//------------------------------// // Take Two, They're Small // Story: Feathers of Blue and Gold // by Ruirik //------------------------------// Bouncing her way through the streets of Ponyville, Pinkie Pie hummed a merry tune as she thought over the morning’s events. Well, perhaps thought over was too strong a term. They were certainly clattering around in her head, but so were other important things like what to make for lunch, or when to feed Gummy, or how many gallons of ice cream could she eat in a single sitting! Or what new games she could play with the twins when she had to foalsit them next time. Pinkie wondered what their cutie marks would be when they grew up. Maybe Pumpkin would become a talented magic user like Twilight, or a fashionista like Rarity. Pinkie doubted that though, not that Pumpkin couldn’t do it cause anypony could do whatever it was they set their minds to. But Pumpkin probably would follow in her parents’ hoofsteps and become one of the greatest bakers in the history of everything! Her brother Pound was a harder guess. Pinkie certainly hoped he’d stay in the family business; after all, if he left to become a weather pony or a fancy flyer like Rainbow Dash then she wouldn’t get to see him anymore. Not that he shouldn’t grow up and start a life of his own somewhere; everypony had to grow up one day, that was just a part of life. Pinkie couldn’t wait to plan their cutecenaria parties. Maybe they’d both get their cutie marks at the same time, and then she’d get to plan an extra super-duper humungous party! The thought alone was enough to make Pinkie squeal in delight. Continuing her hop down the trodden dirt road, Pinkie happened to glance into one of the many open cafes that were dotted along mane street. Inside one of them she spotted a familiar canary mare sipping quietly on a cup of tea. The mare’s eyes were downcast, as though to avoid accidentally catching the attention of any other ponies in the cafe. Pinkie giggled to herself; Fluttershy clearly needed company. Darting into the cafe in a blur of pink, Pinkie Pie was at Fluttershy’s side almost instantly. She draped a hoof across the pegasus’ shoulders and greeted her with a loud hello that easily drowned out Fluttershy’s startled yelp. “Whatcha up to Fluttershy? Having a tea? Tea’s great, especially if you put milk and sugar in it, then it’s amazing!” She paused to rub at her chin with a hoof. “Well, maybe not the most amazing thing ever, that would probably be cupcakes or rock candies, but still pretty amazing, am I right?” “Um, I think—” “So, whatcha doing here with that sad face?” Pinkie’s voice dipped low and she pulled her lips into an impossibly deep frown. “It’s a sunny day, the little birdies are chirp-chirp-a’cherpin’, and our Dashie’s come home and brought a new friend for everypony to meet!” Pinkie squealed and excitedly clopped her hooves together. Fluttershy’s face darkened and her ears fell flat at the mention of Rainbow, a small gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Pinkie. “Hey,” Pinkie said, her voice and tone instantly shifting to a quiet, some might say indoor voice. “What’s the matter, Fluttershy? You look all sad all of a sudden.” “Oh, um…” The canary mare blushed and her gaze shifted back and forth as though she was looking for the nearest escape route. “I’m sorry. It...It’s nothing, really.” “You can tell me,” Pinkie said, a reassuring smile on her lips. “We’re friends, and a friend is always there to listen when you need it, right?” Fluttershy’s ears perked, then splayed out again as her eyes drifted down to the checkered tablecloth. Indecision gripped at her mind and held her tongue into a long silence that settled between them like a heavy cloud over rain soaked fields. Hesitantly, she nodded and looked up to meet Pinkie’s gaze. “That...yes, yes they do.” Pinkie gave a self-satisfied nod. “Well come on, I’m all ears! Well, maybe not literally all ears cause that’d just be silly, but the ears I got are the best at listening!” “It’s just, well, I was thinking,” Fluttershy began, her hooves fidgeting with the cup in front of her. “About Rainbow Dash and how upset we made her today.” “Oh, that reminds me,” Pinkie darted around the table so she was sitting next to Fluttershy. “Dashie said you’ve known about her…” Pinkie rolled her hoof through the air in tiny circles as she struggled with how to phrase herself. “...thing for a long time, right?” “Yes,” Fluttershy answered, unable to shake a certain level of discomfort in where the conversation seemed to be heading. “She, um, she told me before her dad, I think.” “Tell me about it?” Fluttershy looked away from her friend, her hooves rubbing together anxiously. “I don’t know Pinkie…” “I Pinkie Promise not to tell a soul,” Pinkie said, crossing her heart with a hoof. With a weary sigh, Fluttershy lowered her head and went quiet for a few moments. Pinkie