Author's Note

So, I have a personal project I'll need to work on next week, but I'll make it up to you all the following week with two Chapters. You all stay safe. Happy New Years!

Dashing Through Ponyville

Hammer Hoof woke up slowly, a groan rumbling from his throat as he sat up in the stiff motel bed. “I really gotta get my own place here soon.” he muttered to himself, rolling out of bed with a big, cat-like stretch. Pops and cracks rang up and down his spine, coaxing a small sigh of relief. He could still feel the soreness from his match yesterday. Luckily, he had the next few days off, so he figured he could take it easy.

He grabbed an apple from the bedside table, giving it a quick polish before biting into it as he left the inn. Little Flitter, the innkeeper, waved cheerfully from the front desk. Hammer Hoof waved back and made his way out onto the street, pausing briefly to look up into the sky.

The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with a few puffy clouds that seemed to float lazily in the cool autumn breeze. A gentle gust stirred the air, carrying the fresh scent of crisp apples through the air, likely wafting straight from Sweet Apple Acres. Hammer took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to let the breeze flow around him. When he opened them again, he noticed a small blue speck on one of the larger clouds above.

The speck shifted, then seemed to leap off of the cloud, diving now, fast enough to make his heart jump. Within moments, Hammer realized what it was: a blue pegasus with a rainbow trail following her like a comet. It was Rainbow Dash. Just like she’d done the other day, she was plummeting toward the ground, only this time, her dive was even closer, streaking down until she was mere feet above the ground. At the last possible second, she pulled up, soaring right over Hammer’s head with a gust of wind that made his mane stand on end.

Hammer Hoof’s jaw dropped as he watched her tear through the sky. She shot upwards and began looping, spinning, and rolling in the air like she was painting the sky with her every move. She bobbed and weaved between the treetops, twisting in tight barrel rolls and flipping over herself in a way that seemed effortless. Nopony else seemed to be paying her much attention, but Hammer Hoof was absolutely spellbound.

She shot higher, heading toward the clouds she’d jumped from, and began circling them at dizzying speeds, becoming a rainbow blur. One by one, the clouds started spinning like tops, twirling in her wake. She left them spinning and dove again, executing a massive corkscrew motion that trailed a thick, swirling braid of rainbow. The vivid colors lingered in the air, spiraling gracefully until they faded.

Hammer couldn’t help but smile, a feeling of admiration washing over him. “She’s the best flier in Equestria, hooves down.” he thought aloud, mesmerized by the performance. "I wish I had wings." From high above, Rainbow spotted him and grinned, then swooped down with a few powerful flaps of her wings, hovering right in front of him at eye level.

“Hey, Hammer!” she greeted him with a confident smile, her vibrant violet eyes sparkling with excitement. “How’s it hangin’?”

Hammer smiled back, slightly flustered by her energy. “I’m good. That,” he said, gesturing to the fading rainbow braid still lingering in the sky, “was… incredible.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled, a hint of blush coloring her cheeks. “Psh, thanks! And hey, you were pretty awesome last night too! Especially that dive over the ropes—and then when you totally crashed into him after he picked you up! It’s like you were flying!”

Hammer rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it, Dash.” He watched her blush deepen as he continued, “So, was all that just practice for your Wonderbolts show on Saturday?”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed, and she nodded eagerly. “You know it! Gotta stay on top of my game if I’m gonna keep blowing everypony’s minds.”

“That show’s gonna be awesome.” he said with a grin.

“About that…” Rainbow reached behind her with a sly smile and pulled out a ticket, holding it in her teeth. She passed it to him, and as Hammer took it, he realized it wasn’t just any ticket—it was a front row ticket to the Wonderbolts show.

Rainbow grinned at his surprise. “Since I saw you in yours, I thought you might like to come see me totally crush it in my element.”

Hammer’s eyes widened. “Wait, are you serious?” He flipped the ticket over, hardly believing it. “This is amazing! But… wait, what time is it? I’ve got a match Friday night.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “No sweat! I can cover transportation. I’m heading to Canterlot tomorrow anyway to get some extra practice in with the Bolts, so I’ll just zip back here Friday night, pick you up, and we’ll head out. Easy peasy!”

