Short chapter but ill try to make a longer one next time.

The representative was coming today. It almost physically hurt Rainbow Dash, knowing that her life was coming to such an abrupt, cruel end. She would meet eyes with whatever stupid blueblood her mother had sent out to manage her holiday and be dragged kicking and screaming to the castle.

She wanted to curl up in a ball and sob but she was made of stronger stuff.

Fluttershy seemed to sense something was wrong and kept close to her all day, trying her best to be supportive without being overbearing. Rainbow Dash felt a flush of gratitude and reminded herself to send something Fluttershy something nice from Canterlot. She knew the mare struggled with money and didn't want to leave her friend floundering.

She had gotten her first paycheck the other day and had almost leapt for joy.

Money, her money!

And not from taxes or the treasury, from her sweat and from her own talent!

She had slipped a good chunk of it around Fluttershy's house, a few bits in the change jar, a few in her bag, one or two in the couch, just so she could have a pleasant surprise or for when she really needed it.

The rest she spent on food and the small rent she had insisted on paying.

"Oh, no, there's really no need, Bright, I quite enjoy your company."

"Fluttershy, I've been here for weeks, living on your couch and eating your food. Take it!"

And truthfully, she wasn't quite sure why she stayed at Fluttershy's when really, she could build herself a cloud home in seconds.

"He's here!" Pinkie cried, breaking her out of her thoughts. "Come on, everypony! I wanna see you smile for out new friend! Come on!"

She didn't very much feel like smiling. Fluttershy huddled as close as was socially acceptable, shyness peaking through. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and used her wing to yank her closer. She could feel the racing heartbeat against her side and it freaked her out a bit, how fragile her friend was.

"I hope they're nice," she whispered into her ear.

I don't care if they're nice, I just want them to be a complete stranger!

The doors to the barn opened and the group went wild. Balloons fell from the ceiling, confetti poppers went off and when the debris cleared, Rainbow Dash felt her jaw drop.

You have got to be kidding me...

AN; I know money isn't really mentioned in the show but I always imagined Fluttershy the least well off. Rainbow Dash is the best at her steady job, it's been noted that while not rich, Applejack and her family farm bring in quite a bit, there are always parties going on for Pinkie to plan, Rarity runs a successful boutique, and I've always assumed that even if Twilight didn't get at least a pension from the princess, she's got everything she needs provided for her, with nothing really to spend money on whereas Fluttershy needs to take care of her animals.