//------------------------------// // Chapter 5 // Story: Colfire // by solsticebrony888 //------------------------------// “This dress itches. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a dress.” Spitfire complained, though more for the sake of complaining than anything. “You’re an athlete, of course you’re going to hate wearing a dress. It’s just for one night.” Fleetfoot said, as she met the fellow Wonderbolt in the dressing room, “You look great in it, by the way!” “You’re not going?” Spitfire asked, noticing the fellow Wonderbolt still in her uniform. “I’m not single, I have no reason to go.” “Couples go there, too, you know.” Spitfire said, moving across the room towards the wall sized mirror. She scanned the dress she was wearing. It matched her coat color, and the lining through it was close to the colors in her mane. It was just one layer, somewhat thin and didn’t have much flair to it, which is exactly how she liked it. “How should I do my mane? It’s impossible to manage.” The yellow Pegasus asked her friend. “Pull it back or to the side or something. Ponytail?” “Ponytail is a little too casual.” “Well, it is a singles party. About as casual as it gets, I think.” Spitfire turned around, “Singles parties are casual? I thought they were really formal? Remember, some fancy-smancy ponies from Canterlot will be here too.” “It would be being held in Canterlot if it were really that casual. It’s in Ponyville, just have fun. Enjoy yourself. No need to dress up all fancy. Plus, I really can’t imagine your mane style in anything other than how it is when you’re wearing your suit, it pulled to the side. I think a ponytail would look nice.” “Hmmmm,” Spitfire contemplated, “Alright. Deal. I’ll do it.” “Need help?” “Absolutely.” The yellow Pegasus responded with a chuckle as the fellow Wonderbolt found a hairband in a supplies drawer near the mirror. Not being a unicorn, it took a few minutes for her to actually fit the hairband around Spitfire’s mane, but when it was finished, Spitfire really liked it. “Where’s the party at, exactly?” “A place called The Golden Horseshoe. Only notable ponies will be allowed in though. It makes me feel bad though. I’m going with Colgate, while other quote ‘normal’ ponies won’t be able to go in.” Fleetfoot smirked, “Feelin’ a bit guilty about your fame, huh?” “Well, kinda. But whatever, I probably should get going. I’ll have to get there early to find Colgate. Just like usual, time goes by slow until it’s over. It feels like yesterday that I first saw her again.” “That’s deep. Have fun!” “Oh, I will!” Flying in this dress will be a pain. Spitfire sighed, and then exited the dressing room as Fleetfoot went on to do something else. She turned an immediate left, then walked down the hallways filled with portraits of the Wonderbolts; mostly consisting of herself. She pushed open the door, slightly surprised by the cold breeze that hit her. Spitfire looked up into the night sky, adjusting her wings to get through the slits in the dress. Once they were outside of the dress, she quickly burst into the air once more. It was cloudier than she expect, so she flew a bit lower so she could find The Golden Horseshoe easier. Sometimes she forgot how interesting it was just to fly above a town or city and just gaze upon the scenery under her. The night left everything in a dark hue, occasional lights giving her a sense of where she was located. Ugh, my mane is going to look terrible and I forgot my brush. Oh well. Despite knowing her mane would look a little unkempt, Spitfire considered it worth the few minutes she could enjoy the wind in her mane and face. Gotta keep my eye out for a cluster of buildings…The Golden Horseshoe will be on the corner. It didn’t take too long for her to find The Golden Horseshoe, because it was one of the few bright spots in a dark town. There was a large stallion outside getting ponies’ names and allowing them inside. Just go with the flow. See how things go; decide what to do as it happens. With a quick dive, Spitfire landed about fifteen feet from the start of the line of ponies waiting to get into the party. She slightly recognized a few of the ponies, probably from previous get-togethers of more famous ponies. Colgate was either in the party already or yet to arrive. The Pegasus went to the back of the line, and was immediately reminded why she enjoyed these type of parties. Nopony stared at her and begged for autographs, and despite trying not to sound rude about her fans, she enjoyed getting a break them when she could. She could see into the party already. Despite it being a public area usually, it looked pretty formal from what she could see in side. The Pegasus started to get a little impatient when the pony in front was taking a long time to be admitted. Tonight is either going to be to be amazing or…whatever, it’s going to be amazing no matter what. Soon, the line started to progress. Fancy Pants was right in front of her, oddly enough, considering this wasn’t the most fancy of parties. The burly stallion in front didn’t even need Spitfire’s name, he just motioned his head towards the entrance as a way to signal she could go in. Well, here goes nothing. The whole building was relatively small, though