Gravemind

Overcast, a tall grey Pegasus stallion, flew through the air, racing his girlfriend, Rainbow Dash. They were both incredibly competitive, which probably led to their relationship. Rainbow was no where in sight, and Overcast was sure he'd win this time. He glided a few hundred feet over Ghastly Gorge, and sucked his wings to his sides in freefall. A few yards from the ground, he pulled his wings out again, and used his momentum to level out at incredible speeds. As his finale, Overcast soared at least a mile up into the air again. Then, directly over Ponyville, he tried something that everypony thought only Rainbow Dash could do. He went full speed straight down, until he was as physically fast as he could push himself. Then he went into freefall, almost doubling that speed. A small concentration of air started forming around Overcast, and he finally pushed himself hard enough to break it. Then it happened: A Sonic Rainboom! Except, since Overcast wasn't rainbow colored, his was more a bland grey explosion in the sky. He had done the impossible, and now he had to finish the race. He pulled up right before hitting the ground, and like lightning flew straight up through the cloud layer, and to the top of Cloudsdale tower. He pulled his wings in in exhaustion, and fell to the ground. He figured that as far ahead of Rainbow Dash as he was, he had time for a quick nap. But before he could fall asleep, he heard Rainbow's voice saying, "Well, It's about time you showed up"

Overcast Looked up to see Rainbow standing in front of him, looking Cocky. It all made sense now. Overcast could never out fly his Girlfriend, and she wasn't in sight, because she already finished! "Well, Don't get up on my account." she said, "Get back to what you were doing. I'll leave you be." She jumped over the edge, only to predictably pull up at the last second, then freefall through the cloud layer. Overcast felt lucky to have a mare like her, and resumed his nap. Before lulling himself to sleep, he slit his eyes open ever so slightly, and saw Rainbow returning to watch him. She didn't know he was watching, and she sat herself down. Overcast couldn't help having a small smile on his face before letting sleep take over his every muscle.
*****

Overcast woke up, still on Cloudsdale tower. He looked to his right, and Rainbow was sleepng on the other side of the roof. He stood upright, walked to Rainbow Dash, and started stroking her mane with his hoof. Then, he turned, and launched off of the roof. He took his afternoon fly around Cloudsdale, before finishing at his job at the Rainbow Factory. (With nothing to do with the fanfiction Rainbow Factory)He trotted inside, and started his job stapling rainbow orders from Canterlot. His shift started at 3:00 and ended at 7:00. he came into work at 4:15 today, and his boss, surprise, took him into her office.

"Now, Overcast," Surprise began, "You know how important it is that those orders get stapled, so they can be delivered to the factory, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Said Overcast, hanging his head down. He knew how this would end.

"And you know that this is the fifth straight day that you've been tardy, right?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Quit calling me Ma'am. Just say yes." Surprise was very sensitive on how she was addressed.

"Alright." Overcast said.

"Well, Overcast, it gives me no great pleasure to do this, as you're our number one Order fulfiller, but..." She paused, and hesitated her next words, "Overcast ... We're going to have to let you go."

"Alright." Overcast said in a half-sigh. He stood from Surprises desk, and left out the ornate arch door into the Rainbow Factory. He wasn't eager to break the news to Rainbow, but it had to be done sooner or later, so he flew back to the top of Cloudsdale Tower. Rainbow was still there, but no longer sleeping. Instead, she was reading 'Daring Do and the Wendigo Shrine', the newest in the series. She was waiting for Overcast to get off work.

As soon as her boyfriend came onto the roof, she turned quizzical, closed her book, and said,"Well, you're off of work early. what's wrong?"

Overcast looked to the ground. He was ashamed to tell Rainbow the news, but if he lied, it would eventually turn out worse. so he just said, "I...I got fired."

Rainbow sighed and said, "Oh, ... Is that all? I thought you were going to say something like 'I broke me leg', or 'I broke my wing', or even 'I broke my skull'. Most of my worst case scenarios involve you breaking body parts."

Overcast looked up again, wondering why Rainbow was taking this so well. He said, "You mean...You're not mad at me?"

"Me? oh, nonononono, of course not! why would I be?"

"Because now, without my job, we aren't making nearly enough money to live off of. I mean, you still have your weather patrol job, but thats just about two thirds of the money we need to pay all the bills."

"Don't be upset, OC," OC was a name Rainbow and the rest of her friends called Overcast. O for Over, and C for Cast, "You can get a job at the weather facility as a weather patroller. then, we'll be making more than enough to live by, and we'd get to see each other all day. I mean, what's not a great idea about that?

Overcast was at a loss. He just said, "Alright, I guess that's an idea. I'll apply tomarrow."

"Why not today? Come on, let's both go." Rainbow flew off of the roof, and over to the Weather facility where she worked. Overcast quickly followed. He was eager to get a new job. Rainbow landed in the job registration area. OC landed behind Rainbow. "Can I speak with Lightning Joe, please?" asked Rainbow Dash to the whaite pony with lightning bolt shaped hair.

