Rainbow Dash's hooves touched down on the cloud layer outside the Cloudsdale and Ponyville Weather Headquarters. Rainbow ruffled her wings and bit down on the tie she wore around her neck, tightening it; making sure it was hidden behind her sweater before walking through the door.

"Hello Rainbow Dash." Came the sing song voice of Snowfall, the stallion immediately made his signature un-breaking eye contact before walking up beside Rainbow Dash.

"Right on time! Okay, so I'm going to introduce you to Stormwalker." Snowfall got straight to the point. Rainbow trotted with the white stallion into the office room full of cubicles and desks.

"Stormwalker?" Rainbow asked.

Thats a rad name.

"She'll be helping you get acquainted with the work and the ponies who work here." Replied Snowfall, a grin on his face.

The room was occupied by only two ponies, the rest Rainbow assumed had yet to show up. One of these ponies was light brown stallion with a dark brown mane, tail and moustache. He gave off an aura of masculinity and authority without trying. He sat alone in the far back of the room, seemingly content to look over his papers and keep to himself.

The other was a mare who looked around the same age as Rainbow, if not a little older, she had a greyish purple coat and a spikey two tone white, grey mane with deep purple eyes.

Where do I know her from?

"Rainbow Dash, this is Stormwalker, Stormwalker this is Rainbow Dash." Beamed Snowfall. "I'll leave you two to it." With that the white stallion turned and trotted away, most likely to his office.

"Howya doin', Rainbow Dash." Stormwalker smiled as she gently took one of Rainbow hooves in her own to shake. "Welcome to hell."
Rainbow stomach dropped and her face fell at the remark.

This job really is gonna' suck.

"Heh, just kidding Rainbow, we have fun here." Stormwalker gave a smile. "When the rest of the team get here I'll introduce you but for the time being: I'm Stormwalker and that grumpy looking mug up the back is Tight ship."

Rainbow felt like she should say something, this conversation seemed very one sided.

"Have we met before?" Asked Rainbow. "I'm pretty sure we met when we had to make that hurricane." Rainbow looked into the mares eyes as she spoke, she had read somewhere that looking into someone's eyes was a good way of coming across as polite and charming, if you didn't over do it like Snowfall, that is.

Stormwalker smile widened slightly, showing off her perfect teeth. "Hey yeah we did, I already knew who you were before that though."

Rainbow gave a quizzical look to which the mare chuckled. "You're Rainbow Dash, best young flier, only pony capable of a Rainboom, element of harmony. Everybody knows who you are."

Rainbow blushed a little at the flattery. "Oh yeah, right."

"Okay so your desk is here, right next to mine so if you have any questions you can ask me but for now all I need you to do is sign and stamp these cloud orders. Just make sure the order number and the manufacturing code are the same same before you sign it, kay?"

Rainbow gave a salute before sitting down, grabbing a pencil in her mouth and setting to work. Stormwalker sat down in the cubicle across the aisle from her, effectively next to her.

She seems pretty nice, maybe working here won't be too bad.

Within fifteen minutes the rest of the team had arrived, they all seemed nice enough. There was Raindrop, a yellow mare who smiled too much. Grape soda, a purple coated mare who reminded Rainbow of Derpy. Great Scott, an eccentric white stallion with crazy grey hair. Dust Devil, a cute grey mare who was very polite but not very smart, and Star Burst, a yellow stallion with dorky red hair.

They all seemed nice enough, Great Scott - or Scotty as everyone called him - even brought in doughnuts for everyone. Rainbow could swear these weren't the same ponies she had seen last Friday when she peeked into this room, these ponies were happy.

Rainbow finally got done with the job she had been assigned by Stormwalker, and soon was moved on another nonsense task. Rainbow figured out quickly that she was there to do the odd, less important jobs while the rest of the team readied weather teams and cloud location for winter.

She couldn't blame them for giving her the crummy work, the only alternative was doing work she had no idea how to do. Besides she didn't have to concentrate too hard on the work, which resulted in a good portion of time being taken up day dreaming.

~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~

Rainbow's eyes darted around the exterior of the small cottage that lay on the edge of Whitetail woods.

Maybe she's not home, we can do this another time.

Rainbow began spreading her wings, her mind denied her of takeoff.

NO! You're doing this, don't be such a sook!

Rainbow lowered her wings and took in a shaking breath as she raised her hoof to knock on the hardwood door of Fluttershy's cottage.
The plastic lightning wrangler shoe on her hoof gave a loud clacking sound when it collided with the door. A little too loud.

