Chapter 6: Friend Request
Nathan was not much help when I came crying to him with my problems. Okay, I wasn’t literally crying, but all he did was sit awkwardly and listen to my story.
“You shouldn’t feel bad,” he said. “I mean, it’s for her own good, right?”
“Maybe, but I feel like I violated Rainbow’s trust.” I stared at my hands.
“She would have done the same thing,” said Nathan.
“No, I don’t think she would have,” I said. “She just feels…more loyal than that.”
“Don’t worry about it, babe,” Nathan assured me. “I’m sure you’ll work things out.”
I believed him, but still felt terrible. To Nathan’s credit, he didn’t suggest that we have get-over-it sex. The fact that I almost expected him to said something about our relationship.
I knew I was kidding myself about him. I didn’t think he was husband material. He didn’t give me the consideration that I thought that he should. It was probably only a matter of time before we had to go our separate ways. I was just putting it off as long as possible.
It was late by the time I got back to the dorm. I opened the door quietly, but didn’t see a pony-shaped silhouette, so I went ahead and turned on the light.
It was well past sunset, and it didn’t look like Rainbow had come back to the room since she’d left, angry with me for prying into her life. I wondered where she could be. We’d known each other for just less than a week. How much did I actually care about her? Did she care about me?
A single sky-blue feather sat on Rainbow’s bed. I glanced around. The chewed pencils and lack of clothing in the closest also reinforced the fact that my roommate wasn’t human.
Did a multicolored pony deserve different treatment than a person? Was that racist? Uh, I mean, speciesist? I felt like I was in over my head.
There was no guide for Equestrian roommates. No books titled Living With a Pony For Dummies. With nothing else to go off of, I had to figure it out for myself.
None of those were pleasant thoughts, and I quickly went to bed before I could consider them further.
I must have been asleep when Rainbow finally came in. The next time I saw her was morning. Her alarm clock went off earlier than mine. I pretended to be asleep while she collected her class supplies and went out the door.
I felt bad about not apologizing to her right then, but rationalized it with the thought that Rainbow was in a hurry to get to classes. I could talk to her later.
I lay in bed, trying to decide how I could set things right between us. Gifts were out. I didn’t have much money, and had no idea what Rainbow liked. A card or a note seemed kind of impersonal.
Just talk it out with her, my conscience told me. Confront the issue directly.
I sighed. At least I had a couple of hours to plan what I should say. I headed off to my first class. After sitting through that, I went to work.
At the copy shop, Justin noticed my mood and couldn’t resist commenting on it. “What’s up with you? Have a fight with your boyfriend?”
“No, my roommate,” I told him.
“How do you argue with a pony?” he asked.
I didn’t reply. He shrugged. “It’s probably because you’re a bitch.”
I cocked my fist back, but he took a couple of steps away before I could hit him. “What is wrong with you?” I shouted. “Do you just do things without thinking?”
Justin shrugged. “Don’t you?”
A couple of our coworkers watched us. I turned away, embarrassed to have lost control of my emotions.
Regretfully, Justin’s words rang true. It was lack of consideration for Rainbow’s feelings that got me into trouble. If I had taken a moment to think about that before pumping Twilight for information, there wouldn’t be a problem.
That afternoon, I returned to the dorm with a plan. It didn’t go much beyond begging Rainbow for forgiveness, but it was better than nothing.
I stopped in front of my door. I didn’t know if Rainbow would be in the room, and part of me hoped she wouldn’t be. I tried the knob, and it was unlocked. I took a deep breath and opened the door.
The pegasus sat in front of her computer. She’d obtained another dexterity enhancer for her other hoof and appeared to be learning how to type using the hunt-and-peck method. She looked up when I came in. I closed the door and set my backpack down.
“I need to talk to you,” I began. I sat down in my chair and turned to face her.
Rainbow gave me a look of annoyance. I’m not sure if it was because I interrupted her typing, or if she was just generally annoyed with me. Either one was plausible.
I sighed. “I’m sorry that I went behind your back. If you didn’t want me to know something, I shouldn’t have pried. I was doing it for a good cause, but that doesn’t make it right.”
“Do you want to know why I was trying to keep it secret?” she asked.
“Um, okay.” I couldn’t tell where she was going with this.
Rainbow looked away. “I feel kind of ashamed about coming here.”
“What?” That was about the most coherent thing I could think of to say. I had no idea what she was talking about.