“You’re sure? I don’t want to mess up your schedule or anything…”

She just rolled her eyes, giving him a playful nudge. “C’mon, Hammer, you think I’d let a schedule get in the way of bringing a friend to my show?” She gave him a smirk and a wink. “Besides, it’s gonna be way cooler with you there watching.”

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, if you’re sure… Then, yeah, I’d love to go.”

“Sweet!” Rainbow’s grin widened, her excitement contagious. She glanced around and said, “So, what’re you up to right now? ‘Cause I could totally show you around Ponyville. Y’know, the real tour, Dash-style.”

Hammer looked around the quaint town. He’d been planning to take a look around by himself, but he wasn’t about to turn down the chance to hang out with a freakin’ Wonderbolt. “That sounds great.”

“Awesome! I know exactly where to start!”

The first stop was a bit of a walk away, but Rainbow Dash assured Hammer that it was worth the trek. They strolled through town, passing the foals’ schoolhouse with its cheerful red paint and then following a winding dirt path lined with wildflowers. Soon, rows of apple trees stretched before them, their branches were heavy with ripe, red apples that dappled the trees in spots of vibrant color against the green leaves.

“Okay, so this is where the best apples in Equestria are grown. Sweet Apple Acres!” Rainbow Dash announced proudly, gesturing with a hoof. “Oh man, wait till you get a taste of their cider! It’s seriously the best. But you gotta be quick if you want some—lines start way early.”

Hammer grinned, catching a glint in her eye. “Early, huh? Is that tough for you?”

Rainbow huffed, nudging his shoulder. “Pfft, I could totally wake up whenever I want if I really needed to.” She replied, her tone seemed insisting, though Hammer just raised an eyebrow it was past noon and she’d only just woken up. Then again, he wasn’t much better. He wisely kept his mouth shut, hiding his amusement. “Anyway, trust me, it’s worth it.”

As they continued, a bright red barn came into view. Out front, Applejack and a tall, muscular stallion were loading up a wooden cart packed with fresh apples. Applejack lifted her head, spotting them first, and a curious look crossed her face.

“Well, well, if it ain’t Ponyville’s newest star and his number one fan.” She wiped a bit of sweat from her brow. “Got Rainbow showin’ ya the sights, huh?” She gave Rainbow Dash a look that threw Hammer off. One he couldn’t read.

Rainbow just shrugged. “What can I say, AJ? Cool ponies attract other cool ponies.” She flashed a grin, nudging Hammer playfully.

Applejack raised an eyebrow with a slight smirk, but those eyes were still oddly cold.. “Well, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Hammer. Ah’m guessin’ Rainbow’s real keen on givin’ ya the grand tour.”

“Absolutely. Had to make sure he gets the full Ponyville experience, you know, the right way?” Rainbow replied, puffing her chest out a little.

Hammer extended a hoof toward the big red stallion, who’s looking him up and down with a slow, assessing nod. “And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

Applejack gestured to the stallion. “This here’s my brother, Big Mac. Mac, this is Hammer Hoof, that wrestler I told ya about.”

Big Mac gave a quiet “Eeyup” and met Hammer’s hoof with a firm shake. Hammer couldn’t help but feel the raw strength in the stallion’s grip. “Pleasure to meet ya, Big Mac. You are built. You ever want to consider a match, just come find me.” Hammer joked, nodding approvingly.

Big Mac chuckled softly, his response short and understated as he released Hammer’s hoof. “Eeyup.”

Applejack cleared her throat, reclaiming Hammer’s attention. “Sorry Ah missed your show last night.” she said, casually adjusting her hat. “Ah wanted to come, but Ah got roped into watchin’ the kids.”

“Kids?” Hammer raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t take you for a mother, Applejack.”

Applejack snorted, shaking her head. “Heck no! Not mine! Ah’m talkin’ about my sister, Apple Bloom, and her two friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Granny was busy bakin’ pies, and Big Mac here was out for a guy’s night, so it was up to me ta keep ‘em outta trouble.”

“Gotcha.” Hammer said, nodding as he took in the sprawling fields of apple trees stretching as far as he could see. “Looks like you’d need all the help you can get around here with this many trees.”

Applejack chuckled. “It’s a lotta work, alright, but we manage. Keeps us strong.” Her green eyes flicked back and forth between Rainbow and Hammer, her expression softening slightly as she turned to Hammer, getting just a little too close. “Ya know, Rainbow doesn’t usually spend this much time showin’ folks around. Guess she must think pretty highly of ya.”

