Medical Procedures

by Art Inspired

Rating: mature
Tags: Spitfire, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Nurse Redheart, Rarity, Romance, Sex, Comedy
Length: 80060

Twilight and Rainbow Dash become nurses.

When Nurse Redheart attends the National Nurse Convention in Canterlot for a few weeks, Dr. Stables realizes he's without a Lead Nurse, and things are a bit unorganized at the moment. With not much of a choice, he decides to hire Twilight Sparkle to help with filing paper work, along with tending to some of the patients. Little did she know, soon Rainbow Dash would become interested in the job as well after seeing Twilight's cute uniform.

If you'd like to skip the story and enjoy the clop, all clop chapters are listed here:
Part Eight
Part Twenty One
Part Twenty Two
Part Twenty Four
Part Twenty Seven

Slight assistance in Part Twenty Seven came from Neko Majin C.

Cover image by Pyruvate.

Published 2013-05-31 01:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-05-20 02:18:05 UTC

Part Two

The intermittent sound of scribbling echoed through the empty lobby of the Ponyville Clinic. Dr. Stables was busy at work with Twilight’s papers; so busy in fact, that he hardly took a sip from the mug of coffee he had prepared for himself over an hour ago.

He sighed before smirking, and placed the quill down to rub his eyes. It was early in the morning, and most employees had yet to arrive. The doctor had come at that time not because he needed to, but due to his desire to hurry along and get Twilight started on her work. Looking at the clock, just passed six-thirty, he groaned and looked at his drink. “That’s probably cold. Might as well warm it back up.”

Meanwhile—just outside the Ponyville city limits—Spitfire and Rainbow Dash had met for some special one-on-one Wonderbolts training. They stood in the clearing among the green grass and whistling winds, waiting for the sun to rise. Spitfire turned to her pupil and sternly asked, “You remember what you’ll be doing, correct?!”

“Yes ma’am!” Rainbow cleared her throat before running through the procedures once more. “I am to start clearing the clouds the second the sun breaks dawn, and I must have them all gone by its full rise!”

“Good!” Spitfire looked on and waited with the cerulean mare, eager to see the sight for herself.

Of course, this was a daily thing for Rainbow Dash. Even before joining the Wonderbolts, she’d test her abilities early in the morning with this same, basic and somewhat old practice. However, Spitfire knew this, and had other plans to strain Rainbow from completing her task. As the sun finally showed its beaming face, Rainbow’s wings spread, and in a flash of ecstatic spectrum lightning, she took off for the golden sky.

One by one, the clouds that were once invisible in the darkness were wiped clean from the atmosphere. Everything was going smoothly, and for the most part, Spitfire was pleased at Rainbow’s work. Though, this was expected, and as soon as half the clouds were vanquished, Spitfire grinned. “Guess that’s my cue.”

She lowered her frame, opened her own wings and ignited the grass around her just by taking off. The smoke trailing her was soon seen by Rainbow, and as she slowed herself to try and figure out who or what it could’ve been, she heard her mentor yell in disbelief, “What’re you doing Dash? Keep going!”

Rainbow gasped at the speeds her teacher was reaching, and before she could get back to work, Spitfire passed right by her. Thanks to the vigorous winds trailing Spitfire, Rainbow was send swirling in the air. She backflipped three times before finally stopping herself and looked up to spot Spitfire roughly turning to chase after her.

“Right,” Rainbow huffed.

With no other choice, she forced herself to do her best by ignoring the distractions spontaneously presented and staying focused on the targets. Repeatedly rushing through the clouds and dodging Spitfire’s actions, Rainbow was close to being done when Spitfire knocked right into her, making the cerulean pegasus lose her balance once more, only to recover moments later and resume her tedious mission.

One last cloud remained wafting in the distance. If Rainbow could just reach it, she would succeed. It wasn’t that far off, actually. A few more beats of her wings, and she’d be done. Charging after it, she could hear the thunderous roar of Spitfire above her headed right for the same destination. Spitfire wanted to see Rainbow push herself harder this time, so with her mind made up and confidence in Rainbow’s abilities fogging her better judgement, she swooped down. Like a bat out of hell, Spitfire raged through the gusts of winds, tears seeping through her eyelids. She expected Rainbow to be able to outdo her and reach the cloud first, but unfortunately, just as the sun reached its penultimate state, Rainbow glanced up to see Spitfire’s widening eyes. Everything from that point for Rainbow became a blackened blur.

On the ground, pain seared through her upper-right hoof, and the worried voice of Spitfire rang through her ears. “Hold on Rainbow! I-I’ll get some help. Just stay put!” The commander turned to hear Rainbow cough a bit. Looking around, the mare claimed, “I never meant that to happen...”

The injured pony wheezed, “D-did I do it...? Did I g-get that last cloud, ma’am?”

Spitfire bit her bottom lip and looked up to the remaining puff in the sky. “...Yeah, kid... You did.”

Rainbow rested her body while unable to move. All the mare could do was be proud at the accomplishment she actually didn’t achieve. Soon, she was taken away to the clinic where she’d meet up with a familiar friend.

Minutes before Rainbow would make her entrance, Twilight arrived to be greeted by Dr. Stables. As she entered, the unicorn felt happy and showed it with a smile. “Welcome, Twilight! Good to see you again,” Dr. Stables said.

“It’s good to see you as well. So, how goes the preparations?” Twilight was brought to the back of the desk only to see paper upon documents and records all in a heaping pile right underneath the counter, and some even sliding onto the floor. “Oh, sweet Celestia... You really do need an organizer!”

Sheepishly chuckling at her words, the doctor frowned and explained, “Nurse Redheart was a great assistant, but to my personal dissatisfaction, neither she nor I could ever keep things around here very orderly or neat with it being such a madhouse. After awhile, it got out of hoof. I found it too great a challenge to try much longer, and the same could be said for anypony else who worked here. We considered hiring somepony like yourself early on, but only recently have we had a break, and a chance to attempt this. So, I ask you once more, will you be able to handle this?”

Twilight smirked and placed a soft hoof on Dr. Stables chest. “You can count on me!”

Sighing with relief, the doctor pulled out her papers and asked Twilight to have a seat and fill the documents out. They consisted with basic informational requirements such as height, weight, special talent, and so on. About half way through, the doors opened, and Twilight was momentarily shocked to see her own friend, Rainbow Dash being wheeled in on a gurney, Spitfire following close behind with a discouraging expression. Twilight immediately placed the notes down on the table in front of her and trotted to the Wonderbolt leader to question, “What happened?”

Spitfire watched her student being taken to the back and muttered, “We, uh... had a bit of an accident during today’s morning routine...” She looked up to Twilight’s glossy eyes and said, “It’s just a fractured hoof. Shouldn’t take long to heal at all. She’s actually lucky she landed in the bushes. Otherwise, I’m not really sure she would’ve survived the fall.”

Twilight glanced at the closing doors leading to the inside of the clinic to catch one last vision of her friend, wounded and bandages slightly covering her back and wings. She didn’t look too heavily impaired, but still, Twilight had to make sure. She walked up to the doctor and asked, “I’d like to be assigned to look after-”

“Rainbow Dash? I know,” Dr. Stables kindly interrupted. “I’m getting those forms sorted out right now.” With a wink, he returned to his work. As for Twilight, she thanked him and got back to filling out her own needed share of papers with Spitfire sitting beside her. Without peering away from her work, Twilight calmly asked, “So what exactly happened?”

Spitfire didn’t say anything at first. She adjusted herself a few times and tried to think about how she was going to put it. With Twilight putting down the quill again and looking over to her, Spitfire sighed and said, “They say you shouldn’t underestimate your enemies... You should also never overestimate your friends either...” Standing up and walking towards the door, Spitfire looked back while stopping for a second to tell Twilight, “Take care of her... I would stay, but I’ve got recruits to tend to...”

The unicorn nodded, and watched the Wonderbolt leader leave. Then, Twilight hurried up with her writings and immediately headed for Rainbow’s room. Once she entered, Twilight saw her friend laying on the exact same bed she was in when she first injured her wing. A nightstand next to her held an empty glass and a plate with some bits of grain left from her meal. As for Rainbow, she slept with her hoof wrapped in a cast, and some bandages circling her head. When Twilight sat down to the left of Rainbow and nudged her shoulder tenderly, the patient groaned a bit before opening her pale eyes. “T-Twilight?” she asked. “Is that you...?”

The unicorn almost felt a tear escape. Seeing her friend like this wasn’t the most comforting thing, so to fight it, she explained, “I’ll be looking after you for a bit. The doctor says you’ll only be here for about two weeks... I’ve been hired as a filing nurse, along with looking after certain ponies, too. I asked if you could be my first, and they didn’t mind at all... How’re you feeling?”

Rainbow laid the right portion of her head down and avoided eye contact while saying, “I’m fine.”

Not believing this, Twilight stood and reached over the cold, metal railings along the bed to hug her friend. “If you need anything, just call...”

As she began to leave her friend in peace, Twilight looked back to see Rainbow unmoved. Not only that, but Twilight could’ve sworn she heard Rainbow sobbing a bit, but there was nothing she could’ve done at that point but worry and hope her friend could recover soon, both physically, and mentally.

Returning once again to the lobby, Twilight saw Dr. Stables holding some sort of bundled fabric with bright colors surround the edges with his magic. Offering a puzzled face, Twilight asked him, “What’s that?”

He giggled slightly and claimed, “It’s your standard nurse outfit.” He gave it to her and continued, “While you’re working here, you’ll be required to wear it, as it’s also been enchanted with medical sanitation properties. They all have, actually.”

Twilight’s interest could be seen clearly while she looked the apparels over with an intrigued smile. She was shown to an empty room for changing, and once she exited, the doctor could hardly contain himself. Twilight was without a doubt the most gorgeous looking nurse in the whole clinic, so much that some passersby had to stop and compliment her on how professional she appeared. The white, comfy socks fit nicely on her hind legs reaching all the way up to half her cutie mark, and the nurses hat with the health symbol labeling the middle stayed snug on her head thanks to her horn elevating it. Her pretty pink coat was just the right size for her, making movement easier than what one would think. Dr. Stables swallowed, unable to form any words, so Twilight asked him, “Does this look alright?”

“Yep!” He squealed nervously, cleared his throat and said, “Yeah, i-it’s very suitable on you.”

Twilight smiled and asked, “I’ll go ahead and get to work, then?” The stallion nodded, and she walked off unaware of not only the doctor’s eyes peeking at her flank swaying down the hallway, but some of the other mares as well. Back at the front desk, Twilight got straight to work until a mail pony walked through the front door holding a wide assortment of flowers in a basket. There were red roses, violets, tulips and many, many more. When the stallion reached the front desk and carefully sat his deliver down, he looked passed it to Twilight while huffing and gave her a note. It read, “To Rainbow Dash with the greatest of apologies. Sincerely, Spitfire.”

After thanking the stallion for his kind services, Twilight lifted the surprisingly heavy bouquet up and headed to Rainbow’s room. Inside, Rainbow still laid asleep, so Twilight placed the flowers on the table across from the pegasus and sat the note next to her friend’s nightstand. Seeing Rainbow peacefully asleep and slightly snoring made Twilight feel warm inside. Once she returned to the paperwork still in need of organization, she assured herself, “Rainbow will be fine.”

Part 2.5

Moments went by, if only a minute. During that time, Twilight sat amongst the papers, preparing to resume her work. Beside her stood Dr. Stables. He seemed busy like her, but Twilight still had more to do, and with every movement, she showed it. In that small minute, she'd come back to her post, grabbed what she was working on before, prepared the next set of documents for processing, and was all ready to continue with what she was doing before that mail pony interrupted her. Then, her patient's buzzer rang, startling her if only for a little while.

Since she was on the ball so much, she immediately answered Rainbow's call with, "Hello? Rainbow? Sorry if I woke you. I was just dropping off-"

"Twilight! I'm allergic to some of these flowers!" Shortly following that came a strong sneeze. "Ouch..."

Picking up on this, Dr. Stables moved out of Twilight way. She leaped from the desk and literally galloped down the hall, straight for Rainbow's room. In little time at all, she arrived out of breath, but aware. The door opened, and she hastily snatched the bouquet up with her magic. In seconds, the flowers that the mail pony had just delivered not five minutes ago was removed. The unicorn was sure to rest it away from the door, but to the side and against the wall where it would be safe.

Still, even after prepping it, never did neither Twilight or Rainbow ever notice the small, grey flower nestled amongst some kindly placed lavender. Twilight walked in, taking a deep breath as she did, and looked at Rainbow who sniffled with the sheets still hiding her nose. "Not... cool," Rainbow mumbled.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know! Spitfire brought them, and... Which flowers are you allergic to anyways?"

Twilight's question came sharp, like a sudden realization. So, Rainbow lowered the blankets, and then responded with, "Petunias, carnations, and tulips." She pointed a hoof at Twilight's direction, and voiced, "Definitely saw some tulips in there."

Twilight nodded. "Won't be forgetting that anytime soon, and sorry again... but, it was just Spitfire's way of saying sorry."

Rainbow nodded as well, but said, "Thanks anyway Twilight... If I need anything, I can call you, right?"

Twilight smiled, and before leaving, she assured Rainbow, "Of course."

Later on, she'd be regretting that, but for now, she had a bouquet to dispose of. Though, it'd be meaningless to throw something so pretty away... No; instead, Twilight decided to bring it home with her. After all, she had a perfect little windowsill that needed some form of decor.

Later that day, she'd return home with Spitfire's gift to Rainbow, and she'd quickly set it up with water and plenty of the ending day's sunlight. The blinds needed some adjusting, but that wasn't too much trouble for her. Spike even helped out with that.

Part Four

While Rainbow Dash read on in her room, Twilight continued with her tedious work as always, organizing papers and documenting everything presented to her with efficiency. The job, for her, wasn’t that difficult, and she found time to enjoy idle conversation with Dr. Stables as well. They discussed usual things like the nurse uniform’s magical properties and where all the other new looking mares and stallions had come from.

“Actually, there’s a bit of a story behind that,” the doctor said. “You see, the Crystal Empire had made a deal with us. Our staff was beginning to overflow, and we really had too many experienced physicians on our hooves while they didn’t have enough up-to-date ones. So, shortly after the Crystal Empire returned, and we found out about their specially enchanted attires, we made a small deal.”

Twilight smirked, knowing full well where this was going. “You traded them experienced workers for new and highly advanced uniforms...”

“Exactly,” the doctor said, slightly chuckling at how it all worked out. “However, their needs drastically raised the price of things, and we gave them a bit more than we intended at first. To counter the sudden lack of hooves, we took it upon ourselves to take in the more newer ponies from a few medical schools. They’d just graduated, you see, but were still inexperienced. To top it all off, no other facility would take them because everyone wanted those who truly knew what they were doing.”

Twilight nodded. “And you gave them a break.” She smiled at the generous act. “That’s so sweet! They might not have gotten a job anywhere else if it wasn’t for you.”

Dr. Stables looked down with blushing cheeks and thanked Twilight for the praise. “Of course, it’s been tough with all these ponies who don’t really know what they’re doing. I mean, sure, they understand a scalpel from a sponge, heh... but when it comes to paperwork, filing, recording...”

Twilight put her hoof on his shoulder, and asked, “That’s why you needed me, right?”

Dr. Stables sighed with contentment, and admitted, “Without you, we’d be in terrible shape, and we owe you so, very much for assisting us.”

Twilight glanced from his line of sight to a picture of Nurse Redheart only to become curious. The picture frame showed her sitting on a park bench wearing a soft looking jacket, snow falling all around her and a purple glowing tree in the background. In the bottom left corner, it read, “Winter’s the only cold time I feel so alone. Thank you for keeping me warm.” The words were circled with a red heart and small lipstick kisses aligning the edges. Twilight had seen it before, but was far too occupied at moments to actually give it a better look. Upon noticing what the mare was looking at, Dr. Stables turned his head around and grinned at the photo as well.

“Winter Wrap Up, just last year...”

Twilight blinked. “Are you two close?”

“Mhh, no... sadly. I’ve had many times; chances, that is, to ask her to dinner or invite her to lunch, but...” He took a deep breath before looking at Twilight. “It’s, uh, really personal... We should get back to work.”

Twilight really wanted to continue and find out more, but understood how the doctor felt. So, with little more to do, she resumed the afternoon’s work, every once in a while noticing her fellow unicorn looking blankly into the frame that held Nurse Redheart’s image. He shook his head finally and planed the photo face down as to not be further distracted by it.

As the day slowly but surely pressed on, Rainbow called Twilight a few times for meals, water refills and other such requests. Once, she even attempted the same trick with her bouncy ball, purposely launching it under the table. Twilight didn’t fall for this, however. She grabbed it up with her magic this time and gave it to her friend with an unamused look in her eyes. Once she left, her ear caught the pegasus sighing with dissatisfaction, and wondered if Rainbow really was trying to get another peek while her guard was down.

Soon after that, it was time to go home. Just before leaving, Twilight returned to Rainbow’s room to check on her only to find the mare quickly asleep and snoring rather loudly. She rolled her eyes with a smile and proceeded to the dressing room she’d used earlier. Walking out undressed and looking normal, she felt odd for some reason, as though the garments took some of her energy away. Either that, or she’d gotten so used to the additional power they granted her, and having it gone now was rather unsettling, and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she didn’t wish to walk around town in them unless she wished others to stare. She bid Dr. Stables a good evening and said goodbye to some of the other nurses as well, and headed home.

Inside the library lobby, Spike was busy with sweeping the floor, organizing the shelves and looking after Owlicious when Twilight returned looking a bit beat, but not too much to not give the dragon a greeting and thank him for keeping the place so tidy and neat for her while she was gone. “Everything looks so wonderful and very well kept,” she said with a quick look to the left, and then to the right. “You even mopped, didn’t you?”

Spike walked passed her to head up the stares, and Twilight followed. “Well, I wanted you to know that I can be trusted with maintaining the place while you’re away.”

They entered the upstairs room, and Spike laid down on his basket bed. As for Twilight, she proceeded to lay out the uniform she’d been carrying in her saddlebag, and then for some reason, she decided to look it over for a bit. Soon enough, it caught Spike’s wary attention. He observed her magical aura wrapped around the coat, and wondered why Twilight had such a brightly colored thing. “Spike, I was wondering, do we have any books on enchantment?”

The dragon looked at the bookshelf, got up and soon shuffled through it. “I think, but what for? Also, are those really what you have to wear while working within the clinic?”

Twilight glanced from the uniform over to Spike who now had her attention. “What do you mean?”

“Well, it’s a bit suggestive, don’t you think?”

Twilight scowled. “It is not, sure it’s cute... Even very attractive...” She calmed herself and inspected it once more with a critical eye. “... It’s not suggestive... is it?” She glanced back at Spike to see his arms crossed, and a smirk planted clear across his face. Thinking it over, she shrugged, and decided to try it on once more while looking at it again in the mirror. While she did, Spike began to lower his claws.

Twilight looked at herself. She even blinked a few times, feeling nervous for some reason. Though its more professional uses and perks were resourceful, Spike had a point. The clothing was definitely sexual and enticing. She gazed into her own eyes, shivered at how truly arousing she really was while wearing the nurse outfit, and then began, “S-Spike... I’m not sure how to deal with this... Spike?”

She returned her focus to the dragon, but saw his own attention directed on her body rather than her face. “Uh...”

“Spike! My eyes are up here.”

Snapping out of his lustful imaginings, particularly of Rarity donning one of the outfits, he shook his head and turned around to place his back towards the mare. “I think you should take that stuff off now. It’s a serious distraction...”

As her pink and white skirt, fluffy socks and hat were placed in a drawer, Twilight asked Spike, “Was I really that beautiful...?”

The dragon put his claw on his chest to listen to the powerful thumps of his heart, and mumbled, “I-I’m gonna go find that book for you...”

Immediately, Spike left the room, leaving Twilight to ponder on the instance. She never could catch Spike getting so excited by her, not even when she sometimes came out of the shower dripping wet, so when she wore those garments and made him act the way he did, Twilight’s curiosity increased. “There might be something more to the enchantments, not just medical properties... I’ll need to do some research, but I’m fairly confident there’s something more to it.”

In no time at all, Spike returned with a paperback book twice as big than the medical book she’d studied just the other night, though it consisted mostly of the processes and instructions of enchantment. It wasn’t until the penultimate pages did Twilight figure out why she’d caused Spike’s such emotional trouble. Within the pages, there were warnings of certain side effects involving sexual behavior, but the theories hadn’t been proven, nor dismissed. She looked up at Spike who was appearing more normal and asked him, “How... do you feel?”

She sounded different to Spike, more worried and concerned. He returned his attention to her and claimed, “I’m fine now... I’m, uh, sorry for my behavior, Twilight. I honestly have no idea what came over me...”

“It’s alright, Spike. I think it might have something to do with the enchantment placed on the nurse uniform, but I’ll have to ask Dr. Stables about it.”

After that, Twilight finished her work, returned the book to Spike, and let him put the book back in its place. Nightfall came rather quickly, and after such a long and exhausting day of work, caring for Rainbow Dash, attending to paperwork, talking with the doctor and researching at home, Twilight fell asleep sooner than she expected. As for Spike, he couldn’t seem to find the will to sleep. Instead, he stayed awake, thinking about Rarity in the same type of outfit Twilight was in earlier that evening. After a few hours of fantasizing about it, he nodded off finally, dreaming of the uniform as though it’d randomly became his new obsession.

Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Rainbow snored with her legs spread all over the bed in mismatched patterns. Her front hooves laid above her head on the cushioned pillow. Murmurs of dream talking drifted through the room and throughout the hall. In her mind, she kept seeing Twilight coming through the door and passing by dense fog that clouded her sights. She bent down and whispered into the pegasus’s ear, “Relax and enjoy...”

Out of nowhere Rainbow subconsciously felt Twilight’s lips press against her own, and though she guessed it was all a dream, she refused to awaken. Her friend climbed on top of the bed and let Rainbow feel up her belly, eventually reaching all the way up to Twilight’s neck. Soon, the very tip entered Twilight’s mouth. Rainbow sensed the unicorn’s tongue circle the edges serenely, making her shake with euphoria.

She moaned at the sensation and huffed a few breaths before finally opening her eyes reluctantly. Darkness surrounded her room and Twilight was gone, not that she was ever there in the first place, but Rainbow couldn't shake the fresh memory. It seemed so real, too. She held onto her head and questioned, “What’s wrong with me?” Her eyes looked out the window and into the moonlight creeping in before resuming, “I’ve never felt this way about Twilight... It’s that uniform... She just looks so amazing in it, but why?”

The light turned on, and Rainbow snatched the Daring Do book to skim some pages and gaze at what few pictures could be found within, all two of them. Though she’d hardly slept, Rainbow felt well rested, and wished there was more to do with the slowly passing time. She thought hard about the Wonderbolts for a bit, then about her house, and eventually remembered her personally secret toy found just underneath her bed.

“That’s what I really want!” Rainbow thumped her head on the wall behind her in frustration. “I could never relieve myself with hooves, especially not now with a fractured one... I need that vibrator, and of course, I can’t get to it... I could possibly ask one of my friends to get it, but... No, no. They’d never look at me the same way again...”

Without the ability to release sexual tension building up, Rainbow resumed reading the book that sat on her lap and slowly sinking between her legs. “I wish this book could create some friction. I’d totally try and use it as a replacement!” After laughing at her absurd joke, the mare leaned up against the lamplight and delved into the story. All night, she’d read until the sun came, and by then, Rainbow would’ve completed the entire read feeling satisfied with the somewhat predictable, but highly enjoyable ending.

Part Five

Twilight entered the Ponyville Clinic with her thick book of enchantment procedures being levitated by her magic, said hello to Dr. Stables and got to work with looking over the day’s assignments before heading on over to get dressed. As for the doctor, he was too busy with his own agenda to notice exactly what kind of book she’d brought in and placed inside a cabinet drawer. To him, it was a regular old fiction of some sort, maybe one depicting an epic fantasy adventure filled with heart stopping moments of action filled scenes and romantic instances.

Unfortunately, if he had noticed what she was really reading, he might’ve saved her from an embarrassing instance about to be taken place just down the hall, passed a few corners and right into the fitting room.

Just outside where Twilight was headed, two mares furtively met, one justly dressed with perfume looming in the air, and the other coming her way. The mare getting sorted with her uniform had the cutie mark of a heart pulse laying over a blackened paint splash. Her name was Beat Quickpulse, and the other’s cutie mark was a pair of pink and purple pills. Beat had left the room and stumbled upon her friend, giving her a bit of a scare. “Oh, Medicine Pleasure! You startled me,” she said, holding her chest while giggling a bit.

As for Pleasure, she blinked and stared at the uniformed pony with interested eyes. Though it wasn’t the words she was paying attention to, but more of the pony wearing such a lovely outfit. She blinked shyly and asked, “Uh... The effects of those enchanted nurse uniforms are powerful, aren’t they?”

Beat looked down at her attires, glanced back up at her fellow worker and said, “Isn’t it, though...”

The two stood silently for a few moments. Then, in a hurried fashion, they both checked the hallway to see if anypony was coming, but saw none. Without hesitation and releasing gitty chuckles, Pleasure pushed her marefriend into the room and began kissing her while closing the door with her hind hoof. However, it didn’t shut all the way, and remained slightly cracked.

Beat was teasingly shoved onto the metal table and began to feel Pleasure’s tongue lick and tickle her neck. Slowly, her uniform was unbuttoned and slightly taken off, but not entirely. Just to where the arms were so its magical enchantment could still remain active. Deep and emotional moaning could be heard beyond the door, and by a fast approaching Twilight. As she made her way to the room, the unicorn stopped abruptly at the door and listened, the noises growing louder the closer she came.

“Oh, not so fast! You get too excited, you know...”

“Oh, but I can’t help it,” the other said in between pecks of her friend’s chest. “You’re just so... irresistible!”

Twilight sneakily cracked the door wider to see what was going on inside only to become a witness of two medical mares making out, the dominant looking pony slowly massaging her partner’s moist lower lips. She dropped her jaw and decided to watch a bit more, strangely liking what she saw. While she did, Twilight figured her feelings were being brought upon by the apparent perks of the outfit that Beat was having a troubling time keeping on.

“Oh, just take it off, Hun,” Pleasure begged while she looked into Beat’s eyes. “I can’t stand it any longer, you’re just so...” She pouted while looking over Beat’s smirking face. “Please, take it off!”

Beat gulped and reminded her friend, “If I do, you won’t find me attractive anymore...”

The pill flanked pony shook her head and confessed, “I think even without this outfit on, I’d still love you.”

Beat widened her eyes with a promising smile. “You... really love me?”

They kept in the quiet for a minute, but a few kisses later and a pleasant looking hug, Pleasure started removing her friend’s attires carefully with her teeth. One hoof was relieved, and then the other. With the hat and socks being taken off, Beat held her completely naked body timidly with worried eyes and asked Pleasure, “W-what do you think...?”

The mare gleamed, “You’re more beautiful than you were just seconds ago!”

Once again, Beat was weight onto the table by the other pony overpowering her gently. With romantic hugs and kisses being given to her, Beat began to have no regrets, that is until Twilight finally interrupted and came walking in. The two gasped and looked to her, each of their hooves reaching between the other’s legs.

“... What’s going on?” Twilight asked, her facial expression seemingly confused, though her obviously entertained. They could see it by her blushes.

Beat rose up and wiped away the water sliding down her lips. “We were... Uh...”

Twilight said, “Yes, I can see that.”

Pleasure giggled and said, “We apologize, Ms. Sparkle, but the uniform, you see-”

“What about the uniform?” Twilight glared at them with growing curiosity. “Explain yourselves.”

They remained silent, unsure of how to proceed with such an embarrassing explanation. Thankfully, for them, Twilight was called by Dr. Stables on the intercom. “Twilight Sparkle, I need you at the front desk please.”

She lowered her head, huffed with annoyance, looked back to them and commanded the two, “Get dressed, and make it fast. No flirting while on the job.” As she turned around to leave, Twilight added, “And I expect a thorough explanation report from both of you by the end of the day explaining to me just what in Equestria the outfits have to do with all of this.”

Once outside, she stood momentarily to eavesdrop on the two, hoping to catch a faint whisper, but the sounds of rustling clothing and two pairs of hooves clamping around the room told Twilight they weren’t going to talk badly about her behind closed doors. It wasn’t like Twilight to lash out over such things, but if these uniforms did what she thought they did, it meant she was in for a world of unneeded sexual harassment and utter nonsense she didn’t sign up for, or cared to deal with for the remainder of the month.

Soon, she found her way around the labyrinth-like establishment to meet with Dr. Stables. He appeared to be extremely busy, what with grasping multiple papers by his magic, along with medical tools and things like a scalpel and a tissue. Twilight gasped at his sudden turn and ducked from the incoming horde of items that followed the doctor’s sudden movement. “Put that stuff down,” Twilight sheepishly said. “Before you take my eyes out, put everything down!”

He did as he was told and set everything on his desk. “I’m sorry about that,” Dr. Stables mumbled. “I’ve been busier than normal, what with the important medical review due, my patients needs tending to; Rainbow keeps calling you as well but don’t worry about her right this minute. I took the liberty of informing her that you’re a bit tied up at the moment, and that she had no choice but to wait.”

Twilight walked passed him to the messy counter and asked, “What is it that you need so urgently? I have some questions regarding-”

“Well,” He began, rudely cutting Twilight off, “These papers need sorting, and I’ve got some new patients I’d like you to tend for. There’s also something I forgot to mention.”

Twilight stopped him by placing the tip of her hoof on his muzzle and slowly said, “First... Dr. Stables, I need to know something about the uniforms these ponies around here are wearing...”

She levitated her book over from underneath her part of the desk and showed it to him. As he looked at the title, he giggled and spoke just before Twilight was able to do the same. “This is what I wanted to discuss with you! I forgot to mention a little something, something to do with the extra gift of these outfits... which I just noticed you’re not wearing...”

She rolled her eyes and explained, “I wanted to tell you about that earlier. You see, I came across these two mares in the dressing room, and... Well, let’s just say what they were doing was anything but professional.”

“They were kissing, weren’t they?” the doctor asked.

“Way more than kissing, they were...” She looked up to his smug smile, stood a bit wondering how he knew what she was going to say and asked him, “How do you...?”

Taking a breath, he guided her to the medical lounge, sat her down on one of the comfy pillows in front of a marble table and started explaining. “Twilight, your book doesn’t exactly say in detail what these uniforms do, does it? Sure, they grant better hygiene, makes your skills and so forth astute in the medical field, all that good stuff. However, they also induce arousal to any who looks upon the wearer. This effect, however, does not affect unicorns. They’re immune to its ways in regard of sexuality thanks to the potent magical aura they contain around their bodies.”

Twilight squinted her eyes in disbelief. “But that can’t be... I was enjoying those two mares kissing. I must’ve been effected.”

Dr. Stables took a deep breath and exhaled through his nose rather loudly before saying, “That might’ve been natural arousal...” She blinked, looked away and pondered on this for a few moments. As for the doctor, he resumed, “It’s all too likely this just... turned you on, so to speak. I myself have even come across some of my nurses leisurely enjoying each other in the hallways, overcome by lust to the point that they just can’t help themselves.”

Twilight gulped and debated, “But that’s not right. It gives us a bad reputation, and isn’t it distracting?”

He shuffled his hooves on the floor and said, “On the contrary, when they’re preoccupied with the interns here at the clinic, the sexual tendencies are overpowered with the other medical effects. Only on their free time does anypony truly begin to feel in need of another’s companionship.”

Twilight looked down and said, “That just doesn’t sit well with me...”

As he put his hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, Dr. Stables assured her, “Now Twilight, don’t get all riled up over this. True, some ponies will think they’re in love with you, but if you ignore them, or tell them to stop and remind them they’re in the workplace, they’ll leave you alone. If they don’t, simply tell them they’ll have to deal with me. That should get them away from you without a doubt, and after words, I’ll have something to look forward to; somepony I can vent with.”

Twilight tilted her head and asked, “Why do you need to vent?”

He let go of her and answered, “Oh, work, dealing with idiots all day... missing Nurse Redheart...”

Twilight nodded and stood, looked at him with a smile and admitted, “I guess I can handle this, though it would’ve been a lot nicer to know all this ahead of time, I guess it doesn’t matter now.”

Dr. Sables turned around and asked, “By the way, you know what to do if you catch somepony fiddling around with another? That is, in the halls?”

Twilight shook her head and said, “No, I don’t...”

“Simply tell them to get a room.” He snickered at his own impractical joke and said, “Since we’re low on patients these days, there’s empty ones all around.” He looked back at her and winked. Soon, he and Twilight left, and the mare was sent on her way to get fitted into her nurse outfit. Although she didn’t quite like the idea of having many others being deliberately excited just from her uniform, she knew it wasn’t that big of a deal. The ponies within the clinic were kind ones, most of them she knew from past experience.

Of course, before the end of that day, she made sure to seek out Beat Quickpulse and Medical Pleasure to apologize and inform them they had nothing to dwell on. The reports were useless, but she did make sure to let them know not to flirt with each other in the dressing rooms from then on, where anypony could easily walk right in on their sexual ordeal.

Part Six

A few days went by, and most of Twilight’s time consisted of her doing the jobs assigned to her by Dr. Stables along with keeping Rainbow Dash well rested and comfortable. However, maintaining Rainbow’s consistent needs sated proved more of an annoyance compared to her general paperwork, dealing with the other patients she was told to keep care of, and following random and slightly abrupt orders from Dr. Stables combined. It was always the same demand from Rainbow, too.

“Twilight, I need a drink,” she’d call. Then when Twilight would arrive, Rainbow would also come up with something to keep her coming back, like Rainbow’s bandages needing to be changed, or her wanting some sort of special dessert after dinner. Sometimes, it was just spontaneous calls to see how Twilight was doing, which followed the unicorn telling Rainbow Dash how she was too busy to discuss exactly how busy she truly was.

She’d never seen Rainbow behave like this, so clingy and needy of Twilight when in actual truthfulness, Rainbow hardly required that much at all. If anything, it seemed she just wanted Twilight to stay with her for no real reason. Time and time again on a fairly sunny day, Twilight had been summoned by Rainbow Dash before she even had the chance to return to the front desk and sit down.

Upon her reaching the counter, the buzzer would go off, and Twilight would once again be summoned to journey all the way back down the long hall, pass a few corners and say hello to a few blushing mares that found her attractive, only to reach Rainbow’s room for the tenth time that day. Once Twilight asked Rainbow what she wanted, all Twilight got for an answer was, “I, uh... would... Umm...”

Twilight trotted to the end of the bed, looked at her friend with a slight shake of her head and finally sighed in defeat. She truthfully knew what Rainbow was going through, but kept hesitating to tell her what she knew, partly because of how embarrassingly it played out in Twilight mind. She always imagined herself repeatedly stuttering, unable to get the words out correctly, and having the many questions be brought up by Rainbow Dash only made her more and more willing to just let Rainbow call her, but that was getting way out of hoof.

Twilight could always handle a few food requests, and of course, if Rainbow needed somepony, she’d be there. However, the same sort of disturbance piling up and preventing her from doing her work had justly became too much for Twilight to deal with. “Look, Rainbow, this has got to stop...”

The pegasus leaned up with her undamaged hoof and sat straight with this dumbfound expression plastered across her face. If there was one thing Rainbow knew how to do other than flying well, it was pulling off the greatest act of playing dumb Twilight ever got to witness. “What do you mean?” she asked casually, as though her calling nonstop was a natural, day to day thing.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what it had become, and to Twilight, it needed to stop. She gulped her fear of finally telling Rainbow about her uniform’s special perks, and began. “Your feelings for me... and, don’t deny this Rainbow... but, they aren’t exactly common for you.”

Rainbow squinted her eyes, a bit disappointed that things finally came to this. “... I’ve just... been having these weird emotions lately, Twilight. Like, I don’t know how to put it, but maybe I’m more lonely than I thought.”

As Twilight sighed, she said, “It’s... not just stirred emotions, it’s complete arousal for you, and I know why...” She came closer to the edge of the bed and resumed her explanation, all the while Rainbow listening attentively to her friend’s words, half wanting to refuse the truth, and almost wishing she could hug Twilight for the honesty presented. “The outfit’s enchanted with medical properties so the nurses, along with myself may be able to do their jobs more efficiently, and without so much trouble... Unfortunately, along with that comes a side effect.”

Rainbow’s ear perked up at this. “What do you mean, side effect?”

Twilight blushed despite her attempts to keep serious, and told Rainbow what she knew. While explaining basically what Dr. Stables told her, Rainbow’s confused face soon became an understanding one of why she’d been feeling such desire for Twilight even when she made an effort to resist, though that was minimal.

It soon became quite clear to her. Twilight herself wasn’t the cause of such sudden problems in regards to her thoughts being somewhat lustful and also perverted. It was the outfit’s magic that forced her to think and act this way.

“So, you uh... s-see Rainbow,” Twilight tried to say, but kept fumbling over her words. “I know how you’re feeling, but you have to fight it. I’m not exactly sure how you’re supposed to do that, but while you’re here, couldn’t you try and... I don’t know, associate with one of the other nurses while you’re here, maybe?”

Rainbow glanced down after such a long time of her staying silent, and became lost in deep thought. She scratched the side of her neck, wondering how to say what was to come next, and muttered, “It wouldn’t be such a problem... if..”

Twilight leaned closer, hoping to gain a chance at hearing what Rainbow was trying to say while assuring her, “I’m here for you...”

Although what Rainbow wanted wasn’t quite something one asks a friend like Twilight to go fetch, the pegasus felt more content knowing what was going on, and felt safe making the request. She sighed and closed her eyes, then asked, “C-could you... maybe go to my house and bring me the vibrator I keep under my pillow, Twilight?”

The unicorn slowly backed her head away, contemplating how she’d smuggle in such a thing, and if she was willing to do this in the first place. “Rainbow, I don’t...”

Rainbow looked at Twilight with a more stern expression. “I could possibly lighten up on you if I had the chance to satisfy myself.” Twilight remained silent. “I’ve been, like, ultra bored without it! You know how boring it is for me to try and... Well, you know... with my uhh...”

“... Hoof?”

Rainbow blinked and nodded, a bit ashamed she had to ask such a favor, but Twilight hadn’t really thought about this yet. Up until this point, Rainbow just seemed to really like her; sexually too, of course, but it never struck her that Rainbow was in such a deep need for relief. So deep, in fact, that she’d actually reach out for help. Twilight looked down at the floor, her muzzle scrunched up a bit in slight nervousness, and whispered, “... Fine.”

She turned around and began to walk to the door. Rainbow watched, and asked Twilight, “You’ll really, seriously get that for me?”

She placed her hoof on the doorknob, but didn’t turn it. Instead, Twilight kept her back facing Rainbow Dash, thinking about how to put this carefully. After a couple seconds passed, she spoke softly, hoping her words wouldn’t harm Rainbow’s mentality. “At least you’re not asking me to help...”

Once she was gone, and the door slowly closed, Twilight couldn’t walk for a moment. She just stood there, listening in, wondering if what she just said would cause pain to her friend or not. Nothing happened, though. No voice could be heard, and no rustling of the sheets or blanket sounded from beyond the wall. Little did she know, that was because Rainbow merely sat there, lost in a deep stare focused at the door, unable to look away.

She silently felt her chest, sensed her low heartbeat, and wished Twilight didn’t say that. In all actuality, she wanted Twilight so bad that even though she’d get the toy she wanted, Rainbow couldn’t help but to think about how she probably wouldn’t find the will to use it for a day or two. Her eyes finally looked away from the door, Twilight left, and just when the silence became so unbearably intense, Rainbow broke it with her stating, “Maybe I... do want you to help...”

Within her mind, she wanted nothing more. She could comprehend and accept the fact that this love for Twilight was simply brought upon by those magical attires, but that didn’t mean she’d suppress her sensitivity. If anything, Rainbow wanted to do the very same to Twilight. After all, her hiding this little piece of acknowledgement from Rainbow made it only seemed right to put Twilight through the same ordeal. If only Rainbow was told about how unicorns were immune, which Twilight just so happened to accidentally leave out.

She looked out of her window at the lowering sun and remained distracted by her plannings. If she was to be thoroughly teased by Twilight, to the point of becoming neck high in arousal, then she would need to return the favor somehow. Just as she figured a few nights ago, the only way to do this was by becoming a nurse herself.

That way, she’d have to wear those magic garments, and thusly, Twilight would be the one falling in love. Rainbow knew she was still spellbound and couldn’t think clearly because of this, but at that point, she didn’t care.

At the front desk where Dr. Stables sat signing forms and passing them along to a bin for Twilight to sort out, her buzzer rang. At first, the unicorn figured it was one of Twilight’s other patients, possibly wanting a drink or something to read. However, seeing it was Rainbow Dash again, he took the liberty to answer it. “Hello? Rainbow Dash, has Twilight not come to you yet?”

“Uh, no doc,” Rainbow replied. “I need to see you real quick. It won’t take a moment of your time... I’m assuming Twilight’s not back yet?”

Dr. Stables looked down the hall where his assistant would be coming from, saw nopony headed his way and said, “No, she’s not...”

“Good, I’d like to discuss something private, and uh, Twilight can’t know. Come to my room, and I’ll explain.”

“Well... Alright, if you insist.”

He hung up, stood and made his way to Rainbow’s room while becoming a bit curious as to what she’d like to talk about. As he turned a corner, he nearly bumped right into Twilight and giggled coyly for a bit. He watched the mare catch her breath, but something seemed off about her. Twilight didn’t apologize like he was about to, or say a word for that matter. She just kept walking down the rows of rooms, almost swaying with her head held a bit lower than usual.

Dr. Stables placed a hoof on his chin, curious about what that was all about, but quickly remembered Rainbow wanting to speak to him, and chose to hurry along. However, he almost wished to talk that over with Twilight and figure out what might be wrong. Maybe he’d do that later.

Entering after a knock on the door, Dr. Stables greeted Rainbow with a kind smirk. “What’d you want to talk with me about, Ms. Dash?” Rainbow sat on the bed, her lower knees curled up and her hoof holding them together while her cast sat on the peak, elevated but leaving zigzagged marks where it pressed down on her. She blankly resumed to gaze out at the setting sun, not even looking away and not really taking notice of who just came in. To catch her attention, the stallion asked again, “Err... Dash?”

Rainbow became animated, glanced towards him with a rather unsteady balance and apologized. “I was just looking out the window... Sorry, kinda outta it today, you know?”

Dr. Stables chuckled. “I understand. Now then, what was it that you wished to discuss?”

As though she wasn’t entirely sure herself, she looked down at the bed, mumbling, “I... wanted to...” Then, she snapped out of it, returned her sight to the doctor’s eyes and finished, “I want to become one of your nurses.”

He was a little stunned to suddenly hear this, and from Rainbow of all mares, too. Nevertheless, his staff was still short of workers, and there was really hardly any reason she couldn’t be hired as an extra pair of hooves for cleaning and such. Not necessarily a janitor, but somepony who could watch the front desk while either him or Twilight was away, answer the phone and close the place up after service hours was up, and nopony else was coming through the doors.

They talked it over for an hour or so, slightly debating why and why not she could have this job, but in the end, Rainbow won with a promise she’d do her best to help in anyway he needed her. With a long sigh, Dr. Stables shook his head and asked Rainbow, “Will you be available after you’ve completely heal your arm?”

“Well, yes, most definitely,” Rainbow beamed, a bit excited to get such a lucky break. “I’ll be ready as soon as the cast is removed. Also, you can magically heal up the muscles, right?”

“Of course, but that extensive bit of fast rejuvenation is going to cost you.”

Rainbow smirked and said, “Take it out of my first paycheck. I uh... kinda wanna hurry along and get started as soon as possible.”

“Oh? And why’s that, Ms. Dash?”

She took a few seconds to think about this, but quickly came up with her reason. Other than explaining her devious plot to him, she simply stated, “So I can be nearer to Twilight.”

The doctor nodded and averted his eyes. “You and her must be close...” Inside his pondering head, he could just barely connect the dots, but it never fully clicked. Without much more to ask or say, he smiled her way and stood from Rainbow’s side. “I can’t wait to have you as part of our staff.”

Just when the room became empty once more, Rainbow grinned with content over how smoothly her scheme would work out. Too bad it wasn’t that simple. All that was left for her to do now was wait for Twilight’s return with her vibrator. Hopefully, she’d be able to relieve herself of the pent up stress she’d gathered while being inside the walls, and becoming so charmed towards Twilight.

Part Seven

Sunrise hit the land like it always did, with powerful rays that turned the green grass a distinct morning gold and made all the little ponds below shimmer with tiny sparkles gifted from the magic coming off of Celestia’s lifting orb in the orange and deep red sky. One particular feature some ponies in the town just stirring awake noticed that day was a rather giant, though very familiar hot air balloon making its way through the clouds, headed for what many knew to be Rainbow’s sanctuary in the sky.

Twilight and Spike sat within watching the sun peak over the horizon and enjoying the small sounds of slightly potent winds hit the basket they sat in. Every once in awhile, Spike would get up to adjust its direction, only to return to Twilight’s side and resume waiting with her, not particularly enjoying the awkward silence they floated in, but knowing good and well Twilight prefered to stay in thought for the moment.

Besides, the dragon knew if his friend wanted to say something, she would. Eventually, after so long of saying nothing at all since their departure, she finally spoke softly, and told Spike what they were doing, and why she needed to go to Rainbow’s fluffy establishment in the first place.

“Rainbow asked me to pick up a few things,” Twilight said, not really gazing away from her mentor’s miracle, but not giving it all her attention either. “A ball, some of her favorite snacks, and Fluttershy couldn’t stop by today to feed Tank, so I promised Rainbow I’d do that for her as well...”

Spike nodded, rubbed away more sleep from his heavy feeling eyelids and asked, “But, why couldn’t you just teleport on over, Twilight?”

She huffed, looked out at the mountains to the east and mumbled her answer, almost being too quiet for Spike to understand her. “Because that would’ve user up too much magic, and the spell that lets me walk on clouds took so much out of me already.”

“Oh...” The dragon put his claws on the edge and gripped it a bit, then laid his head down in boredom. “And you needed me to come along because...?”

For a moment, Twilight had to think about why that was, but soon remembered the reason. “Because I missed your company.” She glanced over at him; he did the same, and they both began to chuckle at each other. It’d been a good few days since Twilight had been off from her new job, so of course, she’d been away from Spike. Though she knew he could handle the house on his own, Twilight hadn’t really noticed just how much she’d started missing theyoung dragon.

As he shifted him frame back up and let go of the sides, he sniffled a bit, a blush calmly spreading to his cheeks and asked, “So, how is your work? It’s not too strenuous, right?”

The unicorn sighed and said, “It’s nothing I can’t handle, but Rainbow being there’s been a slight pain...”

“How so?”

She scratched her neck and thought about that, how to put it delicately, but the best way to do so was bluntly. “She’s calling me at every second of the day, wanting me to practically be at her side... all because of the uniforms.”

Spike giggled at that. “Right, those magical outfits that make anypony attractive. That’s ironic, how Rainbow’s attracted to you more than the doctor now.”

“Dr. Stables can’t be affected by the garments,” Twilight reminded. “Only earth ponies and pegasi, and I suppose crystal ponies too, but I’m not sure.”

Spike teased her a bit with, “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.”

Just when Twilight was about to argue with him, she saw his eyebrow raise in a joking manner which made her relax. For a few more minutes, they floated on in the air. Every once in awhile, the two would pass by a silver lined cloud and admire how breathtaking the world was that day.

Twilight hadn’t had the slightest chance to relish in the morning since she’d started work. Though her hours varied, and she had certain days off, the time away from work was mostly spent at home studying up for a possible test, or visiting her friends who she’d been away from.

Even Spike felt distanced from her, as though Twilight being gone made him forget just who she really was in his mind. She’d just get home and be so exhausted from the day that she couldn’t do anything but go right to bed without barely saying a word to him. In the morning was practically the only time he had the opportunity to say hi, and for her to hastily say bye as she went out the door.

To Spike, he knew she hadn’t time to spend dwelling around him and the others, but still, he wished there was some way for her to fit at least an hour in her day for her friends as well, but even though he knew that might not happen, he still wished there was some way she didn’t need to be at the Ponyville Clinic so much.

Just as they ascended passed a dense cloud and started to reach the port of Rainbow’s home, Spike asked Twilight, “Could... you find some way to ask Dr. Stables for more time from work?”

All Twilight did was take a deep breath while magically grabbing the rope and fastening it to the cloud. As she jumped off, Twilight looked down at the far off ground below and sighed, “I’ll see what I can do... I know you’ve missed me too, but I have a responsibility to Rainbow Dash, even though she’s been a real pain...”

