Finally the week was over for the Wonderbolts. After five days training, and tonight's performance had just ended.
After the grand finale, they stayed outside for the crowd to give some signatures to the fans. Like always, Rainbow Dash was there, the first in line.
Swooping down, the Wonderbolts landed on the cloud right after their last formation.
After landing lightly, Spitfire turned to Soarin. "Soarin, is it alright if I leave? I...I'm too tired for this now." She stared at her hooves.
"Are you sure, Fire? Rainbow will be sad; you know you are her favorite." Soarin stared at his flight companion in concern... it was not like her to let down their fans.
The fiery mare responded, "Please tell her I'm sorry." Then, Spitfire lowered her head and turned back to the locker rooms.
"Is she alright?" asked Rapidfire looking after her.
"Yes ... she is, don’t worry." Soarin reassured Rapid, before turning back to the fans, but the smile he wore wasn’t real anymore.
---
The fans overwhelmed them; everypony had his or her favorite in the team, and each did their best to swarm around that Wonderbolt.
Glancing over the crowded mob, Soarin saw Rainbow Dash and tried to move to her as fast as he could. Unfortunately, it took a while... it wasn't easy because of the swarm of fans.
When he had finally fought his way over to her, he gasped, "Hey Dash, did you like the show today?" He flashed her one of his trademark grins.
Dash could barely hear him from all the fan's cheering. She had to make herself heard over the mob. "Yes, it was awesome as always Soarin where is Spitfire I don't see her anywhere." She gushed.
Soarin lifted one of his front hoofs and stroked his mane. Furrowing his brows, he chose his next words carefully. "Sorry Dash... but she was tired, so she didn't want to stay outside with us. But, if you really want to see her I guess you could probably catch her in the locker room, and maybe you can cheer her up."
Rainbow Dash's smile on her face was almost as big as Pinkie Pie's when she starts her parties. "Really?"
Seeing the glow in her eyes, Soarin knew he had made the right decision. "Yes, I'm sure she would be happy to see you, if they don't let you through at the entrance tell them: ‘Apple Pie’. They will know... I sent you."
After a quick chuckle at the password, Rainbow thanked him, "Wow, Thanks a lot Soarin."
Dash didn't even say goodbye she rushed through the crowd as fast as she could to get to her number one Wonderbolt. The guards decided not to confront Rainbow, as she was well known, so she hadn't needed Soarin's password anyhow. Rainbow knew the way to the locker room so she was there 10 seconds flat.
She stopped outside the locker room, “Spitfire, can I come in?" She called.
She heard the shower was going, so it was possible that Spitfire didn't hear her question. She gently pushed open the door, and went over to the locker area. She sat down in front of one, away from the showers. She felt that she should be there to congratulate her hero, but she didn't want to disturb Spitfire's privacy.
Dash was sitting there for about five minutes staring at the ground when the background noise stopped. Spitfire stepped out of the shower slowly, with water cascading gently down her soaking body. She spoke softly, "Hey Dash, hope you wasn't waiting to long."
Rainbow stared at the wet Wonderbolt who was beautiful. She opened her mouth and tried to say something but nothing would come out.
Spitfire laughed with her eyes, “Do I look that awful?"
"Yes... I-I mean no, you aren't... is that right?" Rainbow fumbled ungracefully around her words in confusion, eventually just turning her head so that Fire wouldn't see her burning red face.
Spitfire sighed, and started to dry her mane with a nearby towel. Giving up on her thick and water-soaked hair, she stopped and sat down next to Dash. There, she lay her head down on the cyan pegasus's shoulder, and shut her eyes in content. Water from the fiery Wonderbolt had started to drip all over Rainbow, but she didn't mind.
Suddenly she spoke, "You know, Dash, you and Soarin... you're the only two ponies whom I can really trust."
Dash looked into Spitfire's eyes. "You mean it?"
"Yes, I would never lie to you." She replied sincerely.
They were sitting there holding their position when the other Wonderbolts came in. The first one to enter was Soarin.
Seeing their... occupation, he hastily stated, "I should probably leave now, Bye Spitfire." He made his way out, only to have his exit blocked by the other returning flight members.
In reluctance, Spitfire broke away from Rainbow. She sighed warily, "Dash can you wait for outside? I'll be there in a few minutes and... Then we can talk."
"Ok." Dash left the room leaving the other Wonderbolts were staring after her.
The silence after Rainbow had left was suddenly broken. "Hey Spitfire, do you have a thing for Rainbow Dash or what?" Blaze laughed scathingly, causing the others, with the exception of Soarin, to follow suit.
Spitfire refused to pay the others any attention, and focused her energy into staring at her locker. Soarin glared at each of the other Wonderbolts in turn, making eye contact and causing the laughter to gradually die. Then, he walked over to Spitfire, sat down, and began to whisper something into her ear.
"Don't even listen to them, they are just jealous because they don't have normal life outside the team," he encouraged his team mate. "So don't you even listen to them. Fire, what's wrong with you?" He stared at the normally feisty mare in concern.
