These Lives We Live

by Sir_Fredrick

Reach Out and Grab Her

"Cold cold cold cold cold cold cold COLD! Aggghhhhh!" Rainbow shouted, trying to get her blood pumping faster. She hadn't expected to be flying naked through a snowstorm on one of the coldest nights of the year, and there were times she wondered if karma was out to get her. A tree jumped out of the darkness, and Rainbow had to make a quick roll through it in an instant. Her hoof clipped a branch as she barrel rolled, causing her to tumble through the air for a moment before crash landing into a bank of snow on the edge of the street. She was quickly covered up by the snow, reaching a new level of freezing.

That's it. I give up. I'm just going to die right here. Forget it all. Death, I embrace you. Rainbow picked herself up and set off again for the library, covered in snow and ice water. It hindered her wings, weighing them down with moisture but still she pressed onward.

Even going as fast as she could, Rainbow couldn't wait to get indoors any sooner. "I have seriously underestimated how much I really hate the cold." She pumped her wings harder, picking up as much speed as she could without going supersonic. Just as she came to the library, she realized to she was going far too fast, and would have to loop around the treehouse if she didn't slow down. Every second out here was torture, and looping around was out of the question.

No time to think! Improvise With a flare of her wings, her speed dropped considerably and she dropped to the ground like a brick. Keeping her balance has she landed, she skidded along the snow on all fours for at least twenty metres, stopping just outside the front door.

That was pretty awesome... I should work on using that in a stunt. Dash thought as she threw open the door and hurried inside, slamming it and leaning against it as if trying to impede someone that had chased her home.

Dash shivered the cold out as best she could, and folded her wings tight to her torso. They made excellent heaters most of the time. Most of the time not including when they were soaking wet and covered with ice particles. Luckily the library's fire was still going strong in the other room, and Dash used it as a source of warmth for many minutes. As the ice water evaporated, heat reinvigorated her body.

Oh damn, that is so much better. Thank you ancestors for inventing fire. Whilst drying, and getting back to a normal body temperature, she used the time to think of something, anything, to say to Twilight. Unfortunately she wasn't downstairs like Rainbow had planned, but being ice cold probably would have prevented her from saying anything intelligent anyway.

I like you Twilight Sparkle. I like you... Good enough. Just do it, and it'll be over with.

"Twilight!? You here?" She called as she neared the staircase. Just do it quickly. I'm sure she likes me back. Of course she does, what's not to like? She chuckled to herself. Arrogant. Brash. Rude. Total jerk sometimes. Dumb.

"Thank you for that brain. Really helps the self confidence..." Rainbow whispered to herself. She ascended the stairs after Twilight didn't reply back, unsure of her assuredness. "Twi?" Rainbow opened the door to the bedroom.

"Aghh!" Spike yelled, falling to the ground with a thump.

"Oh, its you Spike. Is Tw-WHAT THE HAY ARE THOSE!"

"Nothing! It's not what it looks like!" Spike yelled, trying to hide them behind his back whilst scrambling to his feet. Unfortunately for him, the items in question were a bit bigger than the rest of him.

"Spike are those-"

"No!...Don't tell anyone! Please!" Spike dropped to his knees and begged.

"Why wouldn't I tell everyone you've got wings, Spike! That's awesome!" Attached to Spike's back, was a pair of wings that looked somewhat similar to a bat's. Spanning at least two feet each, their forearms were coloured a deep shade of purple, and the membranes a medium green. Rainbow jumped over to Spike and grabbed his right wing, pulling it out to its full length and examining it.

"When did you get these? This is sweet! They look pretty strong and maneuverable. You've gotta show me what you can do with these."

"Woah, hold on!" Spike pulled his new limb away from the entranced mare. "First off, they showed up a couple months ago. One day my back was itchy, and when I went to scratch it a handful of scales came off, and these things slid out."

"Did it hurt?"

"Not really. It was weird, I guess. They just kinda....came out."

"Wait you've had these for months? But I saw you this morning. You were pretty wingless."

"Uh, yeah." Spike rubbed the back of his neck. "They go back."

"Go....back?" Rainbow asked, feeling very confused. Spike sighed.

"Just watch." He turned his back to Rainbow. She saw what was happening next, but she didn't believe it. The membranes of Spike's wings tightened up to their forearms, and the entire length slid smoothly into his back. She inspected his back, and on either side of his spine, was a small gap in between his scales that you wouldn't be able to notice if you weren't looking for them.

"I don't know if that's the creepiest thing I've ever seen... or the most badass. How do they come out?" Without warning, his wings shot out of his back and unfurled in an instant, making Rainbow jump back in surprised. Spike turned towards her again.