"Speaking." said the Stallion behind the counter, "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like a job application, please."

"But Rainbow," Said Lightning, "You already work here. Has Twilight been casting spells on you?"

"No. I need a job for my boyfriend, Overcast." She extended a hoof to Overcast, Who nodded his head in agreement. "I was wondering if he could get a job in the weather patrol center."

"Er, uh... I dunno, Rainbow, I'll have to talk to Soaren, our director. Give me a moment." Lightning Joe went back and inside the Director's studio.

Rainbow turned back to Overcast. He was obviously nervous about something. "It's fine OC," Said Rainbow, "I'm sure they'll give you an application like that."she said while snapping, somehow, despite a complete lack of fingers. "Just be optimistic, okay?"

Lightning Joe came out again, but he had no application with him. Instead, he only said, "We're gonna need to perform a background check. If I can see your flyer's license, sir?"

"Sure," said Overcast, handing Lightning Joe his identification, "Here you go."Lightning returned into the director's studio. "Why do you think they need to perform a background check?"

"It must just be procedure." said Rainbow Dash.

"Did they do this when you applied?"

"Well, no, but-"

"But what?"

"But---procedures change."

Overcast heard strange noises and looked to the Director's studio. Rainbow followed his gaze. through the window, they could see two silhouettes, Soaren on the left, Lightning Joe on the right. They argued back and forth, and finally Lightning Joe came out again, holding a piece of paper. he placed this paper on the desk, and Rainbow could see the title at the top: JOB APPLICATION. Overcast stepped up, took the application, sat down, and started filling it out. Rainbow sat next to him, and leaned her head on his shoulder as he wrote. Overcast couldn't resist a smile. He loved Rainbow, but he could never work up the courage to say it. Instead, he allowed Rainbow Dash to express her opinions for the both of them. Example: 'I think we should start dating', or 'I think you should get a job at the Rainbow Factory', or what he was hoping for, 'I love you, Overcast.'

Truth was, Rainbow almost came close to saying that, but honestly, she was as nervous as Fluttershy in this situation. She was about to say it when they both once went on a glide over Ponyville at midnight. That's when they kissed for the first time, and that was when Rainbow ment to think, I love you, Overcast, but instead she said it in a quiet voice. Once she realised what she had said, she looked to Overcast, to see if he would respond. He must not have heard it, she thought, and they continued their flight.

But Overcast had heard her that night, and was about to say, 'I love you, too', until he saw Rainbow's worried eyes that he would hear. Overcast decided not to have heard it, and their relationship had been slowly going downhill from there. He was nervous that today, since they were both going into the same career, That Rainbow would say those four little words that would change the whole mood between them. Why was this a problem? Ever since the night Rainbow silently confessed her love for the Grey stallion, he began actually thinking what their life would be like from that point. He had even arranged a timeline in his head:-They would agree that they were in love--the relationship would get serious--they would get married--children.... That word haunted Overcast at night. What if that were to happen? what would his life be like? He wouldn't be able to take as many night flights with Rainbow, which for years has been what was keeping the relationship alive, and he definately wouldn't be able to pay for all of it. Overcast now dreaded the day Rainbow would say those words, and was hoping that the day would not come for a long time.

Overcast gladly finished the application, and stood. Rainbow had fallen asleep on his shoulder, so he was careful not to wake her up. No matter how much he didn't want to say it, he did love Rainbow Dash, more than anything. He walked up to the desk, and handed Lightning the application. "Looks legitimate" said Lightning, "I'll just have to go over it with the director. One moment." He walked again into Soaren's office, and Overcast returned to his seat next to Rainbow. She was still sleeping on the arm of the chair, so Overcast gently put his hoof behind her head, stroked her mane a few times, and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He sat in his chair, pulled out Rainbow's Daring Do book, and began reading.
*****

After an hour-and-a-half, Lightning finally returned. Overcast was careful not to disturb Rainbow Dash's rest again, as he got up and walked to the desk. "How'd it go?" he asked

"Congradulations, Overcast!" exclaimed Lightning Joe, "You got the job!"

Overcast smiled, turned politely, and walked to Rainbow. He gently nudged her cheek, and she sleepily regained lucidness. "Yeah, OC?"

"I got the job." He said. "Now wake up, let's go home." It was true that Overcast and Rainbow Dashed lived together, but it was at Rainbow's house. It all had began when they first met.

flashback

Rainbow woke up that morning feeling refreshed and ready for anyhting. Her plan was to go fly down to ponyville, and say hi to Twilight and the rest of the pony gang, but as soon as she left her front door, she met a bum, asking for food. he began saying 'can you spare a single sugercube', but he stopped halfway through, and just stared. He was in awe at the beauty of the mare before him. For Overcast, it was love at first site, but for rainbow, it was just another lowly begger. "Look," she said. To Overcast, Rainbow had such a beautiful voice, that it put her looks to shame. "I don't have any food to spare, but..." she looked around, "Here. have this." She tossed Overcast 100 bits! Before he could thank her, she flew away. He wouldn't have been able to say thank you, however, because he was still awestruck by the beautiful mare. He decided to put this money into his chances for a relationship with Rainbow. He flew down to Ponyville, and payed a visit to Carosuel Butique, where he got cleaned, groomed, and made into a respectable Stallion. He then flew back to Rainbow's house, and waited for her.

