Twilight stood outside her palace doors, her coat standing on end as she shivered in the biting cold of the early morning breeze. She had been standing still for the last ten minutes, thankful that the biting chill was keeping her awake after her night time exploits. Yawning and slowly rubbing her eyes with a forehoof Twilight recalled the events of the night. The misunderstanding with Zecora; the walk to what Zecora had called a moon glade, the place where the Mare Flower grew; the gathering of the nectar, a beautiful golden substance which reminded Twilight of honey; and the subsequent brewing of the potion. It had been a tiring and long night and by the time Twilight had got back to the palace she'd only had time for two hours sleep before having to get up and ready for meeting her friends at nine.

Looking over to the large clock tower that stood in the center of town she could see it was still only 8:50 causing her to sigh, she had expected at least one of her friends to be here by now.

As if on cue, Twilight heard the rustle of feathers followed by the sound of hooves on cobble.

"Hey, Twi, sleep well?" said the rather familiar voice of Rainbow Dash.

Twilight turned to her face her friend.

"Wow, Twi, what happened to you?" Rainbow Dash asked the moment she caught sight of Twilight's face. "You look like you've been saddled up and ridden hard."

"It's nothing, Rainbow, just stayed up a little late." said Twilight.

"A little? I could carry a weeks shopping with those bags under your eyes." said Rainbow with a smirk.

"I've have worst nights before." said Twilight with a smile. "You don't need to worry about me."

Rainbow just shrugged in response and both fell into a dull silence as they waited for the others to turn up.

The next to turn up was Rarity, the white unicorn showcasing her latest fashions as she walked up the path wearing a thick woolen jacket; faux leather shoes; socks; and matching earmuffs.

"Hello you two." Rarity said cheerily. "What do you think of my ensemble?"

"It looks silly." replied Rainbow Dash.

"How dare you say such a thing, Rainbow Dash! I'll have you know this outfit is a stylish blend of function and fashion."

"Pfft. You wouldn't catch me dead in an outfit like that." said Rainbow.

"That's because you have no discernible sense of fashion." sighed Rarity.

"Incoming!"

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to retort but was quickly interrupted as a screaming pink blur whizzed passed and crashed into the ground in front of her.

"I'm okay!" the pink shape shouted before quickly picking herself up the ground.

"Pinkie..." sighed Twilight. "What on Equestria was that about?"

"Oh, well you see Twi..." Pinkie's mouth shot into overdrive as she described the events that led to her current situation without a single pause or taking a single break.

"So you shot yourself out of a cannon?!" shouted Twilight. "To not be late? That has to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard."

"I do agree, darling, it was a rather foolish thing to do. I'm just glad you're okay." said Rarity, embracing Pinkie in a rather large hug.

"What are you girls talking about?" asked Rainbow Dash enthusiastically. "That was the best entrance I've ever seen."

Both Rarity and Twilight shot a disapproving glance towards Rainbow which went unnoticed as Rainbow shot over to high five Pinkie.

"So, is this it? Where's everypony else?" asked Pinkie. "The bet starts soon. Richard better not be late."

"Don't worry, I'm sure he'll turn up soon." said Rarity.

A moment later all four ponies turned to look down the path as the sound of laughter began to flow through the air and after several minutes the duo of Applejack and Fluttershy came into view. However, something was off about the two. Walking side by side, Applejack's customary hat appeared to be perched on Fluttershy's head with one of the pegasus' wings draped over the cowpony's back, laughing as they walked. The whole scene probably would have been cute if it wasn't so surreal.

"Twilight, you don't suppose their's a chance our two friends are...?" asked Rarity, trailing off into stunned silence.

"Oh, I don't believe so." answered Twilight. "After all, doesn't Fluttershy have a crush on that pony who works in the clock shop? Time Turner I think his name was."

"Yeah, you're right darling, I don't know why I even thought about that for a moment." said Rarity.

"I do." said Rainbow Dash. "It's all that terrible porn you read. Filled your head with mushy crap like that."

"Rainbow!" shouted Rarity. "I am a lady, and ladies do not read porn. What I read are romance novels that just so happen to contain some tasteful sex scenes."

"Yeah, so tasteful." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Oh Sir Henry, please use your massive tool of destruction and make me your mare." Rainbow mocked in her most fake feminine tone.

"How did you..." Rarity began before noticing the grin that began to form on Rainbow Dash's face. "I mean, I have exactly no idea what you could possibly be referring to."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes again before pointing at Twilight.

"Hey Twi, what's that hanging around your neck?" asked Rainbow.

"What this?" said Twilight lifting up a crystal flask filled with a golden liquid that hung on a lanyard around her neck. A tired but wicked smile spread across her face as Rainbow nodded. "This little thing is what's going to make the whole bet possible. Sadly, I wasn't able to find a spell to induce the effects of heat onto poor Richard. But, luckily Zecora was able to provide me with this little concoction which she assures me will do the job nicely."