“I feel like I’m supposed to be more loyal to everypony,” she said. “Equestria is home.”
“I’m sure they understand,” I said.
Rainbow shook her head. “I’ve only told my closest friends in Ponyville about this. They know me. I don’t know what others would think if they found out.”
It was an abrupt turnaround from her earlier attitude. She liked talking about the Sonic Rain-whatever and her other abilities. I had thought that she wanted to be well known.
“Is there some kind of stigma against ponies to coming to Earth?” I asked.
“Well, no,” Rainbow told me. “I just don’t want to feel like I’m leaving everything I know behind.”
“You don’t have to,” I pointed out. “You can go back to visit.”
“That’s not what I meant,” she said, shaking her head. “The thing with the citizenship is what I’m worried about. I don’t like the idea that I won’t be Equestrian anymore.”
I shrugged. “What’s a citizenship other than a piece of paper? You still have your friends. If anyone else cares, that’s too bad. You don’t have to please everyone.”
“Haters gonna hate?” Rainbow suggested.
I burst out laughing. “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Where did you hear that, anyway?”
Rainbow smiled, pleased with herself. “I’ve been learning a lot about the internet in the last few days. Twilight’s jealous. She’s usually the high-tech one. Speaking of her, she called earlier.”
“Oh, did you have a good conversation?” I asked.
“It was nice to hear from her,” said Rainbow. She looked at me pointedly. “We talked about you.”
Payback’s a bitch, as they say. Rainbow and Twilight didn’t have any of my personal secrets to tell each other, but that didn’t make it any less pleasant.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
Rainbow’s expression softened a little. “I know you were just trying to help. Twilight told me about that. Just ask me first next time, okay?”
“Sure.” I was glad to finally put this behind us. It was clear that I owed Twilight big for calming Rainbow down. I’d have to thank her the next time she called.
“If the USCIS wants to talk to you, is there anything else you need to know about me?” Rainbow asked.
“I have one question,” I said. “Why do you want to join the Blue Angels?”
“I guess Twilight told you about the Wonderbolts thing.” Rainbow sighed. “A long time ago, I decided that I needed a big goal to work towards. If you’re always looking to the future, the day-to-day stuff is easier to deal with. My goal used to be joining the Wonderbolts. Now, I want to be a pilot.”
“That sounds really difficult,” I commented.
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Talking to Navy recruiters is probably the hardest part. None of them know what to do with a pony, and a lot of them want to turn me into a celebrity. I don’t mind getting recognition for being awesome, but I want to earn it.”
“Are you going to join ROTC?” I asked.
Rainbow frowned. “Those people who run around in the early morning and sing songs?”
I shrugged. “Maybe. I don’t really know a whole lot about the military.”
“Neither do I,” Rainbow admitted. “It’s going to be a lot to learn.”
“I wish you the best of luck,” I told her. I checked the clock and stood up. “I’m going to get something to eat.”
“Go ahead,” said Rainbow, waving a hoof. “I have a few things to take care of.”
I hooked up with my friend Carol and we went to dinner. She noted, “You’re in a good mood.”
“I guess you could say that.” I nodded, but said nothing further.
“Do you have any plans for Labor Day?” she asked.
“That’s next Monday, right?” I said. “No, I don’t have any plans yet. Getting a day off classes will be nice, though.”
“Let me know if you think of anything,” Carol said. I told her I would.
After dinner, I went back to my dorm room. I had some homework due the next day that I hadn’t started yet. There was still time for a little Facebook, though.
I opened the door and saw that I was alone. Once again, I wondered where the pony went when she wasn’t in the room.
I sat down in front of my computer. As I opened the familiar blue and white homepage of the social media site, I spotted a new notification. I clicked on the symbol and a box popped up. Accept friend request from Rainbow Dash?
I laughed out loud and clicked accept.
Lose citizenship in Equestria? The first thing that came to my mind was dual citizenship. But then I read up on that a bit and discovered that the USA don't really support that, once you become a US citizen, you lose citizenship of other countries.
Then again, Equestria may not acknowledge that, and still consider Rainbow a citizen (like the UK does?). I think it would be entirely up to the princesses, and I doubt they would officially revoke the citizenship just because the USA say so . Rainbow is the Element of Loyalty, after all, and a national hero.
