One day has passed since Rainbow Dash’s inauguration show. The winter break has begun and the happy couple was having a celebration dinner at the dining room of Spitfire’s residence. Up to that point, only a small group of ponies knew about the relationship they shared. They didn’t want Rainbow’s first official appearance  to be overshadowed by nasty, sensationalist articles showing up all over the newspapers. Although it was hard for them, they were careful to not to show too much affection for each other when in public. The lounge was their safe haven. If anypony, the big black Muffin was really good at his job and kept the pesky tabloid reporters away from the place where they spent most of their free time at.

“Honey, I think it’s time. We should make it official.” Spitfire said.

“Yeah. I’m sorry that we had to wait this long. I really want to finally tell all my friends about us. Would you like to spend the winter in Ponyville with me?”

“Sure thing, but I’d rather start off with informing your parents first.” Spitfire said with a dose of hesitation in her voice.

She hadn’t touched on that topic earlier and had no idea about this aspect of Rainbow’s past. Judging by the way Rainbow Dash originally reacted when she found out about Spitfire’s orientation, the yellow mare made up a horrible mental image of them. For her, they were a couple of bigots who repressed their daughter’s true self.

“It’s a bit more complicated than you might think.” Rainbow Dash answered, hoping that Spitfire will leave it at that.

“I was afraid you’d say that. They won’t accept our relationship?” Spitfire asked with disappointment in her voice.

“I… don’t have parents. I was raised in an orphanage. There is a mare I would like you to meet over there but I’ll understand if this is too much for you.” She stiffened up but answered anyway.

“Don’t be stupid, I’d love to meet her. You’ll have to tell me about such things if we want to build a healthy relationship.” Spitfire said and leaned over to give Rainbow Dash a kiss.

“We can pay her a visit tomorrow if you’d like.” Rainbow smiled, feeling relaxed again.

They continued chatting throughout their meal and drank a big bottle of wine while doing so. Rainbow Dash told her marefriend about Bronze Feather, about her friends, about Scootaloo and, when she got intoxicated enough, about Big Macintosh. Spitfire absorbed everything she heard like a sponge.

“Whoa, poor stallion… I really want to meet your friends and Scootaloo, but are you sure it’s ok to go there after that?” She asked, more concerned about Big Macintosh than about the incident itself.

“We won’t find out if we stay here.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

Rainbow Dash got lost in her thoughts for a moment.

“I’ve been talking about myself through the whole dinner, but what about you? I can’t believe I haven’t asked you about it before, but when exactly did you start feeling this way towards me?” Rainbow Dash asked, a little tipsy.

“Well, ever since my first performance, I kept seeing the same cyan mare cheer wildly at almost every show we gave. Your rainbow mane made you stand out, you know. It felt great to know that we have such a zealous fan. Then, at the Best Young Flyer Competition, you saved me when that crazy unicorn knocked me out.” Spitfire started explaining.

“Sugar, that’s Rarity you’re talking about.” Rainbow grimaced.

“Oh, so it was her? Sorry. Nevertheless, I fell for you that day. I tried to talk with you a bit at the Gala, but you know well how that turned out. Being a Wonderbolt is great but also has it’s downsides.” She continued.

“I know, I know. My back still aches from posing for all the pictures the fans took with me yesterday. It was almost more exhausting than the show itself. Seriously, everypony wanted something from me.” Rainbow stretched herself as she said that.

“Have you ever wondered why that dirty philanderer of a stallion stopped his advances so suddenly the first time you came over to the lounge? I've made him. Now you know.” Spitfire still had more to say.

“Hah.” Rainbow snickered when she remembered the situation. ”Well, ’subtle’ isn’t a word I would use to describe Soarin’. Thanks for doing that.”

“I’ve waited for the right moment to tell you ever since that day.”

“And then you’ve kissed me instead.” Rainbow laughed.

“And you already took your revenge on me for that, you little devil.”

“Let’s get it over with.” She mocked Spitfire with a flirtatious tone and started walking towards the master bedroom.

***

They went to the orphanage on the next day. Spitfire was a bit overwhelmed when she saw the three-story building. As they walked through the corridors, she imagined how growing up in such place must feel like. Soon, they were standing in front of Bronze Feather’s office. Spitfire was very anxious to meet the mare. Rainbow Dash knocked on the door and entered the room.

“Hi, Bronze Feather.” She said.

“Hello, sweetheart. It’s good to see you. Came alone again?” She said, a bit disappointed.

„Nope, I’d like you to meet somepony.” Rainbow replied and encouraged Spitfire to come into the office.

“Who would’ve thought.” Bronze Feather thought and barely stopped herself from giggling when she saw the yellow mare.

“This is Spitfire, my teammate, my marefriend.” Rainbow said, excited.

“It’s nice to meet you, Spitfire. My name is Bronze Feather.” She introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you too, Bronze Feather.” Spitfire politely replied.

“I’m so happy for both of you, you look great together. Have a sit.” She said and then placed a kettle on the stove that was standing in the corner of the room. “Would you like some tea? Or maybe coffee?”

“Coffee, please.” Spitfire said.

“Same for me.” Rainbow added.

“Any plans for the winter?” Bronze feather asked.

“We’re going to spend it in Ponyville, starting tomorrow.” Rainbow explained.

“Good for you. You deserve some rest.”

“Have you seen the show?” Rainbow asked the rhetorical question.

“All of the kids I took really enjoyed it, Maelstrom the most. Thank you again for the free tickets.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Pretty good. He’s still new around here, and domestic abuse isn’t something you can deal with overnight but… You’ve had a large impact on him, sweetheart. I’ve noticed a positive change in his behavior ever since he met you at the tryouts. And after the recent event? Well, look for yourself.” She pointed her hoof at the window.

Her guests curiously looked outside. The colt was flying around the inner courtyard, trying to replicate some of the combinations of maneuvers he recently saw. He didn’t mind the early winter snow falling onto his white mane. The mares observed him for a moment.

“He reminds me of a certain somepony, who grew up to become a Wonderbolt.” Bronze Feather said with a nostalgic tone.

“He does fly fast for his age. Have you thought about sending him to a flight camp? I could pull some strings at the team’s Young Talent Division and get him a free spot.” Spitfire offered, much to the other mares’ amusement.

“Knowing Bronze Feather, she already did.” Rainbow replied for the brown mare and smiled.

“I have thought about it, yes, but help is always well appreciated, we’re running on a tight budget here.” Bronze Feather added.

“Consider it done, then. I’ll get your information from Rainbow Dash and make sure that somepony contacts you about it.” Spitfire assured her.

“Since we’re on that topic… I’ve got paid for my first show.” Rainbow Dash gave a check to the brown mare. “You’ll spend it better than I ever would.”

Bronze Feather looked at the piece of paper in astonishment.

“Have you lost your mind, sweetheart? I can’t accept this much.”

“I haven’t exactly told you how much I make now, have I? I won’t be starving because of this. Be sure to tell me if you need more.” She replied.