First Rainbro Fic (from 3/3/2012)

>Just another beautiful day in Ponyville
>Discounting the constant attempts at rape
>Eat breakfast and try to pass the time
>Realise, eventually, that you're going to have to go out to get some food
>Open door
>Fluttershy is standing on the doorstep, a hoof raised
>Asks if you'd like to-
>Rainbro Dash out of fuckin' nowhere
>"Sorry, 'Shy but Anon promised me he'd help me with some tricks."
>FS nods dejectedly and heads off
>Hoofbump Rainbro and ask if she'd like a drink, as thanks
>She enthusiastically accepts

>Later that evening, you're in the Ponyville bar
>Dash is at your side, a glass of what passes for liquor next to her
>She's smiling, telling you about some new trick she's got planned
>You can't help but enjoy her excited energy and readily engage her
>Takes another sip on her drink
>"S-say, Anon, have I ever... ever told you you're a great guy?"
>Thank her, tell her she's probably the best pegasus in Equestria
>She blushes profusely and turns away, chuckling
>Probably just the alcohol
>Continue, telling her how grateful you are that she's such a bro
>She's giggling openly, her blush intensifying
>A heavily inebriated Applejack saunters up to you
>Announces in front of the whole bar what she's going to do to you later
>Smugly asks what you think of that
>Rainbro gives her a deadpan look before turning to you
>Suggests you leave, now the mood has been soured
>Directs AJ towards a gathering of stallions off in one corner
>She swaggers off in their direction

>On the way home
>You pat Dash on the back and thank her again
>She brushes it off, it wasn't anything
>Insist that she's the only pony you really think of as a friend
>Notice her movements become a little stiffer
>Chuckles and says you're a close friend too

>At your doorstep you stop and turn to her
>Bid her goodnight
>She stands there, looking a little pensive
>Ask her if she's okay
>"Huh, me? Y-yeah, sure! I was just... just thinking of the good time we had."
>Pat her shoulder, reiterating that the day wouldn't have been the same without her
>She's biting her lip, looking off to the side
>Looks back with an awkward smile
>Says goodnight and flies off

>Wake up feeling utterly refreshed
>Just another side-effect of spending time with such a Rainbro

>Enjoying the taste of hay bits, having finally gotten used to the taste
>Knock at the door
>Sure, let's have at it!
>Twilight
>She's looking unusually excited
>Says she's found a means of sending you home but needs you there to test it
>Shit, even if it is a trap it's worth taking the risk!

>Back at her tree house
>There are a number of strange, arcane symbols chalked onto the floor
>Red and dark blue candles burn in various locations
>Asks you to stand in the centre of the symbols
>She levitates a number of books over to herself
>Begins muttering in a language you've never heard before
>You start to feel tingling down your spine
>This is it!
>Looking up to her you see small pink hearts floating around her head
>Oh goddamn that fucking glorious mare
>Oh how the suns radiant rays only serve to illuminate her beauty
>You simply must taste the divine flesh of this avatar of Aphrodite

>"Hey, Twi, I was wondering if you have the newest Daring-"
>Ah! A foul interruption as you were just about to please your holy mistriss
>What's this? She's grabbing you!
>No let go you insufferable bro of a pegasus
>With your eyes finally torn away from Twilight you realise she'd tried her blasted want-it-need-it spell
>There's an angry exchange of words you can't make out through the fog still clearing from your mind
>Sounds of scuffling
>Dash has you by the shoulders and is almost pulling you out of the library

>On the way back to your home once more you struggle to find some way to thank her
>Knowing you so well, she can easily read your inner conflict
>"It's no biggie, Anon, you know I always go your back."
>thismare.png
>Ask if she's got a bro grab in her
>"Do I!"
>Flits into the air and throws her forehooves around you
>Hug her tightly
>Go to disentangle yourself
>She's a little hesitant to let go
>"Heh, sorry anon. J-just wanted to make sure we got a good one."
>You understand, of course, that's just how much of a bro she is

>Part way back to the house she asks if you're busy tomorrow
>Says she's got some wicked tricks she knows you'll like
>Assure her there's nothing you'd like more than to enjoy her company
>Seems as if she's about to ask something else
>She just smiles and takes off, wishing you well for the rest of the day
>It's afternoon and you're packing a few things into a bag
>Peek out through the windows
>No crazy mares waiting for you
>Take a step out the front door
>No traps
>This is easily shaping up to be the best week you've had in Equestria