Rainbow's cheeks turned a bit pink. “What? I’m just bein' friendly, AJ.”

Hammer chuckled, feeling his own face warm up. “Well, I am pretty lucky to have Ponyville’s top flier showing me around.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes playfully, though her expression seemed to carry just a hint of protectiveness as she watched Hammer. “Just remember—Rainbow here may be Ponyville’s top flier, but she’s got her limits too. If anything happens-”

Rainbow groaned and rolled her eyes, “Please spare us the mom lecture. I’m not a foal anymore, you know.” Applejack blushed and averted her eyes.

At first, her protectiveness put Hammer off. Then that thought melted away quickly, he decided that he’d heed Applejack’s advice, to the best of his abilities. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for lookin' out.”

Big Mac chuckled, giving Hammer a polite nod as he picked up another crate. “Good meetin’ ya, Hammer. We gotta work, but you enjoy yer tour.”

Rainbow Dash led Hammer towards the Apple family home and gestured expansively at the wide fields around them.

“Alright, so first up is the orchard, which you've already seen, but yeah. This is where Applejack and her family grow most of the apples they sell in Ponyville and beyond.” Rainbow explained. She swooped a hoof around to indicate the vast rows of trees that seem to stretch endlessly. “It might look like just a bunch of trees, but there’s actually a system here. Applejack has different areas for different apple varieties. She’s really particular about it—typical AJ.”

Hammer’s eyes widened as he took in the fields. “This is… a lot. I can’t even imagine harvesting all these.”

Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, tell me about it. Applejack goes at it for hours too. She's tougher than she looks.”

They continued on, passing a few stacks of empty wooden crates and baskets ready for filling. A large chicken coop caught Hammer’s eye next, and Rainbow grins. “And over here, Applejack’s got her chickens. She’s got all the animals trained up—they practically run on a schedule thanks to her.”

A faint clucking sound came from the coop, and a few curious chickens peered out, tilting their heads at the newcomers.

“She’s a hard worker, huh?” Hammer observed, watching the chickens go about their business.

“Absolutely.” Rainbow replied, a touch of admiration slipping into her voice. “She’s always out here from dawn till dusk, especially when it’s harvest season. I’ll help her out every now and then—when I’ve got time, that is.” She added that last part a little hastily, puffing up a bit as if to make sure he knew she’s still the more adventurous type.

She led Hammer around the back of the barn, pointing out the storage shed where they kept equipment and supplies, as well as a patch of freshly tilled soil next to a modest vegetable garden.

“Even got some veggies here. They’re mostly about apples, but they grow a little of everything,” Rainbow explained. “The whole place is like one giant machine. Everypony’s got their role, and they all work together to keep things running.”

Hammer nodded, clearly impressed. “I can see why you’d think highly of Applejack. She and her family put in serious effort here.”

Rainbow grinned, giving him a playful nudge. “I may be the fastest flier in Equestria, but AJ’s definitely got the ‘hard work’ thing down. We’re kinda like two sides of the same coin.” She paused, as if catching herself, and then quickly added, “And hey, anypony who doesn’t appreciate how awesome this farm is? They just don’t get it.”

By the time they circled back toward the barn, Hammer looked around with fresh appreciation.

Hammer waved as they said their goodbyes. “You both have a great day—and thanks for letting me check out the place.”

Applejack just tipped her hat, though there’s still that faint, thoughtful glint in her eyes as she watched them leave. “Y’all come on back anytime.” she called after them.

As they walked off, Rainbow couldn’t resist giving Hammer a nudge. “See? Told you it was worth it.” she said, looking pleased.

“Definitely was.” Hammer agreed. Rainbow lifted into the air and grabbed two apples from an apple tree. “Are you allowed to-”

“What AJ doesn't know can't hurt her.” Rainbow Dash shrugged, passing an apple to him. He looked back, then around at the thousands of others around them. He shrugged and took a bite.

These really are the best apples in Equestria.

Rainbow Dash led him next him towards Twilight's Castle. It was a massive ornate tree building that stood tall over just about everything else in Ponyville, all the way on the opposite end of town.

