"So, how'd you like them moves?" Rainbow smirked as she glided calmly to a stop in front of Richard, a cocky smile plastered across her face.

"Wow..." Richard whispered under his breath, his mouth hanging slightly open. "That was definitely something."

"I thought you'd like them, though I couldn't be completely sure. I've never shown these moves to anyone before, you see." Rainbow planed herself on the grass next to Richard.

"So I'm..?" Richard started.

"Special?" Rainbow finished with a chuckle. "Nah, you're just the least busy."

"Oh wow, real mature Rainbow." Richard poked Rainbow in the side, earning him a smack around a head with one of her wings causing both of them to burst out into laughter.

After a couple of minutes, the laughter died down giving way to awkward silence.

"So..." said Rainbow breaking the silence. "How's the heat affecting you, or has it not kicked in yet?"

"It's okay. I mean it's definitely started, but it's just a small internal tingling at the moment."

Rainbow gave Richard a smile, draping a wing over him.

"I just want you to know, whatever happens, I'm here if you need me."

"Thanks." Richard leaned in Rainbow, resting his head on her shoulder.

"But not for the heat, before you get any funny ideas." Rainbow stuck her tongue out at Richard, which he returned in kind.

"Don't worry, I doubt the three of us would fit in one bed."

"Three of us?" asked Rainbow confused.

"Yeah. You, me and your ego."

"Very funny wise guy. But I'll have you know my ego is a very good lover. You'd be lucky to spend a night with it." Rainbow whispered, her wing gently stroking up and down Richard's side causing him to shiver.

"Rainbow..?" Richard whispered in strangled tones.

"Don't worry, just teasing." She said with a laugh, before pushing him over.

"Hey."

Rainbow stopped momentarily as she heard the call, turning her head to see a rather enthusiastic young mare running her way.

"Hey?" she called back, somewhat confused. The mare didn't reply, instead running up and stopping next to Rainbow, taking several deep breaths.

"Hey?" asked Rainbow once more as the mare recovered.

"Hey," the mare replied sheepishly. "You're friends with the Princess and Miss Rarity, right?"

"Yeah I am, what about it?" asked Rainbow defensively.

"Well, I was having lunch next to them in a cafe this afternoon and couldn't help but overhearing something about a bet." Said the mare nervously

"Yeah?" asked Rainbow. "What's that got to do with me?"

"Well, I was wondering if you could get me in on the action."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, can I place a bet as well?" asked the mare. "I've got plenty of bits, and I don't even need to know the full bet, just who it's between."

"Why are you asking me?"

"Because you're cool," said the mare. "Everypony in town knows it. And I know plenty of ponies who'd also want to get in on the action. It could make you a very rich mare."

"I don't know if I should." Rainbow sighed. "I mean, I couldn't afford to pay you if you won, and I wouldn't want to betray their trust like that."

"You wouldn't have to betray anypony, like I said you wouldn't have to give the details of the bet, just the participants. And about the payment, I know plenty of ponies who would be willing to place bets. Just make the odds 2:1 or something, maybe only 1.5:1 and make sure even bets are placed and you'd come out even or on top." The pony looked at her eagerly. "Please?"

Rainbow looked down at the ground, pawing it nervously with a hoof. She had to admit having a secret bet going on could be fun, and it would be nice to shore up her savings in time for cider season.

"Alright," she said eventually. "But on two conditions. First, you don't tell Rarity, Twilight or any of my other friends about it. You got that?" The mare nodded in response. "And second, all bets are final. I don't want ponies crying to me when they lose. Alright?" The mare nodded once more. "Good."

"Thanks, Miss. Should I place the bet now?"

"Nah, it's late and I need sleep. Tell you what, gather everypony you know who'd be interested and have them meet under my house tomorrow afternoon. You know where I live right?"

"Yeah, the fancy cloud house at the edge of town."

"Cool, well, meet you tomorrow then. Just, make sure you don't draw too much attention. I'd like to keep this as secret as possible."

"Alright, miss, I'll see you tomorrow."

Author's Note

Another short chapter I know, probably would have added this to the previous one had I not been so tired. Hope you enjoy. Should return to longer chapters soon when I'm less busy.