>You arrive at the park, only a other ponies are about
>Rainbro is already in the sky, looping and twirling
>Seeing you she banks to one side and makes to land
>"Hey anon, you made it!"
>Of course you did, now how about those 'wicked tricks'
>With a grin she's off into the air again

>You sit back against a nearby tree and settle into watching her
>She loops as before but quickly moves into more complex movements
>Pulls down, most likely going into her super speed strut
>Does so but this time she adds a series of corkscrews
>It's amazing how she doesn't injure some part of herself but then this is THE Rainbro Dash
>Grins at you as she passes and you cheer her on
>The rest of the afternoon is spent like this, marvelling at her grace
>With evening setting in she alights next to you and excitedly asks what you think
>Her wings are still outstretched and trembling, she must have really exerted herself
>Don't hold back as you expound upon how amazing it was
>You've been to airshows before but nothing could ever hope to compare to her
>She's beaming at you, her wings slowly beginning to fold onto her back
>Pulling your bag up you ask her if she's thirsty
>Dash sits down next to you and accepts the elderflower and lemon cordial you've brought
>"And you made this yourself? Dude, anon, you really are the best!"

>Later still you've been sitting together, sharing drink and a light repast
>Lyra and Bon Bon walk by
>Lyra turns to you and winks, shaking her rump
>Bon Bon giggles and nudges her
>"Hey anon, you ever think of getting some?"
>You look to her suddenly and she's just as intently looking at you
>"You're a guy, right? You gotta have... uh, needs."
>Casually explain to her that while it would be nice to get some relief they're ponies and you're just not interested
>The light behind her eyes seems to fade slightly but she chuckles and agrees
>The walk home is unusually devoid of conversation
>Dash suddenly pipes up, asking if you've really written off all ponies
>You sigh and assure her that, yes, you really couldn't see yourself being romantically involved
>Assure her it doesn't matter because you've still got the broest of pegasi
>"You know I'll always be your Rainbro, anon."
>There's an odd quaver to her voice as she speaks and she won't look at you
>Before reaching your home she as suddenly as before announces she really should be getting back
>Has to fix up a hole in one of her walls, no biggie, she can handle it
>Ask if she wants to meet again tomorrow for some more showoff
>Shoots one of her smiles, just a shade less intense than usual
>"I'd do anything for you, anon. That's what being a bro is, right?"
>Right, you'd do anything for her, after all
>She mouths 'anything' before shaking her head and bidding you a good evening
>It's been a few weeks since you've last seen your Rainbro
>In fact, she never even called the next day like you'd hoped
>Her absence seems all the more noteable for how much you've recently been enjoying her company
>Presently, you're lying in bed unable to find the motivation to get up
>After all, it's just going to be another day of avoiding psychotic rapists without even your best bro
>Right?

>Suddenly there comes a tapping, as of somepony gently rapping
>Rapping at your bedroom window
>No, no you really just can't deal with Fluttershy's bullshit right now
>Sit up in the bed, ready to yell a few choice obsceneties at her
>Strange, since when did Fluttershy have a blue coat and rainbow mane
>Oh

>Dash, seeing you up, is now excitedly pointing at a poster hanging from her mouth
>Looks like it's of the Wonderbolts
>Some text near the bottom announces a special show they're putting on in Canterlot this weekend
>Shrug and mouth out and inquiry to her
>She reaches towards her back and pulls something from her saddlebags, dropping the poster in the process
>Despite what she's holding in her mouth she's still beaming
>You lean against the window and squint
>Can just make out that they're two tickets to the show
>Until the first day you'd seen Rainbro practicing, you'd never imagined watching pegasi engaging in aerobatics could be so thrilling
>Smile and nod to her
>Though you can't hear her, you can see how she pumps a hoof into the air before flying down to the ground
>With excitement leaving you an uncoordinated mess you struggle to fit on a pair of jeans
>Just about make it down the stairs without tripping over yourself
>Throw open the door and there she is

