*SEVERAL DAYS LATER*

After a few more days in the Canterlot Castle infirmary, Gordon was finally given the all clear to leave. Zecora's ointment had worked wonders and while the wounds had mostly healed, there was still very visible and unsightly scars from the whipping. A visible reminder of what Gordon went through, and why, Gordon thought, he should never trust Celestia. During his stay in hospital, he surprised Rainbow with his assumption that ponies were reporting back to Celestia on his activities, noting that whenever he was out and about, certain ponies would always seem to be nearby doing noticeably inconspicuous things. When asked how he knew, he told Rainbow he expected Celestia to have him watched over like a hawk stalking its prey, and that having been in the army, having an eye for detail and noticing 'irregularities' could be a life saver.

Rainbow's admission to what Celestia had told her only further proved his point, he felt, that Celestia would never trust him.

Since their encounter in the infirmary, Gordon and Celestia had neither seen or spoken to each other, much to his relief, and now back in his home he was preparing for more likeable and exciting guests. Rainbow, was expectedly excited and had been going on about it all day, and now that the moment had arrived was fan-girling like there was no tomorrow.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!"

"Calm down, Dashie," Gordon said, approaching from behind and gently placing his hands on Rainbow's shoulders, "And stop flapping your wings, you're causing a draft."

Rainbow only slightly managed to calm herself as Gordon slid past her and towards the front door. Opening the door was the familiar blue and yellow spandex clad elite flyers that are the Wonderbolts.

"Captain Spitfire, welcome," Gordon said, extending a hand.

"Pleasure to be here, Captain Gresley," replied Spitfire, accepting the handshake.

"I see you've brought company," Gordon said, looking over Spitfire's shoulder to the other Bolts, "Not that I mind, come on in."

As Spitfire moved to go in, she saw Rainbow over Gordon's shoulder with a big toothy grin and her wings flapping excitedly behind her. Spitfire's slightly nervous look must have caught the attention of Gordon as he moved quickly to quell her understandable fears.

"Don't worry too much about Rainbow," Gordon said, "She's just a little excited about you being here."

He then leaned in to whisper into Spitfire's ear, "I think she has a crush on you."

"I HEARD THAT!" Rainbow half-yelled, looking grumpy.

"I think she does," Spitfire whispered back, causing Rainbow to blush, "Anyway, there's someone I'd like to introduce you to, or at least, reintroduce you."

"What do you mean?"

Spitfire stood aside, as did the Wonderbolts, allowing another small mare to walk up to Gordon and Spitfire.

"Gordon, you've met my sister, Seafire....albeit under different circumstances."

"Aye," Gordon replied, recalling the unpleasant events of that night, "How are you doing? Feeling any better?"

Seafire, smaller in stature than Spitfire and clad in her own two tone pink Wonderbolt flightsuit, looked nervously upwards and could only mumble in response, "I'm OK....thank you."

"You're welcome. Would you all like to come inside?"

Gordon stood aside and allowed the Wonderbolts to enter, shaking each of their hands as they passed him, though Seafire kept very close to Spitfire. He followed them into the lounge were they all sat themselves down, Rainbow sitting herself down in Gordon's 'Captain's chair'.

"Nice looking place," Spitfire said, looking around, "Must have cost a fortune."

"And then some," Gordon added, "Do you want a tour now? Or have one later? Or not at all?"

"We'll have it now," Spitfire replied, "Then have some whiskey."

"Whiskey?"

"The whiskey I can smell from your drinks cabinet," Spitfire replied with a smug smirk.

"Damn pony noses," Gordon muttered.

Spitfire chuckled, "You must have quite a bit if I can smell it."

"I have a few bottles that I may share during the barbecue."

"We're having a barbie?" asked Soarin, his eyes lighting up and wings twitching excitedly.

Gordon nodded, "A proper one made of bricks and mortar and using charcoal as a heating source."

"I can barely wait," Soarin replied, "Can we have it now?"

"Joking aside," Spitfire interrupted, "We'd like the tour."

"Sure thing. You coming Dashie?"

"Sure."

"So, how about we get the boring rooms out of the way first?"

After giving a quick view of the spare bedrooms and bathrooms, Gordon lead Rainbow and the Wonderbolts to the top floor where his large model railway stood in all its glory. The Bolts, having filed in, stood along the edge and gazed in awe at the sight.

"Oh sweet!" Soarin exclaimed excitedly, "It looks awesome!"

"I like to think so," Gordon replied with self-satisfaction.

"Did you build it?" asked Misty Fly.

"Not all of it. The trestles were built by a professional carpenter and I got help from a friend with the wiring and electrics as she had better understanding of it. If I had to do those things on my own I'd still be wrestling with baseboards and planks of wood trying to put the frame together."

"But you did the rest of it?" asked Spitfire.

"More or less. I did the scenery, some of the buildings I scratch built...with some trial and error. You don't want to see my first attempts."

"Why?"

"Because they're mostly mis-formed cuts of plastic and blobs of glue all over the place, barely holding it together."

Spitfire looked over the layout, seeing some of the scratch built buildings, and in doing so noticed the controls in the centre.

"How do I get over without flying or ducking under it?"

Gordon walked over to the portion of the layout and undid a latch, and lifted the section of board upwards.

"This way," he said, "After you."

"Thank you kindly."

Spitfire walked through, as did the others and stood around the controls placed halfway down on the side of the main station. The eyes of the Wonderbolts almost boggled out as they looked over the control boards made up of four large touch screen panels, with two on each side of the six controllers. Gordon sat himself down in the fat controller's seat and booted up the computers and switched on the layout's power.

"Looks complicated," Spitfire observed.

"It only looks it. I had touch screens instead of a physical panel as it takes up less room, and by putting it all through computer software and I can programme a route more easily and see more easily the route chosen."

"What else can it do?" asked Fleetfoot, "Those touch screens, I mean?"

"I can manually change signals or set them to automatic, activate the magnetic uncouplers in certain parts of the layout, switch the layout lights on and off, or, if I wanted, programme an entire timetable of activity, sit back and watch as the computer controls everything."

"Really?"

"Really really."

"It's true," added Rainbow, "I've seen it."

"Can we see?" asked Spitfire.

"Sure, just let me set it up."

As Gordon did so, the other Bolts looked over the layout and took in its huge size and complex track work.

"How big is this thing?" asked Soarin.

"75ft x 25ft," Gordon replied, "I wanted a big layout so I could give the HST's and freight trains a decent length to run on at speed. On my side as you can see is a four-track through station with several bay platforms, a small town scene which lights up, a diesel depot and a small freight yard. On the other side it was mostly a fiddle yard for locos hidden underneath a small scenic area with countryside with a small country station on a two track suburban line."

"Looks great, not that I understood any of what you said," Soarin said, "Have you always liked trains?"

Gordon nodded, "Since I was little. The last thing my dad and I did before he was deployed to the Gulf was go to the National Railway Museum in York to show me all the steam engines from an earlier time. Most people's favourite steam locomotive is the Flying Scotsman or the Mallard. Mine however is the Black 5, a mixed freight loco designed by Sir William Stanier."

"Cool. Did he design the other engines you mentioned?" asked Spitfire.

"No, the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, A3 and A4 Pacifics respectively, were designed by Sir Nigel...Gresley."

"Gresley?" Spitfire repeated, her eyes not the only ones that lit up in recognition.

"No relation, but because of it and my dad's interest in trains is how I got my first name."

"How so?"

Gordon internally braced himself. The story behind his name had resulted in no end of mockery from his former comrades, and given that the Wonderbolts are a military like organisation, they too would jump at the chance.

Then there's Rainbow.

"In my world there's children story books called Thomas and Friends which is about anthropomorphic trains that live on the Island of Sodor. One of the trains, is called....Gordon."

Without any warning, the sound of laughter could be heard from one pony only, "You were named after a train in a children's story book?"

"I can't imagine how you got your name, Rainbow," Gordon dead-panned.

"Touche," Rainbow managed to say after regaining control of some of her laughter.

"Anyway," Gordon continued, "As I said, there's no relation. But back to the layout, wanna see it work?"

The enthusiastic nodding of heads gave Gordon the confirmation he expected. Within a few seconds, the lights of the layout lit up and trains began moving of their own accord and in no time at all, several pony jaws were hanging loose.

"Pretty cool, eh?"

"That was pretty awesome," Soarin said.

"I'm building another downstairs."

"Another?!" Soarin yelled.

"On the ground floor, above the underground garage."

"What will be different about that one?" asked Spitfire.

"It's O gauge, rather than OO gauge like the one you've just seen, and set in an earlier time during the 1940's on the Great Western Railway."

"Why there?" asked Spitfire, "And why that time period?"

"Something different. That and with it being set during the Second World War, I can have military vehicles and trains run on it."

"Is O gauge bigger or smaller?" asked Soarin.

"Bigger, twice the size of HO gauge. HO is literally, half-O gauge. OO gauge, most popular in the United Kingdom, uses the same 16.5mm gauge track as HO gauge but uses a smaller scale, 1:76 instead of 1:87."

"Why is that?" asked Fleetfoot.

"Early day manufacturers couldn't fit electric motors or clockwork mechanism inside original models, as UK engines were smaller than their foreign counterparts. So what manufacturers did was increase the size of the model, albeit with the drawback on an inaccurate scale and narrower track."

