"You... You see it's dangerous for you..." Rainbow began, looking away from the shocked pony. "If... Hurricane or anypony else in my tribe found out... They'd kill you..."
Pinkie looked at the armored mare, dumbfounded. "I... You..."
Unable to stay this close to the pink pony, Dash pushed her way out of the chair and fluttered on top of a shelf. Turning toward the wall she sulked angrily. She was never supposed to know this...
Pinkie fell over, losing her balance. Dashie... "You... You think you..."
"I'm not saying it again!" Came a furious response.
Pinkie scrambled up, staring intently at her friend. "If it's dangerous..."
"I don't want you to get killed, Pinks..." A solemn expression crossed Dash's face. Resting her head against the wall she attempted to calm her frazzled nerves.
"What makes you think they will find out Dashie?" Pinkie's sweet voice reached Dash's ears, making a trembling feeling shoot up her spine.
"Just...Drop it Pinkie..." Rainbow Dash's eyes shone with un-shed tears. This hurt far worse than any injury she had suffered during her time in the military.
Pinkie looked down quietly, before picking up Dash's plate of food. She walked quietly over to where the pegasus was, placing the plate near her. "Dashie..."
Dash turned to look at her, looking sadly at the kind pink pony. "The military always finds out, Pinks... I don't want to take that risk... It hurts too much thinking of all the ways they'd try to kill you..."
"But...You'll protect me...wouldn't you?" Pinkie's large blue eyes locked with Dash's own.
Gritting her teeth, Dash turned away, "It doesn't work like that Pinkie Pie! I can't protect you from them! It's the whole bucking military we are talking about! I have to follow orders! I can't...I.."She found herself unable to continue her rant; the words dying in her throat.
"But you would... Wouldn't you..." Pinkie stared up at Dash, eyes shining with emotion.
Rainbow Dash risked a glance at the pony, feeling a tug in her heart. "I... I don't know, Pinkie..."
Pinkie climbed up to the shelf Dash was perched on and leaned close to the troubled mare, nuzzling her cheek. "Well okay..." She smiled adoringly at the mare, her eyes sparkling. "... I'm glad you told me. Even if it's... 'dangerous'."
Grumbling, Dash turned to Pinkie with an irritated expression, "Pinkie this isn't a joke! This is serious! You could DIE! Why don't you ever take anything I say seriously?"
Feeling emotionally drained, Dash leaned heavily against the wall. Her eyes dull and unseeing.
Pinkie looked down. "You should get to bed Dashie. You're really tired..."
"The hay I'm tired..." Sighing, she got up. "Fine..."
"Um, Dashie? Since you said why and all... I think I love you too." Pinkie muttered, hopping away from the shelf. "And I'll be really sad when you hafta leave..."
Pausing, Dash turned to the pink mare. "This can't happen Pinkie." Turning away from Pinkie, she continued to the room she had been staying in for so long.
Pinkie felt her heart rip in two. Even though Dash said she cared for her in that way...The fact that she refused to allow any chance between them hurt a whole lot. Trembling, Pinkie found herself rushing toward the cyan mare.
"Dashie...!" She called out, quickly skidding to a halt in front of Rainbow. "Dashie please..."
"Please what?" Rainbow snarled, flaring her wings. "Please reconsider this whole 'it can't happen'? No!"
"But..." Pinkie's eyes shimmered and her lip quivered.
"I'm not going to let you get hurt! Do you understand! I'm not going to risk your life, I would never forgive myself! Whatever possibly between us has to end, NOW." The cyan made growled, pushing past her obstacle.
"I don't want to lose you..." She quietly added, looking at the stone floor.
Dash froze mid-stride. She was completely torn between comforting the disheartened mare or ignoring her until the problem went away. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Dash turned to the mare and trotted over to her slowly.
"We...can still be friends...alright?" Dash carefully nuzzled Pinkie in what she hoped was a friendly way. Before she knew it she found herself in another involuntary hug. Pinkie buried her snout under Dash's chin as she held onto her.