"Well?" He asked.

"Yeah. Definitely badass. So... what can you do with them?"

"That's why I don't want you telling anyone about them. At least, not yet. I.. can barely keep off the ground for a few seconds. Its really embarrassing..."

"Ooooooh." He's embarrassed that he can't do something all dragons do, seemingly so naturally. I understand. Wait, is that where you went today? That guy stuff you were talking about?"

"Yeah...I was out practicing flying just outside the everfree, where nopony could see me. Its really hard, and I don't know if I'll ever get the hang of it."

"Psh. Well there's your first problem." Rainbow pushed Spike back a little with a jab of her hoof.

"Huh?"

"Learning to fly out in the cold winter air? Not going to happen."

"What? Why not?"

"Well if you had any kind of wing muscle control, it wouldn't be too bad. But for a beginner? Frigid air is not your friend. You need to start off easier. Here."

"Wuh, Hey!" Dash grabbed Spike by the torso, and brought him to the roof. She held him away from her body.

"Okay. Flap." She let go.

"Ahhh!" Spike yelled as he fell. He tried his best to flap his wings, but he was falling too fast. He closed his eyes and braced for impact with the floor. He fell softly onto Rainbow Dash's back.

"You're not going to fly by covering your eyes, Spike. Flap those wings."

"You just dropped me!"

"Like a bird from a nest. Let's try again." Spike almost fell from her back as she spiraled up to the roof once again. "Ready?"

"No!"

"Fly!" Rainbow said as she bucked him off her back. Spike yelped again, and tried to flap his wings again. He pressed harder this time. On his second down stroke, his descent slowed. "There you go Spike. See?" Rainbow said from above him. Spike continued flapping. He would go up on each down stroke, and down on each upstroke. He was still losing altitude, but it was progress.

"I'm doing it! This is great!"

"Good. Now spread out your wings. Keep them loose, and glide."

"Spread, keep loose, and...glide." Spike did as he was told, and spread his wings. His downward motion turned to lateral movement in an instant, and he glided across the room.

"Now turn!" Rainbow yelled. Spike snapped out of his flight induced wonderment.

"Wuh-How do I-" He spun his body to the left, overturning, he flipped himself upside down, and gravity dragged him downwards once more. "AH!"

"Gotcha." Rainbow held Spike by the tail, a foot off the floor.

"Phew. Thanks."

"No problem." She said, letting his tail go free. He face planted.

"Ow."

"Pretty good Spike." Rainbow landed next to him, far more gracefully than he had. "Flying upside down is probably a little out of your league, but If you want, I can get you flying like a pro before summer. In secret too, if you really want." Spike looked up at her from the ground.

"Really? You'll help me learn to fly?" He looked up at her with awe.

"Sure. It'll be fun."She said. "I've never really taught anyone before, so I might not be, uhh... actually, I'm sure I'll be the best instructor ever. Who better to teach you to fly then the best flier in Equestria." Dash flaunted her ego. Spike crawled to his feet and hugged Rainbow Dash, tears of happiness in his eyes.

"Thanks Rainbow Dash! You're the best."

"Heh. I know. We'll have you flying like, well, like me, in no time. Then you can get out there and show off your stuff. You'll get all the mares on your tail." Rainbow chuckled. Spike wiped his eyes dry.

"Is that why you show off all the time when you're flying?" Spike joked as he took a step away from her.

"Psh, no. I fly because it's.. It's quite literally the most amazing thing ever. The feeling of wind blowing through your feathers. The updraft of a sweet thermal. The weightlessness of it all. It's just...perfect." I wish it weren't negative a million degrees out, cause now I want to fly. "And I don't show off, I radiate awesome. Getting all the mares is just a wicked side effect." Spike started to laugh, but stopped after his brain processed Rainbow's words.

"Wait, seriously? You like mares?"

"Ya huh. Mostly, anyway."

"Why?"

"Why do you?"

"Huh... Touche. Hey, uh... you wouldn't have any tips on how get a girl's attention?" Spike asked. Rainbow bit her lip, realizing who Spike was talking about.

"You mean Rarity?"

"Uh...yeah. Don't go spreading that around either!" Said Spike, still unaware that the entire town probably knew

"Well, uh..." Rule one, don't dump her for someone else... "I wouldn't know. Rarity... isn't really my type. Too high maintenance, ya know?"

"But so worth it." Spike swooned. Rainbow could swear she saw hearts floating around in his eyes.

"You've no idea Spike. You've no idea."

"Huh?"

"Nothing!" Rainbow panicked, having said her thoughts out loud without realizing. "So how about another quick lesson!"