>"Hey, Anon!"
>Where the hell has she been even
>"Oh yeah, that. Well..."
>She looks down suddenly, her voice trailing off
>"I... kinda had to think about some stuff."
>Whips her head back up as a light blush plays across her features
>"No, I mean, I had to figure out... uh... how I was gonna get these tickets."
>Her smile returns but it looks just a little bit strained
>Most likely because she didn't want you to think there was something she couldn't handle
>That Rainbro...
>"Oh yeah and I don't want you paying me for this. And don't worry, I've got a... a hotel ready for us too."
>The weekend has finally come after the rest of the week has been, surprisingly, quiet
>You've spent more time with Rainbro, including showing her how to make the cordial
>The train ride to Canterlot is taken up with excited chatter about the upcoming performance
>It's always been obvious she loves the Wonderbolts but she seems particularly upbeat about this time
>Pulling into the station you exchange a few ideas about what to do before the performance
>Your own suggestions lie along the lines of getting something to eat or drink
>Dash, unsurprisingly, asks about checking out some of the Wonderbolts memorabilia sure to be on sale
>With no hesitation, give in

>Walking through the streets, it seems every store has some Wonderbolt merchandise
>Here a home furnishings shop with cushions proudly emblazoned with the cutie marks of the Wonderbolts
>There a café selling Wonderbolt themed drinks
>Still, you can't ignore how many odd looks you're getting
>Spent most of your time in Ponyville so the residents have become accustomed to you
>Looking down, Rainbro smiles up at you
>Right, as long as she's here you don't need to feel like an outsider
>She stops suddenly, looking back towards a small curio store
>Ask her what it is
>She takes off, not even waiting for you
>Catch up to her and she's got her hooves planted at the window, peering in
>A collection of commemorative Wonderbolts pins have taken her interest
>Seeing you she chuckles and makes to go off
>Stop her, ask if she'd like them
>"Yeah, sure, Anon, like I could afford them."
>Chuckles again, this time a little more brittly
>Ask her to wait where she is
>She does so, not looking at anything in particular and certainly not looking back at the store
>Inside the store there's an old stallion tending the front
>Ask him for the pins
>Gives you an odd look
>Asks if you're sure you don't just mean one
>No, you're sure you want them all
>He lets out a breath through clenched teeth
>Tells you it's a hundred and twenty bits
>It'll eat into your funds but you know there's no other option
>Write out a debit note, he eyes it a little suspiciously
>Tell him he can contact your bank himself if he wants to check
>Accepts it as genuine, gets the pins
>Since you're buying them all he throws in the display case
>Stride out of the store, bag in tow
>Dash is still sitting on her haunches, looking about idly
>Step up to her, ask her to accompany you
>Her step has lost its previous spring, she's looking about a little less enthusiastically than before
>Consider it
>You were going to keep it for after the show but what's the point if she's going to be down the whole time
>Ask her to stop again
>She still gives you one of her signature smiles
>Tell her to stop
>She quirks an eyebrow at you, seeing as the street is so busy
>Ponies mutter at you as they're forced to now move around you two
>Tell her to close her eyes and hold out her hooves
>She scoffs, telling you she's not a little filly
>Ask her again, a little more gently
>She sighs heavily and does so, head turned up and to one side
>Start fumbling with the bag
>She goes to peek but you playfully scold her
>Gingerly take out the case and open it
>Place it in her hooves, facing towards her

>She opens her eyes
>Her wings flap out partially and begin shaking
"This... this... you..."
>She's looking between the pins and you with increasing speed
>Tell her it's as thanks for being such a magnificent bro
>Even after everything she's done, she still invited you out today just as a matter of course
>Her gaze has settled on you but she's clearly looking conflicted
>"Remember when you said we'd do anything for each other?"
>Sure
>"You... you really did mean anything, didn't you?"
>You're only doing what you know she'd do for you
>Good friends care about each other, right?
"Right... friends. Friends do that."

>With the case safely tucked into her saddlebag and full bellies you decide to make for the arena the Wonderbolts will be performing over
>Ponies of all types are crowded onto the benches and chatter fills the air
>It's but a few moments before the performance is to start, you can feel the anticipation of every pony around you
>Dash grins to you and mouths 'Are you ready?'
>You aren't allowed time to make a response of your own before with a mighty roar of the crowd the music blares over the speakers
>Above, three of the Wonderbolts make a flyover, easily swooping down in intersecting corkscrews before dashing just over the crowd
>The rest follow after, lazily looping about, their trails creating intricate patterns
>Dash has eyes only for them but it's good to see her so happy
>It's good to spend time with your Rainbro