She walked away and headed into the house after that, leaving Spike alone once again, but this time, inside a hot air balloon. During his wait for her, he occasionally watched the clouds waft by the mountains in the distance and thought about Rarity, particularly in that beautiful nurse outfit. Even when he hadn’t seen the uniform be worn by Twilight for quite awhile, he still kept on fantasizing about it, and couldn’t take his mind off the image in his head.

Rarity was gorgeous to him, sure, but envisioning her with those clothes on only made her seem even more lovely than normal. He wished there was some way to get her into it, but knew that would probably only happen in his dreams.

As minutes passed by, Twilight kept up her tedious search for Rainbow’s room. Her house was much bigger than Twilight imagined it would be, with her getting lost and winding up in the kitchen every so often. Upon her fifth round, she sighed and turned back, took one of the only turns she hadn’t tried and thankfully found Tank sleeping in his pet bet, a blanket over his shell and a food bowl right in front of him. Twilight noticed it was empty, and wagered he probably knew more about which way Rainbow’s room was.

She kindly nudged him with a hood and asked, “Psst... Tank, I need your help.” As he peeked open an eye, Tank looked at her before giving a powerful yawn, then stood up. His helicopter strap powered on and up he went. “I need to know where Rainbow Dash’s room is. Could you help?” Twilight smiled, hoping he’d understand her. “I’ll be able to feed you if I knew where her room is...”

Tank smirked and went down the hall. A few short turns, and the two had reached their destination. Twilight sighed in relief, looked under Rainbow’s pillow, snatched up the toy, grabbed the food that was in her friend’s closet, and was just about to head out when out the corner of her eye, she was the piece Rainbow had on her nightstand. Daring Do’s next book in the saga, this one being one of the books the clinic hadn’t gotten their hooves on yet. She grinned and brought that along with her, knowing Rainbow would be content about having this to read while waiting to recover.

Soon, Tank was fed, Twilight had gotten everything she needed, and she was all set to go. As she left the structure and closed the door behind her, she saw Spike standing at the edge of the basket. Twilight hopped on and approached him, not really noticing any such movement or reaction from her hopping on board. The flight machine slowly descended, but while it did, Twilight chose to try talking with Spike one more time about her current situation.

“Spike?”

“hmm?”

The dragon seemed distant, as though lost and irretrievable from the land his mind wandered in. “Are you okay?” Twilight asked sympathetically. All she got for an answer was him shaking his head. He couldn’t even glance over at her which only made Twilight even more worried about his wellbeing. “Care to talk?” She requested.

For a moment, Spike almost seemed like he wasn’t going to say a word, but just when Twilight decided to leave him be, he whispered, “I’m... kinda curious...”

“About what?”

He took a deep breath, looked over at Twilight and confessed, “Ever since I saw you wearing that nurse outfit, I’ve wanted to... well...”

Twilight blinked. “... Yes?”

He had to consider his words carefully, but finally said, “I’ve wanted to see... R-Rarity in them...”

The mare huffed with a giggle in her voice, looked back at Spike after a second of her laughing and asked, “That’s all?”

Spike didn’t find it as amusing. He kept fiddling with his claws and held the same anxious face about him. “I can’t explain it... I know it’s kinda awkward for me to be telling you this, but... I had to tell someone, you know?”

Twilight looked back at the world they floated above, chuckled again, and offered, “I could probably get Rarity in as a substitute for me, if you want to see her that badly. I’ve been meaning to catch up on some of my studies anyway, and Rarity will probably be just fine with that... What do you think?”

She glanced back at him with a smile, and he did the same. Just when they hit the ground, Spike formed a pleased expression. “Thanks. I’d really like that, Twilight.”

The two soon entered the tree house. Twilight double checked Rainbow’s things in the bag she used to hide the possessions from Spike, got ready for work, and headed out. Today, she was almost excited to go to work, mainly because she wanted to see Rainbow’s happy smile upon getting that book.

She actually hadn’t seen Rainbow grin much except the other day ago when she promised to go get the toy for her. Even then, Twilight could still pick up on the small hints of depression Rainbow showed unintentionally. Maybe it was from being cooped up in a building all day, not wanting to be there, and not having the luxury of flight.

Still, Twilight hoped she’d be able to steal at least a small smirk from her friend this day. She hurried along and entered. As she passed by the doctor, she bid him a good day, trotted along the same rows of doors she always did and didn’t even bother getting dressed that time. All she could think about was getting Rainbow’s belongings to her with haste.

Twilight entered the room, saw Rainbow laying on the bed playing with her half eaten lunch and walked up to her feeling giddy. “I’ve got that thing you wanted... and something more!” Twilight teasingly waved her bag above Rainbow with her aura wrapping around the opening and handed it to her.

“Really? What else did you...” Rainbow’s face slowly but surely lit up with glee as she saw the book. She placed her vibrator under her pillow and returned her attention to the other item almost immediately, a bit overjoyed Twilight got this for her. “I was gonna ask you to get this, but I forgot.” she looked back at her friend and asked, “How’d you know?”

Twilight nearly couldn’t contain herself. Seeing Rainbow like this, happier than she’d been in awhile really brightened up her day. “I saw it sitting next to your bed, and I almost left it behind. Luckily, though, I figured you’d want it really badly.”

Rainbow’s lips just kept spreading wider, as though they’d never form a frown again. She placed the book down on her lap and tugged Twilight in for a rather powerful hug. Twilight didn’t exactly expect that, but it wasn’t the book Rainbow was holding onto her for. It was the act.

Just when Rainbow let go, she muttered, “I’m really fortunate to have you as a friend, Twilight...”

Shortly after, the unicorn got to work, and Rainbow delved into the story she was given, but just passed chapter one, she noticed something. Twilight wasn’t wearing her outfit, but she still felt the fondness she’d always sensed whenever Twilight was wearing her uniform and was so close to her. Rainbow looked around warily at the room and wondered aloud, “Can I... fall in love with Twilight even after she stops wearing that nurse outfit...?”

Part Eight

Page by page flipped by every few minutes. Rainbow was lost, deeply enthralled by her riveting Daring Do book. However, she wasn’t alone for this. A nurse had come in about an hour earlier to inspect and rebandage her hoof. As she did so, Rainbow felt the wrappings on her head be removed and placed down on the table to her right side.

“There! Your scar’s almost healed. You don’t even need the bandage anymore,” the nurse said with a smile.

As she presented a mirror with her hoof, Rainbow glanced over from the edges of her book to check herself. But, just as quickly as she did, Rainbow returned to the book she was enjoying. She wasn’t at all concerned with mere recovery at that moment, for the tale was so good, she could barely tear herself away to even eat. All she could muster for a response to the mare was, “Thanks...”

The nurse blinked and leaned in to try and read a few words, her head resting on Rainbow’s shoulder, and asked, “Is this the newest one?”

“Mmh?” Rainbow sighed. “Yeah, just came out not too long ago.”

“... Do you mind if, once you’re finished with it, I might be able to...?”

Rainbow looked over to her and shrugged. “Don’t see why not. What’s your name, by the way?”

“Oh,” the mare huffed. “So sorry. Nurse Quickpulse. Of course, you may call me Beat.”

Rainbow looked her up, not really doing so when Beat had come in, and took in her qualities. She hadn’t noticed it, but Nurse Quickpulse was the same mare who’d flashed her back when Rainbow was first admitted into the clinic. She had a long, purple mane that had a few curls at the ends, a white coat and a slight accent, presumably french. Much like the spa ponies Rarity always went to see, her voice was very pleasant to hear, and quite inviting, too.

Despite being a bit unsure if this really was the right girl that flashed her back then, Rainbow kept to her already thought out question. “Why’d you give me a peek?”

She looked confused, and fibbed, “I haven’t any idea what you’re talking about, dear...”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. She never was one to beat around the bush. Often enough, confrontation was just the way she’d always dealt with anything, be it good or bad. “Back when I came in, you were, like, the very first nurse I saw. You left the room, and just before closing the door, right over there,” Rainbow pointed to the entrance. “You lifted your tail, just barely enough for me to be able to see passed your skirt.”

For a moment, Beat remained silent, Rainbow staring at her critically, waiting to find out if she’d continue lying. However, instead, she said something that caught Rainbow off guard. “You enjoyed it, though. Didn’t you?”

The pegasus blinked and looked down. Unsure how to respond to this, she decided to take the honest route. “Ehh... yes, but that doesn’t matter. Why’d you do it?”

Beat huffed, and looked up at the ceiling, almost as if she was rolling her eyes. “I found you attractive. Okay? There you have it.” She looked back and giggled. “This is a bit embarrassing...”

Rainbow smirked a bit. “How so?”

“Well, aren’t you and Twilight together?” Rainbow paused and frowned. Beat hadn’t really understood what she said yet. “That’s why you keep calling her, right?”

Rainbow shook her head and closed her eyes. “Actually, no. I just wanted her here because...”

Beat looked away. “Oh, you were placed under the spell, or enchantment; whatever you wish to call it.” She returned and grinned. “Twilight does look appealing in those garments, huh?”

Rainbow said nothing. A nod was enough to let Beat know she truly wanted to be with Twilight, but hadn’t gotten her chance yet. Soon, though, Beat understood this was the whole reason of her signing up to become a nurse. All the random visits from Dr. Stables were beginning to make sense. Beat often caught him entering and leaving Rainbow’s room with various paperwork.

Little did she realize, Rainbow planned to simply get into that uniform and attempt to entice Twilight with less natural methods. Nevertheless, Beat was tempted to offer some extra time to Rainbow, and maybe help her with more needs, rather than the usual talk. However, Rainbow declined. She was still holding out for Twilight, and wanted to keep herself untouched for her.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay and keep you company?” the mare asked kindly.

Rainbow looked at the clock above the door. “It’s close to the end of the day... Don’t you wanna go home and relax?”

Beat looked up as well, thought about it, and confessed, “Look, I’m in an open relationship with somepony. They’ve already gone home, and with her there, I know the house is being taken care of.” She tried her best to keep that same, adorable smile as she spoke. “Are you sure you needn’t me stay? I mean, it must get so lonely at night without the usual nurses here, and Twilight to speak...”

Despite her tempting Rainbow, the pegasus just wasn’t comfortable with it, but wondered, “Why do you care so much?”

Beat shuffled her hooves in thought, almost unsure of this herself. “Maybe it’s because I just... really like you, and know Twilight would be happy with a mare like you. It might make me jealous even though I have a love of my own.” She shook her head. “I must be making you so uncomfortable... I’m sorry, I’ll just go.”

Just as she stood, Rainbow stopped her by calling out the nurse’s name. Beat paused for a bit, blushing and wishing Rainbow wouldn’t give her that dramatic wait. Finally, after moments of silence, Rainbow voiced, “I appreciate the offer, I really do. Until I figure out what to do with Twilight, I want you to know, I could always use your company. Just not the kind you wanna give. Alright?”

The nurse’s smile returned, she tilted her head towards Rainbow and nodded with a quick wink. Just as she began to leave, Rainbow looked over at the door, and face-hoofed. Once again, she’d been caught by surprise as Beat flashed her, showing Rainbow a pair of round, soft flanks. Unfortunately for Rainbow, she didn’t get to see much more passed the edges, as Beat made sure not to go overboard.

Rainbow giggled once alone in the room and muttered to herself, “What a tease!”

As she adjusted herself on the bed, a crink jabbed her in the back, and she lifted up to notice her still unused toy. For a few days, Rainbow had thought about using it, but was so compelled with the Daring Do book that she hardly even gave another look at it since Twilight made her special delivery. “Huh,” she sighed, slipping the device out from the casing and looking it over. “I... guess now would be a nice time...”

She looked over at the door, not hearing anypony coming and reminded herself of the time. The stars in the window were just beginning to show, creating a nice, dim glow in the room. She had to think about it a bit more before finally smiling and giving into temptation.

She was almost positive Twilight had gone home for the evening, and Dr. Stables had completed all the paperwork she needed to fill out for her future job. Assuming nopony was to abruptly come in, Rainbow figured she had plenty of privacy for what she planned.

The toy was slowly turned on, starting itself with a low purr, and gradually growing into a nice hum. Rainbow snickered, watched as it blurred in her hooves, brought it down below her legs and prepared herself for the long missed luxury of pleasure. As it vibrated on her stomach, reaching down to her waist, Rainbow turned the dial down momentarily and let it rest on the very top of her clit.

With her hind legs being hidden by the covers, and her front hooves holding on tightly to the trinket, a thought came to her mind. “What if,” she thought. “What if somepony walked in on me?” For a moment, the question scared her a bit, but once she shifted her vibrator down more, the idea only made her more excited.

She felt a jolt run through her legs as the summit slipped slowly further into her gap, but what really got her going was the thought of either Beat or even Twilight coyly waltzing in and catching her. She panted at the lewd thought. At first, it was Beat that got her going, but when Twilight suddenly took control her her fantasy, she could tell, that’s who she’d much rather be caught by.

Why this odd image turned her on so much, she hadn’t a clue. However, she did like the possibility, and this only made her want more. She kept inching the device in deeper, only to let it go up and sink it back down again, moaning slightly, followed by a smile. She had to wipe some sweat away from her forehead, but quickly sent her hoof back down to aid the other in the process.

The room somehow became hotter than it once was moments ago, not that Rainbow was complaining. She always enjoyed and welcomed the heat. It only made the experience more like a rush to her. If only Twilight was there to help. Rainbow just knew her friend would be amazed by the intensity her gadget could let off, and would want nothing more but to try it out herself.

Rainbow quickly adjusted her body for better control, and to submerge the contrivance even more, gulped and kept glancing over at the door, as if hoping; maybe even wishing Twilight would stumble in. For what it was worth, Rainbow would’ve climaxed then and there if that happened, but nopony even passed the room. Good thing, too. If they did, all they would’ve heard was the loud roar of Rainbow’s rumbler, and her low groans, perhaps a few gasps of air here and there as well.

Steadily, she shuffled herself back down, felt around for the knob at the end of the shaft and started turning it back up again. By then, the launcher was almost all the way in and set to seventy percent power. “Not y-yet!” Rainbow sighed, gritting her teeth with a devilish grin. “Still gotta... g-get closer...”

With her hole plugged up and eyes looking past the blanket, Rainbow couldn’t help but consistently think about Twilight, how shocked she’d be to walk in on this; how embarrassed she’d be, and how aroused she’d inevitably become. Even if this was just Rainbow’s way of bringing herself nearer to the edge, for some reason, she began to have it in her mind that Twilight would actually enjoy watching Rainbow please herself.

“She’d walk in,” Rainbow chanted silently, keeping up the pace down below. “See me like this, lost in my own, awesome world, and just stare... Yeah, that’s what she’d do!” Faster and faster, she kept accelerating the tempo, loving her own fallacy. “T-then, she’d just watch! I’d be unable to stop... And she’d l-love the show, I just know she would!”

Rainbow kept blinking and shivering with every whispered word. After every sentence, she’d grumble contently, still glancing at the door, waiting and wondering if Twilight really would walk in. “Come on, Twilight...” Once again, the picture of her friend standing there, just gazing at her as she immersed her fluttering pulser down to her very core entered Rainbow’s mind, this time, making it impossible for her to hold back any longer.

“I can’t take it,” Rainbow gently said, giving in and setting her throbbing trifle to full throttle. Just as she did, the noise that filled the room moments ago became nothing compared to the loud buzz emanating from beneath the blanket, nearly impossibly to ignore from outside. Just then, Rainbow’s entire being became hot, way more so than earlier. This was the kind of sensation she adored, the type to make her head go numb with bliss.

Everything went dark as her eyes shut, but what she felt was sheer white humidity. A wide smile spread across her muzzle, and as her chilling orgasm peaked, her eyes roll back behind their lids. She bit her bottom lip roughly, shook frantically, and wished this high she felt wouldn’t end.

It’d been such a long time since she felt this good, and the pegasus needed her time after always being aroused by Twilight along with the other nurses. Not to mention wanting to relieve herself of the immense tension she’d been going through the past few weeks, and having Twilight on her mind nearly all day everyday made the boredom of being alone unbearable.

However, after the time she got just then, Rainbow could finally calm down. Her head felt more clear than it’d been the past few days, and just as the toy popped out of her dripping wet slit, Rainbow panted, adrift in a happy daze.

Her head landed nicely on the plush pillow, her hoof bringing the dildo over to hide underneath, and at that time, she peered back over at the door. Seeing nopony coming or leaving after possibly eavesdropping on her little private time, she couldn’t help but to feel a bit emotional, mainly depressed.

She really was hoping Twilight would’ve come by and caught her, but even then, with the level head she got, Rainbow understood how bad that might’ve truly been. It was far better Twilight hadn’t stopped by that evening. Still, the envision was enough to sate her desperate needs for Twilight, if only for the time being.

She fell asleep shortly after that and dreamt about the days quickly approaching when she’d finally get her opportunity at making Twilight fall in love with her. Although it was only a dream, Rainbow Dash was determined to make that a reality.

Part Nine

The moment Twilight walked into the Ponyville clinic, she was bombarded with the usual, morning paperwork; a bit more today than usual, but not a problem for her. It didn’t help much, though, that Dr. Stables was right there with forms asking her to sigh on a multitude of predictable spots. She was nearly forced to apologize to him and did her best to make her way passed the crowd and into the hall, only to head right for the dressing room.

Today wasn’t like any normal day at the clinic, partly because it was restock day when new shipments of medical equipment arrived, and many patients were finally able to go home after spending a month or so within the walls. Naturally, with the sudden loss came the inevitably gratuitous amounts of paperwork to fill out.

It fell to Twilight’s professional schedule to handle it. Of course, if Nurse Redheart was still around, it would be her job. However, that was still quite a ways away, so for the time being, Twilight wound up with one of the most painstaking assignments in the whole medical work field.

She quickly got dressed and ready for the tedious task in a matter of minutes, headed out wearing a smile across her face, and entered the lobby which was, by the way, quite filled with ponies, stallions and mares leaving the hospital after being completely healed. Some were a bit angrier than most thanks to the sudden storm of family members coming by to pick their loved ones up, but for the most part, it wasn’t too bad of a situation.

“Twilight,” Dr. Stables chanted from behind the counter. “Over here!”

“Coming!” She shifted through, bumping and excusing herself as she did, until finally reaching the front desk and greeting the steed that called her over.

“It’s about time, and pardon my impatience, but here’s the records. Simply sign and sort.” He lifted a hefty stack over and sat them down before her, but checked himself to make sure he wasn’t pressuring Twilight too much. “This is alright with you, correct?”

The unicorn giggled at him, magically lifted a quill up and got to work, showing him his actions were fine. “Honestly, you call this work?”

The doctor smirked. “I really need to give you a raise for this.” Soon, he stood to help another with walking along while saying, “Oh, right this way, ma’am. Please, mind your trot.”

Once he disappeared through the crowd, Twilight sighed and hastily weaved the utensil along parchment after well worded parchment as though it was nothing. In one folder some went, and into the second others glided. Only an hour later, she was a quarter of the way through. All the while, making sure everypony was well taken care of and found who they were looking for.

However, that was only the first stack, all being categorized alphabetically and rigorously attended to. Some took a second or third looking at while others required a glance before immediately being put away in their rightful placings.

She yawned as another folder was settled down again, looked up and saw Dr. Stables returning from the entryway, some sweat forming around his pores. As for the lobby, what was once an area chock full of patients exiting and entering the building had become a fairly empty room with only a few remaining and waiting for their ticket to go home.

The doctor huffed, but still kept a pleasant smile. He sat down and opened a folder Twilight had justly returned to its initial spot. “Very nice,” he complimented. “Everything looks to be in order, signed with efficiency, double checked and well arranged.”

Twilight looked over to the left to see the next stack sitting on the stallion’s side. She didn’t even have to say anything; all that was needed was a quaint look for Dr. Stables to pick up the hint. Lofting by and gently sitting down, this load looked twice as big, but that wasn’t a problem for Twilight. Even as the day went by, she still found enough time and energy to take care of Rainbow Dash’s abrupt but thankfully required needs.

No longer had Rainbow been pestering Twilight with her constant lust for the unicorn’s attention. It was mostly meal requests and a bandage replacement here and there. Even when patients passed by the front desk, Twilight paused what she was doing to wish them a good day, but then quickly got back to work.

About half way through the challenging day, Twilight finally began to notice her horn hurting from all that lifting, signing and sorting, enough to ask Dr. Stables for a lunchbreak. It came to no surprise he was willing to grant her a full hour, especially after taking care of business with such tolerance and perseverance. However, secretly inside, Twilight was much more overworked than she led on.

The minute Dr. Stables waved his hoof to let her go, Twilight stood and headed for the lounge hoping they’d have something better to eat than yesterday. Grounded oats with crusty flower petals was hardly to her liking. Luckily, with the fresh shipment that just came in, the food there was much more delectable, if only a tad bit without taste.

Soon enough, after Twilight had gotten her lunch and sat down in a fairly secluded table, some of the stallions and nurses gawking at her the way they always did, Dr. Stables wandered in and joined her. He did this partly to distract the others from annoying Twilight with their flirty glances, and to talk with Twilight considering it being one of the rare chances to do so.

“So... You know Rainbow will be fully healed by tomorrow, right?”

Twilight coughed a bit, stopped eating and took a quick sip of her drink before asking, “R-really? This soon? I thought that was still a ways off.”

He chuckled, then said, “Well, time goes by quickly when you’re working so hard... That’s another thing I’d enjoy chatting about.” Twilight tilted her head. “I mean, it’s great you’re so, very committed, but I think you deserve a day off...”

A smile spread suddenly upon Twilight’s muzzle as her opportunity finally showed itself before her. For a few days, she’d been reluctant to offer this very thing, a day off so Rarity could take her place. Though she knew her friend wouldn’t be up to it, Rarity would still be alright in doing so. It was only for a day, too. Nothing too strenuous, and certainly something somepony like Rarity could handle with ease.

“Actually,” Twilight began craftily. “I’ve got the perfect replacement... if you actually wanted to relieve me of duty for... not tomorrow, but how does the day after sound?”

Dr. Stables scratched his chin, thinking about it for a moment, but nodded. “I guess that’s appropriate... However, who might I ask would be filling in for you?”

Twilight gave a toothy grin, a bit giddy she’d be able to give Spike what he’d been wanting for weeks. “You recall the one that referred you to me?”

“Yes... I believe her name was Rarity.” Dr. Stables pondered her for a few seconds. “Her? Twilight, are you sure she’d be okay with this?”

“I don’t know,” the mare confessed. “I’ll have to discuss it with her, first. I’m sure, though, that she’ll have no problem with it.”

Twilight finished her meal on that note, stood up to check the clock and saw it only had fifteen minutes left. Just as she was bidding the doctor goodbye, he remembered there was something else he wished to tell her.

“Oh, Twilight!”

She turned back around. “Yes?”

“I uh... Umm...” He forgot, just like that. And him informing Twilight about Rainbow’s employment was on the tip of his tongue just then, too. “Well,” he blushed. “I’ll probably recall sometime later today.”

Twilight grinned, placed her tray away and walked out the door. Typically, the second she did, it clicked in his mind. “Oh, right! Rainbow... I’ll just tell her later today, I guess...”

Yet another bit of oat was chewed up while the medical physician wondered why he was so forgetful these days.

Meanwhile, Twilight chose to take the extra time she had to visit Rainbow Dash and congratulate her on it being her final day in the clinic. She knocked first, slowly walked in and saw her friend turning the page of her Daring Do book. Twilight wasn’t really shocked, and hoped she could tear Rainbow away long enough to say anything at all, but that wasn’t a problem.

Just as she walked in, Rainbow shifted her head away from the book, removed her hoof from behind her head and sat up smiling Twilight’s way. “Hey Twilight, what brings you here?”

The unicorn came close to look at the book, wanting to take her time. “Oh, you know. I heard tomorrow’s the last day for you...”

“You could say that,” Rainbow giggled smugly as if hiding something.

“How far into this are you?”

While Rainbow let Twilight hold in with her magic, the pegasus proudly said, “At the end; only one more chapter to go!”

Twilight simply hummed, “Mmmhmm...” As she returned the book, she couldn’t help but to be a little mean and jokingly ruin that feeling for her friend. “Too bad, though. After this one, you’ll have to wait another couple of months before the next one comes out.”

Rainbow’s eyebrow twitched while she still kept that smirk. “Another... month?”

“Who knows! Maybe even a year!”

A few seconds of awkward silence ticked by before Twilight finally laughed, “You should see the look on your face, Rainbow. It’s not gonna take that long!” As she placed a hoof around Rainbow’s shoulder, Twilight assured her friend, “You’ve already read the last book through the wait, so the next installment's only around the corner!”

Rainbow blushed, but still smiled. “know it all!”

Twilight giggled again. “Anyways, I just wanted to stop by and say happy last day with us. I’m sure you’re dying to get out of here and fly with the Wonderbolts again.” Rainbow frowned, something Twilight wasn’t expecting. “You... are going to be flying with them again, right?”

The pegasus huffed momentarily, looked out the window and explained, “No, actually... Don’t get all worried, though! I’m still in with the group. It’s just... They left for Las Pegasus about two or three days ago, and won’t be back for another month.”

Twilight lowered her head in an apologetic motion. “Oh, I’m so sorry about that...”

“Heh, don’t be. I’ve found something else to keep me preoccupied while they’re gone.” Rainbow looked at Twilight with a devilish grin. “It should keep me on my hooves for a good while...”

Twilight didn’t really think anything of it, but Rainbow was specifically talking about her. She never was that good at picking up signals, though. “Well,” Twilight said, pleased she didn’t have to worry much about what Rainbow would be doing when waiting for the Wonderbolts to get back. “If you need anything from me, just call.”

She winked and kindly waved goodbye. Watching Twilight exit the room, Rainbow slowly started returning to her book, yawned, and flipped another page.

Back at the front desk, Twilight resumed her diligent work on the stacks of paper, shifting through and bidding somepony leaving the facility, “Bye, have a nice day!”

Once the rather old looking patient left, Dr. Stables got back from his lunch, sat down with Twilight and asked, “Can I have a moment?”

“Shoot.”

“Well, it’s about Rainbow Dash.” Twilight didn’t really hear him, but told him to go on while she wasn’t listening.

“You have my attention, doctor,” Twilight said, when in truth, she was more absorbed with her job than anything and didn’t hear a single word he said or asked.

“Rainbow... will be working here starting the day after tomorrow, the day you're off.” Twilight nodded, and Dr. Stables asked, “You’re... okay with this?”

“Yep.” Twilight had absolutely no clue what the doctor was saying. “Sound’s fine.”

For all she knew, Dr. Stables was just making sure she hadn’t forgotten to look over the new forms he desperately needed signing. Not to mention, Twilight was already so tired from the work she’d done that morning, if one didn’t stop what she was doing then and there, they would've had better luck talking with a brick wall.

Nevertheless, it appeared as though Twilight understood even though she most certainly didn’t. “Well, that went over better than expected...” The doctor resumed his work with Twilight being completely oblivious towards what the doctor just explained.

Naturally, if he knew how undistracted Twilight was from her task, he would’ve made more of an effort to make sure she heard him, but with the mare appearing to understand, he brushed it off as though it were nothing. In all actuality, Twilight wouldn’t have minded knowing this little bit of information regarding Rainbow Dash and her new medical position in the least bit.

Part Ten

The experience of staying cooped up in some building, being trapped inside the same colored walls for a month, sometimes longer can usually leave somepony such as Rainbow Dash in a state of severe discomfort. If it weren’t for her friends coming by to visit along with the nurses spending time with her as well, by the last day, Rainbow might’ve gone insane.

Of course, Twilight wearing those enchantingly enticing garments didn’t help much. A few times, just before her final day with the cast still bandaging her hoof, Rainbow felt obligated to request Twilight coming in nude, but that still wouldn't have solved her problem.

For the most part, Rainbow had been around Twilight long enough for the effects to leave a residual drag, one in which that eventually drains out of Rainbow’s system with time. Not to mention with Rainbow having these fairly new feelings, Twilight being fully unclothed around her would only provoke even more lust; secretly, Twilight would’ve had sexual thoughts running through her mind as well.

Nevertheless, the day had finally arrived when Rainbow’s bandages could be removed completely. She’d put up with the factors that made her stay almost impossible to live through quite well for somepony with her stature. She was, after all, a free spirit. She usually did what she wanted, so long as nopony else was hurt in the process.

Even though she was confined to stay within the clinic, she still had an insatiable appetite for flight and freedom, not that the place was that bad, but her desire for the open air was common with pegasi. Even Fluttershy longed to take to the skies for long periods of time, if only at a very low altitude.

“So, you see doc, it’s not really being here that’s made me antsy,” Rainbow explained while her cast was being removed. “I, just like the Wonderbolts, Fluttershy, and all the other pegasi almost need to fly, or we go bonkers!”

“Interesting,” Dr. Stables said. “And that’s why you’ll have to start tomorrow?”

“Right! I need at least a day to-” The cast was removed. “Oh sweet Celestia! Is that my hoof?!”

She looked away and covered her eyes while the doctor rolled his. “Don’t move it,” he instructed. “I warned you how deformed it’d be! Now, this is an extremely delicate process, for regeneration isn’t like growing a plant where the roots can bend. Your bones could wind up being severely altered with the slightest twitch, so I must advise you, Rainbow; keep still.”

Slowly, her hoof was magically lifted onto a tiny table by the doctor’s careful magic. Rainbow peered her eyes passed the other, and lowered to watch. A light glow circled around the edges, and Dr. Stables kept his eyes watching all the while, concentrating with a bit of sweat forming upon his brow.

For an hour, Rainbow stayed perfectly still, gazing at the instance and marveling at how her hoof almost instantly filled with muscle. Just like that, instead of having to work all that enhancement out again for possibly almost a month, her appendage was completely healed in one day.

After Dr. Stables stopped, he huffed, double checked his work, and smiled. “Well, that’s that! You’re free to go, but of course, I need some paperwork filled out. I promise, though. It won’t take more than a few minutes of your time.”

Rainbow pouted, “What? No! I’ve had enough of being in here! Can’t I just… take a really, really quick soar around Ponyville… and to Cloudsdale… then to Canterlot, and finally-”

“Rainbow…”

She stopped, scowled at the floor with a scrunched up muzzle and resisted the intense urge to easily fly right out the window next to them, but thankfully for the the doctor, she composed herself long enough to skim some forms, sign some signature spots, and discuss her future job with Dr. Stables.

As the final form rested casually on top of her side table, Rainbow scratched her itchy neck and confessed, “I’m dying to get outta here. Please, tell me we’re all done!”

“Almost,” Dr. Stables assured. “All that’s left is a briefing on both your future job and your recent healing.”

Rainbow grunted and slouched in her seat, but reluctantly listened. “Alright,” She said, partly in a growl. “But make it quick…”

The doctor smirked, a bit amused at his patient’s impatience. “Alright, okay. Your work will be simple. Basically, you’ll be Twilight’s personal assistant.”

“Wait,” Rainbow interrupted. “Isn’t she your assistant? Or am I missing something?”

“Well, yes… and no; you see, she’s pretty much a secretary of sorts. She does paperwork, mostly. She’s filling in for Nurse Redheart, who originally did what Twilight’s doing. She’ll be back only over a week from now. In the meantime, I wish for somepony like Twilight to be able to focus on her already tough job.”

Rainbow became somewhat suspicious. “But… I’m not only gonna be taking orders from her, am I?”

The stallion giggled, “No, you won’t… I’ll also have some rather basic assignments for you as well, everything you can handle, I promise. It’s mainly running and getting folders, or closing up after hours. Your duties may also consist of watching the front desk, or greeting the incoming ponies who Twilight or I might not be available to greet immediately.”

Rainbow nodded and held her chin. “Fetch stuff, watch the front desk, socialize with customers, and close up… That’s pretty simple if you ask me!”

He laughed. “Well, on days like the ones in this week, and hopefully the next, we should be slow. However, I can tell you right now, Rainbow Dash, when later days arrive, you might have to strain yourself just a teensie bit harder. Though, that shouldn’t be a problem for you, right?”

“Not at all!”

“Good.” Dr. Stables glanced down. “Now then, your hoof.”

Rainbow smugly flexed it and asked, “Yeah, it’s awesome, isn’t it?”

Dr. Stables shook his head while fighting back a grin. “Indeed,” he joked. “But seriously, please, give me your attention.”

As Rainbow lowered her hoof and leaned slightly in, her ears perked up to show the unicorn she was listening. “Go on, I’m all ears doc.”

“Mmhmm...” Dr. Stables placed his hoof on Rainbow’s and pointed around the tip. “If you feel any abnormal pressure around here, that’s normal. But, if it begins to hurt, come on back and tell me. Around the upper elbow might feel wobbly while you walk, but that’s expected. Just remember to eat more often, drink plenty of fluids, and take it easy on this hoof.”

“That’s it?” Rainbow questioned.

“Yep! You’ll be here for the most part, so it’s not really required for you to return for check-ups. If I notice you having a tough time trotting, I’ll be able to help you right away. Remember, though, if you feel any soreness after quite some time has passed, I’ll need to know about it.”

Rainbow chuckled, stretched both hooves out, the very tips touching, and stood. “No problem! Now, get me outta here.”

“Right this way.”

The two left Rainbow’s room, leaving a few of her personal belongings behind, but that wouldn’t be much of a problem. She already planned to come back later that day to pick her stuff up. While passing by the front desk, she noticed Twilight had already gone home for the day. She had hoped to say goodbye, only to show up the very next day to surprise her.

It was too bad circumstances didn’t work out for her, but then, Twilight knew her friend was leaving. She already had it in mind, if she couldn’t say bye to Rainbow today, then tomorrow, but not even that would happen. All throughout the next day, Twilight and Rainbow wouldn’t meet one another, both wondering where each other were.

Of course, by the time Rainbow got started, she’d learn about the impeccable timing of Twilight’s day off, but as for Rarity…

“Please, please, please Rarity?! I need somepony to take my place!”

“Absolutely not! I’ve been there before, and the smell, the food, and that flirty doctor!”

Within the Carousel Boutique, Twilight was justly working on convincing her friend to fill in for her, a seemingly futile attempt thus far. Rarity was finding whatever absurd excuse not to go even though there was really little reason. “Rarity,” Twilight pleaded. ”What will get you to just…”

“Just what Twilight?” Rarity asked, determined not to lighten up on this. “Name one reason why I should go! Even if it’s for one day, I couldn’t stand being in there for even an hour! I took Sweetie Belle down there for a check up, and you would not believe the attitude of the doctor I consulted with!”

“Which doctor was that?” Twilight asked, not believing this for a second.

“His name was something off, not really catchy in the least bit…”

“... Dr. Hard? Rock Hard?”

“Yes! That’s the one! He kept complimenting me on my mane, a real pretty colt, too. Long eyelashes, that sort of thing.”

Twilight snickered, “Did he have a gold earring, too?”

“Yes!”

Twilight stumbled back, longing to burst into sheer laughter. “Pfft...!”

“What’s so funny? He was obviously hitting on me! Granted, he was unique, and charming, and very kind, but that’s beside the point! I can’t be seen around a hound dog like him!”

Twilight collapsed to the floor, unable to hold in her amusement. “He’s gay!”

“Wh-what?!” Rarity’s eyes widened gradually once the realization sank in. “... Oh.”

Twilight got back up, slightly enjoying this a little too much, but asked in between giggles, “So, you’ll do it?”

Rarity frowned for a second, but let go of her small anger towards being so silly, and nodded. “So long as nopony flirts with me while I’m there, I suppose I’m alright with it. Still, though, the smell! The tasteless food! I honestly can’t see how you manage to work there for even a minute!”

Twilight sighed and reminded Rarity, “Yeah, but it’s only a day. Thanks, I owe you one.” Then, a thought crossed her mind. “Oh, and by the way. Did you see what the nurses wear? I know you’re gonna love it...”

From within her worksack, Twilight pulled out her uniform to show off while Rarity gawked at it, open mouthed and a sparkle clearly visible in her eye. “Oh… my gosh. Twilight, you… you!” She had to pause for a deep breath. “Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria didn’t you tell me about this in the first place?! If I’d known about this, I wouldn’t have given even the slightest thought about whatshisface!”

“Dr. Hard?”

Rarity simply kept looking at the outfit Twilight held with her magic. “Who?”

In order to retrieve Rarity’s attention, Twilight had to return her things to the saddlebag, Rarity watching while the enchanted clothes were securely returned to their proper place. Once they were gone, Twilight’s friend was able to focus once more, if only a bit shaken by that whole experience. “Come on down to Equestria, Rarity!”

“Wha- Huh?”

Twilight brought the loopy mare’s sight to her own. “Now then, you’ll need to get there fairly early… Are you listening? Or still thinking about what you’ll be wearing?”

Rarity looked from Twilight to the bag a few times. “Will I be allowed to keep them?”

Twilight face-hoofed. “Ugh! Listen!” Rarity halted her nonsense. “When you get inside, all that needs to be done from there is to speak with Dr. Stables, the one at the front desk. You’ve met him before, right?”

Rarity nodded. “Oh, of course! He was the one I talked to before.”

“Good, and he’ll instruct you on what to do from there on.” Twilight looked around. “I, uh… guess that’s all.”

“Goodie,” Rarity cheered, clapping her hooves. “Now, let me see that uniform, just one more time!”

In Twilight’s mind, she understood the fact that Spike would need an actual reason for being there in the first place. Luckily, Twilight still had a few forms to fill out, and knew the exact time Rarity would be a the front desk along with Dr. Stables.

All Spike would have to do was walk in and drop them off for her. Assuming all went according to plan, he’d get his chance. As for if he would have the courage to go through with it was an entirely different situation altogether.

Part Eleven

Rarity’s long day began with the alarm clock ringing loudly next to her head, followed by a quick shower. Shampoo, coat wash, and everything else a mare like her needs to do before the day took way longer than it should have, as usual. She quickly fed Sweetie Belle, kissed her on the forehead before the foal left for school, and got right back to her own little devices.

She would need a well arranged arsenal of equipment for the day ahead. Not for medical stuff and things, but pertaining more towards that outfit Twilight showed her the other day ago. Although it was a great design, and abnormally alluring to her, there was still things missing from it. Particularly, her personal touch.

“I’ll need rubies!” she said while scuffling with herself, pulling her body back and forth from the closet to her bag. If only it was a bit closer, she would only be a few inches away. However, the unicorn was much too busy to make the minor adjustment, and kept on jumping from the open double doors to the saddlebag.

Constantly, Rarity chanted to herself, “Gotta get there early! Gotta have time to design!”

She was thoroughly riveted to work with these new pieces of clothing, just to see how she could improve its style with her trinkets and shiny gemstones. Before strapping up and securing her bag to her waist, she made sure everything was in order. Everything she needed for decorating seemed to be under control, and it was even early enough that Celestia herself might still be having morning coffee, or tea while lifting the sun.

One last glance at the mirror for safely making extra sure she looked flawless, and the pony was all ready to head straight for the door. She remembered exactly where the Ponyville Clinic was from her occasional visits to see Rainbow Dash.

Thinking about it, Rarity noticed an odd overcast that day, something unusual, for when she last checked the Equestria Monthly News magazine, the report that came in from the pegasi weather control said they planned on keeping things clear and sunny for the whole week. Shrugging that off, Rarity assumed Rainbow was just being lazy like always.

The only doubt in her mind, though, was crafted by the fact that Rainbow had justly been released from the clinic. It wouldn’t have been anything like her to have all that pent up energy and not fly until next year hit just to catch up on missed flight practice.

However, a growing suspicion was all Rarity really had. She didn’t care much, but the whole thing seemed fishy. As she walked along even, she recalled being up that early once, and during those early hours of the crisp day, Rainbow was up and about taking good care of a distasteful fog. Of course, it was mainly so she could quickly go back to sleep for the rest of the morning.

Rarity soon passed by Fluttershy who was busy picking out Angel Bunny’s brunch for him, and ventured to ask, “Oh, Fluttershy?”

The pegasus looked over from the local store counter to see her friend coming, and smiled. “Hello, Rarity. What’re you doing up so early? I thought you liked to sleep in on mornings…”

Rarity hummed, “Mmmh, well, I’m filling in for Twilight at the Ponyville Clinic today. So, I kind of needed to be up, you see.”

Fluttershy nodded. “That’s nice…”

Breaking idle conversation, Rarity asked forwardly, “Tell me, have you seen Rainbow anywhere?”

Fluttershy blinked. “Uh, yes… I was up oh, so early today; the sun wasn’t even out. I recall going out for a walk, and saw Rainbow flying away from her sky home, but that’s all I know.”

Rarity looked down in thought. “That’s odd… And, she hasn’t even doing cloud control… Not to mention, well you know.”

Fluttershy started walking with her friend. “Oh, yes. She’d been in the hospital for such a long time. I’d thought she would’ve been flying nonstop, what with not doing so for such a long time. But, then again, I did see her racing super fast yesterday.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Fluttershy confessed. “She went right over my home, right when I was busy watering some of my plants. I didn’t even see her coming until after a colorful rainbow streaked across the sky.”

Rarity pondered, “Then, perhaps she wore herself out so much, she’s been sleeping all this time… No, wait… Then, why was she up this morning? Not doing her job?”

While the two ponies stopped walking for a moment to think, Fluttershy’s pet bunny hopped up onto his owner’s head and began thumping repetitively for her attention. “Oh, alright. I’m sorry Angel.” She looked over to Rarity and said, “Sorry to you, too. I forgot about Angel’s meal, so I kind of need to go. But, uh, we’ll talk later today. Okay?”

Rarity smiled contently. “It’s quite alright, dear. Come visit me at the clinic! I’ll be at the front desk, probably doing nothing and being bored out of my mind.” She winked jokingly, and Fluttershy waved back. As Rarity watched her leave, she suddenly realized how much personal time she’d wasted by merely conversing with Fluttershy.

Without anymore delay, Rarity hastily got back to her path and reached the clinic in no time at all. However, just as she was coming up to the entrance, she saw the door slowly closing, and what looked like a spectrum tail closing the door. Rarity shook her head, rubbed her eyes a little, and paced herself quickly, though elegantly to the entrance.

Within, only one pony occupied the lobby. That was Dr. Stables, the unicorn she was told to meet. Although she felt a bit confused, Rarity wasn’t about to let herself appear out of the ordinary, or crazy for that matter. She was just getting ready to ask him who that was, thinking it could’ve been Rainbow Dash, but decided not to. Instead, she walked up to the counter and reported in.

“Hello,” she greeted the tired looking stallion. “I’m Rarity, Twilight’s substitute.”

He smiled with half-open eyes. “Well, thank you for coming. Now, to start with, we have this rule regarding wardrobe.”

“Where’s the changing room?” Rarity asked suddenly.

“Uh… I, um… guess Twilight already explained that part?” If he had time to tell Rarity all about the uniform she was to wear, she might’ve been able to avoid some immense confusion.

“Yes, yes,” Rarity said with a gesture of her hoof. “Simply tell me which way to go, and I’ll be back before you know it!”

He shrugged and pointed down the hall. “The rooms are labelled, so you’ll see it after your first right. Also, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She shook his hoof, and was off in a hurry. Something about her was indifferent to him compared to the last time they spoke, but he kept that to himself for the time being. Along the janitor’s closet and passed some patient’s rooms, Rarity read each door until finally finding the one she was looking for. As she knocked on the closed door to see if it was occupied, she asked, “Anypony in there?”

A familiar voice replied, “Yeah, but the one next door should be free.”

Rarity stepped back, looked the door up and down suspiciously, and was about to ask if that was Rainbow Dash. However, she shook her head, giggled, and went into the next room. “Oh, Rarity… There’s absolutely no way Rainbow of all ponies is working here. Don’t be silly!”

Next door, Rainbow was pulling up one of her socks while asking herself, “Was that… Rarity’s voice?” She chuckled. “Rarity? At a clinic? Working?” She laughed, then stood from the counter. While walking towards the mirror and looking at herself, she blushed. “Whoa… I look awesome in this!” She turned herself from side to side, admiring the skirt and loose hat.

Then, a question popped up in her head. “I wonder… Since these clothes are enchanted and all, can you fall in love with yourself?” She stood still, looking into her eyes in the reflection, then walked away from the thing. “I’m already in love with myself enough as is…”

Meanwhile, over in Rarity’s booth, the unicorn was busy getting at it, decorating pretty much every bit of her outfit with gems, jewels and some glitter. Not too much, though. “And the hat could use a ribbon hanging from the back,” she gleefully said. “Oh, and the sleeves should be laced with crisscrossing thread, just a bit deeper than this pink hue.”

She checked her socks, too, and added black fabrics running around the top. When pulled into a bow, they’d tighten up around the top, squeezing the leg a bit to give one that nice, sexy shape. She soon thought everything was in order without going overboard, and tried it on.

Fastening her socks, fixing the hat to tilt a bit, and slipping on her dazzling coat, Rarity gasped at herself. She looked absolutely stunning in the mirror, without any point in which she could possibly alter or redo sections. She stepped back and did a fashionable trot the kind model mares do while giving herself this confidently arousing expression.

Once she reached the perfect point, she turned to the side, waving her tail smoothly, then smiled. “Rarity… You have, without a doubt, outdone yourself this time! Oh, this one’s going straight into my personal stash.”

After her moments of self adoration were over, she quickly left heading right for the front desk. While she was on her way, Dr. Stables was busy tutoring Rainbow Dash on how she’d do her job. However, directly before Rarity showed up, Dr. Stables instructed the pegasus to go get a certain kind of file from his front office. The door was located right behind the desk, next to the assistant’s chair.

As the door started closing, the doctor told her, “It’ll be in the very back.”

The door shut, and he heard Rainbow’s muffled voice say, “No problem!”

Then, Rarity showed up. By that time, Rainbow was far away enough within the neighboring room that she couldn’t hear her friend say, “I’m back!”

Dr. Stables smiled and said, “Good.” As he lead her to Twilight’s chair, he explained, “This is the assistant’s chair, and all you have to do today is organize these folders in a stack for me, alphabetically. And, of course, greet the customers while I’m gone.”

Rarity sat down, the back of her chair covering most of her frame except for her mane. “That sounds easy enough.”

Dr. Stables giggled, “It is, and… Wow, I love what you did with the nurse outfit! No wonder it took you so long…”

Rarity brought her hoof to her chest and said, “I try.”

The doctor nodded, then the buzzer sounded. “Dr. Sables, Dr. Stables. You’re needed in room twelve.”

He smirked and took off while saying, “I’ll be back soon.”

Rarity waved his way, then got to work on her task. While she did, another doctor came through the front door, just arriving for the day’s work. It was none other than Dr. Hard, the one Rarity was so worried about.

He was a regular earth pony with a lightly brown mane and a grey coat. His green eyes matched his syringe cutie mark, which was seemingly filled with boggy blue liquid. Along with a charming face, he had an upbeat style of walking, almost like skipping.

Naturally, she was a little put off by him last time around, but after hearing he was into his own gender, not mares, she felt more secure being around him. Of course, as typical as ever, she should’ve known better than that.

He came to the front desk planning to meet Twilight like he usually did, but wound up face to face with a truly gorgeous looking beauty. He became stunned by the change of uniform. With all those decorations and added appeals, something inside him made his heart thump.

It wasn’t just the accessories, though. Rarity’s enchanted uniform was almost enhanced by her wearing it, and it was fairly obvious that the added touches only helped with this. He stood there, staring wide-eyed at Rarity. Not once in his entire life had he ever felt this way towards a mare.

Stallions got him off no problem, but to see her the way she was right then, Rock Hard couldn’t help but to mutter, “Y-you’re… g-glorious!”

He was drooling by the time Rarity looked up from her work. “Oh, hi! You’re that one other doctor Twilight told me about!”

He stood, petrified and amazed she was even talking to him. “Uh…”

“Yes Dr. Hard, was it?”

He gulped. “Y-yes ma’am…”

“The one that likes boys, right?”

Those words echoed in his head, bringing him to the sudden realization that maybe, just maybe, there wasn’t anything wrong with liking girls as well. “Keep your cool, Rock,” he thought to himself. “Just flirt with her the way you do with the guys…”

Rarity kept her smile going; her attractive, cute, mistakenly flirty smile. “Dr. Hard?”

He grinned, placed his elbow on the counter, and said, “Well, I don’t know what Twilight’s told you, but to be honest, I swing both ways.”

While he gave her a toothy grin, Rarity gave him a disbelieving, though worried smile. “Ahaha, you got me! That’s a good one, doctor!”

He kept smiling, then moved in closed, both hooves supporting his weight. “Why don’t you and I go get some coffee after work today?”

