//------------------------------//
// Foreseeable Future 
// Story: Let it Rain 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//

	"Derpy?"

"Hmm?"

"Do I, look alright?"

Derpy Hooves gave Raindrops a quizzical look as they made their way through Cloudsdale. "You, look like you, 'Drops."

"Yes, I know I look like me," Raindrops sighed. "But do I look, you know, decent?  Like, how are my wings?"

Derpy tilted her head. "They look good to me.  Did you preen them recently or something?"

"Yes.  This morning.  Several times," said Raindrops. "Oh!  How does my mane look?"

"Nice and neat, like it always does."

"My coat?"

"I think your coat looks good, too."

"My hooves?"

Derpy sighed. "'Drops, you look fine."

"Are you sure?" said Raindrops nervously. "Because I'm wondering if I should've gotten a makeover yesterday."

"A makeover?" parroted Derpy. "'Drops, this is a Wonderbolts show, not the Grand Galloping Gala.  Besides, didn't you say this wasn't a date?"

"I know," said Raindrops. "It's just that, I saw Cloudchaser at the spa yesterday getting a makeover, and she said it was for the Wonderbolts show."

Derpy blinked. "Who?"

"Cloudchaser.  You know, Flitter's sister?"

"Flitter has two sisters?"

"No, just one."

"You're confuzzling me, 'Drops."

Raindrops sighed. "Never mind."

Derpy shrugged. "Well, maybe she's got a date.  I dunno."

"Maybe," said Raindrops with a sigh. "I guess I'm just nervous."

"You're silly is what you are," said Derpy. "Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

Raindrops took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, if you say so.  Um, Derpy?"

"Mmm?"

"Are you, sure you can't come with me?"

Derpy shook her head. "Sorry, 'Drops.  I promised Dinky I'd pick her up after school today.  Besides, I don't wanna get in the way.  Some things you just gotta do on your own, y'know?"

Raindrops gave Derpy a half-smirk. "I suppose so," she said. "But, you'll be with me in spirit, right?"

"Of course," said Derpy, giving Raindrops a hug and a pat on the back. "Now go get 'im."

Raindrops nodded. "I'm gonna try."

With that, she gave Derpy a salute and flew off.  As Derpy waved goodbye, she noticed two other pegasi passing her.

"Hmm?  Oh, hello Flitter!  Hi, Stormwalker!" she called out.

Flitter stopped and turned around. "Stormwalker?"

"Yeah, your sister."

"My, sister's name is Cloudchaser."

Derpy blinked. "Right.  What did I say?"

"Flitter, we don't have time for this," Cloudchaser grumbled. "We need to find good seats."

"Right, sorry," said Flitter, flying back to her sister.  Derpy rubbed the side of her head.

"Huh.  That was kinda weird.  And rude," she mused. "Oh well.  I guess I'd better head back to Ponyville.  Dinky's expecting me, after all."


***


When Raindrops entered the Cloudosseum, it didn't take her long to find Thunderlane and Rumble.  Then again, she figured it would be impossible not to spot Thunderlane in a crowd.  His mane made him stick out like a sore hoof.  She flew over to their cloud and waved, and Thunderlane waved back, beckoning her to join him.  She did so, landing right next to him.

"Glad you could make it, Raindrops," said Thunderlane. "Did you have any trouble getting in?"

"Nope," said Raindrops. "I just gave my name at the box office, and I got my ticket no problem."

"Good," said Thunderlane. "Oh, I should probably introduce you to Rumble.  Rumble, you know my wingpony Raindrops, right?"

"Yeah, I know," said Rumble. "It's nice to meet you in person, Ms. Raindrops.  I heard you and my big bro make a great team."

Raindrops blushed a little. "Y-yeah, I guess we do."

"Cool.  Can you show me sometime?"

"Huh?  Oh, sure," said Raindrops. "I mean, if that's alright with you, Thunderlane."

Thunderlane chuckled. "Why wouldn't it be?  My little bro deserves to see firsthoof how awesome we are."

