3
Before Pinkie was back, two familiar ponies came into Sugar Cube corner – one an orange farm pony, and one a cyan Pegasus athlete. They were both covered in sweat from a two hour run, with no wing assistance for the athlete Pegagus of course.
“Now, I beat ya fair an' square, RD.” said AJ, chuckling. “That means you're buying the drinks this time...”
“Me and my big mouth,” said Rainbow Dash, rolling her eyes. “I wasn't expecting you to win!”
Pinkie was already at the counter, ready to take their orders, when Rainbow noticed Cloudfire and Derpy sitting and talking. She knew the look in their eyes, the bashful look in Derpy and the reassuring look in her friend.
“Oh, wow. AJ!” Exclaimed Rainbow, quietly. “Derpy's got a date! Look!”
Apple Jack looked in the direction Rainbow was pointing and sure enough, saw everything she saw.
“Well, alright.”
“I'm gunna go say hello,” said Rainbow. “See what kinda pony he is...”
“No, Rainbow, give them peace-”
It was too late. RD was already right beside them. It was unclear what her motivation was to AJ and Pinkie... was she curious, out to protect Derpy, or, Celestia forbid, just plain morbidly curious as to why a pony would actually be interested in the little gray idiot who got in the way and destroyed half of town hall while trying to spruce it up with simple decorations...
“Hi, Derpy!” Rainbow said, waving. “Who's your friend?”
“This is Cloudfire!” Said Derpy.
Cloudfire nodded and smiled:
“You must be Rainbow Dash. Word gets around... they say you can clear the skies in ten seconds flat.”
“It's true, it's true...” Rainbow said, sure of herself.
“Cloudfire was telling me earlier about how much he's studied famous Pegasus ponies.”
“And your name came up a few times in my research, Miss Dash.” He chuckled. “It's an honour to get to meet you.”
Rainbow was floored by the flattery. He actually was making her blush now.
“Thank you, thank you...” Rainbow nodded to imaginary cheering in her head... which got cut short when she noticed Cloudfire lacked wings. “Say... what kind of name is Cloudfire for an Earth Pony? That's a Pegasus name!"
“Rainbow!” Exclaimed AJ, Pinkie, and Mrs. Cake all at the same time.
Mrs. Cake and Apple Jack could tell in an instant that Cloudfire had been offended by the question. Mrs. Cake pushed Pinkie along to break them up, suggesting she take their orders RIGHT NOW.
“Okie-dokie-lokie-pokie! I hope you guys have had enough time to make up your minds! What can I get ya?”
Cloudfire put his hoof up, rubbing his temple with the other. Looking at Rainbow, he scowled at first, furrowing his brow... he turned it into a smile, and answered her question slowly:
“My dad wanted a Pegasus... he was an Earth Pony and my mom was a... well, Pegasus. Guess what their one child came out as? I'll give you a hint... it wasn't a Pegasus.”
“That's kind of sad...” Rainbow said, having her curious smile turn into a sad frown. “Why not change your name?”
“It's alright,” he replied, motioning for Rainbow to come closer. “He pointed down at his hip. See my Cutie mark?”
Rainbow looked down and saw a white, fluffy cloud emblazoned on his hip.
“I love Pegasus ponies and all there is about 'em... that's why my name's stayed Cloudfire.”
He looked at her with fire in his eye when he said “Pegasus” and she could relate. Pegasi were awesome ponies, after all. She giggled uncomfortably, at first, and... he motioned for her to get even closer. She did so, hesitantly...
When Rainbow came within a foot of him, the Earth Pony slipped his hooves around her, pulled her in, and gave her a through noogie. All three laughed loudly.
Apple Jack approached:
“Got our drinks right here, Rainbow!” Apple Jack said, paying for the drinks herself. “What'da ya say we get outta here, you can pay next time...” She glanced at Derpy's handsome date and nodded. “I'm Apple Jack by the way, Cloudfire.”
“Pleased to meet you Apple Jack,” replied the light gray Earth Pony.
AJ blushed, tipped her hat, and then promptly left with Rainbow Dash.