"Dammit." Rainbow mumbled at the abrasive noise.

The door swung inward to reveal the mane shielded face of Fluttershy. Rainbows heartbeat escalated.

"Rainbow Dash?" Her voice was as soft and sweet as ever.

"Uh, hi Flutters," Rainbow paused. "Is this a bad time?"

"Oh no, not at all," Fluttershy opened the door fully , welcoming Rainbow inside. "Come in, come in."

Rainbow stepped through the portal, Fluttershy's home was very - for the lack of a better word - homey; It felt lived in and rustic, something that Rainbow wasn't used to with her new, modern cloud home.

Without saying a word Fluttershy trotted to her kitchen, leaving Rainbow Dash in the large living area of the cottage, it smelled of green tea and wood fire, the sleeping forms of animals could be seen under furniture and on top of the various surfaces around the moderately sized space.

Rainbow felt safe in Fluttershy's house, safe but still nervous.

After Rainbow Dash settled down on Fluttershy's couch, the butter yellow pegasus flew back into the room, carrying two cups of tea with her. Setting one cup down in front of Rainbow, Fluttershy spoke up.

"So, uh. What brings you here, Rainbow?" Fluttershy asked, taking a sip of her tea.

"Dammit, you had to ask that right away didn't you." Rainbow mumbled as she rubbed her eyes with a hoof.

Fluttershy's expression morphed into one of concern at the gesture. "Dashie, what's wrong."

Rainbow winced at the use of the nickname. "Oh no, nothing it's just," Rainbow paused, trying to collect her thoughts. "I uh, came here to tell you something. S-something important."

Rainbows heartbeat grew ever faster.

"Oh no, Dashie what is it. Is it your mom, is she okay?" Fluttershy put down her cup of tea.

"Moms fine, 'Shy," Rainbow held up her hooves before her yellow friend worked herself into a panic attack. "This is about me, and you can't tell anyone."

It was then that Fluttershy noticed how shaken up Rainbow Dash was, Her hair was a mess - more of a mess than usual - she had bags under her eyes and worst of all her hooves were shaking.

"Oh Dashie," Fluttershy turned her body toward Rainbow and unfurled a wing, draping it around the quivering mare. "You're shaking."

Rainbow accepted the gesture and looked to her hooves. She was shaking, she hadn't noticed until then.

Fluttershy sensed the weight of the confrontation and lifted Rainbows face with a gentle hoof, forcing the chromatic mare to look her in the eye. "You know you can tell me anything, Dashie."

Rainbow felt sick, not regular sick but a deep sinking feeling welled up in her stomach. Rainbow feared she may throw up. Her heart was beating at a ridiculous rate. She had to do it now, she had to.

"Fluttershy," Rainbows mouth was dry, she looked back at her hooves as Fluttershy dropped her hoof to give her some space.

"I-I'm gay." Rainbow choked out. A tear threatened to fall from her eye. The feeling in her stomach escalated ten-fold, she was also very aware of how bad she was shaking.

What was actually about a second and a half dragged on for what felt like hours to Rainbow Dash. The pause between the admission and the acknowledgment was astounding, there was no sounds, no feeling and no sight or smell. Rainbow felt as though she was falling.

It was terrifying.

"Okay."

And just like that everything was normal again. Rainbow could feel Fluttershy tighten her wing around her body, drawing her close. She could see the curtain of pink hair dominate the left side of her vision as Fluttershy hugged her. And she could hear her heartbeat louder than ever.

"You mean," Rainbow voice was raspy, a tear streaked down her cheek. "You don't mind?"

"Dashie!" Fluttershy pulled back to look her younger friend in the eye. She sounded offended. "Of course I don't mind, what kind of friend would I be If I did." Fluttershy's expression softened.

A tear slipped past the bounds of Rainbows eyelids and streaked down her face, only to be wiped off by a gentle hoof from Fluttershy.

"I love you no matter what." Fluttershy concluded as she pulled the mare close once more. Rainbow extended her wings, faster than was necessary and engulfed the butter yellow mare in a tight hug.

Fluttershy smiled warmly, guiding her friends head to her own chest. A choked sob came from Rainbow, the yellow mare instinctively started to stroke her mane. "Shh, it's okay."

Rainbow looked up at her shy friend with the brightest smile, her cheeks were matted with tears. "You're the best, Shy."

"Shh." Fluttershy continued the rhythmic stroking with a content, motherly smile.

