A Story of Loyalty

"Gee, thanks guys. I love you too."
>"Anon? Uh, this isn't what it sounds like?"
>"I dunno Twilight, doesn't it sound exactly like that?"
>"Not helping Fluttershy!"
"It's fine, I'll just go now. I figured maybe I was more than just a freakshow to you guys. Guess I was wrong."
>You step outside and grab some fresh air.
>You walk back to your house, kicking pebbles along the way.
"I knew it was too good to be true, but I guess I just wanted to believe."
>You hear a frantic voice coming from behind you.
>It's Dash.
"What do you want? Shouldn't you be back there with your friends?"
>She kicks the ground.
>"Um, I was kinda hoping you'd... uh..."
>She mumbles something.
"What was that?"
>"Maybe you'd like to..."
"Couldn't quite hear that."
>"Do you wanna go on a... date?"
"Which one of them set you up to this?"
>"None of them! A-actually, that's kinda why I was asking them about you. Didn't think they'd be that harsh though."
>She grumbles, "Told Rarity not to be so rude, where's the loyalty?"
>You raise an eyebrow.
"Why her?"
>"Uh, duh? She's way more interested in this dating crap than I am, but... you are fun to hang out with."
>She sits on your shoulder, "It's like hanging out with a best friend you wanna be with all the time."
"... Fine, we'll see where this goes."
>She fist pumps and does a little wiggle with her hooves.
>Damn that's adorable.

>You take Dash to a nice secluded hill.
>You came here to think about stuff sometimes.
>Helped clear your head.
>You'd never shown any of the ponies your spot.
>Not even Fluttershy, despite the place crawling with animals.
>A bluejay lands on your shoulder.
"Hey there little guy, how's it going?"
>He lets out a little chirp and snuggles your neck.
>Dash looks at all the foliage in awe.
>"How'd you find this place dude?"
"I like to walk to clear my head. Plus my legs need to move."
>She cocks her head, "What?"
"Why do you think I like to run with you? I have a lot of energy to burn."
>She snorts, "I thought it was just because you liked looking at my butt."
>You think for a moment on how to respond.
"... Yeah, you have a pretty nice ass."
>She punches your shoulder, "Jerk! Hehe... So, this is your special spot, huh?"
"Yeah, Fluttershy would probably have a heart attack if she knew about it."
>"Oh man, she's missing out on this!... Sorry they said those things about you."
>You lay back on the grass and wrap your arms around her.
"It's fine, I'm not exactly normal around here."
>"Still, it's no excuse for talking about a friend like that!"
>You pat her head.
"Eh, don't worry about it. I'll get over it."
>"You seemed pretty mad to me."
"I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."
>You were usually pretty easy about forgiveness.
>It took a lot to actually get you upset, but you weren't ready for that kind of feeling.
>"I wasn't expecting just laying here to be this much fun."
"If you like somebody, anything is fun with them."
>"Y-yeah, I guess so."
>She blushed a little, not used to the whole affection thing.
>A squirrel decided to offer the blue blur an acorn.
>"Uh, you can keep it. I'm fine, really."
>The little critter shrugged and ran off into his little home.
>"Anon! We're sorry!"
>You figured it was time for damage control.

"How'd you girls find this place?"
>"We totally followed you and Dashie around!"
>Stay classy, Pinks.
>"Oh my, there are so many wonderful little animals here!"
"I had kinda planned on showing you for a picnic, but I guess it's a bit late for that."
>You stroked Dash's mane, she let out a little coo before covering her mouth.
"Don't worry, I didn't hear anything."
>That earned you a little smile.
>You sat up, dusting yourself off.
"I know you probably have a lot of apologies ready, save them."
>You worked out that kink in your back you've had all day.
"I'm not really that mad. Guess it was more shock than anything."
>"But we wanna apologize! I can even throw you a party! I know you don't like them but-"
>You put a finger on her lips.
"Shh, it's okay. I'd be fine with that, if it'll make you happy."
>She puts on the biggest grin you've ever seen.
>"YAY! ANON'S FINALLY COMING TO ONE OF MY PARTIES!"
>You had to cover your ears, goddamn Pinkie was loud.
>"And I'm terribly sorry for making fun of your beach outfit."
"Damn skippy, Rares. I put those things on to annoy people that care so much about it."
>She blushes, "Ahehe, yes of course. Who would ever judge someone by their clothing?"
>You're a dirty liar Rara, but you ain't so bad.
>"You're almost as much of an egghead as Twi, but it is kind of... uh, what's the word Twi?"
>"Endearing?"
>"He's not a deer, I thought you were the smart one?"
>"That's not..."
>Purple Smart sighs.
>"She's right though, you might be a loser but you're our loser."
>"He is not! Have you seen him run? I mean he's not as fast as me, but still."
>You felt her friends were trying to step around calling her out on it.
>They couldn't tell her that cowards are usually good at running.
>You were definitely not a fighter.
"Uh... where's AJ?"
>"She wasn't there, she had to harvest crops."
>Oh, makes sense.
>"I'm sorry too, by the way."
"Who could stay mad at you, Flutters?"

