Chapter 17: To the limits of the sky
Ponyville main square, 50 minutes later, afternoon
Turns out, rainbow dash wasn't really great with time. Or atleast, didn't value other ponies' time. But that was the bitter part of trixie's mind speaking. A part that hasn't been active in a while. Mostly due to the chill of the afternoon. The nip of said cold becoming rather bothersome to the mare. Her fur wasn't doing any favors for her. The cold weather was running straight through it. Her personal tolerance was running quite thin.
Tonic was sitting right next to her. The brown stallion is rather unbothered by it. Looking up towards the sky. Watching the clouds pass by. He didn't look quite happy though. His mind was elsewhere. Traveling with the clouds that were passing by. He let out a small but melancholic sigh. This is when the light blue mare took notice. Curious as to what was on his mind.
"Something up?" trixie asked in a casual tone.
Her voice jolted him from his thoughts. His attention was shifted to her. A look of contemplation was plastered on his face. Wondering if he should divulge his personal thoughts to her. The idea of not truly knowing her still in play. However, it was something about that caliver tone. It allowed him to let a self imposed guard down. Atleast, for whatever is on his mind currently. He gazed down for a second. Representing the doubt of even speaking his mind. But then. It quickly shot back up. Returning his focus to trixie to finally speak.
"That cap… it was the first time my son asked me for anything" he stated, his tone downtrodden.
Once she heard these words, they puzzled her. For any parent, wouldn't this be a good thing to hear? So, in that innocent and honest confusion, she decided to bring this up.
"Isn't that a good thing?" trixie asked, her voice radiating honest confusion.
When he heard this question. He almost wanted to laugh. It almost felt like a joke. Breaking down his complex parental insecurities. Maybe it was that simple. Another creation of his unconfident mind. He wished his head would allow it to be that simple. He decided to add more detail. already getting this far, might as well continue.
"Remember when I told you my son dealt with panic attacks?" tonic asked.
"Yeah, of course.." trixie said, fully attentive of his words.
"I learned that from speaking with his teacher, he never told me…" Tonic asked, his voice disconnected.
That idea, hiding your emotions from the ponies that care. It hit the core of trixie's heart. This is the first time in her life seeing from another perspective. She desperately wanted to say something. Defending the position of a kid she didn't even know. But, she decided to restrain herself. Be a good listener and let him continue.
"He used to tell things to his mother but… anyways…" tonic tripped on his words.
His emotions were spilling. She noticed how he didn't even wanna touch that subject. Almost like he was gonna say something he shouldn't. He never showed signs of being cold at all. But mentioning his mom, a slight shiver ran through his body. He placed a foreleg on his face. Rubbing his face like he had an irritation. He recentered the conversation away from her. Away from what seemed like a poisoned memory.
"I love him so much and i wanna help him but he refuses to let me in…"
Tonic disconnection was raising to an irritation. One that was aimed at no one but himself. Trixie was studying every bit of him. From the tightening of his face muscles to the frustration in his voice. She's seen this before, more times then she liked to admit. He didn't know what to hate, so he chose himself. Somewhere in that dark pit of emotion he was presenting. She saw a glimpse of herself.
"I don't think he trusts me, i don't think he ever will…" he said with a deep sigh attached.
His body language said it all. He crossed his forehoves during this statement. Positioning his head down. His face was the look of a colt worn down. Having doubts about his own worth as a father. Trixie was shocked to see this come from him. Not seeing a weak bone on his body when first meeting him.
Matter of fact, hearing him speak like this. Speaking about how hard he's trying. Not wanting to give up on his kid. There was this level of emptiness in her heart. She knew what it was, making a promise to never address him again. However, bringing that part of her past up felt right. Thinking it's the best thing she could do at the moment. She held a slow and compassinite nod. Understanding his feelings and then taking a breath. A contemplative breath. Preparing to hit a subject close to home.
"Lilac.. Was my mother's name…" trixie started.
This statement, while not breaking tonic's weariness. Peaked his interest enough for him to slowly crane his head towards her direction.
"She was so caring and loving… but also so lonely and just sad, all the time…"
Each word was like emotional poison for her. Her own tone became rather shaky. Those days always felt like yesterday when she recalled them. Sitting in the small house. Hearing the echoes of her mothers crying. Those memories flocked her head. Turning her own mood melancholic and sour. Yet, she pushed on, having a point in mind.
