Title:           Finding Loyalty, ch3
Author:          PortBrony
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/KXYLEF8T
First Edit:      Wednesday 13th of August 2014 03:33:15 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Wednesday 13th of August 2014 03:33:15 AM CDT

>It's been about five weeks since school started, meaning that in one week, the school's fall formal dance will happen.
>You've never been to one, and find it a little weird that there is a dance this early in the school year.
>Whats wrong with one in the winter, and summer?
>You will never understand the administration.
>This also means you need to ask someone out.
>You curse being in the possession of a penis.
>===
>At lunch, with the girls.
>Fluttershy is talking to several guys, all of whom are trying to ask her out.
>Twilight and AJ are in a discussion about something, sounds like it might involve apples and other fruits.
>Right, AJ works on a farm.
>She doesn't mention it that often, but you can tell its a point of pride for her.
>Pinkie Pie is off spending time with the guy who asked her out to the dance; some dude named Pokey.
>He seems to be interested in poking her.
>The guy loves taking his finger and poking her. In the arm.
>Seems nice though.
>Rarity has been complaining for the last few minuets about not being able to find a date.
>"It's not fair, I'm a good person, right?"
>You knew this wasn't Rarity talking, but desperation. The person you had seen the past while was someone who bugged you, not vocally complained about not having something.
>"Pinkie's got a date, Fluttershy has the pick of the school, Rainbow Dash has a date, and even Applejack has a date!"
>You can see AJ glance at Rarity for a moment, before continuing on in her conversation.
"Uh, Twilight and I don't have a date either, if that makes you feel better."
>You feel a hand slap your head, but ignore it.
>You weren't even sure Twilight wanted go.
>You didn't even know if YOU wanted to go.
>It'd be nice to do homework or relax that day.
>But Dashie would be going.
>"Because that's you people darling. I doubt either of you want to go."
"Haven't decided."
>"See? Ohhh," she whines out. "All I wanted was to spend an evening with with a nice boy and dance with him. Is that so much to ask?"
>Apparently.
"Have you tried asking someone out?"
>You could have called her a whore and you doubt you would have gotten the same look you got.
>"Anon! That is not a lady like thing to do!"
"And waiting is?"
>"It beats doing...that."
>You sigh, you aren't going to get though to her anytime soon at this rate.
>===
>Enter Sugar Cube Corner, with Rarity.
>Pinkie, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash are already there.
>Twilight had mentioned not being able to come because she was busy with something.
>You figured she was still a little sore about you're comment at lunch.
>It was becoming increasingly clear to everyone, even you, that Twilight wanted to read your textbook.
>Which was a shame because you left the textbook at home and she wasn't here.
>Still, she hadn't done anything explicit yet, so you still had time to deal with her.
>You hope.
>Rarity has been getting increasingly hostile.
>She got asked out earlier, but by one of the nerds.
>She wasn't against nerds or anything, but she did request they practice proper hygiene and have some self respect.
>You had watched it unfold, and at some level, you didn't know who to feel bad for.
>On one hand, the guy was polite, kind, and smooth; he had programmed a message that read her some Shakespeare poetry.
>On the other hand, he seemed to be dripping snot everywhere, and was either unaware of it, or didn't care.
>It was pretty awful.
>Rarity, to her credit, had let him down very sweetly, saying she had an interest in someone else.
>You're not sure if she was telling the truth or not.
>"Rarity!" Pinkie announced as you two walked in. "Did you find someone yet?"
>"No, Pinkie, I did not."
>That ended any question about that.
>"Oh Rarity, I could ask some of the guys who ask me, to ask you," Fluttershy.
>Rarity all but threw something physical at the girl in yellow.
>"The offer is very kind, FLuttershy, but no thank you," Rarity said, her lips tight, and her tone final.
>Damn, girl be scary.
"Let's just do some homework. Can I get you anything?" you ask, putting a hand to her shoulder.