Rainbow Dash blushed slightly at the gesture, looking at the mare confused. Without thinking, she hugged the pink mare tightly. She let out a long sigh, finding herself relax into the hug.
"Pinkie Pie..." All her reluctance melted away. As she held Pinkie close to her she could feel the walls she had tried so hard to build crumble. "T-this can't..."
"Shh..." Pinkie nuzzled closer to Dash, feeling a joy she never experienced before as she settled into the embrace. Feeling the cyan mare's strong forelegs pull her flush against her, she could feel her heart race. She knew she couldn't live without this...she needed this...she needed Dash.
Finding her will, Dash broke away from Pinkie, looking at the ground. "Pinkie Pie..."
Pinkie looked at the Pegasus, her blue eyes sparkling. "Yes Dashie?"
"I... I need to... Think this out... I don't want... Anything bad to happen to you..." Dash avoided eye contact with the hopeful mare.
"... And this is bad..." Pinkie felt her hope crumble slightly at Dash's response.
"... Extremely." Using all of her willpower Dash returned to the room she was staying in and shut the door, blocking Pinkie entrance to the room.
Several days went by. Dash diligently avoided any kind of contact with Pinkie no matter how hard she tried to get her attention. She even managed to keep herself from comforting the now depressed earth pony. Instead she attempted to pretend that whatever Pinkie was feeling didn't matter to her.
Dash never felt more drained than now. She was constantly on edge. The slowly forming friendship between her and Applejack had become strained because of this. They had gotten into a lousy argument. About apples of all things.
"I don't care about your stupid apples!" Rainbow Dash groaned, glaring at the stubborn orange mare.
"Ah'm not talking' 'bout apples, Rainbow!" Applejack snorted, giving the Pegasus a frustrated look. "Ah'm trying' t'ask yeh what in tarnations wrong' with Pinkie Pie!"
"How the hay should I know, Applesmack! You have been her friend the longest, why don't you ask her yourself?" Rainbow gritted her teeth in annoyance. She could have sworn they were talking about apples a few seconds ago...When did the conversation suddenly change?
"But yew have been stayin' here!" Applejack shot back, "If anypony should know, it's yew!"
"ASK HER YOURSELF!" Slamming her hoof down on the table, Dash stormed out of the room. With everything going on, she could barely handle being lectured by another dirt pony that had somehow wiggled her way into the status of friendship.
Applejack was about to storm after her when a dull pink hoof stopped her. "Let her go...She needs to get better...her tribe is more important to her." Bitterness tainted Pinkie's voice as she stared blankly at the room Dash just stormed into.
"Sugarcube..." Worry and sadness tainted Applejack's voice.
"Thanks for the supplies and the visit Applejack. It was superific!" A strained, smile was forced onto Pinkie's face as she quickly thanked Applejack for the visit. She didn't want her to ask any questions; the answers, even if left unspoken, would tear her heart apart.
"If yew need anything sugarcube...ah'll be here for yeh." Pulling Pinkie into a tight hug, Applejack left. She was needed back on the farm.
Pinkie hung her head, a curtain of straight pink hair covering her face. She began trembling from her pent up frustrations and agony. A dry, heart-wrenching sob escaped Pinkie's lips.
Dash gripped her pillow in shame. She knew that she was the cause of Pinkie's depressive state, and she desperately wanted to comfort her. Make her feel...NO this CAN'T happen! No matter how much she wants it as well.
Pinkie had collapsed on the floor in a trembling heap. Loud, wailing sobs ripped violently from her as she lay in such a pitiful state. She had been rejected her entire life...Having the only pony she ever...loved...do the same thing...
A creaking sound made Pinkie's ears perk curiously. Her sobs quieting down just enough to hear any movement of any kind. Light hoof-falls reached her ears, prompting her to look up at the source. An apprehensive yet concerned Rainbow Dash greeted her.
Her eyes narrowed, "Oh..What do YOU want, Rainbow Dash?" Her tone was heavy with hurt and resentment.