>Post show you're making your way through the now much quieter streets of the city
>Dash is still chattering away about the show
>"And when Fleetfoot did that loop up to the arena wall." She punctuates it with a loop of her own. "I thought she was gonna hit it but she just pulled up at the last second! Geeze, she must've been pulling serious Gs!"
>If it were any other pony you might have settled into absently acknowledging what they're saying but Dash's energy has an infectiousness about it
>You're at the hotel now, a great towering thing whose High Gothic architecture seems a little out of place with the rest of the city
>Inside Bellhops rush about amidst marble floors and walls decorated with murals, the warm tones a stark contrast to the imposing exterior
>Ponies dressed in formal evening wear shoot the two of you a few dirt looks but you mostly ignore it
>It would appear this was why Dash couldn't afford those pins
>Walking down the hall to your room, that uncomfortable silence you've experienced before sets in
>Dash looks about everywhere but at you, but when you look down she whips her head away
>Arriving at your door it sits apart from the others in the hallway, its elegant white lacquer frame trimmed with gold bespeaking the luxury within
>The room proper is much larger than you would have expected with a variety of well crafted furniture littering it
>"You must be beat after the day, Anon. You go ahead and take the bed."
>Take the bed? Just what is she talking about
>Dash suddenly becomes uncharacteristically flustered
>"W-well the hotel only had... uh... rooms with a... double bed left..."
>Looks quickly into the bedroom then back at you
>"I was just gonna sleep on the couch. Heh, it... it really does look comfy!"
>Nonsense! She's your Rainbro, you don't mind sharing a bed with her
>It's not like either of you'd try anything right?
>There's that brittle laugh again, her smile wavering and awkward

>After a little coaxing, Dash finally slips into the bed
>Lies on the opposite side, as far away from you as she can
>You're lying there, reflecting on the day you've shared, grateful for such a bro
>Sleep begins to creep upon you when there comes a strange sensation
>It's almost as if you're being... touched?
>"Please don't wake up."
>It's Dash's voice but it's pained and wavering
>"Please... please just let me have this."
>The touch extends up to your shoulder and you feel her press herself against you
>Though you can't hear it, the way her chest hitches makes it clear she's sobbing
>You lie there, awake for some time, unsure of whether you should even say anything before sleep, at last, claims you
>Awaken to a room that seems too dark
>Oh right, must still be early morning
>Funny, it feels as if there's someone hugging you
>Of course, that couldn't happen because...
>... Last night your bro cried herself to sleep hugging you
>You wanted to believe it wasn't that
>No, it had to be anything but that
>Gently pull yourself out of her grip and get up
>She fidgets, murmering something too quiet for you to hear

>Stepping out into the lounge you see the case of pins proudly sitting on a coffee table
>You smile, thinking how proud she'd been of them the day before
>Smile fades as you recall just how that day ended
>What was that even
>She must've been dreaming of some steamy stallion she had her eye on
>Yeah, of course, she's your Rainbro there's no way it could be anything else
>Check a clock and see that it really is still quite early
>Consider going back to bed but then you'd just wake up your bro
>At the least you can clean yourself up
>Two hours of flicking through brochures later you hear a stirring from the bedroom
>Dash pokes her head around the corner of the bedroom door
>"Morning, Anon. Just gimme a few minutes and we can get some grub."
>At least she doesn't seem to remember what happened last night, guess you can ignore safely it
>Twiddling thumbs, waiting for Dash to finish up in the shower
>Seems to be taking an inordinate amount of time
>Just as you go to ask what she's washing in there she steps out of the bathroom looking her usual awesome self
>Shoots you a devious grin
>"How about we show these stuffy Canterlot ponies how to really eat."

>A few disgusted noises follow the two of you as you exit the hotel's restaurant
>Dash had really meant what she said about showing them how to eat
>Still brushing bits of food out of her mane but you don't care, she's having fun so you are
>Ask if she'd like to see anything more around the city
>Responds that you should probably be getting back to Ponyville
>Now back at Ponyville, you're assaulted by an unidentifiable pink mass
>Just as quickly it's gone and you're left floored on the station platform
>Looking up you see Dash receiving similar treatment only now, from your position, it's clear what that mass was
>Pinkie Pie looks between the two of you, nattering about how it's so great to have you back; missed you so, so much; how was the trip up; how was the trip back; how were those Canterlot ponies; what was the show like; what's Dash got in her saddlebag; is it a present; is it for her friends
>"Wait! Don't answer that, no do answer it but answer it after I've got you to your welcome back party!"
>Tell her there's sure to be time on the way back to answer those questions
>"But how can you do that when we're already here!"
>Sure enough, looking about you see the town proper though you're standing only a few feet from Sugarcube Corner