She turned her face toward her partner, seeing his worry. She choked out, "B-b... What if they are right? W-what if I do have something for her?"
He shrugged dismissively, "So what? She is a nice mare." changing the subject, he added, "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”
Ignoring him, she continued, "But she is a mare Soarin and no, do you have anything planned?"
He blinked in surprise, and then seemed to have an epiphany moment. "OH. Well, I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, but me, Fleetfoot and Misty will go down to the beach, so I was wondering if you would like to come. Oh, and you can call Rainbow as well. It's going to be fun. You deserve to be happy Fire, remember that." He gave her a wink.
Spitfire answered glumly, "Thank you Soarin, but if she says no I won't go."
Soarin placed a hoof on Spitfire's shoulder then hugged her. "I'll be going home so you'll know where to find me, Now, go and talk to her." He gave her an encouraging shove.
She stood up and walked to the door, but before she left the room, turned around. "Good work tonight, everypony, nice job. Be safe for training tomorrow; don't drink too much tonight. Monday training’s in the morning. Goodbye."
With that, she left her team, and went out to the corridor. She closed the door behind her and looked down the hall, but Dash was nowhere.
"How come she didn't wait for me?" After a moment, she was about to fly home through the back door, when she saw a huddled figure in the dark.
"...Dash?"
---
"Thought you left." Spitfire continued.
Rainbow sighed, looking at the ground "What's wrong with you?" She asked.
"What do you mean?" Spitfire tried to laugh it off.
"That's what I mean!" Dash suddenly ripped her gaze away from the loose gravel, and looked Fire in the eye. "I've never saw you like this before! I realized it at the last few performances too... you seemed sad, and that fake smile that you had on your face only made it worse. But I didn't know what to say about it, I hoped it was only temporary, but you know, you can tell me if something bothering you! Or at least to Soarin... he's worried about you as well." She stared into Spitfire's golden eyes for a few heartbeats, but then dropped her gaze, as if ashamed.
Spitfire stepped closer to Dash and raised her head with her front hoof so she could see Rainbow's own burgundy eyes once again.
She reassured her, "Don't worry about it Dash... Soarin asked me if we would like to go with him to the beach tomorrow... o-of c-course if you don't have anything more im-p-portant planned and I wouldn't go without you anyway." She suddenly gushed, while stuttering from her nervousness.
She stared at her love with hope burning inside her... if she could just-
"Why do I feel like you're lying to me?"
She took a step back, as if Dash had slapped her in the face.
"I'll go if you tell me what's the matter with you." The cyan pegasus continued harshly.
"B-b...but, Dash look, I-I'm fine... It has been a little rough lately ... n-nothing else," she swallowed, "So wanna come?" It wasn't the real reason, and Spitfire felt bad about it...but she couldn't tell Rainbow the real reason why she wanted her there. She gave Dash a cheesy grin, hoping that the Element of Loyalty, (not being the Element of Honesty, after all) wouldn't catch this half-untruth. She still wasn't sure... completely... did Dash...? Did she like her….? She shook her head briskly. Those thoughts could wait for later…
"Yes why not, thanks a lot for the invitation." Rainbow gushed, lightening up a little at the golden mare's proposal.
Spitfire asked eagerly, "Would like to sleep at my house? Would be easier for you, the flight between Ponyville and Canterlot can be tiring and you can get your surfboard and stuff in the morning before we leave."
"REALLY?" Rainbow boomed, her voice full of excitement. She rushed over to Spitfire placing both of her front hooves on her shoulders, and embraced her... and their faces were only a few mere inches away from each other.
When Dash realized their faces were so close a little blush appeared on her face and stepped back. "Oh… I'm so sorry Spitfire."
Spitfire was smiling at Rainbow who was a few seconds ago full of enthusiasm, and now embarrassed about what she did.
"Don't worry Dash it wasn't a big deal, so shall we get flying?" She shrugged Rainbow's *mistake* off.
"Yes."
After about five minutes flying, they arrived at Spitfire's house, and she extended her wing to open the door for Rainbow.
"Make yourself comfortable... I'm going to go talk to Soarin about tomorrow." Spitfire gave Rainbow a quick nod, and flew off.
Rainbow wandered into the big house, and looked around in awe. It was so... so big, clean, so organized! "How does she have time to do this?" After a few more moments, she went into the kitchen for some food because her stomach was growling..
--------------
Spitfire was right: Soarin already arrived home, cos the lights inside the house were up. She flew down to his house, and knocked on the door a few times.
Soarin answered the door, "Hey Fire, knew you would show up, so tomorrow 6:55 at the station, the train will leave at 7." He rambled, nonchalantly.
"Soarin... I invited her over because of tomorrow... but I don't know what I should do now." Spitfire stared down at hew hooves.
"Take her to bed and jump on her, she won't resist you." Soarin winked before letting out a huge laugh. Unfortunately, Spitfire didn't share his jolly mood. Seeing her smoldering expression, he quickly backpedaled, "Sorry Fire, I-I didn't mean it, i-it was just a stupid joke."