very well decorated. There were a lot of tables, covered in a very nice white fabric, most of which were already taken up by two ponies. There were paintings on the wall of very prominent figures in Equestrian Culture, like Sapphire Shores and other ponies of her fame. There was a very expensive bar set up towards a corner, and classical music being played from an upstairs room. The owners of the Golden Horseshow, Hoity Toity and Sapphire Shore hired plenty of servers to serve the drinks from behind the bar. It wasn’t very crowded, though scanning to see Colgate was a bit harder than expected. Spitfire took a left, noticing Rapidfire, another Wonderbolt, flirting with a bunch of mares. Spitfire sighed, then started to look for a table, so Colgate could have a seat with her when she arrives. However, upon hearing somepony saying her name from across the room, she instantly realized Colgate had already arrived and had chosen a table. Spitfire’s heart skipped a beat, but she put on a confident smile and walked over to her friend who had kept a table for them. “Wow, that month sure went by fast.” Spitfire comments as she sat down, facing towards Colgate who smiled. “Thank you for inviting me, I’ve never been around so many sophisticated ponies. I recognize ponies from magazines, it’s pretty surreal.” Wow, she looks perfect in that dress. “You’re very welcome,” Spitfire said with a smile, “How were you this past month?” “Oh, pretty good. I started jogging each morning. I lost some weight specifically for this party. If I am going to meet somepony here, I might as well be fit.” The Pegasus frowned slightly, “Meet somepony? Like, like a stallion?” “Well, it is a singles party, isn’t it?” “Kinda…” Spitfire said, “Don’t go off too soon, I already know who I have my eyes set on. I need somepony to talk to right now, and you’re my only friend, really.” You…I have my eyes set on you. Wow, I sound pretty creepy in my own thoughts. “Oh really? Who might that be?” The unicorn said, genuinely interested, “I see a lot of cute stallions here, wouldn’t they come up to us? Do I go up to them? I haven’t been on a date in a while,” Colgate continued, obviously a bit nervous, “I should just stay calm huh?" “Oh, you’ll just have to wait. You’ll find out who it is soon enough. They usually come up to us. They’ll see us two at a table and ask us to dance. Give it some time, the party’s barely begun.” “I just hope my work the past month makes it worth it. There are so many pretty mares here, I feel so ordinary compared to them.” “Don’t feel that way. You look amazing,” Spitfire responded quickly, “How much weight did you lose?” Colgate stood up, her thin dress showing off her improved figure, “About fifteen pounds. It sure was a lot of work. There’s a race in just a few days that I’ll be participating in!” Spitfire’s jaw dropped. Sweet Celestia, what a body. “Colgate, you have the body of an athlete like myself!” Spitfire said, trying to hide the fact she was blushing, “I didn’t know you had a thing for running.” “OH! I don’t even know why I forgot to tell you when we first hung out. I was on the track team in high school for a while. Placed second place on a 100 yard dash my senior year. After that, though, I went to dental school, slowly gained some weight back. I feel healthier than ever. I even feel more confident! GAH! I am so glad I am here. Thank you, Spitfire.” “Oh, anytime. This won’t be the last time either. About one third of my job is going to parties…” Colgate chuckled with Spitfire, scanning through the stallions at the party. “So…” Spitfire started, “When was the last time you had a coltfriend?” The questions surprised Colgate, “Oh my…too long. Nearly a year, my last coltfriend broke up with me and after that, I kinda wanted to stay single for a very long time.” The hint of sadness in Colgate’s voice provoked the Pegasus’ next question, “What happened?” “He…he well. He broke up with me for a much prettier mare. He told me she was prettier to my face, which was the reason we broke up. Obviously. It really made me feel terrible, you know? Every girl wants to think she’s beautiful, that she’s really pretty and that she’s somepony her coltfriend can show off, then I was told I wasn’t by a pony I thought I was in love with. He ended up marrying her too, and moved to Canterlot.” How could he deny how beautiful she is? Why would he want anypony else? She’s so kind, she’s definitely pretty. She works with little kids! She’s perfect! Wow, I’m more head-over-hooves than I thought… Before Spitfire responded, her facial expression was one of sincere disgust. To Spitfire, Colgate looked amazing. She had the right amount of makeup on, her mane looked amazing. She was in amazing shape and was very smart. Spitfire couldn’t imagine why a stallion would leave her for somepony else. I’d treat her like she deserves, everyday.. “That’s just…I can’t even imagine why he would do that. I’m sure you’ll find somepony who’ll treat you much better,” Spitfire lowered her head, as she contemplated what she was going to say next. I can’t wait any longer. “Yeah, bu- Spitfire? You okay?” Colgate said, noticing the Pegasus’ nervous facial expression. Spitfire looked up, “Colgate, we’ve known each