waited patiently, giving the introverted mare all the time she needed to gather her thoughts. As the seconds stretched into minutes, a pink hoof came to rest on Fluttershy’s shoulder. The simple contact was enough to draw Fluttershy’s attention back to the moment, and more importantly, to her story. “I was sixteen, Rainbow had just turned fifteen. I guess I never really noticed when she started acting...well, different.” Fluttershy’s wings fidgeted at her sides. “She asked me to go flying with her one day after school and after a little while we found a really nice cloud that was off on its own.” A nostalgic sigh escaped the canary-colored mare. “It was a really nice talk we had. I think it might’ve been the first time we had a real heart to heart conversation.” Pinkie Pie nodded her head once, her expression momentarily neutral. “What happened then?” “Rainbow said there something she wanted to tell me,” Fluttershy voice trailed off into near silence and she squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. Pinkie nodded, understanding what Fluttershy was referring to. “And how did you feel at that point?” Fluttershy hesitated for a time and her eyes shifted to and fro as she struggled for the right word. “Uncomfortable, I guess.” “That’s good, that’s how it’s supposed to feel.” Pinkie’s tone was gentle and her expression offering a sense of understanding. “It is?” Fluttershy leaned back, her wings stretching half open and her eyes widening. “Look, Fluttershy.” Pinkie reached out to place her hooves on the pegasus’ shoulders. “I just wanna help Rainbow through this.” “You keep saying that, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with her. I mean, is it really wrong for..." Fluttershy’s canary-yellow cheeks flushed to a subtle shade of pink. “Well, you know.” Pinkie tilted her head and furrowed her brows. “Well of course it is, silly filly.” “But how do you know that? I mean lots of ponies are born lots of different ways, right? Isn’t that kind of like saying it’s wrong to be born with brown eyes instead of blue eyes?” Pinkie giggled behind a hoof and shook her head. “No, cause that’s just natural.” “And, erm,” Fluttershy mewled, not wanting to say the word out loud, particularly in such a publish space. “What Rainbow likes isn’t?” “Well it is, I suppose, but think of it like crooked teeth or a broken leg. They’re accidents, but they’re fixed with a bit of time and a whole lotta love!” Pinkie said with a bold confidence. “But—” A pink hoof stopped Fluttershy’s response easily enough. “Think about it this way, Fluttershy: Gummy is a baby gator. He’s s’posed to have lots of sharp teefs for nippin’ and a’ nommin’ on stuff. But he doesn’t!” Fluttershy leaned in until her nose was literally pressed against the older mare’s. “You know why?” A spark of anger flashed behind her blue eyes. She knew better than anypony why Gummy lacked teeth; poachers often did terrible things to animals, the results of which were sold to alchemists, jewelers, and who knew how many other interests. Her lips formed a thin tight line as Fluttershy offered the slightest of nods. “Through no fault of his own, Gummy is what he is. That doesn’t make him less of an alligator though, just a bit different. Still, he gums at us because that’s what gators do. That’s how nature intended it to be.” Pinkie allowed herself a confident nod. “It’s the same with this...well not exactly the same cause ponies don’t chew on each other, well, except for Pound and Pumpkin with they’re fighting but that’s not the point!” Pinkie took a breath. “Anyway, mares and stallions are supposed to be with each other. Mares and mares, stallions and stallions, they can love each other like I love my sisters, but that’s a different kind of love. You get what I mean?” “I...I think so,” Fluttershy answered with a little nod. Pinkie smiled again. “Then will you help me?” “Help?” Fluttershy seemed confused for a moment. “With what?” “Fixing Dashie! And Spitfire too!” “I don’t know, Pinkie…” Fluttershy shook her head. “I don’t know if it’s right….I-I wouldn’t want to hurt their feelings.” “We’re not gonna hurt them, Fluttershy. We’re gonna help them to help themselves.” Pinkie promised, her hoof giving Fluttershy’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “Rainbow Dash and Spitfire are like big knots of yarn inside. They just need a little help to untangle.” She smiled almost sadly. “I feel so bad for them, Fluttershy. I just can’t stand to see Dashie and Spitfire hurt themselves like this.” Looking her friend in the eye, Pinkie silently pleaded for the older mare’s aid. “I…” Fluttershy felt her will shrivel away. “Alright, Pinkie...I’ll..I’ll help.” Pinkie’s grin brightened and her hoof patted Fluttershy’s back. “You’re a great friend, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy wished she could share in the earth pony’s confidence. “What