Spitfire looked at him with a mixed expression: one of faint amusement, but disappointment. "Ye stupid, looks like you spend too much time with Blaze."
"I've known you for a long time, but I've never seen you like this before... so I thought it might cheer you up a little, sorry." Soarin spoke to his flight team member with his brows furrowed. He has serious this time, and he was concerned about her.
The fire pegasus shrugged it off. "No problem, see you tomorrow, have a goodnight Soarin." She was just about to take off when Soarin stopped her.
"Wait, Fire... Just act like always... she is your number one fan and you know it, so stop worrying so much." He gave her a comforting pat on the back before she could leave.
"Thank You Soarin." Spitfire replied.
"Goodnight, Fire." Soarin called into the setting sun.
--------------
Spitfire took a few large breaths to calm herself before stepping inside. She calmed herself down, and then gently opened her door. It wasn't hard to find the sleeping Rainbow Dash; she was nestled on the couch with a half-eaten sandwich lying on the adjacent table. Spitfire hesitated, then walked over to the mare, and brushed Rainbow's mane a little, as to give her a better visualization of her face.
After staring into Dash's perfect face for a few moments, and thinking.... thinking about....Spitfire turned away, and instead found herself facing the half-eaten sandwich. Seeing it, she was reminded that she hadn't eaten since the flight show earlier that day, and was suddenly ravenous. With a quick glance at her dozing heartache, she nabbed the sandwich and scarfed it down.
Before she went up to bed, she wrote a note and placed it on the table. Then, she walked up to her room and set her clock for 6:20 am.
--------------
The alarm clock woke her up just like it was supposed to, but when she stomped on it with her hoof she could hear her shower running. Getting up groggily and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she walked over to the bathroom and heard Dash's voice singing. A few seconds later she turned off the water and finished the unknown song, stepping out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her torso.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Rainbow was immediately aware of Spitfire's presence. Seeing that the captain of the Wonderbolts was staring at her, Rainbow hastily apologized, "I'm so sorry, I didn't want to wake you up."
Spitfire shook her head to break her gaze. "Don't worry Dash it was the clock not you. Hope you left some hot water for me in those clouds!"
"Can I make you something to eat while you take a shower?" Rainbow asked.
"No Thanks I'll take care of it."
Dash then left the room to get herself some food, leaving Spitfire to her privacy. Still in somewhat of a daze, Spitfire gathered her things, and then spent about ten minutes in the bathroom having her shower. Then, she wandered went downstairs to make herself some food.
On her way to the kitchen, she saw a Rainbow colored surfboard with Dash's cutie mark on it. Lying next to it was a towel of the same design.
Staring at these supplies, Spitfire questioned, "Wow, I wonder when she woke up." It must have taken a while for Dash to go get her things... She was probably an early riser.
She went inside the kitchen and saw Dash eating a sandwich, and there were at least eight more in front of her.
Staring at the feast before her, she asked, "Are you going to eat all of them?"
Dash replied smugly, "No, I've made a few for you too. After all that you did eat that half eaten one last night."
Spitfire turned a little red, but was otherwise unperturbed by the offending comment. "I've told you, you don't have to do that, but thank you I don't think I have time to do anything for myself... fifteen minutes and we have to leave; the train will leave the station at 7 am."
Spitfire sat down next to Rainbow and pulled the plate in front of her. She ate 5 of the remaining sandwiches, gaining a smirk from Dash. Ignoring this, she then went upstairs to her room and got her own surfboard and two large towels. She carried then down the hall, and placed them next to Rainbow's. after she got back from getting additional necessities, she was confronted by a very nice looking Rainbow Dash, who had her towel hanging on her surfboard, over which she draped a casual wing. The bag was strapped neatly to the surfboard, containing any of Dash's additional supplies.
"How did you it packed so fast?" Spitfire wondered how the Rainbow-maned pegasus had been able to gather and organize them so quickly.
"A lot of practice and a little cheating." Smiled Dash. "I'll talk you through it... just do exactly what I say."
"Ok"
Adopting her drill-Sargent role, Dash ordered:
"Walk with the surfboard next to the table, place the straps on the table and put the surfboard on it. Now seal the straps while they are loose then lift up the surfboard with your wing and hold it while you tighten the straps and simply place the towels around the surfboard." When she finished with her orders, she gave Spitfire a casual wink, and a cheesy grin. "See, nothin' to it."
Thrilled by this new fact about organization, Spitfire thanked her, "Wow...It's really much easier this way, especially if you are alone. Soarin always helped me with this when we went to the beach, but he isn't here... so thank you for showing me." She paused, "... ready to leave?"
"Anytime when you are" Dash grasped her belongings by the special hoof wrap, and looked to Fire expectantly.
Spitfire glanced at the clock, it was 6:37.
"I'm ready so go on ahead... I'll lock up the house."
Dash walked out and Spitfire followed her out, and then turned around to lock the door. Not a moment later, they were both jumping off the edge of the cloud and had extended their wings, descending toward the ground. Flying with the extra weight of their supplies would have been hard for normal a pegasus, but Dash and Spitfire are not ordinary pegasi.