>She cools at your touch, and says she would love a coffee.
>With a smile.
>===
>You arrive home and soon your phone is buzzing like a single ladies tool; her cell phone.
>It's a text from Rarity
>She just got asked out by a guy.
>You knew the name, but not the face.
>Apperently he had wanted to ask out Fluttershy, but was too late, so he 'asked the best girl in the school.'
>"He's stupidly cute, Anon," Rarity writes to you
"I bet he is, can't wait to meet him."
>"at the dance, you will. Now go ask out Twilight."
>You don't reply to that, still not sure how to proceed.
>It's still early in the day, and you know Twilight didn't have work today.
>You pick up the phone, and find her number.
>(122)120-1916
>You raise your finger to press it.
>"Hey Anon,"
>And before anyone can notice what you about to do, your phone is asleep and in your desk.
"Oh hey Dash," you say casually.
>"Rarity got a date, did you hear?"
"Yeah, she told me."
>"So happy for her, she really didn't want to go alone."
>You nod in agreement.
.""Really?"
>"Yeah, he's always had to work so never really had time for social interaction. But Fluttershy see's him pretty often; since he works at the local pet shop and he'd bring over animals for the vet to look at. "
>Huh, that seems unique.
>"So since she was the only person he got time to see, and he was the only person who cared as much about animals as she did, they got along pretty well.
"How well?"
>"We expect them to start dating by the time they graduate."
"So then why did he choose Rarity?"
>Dash looks at you as if you have two heads.
>"You'd say no?"
>Yes, actually.
>Great friend, little scary.
"I didn't ask her, did I?"
>"Because you're going to ask Twilight."
"What makes you say that?"
>"You'd say no to Rarity; therefore you'd have to ask Twilight. Unless you don't plan on going at all."
>Dash actually looked hurt by that notion.
"Dash?"
>"Yeah?"
"Who are you even going with?"
>"A guy."
"What's his name?"
>"Why does it matter?"
"Because I care. Whats his name?"
>"That's irrelevent."
"Dash, whats his name?"
>"I don't want to tell you."
"You are going with someone, right? Someone you care about about?"
>"I am going with someone."
"Do you care about him?"
>"I don't hate him."
"Dash."
>"Ok, I'm going with one of the soccer players; poor guy was so nervous asking me out. How could I say no?"
"Why was her nervous?"
>"What?"
>Sometimes this girl could be dense.
"Why was he nervous?"
>"Wouldn't you be?"
"You told me guys don't ask you out, you're not that kind of girl, what happened?"
>Dash just stares at you for a few moments.
>"That's what this is about?"
"About what?"
>"This. The kindness, the helping, the caring the what not, thats what this is about?"
"I'm not sure I follow your thesis."
>"This is about me having said I'm not that kind of girl? That's why you care?"
>Oh that.
"Dash, I care because I like you, because I'm your friend, because I'm your cousin. You're important to me; you're family."
>"No shit we're cousins, we used to play together almost a decade ago."
>....This girl say what?
"What did you just say?"
>"We used to play together a decade ago?"
"Who told you that?"
>"What?"
"Who told you that? Who used their words to tell you that?"
>"No one, why?"
"When did that come back to you?"
>"A week ago, why?"
"Dash, you couldn't remember me five weeks ago. You had no idea who I was."
>"So that means?" she asked, starting to click in.
"Your memories are coming back. Do you remember anything else?"
>"No, I don't."
"This is progress Dash,"
>She smiles at you, and hugs you.
>"You're not off the hook yet."
>You sigh.
>This isn't going anywhere.
>Thank something that she is pretty good looking, other wise this would be awful.
"I want you to be happy with your choice Dash, thats all."
>"Why does it matter so much to you? I don't even think Jed cares this much."
"Because thanks to you, I made friends, thats why I care."
>"You'd have made friends on your own."
"Not this group."
>"So you're trying to repay me?"
"Trying to help you benefit from my success."