"Sure, I-" Spike held is breath for second, and yawned deeply. After which, his eyes would only open half way. "I can't wait to learn more." He said sleepily.

"Haha, okay, maybe we wait till morning, after you get some rest. Flying is tough work, and you can't learn it half asleep."

"What? No, Dash. I'm totally good, I swear. Never mind that dragon's can fall into an out of sleep at a moment's notice when they're tired." Spike waved it off, as if what he just said was perfectly normal.

"Dragons?" Rainbow Dash laughed. "Or just you?"

"Whichever. Come on. Flying, lets do it." Rainbow dashed forward and whisked Spike into the air, carrying him over to Twilight's bed.

"Tell you what Spike." She dropped him onto the star patterned bed. "Come get me in ten minutes, and then we'll keep it up. Till then, take a break.

"Heh. Alright. I'll just, rest here and.....gather my strength. Gonna be the best fly-" Spike flopped, and curled up.

"What a guy, already out. Wish I could fall asleep that fast." Rainbow zipped to the lower level, and trotted down the stairs. As she reached the plateau of the staircase overlooking the library, she asked herself.

"Now, what was I doing?

The front door swung open, snowflakes quickly storming in and melting just as fast. In walked Twilight, covered head to hoof in winter garb. She magicked of the first layer off quickly, happy to rid of her frozen clothes.

"Oh, hey Twilight." Rainbow said. Shit shit shit shit shit! "How's it are you doing?" Nice one brain.

"Huh? Twilight looked up to Dash, noticing her for the first time. "Rainbow Dash, you're here."

"Yeah I got back just a couple minutes ago... had to make this crazy storm. Almost got trapped in it actually. Where did you head off to?"

Twilight removed the rest of her winter attire. "Oh, I'm glad you're okay Rainbow, wouldn't want to find you frozen in an ice block on winter wrap up day." She laughed lightly. "I was at Rarity's though. Needed a favour." Alarm bells went off in Rainbow's head.

"OH!? and uh, what did you talk about?"

"Just wanted to see if she would check on Spike tomorrow." Rainbow sighed in relief.

"Wait, why would she need to do that?"

"I told you before you left Rainbow, I'm going to meet Celestia at the castle tomorrow. She wants to see me, and I might be gone for the entire day. Maybe longer. Rarity will just make sure Spike doesn't get into any trouble while I'm gone..."

"Oh, okay..." There was a short awkward pause, as Twilight expected the pegasus to insist she could take care of it. Instead Rainbow simply jumped down from the staircase. Just ask her something! "So Twilight do you wanna do something?" Rainbow asked with a big grin.

"Sure."

Oh Celestia Yes!.

"I was going to do some reading before bed. We could do it together, if you want?"

Damn it! "Yeah, sounds great..." Twilight levitated a pair of books from the wall, and handed the same copy of Daring-Do from earlier to Rainbow Dash.

"Please try not to drool on it this time. There are other ponies who like to read these too." Twilight said, half joking.

"Aheh heh. Sorry Twi." Rainbow grabbed the book from Twilight's magical grasp, and looked at the cover, then to Twilight who took her own book, opened it up and lay on the floor.

I've gotta make a move. Rainbow placed her book on the table and walked over to Twilight, leaning over her shoulder to look at the book she had grabbed for herself. "Hey Twilight? What what are you reading?"

"Hm? Oh, this is just a little novel I ordered a little while ago." She levitated it, and showed Rainbow Dash the cover. "It's about a few real life historical events. Heavily fictionalized, of course. Cheerilee recommended to me, actually."

"Sounds cool... Do you think, we could... read it together?" Dash asked nervously. Oh Celestia what am I doing! No, stick with it Dash! Twilight gasped audibly.

"Yes!" Twilight jumped up, hugging Rainbow tightly. "Oh, this is so great! We can read it together, then talk about it and discuss the plot and its holes, it's characters! It'll be amazing. I've never had a book buddy before!" Twilight beamed. Rainbow blushed in Twilight's embrace. A deep smile crept onto her face.

"That sounds like a lot of fun." She said honestly. Twilight broke the hug.

"Oh, but I've only got the one copy."

"Not a problem Twi. Lie down, like you usually do when you read." Twilight complied, setting the book down in front of her again. "We can share." Rainbow moved closer, and shimmied into the spot next to Twilight. As their coats brushed up against one another, Rainbow let out a yelp and jumped up.

"Twilight, you're freezing!"

"I am? Well I did just step inside. Hey, If it isn't too much trouble, could you..."