Rarity finally realized he was serious. She looked him up and down, then became cold. “Uhh…”

“And then, we can hit the movies, go to my place… and then…”

Rarity pushed herself back from his leaning in face. Having no choice, she was basically forced to let him down. “As, umm… flattering as that sounds, Rock Hard… I’m currently unavailable! Yeah…”

He backed off from the desk, but wouldn’t stop giving Rarity these sexual eyes. “Well, alright then. But, if you ever change your mind…” He winked, then started walking. Rarity watched him watching her while rounding the corner, and just like that, Rarity thought she was free from flirting company like him. She was wrong, though.

Rainbow had found the folder by then, and left the room just as Rarity was getting back to work. The mare had what Dr. Stables asked her to get in her mouth, but seeing the purple mane of who she thought was somepony else, Rainbow decided to try her hoof out with the new garments along with their enchanted powers. On the table, Dr Stable’s things went, and behind Rarity Rainbow crept.

“Well, hello there…” Rainbow placed her hooves on the back of Rarity’s chair. “Look at you! Mane all done up, glitter… If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you knew I was coming in today!”

Rarity shivered, and asked, “R-Rainbow?”

The pegasus still couldn’t distinguish Rarity’s voice from Twilight’s at this point, and kept on with her games. “Yup! I’m working here now. With you. As your assistant, no less. And, if you need anything… And I do mean anything…”

She slowly spun the chair around, then leaped into the air, her wings keeping her hovering above the frightened looking unicorn. Rarity looked ready to scream, and asked, “Wh-what was that all about?!”

Rainbow lowered herself down while looking a bit embarrassed. “I uh…” She thought hard, and quick. Though the reason she came up with was rather silly, and unbelievable, she claimed, “I was… playing a joke on you?”

Rarity lightened up, looked around, and asked, “Really?”

Rainbow began forming a quirky smile, and said, “Well, yeah! I mean… uh….”

Rarity giggled. “You overheard Dr. Hard flirting with me, and thought it would be fun to do the same, didn’t you?”

Rainbow sighed. “Oh, yep! You got me! Cat’s outta the bag! Haha!”

The unicorn quickly straightened up in her seat, frowning. “Well don’t ever do it again.”

Rainbow stopped laughing to say, “Yes ma’am.”

Shortly after, it became somewhat awkwardly silent, so Rarity asked, “Don’t you have something to deliver?”

She stiffened up and said, “Oh, yeah, I do! Thanks for reminding me!” She grabbed the folder, took off, came back, placed the folder down and asked, “Where’s Dr. Stables?”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “Room twelve.”

Rainbow thanked Rarity again, left, and came back a few minutes later. “Where’s room twelve?”

Rarity grunted, “Ugh! Give it here! I know where it is because when I was here last time with Sweetie Belle, I that’s the room I was in.”

She snatched the folder away and hastily started walking away while Rainbow yelled to her, “Thanks!” All too soon, Rainbow was then alone in the lobby. Boredom started settling in, and waiting for Rarity to get back was taking too long. She glanced at the assistant’s chair, shrugged, and sat down.

Then, about five minutes later, she started spinning herself round in the chair, eventually coming to a stop with her back facing the front of the room where ponies walk in. At that time, Twilight had given Spike the paperwork and sent him on his way to the clinic. He walked in, saw the chair facing the other way, and assumed it’s resident was none other than Rarity.

“Hello? I’ve got some stuff here to drop off for Twilight!” Rainbow instantly recognized the childish voice while easily figured out exactly why Rarity was here. It became obvious she was filling in for Twilight so Spike could catch a peek at her in that nurse outfit. “Rarity? Is that you?”

Rainbow didn’t answer. She wanted this surprise prank to be one of her best yet. Spike leaned in closely, just barely grazing the back of the chair. With perfect timing, Rainbow whirled herself around and scared poor Spike with a, “Boo!”

He fell backwards with a yell, papers he was holding going everywhere in the air, and all the while, Rainbow chuckled with delight. “You should see the look on your face, Spike!”

He got up hastily, gathering the loosely descending papers from the air and floor. “Rainbow?! What in Equestria are you doing here?”

She joked, “Scaring you, of course.” With her hooves placed behind her head, Rainbow got a bit serious. “Looking for Rarity, I’m betting.”

Spike looked at the file, and said, “Well, I’m supposed to be delivering these to whoever… But, uh…”

Rainbow finished for him, “You were hoping to see Rarity, right? I guess as compensation for scaring you half to death, I can make that happen… But…”

“But what?” Spike questioned.

Rainbow snickered. “You gotta keep me being here a secret. Twilight can’t know I was ever here today, or that I’ll be here tomorrow, either!”

Spike became angered. “Why should I do that for you when you just pranked me? Again. For the fifth time this month!”

Rainbow was cool about this, and taunted the dragon, “Oh, you can tell Twilight. But, then you’ll never get to see Rarity in that awesome, jeweled, custom designed nurse outfit! I mean, come on. Why else would you come all the way over here when Rarity’s working just to drop off Twilight’s things?”

Spike frowned, looked left and right, then reluctantly admitted defeat. “Alright, fine! I’ll keep this between you and me, okay?”

Rainbow nodded with a grin. “Now, I’ll be leaving. When Rarity gets back, just act like I was never around. Alright?”

Spike nodded and took a seat in one of the waiting chairs on the side of the room to wait for Rarity to get back. A few minutes ticked by before somepony arrived from the hall. “Hello?” Rarity called out. “Is someone there?”

Spike stood with a smile, walked up to the desk, and was instantly starstruck. Seeing Rarity in her personally customized nurse outfit, with it shimmering and gleaming brightly from the lights above cascading on each ruby, diamond and rhinestone made him go utterly silent. He just stood there, hypnotized by Rarity’s breathtaking appearance.

Naturally, it hit her rather fast that Spike just caught her in possibly the most amazing outfit yet to be shown to the outside world. However, she had no choice but to simply stand there, letting the little guy take all of her in. She could even see him drooling a little, and wondered aloud, “Spike? Is there a specific reason you’re here?”

He raised his claw up to unconsciously give her Twilight’s delivery, and backed away slowly. The door opened up with his tail pushing it, and only outside was he able to just barely relax. He leaned up against the wall, clutching the spot where his heart was. It pounded against his small chest with him breathing heavily, and as he laid down, Spike couldn’t help but to ask himself, “A-am I having a heart attack?!”

Naturally, he wasn’t, but for a good five to ten minutes, that’s what it felt like. The day pressed on following these events with nothing special to tell about. Rainbow and Rarity worked rather comfortable together, and Dr. Stables was proud to see his newest employee taking on her job so well. It was clear to him by the end of the day that Rainbow would have no such trouble with being Twilight’s assistant.

As for Rarity, after her shift was finally up, she made it out the door just in time before Rock Hard came skipping along through the hall. The last thing she needed was him following her home, or even having him ask her out yet again just so she would have to decline, possibly hurting his feelings.

Part Twelve

The sun was just beginning to settle upon the land, same as it always did, but on this particular day, its last few rays got their chance to touch two ponies that hadn’t walked home together in a very long time.

“We must’ve been little fillies last time we did this!”

“I know, it’s odd. Normally, I’d be flying home, but… well, you see Rarity…”

The unicorn snickered as her friend walked out of the Ponyville Clinic. “It's because you want to discuss what you were doing with me today, correct?”

Rainbow’s face curled up while flushing, too. “I did not! I was just… uh…”

Her predictable words brought about a typical roll of the eyes from Rarity. “I’ll have you know, I can read you better than Twilight could read a dictionary.” She double checked to see if her things were in her saddle bag and started walking along with Rainbow. “First, you’re working at the Ponyville Clinic, possibly the most boring place I’ve ever been to my entire life.”

Rainbow looked away. “Well, I…”

“And, sorry to interrupt, but you were definitely flirting with me. As blunt as it may be, that’s precisely what you were doing. And if you were doing that with me, it means you meant to do that with none other than?”

She tilted her head slightly to look at her embarrassed friend, eventually touching Rainbow’s shoulder with her mane. Rainbow simply kept walking along, not daring to speak unless Rarity kept persisting the way she was. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rarity blinked, her head still cocked, and a smile cheekily beaming. Rainbow sighed, “... Twilight.”

The unicorn brought herself back to a coy posture, her eyes closed. “And thus, the cat is out of the bag… But, wait!” She brought a hoof up to tap it on her chin. “What will you do to keep this a secret now that somepony else knows?” Rarity chose to get very sarcastic, and pressured on, “Somepony… like me?!”

Rainbow shook her head. “I suppose that’s it, then. You’re gonna snitch me out, and then Twilight’s gonna be-”

She was abruptly stopped by Rarity’s silencing hoof gracing her lips. She looked serious about this, almost as if Rainbow had poked at the wrong buttons. “Rainbow, dear,” she began. “I may look the type to do just that, and in some respects, maybe I wanted to for silly reasons that could be argued as excuses… But,” she lowered her hoof. “I have something against Twilight now…”

Rarity and Rainbow continued their suddenly pleasant growing trot. “What would that be?” Rainbow ventured to question.

For a moment, Rarity looked a little angry, or perhaps simply annoyed. “Because…” She looked over at her friend and said, “I was set up.”

Rainbow blinked, looked around her and claimed, “I don’t follow.”

“I know,” Rarity replied. “You wouldn’t. It happened while you were out. You see, Spike came in.”

“Ohhh…” Rainbow gulped, remembering she was the one who completely allowed Spike to see her friend the way she was.

“Oh, indeed! Here I thought Twilight needed me to cover for her. Like, for real. Then, later in the day, after I’d already been toyed with by both you and Dr. Hard, guess who shows!”

Rainbow slowed down. “Wait, whoa, whoa… Dr. Hard? As in… the…”

Rarity took the words right out of Rainbow’s mouth by saying, “The gay one that Twilight assured wouldn’t be hitting on me. Yes, that’s the one. I could hardly believe it was happening myself!”

Rainbow chuckled while catching up. “He actually tried it? With you?”

Rarity simply nodded and kept walking. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, but he’s just not my type. No such stallion in this town is my type. Not Big mac, not Dr. Hard, and let’s face it. I thought Blueblood was the one. Now I can’t help but to shudder at the very mentioning of his name!”

Rainbow became concerned and decided to ask, “Do you even have your sights set on anypony at the moment?”

Rarity drew a long breath, looked around for a moment, and shook her head. It was sort of a surprise to Rainbow that Rarity of all other mares wasn’t really interested with being in a relationship. It didn’t seem very believable to her, but then again, she wasn’t going to annoy Rarity about it either.

They’d reached the Carousel Boutique by then, and though Rainbow planned to simply walk with her friend until that particular point, with Rarity inviting her in, she decided some extra time with the unicorn would be best. After all, it’d been a few days since they last spent any actual time with each other. Naturally, Rarity had come by to visit Rainbow while she was in the clinic. However, it was only for a few minute each week, hardly enough time to be enjoyed by either of them.

Rarity held the door open, Rainbow stood at the entrance feeling the winds bristle beneath her wings, and though she wanted dearly to easily take off for the sky, she chose to spend just a little more of the evening with Rarity within her establishment.

“You know,” Rarity said while magically levitating her wears. “I’m afraid this nurse outfit is almost too powerful. I really have no other choice but to hide it away from this unprepared world.”

Rainbow sat at a small coffee table enjoying her drink, watching Rarity unpack her belongings. Along with the uniform, she also unloaded diamonds, makeup, accessories, and much more. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Rainbow asked.

As the loose sleeves were hung on a hanger, and the hat wafted by Rarity’s muzzle, into an open closet with other lavishly designed and well cared for attires, Rarity sighed. “You see, Rainbow. Not only had he flirted with me; that is, Dr. Hard, but it was because of this outfit. I just know it!”

While Rarity caressed the side, mainly the jewel that was placed upon it, Rainbow blinked, wondering if Rarity knew about the enchantments that came with wearing the nurse outfit. “But, you do understand that-”

Rarity cut her off. “Now, Rainbow. Listen. I was there before with Sweetie Belle. While we were momentarily alone, he and I, Dr. Hard didn’t even look twice at me! He had this smile, sure, but that was from being feminine. Today, though… The way he talked, and joked! And I was wearing something like this! I’m telling you, Rainbow. It’s the outfit that got him so riled up for me.”

Rainbow scratched her neck. “Rarity… I agree with that, but I think there’s something you must’ve missed. The clothes have an abnormal effect on ponies. Of course he was into you. But, it wasn’t just the glitter, or any of that frilly stuff. It’s enchanted, too.”

Rarity turned around. “Enchanted? How?”

Rainbow gulped, and confessed, “They not only grant its wearer medical advantages, but as a side effect, it can arouse just about anypony. Actually…”

Rarity gasped. “Then… that’s why you… and Twilight, and…” She trotted in place for a moment, then settled her things where they belonged. After another minute or so of thinking, Rarity came to the table so the two could talk leisurely. “So, let me get this straightened out… First, you broke your hoof. Twilight was hired at the same, coincidental time. She was wearing the enchanted clothes, and you fell in love with her, almost forcefully.”

Rainbow smirked, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It was a simple little slip…?”

“Finally,” Rarity continued, “you devised a plan to be hired, put on the clothes, and make Twilight fall in love with you as well… Devious! Scandalous! And if I must say, so romantic!” Rarity smiled, playing with her mane. “I must say, quite the cur you’ve become, willing to do this even when you have no idea how to actually do it the right way.”

Rainbow looked at Rarity a bit sternly. “Excuse me?”

“Well, the way you were trying your silly little luck out with me back there; why, if I were Twilight, I’d be so bothered that no such love spell could’ve ever made me want to speak with you again unless absolutely necessary!” Rarity took a deep breath with closed eyes. Once they opened, looking at Rainbow, she finished, “Which is why you need my help.”

Rainbow looked confused, almost wondering if this was a joke. “Are you… serious?”

Rarity nodded, and was about to say why she was so willing, but brought them back to an older topic. “Before I do anything, though, I was wondering about the enchantment.” She laid her head on both hooves, giving Rainbow her undivided attention.

Rainbow leaned in, a hoof resting on the edge. “If you’re gonna help me in any way you can with Twilight, then I’ll tell you anything you need to know!”

With a satisfied nod, Rarity asked, “Anypony can fall in love with you while you’re wearing the uniform?”

“Well, yeah! That’s what I understood.”

“Then, tell me, Rainbow. Were you falling in love with me? Be honest!”

She frowned, blushing, and admitted, “Y-yeah. I, uh… was.” The look on Rarity’s face taunted the pegasus, so Rainbow defended herself with, “But, not the way I’ve gotten with Twilight! You see, it’s like exposure. The more time I spend with you while you’re wearing those things of yours, the deeper the enchantment gets…”

Rarity looked as though she was enjoying this almost a bit too much. “So, what you felt for me was basically nothing compared to what you’re feeling for Twilight? Maybe… at this very moment?”

Rainbow looked away. “It’s not that I’ve completely fallen for Twilight, but… Well, maybe I have… I just don’t know anymore.” She looked back. “It’s pretty much, like, I’m addicted to her. I see her in my dreams, I get all choked up when I’m speaking with her, and I just can’t help but to wonder if this will ever stop, too...”

Rarity placed her hoof on Rainbow’s and said, “It’s definite, then. If you’re not in complete love for Twilight, then I don’t know what love really is. What you’re going through is what most mares would call the next three stages of being somepony’s marefriend, and you’re not even passed the friendship zone!”

“Yeah… Heck, I’m not even at the bat yet!” Rainbow huffed and decided then and there to get down to business. “Anyways, I told you what you wanted to know… Now, I want my half of the deal. What can you do to help me win Twilight over? The nurse suit’s not gonna kick in right away, I know that much. So, I’ll need a legit game plan.”

Rarity giggled. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got just the thing. We’ll start with movements, those are the easiest. Then comes the right words, and the wrong ones that are sure to make Twilight feel every bit unsettled. You’ll want to act naturally sexual, not so much that it’s obvious, but just enough so Twilight can easily pick up on your signals.”

Rainbow smiled, then asked, “Why are you so down with helping me out, if I might ask? Especially with getting Twilight to be my girl? I’d thought you would’ve been a lot more disturbed than this.”

With a devilish smirk, Rarity said, “This isn’t about revenge. Not completely, anyway. I also would despise the outcome of you to messing this up, and then where will we be? Possibly, you’ll wind up being less of a friend towards Twilight, and we can’t have that now can we? It wouldn’t be healthy for our future adventures, too. Likewise for the others. I know I can’t stop you, but I can see to it that nothing bad happens as an end result.”

Rainbow snickered and asked, “So, you’re doing this to keep us as friends? You’re such a good pony.”

Rarity resumed, “That, and I think you two would make an adorable couple!”

All the pegasus could think of that was left to say was, “Thanks…”

Rarity stood up, her whole frame eager to get started, and said, “Let’s go practice friendship.”

Part Thirteen

A dim light shined on a walkway prepared by Rarity. Outside the windows, one could tell it was still fairly early in the evening, where the stars just started to come out. Rainbow and Rarity had already gone through several discussions involving how to trot, talk, joke, and appear normal. One of the few things the two wanted was Twilight suspecting Rainbow was up to something.

“Alright, Rainbow,” Rarity yelled from the stage side, yawning near the end. “This should be the last one. You know what to do?”

Rainbow’s shadow could be seen adjusting her mane from behind the red curtain. “Yeah, I got it. Can we get this started already? At this pace, I’ll be too worn out by tomorrow to even show up!”

“Well, let’s hurry up then,” Rarity said.

The curtain was magically slid open, some fog lofting on the wooden floor, and through the silhouette shadowing, Rainbow walked forward. Her head stayed high with the back of her mane tied by a purple scrunchie matching her eye color. She maintained a professional posture, but the way she moved had its own personal flare.

With each step, her tail swished from left to right, smoothly matching her flank’s motion as she swayed it. Rarity watched critically, pointing out, “Raise your butt a bit higher…”

Rainbow, though keeping a kind expression, said, “It’s going as high as it’ll go.”

“Believe me, Rainbow,” Rarity promised. “I’ve caught Twilight looking at me when I walk this way. It’ll give you a nice chance to make Twilight stare, and in turn, that will make her even more attracted to you.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes with a smile. As she reached the end, she stopped and let Rarity walk around her for a second. Though Rainbow felt a little nervous, thinking this was going to ruin her chances with Twilight completely, she kept in mind that Rarity’s probably spent a lot more time with Twilight compared to her, and thus, probably knew plenty more about Twilight’s interest than she did.

“Are, uh…” Rainbow looked down for a moment. “Are you sure Twilight will like this?”

Rarity nodded with a hoof rubbing her chin. “Rainbow, if I may? Not to sound strange or anything, but I’m almost liking this right now.” She circled her hoof, telling Rainbow to do a spin.

As she did with a cute fashion, Rainbow asked, “But, what if she sees right through me?”

Rarity followed alongside Rainbow as she walked. “No need to be discouraged, Rainbow. Have faith that all this work we’ve done so far will pay off. After all, if you come visit me a few days after work, I’ll be able to help you further.”

Coming up to the starting point, Rainbow sighed. She glanced over at Rarity with a satisfied grin, then saw the clock behind her. “Well,” she said. “I’d better be on my way… Thanks for all the advice and… tutoring?”

Rarity giggled. “I suppose you could call it that.” Leading Rainbow to the door, she also mentioned, “Tomorrow, and every day for that matter, be sure and meet me outside the Ponyville Clinic before work. You won’t be able to adjust this scrunchie without my help, otherwise.”

Rainbow blushed. “Yeah… that was horrible.” Before they started, Rarity thought it’d be a nice idea for Rainbow to add a little something extra. When letting her try and do it herself, the scrunchie basically almost ripped a part of her mane out. “Let’s… keep that between you and me, okay?”

Rarity removed the accessory from the back of Rainbow’s hair and said, “My lips are sealed. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

Right before the door could close behind Rainbow, a gust of wind was kicked at the entrance by her takeoff. The door was knocked so hard by the sudden burst that it flung wide open, knocking against the wall and swishing closed in less than a second.

Rarity’s purple locks went up a few inches, then slowly came back down while she said to herself, “Hmm… She’s getting rusty. Last time she did that, I had to have somepony come over and fix the door…”

Rainbow hadn’t had the chance to take flight all day, and consequently, she felt herself unable to go anywhere near as fast as she once did before her little injury. Actually, she knew her talents were suffering, for it hadn’t only been a mere day. It’d been a whole month.

An entire thirty days, maybe more had gone by without her being able to take to the skies. As expected, she couldn’t even go anywhere near as fast as she once could while training with Spitfire.

She looked down at the far away ground and began considering what was truly important. The Wonderbolts, or Twilight Sparkle? Such a tough decision couldn’t be made right then and there, of course. Rainbow could barely keep her eyes open, and without much time to think before going to bed, it also meant she’d have to figure her situation out tomorrow.

Sure, she could juggle her responsibilities during work. On break, instead of eating lunch, she could do wing-ups. On her way to Rarity’s at the end of the day, she could race and time herself, trying to go faster each day. But still, it wouldn’t be enough.

What she was going to do about this dilemma, she wasn’t sure. However, one thing that was clear to her was that she needed to train even harder, and take the necessary steps to achieve both the position of becoming an official Wonderbolt, and Twilight’s affection.

That night, she was in her bed, fast asleep. Winds howled outside the window, and tank slept in his basket, cozy and content with his dreams. The same couldn’t be said for Rainbow Dash, though. Every few minutes, she’d toss and turn, her head filled with differing possibilities lapsing as fantasies within her mind.

Several times, she awoke to scratch her head and chest, only to go back to sleep and return once again to the questionable dreams, some nightmares, and ones in between the lines of scary and blissful.

These consisted of future events, ones that would involving Twilight and the Wonderbolts. One had Twilight falling in love with Rainbow, only for the pegasus to lose her opportunity with the Wonderbolts. Another was the complete opposite.

Late in the night, she had the worst possible outcome rush through her stressed head. She dreamed of Twilight knowing full and well about her scheme, and scolding Rainbow for it. Afterwards, the Wonderbolts let her go, saying she’d become far too weak, and can never join under their ranks again.

That last, horrifying dream snapped her back into reality completely. She jumped awake, looked around the room panting, and shivered a little. Rainbow held herself tight, feeling cold despite the air around her being slightly humid, and asked, “What does it mean...?”

She glared up at the mirror across the room, and stared at herself. At that moment, she knew what she had to do. Rarity was right. She knew what Twilight liked more than she, so all Rainbow had to do about that was place her trust within her friend. As for the Wonderbolts?

She hopped out of bed, stretched her body, and looked out the window. The sun wasn’t even up yet, so that was the perfect time to get started. Rainbow quickly fed her pet tortoise, told him to take care of the house for her, and took off through the front door.

If one were to be up at this hour like Rainbow Dash was, he or she would’ve been amazed to see cloud after cloud be broken in two, then four by nothing more than a spectrum ray. With all her might, Rainbow rushed through the clouds, pushing her wings as hard as she could, working up quite an appetite as she went along, too.

After half the sky was cleared, Rainbow swooped down just in time for a corner store to open its doors. She got her hooves on a sandwich, left the establishment, and got right back to work while eating her breakfast.

It wasn’t exactly her best, or quickest take, but better than Rainbow thought she would’ve done with being so out of shape. Every day from that point on, she planned to get up bright and early with an objective: to clear out all the clouds surrounding the town.

With her head cleared, and a better idea of what she needed to do, Rainbow made a mental note. She’d also need to do at least five laps around Ponyville before her daily break was complete.

She would also do wing-up in the changing room before and after her shifts. Finally, instead of just racing to Rarity’s when she was let off, Rainbow planned to zig-zag not only to the Carousel Boutique, but to Fluttershy’s cottage, Applejack’s barn, Twilight’s tree house, Sugar Cube Corner, and her sky sanctuary, timing her self the whole way.

Each and every day, especially on her days off, Rainbow decided to do as much training as possible. If there was one thing she wasn’t about to let happen, it was becoming too weak for the Wonderbolts to even consider removing her from their team.

It still wouldn’t be enough. Rainbow just knew she could go another extra mile. In order to get herself back up to the level she was at only a month ago, she needed to do more. She needed help.

But, who would be able to assist her in this field? Gilda was way too far, and Rainbow wouldn’t ever be desperate enough to go begging for her guidance. Not after what she pulled with Pinkie Pie’s party…

And then, it hit her. “Pinkie?” Rainbow asked aloud while resting on a restaurant bench and table. She took a sip of her water, wiping some sweat away, and thought about the notion for a bit. “But, Pinkie can’t fly! That’s absurd, me needing her help.”

“Help with what?” Pinkie asked from behind Rainbow, shocking the pegasus into a flight. While hovering in the air, Rainbow looked down at the pink pony, asking, “Where did you come from?!”

“Well, I came from a rock farm. You see, my father was-”

“Pinkie,” Rainbow interrupted. “That’s not what I meant! I mean, you… and I… I was…”

Pinkie blinked, still keeping a wide grin spread across her muzzle. “Yes, Rainbow Dash?”

She gave up with a grunt and lowered herself back down to the ground. “If you must know, I’m gonna be way busy over at the Ponyville Clinic down the street to train, and-”

Pinkie shoved a book into Rainbow’s face while chanting, “Oh, oh! I’ve got just the thing! Read this!”

Rainbow shoved the hardcover away, blinked, and read the title. “Secrets of Flight… by Princess Celestia?!”

Pinkie nodded with a toothy grin. As for her friend, questions popped up in her head. Questions like, where could you've gotten this? Why do you have it? Why haven’t I ever even heard of it? What will it do to help me? Did you steal it? And, of course, how do you always have such perfect timing, Pinkie?

Regardless of the numerous questions swarming around her head, Rainbow knew Pinkie would give her nothing but the most ridiculous response no matter how many times she asked. So, Rainbow just accepted the sudden and outstandingly perfect gift without any such interrogation.

“Pinkie…” Rainbow began, almost wanting to giggle at the random, though welcomed act. “You have no idea how awesome this is!”

Pinkie wrapped her hoof around Rainbow for a hug and said, “I knew you’d like it… and it’s so good to see you again...” Once she released her grasp, Pinkie turned around and finished, “Now then, I’ve got about five minutes before this time flux thingie breaks down. I just needed to stop by and fix this silly little problem you caused in my time. But, you wouldn’t know anything about that!”

She galloped off towards some alleyway before Rainbow could even think of a response. Just before Pinkie rounded a corner, Rainbow caught a glimpse of some bright, blue light flashing, and a low buzzing noise slowly dissipating in the background. Directly after that, Rainbow was surprised by somepony behind her asking, “What’s that Dashie?!”

For the second time that day, Rainbow leaped up into the air, only to look down at Pinkie smiling her way. Something about her was different than the one she’d just seen not a minute ago. This one appeared younger, like she always did. Rainbow hadn’t noticed before, but the other Pinkie was much more aged, some wrinkles circling her eyes and hooves.

“P-Pinkie?!” Rainbow stuttered. “But, you were just…”

“Ooh, is that a new Daring Do book? Can I see?”

Rainbow came back down again, looked at the book, then at Pinkie, and said, “But, this is the book you just gave me…”

Pinkie looked confused. “I gave you it?” She grabbed the book, inspected the cover, then confessed, “I’ve never seen this, though.” She smiled, and offered, “You must be confused.”

Rainbow backed away slowly, then shook her head. “N-no, that can’t be right! You… But, I…”

Pinkie sighed, and said, “Well, anyway! I can see you’re busy going into crazy town. Drop me a line when you get back! I’m actually really late, but I’ll see you later! Okay?”

Just like the other Pinkie, she took off. However, this time, she headed for Sugar Cube Corner, no doubt to get started with the job of her own. This reminded Rainbow of her own duties, and how if she wanted enough time to do some extra morning training in, she’d have to be there pretty early.

Though the Pinkie incident would leave her completely dumbfounded for the next whole month, Rainbow had what she needed, ensuring her position with the Wonderbolts stayed the way it should. All that remained was to win Twilight over. That felt like an even harder challenge to Rainbow Dash now, but if there’s one thing she loved, it’s a good opportunity to conquer a unique feat.

Part Fourteen

Awake earlier in the day than what Rainbow was used to, she arrived at the front entrance to meet Rarity, but only to go over their plans, and so Rainbow’s mane could be done up correctly.

“We’ll simply have to take today’s time after your work to meddle around with this,” Rarity said while twirling a loose strand back in place. “I honestly can not be coming here everyday just to fix up your hair when we both know you could be doing it yourself.”

“Mmhmm,” Rainbow said, muffling her voice. She was actually far too concerned with the book than anything else, reading its contents while Rarity tended to her mane.

“What… do you have there? Some sort of book, or…?”

Rainbow showed Rarity what she held, and said, “Pinkie gave it to me. At least, I think it was Pinkie… I’m still confused… on… that…” Rainbow’s attention just kept on being distracted by the book.

Every word she spoke was derailed from where it was originally going, and though Rainbow was trying hard to focus on Twilight more so than what she was reading, Rarity did her best to instruct Rainbow in the right direction.

“Listen, Rainbow,” Rarity said.

“I’m listening,” Rainbow muttered.

With a roll of the eyes, the unicorn resumed. “When confronted by Twilight, you’ll want to behave natural, as though you’re supposed to be there. A good idea is to make it seem as though Twilight should’ve known you’d be in today.”

Rainbow gave a sideways glance and asked, “But, why?”

“Because,” Rarity said, walking forward to peak around the corner, then returned to Rainbow. “No doubt, Dr. Stables informed Twilight about your employment. But, you’d think she would’ve congratulated you by now, or gave the slightest inclination of all that happening recently, correct? I’m betting she was so busy, she didn’t really hear him, and thus, will be rather shocked to see you of all ponies working there.”

Rainbow nodded. “And that way, she’ll maybe be looking at me more, caught off guard…”

“Correct!” Rarity double checked Rainbow briefly, making sure her mane was perfectly done right, lest it became unraveled while she worked. “Hmm… I suppose that will have to do. You should hurry along now, dear.”

Rainbow closed the book and breathed in. “Right! And, thanks again for all your help, Rarity. Means a whole lot to me.”

The unicorn smirked with closed eyes. “D’aww, no problem! What’re friends for, after all?”

After observing Rainbow enter the clinic, Rarity trotted along back home. Along her way, she could see the library tree house’s door opening, and Spike wishing Twilight a good workday. Meanwhile, back at the Ponyville Clinic, Rainbow got dressed, and did the first of many exercises instructed within the book’s pages, which just so happened to be wing-ups.

However, there were several other points it made that Rainbow had never known about, like stretching them as far as they would go, and keeping them open apart for a good five minutes rather than letting them relax.

According to the technical training manual, this kept them twice as tense far after the minor morning warm-up was finished and done with. Hints after useful tips were genuinely coated throughout the whole entirety of the book, every chapter being something new and mind bogglingly helpful in not only routine practice, but specifically for those who might’ve broken a wing or two within the last month. It was almost as if…

But no, Rainbow told herself she wouldn’t dwindle on such unimportant bits and pieces of the Pinkie Pie phenomenon. With what she could gather from it, an investigation didn’t sound too good of an idea at all, either. Rainbow soon accepted the fact that she’d just need to focus on two things. Training for the Wonderbolts, and Twilight.

Speak of the devil, right then and there, while Rainbow sat in her seat fully attired and somewhat distracted by her readings, Twilight came in through the front door. Even though she didn’t yet know Rainbow would be working there, the unicorn just kept walking on by as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Hello, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said, oblivious to who she just greeted. Soon enough, though, she stopped right before rounding the corner and walked backwards. Staring blankly at her friend, she asked, “... Rainbow?”

She looked over. “Yeah?” For a minute or two, they both just stayed where they were, gawking at one another. Twilight wondered if she was in some sort of dream while Rainbow held back her giggles as best she could. “Is there something wrong, Twilight?”

“Err…” Twilight looked around for Dr. Stables. “What… are you doing here?”

Rainbow blinked, acting like she hadn’t the slightest clue as to what was going on. “I’m… working? Didn’t one of the superiors tell you about this the other day?”

Twilight became slightly animated. “I didn’t receive any such word about you working here, like, at all… What will you be doing exactly?”

Raising a hoof to count, Rainbow said, “Being your assistant, locking up after hours, greeting customers, so on and so forth.”

Twilight’s ears rose at the first. “My assistant? For a week? Where’s Dr. Stables? I’ve gotta talk to him about this and get it from the horse’s mouth.”

Just then, guess who arrived at the scene. “Whose mouth?” Dr. Stables asked, coming from the hallway.”

Twilight looked his way while appearing slightly annoyed. “May I please talk to you in your office privately?”

He quickly looked from Twilight to Rainbow, and nodded once coming back to Twilight. “Uh, sure. I don’t see any harm in it.”

While they left Rainbow alone in the front, she simply kept reading, every once in a while inspecting her wings with a slightly surprised expression. Within Dr. Stables little medical sanctuary, Twilight glanced around the room, taking in all the familiarities that hung on the wall, or sat on his desk.

Things like mementos from earlier starting points within the medical work field and degrees decorated the back of the room behind his table, and upon that, some metals for outstanding breakthroughs. Not to say he was a miracle worker, but he definitely was astute with what he chose to do for a living.

Along the sides of the room, book shelves stacked with knowledgeable inquiries all relating to medical research stood stacked, side by side in alphabetical order. Not the usual kind some might find in libraries; these told no tales, all were for the benefit of improving one’s skills with taking good care of a patient, or even performing extensive surgery.

While Twilight skimmed through the various titles, she asked Dr. Stables, “What’s the big deal with hiring Rainbow Dash?”

He became instantly confused. “Eh… What?”

“Furthermore, why wasn’t I informed about her being my assistant?”

For the life of him, Dr. Stables couldn’t figure out where Twilight’s peculiar attitude was coming from. “I told you about all this just recently, before your day off. Weren’t you listening?” Twilight squinted her eyes, trying to remember. “We sat right out there, you were filing, and I relayed the news. You seemed to be utterly tolerable towards the notion. You mean.. you’re against it?”

She shook her head, looking around the room, and said, ”Not really… It’s just, you know how much time I’ve spent with her. It should be obvious Rainbow’s under the spell by now. It all seems suspicious to me.”

The doctor chuckled, “You actually think Rainbow’s plotting something? Come now. Don’t be silly. She knows good and well about the clothes, and that unicorns can’t possibly be affected by them.” He put his hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “If she’s planning anything, it’s to help you with the work I’ve been providing.”

Twilight averted her eyes even more, and said, “But, she’ll only be here a week more, like me. What’s the point?”

Dr Stables smiled again, but not as if he was happy. More like he’d been found out of being responsible for some sort of childish prank. “Well, there’s another matter I had hoped would wait until the end of the day.”

Twilight looked him in the eyes, curious as to what he was getting at. “Yes?”

He gulp, then revealed, “I was hoping to hire you officially. And, by that, I mean full time.”

Twilight squinted her eyes even more. “What about Nurse Redheart?”

“Oh, she’ll be working here as well, but I’ve found your expertise to be enormously valuable. Never have I been so organized, and felt sated with the way things are kept around here in all my years as a medical professional.” He came closed to ask, “So, what this boils down to is… Twilight, would you be willing to resume working with us instead of ending it in a few days the way we planned?”

The mare shuffled her hooves, thought hard and long about it, but with so little time, there was no way she’d have an answer right then and there. “I’ll need some time, you see.”

“Oh,” Dr. Stables stuttered. “Of course. Take all day. I don’t mean to overwhelm you, but I’d just gotten word from Nurse Redheart. She seems to like the idea of working with someone of your stature quite a bit…”

Twilight looked back up. “You mean, you’ve told her about me?”

“Indeed I have,” the stallion admitted openly. “How could I not? You’re hardly ever left out of my letters, with the way you keep things controlled, make sure others are happy, mingling, associating… You’re almost always the spotlight of my conversations with her.”

Twilight didn’t want to show it, but she was every bit flattered by this detailing. Though, regardless, she’d still need time to think it over. “I’ll get back to you on my thoughts, Doctor.”

A rather indifferent style to end any type of negotiation, but Dr. Stables understood he probably scared her into doing so. Such praise out of nowhere left her quite speechless and humble, so much that she couldn’t very well wrap her feelings around anything else but what the possibilities were by that point.

Outside the office, Rainbow sat holding her right wing, still reading that questionable book, but Twilight couldn’t care about that anymore. She was plenty preoccupied with which path to take, after all.

She could either stay and be concerned with patient after patient, bothered by Rainbow dash falling further into incurable love for her, and more than likely wind up with even less time for her magical studies.

Or, she could take the easy road and be without work, always staying home with Spike, reading, practicing magic, and missing out on some grand friendship experiences with the very pegasus that sat next to her at that very moment.

“Which do you think I should do, Rainbow?”

“Hmm?” Twilight’s friend hadn’t even been informed about anything. For obvious purposes, Twilight went ahead and explained the news. Once that was done and out of the way, Rainbow nodded. “Well, even if you quit, I won’t. I just started here, and was… kinda looking forward to working with a friend, just to pass the time until the Wonderbolts get back. You want my honest thoughts, Twilight? I think you should stay. That way, we can work together. You know?”

She still felt unsure, shaking her head. “I just don’t know what I wanna do right now.”

Taking a chance, Rainbow started to warily plead, “Just stay, Twilight. For me?”

She glanced over at the smiling pegasus, nodded, and got to work on her daily things. “I’ll think about it.”

Nearly all day, Rainbow would spend most of her time being serious with Twilight while containing her desperation quite well for the most part. Only a few times did she accidentally blurt out a sexual compliment, but Twilight didn’t seem to mind. She took it well, and got right back to her tedious assignments.

More than once, though, Rainbow Dash felt compelled to flirt at every turn, but she remembered what Rarity said. She needed to allow the enchantment to worm its way in, not try to force things upon Twilight. Reluctantly, she followed her orders.

Even then, one thing she noticed was Twilight’s undistributed, usual ways. Rainbow didn’t even get a peak from Twilight. Despite that, there was something growing inside the mare that Rainbow couldn’t possibly have any knowledge about.

Twilight didn’t exactly welcome it at first, or wished to admit her newly developing feelings towards Rainbow, but in all truthfulness, she found her friend highly attractive in that outfit, but hid her blushing cheeks when she could.

Part Fifteen

Twilight glanced yet again over to Rainbow’s side, catching some words found within that mysterious book. She wasn’t hardly even passed the first chapter, and already during break and moments in between the day’s work, Rainbow had practiced several differently new training techniques beyond what Twilight had ever even imagined possible.

Some text within described not only the anatomy of pegasi wings, but the entire body of such a pony itself, and how each exercise could help better Rainbow’s flight capabilities beyond what was comparable to the way she usually carried her practices out. That consisted of merely flying and soaring, then crashing, getting back up and taking off again, only to repeat the process a few more times.

“Says here,” Rainbow said, “that in some cases, meditation followed by a long flight can increase my understanding of drifting.”

Twilight blinked and looked around warily, not exactly comprehending just how that’s even probable. Possible, yes, but it still seemed far fetched. “How?” Twilight asked inquisitively.

“Well, to start with, it say here that the pegasus mind can be very… Uh, what’s that word, Twilight?" She pointed to it with a hoof.

“Trivial…”

“Right, and-” Twilight grabbed the book to read aloud, much better, and faster than Rainbow.

“And it was discovered quite some time ago that deep self sleeping, or meditation, can bring out greater will power... Rainbow, I hate to say it, but this sounds silly, and unbelievable.”

“But,” Rainbow countered. “Twilight, I’ve practiced a lot of these suggestions, and I think they’re gonna help! It’d be nice if you were on my side with this, you know…”

With her friend looking Twilight up and down, hooves crossed and a coiled brow, the unicorn couldn’t deny Rainbow the satisfaction. “Fine, do what you want. However, if you ask me, I think you should just get out there and take to the sky, keep doing what you’re used to. It never failed you before.”

She shook her head. “You just don’t get it, do you, Twilight? In a little less than a month, the Wonderbolts will be back from their trip, and if they see me like this, all outta practice and weaker, Spitfire might-”

“Might what?” Twilight asked. “Did you forget what happened? Because I haven’t. She’s the one who knocked you out of the sky, and it’s her fault you broke your hoof in the first place!”

Rainbow stopped to think back, the memories still a foggy daze. It seemed those incidents happened so long ago, now. “Oh, yeah…” She huffed the fact away. “But, still! They know I’ll have had plenty of time to catch up on my training, and improve my skills. I… just can’t let them see how weak I’ve gotten, Twilight." For a moment, the two sat, the book remaining on the desk, and an eery silence blanketing the room. Rainbow broke it with, “Maybe I’m just paranoid.”

“No,” Twilight said.” I can see where you’re coming from… But, maybe I could help.”

Rainbow looked up at her. “How?”

She took her time thinking about it, then offered, “I could use a spell…”

“No, Twilight,” Rainbow said, denying the notion outright. “No magic, enchantments; nothing like that. I wanna do this right. If you wanna help, I’m all for that, but not magic.”

Another wave of silence, and then a nod from Twilight. “Alright… I suppose we can spend time after work to… No, wait. That’s right!” Twilight brought her hoof up to her forehead. “I forgot about the doctor’s offer. I’ll be right back.”

While getting up, for some reason, Twilight couldn’t help but to glance back at Rainbow once she’d returned to her book. She looked far more different unlike when she’s without the uniform. More elegant, but still the same, daring, egotistical Rainbow Dash, if only a bit shy towards Twilight than what she usually was.

Of course, Twilight knew good and well Rainbow’s attitude was all because of the enchantment placed upon her uniform, but then, why was Twilight herself beginning to feel the exact same symptoms she understood Rainbow must’ve been feeling when she was first admitted into the clinic? Twilight had been able to read up on this, and researched her findings well.

A small collection of symptoms include the following: A heightened temperature whenever near the wardrobe wearing pony. Fear of seeming unattractive towards the subject. Furtively attempting to seem more attractive. A deep desire, possibly becoming lustful to be anywhere closer to the pony. Sudden, unnatural stutters and/or shudders. Daydreaming about the subject in question, usually being absurd or downright impossible, and finally, intensive depression whenever alone or without the being who might be wearing the enchanted garments.

So far, Twilight had gone through much more than those mere beginners. Already, she’d been thinking about asking Dr. Stables about it, timid towards his reaction, and fearing that somehow, she was vulnerable against Rainbow when she wore her nurse uniform.

The door knocked, the doctor looked up, and allowed whoever it was requesting entrance to come in with, “Fifteen more minutes, and I would’ve been off the hook for today!” He chuckled, and finished the greeting. “Come along, it’s open.”

Twilight slowly walked in, looking back at Rainbow one last time before shutting the door. Then, while glancing around, she noticed the lights were dim, and the doctor sitting with all his paperwork folded on his desk, and him sipping on a glass filled with what looked like fine wine. “Is… that…?” Twilight asked.

“Sssh,” the doctor whispered. “Don’t tell my superiors, okay? It’s just a last minute luxury I keep secret for the end of the day.” Twilight wasn’t really concerned with that, though. She had negotiation plans thought out, and needed him to listen. “Come now, what’s on your mind?”

The doctor’s smile seemed sincere enough that maybe Twilight could tell him what had been going on between her and Rainbow Dash, but that would have to wait. First, the promotion. “I’ve reached a decision.”

He looked puzzled, but with a grin. “... Err…” Twilight looked at his desk and saw her papers sitting upon the top, just waiting to be fill out next. It hovered over thanks to her magic, and Dr. Stables nodded. “Ah. Right, that…” He took another small sip. “What do you say, then?”

Twilight flipped the front of the parchment her way and read, “In the case of this particular promotion, Twilight will increase her work efficiency and hours. That’s gotta be expunged.” A red marker flew out of the desk drawer, thus causing a surprised look upon the doctor’s muzzle. “I’ll just highlight parts we need to change.”

“Wait, why?” He stood. “I thought I’d filled it out quite adequately.”

Twilight resumed, “From six to eight… No, you see, I’ll need much more time than that. You’ve set the morning earlier along with the night, but I’ll need more hours to myself, for studying, helping Rainbow with her flying; we just had a talk about that.”

The doctor simply stood, a bit perplexed, but granting the mare his undivided attention. “Okay… Go on.”

“Pay will increase, along with bonuses. Now, that’s alright, but this right here…” She scribbled something to the side, and continued, “These revisions are due to the loyalty I have towards Princess Celestia as her student, and I must say, I expected you to put that little bit into consideration when writing this up for me.”

He giggled, a bit embarrassed. “I apologize, Twilight. It must’ve slipped my mind.”

“Finally, it says here my employment contract will be renewed yearly. If that’s the case, then I’ll need to give you a warning. No doubt I’ll randomly request days, maybe even weeks off for various reasons. Visits to Canterlot, important life issues, and the occasional world saving. I ask you, do these terms sound appropriate?”

He shuffled his hooves with a worried expression. “What… hours were you hoping to receive, Twilight?”

The mare stood strong and voiced, “Eight to three.”

“Seven to six.”

Twilight nodded, catching on to his bargain game. “Seven to three thirty.”

“Well, come to think of it, seven isn’t good timing… I think it would be better if you arrived when I do. So, what about six thirty to four?”

Twilight sighed. “Six thirty to three? That’s almost nine hours, only a few lesser than what I’m working now, and that would give me enough time to work on my magic, and friendship studies. That includes Rainbow Dash.”

He seemed pleased. “Despite obviously being swindled, you’ve got a deal!” He politely took the paper Twilight had wrote on and said, “I’d better get to this,” but Twilight stopped him.

“Wait…” The doctor turned back around and looked his nurse in the eyes, sensing a bit of seriousness in her voice. “Speaking of Rainbow, I’ve got a small question possibly having something to do with her.”

He came closer, a bit interested in what Twilight had to ask. “If it’s anything to do with you wanting new placements, I must apologize, but everything’s been filed and permanently assigned. There’s no changing that now.”

“No, no. I’m fine with where I am, and I don’t mind working with Rainbow… Actually, that might end up being one of the highlights of my upcoming days, but…”

Dr. Stables looked at her curiously. “Yes?”

Finally letting it out, Twilight asked, “Are you… sure unicorns can’t possibly be affected by the enchantments of these outfits?”

He raised his eyebrows. “I… thought we went over this a few weeks ago. If not, a whole month. I told you, the magical barrier one’s horn creates prevents romantic intimacy to be inflicted upon any unicorn in existence. In short, I’m sure somepony like you or I couldn't possibly be enticed or seduced by another just from them wearing the sort of thing you have on right now.”

The more he spoke, the more animated Twilight's face became. “But, that doesn’t make any sense! It’s only been a day, and all throughout my schedule thus far, I’ve been…”

The doctor watched as she glanced to the window that had been slightly blinded. Just beyond the horizontal lines, Rainbow’s back and wings could be seen, exactly what Twilight started staring at. “... Twilight Sparkle?”

She returned, unable to make eye contact any longer. “Through today, I’ve been showing all the first warning signals of being under Rainbow’s spell. Heightened hot flashes if and when near her, unable to look away, mostly catching peeks at her body, and… blushing; I’ve been doing that the most.”

Twilight seemed disappointed with herself, as if this was some sort of battle lost. “Twilight,” the doctor said. “I believe you’re just naturally attracted to her, not to sound offensive… But, even though I agree with you on it sounding like the spell is doing its work, that’s impossible. Maybe it’s just a phase. I’m no romance expert, but if it bothers you this much, I recommend you allow it to grow. Eventually, it’ll pass with time like everything else does.”

Twilight looked from Rainbow’s back to Dr. Stables and said, “That sounds like a horrible idea.”

He nodded. “I know it doesn’t sound very promising, but it may work. Besides, what else do you want me to do? Create a vaccine to battle your romantic interests?” Twilight giggled a little. “All I can say is, well, this just can’t be from Rainbow’s uniform. Maybe you just find her good looking in it, perhaps a bit more than seeing her unclothed. I don’t know. I’m just a medical physician, not some psychiatrist. Try what you think would work.”

As he turned, Twilight muttered, “I suppose you’re right…”

“Just don’t go quitting on me!” He looked back with a snicker, then folded Twilight’s papers along with corking his special bottle. “Now then, tomorrow, I’ll have your revised papers all ready for you and waiting. I’ll see you then, okay?”

Twilight grinned, then was shown out the door. While he locked his private office up, Twilight came to sit with the studying pegasus, if only a bit closer than she originally was. After seeing the stallion leave the building, Twilight asked, “Rainbow?”

The mare reluctantly stopped reading and looked over at her. “Hmm?”

Twilight didn’t return the look, but instead, she decided to say, “I’m glad we’re working together.” She had a faint smile, and clearly blushing cheeks. One thing she didn’t tell the doctor was her hidden knowledge. Twilight knew more than ever about these feelings well before having Rainbow as her new partner. She just didn’t wish to admit it to herself. Not until now.