Swallowing thickly, Dash looked down at the disheveled pony, "I just wanted..to be sure that you were okay. I am your friend after all."
Pinkie shot up, an indignant look covering her face as she stalked toward the pegasus. "Oh REALLY? You sure haven't been ACTING like one! You've been ignoring me for DAYS! You made it perfectly clear how you REALLY feel! Don't bother with your lies..." Pinkie ended her rant, snout pressed aggressively against Dash's.
Dash fell back onto her haunches in shock and mild fear. She had never seen Pinkie so hostile before...It was a little disconcerting. "W-well I do care alright! I'm trying to avoid anything that would...endanger you. Isn't that enough?"
"I don't CARE if I'm in danger!" The pink pony yelled, glaring at Rainbow Dash.
Dash frowned, watching the pony stare at her. "Well I do... I don't want you to get hurt because of me..."
"So? If I get hurt I get hurt! I don't CARE about being physically hurt, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie growled, tears springing from her eyes. "Right now, you ignoring me and not even talking to me hurts more then being banished from my village and my family..."
Rainbow's eyes went wide. "I... I didn't mean..."
"You know what? BUCK THEM! I would rather have a short time of happiness than live a long time being miserable!" Pinkie was breathing heavily; a small stream of tears gliding down her face.
Rainbow Dash froze, keeping her eyes trained on the furious pink pony. She took an unconscious step towards her, her mind blank.
"You don't care if you get killed..." She asked, feeling her heart hammering rapidly in her chest.
"No." Pinkie defiantly said.
"B-but.." Dash stammered out softly before Pinkie cut her off.
"NO BUTS! If you really cared you would accept how I feel about this...Don't you want me to be happy...?" Pinkie's earlier hostility slowly deflated into an empty ache in her heart.
Rainbow looked away, before turning to look fiercely at Pinkie. "... Okay."
Stepping forward the last few steps, Rainbow Dash quickly wrapped her forelegs around Pinkie in a tight hug, allowing herself to drop all the walls she had attempted to build inside her. "If you don't care... Then neither do I..." She quietly muttered.
Pinkie immersed herself in the cyan mares embrace. The heaviness that surrounded her heart during the last few days dissipated immediately. She clung to Dash as if her life depended on it. A joyful grin spread across her face.
"I'll... Protect you, Pinkie Pie..." Rainbow confirmed, holding the mare close against her, a small fear if she let go she'd vanish. "As best as I can I promise..."
"I know you will, Dashie." Pinkie's smile grew even larger. She tucked her head under Dash's chin and nuzzled affectionately.
"P-Pinkie...I...want to show you something..." Dash stared off, an accepting and loving look flashing across her face as she held the pink pony.
"Yes, Dashie...?" Pinkie pulled away just enough to look Dash in the eyes.
"Just... In a bit..." Rainbow sighed, hugging Pinkie closer. "I... Don't want to let you go..."
"Okie dokie lokie, Dashie..." Pinkie settled back into the embrace, a contented sigh escaping her lips.
A few moments passed before they finally parted. Their eyes locked as they parted, Pinkie began moving closer to Dash when she placed a gentle fore-hoof on her mouth. "Let me show you something first."
Slightly disappointed, Pinkie nodded quickly and followed Dash into the bedroom. Dash moved several paces away from Pinkie. "Do you remember what I told you about my armor?"
Pinkie nodded again with a slightly confused look on her face. Her confusion suddenly turned to shock and awe.
Dash had begun to remove her armor in front of Pinkie. Slowly, painstakingly Dash removed each individual piece until only her helmet was left. Smiling softly at Pinkie, she slowly removed the helmet, revealing her messy rainbow mane.
"D-... Dashie...!" Pinkie stuttered out in shock.
Rainbow Dash set the helmet down, shaking out her mane. She walked carefully over to Pinkie, feeling as light as a feather. "I... Love you." She confirmed, nodding her head. A lock of her mane fell in her eyes.