>Content with them for now, you decide to give them a second chance.
>Dash starts dragging you off.
>"Great, now that that's sorted out we can go hang with AJ!"
>Manual labor, the best way to stay in shape.
>Aside from stripper poles.
>Your place needed more stripper poles.
>Shaking aside thoughts of Dash giving you a show, you start running.
>It's in your best interests to not let her tear your arm off.

>Sweet Apple Acres, home of the best damn cider this side of Equestria.
>Dash was looking around for AJ.
>"Yo Applejack! Where are you?"
>"Over here sugarcube!"
>She waves the two of you over.
>"Am I glad to see you two. I could really use some help with carrying these baskets."
>You liked AJ, she was always good to you.
>She didn't care about what you looked like, she just enjoyed your company.
>It helped that one of the first things you said to her was a compliment to her apples.
>You decided not to push your luck about her other apples, though.
>Besides, you were with Dash now.
>Somehow, she actually enjoyed how cheesy you were.
>Probably because she's a closet nerd.
>You hoped she enjoyed the stripper pole in your bedroom.
>"Uh, Anon? Y'there?"
"Oh! Sorry AJ, just thinking about stuff is all."
>She grins, "Dash is a handful, I'll just let you know."
>You feel your face get hot.
"Uh-huh, yep. Totally wasn't thinking about her ass."
>AJ giggles, "Like you enjoyed my apples?"
>Fuck, abort mission.
"W-well, I mean. I wasn't talking about those apples, but I could've if you wanted to."
>You try to stammer out more of a reply.
"B-but I mean I'm with Dash now so I gotta be loyal, right?"
>"Relax hun, I'm just messing with ya. Now come on, dinner's ready."
>Huh?
"But I thought-"
>"Dash already got it done while you were daydreaming, loverboy."
"Oh, heh."
>Your face was now a tomato.

>As the three of you ate dinner, Pinkie decided to drop by.
>"Hey Nonny! Your party is gonna be later tonight, hope you'll come!"
>She started to leave before stopping herself.
>"And I really am sorry for saying those mean things."
>She cries a little, "Sometimes I say stuff without thinking, and then I feel awful!"
"It's okay Pinkie, I know that's just how you are."
>Doesn't excuse the other three though, but you told them you'd give them a chance.
>Still, it hurt to hear Fluttershy of all ponies talk that way about you.
>You can imagine Angel Bunny giving her the business.
>He always was a strict little rabbit.
>"What mean things was she talkin' about, Anon?"
>You almost forgot you were having dinner.
"Oh, it's nothing, really."
>"Yer lyin' Anon, you know you can tell me what's wrong."
>You rub the back of your head.
"You probably won't believe me, but I overheard the girls saying some..."
>What's a nice way to put it?
"... Unsavory things about me."
>"What?! Why in tarnation would they do that?"
>"I kinda asked Rarity to see how they felt about him..."
>Dash taps her hooves together.
>"I wanted to ask him out, but also wanted to make sure the girls were okay with it."
>"Lemme guess, Rarity blew things out of proportion as usual?"
>"W-well... yeah, she did."
"That's like saying getting your dick stuck in a vice is mildly annoying."
>"That bad, huh?"
"It's one thing to say it to my face, it's another to do it behind my back."
>You eat your pie.
"Y'know I just came by to pick up some books, I never asked for any of that shit to happen."
>Dash wiggles her legs.
>"Well it got you me, didn't it?"
"... Yeah, I guess it's not all bad."
>"I'll have to have some words with the girls tonight."
"You don't have to do anything AJ, it's fine."
>"No, it ain't. I'll get to the bottom of this, don't you worry."

