Twilight and her friends listened as Big Momma and StarBell explained the plan. Applejack had to admit, out of the list of plans her friends attempted in the past, this one at least had the added benefit of not needing to lie. In addition, they wouldn't fully have to worry about Rainbow asking too many questions.

"And don't worry. Unless the fake wants to out himself. He'll go along with the plan." StarBell added with a soft smile. One which seemed to glow with venom more than happiness. "After all. The show is for her. And knowing Ray. He'd jump on the chance to shower the ones he loves with whatever kind of gift he can."

"Not only that. But we'll be there to keep an eye on them." Momma added. "No worries. While we take shifts keeping an eye on them. The rest of you can focus on your parts."

"We want in." Three energetic voices called out in unison.

All eyes turned to the three young ponies. "Sweetie. What are you talking about?" Rarity asked softly.

"We want to help keep an eye on Rainbow and the masked pony." Sweetie replied.

"How long have y'all been listening?" Applejack asked flatly.

"Long enough to know that some jerk is pretending to be Ray" Scootaloo snapped. "I want to help take him down."
Under her breath Scootaloo added. "Or at least convince Ray to be with me."

Momma's ear twitched as she leaned over to Twilight whispering. "What are the laws on couples?" As Twilight was about to reply, Momma hissed her. "We can talk later in private."

Twilight slowly nodded before adding. "I don't think it's that big of a deal. In fact if you two are going to be staying in Equestria, even for a while. I think it would be a good idea to know some of the laws. And one that I noticed comes up quite a bit is relationships." All eyes turned to her as Twilight smiled softly. "I don't know how everypony's relationships are going. But it is common for couples to form into a single family. At least when it comes to small towns."

Twilight thought for a moment as StarBell asked. "And for towns like Ponyville?"

"It happens less often. The more common event of multiple couples is a herd. Though… if I'm going to be honest. Interspecies couples are more common." Twilight replied.

"And what about age? Or if the two guys like the same two mares?" Momma asked.

Twilight waved her hoof dismissively. "It's not recommended. But it's also not against the law." She replied. "In fact if the younger partner is interested in forming or joining in a relationship, there are several processes that would be available to aid for the young partner to prepare with."

At those words, the Cutie Mark Crusaders blushed and each looked in different directions. Momma thought about what she said as a plan formed in her head. Smiling, she turned and made her way outside. "Discord sweetheart. Would you mind coming with me." She asked, grabbing his tail with her hoof. "I need your help with something.

Fluttershy felt nervous as she laid in bed with Ray. It wasn't because she thought Discord would get upset, because she knew he'd understand that she was doing this to help Ray… right? She wondered to herself if being so close to her best friend's mate was such a good idea. She felt him shiver lightly and quietly pressed herself against his chest. Feeling him wrap pull her closer, she quickly covered her mouth to keep herself from squeaking in shock.

"Ho my." She thought. It was hard for her to stay calm when she was close to another pony. And for some reason it was even harder. Maybe it was because he was being so gentle… maybe she felt close to him, in an emotional sense… her eyes widened as she felt him hold tighter, inadvertently pressing herself against a specific part of his body. Blushing, she clenched her eyes closed. This wasn't good. It was pressing against her. And she hadn't been touched there for so long.

Fluttershy mentally cursed Discord for not rutting her like he knew she wanted. She didn't really know how many times she had hinted that she wanted it. Or how obvious she had made it. And now… here was a stallion that had the tool to itch her scratch.

Biting her lip, she slowly moved her hip, she felt dirty for wanting this. For wanting her friend's mate to be in her. For wanting to be treated like…

Fluttershy pulled away and jumped off the bed panting. "Oh my… what do I do?" She whimpered.

"What's wrong?" Ray asked as he sat up. Sniffing the air, he blinked. "Oh… do… do you want me to get your mate?"

" no…" She whimpered. "I know he won't do it."

Ray thought for a moment before smiling. "Do you want me to help?"

"But Rainbow…"

"She knows about my side job." Ray shrugged. "Besides, I think she'd be more upset if I didn't help her BPF."

Fluttershy smiled and looked away as her tail flicked up slightly at the idea. "Maybe… later? After we decide what to do about the imposter."

Ray smiled and nodded. "And I think I have an idea." With that the two made their way out to find the others.

Rainbow looked out the window and huffed. "Really? I thought we'd be there by now."

"I know right?"

"Pinkie!!!" Rainbow exclaimed as she jumped away from her friend. "What… who?"

"I mean. You've been on this train for how many chapters?" Pinkie sighed. "You'd think the writer or readers would point it out. I mean, the party can't start without you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Hush." She shushed. "No spoilers."

"But you-"

"No spoilers." She repeated as she vanished back into whatever reality breaking hole she came from.

"You know… sometimes I wonder about what her relation with Discord really is." Rainbow sighed before looking back out the window.

Author's Note

A lot to unpack with this one. But I think it would be more interesting to see what you think will happen before it all comes together.