In the end, while the USA might see Rainbow only as an American citizen, Equestria may see Rainbow as an Equestrian and American citizen. At least I think that's what would happen. dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/shrug_Rainbow_Dash.png
... I'm thinking too much.
742687
That is exactly how it would work. A lot of countries just laugh and roll their eyes when the US tries to claim exclusive citizenship.
743471 the uk for the win!
Also I agree with you
static.fimfiction.net/images/loading.gif ...... That was interesting.
dammit denise. do you know what i'd give to have that same friend request?!?!?!?
742687
Wait. That's a thing that actually happens?
Jegus, now I feel slightly ashamed of my own country.
743844
Meh, UK's government is retarded.
So I gather that this story isn't actually on the Battleships timeline? Because Rainbow graduated in that timeline years and years before Google existed, let alone Facebook.
744390 Along with most if the world's governments. So,
SCREW THE GOVERNMENT
744584
Well mostly yes, but as humans are not a perfect species we do kinda need a government. However we need a government that governs us, not controls us. Hence the fact that I hate the UK's government and most of the UN governments as they are all control freaks instead of legitimate governments. Here in the USA however, where the government is more in check, things go better.
I like the citizen talk but.... navy, dashie will kill people if needed to right? eh better to be part of the best military in the world than elseware, i think that the only country that would let dashie join the navy would be the UK
Does equestria have citizenship?
Rainbow Dash in the military. Nnnnnnnno.
744621 I can't tell whether you're serious or not.
742687
Actually my parents have Dual-citizenship and they are Americans,
As far as US law goes, they only care what is relevant to them (not literately but as a easy way to explain things).
Your citizenship of your home country is not voided unless you do something to void it, such as an actual act of betrayal or renouncing your citizenship.
How the law works in Equestria I got no clue, but at least Rainbow Dash knows Princess Celestia and Luna.
As for the US Military having Ponies in service, I don't know (way too many politics to consider). They might allow Dash just for the good PR, although if Dash is the only pony Pony in the Navy she would be used for publicity.
745022
This is a expansive side story to a previous story
"Wings of Gold"--Complete by totallynotabrony
744621 I'd go into all that bullshit about how the U.S gov is definately not a non-controlling government, but meh, what's the point? As i see it, pretty much all countries are as bad as each other in their own ways, including (and especially) England.... (I'm not exactly patriotic....)
Anyways, awesome story so far, really helps to stave off the pre-exam nerves n' all that ^^
746450
I'm this serious:
747900
Fine, our government does have some control freak issues, but it isn't AS BAD as other governments.
CHEATING ON YOU.
> How do you argue with a pony?
The same way you argue with any other sapient creature, asshat.
Calling it now: Denise and Justin bang later.
Huh. The loyalty thing. That's nice. I wasn't actually expecting it.
Does Equestria not allow dual citizenship? That's dumb.
742687 i think you might be on to something, dash could be one of those few with forced duel citizenship, i have only heard of it a couple times and dont know much about it, but being so famous in your homeland you kind of cant have the 1. Mike Myers is the only example i can think of.
“Are you going to join ROTC?” I asked.
Ha, I'm a Chief Master Sergeant in Niceville High Schools' U.S.A.F.J.R.O.T.C.( United States Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Core). By The way, Niceville is in the Florida panhandle. Fun Fact, Toby Turner, a.k.a. TOBUSCUS is from here.
this story is good but i hate denise.
a rainbow pegasus is your roommate... lets see how much of an ass you can be.
748891 Well, it's a orange pony wearing a cowboy hat... Yeah! That sounds pretty serious!
748898 I'm torn between a natural need to defend my country by mocking yours, and a natural need as a British citizen to complain about our government.
But, hey, it's the internet. What are you going to do, type at me? Like I'm doing?
America sucks 'n stuff! They like, think they're so great and all! UK is totally awesome! And things!
763719 Plus, I completely agree. This would be more serious there wasn't like 30 colourful cartoon ponies to the right of the comment box. It diminishes the seriousness by about 20%.
764180
Your government banned guns, 'nough said, they're retards.
763719
Serious orange hatted pony is serious.
764272
Your government allowed guns, 'nough said, they're retards.
764300
People are retarded enough said.
764300
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual maturity," ~Sigmund Freud.
Gun control is not about government controlling crime, it is about government controlling people. i.e. evil.
764578 Well, you said it, so it must be true! I'm totally kidding, I'm gonna ignore everything you say, because you're not changing my mind. If that's alright. Have fun.
