>You're sitting up against the bed frame, sheets of cotton and polyester holding you down gently. >The bed is supremely comfortable, a gift from the Apple clan - something like their cousin someone-or-other's old bed. The sheets are red and green, the muted sort that goes well together, at least in your eyes. >On top is a big wool blanket almost like a quilt, red apple fashioned right in the center. >It's a beautiful day already, you can feel it. "Man...this...this is the life." >The blanket rustles again. >"You said it, brother." >You jolt up in surprise. The blanket coils around the base of your hips. >A mildly amused Rainbow Dash emerges from the covers, over and between your legs like some kind of reverse birth. >"Hey Anon. Yeesh you scare easy. Can I hang with you today?" >You sigh and put your head in your hands. "Rainbow Dash. Why the hell are you in my bed?" >She cocks her head to the side. >"Whaddya mean? We're dating now." >You rub your mouth with the palm of your hand. "Dash...I said I wanted to take this slow. I didn't even know you were coming over." >Rainbow Dash looks a bit concerned but still puts on a quiet smile. >"Yeah, that. I figured, maybe we could get the uncomfortable bits out of the way, ya know? And..." >Her eyes dart aside. >"...and maybe, we could...I mean...it might make it easier..." >Dash trails off a bit. >"...to get to...ya know..." >Even in her odd state, you'd be lying if you said that you weren't at least a little endeared by it. "Dash." >She perks up and looks right at you again. "When I said I wanted to take it slow, I meant it. I like you..." >Dash beams. "...which is why I don't want to rush this." >Her mouth comes together in a pout. >"But come ooooon! I know it's fine, you know it's fine - so what's the problem?" >Propelled by her wings, Dash drifts upwards and floats at eye-level. >"Look - Anon. You're a cool guy - I trust you. And if you're coming on too strong then I can let you know." >Her wings flap a bit slower. >"It's not...me, is it?" >She all of the sudden can't meet your eyes again. >How are you going to get out of this one? "Dash..." >She falters and floats gently to the seat of the bed. >You'll need quick thinking to solve this mishap. Unfortunately, you're not much one for quick thinking. "Rainbow...it's not you. It's...me." >You can't believe you just said that. >She doesn't react to this. Something, anything will do. >Rainbow Dash is still not looking at you. >"...Right. That means it's double-me." >You're already trying to stumble your way into a retort but she holds her hoof up and beats you to it. >"No no. I get it. I can take it slower. The sneaking-in-your-bed thing was kinda weird." >You laugh and put your hand on the base of your neck. It's freezing. "Maybe a little." >Dash laughs back and the cold in the room seems to dissipate, if only slightly. >This is only, of course, to be overtaken by awkward silence. "So, uh...I gotta go to work." >Dash smiles in the same manner she did yesterday - the kind that made your heart melt. >"Okay! I'll walk with you." >You smirk and slide out of bed in a mangled half-pirouette. "I must be something special if I have Rainbow Dash walking for me." >She laughs and hops to the floor, hoofing your leg with a mean (if soft) right hook. >"Shuddup you dork! You know what I mean. Fly, walk, whatever!" >Your smirk pushes at the corners of your mouth until it can safely be called a smile. >Hand ruffling the mane of a slightly flustered Rainbow Dash, you make your way towards the door to prepare for work.