Hammer went to knock on the door, but Rainbow Dash stepped ahead of him and just swung it open, politeness be damned. Hammer smiled a bit at this brashness. Rainbow has a moxie that simply can't be described in words.

“Twilight! Spike!” Rainbow Dash called out, trotting through the castle. Slowly, Hammer Hoof followed.

“Uh, you're sure we can just walk in like this?” His eyes lingered on the expensive decor, the stained glass windows and lavish rugs. It almost looked like Rarity designed it.

“Yeah. She has the library in here, so we can just kinda come and go.” Suddenly, Twilight teleported in front of them.

“Hey there, you two!” Hammer jumped back a step, startled.

“Hey Twi, I'm just showing Hammer around town. I was gonna show him the library.” In a flash, they're all teleported into the library room. Hammer staggered slightly afterward. He blinked and looked at Twilight. He thought teleporting was a myth and she pulled that off with ease. A brief thought struck him about just how strong Twilight was. He shook it away. A gigantic shelf stood holding rows and rows of books stacked up to the ceiling. Immediately, Rainbow Dash started scanning the shelves. “Come on, where is it?”

As she searched, Twilight struck up a conversation with Hammer. “So, how are you feeling?”

“Pretty good, all things considered. That bump I took at ringside still hurts.”

“I’m sorry, I think I have a pain relief potion somewhere.”

“It’s cool, Twilight. All part of the job.” Hammer said, grinning.

“Right. Part of the job.” Twilight said, with a nervous chuckle, trying to work up the nerve for something. She took a deep breath and got serious as she said, “There's something I don't get about wrestling.”

“Shoot.”

“So wrestling is fa-” she stopped, remembering Rainbow Dash's scolding at the show and correcting herself, “Sorry. Staged. Scripted. Predetermined.” Hammer nodded, “You’re not really fighting for anything, yet you still do all that crazy stuff. Why?”

Hammer thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Because I love it.” He said simply, “We all do.”

“You love it?” she pressed.

“I'm a second-generation wrestler. I grew up around this, watching it since I was a little foal. I knew from the second I heard the bell ring and I saw those stallions lock it up in the ring, I knew that it was what I wanted to do with my life. I love it.”

Twilight took a second to digest that. That rich, life-long passion. He probably had so much to pick at. As she went to ask further questions and really understand this, maybe even write a report, but just as she opened her mouth-

“Aha!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, retrieving a book and stealing Hammer’s attention. Twilight put a pin in her curiosity momentarily. She flew back down, in front of Hammer. “Look, I know that reading is totally lame-”

“Hey!” Twilight shot back, offended.

Hammer smiled and stepped forward. “Well, I'm not a strong reader, but I can try. Watcha got?”

Rainbow broke into an even wider grin as she raved about the book, “Well it's about the coolest, awesomest, radicalest hero ever, Daring Do! She's so cool, she's always trying to find these important artifacts, but something always gets in the way, and then she has to beat bad guys and avoid traps and then–” she went on for a while, Hammer listening with a smile as she told him everything about this book that she had yet to let him read. That passion is infectious. Eventually, she slowed down a bit, blushing, “Uh, sorry. Here, tell me what you think.” She handed Hammer the book, Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

As he took the book, Hammer said, “Don't be sorry, I'm glad you enjoy it so much. I'll definitely read it and fill you in.”

He offered the book to Twilight to check it out but she shook her head, “Just bring it back when you're finished.” She said.

“Of course.”

With that, Hammer and Rainbow Dash headed back out.

Rainbow Dash led Hammer through the busy streets, pointing out landmarks with casual pride. “So, there’s the post office, the bowling alley, Quills and Sofas—they sell quills and sofas. Kind of a weird combo, right? But hey, it’s Ponyville.” She gestured up ahead. “Alright, almost there. Now, this next place may not scream 'awesome,' but trust me, you’ll like it.”

They approached a boutique that looked more like a carousel than a shop. Hammer paused, letting Rainbow step ahead, and again, she confidently swung the door open without so much as a knock. “Hey, Rares! You got a minute?”

Rarity stepped out from a nearby workroom, her mane tied back, wearing her work glasses. “Rainbow, darling, I’m on an awfully tight schedule, I thought we rescheduled our spa day—”

Rainbow’s cheeks went bright pink. “No! I mean, it’s not—well, kinda. Look, I was just showing him around and…” She gestured to the stallion behind her, as if that explained everything.

