“Faster, Spike! Faster!” A cyan Pegasus called out to the dragon flying above her.
“But Rainbow, I’m trying my-“
“No excuses!”
“Erg…” Soaring as fast as he could, Spike tucked his wings and twisted his body to the left, effectively rolling midair. He then quickly spread his wings once more to gain elevation. “There! I did it! A perfect barrel roll! Can I rest now?” Spike had been performing aerial feats all afternoon with Rainbow Dash, and he was worn out.
“Good work, Spike. I knew you could do it! You can take a break now.” She patted the spot next to her on the cloud she was sitting on.
It was Friday. The day that had been designated as flight training day for the previous four months since Spike had grown his wings. It wasn’t an easy change, and Rainbow Dash immediately jumped on the opportunity to teach the dragon how to fly. She would not only be able to help him use his new apendages, but improve her own coaching abilities as well. However, what started as rigorous training and exercise quickly evolved into enjoyable afternoons together. As the duo learned more about each other, their friendship grew much stronger.
Unbeknownst to the Pegasus, Spike had been developing feelings for the athletic mare. Throughout the time they’ve spent together, he realized not only all the similarities they shared, but also their differences that served only to complement each other further. She was bold, brash and beautiful. He was easy-going, reserved, and had grown into quite a handsome specimen himself, roughly the size of a young stallion. It was a perfect match… to him at least.
Either way, he was more than happy to have her friendship.
“So, Rainbow? How’s my overall progress coming along? With flying, I mean.” Spike laid his back against the comfortable cloud surface that he and Rainbow were sharing.
“Honestly? You’re doing awesome! I mean, you’ve been flying for a few months and you’re already WAY better than half the Pegasus ponies I know!” Her face was adorned with a proud smile.
“You really think so?”
“Definitely!”
“Well, awesomeness is just a side effect of being a dragon,” he said with a snicker, earning one in return from his friend.
“Sure, sure. So you’re just born with awesomeness, then?”
“What can I say? It’s just part of the dragon job description. It's right up there with being a girl magnet. It’s a full-time job!” His mock seriousness caused them both to break out in laughter.
“Oh, yeah? I’m sure you’re just beating ‘em off with sticks!” Their laughter finally died down, allowing normal conversation to resume.
“Yea, I wish. I think most ponies are kind of afraid of me. I mean, I’m getting older, and adult dragons don’t exactly have the best reputation here in Equestria.” He let out a deep breath, before giving a slight smirk. “Maybe being a dragon isn’t always awesome.”
“Well, for the record, Spike, I think you’re awesome. And if I think that, who cares what anyone else says!” She nudged his arm with her hoof, while giving him a wink. “If other mares can’t see that, they’re too lame for you anyway.”
Spike cracked a smile. She always managed to cheer him up. “Thanks, Dash. But you’re my best friend. You have to say that,” he said, chuckling to himself.
“True, but I actually mean it! Anyway, Spike… Are there any ponies you have your eyes on?”
His face flushed red. This conversation just took a turn for the awkward. Should I tell her how I feel? Or is there too much at stake?! He mulled over his thoughts for a few seconds before responding. “Well, umm, maybe. Kinda… I don’t know. Why do you ask?”
Wait… Why did I ask? It was Rainbow’s turn to question her thoughts. It was no great secret that Spike had grown into a very attractive young dragon. She’s never had an interest in romance before, though. “Eh, just curiosity I suppose.” She swatted a stray bead of sweat from her brow.
“Well, it’s complicated. But, there is a mare I like, I guess. Romance isn’t exactly my area of expertise.”
“Are we still talking about Rarity? ‘Kuz I feel obliged to as your friend to tell you it’s never gonna happen.” She turned and gave the young dragon a no-nonsense look.
“Ha, don’t worry. That ship has sailed. It’s someone different.” He felt sweat trickling down from his forehead as his heart rate rose.
“That’s good. I don’t want to see you get hurt. But about this new mare… Can you tell me who she is?” Rainbow’s eyes grew, showcasing her curiosity.
“Umm, sorry, I don’t think I can tell you right now.” Her ears drooped with disappointment. “But I will someday, alright?”
“Alright, that’s fair.” She perked back up, before taking on a serious face. “I don’t know a whole lot about love and stuff, Spike, but I will tell you one thing I know that could help you.”
“What’s that?”
“When you like someone, don’t wait. Tell them the first chance you get, or it’s gonna be too late.” The pair looked into each other’s eyes for a brief moment, before bursting into laughter once more.
“Whoa! Did I actually here wisdom come out of your mouth?! Ha!”
“Wow, I have no idea where that came from!”
The two friends continued to laugh for a few minutes before it finally died down.
“Well, it’s getting late. I should probably head home. You know how Twilight gets when I’m late.” The dragon stood up from the cloud surface, extending a claw to help Rainbow up as well.
“Oh, trust me, I understand. Unhappy Twilight is scary. Well, I’ll see you later, Spike.” The two stared into each other’s eyes, slowly moving toward each other without thinking.
Snapping back to reality, Spike darted down his gaze to his shuffling feet. “He-he, umm, well, bye Dash.”
“Yea, uh, see you around, Spike.” Face blushing, she turned around and soared away at light speed, leaving Spike to return to his own home.