Fresh tears filled Pinkie's eyes, but instead of sadness they were tears of joy. Pinkie lunged at Dash nearly knocking her backward, her mouth locked with Dash's. Raw and passionate, the kiss seemed to last for hours even though it was just a minute or so. Elation filled Pinkie as she clung to Dash; finally able to have complete contact with her.
Dash held the mare close to her, kissing her again. "Only... You get to see me like this..." she quietly whispered, feeling oddly complete. "No pony else..."
Warmth spread throughout Pinkie as she pressed herself as close as possible to the cyan mare. She planted several affectionate kisses along Dash's face and jaw. Rainbow smelled of spice and rainclouds...
Dash squirmed with content, planting gentle kisses on the pink mares ears. She sighed, hugging her close. "I'm not letting you go, Pinkie Pie... Never."
"You better not..." Pinkie smiled cheerfully, planting a kiss on Dash's nose. "I won't let you. Ever."
Chuckling at Pinkie's words, Dash began gently nibbling on the other mare's ear. A soft gasp eased its way from the pink pony's mouth. Feeling encouraged, Dash began running her hooves carefully along Pinkie's body. Small mews of approval floated to Dash's ears.
Pinkie rested heavily against Dash. Shocks of pleasure shot through her from Dash's actions. She began rubbing and groping at Dash's body, feeling the taught muscles contract sensually. Pinkie's mouth latched onto Dash's neck. A startled, throaty moan ripped itself from Dash's mouth. Her wings spread to their full extension, quivering in excitement.
Standing up on her hind-legs; Pinkie began gently pushing Dash backward toward the bed. Dash tumbled backward onto the bed with Pinkie landing on top of her. Giggling, Pinkie gazed down into Dash's lustful eyes.
"I love you, Dashie." Pinkie whispered out the proclamation before leaning forward and locking herself in another passionate kiss. The kiss quickly became heated and desperate as the sexual tension that had been building between the two mares began spilling out.
Pinkie explored Dash's exposed body; attempting to memorize every inch of exposed cyan fur that held strong developed muscles. She lapped hungrily at Dash's chest, forcing a soft gasp from the cyan mare.
Dash squirmed under Pinkie's touch, her fore-hooves burying themselves into the thick curly mane. A fire ignited within her, influencing her to flip positions and pin the pink earth pony beneath her. Dash's spread wings shaded Pinkie as she stared up at Dash with large wanting eyes.
Leaning down, Dash began attacking Pinkie's collarbone with her mouth. Nipping and sucking on it vigorously. Arching her back in pleasure, Pinkie locked her forelegs and hind-legs around Dash; forcing the cyan mare closer. Excitement rushed through Dash as soon as Pinkie's limbs locked around her. She raced her hooves down to the pink pony's cutie-marks and massaged them tenderly. Her tongue gliding slowly up the moaning pony's neck.
Pinkie felt hot. Her vagina leaked arousal in copious amounts. Dash was in a similar situation. "I *AH* want to make you *NNGH* feel beautiful, Dashie." Looking up at Pinkie, her eyes locked with a smoldering heat that seemed to blaze only for her. Feeling as if her heart was going to beat straight out of her chest, Dash nodded dumbly. She carefully rolled onto her back, allowing Pinkie the control she desired.
Pinkie gazed down at Dash. Noticing the mild nervousness in her eyes, Pinkie kissed her reassuringly. "Don't worry Dashie. I won't do anything you wouldn't want me to do."
Relaxing, Dash smiled up at Pinkie, "I know." Brushing her lips against Dash's once more, she slowly trailed her way down to Dash's aching wetness. She admired the cyan vagina with the dripping pink center. Moving closer, she placed a tentative lick against Dash's clit. Dash arched violently, letting out a strangled moan.
Smiling brightly, Pinkie dove in. She massaged the whole area with her tongue thoroughly. She maintained contact with Dash's clit, sending violent shock-waves of pleasure shooting through her. Dash gripped the sheets desperately as she let out another cry of pleasure.