A hoof graced Twilight’s back, and before Twilight could notice the touch, Rainbow kindly pulled her in close for a single, brief hug. Then, they got back to their final duties. The sun shined through the windows that evening, illuminating the entire room.

It was possibly the most grand sunset either of them had seen for a good while, and in that moment of coy silence and quiet work, Twilight realized something. In truth, within her heart, she really wouldn’t mind being with Rainbow. Not just as partners in the medical work field, but as much closer friends.

After all, it wasn’t as if Rainbow had set this whole thing up; plotted to deviously win Twilight over through the use of her uniform’s magical powers. At least, that’s what Rainbow hoped Twilight would never discover, but how long would the unicorn go before finally finding out Rainbow hadn’t any clue about the average unicorn’s thorough resistance against it?

Part Sixteen

With the sun getting ready to set, but not doing so just yet, Twilight and Rainbow Dash had been let off early. If there had been any actual activity within the Ponyville Clinic that day, the doctor would’ve undoubtedly requested them to stay a bit longer, but Twilight had already done all her work.

Rainbow Dash assured him their patients that had been assigned to them needn’t any further attention as well. So, after two lovely looking mares both giving him a pair of big, pleading eyes, begging for him to let them have the rest of the afternoon off, he admitted defeat, and locked up the establishment shortly after they made their exit.

It was more than appreciated by the two that they got some extra time off. Besides, chances are, Twilight and Rainbow would be relieved of duty at this time for the rest of their career days, however long that might last. What was the harm in keeping them cooped up until much later in the evening?

Along the path towards Twilight’s home, she got her opportunity to inspect Rainbow’s unique book a bit more thoroughly rather than catching whatever glances she could while also filling out all the paperwork Dr. Stables had given her. “By Princess Celestia?” Twilight asked, giving Rainbow a somewhat surprised look.

“Yeah, you didn’t know?” Rainbow responded.

“Well, I knew her highness enjoyed flying, but… Well, she never told me about publishing any books about the subject! And, you say the Wonderbolts themselves didn't have any such volumes even so much as resembling this?”

Rainbow shook her head as she walked. “Unfortunately, all throughout my training days, I didn’t even see a library. They mostly assigned us with traditional workouts, and the things they always did for generations. Far as I know, this could be the only one of its kind.”

Twilight nodded. “Aaand, Pinkie, of all other ponies gave it to you as some random gift? And then disappeared behind an alleyway? Then, just to add insanity to chaos, she pops up out of nowhere having no clue what this book is or why she would have it in the first place?”

Rainbow chortled after every rhetorical question. “Hehe, yeah! Isn’t that weird?”

“I’m mailing Celestia.”

Rainbow quickened her pace. “Wait, what? Why?”

Twilight kept moving, going faster and faster, almost seeming angered. “Because. This doesn’t add up. I have a feeling Celestia will want to know-”

Suddenly, Rainbow pulled out in front of her. The two stared at each other, eyeing the pony standing before them up and down. Then, Rainbow said, “Don’t.”

For a moment, Twilight was planning on arguing, but sighed. “You’re not the least bit worried about this book? Pinkie’s crazy random, but this is going beyond that. There’s a mystery, and I don’t know about you, but I wanna solve it!”

Rainbow looked down, then back up. “You can mail Celestia, and we both know what’ll happen. She’ll either say yes to writing it, or say no. Then what?”

Twilight thought about that. Then what? Were they to bring the book over to Canterlot? Waste valuable time and effort only to find out nothing new? Twilight shook her head again, glanced from the book to her friend, and confessed, “I don’t know.”

Rainbow smiled smugly. “We can get to the bottom of the book at a later date. For now, I’m much more worried about training, and getting back in shape! Aren’t you? Don’t you wanna see me flying with the Wonderbolts again? Or, would you rather…”

“Absolutely not,” Twilight blurted out, knowing good and well what Rainbow was just about to say. “I want nothing more than to help you, and you know that.”

The pegasus seemed cocky, and asserted this with a simple question she knew Twilight wouldn’t be able to answer confidently. “Why?”

Twilight stepped back a bit, Rainbow coming closer. “Uh, because… you’re my friend… and, I understand how much this would mean to you.”

Rainbow came inches away from Twilight’s drooping ear to whisper, “Is that all? Are you sure, Twilight Sparkle?”

She backed off slowly after that, minding her distance. She could see right through Twilight’s nervous face; sense how much lust was hidden away by now. Not to mention how unreliable Twilight was when it came to keeping a secret, especially ones of her own.

Everypony in her little circle of friends knew about her inability to fall asleep at night, not without a book to cuddle with, and then there’s the paranoia she always goes through whenever she sees an unoccupied bookcase.

That one was easy to figure out. The day Rainbow bought one and had to ask Twilight to enchant it so it’d stay afloat in her house, Twilight refused to do so, not until it was completely stuffed with literature.

So, naturally, Rainbow was able to uncover yet another of Twilight’s dark little secrets, this one having great importance and reference towards her. While trotting along, Twilight couldn’t stop thinking about how badly she’d already let Rainbow know about her new, still developing emotions.

“I brought this upon myself,” Twilight thought. “I shouldn’t have let her get so close in the first place! If it’s not the outfit, then it’s me. I let myself worm her devious way into my heart, and now she knows! Oh, this is so, very bad, bad, bad…”

Meanwhile, Rainbow simply kept smiling, proud of her victory. She’d done it. She’d gotten the job, worn the outfit, and already got Twilight to fall head over hooves for her. If it wasn’t for the outfit, it wouldn’t have worked. That’s what she kept telling herself. Rainbow knew she’d done something ethically wrong, but at the time, she just couldn’t, and wouldn’t see it that way.

In truth, though, uniform or not, Rainbow would’ve been able to allure Twilight into a romance, but with time. All the nurse outfit did was speed things along. After all, Twilight was already beginning to feel a much deeper connectivity between herself and Rainbow Dash. It was no secret to her things were starting to turn out the way they were.

Why she resisted Rainbow, even up to this point, when they both knew about one another was also easy to explain. Rainbow wanted to make positively sure Twilight wasn’t going to recover from being in love, and Twilight still had her disbeliefs.

She still had research to do, so that she could prove it to herself that the clothes had absolutely nothing to do with loving Rainbow, and even if she found an alternate cause, Twilight also accepted the possibility of not wanting to end this emotional endeavor. The possibility of giving into her tinkered wants was still very high, so high that there might not be any turning back.

“Tell me, Twilight?”

The unicorn gasped back into reality, a bit stunned to see Rainbow standing outside the tree house. “Uh… What?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow snickered, “You look like you’ve been hypnotized! I just wanted to know what you could possibly do to help me with getting back in shape.”

It took Twilight a moment to figure out if Rainbow was joking or not. Two blinks of the eyes later, and Twilight would show her.

According to the book, there was one rather interesting way of doing things. Dangerously crude, but efficient all the same. It required a unicorn’s help, after all. Flipping to the page, and then looking around at their surroundings to make sure the area just outside her house was clear, she pointed to the title of this technique.

“Weighted Speed Training”

During this exercise, the flyer’s whole body is forcively slowed down with magical properties, to where he or she can’t go any faster than jogging speed. No matter how hard they try, the flyer will lack the strength to go any faster.

Depending on how much will they’re able to juice out, the less power exerted means the less speed they’ll gain. If somepony like Rainbow Dash was to only give half her all, then the less velocity she’ll ultimately be granted.

This is meant to not only work out nearly every wing muscle in the average pegasus body, but also give them a sense of lesser morality. Pegasi are known for being prideful, and thus, will put out that much more effort the next time around.

This worked wonders for Rainbow. After Twilight set up a miniature course made of round clouds going in a singular circle, something Rainbow could fly loops around for hours, completing thousands of laps even in her current state, Rainbow had to ask, “Isn’t that a bit below my standards?”

Twilight hardly gave a proper response. Instead, she went ahead and casted the spell, making Rainbow immobile from going anywhere near her regular drifting speed. “There,” Twilight said with a smirk.

“H-hey! What’d you do to me?”

“Ugh!” Twilight groaned. “I thought I explained all this! Just… fly, okay? I’m not telling you what we’re doing again.”

Rainbow looked up at that first circle, remembering quite well what Twilight said. However, if anything, all Rainbow heard was a challenge. Break through the spell, and prove she wasn’t going to be restrained by her assistant’s magic.

With wings widening and a devilish smile growing on her muzzle, Rainbow took a running start, and took to the sky, full effort thrown forth… But, instead of going at maximum speed, ripping through the air like a katana does butter, Rainbow went slower than running speed, just as Twilight said she would.

The first three rings were passed by slowly, but that’s as fast as Rainbow could go. Like an earth pony out on his morning route, Rainbow went just as quickly, even slowing down a bit with every puff exhaled. Every passing moment was spent flapping her wings harder, and harder, straining to break free from this curse.

No matter how much she tried, though, Rainbow just wasn’t going any faster, but she refused to accept that. She kept going for hours, around and around, sweat dripping down to the grass below, all the while Twilight keeping count of how many laps she’d done.

By the time a few bleak stars became relatively visible in the orange sky, Rainbow was finally wiped out, even completely drained of all her energy. It was no surprise to Twilight that Rainbow made such a rough landing, falling to her back and gasping for huge chunks of air.

With a damp cloth, Twilight briskly swiped it over her head, replenishing her friend’s dehydrated being, and offered, “You wanna stay at my place tonight? I don’t think you can make it back to your place, not in this condition.”

Rainbow made a foolhardy attempt at proving Twilight wrong by lifting her frame, and saying, “Don’t need… to stay! I’ll be just f-fine… Ach!”

Her knees gave in, and down Rainbow went, thumping to the dirt only to pass out on impact. It was then that Twilight took initiative by hoisting Rainbow over her back and carrying her off, into the house so she could rest.

Another hour went by before Rainbow woke back up with a throbbing headache, Spike standing over her, dabbing her forehead with a new washcloth, warm water sliding down and into her mane. Once Spike noticed Rainbow was awake, he chanted, “Twilight, she’s up!”

Over on a couch, Rainbow saw Twilight sitting with the flight book open, looking her way with a relieved grin. As she got up and started moving closer to the two, she voiced, “You’re nuts, Rainbow. Do you know that?”

Rainbow painfully nodded. “Yeah…”

“It was like you were intentionally trying to hurt yourself. Then again, maybe the soreness in your back and wings will teach you not to over do it tomorrow.”

Rainbow looked around while leaning up. She was in Twilight’s bed for some reason. “Why… am I…?”

Twilight shushed her with a hoof. After setting it back down on the floor, she explained, “You’ll be sleeping here for tonight. As for myself, the couch will have to do.”

Rainbow held her head for a moment, and asked, “It won’t be any trouble, right?”

Twilight was starting to turn around, but after hearing that, she returned with a concerned look. “Of course not. I’m more than happy to house you for the night…”

An odd silence, and then a dragon interrupting it with an, “Ahem…”

Both ponies jumped a bit, glancing at Spike. Soon enough, Rainbow laid down while Twilight retreating to the couch at the far end of the room. Once she did, Twilight also grabbed the other book sitting right next to Rainbow’s. Spike followed, whispering, “Twilight, that’s not the flight book.”

“I know,” Twilight mumbled. “I have to find something out, and I think this book has the answers I need.”

“Enchantments Gone Wrong”

Within detailed malfunctions affiliated with a wide assortment of primitive, magical spell weaving, mostly placed on items much like the nurse outfits Twilight and Rainbow wore at work. Through the night, Twilight would research into the matter, hoping to find something, anything. Whether or not her predicament could be logically explained, however, would have to wait a bit longer.

In only a couple of minutes, she’d feel the heavy weight of slumber gripping at her mind, just when she thought she’d found something. Unfortunately, even when morning came, she’d come to only to discover she and Rainbow had overslept, nearly late for their jobs. Her study of mishap magics would have to wait.

Part Eighteen

A white hoof guided Rainbow’s over her spectrum mane, twisting and tying the purple scrunchie in loops around the back. Once she was finished, Rarity asked, “See? It’s really not that difficult. You don’t need magic to do this!”

Rainbow nodded. “Alright… Let me give this a shot on my own this time.”

Off the hair accessory went, wrapping around Rainbow’s hoof while Rarity reminded her, “Just remember; curl, pull, and latching is all you need to do followed by an extra circling for tightness. I used to do this all the time when experimenting with the latest fashion, and though this fell out of style, I never did stop liking it for some reason.”

While she talked, Rainbow adjusted her mane accordingly, this time around, doing it right without hardly any trouble or need of help from her friend. “I… got it! Sweet! Heh, that was easy.”

“I told you,” Rarity gloated. “Curl, pull, and then latch. Three simple steps, and once it’s on, the rest is a walk in a park. Or, in your case, a simple flight through the clouds.” Clearing her throat to catch Rainbow’s attention and divert her from the mirror, she asked, “So, how was work today?”

For most of the evening, Rainbow had been avoiding that, knowing Rarity would probably look down upon the kiss Twilight tolerated earlier in the day. Even though Twilight didn’t mind, Rainbow knew Rarity would still complain, but there was no hiding it any longer.

With a sigh, Rainbow tried to start slowly. “Something happened when we were cleaning Nurse Redheart’s room.”

Rarity gasped. “Y-you didn’t give her a kiss, did you?”

Rainbow looked at Rarity, mortified by how predictable she was. “How’d you even?”

Face-hoofing, and then turning around, Rarity chided, “Rainbow, Rainbow darling…” She chuckled in between, but resumed, “ I told you about this. Kissing Twilight should wait until at the very least second or maybe third date, the latter being only if you don’t feel as though she’d be comfortable with it on the date before.”

Rainbow explained, “You don’t understand! I slipped, and fell over, taking her with me. She was on me, and, Rarity, if you were in my position by then, I’d love to see you trying to resist! She just… She looked down on me with those eyes, a curious face, and I lost complete control.”

Rarity returned her sights to the pegasus while saying, “So, it was an accidental, instinctive kiss. And, Twilight didn’t seem to mind?”

Rainbow nodded. “Actually, after that, if you ask me, I think she was more happy throughout the day. We gossiped about Nurse Redheart and Dr. Stables, read this flight book together during lunch, and… Well, I don’t think I saw her frown at all since that!”

Rarity gave Rainbow this look of disbelief, and said, “Unreal. She’s not even gone out with you yet, and already you’ve stolen the first kiss like nothing. In all my years of watching certain individuals develop sentimental feelings for one another, I’ve never, ever seen things going this smoothly.”

Rainbow scratched the back of her neck, and offered, “It might be because of these uniforms. Like I told you, they interfere with other’s thoughts and feelings. Ponies all around the clinic can easily be caught kissing behind closed doors, and more often than that, having-”

Rarity cut Rainbow off with, “Yeah, I get the point. Still, I find it hard to believe unicorns could be affected by the enchantments. That’s why I’m kind of surprised by Twilight’s leniency. Despite you telling me that all ponies including unicorns can be placed under the uniform’s influence, I kept to my doubts.”

Rainbow blinked, and asked, “Why?”

“Because,” Rarity said, magically brushing her mane while averting her gaze at the mirror. “While I wore it, I didn’t feel anything for you. No offense. And, it wasn’t just you. I didn’t feel attracted to any mare in the whole establishment.” She warily looked over to Rainbow with a puzzled look about her, and asked, “Are you sure you got the facts straight?”

Rainbow looked left, and then right, lowering her level of sight with every alteration of glances as she pondered, “We had to sign some paperwork… Dr. Stables told me way back that it’s customary for everypony to understand the extreme, emotional risk we take when joining the medical field that has these nurse clothes as their routine uniform.”

Rarity stepped closer after placing her brush down. “Why wasn’t I shown this?”

Rainbow raised her head momentarily to say, “Oh, you were just a replacement of a day. I don’t think he found it necessary. Chances are, those forms go all the way to Canterlot for processing, and to do yours would be, like, one big task.”

With a nod of the head, she gestured with a hoof while saying, “Go on…”

“He said that I should’ve looked it over very carefully, and that it might contain some details he confessed to possibly, though accidentally forgetting to mention. Well, it was big, and the text was small, so I skimmed over it…” She huffed, “Even when he told me that I needed to read it. But, like I said before. You were only there for a day! It takes two for those effects to kick in. Right?”

Rarity countered by agreeing at first, but then turning the tables. “True… However, think back to the first time you saw Twilight Sparkle all dressed up and ready for the job. Can you remember what you felt?”

Rainbow grunted, “How could I forget? She looked so awesome! Of course I fell for her on the first day.”

“Then why didn’t I fall for you?” Rarity tried her best to use logic. “It’s very possible that only pegasi and earth ponies can be affected by the enchantment, and that you simply don’t have all the facts required. I suggest you go see Dr. Stables and ask about it.”

“I don’t know, Rarity..”

“What’s the harm? I mean, everypony, even Twilight herself knows about your feelings towards her. You don’t want to wind up embarrassing yourself due to an unfortunate instance which would coincidently be spawned on by your lack of knowledge.”

“Gah! Alright, fine! You win… Just stop using such big words, please.”

Rarity snickered. “Sorry about that.”

Before walking away to head home, Rainbow left her friend with one last question. “But, then, Twilight wouldn’t be influenced. it sure does seem like she is, though. Why her, but not the others?”

Rarity shrugged, and said, “Perhaps, tomorrow, you should interrogate the good doctor about that as well.”

Meanwhile, Twilight was back home, studying and researching about the very same thing, why she was developing her feelings for Rainbow so quickly. “It’s just unnatural! I don’t get it!”

Spike came down the stairs with another heaping load of books for her, all of which either made complete or partial reference to the type of magic Twilight had recently become so interested in. Just before the last step, he tripped. Luckily for him, Twilight was on her second cup of coffee, alert and ready.

Like nothing, she caught him in midair along with the books. While levitating them over and stacking each one neatly by title, she also brought him over where she slept the night before, too. On the big, comfy couch, right behind Twilight, she settled Spike down and asked, “Mind keeping a secret?”

Spike rested his arms on her. “It’s got something to do with enchanting stuff, doesn’t it. Are you planning on making the world fall in love with books, same as you?”

“Yes, but that’s another story. You see… And, don’t laugh, but I might have a… crush on Rainbow Dash.” She said that last part so quickly and abruptly, Spike almost didn’t catch it.

“That’s all? Twilight, I hate to break this to you, but you talk in your sleep.”

She looked away from page number two hundred eighteen. “What? I do not!”

Spike cleared his throat, and then mimicked her. “Oh, Rainbow! Please, not on the neck! Our friends might see it!”

She gasped immediately and held a hoof up to her lips, cheeks blushing. “D-did I say that while Rainbow was here last night?”

He chuckled, and shook his head. “Nah, the night before. No worries, I’ve laughed enough at it. Besides, there’s nothing wrong about liking her the way you do. Though, why’re you researching all this stuff? You think you’ve been placed under a love spell or something?”

Twilight looked back at her literature, closed the book as she read the final page, and then continued with the next. “I’m not sure, but I’m betting there’s something in here that just might spread some light on this peculiar situation… Like… That!”

Spike leaned over her, his belly pressing against the mare’s waist, and read aloud while holding his cheeks up with his claws, elevating them with Twilight’s side. “Friday, on the third of Rain’s Hoof, five E, two hundred eleven. Enchantments evolve beyond what most considered impossible. New, dangerous experiments are taken place, and the controlled system that balances side effects are considered for more astute magicians to craft.”

Twilight cut in. “After that, this explains how some flora, or flowers can potentially damage items that have been warped with magical properties, like the Polifern. It’s got red and black petals, and was only found deep in the Everfree Forest. Basically, nothing else but wildlife and mild vegetation has been known to corrupt magical artifacts, weapons and gear.”

Spike laid his head down while his right claw pointed to some more text. “Says here, if the flower you mentioned is introduced to the pony that could be placed under impairment, the Polifern can cancel out all afflictions. In other words, a simple flower can make your outfit's magic useless, even the part that keeps Rainbow unwillingly seduced.”

Twilight closed the book, and speculated, “Maybe I’ve come into contact with the right kind of flower in some way. That’s why I’m not impervious to the charm! But, the only time I’ve ever worn the thing is inside the clinic.”

Spike reminded her, “You did bring it over here once.”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah, but then Dr. Stables asked that I keep my uniform in the changing room. Besides, according to the research, the flower only makes a pony immune to the magic for a short time.”

“That is, unless the flower’s been tampered in some way,” Spike corrected.

“Mmhmm, with the right elixir, someone could probably make the flower’s potency beyond normal, so this whole thing would’ve needed to be done on purpose.”

Spike wondered, “But, who would’ve needed you to fall in love with Rainbow Dash?”

Twilight said, “Actually, I don’t think that’s the case. Let’s say Rainbow is exposed to the flower. She’d only lose all interest in me. Now, if I were exposed to it, I’d create fondness towards her. Yin and Yang; what happens to me would be the opposite for her. It’s how the flower works.”

Spike looked back at the book, and asked, “That would also mean your uniform would cease to grant you medical benefits. Would that go down the same way with Rainbow if it was her that’s been exposed to the plant?”

“If she wasn’t wearing her outfit when coming into contact with the flower, then no. She’d simply…” Twilight stared forward. “She’d simply not be in love with me.”

Twilight wasn’t sure about her hypothesis. If anything, it would require some testing, but she convinced herself she’d finally figured it out. Somepony could’ve been trying to sabotage Rainbow’s emotions, and keep her from falling in love with the other nurses.

However, the plan could have backfired, and Twilight was the one who became infected with the anti-enchantment. That would explain why she’s so vulnerable to Rainbow’s affection. There was only one way to find out. If her test failed, and she discovered her uniform had little to no effect on her throughout tomorrow’s work day, then she’d have her answer.

There was still the strong possibility that she just really, really, really liked Rainbow Dash, honest and truthfully. Though, typical as always, Twilight wasn’t buying that. A gut feeling told her this was all the doing of somepony trying to ruin Rainbow’s odds of being enchanted. Unfortunately, somehow, it was Twilight who's being ruined.

Part Nineteen

The next morning, Twilight woke up rather jumpy from last night’s dream. Or, was it a nightmare? It was different at best, and she couldn’t understand why it made her feel uneasy that day. All she could do was shake her head and try to remember, but as often dream and nightmares do, this one escaped her.

“Maybe later on, I’ll remember it,” she said while shifting upwards, but something, or someone stopped her for a moment. A purple claw wrapping around her side held Twilight tightly, its owner mumbling as he awoke himself.

“Twilight?”

“Let go, Spike,” the mare said calmly. “I need to get ready for work.”

Instead, he hugged her even more, and said, “I missed you. You’re never around anymore.”

Rubbing her eyes, Twilight nodded. “Yeah, I know… But, today’s a new day, and it just so happens I’ll be home early from now on.”

He leaned up half awake, and asked, “R-really?”

With a kind smile, Twilight explained, “I told you about how I’ll be working there from now on, right? Dr. Stables is also giving me more time to myself so I can do my studying, and help Rainbow out with her training.”

He let her go, and then curled up with the blanket. “I suppose that’s better than nothing…”

Giving her dragon a peck on the head, Twilight said, “I’ll be back around four with Rainbow. Can I count on my number one assistant to have flight books stacked and ready for when I get back?”

He opened his eyes slightly with a smirk. “That, and more.”

After his assurance was received, Twilight took her time brushing her mane, writing to Celestia, and then left for the clinic. On her way there, after getting situated with her looks and alertness, she began recapping on what she needed to do throughout the day.

In order to make sure her outfit was working in perfectly fine condition, she’d need to track how much dirt was being automatically cleaned from her hooves, and see if the ponies around her were gaining anything beneficial to their health.

This was fairly simple, for Twilight was already assigned to a new patient. He had a mild flu, nothing too serious, but being his age made his condition a bit more life threatening. If her outfit was working the way it should be, he would be halfway cured of the illness by the end of the day.

However, if Twilight discovered abnormalities, such as him gaining no such treatment from her uniform, or her hooves being much more messy compared to somepony else like Nurse Redheart, then Twilight would have her proof.

The next step necessary would be to consult Dr. Stables about it, and eventually, an investigation would unfold. Rainbow would be heart broken to know Twilight refused to accept her new emotions into her life, and shortly following that, the events would unravel at a dull pace.

Which is why Twilight wouldn’t discover anything wrong, because then the story would be derailed from its original destination. No, Twilight wouldn’t find anything out of the ordinary with her nurse outfit… Not yet, anyway.

Still, the way she pushed on with her own little tests was humorous at best, and for most of the day, it irritated Rainbow to see her friend avoiding her at nearly every turn. Even at lunch hour, Twilight told Rainbow she should go ahead and eat without her.

Predictably, Rainbow would’ve demanded an explanation for Twilight’s irregular behavior were it not for Dr. Stables coming around the corner asking, “Rainbow, now’s a good time for me to answer those questions you had.”

Rainbow stood on the outside of the counter, ready to ask Twilight what had gotten into her, and why she seemed so lost, almost not even there for most of the day, but it would have to wait. “Ugh, coming doc…”

She glanced down at Twilight one more time, only to see the unicorn bring her hooves up to her mouth, and resume pondering Celestia only knows what. So, Rainbow unwillingly left Twilight to do just that, but later in the day, one way or another, she’d confront Twilight about it.

Inside the doctor’s office, both sat beside the desk under a dimly lit lamp. Dr. Stables sighed, and asked with a smirk, “What’s on your mind?”

She scratched the back of her neck, hesitated for a few seconds, but soon enough said, “I needed to know more about these outfits that Twilight and I and all the other nurses wear.”

With a slightly raised eyebrow, Dr. Stables said, “Okay, what would you like to know?”

His kind grin disappeared once she asked her question. “Does the side effect work on unicorns?”

He looked out the window blocked by blinders at Twilight’s shadow, then back at Rainbow, and mumbled, “Didn’t you read the forms I gave you?”

“... I might’ve skimmed over them.”

Tilting his head down and shaking it, the doctor sighed, “Oh, Rainbow Dash…” He looked back at her and took a deep breath before saying, “No. Unicorns can’t fall in love with somepony who’s wearing the uniform. Not to say it’s impossible, that is.”

Rainbow squinted her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

With an annoyed attitude, he explained, “I know about you, Twilight, and the little love game you two have been playing. It’s silly, really. You’re in love with her, but she’s been talking to me about some potential flaw that I don’t know about. She’s blatantly falling in love with you, and you know it, but you can’t simply go to her because you and I both know she’ll deny it. So long as she’s still determined to find out the nonexistent reason of why she’s falling in love with you, I’ll have not one but two nurses squabbling to me about their problems, one being magical, the other natural. Neither being medical, so we remain at an impasse.”

Rainbow fidgeted with her words for a bit, but was able to ask, “Then what do I do? Wait?”

“That’s probably all you can do. Twilight’s slowly warming up to you, obviously… Then again, Nurse Redheart’s been doing the same thing with me for a long time, too…”

Rainbow nudged him on the shoulder, asking, “Doc? You alright?”

He looked up, a little startled at how he could get side-tracked by a few simple words. “Uh… Nothing, Rainbow. It’s just, well, you know about my little crush on Nurse Redheart, right?”

“Yeah. Everyone knows about that.”

“Well,” the doctor looked over to the left as though checking to make sure nopony but Rainbow was listening, and said, “you and I are in the same boat. You like Twilight because of her uniform. I like Nurse Redheart, but not because of her uniform, but because of us being friends for so long.”

Rainbow interrupted. “Hey, don’t get me wrong. I like Twilight because of the same thing! The uniform’s only sped things up for me. Eventually, I probably would’ve asked her out even without that enchantment.”

“That’s good, I suppose,” Dr. Stables said. “You understand with me being a unicorn, I’m immune, right?”

“I remember.”

“So, me and Nurse Redheart, we’ve been friends ever since med school, and we’ve never been manipulated by the uniforms. We’re still falling in love, though. As corny as it sounds, I wanna ask her out, but I’m too scared. Every day, I feel like she’s begging me to invite her to see a movie or something. I just can’t, though, not without solid evidence of her wanting me to go through with it."

Rainbow snarled, “Oh, man! This is straight outta some romance novel! Okay, so, let me collect my thoughts. If I get some evidence of Nurse Redheart liking you in any way that’s more than just friendly, you’ll maybe help Twilight realize she’s totally in love with me?”

He shook his head. “No, but what I can do for you is assign you less hours alone, without her, and more with her. That is, if you want.”

“Deal!”

It didn’t take Rainbow hardly a second to shake on it, for any gradual amount of time spent with Twilight was still a plus to her. How she was going to get the information she needed, though, was beyond her.

When returning to the main desk, Rainbow noticed Twilight was away. She shrugged it off figuring Twilight probably had a patient ringing for her somewhere. In all actuality, Twilight had been summoned by Nurse Redheart who wished to talk, if only for a few minutes. Knocking on the door, and waiting a moment before entering, Twilight heard Nurse Redheart say, “Come in…”

The door opened to a room completely redone. To Twilight’s surprise, a lot of Nurse Redheart’s belongings had been shelved from boxes. Books stacked orderly, pictures on the walls… and a framed photo of her and Dr. Stables on the desk where she sat reading, the very same kind the doctor had. Along next to the bookcase was the boxes, and then a pillow sitting in front of the desk.

“You wanted to see me?” Twilight asked as she took a seat.

The nurse had been reviewing some paperwork, but placed it back down once Twilight had arrived. “Remarkable… These well thought out… ways of your’s, they're informative, and helpful when it comes to my line of work.”

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Not only that, but things have really shaped up over here, too! The nurses and doctors that were just starting out when I left are seemingly up to date. Having you around might be just the thing this place needed.”

Twilight blushed. “When you left, the front desk was so disorderly. It took me a while to get the hang of it, actually.”

Nurse Redheart nodded with closed eyes. Upon reopening them, she asked, “And… what about Rainbow Dash? What happened there?”

Twilight chuckled a bit, and then said, “She’s harmless. She came in once you left for Canterlot, and I was assigned to look after her. Unfortunately, this outfit kinda made her fall in love with me… Didn’t Dr. Stables explain this in his letters?”

Grabbing one up, and reading aloud, Nurse Redheart quoted, “The spa sounds wonderful, though I wouldn’t mind hearing more about the convention. Anyways, Rainbow’s just asked me if she could work at the clinic while the Wonderbolts are away. This is either because she wants something to do in the meantime, or she’s enchanted by Twilight’s uniform.”

Twilight watched the letter be put down with the others, and said, “Like I said, she’s harmless.”

“I understand she is,” Redheart said. “I’m more concerned about you. Why didn’t you offer her another place to work at? The assistant’s assistant? I mean, I’m sorry to sound so forward, but you’re tolerating more than what regular friends usually do.”

Twilight averted her eyes, almost like she’d been caught. “I’m working on that as well,” Twilight said through her teeth.

“How so?” Nurse Redheart put both her hooves on the desk, showing a tilted eyebrow.

“I’ve been working on a test, one that will prove… How do I explain this?”

“Explain what?” Nurse Redheart asked.

Twilight looked up, and questioned, “Have you ever heard of the Polifern?”

Slowly, the mare’s eyebrows rose, and then a snicker. She brought a hoof up to hide her giggles. “That extinct plant? Yes, I’ve heard of it. I even did a paper on it in school, but Twilight, it hasn’t been seen for hundreds of years.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not still out there, and this test will prove I’ve somehow come into contact with it.”

Nurse Redheart leaned in closer, intrigued by Twilight’s confidence. “Just how will this test carry out?”

Twilight sighed, and did her best to explain. “If I scan myself by the end of the day, and compare how clean I am with one of the other nurses, I’ll be able to tell if it’s working. Even then, I’m assigned to look after somepony who can be healed by my outfit over time. By the end of the day, if he’s not feeling any better, and I need to go home and take a shower, then it’s a safe bet that my uniform’s not quite functioning properly, and I’m also being seduced by Rainbow’s working uniform.

Nurse Redheart nodded. “Okay… However, what if your uniform’s working just fine?”

Twilight blinked. “Then, I’ll…”

Nurse Redheart waited while Twilight took a moment to ponder on that. After a good silence, the nurse finally said, “Once you’re done with your tests, I want you to come see me at the end of the day. Either way the coin flips, I think I’ll want to see the end result and try to help.”

Twilight looked up. “How would you help?”

Bluntly, Nurse Redheart said, “I can persuade Dr. Stables to give you more, or less time with Rainbow Dash. Whichever you might prefer.”

Twilight was going to say something, but brought her hoof to her lip in thought. Then, she stood to leave while thanking the nurse for her offer of assistance. The short day would be filled with more paperwork, Rainbow Dash, and tending to her patient. Twilight would have her results compiled soon, and be back inside Nurse Redheart’s office once again.

Part Twenty

Rainbow Dash came into Nurse Redheart’s room to drop off some papers from Twilight. This was her third time in a row, mainly because if she wanted to get those extra hours with Twilight, she needed proof for the good doctor. She wouldn’t stop coming in for whatever reason until she had what she needed. Luckily, good things come in threes.

“Here you go, ma’am,” Rainbow said with a smile while she gave the nurse a small folder slightly filled with forms. “So, how long have you been here?”

The nurse looked away from her other work, a raised eyebrow, and said, “A long time. Though, what would info like that do for you?”

Rainbow felt her own eyebrow raise, and said, “I just wanted to get to know you better.”

Giggling, Nurse Redheart pulled out a crimson diary from her desk. Across the front was the initials, N.R., some pink glitter lining the letters. “This is my diary, and it’s a special read. It tells my story from the start of my career, and arrives here at some point. Why don’t you simply see the first page?”

Rainbow took the book with both hooves, her eyes almost hurting from the brightness coming off the golden red cover, and opened it after asking, “Why not?”

The book indeed told the tale of Nurse Redheart’s very first day in medical school, but that’s not all it did. Rainbow could almost feel the way Nurse Redheart felt, cold and alone, sometimes lost in the hallways, and failing some classes. Were it not for one stallion stepping into her day on the way home saying he thought she needed his help, Nurse Redheart’s school days would’ve been too much for her to handle.

Rainbow nodded after the read, and could bet money this had everything she needed for Dr. Stables. She returned the diary to the owner, content with what it contained, and left the room shortly there after. Not even before getting back to the front desk would Rainbow begin formulating a plan to borrow the book.

Once she did get back, though, Twilight would catch her attention next. She’d been sitting there, a serious look plastered across her face, all the while, her working… rather clumsily, actually. Jogging to her patients, trying to stay active, going outside at any given moment when it’s the middle of summer, and still seemingly avoiding Rainbow.

“Hey,” Rainbow said as Twilight finished alphabetizing another folder. “Twilight, what’s gotten into you?”

“Hmm?” Twilight asked, looking up from the fresh, new stack of papers. “Oh, don’t worry about me, Rainbow!” She waved a hoof as though it’d be normal. “I’m just… busy.”

The glance down to the desk beside her, and the momentary frown told Rainbow it wasn’t just her being so busy that made her awkwardly moody, too. “Look, Twilight, I’m your friend. You can tell me what you’re working on.”

With a sigh, Twilight said, “No, Rainbow. I really can’t. Tomorrow, maybe even later today, but not right now.”

She returned to her work, furtively checking up on herself every hour or so. It came as a surprise, a reason to celebrate and a means to curse at the sky when Twilight finally reached the point of the day when she needed to undress, for no such problems had yet occurred. In fact, that’s the only problem that had happened all throughout that day.

Everypony instantly became healthy the second they said anything to Twilight, her patient was recovering much more quickly with her being near him, and Twilight was positively spotless regardless of her efforts put forward to stay a little bit more dirty.

After getting undressed, Rainbow came up next to her in the halls, her mane undone. Twilight was getting more and more used to that, even though it’d been taking up space in the back of her mind. “You look different,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Oh, lookie here! Twilight’s smiling for once!” Rainbow hovered up, taunting, “You’ve been a stick in the mud, and you won’t tell me why… Did you have a bad dream?”

“No,” Twilight confessed. “Look, we’ve got training today. I’ve just gotta talk something over with Nurse Redheart, and then it’ll be just you and me. Okay?”

Rainbow floated in front of her, staring suspiciously. She nodded, turned around, and said, “Alright, Twi…”

Before going in, Twilight called back to her, “Rainbow?” The pegasus returned her attention to Twilight to hear her say, “I’m really sorry about my behavior today.”

Rainbow couldn’t stay mad at her; how could she? There stood before her a mare, one of her hooves raised, nervously rubbing the other, her eyes begging for forgiveness, and her head lowered in this overly apologetic fashion. “It’s… cool, Twi. I’d just like an explanation is all.”

Twilight smiled again, something Rainbow wanted to be able to notice a lot more often. “I’ll see you back home?”

“Yeah, sounds like a plan.”

With that, they parted, if only momentarily. Times like that, though; the goodbyes being randomly long, both Twilight and Rainbow realize how much they wanted to be with each other. Shaking that off, Twilight knocked, was invited in, and entered feeling defeated. “Ah, Nurse Twilight,” Redheart teased. “You look as if you’ve discovered very little on the Polifern theory.”

“Read me like a book, why don’t you…” Twilight sat down, huffing in embarrassment. “My uniform works fine, and it’s pretty clear I’m not influenced by Rainbow’s outfit.” She shrugged with a blushing smirk. “I’ve got a powerful crush on Rainbow Dash, and I want more hours with her.”

With a toothy grin, the mare behind the counter asked, “Now, was that so hard?”

She looked away, still smiling. “No, it wasn’t… I’ve just been scared, I guess.”

“Scared of what?” Nurse Redheart asked forwardly. “Twilight, you’ve got a great chance with Rainbow, unlike me and Dr. Stables. I say go for it!”

Twilight was nodding as she listened, but upon hearing Dr. Stable’s name, Twilight asked, “Wait, what about the doctor?”

“Oh, it’s a trivial thing, really. He and I have this little love game of our own going on. All I need is proof that he wants to ask me out.” The nurse leaned her head on her hoof to slouch a little, and continued, “I’d do it myself, but in all my time being here, I’ve never gotten solid evidence of him liking me like that.”

Twilight blinked. Being his secretary, filer, office cleaner, Twilight just so happened to know where he kept a private journal. It was all too possible, and probable that book had the information his assistant needed. “I can get that for you,” Twilight said, her eyelids lowered suggestively.

Nurse Redheart had to think about it, but came to her decision soon enough. “I’ll leave my window open for you. Just sneak in through the lobby. I’ll have you return it once I’m done with it.”

After their little arrangement was set up, Twilight left assuring her new associate she hadn’t anything to worry about. In return for her services, Twilight would be given extra working hours with Rainbow.

Outside, Dr. Stables walked to the door only to be stopped by Rainbow outside holding the door for him. The two walked around to the other side of the building so that they could discuss the plan in privacy. “I’ve left my window open for you. All you have to do is get into Nurse Redheart’s room and get the diary.”

Saluting him like her commanding officer, Rainbow boldly claimed, “I’ll have that Intel ready for you in the morning!”

With that, she flew off. Dr. Stables walked around the corner, headed home. He saw Twilight leave looking much more lively than she did earlier that day. Later on, she met up with Rainbow, ready to try out some magical training.

Rainbow waited outside, sitting in front of the door. Once Twilight showed up, Spike walked out on key with everything they needed ready. Mostly books. “Ah, right on time Spike,” Twilight said.

Rainbow hovered up, whispering to herself, “Creepy…”

Most were pages upon pages of flight and pegasi history, for whatever good that would do them, but on top was the particular book written by Princess Celestia herself. Rainbow swooped down and snatched it up, making Spike wobble a little. “Hey!”

Twilight magically grabbed the others and put them down on the ground. “Thanks Spike.”

He crossed his arms. “I had it under control.”

Opening to some of the first pages, Twilight said, “Stretching, then hovering in mid air for a few minutes, and finally pony pushups-”

“Pony pushups, Twilight?” Rainbow asked, looking at her while holding back a chuckle. “What book are you reading?”

“The one by Princess Celestia.” Rainbow looked more closely at the book Twilight had. It was indeed the book she just took. Rainbow looked at the one in her hooves. “Pegasi History of Cloudsdale. Nice pick, Rainbow,” Twilight joked.

Rainbow got to it reluctantly only after a few more checks with the book. Then, she admitted defeat, and got to the stretching first. After that was hovering. Unfortunately, Twilight didn’t catch Rainbow on the ground, her wings spread slightly, legs and arms rotating cycles of stretching, her tail needing to be moved out of the way so she could move more easily…

No, Twilight was in the house looking over Spike’s work. By the time she’d come out, Rainbow was up above her, floating in one place with this deadpan face. “Twilight, I’m up here,” Rainbow said, after realizing Twilight was walking around aimlessly looking for her.

Twilight turned around, saying, “There you are. How’d the stretching go?”

Rainbow chuckled a little, and muttered, “You missed all the fun…”

In all the time Twilight had spent testing, and researching only to come to a dead end with that, she still remembered the many times she and Rainbow shared. Coming to terms with the fact that her emotions were natural also meant understanding if she wanted Rainbow, she could have her.

Finally, after Rainbow had stayed in the air long enough with Twilight standing next to her, just watching with this pleased look on her face, the mare landed down on the ground, saying, “Next is wing-pushups!”

She did her normal, everyday thing before some special training technique that required Twilight’s magic, but half way through, Twilight stood. “I’ll be right back. I need to get the book.”

“Fifty seven!” Rainbow said. “Alright, Twilight. Don’t be long.”

The door closed behind her, and she thought quickly. Finding the book by Princess Celestia, she turned to the current pages, specifically the one on preening. There was even a small warning depicting certain pegasi to go sexually bonkers. It didn’t say that exactly, but in a subtle way, that’s what it meant.

Then, another book floated by. “Preening the fastest, recommended by Celestia herself…” Twilight had been doing her best to avoid reading these two, but with the fair amount of time going by so quickly, she wondered if studying this could lead to her being too good for Rainbow. Besides that, preening required two, just like a lot of things in the book. “If I didn’t know any better…” Twilight mumbled.

“You’d say that was made for you and Rainbow?” Spike asked from behind.

Twilight turned around, both books clearly visible. “Spike…”

“I’ve read those, actually. I get bored around here… The point being, Celestia sure has a way with writing for couples. Weekly massages, team efforts… Hardly anything in that book of yours is for a solo pony.”

Twilight nodded. “Yeah, I noticed, too… Rainbow and I might come in here… Can I trust you to be out by then?”

Spike blinked, then rolled his eyes. “This because of the uniform?”

Twilight shook her head. “... No, actually.”

Spike nodded. “Alright, but don’t say I never do anything for you.”

With that, he went up stairs, leaving Twilight with her books floating in the air, or more specifically, her choices. She could give in, or she could resist. She could try preening Rainbow’s wings, or train her and say good bye at the end of the day. According to the book, though, it was time for the partner to assist with more physical means. Twilight always went by the book. Would nervousness stop her, even now?

Part Twenty-One

The door opened with Dash limping, her mane and coat partially ruined with leaves and a thick branch sticking out of her left wing. “That book’s screwy, Twilight!”

“Rainbow, it said there’s a sixty nine percent chance of you crashing into a tree! You said, and I quote, “I’ll be fine, Twilight. Now, cast the spell already!” So I did, up you went, and here we are.” Twilight quickly grabbed the branch by the end after saying, “Now, hold still!”

She yanked hard and fast. With Rainbow being completely unprepared for the sudden tugging on her wing, she fell onto Twilight, too tired to do anything once off balanced. More important than the fall was how she landed.

It was totally unplanned, and yet, perfect. Twilight held on tightly, trying to secure her friend while she pinned Twilight on her back. Staring up, Twilight blushed, her hooves holding onto Rainbow’s shoulders. She just snickered and got up while apologizing. “Sorry, Twilight.”

“N-no, it’s okay,” Twilight said, getting to her hooves, a bit wobbly from Rainbow’s muzzle being so close to hers again.

“You keep falling on me, I keep falling on you. Seems like a game, huh?” Rainbow teased. “So, what’s next on that book? Other than having my wings ruffled into a pulp, that is…”

Twilight licked her lips, hoping there’d be a different step they could try, but to neglect preening could bring some serious damage to Rainbow. She had a choice that could go down four roads. Twilight could either neglect this step, or she could preen Rainbow’s wings which was the right thing to do.

If she did so, there’s the possible chance she could try flirting, and then things could escalate from there, or she could just keep at it, putting those perverted thoughts out of her head. That’s three possibilities. The fourth being that Rainbow wasn’t ready for a more intimate relationship with Twilight just yet, though that one was a long shot.

Of course, Twilight wasn’t about to let her friend be hurt without some medical care, nor was she going to break away from the book’s specific instructions. This was the next step, intentionally placed there because of how harmful the last exercise was. She sighed, looked at Rainbow who was perusing the D section of the library, and said, “Preening…”

With a blank blink of her eyes, Rainbow stared at a book labeled, “Drab Dan and the Journey for the Salami Slider.” She looked to Twilight. “Uh, Twilight, this is a joke, right?”

Twilight’s expression became worried. “Excuse me?”

“This book! Look!”

Rainbow held the book out, and Twilight set it aside. She thought Rainbow was offended by the next step or something. “Oh, it was written as a parody by the author’s brother, and was so funny, it got published as a real book… Rainbow, did you hear what we’ll be doing next?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow said, raising a hoof and lowering it to settle Twilight down. “You use magic to clean my wings, and-”

Twilight cut her off with, “Err…”

“What?”

Twilight lifted the book her way. “It says right here. No magic except to hold instruments. It has to be done by hoof, and it explains some massaging techniques I could use on you as well.” With the book hovering next to her and the left hoof rubbing the other, Twilight asked, “Would it be alright if we did this in… my room?”

Rainbow was transfixed by Twilight’s sweet eyes and kind smile. She knew all too well how pleasurable nearly every preening session went for her. The pegasi’s memories trailed all the way back to when Rarity got her the very same thing for her Birthday: a preening session. It felt good… Too good, in fact. Rainbow fought the urge as long as possible, but with the two twin mares tenderly rubbing each and every singly feather while applying welcomed pressure on her back…

Well, to say that was her best present ever would be an understatement, and the spa ponies were so understanding of Rainbow, too. Other times, the massager would look at Rainbow, perplexed as to why she had to bite the pillow so roughly.

Rainbow mostly preened herself these days. Otherwise, she’d get far too excited around others. It wasn’t as if this was unheard of, though. Pegasi everywhere were known to be difficult preeners. There’s just something about it that they love a bit too much.

She shook the memories away, and asked, “Are you s-sure, Twilight?”

She looked at the book, and took a deep breath. “It’s part of the practice.”

The two flinched a little with Twilight’s door suddenly closing, intruding on their silence. Spike walked down, passed the two by, and left the house after saying, “I’ll be at Applebloom’s if you need me. Be back by sundown.”

Rainbow looked at Twilight. If that didn’t give them the perfect, quiet and all around secluded house for this particular step which, if Rainbow wasn’t able to control herself, they’d need most badly, nothing would. It wasn’t so much the preening Rainbow dreaded.

It was the looming possibility that Twilight might discover just how quick she can be that Rainbow feared the most. Her mind rushed with images of her lost in pleasure while Twilight leaned on top, open mouthed, and not even barely touching her. “Uh…”

Twilight glanced from the door to Rainbow Dash. “Look...”

Rainbow shook her head. “You really don’t have to do this, Twilight,” she said with a worried smile.

Twilight came closer, minding the small table partially in her way. “I know pegasi get aroused with this. I can ignore that for you.”

Rainbow gulped; this was happening so fast. “I can do it myself, and you can help next to me?”

Twilight stopped walking, and asked quietly, “Next to you?” Her mouth slightly opened, trying to say something more, but nothing was coming out. Stand and… watch? Twilight was to offer simple advice for Rainbow while she did this herself which, by the way, meant it’d take twice as long?

It almost hurt Twilight’s feelings inside, to know Rainbow would rather preen herself all alone than have a friend help her with it, speed up the training, and possibly get just what Twilight thought Rainbow wanted, which was her.

Was she wrong? Were all those signals Rainbow gave Twilight figments of her imagination? Of course not. Rainbow was just caught off guard, and once her senses came back, she realized she was about to decline preening, any pegasi’s most loved luxury.

Suddenly smiling, she jokingly said, “Sike!” Twilight jumped a little, so Rainbow put her wing around the unicorn’s back to calm her down. “I was kidding, Twilight! Of course you can preen my wings! That’s sounding awesome right about now!”

“Oh… A-alright,” Twilight nervously mumbled while being lead up the stairs.

This was just Rainbow acting cool. Really, her heart was pumping against her chest, her hooves shook furiously, and although she’d felt calm any other time with Twilight, this preening business was both unexpected and surprising, even for her.

