> A Little Piece of Heaven
>  by SolidFire
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Houseguests
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Little Piece of Heaven



Houseguests



Spitfire hummed to herself in the shower. As she stepped out and let her fiery mane hang low around her, she sighed. She left the bathroom and looked around her large home; her large, empty home in the sky. She hated living alone. She wanted somepony to share her life with. As she looked around again, she decided she wanted to share her life with that pony in a bit of a smaller living space. She knew she would never have a family. It was rather difficult for a mare to have a child with another mare. And given that her public position with the Wonderbolts was not open to homosexual relations among its members, it was stallions or nopony at all.

"Seems like they ought to prefer me being with a mare. A mare can't get me pregnant and take me out of work."

"True, but a mare would be bad for your public image."

"Why does it have to be bad for my image? Why can't two mares being in a relationship be accepted by the public now?"

"Because you're a role model for foals across Equestria, many of whom are growing up in old fashioned families who aren't accepting of homosexuality." Spitfire sighed. Finding good conversation must be really hard if she was holding conversations with herself at such a young age. She stepped onto her back porch to watch the sunset. It didn't take long for her thoughts to drift to the mare of her dreams; a mare with a cyan coat and a rainbow in her mane. Rainbow Dash had been to every one of the Wonderbolts' shows since Spitfire signed a photograph of herself at Rainbow's request.

"Always follow your dreams." Spitfire gave a sad chuckle. "Even when they take you where you don't want to be." It wasn't that Spitfire disliked her job. No, she loved it. The adrenaline, the speed, the daring tricks and adoration of millions of ponies, all of it was everything she dreamed of. She just wished she could have her job and have the personal life that she wanted.

She watched the sun as it began to set. Tonight she had plans. She was going to go out flying and nopony was going to stop her for anything. Not a photo, not an autograph. She was going to have a night to enjoy herself. It was around then that she thought she heard  screaming. She ignored it at first.

"Probably just my imagination." The screaming got louder. Spitfire looked from her porch in the direction of the scream. She saw the lights of the small town of Ponyville begin to illuminate, but what really caught her attention was the small dot speeding toward her home. The screaming got louder as the dot got louder, and quickly the dot turned into a pegasus pony. Spitfire ducked out of the way just in time to watch it smash into the wall of her home. When the clouds cleared, Spitfire looked up. She noticed a cyan coated pegasus was stuck inside her wall. Her rainbow tail swished once in irritation, while her wings and hind legs just hung low in embarrassment.

"Uhh, little help please?" asked the distressed Rainbow.

"Sure thing Rainbow Dash." Rainbow Dash stiffened and her wings instinctively folded against her side.

"How do you know my name?! Who are you?! ARE YOU A SPY?!"

"Relax Rainbow, it's me, Spitfire." Rainbow stiffened further and, this time, her wings shot into a fully erect position.

"Sp-Spitfire? I'msosorryIdidn'tmeantocrashintoyourhouseIwastryingatrickand-"

"Relax Rainbow, my house is made of clouds. It'll be an easy fix. I'll do it before I go to bed," Spitfire said, trying to calm the flustered mare.

Rainbow's wings stiffened further. She liked a mare who could fix things on her own.

"Rainbow, I don't personally care what your preferences are, but if I'm going to help you you're gonna have to put your wings down."

Rainbow was terrified. Was I that easy to figure out? Oh no, she's gonna hate me. She snapped her wings to her side and pretended to be angry.

"You calling me a fillyfool-AUGH," Rainbow screamed as a sharp pain in her flank suddenly propelled her through the hole in Spitfire's wall and into her living room. "What the hay was that for?"

"The hole in my wall," Spitfire replied nonchalantly as she stepped through the very hole Rainbow had left. It was then that the two mares met gazes for the first time that night. Rainbow's wings fluttered as she took in Spitfire's beauty. Spitfire was still wet from her shower, and her mane hung low around her face, looking far more natural than the way she styled it for her Wonderbolt shows. Rainbow swallowed. I'm in the home of the mare of my dreams. I can't ruin this.

Spitfire looked Rainbow Dash over. She was drenched from being forced through a cloud. As the water dripped off her windswept mane, Spitfire's wings fluttered. The mare of my dreams is in my home. I can't ruin this. Rainbow shivered slightly, just enough for Spitfire to take notice.

"Wanna go for a flight? It would be a fun way to dry off," suggested Spitfire.

Getting dry was an idea Rainbow liked at the moment, and flying with her celebrity crush was something she had dreamed about for years.

"Just try and keep up, alright? I don't want to be slowed down by some amateur," taunted Spitfire.

Rainbow knew that the seemingly narcissistic comment was a challenge in disguise. She gladly accepted.

"You're talking to the fastest flyer in Equestria here. The only pony ever to pull off a Sonic Rainboom. I could keep up with you in my sleep," scoffed Rainbow.

Spitfire grinned. She liked her attitude. Before responding, she gazed deep into Rainbow Dash's fierce, determined magenta eyes. Oh how she craved the mare standing before her.

"Loser buys the drinks." With that, Spitfire bolted out the hole in her wall.

"Hey, that's cheating!" Rainbow called and took off after her. It seemed her dreams were beginning to come true.





Somehow, Rainbow Dash won. As long as Spitfire lived she would never be able to explain it. She couldn't possibly have rigged it more thoroughly. She hadn't even told Rainbow the destination.

"Earth to Spitfire? Hello? When you zone out you can't hear me gloat!" Rainbow wanted to make sure Spitfire knew she lost.

"How did you just beat me? I didn't even tell you where to go!"

"You were flying about as fast as Fluttershy. It wasn't exactly hard." It was on now. Spitfire had only had one brief encounter with the shy pegasus before. As kind as she was, she was the weakest flyer Spitfire had ever met. That was not a challenge Spitfire was going to take lightly.

"Fine then. Another race. And because I'm feeling generous, you can choose the destination this time." Spitfire's adrenaline was pumping. She was ready for anything.

"In that case, let's go to Sweet Apple Acres."

Spitfire raised an eyebrow.

"Rainbow, at full speed that's a half an hour flight from here," stated Spitfire.

"Afraid of an endurance run? Besides, I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Spitfire flew to a nearby cloud and spread her wings.

"I'm not afraid. I'm just making sure you know what you're getting yourself into."

Rainbow landed next to her.

"3, 2, 1, GO!" With that, the mares took off.





Spitfire was dumbfounded... and a little turned on. Nopony had ever been able to fly with her that wasn't a Wonderbolt, and now she had been beaten twice by the mare she had been secretly attracted to for the last few months. This really was the mare of her dreams.

"So, YOU'RE the Wonderbolt, and I'M the one winning the races. See anything comical about that?" Rainbow laughed. She was loving this. She had beaten a Wonderbolt in a race. Twice! On the same evening! Spitfire chuckled.

"You're one heck of a flyer Rainbow. I never thought I'd meet somepony who would be able to keep up with me outside the Wonderbolts. Good work."

Rainbow didn't know what to say to that. She just received a compliment by her celebrity crush. From her idol, the mare of her dreams!

"Uh... t-thanks. S-Spitfire."

"You're cute when you're nervous, you know that?"

Rainbow blushed madly at Spitfire's comment. She gazed into Spitfire's beautiful amber eyes. Her wings fluttered again and she snapped them tight against her sides. Rainbow turned her eyes away from Spitfire and, after a moment of awkward silence, she looked up to see that Spitfire's gaze had never left her.

"Wow Spitfire, if I knew you wanted me that bad I would've ended the race at my place."

"Yeah... wait WHAT?!" Spitfire couldn't believe what she heard. Did Rainbow just insinuate what she thought she did? Without even having gone on a date? "Woah woah woah, slow down Rainbow, I plan to wait until... Rainbow?"

Rainbow was rolling on the ground laughing with tears of mirth streaming down her face.

"Oh the look on your face was PRICELESS! You zone out too much, you know that?"

Spitfire rolled her eyes and dove on top of the mare in front of her. She pressed her lips to Rainbow's in a deep, passionate kiss.

"Same time tomorrow?" Spitfire asked. Rainbow couldn't speak, so she nodded. As Spitfire flew away, Rainbow tried to fly home, only to realize that her wings were far too stiff to be moved at the moment. She sighed and sat under an apple tree. Her day had concluded with a perfect ending.
> This Could Work
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


This Could Work...


"Rainbow? Rainbow, wake up." Applejack was pleased to see her friend, albeit a might confused. What was she doing sleeping under an apple tree?

"Huh, what? No, I didn't touch the monkey's banana, just because I was hungry doesn't- Oh, that was a dream wasn't it?" Rainbow shook herself to get rid of the early morning confusion. Applejack facehoofed.

"Why are ya sleepin' under mah apple tree?" Applejack inquired, to which Rainbow blushed.

"I... uhh... kinda... had wingboners... last night... and-" Rainbow stammered before she was interrupted.

"And ya couldn't flap yer wings ta fly home," Applejack laughed. "What had yer wings that solid?"

Rainbow's blush intensified at her friend's inquiry.

"I think I have a marefriend now," Rainbow mumbled. Applejack stepped back. She had joked about it before, but she never once actually expected her friend to be a fillyfooler. Not that she actually cared, but it was news all the same.

"Well, congratulations Rainbow! What's her name?"

Rainbow, by some power unknown to her, managed to blush even more.

"Spitfire..."

Applejack held back a chuckle.

"The Wonderbolt? Ya sure this ain't one o' yer weird dreams again?"

Rainbow shot a glare at her friend before realizing what she said had sounded a little absurd.

"No, I'm serious. I was trying a new trick last night. I asked Pinkie to help me, so obviously it didn't go as planned."

Applejack winced.

"Ya alright sugarcube?"

"Yeah I'm fine. However, I'll have to remember not to listen to Pinkie when she suggests using her party cannon to launch me." Applejack facehoofed once again.

"Ya never were the brightest pony, Rainbow."

Rainbow chuckled.

"It worked out I guess. I ended up crashing right into Spitfire's house. We went out flying, and when we were done with our races—which I won—she kissed me. I'm going to see her tonight as well."

Applejack wasn't sure what to think. She could tell when somepony was telling the truth. Right now... Rainbow was telling the truth.

"Well golly Rainbow Dash, best a luck ta ya! While yer here, wanna help out a little? Ah have a lot of chores ta do today before the storm, and-"

"Umm, AJ? Not that I wouldn't want to help, but I'm on the weather team. I have to make that storm."

Applejack chuckled.

"Ah guess Ah forgot about that. Well, Ah'll let ya get goin' then. Ah'm sure ya got a lot of work on yer hooves today."

"Umm, AJ?"

"Yeah Rainbow?"

"Think you could keep kinda quiet about me and Spitfire? For now at least? I'm not sure how it'll work out and-"

"Rainbow, ya know Ah can't keep a secret. Nopony's gonna think any different of ya and-"

"Not for me, for Spitfire. I know about how the public views homosexuality. If it gets out, even in Ponyville, that Spitfire's fooling around with a mare, a lot of problems could come for her."

Applejack would have been surprised by Rainbow's gesture if it weren't for her crazy loyalty towards ponies she cared about.

"Ah'll do mah best Rainbow."

"Thanks AJ."

"Yer welcome Rainbow. Now don't ya have a job ta get to? It's a quarter to nine."