>Inside the party is already under way with ponies you have varying levels of familiarity
>Dash and you part ways, mingling among the crowd
>Even with her across the shop floor you can hear her proudly showing off her pins
>Grab some punch and make to talk to Twilight
>Feel a tap on your ass, turn around to see Fluttershy smiling brightly
>"You must be so tired after that trip, why don't we take a lie down?"
>Alright, think fast...
>You agree but offer instead to crash at her place tonight, you know, if that's okay
>Her wings pop out, prompting her to angrily push down back down
>"O-oh of course, Anon! I'll go get the bed- I mean your bed ready."
>With the pesky pegasus out of the way you go to take a sip from your glass
>Notice something off about it
>There's a white pill dissolving in it
>Dump it into a nearby plant
>You decide now might be a good time to check on Dash
>Halted in your tracks by a swaying orange mare
>"Say, Anon, you-you never did tell me just *hic* whut you thought o' me goin' to ride you like a bronco at his first rodeo."
>This just keeps getting better
>Wrap an arm around her and whisper conspiratorially in her ear that it's far too dirty for these regular ponies
>How about later tonight you stop by the farm house and show her what you'd do
>She snorts, agreeing, before taking a quick squeeze between your legs
>"I'm gonna hold ya to that y'stud."
>With that she's off
>Considering her normal antics you can't help but feel you've gotten off lightly

>Excusing yourself through the throng of dancing ponies you make a beeline for Rainbro
>She's animatedly talking to pinkie, wild hoof gestures and all
>The two suddenly laugh
>Dash sees you, smiles and waves you over
>Pinkie leans in to say something to her but Dash grimaces and starts waving her hooves at the mare
>She's calmed down by the time you finally squeeze into their little clearing
>Ask if everything's alright
>"Sure it is, Anon. Rainbow was just telling me how she mmff wff ff iff uff!"
>You cock an eyebrow at how Dash suddenly claps her hooves over Pinkie's mouth
>"Heh, s-sorry, Anon. Pinkie's got this big surprised lined up for you that she almost spilled the beans on."
>Stares daggers at Pinkie
>"She promised she wouldn't tell you about it and if she did that'd be awful, right Pinkie?"
>Breaking out of the vice grip on her mouth, Pinkie gasps suddenly
>"Sorry, Dashie, I was just so excited about it I wanted to let it burst out like a party popper!"
>You chalk this strange exchange up to Dash's long suffering manner of dealing with Pinkie's eccentricities
>As the party winds down your clouded mind presents the idea that that punch was stronger than you'd thought
>Ask your Rainbro if she'd mind helping you back to your home
>As you expect she assents, wonders what exactly she can do to help, though
>Blearily tell her she could just wrap a wing around you to keep you steady
>Oh, she must've drunk too much punch too by the way her cheeks are so rosy
>On the way back you run a hand along her wing, tell her she should do this more often it feels nice
>She chuckles, looking away from you
>Why does she do that so much even
>Finally you arrive back at the house, thank her for getting you back
>She paws at the ground nervously before looking up to you, her features blank
>"Anon? I really need to talk to you... about something important, I mean."
>Oh yeah, sure, anything for the best Rainbro in Equestria
>She grunts
>"No, I mean it. This is important."
>You mean it too! She really is your best friend
>Looks as if you've just slapped her before pulling herself together
>"Alright, I'm gonna leave this for tonight but promise me we'll talk tomorrow."
>Sure, sure, anything for your Rainbro
>She makes sure to at least get you in the door before taking off, stopping only once to glance back
>Waking up it feels like your stomach is doing cartwheels while the sun is way, way too bright
>Oh good Christ, just what in the hell did you drink last night
>Stumble out of the bed and into your bathroom, desperately hoping you don't throw up right there
>Thankfully your stomach calms a little as you steady yourself against the sink
>You perform your ablutions and dress, with a nagging feeling at the back of your mind
>Sit down to breakfast just as a knock comes at the door
>Stomach begins jumping about again
>Fluttershy is waiting there as soon as you open the door
>She looks pretty damn pissed
>"Anon! You said you were going to sleep at my cottage last night!"
>Oh god, just looking at her and listening to that spiel makes your stomach heave
>There's no stopping it this time
>Keel over and let loose the contents of your stomach
>Eyes wide you stare in horror as vomit drips down Fluttershy
>Make to apologise when she starts giggling maniacally
>She runs off squealing what you're sure is "Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh!"
>Oh. Great. She's an emetophile now
>Settle back down to eat breakfast, unsurprisingly don't feel like eating it
>That nagging feeling won't go away
>What in the hell were you meant to do
>Stare out the window, it really is a beautiful day
>Not a cloud in the sky
>Wait... cloud... sky... Rainbro!
>Oh Christ, it almost hurts to try and remember last night
>Yes, you do remember her asking to see you
>But she looked pretty upset, had you said something in your drunken stupor?
>Whatever happened you're not going to leave your bro in the lurch like this
>Walking around Ponyville, you've seen neither hide nor hair of your Rainbro
>About to give up and head to her house when you pass by the park
>You recall a few weeks back watching her practice
>It's worth a shot
>After so long wandering about you remark at all the ponies enjoying the clear afternoon
>Still, there's no sign of Dash anywhere
>It's a long shot but there is that tree you sat together underneath those weeks ago
>You make a beeline for it and are rewarded with the sight of a blue pegasus seated against it
>Dash looks up as you approach but her familiar smile is absent
>"Hey, Anon, how're you feeling?"
>Oh right, of course
>You explain about this morning but reassure her you're feeling fine now
>"Alright. Listen, is it okay if we go somewhere more... private?"
>Not a problem, you trust your Rainbro implicitly after all
>Dash has lead you through a number of thick bushes to a small clearing amidst the more forested part of the park
>You're sitting down opposite each other, Dash is unmistakably on edge, her wings twitching by her sides and her ears pricked forward
>"Anon, remember when you told me you you'd never get involved with a pony?"
>Vaguely but that is how you feel about the matter, yes
>"Alright... okay... okay... w-what would you do if a pony said they li... liked you?"
>Like you? As in a romantic, completely non-psychotic, non-rapey, way?
>"Yeah, that's exactly it."
>Lean your head back for a moment, give it some honest thought
>Tell her as nice as it would be to have a pony think of you like that you'd still have to decline
>"But why?"
>Her wings flare up and she jumps to all four legs
>"If she's a mare and you're a guy wouldn't it be okay?"
>This is coming a little out of nowhere but explain that it's really not that simple
>You're different species and while, yes, you're both sentient you just can't think of ponies like that
>"Yeah... well... what if I said I liked you!"
>She's breathing heavily now, her eyes dart about, searching your face