After a few minutes of tedious flight, they landed near the train station and walked to their train, which was heading to Baltimare. Spitfire soon spotted Soarin and her other two teammates in the crowd.
"Hi Fire, Dash, I'm glad you joined us! I believe you remember Misty." Soarin greeted his flight captain and associate merrily, giving them each a quick hug.
"Hi Dash it's good to see you again, Spitfire." Misty waved.
"Hi Misty, same here."
Soarin introduced the other member of the party, "And this is Fleetfoot... maybe you've seen her at the Gala."
"Yes, But we didn't have the chance to talk, It's nice to meet you Rainbow Dash. I've heard a lot about you. Hi boss." Fleetfoot cordially introduced herself.
Rainbow Dash gave her a quick wink. "I hope you heard only the cool stuff nothing else." She said slyly.
Soarin broke in to the conversation, "I rented the whole first wagon of the train so no one will disturb us". He said before starting to move towards it.
----------
They loaded everything on the train's first wagon in four minutes; the trouble was only with the surfboards... they had to put them through the window. When they finished Soarin with the other mares sat down, Spitfire and Rainbow on the other side.
----------
"Well, it’s going to be an hour long ride," announced Soarin,"-and another twenty minutes if anypony wants to walk...three minutes by flight. I hope Fire Streak prepared everything for our arrival...." He trailed off in thought, not realizing that they weren't paying him the least of attention.
----------------------------------------
For a while the two groups talked to each other before they split up.
"So... Soarin... does Spitfire have a thing for Dash or what?" asked Misty quietly so Dash and Fire couldn't hear. Fleetfoot did.
Soarin was stared out of the train's window, doing his best to ignore the question, so Fleetfoot joined Misty in his pursuit of an answer.
"Yeah Soarin, what's up with them?"
Soarin turned his head to take a look on Fire and Dash as they were talking happily then turned back to the two mares.
"Just take a look at Fire, do you remember when the last time was that she seemed so happy?"
The two mares looked at each other then at Spitfire.
"Maybe a month ago?" guessed Misty after turning back to Soarin.
"But she's a mare Soarin." said Fleetfoot.
"So? Fleetfoot... you say it like you've never messed around with mares before, yourself...she deserves to be happy, and if Dash can do that, I'd do anything for them."
"How come you and Spitfire never became a couple?" Misty asked, curiously changing the subject.
"I don't know... We've known each other for a long time and I always looked at her as a sister. She is my best friend, and as I said before, I'd do anything to make her happy."
After Soarin answered, they didn't say or ask anything to each other. Soarin sat, once again staring out the window, leaving Misty and Fleetfoot to watch the silent couple.
----------------------------------------
They arrived at Baltimare ten minutes late. Getting the surfboards and the other stuffs what they brought took them three minutes this time. Soarin helped Misty and Fleetfoot taking their surfboards up on their sides then he did the process for himself as well. Spitfire and Dash were helping to each other.
----------------------------------------
"...Fire I hope you still remember the way." The male pegasus was struggling to keep a composed look while under the weight of all the beach supplies.
"Oh Soarin," Spitfire laughed, "how could I forget it, go on ahead, we will be fine."
The three Wonderbolts flew away, leaving Spitfire and Dash behind to decide to take the longer route to the beach.
"How come you didn't want to fly with them? It would be a lot faster to get there." Dash inquired.
Spitfire mocked an aghast face, "Why, is it so horrible to spend some time with me?"
As they were walking next to each other Dash pushed her gently with her shoulder. "Ah come on, you know I didn't mean it that way." She griped.
They passed by a few popular places on the coast and even attracted the catcalls of a few stallions. Nevertheless, they continued on without pausing. When they arrived to their spot there were only four other ponies on that part of the coast. Scanning the beach, they spotted, an old looking wooden house built on the sand with a Wonderbolt flag in it.
Dash took a look at the sea and it seemed to her that the waves were perfect.
She remarked happily, "This spot looks great for surfing. How come no one else here?"
"...Because Soarin and I bought it, we were here for the first time like... wow, just two years ago, and we fell in love with this place." Spitfire seemed a little moved by the memory.
"This is so cool."
Fire Streak and Soarin were setting up the for beach volleyball when they arrived, and the two others were lying on two deckchairs next to each other. Fire Streak and the two new arrivals waved to one another. They stopped their surfboards in the sand and Dash lay down on the sand and extended her wings. The sands temperature was just perfect… gently warming, but not too hot, because the sun had risen just a few hours before.
"Soarin, why is Rainbow Dash here?” Asked Fire Streak after he waved to them.
Soarin rolled his eyes.
"For the love of Celestia, Why can't anyone of you mind your own business?"
"Wow calm down, sorry for even asking."
Soarin sighed and turned to Fire Streak. "Look, I'm sorry Fire Streak…just leave them alone."
They finished stringing the net over the field in silence.
Spitfire went inside the house looking around at what Fire Streak brought for the day, and saw way more food than what they needed... and some alcoholic cider, too.