Rainbow swallowed hard. The weather team started in fifteen minutes.

"Well buck! Alright, gotta go. Thanks again AJ!" Rainbow sped off before Applejack could return the courtesy. The farmpony laughed. It didn’t really surprise her that Rainbow was a fillyfooler. She didn't really expect it, but it made sense. Not that it mattered to her. It wouldn't make a difference in her friendship with Rainbow Dash. That's all that she cared about.





Spitfire paced around the living room of her home. She finally had what she wanted within her reach, but at what cost? She could lose her job, her public image would be destroyed, some of her friends and family would likely break contact with her. Was it worth it? Was Rainbow Dash worth it? The night before she was ecstatic, and up until an hour before
they were supposed to meet she couldn't wait to be with Rainbow again. She stopped her pacing. Only one piece of an undeniable truth stayed in her mind. She would never know if she didn't try. That was it then. She was going to pursue Rainbow Dash. She could hide it from her teammates, for a while at least. She knew she could tell Soarin', and she planned to do exactly that. He was her oldest friend. They had grown up together in Cloudsdale, and they felt like siblings. She knew she could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge her for it. It was then that her doorbell rang. She had been waiting for that sound for the last hour.

"Door's open Rainbow." Rainbow Dash pushed open the door and stepped inside. Spitfire greeted her with a smile, which Rainbow happily returned.

Five awkward, silent minutes dragged by. Neither mare had much experience in dating over the last few years, especially not with another mare. Was there really a chance that they had something, or was it just some weird, once in a lifetime turn-on that led Spitfire to
mouthrape Rainbow the night before? Spitfire decided right then that they needed to have a conversation before they progressed.

"Rainbow, we need to talk about what happened last night," she began. Rainbow's heart sunk when Spitfire said that. Did Spitfire act without actually thinking? Did Spitfire really want to kiss her the night  before, or was it just some impulsive accident?

"Uhh, of c-course. It happened kinda suddenly. I mean, if you don't really-"

"I want to date you, Rainbow. When I kissed you yesterday it was because I've been waiting to do that for months," Spitfire admitted.

Hearing that almost made Rainbow fall off the couch she was sitting on. Months? Her hero had wanted her for months? Rainbow wanted to see where this was going. "I've wanted to do the same for a while as well. And I want to be with you as well. It just happened so suddenly. I wasn't sure how to react."

Spitfire smiled at Rainbow's response and took a seat next to her.

"Then let's do it right tonight. We can make some dinner, watch a movie, and see where things go from there."

Rainbow liked that idea. Except for one thing.

"I can't cook to save my soul," she said sheepishly. Spitfire laughed.

"Well, in that case I'll teach you tonight." Spitfire took Rainbow's hoof and lead her to her kitchen. This night might actually work out after all, she thought.





Spitfire was indeed an amazing cook. Rainbow was hard pressed to think of a time where she had enjoyed a meal more thoroughly. Spitfire was happy to talk about flying over dinner. The two had gotten into a very long discussion about the lifelong passion that had consumed each of them. Eventually, Spitfire shifted the discussion to Rainbow's position as Ponyville's weather captain.

"It's a job that is either very appreciated or very disliked by the townsponies," Rainbow explained.

"Why wouldn't the townsponies appreciate what you do? You bring the weather to the town! You clear the clouds so the sun can shine on the town! Why would anypony dislike that?" Spitfire asked incredulously.  

It was Rainbow's turn to laugh at Spitfire's remark.

"Have you ever complained about a rainy day?" Rainbow asked. Spitfire nodded, then understood her point.

"I rest my case." Neither of the mares had anything left to say about the subject, so they decided that was as good a time as any to clean up and throw on a movie. As the two watched the screen, Rainbow wrapped a wing around Spitfire's back. Comforted by the warm embrace, Spitfire rested her head against Rainbow's shoulder. It was in that moment that the mare's hearts began to melt for each other.

After the in-home date, Spitfire walked Rainbow to the door.

"We are definitely going to need to do that again sometime," Spitfire said.

"And maybe next time you won't fall asleep on me." Rainbow and Spitfire laughed.

"Sorry about that. It happens when I get lost in a moment with somepony."

Rainbow tried to hide how much it meant to her to hear that from somepony, but the blush on her face betrayed her emotions entirely. She tried to find words, but couldn't.

"So, wanna get together again Friday?" asked Rainbow.

"Sounds good to me."

"Alright. Goodnight Spitfire."

"Goodnight Rainbow. See you Friday."

Rainbow stood in the doorway for a moment longer. That moment was all Spitfire needed. She leaned in and kissed Rainbow. Soft, but passionate.

"There. That seemed a little better." Spitfire and Rainbow laughed. Rainbow turned and flew away. During the entire flight home, only one thought consumed her mind.

Next Friday won't come soon enough.
	
> First Time For Everything
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


First Time for Everything


"RAINBOW! RAINBOW DASH! HERE! NOW!" Spitfire bucked open the door to the bathroom, only to find out that Dash wasn't lying when she said she was still using it. The smell nearly made Spitfire faint before she managed to slam the door shut again.

"Seriously Spitty? Is that what I have to look forward to in this relationship? You kicking in my bathroom door when I'm trying to take a dump?!" exclaimed Rainbow.

"I didn't think a pony could go that long at once!" replied Spitfire in exasperation.

"Well I can't anymore! You scared the rest out of me!"

"Then wipe your ass and get out here!"

"I should probably add 'Wash my Hooves' to that checklist!" Spitfire facehoofed as she heard the sound of a flushing toilet and a running faucet. As strongly as she felt for Rainbow, that mare had a unique aura about her that both endeared Spitfire and got on every nerve she had. If Rainbow had taken any longer in the bathroom, they would have been late for the next Wonderbolt show. Rainbow slowly pushed open the door. The lingering smell of smoke from a match dropped in the toilet replaced the hideous scent of Rainbow's last bowel movement.

"Wow, did I ever tell you how sexy you look in that uniform?" Rainbow asked. Spitfire was happy that the very uniform Rainbow was commenting on covered her blush.

"As much as I'd love to stay and chat about that, we're running late. The only reason I'm wearing it now is because I won't have time to dress when I get there. Come on, we've got a special trick planned tonight,” Spitfire said, hurrying to the door.

"What's it gonna be?" Rainbow's eyes widened like a foal at a candy store. Spitfire laughed and nuzzled her marefriend.

"I guess you'll just have to wait and see now, won't you?" she replied with a smirk.

"Not fair," Rainbow huffed as the two mares took off towards Cloudsdale.





The Wonderbolts performed spectacularly. As usual, since Spitfire started dating Rainbow Dash, her performance outshined them all. Rainbow had actually developed the ability to pick up when one of them made a mistake. Granted, a mistake for the Wonderbolts meant that a member's wingbeats were improperly timed by a half of a second, but it was still a mistake nonetheless. 

It felt odd for Rainbow Dash to be at the Cloudisseum to watch a performance, despite that she had only performed at it once. But the only part of the performance that mattered to Rainbow Dash was the finale. The Wonderbolts, as per the norm, met in the middle of the airspace just before their final stunt. 

There was a loud explosion, and as they flew away, Rainbow Dash saw six colors: red, orange, and yellow on the left, and blue, green and violet on the right. A tear escaped Rainbow's eye. 

"She did that... for me..."





After the performance, Rainbow waited for Spitfire at their established meeting spot. Rainbow Dash immediately threw her forelegs around Spitfire and passionately kissed her. "I can't believe it... nopony's ever done something like that for me before!" she exclaimed after breaking their warm kiss.

"As irritating as you can be sometimes Rainbow, nopony's ever made me happy like you do before. I know it's probably a little early for me to say this, but I think I love you." Rainbow wasn't sure how to react. She had never said those words to anypony before, let alone after only being in a relationship for a little over a month. But she didn't object to the idea, and her heart fluttered when Spitfire said them. Rainbow pulled away from Spitfire.

"I-I-" Rainbow stammered. Spitfire lowered her head.

"It's alright if you-"

"I love you too Spitfire." There it was, in the open and no taking it back. Spitfire looked up and threw her forelegs around Rainbow. The two mares pressed their lips together and, mere seconds later, were unpleasantly interrupted by one of the last ponies they wanted to be interrupted by.

"Woah, Spitfire. I guess now I know why you wanted to do that rainbow thing today." Fleetfoot casually walked up to the two mares.

"Fleetfoot?! How-why-what are you doing here?"

"I went for a walk after the performance. I was hoping to get some action for myself, but this is WAY more fun!" Spitfire took a step toward her teammate.

"I'm NOT 'getting action.' This is-"

"Your marefriend. I assumed she was after I heard you two say you love each other. Really touching." Spitfire looked nervously at her fellow Wonderbolt.

"Y-you're not gonna tell coach. Are you?" Fleetfoot laughed.

"Of course not! That bastard will have you thrown off for it. To be honest, I'm happy for you. I know we're not ones for all that emotional crap, but you needed to get yourself somepony to be with. Didn't really expect you to be a fillyfooler, but to each their own I guess. Now, you may want to make sure Wind Storm doesn't find out. She's not biased, but as we both know-"

"She has an immense difficulty keeping her mouth shut," Spitfire finished with a groan.

"Exactly. Well, see you around Spitty. And... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," said Fleetfoot, turning to the rainbow mare.

"You don't remember me? I flew with you guys after I won the Best Young Fliers competition? For an entire day?"

"Oh right, Sonic Rainboom mare. What was your name... Rainbow Crash, right?" Rainbow's eyes narrowed.

"The name's Dash. Rainbow Dash."

"Whatever, close enough. See you guys later. Well, actually, any chance I could join you two tonight?" Spitfire put a wing around Rainbow and pulled her close.

"Not gonna happen."

"Ah well. Worth a shot. Well, see you round Spitty! You too Dash!" With that, Fleetfoot took to the skies and rocketed away from them.

"Well that was interesting," Rainbow muttered.

"Yeah... interesting. Where were we again?" Spitfire asked.

"I don't really care. My place or yours tonight?"

"Mine. It's a lot closer."

"Sounds like a plan."





Once at Spitfire's house, the mares settled down for the night in front of a warm fire. Getting a fire started in cloud homes was normally a difficult task, but Spitfire was wealthy enough to afford a small, concrete fireplace and chimney that was enchanted by a unicorn to rest in clouds. "Spitfire, I didn't take the time to notice the last few times I've been here... but you've got a damn nice house!" Rainbow had been looking around aimlessly the entire time she had been there. 

"Yeah, well..." Spitfire gave Rainbow a seductive gaze and a small tickle on her wings. “The bedroom's nicer." 

Rainbow picked up on Spitfire's advance. "I don't know... I could fall asleep right here." Spitfire grinned and climbed on top of her marefriend.

"Who said anything about sleep?"

"If you want to keep me up you're gonna have to keep me entertained," Rainbow teased while faking a yawn. As Rainbow stretched her forelegs, Spitfire wrapped her own forelegs around her lover's back and pulled in close. Their lips met, and Spitfire made an effort to grind her groin in just the right place on Rainbow. Both mares’ wings shot out from their sides.

"How's that for keeping you entertained?" Spitfire asked, all the while giving Rainbow her best set of bedroom eyes.