>You thanked AJ for the apple pie, and set off for your place.
>As crazy as Pinkie was, you figured she knew you'd want a private party.
>It'll be fine as long as they don't go into your bedroom.
>Last thing you need is to be made fun of for having a stripper pole.
>You let Dash inside and go into your bedroom to get changed into something more casual.
>You didn't expect to see Pinkie dancing on your pole.
>"Wow Nonny! I work out the same way! Now I'm super duper sorry for calling you boring!"
>How do you get out of this without being awkward?
>Answer, you don't.
"P-PINKIE! Come on now, I need to change!"
>She jumps off the pole and trots by you.
>"Okie dokie lokie!"
>You stop her.
"Please don't tell the others about this."
>"Alrighty!"
"Pinkie Promise?"
>"Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!"
"Thanks, last thing I need is Rarity getting on my case, or Twilight."
>"I know right? They told me, 'You can't have a stripper pole!' but that's silly."
>She giggles, "How else will I work out? Sometimes I get Fluttershy in on it too!"
>That was not an image you needed.
>But it was kinda funny.
"Her? I doubt it."
>"I know right?! Who'd have thought she was such a good dancer?"
>Please don't do this Pinks.
>"Anyway, I'll let you get changed!"
>She bounces off into the living room.
>That pony was a mystery to you sometimes.

>You put on a T-shirt and some sweatpants.
>Not TOO casual. Can't be having a party in your pajamas.
>You grab a glass of apple juice that you got from AJ.
>Working for her had its benefits.
>"Anon! The others are here!"
>Well then, time to get this show on the road.
>You notice they all brought you presents.

>AJ pulled out a piece of paper tied up with a ribbon.
>"You always talk about how much you enjoy apple pie, figured I'd give you a copy of my recipe."
>You smiled and gave her a hug, she was too good to you sometimes.
>Twilight gives you a couple of book-shaped presents.
>The newest Daring Do book, a couple of comics, and a journal.
>"You said you liked to read a good adventure, and write about stuff."
"And the comics?"
>"Spike wanted to make sure you were okay, he looks up to you y'know?"
>You treated him like a little brother, guess he took it to heart.
"Tell him he has my thanks."
>Fluttershy gave you a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables.
>"I know it's not much, but I hope you like them."
>You were getting low on those, so you gave her a smile.
"Thanks Flutters."
>Angel poked her head.
>"O-oh, right. Here."
>She handed you a card, you opened it up.
>It was covered with little paw-prints and talon marks.
>"The animals wanted to cheer you up too."
>You pet Angel Bunny, he gave you a little smile.
>Since hands are a rare commodity around here, he quite enjoyed belly rubs and ear scratches.
>She handed you a jar of honey.
>"Harry wanted you to have some of the food you helped him gather."
>At first the bear scared you, but it turns out he was just as fluffy as his friend there.
>Pinkie hands you a... wingsuit?
>"I figured you'd want something to keep up with Dashie!"
>She points to Twilight, "I had her enchant it with a cloudwalking spell!"
>She gives a flourish, "I made it myself!"
>You were weirded out by her technical prowess, but you've seen her make a flying machine before.
>Finally, Rarity handed you a box.
>You found a swimsuit inside, with a note.
>"Don't be such a crime against fashion darling, love Rarity."
>You let out a dry chuckle and grinned.
"Thanks, Rarity."
>"It was my pleasure dear."
>This was gonna be a long night.

>Dash gives you a kiss on the cheek.
"What, is that all?"
>You grin, she just smacks you.
>"Come on, I'm trying to be serious here!"
>She still lets out a laugh.
>After the others start setting up the food and drinks, she pulls you aside.
>"But seriously, can we take it easy for now? I've uh... well... never, y'know?"
"Too tough for all the stallions?"
>She blushes, "S-shut up... but, thanks for the compliment. I work hard y'know?"
>You give her a hug, which she gladly returns.
>You noticed it was a literal wingsuit, with mechanical wings.
"How does she make this stuff?"
>"I have no idea, but it's pretty rad isn't it?"
"... Yeah, it actually is."
>Pinkie waves you over to get some cake.
>You'll never know how she did these things on such short notice.
>"Chocolate or vanilla?"
"You know I love chocolate."
>"Same here!"
>"Personally I prefer vanilla."
>"Don't be such a party pooper Rarity! Vanilla always needs backup to make itself tasty."
>You can see Rarity scrunch her face, "Ah, yes. Of course it does."
>Pinkie looks on in confusion as she trots off to the other side of the room.
>"What's up with her?"
"I think she took it a bit personally."
>"That's silly! It's just a flavor."
"You know how she is."
>Pinkie hands you a slice of cake, "Eat up Nonny!"
>You're not sure if Rarity was upset because of her makeup or what.
>You shrugged, not your problem.
>You shared your cake with Dash.
>"I know I shouldn't eat too much of this stuff, but it's so good!"
>Twilight sat down on the couch next to the two of you.
>"So, I guess we all learned a thing or two today huh?"
"Yep. Dear Princess Twilight..."
>You broke out into a grin.
"Today I learned that maybe you should take a lesson or two from Dash on loyalty."
>She let out a sigh and smirked.
>"Guess I had that one coming, didn't I?"
"A bit, yeah."
>You ate your cake, least she admitted it.