other for a long time…I know this question is going to so-“ Next to Colgate was a mid-sized stallion, dressed extremely properly, with a rose in his mouth. In a deep voice, he said, “Care to dance, m’lady?” Colgate smiled at Spitfire, giddy that somepony had actually chosen her out of the crowd of mares in the room. “Have fun, Colgate!” Spitfire said, though with a particular inflection of disappointment in her voice. She watched as the two walked towards the shiny wooden dance floor, she sighed. This is going to be a long, long night. At least I have more time to think. From her table, she could see Colgate and the stallion, whose coat was light orange and mane white as snow. I’ve never seen him before… “May I have this dance?” A voice said from above her. Spitfire looked up, “Oh, um no thanks, I am waiting for somepony. Sorry,” She responded, the stallion nodding, then moving onto another possible date. Ugh, how awkward. I feel bad for him, he definitely knows who I am. The Pegasus shifted positions, the dress she was wearing annoying her. She continued to survey the two as they danced. Colgate was smiling, and enjoying the slow dance with the stallion. Jeez, I feel like a stalker. Maybe I should rethink my plans for this night. <><><><><><><><><> “So, would you care to dance?” The stallion asked he and Colgate approached the stage. “S-sure.” The blue unicorn said with a meek smile, the stallion taking her hoof and leading her up onto the stage. Colgate looked back towards Spitfire for a second with a giddy smile. Surprisingly, Spitfire reflexively averted her eyes away from Colgate’s direction, as if she had been caught looking their way. The unicorn shrugged off the odd occurrence, and mustered up any ability to dance she had learned in her younger days. Thankfully this is a slow song. I hate dancing to fast songs. “So, what’s your name, beautiful?” Oh my, what a charmer! “My name’s Colgate, yours?” “My name is Silverwing, I write for the Equestrian Times.” “Oh my, I love that newspaper!” Colgate exaggerated instinctively. Love? Who honestly can say they love a newspaper? Pleh, I’m sure he doesn’t care. I bet he enjoys the ego boost. The music in the background was classical music, performed by a popular orchestra who play shows all across Equestria. It was the quintessential music for a formal party, so Colgate felt a little odd dressing more casual than she probably should have. However, this didn’t really bother her. Silverwing obviously didn’t mind it, and things were comfortable for Colgate. “So where are you from, little lady?” He said, letting his hoof out towards her. She graciously accepted his offer to dance, as they continued to talk. “Oh, a little old town called Ponyville.” Silverwing raised an eyebrow, “Ponyville, you say? You look must too beautiful to be from such a low town. What brings you here, tonight?” What does he mean by ‘low’? “Oh, um. An old friend, I’ve known Spitfire since before she was a Wonderbolt, we only recent got back in touch though.” Mentioning Spitfire’s name caused Colgate to instinctively look toward her friend. However, she could only catch Spitfire walking away towards steps. Colgate could only assume Spitfire was going to the balcony on the second floor, which was basically the only part of the second floor meant for anyone at the party. The rest of the second floor was a large, empty room save for a few boxes here and there, which the unicorn could see from her spot on the dancefloor. I hope Spitfire can find a date, too.. With one of her hooves in the stallion’s hoof, they started a slow dance fitting to the calm, and slow orchestral music being played at the moment. Colgate kept blushing, Silverwing set on keeping eye contact. It made her feel for awkward than anything, but she was set on enjoying her time no matter what. “I love your eyes, they sure do remind me of my mother’s.” He said, particularly posh. “Oh my, you’re just quite the charmer, aren’t you?” “Only for you, Crest.” Crest. What. “I-it’s Colgate, not Crest.” <><><><><><><><><><> Spitfire decided she wasn’t going to even attempt to find a date with anypony else. It wasn’t like she had expected to in the first place, she clearly only had her sight on one pony. She enjoyed the large balcony and let herself decide on when she should come out to Colgate and confess her feelings. Is it love? Is it lust? Am I just falling for her because she’s my first true friend in ages? Are the feelings strong enough to be called love? Everything went so much easier in my head last night. Now it’s like I am in high school again. Except, this time I am the awkward one completely confused on where I should go forward with my feelings. The Pegasus stretched her wings for a second, the lining in her thin dress irritating the base of her wings. Being famous has certainly helped me enjoy the times where I’m not being gawked at, that’s for sure. I remember when I was in high school. Stallions basically lined up for me, and I hated it. Any stallion I was with was so full of himself. Egos are just the worst, yet here I am almost expecting another mare that I’ve only gotten in touch with recently to date me. Sometimes I feel being a Wonderbolt has made me a bit too cocky. Spitfire