"As a kid, all i wanted to do was make her happy, it was my life's mission…"
When those words escaped her lips. Another memory swapped out the negative one. Remembering all her old tricks and attempts. All feeling like more complex and complicated failures at the time. Then, there was that moment, that one key moment. It almost made her emotional when thinking about it.
"Sometimes, it felt like nothing worked, all of it was a pointless exercise…"
While speaking, she noticed something. It's been years since she spoke about her mother. Matter of fact, Rose doesn't even know she had a family. Has she been repressing the idea of family? Belonging somewhere or to someone? She shook that thought out of her head. Wanting to finish the point she was making.
"Then, one day, she came to me, asking me to tell her a joke…" she let out a small chuckle.
"It was a stupid knock knock joke and she laughed like crazy, had the brightest smile.."
The image became vividly clear in her mind. The irradiating and bright smile of her mother. The howling and full laughter. At the time, she didn't understand it. If she told the joke now, it wouldn't even be that funny. Still, when she thought of that joke. It's the closest connection she had to her mother.
"At the time, it felt like nothing, of all the things i've done, the knock knock joke…"
This statement managed to get a small snicker from tonic. He even managed to crack a smile at it. Thinking of the corniest type of punchline. He hates to admit he was curious as to the nature of the joke. Knowing him, he'd find it just as funny. Trixie saw that cracked smile, heard the barely audible snicker. It was working and that improved her comfort when talking.
"It's not obvious but that simple gesture was a sign of her trust, her love…"
These words, the memories they were unlocking. Brought a level of happiness that was long untouched. A small bit of wetness started to form in her eyes. Nostalgic of those times with her mother. Missing her dearly and wanting to see her again. Tonic felt that warmth and responded to it. His position no longer slumped and downtrodden. He uncrossed his forehooves, picked his head up from the ground. The weight that he felt on his body felt slightly lighter. His posture was active and engaged. This time, he was hanging onto trixie's words.
"Don't give up halfway… you're almost there" trixie finished with a smile.
Tonic nodded, understanding her example completely. While he still held that parental insecurity. It gave him something more positive to think about. Giving up on his son was never an option. And trixie's words reconfirmed his dedication to that. Out of a small curiosity, He wanted to ask a question.
"What about your dad?" he asked honestly.
He didn't hear her mention him at all. Almost like he didn't exist. Her eyebrow raised at the ask. Casually forgetting someone that should be so important in her life. While her jovial spirit didn't change. The tone of the answer she was about to give did.
"He gave up halfway…" she replied in cold dismissal.
Seeing the way her face curled up. The disconnected tone of her answer. He felt the true level of hurt this answer held. She wasn't a part of her life, her story. That coldness, it slightly chilled the stallion. It also functioned as a reminder. A type of parent he has no interest in being. He let the chill pass and nodded in acknowledgement. Once trixie saw his nod, she felt kind of stuck. Not really knowing where to take the conversation next.
"Hmm.." she uttered in thought.
Tonic read this emotion on her face. He wanted to help her start a new line of conversation. Yet. he was pretty stumped as well. So, instead of trying harder, he returned to cloud watching. Returning things, atleast between them, to a peaceful quiet. The world was still an active one. The sound of the soft but present wind broke silences. Carrying small pieces of dust and leaves with it. Responsible for the chill making the light blue mare suffer.
The sun was close to setting. The yellow orb barely peeking out the thick clouds. An orange glow painted the town. Creating a calming aura, a sign of the ending day. The hoofsteps of others became softer. The square slowly but surely became less populated. City folk returning to their homes. Louder, more excited voices turning into hushed whispers. The sight was rather peaceful. It almost took her mind of the cold. Of the annoyance of waiting for the cyan pegasas. Nothing was gonna frey her mind from that type of problem.
Then, if almost like her thoughts summoned the pegasus. That same cyan color appeared. Lumbering her way out the front door of the cake's shop. Wearing a facial expression reeking of exhaustion. Like she took on way more then she could handle. Standing for a moment, the occasional passerby greeted her. Yet, when they did greet her, small bits of energy hit the surface. A smile becoming present on her face. To trixie it was almost supernatural. Being that tired and yet that energized. She also found it quite admirable. Implanting small memories of her older days. Remembering what it was like to be that popular. She never quite held the patience to stick around for each fan. Feeling too tired to even engage deeply. Honestly, maybe there is something she could learn from that.