764553 Now that, I can agree with.
765471
If you won't listen to me will you listen to logic?
767002 I think that I will stop being silly and make a serious answer, as that is obviously what you want to get.
I think that I could argue against guns by saying that making them illegal makes them harder to get hold of, which means less gun related crimes, but I do realise that police having guns might mean that they can prevent other kinds of crime, but I could also argue that by saying that having guns means that they will use them, possibly resulting in loss of life that may have otherwise not occurred.
It depends on your opinion on guns, and everyone has a different one, as is the case for many things. Our governments have taken different stances regarding guns, and other issues, and I think that neither of them are "right" as such, and neither are wrong. Again, it depends on your opinion, as the issue is subjective. I personally agree with banning guns, and you obviously do not. I can respect that, and I hope that you can do me the same courtesy.
Oh, and I don't think that the government banning guns is indicative of being afraid of weapons, and is more to do with the fact that guns are, as part of their purpose, dangerous, and so, are controlled to keep peace. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that Sigmund Freud's methods and theories, while still considered interesting, are no longer used. Though, I don't know much about psychology, so if you know more, feel free to enlighten me.
One last thing. The thing that I took issue with here was the tone of your comments, which I think came off as rather dismissive of other's countries and governments, and rather rude. For example, calling them "retards" because they chose something different to what your government chose. I know that I responded in kind, and I apologise for that, but your frank rudeness annoyed me. We should be able to see that all countries have their differences and their flaws, and accept it politely, and without resorting to insults.
767151
I suppose that using 'rude frankness' was not my best course of action, sorry.
However, making guns illegal does not make them harder to get in the least. You see, to begin with felons are not allowed to purchase firearms and therefore cannot get guns from an average gun store which is bound by certain laws. That said, criminals don't just walk into a gun store and buy a gun, they either steal one (which is not as easy as it sounds) or they buy them illegally (which is not as hard as it sounds) and therefore bypass any law that bans guns. This provides quite a dilemma, where (in a case of a gun ban) criminals still have all of their guns, but citizens do not as they cannot buy guns. In layman's terms "Outlawing guns means that only outlaws have guns." Criminals do not follow laws, banning guns is a law, therefore criminals will not respect a gun ban and will continue having guns while a populace of citizens does not have guns.
Some research showed that despite your country's gun ban, crime has risen quite a bit. The article was titled "The UK Gun Ban" (or something similar) if you're interested.
Taking all of this into account, banning guns does not reduce crime. I will say that some gun laws are required such as background checks and difference ordinance laws, but too many will mean that you have unarmed civilians and armed criminals. Sure police are armed, but it takes them a minimum of five minutes average to get to a home and it takes me about thirty seconds to get my shotgun locked and loaded. In five minutes a criminal can do a lot to an unlucky home owner meaning calling the cops is pretty much useless.
All of this said, the only explanation that I can come up with is that the government is afraid of weapons in the hands of the populace.
767219 Sorry I took a while to reply. What I meant by the previous comment was to explain my actions, and to stop the argument. So, yeah, it's fine. I really don't mind what you think. Enjoy your reading! (And I believe writing, I think you have a story?)
768453
...Oh, oops . Yes I have one story.
Fun chapter. Found a typo:
"Rainbow and Twilight didn’t have any of my personal secrets to tell each other, but that didn’t make it any less pleasant."
Should be "didn't make it any less unpleasant." I think.
799193
Not sure if serious or mocking me.
744332 already am. let me know when you feel ashamed of your own species.
742687 Odd, I just happen to have dual U.S. citizenship.
Paybacks a bitch. Lmfao
RD Facebook friend request. Awwww
You know why I like this? Because it reads like a true story. I love the perspective, I love the blend of "real" college life and rooming with an interdimensional talking pony, I love the conflict and the realistic dialogue and the simple exposition... This is just great. All around great. I'm really enjoying this very original fanfic.
742687 no, I believe you are thinking too little
742687
Man that is bullshit what the fuck is wrong with America its not like their the best and only country in the world and if you don't come from there your lower then them
...
I wonder if that's the same in Australia?
747900 oh thank gawd I thought we were gonna have a Nathan on our hands
746553 ROFL
There's always time for facebook
746553 you beat me to it!!
750437 Yes! Finally, someone else other than myself and my three brothers that uses the term asshat.