"Um, does anyone mind telling me what's going on? I mean, if that's okay?" asked Fluttershy as she and Applejack finally reached the group, the two ponies separating and Applejack reclaiming her hat and flipping it onto her head with practiced ease.

"Sure, Fluttershy, but I'm a little confused Applejack hasn't filled you in." said Twilight.

"Oh, I bet she filled her in." Rainbow whispered to Pinkie Pie, loud enough so Rarity could hear and causing Pinkie to giggle. Luckily, no pony else seemed to hear.

"Ah thought it better to wait till we're all together." said Applejack. "Besides, I had a bit to drink last night and ah was afraid ah'd miss something."

"Hmm." Twilight hummed thoughtfully. "Well, you see last night at poker..."

"Richard was a big dick." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "He joked about your not being there because you were in heat, so Twilight made a bet with him that he couldn't go a week in heat without giving in."

"Oh my." said Fluttershy. "I hope the poor thing's okay."

"Poor thing?" asked Rarity. "Darling, he said he didn't think that being in heat should have stopped you playing poker with us. He showed no sympathy for your situation at all."

"I'm sure he was just joking." said Fluttershy with a shy smile. "Besides, it's never stopped you five from playing. He was probably just inferring from that."

"That doesn't excuse him." said Rainbow angrily. "He shouldn't just assume things are the same for everypony. Just because we can deal with it easily doesn't mean you can."

"Where is he anyway?" Pinkie asked, looking towards the town. "It's already five minutes past nine. If he doesn't get here soon, he's going to forfeit."

Suddenly, there was a loud crack and a blinding flash of light.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" offered a voice all six ponies found familiar.

As the blinding light vanished and their ears stopped ringing, the six ponies noticed that a large serpentine figure had appeared in their midst. He sitting on a folding chair a box of popcorn clutched in his talons.

"Discord?" asked Twilight. "What on Equestria are you doing here?"

"The moment I heard there was going to be a bet involving my favorite human I knew I just had to be here to watch." Discord picked up a grip full of popcorn and started munching happily.

"And what kind of assistance are yer offering?" asked Applejack warily.

"I'm simply offering to go and bring him here. After all, as much as I would love to see him become a mare for a week, I'd much rather see his struggles as he tries to win first." said Discord. "Unless you want me to do something else to him, that is."

"No, no. Bringing him here will be fine, Discord." said Twilight. "And thanks."

"No bother." said Discord with a smile. There was a second flash of light and he was gone.

"Well, he's certainly being more helpful than usual." said Rarity with a slight smile.

"Oh, he's much better behaved after that whole incident with Tirek." said Fluttershy proudly. "Besides, you know how much he wants a throne in the palace for himself."

The whole group started laughing as they remembered Discords reaction to not getting a throne in the palace when it appeared. However, the laughter ended suddenly with a third flash of light.

"Dammit, get off me you beast!" shouted Richard.

"Now, now. That's no way to talk in front of six young, beautiful ladies." said Discord, causing all six ponies to blush as he deposited Richard, wearing what appeared to be a pair of dark blue pajamas, on the ground in front of the group.

"Grrr..." Richard growled. "Why on earth did you bring me here, Discord? I was sleeping you know."

"I was only ensuring you got to a prior appointment on time, Ricky my boy." said Discord as he plopped himself down in his chair once again. "Or did you forget the bet you made?"

"Bet..." Richard trailed off as he remembered the events of the night before. "Dammit! Don't tell me I slept through my alarm."

"Indeed you did." said Rarity with a smirk. "Luckily for you, Discord brought you here before Pinkie decided to forfeit you."

"Yes... Lucky..." said Richard.

"Of course it is you silly filly." giggled Pinkie. "Unless you wanted to spend a week as a filly."

"Of course I do Pinkie." said Richard, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's always been a secret fetish of mine to become a female horse."

"I wouldn't put it past you." said Rainbow Dash, a wry smile across her face. "I mean, we've all scene how you stare at Twilight's flanks, you big pervert."

Both Richard's and Twilight's faces became tinged with a slight blush.

"Ahem." Twilight coughed, trying her best to control her blush. "Now that we're all here, perhaps we could begin?"

"I guess." said Richard. "So what's going to happen? You going to cast a spell on me and suddenly I'll feel or hot and horny?"

Twilight shook her head.

"Nope, sadly couldn't find a spell to do it. Luckily, Zecora was able to brew a potion which should do the trick." Twilight picked up the flask hanging around her neck with a hoof.

"So I just drink that?" asked Richard

"Yes." said Twilight. "You think you can manage that?"

"Hmm." Richard hummed as walked over and took the flask from Twilight. Lifting it into the light and swirling it around, he inspected the golden fluid which glinted in the sun. "Looks quite delicious actually."

"Hah!" laughed Discord. "Did you just say heat looks delicious?"

"No." said Richard defensively. "I said the liquid looks delicious."

"And that liquid induces the symptoms of heat. So it is liquid heat, if you will. Which means you just said heat looks delicious." chuckled Discord.

"You know that's not what I mean." said Richard as his face turned bright red. "Lets just get this over with."