She walked back to the fridge and ate a few sandwiches from it before going out to the others. She saw Dash staring at sea, and watched the water rushing up onto her hooves and back again. Spitfire settled next to her, and turned her gaze in the same direction.
Misty, Fleetfoot and Fire Streak passed by them heading towards the water with their surfboards on their side. The wave’s intensity and size had increased since they arrived so they decided to get some action.
"So, wanna go in?" Spitfire prompted.
Dash was still staring at the sea without giving any sign that she heard Spitfire. She turned around, was about to leave when she felt a wing touch her back.
Suddenly, she seemed to come out of her trance. "Not yet" She removed the wing from Spitfire's back and turned around to make eye contact with her. She continued, "Wait one or two hours... the waves will be better."
"How do you know that?" Spitfire was puzzled.
Rainbow gave a sigh. "Just…Trust me."
Rainbow walked back and laid down the same spot where she had been before. Soarin picked up his surfboard and headed out to the sea, but stopped when he saw Spitfire watching Dash.
"Would you like to talk about it?"
Spitfire shook her head a few seconds later. "What?"
"You know if you want to talk about her... or anything else, I'm here." His voice was gentle, understanding.
She turned to Soarin and hugged him which made him drop his surfboard from the surprising attack.
"Thank you… now go kick some ass." Spitfire put on a confident face.Then, she let go of her friend and walked away to lie down near Dash. She took the same position as Dash had, placed her hooves under her head and extended her wings. She didn't intend to, but she fell asleep.
-------
What could have been minutes, maybe even hours later, she was woken up by the feeling that someone was gently caressing her face. She slowly opened her eyes, and turned in the direction of the soft hoof, while simultaneously removing her glasses.
"…What are you doing, Dash?" She blinked
Rainbow shrugged nonchalantly. "It's time."
"What do you mean?"
"Look at the waves." She gestured towards the ocean. Spitfire’s mouth was a bit dry but she ignored it, and raised her head to take a look at the sea. She opened her mouth and tried to say something but no words left it. Huh…She was right after all. The waves were twice as big as it was before she fell asleep. She looked back to Dash, who was placing a bottle of water next to her.
"Drink it, your lips look dry." Dash mumbled.
Spitfire almost drank the whole bottle; it felt great how the cold water went through her insides cooling her body temperature. Dash stood there with the two surfboards, her own nudged under her wing, while she held Spitfires out for her.
"…Ready to ride them?" The Rainbow Pegasus dared her cheekily.
She took her surfboard from Dash's hoof and winked at her. "Are you?" She replied saucily.
Dash scrutinized her for a moment. “Raceyou” the word had barely been comprehended by Spitfire, before Rainbow had… dashed… off. “Oh, no you di-nt” Spitfire laughed, before shooting after her.
-------
Spitfire and Dash were in the water surfing for almost two hours. They were tired, but laughed all the way up to the house. When they got there, they were exhausted, so they just dropped their surfboards and started to dry themselves off. After a few moments, they gave up and plopped onto a couple of deck chairs.
Spitfire laughed, "This was awesome, Dash, you’re really a great surfer."
"Yes it was, but you aren't without skills either...I don't remember when was the last time I’ve felt so exhausted… but still happy." Rainbow sighed, and shut her eyes.
"Me neither." Spitfire laid back and stretched out her wings, and then, together, the two mares relaxed for a few minutes.
--------
About ten minutes later, Dash felt her whole body was dry; she stood up and headed toward the house. A few steps later she paused, turned around and asked Spitfire, "Can I get you anything?"
Spitfire opened a lazy eye, "Yes… if you can get a few sandwiches, and a bottle of vanilla ice cream…” yum. She licked her lips, “that would be great. The fridge is in the first room to your left."
Dash made her way into the kitchen, and opened the fridge. After fiddling around for a minute, she had pulled out a whole container of daisy petal sandwiches, and a huge tub of ice cream. She then reached up into a cubbard, pulled out a tray, and got ready to bring the stuff outside. Becoming a coordinated and well-balanced pony once again, she extended her wing and placed the tray on top of it. She was just about to go out, when a voice called to her from behind.
"Hey Dash, wait." It was Misty and Fleetfoot.
Dash stopped and turned to them slowly not wanting to risk dropping the tray from her wing.
Fleetfoot continued, "We wanted to ask you... how is your little date going with Spitfire?"
Dash almost dropped the tray, but she managed to recover at the last second. "What do you mean by date?” She spat angrily, “I came because she asked me to and" Dash looked on the ground. "I-i… But it's not a date or whatever." She trailed off rather awkwardly, oblivious to the grins off shock that the other two mares were now sharing.
"Omygosh… Fleet, I don’t think she knows yet!"
"Yes Misty I can see that." The Wonderbolt sighed at her companions “pointing out the obvious”-ness.
Then she looked back at her friend, and together they burst into a fit of laughed. Dash took a moment to stare at the mares, who were now rolling on the floor in their fit of giggles, and then rolled her eyes and left. Once she got out to Spitfire, she spoke, "What the hay is the matter with those two, did they already start drinking?". She placed the tray on Spitfire's deckchair.