"Way ahead of you." Dash said with a wave of her hoof. She settled in next to Twilight, ignoring the chill of her fur, and wrapped her right wing around her. "There. You'll be warm in no time." Smooth Dash. Real smooth. Twilight chuckled a little. "What?

"Not what I was going to say Rainbow, but I appreciate it. I was going to ask if you could grab my blanket, but-"

"Oh! Yeah, sure I can do that!"

"Rainbow wait-" Twilight tried to stop her, but she was already gone, up the stairs, and leaving a rainbow trail in her wake.

Damn, was I too forward? Not forward enough? No, she just wants her blanket. Ugh this is hard. Why can't I just tell her I like her? As Rainbow returned to the bedroom and flew up to the bed, she noticed something she had forgotten.

"Ah, Spike! Wake up!" Rainbow said, shoving him moderately. Spike didn't move. His snoring was light, and he was still curled up on the bed. "Spike, put your wings away, Twilights here!" Rainbow half whispered, half yelled.

"Rubies are... better than sapphires." He mumbled. Rainbow groaned.

"Get. Up!" She hurdled Spike several feet into the air, and he landed back on the bed, bouncing several times. He slept still, laying on his stomach now. "Uggh. How do these things work?" Rainbow said, jumping on the bed and standing over the sleeping dragon. She grabbed his wings and spread them out at first, then tried to force them back in their sockets.

"Come on, stupid wings!" After a couple seconds of her futile attempt, she stopped. "Agggghh. Why am I even bothering? Twilight should probably know Spike went through some, evolutiony change or whatever." But I guess if he really wants to keep it a secret, I should at least try to help him out. Think, what makes my wings relax when they're tense? Maybe... Rainbow put her left fore hoof on Spike's back, right between his wing sockets, and pressed down. His wings curled up like a projector screen and slid into his back. Spike's sleeping form didn't react at all.

"Huh. Didn't actually think that'd work..." Rainbow said, grabbing the blanket she had come for. She had to yank it out from under Spike to get it free. He tumbled over several times, but still slept soundly. "And I thought I was a heavy sleeper. Kid could probably sleep through a tornado." Actually, I could probably make one right now... No, no. Twilight's waiting...Another time though. Heh heh. Rainbow crumpled up the blanket in her hooves, and grabbed a couple pillows for good measure.

"Back." Rainbow said, dropping the blanket and pillows on the ground. She picked up the blanket in her mouth, and spread it over her friend.

"This wasn't necessary Rainbow. You're wing was actually really comfortable." Twilight said with a smirk and a hoof resting on her cheek.

"Oh. But you said-"

"You really need to let me finish my sentences before you fly off."

"Aheh heh. Sorry. Its a habit." Rainbow said, rubbing her neck.

"More like a lifestyle." Twilight giggled, levitating one of the pillows under her fore hooves. Dash grabbed the other, and crawled under the blanket doing the same. "Ready to start?" Twilight asked, laying the book in front of them.

"Just a sec." Rainbow stretched her wing over Twilight again, and brought her in close as she could. "Ready."

"Okay, let's begin. Chapter one." Twilight began reading the first page of the book, her eyes darting from left to right and back again. Rainbow did the same.

This is going great! Twilight definitely likes me. I just gotta tell her. Or, ask her? Whatever. Just do it. Now?

"You done?" Twilight broke her train of thought.

"Huh?"

"The page. Are you done reading the page?"

"Oh, yeah. Were you waiting on me?"

"Yeah, a little. I'm a bit of a fast reader, so its okay if you need a little more time to finish. I'll slow down, if you like." Rainbow's eyes widened.

"Twilight, are you trying to tell me... you're faster than me?"

"What? I-"

"I think you are! New rule. When you finish a page, tap your hoof on the ground. Whoever finishes the most pages the fastest, wins." Twilight smirked at Rainbow, and in a tone reminiscent of the first time they met, said.

"Bring it." Twilight flipped the page with her magic, and both mares read through it as fast as they could, their eyes blazing across the pages. Rainbow tapped her hoof on the wooden floor, a split second after Twilight did.

"Hah!" Twilight gloated.

"Next page!" Rainbow declared. Twilight flipped the page again, and again. Each time, Twilight just beating her out by the smallest amount. It wasn't long before they reached the end of the first chapter.

"Aggh!" Rainbow moaned as she lost out again.

"End of chapter retention quiz." Twilight smirked. "The main character lost her-"

"Wife. Who's name was Vociferous Whirlwind." What else happened worth mentioning? "The chapter takes place in-"

"The town of Storm Blaze, which is based on what is now Vanhoover. The king was famous for-"

"Killing a giant swarm of harpies, and defending the town from being destroyed, by using his wit to trap and separate them all. He's totally going to be the villain by the way. The main character could be described as-"

"Strong willed, quick on her hooves, cold and ferocious in the face of danger. Very... Rainbow Dash-esque." Both mares stopped and stared at each other for a moment, and couldn't help but burst into a fit of laughter.