>Chuckle nervously, tell her that that'd be a laugh, your Rainbro having feelings for you
>She snorts and stamps a hoof against the ground
>"Darnit, I knew Twilight was dense about these things... C'mon, Anon, do I really have to say it?"
>Okay, now she's getting you worried, just what is going on here
>"Why do you think I got that room in the hotel for us?"
>No, you do remember her saying the double bed rooms were the only ones they had
>"I could have gone for another hotel! I could have done something but I wanted it!"
>So what? It was just a ploy to get into bed with you? Rainbro fucking Dash wouldn't do that
>"No, no you're right, but..."
>It almost looks, now, as if there's something glistening at the edges of her eyes
>"Can't I just have some fantasies? Can't... can't I just pretend even?"
>But why? Why would one of your friends do something like that
>She snorts, or at least tries to
>"Yeah... your friend. And that's all I can be, right?"
>Dash-
>"No, don't tell me I can find a nice stallion. Don't tell me we can't because we're different species! Just tell me you can feel that way! Please!"
>You look into her rose eyes, trying to find some reflection of what she's said within yourself but you can't
>Her wings flop to her sides
>Dash looks down, shaking her head
>You tell her it'll be okay, this doesn't have to ruin what you have now
>She whips her head up, face scrunched into anger before it suddenly wavers and she begins sobbing outright
>You reach out to put a hand on her wither but she recoils
>Dash, Rainbro, c'mon we-
>Before you can finish she's off into the skies, as quick as her namesake
>You're left there, in the clearing, with only the realisation that you've lost the best thing to happen to you since you've arrived in Equestria
>You can't let this end, not like this

>It's been a few days, you're not sure how many exactly, since you last saw her
>In fact, on the few occasions you've brought yourself to go outside it's the last time any pony in Ponyville's seen her
>Flutershy and Applejack have also been conspicuously absent so there's thanks for small mercies

>You awaken to yet another beautiful day, sun streaming through the poorly drawn curtains
>Jesus fuck, what's the point of getting up even, it could just be another round of bullshit from your stalkers
>Lying abed for what feels like hours you're finally forced to get up to relieve yourself
>Looking in the mirror you see your bloodshot eyes and tousled hair
>No, no this can't go on; you're throwing away whatever life you might be able to make here
>Wander from room to room, racking your brain for ways to sort this all out