do we do?” “Hmmm….” Pinkie tapped her hoof against her chin, pursing her lips in thought. “You know where Scootaloo is?” Across town, Applejack, Twilight, and Spitfire finished piling several bags of groceries into the woven basket of Twilight’s balloon. Nearby sat Rainbow Dash, her set jaw and splayed ears complimenting the irritated look on her face. “Can I please help with some of that?” Rainbow asked, not at all for the first time. “I can lift a grocery bag, you know.” Spitfire shook her head and offered Rainbow a sympathetic smile. “You have a strict weight limit and doctors orders to take it easy. Heck, if your dad knew I let walk all over town today he’d personally tan my hide.” “We ain’t never met Rainbow’s pa,” Applejack said after setting the last canvas bag into the basket. “What’s he like?” Spitfire chuckled, her eyes moving from the farmer to her weathermare. “If Rainbow dumps me he said he’d take me.” “What...really?” Twilight’s jaw fell open. “That’s just—” “He was joking, Twilight!” Rainbow shouted, immediately cringing from the effort. “Stupid chest.” Applejack shook her head, watching with concern as Spitfire instantly moved from the balloon to Rainbow. “Y’okay, Rainbow?” “Yeah.” “You lyin?” “...Yeah.” “Alrighty then, just checking.” Applejack said with a satisfied nod. “Are you sure you’ve got everything you need, Rainbow?” Twilight asked, looking from the stuffed balloon to her friend. Rainbow nodded once. “Yeah, we should be good for be basics. Besides, with your balloon it’ll be easy to just float back down whenever we gotta.” “And I’m sure the both of ya featherheads’ll be flappin’ round town just like new.” Applejack said, Despite the optimistic tone, Applejack’s words did nothing more than remind the pegasi what they had lost. Both Spitfire and Rainbow let their faces fall to a sullen expression as they considered their situation. To a pegasus, even a day without flight was an all but unbearable trial. It denied them of their very nature, of everything that was central to their being. Sensing the downturn in their moods, Twilight moved closer and offered a bright, optimistic smile. “So what do you two plan on doing while you’re back in town? Ponyville may not be the biggest place, but there’s lots to do.” “Thanks, Twilight.” Rainbow wrapped a hoof around Spitfire’s back and with a grunt hauled herself onto all four hooves. “I think we’re gonna take it...easy.” Rainbow’s face twisted like the word itself was a bitter apple left to soak in a bath of lemon juice and vinegar. “At least for a couple days.” A pointed snort escaped Applejack. “Well I’ll be darned, Rainbow, it’s almost like you developed a sense of personal responsibility. I’m guessin’ a bit a city life was jus’ the thing.” “Maybe the night life,” Spitfire shot back with a wink. “Night life?” Twilight head moved right in a quizzical tilt. “Oh, like the plays on mane street? I hear they’re amazing! Did you catch any of them?” “Well there was the one I caught,” Spitfire’s hoof rubbed at her chin. “I don’t remember much of the plot, but there was this really interesting cat in the middle.” “You’re the worst,” Rainbow mumbled under her breath as her cheeks burned furiously. It only took a moment for Applejack’s eyes to widen as the implication hit her like a bout of gastric distress. With one ochre hoof she reached up and pulled her crumpled stetson down and over her eyes. Once her face was sufficiently covered, she let loose a mighty groan. “I don’t get it,” Twilight said. “I’ll tell yah when you’re older,” the despondent apple farmer promised. “Okay!” Rainbow forced her body forward. “I’m gonna go home now! if you see Fluttershy could you have her bring Tank around when she’s got a minute?” “Sure thing, Rainbow,” Twilight answered with a smile. Leaning forward, Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Rainbow, pulling the smaller mare into a gentle hug. “We’re all so glad you’re back.” Rainbow hugged her friend back. “I’m sorry I dodged you guys for so long, I just...I just needed a little time.” Applejack offered a simple shrug. “Aw, shucks, we understand, R.D. Even if one or two are a teeny bit confused.” “Thanks, Applejack,” Rainbow said, pulling away from Twilight’s embrace and moving towards the farmpony. Unlike Twilight, Applejack leaned away from Rainbow’s open hooves. “And jus’ what are you doing there, missy?” “I…I thought you wanted to hug…” Rainbow’s ears folded back. Applejack snorted and shook her head as an almost bemused grin pulled her lips into a bright smile. “Wow did you read that one wrong, Rainbow.” Applejack started to turn away, only to suddenly pull Rainbow into a tight embrace. “I was just funnin’ with ya, R.D.” “Oof, easy on the ribs there, Applejack!” Rainbow wheezed, through her forelegs did return the embrace. “Sorry, sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled as she pulled