Shadows in the dark

Chapter 28

"It wouldn't hurt just to go in and see it..." she said to herself softly. Besides, she could really use some good memories by now. Even though they'd hurt her as well. Rarity walked up to the door and immediately felt the memories come rushing back as she gripped the door knob. The door opened with a creak as she pushed it forward.

"Who's there?" a voice suddenly called from inside.

"Eek!" Rarity cried as she jumped back in alarm.

"Rarity?" Rainbow Dash suddenly poked her head out of the door and looked surprised to see her. "Aw, crap! I'm so sorry about that! I didn't see you there." she held out her hoof for her to take.

"I-It's alright." Rarity replied shakely as she allowed her friend to pull her up. "But what are you doing in Twilight's place?"

"Oh. Just trying to find some books on war." Rainbow Dash replied. "Considering that we're going to have to be drafted in soon, I might as well learn about it. But I sorta made a mess on doing so, though..." the blue pegasus slowly looked over shoulder at the mess she made going through all the bookshelves just to find some war books. "But what are you doing here?"

"I just...wanted to come by." Rarity replied. Rubbing her right arm shyly.

Rainbow Dash have her friend a saddened look. She's changed since her release from the hospital. She wasn't the same Rarity she's known before. "Weren't you going to come in?" she then asked.

"Yes, actually." she said before walking in. "My." she murmured as she gazed at the mess around her. "You certainly weren't kidding about making a mess. Twilight would've killed you if she found out you made this mess."

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash laughed softly as she rubbed the back of her neck. "By the way. Do you really think Discord was telling the truth about the Twelve Elements thing?"

"I honestly don't know." Rarity replied honestly. "I've thought about it a few nights, but that's it. Maybe we could ask Celestia about it once she's recovered. The doctors won't allow her to have any visitors right now. But what do you think?"

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "I honestly have no idea what to believe. Discord's the Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony. Yet he healed Celestia of her internal injuries. Or that's what Cadence said to us."

"Speaking of Discord. Did you know Fluttershy's been spending some time with him in Canterlot?" Rarity added.

"Shut up." Rainbow Dash said in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Rarity bobbed her head. "Yeah! They've been helping out the wounded there. Who would've guessed that Fluttershy had a talent for medicine."

"I guess all her days near the Everfree Forest is finally put into good use." Rainbow Dash added with a laugh. Rarity laughed as well before suddenly coming to an abrupt halt. "What's wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked. Looking concerned.

"I just realized something." Rarity said before she slowly looked over to her friend. "This is the first time we've actually laughed together as friends."

Rainbow Dash blinked before realizing what she meant. "You're right." she said softly. "It's been so long since we've laughed like this. As friends." Rainbow Dash sniffled as she found herself on the brink of tears. "Rare... Can I tell you a secret?" she asked softly.

"Of course, Dashy." Rarity replied. "I'm always here for you."

Rainbow Dash smiled before she took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through her nostrils. "I had a crush on Twilight Sparkle." she blurted out clear as day.

Rarity said nothing at first. Taking the time to process what her friend had just the slapped both hooves over her mouth.

"When I said 'I love you' to Twilight at her service, I didn't mean it as a friend. I meant it as a marefriend."