>This is your Rainbro, your best friend, probably the only pony you really feel comfortable even calling a friend
>But that's it, she's still a pony
>She's a pony you care about, she's a pony you realise you can't go on living without
>If she really was just your Rainbro would you be this broken up? Maybe but you've got to be honest, it's a stretch to say that
>Chances are this really is your life now, a life of living among ponies
>Sure you can say now you'll never get involved with one - futilely clinging to whatever vestiges of your humanity that remain - but how long a time scale can you keep that up for
>No man is an islande and all that, the idea that there'll come a time when you'll want some companionship sits uncomfortably in your mind nonetheless

>Realising that your thoughts are simply going to chase themselves endlessly like this you decide to step out for a bit
>Walking through the streets of Ponyville proves to be a surreal exercise
>This is normal, this is what an average day is like and yet the normality of it only reinforces how absurd it really is
>Your life has become one of interacting with colourful, sentient ponies
>Magic is an integral part of this world's reality
>So sure, why shouldn't you just flip the lid on your humanity and bed down with a pony!
>No, goddamnit, it's not like that...

>Without having noticed where you've been walking you suddenly find yourself at the edges of the Everfree forest
>You stare into the depths for a few moments, idly contemplating the further mysteries inherent in it
>Recall that there's a zebra who lives not far into it, what was her name
>Zecora, right, not long after all this started Twilight had brought you by and introduced you to her
>It had been one of her insipid ploys to spend some romantic time with you but at least you'd made an acquaintance
>With nothing else going for you, you enter, hoping her insight might be able to clear up your dilemma
>You're seated on Zecora's bed and while it's harder than any chair you've ever sat in it's certainly more comfortable than her own chair
>"Now Anon why don't you tell me clear, what problem has brought you so far out here."
>You fidget momentarily, this is proving a little harder to bring up than you thought
>"There is no need for shame, my friend, just tell me all from start to end."
>Right, you just have to relax and calmly talk through this
>If she really did come all the way from Zebrica she's surely seen and heard far stranger things
>You begin to recount your story, talking about the unwanted advances from some of Ponyville's residents
>Working through to the time when Dash first came to your aid and the friendship you struck up with that
>Up to recent weeks, the show and finally her confession some days before
>All through this Zecora sits silently, nodding at the appropriate times and patiently waiting when you halt to gather yourself
>"If I may sound a little trite: into this problem you must firmly bite."
>Yes, as you expected she offers up one of her... interesting rhyming couplets without giving you the kind of answer you need
>"You say of your feelings you are not sure, if so then why are you here instead of her door?"
>"When I came from my homeland afar, these strange ponies my mind did jar. But soon I understood we are all the same, all that seperates is merely a name. Love is love if you let it be, if from the cage of words you let your heart free."
>She leans back into the chair, smiling warmly
>Along with her words it brings you a sense of peace
>"She is a friend you do not wish to lose but will that change if her heart you do not refuse? The way you speak of her reveals much my friend, you know already the message you must send."
>You can't deny that you care about Dash, perhaps more than you've been previously willing to admit, but does that mean you can so easily lose a lifetime of cultural conditioning
>"Of your dear friend Rainbow you are merely confused, these ponies are not the ones to which you are used. Would you deny a human if she looked different, or would you see past that and to sense relent?"
>Perhaps... perhaps she does have a point
>Still, in this turmoil of emotion you still can't be sure if your feelings extend to the romantic
>Zecora reaches over and places her hooves on her hands, the warm smile never leaving her lips
>"How will you know unless you look, so easily can these things be mistook. If you roll the die and you do not win, true to your desires you still will have been."