She knew she’d lose herself like always, but this time was different. This time, it’d be right in front of Twilight. What if she just keeps staring? What if she likes to see that cute, panting face Rainbow will undoubtedly be making in the next few minutes? “Think you’ll be able to contain yourself, Twilight?”

They’d reached the door, and Rainbow was smiling smugly. Though predictable to Twilight, Rainbow was astonished she was still able to keep her cool, even in a situation such as this. They entered the room, and just another couple of steps up was the bed where Rainbow would be required to lay upon.

She took flight with little thought about it, loose leaves following behind her, and landed up above on the edge. While Rainbow got herself comfortable, Twilight stood down below, wondering when her hooves would work again. “C’mon,” she whispered.

“You coming, Twilight?”

Her body started functioning again. “Yeah, on my way.”

She walked up, the book still floating next to her, and saw Rainbow laying on her bed, her back facing up, hind hooves spread down and almost touching the back rim, and her front hooves being used as comfy pillows. She looked breathtaking to Twilight. Something she simply couldn’t figure out was why that was, though.

Was it the way her wings looked, limply hanging from the bed’s edges? Was the thought of having to get up above Rainbow so she could do this supposed to be this rattling? Though Twilight didn’t know it, Rainbow felt the exact same way. Nervous, scared, and extremely turned on just by the mere thought. Rainbow just did a better job at hiding it.

She got up and onto the bed, kneeled down so her hooves could lay next to, and touching Rainbow’s. Then, she sighed, “Okay… The book says-”

“Spread them in and out, first.” Rainbow glanced at Twilight from the corner of her eye. “This isn’t the first time I’ve been preened before…”

She put her head back down, adjusted her frame a bit, and then slowly closed her eyes with a smirk just barely visible for Twilight to see. “Alright then,” the unicorn said. “I’ll just keep all this to myself. Just don’t get mad when I do something weird, unlike others.”

Rainbow giggled, and asked, “What’re you gonna do? Kiss me?”

Twilight gulped silently, and said, “I might.”

The two words were so naturally spoken, Twilight hadn’t even realized she was the one who said it until a moment or two later. After that, she shook it off and gripped Rainbow’s left wing with both hooves, just as it said to in the book.

Twilight originally thought they’d be frail and easy to lift, but they weren’t. Her feathers were dense with dirt, and were naturally heavy. Now that Twilight thought about it, that made complete sense. They were more built than normal pegasus wings, so of course they’d be dense, even when cleaned spotless.

They went in, folding over and under each other, and then stretched all the way back out with Twilight holding tightly onto the pressure points to keep the joints locked firmly outward, showing every spacing between each glorious feather.

Rainbow gave a small moan after Twilight guided the drooping wing back in, and then groaned loudly after it was pushed out again. It wasn’t like Twilight was playing with Rainbow’s private area. She was only preening her, right? And yet, Rainbow was enjoying it all too much.

They hadn’t even reached the part where Twilight required her tool for plucking, and already Rainbow was treating it like sex. Grunting with rolled back eyes, and looking up at Twilight with this smile… “That’s the most adorable grin I’ve ever seen,” Twilight thought while looking away from the wing itself, her lower legs shivering with excitement.

She quickly got to the next one, this time trying something new. She stretched it out even more, but that just seemed to make Rainbow that much more aroused. When she tried pulling this wing all the way in, Rainbow had to bite the pillow thanks to it feeling so erotic.

She finally let up, and the wing relaxed along with its owner. Some drool could be seen on the far end of the sheets and pillowcase. Rainbow huffed hard while looking at Twilight, drunk with pleasure. Though Rainbow would deny it, Twilight knew she’d just made her friend have an orgasm just from preparing her wings for what’s to come.

“Rainbow… I’m s-so sorry…”

She couldn’t really be sure, but Twilight figured she’d need to clean her blanket after this. With her adjusting her hooves to compensate for the sudden, wet feeling, Rainbow said, “N-no, I’m fine. Keep going, Twilight. You’re doing great!”

Twilight raised a hoof to her cheek in an attempt to hide her flushed face. She sighed, and then levitated a rather small box over. Inside was everything she needed to properly clean every little feather Rainbow had. Pluckers, specifically made for pegasi.

Usually, ponies like Rainbow Dash used their teeth to hold them, and that’s why having somepony else do this step for them is so much better, and even recommended by some medical physicians. Not only can Twilight preen Rainbow and get all the places she would otherwise miss, but she’d also have someone there to comfort her along the way.

When pegasi are nervous, they tend to miss their target. That can result in unhealthy developments later on. It was best that they have their wings preened by somepony else; if only it didn’t feel so sexual and intimate for them.

Twilight, once again, stretched out Rainbow’s left wing while magically holding the instrument close. “You might feel some stinging, Rainbow. Try your best to relax and hold still.”

Rainbow, for the most part, was about as relaxed as anypony like her should be. With Twilight leaning over her, their thighs touching, and Twilight of all ponies pressing down on her back oh, so gently, Rainbow could’ve fallen asleep peacefully were it not for the sudden yanking under her awkwardly adjusted appendage. Twilight looked at the book, nodded, and then moved the wing over to her with a quick huff.

“Mmh, Twi…” Rainbow’s face became that much more visible for Twilight with the moving of her wing. Her eyes were closed, and an all too amused snicker could be seen beyond the plush pillow trying to hide her mouth.

Twilight couldn’t help but to smile as well. Something about this was different, sure, but in a good way. Perhaps it was from knowing Rainbow’s happy. Even though it’s sexual bliss, it’s bliss all the same, but she hesitated still.

Why she chose to resist saying something was beyond Twilight. Here she was, Rainbow below her almost waiting for her to make a move, and she was thinking about it. “What am I to do?” She could do anything at this point, and she knew this. However, for some reason, asking herself this question settled Twilight’s nerves.

“Rainbow?” Twilight asked, kindly petting the blue feathers that rested on her lap.

“Yeah?” Rainbow asked, her eyes still closed. Twilight snatched a tough sand-spur out, bringing Rainbow to moan, “Ah! That one’s been itching that one ever since we started. Thank you!”

Twilight put it on the table along with some leaves and a branch or two. She’d waited long enough. There would be other preening sessions than this one for sure. If she didn’t tell Rainbow about her feelings then, it would be some other time. She would be prolonging the inevitable. Why keep pointlessly beating around the bush like that? “Rainbow, I…”

She slowed down, both her hooves placing themselves on Rainbow’s back gently. She stretched them out while gulping, and Rainbow lifted herself up slightly to look at her. The glint in Twilight’s eyes told Rainbow everything, though. Twilight needn’t say a word, and besides, it would be wrong for Rainbow to force Twilight into making the first official move.

With her left hoof keeping her elevated and the other tightly wrapping around Twilight neck, Rainbow pulled Twilight right in, and kissed her. She was beyond tempted to stimulate the sensation further by opening her mouth and letting Twilight’s tongue in, but found she didn’t need to. Twilight had already done that on instinct alone.

They collapsed in each other’s grasp, tongue twisted. Rainbow tossed her wings around to let Twilight lay on her back while she let her friend’s hind hooves get by, them still sharing their kiss. Twilight pulled away quickly to try and say, “Rainbow, I…”

“Shut up, Twilight,” Rainbow chortled with a chuckle and pecking her on the lips yet again. “I know. You’re in love with me, and I’m in love with you, right?”

With a solemn nod, Twilight explained, “Well, it’s not just that, but I’m not finished with your wings! We should try and wait until I’m done, don’t you think?”

Rainbow shook her head in disbelief. “Twilight, forget the way the book says it this time, and just do it.”

Of course, Rainbow took the lead of things, continuously kissing Twilight while slowly but still steadily flipping Twilight around so that she was on top. Once in the position Rainbow desired, she looked down at the blushing mare below her. “I’ve waited a long time for this…”

Twilight blinked cutely. “So have I…”

With one last, long kiss, Rainbow started pecking Twilight’s chin, and then the neck. In between her fondling, Rainbow decided to confess, “I was never sure if you were into mares, really. That’s why I never took a chance.”

As Rainbow licked her chest, Twilight asked, “Do you wonder if things would’ve been different if you never broke your hoof?”

Rainbow paused for a moment to glance up at Twilight’s blushing face, and said, “Nah.” She smiled. “I’ve always kinda had this thing for you since we met.”

Twilight looked away shyly, and said, “I’ve always liked you, too. I was just too stubborn to admit it.”

Rainbow lifted Twilight’s surprisingly light body up and against the pillow to ask, “Have you like liked me since the very first day we met?” Twilight’s lips parted, but only she noticed. She thought for a minute, looking into Rainbow’s beautiful eyes. “That’s how long this has been building for me. What about you?”

Twilight’s eyelids lowered. “Well, to be blunt, your first impression on me was extremely bad.” Rainbow frowned and looked away. “But,” Twilight said, “you were able to redeem yourself more than a few times. So… like, a week or two after I met you.”

Rainbow chuckled, “Better late than never, huh?”

Twilight glided Rainbow up by the chin and kissed her again before saying, “I suppose…”

Breaking the line of sight, Rainbow looked down. Only on rare peeks did she ever get her chance at seeing Twilight’s folds if she was lucky enough. Now, seeing the real deal up close and personal, Rainbow’s entire being froze.

Her mouth watered along with her eyes. A funny thought rushed through her head at that moment. What if she went to try it out and got a nosebleed? How embarrassing that would be for her... But no, that’s not going to happen. This is what Rainbow had been waiting for, working for, and more often than not, dreaming about.

“Well?” Twilight asked. Rainbow glanced up to see the anticipating glare from Twilight, and nodded. Rainbow figured Twilight might like some teasing first, and briskly but barely brushed her tongue right along the outside edges, bringing twilight to gasp suddenly. “Ah! R-Rainbow?!”

Finally dragging up and popping Twilight’s clit expertly, Rainbow calmed Twilight down with, “Relax, I only toyed with it a little.”

Twilight bit her bottom lip, wondering aloud, “A little?”

Rainbow yanked Twilight in closer while kneeling down. How Twilight could possibly have such a pink, puffy pussy was beyond Rainbow. Not even hers was that well taken care of. The scent alone nearly made Rainbow feel lightheaded with arousal.

Taking a moment to look down and breath normally rather than in a dazed stare, Rainbow sighed, “Aren’t I the one that’s supposed to be pleasured?”

She brushed it off with a shake of her head, looked back with a ready expression, and took another taste. Twilight started moaning again, so Rainbow slowed down as best she could. Though she was confident, Rainbow could hardly contain her potent urges. The deeper she got into Twilight, the more tasty her meal became.

She pressed onward with Twilight holding onto the back railing with one hoof and Rainbow’s mane with the other, her face contorting to try and hold out a little longer. She finally panted, “Gonna cum…”

There was no stopping her, either. Rainbow felt it getting moist and hot down there, but not enough to her satisfaction. With the summit of her hoof, Rainbow started twirling Twilight’s red clit in circles while digging in deeper and deeper.

Eventually, Twilight’s head rolled back in ecstasy, her eyes closing tight, and all the while Rainbow refusing to let her stop. By the time Twilight’s tortured twat was let go, Rainbow’s whole mouth was coated with her juices, cheek to cheek. “Refreshing,” Rainbow teased.

Twilight looked down hazily, and asked, “Had… enough?”

The two began to snicker, and then laughed. Slouching down with Rainbow still holding on, Twilight continued to huff while Rainbow wiped her rather damp mouth clean. Afterwards, she persisted on a kiss with Twilight shaking vigorously and chanting, “No! That’s gross, Rainbow!”

Naturally, Twilight lost, and was soon sharing their final kiss of the night with one another, this one being the longest, and the tastiest. Rainbow broke it, and then rose slowly so she could gain some distance. “So, you ever heard of a sixty nine?”

Twilight blushed. She most certainly had not, but she couldn’t let Rainbow know that. “Uh, sure I have!”

Rainbow’s eyebrow raised while she crossed her hooves and offered a smug smile. “Really?”

“Yeah, of course! Who wouldn’t know what a sixty nine is?” Inside her head, she thought, “That’s a number, now what’s so sexual about it? Is it a position, or a toy? What if it’s a swear of oath?!”

Rainbow looked at the floor, and then said, “Okay then, go over there and stand on your head.”

Twilight’s muzzle scrunched up. “Stand on my head?”

“Yep.”

Twilight was no fool, but she knew whatever Rainbow had planned must be good, if not practical. She did as instructed and stood on her head over the rug. “Okay, what now?” Twilight asked with a wobble.

“Now,” Rainbow said. “... Try and lick your nose.” Twilight stared at her with a dull expression. She wasn’t going to do that even if she could. “Alright, alright. Stand normally, Twilight,” Rainbow laughed as her partner got back in bed now blushing not from arousal, but embarrassment. “A sixty nine is a position. Both of us each eats the other’s pussy out at the same time.”

“Eww, I’m not gonna lick you!”

Rainbow huffed, “What? I just ate you out! You can’t do that for me?”

Twilight furtively giggled, then gestured for her friend to stop. “I’m kidding! Of course I’ll eat you out!”

Rainbow simply sat there. For a moment, she wasn’t sure if her ears were working properly. Twilight, her best friend and secret crush just said she’d be glad to lick her lower gap dry. “Then let’s get started!”

She stood suddenly, almost surprising Twilight. With her backing up slowly and moving her tail out of Twilight’s way, Rainbow lowered herself down, flank up, and shifted Twilight into a much more easier place.

Rainbow, for the most part, started with what she could see: Twilight’s special little button just barely peeking up above from the tip. As for Twilight, she simply stared blankly, unsure as to how this works exactly.

“This must be what Rainbow felt like, glaring at my…” Twilight gulped at the glistening marvel that looked back down at her. It looked so inviting, and yet, sacred. Dare she take a taste? Just a quick, slow lick? “It’s just experimenting, after all.”

Aww, what’s she thinking? This isn’t an experiment. It’s exactly what she and Rainbow have been wanting for months now, and she wasn’t about to let nervousness stop her from indulging. Besides, she couldn’t resist for long anyway.

One kiss… “That’s what you’re supposed to do, right?” And then another. Then, a lick. It tastes… “Mmh, good…” Twilight leaned away only for a brief moment to lick the side of her lips, but quickly assaulted the hole with her tongue seeping past her mouth. She had to close her eyes from relishing in the experience and the strong scent that had suddenly entered her mind.

It was unreal; so sweet, tangy… salty at times, too. It depended on where she licked, and how good she was to Rainbow. She’d hardly realized how down Rainbow had gotten herself. Her entire muzzle was scratching itself with Twilight’s widely spread lips.

Rainbow was already near orgasming again, and could hardly hold on. With Twilight sinking in deeper, and her own tongue stuck, probably drowning, she mumbled, “I’m… c-close, Twilight.”

The unicorn retreated only for a second to say, “Do that special thing you did earlier.”

Rainbow nodded, stopped her hoof from rubbing Twilight’s flank, and brought it up to her apparently sensitive nub. Like a speed boat, she started rocking Twilight’s twat way harder than last time, almost pushing her over the edge right then and there.

Just before submerging herself back into Rainbow’s warm hole, Twilight had to give off a sudden, “Y-yes!” Then, she got back to her own pleasant work.

In no time at all, the whole room would be filled with a wet heat. The nearer they came, the hotter things got. Both mares sweated and huffed, but kept slurping without wasting another moment. Finally, Twilight’s tail twitched along with Rainbow’s, and with two, small grunts of happiness, they both started cumming simultaneously.

Twilight’s back shivered while Rainbow kept up with the rhythm she had going, not daring to stop. Eventually, though, she collapsed next to Twilight, her muzzle drenched yet again, and fell asleep shortly there after.

They were both too worn out to even think about finishing Rainbow’s preening session, so that would have to wait until the morning. It would be odd for Twilight and Rainbow, waking up next to each other, holding one another closely.

Though, once the memories of the previous night surfaced, they’d exchange a quick kiss, and Twilight would hurry off into the shower. Of course, Rainbow would follow only to be rejected. Typically, it seemed Twilight would be the wife of this relationship.

Part Twenty-Two

Deep within Twilight’s luxurious sleep, the kind she could only truly enjoy while being in Rainbow’s grasp, the unicorn had a feeling that night, like she was forgetting something. But what? For a moment, she woke up, thinking about it and moving around in the covers.

Spike was probably downstairs sleeping on the couch. She’d sent her letter to Celestia informing her of what she’d been through while leaving out the more sexual details involving Rainbow. There was nothing she needed to worry about around the house…

And then, it clicked. She stumbled out of her daze, yanked free from Rainbow’s tightly hugging hooves and stood from the bed. As for her companion, she stayed unfazed, fast asleep and snoring rather vigorously. Despite that, she still looked cute to Twilight.

Giving the cerulean sleepyhead a kiss on the cheek and making her smile a little, Twilight quickly left for the clinic. She’d almost forgotten about the folders and documents she promised Nurse Redheart she’d get, and even though the thought of blatantly disturbing another’s privacy crossed Twilight’s mind, it didn’t mean she was being bad.

By tomorrow night, they would be right back where they belonged, and she’d have plenty more time with Rainbow Dash. That was another thing she curiously pondered over while silently creeping down stairs that night. How would that disturb her work if she and Rainbow were officially beyond mere friends?

Knowing Rainbow, Twilight might need to lay down some ground rules to keep her from doing anything embarrassing. As she reached downstairs, along the lobby, she saw Spike fast asleep on the couch with a blanket warming his scales.

“Thanks, Spike,” Twilight whispered as she opened her door. All she needed was a coat, as it was getting rather chilly lately. Winter seemed to be creeping up on the small town rather suddenly. Usually, Ponyville didn’t see much cold weather until a week or two more goes by.

While Twilight thought about the weather and walked towards the clinic, Rainbow Dash woke up. The lump on her pillow was just enough for it to look a lot like Twilight, so Rainbow simply got out of bed. Stretching a little before yawning for about five minutes or so, she decided now was as good a time to go ahead and get that diary of Nurse Redheart.

Along the stairs, she walked down and considered another pony being there at the clinic, catching her. Perhaps a janitor’s keeping up with cleaning the floors at night, or a secret, night time guard could be patrolling the insides of the facility. Last thing she’d need was another mission failure at the clinic, like last time she was breaking in for some book.

Though, this time around should be a piece of cake for her, and Twilight, too. As the pegasus reached the bottom of the stairs and entered the lobby, she noticed a familiar, purple lump on the couch. She snickered, walked up to it, and shook the dragon awake. “Huh, what?”

“Hey, Spike… Thanks a ton for being so awesome lately.”

Rainbow surprised the little guy by kneeling down and giving him a small, welcomed hug. “Oh… N-no problem, Rainbow.”

Standing, she said, “Seriously, you helped me and Twi out a lot. If you need a favor, I owe you one.”

Spike nodded his head. “Cool... I just wish you were Rarity right now.”

Once she left him, Spike fell back to sleep not really caring that much about where his waker was headed off to. Deep in the night, Rainbow soared high amongst the foggy clouds, directing herself for the clinic. She and Twilight had no idea they were about to be at the same place yet again.

As Twilight arrived on the completely opposite side of the structure, Rainbow showed up in the distance. If she had left the house a second sooner, she would’ve seen Twilight going for the window. Instead, she showed up on her own side just as Twilight was shutting the glass entrance.

She locked it just to make sure, and stood on her hind hooves for a moment, her front body being elevated on the sill. For a second, she listened to the outside and inspected the oddly unfamiliar room. Nothing was as it was in the day time.

Placing a hoof on her coat, she slid it off coyly and sat it next to the chair she felt next to her tail. Inside was warmer, so there was little need for something so heating. She blinked a few times, but wasn’t sure she was truly blinking or not.

Shadows hid every corner, and the bright, wooden door she’d entered and left through so many times was shaded so much, she couldn’t even see the door knob. Had it been during her work hours, she’d see the silver lining around the ring’s edge, and be able to grab it without fear, for there was light.

Darkness made all the difference, amazingly. She was actually terrified by now, to even dare to grab that silver, turning knob. If she did, something was sure to pounce out at her. Instead, she looked around the room some more.

The bookcase was way too dimly lit to make out even the first book she came across, even with adjusted eyes. So, she gave up on searching anything else. Besides, she needed to hurry back to the house in case her sleeping pegasus woke up and started wondering where she was at, especially at this time of the night.

Eventually, she worked up the courage to leave the room. After she simply did it and crossed the walls into the front desk area, she felt safer about the darkness. Now that she could, at the very least see the corners, she knew her way around. It was still creepy for her, though, being in the dark.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the building just down the hall and to the right, Rainbow entered quirkily through the window. Her main focus was more on getting the job done as opposed to Twilight being on edge when it came to infiltrating the Ponyville Clinic after hours.

She’d fumble on boxes yet to be unpack before stopping, fluttering her wings and floating right into a wall. “Damn it!” She stood back up limply, looked around again, and decided to try and adjust to the darkness first.

While she did that, she thought she’d heard something just down the hallway and to the left. She approached the door knob and left Nurse Redheart’s personal office. Upon approaching the middle of the hallway, Rainbow thought she saw a figure run down the opposite path of where she was headed.

Twilight had become confused by the difference in the way everything looked, and had just missed the door she planned to enter. Instead, she headed down the hall to the patient’s wing. This wouldn’t be much of a problem were it not for two particular mares using the very same room Twilight was about to enter just before packing up and heading home.

This couple had always caused Twilight sexual problems in the past, and even at this point, they still unknowingly threw her right into the frying pan. As the lights flickered on, Twilight was a little disappointed at the room she was in.

However, one small trinket was left over for her to notice. She’d be distracted long enough for Rainbow to head down the hall and catch her in the only room that still had its lights on for some reason. What Twilight found was a peculiarly hot red ball gag, the kind one uses on another’s mouth during hardcore sex. Twilight could even see a bit of spit left over.

Soon after observing the room long enough, she noticed an open closet with a small box inside, right under some magazines. No doubt, that was pornography, and the box more than likely contained all sorts of kinky sex toys inside. Twilight was able to deduce this by the purple vibrator the cover had for a label.

She shook her head at the obvious leftover mess, and also took note the fine pair of uniforms hanging right above the box and porno magazines. “Hey… Hey!” Twilight spoke up. “These aren’t to be hung in here! They’re basic uniforms. They should be in the dressing rooms.” Snatching them up and headed for the door, she ran right into none other than Rainbow Dash at the doorway.

“Huh?”

“Rainbow?!”

Then, in unison, “What’re you doing here?!”

Twilight spoke up, “I’m here investigating this!”

She showed the uniforms to Rainbow, which brought her to ask, “What? Do you spy on everypony here?”

Twilight looked at the clothes she still had in her hooves. “Must’ve been Beat and Pleasure. Those two are always being caught around every corner fooling around!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Well, when you wanna come back home, I’ll see you there.” She turned around from the door. “I suppose you’re too busy here playing investigator than to spend the night with me…”

Twilight stepped closer. “Wait, what are you doing here?”

Rainbow looked back, and said, “I could still technically ask you the same thing. I mean, do you really think I’ll even be able to believe you came all the way down here to catch a few fellow employees up to...” Rainbow checked out the ball gag on the table before saying, “Apparently, really kinky stuff…”

She looked back at Twilight who still had the enchanted uniforms, wondering for a bit. As for the unicorn, all she could do was know Rainbow was dressing her up in that very nurse outfit with her eyes alone. That curious stare she gave Twilight could make her do just about anything at this point. “Rainbow?”

The pegasus looked away, blushing, but frowning as well. “I was just thinking…”

Twilight came closer, trusting her friend as best she could. “Yes…?”

“Mind putting one of those on for me?” The words felt anything but natural, but at the same time, Rainbow didn’t regret asking one bit.

Twilight glances down at the folded fabric, her eyes glittering down at the edges that laid in front of her hoof. “I suppose…”

Rainbow tried to smile, and nervously said, “Nopony would catch us if we wanted to… you know. Have some fun?”

The toothy smirk Rainbow wore by then was enough to make Twilight subconsciously back up enough so she could close the door with a hind hoof. Once basically locked up with Rainbow, Twilight wasn’t sure how to proceed. So, she thought about what Rainbow would want to hear her say. “Only if you put one on, too.”

Rainbow stopped more a moment, her head tilting. “Oh, uh…” For a moment, Twilight thought Rainbow would refuse the opportunity, and at such a low cost like this? She’d be a fool to decline. “Alright, let me get a pair of those socks.”

Before she could get started, Twilight stopped her by tapping her on the shoulder. “Wait, here. Help me get this thing on, and I’ll help you once I’m all done.”

Shaking her head, Rainbow confessed, “If I help you get dressed, neither of us will really be fully dressed all night!”

“Is that a no?”

Rainbow huffed, “Actually, it’s more of a ‘one second’ kinda thing.”

She checked around her peripheral vision to see Twilight struggling and yanking on her socks, and something interesting protruding from under the bed right next to the very tip of her hoof. “Hurry up, Rainbow!”

“Just let me get my things on alright, here…” She zipped a tough spot up and quickly came over, kindly putting a hat on Twilight’s cute head.

“Awe, thanks, Rainbow.” Twilight had no idea why her friend was checking her socks out by then, but didn’t care much. In reality, Rainbow was making sure what she thought she saw was just what she needed, and it was indeed.

With a swift ‘click’ and a gasp, followed by Twilight being held together by Rainbow, the uniformed unicorn was finally just as Rainbow always wanted her since day one. Her front hooves were brought up and held close by Rainbow’s. With a simple kiss, Twilight knew she was trapped by Rainbow’s cunning, something she never saw coming.

“R-Rainb-” With things happening so fast, she could hardly get the name out. All that could happened next was her coat being unbuttoned, and her falling down to the bed softly.

The landing wasn’t hard on her, partly because Rainbow held onto her, but mostly because Twilight held back. The two hardly noticed their lips touching already, but acknowledged it once they were laying down. Twilight had a moment, though, where her vision went blurry.

It was that moment where she and Rainbow made perfect eye contact right before closing them. Everything else was feeling, tasting, and hearing each other tenderly. To Twilight, the sweet sounds of Rainbow’s pleased moans released in between their kisses was almost like music.

Almost... Though, it came pretty close. She even seemed to be on a slow, dull tempo. Upon them breaking the kiss for a moment, Rainbow hunched over Twilight’s belly, giving her a peck on the chest before nervously hovering down even more.

Twilight would never openly tell Rainbow she knew just how much she was shaking and swallowing, not to mention, just staring at her moist, lower legs. However, this was dragging out a bit too much. “Come on, Rainbow…” Twilight thought to herself, “Now’s not the time to lose your cool near me! We’ve gotta hurry up and get home so we can both be ready for work in the morning!”

Finally working up the nerve to say something, Rainbow giggled sheepishly, “Sorry, Twi… I’m frozen here…”

Though the mare wished to speed things along, she couldn’t help but to be flattered by Rainbow’s compliment. Or, at least, she was going to take it as a compliment. “Am I really that marvelous?”

Rainbow squinted in thought. “Mmh, not marvelous… Not sure that’s the right word…” Once she looked up, however, her opinion would change. Twilight’s raised eyebrow and frown told her marvelous was the perfect word, and that she should use it if she knew what was best for her. “Err, I mean, marvelous is just what I was thinking! Yeah…”

Twilight shook her head. “Look, maybe doing this here is a bad-” Before she could say much more, Rainbow sank her tongue down deep, shutting that offer out post haste. All she could feel after that, other than the sheets being pushed against her hooves which elevated her upper torso up was pleasure. Rainbow made quick work to try and get Twilight to cum, and fast. “N-not so… rough!”

Twilight’s plea for mercy fell on deaf ears, for Rainbow was much too busy with exploring than poking around. She wasn’t stupid, after all. Rainbow understood good and well they needed to get back to the tree house. She just wished to relish in the moment before cutting it short. There was a problem with that, though. Twilight wouldn’t reach her limit.

No matter how hard Rainbow tried, licking the edges and scooping down only to pull back up, make Twilight’s hips twitch by fondling her cunt, and then going back down again, Rainbow simply couldn’t finish this persistent pussy off. After a breather, she huffed while covering Twilight’s pussy up with her hoof to feel her warmth. “I can’t… keep this up, Twilight…”

When Rainbow looked back, she saw this irresistible face begging for relief. With a needed gasp of air, Twilight said, “Please, you got me in this mess. You can’t just leave me high and dry, Rainbow.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow said, waving her free hoof and thinking. “Alright, I’m just gonna have to break these out a little bit early.”

She walked up to the closet and scavenged around, looking for an appropriate toy that perhaps both of them might get off from. Luckily, she did. The two nurses who’d left behind the small care package of pleasurable devices had been going at it for as long as Twilight had been employed, so naturally, they left Rainbow and Twilight well fitted for the night, and future evenings as well.

“We are so keeping these!”

“What?” Twilight said, her hoof wiping some sweat away. “We can’t! We should try and find whoever they belong to, and return them.”

Rainbow laughed. “No way! Are you nuts? How’re we gonna do that? Stand at the counter with the box chock full of vibrators, butt-plugs, strap-ons and anal-beads asking anypony that walks by if it’s theirs?”

Twilight couldn’t think of anything at the moment, for the thought of asking if they belonged to Dr. Stables had completely distracted her. “Hehe…”

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” Twilight said, opting to keep her random thoughts to herself. “Fine… I suppose you’re right. It’s a free box of goodies, anyway.”

“No,” Rainbow corrected. “It’s a celebration gift for us. We finally go steady, and we get the works from nowhere!”

Twilight blushed as Rainbow walked up to her. “Well, choose the one that looks like it’ll take care of us both, and quick. I’m in a hurry.”

Rainbow nodded. “So am I.”

While she dug through, turning on a few to see if they worked, Twilight asked, “What’re you here for?”

Rainbow simply said, “It’s a secret. If it’ll make things easier for you, it’s just best if you see it as beneficial to everypony.”

Twilight nodded. “Then, think of my errand as that, too.”

“Why?”

“Because,” Twilight said with a smirk. “I knew you were going to ask me the same thing. What might I be doing here, so late at night?”

Rainbow gripped the edges of the box with her teeth and put it on the bed. “I trust you, Twilight.”

With little more than Rainbow’s hooves clanking and shuffling around at the bottom to make noise, Twilight assisted in defeating the silence by saying, “You don’t know how good hearing you say that makes me feel, Rainbow.”

“Ah hah!” Rainbow held up the perfect, super quick, mare rutting strap-on in her hooves, grinning at the instructions on the slip of paper. “It’s got dual vibration, tubed lube that shoots out like jizz if you wanna do anal, and a nation-wide rating of ten outta ten!”

Twilight smiled with worry. “That’s… good, right?”

Rainbow scoffed, “Twilight, it’ll rock our worlds in ten seconds flat!”

Twilight shook her head. “No way! You were down there licking me dry, and I still couldn’t cum!”

Rainbow sneered, “I’ll have you screwed harder than ever before in ten seconds, no problem!”

Twilight looked at her seriously. “Prove it.”

With a deep breath, Rainbow gripped Twilight’s end and slowly pressured the opposite summit through, penetrating her pussy at least. Seeing as how she still had the rest to go, she turned on her vibrator and let it go on low. With the smooth thrusts pressing deeper through, Rainbow was able to take every inch in, and then stood for a minute.

She sighed to herself, but quickly strapped herself up with her teeth. Twilight, who’d been watching with wide eyes could only stare now at Rainbow’s big, blue length. It was a shade darker than her coat, but looked real except for the very back where one could see through it, and into Rainbow’s wide opened gap.

As she tried to walk closer to Twilight with the thing on, she had to heave her hooves off the ground in order to get anywhere. “Alright,” Rainbow said with a devilish grin. “I had to force it on, so now, you gotta let me try and drive you off the edge, right?”

“If you don’t?” Twilight hiccupped. She didn’t mean to ask aloud, but didn’t mind spicing things up a bit, either.

“Hmm…” Rainbow hummed as she trotted in place. “How about, I be your pet for a whole week? You’ll be my master, and I’ve gotta do whatever you say!”

Twilight grinned happily. “That, I could enjoy…”

“But,” Rainbow said, her eyes flashing at Twilight. “If you do cum before the ten second mark, YOU’LL become MY sex slave for a week! How’s that sounding to you?”

Twilight nodded. “It’s a deal!”

Theoretically, Twilight formulated the possibility of a mere toy being able to do this in only ten seconds, and combined the fact that she’d already came earlier in the night with the equation. Her conclusion was that it was impossible for the toy to do its job in time. That’s all there was to it for her.

For Rainbow, though... Rainbow would do her best to see to it that Twilight became the slave, not the other way around. She adjusted her new, quirky prick to align with Twilight’s freely spreading legs, felt her tight up a bit, and said, “The second I turn on the vibrators, I’ll start counting. Alright?”

Twilight snickered, “Just don’t be a sore loser when you jizz yourself before me.”

Giving her one last, toothy smile which seemed more egotistical than in agreement, Rainbow exhaled most of the air from her lungs, took a deep breath and flicked the two small switches on, full blast. Immediately, she thrusted in hard, submerging deeper than she even thought possible so early on.

It was easy to tell, Twilight had already been loosened up thanks to their foreplay from before. Now, it served Rainbow well. She was easy to sink into all the way, but backing up and out for the next second, and next pump was proving hard for Rainbow despite her wanting to be in control so badly.

When the package said it’d rock their world, it wasn’t joking around. At maximum overdrive, Rainbow could barely tell if she was going forward, back, side to side, up, down, or even out of Twilight. By then, with it poking Rainbow’s inner core like nothing, she couldn’t even be sure if she’d be able to hold on for ten whole seconds.

Still, she fought on and lunged out just in time. As she rammed her way through for the second time, she panted, “Two…”

Twilight had to give a shy grunt, letting Rainbow know, she just might win this thing after all. She needn’t worry about herself, whether or not she’d cum before ten seconds. All Rainbow had to do to be rewarded with her very own, rightfully won sex slave was make Twilight cum, not her.

So, briefly ignoring the throbbing sensation in her own stomach, Rainbow jerked the ring of her flexible driller out to lift Twilight’s lower frame into the air. Plopping down again, Twilight watched as Rainbow thrusted into her once, and then again in the single third second. “T-three…”

Things were heating up quickly for the two somehow. Even though the span of ten seconds is only supposed to go by like nothing, time was slowing down for them. Then, Rainbow gushed the edges out, her forehead dripping with sweat. Some drips fell onto Twilight’s chest, only making her that much more seductive to Rainbow.

Just when she gave her fourth thrust, saying, “Four…” Twilight threw her head back, her lower lip being bit by her teeth. Rainbow watched as she formed a fighting smile, like she wanted to frown, but just couldn’t. She must’ve been close, so Rainbow blew hard while chanting, “Five.”

Unlike the others, the fifth was said quickly, and not drawn out a little. She started double thrusting now, not wanting, or daring to lighten up even for a second. She hadn’t a second to spare anyway, so upon the sixth round of paired jolts that drove Twilight mad with pleasure, Rainbow placed her hoof on Twilight chest, making her give in and lay completely down on her back.

“Six!” Rainbow said. Twilight couldn’t believe it was happening, but she might just pull it off. Here she was, nearly out of breath and brought to the edge well before the time limit, and she still couldn’t get any release. Even with the floodgates getting hammered with wave after sweet, unstable wave, they just wouldn’t break for her.

“Seven…!” Rainbow, on the other end, was struggling vigorously to keep it together. As Twilight’s eyes rolled back freely, her’s only just began to look dreary, like she couldn’t see straight, and felt loopy. However, Rainbow was well far gone from being just loopy. She was literally on the verge of collapsing in ecstasy, and so was Twilight.

“Eight… Hah, nine…” Rainbow gave three or four more yanks more backwards rather than forward before finally shooting her cock straight in, all the way to Twilight’s base. Her mind went white with a burning experience, and though her hooves trembled like the leaves in the wind, she hardly felt them suddenly being held by Twilight’s.

For that final second, Rainbow caught a glimpse of Twilight saying, “T-ten!” But, unlike Rainbow who was without a doubt climaxing at the ninth checkpoint, Twilight managed to stay cool and collected. She’d made it, and beat Rainbow at her own game. Then, she allowed herself to relax.

Going limper than Rainbow, she opened her mouth to let out a long, pleased sounding groan of happiness. Using her wavering strength, Twilight held onto Rainbow’s back, breathing rapidly the whole way through. Once they’d both finished, Rainbow exited Twilight’s dripping wet hole, her rod soaked to the brim with her friend’s love juices.

After it was reluctantly pulled out of her own slit, and promptly laid on the bed, Rainbow said, “I’ll go get some napkins.” Her head was held low in defeat.

“Wait…” Twilight awkwardly stood up, held Rainbow’s hoof for support, and said, “You were great… Thanks.”

Rainbow glanced away, and asked angrily, “When do I start serving you?”

Twilight, instead of rubbing in her victory, simply told her, “Tomorrow evening, after work. We shouldn’t mess around here, at least not yet. Not until we’re situated. At home, you’ll be my… servant, I guess I should say.” Twilight mumbled something that sounded like a complaint towards the name.

“Alright…” Rainbow wouldn’t take the defeat so easily as Twilight would’ve, but a deal’s a deal. Maybe this’ll make Rainbow learn not to play so many risky games. The two would return to the room in about five minutes. To them both, it was the longest five minutes of their lives.

Maybe it was because they were able to compare those ten seconds with their entire lives without much trouble. So much happened while Rainbow was rutting Twilight silly, and yet, so little happened as well. The two would never be able to explain their feelings properly in a million years, so for the most part, they let it go.

The room they spent their private time in would need to be spruced up and not looking like it was occupied by a bunch of horny mares doing what horny mares do best. That didn’t take them very long, and once cleaning the room up was finished, all that was left to finish was the job they were originally doing before running into each other.

They predictable decided to split up somewhere down the hallway, Twilight taking along the box of toys, and Rainbow retreating for Dr. Stables office. Once they had what they came here for, they crossed paths again in the halls, giggling a little at one another.

“See you outside,” Rainbow said.

Twilight nodded while saying, “You know it.”

They parted yet again shortly after that, and met up outside only to laugh at the situation again.

“Nice coat,” Rainbow said smoothly.

“Oh, Thank you,” Twilight replied. She would feel safer with Rainbow by her side, walking her home during the dead of night instead of wandering around all by herself. Of course, the next day wouldn’t be anywhere near as dark as their night currently was; not by a long shot.

After getting home, which was a feat all on its own, Twilight and Rainbow immediately headed upstairs, straight to bed. They’d had a long night, one filled with a spruce relationship beginning, unavoidable, sexual situations and triple timer clock settings to go through just before falling to sleep. They both were able to agree being late for work tomorrow was unacceptable.

Part Twenty-Three

What happened next is no mystery, not in the slightest. Twilight and Rainbow woke up the next morning to the unmistakable sound of a dozen alarm clocks going off in their faces, and then they both got ready for work after the ringing in their ears finally came to a stop moments after they were able to stand. The real mystery occurred shortly after the two were called away from their lunch during work.

Rainbow had brought along her book by Princess Celestia in case she felt up to doing some extra training, and she certainly did. Even though the previous night was long, and her world seemed to be picking up rather quickly, she still had the energy to at least keep up with practicing for Spitfire, and all the others. Their return would hopefully be remarkable.

“Remarkable?” Twilight asked rhetorically. “I’m not sure why. They’ll just come to Ponyville, promptly be greeted by Pinkie and be brought here, if not by her then somepony else that knows about you and this job. Plus, don’t you write to Spitfire or something?”

Rainbow lifted her back up from the floor with her wings, her body in a straight, pencil shape. They were in the break room enjoying lunch, but of course, Rainbow had finished her meal early and decided it best to get started on her sets. As she breathed out a puff of air, she looked at Twilight with a curious expression on her face. “Spitfire and I consider ourselves possible colleagues, not close friends that write to one another… I’m not even sure she likes me enough to even someday think of doing that sorta stuff.”

Twilight looked at the sandwich she made for herself, but couldn’t eat. Sure, she was hungry enough, but the worry for Rainbow’s Wonderbolt dream was weighing her mood down, and kept her from thoroughly enjoying her meal. A few bites here and there was hardly a meal, but that's all she could force down.

After all, Rainbow was never guaranteed a position amongst the elite, and to know she couldn’t even currently call Spitfire her friend yet was a shocker to Twilight. Perhaps, up until this point, Rainbow simply hadn’t experienced enough with her yet. “I’m sure she’d call you her friend,” she said, hoping her timing was right.

“Yeah, to me, and others, but it’s one thing to say something and another to mean it.” Rainbow looked up at Twilight upon another painful lift. “Spitfire says she’s all her fans’ friend. All of them. Now, how many ponies are like me? A wannabe that’s been around her, but not really with her?”

Twilight argued, “But you’re not a wannabe. You’re the one and only Rainbow Dash! You’re a better flyer than Soarin’!”

Rainbow hoofed the compliment with a shy smile. “Daw, stop, you know there’s loads of debate about that all over Equestria.” Afterwards, her hoof returned to its former position over her head.

“Exactly,” Twilight said, gesturing to her friend as she went down, and then back up again. “How many ponies have met the Wonderbolts and gave one of their own some trouble about who’s better with the press and public?”

Rainbow’s eyes became more relaxed, and so did the rest of her body after that last dip. She brought herself to her hooves to look at Twilight, smiling, but before she could say something to keep the conversation going, she was interrupted by the intercom. “Twilight, Rainbow? Could you two come to the front office? Thank you.”

“Awe,” Twilight groaned jokingly. “I didn’t get to finish my sandwich.”

Rainbow snickered. “Yeah, because you were totally going to finish that.”

As they walked out the door and into the hallways of the clinic, Twilight defended, “Hey, I might’ve been able to finish it if I had the time!”

At the front desk, near the entrance, a hooded figure with yellow eyes sat at the cushioned seats next to the entrance doors with a magazine sitting opened to some random page on the miniature table in front of her. Twilight knew who this was, and wondered why she insisted on donning such a provocative piece of clothing. “Zecora?” she asked aloud upon coming up to her usual seat. “What’re you doing here?”

“Twilight Sparkle?” the zebra asked forwardly. “This cannot be. You, and Rainbow Dash, too? You're are the last couple of ponies I expected to see.”

Rainbow smirked. “What’s in the box?”

To the left of her on the side Twilight hadn’t been paying much attention to sat a small box with assorted vials, each and every single one of them filled to the brim, and corked with variously colored liquids contained inside. Some seemed clear while others were thick, and gooey looking. “Ailments, medicine; the basic medical thing. Some of these ponies absolutely need the chemicals I bring.”

She lowered her hood slowly, letting her differently styled mane hold onto the fabric, only to bounce back up as each straight strand let go. Once the two got a good look at her, she stopped smiling. “What is it?” Twilight asked.

“I am an alchemist, a master at it if I do say so myself. I work with so many chemicals, and most end up simply sitting on my shelf. One day, I arrived here offering my assistance. It was no trouble, I told the nurses and doctors, despite the distance. They accepted after getting comfortable. Not to mention, my prices were well beyond affordable. The most common chemicals I like to see played with, though, is the type that can only be conjured up from a pair like you two.”

Twilight and Rainbow looked at one another, embarrassed. “How did you…?” Rainbow questioned hushly.

Zecora simply smiled and lowered her voice while coming closer to finish her rhyme with a whisper. “Last time I saw such a beautiful thing, I became amazed at how quickly the pair’s love for one another grew.”

She simply lowered the care package to the counter to pass it on while keeping her eyes on Rainbow. “What?” the pegasus asked after a moment of silence.

Zecora shook her head, and claimed, “It’s nothing you need to fret about. At least, not right now. I’m mistaken, I don’t doubt. All I want to know is… how?”

As she walked away and out of the clinic's white walls, her riddle played tricks inside the two nurse’s heads for a bit, but really, there was no way they could’ve possibly known what she was getting at. Besides, it was right about time for something more important to happen to them. That was the predictable, simultaneous chanting for the two from their superiors. For Twilight, it was Nurse Redheart, and for Rainbow, Dr. Stables asked for her assistance with something from his cracked office door.

“Rainbow, I need you. Bring your things, too. You know.” He looked at Twilight who smiled back.

As far as he needed to know, they weren’t up to anything at all. In actuality, however, Twilight could’ve guessed by now what was going on between the four of them all with little trouble. At the same time, Rainbow could’ve done the same thing. Neither needed to say a word about it at all, but rather, a cheeky grin was shared between the couple before departing with one another, but only to drop off their respective intel.

The transaction was nothing short of a quick grab for their saddle bags that they each brought in upon arrival, and after they pulled out their paperwork and was granted permission to leave with the assurance of better hours, Twilight returned to the rooms she and Rainbow had used only a few hours ago unlike her friend who waited up front. Twilight had one last drop off she needed to take care of, and left Rainbow alone, wondering what was taking her so long.

The unicorn hadn’t forgotten last night, nor would she even be able to do so until tomorrow morning. Even then, the evening would waft into her mind after a few moments went by in the bathroom. For now, though, Twilight planned ahead, and brought along a little something special that she knew Rainbow would love. She and her pegasus usually attended separate changing rooms. That would change this time around, if only for a chance to surprise Rainbow.

There was a slight possibility they would do much more behind those closed doors along with other places as well, but for later on while Rainbow looked through and got changed before heading home, she’d be shocked to find a rather kinky surprise sitting on the table. Then, the door would open and close behind her, but the rest will have to come later on.

About halfway through that day while Twilight sent Rainbow on her way to tend to a patient, Zecora headed home. One feature Twilight and Rainbow luckily didn’t notice for the zebra was the flower hanging loosely on her ear, tucked tightly in, and utterly blending with her coat thanks to its dull grey color. It almost looked invisible whenever her head was turned correctly. This, however, was on purpose.

“Oh, no, what went wrong?” Zecora asked after trotting into her home, looking around in a panic. “The mixture I made, how couldn’t it be strong?”

As she headed towards the beakers wrapped up by rope that hung from the ceiling, her voice heightened while she became even more irritated. “The plans were all exact, and I thought my mind was clear. The plant was made to prevent this, and instead this is exactly as I fear. Rainbow and Twilight! Both, fallen. What went wrong with the pollen?!” She searched through counters and rummaged all of the hut, but came up with nothing. “It’s as if she never got them, but I did my best. I gave them to Twilight herself. Why didn’t she take care of the rest?”

“What went wrong?”

From the far way, a wrapped figure with a nervous sounding voice entered without permission, but that was all right. Zecora allowed the intrusion because she knew who this was despite her attires being a little worn, and her mask showing patches of a deep, signature yellow through the cracks. Even some flaming strands of her mane could be seen sticking out through a few holes, not to mention her tail. Anypony could’ve recognized Spitfire, even with some rags hiding most of her body.

The two ponies met a good while ago, right about after the Crystal Empire introduced the specially enchanted nurse outfits. Zecora had already been visiting the Ponyville Clinic, and was surprised to run into Spitfire who was having a serious problem adjusting to the days with a cast around her broken wing.

Spitfire was a tough patient back then, and had only gotten into this situation due to a mishap Soarin’ caused, and nothing the doctors did kept her at bay. Everywhere she turned, any nurse she saw, she instantly fell madly in love with, and Zecora noticed this after a period of time. So, late at night, when the place was empty, she snuck in and delivered a gift.

The very next day, Spitfire felt no affection towards the ponies she previously adored. The doctors couldn’t explain it either, and though all she needed to do was wait, she couldn’t help but to ponder over the phenomenon. When morning came, she was awaken by a pair of soft, grey hooves shaking her awake. Spitfire was happy to meet the mare that helped her.

Zecora explained in detailed rhymes about how one sniff from her tweaked Polifern flower can disable the enchanted clothing that made her act so differently. Even from a few good steps away, if one smelled it, they became immune to the magical effects instantly. Over the years following Spitfire recovering, Spitfire and Zecora became friends, and when it came around time, Spitfire let Zecora in on a little secret of hers. She had a crush on Rainbow Dash.

The latest letter Spitfire got from Zecora, her pen pal explained sightings of Twilight moving in on her mare, so without hesitation, she acted. “Are you in good health? Is everything sorted out?” Zecora asked. “I know you're having a bad time with wealth, but how'd you go about traveling such a route?"

Spitfire came close to the table and began unraveling herself. As the tattered, dusty cloths were placed gently onto the wooden surface, Spitfire said, “My team and I just got in. Only… a week or two before our early return, which Rainbow Dash will be learning about any moment now. I convinced Soarin’ and the others to just sneak away from Cloudsdale with me, and got our manager to make everyone think we’re just resting it up for a few days over at Las Pegasus before we pack up for Ponyville again.”

Zecora asked, “All this just to check up with Rainbow? If only love like yours had some sort of placebo.”

