Comet's Tale

Rainbow Manes, Great Expectations

A little gift for you all to enjoy. I managed to finish it earlier.

The sky stretched endlessly above Rainbow Dash and Soarin as they soared through the crisp afternoon air, the golden hues of sunset beginning to streak across the horizon. Rainbow Dash was brimming with excitement, her wings carrying her effortlessly as she glanced at the stallion flying beside her. Soarin, on the other hoof, looked considerably less at ease. His normally carefree expression was weighed down by nervousness, his wings occasionally faltering in their rhythm.

Rainbow Dash, noticing his tension, smirked and nudged him lightly. "Dude, you look like you're flying into a thunderstorm. Relax! My parents are gonna love you. Plus they already know you're coming, I warned them beforehoof."

Soarin forced a chuckle, but the tightness in his chest didn't ease. "Easy for you to say. You're their daughter, the fastest flyer in Equestria. Me? I'm just some weather pony dating a Wonderbolt."

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "First of all, I'm not a Wonderbolt here. Second, that doesn't matter! You're awesome, Soarin, and besides, my parents are super cool!" She grinned. "Well... mostly. They can be a lot, but they mean well."

Soarin swallowed. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"Oh, come on!" Rainbow groaned, zipping ahead before spinning around to fly backward, facing him. "I already gave them a heads-up that I'm bringing my coltfriend over for dinner. The hardest part is over. Now we just gotta show up, eat, and survive the night. Simple."

Soarin exhaled. "Simple, huh?" He muttered, but Rainbow's confidence was infectious, and he found himself feeling slightly better. If Rainbow believed in him, maybe he could survive this.

Soon, the towering clouds of Cloudsdale came into view, and before long, they reached a cozy house nestled among the fluffy streets. Soarin hovered slightly behind Rainbow Dash as she rang the doorbell, his heart hammering against his ribs. The door swung open almost instantly, and suddenly, he found himself face-to-face with two very enthusiastic pegasi.

"Dashie!!" Windy Whistles squealed, pulling her daughter into a tight hug. "Oh, my little champion is home!"

"Hey, Mom!" Rainbow laughed, hugging her back. "Told ya I'd visit soon."

Bow Hothoof stepped up, ruffling his daughter's mane. "There's our star flier! Look at you, still looking every bit as awesome as ever!"

Rainbow Dash chuckled and shrugged. "What can I say?" She then stepped aside and motioned to Soarin. "Alright, alright! Guys, this is Soarin, my coltfriend."

Windy gasped dramatically, as if Rainbow had just announced she'd won another major competition. "Oh my goodness! Soarin! Our little Dashie's first coltfriend. Or at least the first that she's brought home!" She clasped her hooves together. "Welcome, welcome!"

Soarin chuckled nervously. "Uh, hi, Mrs. Whistles, Mr. Hothoof. It's really great to meet you."

Windy immediately grabbed his hoof and shook it enthusiastically. "Oh, sweetheart, no need for formalities! You can call me Windy!" Before Soarin could react, she pulled out a folded sweater and beamed as she held it out to him. "I made this just for you!"

Soarin hesitated before taking the sweater and unfolding it. His ears burned red as he read the words stitched in bold, colorful letters across the front: 'Rainbow's Coltfriend'

Rainbow Dash facehoofed. "Mom... seriously?"

Windy pouted. "What? It's adorable! And it'll keep him warm!"