Once she caught her breath and less ponies came to greet her. She spotted the bench in the middle of the square. seeing trixie and tonic sitting on said bench. Her once weary and tired face fully brightened. Holding a full and excited smile on her face. Having an honest interest in trixie. Intrigued to see how much she's truly changed. Trixie saw the honest interest. The bright and innocent wonder in her eyes. Having someone carry that amount of interest. It gave her a level of warmth. Enough for her to temporarily fight the chilly weather.
"Sorry you keep you two waiting!" rainbow exclaimed, making pace towards them.
Meanwhile: a couple minutes away, on the bridge to ponyville
The sun was already starting to set. Something that was clear to the young couple. Due to the changing color of the sky. The orange hue covered a majority of the town. Reflecting off of the riverbank under the bridge. Giving the pool of water a breathtaking glow. The water flowing downstream. The sound of said rushing water rather calming to the dragon. He was transfixed by this simple body of water. Looking over the edge of the bridge. Taking a break to appreciate the world around him. Something that became harder and harder for him to do. His head being other places almost all the time.
Fluttershy noticed this and at first was slightly annoyed. Wanting to get her sweets before the shop closed. Yet, when she took a look at him. She saw the level of calm on his body. The subtle but warm smile plastered on his face. His arms folded on the rail of the bridge. Her annoyance was quickly washed away. Happy to see him not worried about something for once. So, she decided to join him. Quickly walking to the same side of the bridge. Spike noticed her hoofsteps. His draconic ears perking up and head turning to face her.
"It was just too pretty to pass up" spike said, his gaze directed at her.
When fluttershy was finally by his side. She immediately saw what he was talking about. The elevated position of the bridge gave you a perfect view. Not just of the riverbed but the sun itself. Seeing it slowly peak into the fluffy looking clouds. Creating the hazy orange surrounding them at the moment. She smiled, fully in sync with what he was talking about. Taking a breath and enjoying herself.
"Looks like we aren't gonna make it to the cake's huh?" fluttershy asked, still holding a smile.
"Probably not.." spike replied, his voice showing slight disappointment.
He couldn't lie, part of him was also looking forward to sweets. It would have been a perfect capper to the entire day. so, with that plan seemingly busted. He needed to come up with something new. It didn't take that long for him to think of said thing. Almost forgetting that he had his own set of culinary skills. Last time he checked, his pantry was full. Full enough to make at least something worthwhile.
"How about I cook for us?" spike asked, looking to fluttershy for an answer.
Fluttershy's ears perked up. Her surprise but interest in the idea showing. While she wasn't really sure about his culinary skill. Not recalling a time in her life where she did eat food made by him. The idea of her significant other cooking food for her was enough to make her smile. That uncontainable happiness was something the drake could see. He knew the answer before she even spoke.
"That sounds…"
Before the words of approval could leave her mouth. Something quickly came to mind. She forgot to do any kind of shopping. Not sure if she even had the basic ingredients to make a simple cake. Major shops were closed at this hour. So, to her, this shot his initial idea in the foot. Her face shifted in a not so subtle way. Irradiating a small sense of disappointment. Spike came to notice this shift himself.
"What's the matter?" spike asked in concern.
"I forgot to go shopping this week, my cabinets are basically empty…" she replied in a low and flustered tone.
Once spike heard this concern. He almost wanted to let out a small chuckle. Such a small problem that held a simple solution. Flustering and souring her current mood. But that thought to chuckle quickly eroded. Studying the emotion that appeared on her face. The look of disappointment showing on her face. Those feelings were strong and real. Stronger then spike really anticipated. It was something that became quickly endearing to him. Caring about something he hadn't really put thought into in years.
This thought gave him a massive feeling of warmth. Said feeling reflecting in his sudden smile. A smile that fluttershy was puzzled by. Yet, that same look gave her some comfort. Enough to reply with her own faint but visible smile.
"What is it?" fluttershy asked, a chuckle attached in response to his goofy grin.
"Well, I was thinking, we could just head to my place…" spike replied, a smile still present.
At first, the idea seemed obvious to him. Something that didn't seem like nowhere near a big deal. Atleast, that is what he thought until seeing Fluttershy's face. She looked completely flushed. Her facial color was currently a beet red. Something he didn't understand until he took a second to think about it. Then his own mind started racing. His thoughts clouded with things he would rather keep to himself. Giving him his own reasons to start acting flustered. That silence being broken by the yellow pegasas.