"I think I could stay awake a little longer." Rainbow said, pulling Spitfire in again for another passionate kiss.





Spitfire slowly stirred from sleep. She hated the feeling of dried sweat on her coat, but, after the previous night's activities, she decided it was worth it. Well, night may not have been the right word. They had kept going well into the early morning.

That mare sure has stamina, Spitfire thought with a smile. She attempted to sit up without waking her lover, but failed miserably. Rainbow grunted.

"Really? I know you're not as lazy as I am, but after last night I don't see how ANYPONY could wake up before noon," Rainbow groaned. Spitfire chuckled at her marefriend.

"Well, as I recall you did most of the work. I just got to enjoy it," Spitfire quipped.

"You weren't exactly laying back and taking it. I gotta say, you sure know how to work that tongue of yours." Spitfire blushed through her fiery coat.

"That stays between you and me. Got it?"

"I don't know... Spitty. I think more of the world would want to get in on that," said Rainbow, waggling her eyebrows.

"Perhaps you're right. Maybe I should test that theory. I'm sure Soarin' would gladly accept," replied Spitfire, feigning deep thought.

"Pfft, not if you fall asleep on him like you did to me." Rainbow rolled her eyes.

"Rainbow, just because YOU have an unnatural amount of stamina doesn't mean everypony does. I can barely keep going after an hour, and you were still going strong after three."

"What can I say? I'm just that amazing," Rainbow scoffed.

"Rainbow, that's UNNATURAL. Enjoyable, but unnatural. How can you possibly manage that?" Spitfire asked in exasperation.

"Normally I get all my energy out flying, but when you nap as much as I do and don't fly every day, you gotta use that energy somewhere. And you provided the perfect outlet," Rainbow said with a seductive whip of her tail. "In fact, I could handle round two right about now." 

"As much as I enjoyed last night, I don't think I'll be ready to go again for another week. Maybe two." Spitfire said, shuddering at the thought of another go. The previous night was fun, but every part of her body ached from the surprising workout sex had become.

"Aww man, I had some fun tools at home."

"Maybe later." Spitfire's stomach growled. As if on cue, Rainbow's immediately followed suit. "Umm... for now I say we get some breakfast."

"Yeeeeaaaah... food sounds good," Rainbow responded.





"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! THAT WAS YOUR FIRST TIME?! But... you... HOW?!" Spitfire was stunned. How did Rainbow keep going so long, and perform so well, on her first time?!

"I dunno. I guess I'm just a natural. Was it yours?" Rainbow asked sheepishly.

"Sadly it wasn't... But I could only go for an hour before I let you do all the work! Rainbow, that's... I always did know how to pick 'em."

"Well, this time you picked the best mare anypony can get their hooves on," boasted Rainbow.

"I guess so," Spitfire said with a blush. As irritating as self promoting attitudes could be, Spitfire loved it from Rainbow. She didn’t know what it was about Rainbow Dash, but she just couldn't dislike anything about her. She could try and work the slob out of her, but that was sure to come with time.

"You know Spitfire, you're also the first pony I've ever said 'I love you' to." A blush formed on Rainbow's face as she admitted that. "I honestly never thought I would say that to anypony in my lifetime."

Spitfire smiled and leaned against Rainbow. "I haven't said it to anypony before either. I never felt it before you. But I do love you, Rainbow. I really do."

"I love you too Spitfire." A cocky grin formed on Rainbow's face. "If we stay together long enough, maybe someday you'll even be able to keep up with me." Spitfire instantly noticed this was a challenge. As she was about to take Rainbow for a second round simply to prove she could keep going, another realization hit her.

"Rainbow, that was the best subtle advance I have ever encountered," Spitfire said with a slight shake of her head.

"Apparently it wasn't that subtle, you saw right through it." Spitfire stood and made her way to the bathroom. As she passed Rainbow she gave her a seductive whip of her tail.

"I'm gonna take a shower. You're welcome to join me if you like."

"That wasn't very subtle, Spitfire." Rainbow couldn't help but stare at her marefriend's shaking hips.

"I'm sorry, did you think I was trying to be subtle?" Rainbow got up and followed Spitfire.

"Not in the slightest."
> More Than My Dreams
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


More Than My Dreams


Rainbow and Spitfire made their way through Ponyville's main thoroughfare towards Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie was holding a "WOOHOO! RAINBOW DASH HAS A MAREFRIEND AND WANTS TO OPEN UP ABOUT IT TO EVERYPONY SO I HAVE TO THROW A PARTY!" party. Rainbow had finally felt ready to come clean to the rest of her group of friends as to just why she was spending so much time with Spitfire. Not that everypony didn't know already from observation, but they deserved to hear it from Rainbow's mouth. Rainbow looked over at Spitfire. Spitfire looked incredibly nervous.

"You alright Spitfire?"

"I... yeah. I'm fine." Spitfire swallowed. "Let's just get this over with."

"This isn't going to get back to your coach. Don't worry, anything that gets shared in that room tonight will stay there."

"Are you sure about that, Rainbow?" Spitfire asked. Rainbow smiled.

"My friends are nothing if not trustworthy." Rainbow thought for a second. "You know, if you want we don't have to come clean tonight. Nopony besides Pinkie Pie knows the reason for this party, and she'd understand if you don't want to risk it."

"No. We can do this Rainbow. We've been together for two months now. I'm ready for whatever risk being with you entails." Spitfire took Rainbow's hoof in hers. "Besides, with the way things are going, I'd be happy to lose my job if it meant being open to the world about you."

Rainbow was taken aback. That seemed rather extreme of her marefriend. She stopped walking.

"Spitfire, we've only been together for two months. You can't possibly be willing to throw your life away for me already."

"Life? What life? I spend my life traveling around Equestria performing stunt shows with five other ponies who do the exact same thing. The only reason I'm not doing that now is because winter is coming and there aren't any spaces large enough for us to train indoors. Rainbow, I didn't have a life until you came into it. And I didn't realize that until I met you. I've been living in a world of dreams. You're worth far more to me than my dreams could ever be." Spitfire had never spoken with such passion before. Or honesty. It felt strange to be head over hooves in love with somepony she had just started dating two months prior, but it felt amazing. She wanted nothing more than that love to be in her life. Rainbow was shaking. Tears were welling in her eyes.

"Spitfire... I love you. I... love you..."

"I love you too, Rainbow Dash." For the first time since the two mares started dating, Spitfire kissed Rainbow publicly. Rainbow wasn't expecting it, but she welcomed it. After the two mares parted, Rainbow gave Spitfire a nervous glance.

"You aren't gonna tell anypony that I got all sappy on you, are you?" asked Rainbow.

Spitfire laughed and rested her head on Rainbow's shoulder.

"Your secret is safe with me, Rainbow."





"You ready Spitfire? As soon as we open that door-"

"Our fate will be Pinkie's to determine," Spitfire finished Rainbow's sentence and swallowed. She shook her head and quickly regained her resolve. "I'm ready."

"There's going to be alcohol at this party... Pinkie's about twenty percent more 'Pinkie' when she's drunk," Rainbow said, causing Spitfire's eyes to widen.

"Oh my... I don't know if I can-" Spitfire couldn't finish her sentence. An inebriated Pinkie Pie burst through the door, flinging it open. There was no going back now.

"Shuprash! I know jzhis wasn' 'upposed ta be a shuprash party, but it ish now!" Pinkie Pie's eyes weren't centered. She had been drinking. A LOT. Spitfire gave Rainbow a nervous glance, and Rainbow put a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, Spitfire. She'll pass out soon enough." Rainbow wrapped a wing around Spitfire's back and the two stepped inside. Every one of their Ponyville friends had their hooves firmly planted against their faces.

"Well howdy you two! ‘Bout time the guests o' honor got here!" Applejack started and looked at Pinkie Pie. She managed to be swinging from the ceiling on a vine that had seemingly materialized out of thin air, repeatedly shouting "Daring Do to the rescue!"  "If y'all took any longer she'd have passed out before ya got here."

"I can see that. She always was a bit of a lightweight wasn't she?" Rainbow asked with a laugh. Spitfire dodged a pony-sized pink blur that couldn't possibly have come from the still swinging Pinkie Pie.

"Who was that?!" Spitfire shouted as she looked over to where the blur had gone. Somehow, whatever pony had assaulted her had vanished. Everypony in the room laughed and pointed at Pinkie Pie. Spitfire shook her head.

"No, the pony that just tried to tackle me!" They laughed again.

"That's drunken Pinkie for you. Physics don't apply to her when she's sober, but it's like she burns down the natural barriers of space and time when she's drunk," Rainbow explained.

"And we tend to catch her talking to ponies who aren't there sometimes. She says that there are creatures called 'bronies' that are watching us," Twilight added. "We just give her space when she's in that state of mind."

"Ever think about sending her to an asylum?" Spitfire asked.

"Oh no no no no, she's perfectly sane. But apparently she manages to hallucinate when she's had a little too much to-" Rarity was quickly cut off by her drunken friend.

"Hey Rarity! Jzhat brony likesh yer plot!"

"That's wonderful, Pinkie Pie. Anyway, that's a rundown of drunk Pinkie Pie. Now, I do believe you two have some news for us!" Rarity's eyes (along with those of the rest of the circle of friends) lit up and locked onto Spitfire and Rainbow Dash.

"Umm... I take it you've all figured it out already..." Rainbow said nervously. She wasn't sure why she was nervous, but the butterflies weren't going away.

"Oh, yes we have. But we just want you two to say it. If that's alright with you of course," Fluttershy said quietly. Spitfire rested her head on Rainbow's shoulder, thus causing Rainbow to reflexively wrap a wing around her back.

"Rainbow and I are together. We have been for the last two months," Spitfire said with a smile. "And I couldn't be happier."

Rainbow blushed.

"Dammit Spitfire, you're getting me all sappy."

"I love you too Rainbow."

Rarity squealed. Nothing could make her happier than finding out her friend had found love. Other than finding love herself of course, but for now this would have to do.

"This is simply marvelous!" Rarity exclaimed. "Oh Rainbow, you must keep her, she's quite a catch for you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Rainbow asked, clearly misinterpreting Rarity's comment.

"It means she's a perfect match for you! You two are so alike! I'm so happy for you Rainbow. Oh you must let me make you two dresses. It would be an honor."

"Sorry Rarity, but I like dresses about as much as Rainbow,” Spitfire said. Rarity sighed and rolled her eyes.

"They really are a perfect match," Twilight said with a laugh.

Rainbow smiled. Then it hit her. She looked at Applejack.

"Umm, AJ? How did you know that Spitfire and I were the guests of honor? Only Pinkie knew the reason for this party ahead of time."

"No, Pinkie's the only one you told th' reason fer the party to. Every one o' us knew right away when Pinkie invited us why she was throwin'-" Applejack ducked under a flying pink blur. "It. Wasn't hard ta figure out."Applejack made an attempt to adjust her hat on her head, only to find out it wasn't there.

"Hehe, looking fer jizz?" Pinkie called out. Applejack's hat was on her head, despite that she was hanging upside down. Applejack took off after Pinkie in a vain attempt to retrieve her hat.

"Did she just ask Applejack if she was looking for semen?" Spitfire asked.

"She was trying to say 'this'," Rainbow replied.

"How did she... nevermind."

"Now you're getting it Spitty!"

"Getting what?"

"When Pinkie does something you don't understand, just don't think about it! Took Twilight here forever to learn that lesson," Rainbow explained.

"Twilight STILL hasn't learned that lesson," Spike said as he stepped into the circle.

"Spike? I thought you were watching the library while I was gone," Twilight said with a less than pleased glare.

"I was. Until Owlowiscious started doing all my chores for me. He even managed to check out books to a couple of ponies."

"How did Owlowiscious check out books?"

"Same way you and I do Twilight. He even wrote them down in the log," Spike explained.

Twilight twitched. She had to know how an owl managed to learn to write. A purple glow enveloped her horn and she teleported away. Spitfire jumped back.

"Where'd Twilight go?!"

"Ya... haven't... pheew... seen her... huff... teleport before?" Applejack panted, her hat still on Pinkie's head.

"I didn't know unicorns could do that!" Spitfire exclaimed. Rainbow laughed.

"You haven't seen Twilight in action then. There isn't a thing she CAN'T do with magic."

"Can she vanquish an Ursa Major?" Spitfire asked with a laugh. Some crazy showmare named Trixie had tried to show up the Wonderbolts. The flight team pretended to ignore her and got her to lose her temper. None of them could tolerate ponies like that.

"I don't know about a major, but one time she managed to vanquish an Ursa Minor," Rainbow admitted. Spitfire gave her a condescending glance.

"Did you see it happen?"

"Yep."

Spitfire's jaw dropped. She didn't know much about unicorn magic, but she knew that entire battalions of the unicorn guard had to be called in to take down an Ursa. For one unicorn to do that on her own seemed... impossible.

"How... there's no way... huh?" Spitfire was speechless. Rainbow laughed.

"That's nothing. This one here can make a dragon cry," Rainbow said and pointed at Fluttershy.

"I didn't mean to make him cry! I just wanted him to know that he can't be a bully," Fluttershy said in an attempt to defend herself.

"Whatever you say 'Shy. Don't get me started on what Twilight saw you do to a bear," Rainbow said with a cheeky grin.

"I was giving it a massage!"

"You stared down a cockatrice."

"I don't control that!"

Spitfire watched the exchange in awe. Fluttershy did NOT seem like the 'tough filly' type. And she certainly didn't take any pride in the feats Rainbow was crediting her for.

"Wow Fluttershy, you sound like the kind of mare Soarin' would be all over," Spitfire said.

Fluttershy's face flushed. She had always had some sort of a celebrity crush on Soarin', and she wasn't good at hiding it.

"Oh, I don't know. A famous stallion like him... he'd never go for a simple mare like me," Fluttershy murmured.  

Spitfire laughed. Soarin' could have any pony he wanted, but he hated the company of most of the mares he was surrounded by day to day. The poor stallion hadn't had any action in almost a year.

"Believe me Fluttershy, Soarin' would prefer you to any of the mares we're normally around. Hay, he denied a date with Fleur de Lis because she annoyed the hay out of him. He can't stand stuck up rich ponies," Spitfire explained. Fluttershy's blush intensified. If Spitfire weren't so enthralled with Rainbow Dash, she would have found it attractive.

"Hey Spitfire! Looks like the punch is spiked. Which I must say is rather unfortunate for Spike." Rainbow pointed at Rarity. She had Spike on her back and was getting ready to carry him home. The baby dragon was sound asleep. "Wanna make this a real party?"

Spitfire smiled and kissed her marefriend.

"Sounds like fun, Rainbow."





Spitfire and Rainbow stumbled into Rainbow's home in the sky. They had each had a little more punch than they should have, but it wasn't their fault that Pinkie had REALLY spiked that particular punch bowl. The two mares were kissing madly as they fell to the floor of the home, Rainbow struggling to get on top of Spitfire. This was going to be a night both mares would wish they could remember.
	
> We Don't Need Them
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


We Don't Need Them


Rainbow woke with a pounding headache. Light stabbed her eyes like burning lances. She tried to move, but quickly noticed any effort to do so would be futile because of the mare that lay on top of her. She groaned and pressed herself into the floor of her home.

"Not so loud, Rainbow," Spitfire whispered. To Rainbow, it felt like a scream.

"Speak for yourself," she grunted. Spitfire pressed her hooves over her ears.

"Rainbow, I was whispering."

"It sure didn't sound like it. Come on, get off of me so we can get some hangover food."

"Uggh. I don't think I'm ever going to drink again. Ever," muttered Spitfire.

"You say that now. In a week you'll be just like me. At the local bar."

"Is that a challenge?" Spitfire asked, not as enthusiastic as normal about accepting it, but still enjoying the prospect.

"Yes. I challenge you to sobriety," Rainbow said with a hoof on her head.

"For it to be a challenge, we both have to be involved."

"Fine. First one to drink loses." Rainbow spat into her hoof and cringed at the noise she had just made. Spitfire repeated the actions. The two pressed their hooves together incredibly slowly. It was going to be a long day.





Around four hours later the couple had finally gotten it together enough to head into town. It wasn't the most pleasant trip into town, but they still wanted to enjoy the day while they had it, before they had to make a trip to Cloudsdale to open up to their parents about their relationship. Spitfire seemed incredibly nervous about that, but she didn't say much. Rainbow figured she was just uncomfortable with the idea and thus ignored it. They quickly spotted three young fillies bouncing around town square. Never one to miss a chance to have her ego stroked, Rainbow flew right towards the orange one in the center. Spitfire sighed and followed suit. She'd have to pull Rainbow away from Scootaloo at some point.

"Hey there Squirt!" Rainbow called out. Scootaloo's ears perked up. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom sighed.

"Hey Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo responded, obviously ecstatic to see her idol.

"Howdy Rainbow Dash," Applebloom said, albeit less enthusiastic. Sweetie Belle opted to nod politely.

"How's it hanging, Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Rainbow asked with an ear-to-ear grin.

"It's awesome, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo pushed her way past Applebloom so she was the one in front of Rainbow. Rainbow laughed.

"You guys get your Cutie Marks yet?"

"Not yet, but we're close!" Sweetie Belle chimed in.

"Yep! Any day now the three o' us will be runnin' 'round with flank decorations! At least that's what Big Macintosh says."

"All he ever says to us is 'eeyup' or 'eenope'," Scootaloo grunted. She then turned back to Rainbow. "You gonna do some awesome tricks?! Can you do a Sonic Rainboom?!"

"I think I could give you a little show." Rainbow said with a smirk. Spitfire put a hoof around Rainbow's neck.

"I think somepony needs to step away from her ego stroking so we have time to get to Cloudsdale before sundown. Remember Rainbow, we have plans today."

"Oh yeah. Sorry Squirt, I'll have to save the show for a later date."

"I'm sorry, but I must ask you what in the hay you think you're doing with my daughter?" A stallion with a deep green coat stepped between Rainbow and Scootaloo. He was calm and collected, but something about him made Rainbow uncomfortable. The ‘I'd really like to punch you and I'm not sure why’ kind of uncomfortable. Rainbow took a step back.

Best to at least find a reason to hate him before deciding to do so, she thought to herself.

"Chill guy, I was just talking to her. I've gotten to know Scootaloo pretty well since she started hanging out with my friends’ little sisters."

"Scootaloo, I don't want you anywhere near these fillyfoolers, you understand?" asked the green stallion.

He's ignoring me while insulting my lifestyle choice to his daughter. Do I need another reason? Rainbow's displeasure was evident in her expression. Scootaloo lowered her head.

"Yes, Dad."

Rainbow was about to let her temper explode before she felt a hoof on her shoulder.

"Rainbow, he's not worth your time. Like you always say, haters gonna hate."

"Yeah, but-"

"Rainbow, let it go."

"But he's a total dick!" pressed Rainbow.

"Excuse me?!" Scootaloo's father did NOT like what he was hearing.

"How about you mind your own bucking business for once!" Rainbow snapped back.

"I will NOT allow you to talk back to me like that!"

"Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it?"

Before Rainbow could create any more of a problem out of the situation, Spitfire flew into the air and picked her up. She struggled to hold on as Rainbow attempted to free herself and attack the stallion below her.

"Let me at him! I can take care of that jerk!"

"Rainbow, please. We don't need any more trouble. Just let him be."

"But-"

"Please." Spitfire's soothing voice calmed Rainbow. Well, enough to prevent her from attacking the hateful stallion below.

"Fine."

Spitfire released her grip from Rainbow.

"Come on, let's get to Cloudsdale and get our chores over with."





Rainbow and Spitfire landed just down the street from the home of Spitfire's parents. Spitfire put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.

"Rainbow, before we go in there, I want you to know that this could get very ugly, very quickly."

Rainbow cocked a quizzical eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"My parents are incredibly old fashioned. My dad runs a family business and my mom has barely left the house to do anything other than go grocery shopping since they married," explained Spitfire.

"Alright, and your point is?"

"They hate homosexuality. With a passion. Hay, they hated my decision to join the Wonderbolts. Especially my father. He wanted to hook me up with this awful stallion so I would ‘have the life I belong in.’ What a crock of shit. I'm ready for whatever they say in there. I know it's going to be painful. I know they're going to be rough, and they'll more than likely disown me completely. I want you to just hold your tongue and let it happen."

"No. I'm not just going to sit there and let them hurt you. They can say whatever they want about homosexuality, but they will not-"

"Rainbow, do this for me. It will be a lot easier this way. Please Rainbow, don't step up to defend me, just this one time," pleaded Spitfire.

Rainbow was now faced with a dilemma. She could do what came naturally to a loyal mare like herself and stand up for her marefriend in the event of a verbal assault from her parents, or she could do what her marefriend wanted her to do and be loyal by holding her tongue. Holding of the tongue most definitely didn't come naturally to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow took a deep breath and exhaled. She knew what she had to do.

"Alright, I'll keep my mouth shut. Can I talk back if they say anything to me?" asked Rainbow.

"No. You know as well as I do that once you start, you won't be able to stop."

"Fine."





Spitfire took a deep breath before knocking at the door to her parents’ house. She could do this; she had to do this. An older looking mare answered and Rainbow did a double take. She was the spitting image of Spitfire.

Hehe... *Spit*ting image of *Spit*fire. I need to write that down. Rainbow managed to contain her chuckle.

"Spitfire? Honey, what are you doing here? Please, come inside! And who's your friend?"

Spitfire was about to break the news when Rainbow interrupted.

"Name's Rainbow Dash." As she introduced herself, she planted a hoof on her chest and took a triumphant pose, eliciting a giggle out of Spitfire's mother.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rainbow Dash. Oh my, where are my manners? Please, stay for dinner! Your father is going to be so happy when he gets home!"

A loud ping sounded from the kitchen.

"Oh my! That must be the eggplant! Please, make yourselves at home while I go finish dinner! Spitfire, it's so great to see you again, we have so much catching up to do!" With that, Spitfire's mother scurried off to the kitchen.

"Rainbow, what was that? I was going to make this short and painful, not long and painful!" Spitfire hissed.

"You know as well as I do that you would regret it if you didn't get one last happy moment with your family. Even if they're going to ruin it for you about halfway through," Rainbow responded. Spitfire's ears drooped.

"I... you're right. I'm sorry Rainbow. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

Rainbow kissed Spitfire on the cheek.

"It's cool. You're nervous, I get that. Whatever happens, I'm here for you."

Spitfire smiled. "I know you are, Rainbow."





"So, what's it like being the captain of a town's weather team, Rainbow Dash?" Spitfire's mother asked.

Rainbow Dash gave a cocky grin. She put her forehooves behind her head and leaned back.

"It's a pretty demanding job, but somepony's gotta do it. Might as well be the best flyer in Equestria."

"You mean most confident," Spitfire joked, although the look on her face told Rainbow to knock off the arrogance. Rainbow didn't notice.

"Yeah, that too. When you're as good as me, it's hard NOT to be confident."

Spitfire and her mother facehoofed simultaneously. Before Spitfire could punch Rainbow, they heard the door open. A large pegasus stallion with a scarlet coat and black mane and tail walked in with a smile on his face.

"Good evening honey, how-" His eyes fell on the two younger mares that resided on the couch. His eyes went wide.

"Spitfire? Is that you?"

Spitfire gave him a weak smile.

"Yeah Dad, it's me." She got up and hugged her father. "It's good to see you again."

Spitfire's father pulled away and took notice of Rainbow Dash.

"Who's your friend?"

Spitfire glanced at Rainbow. Rainbow grinned.

"Name's Rainbow Dash!" she said while jumping to her hooves.

"Wait, the mare who performed the Sonic Rainboom at the Best Young Fliers competition?!" Spitfire's father was incredibly excited.

"And saved Spitty and two of the other Wonderbolts in the process!" Rainbow gloated. Spitfire's father frowned.

"And that awful Unicorn... Why did you save her?" he asked, mood darkening.

Rainbow seethed with anger. Nopony disrespected her friends like that. Spitfire tried to stop her, but it was too late.

"Watch it buddy, that 'Awful Unicorn' is my friend! She-" Before Rainbow could continue, she felt a hoof on her shoulder. She turned to see Spitfire with a pleading look. Rainbow's ears drooped.

"I'm sorumandifbgogkkmmmmm," Rainbow grumbled. Spitfire's parents gave Rainbow a look that could only be described as saying ‘the buck are you on?’ Spitfire sighed.

"That's her way of saying she's sorry."

"It's... interesting..." Spitfire's mother said.

"Yeah... she really is..." Spitfire didn't notice her slip until Rainbow gave her a light kick to snap her back to reality. It was too late. Her parents had noticed the way she had looked at Rainbow while saying those words. And her tone of voice. It was her mother who spoke up first.

"Spitfire? Honey, how do you know Rainbow Dash?" she asked.

Rainbow and Spitfire exchanged a knowing glance. It was now or never. Rainbow wrapped a wing around Spitfire's back and Spitfire sighed softly.

"Mom. Dad." She took a deep breath. "Rainbow is my marefriend. We've been together for a few months now. I wanted you guys to meet her."

Spitfire's parents were mortified. They didn't know what to think. Their daughter, their one and only daughter... was a fillyfooler. A disgrace to the family.

"Get out," her father said. His tone of voice seemed cold enough to freeze the air around him.

"Dad, please. We're-"

"I didn't ask for your input, I told you to leave. Now go."





Spitfire fell back on her haunches on the street, tears streaming down her face and pattering softly onto the road. Rainbow sat next to her.

"Why didn't they scream, Rainbow? Why couldn't they have insulted me? I could have handled that, I was ready for that. But just kicking me out?" She stamped her hoof on the clouds she sat on. "Why were they so bucking cold?!" Tears continued to flow from her eyes as she began to scream. "I could have been pissed if they were jerks! Why didn't they do anything but kick me out?!"

Rainbow wrapped a wing around Spitfire and pulled her in. She wasn't good at comforting ponies who needed it, but it killed her to see her love in so much pain.

"Spitfire, they WERE jerks. They just kicked their daughter out of their house for no other reason than her sexual preference. They're two of the biggest jerks I've ever met. I would have kicked him in the face if you would have let me."

Spitfire leaned into Rainbow. She smiled as she felt Rainbow's lips press against the top of her head.

"Right now I kinda wish I did let you," Spitfire grumbled.

"Can I? Because I can still find their house again. I would love to beat them both into the clouds if I can."

Spitfire chuckled.

"As much as I love your desire to defend my honor, I'd rather not have you get arrested."

"Damn," Rainbow pouted.

Spitfire chuckled again before pressing further into Rainbow.

"My parents hate me." She felt tears coming again, but fought them back. "What do I do now? Who do I go to when I need somepony? Who can I count on to always be there for me? Who-" Spitfire was cut short by a pair of warm lips pressing against hers. She melted into the kiss. Rainbow always knew how to calm her down. Which was odd, given how irritating Rainbow could be. When they finally parted the kiss, the couple gazed deep into each other's eyes.

"I'll always be there for you, Spitfire. You can always count on me. You don't have to know what to do without your parents, because you don't need them. We don't need them. We have each other, and that's all we need."

Spitfire was touched beyond what she thought was possible. She pressed her lips against Rainbow's and felt passion beyond anything she had ever known. Immediately after pulling away, she rested her head against Rainbow's chest.

"Rainbow, no amount of apologizing could ever tell you how sorry I am for what I just said. I love you, Rainbow Dash. I just hope you can forgive me for not seeing what's right in front of me." To Spitfire's surprise, Rainbow simply laughed.

"Spitfire, of course I can forgive you. I love you too, more than I could ever tell you. And to think we've only been together for such a short time."

"Yeah... it really is amazing." Spitfire's heart was pounding in her chest. She loved the mare in front of her with everything she had. She was going to make this relationship last. She was going to-

"So, Spitfire. Want to skip visiting my parents tonight and go straight to the sex?" Rainbow asked, waggling her eyebrows.  

-smack that idiotic mare so hard she would be in a coma for a month.
	
> No More Secrets
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


No More Secrets


Rainbow rubbed her cheek at the point where Spitfire's hoof connected. That mare had a powerful left hook and she wasn't afraid to use it.

"You could have just said no," Rainbow whined. Spitfire kissed Rainbow's cheek.

"That was more fun."

"Maybe for you. Well, at any rate, we're not far from my parents’ place. They'll be happy to meet you."

"What are they like?" Spitfire asked.

"Well, they're kind of like me."

Spitfire stopped in her tracks. She loved Rainbow with all her heart, but putting her in a room with two ponies who are similar to her? That could be bad. Rainbow laughed.

"Don't worry, we'll try to tone down the "Dash" a little for you," Rainbow said with a snicker.

"Thanks, Rainbow. I appreciate that," Spitfire said and kissed her marefriend. She allowed a smug grin to pass her features. "Are your parents as cocky as you are?"

"Cocky? I don't have a penis!" Rainbow pretended to be confused by her marefriend's inquiry. Spitfire facehoofed.

"Of all the mares I could have fallen for, it had to be you," Spitfire groaned..

"Hay yeah! Think about that while we're inside."

Spitfire looked up. A modest cloud home sat in front of them. The words "Dash Family" were imprinted on the mailbox just under the address.

"How did we get here so fast?" Spitfire asked. It seemed like they had just left her own family's home.

"My parents never had much money, so they always lived out here. It looks like we grew up just one district away from each other," Rainbow explained. "It's weird. We grew up so close to each other, and at the same time too, yet we still only met a couple of months ago."

"We probably went to school together," Spitfire said absentmindedly. Her eyes shot open. "Oh my gosh! We DID go to school together! I remember hearing about you once or twice from the teachers of classes two grades below me!"

"And I remember you were on the race team with Soarin'!" Rainbow squealed with delight. "I never thought about it before now, but that's so awesome!"

"I can't believe we never met before a few months ago." Spitfire was absolutely shocked. Then again, it was a huge school. Almost four thousand ponies attended it. Then another thought hit her. "Rainbow, were you ever on the race team? We might have flown together before!"

Rainbow sighed. "Nah, I never got the chance. The school wouldn't let me on because of my grades... among other things."

"What other-oh, right, the stuff the teachers always talked about."

"What did they say about me?" asked Rainbow.

"Usually that you were the biggest pain in the ass they had ever encountered," snarked Spitfire.

Rainbow snickered. "Yep, sounds right."

"Are you two going to sit out here and talk about your school lives all night or are you going to come inside before it gets cold?"

Spitfire and Rainbow jumped at the sudden intrusion of Rainbow's mother. Spitfire took the older mare in very quickly. She was roughly the same height as Rainbow. She had a sky blue coat similar to Rainbow's, but with a golden mane and red tail. Spitfire was surprised by the mane and tail colors. It wasn't uncommon to have a mane and tail sporting different colors, but it certainly wasn't average.

"Sheesh Ma, what did I tell you about sneaking up on me?" Rainbow grunted.

"And what did I tell you about dropping by you little brat?" her mother snapped back.

Rainbow lowered her head. "To do it more often..."

"That's right, Rainbow. Now you lovebirds get your sorry flanks inside before I have to drag them in."

Rainbow and Spitfire looked up. "How did you-"

"I'm a mom. It's my job to know these things."

"Ahh."





"Rainbow?"

Rainbow looked up in the direction of her father's voice. She smiled warmly as he got up and made his way over to her. He wrapped his legs around her and gave her a gentle nuzzle. Rainbow returned the gesture. Spitfire looked up at the stallion that had embraced her marefriend. 

He was easily three hooves taller than his daughter, and his coat was a deep violet. His scarlet mane and tail complimented his coat perfectly. Rarity would have a hayday with it. Spitfire felt her heart melt... for a moment, anyway.

"About time your lazy ass found its way back home." Rainbow's father began.

"Not my buckin' fault I gotta work. I'm the captain of the weather team in Ponyville," Rainbow said with a smirk. "It's more than you ever did with your life." Rainbow pulled away from the hug with a cocky grin.

"I had sex with your mother. After an experience like that a stallion doesn't need to do anything more with his life."

Rainbow and her father let out a hearty laugh at that comment. Rainbow's mother dealt her husband a powerful strike to the top of his head.

"Owwww! What was that for, Skye?"

"You know EXACTLY what that was about, Flurry," Skye snapped back.

"Dad, why don't you see that coming? You're a career soldier. Didn’t your training detail situational awareness?" Rainbow asked as she held in a snicker.

"Yeah, being a part of the Royal Guard does require situational awareness. I was never trained to look out for a pissed off wife!"

"Then you married the wrong mare," Skye stated flatly.

"Believe me Skye, I figured that out years ago."

Spitfire continued to watch the conversation between Rainbow and her parents. She wasn't sure what it was, but she found it rather heartwarming. Although it did explain a thing or two about Rainbow's quirks.

Now I see why she's as mature as a thirteen year old filly, Spitfire thought.

"Oh my, where are our manners?" Skye started. "Rainbow, introduce your fillyfriend!"

Rainbow's eyes went wide. She had been so caught up with her parents that she had completely forgotten about Spitfire.

"Oh my gosh, Spitfire! I'm so sorry, Spitfire, I completely-"

"Wait, the Wonderbolt?!" Skye and Flurry exclaimed in unison. Spitfire sighed and nodded.

"Yep... Spitfire the Wonderbolt... the one and only." Spitfire's displeasure was evident in her voice... to Rainbow anyway.

"Wow! My daughter is dating a Wonderbolt! Give me some hoof, Rainbow!" Flurry was overjoyed with his daughter as he raised a hoof. He paused when he noticed she wasn't returning the gesture like he expected. After a moment he understood.

"Oh... right... Well, that complicates things," muttered Flurry.

"What complicates things?" Skye asked.

"Skye, you're married to a career soldier and you can't figure out what's going on?" Flurry spoke in a very condescending tone.

Rainbow perked up.

"Wait, why do you understand, Dad? Just because our relationship isn't accepted by the guard doesn't mean it shouldn't be accepted by the public."

Flurry and Spitfire shared a bitter laugh.

"Rainbow, I never told you how I got to be a Wonderbolt, did I?" Spitfire asked. Rainbow shook her head.

"Well Rainbow, it's the same reason you never got to be one," Spitfire began.

"The Wonderbolts are hoofpicked from the Royal Guard as an advertisement campaign. The only way to have a shot at joining is to enlist with the guard," Flurry explained.

"Soarin' and I joined the guard together. We were selected three days before we were supposed to be shipped out for the first time. The recruiter came to us and made it sound like the most glamorous and honorable thing we could do with our lives. We were given the choice between riches and fame or be grunts in the guard. Not exactly a hard one to make," Spitfire explained. 

Rainbow sighed. If her hopes of ever joining the flight group weren't dashed already, they were right there. She perked up again. "How come I've never seen any propaganda posters about that at Wonderbolts shows before? I go to every one!"

Spitfire laughed.

"You've seen the recruiting booths at every show, right?"

"Well, yeah, but-"

"Then you didn't look very hard. You can always see a picture of me doing a less than appropriate pose with some form of military equipment and cheesy slogans on the posters at the booths. I hate that part of my job..." Spitfire sighed.

"Ugh. Why does every awesome part of being a pegasus have to involve the military?" Rainbow asked with a grunt.

"We're the descendants of a warrior society, Rainbow. Are you really surprised?" Spitfire asked.

"No, I guess not. By the way, I think it's really hot that you were a guard... and I want to see those posters," Rainbow said with a sly grin. Spitfire facehoofed.

"Of all the mares I could have fallen for..."

"You know you love it," Rainbow replied with a cocky grin.

"I know I do, I just can't figure out why."

Skye watched the playful exchange with a smile on her face. She looked over at her husband and noticed his face bore a more grim expression. She pulled him aside.

"Flurry, what's wrong? Aren't you happy for her?"

"Any chance you could get Rainbow out of the room? I'd like to have a private conversation with Spitfire."

"Honey, please. She's too old for us to be scaring away her dates."

"I have no intention of scaring her off. I just want to clear something up with her. It's about her role with the Wonderbolts."

Skye nodded.

"Rainbow? What do you say we cook dinner together? It's been so long since we've done anything as mother and daughter," Skye suggested.  

Rainbow looked at her mother, and then shot a glare at her father.

"Dad, if this is-"

"I'm not trying to scare her off. What would give you that idea?"

"Mom just asked ME to help her cook dinner."

Flurry shot a glance at his wife. She shrugged and gave him an apologetic smile.

"Is it so strange that she wants to do something alone with her daughter after she was away for so long?" Flurry asked.  

Rainbow continued to glare daggers at her father. Eventually she sighed.

"Fine. But nothing girly like cookies or cupcakes. That's Pinkie Pie's job."

Rainbow and Skye made their way to the kitchen. As per the norm, the two shared playful insults the whole way. Spitfire watched Rainbow leave and then turned to look at Flurry. To her surprise, he was already standing next to her.

"What rank are you? Rainbow mentioned you're a career soldier," Spitfire asked.

"I'm a Staff Sergeant. Now, I'm just curious as to how you got the time off to make this trip, Lieutenant Commander," Flurry inquired forcefully. Spitfire shied away.

"Being the captain of the Wonderbolts has its perks... one of which being a lot of time off when I need it."

"It appears to me that my daughter has no idea that you're a reserve soldier. Why haven't you told her?"

"Another perk of being a Wonderbolt is that I can resign from service whenever I want. If we decide to settle down, I can always just quit," Spitfire explained. "I figure if she doesn't need to know, why tell her?"

"Because you can be called away to service whenever the Princess sees fit."

"You say that as if there's even a remote chance that such a thing will ever happen," Spitfire replied condescendingly. "We're more figureheads than anything else. I haven't had any combat training since I was in boot."

"Why do you feel the need to lie to my daughter about this?" Flurry asked.

"I'm not lying to her, I'm just... not telling her." Spitfire looked to the floor. An old adage from her training came back to mind. One that Flurry took the time to repeat.

"Withholding information is as harmful to your squad as a direct attack. Or in this case, it's as harmful to your marefriend as hitting her in the face would be. Now I'm going to ask you again, Lieutenant Commander. Why do you feel the need to hide who you are from my daughter?"

Spitfire looked to the floor again. She couldn't say what drove her to hide that part of her from Rainbow. Rainbow had opened up completely about her past to Spitfire. Why couldn't she return the favor?

"I... don't know. I guess being a Wonderbolt never felt like military life to me. I was always Spitfire, not Lieutenant Commander. I haven't even looked at my dress uniform in years. My coach has always been my coach, not my superior officer. Quite frankly, I'm more of a civilian than a soldier. I guess I just never saw the need to tell her."

"I think it's about time you change that outlook. If you don't mind me saying, ma'am." He felt the need to make sure that Spitfire knew she was his superior officer. Spitfire hated it.

"Relax, we're not soldiers right now. I'll tell her tonight, I promise."

"A wise decision, ma'am."

"For a career soldier, you're a real smartass," Spitfire grunted.





"Mom? Can I talk to you about something?"

"Of course, Rainbow. What's on your mind?"

Rainbow looked down and pawed at the floor. The kind of conversation she was about to have was an embarrassing one, even with their healthy adult relationship.

"How did you know when you were ready to marry Dad?"

When Skye heard that sentence she almost dropped the pan she had just picked up. She quickly set it down and looked at her daughter with an ear to ear grin.

"Is my little filly engaged?!" Skye made no attempt to contain her excitement at the prospect. Rainbow facehoofed.

"No, I just... look, this sappy emotional crap confuses me. As weird as it is to say, I'm in love with Spitfire. And, I don't know, I think I'm kinda okay with the idea of settling down with her... and stuff... and I was wondering what's the best way to, you know... ask her if she wants to do that."

Skye gave Rainbow a warm smile and a hug.

"Rainbow, I think you're talking to the wrong pony about that. Your father asked me to marry him. If you want my advice, I'd tell you to ask your father. But I can tell you that you need to be very sure of that decision when you ask that question. How long have you and Spitfire been together?"

Rainbow began to blush as she drew a circle in the floor with her hoof.

"A little over three months."

Skye raised an eyebrow at her daughter.

"Rainbow, I know you've always had your troubles with relationships, but are you sure you're not rushing into this? Three months is a little early to be asking somepony to marry you."

"Ugh, I know that mom. It's just that for the first time in my life, I'm actually sure about somepony. I'm not afraid of being... you know... with her. It just feels right... She feels right."

Skye gave Rainbow another warm smile.

"I'm not going to get in the way of you making that decision. If you think you're ready then go for it. She's a great match for you, Rainbow. I can't tell you how happy I am that you found her."

Rainbow's blush intensified. She smiled, but it quickly faded. When she looked up, a distraught expression adorned her features.

"What if she says no? What if she's unwilling to let go of her career for me? What if-"

Rainbow's worries were silenced by a potato that was forced into her mouth. Her expression quickly changed from distraught to irritated. She spit the potato out of her mouth and glared at her giggling mother.

"What was that about?"

"I had to do something to get you to shut your mouth. Nothing is more irritating than when a pony spews nonsense," Skye replied, though her giggles persisted. "Sweet Celestia, you looked funny with a potato in your mouth!"

Rainbow was appalled. Her mother had just chalked her deep concerns up to nonsense!

"Mom, I'm really nervous! I-" This time her speech was stopped by a cucumber. Rainbow shrugged and bit off the half that was in her mouth and happily ate it before glaring daggers at her mother.

"Rainbow, that mare LOVES you. She would gladly give up the world to be with you. Stop worrying before I have to go find a pineapple." Skye somehow managed to speak comprehensibly through her desire to giggle. She even managed to keep a straight face... mostly. "Rainbow, you've got some cucumber on your cheek."

Rainbow facehoofed. As much as she loved her mother, the elder mare's antics just got old after a while.

"Mom, you're not very good at this."

Skye sighed.

"You're no fun, Rainbow. Look, all I'm trying to say is that whatever you decide to do, your father and I will be here to support you. And I can already tell that Spitfire will never leave your side. So relax, will you? And finish that cucumber."

Rainbow smiled and hugged her mother. "Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that."

Skye smiled and returned the gesture. "I'm just happy I could help."





After dinner, Skye and Flurry shooed Rainbow and Spitfire out onto the back porch for some alone time. Spitfire had agreed to tell Rainbow the whole story of her life, and Flurry wasn't going to let it wait even a minute longer.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it Rainbow?" Spitfire asked absentmindedly.

"Yeah... it really is..." Rainbow didn't notice the slip from her tomboyish facade. Until she heard Spitfire giggle.

"What?" Rainbow asked.

"Never thought you'd reach that level of emotional release without trying to act tough," Spitfire responded through her giggling.

"Just because I'm awesome doesn't mean I'm not a mare! I have my moments."

"Yeah, I know." Spitfire sighed. "Rainbow, there's something I need to tell you..."

"What's that, Spitfire?"

Spitfire sighed. She wasn't sure how to tell Rainbow. She felt Rainbow's wing drape around her back.

"Come on, Spitfire. You know you can tell me anything."

Spitfire sighed and leaned into Rainbow.

"I'm sorry," she started. Rainbow was confused.

"Sorry for what?" asked Rainbow.

Spitfire looked at the deck. "I've been hiding a part of me from you. Kind of a big part of me. Rainbow, I'm a soldier. All of the Wonderbolts are. As the team captain, I have the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the REA."

Rainbow's eyes were as wide as saucers. She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"You're... a Lieutenant Commander... in the REA?"

Spitfire sighed again. She noticed that she had been doing a lot of that since the conversation with Flurry.

"I'm a reserve officer. Even the title of 'reserve officer' is a joke. I'm only military because I'm a Wonderbolt. It doesn't mean anything really. I'm basically a civilian that the Princess can call into combat if a war breaks out that we're doomed to lose. It's funny. I'm given the rank of an officer meant to lead troops into battle, but all I'm fit to lead is a stunt team. Rainbow, I'm so sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, please don't be mad at me!" Spitfire leaned into Rainbow's shoulder and felt tears coming. She found it pathetic that she was a soldier and she was crying on her marefriend's shoulder. Rainbow pulled Spitfire closer to her.

"Spitfire, I'm not mad. I don't get why that was some big secret, but it doesn't matter to me. Spitfire, I love you. Nothing's gonna change that, even if I have to act my gender from time to time to show you that," Rainbow said softly.

Spitfire looked up at Rainbow and was quickly greeted with a passionate kiss. Spitfire melted into the gesture. She pulled away for a fresh breath and smiled.

"Thanks, Rainbow. I know I'm not going to be shipped out to anywhere anytime soon, but I should have told you sooner. Even though my military role is kinda pathetic..."

"But you're still a soldier. I can't tell you how HOT that is!" Rainbow exclaimed before licking her lips.

Spitfire facehoofed.

"Of all the mares..."
	
> A Little Piece of Heaven
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Little Piece of Heaven



The early morning sunlight that signaled the start of every day in Cloudsdale seeped into Spitfire's eyes, slowly forcing them open. She took a moment to orient herself after she woke up. She was in Cloudsdale, that was established by that Luna-forsaken sunlight that forced her from her wonderful slumber so early in the morning. She was in the home of Rainbow's parents. An odd place for the previous night's activities, and she would have to apologize to her hosts when she got the chance. She looked over at Rainbow and smiled as she watched the gentle rising and falling of her chest.

"I love you, Rainbow."

As if on cue, Rainbow let out a particularly obnoxious snore. She then flopped over onto her back and continued her peaceful slumber, her mouth wide open and her tongue hanging out to the side. Spitfire winced and quietly rolled out of bed. She tip-hooved her way to the bathroom down the hall and enjoyed a brief shower, after which she made her way downstairs. To her surprise, Skye was already up and making breakfast for her family.

"Morning, Spitfire. I hope you and Rainbow enjoyed yourselves last night."

Spitfire winced. She had hoped Rainbow's parents would have avoided bringing that up. Well, she needed to apologize anyway.

"Sorry about that, Skye. I should've thought with my brain before my loins."

Skye whirled around with an ear to ear grin on her face.

"Don't be sorry, I meant it when I said I hoped you enjoyed yourselves! Anyway, Rainbow mentioned you're one heck of a cook, want to help with breakfast?"

Spitfire would have been lost if Pinkie Pie hadn't prepared her for any amount of A.D.D. a pony could throw her way. She smiled. "Sure! What are you making?"

"Fried potatoes and salad!"

Spitfire raised an eyebrow at Skye. "Fried potatoes and salad... for breakfast?"

Skye nodded with a cheerful smile. "Yep! We don't exactly adhere to the normal rules of which food to eat at which time of day. Those rules just mess with my head."

"What are you planning for dinner tonight?" Spitfire asked.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Skye replied with a shrug.

"Fair enough." Spitfire really didn't care what was for dinner, for she planned to be heading back to Ponyville by then. There were more pressing things Spitfire wanted to talk to Skye about anyway.

"Skye?"

"Yes, Spitfire?"

"I really appreciate how willingly you and Flurry accepted us into your home for the night and all, but why did you? You're a military family. I thought the military hated gays."

Skye offered a gentle smile as she set down the knife she was using to dice potatoes. She turned to Spitfire. "I remember when Rainbow first told me she liked fillies. Gosh, that was so long ago. I think she just felt safer with them after the whole deal with..." Her features darkened as she remembered the colt she still wanted to butcher for what he did to her daughter. "Sky Scraper. Ohh, if I get my hooves on that worthless piece of—"

"Umm, Skye?" Spitfire really didn't want to see the mare in front of her losing her temper. Especially when her right foreleg had been slowly reaching for the knife next to her.

"Right, sorry. Anyway, she was terrified. She thought we were going to hate her, throw her out of the house, yadda yadda yadda, whatever. But she was Rainbow. She always told us everything, although she usually went straight to her father. Oh, was she a daddy's filly. And yes, I did just give you something to tease her with." Skye winked and Spitfire chuckled. The older mare's cheer was contagious, and Spitfire welcomed it with hooves wide open. Still, questions needed to be asked, and Spitfire didn't hesitate to ask them.

"Skye? If Rainbow was a daddy's filly, why did she go to you when she found out she was gay?"

Skye chuckled. "Like you said, Spitfire, we're a military family. She felt safer going to me first because she felt I would be more accepting of it than her father would. After all, I'm still a civilian. Civilians can accept gays and nopony cares."

"Ahh." Spitfire counted herself as lucky that she hadn't grown up in a military family. Her parent’s bigotry was bad enough, and he didn't have anypony else telling him to embrace it. "How did that conversation go?"

"Well, I remember I was making dinner at the time. It was a normal dinner that night, I made a salad or something. Anyway, I was chopping carrots when Rainbow came in and said she wanted to talk about something. I opted to nod and half-listen so I could get the information I needed to hear and cross it off as teenage angst."

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. "Rainbow was prone to teenage angst?"

Skye laughed. "Not overly, but it still happened. She was a filly in high school after all. Now quit interrupting and let me finish my story."

Spitfire was taken aback, but she nodded and continued to listen.

"Anyway, I didn't hear much of what she was saying until she asked me if it was okay to like mares better than stallions. Now I'll be the first to admit that I was just as uncomfortable answering that question as she was asking it. Not that I ever saw a problem with it, but it's not a question a parent can prepare for." Skye chuckled as she remembered the conversation. "I just wish she knew us better than to be afraid of telling us who she really is, but I guess I can't imagine what it's like to tell your parents that you're gay. How did your parents react, Spitfire?"

Spitfire immediately looked away. The pain of her recent confrontation with her parents was still fresh in her mind, and although Skye had no malicious intent she may as well have drove a knife straight into the younger mare's chest.

"They... I only told them yesterday. They kicked me out of the house as soon as Rainbow and I told them." Spitfire took a deep breath, shaking as she did so. "I'm pretty certain they're not going to try to make contact with me again." Spitfire tried to fight back her tears, but she failed, miserably. Skye wrapped her forelegs around her and stroked her mane. It mortified Skye that any parent would be able to do that to their daughter.

"There, there, Spitfire. We can be your family now."

Spitfire smiled as she pulled away from Skye's embrace. Spitfire rubbed her eyes and looked up at Skye. Her eyes still shone with tears, but Skye's words seemed to hit home with her. "I... think I'd like that, Skye."

Skye grinned. "You'd better like it, because I wasn't asking if you wanted to be a part of this family. I'm telling you that you are."

Spitfire chuckled. "I would've been disappointed if you gave me a choice, Skye."





Rainbow Dash was by no means a light sleeper. She could sleep through anything from a hailstorm to a screaming foal. But for whatever reason, the sound of her distressed lover's soft sobs from the floor below immediately forced her from her oh so precious slumber. Rainbow immediately followed her gut reaction: jump out of bed and make a beeline to the bathroom.

When Rainbow stepped out of the bathroom, she noticed that the crying had subsided. She slowly made her way downstairs and poked her head around the corner, looking into the kitchen. She saw that Spitfire and Skye were enjoying some sort of fun conversation while they cooked. The conversation was rather muffled due to the cutlery in their mouths, but anything was better than Spitfire crying. Rainbow jumped in surprise as Flurry patted her on the shoulder.

"Hey, Dad. What's up?" Rainbow forced her voice to be as nonchalant as possible to hide that she had ever been startled.

"Just wishing my daughter a good morning," Flurry responded with a hug. Rainbow returned the favor, a warm smile on her face. It had been too long since she had enjoyed the company of her parents. Flurry pulled away and looked lovingly down at his daughter.

"Rainbow, can we step outside for a bit? It's been too long since we've had time to just sit and talk to each other."

Rainbow smiled. She always enjoyed the conversations she had with her father. She could tell him anything without hesitation. For whatever reason she just felt safe with him.

"I'd love that, Dad."

"Good!" Flurry said with a joyful smile. The two ponies made their way to the back porch and sat back on their haunches. Rainbow had always been jealous of the view her parents had after she moved out. Her family never had much by way of money, but her parents were smart enough with their budget that they had been able to afford a home on the outer ring of Cloudsdale. No matter where the city was on its drift, a pony in the Dash residence could look over the back porch and see the whole of Equestria stretched out before them in all its splendor. Even the Everfree looked beautiful from where Rainbow was sitting.

"I always forget how much I love this view when I'm away," Rainbow said with a smile.

"It really is beautiful, isn't it?" Flurry responded. He seemed to be losing himself in the sight before him. Not the view of Equestria though. His gaze was centered on his daughter.

"Yeah... it is." Rainbow was oblivious to what her father was actually talking about. Her eyes drifted to Ponyville. Cloudsdale was coming near to the small town in its drift, making for a short flight home.

"I'm not talking about Equestria, Rainbow."

Rainbow gave her father a puzzled look. "Then... what are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the beautiful daughter I raised," Flurry said with a warm smile. "I can't tell you how proud I am of you right now."

Rainbow turned her head to hide her blush. Flurry laughed.

"Daaaad! You know I don't like it when you make me do that!"

Flurry grinned. "But it's so adorable! I'll bet Spitfire loves watching you blush."

Flurry's teasing only served to darken Rainbow's red cheeks. She buried her face in her foreleg, eliciting a hearty laugh from Flurry. When Rainbow finally felt her blush had subsided enough to look him in the eye again, his playful banter was gone, replaced by a proud smile.

"Rainbow, I really can't tell you how proud I am to call you my daughter. You've grown into a truly amazing mare."

Rainbow was about to let out some narcissistic quip about how awesome she was, but she opted against it. Right now she was with one of the few ponies she was willing to drop her tough tomcolt facade for, and she wanted to take full advantage of the moment.

"Why are you so proud? I haven't done anything special with my life. I'm just a weather pony for a small town."

"Who happens to be one of the six heroines that Equestria owes a debt that can't be repaid, captain of the weather team for said small town, totally self sufficient and enjoying a wonderful relationship with a perfect match for her, all at the age of twenty-two years old." Flurry added. "Most ponies your age are just now figuring out how they're going to live away from their parents, and we're having trouble getting you to come back and visit us from time to time."

Rainbow looked shamefully at the porch she was sitting on. She really hadn't made much of an effort to visit her parents as often as she should have. The worst part was that she really didn't have an excuse. There were more than enough ponies on the weather team that were qualified to fill in for a day or so (but nothing more, of course), and she was a strong enough flyer that she could easily reach Cloudsdale within a day at any point in its drift.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I really should drop by more often. I just—"

"Get so caught up with your life that you don't think about it," Flurry finished. Rainbow couldn't bring herself to look her father in the eye before he lifted her chin with a hoof. "Rainbow, that's a good thing. If you weren't enjoying life without us right now your mother and I would have failed you as parents. Don't feel guilty about leaving your old home behind. It's a part of growing up. I just want you to know that you're always welcome here, and we don't want you to completely forget about us, alright?"

Rainbow smiled and hugged her father. "I won't forget about you guys, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Flurry raised a confused eyebrow at his daughter. She giggled. "It's a Ponyville thing."

"Ahh."

Rainbow leaned against her father, and he wrapped a wing around her back. For a time, the two ponies simply sat in silence. After about five minutes, Rainbow finally spoke up.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Rainbow?"

"Why didn't you ever tell me that I had to enlist with the military to have a shot with the Wonderbolts?"

Flurry sighed. He knew from the moment she found out that she was going to ask him that question. At least he was prepared. "Rainbow, do you remember when you were little? Before we actually settled down in Cloudsdale?"

"Yeah," Rainbow muttered as she pulled away from her father. "Moving every few months to a new post, always being stuck in an apartment on base, and never making any real friends." Rainbow seemed to spit out the words as she recalled her youth. "I hated it."

Flurry sighed, remembering every fight military life had caused in his family. "It was a harder time. Eventually your mother made it clear to me that I either found a post where I would be able to settle us down, or she was going to take you and leave. I wasn't going to lose you and your mother to my career, so I spoke to my superiors about it. Rainbow, the only reason we were able to settle down at all is because I was up for a promotion as it was. Military life and never settling down go hoof in hoof. I just got lucky."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Rainbow asked. Her tone of voice told Flurry that she was genuinely displeased with him for lying to her for so long. Flurry sighed again.

"Rainbow, one of the perks of being a career soldier is that you meet ponies in high places. I happen to be in regular contact with Commander Thunderstorm."

Rainbow's jaw dropped. "Y-you know Commander Thunderstorm?! The Wonderbolts' coach?!"

Flurry laughed. "Yeah, I do. And I can't stand him. Anyway, he took notice of your flight skills about four years ago. Told me he'd love to have a mare with your talents on the team. Ho—"

"Wait, you're saying I had a chance and you hid it from me?!" Rainbow stood and flared her wings. Flurry had always known how badly Rainbow wanted to be on that flight group, and now he tells her about a chance she never knew about?! 

Before she could speak up, Flurry raised a hoof. "You always did have a problem with interruptions, you know that? It's rather irritating."

Rainbow bit her lip. She was pissed, but she knew her mouth got her into more trouble than any other part of her. Especially with her father. Flurry smiled.

"That's better. As I was saying, it always disappointed him that at the time you became old enough to be recruited, he didn't have a place for you. As it stands, the Wonderbolts only look for talent when members decide to leave the group. Members rarely leave that group. The fact that Spitfire and Soarin' were selected at the same time is only the result of the fact that the two members they were replacing happened to be married. They grew tired of the Wonderbolts' constant touring and wanted to settle down. As—"

"Will you get on with it already?" Rainbow said with a groan.

Flurry shot a glare at Rainbow before accepting that he had been droning on about unimportant details. He grunted and continued.

"Fine, I'll give you the short version. Commander Thunderstorm was disappointed that there was a mare with your flight skill and no spot on the team for her." Flurry sighed. He felt bad for keeping his daughter from trying to reach her dreams, but it was for her own good. He needed to make her see that.

"So you're saying I never had a chance? Even if I enlisted and was better than the other Wonderbolts?" Rainbow phrased that as a question, but she already knew the answer. She lowered her head and let her wings fall to the deck. 

Flurry moved and sat down next to her. "Yeah, that's what I'm saying. Rainbow, I know how much you hated life in a military family. You have to believe me when I tell you that it's worse being the soldier. I didn't want that life for you, and I knew that if you ever found out that the only chance you would have with the Wonderbolts was to be a career soldier you would have enlisted without thinking. I'm sorry I kept you from chasing your dreams, and I'm incredibly sorry I lied to you all these years, but I just want you to be happy." He lifted Rainbow's chin so she was looking him in the eyes. "It's what I've always wanted for you."

Rainbow sighed. She hated to admit it, but her father was right. She would have enlisted immediately if she had known. She would have been stuck in a life she would be miserable in. Her father never would have forgiven himself if he let that happen. Rainbow wrapped her forelegs around Flurry's neck. "Thanks, Dad."

Flurry returned the hug with a smile on his face. He had been prepared to have that conversation with his daughter. He had prepared for all the worst possible outcomes. Words couldn't describe how happy he was that everything had went well.

"As much as I hate to ruin this beautiful moment, Skye and I are waiting on you two. And I'm kinda hungry." Spitfire said with a smirk. She was leaning against the frame of the door going back inside the small house. Out of nowhere, a large bear roared. Spitfire jumped back and got into a fighting stance. Rainbow fell over laughing and Flurry gave a sheepish grin.

"Yeah, I guess I could eat something myself," he said.





Spitfire was still stunned by the noise Flurry's stomach made as she reentered the kitchen. Skye was waiting with an irritated look on her face. "Flurry, how many times have I told you to get that checked out?" She scolded. Flurry rolled his eyes.

"So my stomach rumbles a little louder than most ponies’. It's no big deal. It did bite me in the ass once during boot though."

Spitfire came back to her senses as she put the dots together. She let out a hearty laugh. "Let me guess. That happened in the line-up, didn't it?"

Flurry chuckled at the memory. "Oh, yeah. Sergeant Ironshoe was NOT amused. I spent the next two hours afterwards trotting in place on the Parade Grounds shouting 'I need a bigger breakfast'. Over, and over, and over again."

Everypony laughed, especially Spitfire and Flurry. Swapping Boot stories was a popular past time among members of the military, and no story ever got old.

"So, what's your best memory from Boot, Spitfire?" Flurry asked. 

Spitfire laughed. "Probably the time Soarin' and I put itching powder in the LT's dress uniform. Spent two hours doing wing push-ups, but it was worth it. Best part was that we had a surprise visit from Princess Celestia the next day. He had to stand at attention for forty-five minutes while she inspected the camp. Poor guy was shaking the whole time."

Again, everypony in the room burst into laughter. Flurry was stunned that anypony in Boot would have the guts to prank their commanding officer. He was especially surprised that the LT had been generous enough NOT to kick the culprits out for it. After a while, hunger overtook everypony's desire to enjoy conversation and they began to dig into breakfast. Skye looked up at Flurry.

"Flurry, can you get the salt and pepper? I left them in the cabinet above the fridge."

Flurry grunted, spraying bits of potato onto his plate. He swallowed his mouthful of food. "No can do, babe. Hunger calls."

Skye was about to smack him before she got an idea. An evil grin appeared on her face and she turned to Spitfire. "Spitfire, you outrank my husband, right?"

Spitfire gave her a puzzled look. She was curious as to where Skye was going with her inquiry. "Yeah, technically. However, I really don't—"

"Which means if you tell my husband to do something, he has to do it. Right?"

Spitfire grinned. Flurry stopped eating as his mind processed what was happening. Rainbow snorted a laugh.

"Spitfire, would you kindly order my husband to bring the salt and pepper to the table?" Skye asked. Spitfire's grin grew wide, and Rainbow fell out of her chair laughing.

"Staff Sergeant, bring your wife the seasonings she desires," Spitfire ordered.

"No can do, LTC."

It was no secret that there wasn't a single soldier in the REA that respected the Wonderbolts' ranks. However, Spitfire had a natural ability to command the respect of anypony she encountered, military or otherwise. It was how she became the Captain of the Wonderbolts at just 19 years old. She stood and stared Flurry down.

"I'm sorry, did you get the impression that I was asking?" she inquired forcefully. Flurry swallowed, despite the fact that he didn't have any food in his mouth.

"Well, no, but—"

"Then follow your orders, Staff Sergeant." Spitfire said as she aggressively raised her wings.

"Y-Yes Ma'am." Flurry responded pathetically. He quickly got out of his chair and retrieved the salt and pepper.

"Thank you, Spitfire." Skye said with an evil grin.

"Anytime, Skye."

"Spitfire..." Rainbow started. Her eyes were as large as saucers and her wings had reached their full span. "That was the hottest thing I have seen in my entire life."

Spitfire chuckled. "Yeah? Maybe I should give you some orders from time to time." Spitfire said with a seductive wink. Rainbow simply trembled with arousal. She couldn't even take her eyes off of Spitfire long enough to finish her food.





After breakfast, Rainbow and Spitfire prepared to make the trip back to Ponyville. Rainbow hated to say goodbye to her parents after only being reunited for such a short time, but she had a job back in Ponyville. Being the town's weather captain wasn't a job that allowed for many days off, but she promised her parents she would come back to visit the next chance she got.

"You better keep that promise, Rainbow. If you don't you can bet your bottom bit we'll be making a surprise appearance in Ponyville sometime soon." Flurry said with a grin. Rainbow laughed.

"I think I'm okay with that, Dad. Just try not to be all lovey-dovey on me while you're there, alright?"

Flurry and Skye shared an evil grin.

"Tell you what, Rainbow. If you find time in the next couple of months to come and visit–" Skye began.

"We won't show you how many ways we have to embarrass you in front of your friends," Flurry finished. Rainbow swallowed hard.

"I'll see you in a month." She shot out. Flurry and Skye laughed.

"I guess that'll do." Skye said. She turned to Spitfire and gave her a warm hug. "And you better be with her, you understand?"

Spitfire smiled and returned the embrace. "I wouldn't have it any other way, Skye."

Rainbow smiled as she watched Spitfire bonding with her mother. Flurry put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. Rainbow looked up at her father. He smiled proudly at her.

"Rainbow, I can't tell you how proud I am of you. Of both of you." Spitfire turned her head as she was unwillingly included into the conversation. "You two are not only willing to accept yourselves for who you really are, but you're willing to risk losing everything you have for each other." Spitfire noticed that Flurry was looking her way when he said those words. "You are two of the strongest young mares I have ever met." His gaze shifted back to his daughter. He smiled and took a deep breath before continuing. "Rainbow, everypony who's ever met me knows that I'm a proud father. Nopony knows just how proud I am."

Flurry searched for more words, but found none. He didn't need to say anything more as it was. He had gotten his point across. He leaned in and hugged Rainbow. "I'll see you in a month, Rainbow."

Rainbow laughed as she returned the hug. "I'll see you in a month, Dad."

With no more words to say, Rainbow and Spitfire flew off. As the two mares soared through the sky, they didn't feel a need to race each other. It's not that they were tired, they just didn't feel like competition at the moment. For the time being they were content to just fly next to each other. Spitfire looked over at Rainbow. For whatever reason she kept feeling her saddlebags. Spitfire ignored it as Rainbow being Rainbow. She probably had some Wonderbolts figurine from her foalhood in them that she was worried about. The two mares drew towards Spitfire's home and began a quick descent. They landed on the front porch, sending small tufts of cloud away from them. Spitfire grinned as she pushed the door open. When they got inside, Spitfire put a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder.

"Wait here." She said. Rainbow was confused, but she did as she was told. She needed time to sort things out in her head as it was. As soon as Spitfire disappeared from her view, Rainbow reached into her saddlebags and pulled out the felt - lined box that was inside. She opened the box and took a long look at the necklace. The chain was white gold, and the pendant bore Rainbow's cutie mark forged with various colored gemstones and was encrusted with gold. The symbolism was simple enough to grasp: if Spitfire put it on, it meant Rainbow was hers and hers alone. But Rainbow had forgotten to ask her father the one question that she wanted to ask him while she was with him: How do you ask the love of your life to marry you? How do you give her the necklace saying you're hers alone? How do—

"Oh, Raaainboooow!" Spitfire's voice snapped Rainbow back to reality. She quickly closed the box and put it back into her saddlebags. She would deal with her questions later. Right now she—

Rainbow's jaw dropped when Spitfire seductively stepped into view. Before Rainbow stood every secret fantasy she had ever had of Spitfire, even before she had found out Spitfire was in the military at all. Spitfire leaned against the frame of her bedroom door wearing just her beret and dress uniform coat. Rainbow's wings shot up. Spitfire giggled. The half uniform made even Spitfire's childish giggle hot in Rainbow's mind. Spitfire gave a smug grin.

"Rainbow, I have an assignment for you. Your orders are to make your way to my bedroom, ASAP," Spitfire commanded. Rainbow grinned and made her way towards Spitfire.

"Ma'am, yes Ma'am."