"Yaaaaawn..."

The weather was great. Sun was shining, there wasn't a single cloud in the sky and the temperature was just right. It was a perfect day for a picnic, or a trip to the beach or swimming pool. Sadly, Ponyville had none of that, unless you count that little lake by the woods, emphasis on little. Not that it made him any difference, since he was stuck in his desk, working and stuff. By stuff we mean doing absolutely nothing, since there wasn't anypony visiting for almost entire day and there were no appointments today. Monday wasn't exactly the busiest time of the week. In fact, it was one of the worst workdays thus far. Sure, he only started it two weeks ago, but his track record so far was awful and it didn't pick up until late afternoon. He considered changing the working hours to avoid it, where all he does is lie on his desk face flat, being bored and waiting for his birthday, which was in several months away. He couldn't just leave the place, there could be an emergency coming any time now. He waited patiently for it, maybe then he won't die from boredom.

His ears perked as he heard the knocking on the door. After thanking heavens for something happening, he called the guest in. He half expected it was just Cloud Chaser visiting with a deck of cards to alleviate their mutual boredom. And he half expected Caramel again, with another soul crushing experience. It was none of them, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise.

"Hey," Thunderlane waved, as he entered the room. Soarin was about to jump happily, but his friend didn't seem right. He was still a tall, black coated pegasi with gray-ish Mohawk for sure, but something seemed off "do you have a moment?"

"Sure, sit down," Soarin motioned his very comfortable sofa, which usually helped anypony relax and cheer up. Thunderlane sat down and sighed. This seemed like a bad sign "so, can I help you?"

Thunderlane hesitated before answering.
"Soarin... you know mares a lot, right?"

Soarin blinked. So did Thunderlane, before realizing how stupid his question sounded, especially when said out loud.

"A thing or two." Soarin deadpanned.

"Right, sorry, I just... can I ask you for an advice?"

Right there, Soarin's heart started pounding harder. All this time, despite being best friends in the entire world (might be a slight exaggeration), Thunderlane always kept to himself and struggled with his odd relationship with Blossomforth alone, but not anymore. Soarin smiled widely, finally being able to delve into a territory he was never allowed to enter, but which always intrigued him to no end. He leaned over his desk and joined hooves, while a stray beam of sunlight (a thing that didn't exist outside narrative) flashed over his glasses.

"Please, do go on..."

Author's Notes:

Soarin: Please talk, while I practice my best Gendo impression.

To be continued in:

"Thunder & Lightning"