Suddenly Dash's entire body tensed up. Her orgasm ripped through her, forcing her to cry out, "PINKIE!" She arched so much she was nearly off the bed. After several moments; she collapsed bonelessly, breathing heavily.
Pinkie caught most of the juices in her mouth as Dash came. Gulping it down greedily. She even licked Dash clean of her fluids. Licking her lips, she hummed in enjoyment. Dash tasted sweet and spicy. Like cupcakes with hot sauce.
Dash pushed herself up, a predatory gleam shining in her eyes. "It's your turn Pinkie." Leaping up, she pinned the pink mare to the bed. A devilish grin forming on her face. Pinkie trembled in barely contained anticipation as Dash gazed at her with hungry eyes. She was aching for Dash's touch.
Kissing Pinkie aggressively, Dash ground her newly aroused vagina against Pinkie's. Pinkie moaned heavily into the kiss. She began moving her hips in time with Dash's, increasing the friction.
Eager to taste Pinkie's arousal, Dash quickly moved down her body and gave her vagina a long, slow lick. Pinkie spasmed uncontrollably; kicking out her hind-legs in excitement. Swirling her tongue around Pinkie's clit, Dash carefully sucked it into her mouth and gently grazed her teeth against it.
"Oh DASHIE!3" Pinkie clamped her hooves onto Dash's ears and gripped tightly, holding her in place. Excitement rushed through Dash at Pinkie's sudden forceful grab. Giving her clit a few more flicks with her tongue, Dash stroked lower with it until she reached Pinkie's opening.
She slowly circled the opening with her tongue before entering. Pinkie gasped loudly as the wet, wriggling tongue invaded her vagina in the most pleasurable way. Dash massaged the walls within Pinkie as she thrusted her tongue within the writhing earth pony.
Suddenly, Pinkie's vaginal walls clenched around her tongue, as a wave of arousal exploded from her.
Pinkie orgasmed violently. She kicked out several times, gripping Dash's ears almost painfully. "AHH! R-RAINBOW DASH!"
Swallowing the liquid, Dash smiled contentedly. She tasted sweet; very sweet.
Pulling herself up from between Pinkie's lower legs, she nuzzled the panting mare affectionately. Pinkie smiled happily and stared lovingly at the rainbow maned pegasus above her. Confusion washed across her face suddenly. "Dashie...Why are your wings spread like that?"
Blushing violently, Dash stuttered out an answer, "W-well that just means that I'm excited...sexually."
Pinkie's eyes lit up, a sultry smile forming on her face. "We better take care of that...after all, I'm still excited in that way too..." Playfully winking at the stunned pegasus, Pinkie moved her hooves up to Dash's wings and began stroking them.
Dash mewed in pleasure, leaning into the gentle caress. Mind clouded in pure bliss, Dash focused on bringing Pinkie enjoyment as well. Sliding her hoof down to the, once again, soaking wet vagina. Dash began massaging it with her hoof.
Pinkie moaned loudly; stoking Dash's wings harder with a more firm grip. Gasping at the roughness of Pinkie's touch, Dash dropped her head heavily into the crook of Pinkie's neck. Her gentle caress of Pinkie's vagina became more firm and precise.
Dash had begun probing at Pinkie's entrance. "May I...?" Dash breathed out the question into Pinkie's ears. Her reply was a rapid nod of Pinkie's head. Smiling, Dash penetrated Pinkie.
Pinkie arched deeply, her mouth wide open in a silent scream of pleasure. Her grip on Dash's wings became almost painful. Dash moaned loudly at the treatment they were getting, her juices drizzling onto the pink pony beneath her.
Dash thrusted her hoof in and out of Pinkie as fast and as deep as she was allowed. Pinkie kicked and moaned desperately, her hind legs wrapping around her, forcing her hoof deeper inside. Pinkie's strokes became uneven and rapid.