>The trip out of the Everfree forest has given you some time to clear up the last errant thoughts
>Sure Rainbro is a pony but... Well she's not a pony pony
>It's not like she's just some dumb animal and while the thought of seeing her as a being you could be intimate with is still a little unsettling the idea is more palatable than it was, even this morning
>But once again, your mind has directed your legs without your thinking and instead of being back at your own home you're standing on the outskirts of Ponyville
>Then again, it's just just the outskirts is it
>Looking up you recognise the cloud formation that your Rainbro's house sits upon
>You can't see her but it pains you to think of her up there, alone and upset about what you'd said
>With a newfound determination you set off into the centre of Ponyville, ready to call in one last favour
>It's early evening, the sun beginning to set in the sky, you'd really prefer to get this all wrapped up today
>Looking about at the town's ponies you're taken by a strange sense of familiarity
>Zecora was right, apart from a few anachronisms this really isn't that different from life back on Earth
>Now you find yourself at the library, a few steps, some knocks and the ability to lie through your teeth all that stands between you and your goal
>With only a little trepidation you rap the door three times
>Unfortunately it's Spike that answers and, as you have come to expect, he's his usual chipper self at seeing you
>"Oh hey, Anon, I don't suppose you're here with any goods."
>Of course he'd come to expect the crystalline treats you'd find in your excursions, partly because he could be bribed into keeping Twilight out of your hair
>You tell him no but instead ask to see Twilight
>He gives you the oddest of looks before shrugging and walking off into the library, calling his companion's name
>"Spike! I told you not to bother me! This research into comparative biology is sure to- oh, Anon. W-what are you doing here?"
>She puts on a grin but by the way it wavers it's pretty clear she's barely holding off her nerves
>"Oh! Spontaneity! I remember reading about that in Courting Colts III... Or was it A Young Mare's Guide to Interspecies Relationships... Hold on, let me just check something."
>You remind yourself this is for Rainbro before halting her and asking if you can borrow her hot air balloon for the evening
>"My... balloon? Uh, what could you possibly need that for?"
>Thrust your hands behind your back and claps them together tightly
>You tell her it's actually for a surprise you have planned for the two of you
>Just for the two of you and it's going to be incredibly romantic
>Her face lights up and you feel a momentary twinge of guilt
>You quickly assuage it with the thoughts of all her awful attempts at seducing and more directly assaulting you
>Bounding out, she calls after her for Spike to assist
>Soon enough you're floating off into the air with your 'beloved' waving to you and the evening sun drawing ever lower in the sky

>A crash course in balloon flight would have been useful, you muse as you haphazardly guide the craft east of the town
>Still, you can't help but marvel at the sense of peace there comes from having only the clouds as companions
>The thought that this must be what it's like for Rainbro brings a smile to you, one which quickly fades as you recall she's been without this feeling because of you
>With the sun near the horizon you finally touch the basket of the balloon against the perimeter of Dash's cloud house
>You go to jump out, catching yourself just before leaping over the edge, recalling that no you did not have Twilight cast the cloud-walking spell on you
>Well shit, this is going to be a little more difficult

>Your voice is hoarse when you finally step back from the edge of the basket
>It feels like you've been yelling at the cloud for hours, though there's been no sign of activity in that time
>Looking off to the west you see the sun is just touching against the horizon now, at least there's still time
>You allow yourself to sit back into it, wondering if you really have blown the one chance you had at this
>"What are you doing here?"
>It's a familiar voice, no more than familiar but what throws you off is the tonal difference
>Looking up you expect to see angry Dash, violent Dash, about to throw you out of the basket Dash
>Instead it's just your Rainbro, her face screwed up in a frown
>"I thought ponies weren't your type."
>A part of you flares up in anger at that but is quickly forced down by the greater part of that knows you deserve that and more
>You tell her she's right, you aren't interested in ponies
>Again, she looks like you've just slapped her
>No, you've come to realise that while you could be involved with ponies you just want your Rainbro
>"Dude, I thought I told you I want... want..."
>She's choking suddenly, a fit of sobs ready to overcome her
>This is it, this is the moment where the decision you make will irrevocably change things between you. Last chance to back out, buddy

>Of course, there's not a chance of you backing out. Not now, not knowing what you now know
>You reach up and take hold of her face, looking intently into those soulful rose eyes
>Tell her it's okay, you understand what she wants
>That's what you want from your Rainbro, that's all you'll ever want now
>That light behind her eyes that had dimmed in weeks past returns
>"Anon, this-this better not be-"
>You cut her short with a press of your lips to hers - they're warm and impossibly soft and far, far more fitting than any woman's could ever hope to be
>It's quick and intense, you don't even use your tongue but you know now that in future you shall
>And indeed there will be a future for the two of you, you can tell by the way her eyes go wide then slowly close, only fluttering open when you pull away
>"You know... this means I can't be your Rainbro anymore."
>Doesn't matter, you tell her, you much prefer this Dash
>With a gentle tug you bring her into the basket and she stands next to you, her eyes never leaving your own
>You ask her to stay in it with you, there's something you want to show her
>As you sail off with the setting sun at your backs you find you do not care where the winds take you
>With Dash at your side you anywhere you lay your head will be home
>~fin~