away. “You two featherheads remember to come down to Equestria now and again.” “We will,” Spitfire promised, stepping forward to drape her good wing across Rainbow’s back. She gave her marefriend a little squeeze, earning a shy smile from the younger mare. Together, Rainbow and Spitfire stepped into the balloon’s loaded basket and pulled the door closed behind them. After ensuring once again that Rainbow knew how to operate it, Twilight released the anchor line and waved as the pegasi slowly ascended to their natural altitude. They sat in silence for the few short minutes that the ride took, their bodies gently resting against each other as they gazed across the green fields and rolling hills that surrounded Ponyville. “Dash?” “Yeah?” Rainbow nuzzled her cheek into the crook of Spitfire’s neck. “How’re you feeling?” Spitfire asked, her good wing stretching out to wrap Rainbow in a soft embrace. “With my hooves.” Spitfire snorted. “Smartass.” Rainbow chuckled to herself and gave Spitfire a small shrug. “I’m okay, Spitfire, really.” “You sure? You look like you’ve just flown a marathon.” A sigh, soft and melancholic, escaped the younger mare. “I’ll be fine in a minute.” Spitfire’s wing tightened its grip around Rainbow. “You know, Dash, it’s okay to take it easy. No pony’s gonna think any less of you, especially not me.” Rainbow said nothing, her eyes gazing out across the peaceful, sunlit fields of Equestria. As the balloon reached the cumulous platform cloud that formed the foundation of Rainbow’s home, Spitfire took the anchor rope in her teeth and hopped out of the basket. Her hooves landed on the soft cloud with an almost inaudible whompf, and it took Spitfire considerable restraint not to frolick in the soft clouds. Weeks of being forced to live like an earth pony or unicorn did strange things to the mind. She made quick work of securing the balloon to the platform while Rainbow tossed one of the anchor bags over the side to hold it there. Once both mares were sure the balloon was stable and safe, Rainbow opened the basket door and promptly melted into the soft cloud with a loud, approving moan. Spitfire was about to join her, at least until she got a proper look at Rainbow’s home. Well, perhaps ‘home’ wasn’t quite the word she was looking for. “Holy crap, Dash!” Spitfire’s good wing flared out as she gawped at the extravagant mansion before her. “This place is huge!” Rainbow’s cheeks flushed and she lowered her head to rest in the cloud. “It’s not that big.” “Is that real liquid rainbow in those fountains?” “Yeah…” “Did that come with the place or how did you get that?” Spitfire shook her head in disbelief. In Manehattan, Rainbow had been frugal with her spending. It had left Spitfire with the mental image of a mare that lived in a small apartment, or perhaps roomed with another pegasus to eek out a living. The mansion before her had to cost more then Spitfire had earned in her career. Sensing the disconnect, Rainbow slowly pushed herself onto her hooves and moved closer to Spitfire. “I think Grandpa had them installed. This was his summer home back when I was little. Dad and I would come visit him here all the time when I was a filly.” “He doesn’t still live in there does he?” Spitfire made a nervous chuckle. “I mean, I’m sure your grandpa’s an awesome pony, but--” “No, no,” Rainbow waved a hoof frantically. “Grandpa hasn’t lived here in forever. He stays in Cloudsdale pretty much year round now.” “Ah.” Spitfire stared at the residence for a few moments longer. “It’s a beautiful place, Rainbow.” “Grandpa would be thrilled to hear you say that, he designed it himself.” “Very cool!” A bright, genuine smile pulled at Spitfire’s lips as she draped her good wing across Rainbow’s back. “So, how much for a tour?” Rainbow snickered and lifted a hoof to her chin, pretending to think on the question. “Hmm….I don’t know….How about a kiss?” With a soft chuckle, Spitfire leaned closer until her lips pressed against Rainbow’s. Both mares felt their eyes drift shut as they leaned into the kiss, and Spitfire lifted a hoof to stroke through the back of Rainbow’s unkempt mane. Their eyes opened as they parted, small, affectionate smiles on their lips as they looked into each other’s eyes. “Hey, Dash?” “Hey, Spitfire?” Spitfire leaned in again, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Take two, they’re small.” Their lips met for a second time as Rainbow let out a little giggle. Her right foreleg lifted up and slid around Spitfire’s neck in a loose hug. The kiss lasted only a few short moments before they separated, both mares wearing small smiles and gazing longingly into one anothers eyes. “Love you,” Rainbow whispered. Spitfire nuzzled at Rainbow, her own forelegs returning the hug. “Love you too.” “Come on.” The former weathermare motioned her head towards the waiting home. “Let me show you around the place.” “Sounds