The two ponies lay there on the couch for a few moments until Rainbow calmed down, it didn't take long, besides, the yellow pegasus didn't mind being a shoulder to cry on anyways.

It was rare for Rainbow to show her emotional side, Fluttershy always treasured the moments she did. She was one of the few ponies Rainbow trusted enough to show her feelings to, and she knew it. It was one of the ways Fluttershy knew how much she meant to Rainbow. After some time Rainbow sat up and sniffed, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Ugh, sorry to get so emotional there Flutters, that's a little embarrassing."

"Oh shush." Fluttershy smiled.

The two sat there, Rainbow wasn't quite sure what to say, before the silence extened beyond comfortabole however, Fluttershy spoke up.

"Got your eye on any filly in particular?" Fluttershy asked with a slightly gossipy smile.

Rainbow let out a small chuckle and held back a sniffle. "Yeah, actually. Her name is Blue October."

~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~

Rarity was awake now, she had been for about an hour; of course when she woke Rainbow had already gone to work, leaving her alone in her house. The morning had gone pleasantly for Rarity thus far. Her coffee was strong, her oats were the perfect temperature, the sun was shining and there hadn't been any hallucinations of her projected loneliness in her bed this morning.

Rarity sighed heavily at the thought.

Rarity looked up from her page, she was stuck in a particularly uninteresting few chapters of her horror novel. Nobody had been eviscerated or had their spine removed since chapter nine. The last three chapters had been made up of quote un-quote spooky sightings and dialogue.

How boring...

Opal waltzed into the room and met eyes with Rarity.

"Moww."

"Oh absolutely fine, darling, a little slow is all. How are you, dear." Rarity responded to her cat.

"Meew."

"Why that's simply terrible darling!" Rarity couldn't understand what her cat was saying, nor did she care much. Humouring her cat was at least some way to alleviate the boredom that had settled over the boutique that morning.

A thought struck Rarity.

Oh that's right. I told Fluttershy I would check on her animals.

Rarity stood and stretched, eliciting a few pops from her spine, shuddering from the noise.

The unicorn walked toward the front door of carousel boutique, no longer did she feel the need to feed the schizophrenia that always seemed to bubble up within her when her cat was around.

Rarity levitated a scarf off an equinequin and wrapped it around herself as she left the shop, with a smile Rarity began her trot to the edge of Whitetail woods.

* * * * * *

Rainbow sat at her desk, bored out of her skull, she was working quite efficiently but the work she was doing was lackluster to say the least. Her job had not deteriated in interest, it just hadn't got any better; now she was working on categorizing thunderheads from most to least powerful and signing documents making sure they were getting where they needed to go.

A few ponies walked past Rainbows desk from the back of the room, Rainbow took no interest, she figured if she worked fast enough then the day would finish sooner. This day however seemed to be dragging on quite significantly.

"Yo Dash, lunch time." Said Stormwalker as she rifled through her desk to fish out a pack of cigarettes.

"Oh sweet, thanks Stormwalker."

Stormwalker paused and turned around. "Please Dash, just call me Stormy." The mare gave a smile.

"O-okay." Rainbow coughed into her hoof. As Stormwalker walked away, Rainbow leaned over in her chair. Rainbow suddenly felt as though she needed some sunglasses.

Oh Luna.

Rainbow watched Stormy's toned flank bob from side to side as she walked away.

I wonder...

Rainbow banished the thoughts from her head.

Nah probably not.

Rainbow resolved to finish the last few thunderhead orders before she went to lunch. Check some numbers make sure they're the same, sign some papers. The process wasnt enthralling but it took minutes at most.

Rainbow stood from her ergonomic office seat and adjusted her jumper as she walked to the front door of the office. Walking out the door Rainbows nostrils were overtaken by the smell of cigarette smoke.

"Yo." Came the voice of Stormwalker from beside Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, hi." Rainbow was making sure to be extra polite today, normally she would just say something like "Whatup" or "Whats crackin?" but she wanted to make sure she came off on the right hoof in terms of continued employability.

"You don't smoke too do ya?" Stormwalker Raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed with the idea of Rainbow smoking.

"Oh no, I was gonna go grab some food." Rainbows expression

"Oh, where you thinkin'?"

"Dunno, I might just go up the cafe on 5th, they do great takeaway." Rainbow looked around to get her bearings, trying to ignore the strong smell of cheap tobacco. She didn't think it was a bad smell, it was just obnoxious.

Stormy threw the cigarette on the ground and stubbed it out under her hoof. It made a satisfying sizzle as it was extinguished by the moisture in the cloud.