Spitfire nodded. “It’d be nice, but I’d still want the real thing. Plus, that city was getting old! I’m not really sure if it was because I wasn’t close to Rainbow Dash, or because the service, hotels and attitude of everypony we saw was just downright distasteful all around, but I had to get back here pronto. Talking with everyone, and buttering up Soarin’ to head back down was hard, but the second I got your letter saying you saw Rainbow with Twilight, at the Ponyville Clinic, no less, I had to get here immediately. Now then…”

Zecora stopped her where she stood with a hoof. “This deal we made required much participation on my part. Granted, not seeing Rainbow with the plant wasn’t very smart. However, I plan to fix all this. Another simple tweak to a new Polifern should bring you a little bliss.”

Spitfire scoffed, “That didn’t work, remember? First, you tweaked that first flower, and then, we tested it ourselves with a uniform that I wore myself, something I did not want to do.” She growled quite a bit at the ending part. “When you delivered the package to Twilight, they somehow didn’t work on Rainbow, and that purple unicorn’s outfit then made her fall in love with Twilight. Because the tweaked Polifern couldn’t reach her muzzle, Rainbow Dash never even got the chance to inhale. Something must’ve got wrong with the transfer somehow.”

Zecora offered, “Twilight taking the plant out of the hospital is a strong possibility. She, or even another nurse could’ve easily recognize its furtive hostility.”

Spitfire sighed. “All that work, for nothing… What do you think? Should I head on down there just to check it out once I'm actually supposed to be in Ponyville?”

Zecora looked around her home briefly, but couldn’t think of a reason why that’d be a bad thing to do. “I say, go for it as it might give you a chance to greet them. I’m Twilight’s friend after all, so take it from me when I say, she’s a shimmering gem.”

Spitfire stood from her spot with closed eyes. “I can’t believe my predicament, Zecora.”

All her friend could offer was a nod, though after she left, Zecora hastily got back to work with tweaking her flowers. On the farthest side of the room, where most don't normally notice sat a vase atop a mask. In it grew potent polifern. It’s the only known plant that can disrupt the flow of enchanted items and clothing, and at the time, it was a dying breed as well.

To Zecora’s knowledge, the few she had left in her possession were all there was in the world of Equestria. So, to her and Spitfire, it was important that each one they used counted. Not to mention, having so few left prevented Zecora from visiting often. She, like Spitfire, was very vulnerable towards the nurse's charm her first time around. That was when she went out looking for the flower. What she found then seemed like so much more in quantity back then. Now, it all seemed to vanish with time.

Part Twenty-Four

A few loose strappings encompassing Spitfire’s flaming yellow head and mane were yanked off, and the owner of the protective eyewear promptly dropped her patchy goggles to the table before her. “We hit some sort of dust storm while flying low, right below Cloudsdale, headed across the desert. Wasn’t that bright of an idea, but we knew what we were in for when we pushed ourselves forth.”

Zecora nodded while continuing her work. Across from the still dirt-ridden mare sat the owner of the hut, and in front of her laid a few small pieces of paper, leaves, and some Polifern. It was slowly broken up by her hooves, and was left there to rest while a mortar clanked away next to it.

The zebra looked up momentarily to say, “Pardon my lack of attention for small talk.” She looked down, and then finished, “This mistake of mine has left me in a mental block!”

Spitfire sighed, and decided to get some straightforward answers. “I’ll ask this as calmly as I can…” She leaned her frame upwards, and looked at the mare across from her with a stern eye. “What are the properties of the Polifern you intended to give to Rainbow Dash.”

Taking a deep breath, Zecora voiced, “It isn’t instant… Some books might lead one to believe that, but it’s just not consistant. Let me take a moment to explain; sit down so we may chat.”

Zecora lit a few candles as she spoke, and with rather complicated detailing, she pronounced her month-old plan to the pegasus. Her tweaks to the Polifern flower were simple, and should’ve worked. In order for the effects to fully kick in, it would need to be around somepony for a grand total of at least twenty four hours before immunity would set in.

In other words, if Rainbow wasn’t around the flower for at least a full day and night’s time, it wouldn’t work out correctly. Not only that, but this particular flower was made so that she’d be immune to the uniform’s powers for a month, not just a simple day, or trip to and from the clinic. It was designed to be fool-proof, and yet, something went wrong.

“The only thing that could’ve gone wrong,” Spitfire said seriously, “is that Twilight didn’t actually deliver my present! Are you absolutely sure you got that care package to Rainbow’s room?”

Zecora averted her eyes and set one of her beakers down next to her chipped, wooden pastel. “I… hired another to help us out… It would have given me away if I did it myself, no doubt! I watched from the window, where they wouldn’t see me. I watched as Twilight Sparkle herself accepted it and took it from his hooves with glee.”

Spitfire huffed. “Then you’re not to blame… But still, this is a disaster… You don’t think this is all natural, do you?”

The two companions looked at one another sharply, and critically. Then, they shook it off, disagreeing with the strong possibility outright. The more they sat there, the more likely it’d seemed that their first judgement was the correct outcome, and that somehow, Twilight never did deliver. Either that, or something went wrong with the Polifern itself.

Meanwhile, with Zecora and Spitfire coming to a conclusion and continuing on with what they’d be doing to resolve Spitfire’s problem, Twilight stood in the Ponyville Clinic’s wardrobe room, looking over Rainbow’s work saddle. Inside was the water she’d packed away herself, but now, something devious overcame her.

She wasn’t at all sure why this seemed amusing at the time, for at any other moment before her and Rainbow going steady, she wouldn’t dream of doing something so sinister, but this spell was one in which she simply had to try out. After all, physical spells are the best kinds. A little of her magic sprinkled through the container holding the water within, and the deed was done.

“Rainbow is my servant, after all.”

Now all she had to do was wait for her mare to come, and undoubtedly go straight for her bag. Once in the dressing room found behind the wardrobe, she’d see her drink sitting on the table, shrug, and start guzzling. With nothing better to do at the moment, Twilight decided to return to the front desk to sit with Rainbow before their fun began.

“What took you so long?” Rainbow asked as Twilight rounded the white corner.

“Hey, I was busy seeing what Nurse Redheart wanted.”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, and Dr. Stables back there got my delivery as well…”

Twilight sat down, and then checked the clock found on the left wall. “Quarter to our off-time…”

Rainbow sighed, “Then we go home… and do what? Train, or…?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, we’ll train, and the ‘other stuff’ will have to wait for… sooner or later.”

“Huh?”

“Evening girls,” Nurse Redheart said while rounding the corner, and just in time, too. At the same time, she seemed to be heading home early. Not five seconds later, after she left through the front door, Dr. Stables came out, his eyebrow raised. “Was that…?”

Both mares simultaneous chanted, “Yep!” With that, he thanked them, turned into his office and retrieved the diary. To keep it out of sight from Twilight, he went ahead and wrapped it in cloth, then headed out, but just before rounding the corner, it occurred to him that it wasn’t just Rainbow confirming Nurse Redheart’s whereabouts. So, he looked back to check on Twilight, but merely got a pleased smile from her. “Need something?”

“Mmh, no… You girls can leave whenever you’d like. As for myself, I’ve got somewhere to be. Night, Twilight, and you too, Rainbow.”

As they left one another, Twilight began shuffling together her papers, and then instructed Rainbow to go on ahead without her, and that she’d be around soon enough. “Are you sure? I can wait,” Rainbow replied.

“No, no… I’ve gotta put these files away.” It was a spontaneous excuse to stay behind, but it worked nevertheless. “You go on ahead, and I’ll catch up.”

Rainbow nodded, but she could tell Twilight was up to something. Yet, without any hard evidence, she had no choice but to accept the arrangements, and began walking down the hall. At first, when she entered, her first inclination was to take off her hat, followed by the suit she wore, but it’d been a fairly hard day, and the bottle of water sitting by her bag on the table was calling her name.

With a powerful grasp, she grabbed the side, and allowed the running water to pour smoothly down her throat. It tasted fresher than ever before, though, which in turn almost made her cough. She stopped for what must’ve been a minute’s time, and just stood there for what seemed to be a few seconds, when actually, it would ultimately end up being well beyond a mere couple of minutes.

Something felt different, but not in a bad way. Her whole body soon became limp, and the more she thought about how irregularly paced her heartbeat seemed to sound, the lower her frame got. In seconds, she’d be lying on the floor, overwhelmed by how sensitive her body now felt.

Twilight came in, but still, Rainbow stayed flat on the ground, her eyes closed comparatively to that of a snoozing kitten. She was wide awake for this, however, and proved it by asking, “What… did you do, Twilight?” She smiled before resuming, “I feel… so relaxed. I’ve never been more calm in my life.”

Twilight laid herself down next to her mare, smirking under her breath. “It’s a spell that’s designed to enhance sexuality.” As her muzzle kissed Rainbow’s folded ear, she began wrapping her right hoof around the pegasus's lower legs gently, and slowly, so that her love wouldn’t become startled. Not that she could even move, that is.

“But, why?”

Twilight took a deep breath, enjoying the pegasus’s scent. “Because…” She was tempted to explain their recent bet, but lost track of her words. “I love you, Rainbow Dash…”

They remained in the calming silence like this, with Twilight mildly teasing Rainbow into a serene climax. It was barely felt, though, for how could she feel this when her whole being coursed with the same sensations?

All the while, Twilight just kept on kissing away at Rainbow’s neck, kneeling down, and whispering sweet romances to her. Every now and then, she’d have to move aside the front of Rainbow’s mane, if only to see her mare’s lovely grin. Her eyes remained shut, but Twilight could tell, her spell had done the trick quite well.

In what must’ve been an hour’s time, Rainbow came twice, but those were nothing compared to how harmonious her entire body was feeling. As for Twilight, she furtively felt nearly the same: collected. It was as though neither could understand the outside world anymore, and all that mattered was how heavenly they regarded themselves.

They woke up four hours later, in a small heap, on the cold tile floor, snuggling with one another. Twilight got to her hooves first, and backed away from her friend. A dark sensation washed over her while watching Rainbow get up. Her shoulders rose first, followed by her head, and then, a hoof held onto her temple.

“R-Rainbow… I’m so sorry.” The unicorn turned around with teary eyes. “I… drugged you, blatantly…”

The only thing keeping her from uttering more stupidity was the warm hug she suddenly received from behind. “Shut up, book worm… I loved it, and I love you, too.”

Those comforting, blue hooves tugged her backwards a bit, and while they caressed the tufts of fur on the unicorn’s chest, she asked, “You’re… not mad at me?”

“How could I be?” Rainbow asked slowly. “You made me feel… so awesome. It was almost unreal.”

Twilight’s mouth just hung open slightly, but in time, it formed a smile of her own. “You’re so good to me…”

“Ditto,” Rainbow replied. “... We should probably head home. Spike and Owlicious will be worried that we stayed out so late.”

Twilight nodded, and then held onto one of the hooves that was still wrapped around her torso. “I suppose you’re right…”

In little time at all, they’d end the lavish hug, and start packing up yet again. They'd hardly even noticed the uniforms they still wore, but discarded them once everything else was ready to go. The bottle of tampered water sat on the table, and that was tucked away within Twilight’s personal saddlebag. “We’ll definitely wanna use this later on, huh?”

Rainbow looked at it for a moment or two before it was put away, and agreed. “Definitely! Just, don’t surprise me like that… I know I’m your 'slave' for a week and all, but c’mon, Twilight.” She offered a worried smile, and then pecked Twilight’s marginally blushing cheek before they left the changing room completely.

The walk home would be a short one, for time ticked faster now, especially for Rainbow. Though, even with the spell worn off, she still felt safe and secure, but little did she know, that was because of Twilight close company. Even as they walked into the shady lobby, with Rainbow still feeling disoriented, she walked by the bouquet she feared so.

Many times had she seen this vace sitting comfily by the window sill, and never had she paid much attention to it. That was good in Twilight’s opinion, because only just now was the household owner starting to connect the dots. With her magic, she made sure to disperse it from eyesight. It would now be found underneath the tree house, inside the celler, and away from Rainbow’s presence.

Twilight became a little curious towards Rainbow’s allergies that evening. In the hospital room, she appeared strict about which types of flowers she could come into contact with, and besides that, Rainbow had walked by those bundles of petunias, carnations and tulips more times than Twilight could count.

Then again, everytime she did so, she was much more focused on her friend than anything else, including training. “Maybe that’s why she never had a bad reaction,” Twilight said at the bottom of the stairs. “It’s probably a mental allergic reaction...”

Rainbow glanced down from the top to ask, “Hmm?”

Sheepishly, Twilight responded, “Oh, nothing." Then, they'd both fell asleep upstairs. Rainbow was too worn out to even fly, so she'd share the room with Twilight, or more placidly, the bed. It goes without saying that Twilight didn't mind this at all.

Part Twenty-Five

During the early evening hours of her highness’s night, in which Twilight and Rainbow enjoyed themselves behind the closed and locked doors of the Ponyville Clinic wardrobe, Dr. Stables sat at Nurse Redheart’s rather expensive desk, the very same piece of furniture he’d bought her special. The pages of her diary flipped once more, and he smiled at some past instance that had happened long ago.

“Seems like yesterday, we were in medical school,” he thought. “I trained extensively, and watched from afar as Nurse Redheart practiced what she had learned in class. Those were the days.”

He read a bit more along the middle lines, and even took in the familiar smells of his colleague, whose perfume still permeated throughout the area, and sometimes, he could even detect such scents within the halls themselves while passing by. It was almost always intoxicating, in fact, to walk near her door during work hours, and sniff away, daydreaming.

Naturally, he’d snap out of it in good time, and often enough resumed his tedious work, but of course, there were a few different instances when he just couldn’t remember what he was doing exactly. It was all thanks to Nurse Redheart’s potently distracting aroma.

The more time he spent within her private office, the less he felt like that of an intruder. “She’ll be wondering where this is, though,” the good doctor mumbled to himself. “Seeing as how I’ll be asking her out this weekend for dinner, probably tomorrow afternoon, she’ll have something new to jot down. Celestia forbid her finding out what I’ve done.”

His hoof rose to his chin as he mentioned aloud, “Such devious behavior I’ve acted upon lately…”

Though, as Dr. Stables would soon find out, his is not that far off from the nurse’s own questionable acts. For the time being, he just stood there, but instead of going for the desk drawers, he displayed yet another act of attraction for the mare he secretly likes so much. The page was magically turned, and he read on. “Just… one more entry.”

Many more written recordings were looked over, however, despite the promise he’d just made to himself, for he couldn’t stop, even when it all became so, very repetitive. The mare’s diary just told him over and over again, that he was almost always her key focus in life, but she never knew how he felt about her in return. Finally, the last page was reached, and reading this in particular influx was a surprise to him.

There’s just nothing better than having a friend there to help me out, and it came from the most unlikely source, too. Twilight Sparkle, my replacement that I mentioned earlier, has agreed to help me out with Dr. Stables.

Apparently, he has personal files, and much like this diary, it undoubtedly says whether or not he likes me the same way I like him. It’s not exactly the proper way of doing things, but what else am I to do?

She’s to retrieve the folder containing everything I need to know, and with this, I’ll be able to feel more confident while flirting with him. It’s not my cup of tea, to woo a stallion into asking me out, but he’s never once done so on his own.

That’s the only problem with him. I know he’s timid and all, but I’ve dropped hints already. I’ve been tempted to take control, too, but I always back down from doing so, and every time I do that, I feel this much closer to thinking that he’s just not into me.

If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’ll do. If I find out that he has absolutely no desire for the likes of me, I might just switch clinics, because being around a stallion that I love, and having him feel nothing but plane friendship towards me really sucks.

I’ll leave the records in my sliding top drawer, where I keep my pencils and loose papers. Hopefully, those files will contain just what I want to hear. If not… I should stop writing now. I’m depressing myself. Until later on, Diary. Keep my secret safe.

Dr. Stables backed away with widened eyes, and an open mouth. He looked at the desk’s opposite end, and gulped. “S-she… had Twilight…” Blinking, he finished, “She knows…?”

Despite there being a chill in the air that wasn’t present moments ago, he remained calm. His hooves resisted the urge to tremble at the knees, and not a single sweat formed upon his brow. He knew that if she understood his feelings, then things could possibly work out better than expected.

Though, had she gotten Twilight’s delivery yet? He had to know. He simply had to find out, and there could be no waiting. He walked around, along side the bookshelf, and opened the desk to see what was inside.

Sure enough, right there, laying comfily along the assorted writing utensils were his very own files. The proof in which he’d written himself had definitely been rummaged through. There were definite signs of scuffling along the sides, but that was alright, he supposed. After all, he’d done the exact same with her diary, and had done worse if one thought about it for a few minutes.

Going through a mare’s private desk, let alone encroaching upon her very own working quarters while she wasn't there could scarcely be called professional, especially for a leading doctor like himself; not at all.

With this knowledge, he was sure there’d be nothing stopping the two from finally pairing up, and not just for the usual medical reasons, either, like surgery and routine check-ups. Nothing except Nurse Redheart walking through her office door right then and there, that is.

As one might expect, she’d forgotten her purse yet again. Dr. Stables had never known of this furtive habit of hers, but would soon be learning of it for sure. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the pink, laced accessory lying there, to his left, and raised his eyebrows at it, but not as much as compared to when the mare entered silently.

She walked in holding a signature clinic skeleton key, and just stared at the doctor, who by now had his own notes grasped within his magic aura. They fell abruptly, followed by him saying, “N-nurse… I, uh...”

Her eyes waned down to focus in on her diary, and inspected which page it’d been turned to. She gasped suddenly, and looked up to make eye contact. There was a moment of silence, but in that brief moment, everything became clear to the both of them, especially when Dr. Stables attempted to explain himself while putting his notes down.

“I… h-had Rainbow Dash retrieve your d-diary for me the other day ago, because I wasn’t sure how you felt about me!” He stammered, “S-s-she was just trying to help! Please, don’t take this out on her.”

Nurse Redheart couldn’t come up with a response. She’d done the same thing, and though Dr. Stables was more at fault for infringing within her personal space, she just couldn’t notice this. To her, this must’ve been the best way for them to figure things out. She couldn’t possibly feel upset about all this, either.

“I… think you should just ask me to dinner, doctor.”

He looked ever onwards at her; in her direction, but not directly at her. If anything, he merely kept gazing towards her pleasant simper, unable to comprehend what was going on, until finally, his brain kicked into high gear.

“Your place or mine?” He blinked, and made an embarrassed expression before correcting himself, “Dah- I mean… do you, that is… if it’s alright, I’d really like to- Oh, but it’s not really the weekend yet, and-”

“Dr. Stables,” the mare responded, and rather than saying much more, she waited for him to take charge of the situation with accuracy.

Amazingly, the stallion gulped again before becoming more relaxed, and asked with a coy voice, “Would… you like to go out sometime?”

She smiled with pink cheeks, and commented, “Only if we count it as our second date. That way, you won’t feel so unobligated to kiss me when you drop me off back home.”

He nodded. “Heh… I suppose Hearts and Hooves could technically be considered our first date, right?”

She beamed even more at the fondest of memories. “My thoughts exactly.” Turning to the side, and out of his way, Nurse Redheart voiced, “Seeing as how I’m… basically your special somepony now, don’t you think you should get the door for me, and walk me to my house?”

The unicorn gave a short sigh, and walked forth, grabbing her purse as he did. However, upon offering it to her, she took a powerful chance, and kissed him right on the lips without hesitation, and with closed eyes.

All he could do was allow her the satisfaction, but it didn’t really go very far. It was a simple beginner’s smooch. No tongue, or even five whole seconds, but to Nurse Redheart, it was enough to tease his emotions for the time being.

They left that night, right before Rainbow and Twilight awoke, and as they trotted more closely together, Nurse Redheart ventured to ask, “I don’t exactly have all the details, by the way…. Why were you in my office to begin with?”

Dr. Stables held back a cheeky smile, but grinned at least. “I was trying to return the diary… Speaking of which, please be sure to return my own belongings to my desk tomorrow. And, we’ll have to give Twilight and Rainbow much better hours for this… If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be together right now.”

The nurse nodded contently. “You’re right. Not only that, but we should also try and have them work full time, and right beside one another.”

As they reached her home, Dr. Stables turned to look at her. “About that date…”

“Tomorrow, after work. Just take me somewhere special, okay?”

He shook his head, and in return, Nurse Redheart tilted her’s. He then asked her forwardly, “I’ve got two special places that I can get us into. One is the Golden Pot.” The nurse’s eyes widened, but not as much as compared to the next. “Or, we can go to the Horsey Banquet.”

She held her cheeks with both hooves for a moment while contemplating which would be better. Both were divine, and yet, a thought occurred to her. “How would you book a reservation?”

He snickered, “I’m a doctor. I've saved the right lives.”

There was no arguing that, so Nurse Redheart thought a bit harder, and chose, “The Golden Pot.”

He continued to snicker before backing away to leave her be. “I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“Yep!”

Thus, she walked in after unlocking her door, and a light or two came on following the door shutting softly. Dr. Stables walked home afterwards, alone, and in the dark. Ponyville had never looked more exhilarating that night.

Twilight got into bed, and looked out the window. She often enjoyed watching the night sky, but that’s not all she’d see before heading off to bed. Down below, due to the placing of Nurse Redheart’s home, Dr. Stables was passing along. He hardly noticed where he was, or more importantly, who's tree house he was wandering by, but Twilight knew well enough where he was coming from.

Given her position, she looked closely through the curtains and glass to observe his movements. A smile here, and a glance there. “Yep! He’s definitely coming from Nurse Redheart’s house.”

Rainbow leaped up next to her and took a peek as well. “Ha! Nice, and check out that goofy looking grin. This is priceless!”

“Alright, Rainbow. Settle down,” Twilight said with a smile. “You know, I wonder if he remembered to mention our new hours…”

As they watched him walk off into the shadows, Twilight guessed that they’d find out tomorrow. If anything, Twilight could simply have Rainbow do it for her, or just check in with Nurse Redheart herself. The two agreed soon after that it wasn’t that big of a deal, and fell asleep for the night thinking of tomorrow's expected schedule change.

Part Twenty-Six

Spitfire tossed and turned in her sleep, unable to fully drift off to dreamland. How could she, especially with the ideas roaming around within her mind? An image even conjured itself forth, only to help her feel that much more depressed. It was of Twilight and Rainbow Dash, together, holding each other tenderly.

She lifted her frame up, and as she did, she also pushed the black and white blanket off from her head. Her messy mane was slicked back slowly by both hooves, but they remained laying on top. She thought for a moment in this position, looking down, and with such a stern face, too.

“Zecora?” she asked. The pegasus leaned over the railing to gaze down at the bottom bunk, which happened to be a hammock unlike her’s which was an actual bed, and asked, “You think this will ever be fixed?”

The zebra got up, but didn’t answer straight away. Instead, she simply walked a couple steps away, held her own head, and thought about this for a second or two. “Depends,” she finally began. “Your case is a nasty one, I can tell you that much. As for your answer, I have none. We’ll just have to proceed with a delicate touch.”

Spitfire jumped down, off of her bunk, and stared at her assistant blankly. “Why help me?”

The question almost made Zecora frown. “That’s what friends do. Besides, I don’t enjoy seeing such a beautiful, and rather orange pony like you be blue.”

They stared at one another for the longest time, neither one feeling at all sure of themselves. “But, you’re deceiving Twilight, and Rainbow in a way, right? They're your friends, too. Am I that much more important?”

Zecora finally developed a disheartened look of her own, and peered off to the left. “It’s just… you’re in true love, and I can see this. Twilight and Rainbow’s affection is a false one, filled with enchanted bliss. It’s not right, and unlike them, I have no fog in my sight.”

Spitfire nodded. “Then, you’re like me. The enchantment movement for medical advancement, it never did seem appropriate, did it?” Zecora sadly shook her head. “Just making sure, then… I mean, you house me, feed me, and let me stay here as compared to the Wonderbolt’s old hide-out, which is crap by the way. I was just curious.”

Zecora’s hoof rose. “About what? I’d never leave a friend like you in a rut.”

Spitfire had started to turn around, but hearing this made her look back at the mare’s pleasing smile. Then, she smiled as well. Without the slightest clue as to how she’d thank Zecora for all her kindness, Spitfire merely trotted forth, and hugged her with little regret.

It was a long hug, too; one that must’ve lasted at least a good couple of minutes, but even as she started to loosen her grasp, Spitfire just wanted to hold on forever, and break down. Even while holding onto another pony like Zecora for leverage, the picture of Twilight snuggling with Rainbow kept her from letting go.

Before she was able to release her rather reluctant grip, Zecora denied her the unwanted satisfaction, and returned the gesture with a tight squeeze of her own. Spitfire didn’t fight it either, and instead, gave into her darkest of emotions by collapsing to the floor, taking her close friend with her.

Tears suddenly drizzled down her reddened muzzle, and dripped freely onto Zecora’s back. As she cried, the Wonderbolt found herself asking aloud, “What’s wrong with her? I’m supposed to be with her! Not… Twilight! It’s not fair, Zecora! I saw her first.” She repeated herself, now with a much more dramatic tone, “I saw her first!”

All Zecora could do was try her best to comfort the poor mare into some sort of slumber, and in time, after several seconds of waiting, she did indeed fall asleep. Zecora placed her on the bottom hammock, and got into the upper bunk, a place she rather disliked, but only in secret.

As time ticked onward, Spitfire shot right out of her snooze, and hopped out of the sack she’d sunken quite deeply into. Only one thought remained in her mind, and that was the desperate need to see the two for herself.

The door opened rather loudly, waking Zecora up. She hopped out of bed to chase the pegasus down, but it was too late. Spitfire had already taken off for town with Zecora running close behind, yelling at the top of her lungs, “Please, you won’t enjoy what you see! Please, Spitfire! Leave them be!”

She didn’t listen, needless to say, and instead kept flying high above the Everfree trees. It only took her about half an hour to reach the center of the city, and about a minute more to remember where exactly Twilight’s home was located.

She stealthily landed next to the upstairs window on a nearby branch, and looked inside. What she saw, she’d never forget. Right there, in the bed, and wrapped around the unicorn's soft hooves like that of a life-sized doll was Rainbow Dash, snug and warm thanks to Twilight Sparkle.

“I don’t hate you, Twilight… But I’ll fix this. I’m sorry, but her love for you isn’t real, and thus, neither is yours.”

For a long time, Spitfire simply stared at the two through the blindfolds, tears once again streaming down to her chin. Everything about that sight tore a hole in her chest, right where her heart once was. Her hoof let go of the branch, and yet again, motioned her mane backwards.

She flew back to Zecora’s after that, her heart racing, and her eyes stinging thanks to the salty tears she'd created. The wind and fog of the dark forest didn't help much either. Her landing was graceful as always, but the way she tried to walk was anything but balanced.

Before her stood Zecora again, in front of the entryway, her expression blank. “Did you find happiness in this act? Or, more than likely, did it make you want to overreact?”

The zebra looked down at her guest with a displeased stare, for all Spitfire could utter was, “I’m sorry… You were right. I shouldn’t have gone. But, you should’ve seen them… They were like a tightly coiled ball, all sortsa snug… in that bed… She should be-”

“Enough!” Zecora demanded. “Come inside, child. Your mentality is anything but mild. I suggest you go back to sleep, and if you run off again, then it’s obvious that all you really want to do is weep.”

Spitfire didn’t fight it this time around, and instead, did exactly as she was told. She took the top bunk again, allowing Zecora the freedom of her preferred sleeping space. Just before drifting off, though, Spitfire mumbled, “What can I do about this?”

No answer came. Zecora ignored her companion’s question, and kept on falling deeper into her dreams. She’d had enough of her company's constant selfishness for one day, to where her views on the subject were becoming mixed. To side with Spitfire, even, was beginning to appear just as wrong as siding with Twilight and Rainbow.

Meanwhile, back at Twilight’s tree house, Rainbow was finding it hard to sleep as well. Her mind kept tracing back to Spitfire, and the day they trained together. She brought herself up from Twilight’s grasp, and sighed, waking the unicorn. “Rainbow…? What’s the matter?”

“I… just can’t sleep. I’m not entirely sure why, but I can’t stop thinking about Spitfire.”

Twilight lifted herself up along with her love, and faced her to talk for a bit. “I thought we discussed this. We’ll train you back into tip-top shape, and then everything will-”

“No, Twilight…” Rainbow averted her eyes. “It’s not that. I keep thinking about those flowers she sent me.”

Twilight questioned with a sceptical look, “What about it?”

Rainbow blinked, and then opened her mouth, but no words came out for a good moment. Then, she mumbled after pausing, “She’s never done that for any pony before, I think.”

“Done what?”

“Sent flowers to wounded recruits.” She returned her line of sight back at Twilight, and explained further in detail, “I never really noticed it until now. I’m the only pony she’s ever given flowers to. Normally, if the newbies get into an accidentor worse, hospitalizedshe would just lecture them. Sometimes, she’d even end their relationship for good by cutting them loose from the program.”

Twilight nodded acceptingly. “That’s not the case for you, though. She never even lectured you, and I remember sitting with her in the Ponyville Clinic lobby that day. She was very upset, but chose to hide it.”

Rainbow gulped before voicing, “You know I liked her more than a friend should, r-right?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes,” she said calmly. “That wasn’t much of a secret between us. But, then again, everypony probably feels the same way you did. I mean, I even sometimes fantasized about her.”

Rainbow huffed, “And… now that I’m with you, what if it turns out that she…”

“Wanted you?” Twilight finished. The two exchanged glances while remaining deep in thought. “Why else would she send you flowers special? Her liking you more than a friend should would certainly make for a better answer.”

“Or,” Rainbow began, attempting to dismiss the notion, “I’m just hallucinating, and she was just…” Her head shook as her eyes began to shut. “No, no… That doesn’t add up, not like her having a… a crush on me.”

Twilight mentioned at this time, “Which means, I could’ve stolen you away. I get where you’re coming from, and that’s why you can’t sleep.” Rainbow remained sitting before Twilight, unsure if this is all just possibilities, or the cold truth of the matter. “Rainbow?”

“Mmh?” the pegasus asked, her head held low.

“This might sound somewhat bad on my part, but you’re mine now, and there’s simply no changing that. It might be best to just… let that thought exit your mind, and replace it with the fact that; hey, I love you.” She held onto Rainbow’s shoulder with her hoof.

“Love you too, Twilight.” With a hoof of her own, she tugged the mare in, and kissed her the way she always does these days: open mouthed, and her tongue pressing past Twilight's lips, but only for a single, though passionate minute. Yet, even as they kept on kissing, Rainbow just couldn’t get Spitfire out of her head, and neither could Twilight.

Even as their kiss ended, Twilight felt obligated to mention, “I still have that bouquet down below the house, in the basement. Originally, it was upstairs.”

Rainbow smiled. “You held onto it? Why?”

“Well, it was a nice decoration.”

“But, where did you keep it before?” Rainbow asked with a curious smirk.

In response, Twilight confessed, “I had it over by the window, downstairs of course. I was a little surprised you never notice it, especially being allergic to all those tulips.”

“No way!”

“Yes, it was right in front of you, on many occasions.”

Rainbow shook her head with an odd snicker. “But, then, why didn’t I ever have an allergic reaction?”

Twilight brought a hoof to her muzzle to think, and offered, “It might be a mental thing. You know? Like, you just think you’re allergic, but considering you somehow didn't smell it, or see it, you didn't have that bad of a reaction.” She boasted further, “I must be pretty distracting for you to never realize something that important! Don’t you think?”

Rainbow started to laugh, and agreed, “Just a bit… We really should be heading to bed, though. It’s, like, really late now, and we need our sleep if I’m gonna get any training in later on.”

Despite their restlessness, Twilight knew her special somepony was beyond correct, and considered an unorthodox option. “I know of this spell… It’s not necessarily recommended, because it can give you nightmares, but it’ll put us to sleep pretty quickly.”

“That doesn’t matter,” Rainbow expressed with a bit of sorrow in her voice. “With the thought of Spitfire, and you ‘stealing me away’, as you put it, I think I’ll be having nightmares tonight one way or the other.”

There was no denying it, either. Twilight knew how Rainbow could be, and sighed with remorse showing in her voice. “Okay… Come and get into the sheets with me, and I’ll cast the spell.”

From beyond the outside fields, one could see a brief flash of light illuminating the atmosphere from upstairs. Then, everything fell silent. The only noise left in the world was the distinct sounds of strong winds howling loudly from just outside. Other than that, everything returned to harmony, but only for the time being.

Part Twenty-Seven

Rainbow yawned briefly before returning to her senses. She soon noticed a pair of purple hooves wrapped firmly around her chest and stomach, pulling her that much more into Twilight’s lofty embrace. She murmured a bit while still in her early morning daze, but didn’t fight Twilight for a second.

“Morning, Twi…”

The unicorn hardly responded with words. Instead, she simply began nibbling on Rainbow’s ear, making her wings tense, but only a very little bit. To Rainbow, Twilight’s cute ways these days were becoming more and more addictive. When Rainbow had the chance, like right now, she’d think of how lonely she’d be without Twilight, an alien feeling to her for sure.

Eventually, Twilight shifted, and held herself above her pegasus while also shielding her from the dim light that intruded on their early morning fondling. Her mane easily acted at a small tent that coiled straight down, along the ridges of Rainbow’s face and head. Some strands rested nicely on her ears while the rest just helped Rainbow focus in on Twilight’s slightly closed eyes, or were they slightly open? Rainbow couldn’t be sure; all she knew was that whenever Twilight got that lusty look about her, it unavoidably meant a kiss was on its way.

Slowly, she lowered herself down, and did what she wanted; kissing Rainbow on the lips first thing was a new way to start the day for both Twilight and Rainbow, especially for somepony like Twilight. “Mmh,” Rainbow begged as they parted. “Don’t stop…”

“Aww, but we’ve gotta get ready for work, Rainbow.”

“Work can wait.” With both hooves, Rainbow latched onto Twilight’s sides only to toss around and roll on top of her. Once she was where she wanted to be, Rainbow resumed, “Why don’t we just hang out here all day, and just… be together, and not at work?”

Twilight kissed Rainbow again before saying in between pecks, “Because, we’ll be together at work. We’ll be getting those new hours now, so for practically most of the day, whether we’re here or there, we’ll be with each other no matter what.”

Rainbow nodded to herself, and knew good and well that Twilight was right. Lying there with the unicorn beneath her, though, seemed so much more enjoyable at the time compared to merely sitting with her at some white desk all day long, if even that.

“I guess it’ll just be another boring day for me, then. I know you’ll be fine, because you’re always so focused and on the job, but I’ll probably just be doing routine room inspections like yesterday.”

Twilight got up, her rear being held onto. There wasn’t much time to fool around, so she had to make herself escape. She approached the closet, and proceeded to ask, “What do you do about that specific job, exactly? I’ve never had that assignment, but seeing as how you were doing it yesterday…”

“Yeah,” Rainbow said sarcastically, waving a hoof. “It’s a blast. I get to go from room to room, mark each one that’s unoccupied and in need of more cleaning, check the drawers, under the bed for leftover belongings. Nothing’s ever there… Ugh, so boring!”

“But…” Twilight faced Rainbow for a second. “You’re doing it for me, right? I mean, you could just quit now, because that’s why you joined in the first place, right?” Rainbow blushed. “Hey, it’s okay. I get it now. I mean, I pretty much knew all along, so really, there’s no secrets between us. Right?”

“Yeah, but that would mean seeing you less and less! Sorry, Twilight, but I can barely stand being without you for five minutes, let alone a whole day. Now, like you said, we’ve got those better hours to look forward to, so that’s ambition. Although the Wonderbolts are probably gonna come seeking me out sooner than later, this gives me something to do for in the meantime, but when they do come looking for me, I’ll be ready! All thanks to you.”

“Speaking of which…” Twilight shuffled out the training book and flipped the page a couple times. “Believe it or not, we’re really close to finishing this thing. After this test flight tomorrow night, we’ll only have a few more steps to take. You’ve been somewhat staying out of the skies except for rare, acceptable occasions during this time, like the book thoroughly recommends, right?”

“Mmhmm! Makes sense, too.” Rainbow held her left wing in a presenting fashion. “Lost a lot of strength, but now, my wings have been feeling better and better, like I could shoot into the sky right now; right through your roof, and-”

“Settle down,” Twilight commanded, but with a sweet tone.

“Aww, c’mon! I was just getting to the good part.”

Abruptly, Twilight averted her direction back at the closet only to pull out the box still filled to the brim with sex toys. “That’s an order,” Twilight said, but still keeping to that same, appealing voice. “You think I’d forget so easily about our little bet? The very same wager that I'd won?”

Rainbow’s smirk soon became a disgruntled frown. “Oh… yeah, you did win, didn’t you? Wait… So, you mean… in the clinic? Because as you already know, we seriously don’t have all that much time this morning.” Twilight didn’t give Rainbow a verbal answer, but instead, kept smiling the way she was, smug and eager to hear Rainbow’s resistance. “N-no way! That’s just dangerous. We didn’t do this yesterday, because I thought we had an unspoken understanding that getting caught would be oh, so humiliating!”

“Yes, but Rainbow, we won’t get caught so long as you follow my instructions to the letter.” Without much worry towards being found out, Twilight began fiddling with all the little instruments and gadgets this lovely box of wonders held. “Now, I’ve sanitized these already. At random intervals throughout today, and maybe tonight after work depending on how we feel, you’ll be expected to entertain me. We won’t be all that busy, I already know based off yesterday’s look of things. So, in earnest, you’ll be my release from today’s slowest of moments... and to a degree, likewise.”

Rainbow repeated, “Random intervals?” She became a bit choked up from just hearing that. “Ugh… I’m never gambling with you ever again. Lesson learned already.”

“Good,” Twilight teased. “Now then, before me is a few key selections that I think should suit my preference for today.” Pointing each one out after lining them up, she explained, “This tiny, egg shaped, wireless vibrator will stay equipped unless I explicitly remove it myself… The butt-plug with a handle specially made for unicorn aura. Gotta love that ingenuity!”

“Oh man… there’s at least five of these things! You’re just gonna keep them in your saddlebag the whole time?”

“With a security spell in check? Yes.” She then gestured to the analbeads. “These will help with a timely orgasm in case you’re in need of a hasty escape, but like the vibrator I was talking about earlier, you’ll have this here butt-plug added on at a later time of my choosing.”

Rainbow’s face was now a color deeper than Pinkie’s coat, riddled with agitation. “I swear, if I’m seen by anypony, I’ll never live this down.”

“Oh, relax Rainbow!” Twilight snickered, “My magic’s quite capable of reaching you wherever you might be at the time, and remember, I’ll be watching not only you, but around every corner, too. I’m pretty confident that this’ll be nothing but harmless fun for the both of us!” She quickly resumed her orientation-like display. “For the big finisher, our old friend here will make for a well earned reward.”

Rainbow watched closely as the ultra reliable, double ended, mare rutting strap-on was placed at the end of the list. “Well, at least that’s something to look forward to… Same room as last time?”

“Sure, why not? The second you’re relieved of duty, and given permission to change wardrobe, just come on by. We’ll meet up then, but for now… any questions?”

Rainbow nodded vigorously, as if she actually had a legit inquiry. “Yeah, uh… Why me?” she asked jokingly, and with a toothy smile.

Twilight laughed at that, but then got back on topic. “Look, just keep your tail as low as possible, and don’t let your skirt get all ruffled. You’ll be fine, and besides…” She trotted closer to Rainbow, her hoof rising to the pegasus’s cheek. “I’m not sure why, but I kind of like it when you try to dispute my directions, but then go all passive on me.” Her words were followed by one last, long kiss. Not too long, though, because soon enough, Twilight realized how much time they’d already lost. So, while ending it, she mumbled, “Mmh, okay, we uh… We need to go. Do me a favor, grab my bag, please?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hearing that almost made Twilight squeamish, but she kept her cool for the most part while quickly getting back on track with things. It wouldn’t be too lengthy to get ready and head out the door, but what would take up even more time was Rainbow’s first actual sex oriented task. During the part in which Twilight was busy at work, putting away the equipment she planned to use later on, her eye caught the vibrator piece that’d been sitting on the bed the whole time.

“Rainbow! Come here, please!”

With punctuality, the pegasus arrived in under a minute, waiting at the door. However, the moment she caught wind of what’s to come, her expression changed from attentiveness to nerve racking, or maybe excitement. “What would you like me to do?” she asked rhetorically.

Twilight responded by pointing to the bed, but refused to give the actual order. She knew her pet was well aware of what needed to be done, and considering how virtually late they were running, Rainbow hurried along, bending over the edges, her flank raised at the appropriate height. “Now then, hold still…”

She made a quiver at the very feeling, a pressure trying desperately to slip through her folds, but it didn’t feel metallic or even plastic. It felt familiar, like a hoof. “T-Twilight, we ain’t got t-”

“Shh,” the master instructed. “If I just… jam it in, what’s the point? Besides, you’re not moist enough; it wouldn’t go in very easily.” While continuously rubbing the tip up and down quite slowly, trying to feel out just how tense Rainbow really was, she began to figure this would get them nowhere. “Alright, don’t wanna do this, but I have no choice. You’re not lightening up fast enough, so…”

Admittedly, Twilight wasn’t the best at eating another pony out, but she got along fine by first removing her hoof and resting it on Rainbow’s back. Meanwhile, her other hoof was placed on the opposite cheek for good balance, and then, Rainbow gasped at the sudden, shivering sensation of Twilight’s tongue brushing against her clit. As if the first skim wasn’t gripping enough, the second seemed more potent, to where Rainbow had to slide down more into the blankets.

She tried her best to remain comfortable in this position, her head lying on her left hoof with eyes closed while warm huffs escaped her muzzle every few seconds. There was little she could do, though. She’d probably stay heated all day after this, but that didn’t stop her from at least smiling a little. Assuredly, the atmosphere soon became more and more heated with every swift lick Twilight gave.

After a few minutes of some tasting and a little nibbling on Rainbow’s love button, Twilight’s mare was finally ready for the insertion. “Here we go,” Twilight taunted with a snicker, knowing Rainbow was nearing the finish line, but enjoying this every step of the way. An even more dominant tension was pushed against Rainbow’s well tendered lips, and in it went, but for good measure, Twilight grabbed hold of Rainbow’s cutie mark and contrived with her tongue to get the egg shaped toy down as deep as possible.

Once she was certain her little device wasn’t getting out anytime soon, she magically brought forth the control while at the same time, wiping Rainbow’s spunk away from her mouth. “Let’s just see how acceptable this thing’s capabilities are…”

She turned the knob up to four out of eleven, and watched Rainbow’s waist jerk sideways. “Gah! Haha, wow Twi,” Rainbow retorted. “Turn it down, it… I can’t stand it!”

“It’s only on four!”

“What?!” Rainbow looked back, her eyes wide with pleasure and astonishment. “No way! Can’t you hear it? I s-s-sure can! Sounds like a bumble bee zooming around!”

With attention brought to just that, Twilight nodded in affirmation, and then proceeded to turn it down to just two, which seemed much more docile but still able to keep Rainbow unsated. “It’s probably got fresh batteries in it, and definitely made for some really hardcore action.”

“You don’t say!” Rainbow rose from the bed slightly, her hind quarters still rearing from left to right, trying to situate the device soundly, and without it having too much strain while still active. “You can turn it off now, y’know.”

Twilight agreed, “I could, but I won’t. Come on, if we don’t leave now, we’ll be late for sure.”

“But, Twilight!” Rainbow fussed, “I can barely move! It f-feels too good! Keeping me right on the edge... Please, give me a break.”

Mercilessly, Twilight shook her head. “Nope! Now, come on. Oh, and don’t let Spike catch you shivering like that either.”

She took a step for the door, but Twilight was already gone. That’s when a thought crossed Rainbow’s mind. If she couldn’t keep herself contained, how would she look to Twilight? “Alright… Now’s the time to get tough for Twilight.” She took another step, and then another one, her frame getting used to the low rumble felt deep within her. “I can do this!”

She made it out the door, started down the stairs, and glanced around the corner to see Spike still heavily asleep on the couch, his legs propped up on the armrest and mouth open, snoring.

Next to the door stood Twilight with a somewhat displeased smirk. She whispered, “You got lucky, so c’mon! Get moving…”

Rainbow rushed down the rest of the way as silently as she possibly could, but upon reaching the bottom, her body sat for a moment. Her eyes squinted tight, but still, she fought the remarkable urge to let herself go right then and there. “I’m… okay.” Again, she was standing up, but huffing with a line of sweat sliding down her temple. The door opened, and the two were out of the house and into the clear, morning brightness.

“Not a soul in sight,” Rainbow remarked while catching up. “Good… Just empty streets, and a straight path to the Ponyville Clinic. Just gotta hold out. For the entire day.”

Twilight giggled, “You won’t hold it in for the entire day! I’d say by the time we punch in, get situated and figure out what we’ll be doing…”

“Yeah?”

Twilight glanced over. “Just be patient.”

She couldn’t say much to that, so she just practiced walking the rest of the way there. Twilight didn’t hold a conversation either. She figured that Rainbow wouldn’t be able to speak much anyway, too focused on holding in her desperate moans. Every couple yards, they’d see somepony off in the distance, down the street, or closer than Rainbow would’ve liked, but luckily for her, nopony seemed to see a thing.

It wouldn’t be until quite a few more minutes later that they’d arrive, enter through the doors of the clinic, and come to find an almost vacant workplace save for Dr. Stables entering his office. He stopped before headed in to say, “Whoa, you two were almost late!”

Twilight spoke as she approached the counter. “Sorry about that. We… had a long night.”

“But about those hours!” Rainbow intervened.

“Yes,” he said cheerfully. “Twilight, I’ve got some good news. Been talking with Nurse Redheart, and we believe it’d be best if you and Rainbow worked on the same exact schedule. If you two will come into my office, I’ll relay to you how this will work out from now on.”

At that, Rainbow exclaimed, “Actually, doc, I gotta step outside real quick.” Twilight darted a look at Rainbow that the good doctor couldn’t see, but Rainbow chose to ignore it. “Just needed to make sure I wasn’t late or anything, and besides, I’ll work whatever hours you give us. Twilight can get me updated during lunch, and I’ll be doing the same thing as yesterday, right?”

He nodded. “Yep! If you find anything in the patients’ rooms, bring it to my office so that I might try my best to return it to its proper owner.”

“Great! No problem, hehe… So, uh… Hehe, ‘scuse me!”

Using her rear, she exited the premise with an awkward smile and an even more unbalanced, backwards walk. She knew good and well Twilight wouldn’t have the chance to spy on her when inside the doctor’s room, so she had her chance to do two things. First, she hesitantly removed the bulk from her nether region. Then, she’d meet with Rarity, same as she always did.

“C’mon, get outta there… Hah…”

It laid on her hoof, wiggling a little. She put it in her saddle bag soon after and headed to the further back where she could see the unicorn that’d been helping her this whole time. “There you are! What were you doing over there?” Rarity asked, puzzled by Rainbows actions.

“Had to adjust myself so we could talk normal… Guess what!”

“Oh, don’t tell me!”

“Yep!”

“No way! Hardly any dates, and you two… you didn’t!”

“Uh huh, we did!”

Rarity gasped. “You didn’t!”

“In the tree house, then in the clinic!”

“Dah!” Rarity did a little dance. “See? I told you all that training would pay off! Well done, Rainbow Dash. Still… you’ll want to keep up the good work by doing your mane up, walking, talking, but now, you can relax! Now, before I go any further, you’re sure you two are pretty solid these days, right?”

Rainbow laughed. “Definitely! Just, Rarity? Thanks again for this. You really helped me and Twilight out, but to be honest, I’ve only got a few minutes before Twilight gets away from Dr. Stables. We’ve got new hours now working together, mostly, and he’s kinda going over that with Twilight as we speak.”

“Grand,” the unicorn uttered. “Just remember from now on, if you need anything at all, come to yours truly. Also, I suppose we don’t need to be meeting like this anymore, do we?”

Rainbow answered with a shrug. “Things are pretty ship shape now, but I’ll definitely keep you updated in case anything interesting happens. Anyways, I gotta go. Got rooms to see, things to write down. Y’know.”

Just before Rainbow was fully turned around, Rarity stopped her by offering up one last bit of gossip. “Oh, before you go, I heard some news about the Wonderbolts that you might be interested in.”

“Huh?”

Rainbow quickly returned her sights to her friend while she spoke up. “Yes! It turns out, Spitfire, the leader of the division you’re seeking to join... She's laid off the performances at Cloudsdale. Her whole squadron has apparently once again taken leave in hiding, the way they always do for vacations.”