In an instant, both mares orgasmed together. Pinkie's vaginal walls gripping Dash's foreleg tightly as her juices spilled out, Dash pouring out large amounts on the writhing mare below her. Pinkie pulled hard on Dash's wings; biting violently into her exposed neck. Dash cried out in a mix of pleasure and pain.
Dash collapsed onto the heavily panting pink pony. Satisfaction filling both as they lay there. Dash eventually rolled off of Pinkie, allowing her to snuggle into the side of her. Pinkie rested her head on Dash's chest, tucked comfortably under her chin. A protective foreleg and wing wrapped around Pinkie as they basked in the afterglow.
Pinkie tangled her hind-legs with Dash's, attempting to get as close as she possibly could. Smiling softly, Dash buried her muzzle into Pinkie's thick and fluffy mane. Breathing in deeply, Dash grinned at the scent...baked goods.
"I love you, Pinks..." She whispered quietly, holding the pink mare closer to her.
Pinkie squirmed contently, kissing Dash's neck. "I love you too, Dashie..."
Smiling, Dash quickly grabbed the blankets on the bed and pulled them over top of herself and her partner, snuggling right up into the pink mare. She kissed Pinkie's forehead, nuzzling her affectionately.
Pinkie giggled. She was in bliss. Dash's tender and intimate affections was a huge change from earlier. A change that Pinkie absolutely adored. Finally...finally she found what she had been seeking desperately all these years. Somepony that loved her.
Dash nuzzled Pinkie's cheeks, feeling complete with herself. She recalled all the years it had taken her gain the respect she had wanted, only to realize now that she didn't want respect... She wanted this.
Sadness drifted into Dash's heart. She was going to have to leave soon. She had been getting better quite rapidly. She couldn't stay. Not with all the close calls they had whenever her tribe's military attempted to do an impromptu search...
She shook her head, deciding not to ruin the most perfect moment with the sad knowledge.
Unfortunately Pinkie picked up on her short mood switch.
"Dashie...?" The pink mare softly asked, kissing Dash once again. "What's wrong..."
"N-... Nothing, Pinks..." Dash's voice held feigned happiness.
Concerned, Pinkie moved so she was looking directly at the cyan mare. "What is it?"
Dash sighed quietly, kissing the pink mare's cheek. "I'm getting better really fast, Pinks... I'm going to have to leave soon..."
Suddenly feeling lonely, Pinkie climbed on top of the cyan pony so she could be as close as possible while continuing the conversation. "You...will come back...to see me...right?"
"Every chance I get..." Rainbow Dash confirmed, kissing Pinkies cheek lovingly. "Every single chance I have..." She kissed Pinkie affectionately on the lips.
Pinkie kissed back, strong emotions fueling her. She wrapped her forelegs around Dash; afraid to let go.
"You better, Dashie..." She quietly muttered, keeping the mare against her.
"I will..." Dash locked her forelegs around the distraught mare and rubbed her cheek against her mane. "Promise."
"I'll miss you." Pinkie buried herself into Dash's strong embrace, drawing out as much comfort as she could.
"So will I..." Rainbow whispered, hugging Pinkie as close as possible. "Let's get some sleep... We don't have to worry about this right now, okay...?"
"Okie dokie lokie, Dashie Washie." Pinkie beamed up at Dash. Her earlier euphoric feelings returning rapidly.
Dash cringed slightly. "I would still rather not be called Dashie Washie."
"Aaawww, okay..." Pinkie playfully pouted, nuzzling the mare's cheek. "Dashie works just fine, I guess..."
"Heh, well you are the only one that even gets to call me that. Be happy." Dash spoke with mock annoyance.
"Oh, I am!" Pinkie playfully smiled, kissing Dash's nose. "But... It lacks something, silly..."
Dash gave Pinkie a questioning look. "What?"
"I dunno. I thought you knew." Pinkie blankly replied.
Dash mentally face-hoofed. "Pinkie Pie, you are soooo random." Shaking her head good naturedly, Dash pulled the pink mare into a close embrace. "Goodnight Pinks."