"Mind if I tag along?" Stormwalker raised an eyebrow.

Rainbow smiled. "Sure."

The two stretched their wings and took off, the flight was short; not even a minute. Rainbow mentally noted that Stormwalker was above average when it came to flying speed. Not fast, but by no means slow. The two landed outside "The Cirrus cafe" A small establishment that specialized in fast food that made most of their profit off tradesponies who couldn't be bothered going anywhere healthier.

As the two stood in line Stormwalker started to speak.

"So Dash, how you liking the new job?" She gave a sly smile as if she knew something Rainbow didn't.

"Uh yeah it's great," Rainbow lied. "It's really interesting to think that almost all of Equestria's weather orders come through that little office." Rainbow lied, it wasn't interesting in the slightest but she wanted to come across as enthusiastic about work.

"You don't have to lie to me Rainbow, it's boring as shit." Stormy said flatly, a smile on her lips.
Rainbow was a little caught off guard by that.

Is this some kind of trick?

"N-no really I think it's great!" Rainbow stumbled around her words.

Stormy Raised an eyebrow in doubt.

Rainbow caved. "Okay yeah, it's boring. But its work, ya' know?"

Stormwalker gave a chuckle. "Yeah, it pays pretty well too."

"Yeah." Rainbow smiled.

"Don't worry about it, the day goes heaps quicker after snowfall takes off."

"Snowfall leaves early?" It was Rainbows turn to raise an eyebrow.

"Almost every day." Stormy idly scanned the menu on the wall behind the counter. "Then we bust out the lube and the whole office gets freaky."

Rainbow choked on her breath and coughed violently, causing Stormy to start laughing out loud. Stormy's laughter died down as Dash regained her breath. Rainbow looked around, there was at least five ponies within earshot.

Well at least I know she's not shy.

The two mares ordered their takeaway lunches; Rainbows a basil and pasta salad. Stormwalker's a medium serving of hay fries drenched in gravy. The two mares paid and walked outside to sit at one of the shaded tables.

"So Dash," Stormy spoke around a mouthful of chips before audibly swallowing. "Heads up, you're probably not gonna have much work to do this arvo so no need to work too fast."

"Yeah what's with that? Winter starts in two days, I thought there would be heaps more work to do."

"We get orders on Tuesdays, just you wait until tomorrow." Stormy warned.

"Whys that?" Rainbow asked as she picked at her pasta with a plastic fork.

"Well, If your weather team is good you'll get your cloud order in one or two weeks before winter. We still have to hear back from Fillydelphia and Baltimare. So tomorrow we have to double check their orders, send the order, and then it has to be filled and shipped before midnight. That is if we even get their orders tomorrow."

"What happens if we don't their orders?"

"We improvise and they get mad."

"Huh." Rainbow managed.

"Yep, but until then you're the shit kicker. Sadly it's the best job in the office."

Rainbow snorted with laughter. "'Shit kicker?'"

"You haven't heard that one?" Rainbow shook her head. "It means like.. The pony who does all the boring menial stuff is the shit kicker." Rainbow was still chuckling.

"Where did you get that from?" Rainbow gave a quizzical look.

"My parents are both full blown Brumbies." Stormwalker gave a flat look. "And they talk too much."

"Oh of course," Rainbow chuckled. "Of course that's a Brumby thing."

The two laughed and spoke a while longer until their break was nearing its end. They finished their meals and stretched, happy that the day was at least half over, before they took flight a thought flew through Dash's mind.

Stormy's pretty cool.

* * * * * *

Fluttershy's door made a piercing creak as Rarity pushed it open, her head slipped around the door to peek inside.

To her surprise Fluttershy's cottage wasn't in ruins, it was just as clean as it always was. Rarity stepped inside and looked around. There were a few animals here and there sleeping in the many pet beds around. The birds were all either preening or sleeping in the rafters. Angel bunny was playing cards with a grizzly bear over the living room table.

"Hello there, Angel." Rarity offered.

The bunny gave a smile and waved a paw at the mare before turning back to his card game.

Rarity couldn't believe it, she was sure that rabbit at the table wasn't Angel, the real Angel would've turned this place upside down by now. But there he was, playing cards with a bear, behaving himself.

Rarity narrowed her eyes at the rabbit. "Well it seems you have everything under control, "Rarity's eyes darted around the room. "I guess I'll just..go." Rarity cocked her eyebrow at the rabbit.

Angel turned towards Rarity once more giving another wave, a smile on his little rabbit lips.