"Thanks a lot, Dash," Spitfire took a few bites from one of the sandwich then looked at Rainbow, who had a troublesome look on her face. She swallowed, "Dash, is something wrong?"
"Spitfire, why did you invite me here?" The cyan Pegasus looked up, and stared Spitfire right in the eye.
Spitfire took a moment to think this over; she wanted to choose her words carefully. "Because I didn't want to come without you… and we’ve known each other for a while now, but we never spend time together,” She met Dash’s gaze, “I- I only wanted to spend this day with you and have some fun with my n-number one fan… why what's wrong?"
Dash scowled at her, this time detecting the deceit in her voice. "Yeah sure, I'm out of here, so much from you can't lie to me." She stood back up, and made her way to her belongings.
Spitfire started, am I really that unbelievable? "Wait Dash, what are you talking about?" The cyan pegasus continued to gather up her supplies, not taking any notice of Spitfire. "DASH?"
---
Dash finished fiddling with her stuff, and prepared for flight. Before taking off, however, she turned back to the now nearly blubbering captain of the Wonderbolts.
"Don't worry, you won't have to see my face ever again and go ahead laugh all you want with your friends about this… this date… and don't even try to follow me." She snarled.
She gave a few strong beats of her wings, and took off, Ignoring Spitfire’s last pleas.
"DASH, WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" The broken pegasus lay down on the sand and buckets of tears fell from her eyes.
Hearing the commotion, Soarin rushed out of the beach house, though still rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Spitfire…” He yawned, “…why are you yelling?"
When he finally opened his eyes fully, he saw that Spitfire was lying on the sand and crying. He lay down next to his hurt friend covered her in a comforting embrace.
"What's wrong, Fire? Where is Dash?" He gently coaxed.
Soarin lifted his head when the orange mare pointed her's towards the sky.
"Sh-She left."
"What!?” He was clearly surprised, “Why?"
Spitfire turned her head so she can look into his eyes.
"I don't know, she said something about a date and we can laugh at her…” Spitfire dropped her gaze. “What was she talking about?"
Soarin avoided the last question, instead he briskly stood up, and sheparded Spitfire towards the house. “Come; get some sleep upstairs…” he offered friendlily. “I'll sort this out." He added under his breath.
He helped the mare to stand up and they slowly walked inside the house. He stepped aside at the stairs which lead upstairs and let Spitfire go up to the room. When he heard Spitfire close the door behind her, he turned around and went to the possible locations of the others.
Hearing some laughter coming from the other room, Soarin stormed in, and slammed the door shut behind him. Fury in his eyes, not even the knowledge that Spitfire was trying to sleep could stop him from shouting.
"Now, seriously, why the hell can't anyone of you mind their own bucking business?" He yelled. “I mean, Spitfire is depressed. Depressed. She. Has been sulking. For the last few months… she finally invites a friend to get out and have some fun, and what do you do?” he asked, “You ruin it.” He then stood in the centre of the room, making eye contact with all three other ponies, who hastily looked away.
Fire Streak was the first to speak. "What do you mean Soarin… we didn't do anything."
"Yeah and That's why Spitfire is crying upstairs and Rainbow Dash left talking bullshit about some kind of date." Snarled Soarin sarcastically.
Fire Streak argued, "But Soarin, we didn't do anything,” he looked at Misty and Fleetfoot. “Right girls?”
The two mare looked at each other, then lowered their heads.
"It was only a joke Soarin we didn't mean it, we thought she knew it." Mumbled an ashen-faced Fleetfoot.
“We’re sorry.” Chimed in Misty.
For a moment, Soarin just stared at them. Then, he lowered his head in defeat. "You two are unbelievable." He spat, before storming out of the room.
He turned around and slammed the door behind him. In annoyance, he grabbed a saddlebag and a couple of “special” ciders, and hurriedly left for the train station. He knew that the next train going to Ponyville would leave in less than four minutes, and it was imperative that he make it. Flying in the shy, he beat his wings as fast as if it were a Wonderbolt’s derby.
Finally, he arrived at the station, not a moment too soon; the train was just getting ready to take off. He quickly scanned the windows of the compartments, and, seeing what he was looking for, stepped into the fourth to last compartment.
He made his way down the narrow hall, and sidled into the booth occupied by a rainbow-maned pegasus.
"Can I sit down?" he asked.
Dash started, and scowled at the floor. She would have recognized that voice anytime and anywhere. "No." She mumbled.
Soarin sighed, and closed the compartment doors, before sitting himself across from the mare. "What's wrong Dash?" he asked.
She continued to stare death-rays into the argyle carpet pattern. "Soarin, please go away and leave me alone."
Soarin responded, "I'm sorry Dash, but I can't do that…” he trailed off. “I-I promised Spitfire that I'll bring you back… so… so I'm not going anywhere without you."
"The train will be leaving the station in two minutes." The conductor interrupted, sticking his head into the compartment.
When he had left, Soarin lost his waned patience. "I give you two minutes, and if you won't get off with me then I'll have to force you."