changed her position, sitting away from the entrance to the balcony and enjoying a nighttime view of Ponyville. There was still a line of ponies entering the building below. It’s not like I’m not nervous…I’ve been questioning myself for the past month. I’m anything by cocky at this point. What if she says no? What if I lose her as a friend? My only friend.. The Pegasus sighed, adjusting her position to not damage her dress any further. This dress is beautiful, I just wish it was more comfortable. Her thoughts quickly returned to the blue unicorn on the dance floor. Is this love? yeah, it’s love. She thought. Dammit. Spitfire then spoke aloud if only for the reassurance of her own voice. “I need to stop being such a filly about this. We’re both adults; there’s no reason to be this nervous. I should sweep her off her hooves, in one quick romantic gesture. Or, maybe I should be cautious? I think she wouldn’t like it if I was too aggressive, considering we’re both ma-“ “Who in the hay are you talking to Spitfire?” Colgate said with a laugh, though the laugh was heavy with disappointment from was had just happened on the dance floor. Spitfire was startled, though she then put on a smile and acted natural, “Oh nothing,” She said, standing up, to turn towards her friend, “Wait, why are you here? Where’s that one stallion dude?” “Spitfire…” Colgate started, with a slightly embarrassed smile, “He accidentally...he accidentally got my name wrong, then started acting extremely awkward. I literally felt his sweat. Oh Celestia, it was the most awkward thing I’ve ever been through. He left to get us some drinks after the dance was over, I didn’t see him for ten minutes, so I left. “ Spitfire grimaced, half embarrassed for her friend, have rejuvenated at the appearance of an opportunity, “Ouuuuuuuuuch. That was one awkward fella’, huh?. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I almost even feel bad for him, he had a chance with one of the most beautiful mares in the room and messed it up.” Neither pony would admit it to themselves, but the romantic tension between them grew between them after Spitfire’s smooth compliment. They both started to choose their words carefully. The unicorn blushed at the sudden compliment from her friend, “Oh, you’re just too nice, Spitfire. Honestly, I love this party and all, but I’d rather not go look for another stallion. It’s just too awkward. Can we just hang? Or are you just going to look for a stallion?” Spitfire consciously kept a slight smile on her face, hoping it’d somehow make her more attractive. She had done ever since she was old enough to be dating, she never knew whether it worked or not, “I don’t know, I’d rather spent my time with you, too.” The Pegasus left her response just ambiguous enough for Colgate to question whether by “my time” she meant her time at the party they were at or or if she meant more than that. The unicorn sat down carefully, facing the Pegasus, “Why did you come up here, anyway? I can imagine stallions lined up for you.” “It was never my intention to find a stallion here, Colgate.” Oh boy am I good under pressure. And I’m also cocky… There was a slight silence between them, though this time it wasn’t an awkward silence. Spitfire kept smiling, and tried to keep eye contact with Colgate, who was just about ten inches from her face. “W-what do you mean?” Is Spitfire flirting with me? Oh my Celestia… Spitfire took a deep breath. She had anticipated this moment since the first moment she realized she could invite Colgate to this party. She knew that the reward of being successful was worth the risk of being denied. “Colgate. I don’t know what it is about you, your smile, your kindness, how down-to-earth you are, and I don’t want to make you feel awkward by this,” She glanced deeply into the widened eyes of the blue unicorn before her, “But I’ve had strong feelings for you, for a long time. I’d really love it if you gave me a chance and let me take you to the most luxurious restaurant in Ponyville. I’ll get you whatever you want, I’ll treat you like nopony else could. I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself, no matter what ends up happening. Please, just let me take you out. “ A few moments of silence, all they could hear was each other’s breaths, and their own thoughts running wild. Spitfire just asked me out…? I can’t believe this, she’s a Wonderbolt, she’s famous, and she likes me? Seeing the surprise on her friend’s face, Spitfire’s heart skipped a beat as she spoke up again, “So, what do you say?” “I..I don’t…” Spitfire, sensing the hesitation, started to panic, “Oh-Jeez, I’m s-sorry Colgate if this is a bit weird, I didn’t mean to-“ “No Spitfire, I just-“ There was another silence, this time filled with angst, both ponies about to explode from conflicting emotions about the current turn of events. “I’m sorry…” “I don’t know, Spitfire, I just don’t know…” “Please, Colgate, I’d make it the time of your life…” Now I’m begging, I sound like a darn filly. I can’t believe this… “Spitfire…I…I’ll talk to you later,” Colgate said, a tear in her eye. The unicorn stood up and walked back into the party, Spitfire watching the whole way out, barely able to comprehend what just happened.