>You decided to check on Fluttershy.
>AJ was already talking to her.
>"Well now why would you go and say those things? He's never done anything to you!"
>"I dunno, I like him as a friend."
>She taps her wee hooves, "I guess I didn't want Twilight or Rarity to laugh at me."
>AJ puts a hoof on her shoulder, "You know they wouldn't judge you like that."
>"I was just scared is all."
"I already told you Flutters, it's fine."
>She jumps, tossing Angel into the fruit punch.
>He shrugs, and starts swimming around in it.
>It figures she'd be pressured into saying that stuff.
>It's the only way it really made sense coming from a pony as nice as her.
>You grab a glass of punch, and give Angel a fist bump.
>"I'm going to ask Rarity some questions now."
>You hand AJ the note from Rarity's present.
"Tell her thanks for the swimsuit, but she can keep her thoughts to herself."
>AJ reads the note, "Want me to let her have it?"
>You shake your head.
"I'd rather do it myself, but you can get in her face about it if you want."
>"You're darn right I do! Hold my hat."
>You just lean back on the table and sip your drink.
>"Do you think she'll be okay?"
"Yeah AJ's fine."
>"... I meant Rarity."
"Oh I have no idea."
>You can hear AJ from here.
>"This is not how we treat friends, Rarity!"
>"I'm just giving him some helpful advice!"
>"Maybe he doesn't wanna be your little project!"
>"Hah! As if! You'd have him roll around in the mud!"
>"At least he enjoys my company!"
>"You take that back! He loves me!"
>"News flash Rarity, he likes Dash!"
>"She doesn't know the first thing about dating!"
>Don't put your foot in your mouth, Rarity.
>"I'll bet she doesn't even like him!"
>Better stop while you're ahead.
>"Why, only an idiot would settle for a mare like her!"
>Don't do this.
>"She might as well be a stallion!"
"Fluttershy, hold my drink and her hat."

>You crack your knuckles, but hesitate.
>No, that'd devastate Spike, better do this on her terms.
"Rarity, do you mind if I speak my thoughts?"
>She looks up at you, nervously giggling.
>"N-now darling, there's no need to-"
"Shut up, I'm talking."
>She quiets down.
"First of all, do NOT talk about my Dashie like that!"
>She winces, "I'm only looking out for you-"
"You're really not, you just want me to pose for you all day."
>You sigh, trying not to lose control.
"You might pay well, but you're a shitty friend to me."
>She frowns, "Now you know I'm always there for you to-"
"No, you're not. You never want to help me do any physical labor."
>You tapped your foot.
"Remember when I was moving in? Who helped me then?"
>She stammers, "R-Rainbow Dash and Applejack."
"Exactly. Another thing, I am not an idiot."
>"I didn't say you we-"
"You implied it, do I look stupid?"
>She scrunched her face up.
"Of course I do, I'm an alien species."
>"Dear you look fi-"
"I look fine in your suits? Well no shit Sherlock, you're amazing at your work."
>She starts to smile, before she notices you were being sarcastic.
"I bet you treat your assistants well, right? Oh wait, Spike is still home alone, crying about you."
>"As if you would kno-"
"I'm his big bro, and the only reason I haven't knocked you out is because it would hurt him."
>She starts to sweat a little, "If you would just calm down dear, I can expla-"
"I'm perfectly calm right now, dear."
>You spit out the last word with extra venom.
"So maybe you should just think about what you've done missy, and go to the timeout corner."
>She actually slinks back into a corner and curls up into a ball.
>"I'm sorry..."
"Don't tell me, show me. And don't come back until you realize how awful you were."
>You grab your drink back from Fluttershy.
>"Hey, Anon? Thanks dude... can we talk in private?"
>You toss AJ her hat back, and lead Dash into your bedroom.