"Does that bother you?"

"Not really, but some modellers do modify OO gauge models to EM and P4 gauge which offer more accurate scaling and track size."

"Is your other layout complete?" asked Soarin.

"Not yet. Not even close. I have most of the track down but that's it so far. I did stockpile plenty of track, engines and rolling stock though. Good thing really, considering."

"Why stockpile before hand?" asked Spitfire, "Why not get them afterwards?"

"Cost. Prices go up every year, so I bought what I could when before they went up in price again. Michelle and I may have won the lottery and become millionaires overnight but that doesn't mean we should be reckless with money."

"Can we see?" asked Seafire, surprising everyone with her sudden question, "The one you're building?"

"Sure," replied Gordon, "There's not much to see though. Most of the rolling stock needs to be put together first."

"Put together?"

"Larger gauge rolling stock and engines can come in kits which modellers put together themselves. It's a cheaper option. A lot cheaper. But all the engines I bought are all ready built, either by the manufacturer or the individual modellers I bought them from."

"Cost much?" asked Rainbow.

"More pricey than OO gauge. A lot more. But putting this layout together will give me something else to do."

"What's the matter, Gordon? Bored of staring at my plot already?" Rainbow said as she walked past, deliberately swishing her tail and brushing his leg with it.

Gordon blankly stared at Rainbow's tail as she walked on, continuing to swish her tail, lulling him into a trance prompting restrained laughs from the Wonderbolts.

"Stallions are all the same," Fleetfoot giggled, "Only have eyes for a mare's plot."

"Or their knockers," added Spitfire, "Isn't that right, Soarin?"

"What?" he asked, his eyes looking like dinner plates.

"Oh, please," Fleetfoot said, "Don't think I haven't noticed you looking at my plot now and again."

"But you fly in front of me," he defended, "Of course I'll see your plot."

"Sounds more like an excuse to me," Misty Fly added.

Soarin grumpily folded his arms and sulked, muttering something unintelligible to Gordon's ears, though the others seemed to have heard it.

"Oh, come on, Clipper," Misty said, giving Soarin a playful jab in the arm, "We're only pulling your wing."

Soarin still pouted.

Fleetfoot groaned and hooked her arm around Soarin's, "Come on you big foal. Look, I'll make you an apple pie-"

She was suddenly cut off as she felt herself being crushed in Soarin's bear hug, "I forgive you!"

Whilst the others watched on, Gordon was bewildered and his look of confusion came to the attention of Spitfire who was quick to fill him in.

"Soarin likes apple pie. Like a lot."

"Ah. We all have our guilty pleasures. What's yours?"

"Banana milkshake."

"Really?" Gordon asked, surprised.

"Love the stuff."

"Me too."

Spitfire suddenly looked at Gordon with stars in her eyes before jumping onto him, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around him, hugging him tightly, before just as quickly jumping off and bouncing away towards the kitchen. Gordon, not for the first time that day, watched on in confusion. Wanting clarification, he turned to the other Wonderbolts for answers.

"What just happened?"

"Spitfire finding out you like banana milkshake happened."

"But-"

"Dude," Fleetfoot said, "Spits really likes banana milkshake."

"How much?"

"She has an entire fridge in her office full of only banana milkshake."

"You're kidding."

"Nope. You'll see for yourself when you visit."

"You still want me to?"

"Sure. You let us visit you, so why not visit us?"

"Fair enough. But how about we move on and stop Spitfire before she-"

"BANANA MILKSHAKE!"

"-finds my supply."

Gordon lead them all into the music room including Spitfire, who was holding a banana milkshake with an iron grip, ready to swat anyone with her wings who would try to take it from her.

"Enjoying that?" Gordon asked.

"Hmm-mmm," Spitfire mumbled in response, sucking her favourite drink through a straw.

"Anyway, banana milkshake obsessed mares aside, this is the music room," he said as he walked over to the far side, passing the grand piano.

"This one here is my favourite," he continued, "The Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand. Bloody expensive too."

"Looks epic," Misty said, "Can you play?"

Gordon shook his head, "Not really. My wife could, since her day job was a private piano teacher."

"Did she teach you?"

"Yeah. Apparently I was the worst student she had."

"What about the piano in the living room?" asked Misty.

"It's a Model B Classic Grand, a smaller variant of this one, I would like to switch them around but pianos are bloody heavy. That and I'd need specialist equipment to do it, which I don't have, because I'd like to move the smaller piano here into the conservatory."

"I'm sure there's places in Equestria that could do it," Misty replied, "I reckon a skilled unicorn could even teleport them."

"Really?"

