That was cuter than it had any right being. They are SO going to get happily ever after married by the end of this

After plenty of sexy shenanigans, of course!

I love this. The back and forth banter between Rainbow Dash and Tempest really sells it.

Tempest is great on her own, too, because she's so tightly wound and has absolutely no idea how to properly express what she's feeling or really understands what she wants, and that's captured here pretty well.

I'm looking forward to your serious take on absurdity with bated breath.

“Good. You’re grating, I don’t like you, and I think you’ll be superfluous to this mission.”

Rainbow knows what that means? Wow, I guess those Daring Do books really ARE teaching her something.

“I’m known for being blunt.”

Ah, I see what you did there. Emily BLUNT.

OMG, that was hot, sexy, and cute all at the same time.

before Pinkie had pulled her over for her 24-carrot idea.

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But seriously, great pun setup 10/10!

And it seems this story has more than just good jokes; it has some substance to it.

Like Dash being genre-savvy pointing out that just because Tempest’s combat level is over 9000, repeatedly smashing ponies into the ground (who probably have like 90% of their training devoted to fighting wild beasts, disaster relief, and ceremony, but only 10% to fighting enemy warriors) isn’t going to magically make them better.

Obviously the banter is very strong.

The one negative for me was that Celestia sounded a little off. Honestly though, that’s probably just my head canon or something imposing itself, rather than a legitimate criticism.

Talk about your daily de-stressing.

Sure, on the Storm Troopers, maybe!

I regret that I had even the smallest bit of input in this story.

Just kidding, this was great. The dialogue between Rainbow and Tempest really worked, and the gift progression worked better than I initially imagined it would. I eagerly await the next chapter. Cheers!

This is way more adorable than it has any right to be. XD

I really enjoyed this

Rivals with benefits, that is just so awesome. My cheeks are hurting from all the smiling I am doing while reading this story.

“I’m known for being blunt.”

Motherfucker

"rivals with benefits"
That's called "kismesissitude", represented by a spade in certain shipping circles. IE:
"Rainbow♠Fizzlepop/Tempest"

“You know, like how Princess Celestia would say it. PC.”

Oh I got a good chuckle out of this line.

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Thanks! I thought it was pretty clever too.

“I’m known for being blunt.”

I see what you did there XD

“I’m known for being blunt.”

She’s the Full Metal Bitch, yo! Most badass being on the planet, chopping up like a hundred aliens with one swing!