Rarity backed out of the cottage and closed the door. She stood for a moment, a feeling of dread hung over her like a storm cloud.
She was almost certain that something was wrong in Fluttershy's cottage, she could feel it in the air.

Rarity shook the confusion out of her head and started the trot back to Carousel Boutique.

* * * * * *

Stormwalker had been right, there wasn't much work for Rainbow to do that afternoon, but she slowly worked through it. With a sigh Rainbow put her pencil down.

Coffee time.

Rainbow stood and walked to the front of the room, there was a bench with a water heater, a sink and coffee fixings. There was also a box of glazed donuts that had been picked at by her co-workers throughout the day, leaving only two.

Rainbow looked at the bench in front of her, suddenly overwhelmed by a sence of déjà vu.

This seems familiar...

"Makin' coffee? Yes please!" Came the voice of Stormy who had somehow gotten beside Rainbow.

Rainbow smiled at Stormy, not quite sure how to react to that.

"Make me one too!" Came a voice from the back of the room.

"Make your own, Scott!" Stormwalker yelled back.

"Awww." Came the defeated sigh of Great Scott. Stifled laughter could be heard from the rest of the office.

"So," Stormy turned toward Rainbow, her voice much more office-appropriate now. "what are you up to."

"Oh I just got finished with that storm report from Trottingham, signed it off." Rainbow smiled as she spooned coffee into the plunge.

"Oh sweet, just put it in the 'out' box. We have to send it to the factory for their review." Rainbow nodded at the instruction.

Rainbow plunged the coffee and poured herself a cup, adding no sugar or creamer. Stormy silently made her own cup next to Rainbow.
Stormwalker could've said 'Pass the creamer?' but no, that would be too easy. Instead she leaned over resulting in her neck sliding against Rainbow's. Rainbow turned to face the mare at the touch, only to meet eyes with Stormwalker.

The two held their gaze for a fraction of a second before Stormwalker smiled and went back to making her coffee.

Rainbow blinked.

Was that flirting?

Rainbow's brow furrowed in thought.

No way, she's super confident. If she had the hots for me I'd know all about it by now.

Rainbow picked up her mug and hovered back to her desk. Stormy however flew to her desk, grabbed a lighter, popped a cigarette in her mouth and flew outside with her coffee in hoof.

Rainbow looked back down to her desk, there was two hours of work left and she had almost nothing to do.

Rainbow hated wasting time, she would much rather have a day with lots of work to focus on that went quickly, than a day that dragged on forever because she had no work. Sadly this day had turned out to be the latter.

It'll be okay tomorrow, more work to do.

Rainbow did her assigned tasks and eventually found other odd jobs to do, slowly but surely the long day finally came to a close.

"Hey see ya' tomorrow Rainbow Dash." Said Dust Devil as she walked past Rainbows desk.

"Seeya." Rainbow gave a smile to the mare and looked over to Stormwalker's desk, the mare was putting some papers away and rifling around in her drawers.

"Quitting time, Dash." Stormy looked over to meet eyes with Rainbow. "You did alright today, tomorrow is gonna be a disaster but hey, cross that bridge when we get to it."

"Keen as a bean." Rainbow said sarcastically.

"You're a dork." Stormwalker teased. Rainbow chuckled. "Hey can I ask a favour?"

"Sure." Rainbow didn't want to turn down any opportunity to impress on her first day.

"Can you start an hour early tomorrow, I know it's a pain in the ass but it would be a huge help to have you round when everyone else is freaking out over Fillydelphia and Baltimare."

Rainbow didn't really want to start early, but if it would impress her higher ups it was a small sacrifice. "Yeah I can do that, no problem." Rainbow smiled.

"Sweet. Oh yeah if you start early you finish early so there's that too, you won't be stuck here until four."

That's a plus. Rainbow reasoned.

"Not a problem."

"Alright, see you tomorrow, Dash." Finished Stormy as she pushed open the front door and left.

Rainbow sighed.

Seven O clock tomorrow... whatever.

Rainbow stood from her desk and slipped on her jumper that she had draped over her chair. Rainbow quickly waved goodbye to the co-workers and began the short flight home.

Or Carousel Boutique.

* * * * * *

Rarity noticed something flutter through her door in her peripheral vision, a letter. From the comfort of her couch Rarity levitated the letter over and tore it open using magic. A work order.

Finally, I needed something to do.

The pony who placed the order was asking for a gown for a winter ball in Trottingham. The letter outlined the sizes and dimensions of the dress and also that it needed to be 'Winter themed' aside from that Rarity had free creative reign.