Snuggling close, Pinkie closed her eyes with a huge smile on her face. "Goodnight, Dashie."
The two fell asleep, both drifting into different dreams.
Over the course of the night, Rainbow Dash jolted awake, looking around widely. She felt her heart hammering, as if she had been flying for a long time. She gripped the bed beneath her, confirming she was still safe in bed, safe with Pinkie.
"What's... Going on...?" She whispered to herself, glancing down at the sleeping pony beside her.
Pulling herself out of the sleeping pony's embrace. Dash snuck out of bed, pulled her armor and weapons on quickly and began to investigate the area.
"Who's there?" She demanded, glaring as she quietly approached the living room. "Show yourself!"
A timid figure came into view. "Fluttershy?" Dash gaped at the trembling form. "What are you doing here so late?"
"R-Rainbow Dash, Commander Hurricane's going crazy...!" Fluttershy muttered, glancing around the room. "Sh-She's panicking you're g-gone for good..."
Rainbow froze. "She's..."
"Please... Please can I tell her you're okay...? J-just to put her at e-ease...?" Fluttershy had a pleading look on her face.
"How are you going to tell her without her demanding that you show where I am or who gave you the information? Telling is way too risky Fluttershy!" Panic oozed off of Rainbow Dash's voice. Her eyes wide and frantic.
"O-oh yes um... I guess..." Fluttershy looked at Rainbow, her eyes suddenly confused. "R-Rainbow... Y-your mane... I thought you kept it perfectly pinned under... You helmet...?"
Confused, Rainbow Dash rose a hoof to her face, feeling it graze gently across her mane. She froze, realizing she must have not put it on carefully. "N-No reason...!"
Fluttershy's eyes widened at Dash's uncharacteristic response. " Did...something happen?"
"N-no! Nothing happened!" Dash felt a shiver of fear rush through her.
"Rainbow... You can tell me..." Fluttershy reassured, looking at her friend calmly. "I-I mean... Only if you want to, that is."
Rainbow Dash bit her lip, looking away. "I..."
Fluttershy moved closer to the nervous cyan pony. "Yes?"
"I...slept with Pinkie Pie..." Dash immediately adverted her eyes, not wanting to see Fluttershy's reaction.
"You took her as a partner? Oh, how wonderful!" Fluttershy clapped her hooves together happily.
Rainbow spun to look at her friend, her eyes wide. "What? You aren't mad of upset or angry? Pinkie's a DIRT pony, Fluttershy!"
Futtershy looked down, shuffling her fore-hooves in embarrassment. "I... I really don't see the difference, Dash... I-I mean if you love her it shouldn't matter r-right...?"
"But it DOES matter! I'm supposed to be the next leader of our tribe, Fluttershy! I... well... this would be horrible if anypony else found out! They would kill her!" Dash shook Fluttershy as she rambled out her fears.
"O-Oh..." Fluttershy muttered out softly.
Dash let her go, turning to pace about the room. "Hurricanes panicking that I'm missing... Pinkie's scared I'll never come back... Oh sweet Aurora what do I do...?"
"Oh...Rainbow..." Fluttershy pulled the hysterical pegasus into a tight, friendly embrace; attempting to calm her nerves.
Pinkie had awoken due to all the noise the two pegasi were making. She stumbled out of the room sleepily and spotted the embracing pegasi.
"D-... Dashie...?" Pinkie choked out.
Rainbow Dash jolted, spinning to look at the pink pony. Her face looked positively crushed, her ears drooping. Dash lunged forward, pulling the pink mare in a tight and loving embrace.
"You... Love her don-" Pinkie began with a pained tone in her voice.
"Pinkie Pie don't be stupid!" Rainbow Dash quietly groaned, kissing the saddened pony. "I love you. Remember...? I told you, 'Shy's like my sister... She was just here because..."
"R-Rainbow Dash needs to come back soon..." Fluttershy quietly interjected, earning a confused glare from Pinkie. "C-Commander Hurricane values Rainbow s-so much, considering her the pride of th-the entire army..."