"S..sounds good to me" fluttershy replied, still quite flustered.
Spike was jolted by her silence breaking statement. Still heavy in thoughts. Weighing his options on what to say next. He took a deep mental breath and said the first thing that came to mind. Hopefully said thing wouldn't be a massive mistake.
"And whatever comes from that… i don't mind either.." spike said, holding a flustered cadence.
"Spike!" fluttershy exclaimed, taken aback by his comment.
With that moment settled between them. They changed course, heading for spike's tree home. Looking forward to a pleasant rest of the day.
Back to ponyville square, same time as before
"They must have really run you ragged, huh?" was the first thing trixie asked.
Asking this was simply unavoidable at this point. Her stance was shaky but strong enough to stand. Her mane was starting to become unkempt. Losing the straightness that it had before. Same could be said for her coat of fur. Losing shine and looking rather ragged. Under her bright red eyes were slight bags. Not massive enough to look problematic but noticeable in trixie's mind. She could even hear the amount of effort rainbow was making to catch her breath. Chest rising and falling quite rapidly.
"That obvious huh?" rainbow asked with a light chuckle.
Rainbow then walked closer towards them. Taking a seat between trixie and tonic on the large oak bench. Once doing so she slowly motioned her head upwards. Preparing to let out a massive sigh. Holding onto the air she was about to let out. Then, as quickly as she sucked the air in, she blew it out. her head falling down at the same pace as said breath. The audible sigh catching up with the release of air.
"Little dramatic, isn't it, wonderbolt?" Trixie said with a smug grin and chuckle.
"Honestly, i don't know how pinkie does it" Rainbow commented.
With that statement both mares shared a hearty laugh. Connected by their shared knowledge of the pink pony. A knowledge that tonic didn't share. Making a decision to keep quiet and not pretend to be in on the joke. However, something about those hearty laughs. Hearing trixie's story. Just knowing her for half the day. Seeing her laugh so merrily and brightly. Was enough to make him put on his own smile.
Once the laughing started to dull out. Airy breaths mimicking chuckles being the only thing left. Rainbow returned her gaze to trixie. The light blue mare quickly noticed this change in gaze. Her look communicated curiosity. Curiosity that she knew was coming yet was unprepared for. But something about how she's looking. Her expression shows this honest level of interest. Made her feel somewhat more comfortable. More ready to answer the question that was obviously coming.
"So, what brings you back to ponyville?" rainbow asked.
The question was direct, more direct then she was expecting. A question that could have multiple answers. One she hasn't truly thought about in awhile. Why did she come back to ponyville? Of all the places in equestria she could run to. She tried to think of the best response. To her, it was simply a feeling, something in the back of her mind. Something about the small town she can't let go. That idea, something she couldn't let go. Finally led her to the words she wanted to use.
"Responsibility, i guess…" trixie responded, communicating the thought in her words.
"Makes sense, so you're making amends and stuff?" rainbow asked in response.
"It happens from time to time" trixie replied with a visible shrug.
When rainbow asked that question. It was another thing she didn't really think about. Is making amends with all of ponyville something she should be doing? Most of her focus has been on trying to live. Carrying the guilt of her actions like a dead weight. Could some of that dead weight be removed by such amend making?
"Have you seen any of the other girls or is that where you started?" rainbow asked.
"Technically i've ran into four out of the six so far" trixie replied with a small chuckle.
"Huh, you've seen my friends more then i have…" Rainbow replied.
Trixie noticed Rainbow's quite sudden tone shift. Holding slight melancholy in her voice. A tone that she never really associated with the mare. It wasn't unusual to trixie though. Of course she'd miss hanging out with her friends. Being a wonderbolt must not give her that much time. Before she could respond, give some form of comfort to rainbow. The next thing she said, immediately rejected that theory.
"What are your thoughts on running?" rainbow asked her.
"Like what, as a sport or something?" trixie asked in a joking tone.
"No. like, um...from a feeling…" rainbow clarified, tone slightly stilted.
When she heard those words, something hit her to the core. Running was a concept that hit close to home. Feeling like it's something she still does to this day. For that reason, she felt like the worst pony to ask about this. However, it's not like she had nothing at all to say. So, she prepared a quick reply to Rainbow's inquiry.