Rarity smiled at the piece of paper.

I knew there would be some stragglers for winter.

Rarity marked the page in her novel, placing it on the small coffee table next to her couch. Trotting to her drawing desk, the unicorn donned her signature cat-eye spectacles.

The entire ensemble would take her a day and a half at most seeing as she had nothing else to do. But the letter had indicated it need to be completed and sent within the fortnight.

The seamstress opted to finish and send it early, that way if any changes were required it could easily be done within the time frame.
Rarity hummed happily as she doodled on a piece of paper, she sketched and sketched until she had refined the design to a point where it was easily doable but also stood out. People would look at the mare and know that her dress was Carousel Boutique. Rarity smiled down at her creative vision and stood to gather some material.

The bell above the door of carousel boutique chimed, signalling somepony had entered.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where eve-"

"It's just me, Rarity." Came the voice of Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash," Rarity turned to smile at the mare. "How was your first day?" Rarity asked with a sparkle in her eyes, keen to hear some gossip.

"Meh, it wah ohayy." Rainbow's sentence was distorted by a yawn. "Pretty boring."

"Oh well, I'm sure it will get better with time." Rarity turned to continue her search for materials. "Are the ponies nice at least?"

Rainbow, in her tired reverie let her eyes droop to a comfortable place as Rarity turned around.

Mmm, Raributt.

"Rainbow?"

Rainbow snapped out of her perverted daydream. "Sorry, what did you say."

"I asked about the ponies you work with." Rarity turned, concern plastered across her face. "Are you okay darling?"

"Oh yeah, the ponies are great." Rainbow trotted over to the fireplace to lay down. Rarity looked on, still keeping her concerned expression.

I'm sure she's just tired. Rarity reasoned before turning back to her work.

Over by the fire, Rainbow was having a slight mental struggle.

Damn Dash. Why don't you stare right at her ass. What would've happened if she turned around earlier and caught you with your tongue hanging out?

...

What if she didn't mind.

Rainbow thought about that for a moment.

No, you can't think of Rarity like that, even if she does have..big beautiful blue eyes and.. a perfect round, marshmallow butt.

Rainbow shook her head violently.

Why are you so horny all of a sudden, Dash? She turns around for five seconds and you start drooling? Get your head out of the gutter.

Rainbow mentally berated herself.

She needed a distraction, something to take her sexually deprived mind off her unicorn friend. She lifted a wing and inspected her feathers with a critical eye.

I need to preen.

Rainbow sat up on her haunches and lifted her wing above her head; she began the gentle process of preening. Giving every feather a light tug to make sure they were aligned correctly, if they were loose they would pop straight out. It was a painful - but necessary - part of pegasi life.

Rarity sighed, putting down the various bolts of material she had gathered in her telekinesis; she could do this tomorrow. The alabaster mare looked to Rainbow Dash and raised an eyebrow. In all her years she had never seen anyone preen before.

Rarity made her way to the fireplace and lay down next to the pegasus. Intrigued, the unicorn watched silently as Rainbow straightened her feathers. It didn't take long for Rainbow to notice her.

"Uh, hi Rarity," Rainbow asked, a little confused as to why Rarity was watching her preen. "What are you doing."

"What do you mean darling?" Rarity tilted her head comically.

"You're watching me preen?" Rainbow queried.

"Yes," Rarity responded casually before realization struck her. "Oh, is this isn't another one of those unspoken, non-plutonic pegasus things is it?"

"W-well, no but it's just kinda weird." The faintest hint of a blush colored Dash's cheeks.

"How so darling?" Rarity looked confused.

"It's like watching me in the bath or something, I don't know." Rainbow trailed off.

"Oh don't worry about that darling, I'm only here out of interest, I've never seen anypony preen before, you see." Rarity explained before giving a small chuckle. "And if you ever feel the need you can watch me take a bath as payback, darling."

Rainbows mind strained.

Oh Luna, don't think about it. Please don't think about it.

Rainbow thought about it.

Images of a dripping wet Rarity flooded Rainbows mind, her hair was hanging loosely around her hooves and her eyes half-lidded and sultry.
Heat welled up in her cheeks at an alarming rate. Dash tucked her head underneath her wing again to hide her blush, playing it off as if she were just continuing her preening.

Stop thinking about it you perv! She's your friend!

Rarity gave a quizzical look at Rainbows sudden movement, but didn't question it, instead she just looked on.