>Dash sits down.
>"I don't want to go just with him. I want you there as well, having fun."
"Thinking the girls won't be there to have fun with you?"
>"They'll have their own date; I don't want to bug 'em."
>But she's ok with bugging me.
>"At least with you and Twilight, its you and Twilight, neither of you really wants to be there. So it's not as bad."
>And yet everyone wants you two to show up.
"I may as well just as you out to the dance them," you say, joking around.
>Dash almost looks hopeful at that.
>"No, you're asking out Twilight."
"But you aren't going to be happy."
>"Knowing him, he'll be with his friends for part of the night; so he can brag. He's a teenage who got the soccer captain; he'll do nothing but brag, wouldn't you?"
>Actually, I'd dance with you and make you laugh at my awful dance moves. But that's just my style.
"No, I ask you out, you're having fun."
>Dash looks like she's thinking or several moments.
>"It'll be fine. Now call Twilight and ask her to the dance while theres still time in this day."
>You sigh and push her number on the screen.
>==
>You wake up the next morning with you're ears still ringing from Twilights loud, but quite clear, yes.
>==
>The day of the dance.
>It's been almost six weeks since school started.
>The idea of a dance this early is still stupid in your mind.
>But here you are, with Twilight.
>Damn, does she look great.
>she's wearing a dress, which is always fun when she wears one.
>Usually she avoids skirts and such, as she finds they get in the way of her moving around.
>So when she does dress up. It's a time to enjoy.
>She's wearing a pink dress, that goes down just past her knees. Around her waist is a white felt with a gold looking buckle.
>You've seen Applejack around as well, she's with one of the guys the theatre department.
>Pinkie and Pokey are dancing around and looking like they are enjoying themselves.
>Dash, who wasn't wrong about the soccer player, is with his friends. He almost seems terrified of her, but he does stop by and check up on her every now and again.
>It's one of the weirdest things you've ever seen.
>Twilight and you are sitting and relaxing right now. As you just came from a dance.
>Oddly enough, you were not the worst dancer.
>That award went to Fluttershy date who is currently no where to be found.
>Fluttershy is sitting at the table with you and Twilight, while Rarity and her date dance; he's pretty good it seems.
>"You're taking this pretty well Fluttershy," Twilight notes.
>"He told me it wasn't my fault before he stormed off, I guess he's got a soft ego," Fluttershy says with a shrug.
"You sure you don't want to look for him?"
>"Waste of time," she says. "I'll dance on my own, or head home early."
>"WHEW! Rarity I did not think you could go that long," her date says as he walks off the floor with her and to your table.
>"Well I try to be talented, be a dear and get us some punch, please?" She asked as he slides out her chair for her.
>"Of course," and he's gone.
>Rarity gives off a sigh
>"He's such a gentleman, but keeping conversation with him is a serious effort."
"Really? You two seemed to be having fun."
>"It's dancing, Anon, how can one have no fun that way?"
>It wasn't the most dignified act.
>Save for slow dances.
>Those were fine.
>But Rarity wouldn't agree, so you hold back.
>"Fluttershy, where is your date?"
>You and Twilight lock eyes for a moment, neither of you sure as to how to react.
>"He...left, I think," she says. "At least, he's not with me currently."
>Rarity looks at her, no emotion visible on her face. Her eyes didn't move, and her lips remained closed. For several seconds, it's as if she had frozen and was unable to defrost.
>"He left," she clarified. "As in, has left the building, premise. Not to return."
>"Um. Yes," Fluttershy says.
>Rarity doesn't look away, but stands. She refocuses her gaze on her date, and marches off to him.
>Well that was unique.
>The girls and you look towards her and her date, talking fast. The guy just seemed to be unable to get a word in. But he soon hugs her tight and hands her, her punch, before returning to the bowl. The girls focus in on Rarity as she returns but you noticed the guy give a thumbs up to a few guys.