Dash turned to Soarin. When she looked into his eyes, he noticed the tear streaks she had under hers, and he came over to her. He sat down next to Rainbow, and comforted her by putting his arms around her.
"What the h-hay do you want, Soarin?" Her voice broke.
He chose his next words carefully, and spoke softly. "The next train will leave in 30 minutes… if I can't convince you to come back by then; I'll let you go… does that sound ok?”
Dash looked up to him for a minute, and then nodded in her consent. "Fine."
Soarin grabbed up Rainbow’s surfboard and other stuff, and they quietly made their way off the train. Settling on a nearby park bench, they sat together quietly for a few moments before Dash broke the silence.
"Well, w-what's wrong Soarin… d-did you not have enough time to come up with a good lie?" She sniffled, indicating what he had said about Spitfire and the others.
Soarin sighed, and opened up his pack. He took out the two ciders, and offered one to the mare.
She answered, "You know Soarin, one bottle of this won't be enough to get me drunk …s-so if that's your plan it's a pretty w-weak one."
Ignoring her comment, Soarin took his own bottle, and downed it in a few quick gulps. Dash stared at him for a moment before sighing reluctantly and doing the same. She then asked, "So Soarin, are you going to say anything?"
He looked at her, and spoke. "Dash… just don't listen to Misty and Fleetfoot… they are such idiots sometimes and they had no right to joke about that... They were only jealous.” He paused, “And yes, Spitfire has… or had some feelings towards you…but she won't admit it, and it shouldn't be my job to tell you. I know she didn't want to ruin what you two share by admitting it, but if you leave her now,: he looked into her eyes, “If you leave her now, like this, I don't know what's going to happen to her… so please come back and talk to her … and I’m not asking it as a Wonderbolt, I do it as her friend and yours too."
Dash looked away, and took a moment to process what he had told her. "Oh, Soarin,” she started, tears welling in her eyes once again. “I’m such an idiot. I-I said things to her, I told her I don't want to see her ever again… I w-was cruel with her. I don't think she would ever want to see me again, and…” she trailed off hesitantly. “And I like her more than any of my other friends… b-but I'm afraid; she is the captain of the Wonderbolts and I…I-“ She was abruptly stopped as Soarin stuck a hoof in her mouth.
“No… you shouldn’t talk that way about yourself… it’s not like you. What happened to the brave and awesome Rainbow Dash?:
Dash pushed his hoof away, and the buried her face in her own. She sobbed quietly.
"Dash, you need to deal with this." Soarin coaxed. Dash stood up, and began to gather up her supplies, handing the empty cider container to Soarin. He smiled, "Once you decide something, you do it. There is no point delaying it."
"I guess you are right." Said Dash, looking at him again. Then, the two pegasi flew back to the beach house.
---
"Where is she?"
"Upstairs first room on the right."
Dash went upstairs as slowly as she could, so that maybe she could buy a few more seconds for herself. She was standing right in front of the door and lifted her hoof to knock on it, dozens of times, but she just couldn't do it. Eventually, she turned away and went downstairs.
When she got dow, Soarin was just where he had been before, and was greeted by her tear-streaked face.
"I-I'm sorry Soarin… but I can't."
Soarin rolled his eyes at Dash. "Oh for the love of Celestia, the two of you are unbelievable." He went up to her, and then sheparded her under his wing, trying to bring her upstairs.
"…Soarin what are you doing?" Dash was on the defensive. She began to struggle against him, but his wing remained firmly clamped on her back. After a few moments, she gave up the fight, and let him lead her.
"…What I should've done in the first place." Soarin answered Rainbow’s original question.
When the two of them reached Spitfire’s room, Soarin rapped on the door and called out, "Hey Fire, can I come in?"
The muffled reply came, "Of course, Soarin."
Soarin opened the door, and was greeted by the sight if Spifire lying with her face in a pillow. He briskly shoved Rainbow in, and closed the door, but not before whispering, "Don't screw it up."
Dash looked at Spitfire, who was still facing with the pillow.
"Let me guess: she’s already left… I-I'm such an idiot … I should've told her how I felt, but I was so scared what she might think about me." The captain of the Wonderbolts battled with the flow of tears as she spoke. "I hate them, all of them… Blaze, Fleetfoot, Misty and the others too. I...I-I think I'll leave the W-wonderbolts."
Dash felt a pang when she heard this… she hadn’t known… Spitfire continued, blubbering openly now, "S-soarin, I n-n-need you to t-tell me what I sh-should do."
Dash hesitated, but then walked slowly toward the bed. Upon reaching her, she began to gently stroke Spitfire’s mane.
"…Soarin?" She pulled her face out from the pillow, and looked over to the mare that was comforting her. In her surprise, the tearful mare fell off of the bed.
Immediately, Rainbow Dash reacted. "Wow… sorry…. didn't mean to scare you." She extended her hoof towards Spitfire, and pulled her back on the bed. They were looking at each other for a while then Dash put her hoof up to her own mane and looked away.