She watched the group of wing muscles twitch as Rainbow moved her wing around, Rainbow couldn't see her and Rarity planned on taking full advantage of that. Rarity's eyes slowly moved along Rainbows body, following the curves of her thin feminine figure and marveling at the muscles in her belly and back.

She's so powerful. She's like a weapon.

Her eyes dropped lower to Rainbows toned flank, the taught lean muscles gave a perfect shape when they relaxed.

She has such a nice bum.

Rarity giggled at the thought.

Bum, what a funny word.

Rarity suddenly became very aware as to what she was doing. For the past half-minute or so she had been practically molesting Rainbow Dash with her eyes. Rarity attempted to cleanse her thoughts and looked to the fire to distract herself.

Good gracious Rarity, she has only been here three days and you're already eye-fucking her.

Rarity chanced a sidelong glance at the mare, her head was now tucked under her other wing, tugging at the feathers in a painful looking fashion.

She really is pretty though.. Beautiful even. I wonder if she knows how beautiful she is?

Rarity stared into the fire, watching as the fire danced around the half burned log, It helped her think.

Rainbow Dash though? Of all ponies?

She's just so.. confident. Well she is normally anyway, poor thing must still be torn up about her house.

Wouldn't you be? Rarity mentally asked herself.

"Ow fuck." Rainbow Dash mumbled, Rarity choked at the sound of the profanity but quickly broke down into giggles.

"What happened dear?" Rarity asked, chuckling as she turned to face Rainbow.

Rainbows head swiveled around to show her face, she had two moderately sized feathers in her mouth.

"I thought they were loose." Rainbow blinked, the feathers stuck to her bottom lip as she spoke.

The combination of the feather moving comically with Rainbows words, the pegasus' blank expression and the mares colorful language sent Rarity into another small laughing fit.

Rarity reached up with a hoof and plucked the feathers from Rainbows mouth, laughing the whole time. "You're a goose Rainbow Dash." Rarity stated through her laughter. Rainbow joined in despite herself.

"Am not." Rainbow retorted before returning to her preening. Rarity returned her gaze to the fire.

She's fun to be around too.

Rarity chanced one last look to Rainbow.

There is just something about her.

Rarity's eyebrows furrowed as she searched for an answer. After a few minutes of relative silence Rainbow finished preening and watched the fire alongside Rarity. The unicorn broke the silence.

"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash."

"For what?" Rainbow turned to face Rarity.

"Watching you preen, that was probably a tad creepy." Rarity looked to her hooves.

"What? No, I understand. Preening to me isn't very interesting, but to a unicorn I can see the appeal. It's not creepy." Rainbow waved her hoof as if to say 'don't worry about it.'

Rarity turned to face the mare. "You said it was like watching you take a bath." Rarity raised an eyebrow in confusion. "That's a little creepy."

"Mm, kinda', it more like brushing your hair than it is taking a bath."

Rarity deadpanned. "Rainbow if you started brushing your hair and I walked over, sat down and watched you brush your hair that would still be creepy."

"No Rare's I get it, it's like watching a wildlife film. Preening is interesting to other tribes, I guess." Rainbow put a hoof to her chin in thought. "It's like when you get your horn filed, and all the little grooves get re-carved to let the magic flow better or whatever, I would probably find that interesting."

Rarity chuckled at Rainbows roundabout way of explaining it. "Would you now?"

"I dunno, I guess. I don't know much about magic but it interests me."

"Well regardless I apologize, Rainbow Dash. That was improper, I should've asked first."

Rainbow snorted. "Why dah-ling, might I ask a favor? I feel the need to watch you preen your wings." Rainbow used the best imitation of Rarity she could muster.

"Oh, piss off." Rarity shot to Rainbow playfully, she chortled at the display despite herself.

Rainbow exploded into laughter, falling on her side at Rarity's retort. Of all the things Rainbow had expected the unicorn to say that wasn't one of them, and for whatever reason, hearing the fancy unicorn swear was hilarious.

Rarity couldn't hold back the feeling, there was something hysterical about watching someone rolling on the floor laughing. Almost as if it were contagious Rarity fell into her own bout of laughter.

The two ponies sat by the fire, talking and laughing for what felt like hours. At some point Rainbow realized she was nowhere near as tired as she was when she left work.

Rainbow reasoned that it must have something to do with Rarity, she didn't feel tired or worn out when she was around the unicorn.
For whatever reason.

~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~

"Hey gorgeous." Blue October's voice reached out to Rainbow Dash as the chromatic pegasus sat down on the park bench.

