle couldn't take it anymore. She reached up and touched Annika's shoulder. The gesture startled the unicorn, but not as bad as earlier. Annika's eyes flashed to Sweetie Belle's. They were full of … something. Fear? Nerves? Uncertainty?
Dash decided to not say anything. Awkwardly, she just reached around Annika's white shoulders and pulled the unicorn back. The manuever somehow brought Annika's head to Sweetie Belle's shoulder, which hadn't been the pegasus' intention. She felt Annika relax though, so she didn't change anything except for a few minor adjustments to be more comfortable.
As she drifted off, Sweetie Belle realized that she'd always considered the couch to be the perfect napping spot for just one pony. Even though the present situation was beyond weird, it was nice to know that her beloved couch could comfortably sleep two ponies if they were willing to get cozy.
***
Annika awoke peacefully, but didn't open her eyes. She felt warm, calm, and comfortable. She was experiencing the most wonderful sensation, but she didn't know precisely what it was. With her eyes closed, she tried to take her surroundings. She often did this as an artistic exercise, trying to remember and imagine each color, shape, and scent in the room around her.
She breathed in the scent of soap. Nothing floral or musky. It was a simple, clean smell. Almost like fresh air or rain.
Rain.
Sweetie Belle!
Annika opened her eyes. It was true!
Without moving a muscle, Annika took in the scene. She was in fact laying on a very comfortable, but completely hideous sofa. She was...what was the proper word…..nestled. She was nestled beneath Sweetie Belle's wing, which was wonderfully soft and delicate while also feeling substantial and muscular. It wasn't just Sweetie Belle's wing that felt that way either. Their sleeping arrangement was such that Annika could feel the full length of Sweetie Belles body from hip to jawline. They weren't pressed together per se; it was simply as if they two bodies fit together. They were neither restrained, nor forced, just fit.
Annika couldn't properly see Sweetie Belle's face from this vantage point. Not with her eyes anyway. So, Annika closed her eyes and imagined the sleeping pegasus. Soft blue eyelids with long lashes, so few ponies ever noticed, closed over bright garnett eyes. The shock of brilliant hair strewn about, poking at odd angles. Surely no one appreciated what effort Sweetie Belle must put into her mane to maintain its constant cool factor. The smartmouth would be relaxed, probably drooling slightly. The thought made Annika think of her own mane, and she began to cringe away. Then she suppressed the instinct. She didn't want to wake her companion. Not yet.
Eyes still closed, Annika focused on what she was feeling. The rhythmic rise and fall of Sweetie Belle's breathing. The feel of Sweetie Belle's lean, muscular frame. The contented flittering of her own heart.
I never would have believed it. She thought to herself. It was just a dream.
A dream that felt real enough not only to wake her up, but also the convince her that she needed to get up in the middle of the night, do her hair and make-up, and proceed directly to Sweetie Belle's home. Getting here was no small matter either, since Annika was sans wings. Thankfully, Twilight had taught her a simple bit of magic that made the trip skyward a possibility. This was actually the first time Annika had tried it out on her own. She made a mental note to be very pleased with herself later.
She'd decided on the way that she'd get to the house, see that the lights were out, and go home. But the lights hadn't been out. There was a light on upstairs and in the living room. Silly irresponsible Sweetie Belle, forgetting to turn out the lights, she'd thought to herself. Then she started pacing.
It had been the most wonderful dream.
The crowd was buzzing. The show was about to begin. The scene? Canterlot Fashion Week. The event? The main event, a runway show of new, brilliant designs!
The music begins. A gentle, sophisticated pulse with something energetic on the edges. Then, the designs! Oh the designs! It was a collection as had never been seen! A brilliant, bold, and beautiful blend of chic and sport. Not the designer's typical inspiration, but not completely unheard of; she had designed one or two outfits for-
Sweetie Belle!
The crowd went wild, as the sleek pony strutted down the runway. She was not a model, she was a prize. The gown hide nothing of her athleticism, but revealed a great deal of her sensuality. At her neck was a badge worn only by the most elite flyers in world, the Wonderbolts!
Stunned whispers moved through the crowd. "That gown wasn't designed to be worn, it was designed to be removed," one pony said.
Sweetie Belle finished her lap down the runway with a grin and disappeared behind the curtain. Immediately searching for and finding the pony she wanted in more ways than one, the designer herself.
"Go take your bow, then come find me" Sweetie Belle whispered suggestively in the designer's ear. "Some pony gave me an idea for what we can do with this dress."
Blushing the designer stepped away and through the curtain to take her bows, welcomed by shouts of fans and paparazzi, "Annika! Annika! Annika!"
So many questions about her inspiration, her collection, and her featured model. Annika will answer none of them. She must attend to an important matter backstage.
Annika had awoke with such longing and desire for Sweetie Belle, she simply couldn't stop herself from coming here. Even though the entire walk over she kept telling herself that she was crazy. Even though she had never felt such feelings for the pegasus before now, or had she?
It was true that Annika had great admiration for Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle had such a beautiful form. Being a designer, it was perfectly natural for Annika to notice and appreciate a well made and maintained body, right?
Annika's mind drifted to the previous night. It wasn't just Sweetie Belle's body that the unicorn appreciated. The Sweetie Belle in the dream had been sensual and seductive, and Annika couldn't help herself. She wondered if the real life pegasus had the same traits that had simply gone unnoticed.