"Look Spitfire, I'm so sorry what I said earlier,” Dash was having trouble apologizing, and she started to feel flustered. “W-well… I-I didn't mean any of it… I don't know what came over me, b-but… but, how come you didn't trust me enough to tell me how you feel?" She looked at Spitfire with hurt. “Why? I… I’ve always trusted you…” she trailed off.
"I didn't want to lose you." The words were out before Spitfire could stop herself.
The two mares stared at each other for a moment, each processing what Spitfire had said. Dash broke the silence with the thought, "You know… Soarin can be a real bully sometimes." She grinned.
"What does it have to do with anything?" Spitfire felt a little hurt at Dash’s dismissal of what she had said.
"Nothing, look Spitfire, it’s just… I’m not really good at talking about these things." Rainbow Dash started to look away.
Spitfire gently pushed her face up with her hoof. "…You mean feelings?" She prodded.
"Ye call them that whatever, but…” any of Dash’s toughness had evaporated. “but… you should know that I like you more than my other friends.” She cleared her throat, and her face turned pink again. “I guess… I’m saying… I’m trying…” She trailed off, and looked at Spitfire in despair.
Spitfire sighed. "Are… are you trying to say… you love me?" She herself began to blush.
Rainbow stared into Spitfire’s golden eyes, communicating with her, so that Spitfire knew the answer before the words left her mouth. "Well… yes."
The last word was the only one what Spitfire wanted to hear before she jumped on Rainbow Dash and kissed her. When the short kiss ended Spitfire placed her head on Rainbow's chest who wrapped her wings around Spitfire's body.
"Would you still love me if I left the Wonderbolts?" She murmured.
Dash gave her a cheesy grin. “…You think I wouldn't?"
"Yes." Spitfire looked down, and Rainbow realized that she had been asking in earnest. She lifted the Wonderbolt’s head with her hoof so she could look into her eyes.
"I love you for who you are… and never because of what you are."
Spitfire was about to say something again when her stomach made a sound. Dash looked at her marefriend, whose ears dropped back in embarrassment, which only made Dash smile. She gently pushed Spitfire off her and climbed out of bed.
"Wait Dash, where are you going?" Spitfire started.
"I owe you a lunch." She left the room, and went downstairs to the kitchen. When she got down there, she saw that a note had been left on the table.
Dash, if you are reading this, then we already left. I wanted to give some privacy for the both of you so I took everypony, and we went back to Canterlot. I already know she wants to leave the Wonderbolts… just tell her I’m fine with whatever decision she makes, and that I will miss her, but the only thing what matters to me is that she’s happy.
Your friend, Soarin
PS: I left some Cider in the fridge.
After a moment, Dash considered, how did he know I’d read it first? She shrugged, and dismissed the thought.
She placed everything, and the note, on the tray just like last time and brought it upstairs. Balancing everything on her wings was harder than the walk outside in the sand, but she was able to do it slowly.
When she got into Spitfire’s room, Dash placed the tray full of food in front of Spitfire who immediately shoved a sandwich into her mouth.
"You should read it." Dash indicated the letter.
Spitfire nodded, reaching for a second sandwich while she started to read the note. While she read, Dash watched her silently. When she was finished, she looked up at her with tears brimming in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Rainbow inquired.
Spitfire let out a small laugh while she was crying. "Oh yes… I-I'm fine Dash… it's just, I don't know if I can ever pay Soarin back for what he has done…or… or how many times he’s helped me … and now this."
"After we finish eating, would you like to go outside drinking and watch the sunset?" Rainbow asked gently.
"Sounds like a great plan, Dash." She smiled weakly.
They both went outside and basked in afternoon sun, enjoying the pleasant warmth. Dash even brought out the tub of cider, and a couple of glasses. Soon, they flew up to a large, soft cloud, and lay curled up next to each other. Together, they watched Celestia begin to set the sun, and the harmony when Luna’s moon came out at the same time. They both agreed that twilight was beautiful, when the stars had just started to come out, and the sun was spreading its last rays over the horizon.
After a while, Spitfire asked, "… W-would you stay here with me forever?” She stared into Rainbow’s eyes.
"I..I….” The cyan pegasus trailed off, embarrassed.
"Dash?"
Dash tightened the hug, but looked away."…I don't know if I can abandon my friends in Ponyville."
Spitfire sighed in exasperation. "I understand, you are the element of loyalty after all,” she paused, then continued mischievously, “so I hope your bed is big enough in that cloud house of yours."
"But, can we come back here anytime?" Dash asked nervously.
"Of course, Dashie." Spitfire called her by a new pet name.
Spitfire kissed her lover and nuzzled her chest, deeply breathing in her scent. Dash's wings wrapped themselves around Fire's body and with one of her hoof she gently stroked the beautiful orange mare's mane out of her face to look into her eyes. The sunset was amazing, and what made it even better was that it was an otherwise clear sky. The two lovers cuddled, deep in the soft, fluffy cloud, watching the magnificent transition from day to night.
"It's beautiful." Remarked Dash
"Just like you." answered Spitfire