like a plan.” Spitfire nodded as she moved to the basket and bit down on one of the canvas grocery bags to lift it. Rainbow’s offers to help fell on deaf ears, as did her complaints when Spitfire prodded her towards the door. Stepping inside the mansion, Spitfire almost dropped the bag she had been holding. Setting it down, she shook her head and rubbed at her eyes. The foyer led to a wide open space that held the stairs to the upper floors and two alcoves that split into the kitchen and living room. Perhaps the most striking thing Spitfire noticed off-hoof were the twin wonderbolts statues that guarded the impressive cloud doors. Spitfire’s lips spread into an impish grin as the better angels of her nature took a poorly timed lunch break. “Dash, why is there lipstick stain on this mare’s lips?” Spitfire asked, her hoof prodding one of the statues. Rainbow stiffened noticeably as she turned to face her marefriend. “What? N-No there isn’t!” “Wrong lips, Dash.” “...oh for the love of…” Rainbow groaned, her hoof slapping hard against her forehead. “Do you actually kiss your mother with that mouth?” Spitfire looked to Rainbow with half lidded eyes and a sly grin on her lips. She sauntered around the statue before walking over to Rainbow where she nuzzled at her marefriend, a golden hoof running through the younger mare’s mane. “I certainly kiss you with it,” Spitfire whispered into Rainbow’s ear. Rainbow couldn’t help a soft chuckle. “You’re terrible.” “I know, I’m a bad filly.” Spitfire stuck out her tongue. “Go lay down, I’ll put the groceries away and then we’ll just relax for a while.” “You sure?” Spitfire nodded and smiled. “I got this, don’t you worry.” Escorting Rainbow into the living room, Spitfire got her marefriend settled onto the plush cloud couch. With one final hug, the Wonderbolt moved back to the balloon and gathered up all the bags she could carry. Three trips later, and ten minutes gawping at the elaborate architecture, she had finished her task and moved back into the living room. For the first time she actually took stock of the opulent room. While Rainbow’s personal possessions weren’t that out of the ordinary, they stood out against the classical look of the home. Flight magazines from multiple publishers, Daring Do books piled haphazardly onto the bookshelves, a semi-organized record collection next to an ornate record player that looked older then Rainbow and Spitfire combined. “Whoa,” Spitfire gasped, approaching the player with a sense of reverence. “This thing is amazing, Dash!” Rainbow looked to the mare from her spot on the sofa. “It’s grandpa’s, he left it here when he moved to Cloudsdale.” “Can...can I try it out?” Spitfire asked, tapping her forehooves together like an excited filly. “Go for it, some music sounds good.” Spitfire looked at the record that was currently sitting on the table of the player. The name caused her to raise an eyebrow. “Who’s Bit Crosby?” “Oooold artist,” Rainbow answered, pushing herself slowly onto her hooves and off the couch. “Grandpa said he met him once.” “Very cool.” Spitfire nodded. Her dexterous feathers took the arm with care and set it onto the vinyl surface. Pushing the play button she stepped away from the box and moved closer to Rainbow. There was a soft set of pops and scraps as the needle found the groove. A quiet guitar began to play a bluesy, muted pattern. It harkened the image in Spitfire’s mind of dark wood lounge with gilded furniture and the subtle tendrils of smoke creating a dim fog around the stage. She leaned up against Rainbow as the singer began, his deep vibrato resonating in their chests. Kiss me once, then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again It's been a long, long time “Rainbow?” Spitfire nuzzled the smaller mare. “Mmhmm?” Spitfire moved so she was standing in front of Rainbow, their noses lightly brushing together. She smiled an almost shy smile as she took Rainbow’s hoof in her own. “May I have this dance?” Heat bloomed beneath Rainbow’s cheeks, though it was soon replaced with a small smile. “Always.” Haven't felt like this, my dear Since I can't remember when It's been a long, long time Ever conscious of Rainbow’s limitations, Spitfire led them in a slow waltz. Their bodies swayed gently in rhythm to the music. Rainbow closed her eyes and leaned against Spitfire, content to let to older mare lead her. In turn, Spitfire nuzzled Rainbow’s mane, breathing deep the scent of static and spring rain. You'll never know how many dreams I've dreamed about you Or just how empty they all seemed without you “Hey, Rainbow?” Spitfire whispered, her nose bumping the weather mares. Rainbow giggled and smiled to her marefriend. “Take two, they’re small.” “Yes ma’am.” Spitfire leaned forward, her lips gently meshing with Rainbow’s. So kiss me once, then kiss me twice Then kiss me once again It's been a long, long time