In reality, Sweetie Belle had fumbled around and been quite clumsy last night. In truth, as Annika reflected on the thought, Dash was often a bit of a bull in a china shop. The thought made Annika smile. Dash was also was so eager, so enthusiastic. Yet, last night she also showed tremendous compassion and care. It was surprising, endearing, and all together besetting.
I, Annika, am besotted. I have been besot by the lovely, clumsy, brash, loyal, determined, ambitious, adventurous pony whom I have I just spent the night with. Well, not "spent the night with…"
When I did start wanting to "spend the night" with Sweetie Belle? Surely, it isn't some fit of pique resulting from a single dream? Such feelings must develop over time. Have I been so oblivious to my own feelings? Am I equally oblivious now? Surely not Sweetie Belle! She's so brash; downright abrasive at times. She can be so difficult. And tough! Especially with dear Fluttershy.
Fluttershy! Surely, if I am to be attracted to the fairer sex then I must be smitten my most graceful and stunning friend.
But even as the thought crossed her mind, Annika knew it wasn't true. While she admired Fluttershy a great deal, and certainly doted on her, they were nothing more than the best of friends. As Annika lay, snuggled happily beneath Sweetie Belle's wing, it became increasingly obvious that the feelings Annika harbored for her present company were much more, much deeper, much stronger than she had ever realized.
Sweetie Belle began to stir, and Annika's heart sank. She wasn't ready for their time to be over. She didn't understand her thoughts and feelings well enough to talk about them yet. How would she explain herself when Sweetie Belle awoke?
Garnett eyes met sapphire as Sweetie Belle woke. The connection was instant.
She's happy to see me. Sweetie Belle thought pleased, but surprised. She was even more surprised when she realized that Annika must have been awake for a while and hadn't moved. She was still tucked possessively under Dash's wing. Dash started to move, the realized that for some reason she didn't want to and stopped. Again to the pegasus' surprise, the Unicorn smiled and gentle snuggled into place.
"Feeling better?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Much better. Thank you."
Well, that was a great conversation. Good talk, Sweetie Belle. Dash's internal commentary had begun.
"So, ummm. Why did you just show up last night?" Not that I'm complaining. "How did you get here? And, why were you just pacing outside? You could have knocked."
Good going idiot. She says four words, and you give her the third degree. She's probably going to go back to just not talking. Dummy!
Annika adjusted slightly, so she could see Sweetie Belle's face. She expected Dash to adjust and pull her wing away, but she didn't. So, the unicorn got as comfortable as possible, which coincidentally meant being as close to her companion as possible. Sweetie Belle's eyes flitted around for just a moment, before a layer of decision and bravdo covered up the confusion and uncertainty.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" Annika asked.
"No….a little- Don't move!" Annika had started to apologize and pull away. Instinctively, Sweetie Belle had wrapped her wing more firmly around the unicorn, while also pulling the unicorn to her with both hooves. The look of pleased shock on Annika's face was undeniable.
"I'm uncomfortable, but not in a bad way," Sweetie Belle said. Annika gently buried her face in Sweetie Belle's neck and they both relaxed.
"What's going on?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Why does it feel like this?"
"I don't know," Annika confessed. "It's completely unexpected for my part."
Sweetie Belle tightened her embrace. "Annika, I- I don't know what I'm feeling. I mean, don't get me wrong, being here with you feels awesome. I haven't slept so good in a long time, but….this is weird. Amiright?"
Annika giggled, "Yes, darling. It's strange."
Darling? She uses endearments for everypony, not just me, that's not a big deal. But it FEELS like a big deal. Why does it suddenly feel like a big deal? It's just Annika. I don't even like Annika like that. I don't like anypony like that. Except for maybe spitfire, and that filly at flight camp, and Fluttershy for like five minutes that one time….But Annika?
"What are you thinking, darling?" Annika asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Umm… that…" What would Applejack do? "I hadn't ever realized that I liked you before. Like, like liked you."
Idiot.
Annika lifted her head to look into Sweetie Belle's eyes, "You like me?"
"Yeah. Duh!" Sweetie Belle said blushing.
Annika turned and pulled the pegasus into an infinitely more intimate embrace. They were face to face, and now they were most definitely pressed together. The unicorn lifted her mouth to her Sweetie Belle's ear, "I like you too. It's shocking really, but completely overwhelming."
Sweetie Belle pulled away just enough to see Annika's face, "Overwhelming, huh?"
Dash wasn't fully prepared for Annika's slow, sensual nod. It spoke of so much more longing, need, and desire than she'd expected. Sweetie Belle couldn't help but smile. "Awwww yeah!" she said. She hadn't meant for it to be out loud, but Annika didn't seem to mind.
"You aren't bothered by my sudden, inexplicable, wanton desire for you?"
"I'm not if you're not," Sweetie Belle replied.
"I'm not."
They stared for a long lingering moment. How had this progressed so quickly? It felt as though there was no turning back. Did they want to to turn back?
Annika leaned forward again, her lips brushing Sweetie Belle's ear and sending a delightful and observable ripple of pleasure through the pegasus. "Take me upstairs Sweetie Belle. This hideous couch of yours isn't big enough for what we have in mind."