"'Shy said that Hurricane's about to give up on ever finding me, Pinks..." Dash quietly stated.
"Isn't that a good thing? You could stay here...with me." Pinkie looked hopefully up at Dash.
"No. I have sworn loyalty to my tribe. I cannot betray them this way." Dash spoke with a calm yet firm voice.
Pinkie's ears drooped. "You don't want to stay with me, Dashie...?"
Dash froze momentarily, looking at her upset partner. "I... I do, Pinks... More than ANYTHING... I just... I can't abandon my tribe..."
"B-but Dashie..." Pinkie pleaded quietly.
A calm yet cold expression formed on Dash's face. "No Pinkie. I will not abandon them." Pulling away from Pinkie, Dash trotted over to Fluttershy. "C'mon 'Shy. Lets go now."
"A-Are you...?" Fluttershy stammered shyly.
Pinkie's ears drooped, looking at the ground. "You'll... Still come back, right Dashie...? Please... Please say you will..."
Rainbow Dash flew over to Pinkie, wrapping her in a warm embrace. "I already promised you I would, didn't I...? I ALWAYS keep my promises... Right 'Shy?"
Fluttershy nodded firmly. "She's never broken a promise since I have known her Pinkie."
Pinkie looked over from Dash's embrace to see the honesty in the yellow pony's face. With glistening blue eyes, Pinkie turned back to nuzzle under Dash's chin desperately, "... I... miss you already..."
Dash tightened her grip around the trembling pink pony and kissed her cheek lovingly, "I'll miss you too... I'll be back as soon as I can... alright?"
Pinkie nodded silently in response and continued to hold the armored pegasus in her hooves, "Please... come back..."
Rainbow swallowed thickly and lowered her head to nuzzle the pony's cheek, "I will..."
Fluttershy patiently watched the two by the entrance for a few moments before they separated. Pinkie stared down at the floor sadly before Dash brought her snout under her chin and raised it back up, smiling softly at the earth pony.
The touched noses one last time and Dash stepped away from Pinkie. She turned to Fluttershy calmly and resolutely, "Let's go Fluttershy."
The shy pegasus nodded lightly and flew out of the open door ahead of the cyan mare. Dash walked towards the entrance and watched the yellow pony fly off into the night until she turned back to Pinkie.
They stared worriedly into the other's eyes for what seemed like hours, but was only a few heart-aching moments. They became locked in each other's gazes until Dash managed a small smile across her cyan face, "I love you Pinkie Pie..."
Turning away suddenly from the pink mare the rainbow-maned pegasus took flight grudgingly and followed Fluttershy into the cool misty air of midnight. Before she was out of ear-shot, Dash looked over her shoulder and spotted Pinkie standing in the snow on the edge of the cliff front.
"I love you too Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie screamed at the top of her lungs to make sure the words made it through the howling winds above her.
Tears ran down their faces freely now, but Dash kept a confident look in her eyes as she replied, "I'll be back for you... Don't you dare think otherwise..." Using all of the will power she had left, Rainbow tore her gaze away from Pinkie and flew off into the storm clouds of winter.
As the grey-armored pony faded into the fog of the night, Pinkie lowered her gaze to the cold, unforgiving snow below her hooves, "I believe you..."
Slowing down so the cyan mare can catch up, Fluttershy turns her head to the side in worry of her friend, "Rainbow Dash, are- Are you going to be okay?"
Dash just stared below her sadly until she noticed the question from her long time friend. She shook the worried thoughts from her mind and smiled weakly at Fluttershy, "I'm fine Flutter... Don't worry about me, I'm Rainbow Dash remember?"
Confident that she had reassured the shy pegasus of her fears, Dash allowed herself to fade back into the self-created dread of not being able to see Pinkie for a long time... or... not being able to see her at all... No! Of course she'll see her again... She promised she would... and Rainbow Dash always keeps her promises. Always.