Rainbow’s eyebrows lowered in a concerned way. “What? They were just on one of those about three months ago! That’s… not right. It doesn’t make much sense.”

“That’s why, darling, I thought you’d like to know. I just so happened to read about it in today’s paper this morning. Considering how busy you’ve been, I knew you wouldn’t have heard of it just yet, and I wanted to be the first to inform you of this. It means you’ll get a bit of extra time to train for them, right?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow chimed with a forming grin. “It does, doesn’t it? Anyways, again, gotta go! Thanks again, Rarity. Bye!”

Rarity chuckled to herself while Rainbow walked off. Abruptly, however, the pegasus stopped up ahead in the shadows, pulled something back out of her saddle, and did… something, but Rarity just couldn’t see what that was exactly. By the looks of it, she didn’t very much mind not knowing either.

Back inside the lobby, Twilight walked out of the corridors dressed and looking overwhelmingly cute. Rainbow’s timing couldn’t be better for her. “What was that all about?” Twilight investigated with a raised eyebrow. “You didn’t pull that gizmo of yours out, did you?” Her horn shimmered slightly, and like a bolt of lightning, Rainbow’s abdomen tingled even worse.

“Yah-ha!” Rainbow’s upper torso fell to the floor with a calm thud. At that point, she lied, “N-no! I just…” she sighed before silently saying, her nerves rocking, “I needed to… go, cause the pressure was just-”

“You came outside?!”

“Well, yeah!” Rainbow rolled with it as best she could. “Next to the walls, where the s-shade hits. Nopony saw, I swear!”

Twilight didn’t seem like she bought that, but then again, she didn’t have much time to debate it with Rainbow either, and returned the leveler back to a maintainable setting. “Alright… but, just remember, I’ll be keeping an eye on you for the rest of the day. Now, I need to get to work, and so do you. Go get dressed.”

Rainbow raised herself back up with worry. “Yes, Twilight.”

Just before she could walk on by, Twilight gave her pet a quick peck on the cheek, and turned to the desk herself. Rainbow felt her cheek as she wandered down the halls, and had she been able to breath normally rather than panting, she’d have said something romantic, but Twilight was right. They both needed to get to work right away.

It’d only take her a few more minutes than normal to fix herself up with the normal, cleaned and pressed wardrobe, mainly because of her unsatisfactory condition, but like always, she used her time wisely. Afterwards, she wandered out with her work saddle wrapped around her back, everything she needed held inside. The clipboard was removed. “B01, in this hall is where I left off… R-right.”

She took one step, and again, the same sensation from when she was talking to Twilight in the other room washed over her like a pile of bricks, bringing her to the cold, hard ground. Her hoof even wavered close to her pussy, but she did her best to cope with it, and stood back up. Her eyes blinked with water forming, but she wiped that away with persistence, and trotted from room to room.

For the next two hours, she’d wander in, pen and paper ready, only to end up dropping her things due to Twilight screwing around with her trinket. Only after Rainbow was finished did she give her a break, but upon the penultimate room, Rainbow would concede. She walked in knowing good and well what was about to happen, but proceeded boldly.

“Haah…” Again, her sides swayed more and more while she came that much closer to the end of the bed, and then her things fell to the covers. “Mmh,” she growled. “I… I can’t!” Both hooves clung to the railing, and then her right hoof slid off, hanging loosely. At least two drops of sweat dripped from her nose. Then and there, she knew precisely what Twilight wanted to see. In the pegasus’s mind, she could see Twilight sitting there in her seat, a devilish smile crossing from ear to ear.

“I can’t take it anymore!” Giving in, Rainbow swung her free hoof down to her current most sensitive of areas, and huffed while circling vigorously, trying to hurry along. Unfortunately for her, Twilight had been waiting for just that, and brought the intensity back down, keeping Rainbow that much more at the brink. “Oh, c’mon, Twilight! Please, hah… I’m… I’m beggin’ ya!”

At that, the toy roared inside of her, sending shockwaves throughout her system. Rainbow’s look of depravity soon changed to sheer joy. A big, wide open, toothy beam, and even wider eyes looking up at the ceiling. She did all she could to hold onto the bed, but with such a relief like this overtaking her, she eventually dropped to the floor again, eyes closed now. Her hoof rubbed against her slit, forcing her climax to be extended as long as it would go, but like all good things, it ended all too suddenly.

By then, she was panting and too completely drained of power to move much. The hoof she’d been using still laid under her belly, limp and flat on the black and white patterned tiles. Rainbow gulped the water in her mouth down, but just couldn’t stop salivating, nor could she open her eyes. Slowly and surely, she was drifting off to sleep, but something stopped her. Rainbow’s whole body became aglow with Twilight’s magic, and like nothing, her energy was restored.

With unbelievable ease, she rose back up, but still felt the quaking inside brought down to a softer setting. Scarcely able to think straight, she grabbed the pen again as well the clipboard holding her notes, and got right back to work with minimal trouble. All in all, though, she enjoyed that more than she thought she would.

There was just one last room to cover before the clock was to hit twelve. It was her own, the very same she’d used not too long ago to recover from her injury. Had she been able to focus more clearly rather than feeling tired despite Twilight’s help, she wouldn’t have left that room without checking everything. Instead, she simply wrote down a good review, and left without even trying to give it a thorough inspection.

That was the biggest mistake she could’ve ever made, because there just so happened to be something there that Twilight specifically would’ve liked to have known about. Right under the bed, too, but as stated before, Rainbow was just too tired to care. Not to mention, her stomach was rumbling even more than the vibrator lodged deep into her twat. After leaving, Rainbow swallowed more spit, and used a towel she’d gotten from the nearby nightstand to clean herself up. After all, she certainly didn’t want to look messy for her lunch date with Twilight.

Entering more wobbly than when Twilight left her at the front entrance, Rainbow huffed once more, but adjusted herself properly before stepping forward to the empty table. Not that many others occupied the room at this time, and the small, cubical seat Twilight sat in had only room for one. “Thanks for saving me a spot,” Rainbow voiced gratefully.

“No problem! And thank you for such a lovely show!”

A nurse behind her looked their way briefly. “Shh,” Rainbow shushed. “Not so loud, others might get ideas.”

Twilight giggled with a hoof slightly hiding her simper. In front of them sat two hay sandwiches. Rainbow’s was a bit thicker than Twilight’s. “Got you some extra toppings. Gotta keep your vigor up if we wanna keep doing this for the rest of the day, you know.” She spoke more softly, heeding Rainbow’s concern.

Rainbow shifted where she sat, unable to get very comfortable, especially with such arousing factors like other ponies looking at her and Twilight. She ate regardless, but found it difficult to concentrate on her hefty meal. After another big bite, she mentioned, “Did I tell you? The Wonderbolts will be taking another vacation.”

Twilight stopped herself from enjoying her next chomp to ask, “Really? Wow, that’s… wait, didn’t they…?”

Rainbow finished, “Just have one of those; yeah, they did! I’m tempted to do a little research. Spitfire was supposed to come meet me soon, so I’m not sure what this means. I mean, it’s not every single Wonderbolt, just her sector that performs mostly in these collective parts.”

Twilight put her sandwich down. “I know, and normally, they do it as one big group. Usually, if I’m not mistaken, all Wonderbolts do this at a particular time, and then vanish to enjoy solitude. Right?”

“Right! Which is why this concerns me so much. Spitfire’s known for doing her own thing, and her group’s even more well known for following along with her knowing they can’t possibly get in trouble, and more often than not, Spitfire gets away with it.” Rainbow took another bite.

“I hope she’s not planning on coming over here to take you back early… I mean, you haven’t had enough time to get back into shape! How’s that supposed to work out?”

Rainbow dismissed the notion. “Saw a paper in one of the rooms. Said she left just last week, and only now is the press being informed. She would’ve been here days ago, so nah. Probably, they’re just tired, and wanna take it easy for a little bit longer than normal. This isn’t the first time they’ve done this.” Quoting Rarity on this subject, Rainbow exclaimed, “No worries! It just means they’ve unknowingly given me that much more time to whip myself back into shape!”

Twilight resumed eating while also keeping up the small talk. The Wonderbolts sort of drifted out of their conversation, and once their meals were finished, Twilight watched Rainbow stand up, but before Rainbow could ask to be excused, Twilight told her that she needed her for something. Rainbow already understood what that meant.

They walked down the halls after lunch passing by a few coworkers, Rainbow warily avoiding each one, and the next always seemed to stare at her more than the last. With blushing cheeks like that, though, how could they not look at her? By the end where the section split into two paths, Twilight had noticed just how far off to the wall Rainbow was, and how anypony could miss the noises she was unwillingly releasing was beyond both of them.

“Alright,” Twilight said. “I put my saddle in here, as good a room as any, I suppose. Come on in, Rainbow.”

Reluctantly entering, Rainbow looked around the dressing room, and commented, “I’ll lock the door. Let’s, uh… make this quick, ‘kay Twi?”

The unicorn shook her head while removing her belongings from a top shelf. “No way! We’ve got about thirty minutes left, and I’d rather take my time with this part.”

Rainbow pouted, “But, what about my training? You know I usually get some fresh air, fly around the complex a little, like the book says!”

Twilight seemed unphased by this. Instead of replying right away, she continued about her business by removing the toy of choice. Only after settling it on the counter found at the end of the room facing upwards did she say, “If there’s one thing you’ve taught me, Rainbow, it’s that routine can be broken from time to time. I’m confident that you missing out on one afternoon’s flight will not severely put a damper on your improved flying skills.”

At that, Rainbow hadn’t anymore arguments to present other than she simply not wanting a butt-plug shoved up her backside. She’d forgotten how tender Twilight can be, even in such an afflictive situation. “I… guess you’re right.”

Twilight turned from her preparations after handling a bottle of lube, and said, “Of course I’m right! And, relax…” With the sweetest of touches, Rainbow’s master allowed their lips to caress for a few seconds before parting to say, “This’ll be fun. Now, over by the counter top, please.”

Rainbow gulped, but put on her most determined of faces, and hunched herself over, her hindquarters raised as high as it would go. Twilight came to the left of her to adjust Rainbow’s tail accordingly, being careful not to unbalance her pose. First, before simply starting raw, Twilight was careful to put just barely a dab of lubricant on the tip of her relatively stiff, curving bauble. Rainbow observed out of the corner of her closing eye with a nervous shiver, but with Twilight’s hoof caressing her wings, she was able to breath away the tension.

For extra effect, the unicorn played around with her remote control a bit, raising the dial up to a good, rattling three. Immediately after feeling the effect, Rainbow’s head perked up while she gave off a small whimper of undelivered satisfaction. She wanted so badly to be released from this prolonged relief, but loyally waited until Twilight gave physical permission. “W-What’s that for…?”

“To help you, naturally,” Twilight told her, picking up the plug again. “You’ll feel a slight pinch.”

“Gah! Hmmm...”

It’d barely graced her, and already, Rainbow was fidgeting to fight back. In turn, Twilight held her down, using her magic to slowly insert the apparatus as painlessly as possible, but Rainbow just wasn’t having it; not quietly, at least. “S-stop! You're tearing me apart!

“Oh, come on!” Twilight forced her down more after seeing her buck a chair down. “The harder you make this, the more assertive I’ll be!”

There just wasn’t enough in her to resist her master, and soon, with more of the tip in her, Rainbow bent down, her head covered by both her front hooves. With that open window of opportunity, Twilight dominantly shoved half of its length in. It only made Rainbow that much more inclined to buck yet again, but she didn’t. She was done wrestling now, and would allow herself to be controlled via their arrangement.

All things considered, this was supposed to be relatively enjoyable, so Twilight began removing the plug, and then inserting it again, but much more casually this time around. Again, Rainbow’s back hoof rose, making a kicking motion, but it residually lowered again to remain just hovering above the floor. Consequently, Twilight repeated the process over and over again, and the pain Rainbow was originally feeling soon started to switch to pleasure.

“Ohhhh…”

“Ehmmm,” Twilight teased. “Better?”

“Just… a little. K-keep going, I guess.”

Nodding, Twilight iterated, “Of course, of course.”

Over and over again, the pressure Rainbow felt in both love spots gradually pressed on, bringing her forth. Her knees tapped against the cabinets a few times, and the aching down there became manageable, if only a bit annoying. Like an obedient mutt, she groaned, but remained calm, and in time it became rewarding, too. Conversely, Twilight asked her now grinning servant, “Ready for the next part?”

Only one eye would stay open while the other kept tightly shut. “T-Turning the remote up just one more notch wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

Twilight mused, “I supposed it wouldn’t.”

Rainbow anticipated the feeling, and waited with the activity in her backside staying stationary, and then jumped a little while her belly tuned a constant, though more prominent throb. “Hah, yeah… M-more…?”

“As you wish.”

With full force, Twilight backed the butt-plug to the tip again, and sank the rest of it all the way down, slapping her loosened hole. This was just too much for Rainbow to take on. Her head lifted off the surface, and with the shaking in her marehood increasing with every second, she lost it. Had anypony been listening through the door, they would’ve heard moaning the likes of which might be mistaken for anguish and abuse.

It just wouldn’t finish, either, not for a good couple more seconds. She just kept huffing and grunting, her eyes looking all around, especially at Twilight, and then closing, and opening yet again. All the while, Twilight minded the show with a hoof feeling her chin. She had the most fascinated of expressions plastered across her muzzle, and even after Rainbow’s head plopped down, tongue out, Twilight stayed that way, glaring from the sleek censorship of Rainbow’s hole to her amused appearing face.

“You alright?” Twilight asked, a bit giddy sounding.

“Y-yeah, just… give me a minute, I’ll be fine.” She shifted, her hooves trembling to push her off the sharp edge. As she leaned down, unbalanced and greatly satisfied, her new piece stayed put, nice and deep within her core. “Shoot, Twi, it… feels…” She searched for the right word first, and finished, “I’m gonna say funky.”

Twilight chuckled, but looked at her work with delightful eyes. “Only a few hours of the day left, and you’ll be off the hook. You of all ponies can manage that, right?”

“Yeah! Of c-course, it’s just unbelievably agitating. Feels like I could… I don’t know, go again or something!”

Twilight checked the clock, and sighed. “Unfortunately, we don’t have enough time. Otherwise, I’d be more than happy to accommodate you!” Rainbow’s hoof rose in a defensive nature. “You’ll just have to wait until next time. Now, we only have about five minutes left of lunch. Might as well get back to it, huh?”

Without waiting for Rainbow to even try to answer that, Twilight walked on by, her tail whisking the pegasus’s neck gracefully. In time, they would both part, but not before Rainbow stole a kiss for good luck, and then they went their opposite ways. Already, she could feel Twilight’s magic upon her, peeking around every corner to be sure the plug couldn’t be seen. Every few steps, Rainbow would even feel her tail be lowered by an unbodily force, helping her stay safe.

After so long of the usual, consisting of inspecting all the rooms and marking her way as to not accidentally backtrack, Rainbow came upon the stairs. Dr. Stables had instructed her not to concentrate on the upper floors of the clinic until tomorrow, so she went down to the first floor, but with a nervous posture, and it wasn’t just from the arousement either. One might be able to deduce that the lower portion of the building would be more active, so that meant Rainbow would need to be that much more careful.

As a rule, Twilight continued to watch over Rainbow as best she could, but thanks to a small distraction on her part, she just couldn’t stop her friend in time, but she still tried. Rainbow had been coming up to a corner, and even slowed her pace while a mare beside her came awfully close to her proximity, but she seemed to not notice anything, luckily, so Rainbow hurried along, even swaying to the wall and leaning against it while trotting.

Things had become too rigorous for her at that point, and she initially planned to creep into a nearby room to summon Twilight when right before the corner, about three or four steps away, she felt a tug on her tail, but didn’t stop. Her mind was so concentrated on getting around that last corner for the day, that she hadn’t noticed Twilight’s signal, and bumped right into a familiar, purple maned pony.

“Oh, Rainbow Dash!”

The pegasus gasped, now understanding what that annoyance on her tail was. “Beat! It is Beat, right?”

“Yes, it’s been a while. Funny bumping into you here!”

While they reintroduced themselves, Rainbow’s memories of Nurse Quickpulse traced all the way back to when she was recuperating. She’d even heard a few stories about how she was in a relationship with another attractive pony by the name of Medical Pleasure. Twilight had talked about these two before, and come to think of it, she’d even suspected them of being the original owners of the very same devices currently in use.

“Well, I’d uh, love to stay and chat, but I’m super busy!”

“But, wait! Rainbow?” Beat asked forwardly with her smooth, French accent while Rainbow attempted to back up. “You have a moment, don’t you? I need to ask you just a few questions. Won’t hardly take a moment of your time! I promise!”

Rainbow gulped, but chose to oblige. “Argh, fine! Just make it quick, okay?”

“Yes, absolutely. Right this way.”

Funnily enough, Rainbow and Beat had just entered the very same room she and Twilight had used not too long ago, where they’d found the toys, and then it became clear what Beat was curious about. “Been looking all over,” she said rather frantically. “It’s just not here! They’re just… gone!”

Rainbow inquired, “What’s gone?” Although she could’ve guessed correctly by then.

“This… is going to sound so odd, and awkward, and… how you say? Absurd? Well, either way… Rainbow, I’m sure you know of me and my special somepony, yes?”

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. Pleasure.” Her leg rose with the vibrator silencing slightly, but not turning completely off.

“Yes! You see, me and she… that is, her and I… Oh! I’ll cut to the chase! We used this very room, to… well…”

“Get on with it, Beat,” Rainbow groaned mostly to herself in anticipation.

“We used this room one evening for a bit of fun.” Her front hooves tapped together in the air while she sat still. “We had all these, umm, toys, and magazines as well. Why, there’d even been a ball gag, right behind you on the stand.”

Rainbow almost turned around to look at where she was pointing to, but stopped herself before the curves of her cutie mark showed more than she wanted Beat to see. “Right…”

“I understand you must’ve left early, or something. I’m not sure, but, Rainbow, did you happen to see anything? Know anything as to where mine and Pleasure’s belongings might be? She told me not to go around asking, but considering you and I know each other to a higher degree as compared to the rest, I thought maybe…?”

Rainbow bit her bottom lip the whole way, trying to decide if she should come clean. “Well…” But before she could reveal the somewhat dastardly deed she and Twilight collaborated on, a most uncomforting sensation surged through her. Twilight had yanked her Butt-plug out enough to still be hidden, all the way to the hilt, and then plunged it right back in. This act even brought Rainbow to step forward recklessly, shuffling her hooves right in front of Beat.

The earth pony looked down at her companion, her hoof raising in surprise. “A-are you… okay, Rainbow Dash?”

The mare responded with a shy nod, but kept herself lowered. “I’m alright, just… tired. Been a long day.” Then, she composed herself. “No, I haven’t seen your toys…” She sounded defeated, but obeyed Twilight’s obvious commands delivered through physical means. “Sorry, but I’ve gotta go.”

Just as she was headed for the door, Beat made a motion for her hoof, her blue eyes looking into Rainbow’s sweetly. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, then… If you happen to come across them, please return them to either me or Pleasure. She was… upset with me after finding out about it, so you’d be doing us a huge favor. Okay?”

Rainbow nearly couldn’t speak, and not just because of the tension in her thighs. She also couldn’t help but to feel attracted to those eyes that beamed her way, so with very small drips of sweat running down her head, she nodded. “Fine… I’ll see what might turn up. Just don’t expect a miracle.” With a gesturing of her hoof, pulling away from Beat’s grasp, Rainbow directed her out of the room first. She was just about out of there herself when a soft, though quick flash of light appeared behind her.

“That was close,” Twilight complimented from behind, next to the bed. “Even though you didn’t quite catch my drift before running right into her, you still played along just fine!”

Rainbow closed the door, but Twilight locked it with her aura. “She knew something was up,” Rainbow warned, but not turning around just yet. “It was too close, Twilight, but then again, you did try to warn me…”

“True, but she didn’t say anything, so we’re in the clear, and you deserve a reward.”

From the same saddlebag from before, Twilight presented the analbeads with a pleased smirk. Naturally, Rainbow had been through these procedures enough to know when to assume the position, and did so over the bed while looking mainly at what Twilight held, her rear once again raised like last time. Without a moment’s hesitation, Twilight wiggled the plug to get it somewhat loose, triggering another grunt from Rainbow, and took her time removing it. After a bit of playful rustling, Twilight was able to feel the release, popping it while exiting. The thing was placed on the floor adjacent to the bars, and with much less difficulty as the last went in, Twilight slid one bead after the other downsloping; the final, biggest orb being the toughest.

“Almost there…”

In it went, and way too suddenly as well. All Rainbow chose to do was breathe lightly, panting into the sheets, and whispering, “Wasn’t this enjoyable with that butt-plug…”

“Well,” Twilight said, catching her pet’s criticism. “To be blunt, you did happen to have it in you for a few hours. I know time probably flew by, but check out the clock.” She pointed to the left of the room, upwards. “It’s already an hour away from closing time!”

Rainbow’s head tilted to see. “Wow… Already? Won’t the doctor wonder where we’re at?”

This was dismissed effortlessly. “Actually, he’s still arranging for our new hours, so we’re pretty much through for today! He sent me to come find you just now. That’s actually why I was a little late with the warning earlier. Hehe, sorry… but, the point is, we’ve got just enough time for me to give you your reward!”

Rainbow leaned forward to look at Twilight some more, questioning the notion. “I… thought the analbeads were my reward.”

“Close, but perhaps you should look more south.”

She did so, and soon saw their favoritest of devices cozily resting between Twilight’s legs, its strappings firmly coiled around her sides. “Oh… Can’t believe I didn’t see that.”

“It’s alright, but last time we were here, you used this on me instead. Remember?”

“Yeah, so it’s your turn, huh?”

She didn’t get an answer. In contrast, she was abruptly mounted, Twilight’s summit laying right in between her tail and her right sided cutie mark. She felt along the fabric gingerly, loving the additional accessories for a time. After a second or so of letting Rainbow calm down more, feeling along her wings and extending them to lay flat on the cushion, the unicorn bent down slowly and delayed the best part tauntingly. Twilight knew well enough how much Rainbow had missed her, and began rubbing her muzzle against the back of her pegasus's ear. Before beginning, though, she’d almost forgotten about the vibrator still burrowed. That was calmly removed to make way. Ordinarily, Twilight would’ve been the one to take orders from Rainbow, not the other way around, so it felt refreshing to be on top for once.

“Ready?” Twilight asked, rubbing her knee against Rainbow’s wet pussy, just for the fun of it.

After her nod, Rainbow’s eyes tightly shut, and in her love went, penetrating her opening without a single problem. Typically, Rainbow began to struggle, her hooves knocking against Twilight’s, but she stayed in place. Without question, she was enjoying the treatment. With every shake she gave came a glare, and then a blink of longing. She’d came at least four times today alone, and could still go one last time. So, delaying her reward was the last thing Twilight wanted to do, but to do so was just so enticing, she couldn't help herself. Not for long, though.

Rainbow looked up at Twilight, her head angled cutely while breathing deeply and staring at her master’s lining. She took a moment to make eye contact, but smiled when she did, and with a little bite of her lower lip, too. Twilight's all too eager smile grew even wider before she said, “I’m gonna put it in now, okay?”

“Okay, Twi...”

Even before she was inside, Twilight could feel the heat coming off her mare. It was an unbelievable warmth, probably made due to the long periods of waiting for this precise moment. If she didn’t know better, Twilight might’ve said it was emanating from something too hot to be part of Rainbow’s body. This warmth drove her to get a little carried away, and as Rainbow held a hoof to her mouth, Twilight slid her member inside, first just to the halfway point, and then all the way after another second.

“Ahh!”

“You alright?” Twilight made sure.

“Y-yes! Just don’t stop!”

She followed along with the courtesy to start thrusting at once. The look on Rainbow’s face, too, said she’d never felt anything better in her life. Even though Twilight couldn’t feel it directly, Rainbow’s pussy was clenching around her like a hot tunnel, squeezing that dildo so hard it must've been begging her never to leave. Soon, her rhythm picked up, and while the thuds of her thigh against Rainbow’s flank became more and more repetitive, she asked once again for good measurement, “You okay?”

She asked this while almost grunting. The scrunching up of her face as Rainbow’s clenching hole massaged her prick helped her stay with it, minding Rainbow’s level of pleasure and enjoyment. This was mostly her reward after all, even though Twilight couldn’t help but to relish in the excitement, too. After three more thrusts, and another adorable whimper, followed by a thankful smile, Rainbow nodded. “Yeah,” she said, almost whispered, breath absent from her lungs. She gasped, and then sighed, “You’re doing great.” After a brief lingering with just her tip inside, revelling in the tug of Rainbow’s grasp around it, Twilight buried herself again, and this time, wouldn’t hold back. This time, the contact made a snug smack making Rainbow gasp yet again, and Twilight groan, mouth open with amusement.

Finally, it was time to finish this bit of action up. With the speed increasing, and every thrust being more powerful than the last, Twilight’s horn shimmered, and out came the first big, perfectly circular stone. Rainbow’s head wavered upwards as this happened, and all she could do was glare forward, a half huffing, half sighing sound leaving her mouth. “Ooooohhh, yessss…!”

“That’s one, five more to go!”

Much easier than the first, the second plopped out, but not before Rainbow gripped it tightly, almost fighting to keep the beads inside. Of course, Twilight wasn’t having this, so keeping with her masterfully played tempo, she forced the next two out. At the same time, Twilight inspected Rainbow’s two front hooves swing forth, pulling the sheets in as she did, and then listened to the welcomed noises she made. “Hah… ha-ha…”

“What’s so funny?”

Rainbow thought about that for a second, and asked herself the same question. “I… d-don’t…”

“Perhaps it was this?” She forced the fourth ball out, and again, the pegasus below yipped up. One ball remaining, and the two of them were so, very close, too. What was Twilight to do? The only thing that’s left to do, of course. “Get ready!”

As one might be able to guess, Rainbow was about as ready as she’d ever be for this, and just laid there, her world rocking and the room spinning, but then, something unexpected happened to her. A sinking, sloppy feeling brought about tension in her back, and instantly threw her over the edge. Twilight had dipped all six solid bubbles back down, all the way while her throbber did the same, hitting Rainbow's sensitive core.

For well over a minute, the two gasped for air, moaning every step of the way like a duet pair, trying to sing in unison but just missing by a few keys. Their song, however, was beyond harmony to them. To anyone else, it would’ve simply sounded like a couple of girls wailing while climaxing right beyond the locked door, but to them, it was a perfect melody; each sound more lively than the other.

When it finally ended, Twilight dominantly jerked herself and the analbeads out, held Rainbow to the bed, and tossed the gadgetry aside like one of her used and ruined quills. They stayed like that for another portion of the evening, Rainbow feeling Twilight’s hooves press lightly against her spine, relieving her of the stress she’d just endured. Between presses, the unicorn’s magic removed her inanimate growth, and laid it with the other recycled toys.

"How was that?"

“You did… g-great, Twilight,” Rainbow muffled into the bedspread.

“Thanks… you as well.”

In about five to ten minutes, they’d get back to their hooves again, put away their belongings, and start heading for home. Both of them would have a tough time even wanting to do that, but after a bit of agreement, they came to their senses, understanding that they just couldn’t sleep in the clinic that night no matter how tired they truly were.

In due time, they’d reach the tree house, exhausted from the day and thoroughly drained, but they could definitely agree that today was the funnest they’d had in weeks, and fell asleep shortly after on the bed, and in one another’s hooves.

Author's Note

This extensive chapter required the help of Neko Majin C. His assistance was greatly appreciated!

Part Twenty-Eight

Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash awoke fairly late in the morning, later than they had planned. Twilight was the first to quickly check the time, and then Rainbow Dash who was so well rested, she had forgotten she even worked that day. It only took Twilight seconds to snatch Rainbow out of bed, get her to her senses, and the two immediately left the room headed down the stairs with basically everything they needed for the day.

“Can’t believe we overslept again,” Twilight said with a gruff. “I meant to set those alarm clocks, and I forgot!”

Rainbow, leading the way and checking to see if she had her training book said, “Well, Twi, we got in late last night. Remember? So… it happened. No big deal.” She hoofed with a cocky voice, “We’ve hardly ever been late before anyways!”

Twilight nodded, but looked away with a scowl. “It’s just, you know how I am with my responsibilities.”

“But, we still have time.” Rainbow Smiled while saying, “If we hurry, we can make it, get to work, and everypony’s happy. No stress.”

Rainbow even got the door for her partner, and after wishing Spike a good day, Twilight was on her way as well. On occasions, the two had quite a bit to talk about while on their way to the clinic, but not this day. All Twilight and Rainbow could think about doing was getting to work, and when they got there, all they did was focus on one another’s daily, though linear activities.

For the most part, that’s all the job was to them for the time being, save for those rare occurrences. For example, Dr. Stables had requested Twilight’s help in finding a folder a week ago. It took them roughly two hours just to figure out it was in his locked desk the whole time.

Having heard about it several nights ago, Rainbow would think about this when coming in following closely behind Twilight. That memory would bring her back to when she and Twilight helped Dr. Stables and Nurse Redheart out. Despite her having to get right to work, while trotting down the halls, the pegasus still thought hard about what had transpired during her time within the clinic walls.

While the day went on, she’d trace all the way back to when she’d broken her hoof, and had to occupy one of the very rooms she had to clean regularly. Rainbow would walk by that very door. For a good moment, she’d think about taking it upon herself to clean it, too, seeing as how it was last occupied by herself, and nopony else for all this time.

This was the one room she hadn’t had the chance to get to. Last she made an attempt at cleaning it was during the end of the day when she was all worn out. She was so tired, that she promised herself she’d do it the next day, and then forgot, so she knew it probably needed more than a little attention. Luckily nopony had used it since. She’d be sure to put this on her list of things to do again.

Meanwhile, at Zecora’s hut, Spitfire could be found outside busy at work making a hammock. Tossed rope, cloth and tarp could be found littered about on the ground. Standing amongst all the debris, Spitfire stood holding the end of some rope that she’d wrapped around a tree. She’d gotten one end down on her own, just a few steps away, but this tree was being too difficult for her to manage on her own.

“C’mon,” she grumbled. “Just… a little more…”

That’s when she bit it, gripping hard with her teeth, pulling and tugging. She stopped when Zecora exited her home, mouth slightly agape. “When you said you’d be outside...” the zebra began. “I suppose I should’ve asked that you clarified.”

“Heh, sorry about that Zecora,” Spitfire apologized with a shrug. “Kinda preoccupied with just… relaxing. Say, could you do me a favor? Grab that end and pull as hard as you can.”

Zecora did so, and with more working room than Spitfire, she yanked it through with ease. Spitfire sighed, and then checked the hammock with the weight of her own torso. She pushed it downwards with her hooves, and leveled it before hopping on completely, she gave a satisfied chuckle, and commented, “Awesome.” She quickly got off for a second, took off the jacket that she was wearing, and plopped back on.

Zecora gasped before asking with a sarcastic voice, “When out here, are you sure it’s safe to not be wearing anything? Twilight might come along, and Celestia only knows who she might bring.”

Waving her hoof, Spitfire said, “Nah, they’re at work. Remember?”

Zecora simply laughed, and got busy on other things. Though, Spitfire’s mood seemed off to the zebra. With everything that’d happened, Zecora would think she’d be more broken hearted, not seeking out a vacation setting. “What of Rainbow Dash, by the way?”

The pegasus quickly responded with, “What do you mean?”

“I thought you had a love that had gone astray.” Zecora looked at Spitfire lor a good, long couple of second, and the pegasus simply stared back. Finally, she grabbed some sunglasses from amongst all the rubble below and proceeded to shield her eyes.

“Nothing for it…” There was more emotion in her voice than she would’ve liked to admit. “I mean, she’ll still end up an honorary member of the Wonderbolts in the end and all. I’m just trying to relax, Zecora, and not think about… her right now.”

Nodding her head, the zebra looked away, and proceeded to pick some herbs from the side of her hut. When she came back around and started heading inside, though, she mentioned, “I take it you still don’t know what happened with the bouquet, and the polifern. For that reason, you should return to the clinic.” She stopped at the door, and finished, “But I won’t be stern.”

As Spitfire was left alone, she ruffled her wings to try and get more comfortable, but she knew Zecora was right. She’d known this for a while, and said back to Zecora rather loudly, “I know, which is why I’ve already got a plan to get inside! Today!”

Zecora poked her head and torso out from the corner, and soon had her whole self outside to listen. As Spitfire explained her plan, Zecora nodded with a smile. “Yes, I believe this will do quite well. You’ve thought this out thoroughly, I can tell.”

Spitfire didn’t request Zecora’s help in this, not this time. Spitfire only needed one other Wonderbolt who just so happened to be on their way to the clinic at that very moment. After Spitfire had relaxed enough for the morning, she’d take off, headed for the clinic as well.

However, just before leaving, she’d assure Zecora she’d do her best to figure out what happened to the bouquet of flowers. More specifically, the tweaked Polifern.

Lunch had just ended for Rainbow Dash, and no Twilight to speak of. Grumbling about this on her way back to the front desk, Rainbow spoke silently so that nopony nearby would hear her. “What’s the big idea? Showing me up for lunch... I thought she said this morning that she’d be there.”

Though, as she rounded the corner, that feeling would fade thanks to Dr. Stables. He stood over the counter, shuffling some papers. The second Rainbow came into his sights, his attention was completely diverted. “Ah, Ms. Dash! So sorry I couldn’t get this message to you sooner.” He breathed, his hoof on his chest.

“What’s up, doc?”

“Twilight’s lunch hour was needed for a certain patient. You… might know her.” His face grew grim. “It’s Fleetfoot.”

The look on Rainbow’s face was one she rarely made. “R-really?”

“It’s just a hurt wing, nothing she couldn’t have dealt with herself, but Spitfire insisted she come to this clinic just to be sure. Now, please keep this secret... we’re apparently nearby where the whole team of Wonderbolts are hiding out at.”

Rainbow nodded in compliance. “Of course.”

“Twilight didn’t join you because her assistance was needed urgently. She asked me to let you know as soon as possible.”

Rainbow backed up, and only had one question to ask. “Is S-Spitfire coming here as all?”

The good doctor stared, blinked, and said, “I don’t think so…”

Rainbow huffed. “Good… I just don’t wanna let her see me like this, in this uniform.”

He nodded, and then walked by her. “Right, well, anyways... think you can watch the lobby while I’m gone?”

Although Rainbow didn’t know it, she would regret accepting the job in the next five to ten minutes. Nevertheless, she gladly said, “Sure thing!”

Time ticked by, Rainbow’s mind quickly trying to figure out the situation. She couldn’t possibly go visit Fleetfoot, she knew that, but she at least wanted to know how she was doing. “Maybe I could…”

Just as Rainbow began forming a plan, her mind finally off of the past as well as Spitfire, the front door opened. Rainbow was quick to give her typical greeting to whomever it might’ve been. “Welcome to the Ponyville Clinic. How may I help... you…” Her voice wavered as the pony coming in came closer to where Rainbow sat. “Today…”

“Well, well,” Spitfire chimed with a smile, furtively loving the moment. “Rainbow Dash?” She stared at the mare who was all dressed up as cute as could be, looking so different, and yet still herself. Spitfire removed her shady glasses, and stuck them in the collar of her official, blue Wonderbolts jacket. “What’re you wearing?”

At that, Rainbow would have bet all her bits that she’d been set up. “W-what’re you…” That’s all that would come out of Rainbow’s mouth. She was too shocked to say much more, and Spitfire noticed this quickly.

The smile on her face disappeared, and Spitfire calmly stated to Rainbow, “If you’re worried about what I think, don’t.”

“I work here…” Rainbow’s expression was troubled to say the least. “I, uh, needed something to occupy my time other than flying while I recuperated.”

Spitfire, merely testing her favored pony, asked, “And have you been training?”

Rainbow nodded, but still shaken by being seen like this. To her, this was such a delicate instance. “I even got some training material, so I should be good to go in no time! Heh...”

Spitfire nodded back. “Good… So, I’m mainly here for one thing.”

“Fleetfoot… Right?”

Spitfire smiled coyly, and then asked Rainbow for the room number. It only took Rainbow a moment to find out, feeling the eyes of her idol upon her. She gave Spitfire the information she needed to know, and watched Spitfire awkwardly walk off without saying much else. Just before she had left Rainbow’s company, though, she stopped walking, and asked, “By the way…?”

Rainbow gave Spitfire her attention once more, still nervous. “Yes?”

“Whatever happened to those flowers I sent you?”

“Flowers?”

Spitfire turned around, her demeanor very direct. “Yes, Ms. Dash. I’m very particular with my words.”

Rainbow looked away, almost appearing to have a scowl, but then her eyes widened. “Oh, the ones you sent me! Yeah… about that.” Spitfire came closer. “I’m allergic to some of those flowers, so I had Twilight take them away.”

Spitfire kept her cool, but the hairs on the back of her neck were standing on end. “What kind are you allergic to, exactly?”

Rainbow made a suspicious face, but answered openly, “Petunias, carnations, and tulips.”

Spitfire said under her breath, “Shouldn’t matter, then…”

“Huh?”

Spitfire thought quick to save herself, “Err, I don’t remember there being any of those in the one I selected!” She scratched the back of her head after saying that, hoping Rainbow would buy, and she did.

Rainbow shook her head. “I’m telling you, I saw tulips. Alright?”

Spitfire chuckled. “Alright, I got it… Say, how far away did you stay from the room Fleetfoot’s at? Just outta curiosity.”

Spitfire was playing her cards just right, and almost too easily leeched the information she needed from the unassuming pegasus. “Well,” Rainbow said, not having to think too hard. “I stayed in room two twenty-four, and that’s across the long hallway from Fleetfoot’s room. It’s right across from the stairs.”

Spitfire nodded. “Huh… See, whenever I tried to visit you, I never could find it.”

Rainbow couldn’t hide how surprised she was to hear this. “Oh… Wow... You came to visit…?” She looked away, and asked, “Uh, say Spitfire? We haven’t hung out in a while. In fact, this is the first we’ve talked in months... Are you busy later on?”

Spitfire blinked, wanting badly to avoid this entirely. “Well, I gotta report back and all, but… Maybe I’ll show up to train with you anyways. For now…” She began walking away. “I need to be going.”

Rainbow checked around the corner, and sighed after it was all over. Spitfire on the other hoof was having a hard time coping with herself. Zecora couldn’t provide her the Polifern, as she was finally completely out.

So, Spitfire had to get in, and get out, and fast. It only took her a few minutes to reach the door to room two twenty-four. Just before entering, Spitfire took a deep breath, and said, “Even though the vase was removed… I need to make sure…” Then, she opened the door.

Part Thirty

Dusk was creeping upon the swamps of the Everfree Forest. The air above this area always became harder to fly through for Spitfire during this time of day. The fog and greenery made Zecora’s hut more difficult to spot as well, but that had become less of a problem lately thanks to so many trips made back and forth. All her time spent flying up until hitting this point in her voyage had been filled with her thinking about what had transpired, and how she’d break this to Zecora.

Whistling on by the treetops, Spitfire said aloud, “How I’m supposed to break this to anypony is beyond me.”

It had been a short flight. Upon seeing some smoke rising from a clearing, she banked. Landing smoothly, she straightened herself, and stood before the cloth door leading into Zecora’s hut. Her hoof felt her head, and she solemnly breathed quietly before pulling out the flower from her pocket.

It rested noticeably on her hoof, and moved ever so slightly when the wind touched it. “Here we go…”

With her entrance came even less sounds of the jungle. Zecora sat right there before the table, busy as ever. She’d been fiddling with some exotic roots and other bowls of ingredients. The second the object that Spitfire held came into the zebra’s sight, however, she quickly dropped what she was doing.

“I… do not believe this,” Zecora voiced dramatically.

“It’s alright.”

“But, where did you find it? Did something go amiss?”

“No,” Spitfire assured her striped and worried friend. “Everything went according to plan… Well, except that Rainbow Dash fell in love with Twilight naturally.” She tossed the flower to the wooden table, and said, “I found it in Rainbow’s clinic room, the one she occupied when she was hurt. It was under the bed this whole time.”

Zecora gulped. “Then, that’s the only logical explanation given its location.”

At that time, Spitfire placed her hooves on the table to once again weigh her options while standing over the dead flower. “I could keep this a secret. I could… tell them the truth of what I tried to do, so that they know the suits had minor to no impact on their relationship.”

“The outcome would be the same, though, no matter which way you go.”

Spitfire made a pained face. “Exactly, but still, Zecora. The right thing to do is to tell them what I’ve done.”

Zecora asked while putting her hoof on Spitfire’s, “I don’t mean to be brash, but do you still love Rainbow Dash?”

“I don’t know,” Spitfire replied, shaking her head.

At that, all Zecora could do was let go, and begin walking towards her room on the far side while stating, “You should hurry, for time is something you may lack. It’s almost time for those two to hit the sack.”

Now all alone, Spitfire grunted with what she had to do, but snatched up the flower for the last time, and got on her way to Twilight’s library.

Again, with how fast Spitfire flew, it didn’t take her long at all to reach her destination. However, before approaching the door to the library, or even landing for that matter, she hid in the same branch she’d used in the past to spy through the upstairs window. She mainly wanted to make sure the two were home, but when she saw what was inside, she had to take another moment to observe a bit more.

Right there, sitting on the bed was Rainbow, and before her was an open book of Daring Do. On top of Rainbow’s backside and wings was Twilight, cuddling and coyly listening to her pegasus read aloud.

Spitfire hadn’t considered Rainbow to be the type to enjoy reading so much, but it seemed she was really into the activity. Spitfire saw this most when Rainbow squinted her eyes, and then pointed at what she’d read, the delighted look on her face unmistakable.

If Spitfire were asked what she was feeling right then and there, she wouldn’t have know what to say. She’d wasted enough time with this anyway, and leaped down, gliding to the door. She straightened her jacket and took off her glasses, and then gulped. Biting her bottom lip, Spitfire was tempted to do nothing at all, or maybe even fly away.

“No,” she told herself. “I can’t walk away from this.” She knocked, and hard.

Then came the waiting. To her surprise, it wasn’t even Twilight or Rainbow Dash that answered her. It was some tiny, purple dragon she’d never seen before. He stared at her, and she looked down at him. More specifically, the piece of literature in his claw. It was a Bolts Illustrated issue with Spitfire on the cover.

“Holy Luna! S-S-Spitfire!?” the little guy asked, backing away into the room and awkwardly shelving what he held in the fiction section.

Spitfire simply walked in, looked around, and said while rolling her eyes, “Yep. Is Twilight and Rainbow Dash around?”

Spike blinked, and scratched his head for a second. “Let me, uh, go get them for you.”

Spitfire watched him leave, nodded once alone, and decided to check out exactly what he had tried to hide back there. “Better not be the one I’m thinking of…”

It was. All she needed was another good glance, and she could already tell. Spitfire rolled her eyes yet again, and continued to wait, and in little time at all, she’d be greeted by the two she had requested. Twilight lead the way.

Seeing the two now, all up close and together like this, fully undressed and both donning a confused frown, Spitfire couldn’t help but look away rather unpleasantly. The sounds of their hoof steps seemed to go on for minutes, but the second they ended, a voice followed.

Twilight was the first to speak, and said, “Wow, you really are here…” Then, she smiled before looking at Rainbow who still kept wearing this worried face, and asked, “What brings you here?”

It was a funny question, and the answer, even funnier. The answer was Twilight, of course, but Spitfire refused to bring about any such confrontation. She could’ve, too, but she didn’t. Spitfire understood she was completely at fault here, and slowly stated, “I think…” She seemingly gagged. “I messed up.”

Twilight blinked with her mouth opening slightly. She looked at Rainbow who gave the same bewildered look, and then asked Spitfire, “You… What?”

While the Wonderbolt began fidgeting with her jacket pocket, Rainbow also asked, “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering so quickly, she simply pulled out the Polifern and rested it on the table. She didn’t dare even pick it back up again after that. One glance at Twilight’s disgruntled face told Spitfire she had an inkling of what was going on. “Do you know what this is?”

Rainbow shook her head, but Twilight spoke up. “It’s a…” She looked away, wishing to remember.

“Polifern,” Spitfire voiced. Then, she decided to unload. “I guess I should start at the beginning. Twilight? Explain to Rainbow Dash what this flower does, please.”

Twilight looked at Rainbow, scrunched her muzzle, and said, “It nullifies the enchanted uniforms the nurses and doctors at the Ponyville Clinic wear. It makes them useless to whoever’s nearest to the flower, so that if Spitfire has one and goes inside, she’s not affected by the clothing’s magical properties.”

Rainbow said simply, “In english please?”

Twilight groaned, and corrected with a bit of annoyance, “It’s used to keep from falling in love with the nurses and doctors while they’re enchanted.”

“I’m a friend of Zecora’s,” Spitfire said suddenly.

This caught both Twilight and Rainbow’s attention quite easily. Both went, “Huh?!”

“She and I go back somewhat, and, uh…” Spitfire looked the pegasus in the eyes. “Well, Rainbow? I liked you… Alot...”

Rainbow blushed, but not as much as Spitfire, but Spitfire blushed because of how tricky this situation was. She could even feel some sweat slide down her neck. Rainbow asked, “You… like me?”

“No,” Spitfire said while shaking her head. “I liked you. It happened at the Gala, I suppose, when you saved Sorren’s pie. Just… let me explain.” Rainbow had raised her hoof, but decided to settle it back down and gave Spitfire her chance. “Look, I know you’re with Twilight. I… spied on you two one night, just to make sure.”

Twilight predictably raised her eyebrows, but Rainbow had become less reactive after hearing about how her idol once loved her, but apparently not anymore by the sounds of things. Spitfire continued, “I had Zecora tweak one of these Polifern flowers to make you invulnerable to the uniform’s effect for about a month. That’s this one right here, but it had to be near you for at least twenty-four hours.”

Twilight asked probingly, “Well then, it must not’ve worked. How’d you plant it on Rainbow Dash?”

Spitfire chuckled. “Actually, Rainbow? Do you remember that bouquet we spoke about today, back in the clinic?”

Rainbow blinked, and breathed for a second before asking, “You… hid it with the flowers?”

Twilight stepped forth, now beyond confused. “But, wait… I myself removed that not five minutes after delivering it.” She looked down and held her head in thought. “This isn’t adding up.”

“The Polifern must’ve fallen,” Spitfire revealed with a shrug. Spitfire hadn’t realized the dead silence that was forming quickly. “I came to the clinic today to do some investigating of my own. Fleetfoot being there was just an excuse I took advantage of in case I ran into either of you.” She looked at the surprised faces of Twilight and Rainbow Dash, and finished, “I found it under the bed.”

Twilight’s eyes widened, and before asking her question, all she could do was stare at Spitfire for a good while. She’d never considered the mare able to do all of this, and to keep from losing Rainbow Dash nevertheless. “You mean… Rainbow Dash and I are…”

“Whoa, wait a minute,” Rainbow said while taking a step back from the other two. “Where’s the proof?”

Spitfire hastily answered, “If you’ve got the bouquet…”

Another moment of silence, and then Twilight walked off. She’d return from the basement with the vase still full of old, dead flowers, and at that, Rainbow would simply ask, “You’ve… had that thing all this time?”

Twilight sheepishly let out a sigh, and a giggle. “I might’ve forgotten about it.” She looked from Spitfire to Rainbow Dash. “Besides, I liked the vase.”

“Wondered where it went from the window sill…”

“Doesn’t matter,” Spitfire chimed. “The Polifern is gone, so...”

Rainbow looked at the flowers, sniffled, and remarked, “She’s right.” Then, Rainbow also mentioned mainly to Twilight while rubbing her nose, “Guess I’m not allergic to dead flowers…”

Twilight rolled her eyes with a smirk, and proceeded with putting it on the table. Spitfire then picked up the flower next to the vase, and returned it to the bouquet, right where she’d placed it so long ago. “I’m sorry for what I tried to do… You two are actually, honestly in love with one another. Put simply, the uniforms had very little to do with it.”

Rainbow commented, “Well, I wouldn’t say very little.” Twilight agreed by laughing, and Rainbow asked, “But, uh, does this mean I was gonna be a Wonderbolt because you liked me that much?”

Spitfire nodded, and stated, “Yeah, but this doesn’t change anything. I still expect you to do your best, because you’ll probably always be my best choice for the next official Wonderbolt.”

Rainbow perked up. “Yes Ma’am!”

Twilight snickered, and sighed. “I guess this is a good thing … Not for Spitfire, of course, but thank you. You did the right thing.” Twilight and Rainbow smiled, forgiving Spitfire for her misdeeds.

The jacketed pony smiled, too, and turned for the door. “I guess… that’s all there is to talk about, then.”