>You sit down on your bed, putting your head in your hands.
"Sorry about that, I just couldn't stand her insults."
>"It's fine, actually I'm glad you stood up for me."
>You start laughing.
>"What's so funny?"
>You compose yourself.
"Ah, I was just thinking about the whole loyalty thing. Kinda funny, really."
>She giggles, "I guess it is. Still, that's why I like you."
>She sits down next to you.
"Ah, I just do what any friend would."
>"Not just any friend would carry me on their back in a rainstorm after I injured my wing."
>Right, that one evening when you two were getting ready for your daily jogs.
>Didn't turn out quite as expected. Apparently someone got the wrong memo.
>The tree would've done more than that if you hadn't tackled her out of the way.
"It was nothing, you'd have done the same for me."
>She scoots closer to you.
>"Y-yeah, I would."
>She puts her hoof over your hand, and smiles.
>"Anon... I uh, I think I... I l- Oh hey is that a stripper pole?"
>Goddamnit, don't ruin the moment Dash.
"Yes, gotta work out somehow right?"
>She busts into a giggle fit, "You're such a dork Anon!"
>She sits up, wiping a tear from her eye.
>"That's why I love you."
>She immediately turns crimson and her wings stand at attention.
>"Oh my gosh did I just say that out loud?!"
>You pick her up and stroke her mane.
"I know Dash, I know."
>You hear a knock at the door.
>It's Twilight.
>"Hey can I- Is that a stripper pole?! You know what? Nevermind. I came here to talk to you."
>You pat the spot next to you.
"What's on your mind, bookhorse?"
>She scrunched her face at the nickname, but smiled and got up on the bed anyway.
>"I uh... I dunno what to say about how Rarity acted. I'm glad you didn't hit her, though."
>She tapped her hooves.
>You motioned for her to continue.

>"I'm sure Spike would appreciate it too, but... Is she gonna be okay?"
>You shrug.
"The only thing hurt is her pride. She'll live."
>That got a giggle out of her, "I suppose you're right. Sorry the party didn't go quite as planned."
>You pat her on the head.
"That's your problem Twi, you're too worried about plans. Sometimes you gotta improvise."
>She thinks about it for a moment and smiles, "Heh, I guess you're right."
>Dash cuddled up into your shirt.
>Stop being so adorable, damn it.
>"Well, it's clear you've made somepony happy. I guess I should've known Dash was right."
"Right about what?"
>"About you, she said you were a true friend. Somep- Er, someone that she liked to hang out with."
>"If AJ had been there you guys would've listened to her, what am I? Baled hay?"
>"You know she's great at telling truth from lies."
>"Yeah, and I wouldn't leave a friend hanging."
>Twilight sighs, "No, you wouldn't. I'm sorry Anon. I really am."
"Just be more careful with your words next time..."
>You smile.
"... You egghead."
>She laughs and punches your arm.
>"AJ told me you came by to pick up some books, care to tell me which?"
"The next couple of volumes of Equestrian history."
>She looked surprised, "I didn't think you'd actually read them!"
"If I'm gonna live here I need to know how things work, right?"
>She nodded, "Always a good idea. Sorry for doubting you Anon."
>You raised an eyebrow.
"You were worried about my knowledge of your world?"
>She laughed, "I know, a bit nerdy right?"
>You stared into the distance for a moment.
"You really are neurotic sometimes, you know that don't you?"
>"Yeah, I've been told that before."

>"Hey Twi, it's getting late! We should get going!"
>Pinkie had a way of popping into conversations.
>"Thanks Pinkie... Well, see you later Anon."
>You decided to see the girls off.
>Pinkie had to carry Rarity on her back.
>"Don't you worry, I'll throw you a 'You-Just-Got-Served-And-Need-A-Friend' party!"
>Closing the door, you let out a sigh of relief.
>Today has been a long day.
>You turn around and notice Dash is still here.
"You know you should probably be going home."
>She whistled, "Well I mean it's an awfully long way, maybe I could stay here?"
>Her house was about fifteen minutes away, which meant about thirty seconds at most for her.
>Still, you knew what she was trying to do.
>You grin, and pick her up.
"Alright, how can I say no to such a cute face?"
>You can hear her snort, "I'm not cute."
>You pat her butt, which elicits a squeak.
"Sure you are, even if you won't admit it."
>You jump into bed and snuggle up next to her.
>"T-thanks, I'm glad you think so."
>She gives you a little kiss.
>"Nopony has ever called me cute."
"Well, then I guess no pony has called you cute."
>You boop her nose with your own.
"I'm a human."
>She giggles, "Egghead."
>You pull her closer.
"Cute tomboy."
>She blushes, "Y-you're cute too."
"I know, right?"
>She chuckles, "Gosh you sound like me."
>She nuzzles your neck, "I kinda like it when you're like this."
"Ah, don't get used to it. I'm just trying to cheer you up."
>"I know... Hey Anon?"
"Yeah?"
>She tightens her grip on you.
>"I... love you."
>You pat her on the back.
"Love you too, Dashie."
>It was easy to sleep that night, and pretty much every night after that.

The End.