>Rarity takes her seat as if nothing happened, and sips at her drink quietly.
>But her smile comes alive as the glass blocks the view of her mouth from Twilight and Fluttershy.
>Dash comes by and sits down at your table, you see her date about twenty feet away just standing there, unaware of how to act. But convinced closer is a bad idea.
"Everything ok, Dash?" you ask, eyes glancing between him and her.
>She shoots you a glare that didn't cause damage, but it might as well have.
>"Just don't let him come here."
"Can do."
>Raritys date comes back with punch; enough for everyone at the table.
>Including you and Dash.
>This guy, you like him already.
>He quickly delivers everyone their drink, and then kneels before Fluttershy, dropping off hers last.
>"I hate to see a pretty girl sit with no one to dance with, but I hate it more so when she's a friend."
>He offers her his hand.
>"Join me for a dance?"
>Fluttershy blushes and smiles.
>The girl can't even answer, and just nods.
>As you watch her leave, you flash the two a grin and a nod.
>He wasn't the best looking guy, but the guy had two things: heart and confidence.
>Winning, he is.
>"Oh would you look at that," Rarity says as the two walk off. "A happy couple."
>No matter how passive aggressive that should have sounded, you can tell Rarity is genuinely happy for them.
>"Rarity, that was really generous of you," Twilight says.
>The girl in the white dress just smirks.
>"He wanted to go with her, she wanted to go with him; it's a match made for tonight," she explains. >"Besides, loyalty to your friends is important."
"Either way, that was really nice of you."
>"My feet hurt as well, and he's the type who dances a lot."
>The girls talk amongst themselves for awhile, with you throwing in the occasional word or two.
>Twilight stretches several times, bumping you in sincere, but safe places.
>Your arm, shoulder, sides.
>You catch her hand after one that threatens to go a little lower.
"Wanna dance?" you ask, holding her hand before her and giving her a smile.
>She grins and nods.
>You flash Rarity and Dash a wave, who seems a little miffed at your actions, but you give her a wink.
>Twilight, to her credit, is a deacent dancer and gives you some advice as you take to the floor.
>It help, but you're still pretty bad. Yet a smile and staring into her eyes keeps the time pleasant and light.
>The two of you return after two dances to find Dash dealing with her date.
>The argument doesn't seem to have been going on long, but you step in anyways.
>hero_mode.exe
"She asked you to back off, I suggest you listen," you say, standing beside Dash.
>The guy just squares you up, and tries to look tough.
>The only thing that's tough is not laughing at him.
>"Who do you think you are?"
"Someone who thinks you should walk away from this."
>You slip a shoulder in front of Dash, not totally sure if she's gonna beat his ass or not.
>"Listen u-"
"No, you listen for once in your damn life. Back off. Go back to your friends, and tell them that you fucked up. Look 'em dead in the eye and say you fucked up. But since you manned up and apologized, Dash thinks your an cool person," you say. "Everyone agree that's what happened?"
>Dash isn't happy, but sans letting her wreck this guy up, she isn't going to be.
>"Then why won't she dance with me?"
"Because you didn't ask, because you RESPECT personal choices. Because you're just acting like a little shit because you're a dumb ass kid. Like we all are," you say. "But you're trying to make things right. Like a man. Get it?"
>Dash seems a little happier, which is nice. At least she seems less likely to destroy him.
>No lawsuits are nice.
>"Yeah, yeah I get it. I'm sorry Rainbow Dash. I wasn't being right to you," he says. "And that's not fair."
>You didn't actually expect him to apologies, but you're ok with this ending.
>"Just don't do this to anyone else, alright?"
>"Alright. We cool?"
>"Ask me next week friday."
>"Will do. I'll be going now."
>He leaves after.
>Dash looks at you with a small smile.
>"Thank you, Anon."
>You just give her a hug.
"I got you back, Dashie."
>===
>By the next morning, you're still feeling the effects of that punch.
>Might want to avoid calling her Dashie.