Before leaving the two with lots to discuss between themselves, Spitfire was stopped by Rainbow asking boldly, “Hey, before you go… So, you don’t still like me like that anymore?”

Spitfire breathed, and said, “I’ll probably always like you, Rainbow Dash, but…” She smoothed her hair, and finished, “I’m over the rainbow.”

With the message relayed, Spitfire left. Flying off, she’d be watched by Twilight and Rainbow Dash outside the tree house. Both felt a bit bad for her, but there was nothing they could do, just as there was really nothing Spitfire could do to stop Rainbow from falling in love with somepony else.

Epilogue

Spitfire sat on a cloud. The day was winding down, and her thoughts lingered on the most recent of events. She had ditched her jacket after stopping by her team’s secret pad, informing them all to start headed for Cloudsdale, and that she’d join them soon enough. She flexed her wings, and peered around the area, though mainly looking at the sunset.

She repeated the words said by Twilight. “I did the right thing… I think.”

She closed her eyes tightly, and when they opened them, she glanced down at Zecora’s hut below. It could be seen through the other clouds above its location, and she then considered going down. “I still need to see Zecora off,” Spitfire said to herself. “She’s helped me through thick and thin…”

In no time at all, she was off her cloud and on the ground, standing before the door. She entered, and found the interior seemingly void of its owner. Sitting on the table was a note, but Spitfire called out for Zecora anyways. “Zecora? You home?”

No answer, so she read what was written on the piece of paper. “Went to get herbs for tonight's stew. Be back in a few.” She smirked at Zecora's rhyming even being in her writings, and looked around for a bit. The hammock Zecora slept on stood out most in the room, on the far side. It was what inspired Spitfire to try and make one for herself outside. “Wasn’t easy, either…”

As she came nearer to it, staring at the top bed she often occupied at nights, she wondered why Zecora was so determined to help her out. “Just friendship, huh?” She looked down at the nightstand, and considered opening its single drawer. More times than Spitfire could count, she’d seen Zecora pull some sort of book out of there, write something in it, and then return it.

Her hoof rested on the wooden knob. “Probably her diary…”

It opened, and sure enough, there sat Zecora’s personal log of everything that had transpired. She picked it up, and skimmed to the most recent page. While flipping through rhyme after jumbled rhyme, she told herself, “This is bad for my OCD.”

Finally, the latest line was found. Once more, she read aloud, “So now I await the news, and still, I worry Spitfire might find out about the fond feelings I’ve developed for her with such lovely time spent. If only she knew which direction her love truly went.”

She closed it, and returned it to the night stand. For a good, long while, Spitfire merely stood there, trying to figure out how to go about this. She had followed the rainbow, and it didn’t lead to anything spectacular for her. So now, was she to go after the black and white stripes instead?

“Heh…” She faced the exit of the hut. “If I don’t, I might lose my chance like I did with Rainbow.” Now comparing the two in her mind, Spitfire mentioned to herself, “In fact, I never realized how… beautiful Zecora really is until now…”

She looked outside through the creases of the cloth door, and made up her mind. She left in search for Zecora, and she'd be found not collecting herbs, but resting and bathing on a rock by a waterfall. It didn’t take Spitfire long to find this location, and come walking up. Uninvited, her hooves sloshed in some mud, but that was quickly washed away with her entering the sparkling water.

Zecora could be heard gasping in the distance. “Spitfire? I wasn't expecting you.” Spitfire didn’t respond. She simply allowed the zebra to finish. “I picked herbs as you can see. Most were shrivelled, but they’ll do.”

Spitfire looked to her left at a stump. On it sat a bag full of Zecora’s supplies. She then looked back towards the water, and said, “I told them about the flower. They… forgave me.”

Zecora had gotten off her rock, and was now approaching her winged friend. As she came up, she nodded. “Good to hear, but something troubles you still.” She did her best to smile. “There’s only one way this can go now, and it’s certainly not downhill.”

Spitfire looked away, her attempt at hiding her growing frown failing more and more. “When I got home, I might’ve read your diary.”

Spitfire could tell Zecora’s stomach had just received a heavy dose of butterflies, because her face was one of shock. She didn’t say a word, though, so Spitfire continued, which only made Zecora blush profusely.

“More specifically, the most recent entry. I had wondered for the longest time why you were doing this. For my friendship? For your own personal gain? For love?” Zecora glanced away, her left hoof rubbing its partner. Spitfire took a pause to stare at the pony. “And it turns out, it was because you developed a crush for me…”

Zecora bowed her head. “I do apologize, but I can’t help feeling this way. So, I understand if you don’t share these emotions, and wouldn’t wish to stay.”

Spitfire felt tempted to just kiss Zecora then and there, but compulsed herself. Instead, she asked, “What to do…? Ask you out on a date?”

The look on Zecora’s face changed from regret to surprise the second she returned her gaze to the pony in front of her. “T-that seems the proper choice.”

Spitfire then finished Zecora’s rhyme for her. “Huh… I’ve never heard your stuttering voice.” She took one step, and was now muzzle to muzzle with the nervous zebra. “I could just kiss you…”

Zecora did her best to mumble, “That’s not what I was going to s-”

She was stopped by Spitfire pressing her lips against hers. They stood there in the water just like that, Zecora’s eyes wide, but slowly drooping the deeper the kiss got, both loving one another’s taste. When it ended, Zecora had to voice, “Hopefully you don’t find this question bad, but does this mean you’re not mad?”

Spitfire laughed under her breath, and said, “Far from it.” She kissed her new special somepony again, her hoof resting on Zecora's chest, and for a slight second, Rainbow crossed the Wonderbolt's mind. That would be the last time Rainbow would leech herself into Spitfire’s head until they saw one another again.

In the time that passes after this, with little need to work at the clinic anymore, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash eventually decide to respectively quit, and Dr. Stables understood fully. They had to, and it was mainly because Twilight had been receiving more and more friendship related endeavors to see to, and could no longer juggle the two responsibilities.

Rainbow had made a full recovery by then, and was becoming more and more preoccupied with flight again. As one might be able to guess, Rainbow was the first to leave the establishment, and Twilight soon followed. Dr. Stables and Nurse Redheart were content with the services the two had provided them while employed there, as well the help with their relationship.

As for Spitfire and Zecora, the two would part in the morning. However, it wouldn’t be long until Spitfire would be returning to the hut once more, anticipating Zecora’s companionship each and every day that went by without her. Until that day came around when she'd be able to see her special somepony again, Spitfire would have no choice but to eagerly wait it out.

Part Seventeen

“Hurry up, Twilight! We’re gonna be late!”

“I’m going as fast as I can!”

If one was to look out their windows on a particularly sunny Thursday morning within the small, sound town of Ponyville, just at the eastern edge, they would’ve seen two familiar ponies racing towards the clinic. It wouldn’t be a very odd thing to see were it not for being the very crack of dawn.

Twilight glanced over her shoulder quickly to see the sun rising. Usually, she’d be at the door by that time, greeting Dr. Stables as they entered and got right to work. Directly above her, Rainbow flew at the same pace. Both ponies couldn’t believe they’d overslept.

When Spike came to them that morning telling the two what time it was, Twilight almost threw a fit. It wouldn’t have been directed at Rainbow or Spike, but mostly herself. She made a promise not to ever be remotely late for her job, so this was, naturally, one of her worst imaginings ever conceived.

“It was that book,” Twilight thought to herself while galloping along. “I spent too much time reading last night, and added with the training session Rainbow went through, both of us could’ve predicted this happening while fully awake, but not tired! Noooo!”

“Twilight, I see it!”

The unicorn huffed from relief once looking back up, but felt numb when she saw Dr. Stables with his keys. “Hurry!” Twilight chimed in.

They pushed themselves faster and faster. And then, the doctor dropped his things, giving Twilight and Rainbow a few more seconds. He picked it up again, and they hastened their pace. Just before he was able to insert the correct key into the slot, Dr. Stables turned around.

Twilight and Rainbow stood right behind him, huffing and puffing, but smiling all the same. “H-hey, doc!” Rainbow said awkwardly, trying to keep her cool. “What’s up?”

Twilight interrupted. “We’re on time, right?”

Dr. Stables took a deep breath, and then chuckled sheepishly. “You’re fine, girls. You know, I’m nothing if not a lenient boss. You show up late on a blue moon isn’t gonna make me too awfully upset. Just don’t make a habit out of it,” he looked Rainbow’s way, “Dash…”

The doors were unlocked, and the three walked in. Rainbow and her friend was just getting ready to head down the hall, straight for the dressing room when Twilight heard Dr. Stables gasp. Rainbow heard it too, so they returned briefly. Inside the half lit lobby, Dr. Stables stood open mouthed, and staring at the calendar partnering the light switches.

“Doc?” Rainbow asked, tempted to nudge him on the shoulder. “You alright?”

“It’s the seventeenth…”

Even Twilight was confused by the significance of that particular date. “What about it?” she asked.

With a wayward glance towards the two, Dr. Stables smiled slightly. “Twilight, you don’t remember?”

And then it hit her. It’d been well over a month since Nurse Redheart left for the convention, and unless Twilight was mistaken, that meant today was her returning day in which she’d be coming back home to resume her work.

With a smile forming of her own, Twilight nodded. “Whatever you need, Rainbow Dash and I will be more than happy to help.”

“Huh, what?” Rainbow looked back and forth at the two. “What’s going on? What happens on the seventeenth?”

In a girly tone of voice, Dr. Stables squealed, “Nurse Redheart’s on her way!”

Even Twilight couldn’t stop herself from snickering at his excitement. “You see, Rainbow, before I was hired, Nurse Redheart held the role of Lead Nurse around here. She did what I’m doing now. That, and she’s Dr. Stable’s best friend.”

Rainbow nodded with a growing smirk. “Oooh, I see! The doc here’s got a thing for her, don’cha?”

He took a step back, cheeks redder than a tomato. “What? me? I… don’t know what you two are talking about! We’re just acquaintances is all, and I’m overjoyed to have her back.”

Rainbow chuckled, “Whatever you say.”

Twilight then said, “We’d better hurry up and get dressed. I’ll snatch some cleaning supplies, and Rainbow will-”

“Whoa, whoa, why do we need to clean anything? The place looks fine to me.”

Dr Stables answered, “Because! We want this clinic looking spic and span for when she arrives. Just do this for me, please?”

With a rather drawn out groan, Rainbow complied with, “Fine, I’ll clean… But I won’t like it!”

“Good, then I’ll take care of the counter, front windows, and everything she’ll be seeing when she gets here.”

With a sarcastic tone, Rainbow asked, “Does that include your office?”

Before he could mumble an embarrassed reply, Twilight yanked Rainbow out of the room and down the halls. The two got dressed into their usual clothing and proceeded to gather cleaning supplies. “This way,” Twilight instructed while Rainbow pulled along a yellow bucket filled with soapy water.

“I thought we’re doing the halls,” Rainbow commented.

“We are! But first, I wanna get Nurse Redheart’s personal area situated.” The two entered a door located at the very front of the clinic, right where the hallways started. “I haven’t been in here since forever. While I mop, think you could dust?”

“Yeah, sure.” Rainbow snatched her cleaning utensil and brushed it along the book case. While she did, Twilight magically yanked the mop head in and out of the bucket, swishing it along the floor, and then repeating those steps. However, she did this dangerously close to Rainbow’s way, mostly in the section where the pegasus might not see her.

Something unexpected happened at that point. What was supposed to be an easy, quick clean up of Nurse Redheart’s room ended up with Rainbow clumsily slipping on a wet spot, grabbing onto her friend’s shoulder in a failed attempt to retain her balance, and instead pulling Twilight down to the ground along with her.

Just like that, Twilight was toppled onto Rainbow’s frame. Though it was accidental, Rainbow didn’t mind as much as Twilight. “What was that for?” Twilight questioned.

“Ehehe, sorry Twi. I slipped.” Rainbow held the back of her head partly out of embarrassment and pain from the impact.

Twilight simply sighed, “Be more careful next time, alright?”

She looked down, staring into Rainbow’s eyes, waiting for a response. She should’ve known better, though. With the way the lights above were shining down on her, and Twilight’s mane resting in random strands around the pegasus’s chest, Rainbow became slightly paralyzed.

Her smile slowly dissipated, and a worried, partially open mouthed glare replaced that expression in only a few seconds. Twilight acted the same, and just before she was able to ask if Rainbow was alright, she got her answer; not in words, but in a sudden, partially welcomed action.

Rainbow always was a risk taker, and this was no different. She knew Twilight liked her more than a mere friend, and vice versa. Truthfully, there wasn’t much holding her back. By gripping Twilight’s neck calmly, and making it quicker than even Twilight would’ve liked, Rainbow kissed her as though doing so wasn’t going to phase the two one bit.

It was hardly even making out in Rainbow’s opinion. More like a prolonged peck, if anything, but it was just barely enough to see how much she would’ve like it. For what it was worth, her satisfaction was well beyond what she herself expected.

Once it was over, instead of looking shocked or mortified, Twilight merely blushed, blinking a little, too. Then, she stood up, grabbed the mop, and turned the other way mostly to hide her unstoppable grin. Once on her hooves again as well, Rainbow gulped before saying, “Sorry, Twilight. Iunno what got into me…”

“It’s alright,” Twilight said, her back still facing Rainbow. “You’ve got that enchantment on you. Just… don’t let it happen again.”

She didn’t sound at all mad, or even against the instance. To Rainbow’s perspective, Twilight acted cheerful, like she was just as glad that they’d finally kissed, even if it was for little more than a moment or two.

In no time at all, they finished up, and resumed their work outside. In the lobby, Dr. Stables stayed just as busy if not more. One could tell by his irremovable smirk, the spring in his step, and the tiny glint in his eyes that he was anticipating Nurse Redheart’s return more than anypony else in the whole clinic.

“What time is it?” he asked after looking over his self-assigned tasks. “She’ll be here by one or two.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Which is it?”

“Well, she wasn’t exactly thorough with those sort of details. The letter I got about four days ago simply said she’d be just in time for some lunch.”

Rainbow went ahead and told him, “It’s twelve forty five.”

As though getting caught doing something criminal, Dr. Stables quickened his pace, checking the waiting tables for rings left behind by guest drinks, adjusting the picture on his side of the desk, and asking the two, “Do I look alright? No, wait. Do I look presentable?”

Both nurses fought back chuckles, Twilight nodding. “You look fine!”

“Are you sure?”

A voice from behind answered, “Better than ever in my opinion!”

Dr. Stables froze before not only his two employees sitting behind the counter, but also in front of whoever complimented him from behind. It was her. It had to be her. How could it not be her? Who else in all of Equestria had such a lovely, soft voice? She was here, and why was Dr. Stables unable to move?

“Nurse Redheart!” Twilight beamed. “You’re back! How was the convention?”

She walked right next to Dr. Stables, gently placed a hoof around him, and said, “Fantastic! I got awards, talked with Princess Celestia and everything. What about you, Doctor?” He looked at her with a quirky, though natural looking snicker. “How’ve you been holding up without me this whole month, hmm?”

He kept his cool, wondering why he couldn’t stop shaking, and admitted, “Oh, it’s been kind of lonely without you, but Twilight’s been keeping me company while filling in for you. She’ll be your new assistant, and this is Rainbow.” He gestured to the pegasus. “She’ll also be taking orders from you, and Twilight as well.”

Letting go of the doctor, Nurse Redheart leaned over the counter, eyeing the two kindly. “So, you’re Rainbow Dash… Ah, that’s right! You were here once before, weren’t you? What happened this time? If I’m not mistaken, Dr. Stables said something about a hurt hoof?”

Rainbow snickered. “Yeah, it was, like, right after you left. And I enjoyed being here so much, I decided to get a job while the Wonderbolts are away!”

“Oh, that’s right,” Redheart said, nodding. “They’re on some important mission, right? And what about you, Twilight?” She leaned over to the unicorn. “How’s everything been so far?”

With a cheeky grin, Twilight simply said, “Fine, just fine. Nothing to report, really. I’ve been filing everything out efficiently according to Dr. Stables, and I don’t mean to sound boastful, but I think I’ve got some tips you could use. I’ve been working really hard on developing different alternatives to keeping things neat and orderly.”

Nurse Redheart grinned with appreciation. “Sounds like a plan!” For almost all of the conversation, the doctor hadn’t hardly said two words, but that was about to change. “Say, Doctor?” Nurse Redheart asked, getting his attention quickly.

“Yeah?”

“I need to speak to you privately, preferably in my office.”

“Well, I uh… I have some work that still needs-” She jerked his neck with her tail, just like she used to. “Umm… Okay.”

While they walked off, Twilight and Rainbow predictably started asking each other what that was all about, forming rumors, and gossiping between themselves. What was actually going on involved Dr. Stable’s two newest nurses more so than they thought.

Once the door closed shut, and Dr. Stables was sat down on a free seat, Nurse Redheart explained, “I took some counseling lessons on my free time from other prestigious medical physicians with the same sort of problems we have; the ones that involve these uniforms from the empire.”

Dr. Stables nodded hesitantly. “That’s… good? I mean, what use would that have over here? Am I missing something?”

Smiling at his obliviousness, Nurse Redheart asked, “How long ago did Twilight and Rainbow Dash start their little love affair?”

“Ooooh...” The doctor huffed, and confessed, “Ever since Rainbow’s second injury. Now, I’m afraid Twilight’s developing affectionate emotions towards Rainbow, too. For Twilight, it has nothing to do with the outfit. And, frankly, I didn’t think you’d pick up on my messages within those letters.”

Coming closer, and then settling down in front of him, Nurse Redheart ventured onward. “Tell me everything.”

Part Twenty-Nine

The room Spitfire had entered was unlike any other hospital room she’d ever been inside of. She could literally see the shadows of where it’d been previously used by Rainbow, however nopony else for quite some time. As she came closer towards the interior, checking the curtained off cubical to her right, she made sure she was alone before coming up to the end of the bed.

She commented as she felt the iron bars that propped the mattress, “Sheets are still undone.” The pillow could be found on the ground, and to say the bed was unmade was a bit of an understatement. It probably needed new sheets entirely.

The next thing that came into sight was the nightstand, and the window that, thanks to the sun, shined brightly behind it, and to the left a little. To Spitfire, it looked big enough for her to easily fit through once she had finished here.

The next thing to come into view was a few dirty looking marks on the wall, and lying on the ground was a bouncy ball. “She must’ve been pretty bored at times…” Looking up, there were more marks on the ceiling itself to be discovered.

She turned back around to look more closely at the nightstand, and came up to it to see what was sitting on its wooden surface. From afar, it just looked like an ordinary framed picture, but upon more inspection, it turned out to be a picture of a Rainbow with her closest friends.

Spitfire immediately saw Twilight amongst all the others, all the way to the right. Rainbow was found on the other side, next to a butter yellow coated pegasus. “Taken well before Rainbow and Twilight fell in love, obviously… How did it come to this?” She backed away slowly, and considered leaving, gulping as the thought began to sound more and more tempting.

She could see the instance happening before her very eyes. Twilight ran in, Rainbow coughing and pleading for her to just remove the vase. Twilight, of course, does so, and her shadow runs right by Spitfire. She’s out the door, and the Polifern goes with her.

To Spitfire, there seemed to be nothing left for her to investigate here. Her campaign for Rainbow’s heart had clearly reached its end, right there, in that room. “Before it even began?”

She turned and faced the door, now scowling, but not because she was angry. Spitfire scowled because she had to fight back her tears. Her hoof rested on the cool doorknob, and time slowed down. She shivered, trying not to look back at the scene, but she couldn’t stop herself.

Her head was held low, and as she glanced to the bed for what she believed to be one last time, her sights trailed right by the hanging blanket shielding the bottom portion of the bed. Sitting right there, shriveled and shadowy laid a Polifern flower beneath. It had fallen off the vase so long ago, and had gotten pushed by the wind Twilight made when she closed the door behind herself. It had gone unnoticed by anypony for all this time.

The pegasus’s eyes went wide with a mixture of realization, and regret. “Is that…?” She stumbled for a second, but completed what she was saying nevertheless. “Is that what I think it is?” She stared at it blankly, her body persisting to inch ever closer.

She forced herself to turn back into the room, the walls becoming more darker as the sun was blocked slightly by the clouds. Her movements towards the bed were unsteady, and slow, too. Her mouth hung open slightly, and the more the flower came into sight, the more Spitfire wanted to lose it.

She finally reached the end, squatted down to the floor, and reached out for it without looking. Her eyes checked the door to see if anypony was coming, but the coast still remained clear for now. As it noticeably slid out and into better view, Spitfire sighed remorsefully. She held the Polifern that Zecora had tweaked so long ago in her shaky hooves, and could feel her body trembling that much more.

“It was here… all along.” Her head jerked up, and her voice became that much more pained. “But, that would mean… they're truly in love?”

Another sigh, and then a huff. This was all so much for Spitfire to take in at once. It was enough to make her head spin. While she still held the thing, she murmured, “There was nothing I could’ve done, then.” She breathed heavily. “Pony feathers… Now what?”

Just then, she came back to reality thanks to the noises she heard coming from behind her. “Just a minute,” came a muffled, though familiar voice through the walls. This made Spitfire stop breathing so erratically for a moment. It was Rainbow Dash without a doubt. “I’ve gotta clean this room. Okay?”

The doorknob jiggled, causing Spitfire’s senses to kick in. She leaped to the ceiling in flight, rushed over to the cornered off cubical with the green curtains, and hid as silently as possible. The knob made another jiggling sound just as Spitfire was able to properly adjust herself, still holding onto the Polifern, and listened.

She breathed much more calmly now under pressure like this, not making a sound while Rainbow entered. She slammed the door, but it opened right back up, and that’s when Spitfire heard Rainbow gruff. “Now’s not the time, Beat!”

Then, a french accented voice smoothly sounded after the door closed yet again. “But, Dash! Why not have some fun? Twilight is busy, and more times than I can count I’ve caught you staring…”

Rainbow’s voice trailed. “Likewise… S-still, I’m with Twilight now! All I wanna do is clean this room. Not mess it up even more!”

The mare apparently named Beat commented after a second of silence, “If you were to mess it up, it would be with that lavender bookworm of your’s anyways. Huh?!” Spitfire heard Rainbow scoff, but neither pegasus said a word. So, Beat proceeded to ask, “What’s holding you back, Dash?”

“I… You have a special somepony! Doesn’t Medical Pleasure mean anything to you?” Rainbow asked, and Beat didn’t respond. “If you’ve been seeing other ponies than her-”

“I haven’t,” Beat responded abruptly. “This is the first I’ve ever even tried this.”

Rainbow’s shadow moved closer. “I’m the element of loyalty. You know that!”

Beat seemed to back away, and said, “Still, I liked you first! Remember?” Now, real sweet sounding, she mentioned, “Showed you my flank and everything…”

“That doesn’t matter! Even if you were single, the answer would still be no.” Rainbow stepped away. “I just… I just need to tidy up this room. Okay?” Spitfire began to sweat. If Rainbow cleaned up in here, she would unavoidably be found out.

“Fine,” Beat answered finally. “You’re probably right anyways, but still… Rainbow? Why did you have to come in that day with a broken hoof?”

“Huh?” Rainbow’s shadow motioned towards Beat. “What do you mean?”

It took her a moment to work up the nerve to say it, but finally, Beat managed to tell Rainbow, “Ever since I met you, I’ve had such mixed emotions. I think, though, that I just need to focus my attention on Medical Pleasure, and… not be distracted with you, or anypony else.”

“That sounds like a start, Beat…”

Her voice hiccuped, and growing cold, Beat said, “Then this will be the hard part…”

“Beat?” Rainbow asked, the shade of her hoof raising towards the mare across from her.

“That’s Nurse Quickpulse to you from now on.”

Rainbow took her time responding, but eventually nodded after putting down her hoof, and agreed. “Got it.”

Then, Beat Quickpulse simply left, which meant it was just Rainbow and Spitfire now. Spitfire inhaled deeply, but stayed mute while furtively hiding so closely near Rainbow. The pegasus beyond the green ruffles turned away from the door, her breathing getting louder, and then she groaned.

Rainbow walked up to the window, and stared out at the rays reaching down to touch the town. She stayed motionless for a moment, enough that Spitfire took a chance, and peered above the rails to see what Rainbow was doing.

She just stood there, staring. Then, out of nowhere, she asked in concern, “Spitfire?” This startled Spitfire so much that she had to duck, and she waited, listening with raised eyebrows. Had she been found out? How? She merely poked her head out to take a peak. She gulped as Rainbow continued to speak. “I’d like to talk to you for a moment.”

Spitfire heard Rainbow shuffle, and grunt, “No, no… Spitfire, I need to tell you something...” To Spitfire’s great relief, she was merely rehearsing. “I might’ve had a small crush on you… before I got admitted into the clinic. Now, though, I’ve fallen in love with a unicorn named Twilight, a friend of mine that works along side me at the Ponyville Clinic.”

She breathed out through her nose. “So, even though you didn’t show any direct attraction to me, I, uh…” Once again, Spitfire peered, and this time, she saw Rainbow with her head bowed, looking at the bouncy ball beneath her. She seemed lost in her words. “I just want you to know, I’m...”

Just then, the door opened for the last time. It was Twilight intruding, and Spitfire moved out of the way so quickly that she knocked herself into the bed, revealing her location to Rainbow, and that she hadn’t been alone.

“Rainbow,” Twilight said first. “I’m done with my shift, and I need your help with-”

“Err, yeah!” Rainbow cooperated awkwardly, and voiced over to the other occupant of the room, “Sorry for disturbing your sleep, sir! Or… ma’am.”

As quickly as her rehearsal had ended, she was out of there. Spitfire could hear the two talking for a bit longer, Rainbow explaining in a hushed and hurried tone what was going on while leaving out plenty of detail, and Twilight asking her usual probing questions. Their voices eventually faded, and Spitfire was alone again, finally.

She exited the cubicle, blinked, and tilted her head to the bed. Laying the flower down on the sheets to look at it more closely, it now a bit crushed thanks to being under her unsettled grip for so long, it was rotted slightly purple, but mostly grey. The stem was bent, but it still resembled the ones Spitfire used to see at Zecora’s hut all the time.

As if she were picking up right where she’d left off at, Spitfire asked aloud, “What now?”

She weighed her options while standing over the dead flower. “Tell Twilight and Rainbow of what I’ve done? Just tell Twilight? Just Rainbow Dash? Just tell Zecora? Or, just tell nopony?” She closed her eyes tight, gritting her teeth. “No, I need to tell Zecora,” Spitfire told herself. “I should see what advice she has to offer further.”

After Spitfire began to take better care for the flower by placing it in her front pocket, she opened the window. Gracefully as ever, Spitfire leaped out and began to soar up to the clouds above, headed straight for the Everfree Forest with the sun shining brightly over head.

Part One

It was a seemingly slow day at the Ponyville Clinic as always, but today was about to get much more interesting.

Dr. Stables, the brown maned stallion with a heartbeat monitor cutie mark was at his desk filing the usual paperwork that came in daily. His tired eyes looked over at the notepad once more for the fifty-third time and lazily returned to the documents in front of him. He happily averted his gaze as the mail pony came in through the sliding glass doors with an upbeat trot. Relieved at the visitor arriving and hopefully saving himself from the dull silence, Dr. Stables stood and greeted his guest with a content smile. “Welcome to the Ponyville Clinic! What might I be able to do for you on this fine afternoon?”

“Nothing much, but I do have a letter for one Ms. Nurse Redheart.” The mail pony reached into his bag and dug out a small envelope with her cutie mark labeling it.

As it was snatched up by the doctor’s magical aura, the gentlecolt asked, “What for? It appears to be from Canterlot...”

“Beats me,” The delivery steed claimed. “All I know is it’s for her hooves to open only, and that I should keep out of her business.”

Once he left, Dr. Stables’ ears drooped in dissatisfaction, then the doctor magically clicked the buzzer and spoke into the microphone, “Nurse Redheart, you’ve got a letter. Come on over to the front desk once you’re finished with your current task, please.”

Several minutes passed by before a mare with a soft pink mane and a brilliant, snow white coat emerged from around the corner. “Was I called?”

“Yes,” Dr. Stables said. “You’ve got this letter from Canterlot. Your hooves only.”

Curiously accepting the parchment, she slowly opened and began to read it with a growing smirk.

“What’s it say?” the doctor questioned, his own curiosity getting the better of him.

“They want me to attend the National Nurse Convention as a guest of honor! I attend the convention every year, but this is a dream come true! Only the best nurses get to speak, so I must’ve impressed somepony important this year at the clinic.” She lifted her hooves to her face as she squealed in delight. “I’m so excited!”

“Whoa there,” the doctor laughed. “Now, don’t you need a waiver to be accepted into those sort of things from the lead doctor of your assigned hospital? Guests of honor have to stay the entire duration of the event, plus you’ll need at least a day or two to travel. That’s quite the extended vacation...”

She turned to him with blushing cheeks, and lowering her muzzle while still keeping eye contact, she tentatively asked, “Um, may I please go, Doctor?”

He chuckled lightly and answered, “Of course you can. Just be sure to get me a gift while you’re there. I’ve been needing a shiny new stethoscope.” He winked at her, making the nurse’s face turn bright red. Without warning, Nurse Redheart gripped him by the neck and hugged the unicorn tightly.

“Thank you so much! I won’t forget this.” She smiled and slowly backed away, excitement and nervousness lingering over her head as she exited the clinic to head home and prepared for her travels.

Dr. Stables grew wide eyed as he glanced around, a sudden realization knotting in his stomach. “I don’t have a Lead Nurse anymore...”

Hastily, he pulled out several pamphlets looking for the specific one detailing the convention’s time of start and end. Once he found it, his jaw dropped. “Three whole weeks?!”

Dr. Stables placed the paper down on his desk and shook his head while chuckling at his own predicament. “I have got to learn not to make my mind up on such subjects so quickly... Now what am I to do? Without Nurse Redheart, this place won’t stay organized for very long... But I couldn’t dream of ruining this opportunity for her anyway...”

He trailed off from speaking to himself and glanced around the corner to see all the less experienced nurses tending to the sick and injured patients, cluttering up their charts and misfiling their medical histories. Without Nurse Redheart’s exceptional guidance, these young mares were lost.

Just then, a young white nurse with a blonde mane stumbled around the corner with a bundle of paperwork in her hooves. “Where should I file this pony’s injury reports in relation to her blood-work and x-rays? Because we can’t just, like, put it all together right?”

The head doctor glanced down at his own desk covered in odd stacks of papers and files. “Well... just leave those here for now and I’ll figure it out in a minute.” He let his face fall gracefully into the desk as the nurse trotted away. “We need help...”

As he kept his head planted on the pile of papers, a hoof tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me doctor, but I couldn’t help but overhear, and well... I noticed for myself that you’re having a bit of an issue.”

Dr. Stables glanced up into the deep blue eyes of a gorgeous white mare standing in front of him. “I’m sorry. My behaviour just now was completely unprofessional... I just...”

“Say no more my dear. I understand better than anypony that sometimes it helps to just let it all out. Now, if all this clutter and unorganized piles of seemingly endless paperwork is a problem, I know just the mare who’d be glad to help with what most would consider this an arduous, or tedious task. I do believe she makes a hobby of this sort of thing.” The mare looked him in the eye and smiled softly. “Go down to the library and pay Twilight Sparkle a visit.”

“Twilight... Sparkle... She organises the Winter Wrap Up each year, right? She’d be perfect, I think. Of course, I’d need to run down the same, usual check up on Twilight before I actually hired her.” He leaned up and brushed off his long white lab-coat. “Thank you for your recommendation Mrs...”

“Call me Rarity dear. Now before you go, mind letting me in to see my sister? I’ve been waiting for what seems like an eternity already, and she’s only supposed to have a quick checkup.” The mare fluttered her lashes and nodded towards the infirmary.

Without a second thought, the doctor nodded and placed an ‘Out To Lunch’ sign upon his desk. “Go right ahead, and thank you again. You may have saved this hospital quite the headache. Just head down that hallway and check all the rooms to the left until you see her. I’ll be back shortly.”

He cantered out of the clinic, and in no time at all, he reached the library. Dr. Stables knocked, then heard a feminine voice shout, “Spike, could you get that, please?”

“Why can’t you get it?” the dragon groaned.

“I’m in the shower!”

A moment of silence fell upon the waiting unicorn. He scuffled his hooves on the welcoming mat and took in the sweet scent of flowers that were blooming on the windowsill before finally hearing tromping sounds gradually grow louder. The door opened, and Spike looked up at the visitor. “Hello?”

The doctor smiled and introduced himself. “I’m Dr. Stables, and I’m here to see a miss Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike blinked and shrugging, granting him entrance. The dragon walked over to the couch and chanted, “Twilight, that one doctor from the clinic up the street’s here to talk to you.”

“Coming right down,” the mare shouted as she shut the water off.

The doctor’s jaw fell slack once again as the young mare came trotting down the stairway. Her still moist coat glistened and her long, damp mane clung to her neck and chest. Using her magical aura, she ran the towel across her body and down each leg, the brown stallion gulping as he stared.

With the towel stretched from Twilight’s neck to her mane, she gave herself one more gentle, drying rub, and asked, “Who’s here, Spike?”

The dragon didn’t even peer her way, but instead sat with a book covering his face and pointed to his left. “That doctor.”

Twilight stopped what she was doing, and blushed as she lowered the towel to see her guest staring blankly at her. “Oh, sorry about that. I thought you were one of my friends. In that case...” With her magic cascading from her horn, she instantly made herself appropriate by enchantingly straightening her mane and making every drop of water disappear. “There we go. Now then, you wanted to speak to me?”

Dr. Stables seemed to completely, though unintentionally ignore her words. Instead of responding, he just continued to stare at her, transfixed at how sexually provocative she’d been not a minute ago. So to help him along, Spike nudged his side with an elbow. “Oh, right... Uh, I was... Um...” The unicorn gulped before finding the right words to say. “Nurse Redheart; you recall her, right?”

Twilight beamed. “Oh, of course! She was so kind to us the day Rainbow Dash was admitted.”

“Well, there’s my problem. You see, today, she left for this convention that’s taking place in Canterlot. Before I realized it, I’d let my Lead Nurse take a three week break, and we’ve got quite a few new nurses still being trained, and even the older nurses were heavily reliant on Nurse Redheart’s guidance... My nurses are excellent in their performances, but to say the least, they’re a little sloppy with the filing. Somepony recommended you to help us keep the place organized. I don’t suppose...”

Twilight’s unsure frown soon changed to a flattered smile. “Sounds like you found the right mare for the job. I’d love to help out, so long as you don’t mind me bringing along a few books that I absolutely must read this week.”

The doctor nodded and asked, “Well first I have to ask, what, uh... experience have you in this line of work, Twilight?”

At that moment, Spike and the two ponies heard a crashing sound from upstairs. The dragon put the book down while gulping. “I think Owlicious is still trying to organize your personal library. I’d better go make sure he’s not trying anything too strenuous...” While Spike took care of business in the room, Twilight and Dr. Stables remained in the lobby chit chatting about her possible new title. The doctor caught Twilight’s attention by clearing his throat, somewhat pleased with being alone with the mare.

“Oh, yes. I’ve read a few books on nursing, not to mention several on medical procedures. I don’t think I’m qualified just yet, but give me a night with a certain book detailing what it takes to be a Lead Nurse, and I’m confident you’ll be happy with the results. I only just got it last week and haven’t even opened it! That’s mainly because it’s so...”

“Big?” Dr. Stables asked.

“No, actually,” Twilight corrected him. “It’s too small!”

Looking away at the shelves in disbelief, the stallion shrugged. “I knew I took you for a reader, but that’s impressive... Well then,” he proudly said. “I guess you start tomorrow! We’ll need to do just a few tests, an interview or two, and you’ll be all set.” Standing up and staring at Twilight’s grinning muzzle, Dr. Stables explained, “You’ll need to show up early at the clinic; around six I’d say. Once then, I’ll have some paper work for you to fill out, a new uniform ready and probably even your very first assignment.”

The two shook hooves, and Dr. Stables was kindly shown out shortly after informing Twilight she’d gotten past the first part of employment.

Looking back at Twilight waving goodbye, he said to himself, “What a nice unicorn...” However, the image of the wet, sexy mare lingered in his mind. Shaking his head to clear the memory, he finished, “And somehow alluring... I’m gonna have a tough time when she puts on that uniform...”

Meanwhile, as Dr. Stables retreated to fill out the new-hire paperwork, Twilight returned to her room and greeted Spike. “Is everything alright?”

The dragon rolled his eyes and said, “Owlicious tried to carry your new book over to the shelves. Obviously, he didn’t make it.”

Twilight hovered the book from the ground while magically repairing a broken vase and said, “Well, if I’m going to be a nurse for a while, I’d better brush up on what I’ll be doing!”

As for the owl, he returned to his perch and asked, “Who?”

Twilight glanced at him and claimed, “Me!”

“Who?”

The piece of literature Twilight brought up after giggling at her pet’s questionings was a thick, thousand-paged medical informant that had more than enough references she wished to research. Upon seeing its thick size, Spike grunted and asked, “Is reading that thing really necessary, Twilight?”

Not even peering his way, the mare opened the book to page one and stated, “Yes.”

A few hours passed by, and Twilight was almost finished with her read. It was about five minutes to nine, Spike was already in bed, and the unicorn kept letting off an exhausted yawn with every page turned. Finally, the paperback cover shut and the book was returned to its place on the shelf. Twilight looked at the time, then smirked and confidently stated, “I could’ve totally kept going... but I’ve got a big day ahead of me, so I guess I’ll just relax and sleep... Spike?”

The dragon stirred awake momentarily and looked up to his friend. “Yeah...?”

Before speaking, Twilight gave yet another powerful yawn. “I’ll be gone all day tomorrow... So, be a good assistant and keep this place clean while I’m gone for me?” As the covers were magically pulled over her, Twilight resumed, “More than likely, I’ll be so busy with this new job of mine, I won’t find time to be around much anymore for a while, so you’ll be required to look after the library during my absence. Think you can do that for me?”

The slumbery being gave her a thumbs up and quickly fell back to sleep. Shortly after, Twilight did the same. All throughout the night, the stars up above shimmered brightly while the two slept peacefully. Twilight was more eager for the days to come than she thought. Dreams of her first experience in the medical working place played in her mind and almost seemed real. As for Spike, his dreams were filled with the usual: Ice cream, gems, crystals, and of course, Rarity.

Part Three

Seering pain flowed through Rainbow Dash’s back and left hoof. Her vision blurred with every twitch she made on the soft grass. She was back in the planes where the accident had occurred, where she was immediately lifted into the air by the medical steeds and carried off to the clinic.

Just before passing out, she glanced up to the skies and blinked water away to see the single cloud drifting through the air. It was the very same that Spitfire had claimed she’d cleared. The cerulean pegasus heard Spitfire tell the others, “Make sure she’s elevated! Hey, keep her sights away from that cloud! The last thing she needs is knowing I lied to her.”

Rainbow immediately shut her eyes as Spitfire came to her side. Acting as if she was asleep, Rainbow groaned and tried her best to adjust herself when Spitfire grabbed her uninjured hoof and placed it on her stomach. “Don’t worry, kid. They’ll take good care of you... I’m sorry for what happened.”

As the bumping sensation of being lifted off and carried back into Ponyville faded, Rainbow awoke within the hospital feeling hungry and hurt not only physically, but emotionally as well. She’d failed her task of clearing all the clouds, and was then told she completed it. She would’ve rather been informed of her unsuccessfulness than being lied to, especially when the fib was from Spitfire, her idol and trainer for the Wonderbolts.

A tear escaped and slid slowly to the bottom portion of her ear, then changed direction as she sat up. Peering around the room with hazy sights, she cleared her dry throat and reached for the glass next to her. “Good thing it’s the left that’s banged up.” She took a few sips and watched the liquid formed from condensation dribble down the surface and onto the bed sheets while blinking another tear out from the other eye.

Wiping the wet lines away and putting the drink back down, she checked to her left and saw the room to be empty. Privacy in its perfectly silent state was all she wished for right then, and that’s exactly what she had. Smiling with content and taking a deep breath of the hospital’s familiar smell, she heard her belly rumble. She squinted her eyes and groaned, “Ohhh... I’m hungry. How’d that buzzer work?” Rainbow reached down with her right hoof and grabbed the remote control with the little red button on the center. Looking at the lines on top, she placed it on her lap and pushed the button while chanting, “Uhh... Hello? I need something to eat, please.”

Twilight’s voice assured her, “Coming right up, Rainbow Dash.”

Looking out the glass window of the door, she saw some ponies passing by. Some looked like mares while most resembled stallions. Then, a purple being with a plate of food being magically held in lavender aura suddenly entered. Rainbow gulped at Twilight’s stunning outfit. Even though pink was never Rainbow’s particularly favorite color, this was almost enough for her to break a sweat. Her meal was sat on her lap, and Twilight offered her friend, “Would you like a refill? I noticed you’re all out.”

Rainbow didn’t even respond. Instead, she behaved the same way Dr. Stables did the first time he saw Twilight appearing so attractive. “Uh...” Rainbow looked her up and down, gulping at her friend’s kind, though curious smile. She never did find nurses so enticing, but Twilight pulled the look off rather well, and even made Rainbow’s mouth start to water with lust.

“Rainbow?” Twilight asked while coming closer to the railing. She looked at the pegasus with worried eyes and blinked a few times, still stuck in the silence. “Are you alright?”

Rainbow began to blush and hid her muzzle with her uninjured hoof. “Y-yeah, I’m fine... Just don’t uh... wanna let you see me like this! Yeah, that’s it...”

Twilight giggled, “You don’t need to worry. I’ve seen you wounded more times than I can count. So, you’ve got a hurt hoof, it’s nothing that’ll make me think any less of you.”

Rainbow shook her head and placed her hoof on the blanket. “Yeah... Still, I probably look horrible with this bandage around my head, my hoof’s all thrashed; I feel kinda sick, too.”

Twilight graced Rainbow’s head to check her temperature and widened her eyes while gasping a little. “Woah... I’d better get you some medicine. I’ll be right back.”

Rainbow Dash wasn’t really feeling sick, though. She was only covering up with an excuse in case Twilight began to wonder why her friend was so warm. As the unicorn turned to head out the door, Rainbow stopped her and asked, “Don’t worry about that. I just want a glass of water. Could I also get a bouncy ball, and a Daring Do book? I’m really bored, you know?”

Twilight grinned. “Are you sure?” With a nod, the unicorn was guaranteed this was all her friend wanted. She walked out, leaving Rainbow thinking about what came over her.

“Oh... sweet Celestia, why’s she wearing such awesome clothing?” Rainbow asked herself. “I mean, seriously. Does all these nurses wear those sort of uniforms? Or have I never noticed until now?” The door reopened, and another nurse wearing the same type of attires trotted in with new wrappings. Rainbow’s old band-aids were replaced, and just before the nurse left, Rainbow inspected her appealing white sock along with the soft looking coat and cute pink hat. “Uh, ma’am?” The nurse turned around and faced Rainbow with a kind smile. “H-have the nurses here... always wore those? I don’t really remember seeing them last time I was here.”

In a soft and gentle accented voice, she explained, “Actually, no. Only recently have these become available with enchanted magic from the Crystal Empire. They held secret ways of fortifying garments to meet such needs like magic enhancing, along with the power to grant the wearer additional strength durability. We asked the ponies over there if they’d be able to craft clothings used for medical properties, and they accepted with little complaint. In only about a week, we’d received new and stylish outfits that quickly became standard issue!” She placed the hoof that wasn’t holding Rainbow’s old bandages on her lips and said, “I do believe these were thanks to Nurse Redheart. In fact, that’s why Twilight Sparkle’s here with us now.”

Rainbow asked, “Yeah, why is Twilight here anyway? I meant to ask her, but forgot.”

“Nurse Redheart was invited to a convention, and then Twilight was hired by Dr. Stables to take her place as an organizer and Lead Nurse. It’s only been a day, and already, I passed by the front desk to see it halfway cleaned.” She opened the door and finished, “If you need anything else Rainbow Dash, please, don’t hesitate to call for your assigned nurse on the buzzer to your right.”

The pegasus watched her leave and noticed the nurse seemingly intentionally lift her tail up to flash Rainbow a nice peek at her flank. She could just barely see past the short skirt before the door closed with the nurse glancing at her through the crack pleasantly smile. Huffing at the quick, though oddly entertaining show, Rainbow resumed waiting for Twilight to return with her items and continued enjoying her food.

She thought about her last experience in the clinic, and how most of the nurses and stallions she’d seen thus far looked unfamiliar to her. Shrugging it off, she heard the door creak open. Twilight entered holding a copy of Daring Do, this one being the next chapter she knew Rainbow was on along with the glass of water. Rainbow enjoyed a few quick sips and returned her line of sight to Twilight after setting it down.

The book was placed next to Rainbow’s side, and Twilight said, “Here’s that ball you wanted, too.” It wafted in the air over to Rainbow’s nightstand and rested gently in a spot that wouldn’t let it fall.

“They actually had those? Last time, Fluttershy had to bring me the one from my house.”

“Well, no,” Twilight admitted. “I had to go to the store real quickly to get it, but it wasn’t any trouble. Not for a friend.”

Rainbow glanced at the book, then at the bouncy ball and back at Twilight with a smile. “I’m lucky to have you caring for me... You know that?”

Twilight blushed at the compliment and turned around. “If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be over in no time.”

The door slowly shut, and Rainbow felt yet another tear run down her face. This one being from content emotions rather than ones of self disappointment. She wiped it away and resumed her meal. As she finished, she looked at the book and yawned. “Aaand boredom set in for the injured, soon-to-be Wonderbolt...” A single day had already past by, and Rainbow Dash was dying to be free again, soaring with her fellow flyers and relishing in the wind’s serene gusts. Instead, she had to remain in a quiet, lonely room with a fractured hoof and nothing to do but read and play with a ball. “... Better than nothing, I guess.”

She snatched the toy up first and aimed right above the table across the way. Throwing it with a powerful swing, she sent it flying. It bounced off the wall, hit the tiled floor and returned to her hoof only to be swatted back, this time ricocheting to the ceiling. She repeated the process yet again.

About ten minutes past by before Rainbow became uncomfortable with the game and tried to adjust herself. She hit the ball again and watching it land underneath the table it’d been streaking over for so long. “Gah,” she grunted while reaching for the buzzer. “I was so close, too... Twilight? I lost my ball. It’s stuck under a desk. Could you come and get it for me?”

Twilight responded with, “Of course, Rainbow Dash.”

After a few minutes, Twilight came in looking around for the table. Rainbow pointed over to it and said, “It got stuck in that one. Could you...?”

With a smirk, Twilight took her time walking over and lowered her frame to reach under, not remembering she could easily use her magic. As she did, Rainbow scratched her neck, looked back at Twilight and let her eyes grow wide while slightly dropping her jaw. Her muzzle scrunched up as nervousness settled in.

She watched her friend’s flank rise, conveniently showing the pegasus everything. She was about to say something, but was cut off by temptation. Instead, she just kept on gazing at Twilight’s backside being perfectly lit by the lights up above. The unicorn groaned as she reached further in with her hoof, almost touching the ball. Finally coming to her senses, she removed her hoof and grabbed it with her magic.

The ball was brought up to her face, and she turned around to see Rainbow’s aroused and worried expression. Twilight instantly realized what she’d just done and blushed at the unintentional act of basically give Rainbow one of the best tease performances she’d ever gotten the chance to see. The mare looked at the table, then back at Rainbow and said with a shaky voice, “Uh... H-here’s your ball...”

As it was given to Rainbow, she looked away to the window and said, “Yep, thanks for your help...”

Twilight backed up to the door with embarrassment showing quite clearly and muttered, “S-sorry about that, Rainbow.”

Once she left, the patient looked back at the door and forced back a satisfied smirk. She knew Twilight hadn’t done it on purpose, but then, it wasn’t something to apologize for either. If anything, inside Rainbow’s mind, she should’ve thanked Twilight for such an entertaining display. Then, a thought crossed her mind. “What if...” she began. “What if I decided to become a nurse here as well? Twilight’s gonna be here for only, what? Three weeks? I should be all healed in two, leaving me plenty of time to... No, Rainbow. That’s wrong... Then again, it’s so tempting! I’ll have to think about it, but seriously, I wouldn’t mind being around all these new and obviously willing nurses, not to mention Twilight as an added bonus.”

She placed her hoof on her bottom lip in ponderment. After a minute of thinking it over, she glanced down at the book, opened it and began reading while convincing herself she’d come up with her decision later. At that moment, all she could think about was relaxing, healing and reading a good book.