"I guess… it's easier then confronting a feeling, in my experience" trixie replied.
Rainbow nodded and she did another thing unlike her. She tilted her head down. Not in sadness but in thought. Contemplating what she was just told. While she was doing this, tonic's interest peaked. Quiet for a majority of the conversation. Prefering to let both of them talk things out on their own. But that question and trixie's response to it. It was eating at him a little bit. He wasn't the biggest fan of running from things. So, he decided to give his own input on her question.
"If i may, no matter how far you run, the feeling will still be there…" tonic stated.
Once rainbow heard these words. Her face scrunched up a small bit. Recoiling to the words he said. Very aware of the fact he put out. A fact that was very much useless to her. Yet, she couldn't deny the truth of it either. She slowly lifted her head up, taking a breath in while doing so. Soon as her head was above ground, she let out that air. Turning into a very audible sigh. Her head did not really turn to either trixie or tonic. Meaning she took in both their statements. She then made her own response.
"I wish some things could be a whole lot easier" Rainbow replied in slight frustration.
"If that were the case… then it wouldn't be life, would it?" tonic replied.
However, the way he replied was double sided. Almost like he was asking himself that question as well. Trixie took in a bit of his response as well. If anypony would know anything about a hard life. It would most definitely be her. Although to be fair, part of her did deserve some hardship. She'd hate to admit it, but hardship did humble her a bit.
"Guess not…" rainbow replied, seemingly in thought.
"If you mind, what's troubling you?" trixie asked genuinely.
"Um.. how do i put this, i kinda stood someone up…" Rainbow replied, the details still loose.
"I don't see how…" before trixie replied, rainbow continued.
"I didn't mean to and i really liked her…"
Her words became slightly stilted. Cyan cheeks turning a crimson red. Trixie couldn't believe what she was seeing. Was rainbow dash, the most confident and cocky member of the mane six. Acting flustered and shy… over a mare? Now trixie's new focus was to get as many details as possible. A sly grin peppered her face. This grin was something that tonic immediately noticed. Honestly, it kinda scared the hell out of him.
"Well then, why did you?" trixie asked, a genuine tone still attached.
Rainbow expected her to ask this question. But being prepared for it was an entirely different issue. She had the answer but really hated it. For a mare like her, that answer was unacceptable. Yet, almost like if it was by pure instinct. The answer just slipped out of her mouth.
"I was scared…" she replied, her flustered tone turning downtrodden.
Those words, the tone behind them. It was a sentiment that trixie could deeply relate to. Fear determining your decision making. That fear lead trixie to make some really dumb decisions. She looked at rainbow, seeing the pain of regret on her face. It almost felt like a small mirror. She wanted to shatter that mirror right away. Not let her make any of the same mistakes she has.
"Scared of what, rejection?" trixie asked.
"Nothing as easy as that sadly…" rainbow replied.
"Stuff like that is never easy, what makes this different?" trixie asked in reply.
Rainbow sometimes hated how direct her questions were. Questions that she hasn't asked herself in awhile. But on the other hoof, maybe getting straight to the point would help. If she couldn't crack this, coming back would be meaningless. However, in order to illustrate the full scope of her problem. She needed to reveal exactly who she had these feelings for.
"Cause… the mare I have feelings for… is fluttershy" Rainbow replied.
The amount of conversation silencing weight this revelation had. The only thing heard between the three were the chirping crickets in the upcoming night. Rainbow's labored but thoughtful breaths. Already feeling the nerves of letting that piece of information go. Trixie had no idea exactly how to react. So many things were flying through her head. But the first thing that popped up was the first question she asked. Breaking the short but still awkward silence.
"W...when did this start?" trixie asked, shock still plastered on her face.
Listening to the shock she felt. Looking at the facial expression that came with that shock. Gave rainbow a slight bit of comfort. Even allowing her to let out a quick chuckle. Also, it gave her a chance to open her heart. A vulnerable place that she rarely allows to be seen nowadays.
"Part of me thinks I've always felt this way, honestly…" rainbow replied, her tone slight lifting up.
"I've always looked after her and she did the same, as friends would do…"
"Then, well, i became protective of her, more then i usually was…"
"Hated every stupid colt that tried to court her.." rainbow lightly chuckled at the thought.
"And i thought, hey, that's normal friend stuff, nothing to overthink…"
"Then, that dumb stupid party in manehatten happened…" rainbow said, frustration in her voice.