"Why not ask that Twilight you hang around with?"

"I might," Gordon replied, seriously considering the option.

"Personally," Soarin said, "I prefer the guitars."

Gordon looked over top where the electric axes of epic noise were standing and walked over to them. Picking the electric blue one up he walked over to Soarin and handed it to him, "Here, have a feel of it."

Soarin took the guitar and placed the strap over his shoulders, being careful to get it around his wings.

"It feels good," Soarin replied, pretending to play, "Can you play?"

"I can play guitar better than piano, but I'm no Jimi Hendrix."

"Who's he?" asked Misty.

"One of the most influential and talented electric guitarists in history, who sadly died at the age of 27. Coincidently, the same age Michelle was when she died. She might not have been a celebrity, but I consider her to be part of the 27 club."

"The 27 club?" asked Rainbow.

"The name given to the group of actors, musicians and artists that all died at 27 years of age."

"Are there many?"

"A fair few. I wouldn't look into it too much, though. To me, it's just a coincidence."

"Could she play the guitar?"

"She could. But the piano was where her true passion and talent was."

"Do you have any other instruments?" asked Misty.

"Ocarinas, flutes, tin whistles, saxophones...quite a mix," Gordon replied, pointing them out in their glass cabinets, "All owned by my wife. She was quite talented when it came to music."

"Is that how you met?" asked Rainbow, "Through music?"

"Yeah, albeit at an early age."

"How young?"

"When we were both 10."

"WHAT?!" echoed all in attendance.

Taken back slightly by the sudden volume, Gordon quickly composed himself and thought back to that night all those years ago at the Royal Albert Hall.

"We met at the 10th Anniversary concert of Les Miserables with our respective mothers. Like I said before, like me she lost her dad at a young age too. Apparently, my mum and Michelle's mum had met through having the same midwife, but later fell out of touch due to Michelle's family moving elsewhere, so meeting was a chance encounter."

"Lucky for you," Spitfire said, finishing her milkshake, "You might never have met otherwise."

"Indeed. And I may never have won the lottery either."

"How not?"

"It was technically Michelle that won. She bought the ticket, with my money, whilst I was on a training exercise overseas. I didn't find out until I got back."

"What was your reaction to finding out?"

"My first thought was, 'what the fuck is a brand new Mondeo doing in our driveway and where the fuck is my Astra?' Mondeo and Astra's are models of cars from two different companies, by the way," he added, noting the confusion on the ponies' faces.

"What's wrong with a new car?" asked Rainbow, "I would have thought with what you have below you would have liked one."

"I would have, but at the time I was unaware of our new fortune and a brand new car was unaffordable, and despite rattling and vibrating like the space shuttle on re-entry every time you put your foot down, I liked that Astra. So when I went inside to find out what the fuck was going on, only to be surprised by Michelle, our respective mothers and the kids, you can imagine my shock at finding out I was somewhat richer than I ever thought I'd ever be."

"Were you peeved you were still in the army?" asked Spitfire.

"Not really. I still had a few years left, so I decided that regardless of the win, I would finish my term of service. But, their premature deaths ended my career. Had they still been alive I'd most likely be a Major by now. Probably a good thing I wasn't promoted really, I mean, who would believe that a 27 year old could hold the rank of Major?"

Spitfire couldn't help but let out a laugh, "I know what you mean. I hold the rank of Group Captain and I'm barely older than you."

"How old are you?"

"Captain Gresley, I'm appalled," Spitfire replied, a stern frown on her face, "Asking a lady her age."

"You're not really a lady," muttered Fleetfoot.

"Can it, Flatfoot!"

"She's thir-"

"Utter one more syllable Clipper, and I'll personally rip every one of your feathers out and stick them up your plot!"

"Ooooh," Misty replied excitedly, clapping her hands, "Please do Clipper, I'd like to see you strut around like a peacock."

Gordon watched on, looking between Spitfire's stern face and Soarin, who was looking like he was one second's lapse in concentration away from bursting into laughter. Deciding to step in before Soarin lost his wings, he knew the perfect thing.

"Who wants some whiskey?"

"That's.....that's...." Soarin hesitated, not sure what to say, lost for words.

"That's awesome!" Spitfire said for him, looking up with sheer delight at the alcoholic behemoth Gordon held aloft.

"I bought it, and more, as soon as I saw it."

In Gordon's hands was a three litre bottle of Jack Daniel's Tennessee whiskey, yet to be opened.

"Who'd like some?" he asked.

"You really need to ask?" asked Soarin, "I'd love to try some human whiskey."

"I've also got several bottles of Famous Grouse, Grant's, Johnny Walker and Belle's, all whiskey's."

"We're gonna be pissed as newts by the time we're finished," Misty said.