"Very nice Twilight. But last I checked, you were the cold one!"

"Sorry, I couldn't help it." They laughed some more. Now. Make a move. Rainbow laid her head against Twilight's neck and shoulder, and gave a small sigh.

"You're a lot more fun than I give you credit for Twi."

"Wow. I'm not sure if I should be flattered, or insulted." She laughed. "Now then, on to the next chapter, and how about this time, we take our time and enjoy it?"

"Sounds good Twi." Rainbow said, still snug in Twilight's shoulder. What are you waiting for? Reach out and grab her, she's yours.

"Of course, you'll still need to tap your hoof, so I know when I can turn the page." Twilight teased. Dash pulled herself off of Twilight.

"You are pure evil Twilight Sparkle. Pure. Evil."

Both mares read through to the end of the sixth chapter in just under an hour. Twilight deeply enjoyed it so far, and Rainbow was deeply enjoying spending the time with Twilight. Often she caught herself just staring at her, having to quickly read through the current page if she stared for too long.

"Phew. I think that's good for now. Twilight said, closing the book. "It's getting late. Time for bed Rainbow?"

"Sure..." Last chance Rainbow. Twilight levitated the book back into its place on the shelf. The pair separated from their embrace and crawled out of the blanket, stretching their tight limbs.

"I'll be right back Rainbow, I've got to write something down, then we'll figure out a sleeping arrangement for you." Twilight levitated the blanket and pillows and teleported up to the stair's plateau, quickly ascending further, into her room.

This is it Rainbow. Go up there and tell her. You need to tell her. Tonight. Now. The pegasus jumped and with a single beat of her wings, soared onto the stairwell, and up into the bedroom.

"Twilight." She was writing something in a small book she had never seen before.

"Hold on a sec Dash." Do it now

"Twilight it can't wait." She walked up behind her. "It's important." Twilight put her quill down, and turned to face her friend.

"What is-"

"I like you Twilight. More than what we are. More than a friend. I want t-to be with you." She took a step forward, and Twilight a step back. "You're special to me. Even If I don't know why, I know that you are. I think I... No, I do love you Twilight. You're a great pony, and I love spending time with you." Rainbow advanced even more, her eyes slowly closed as she leaned forward, trying to catch Twilight's mouth and her voiced turned to a whisper." I don't know if that's what love is, but it's what I feel like it is. So, please tell me you feel the same."

"Rainbow, I..." The absence of Twilight where she should have been made Dash open her eyes just slightly. What she saw, horrified her. Twilight was leaning back, far as she could, her eyes big as saucers. "Rainbow I... Don't like mares like that." Twilight breathed, just loud enough to be heard.

"Oh..." Ow. "I didn't..." Ow. "I'm sorry..."Stop hurting. "I didn't mean..." Rainbow felt her eyes beginning to water. Please stop hurting. She spun on her hooves, and dashed for the exit. "I have to go!"

"Rainbow! Please wait!"

No. No more crying. Dash told herself as she ran down the corridor. You knew this was a possibility. Things don't always work out the way they do it books. You can deal with it. She emerged from the stairwell running as fast as she could, and jumped down to the floor. I'll just leave, and forget all about this. It never would have worked anyway. She slowed and stopped right in front of the door. She sniffled, and wiped her eyes.Right, and where would I go? Out there to freeze to death? Yeah, great idea...

"Rainbow Dash!" Twilight ran up behind her, huffing. "Please wait! I... I'm sorry." Rainbow turned around, and they both gazed into each other's eyes.

"No Twilight." Dash sniffled again. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have put you in that situation. And I tried to force myself on you."

"No Rainbow. I should have seen it. Looking back, its obvious. I'm sorry I didn't catch on, I just didn't think that it was even a possibility. I-" Twilight was lost for words. Dash looked to the ground. She felt Twilight's embrace before she noticed she had moved.

"Twilight..."

"I'm sorry Rainbow. I...I can't return your feelings. But I- I can still be your friend. Please don't go. I care about you Rainbow, even if its not the same." Rainbow hugged Twilight back as hard as she could.

"I know...I was just hoping. It really was just a dream anyway...

"I'm so sorry Rainbow. I don't know what else to say..."

"I'll be okay Twilight." She sniffled. We're friends. It sucks, and it hurts now but... it will do... "I'll get over it Twilight...I love you."