Trixie not only heard the frustration she was feeling. She felt it, saw it on her face while telling this part. Whatever happened there must have been one hell of a mistake. Atleast, that was the first thing that came to mind. Yet, it felt as if it were less straightforward then that. She needed as much information as possible. In order to determine her next course of action.
"What's so bad about manehatten?" trixie asked, curiosity peaked.
Rainbow paused mid explanation. She honestly hoped mentioning manehatten in such a fast and loose way. Would allow her to skip even talking about it. Sadly manehatten was too important of an event to just skip. She sighed, hoping to get away with telling a cliff notes version of the story.
"She had a bit too much hard cider to drink, we both did actually…"
"We talked, drinked, drinked even more and…" rainbow suddenly started blushing.
"I'll never forget this blissful look in her eyes, it was.. Cute.." her voice became slightly stilted.
"Things got quiet, real quiet and… we kissed…"
Once those words left her mouth. The crimson that painted her cheeks grew deeper. No matter how long ago it was. She never let that moment leave her head. Yet, that moment changed the course of everything. Making things rather complicated for the cyan pegasus. Although, she still couldn't help but smile.
"Was she a good…" before Trixie asked, rainbow quickly interjected.
"Why would i answer that!" she exclaimed, her embarrassment reaching peak.
"Sorry, just curious…" trixie replied, ashamed of her foal like question.
Rainbow saw the expression on her face. Feeling a slight amount of guilt for flipping on her. To be fair, it was an immature question. But, trixie's been a good ear for a majority of the conversation. It was unfair for her to snap like that. So, in a move she was probably going to regret. She decided to entertain such a question.
"To answer your question… surprisingly great…"
When trixie heard these words. Looking at the awkward heat building on Rainbow dash's face. She couldn't help but start to chuckle. Tonic was also surprised by the frankness of her answer. It was cute, reminding him of his younger years. The first time meeting his wife was at a junky bar. Thoughts racing the same way her's currently were. He let out a warm and bright chuckle.
On the other hand, rainbow dash was quiet, dead quiet. Then, she took the time to think about what she just said. It was quite frank and the most direct anyone could be about it. Seeing their faces, she couldn't help but chuckle along with them. Suddenly feeling rather comfortable with this group of ponies. Lightening her mood in a way she hasn't felt in years. Once their laughs died down to airy chuckles. This allowed rainbow to catch her breath. Ready to finish whatever is left of her story.
"So, while she forgot about the whole thing after one night of rest…"
"It never left mine, i didn't want it to leave…" rainbow sighed while stating this.
"After it happened, i created this weird distance between us…"
"Constantly thinking, more then i usually do about anything…"
"Then when I finally figured it out…" Rainbow didn't even need to finish before trixie interjected.
"It was already too late" Trixie held a sense of melancholy when responding.
Rainbow nodded, shocked by how heavily she related. Being who she is, when rainbow was dealing with an emotional problem. She tended to only rely on herself. Not wanting to be seen as weak. Or present herself as so to other ponies. Ponies and filles that looked up to her. She never says it outloud but sometimes that pressure is crushing. It was nice to have someone outside of her friend group. Someone that she was quickly growing to trust.
"I was so late to the going away party, she was already gone…"
"Stupidly, i just decided to bury myself in work, hoping it would go away" rainbow finished.
Her attitude was slightly dampened by acknowledging the state of things. Tonic and trixie's thoughts were completely different. Tonic's own heart felt involved in this. Being a hopeless romantic himself. A little of his own past colored the response he was about to make.
"Don't give up on her," Tonic stated sternly.
Hearing this from tonic made trixie cringe. Not knowing that fluttershy was already taken at this point. Yet, based on his look, the starkness of it. She feels even if told this, he'd say the same thing. There was a level of personal feelings being levied in this advice. So for that reason and another more personal one. She decided to let this whole scenario play out for now. Rainbow looked at tonic, seeing his passion. She respected it, feeling his deeper attachment to the sentiment.
"I came back to do exactly that" Rainbow replied with a small smile.
"That's good to hear" tonic approved with a smile.