She arrived at dusk, and Overcast made his first move, saying, "Hello. I'm Overcast. You gave me 100 bits this morning."

"Oh, yeah, the begger." said Rainbow, trying to avoid conversation with this bum.

"Not anymore. With that money, I was transformed into a respectable citizen, but I still have no where to sleep. would you be so kind as to tell me where I can find a comfortable Ponyhole, or even dumpster full of foam?"

Rainbow genuinely realized how sad this stallion was, and she was able to see his real personality."Actually," She said, " I'll give you my first floor bedroom, if you want. But don't expect anything but a bed, and plenty of food."

"Yes. that would be fantastic." Said Overcast.

Over time, Rainbow and Overcast became good friends, but nothing got serious until one day, when Overcast challenged Rainbow to a race. Of course, Rainbow accepted, and she saw how skilled at flying this begger was. That's when Rainbow said, "You know, Overcast, I like you. You're welcome to help yourself to anything I have to offer." And that's how it began. Eventually, they went on that magical midnight flight through Ponyville. They flew circles around each other, slowly getting closer, and closer, until they pulled up, and Overcast looked deep into Rainbow's eyes, and...It happened. Rainbow and Overcast's heads got closer and closer to each other, and they embraced their mouths together in an unexpected, amazing, feelings-changing...kiss. That's when Rainbow fell in love with Overcast, her emotions all turned into burning love. she couldn't help from saying those four, quiet words, but to her, Overcast couldn't tell. They finished their flight, and returned home. They gave eachothe one last kiss before going off to bed.

The next day, Rainbow came up to Overcast while he was watching an old repeat of a Wonderbolts derby on TV. She turned to him, they gave each other another kiss, and Rainbow said, "I think that we should start dating." and so they did. Overcast and Rainbow dash were in love, and they went on nightly midnight flys through Ponyville. They kissed every morning, and every evening, but none compared to the genuine kisses they gave each other on those midnight flights. Rainbow eventually stopped taking care of this lowly street begger, and started Living with her boyfriend. They each took half of the bills, and pooled their money to pay for them. When they were running low on money, Rainbow suggested that Overcast get a job at the Rainbow factory. They also took weekly races around the area, which ended on their daytime hideout, the top of Cloudsdale tower. This is where our story began.

End Flashback

The two lovers went home, gave each other a goodnight kiss, and went to bed. while laying in his bed, and thinking of the first time he an Rainbow met, he made a decision that would change his life. Tomarrow, he would take Rainbow into Ponyville, and carry out the dream he had ever since he met Rainbow.

The next morning, Overcast waited in their living room, until Rainbow came down. She asked, "What's the big idea?" she said, spotting Overcast's smile, and his fancy clothes, not to mention a mysterious lump in his pocket.

"Come on, Rainbow, we're going into Ponyville." Overcast said. They left the house, and flew down to Twilight's library, where Overcast had told all of Rainbow's friends to meet them. He had a party in mind. all the time going there, Rainbow was confused by the lump in Overcast's pocket. Once they got there, Rainbow went inside, followed by OC, only to be met with her friends, so happy.

"Really, OC, what's the big idea?" She turned around, to see Overcast kneeling on his back hooves. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out the lump. It was a small red box, covered in velvet.

"Rainbow Danger Dash..." He said, putting one hoof underneath the box, and one on the front of it. He continued to say, "Will you Marry me?" He opened the box to show a diamond ring.

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but shed tears. She wasn't even worried her friends would see. She was secretly waiting for the day that Overcast would propose to her, but until now, it seemd only a distant dream. She was having trouble speaking through the tears, but she managed to say, "Yes. Yes I will!"

Rainbows friends cheered, and confetti fell from the sky as Overcast fitted the ring onto Rainbow's hoof, somehow, despite the ring being far to small. He stood again, and he and Rainbow embraced each other, and gave each other a magical kiss, that emphasized that fact that this would change their lives forever. Rainbow Dash still had a question in mind, which she asked as soon as the kiss was over, "Overcast, why now?"

"Because, Rainbow," he said, gulping his fears, "I love you!"

This brought on more tears for Rainbow, who continued to respond, "I love you, too, Overcast.!"

They had now gotten engaged. The party was magnificent. By the end, all of Ponyville was there. Overcast got drunk, and didn't remember most of it the next day, and Rainbow Dash was so wore out that they forgot their Nightly midnight flight. But it was worth it, because now the two ponies who loved each other more than anything were getting married. They set the date to the Summer Sun Celebration next month.