Rarity's eyes lit up as she saw Hammer. She immediately trotted past Rainbow, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Hammer Hoof! Just the stallion I’ve been waiting for!”

Hammer returned her smile. “Hello, Miss Rarity. Rainbow was kind enough to show me around town.”

“How lovely of her!” She lifted a rolled blueprint with her horn and unrolled it with a flourish. “I’ve been sketching up some ideas for your outfit, and I think I have something simply marvelous!” The design she showed him was particularly elaborate: a pristine white spandex bodysuit with a hammer logo, an ornate, feathered coat lined with shimmering gems, along with matching shades and boots.

Hammer nodded, taking it in with a critical eye. “I'm not sure if I can compete in all that. It's pretty heavy… all those feathers and gems would get everywhere…” He looked at Rarity who's face started to fall. It's clear that she put a lot of work into this. It isn't my gimmick though… he looked at Rainbow Dash whose face was in a wincing expression. She sensed his hesitation. They both did. Hammer sighed, Guess we'll compromise. “I can wear the coat and glasses coming into the ring. I can't wear them wrestling but it’d make a pretty cool entrance look. But for the actual wrestling, I’d have to stick to the spandex.” He tapped the design approvingly. “I could definitely work in that.”

Rarity’s face lit up again, and she gave a delighted nod. “Oh, I’m so glad you like it, darling! And don’t worry, I’ll make the coat light enough so it’s easy to remove.”

“I do have a couple requests, though. First… no glitter.” He chuckled. “Not really my style and it gets everywhere. Diamond would have a fit if I glitter-bombed his ring.”

Rainbow snickered, nodding. “Yeah, glitter’s more of a Pinkie thing, anyway.”

“Understood.” Rarity said, making a note. “And the boots?”

Hammer tapped the sketch. “If we could swap out the feathers for some faux fur, that’d be perfect. Feathers are messy.”

“Consider it done!” Rarity said, nodding as she sketched a few adjustments. “Now, I’ll just need your measurements.”

Rainbow groaned. “Do we have to do that now? It’s gonna take forever, and we’re not even done with the tour.”

Rarity gave her a knowing look. “Rainbow, this needs to be ready by Friday.”

“Don't worry, I've memorized them.” Hammer said, “I've kept this shape for years so… shoulders are twenty eight inches across, my chest is fifty inches. Barrel is a good fifty-eight inches around, my ah, my flank, is about forty six inches. Front legs thirty-six around the thickest, thirty-eight on the back and… my neck is twenty four inches around.” he thought for a moment, trying to find any more measurements, then nodded, “That should cover it, right?”

Rarity blinked, a bit taken aback, but she quickly jotted them all down. “My goodness, you certainly know yourself well!”

Hammer chuckled. “I’ve spent my whole life in spandex, Miss Rarity.”

She grinned, satisfied, and nodded. “Alright then. I’ll make sure it’s ready in time.” She turned to Rainbow with a smile. “And I’ll see you at the spa on Sunday?”

Rainbow’s face went pink again. “Y-yeah. Sure.”

Rarity gave them both a wave as she headed back into her workroom. Hammer followed Rainbow back outside, unable to resist a grin. “So, a spa day, huh?”

Rainbow grumbled, looking embarrassed. “Yeah…”

“Nice. Need one myself.” he said with a smirk. “You should show me where it is next, let me index it.”

Rainbow’s ears perked up. “Really?”

“Absolutely. Little self-care never hurt anypony.” he said, taking the lead for a second, and turning back to face her. Then he backed into a pole and jolted, turning back around and slowing down for her to catch up.

Rainbow gave a laugh, the embarrassment fading. “You know what? You might actually fit in here.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rainbow.” They laughed amongst themselves as Rainbow continued the tour.

As they passed by the Ponyville Spa, Hammer Hoof briefly considered stopping for a massage but decided against it. Instead, he opted to continue with Rainbow Dash to Sugarcube Corner. He'd only recently been there for his welcome party, but another visit couldn’t hurt, especially with Rainbow Dash as company.

Flying a little ahead of him, Rainbow glanced back, noticing his gaze lingering on the brightly decorated bakery. Hammer cleared his throat, getting her attention. “So, what’s your go-to here?”