Raindrops's heart fluttered. D-did he just say I'm awesome? she wondered, her face becoming redder. No, he was probably talking about us as a team.  B-but what if he wasn't?  What if he really thinks I'm awesome?  That would mean he likes me, right?  But, I'm not sure if it means he likes me the same way I like him.  Should I ask?  Oh, I don't think I can...

"Uh, Ms. Raindrops?  Are you okay?" inquired Rumble, tilting his head.

Raindrops jumped. "Oh!  Um, sorry.  I-I'm just..."

"Fillies and gentlecolts!  Your attention, please!"

Raindrops breathed a huge sigh of relief as the announcer floated into the middle of the stadium.

"Thank you all for coming this fine afternoon!" he proclaimed. "And now, without further ado, the ponies you've all been waiting for: The Wonderbolts!"

As soon as he said that, twelve pegasi zoomed in from underneath the Cloudosseum, creating the telltale thundercloud streaks of the Wonderbolts.  Thunderlane lifted Rumble onto his back to get a better view as the Wonderbolts performed.  Like with every Wonderbolts show, it was truly a spectacle to behold.

"Take a good look, Rumble," said Thunderlane with a warm smile. "One day, your big bro's gonna be up there."

"Wow," said an awestruck Rumble. "I can't wait for that to happen.  It's gonna be so cool!"

Raindrops couldn't help but feel incredibly moved as she watched Thunderlane and Rumble bonding.  She smiled, and turned her attention back to the Wonderbolts.

"Truth be told, I'm also eager for that day to come," she said whimsically. "Flying through the sky; monitoring the weather all over Equestria; protecting our home from those who wish to hurt us.  It's going to be something, very special."

"I hear that," said Thunderlane. "Plus, it gives young colts and fillies a group of ponies to look up to."

"My big bro says that's the best part of being a Wonderbolt for him," Rumble added. "That's what makes him so cool."

Raindrops paused for a moment, unsure of how to respond. "I-I never knew that about you, Thunderlane," she said. "That's, really sweet."

Thunderlane blushed. "Y-yeah, well.  That's the big brother in me talking," he said sheepishly. "I've always tried to be a good role model for Rumble here."

"Oh," said Raindrops. "I-I still think it's sweet, though."

"Thanks," said Thunderlane. "I'm, glad you think so."

"N-no problem," said Raindrops, turning her attention back to the performance.  As she watched the Wonderbolts, she couldn't help but daydream as she envisioned herself and Thunderlane flying side-by-side in full uniform.  The very thought caused a warm, tingly feeling to wash over her body.  She was tempted to drape her wing over Thunderlane's body and snuggle up to him, but thought better of it.

No.  This isn't a date, she reminded herself. Just play it cool, Raindrops.

"Um, Ms. Raindrops?"

"Hmm?  What is it, Rumble?"

"You'll look after my big bro no matter what, right?"

Rumble's question took Raindrops by surprise. "Wh-what?"

"My big bro says that teammates look out for each other," said Rumble. "And I know he's already looking out for you.  So, you look out for him, okay?"

Raindrops grew quiet for a time and twiddled her hooves. "O-of course I will," she said after a pause. "That's what a wingpony does."

Rumble smiled. "I like you, Ms. Raindrops.  You're a nice pony."

"Th-thanks," said Raindrops.

Thunderlane chuckled. "Rumble, Raindrops is here to relax.  You shouldn't remind her about stuff like that."

"Oh," said Rumble, flattening his ears. "Sorry."

"No, it's okay.  Really," said Raindrops.

"Yeah, lighten up, kiddo.  I'm just teasing," said Thunderlane. "I already know that I can count on Raindrops.  You don't have to worry about us."

"But what if Ms. Spitfire yells at you again?"

"Uh, that's not something Raindrops can protect me from, Rumble.  Besides, she yells at everypony."

"Really?  Why?  That doesn't sound very nice."

"It's, complicated.  I'll tell you when you're older."

"You always say that, Big Bro~!  Why can't you tell me now?!"

Raindrops giggled at the playful argument between the two brothers, and then sighed whimsically as she turned her attention back to the Wonderbolts.

I don't think he wants to keep our relationship on a strictly professional level, she thought. Maybe Derpy is right.  Maybe I do have a shot at this after all...