"Speak for yourself," Fleetfoot replied, "Not all of us are lightweights."

"Hey! It's not my fault I get drunk easily!"

"I have some apple juice if alcohol is too much for you," said Gordon.

Misty turned to Gordon with a fierce scowl and clenched her fists, "You're lucky you're putting on a barbie otherwise I'd kick your fur-less plot off the highest cloud I can make!"

"With or without a parachute?"

"Offer me an apple juice again and you'll find out."

*VROOOOOOM*

"ARGH!" Misty screamed, much to the delight of the other Wonderbolts, flying into the air and hovering just about the Aston Martin, having only a few seconds ago been sat on the bonnet.

"YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE!"

"He did the same to Star Cross," Rainbow said, "Speaking of which, where has she and her brother got to?"

"They fucked off for a bit while these lot are visiting," Gordon replied.

"Why'd they do that?" asked Spitfire.

"I'm guessing that they felt you lot would keep an eye on me to make sure I behaved myself."

"Ponies still don't trust you?"

Gordon shook his head, "Only a few do, it seems. With everyone else it feels like they're just waiting for any opportunity for me to fuck up so Celestia can say 'I told you so'."

"You think she still has it in for you?" asked Spitfire.

"Wouldn't you? In my position?"

"I probably would. But you needn't worry about me," Spitfire replied, placing a hand on Gordon's shoulder, "After what you did for my sister, you can consider me a friend."

"Us too," added Fleetfoot, "If you're friends with one of us, you're friends with all of us."

"Thanks guys," Gordon replied, feeling a sense of relief at having strong support from like minded individuals, "Appreciate it."

"Can we have a look inside the cars?" asked Fleetfoot.

"Sure, no driving though. At least not until I show you how to drive."

"Is it hard?"

"Not really. Some people can't drive for shit, which makes me wonder how they ever managed to get their licence, while others are just naturals."

"Licence?" queried Spitfire.

"Driving licence. You need to take lessons with an approved driving instructor who will decide if you pass your test or not, and even before that you need to pass the theory test. I passed my test when I was 17, the youngest you're allowed to drive....legally. In the UK at least."

"Were you good?"

"Passed on my second attempt. And my first car was a Vauxhall Corsa which I had for about six months before driving it into a ditch."

The Wonderbolt's member's eyes boggled in shock, as did Rainbow's.

"Unintentionally, of course. Still funny though," Gordon continued, amused at the memory, "Michelle wasn't impressed. She called me a 'bloody idiot'."

"She's not wrong," Rainbow said, "You could have been hurt."

"I was hurt," Gordon replied, "I hit my head on the window."

"Good," Rainbow said firmly, "Might have knocked some sense into you."

"Michelle said the same thing."

"Smart mare. Makes me wonder what she saw in you."

"Ponies could wonder the same thing about you."

"Yeah. Damn heat, making me fall head over hoof for you."

"Have you two love birds finished?" asked a smirking Spitfire, "We're getting hungry."

"Fine," Gordon groaned, "Wanna sit in the cars first?"

About half an hour later, after sitting in the driver's seat of the cars, Gordon lead the group to the garden. Specifically towards where the brick barbecue was located. Grabbing some charcoal and lighters from the shed, Gordon joined the others and began to light the barbecue.

"It shouldn't take too long," Gordon said, "While it's lighting, I'll go and get some food to cook."

"Don't forget booze," Spitfire replied, "Can't have a barbie without good booze."

"Indeed not. With an attitude like that, I can see you fitting in to Australian society well."

"Australian society?"

"Aussies," Gordon replied, "Live in a country called Australia. A sun baked deathtrap filled with all manner of creepy crawlies that will kill you without mercy."

"You're joking?"

"Nope."

"Do you not like these 'Aussies'?"

"I like them fine, not that they contribute much to humanity. They instead spend all their time having a barbie on the beach. Not that I can blame them, considering. Lucky bastards."

"Considering....what?" queried Spitfire, obviously oblivious to what Gordon was referring to.

"Well, lovely ladies, lovely weather, I don't blame them at all spending their time on the beach. I'd do the same."

"Sounds like my kind of place," Soarin said.

"Like you'd know what to do with a mare," Fleetfoot said.

"I would too!"

"What would you do then?"

"I would.....show them my flying skills."

"I stand by what I said," Fleetfood replied.

Soarin grumpily folded his arms, sulking, while Rainbow turned to Gordon, "Weren't you going to get some food?"

"And booze?" added Spitfire.

"Yes."

"Then get to it, soldier!"

"Soldier?" Gordon replied with mock indignance, "I was an officer, my dear lady."

"I gave you an order."

"You're not my superior."