"Hey." Rainbow spoke as she returned the nuzzle her girlfriend had offered.

"How's your day?" Toby asked. Whenever she asked that question she always meant it, it was never a question for the sake of talking; she genuinely wanted to know.

"It was okay."

The two mares fell into silence for a moment.

"I told Fluttershy I'm gay."

"Really? That's great!, how'd she take it?" Toby asked, her expression told of excitement mixed with slight concern.

"Really well." Rainbow smiled. "She's a good friend."

"Oh that's great!" Blue October leaned over to plant a kiss on her girlfriends lips.

"I'll have to introduce you soon, I know you two will get along great." Rainbow smiled.

"Sounds great, Dash."

Toby leaned in for another kiss, Dash welcomed it.

Instead of letting it stop at a simple peck on the lips, Blue pushed further into the kiss, gently parting her lips to let her tongue slip out. Toby slid her hooves around her girlfriends midsection as she pushed into the kiss. Rainbow welcomed it.

After a few moments, Toby broke the kiss and looked into Rainbows eyes holding the younger mares head in her hooves.

"You're so beautiful." The words were soft and genuine. The comment made Rainbow blush.

Rainbow pushed back into the kiss, not quite ready to let the moment end.

"Ugh."

Rainbow and Toby's ears both swiveled at the sound, the two fillies broke the contact. The grunt came from somewhere behind them and sounded almost ill. Like someone had been punched in the stomach behind the park bench they were seated on.

The two fillies swiveled their heads, only to see the disgusted look from a mare who stood a ways back. She was a tan colored mare with a silvery grey mane and tail and a cutie mark of a ribbon bound scroll.

Blue October already knew what had happened, her eyes widened in anger and her eyebrows arched, she looked ready to fight someone.

As soon as Blue October met eyes with the mare, the stranger turned and trotted away, muttering under her breath. The word 'degenerates' was heard clear as day.

Rainbow stomach sunk, she felt cold even though her girlfriend was right next to her.

Degenerate?

"What was that!?" Blue October called after the mare, trying to get her to say it again. The mare didn't turn or even respond, she just kept walking.

Tears welled up in Rainbows eyes as the weight of the situation struck her. Her lip began to quiver.

Instantly Blue October switched from rage back to gentle kind Blue October Rainbow knew. "Hey, hey, don't cry." Blue pulled Rainbow into her chest.

"Why would she say that?" Rainbow asked, a quaver in her voice.

Blue October pulled Dash closer, unfurling her wings to wrap around her partner. "The world is full of horrible ponies, Dashie."

"But why?" One word, one word could make Rainbow feel horrible for just being who she was.

Blue was starting to lose it, seeing her fillyfriend like this was making her guts twist up. A tear threatened to fall but she wouldn't let it, she needed to be strong for Rainbow.

"Forget her Rainbow, what does she know." For the second time that day Rainbow found that someone was stroking her mane. She didn't respond to her girlfriend, instead she just sat there as Blue October tightened her grip around her.

Just because I like girls? Rainbow pondered, trying to make sense of the situation.

Rainbow Dash, seventeen years old sat on a park bench, her stomach felt knotted up and her skin felt cold. That was the first time Rainbow was belittled for her sexuality. At the time Rainbow Dash had no idea who that strange mare was, neither did Blue October.

~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~

Author's Note

Alright, so that's done. That chapter was stupid long and boring but the next one is gonna be mental as fuck dude. Don't you worry.

As boring as that chapter was it was necessary for a good portion of the story, and also some context as to why the mayor hates Rainbow. Now you know! I wont have nearly as much office screen time in future chapters, but again, that was necessary. Foreshadowing and whatnot.
Side note about the office scenes: could you tell I've never worked in an office before? I have no idea what people did in offices before computers. Sign stuff and write reports I suppose. This is all guess work!

This chapter is also a bit of a mess, if you find any continuity errors, please let me know, I had to revise this thing at least five times. It just wasn't working, and if I'm honest I'm still not really happy with it.
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Trigger warning for tobacco usage? Do I really need it? I kinda figure the 'slice of life' tag would cover that. Oh well If this thing gets down-voted to hell and back I'll know why.
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In other news, Rarity is slowly realizing just how attracted she is toward Rainbow. Will that go somewhere? Or will Rarity drown herself in alcohol and black-tar heroin to numb the pain? Find out on the next episode of Plagued by Doubt.
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As always, thank you for reading, if you liked it give me a thumb-up or even a favorite if you're really horny, It helps me out a whole lot.

-Kisses, Voyna.