Richard uncorked the flask, letting out a small sigh as the bouquet of the liquid filled his nose. The smell was hard to describe, like something he had never felt before and at the same time so familiar. Even as he struggled to place it, he felt it reach deep within him and trigger some primal need to consume the liquid. Noticing he was starting to drool and that everypony was looking at him expectantly, he lifted the flask to his lips and greedily devoured its contents.

As Richard corked the flask everypony watched on expectantly, waiting with baited breath for any symptoms to appear. However, to the annoyance of one particular rainbow coloured pegasus, nothing seemed to happen.

"Hmm." hummed Discord disappointingly. "I was expecting more wanton lust, but it appears we've done nothing more than give Richard here a delicious early morning beverage."

Discord stood up, picked his chair and folded it under one arm.

"Do call me when he get to the 'begging to be rutted' stage." and with a flash of light, Discord disappeared, leaving everyone else in stunned silence.

"So..." said Rainbow Dash eventually breaking the silence. "What's everypony else's plan for the day? Anypony want to come and watch me practice some stunts?"

"Sorry, no can do sugarcube." said Applejack. "New shoots are coming through and they need a lot of care at this stage."

"What about you, Rarity?"

"Sorry, darling, I need to finish the last of my spring season orders for a client in Canterlot." answered Rarity.

"Fluttershy?" asked Rainbow, her voice filled with desperation.

"Um, I'm sorry Rainbow, but I got to go deal with my animals. Mr Grizzly has an upset tummy and I need to go care for him." said Fluttershy.

"Twilight?"

"I'm sorry, Rainbow, I didn't sleep much last night." Twilight yawned. "Actually, Rarity, do you mind if I accompany you to Carousel Boutique? I have something I need to talk to you about."

"Sure darling." replied Rarity.

"What about you Pinkie, I know you'd never leave me hanging." Rainbow pleaded.

"Sorry Dashie, the cakes need me to watch the twins while they finish up an important order." said Pinkie.

One by one, the ponies left, leaving just Rainbow Dash and Richard standing outside the palace.

"Richard..." Rainbow started, siding up to him and putting a hoof around his shoulder.

"Nope." said Richard, prying her hoof from his shoulder as he began to walk down the path towards town.

"You know I was only joking about those insults right?" said Rainbow, flying along side him.

"Rainbow, as much as I would like to stroke your ego by telling you that your insults are the reason I'm not going to watch your practice, it might interest you to know that I do indeed have plans for the day."

"Like what?" asked Rainbow. "You're always free."

Richard burst out laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"How you would know I'm always free. In the six months I've been in Equestria, I can count on one hand the amount of times you've asked me personally to do anything with you." Richard said. "Two of those were you asking me to help you tidy your house under the pretense of finding Tank under all the mess."

"So?"

"My point is you know next to nothing about me, such as the fact I have a job which is why I'm busy today."

"You have a job? Since when?"

"Since like five months ago, Rainbow, how else do you think I afford my house?" asked Richard.

"I just assumed the Princesses gave it to you."

"Why would you assume that?"

"Well, Twilight did rip you from your world as a result of one of her spells going wrong."

"Which is why they paid my first two months rent." said Richard. "However, since then, I've been relying on my job to make ends meet."

"Hmm..." hummed Rainbow thoughtfully. "That's interesting. So what do you do?"

"I'm a what you could call a handy man." Richard paused as he stroked his chin with one of his hands. "In fact, compared to you ponies, I guess I'm a very handy handy man."

"What does that mean?" asked Rainbow.

"It means I do odd jobs for a living."

"Doesn't sound like it pays much."

"You'd be surprised. After all, this town is mostly earth ponies, right, and most unicorns - all bar one in fact, don't have magic as a talent. As such, there are a lot of tasks, big and small, which most ponies struggle to do. Most of these tasks happen to be something that hands make light work of. So I asked around and found a lot of ponies willing to pay for my help. Quite well in some cases."

"At least your playing to your strengths." said Rainbow. "So what are you doing today?"

"Today I'm tearing down an old fence and putting up a new one for a lovely mare called Roseluck. Apparently her old fence has become rotten and rabbits are getting into her flower beds. "

"Roseluck, huh? Who's she?" asked Rainbow, causing Richard to chuckle.

"I'm not surprised you don't know, after all, you rarely come down from your clouds. She's the mare who runs the flower stall in the market and she's really quite nice."

"Heh, well have fun I guess." Rainbow gave a wave as she turned to go on her own way.

"I'll try." sighed Richard. "Hey, Rainbow?"

"Yes?" asked Rainbow, looking back over her shoulder at Richard.

"Maybe if I manage to finish early I could watch you practice this evening?"

"Heh, yeah, that sounds nice." said Rainbow as she flew off. Probably to find some cloud to nap on, Richard presumed.

"See you later then." Richard waved to Rainbow as she flew off.

Author's Note

Just a note on the story's name change. I've had some people message me about the name being the same as another, more popular, one. As such there has been a slight name change to support the story's future.