"No," Rainbow replied, before looking smugly over to Spitfire, "But I believe a Group Captain outranks an army Captain."

"It does, but Spitfire isn't my superior either, and I'm no longer in the army ergo I don't have to take orders from anyone."

"Get your arse moving, soldier!" Spitfire firmly commanded.

"Yes ma'am," Gordon replied, mock saluting and holding back laughter.

Gordon quickly left the scene, leaving Rainbow with the Wonderbolts.

"That's some stallion you have, Dash."

"Yeah, never would I have thought I'd fall in love with a human."

"He seems OK," Fleetfood said, "He couldn't stop peeking glances at you."

Rainbow blushed.

"Well, Rainbow is a hot mare," Misty Fly added, "It's not surprising he couldn't stop looking."

"What?!" Rainbow screeched, her cheeks redder than ever.

"Something wrong Dashie?"

Rainbow almost jumped out of her fur and her wings flared out as she spun around to see Gordon approaching, carrying a large box full of meat and a large crate of John Smith's on top.

"How much did you hear?"

"Hear what?" he replied, giving her a kiss on the cheek as he passed her, "Food's here people."

Spitfire wasted no time in taking the ale from Gordon, setting it on the table nearby, ripping the box open and helping herself to a can.

"Try not to drink too much," Gordon said, putting chicken legs and sausages on the barbecue grill, "I can't exactly take you home."

"You have plenty of spare rooms," Spitfire replied, taking a sip of John Smith's, "We could crash here. Nice beer by the way."

"Good stuff is John Smith's. We'll have some whiskey later."

"Are we watching another film later?" asked Rainbow.

"Sure."

"Film?" asked Spitfire, "Like what we have?"

"Similar, but different."

"Thanks," Spitfire replied sarcastically, "That clears things up."

"All I mean is they are films, but what you've seen is what used to be the norm for humans decades ago."

"Well, I guess I'll see later. Anything good?"

"Plenty. Plenty of action films, but considering who you guys are. there's one film in particular I think you'll like."

"Oh you have to show them your games too!" Rainbow said excitedly.

"Games?"

"They're so totally awesome!"

"I'll show you later," Gordon said, "Now is barbecue time."

"Good," Soarin groaned, "Because I'm starving."

"Imagine my surprise," Misty replied, "Honestly, I don't know how you can eat so much and not put on weight. Do you have any idea how jealous I am?"

"Here here," added Spitfire, "You guys have no idea how lucky you are. If you put on weight no-one bats an eyelid, but if a mare puts on weight, people start judging her."

"Damn stallions," Misty Fly muttered.

"You can always not have a barbecue if you're concerned about your waistline," Gordon said, "Wouldn't want it to show through that spandex flight suit."

"Keep talking, human," Misty Fly said, frowning severely, "And I'll join Fleetfoot in throwing you off a cloud."

"It's alright," Gordon shrugged, "Rainbow will save me."

"Will I?" Rainbow replied with a smirk.

Before Gordon could react, Misty Fly continued, "And Soarin won't save your plot either, especially if there's a conveniently arranged Pie Festival far away from the cloud I throw you off."

"You would do that?" Gordon enquired amusingly, "Go to all that length just to get back at me?"

"Try us."

"Honestly Gordon," Soarin began nervously, "If there's a choice between going to a Pie Festival and saving your plot, I'm going to the Pie Festival."

"Thanks Soarin," Gordon replied, "Good to know I have your back."

Now that a decent enough fire had come to life, Gordon began placing meat on the barbecue as the rest of the group helped themselves to drinks.

"Shouldn't have to wait too long," Gordon said, "A few minutes, at most."

"The sooner the better," Spitfire replied, "I'm starving."

Several minutes had past and the smell of meat filled the air, much to the delight of the assembled guests. The reasonably large barbecue was chock-a-block with sausages, chicken, burgers and spare ribs, with the table beside it full of bread buns, cheese slices and the booze.

"Smelling good, Gordon," Rainbow said, coming up from behind and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Thank you," he replied, smiling smugly, "I've never used this cologne before. Glad you like it."

Rainbow put on a stern expression and punched Gordon on his arm, "I meant the food, you dingus!"

"Are you saying I don't smell nice?"

"Yes-I mean no!" Rainbow panicky replied before pouting, "You smell nice."

"You smell nice yourself," Gordon replied, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Rainbow replied by placing a hand on Gordon's opposite cheek and pulling around before planting her lips on his, sliding her tongue into his mouth and playing hockey with his own tongue. Gordon dropped the tongs he was holding and placed his hands behind Rainbow's head, a move in which Rainbow mimicked. After a few seconds of intense kissing, Rainbow absent mindedly began to remove Gordon's shirt, but found herself being stopped by Gordon.