Well now everything was completely laid out for trixie. She now had an actual small dilemma in her hooves. Either let Rainbow know early about spike and fluttershy or not. In retrospect, it didn't really seem like a big deal. Learn the truth now or later. It would probably hold the same effect. But trixie had to admit, it wasn't about Rainbow Dash. It was about the competition that was possibly introduced. Only one idea kept coming back in her mind. No matter how many times she tried to reject it. Could this throw a wrench in spike's relationship? Giving her some type of twisted opportunity. She didn't like this thinking and yet it still persisted. So, a choice was made. A seemingly meaningless and harmless choice.
"You have my full support, take it slow though, it's been awhile" trixie replied thoughtfully.
"I know, my first line of business is to simply apologize, ya know?" rainbow asked.
Both trixie and tonic nodded in confirmation of her concept. Both supporting the cyan mare in her effort. However, both were doing it for completely separate reasons. One of them had more pure intentions. Another was hoping to get a leg up in another scenario. Something that she was very self critical about. Feeling like that was the closest she could be to thinking like her old self. For now, she decided to put it in the back of her mind. Taking the more positive aspect of what she's doing. Supporting what seems to be a new friend.
"Wow, I didn't think we would get that deep" Rainbow Dash said with a chuckle attached.
"Hey, you had some stuff to get out, totally fine with me" Tonic replied.
"You know, you're pretty cool… um, i'm sorry, what's your name again?" rainbow asked him.
"Tonic, the name's tonic mam" tonic replied in a jovial tone.
Rainbow looked up at the sky, seeing the changing shade of it. What was once an orange hue was quickly turning into a pitch black. The stars didn't show up yet but the crickets were aggressively chirping. The chill that was an irritant for trixie earlier. Was now a light and cool breeze. The bright white of the street lamps were the only source of true light. Quiet and peaceful was the best description of the current setting.
When trixie noticed this shift in the day. She started to feel really stupid and bad. Remembering the whole reason she came out here. Picking up donuts for a tired and overworking friend. The donuts were probably cold at this point. She sighed, not looking forward to the explanation she'd have to make.
"What's the matter?" rainbow dash asked.
"I totally forgot I came out to get donuts for my friend…" trixie replied.
Rainbow could hear the disappointment in her voice. Knowing she was probably thinking her donuts would be cold. She really enjoyed talking to trixie. Finally having somepony to confide in about her problem. So, she needed to find a solution to her problem. Then, as quickly as she mentally asked this question. The cyan mare instantly had a solution.
"Can you wait for like… 30 minutes?" rainbow asked her with a warm smile.
"Depends, what for?" trixie asked quickly in reply.
"How about I pull a favor and get some fresh donuts made for your friend?" she replied in excitement.
"A..are you serious?!" trixie asked in disbelief.
"Hell yeah! I owe you, helped me a lot today…" rainbow replied, still holding a wide smile.
Once tonic heard this, he admittedly felt slightly left out. But the second that feeling even crossed his mind. Rainbow immediately turned her attention to tonic. Not forgetting him in the slightest.
"Don't worry, I got you too tonic!" rainbow replied, surprising tonic.
"Um, wow, thank you so much!" Tonic replied, extremely grateful for the simple gesture.
Rainbow got up from the oak bench. Breathing in the fresh nighttime air. She motioned her head backwards. Signaling for the two of them to follow her. With that signal, they both got up. Quickly realizing why she wanted them to follow her. Heading for the back exit of the store. Realizing that the front door was probably locked at this point. Making it to said back exit, rainbow was preparing to knock. But she stopped mid hoof knock to ask a key question.
"One thing I forgot to ask you, if you mind?" rainbow asked, innocent curiosity in her voice.
"Yeah, what's up?" trixie asked, waiting for the question.
"Where have you been staying?" rainbow asked.
When that question passed trixie by. Her eyes widened. Realizing that's gonna end up being an entirely different explanation. She sighed, it only being fair she tells her truth. All the truth that rainbow dash let out today.
"Well.. i've been crashing with spike…" trixie said in a low and timid voice.
"WHAT"
an: whew! that was definitely a long time coming. sorry this one took so long. i've been so busy and just wanted to get this reveal right. anyways while im here I wanted to fly something by y'all.
I've been thinking. while building the new world of the emerald servent. I've written smaller, shorter one shots that flesh out the past of this canon. with some edits they are publishable and might make the wait for chapters less long. say like, a moment between spike and rarity. or telling the Manhattan rainbow story :)
so, let me know if you wanna see these. or jist focus on getting the current chapters out.
Thank you so much for reading and following and i hope to see you soon
mysterypen ;)