Chapter 4: Afterparty

It had been one of the best shows in recent memory. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy babbled on about what they had just seen, though Rainbow did most of the talking while her friend just politely listened and nodded in agreement. They stayed in their seats while the other ponies left. Rainbow had always done this, that way she could catch up to the Wonderbolts and sneak into their afterparty.  It wasn’t long before only they remained.

The Wonderbolts had been changing and relaxing before they headed to the party. Most of the fans had left by now so they wouldn’t have to deal with any ridiculous crowds. Rainbow and Fluttershy followed secretly behind the group of fantastic flyers. She had always had fun sneaking into their parties, but this time something more was on her mind. She needed to find out how that rookie did it. Most pegasi didn’t tend to care how the Wonderbolts did their tricks, they simply watched and marveled. It was different for Rainbow though, she was talented at flying, she could do these tricks with some practice.

This was one of the few times that Rainbow couldn’t figure out what they did. She could easily keep up and recognize the various moves and routines the Wonderbolts performed. Every once in a while there was an exception and this happened to be one of them. It just made her want to know the secret behind this even more.

They arrived at a club simply known as ‘The Hay’. It was owned by DJ-PON3, and one of the most exclusive clubs in Equestria. The closer they got to the club, the closer Rainbow and Fluttershy got to the Wonderbolts in an attempt to blend in.

The bouncer must have seen through their facade because he stopped them. “Sorry Ladies, Club is suddenly full,” this wouldn’t stop Rainbow. “Is that so?” Rainbow said seductively in an attempt to gain entrance. “Yes, it is” she looked in shock, harsh. “um, I um, think we should just go” Fluttershy interjected. Reluctantly Rainbow agreed, or at least she would wait till they were out of sight before getting in some other way. They took a couple of steps away from the club, before hearing something familiar.

“Hey Sparky in her- HEY, is that you Fluttershy?”

She didn’t know how he had seen her, but it worked to Rainbow’s advantage. It was Lightning Streak.

“Um, hey, Lightning,” Fluttershy replied sheepishly. “Were you trying to get in?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “Well let them in,” he turned to the bouncer. “Of course, Mr. Lightning” Rainbow was glad to see the bouncer’s sudden change of attitude. “Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Sparky come over here.” An indigo pegasus with a white mane that had hints of yellow appeared. He had an athletic build and his stance could give anyone a sense of security. There was something about him, as if an aura of relaxation floated around him calming everyone near him.

“And who is this Sparky?” Rainbow asked out loud. “Why he is one of the best flyers in Equestria, didn’t you ladies see the show, he performed the finale.” “That was you?” Rainbow was shocked, but she also couldn’t help but chuckle at his pet name. He simply nodded. “So Sparky, can you tell me how you did it?” Rainbow asked intensely. Before he could reply Lightning Spark interjected, “so are we gonna wait here all night or are we going to party?” He shoved them all into the loud crowded club.

After they entered any attempt to communicate had failed. It was clearly too loud. They slowly made their way to the VIP section. The task seemed nearly impossible but they managed to push through the thick crowd. Rainbow liked the change of atmosphere. She wasn’t exactly claustrophobic but hated being confined. It was much calmer here.

Most of the Wonderbolts had been drinking and talking, they were tired from the show and preferred not to dance. She attempted to ask again, but not wanting to spoil the mood she decided to join in the drinking. She could always ask him later.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

It had been a long night, Rainbow was drunk like most of the Wonderbolts, with the exception being “Sparky”. In her drunken state, Rainbow seemed to call him that a lot, and was usually followed by a chuckle. He didn’t know if she was flirting with him or just being intoxicated, but it made him feel uncomfortable. He had taken a few drinks to calm his nerves, but being the rookie, he was given the job of designated flyer, making sure to call a taxi for anyone drunk enough to leave on their own. He didn’t mind too much, he wasn’t a drinker, and he certainly knew how to have a good time without consuming alcohol.

“Whoa there love birds,” the rookie separated Soarin’ and Spitfire, “I know you can’t wait to make it home, but at least let me call you a taxi.” The couple had been quick-tempered when separated, especially when drunk, but his charm changed their usual attitude. There wasn’t a moment that they stopped touching in one way or another, but at least they had agreed to wait.

The rookie headed back inside, the only remaining pegasi had been Lightning Streak and the other two he had entered with. He had almost had forgotten about Lightning, and now that he thought about it, the yellow pegasus too. She was almost as loud as her cyan friend but after a while he hadn’t seen her or Lightning.

When he approached Lightning he realized that he wasn’t drunk either. “So how about I call these two a cab and we head home?”

“Actually Sparky, I was thinking I take this one to her house myself…. she is a friend,” the last part was not the full truth, but he decided not to linger on the subject. “So I’ll just call this one a taxi then?” pointing to Rainbow with his hoof, Rainbow had protested. “How about you take her and I’ll take Fluttershy home? They don’t live too far from each other, and besides what kind of stallion would you be if you left her alone like that?” If Rainbow hadn’t been so drunk that comment may have offended her, but instead she found it as a great proposal. Upon seeing her eyes light up all he could only say yes.

The moon had been about three fourths through its cycle, when they had reached Ponyville. For the most part the two Wonderbolts had been discussing the day while their company had been falling asleep. Lightning Streak had been carrying Fluttershy the whole time, while Rainbow had been clumsily flying.

Lightning Streak had given him a general idea of where Rainbow’s house was located. It took some time, from both the clumsy mare and the terribly generic directions, but they finally found the house.

He escorted her to her bedroom to make sure she didn’t collapse upon entrance to the house. “I guess I’ll be going now,” he exited slowly, trying not to disturb her. “Please stay” a cry came from beneath the covers. He didn’t want to stay, but he convinced himself that he would wait until she fell asleep, which he figured wouldn’t be but a few minutes.

He took a seat in the chair next to her bed, but almost immediately she gestured him over to her bed. He initialed refused but she didn’t let up. Just a few minutes, she’ll be asleep before you know it. He slid into her bed uncomfortably. As soon as he did, she hugged him. The embrace shocked him, he didn’t know where this was going, but he didn’t want to take advantage of a drunken mare. He recoiled slightly, Just a few more minutes… “Thanks for bringing me home,” he was growing more uncomfortable.

“It was not a problem,” hoping that she would fall asleep soon. His fears soon vanquished as she did. Suddenly he felt much more comfortable when he realized this didn’t lead anywhere. Her grip on him hadn’t released. He struggled to escape without waking her but quickly gave up. It’s way too late for me to leave any way. I probably couldn’t make it back to my house. She already fell asleep, I’ll just wake up before her and leave. It’s just one night. Just one night.