"Dashie...not now...later," Gordon said in between kisses.

"Why?...I'm horny now."

"Not...when people...are watching..."

"Huh?"

Gordon pulled away slightly and motioned with his head. Rainbow followed to where he was motioning to only to see very enthusiastic Wonderbolts watching on.

"Don't mind us," Spitfire said, smirking with great delight, "We won't tell."

Spitfire took a sip of whiskey and winked at Gordon.

A slightly blushing Gordon bent down and picked up the tongs, "Meat's ready. Who wants what?"

"I think Rainbow would enjoy a big, meaty sausage," Fleetfoot said.

"With a side of gentleman's relish," added Misty Fly.

"And if Gordon's a good boy," Spitfire began, taking another sip of whiskey, "He can sink his teeth into a cherry pie later."

Gordon groaned while Rainbow could only look on, beet red in embarrassment.

"Must you all be so dirty?" asked Gordon.

"Yes," Spitfire replied, "You've served in the army, you should know the type of humour to expect."

"True. I've certainly heard some things in my time."

"Rainbow certainly seems to like it," Soarin said, holding back laughter.

"Eh?" Gordon grunted.

Soarin pointed to Rainbow and Gordon could barely hold back his delight at Rainbow's stiff wings.

"Well," he said, licking his lips in amusement, "If Dashie's a good girl then maybe......well, she'll find out tonight."

Gordon walked over to behind Rainbow and began massaging her wings, needling her bony and feathery appendages in an effort to relax them. Unfortunately, Gordon was lacking in knowledge on pegasus physiology and after several seconds in pure bliss and ecstasy, Rainbow couldn't help herself any longer.

"Damn it, Gordon! You're making them stiffer!"

"You sound pent up, Dash," Fleetfoot said, "If you need to release some pent up urges by all means have your way with Gordon right here. Don't worry, we won't watch."

"Yeah," Misty Fly continued, "We'll just turn around, give you some privacy."

"How kind of you," Gordon replied, before turning round to Rainbow, "Come on Dashie, get your kit off."

"WHAT?!"

"You heard them, they said they'd turn around."

Rainbow's red cheeks were matched by her inability to initially put words together.

"I'll tell you what," Gordon said, moving in closer and whispering into her ear, "If you can hold yourself together for just a few more hours, I'll show you a good time tonight."

Rainbow felt herself get giddy with excitement, her wings half way between stiff and flapping, and both for the same reason. She leaned in close to Gordon, caressed his cheek with a wing tip and whispered into his ear, "Oh no. This time I'm going to show you a good time."

They both suddenly heard a snicker.

"Rainbow," Gordon whispered, feeling a pang of worry, "How good is pony hearing?"

"Very good," Fleetfoot yelled, "We heard everything you both said!"

After the barbecue ended, which depleted a good portion of Gordon's meat, and all was put away, the group made their way into the lounge and sat themselves down, each with an alcoholic drink in hand and plenty more within easy reaching distance.

"Here's the film," Gordon said, holding it up.

"Top Gun," read Spitfire, before suddenly smirking, "Well, someone's certainly going to be firing their guns tonight."

Gordon rolled his eyes, "How do you even know what a gun is?"

"I've seen the Griffons use them."

"Ah. Well, dirty but accurate joke aside, wanna watch?"

"The film? Or you and Rainbow banging each other?"

Cue another eye roll from Gordon, "You'll want to join in next."

"Well, we Wonderbolts are a tight knit group."

"I don't think I want any more information," Gordon replied cautiously, raising his hands.

"Don't want to feel inadequate?"

"I'm going to put the film on," Gordon replied, avoiding the issue and ignoring the winks from Spitfire and Fleetfoot..

Moments later, the film was loading and Gordon was sat in his seat, with Rainbow sat on him, laying back into him.

Not that he minded.

She helped keep him warm.

"What's the film about?" asked Soarin.

"Fighter pilots, fighter jets, lots of flying, explosions, women etc...that sort of thing."

"A bit like one of our shows then?"

"Maybe. I've never been to one of your shows, except that derby."

"Well, you'll have to come," Soarin replied, "We'll arrange a VIP pass for you."

"Thanks. So long as Dashie can come too."

"Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou," Rainbow replied, nuzzling his face rapidly, a huge smile on her face.

"Sure," replied Spitfire, holding back a laugh at the sight, "And the rest of your friends too."

"I'll let them know," Gordon replied, still being smothered by Rainbow's nuzzles, "Now, it's film time."

"Well?" Gordon asked, "What did you think?"

There was a momentary silence as Gordon looked around, waiting for an answer. He began to worry they may not have liked the film and put a dampener on what was a good night. Thankfully, though, Soarin soon gave him an answer.

