//------------------------------//
// In The Rain 
// Story: Thing a Day 
// by Rennoc215 
//------------------------------//

Thing A Day: In The Rain

"I hate the rain."

It wasn't often that Solar Flare found himself in the rain. He was an avid weatherpony, and was well loved in his community for his nearly impeccable sense of wild weather, besides being an earth pony. Most of the time, he could tell you if a tornado was ripping through Apploosa or if an earthquake was shaking the whole of the Everfree. It wasn't any poor chance that he also lived in the town on the edge of truly wild territory.

Ponyville, hub for disaster and promise, and home. It's small town feel kept him comfortable, but it was large enough to garner some attention from the outside world. Of course, the superforest bordering the town was of no small consequence, either. It sat comfortably between the chaos of the forest and the Harmony of Equestria. Why else would ponies as powerful as the elements of harmony live in this world's edge town?

But back to the subject at hoof: the rain. Normally, Solar loved the chaotic weather brought by the forest. It wasn't always that ponies got to see the pure power of how nature treats her lands, and Solar loved seeing those moments. That's why he was on forest watch, making sure that the forest never threw them a curveball they couldn't handle.

Of course, he wasn't perfect, and this was one of those moments. He had just gone into town around lunch to pick up his groceries, and then a freak rainstorm came out of the blue and drenched his parade. Why did nature do these things to him? Oh, right, because it was unpredictable.

A nearby splash wrenched him from his thoughts and drew his eye. He gazed out and saw a poor mare, splayed out in a puddle, her groceries everywhere. Solar sighed softly, and leaned down to help her up. He reached down, and began gathering her fruit, which had decided that a nearby puddle would make a better swimming spot. Solar mindlessly picked up the fruit, and set them back into the bag before turning to really look at the mare. She looked back at him and gave him a faint smile. He could have sworn he heard her murmur "Oops," but she had turned her head to focus on gathering her other escaping foods.

As he continued gathering her things, he kept his eye on her. Something about her drew him in, made him interested in her. Her wine-red coat, the way her body moved, with grace and authority, the way her hair remained perfect, in spite of the rain, drew him closer. Was she some succubus, sent to this land as a temptress? If so, he had fallen for her trap, and there was nothing he could do about it. So, with no other reason, he decided to strike up a conversation. "So. Some weather we're having, huh?"

"Yeah," She replied, softly. "I heard that the plan was sun, all day," She added, before filling her mouth with a bottle of milk to add to her saddlebags.

"Hah, that's right." Smooth move, Solar. You'll be inviting her over in no time. His sarcastic side bit at him. He only replied with "Oh, shut up."

Then, after another short silence, she looked up at him. "Have we met before?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.

He shook his head. "N-no, I don't think so." He stammered.

She chuckled slightly. "That's odd. I thought I knew almost everypony in town."

Solar cracked a smile. "That's alright, I don't get out much.

Her expression shifted slightly, but Solar couldn't quite figure out what it meant. "Who, a gentlecolt like yourself? Why would you shut yourself away like that, Hmm?"

He chuckled lightly. "Oh, I'm just on Everfree patrol most days. It's my job to keep an eye on the weather over there."

She tilted her head. "Everfree patrol? Really? Maybe you could pop in, sometimes, then. Where I stay is right on the edge of the forest, and we always love guests."

He smiled, enjoying the concept of poping in every now and then. "Really? Where do you stay?"

"In the old schoolhouse." She replied with a wink.

Kids. Alright, he could deal with kids. "Sounds like fun! If I'm in the area, I might drop by."

She smiled. "They would love that. By the way, I never got your name."

"I'm Solar Flare." He stated, proudly. "And you are?"

"Cheerilee. Thank you again for helping with my groceries."

He bowed. "Of course. It would be impolite to leave you there, without lending my assistance."

She courtesyed quickly, before turning away. "Well, it was great to meet you, but I need to get out of the rain. I'll be seeing you around, then?"

"Of course," he replied. "Have a good day, Miss Cheerilee."

And so she began to walk in the other direction. His reason for delay gone, he continued walking away, back towards his own abode. Perhaps he should go walking in the rain more often, maybe he'd meet some more cute mares.

"I love the rain."