//------------------------------// // Settling In // Story: Wanna Hang Out? // by Rariity7 //------------------------------// Settling In Passing the Academy, a wistful smile grew on my face. That was where I had earned my way to being a Wonderbolt. I still couldn't believe this day had finally come. Making my way to Thistle Hall, I pulled out my acceptance letter. It said that my apartment would be number 221. Each member of the Wonderbolts got an apartment, and I couldn't wait to get to mine. The letter said the key would be under the mat, and holding true to its words, there it was. Giddiness overwhelmed me. Get it together Spits, I chastised, trying to stay cool and calm. Once inside, I regained my composure. Throwing my bags down, I made sure to inspect every inch of the place. There was a large white table and a few chairs to match. The floor was made from wood, which had been glazed over with clear paint. The kitchen consisted of: a stove, dishwasher, and ice box. It was also equipped with a drawer full of utensils and a cabinet with pots and pans. A couch resided in the next room over, sitting alongside a blue rug, the same color as all Wonderbolt suits. The next thing I noticed about the room was the view. You could see a large portion of the area, but I had a clear view of where we would practice. The smile that hadn't left my face grew wider. Next entering the bedroom, I saw a simple bed with navy sheets and a baby blue blanket. The bed frame was an elegant curved wood design. The bathroom was fairly basic, but had a large amount of counter space. Extremely pleased with the living space, I began to unpack my things. All I had brought was a few personal items. I placed a photo of me and my family on my nightstand, the bright colors standing out against the soft scheme of the room. