//------------------------------// // 6. Say Red // Story: Glow // by Carapace //------------------------------// Spitfire had to do her very best not to snigger at the look of wide-eyed astonishment on both the doorpony and the elevator attendant when she walked up, all but snuggling against the newest princess of Equestria. Both the poor colts must’ve been finishing their shifts, just hanging around and chatting with one another when she walked up with Twilight—purple and yellow wings touching and tracing against each other, laughing and chatting like old friends, and moving with a not-so-little sway in their gait. Those sniggers almost turned into full-blown laughter when Twilight innocently greeted them with a casual “Hello” and a nod of her head, which sent them scrambling to bow their heads and reply in kind. Through it all, even as they made their way through the hotel lobby, filled with well-to-do ponies huddled within, bringing out umbrellas to brave the rain outside, into the elevator where a new colt stood at the ready, Twilight’s attention and her warm, cheerful smile were reserved for her. She’d return their greetings with a smile and nod, but she always came back to Spitfire. Spitfire swished her tail and felt it brush against Twilight’s—a trail of fiery orange and yellow playing against neat and orderly purple, violet, and magenta. Licking her lips, she nosed against Twilight’s cheek. Soft and well-cared for, just like her feathers. Just like she had it a couple nights ago. Memories flashed through her mind. Heated kisses, warm tongues coming together in a passionate dance, their hooves massaging and trailing over their bodies. Twilight laying on her back, her mane unkempt, yet so very beautiful. The very vision of passion as she lay with her wings unfurled, tail twitching and hind legs spread wide to bare herself to Spitfire. How she whispered Spitfire’s name, so breathy and full of want— The chime of the elevator’s bell brought her back to the present. Spitfire shook her head. Red. No fly zone, Spits. She smiled to Twilight and bumped their hips together. “After you, hon,” she said, fixing her with a half-lidded stare she just knew would bring on that cute little blush-and-duck she’d so come to love. Sure enough, Twilight gave a wobbly smile and ducked her head to hide a blush as she trotted forward. She barely remembered to mumble a polite “Thank you” to the colt operating the lever. With a low chuckle, Spitfire trotted alongside her, sparing a nod to the colt as she passed him by and guided Twilight down the hallway toward the Wonderbolts’ penthouse suite. “Wow,” Twilight murmured, her eyes darted to each of the paintings on display. “This is almost as impressive as some of the art in the castle, or the Royal Museum!” “Yeah, they really go all out for VIPs here. Sometimes it makes me feel almost like—” she stepped a bit closer and brushed her feathers against Twilight’s side “—a princess.” Twilight turned to level her with a flat stare. “Oh, ha ha!” She rolled her eyes, bumping her hip against Spitfire’s. “Somepony’s feeling rather cheeky, and so soon after she chased her own tail in the park.” Trying to play? I’m game. Spitfire leapt forward to bare her left side to Twilight and struck a pose, bringing a hoof up to buff on her chest, ruffling her feathers, and gave a little lift of her tail—one that made those pretty purple eyes drift for a split second. Only an instant, but Spitfire caught her. “Well,” she purred, “I can hardly be blamed. I’ve heard from a reliable source that my tail is quite alluring.” Her tail raised higher, a little flick made Twilight’s eyes follow the flaming tip as it neared her toned flank and flame-lick cutie mark. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, her nostrils flared. Soft purple feathers began to fluff and ruffle as her eyes wandered lower. Twilight froze, blinking and shaking her head, then looking away. “Um, yes! Well, you do have a rather distinctive coloration and manner of styling your mane and tail,” she said, her tone faltering a bit in the middle as her gaze flitted back to Spitfire. Looking away again, she shifted from hoof to hoof, chewing on her bottom lip. Spitfire seized the opportunity. She put a little extra sway in her step as she trotted forward, grinning at how Twilight’s ear flicked toward her at the sound of her hooves, but her eyes remained focused on a spot on the wall. The moment she came within reach, she pressed her lips against Twilight’s cheek, lingering long enough to delight in the little squeak that sounded from the back the mare’s throat and the merry swish in her tail. “Come on. Let’s get you inside before some hotel staff wanders up and thinks I’m just making a game of seeing how much I can get you to blush.” “Th-That wasn’t what you were doing?” Twilight stammered, the smile on her muzzle ruining any attempt at accusation. “Maybe a little.” Stealing another kiss, she threw a hoof around Twilight’s shoulders and steered her toward the penthouse. “But I’d rather sit on a nice, comfy couch and finish our story about Whirlwind and Maple. We can resume our little game afterward.” Twilight huffed, pushing out her bottom lip and—in Spitfire’s opinion—performing the most adorable little pout any mare had ever managed, she followed along. “Not much of a game if you don’t have an opponent,” she mumbled. Rolling her eyes, Spitfire turned to nuzzle her cheek. “Maybe I’m just waiting for my opponent to step up to my level, hon. Until then, you make a wonderful scoreboard. Actually, you’re perhaps the most beautiful scoreboard I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Slowly, the pout melted away, her lips tugged into a bright smile as she pressed herself against Spitfire’s side. “You’re a terrible tease, you know.” “Only because—” she caught herself. Don’t scare her away, don’t jump in without looking. Again. She fixed a coy smile on her muzzle, eying Twilight with a hooded gaze. “Only because you’re worth it, hon.” Blinking, Twilight tilted her head. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but stopped and closed it with a little click, then smiled. “Well,” she began, nosing into Spitfire’s neck, “glad I rank high enough to be teased by a mare whose beautiful in her own right!” Oooh, clever girl. You’re getting better and better. With a grin spreading across her muzzle, Spitfire came to a stop before the door, her eyes flitted down to the handle. No sign of a necktie. Good. She let out a sigh of relief. Last thing I need is to walk in on Soarin mounting Fleetfoot on the couch like that time in Las Pegasus. Especially with Twi right here. Twisting the knob and pushing the door open, Spitfire lead Twilight inside, kicking the door shut behind them. “Well, welcome to the penthouse. Not quite the Royal Suite you’ve got, but it’s a nice little pad.” She glanced left to Soarin and Fleetfoot’s room, then right to hers. “Helps that I get my own room so I get a little privacy while the lovebirds snuggle up together.” “Is that so?” Twilight drawled. She turned, fixing Spitfire with a half-lidded stare and smirk as she slowly brushed her side along Spitfire’s body. Her soft tail teased and brushed Spitfire’s chin. “And what do you call us if your teammates are ‘lovebirds’?” Spitfire licked her lips, the warmth of their bodies brought a heat to rise in her cheeks. How nice it would be to turn real quick, wrap her hooves around Twilight, pull her in for a deep kiss, and make their way over to the couch for a little— Red. She returned Twilight’s smirk with one of her own and flicked the ends of her tail across Twilight’s nose, earning a little squeak and wrinkle of her snout. “I say we’re a couple of mares still working on finishing this tryout. If all continues as it’s gone so far—” she maneuvered her primaries to brush and intertwine with Twilight’s, almost like holding hooves “—we can see about moving into that category together.” A bright smile crossed Twilight’s muzzle. “Well, in that case, I think you and I have a story to finish.” She strode around Spitfire, but not without giving a little flick of her tail against Spitfire’s rump in retaliation, and leaned into her side. “The next part is always my favorite.” Chuckling, Spitfire nosed against her cheek. “I think it’s everypony’s favorite part, hon,” she said, leading Twilight over to the couch. As they sat, Twilight floated her saddlebags off Spitfire’s back and onto the coffee table, and took the book in her magic once again. “Okay, so we were at the part where Whirlwind wouldn’t leave without Maple, if I remember correctly.” “Yeah, that sounds about right. You wanna read or should I?” “You just read, so it’s my turn. Although,” she said, her tone turning a bit flirty as she scooted closer, pressing against Spitfire’s side again, “I think I’m in need for a cuddle buddy for this next part. Think you’re up to the task?” Without a word, Spitfire wrapped a hoof around Twilight, pulling her in tight and kissing the end of her snout. The mares shared a warm smile, nosing together before they turned to read again. “After much coaxing and assuring the dragon would never take Maple again, Whirlwind convinced his beloved to come away with him,” Twilight read aloud. “Gripping his thunderforged spear in his mouth, he lead her by the hoof through the darkened cave. They weaved between mounds of gold and silver trinkets, stepping softly as they could around the slumbering dragon as they made their way to the mouth of the cave. But as warm sunlight touched their coats, the great dragon started from his sleep again.” Spitfire laid her head atop Twilight’s and closed her eyes, letting her friend’s soothing voice carry her off to the scene playing out in her head once again. “Mare…” the beast grumbled, his voice shaking the very walls of the cave. “My sleep is troubled. Sing for me again…” At the mouth of the cave, Maple and Whirlwind froze in mid-step. She turned, chewing on her bottom lip as she glanced from her kidnapper to her savior and back again. Whirlwind shook himself, tugging on her hoof. “Come!” he said around his spear. “We must leave now!” “If I don’t sing, he’ll wake!” “Maple, my love, if you sing each time he calls, we’ll never leave this cave!” He spat his spear into his hoof, fixing her with a soulful gaze. “If we leave now, we have a chance to escape!” She looked back again. “He’ll come after us,” she whimpered. “I still remember the fires, all the screams from the day he took me—” “He will not catch us,” Whirlwind said, his brows knitted together. “You’ll be free of him. Just come away with me, we’ll fly any way you wish. Home, a new land, anywhere but this miserable cave.” “Mare!” Maple’s ears laid flat against her scalp. She ducked her head low and pressed against his side. “I don’t ever want to see him again,” she whispered. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, following along the wet tracks that had been traced countless times since her taking. “The fire, his voice, those fangs, none of it. He’s a creature straight out of my darkest nightmares and he delights in our suffering.” Before Whirlwind could give any comforting reply, the dragon growled. “When I command, you are to sing! Sing, or I shall devour you, as I warned the first night I brought your feeble little hide to my dwelling!” With a tiny squeak, Maple latched onto Whirlwind’s leg, trembling like a newborn filly. It was all the answer he needed. Whirlwind took his spear in his mouth once more. With a flap of his powerful wings, he took to the air and wrapped his hooves around Maple’s barrel. “Mare!” The dragon roared. “You dare flee my presence? I will hunt you to the ends of the earth! I—” he stopped short, sniffing at the air. His growls returned in earnest. “No. Not fleeing alone…” Whirlwind’s eyes went wide, he turned and shot out of the cave as fast as he could with his precious burden held tight in his grasp. “Just hold on tight!” he said, his words muffled by the wooden spear. He began to climb, angling himself to rise as fast as he could toward the clouds. If he could make it to their cover, if he could get Maple to the calmer, safer cirrus, they had a chance. His eyes flitted to the wild thunderheads off to his right, lightning flashed within their darkened bodies. They were more volatile than he expected. One good kick might be enough to set them off… Maple opened her mouth to reply, but let loose a cry as thunder crashed and the dragon roared from within the depths of his cave. “WHO DARES TRESPASS ON MY MOUNTAIN!” The entire sky seemed to shake. Lighting flashed and arched down upon the ground below. Even from their height, Whirlwind could hear the beast’s massive paws stomping on the stone floor of its cave. Against his better judgement, he looked back over his shoulder to find the birds nesting in the trees at the mountain base taking flight in fear of the terrible mountain lord. The beast emerged from within its cave, its body covered a third of the mountain side as it climbed the stone face to survey its dominion. Whirlwind felt his heart stop as he realized the sheer enormity of his foe. “By the creator,” he muttered, his spear nearly dropped from his grip. Maple’s hooves tightened around his. “Please don’t let him catch us!” she begged. “Not again! Please no more fire!” He shook his head again, wrapping his hooves tighter around her barrel. “I have an idea. But you’ll have to trust me!” “What are you—Eep!” Banking and veering around the white clouds hanging over the forest, Whirlwind pinned his ears back as he heard the dragon below rage and howl threats to the earth and sky itself. He set Maple down, her thunder forged horseshoes worked perfectly to let her rest where only pegasi or the greatest unicorns could tread, just as his commander had promised. “Stay here!” Whirlwind opened his mouth, letting the spear drop into his hoof. Her beautiful green eyes went wide, filled with horror. “You can’t fight him!” she said, shaking her head. “The guards at the castle tried! You can’t take him by yourself!” “I don’t need to take him in a straight on fight,” as he spoke, Whirlwind set about tearing off chunks of fluffy cloud and sticking them on his spear, until the polished wood and shining thunder forged steel were covered. “I just need him to believe he’s going to take you from me again. Give me your smock, and stay quiet. Don’t make a sound, no matter what happens. Promise me.” Maple made to protest, her eyes filled with fear and unshed tears, but the dragon’s roar cut her off. She ducked her head, her gaze fell to the fluffy cloud she stood on. “Only if you swear to come back to me,” she whispered. “If you don’t, I’ll never forgive you, Whirlwind of the Equestrian Guard!” She looked up, a tear-filled glare crossed her beautiful face “You come back to me or I’ll—I’ll—” He caught her lips in a kiss, holding her close against his chest. When they parted, he gave a warm smile. “You have my word.” “Whirlwind slipped Maple’s smock over the cloud-covered spear, and held it tight in his hooves, as if he were holding the mare herself,” Twilight read on. “He took off, leaving Maple behind to look on in horror as he enacted a plan so foolhardy, so daring, none could even dare think to replicate it.” Spitfire grinned and recited with her, “He baited the dragon to take flight and chase him through the sky.” Twilight turned away from the book, letting it hover a bit lower in her magic. “I hope you don’t mind that I did the, um, voices a little,” she said, her ears laid against her scalp. “Shining always used to do that when he’d read it with me.” “Not a problem. My dad used to do the same thing when he wasn’t on tour.” She pulled Twilight in tighter, their cheeks pressed together enough for their warm breaths to mix and wash over each other’s faces. The temptation to forgo reading in favor of something a bit more intimate; all she had to do was take Twilight’s chin in hoof, turn her head, and press their lips together. Maybe even a little tongue, they were in private, after all. By the rules they’d laid out, Prenching was perfectly acceptable as long as it wasn’t— Stop it! Red! Her feathers ruffled and fluffed, her fiery tail swished against the couch cushions. A giggle from Twilight made her ear flick. Before she could speak, her lips were captured in a chaste kiss. For a moment, the tinkling sound of magic died out as Twilight let the book fall to rest upon the coffee table. Spitfire seized her chance. She turned and wrapped her free hoof around Twilight’s neck, pulling her in closer. Angling her head to the right, she opened her mouth and began drawing her lips succulently against Twilight’s, teasing and massaging. Twilight broke away first, breathing heavily, her eyes wide and nostrils flaring. “Okay,” she said, her tone breathy. She crossed her eyes and brushed a strand of her mane out of her face, then smiled. “Finish up first, then kissing?” “Definitely.” Spitfire leaned forward and pressed her lips against Twilight’s, holding the kiss a moment, then breaking away to speak, “I think sitting here, kissing on a couch while it rains is a pretty good way to end a date.” Beaming, Twilight lit up her horn again, floating the book off the table. “So, does that mean we’re, um, you know?” “Yes.” She pecked Twilight’s lips, staying close as she replied, “I think this ‘tryout’ has gone well enough. If you accept, that is.” “Definitely,” Twilight replied. She laid her head on Spitfire’s shoulder and let out a happy sigh. “Here’s to the start of my first relationship.” The smile that crossed her lips was as warm and welcoming as a blanket on a cold winter night A nice, warm blanket with a princess and a Wonderbolt wrapped up in it doesn’t sound half bad, actually. She’d have to hold that thought underneath her wings for the winter. Cross that bridge when we come to it, we still have to make sure this lineup works out. Twilight brought the book to hover before them. “Would you like to take over?” Spitfire made to reply, but thought better of it, shaking her head. “If it’s all the same, I like the way you read it, hon. Your, er, little voices bring it to life for me.” Giggling, Twilight nodded. “Alright, then.” She stole a kiss, then turned back to the story. “Whirlwind flew south and east, away from the safer, more serene clouds where his beloved Maple watched in muted horror and awe, and made his way toward the rumbling thunderheads. He banked and veered in wide, sweeping arcs, letting the sunlight glint off his polished armor to bring the dragon’s eye upon him…” The dragon snarled and sprang from the mountain’s stone face, beating his leathery wings. Much to Whirlwind’s surprise, the beast’s larger frame did nothing to reduce its speed—the power in those massive wings was more than enough to send him cutting through the sky. “I WILL BURN YOU TO ASH, INSOLENT WRETCH!” His ears pinned back, both to help him pick up speed and to block out raging dragon’s roar. He angled himself off, turning to sweep low over the forest below. “Don’t make it obvious,” he muttered, remembering one of Commander Hurricane’s recent lessons. “If there’s one thing I want you all to take from Clover the Clever, it’s her talent for outwitting an opponent.” Heat flashed, a jet of dragon fire shot passed him. Whirlwind quickly altered his course, just barely escaping the jet of rushing flames. Green-topped trees burned up, vaporized in an instant. Boulders melted and flowed like a river of lava. The flames changed course, following Whirlwind’s path. He cursed and banked again, only just managing to escape the assault. He growled, calling over his shoulder, “You’ll have to aim better, you bloody lizard! I know crippled dams with better aim!” Another jet of flame shot passed him, narrowly missing his left wing. “YOU WILL SUFFER THE PAIN OF A THOUSAND DEATHS!” the dragon raged, right on his tail. “NONE WHO FACE MY MIGHT LIVE TO TELL OF IT!” Smirking, Whirlwind shot back, “If it means not hearing you whine like a newborn, one will suffice!” He altered course again, turning hard and shooting off toward the tumultuous waters and raging storm just as the great beast swooped down and swiped at the treetops he’d been flying over. Just a bit further, all he had to do was make the damnable dragon follow him away from Maple, up to the clouds. “Come on, you ugly bastard,” he muttered. “Follow along.” Whirlwind changed his heading, angling off to his right so he could climb while the dragon adjusted to his maneuver. If he could time it right and have the dragon focused solely on him, all he’d need was a quick bank through the clouds. A plume of fire shot passed his right wing, a cry of pain tore from the back of his throat as he quickly rolled left. The smell of burning feathers made his nostrils burn and eyes water, Whirlwind gritted his teeth to block out the pain. He had to make a quick turn up and right to avoid another jet of flame—his plan certainly had the dragon in a blind rage, which put the odds of him flying through the clouds a bit higher. Still, he had to make it to the clouds, first. Easier said than done when there was a furious dragon’s gaping maw chomping at his tail. “THAT MARE IS MINE!” Another jet of fire punctuated the roar. “IF I CANNOT HAVE HER, NO ONE CAN!” Whirlwind snarled, biting back a retort in favor of banking to avoid a swipe of his massive claws and climbing, his eyes locked on the ominous grey of the approaching storm front. He smirked, flapping his wings with renewed fervor, he shot forward like a bolt from a crossbow. “You want her? Then come get her!” he shouted over the rumble of thunder as he dove into embrace of wild thunderheads, quickly turning as he entered to let his foe shoot passed, blinded by the thick, grey cover. “… Incensed by Whirlwind’s taunts, the dragon flew deeper into the heart of the storm. His rage fueled by his ravenous taste for pony flesh and fury that one had dared step hoof into his cave,” Twilight read, a seemingly frantic edge to her tone as she continued on, “But Whirlwind had disappeared into the cover of the raging storm, the harsh winds and downpour made it difficult to track the tiny pegasus against the darkened clouds.” The dragon snarled, flying in the middle of a raging storm, searching every which way for the pony who dared enter his lair and taunt him so. There was no sign of him; the insolent little wretch was hiding in the clouds like a little coward, just like the rest of his pathetic race! “You think you can hide from me?” he rumbled, his claws shook with poorly suppressed indignation. “I will burn this land to cinder if it means finding you, little pegasus guard! Just like I did those who tried to face me at that miserable excuse for a castle!” No answer came. He growled and took a deep breath, fire burned in the back of his throat, with a mighty roar he sent a breath of fire arcing through the clouds, reducing part of the ring to naught but vapor. Out of the corner of his eye, the pegasus shot passed him, the mare he’d taken as prize clutched firmly in its hooves as he sped deeper into the heart of the storm. With a roar, he gave chase, his entire being focused on catching the pegasus darting in and out of his vision, nimbly avoiding each jet of fire, every swipe of his mighty claws or chomp of his teeth. The prize in its grip, the little mare swathed in a dirt-stained smock, slipped, costing him a bit of speed as he tried to readjust. A fanged grin split his snout. The pegasus’ cries of anguish would be sweet, almost as sweet as the mare’s song. Almost as sweet as she would taste. He took a deep breath and waited for his chance. A quick swipe of his claws. The pegasus adjusted, predictably, rolling out of the way. That was the window he needed. Another swipe to make the little cretin roll again, and then a jet of flame set it banking off against the howling winds. The burden in his hooves, however, didn’t go with him. His sudden turn ripped the mare out of his grasp and sent her tumbling through the air. “No!” the pegasus guard cried, eyes wide in horror as his momentum took him into the thick, obscuring grey. Roaring in victory, the dragon dove forward, his jaws opened wide, and snapped the little mare out of the air, swallowing her whole and licking his lips to savor the taste of— Cloud and splintered wood? Something sharp pricked his throat, like the tip of a tiny spear he’d swallowed along with some foolish little warrior ages ago. Grimacing, he spat out splinters, hacking as he tried to remove the offending piece from the back of his throat. “I will savor every crunch of your bones!” he hissed. “And when I find wherever you’ve hidden that mare, her screams will follow you into the afterlife!” “Whirlwind grit his teeth as he shot out of the clouds,” Twilight said. Spitfire grinned and read along with her, unable to resist, “He flared his wings to stop, bringing his hind legs up to buck the clouds and said…” “You first, monster! This is for Maple!” Whirlwind bucked the clouds with all his might, white lightning flashed and arched toward the dragon. With one cloud kicked, the entire storm was whipped into a frenzy; lightning raged, cracking and arcing through the sky, thunder boomed and shook him down to the bone. The storm was about to turn into a cataclysm. Whirlwind took off as fast as he could, but couldn’t help but look back over his shoulder. A flash of lightning illuminated the dragon’s shape against the grey backdrop. A bolt of lightning arced toward the beast’s chest, guided by the thunder forged spirit lodged in its throat. A shriek unlike any other tore from within the depths of the storm. The dragon convulsed as electricity ran through its body, lightning struck him again and again, as if a swarm of twittermites were attacking a naughty foal who disturbed their hive. “The dragon fell from the clouds and into the raging sea below. Whirlwind watched it flail and convulse, falling beneath the surface, never to rise again.” Twilight shifted in place, nuzzling up against Spitfire’s cheek. “With a sigh of relief, he flew away from the storm, back toward the calm cirrus resting over the forest. The moment he touched down on the cloud, Maple nearly tackled him in a tight hug, her hooves wrapped tight around his barrel. Smiling, Whirlwind returned her embrace and kissed her forehead, and promised that he’d always protect and love her, until the very day he passed on.” Twilight gave a happy hum, closing the book and setting it down on the table. “Sometimes, I wonder just how it played out,” she admitted. “Aw, come on!” Spitfire teased, nudging her shoulder against Twilight’s. “Let poor Whirlwind and Maple have their story the way it is, hon! It’s cute. Not to mention, one of the classic romantic tales!” “I know, I know! I’m just a naturally curious pony. You wouldn’t fault me for that, would you?” She turned and fixed Spitfire with a wide-eyed stare, her bottom lip poked out in a pout once again. With a playful roll of her eyes, Spitfire sighed and said, “No, I guess I can’t. Especially not to a face that cute.” Grinning, Twilight leaned forward, touching the ends of their snouts touched together. “I thought you said that look didn’t work on you,” she whispered huskily, her lips brushed against Spitfire’s. “Well—” Spitfire shifted her body so she could press her chest against Twilight’s, wrapping her hooves around her new girlfriend’s neck “—there are exceptions to every rule. Especially when that exception happens to be a beautiful mare.” “Is that so?” A pair of hooves cupped her cheeks. Twilight hummed, unfurling her wings to trace the tips of her primaries against Spitfire’s sides. “Would I happen to know any such mare?” “Hmm, you might. There’s this one mare, really pretty thing. She’s got these gorgeous purple eyes and a coat as soft and smooth as velvet.” She ran her hoof down Twilight’s back, delighting in the very feeling, and the way Twilight squeaked and pressed against her as she teased the muscles around her wing joints. “But I think you can guess who that is.” Twilight bit her lips to hide a silly grin. “I just might!” “How ‘bout you, hon? Any mares you might have a weakness for?” “Me? A weakness for a mare?” She gave a mock scoff and flick of her tail. “Why, Captain Spitfire! The very idea! A princess such as myself would never allow herself to disregard station and propriety!” Those beautiful purple eyes seemed to dance with glee. She leaned up to whisper in Spitfire’s ear, letting her lips tickle and brush over the furred tip, “Even for a mare with stunning orange eyes and a mane and tail like wildfire!” Spitfire chuckled and brought a hoof up to push Twilight back enough so she could nose against her. “Well, then, I’m relieved. Still, I think I’d better test out your ‘strength’ there, Princess!” With a winning smile, she captured Twilight’s lips, her hoof moved to run through the soft, purple mane and cradle the back of her head. Hot breath washed over her face, a warm tongue trailed along her lips as Twilight tilted her head to the right and began to let her wings trace over Spitfire’s sides again, pressing their bodies together. Warmth, soft coat against hers, feathers teasing and tickling her sides beneath her own wings to unfurl and reciprocate. A low hum arose from the back of her throat. Her hooves began to wander down Twilight’s back again, taking extra time to massage and tease along her wing joints and muscles. Her tail swished, her brilliant yellow feathers teased and intertwined with soft purple, tingles ran from the very tips to her spine and coursed throughout her body. Red. We did this last time and it nearly turned out bad. Spitfire parted her lips to allow Twilight free access, moving her tongue to meet and play along Twilight’s. The hooves cupping her cheeks moved down to her shoulders and pulled her closer, almost on top of the mare as she slowly began to lay herself back against the couch. Their bellies rubbed together, memories of their time together on the cloud, and again in Twilight’s suite flashed through her mind. Spitfire moved with ease, her scruffy, flame-like tail flicked and played with Twilight’s well-trimmed, orderly tail. Twilight’s back hit the couch, spreading her legs wide to invite Spitfire to lay atop her once again. An invitation Spitfire took with gusto. Stop! Say red! You’re older, you’ve been here before! Be responsible for her sake, one side of her screamed. But she’s so warm! she replied, almost whining. And so inviting! I want this! Does she, though? Does she really? The voice was starting to sound oddly like Fleetfoot. Or have you gotten her wound up again? Before she could reply, Twilight gave a sharp tug, pulling her on top so she could encircle Spitfire’s waist with her legs. She gave a happy mewl and let her hooves wander lower to press and grope the flame-lick cutie marks never once breaking the kiss. Spitfire’s eyelids fluttered, she rolled her hips against Twilight’s in time with the groping, teasing hooves. I’d say she does. She wanted it a couple nights ago, too. And then she freaked out in the morning! Soarin’s voice chided her. Making out isn’t consent, Spits. Pull up and call red! Blinking, she jolted from her haze. She stopped grinding against Twilight as memories of a night together, of the passion and desire written on Twilight’s face dissolved. In their place was a young princess—no—a young mare with eyes downcast and ears drooping the next morning, ashamed that she’d thought Spitfire had taken advantage of her and left. The very same mare who whined at how she stopped and rolled hers in kind, trying to incite her again. Break away, she withdrew her tongue and made to end the kiss. Stop her, call red, and calm things down. She’ll be glad I— Twilight ran her tongue along the roof of Spitfire’s mouth in time with an insistent roll of her hips and squeeze of her rump. Eyes crossing, she moaned into the kiss and ran her tongue along the underside of Twilight’s. Damn, she’s good! And her kisses are so sweet! Still, she had to make the call. She had to be the responsible mare. Loathe though she was to pull away, Spitfire placed a hoof on Twilight’s chest and broke the kiss. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Nodding to herself, she opened her eyes and met Twilight’s gaze, the word right on the tip of her tongue. One look into those brilliant purple eyes made her hesitate; there was a naked want, desire evident in the way Twilight stared up at her. Her tongue darted out to lick some saliva off her lips, her chest heaving. Spitfire’s lips formed the word, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. She was waiting; whether for herself or Twilight to realize it was time to stop, she wasn’t quite certain. All she knew was the passion, the want, the love shown in those wonderful eyes. What was that word? Purple? No, she’s purple, the word is red. Say red. Now. Right now. For her sake, even if you want her. Even if you want her really bad. Twilight placed her hooves on the cushion and pushed forward, coming muzzle-to-muzzle with Spitfire again. Warm breath tickled her face, those kissable lips were right there, begging to be taken. They began to move, forming words. Please say red, hon. You and I both know you’re not ready for this again. “You mentioned the Wonderbolts used code to give orders.” Somehow, some way, Twilight managed to make the statement sound erotic, and her tone husky. “Y-Yeah. We do.” One of those codes is red. As in, we’re about to crash. Say red. Say it, stupid! She started to babble, “We, um, usually use colors or places—l-like when I want Soarin to get ready for this power move he does, I say Manehattan. Or, when I need Fleetfoot to—” A purple hoof pressed against her lips. “That’s all very interesting, but I was interested in one particular code.” There was no doubting that tone. Spitfire’s ears shot up, fire spread throughout her body, into her very core. The legs wrapped around her waist gripped tighter, her loins seemed to burn. Twilight kissed the end of her snout, then whispered, “What’s the code for ‘cleared for takeoff’?” She’s serious? The hoof left her lips, silent permission to speak. “It’s purple—no, that’s not it.” Spitfire shook her head, looking away from those captivating purple eyes. “It’s, uh, it’s green. Code green is go ahead.” “I see. Well, then,” Twilight said, drawing in close, her lips puckered, “code green, Captain.” She is. Oh sweet Celestia, yes. Spitfire darted forward and captured Twilight’s lips in a kiss, full of the same need and passion burning within her being, and in those hypnotic purple eyes. She broke away, just long enough to say, “My room, hon. Not—” Twilight caught her in another quick kiss, cutting her short. She laughed and returned it. “Not out here.” Forget red. “Which one?” Another kiss, a warm, sweet tongue ran against her lips. Her hooves wandered around Twilight’s front, down her belly to grip her flanks around those beautiful starburst cutie marks. “To the, uh, left now. Turned around from when we came in.” She scooted herself off the couch, guiding Twilight along and planting soft, fluffy kisses along the way. Down the hall they went, bumping into the walls, giggling and mewling into kisses, nipping and licking each other’s cheeks and necks. Their tails swished, Twilight reared up and let Spitfire press her against the bedroom door, giving breathy moans and pleas for more as she nibbled on her collarbone and fumbled for the handle. Her hoof came in contact with cold metal. Giving it a twist, she pushed the door open. They stumbled forward into her room. Spitfire kicked the door closed behind them and looped her hooves under Twilight’s. With a flap of her mighty wings, she lifted her girlfriend off the ground and carried her over to the bed, laying her down upon the plush mattress. They gazed into each other’s eyes a moment, smiling as they drew in for a soft kiss. Then another. And another. Tongues came into play, hooves wandered and wings unfurled. Spitfire guided a hoof down Twilight’s front, gently coaxing her legs open. Twilight whimpered and moaned into the kiss. Her hoof had reached its destination. I think purple might just be my new favorite color.