"That. Was. AWESOME!"

"It was definitely a spectacle," Spitfire added, "And you say they used real jets to do those stunts?"

Gordon nodded, "Yep."

"Any more cool films?" asked Misty Fly.

"Plenty," Gordon replied, pointing to the cabinet in question, "Have a look."

"Can I pick one?"

Everyone looked to the source of the voice, timid enough to give Fluttershy a run for her money.

"Sure," replied Gordon, "Help yourself."

Seafire looked to Spitfire as if to look for further consent, and after a reassuring nod from her sister, she went over the cabinet.

"I'm not too sure what they're about," Seafire said.

"Well, just call out what you fancy and I'll let you know what it's about," Gordon replied.

Seafire spent a few seconds scanning the DVD's, looking for one that looked appealing. Soon enough, she picked one out.

"What's this about?" Seafire asked, holding up a copy of 'The Exorcist'.

Gordon visibly began to look uneasy, "I don't think you'll like that."

"Why not?"

"It's quite scary."

"Oh," Seafire replied, looking timid once more, "Well, what about this one?"

She put 'The Exorcist' back and got out a copy of 'Psycho'.

"Also scary. Luna would be kept busy for weeks if you saw either of them."

Several eyebrows raised at Gordon's comment.

"That scary, huh?" Spitfire asked.

"To the more sensitive types, yes."

Seafire put the DVD back and pulled out another film, "What about this one?"

This time she pulled out 'Silence of the Lambs'.

"No. Just...no."

Seafire nervously put it back, wondering what could possibly be scary about a film with innocent little lambs, but nonetheless picked out another.

Gordon paused momentarily, looking at what she had pulled out, and smiled, "I think'll you'll like that."

Seafire had picked out Avengers Assemble.

"Please tell me you have more super hero films?" Rainbow asked, grinning excitedly with her muzzle right in Gordon's face.

"I take it you like it then?"

Rainbow nodded her head excitedly and grinned like a Cheshire cat, "The way that flying ship-"

"The hellicarrier."

"Yeah that, it was totally awesome!"

"I'll have to show you the other Marvel films at some point."

"Are there a lot?"

"Over a dozen. Anyway, what do you all want to do now?"

"Well," Spitfire began, standing up and stretching her wings and arms, "We'd like to hit the hay. We need to be up early tomorrow to return to the academy."

"Sure thing, wanna head up too, Dashie?"

"Yeah, I'm getting a little tired now."

Gordon got up from his chair and began putting the film away and switching everything off, watched by the others.

"Use any of the spare bedrooms I showed you," Gordon said, "Get a shower too if you want one."

"Thanks," replied Spitfire, "I'll share a room with my sister. The others can do as they please."

Putting the blu-ray case back on the shelf, Gordon began to head for the stairs, grabbing a bottle of whiskey and glasses in the process.

"Come on Dashiekins," he said, taking her by the hand, "Bed time."

Rainbow ignored the snickers from the Wonderbolts and leaned in close to Gordon, "Call me Dashiekins in front of them again and I'll give you a spanking that will knock you out of your boots!"

"Make sure you have him tied up so he can't escape!" yelled Misty Fly.

"You might want to gag him to or the neighbours might complain about the noise!" added Fleetfoot, yelling also.

Gordon turned to Rainbow, who was now blushing beat red in embarrassment, "Well, if we ask Applejack, she might lend us some rope-"

Gordon was suddenly cut off as Rainbow kissed him full on the mouth, "You. Me. Bed. Now."

Rainbow took him by the hand and half dragged him up the stairs to the bedroom where she wasted no time in removing all of her clothes, deciding to sleep in just her birthday suit. Gordon meanwhile, had stripped down to just his boxers and joined Rainbow in bed, putting the bottle of Johnny Walker's on the bedside table.

"You always bring a drink to bed?"

"Sometimes," he replied pouring a glass, "Helps me sleep. Want some?"

"Sure."

Gordon poured another glass and handed it to Rainbow, "One whiskey, neat."

Rainbow took the glass and the overpowering smell filled her nostrils as she moved it closer to her mouth.

"I feel like I could get drunk just from the smell."

Gordon laughed, "Yeah, it's pretty strong stuff. I'm sure a big girl like you can handle it though. If not, then I could always pour you a glass of water."

Rainbow glared at Gordon and immediately downed the drink in one in an attempt to show Gordon she could cope with it. As soon as she swallowed it though, the strength of the alcohol caused her to start coughing, much to Gordon's morbid pleasure.

"Enjoy?"

Rainbow set the glass down, glared as fiercely as she could at Gordon, spread out her wings and pounced.