“At Sugarcube Corner?” Rainbow Dash hovered in place, considering the question. “Oh, I love everything there. The cookies are awesome, the cupcakes are perfect, the cake is super moist, and the pie… well, the pie’s just, you know, pie.” She scrunched her nose. “I’m not really big on pie.”

Hammer chuckled. “Fair enough. I don’t mind a good pumpkin pie myself… maybe a cheesecake if that counts.” He shrugged, grinning at her.

“Cheesecake, huh?” Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. “Do you have a favorite dessert, or are you just a ‘whatever’s in front of me’ kind of pony?”

“Actually, cheesecake's probably my favorite.” he admitted, “But a good pumpkin roll might give it a run for its money. Any chance they’ve got that here?”

“Maybe a little closer to Fieldsworn.” Rainbow said as they reached the door. She pushed it open and waved to Mrs. Cake behind the counter. “Hey, Mrs. Cake! I’m showing Hammer Hoof around Ponyville. Is Pinkie around?”

“Not at the moment, dear! She’s out running some errands.” Mrs. Cake smiled warmly at them. “But I’m happy to help you two. What can I get for you?”

Hammer Hoof studied the bakery case for a moment, eyes scanning over an assortment of treats. He nods at a loaf of golden-brown banana bread. “Two slices of that banana bread, please.”

“Of course!” Mrs. Cake took a knife and carefully cut two generous pieces. “There you go, that’ll be four bits.”

Hammer slid six bits onto the counter. “Thank you, ma’am. Keep the change.” He picked up the plates, passing one to Rainbow Dash. “For the tour guide.” He said with a grin.

Rainbow Dash took it, smiling despite herself. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“Wanted to.” he replied with a shrug, leading her to a table. “Besides, you’ve been showing me around all day. Least I can do is treat you.”

She sighed but couldn’t hide her grin. “Well, thanks, Hammer. I appreciate it.” She took a bite and her eyes widened. “Whoa, that’s really good!”

Hammer took his own bite, nodding in agreement. “Holy cow, that’s some good banana bread.”

They ate in comfortable silence, enjoying the treat, until Hammer broke it. “So, you live around here?”

Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Nah, I’ve got a place in the clouds between here and Cloudsdale. Best of both worlds, you know?”

“A cloud, huh?” Hammer looked up thoughtfully, “Must be kinda… quiet, though, right? Not like you can invite everypony over for company. Unless they’re a pegasus, I guess.”

Rainbow chuckled. “It’s not so bad. I’ve got Tank to keep me company. He's my pet tortoise. That little guy’s pretty much my shadow.”

“Tank?” Hammer raised an eyebrow and a grin spread over his face. “You got a pet turtle?”

Rainbow Dash corrected him quickly, “Tortoise. And yeah, he’s the coolest pet I could ask for.”

Hammer chuckled, leaning back. “A tortoise is a type of turtle, Rainbow Dash. Besides, Turtle’s way more fun to say.” He winks.

Rainbow shook her head, though she smiled. “Yeah, yeah. But he’s still a tortoise. Got him from Fluttershy, actually. I was looking for… something else, but he, well, he kinda won me over.”

“Sounds like he’s got some charm.” Hammer grinned, glancing back toward the door as evening shadows deepened outside. “Speaking of Fluttershy, weren’t we going to stop by her place next?”

Rainbow looked out the window, eyes widening slightly. “Aw, horsefeathers! I didn’t even realize it was getting this late. I really wanted to introduce you to her today.”

Hammer shrugged. “Eh, no worries. I’m sure I’ll meet her soon enough. I’m just glad I got to spend the day with you.”

Rainbow Dash smirked, puffing her chest out just a bit. “Well, of course. I am pretty awesome, you know.”

They both shared a laugh, the lightness of it lingering between them. After a beat, Hammer looked at her with a warm smile. “Hey, we should do this again sometime.”

Rainbow’s eyes gleamed, “Another tour?”

“No, not a tour. Just… hanging out.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Maybe after you’re done with your Wonderbolts stuff.”

Rainbow’s usual confidence faltered just a bit, and she blushed, looking down at her empty plate. “Yeah, uh… yeah, I’d like that.” She managed a small, almost shy smile. Totally out of character.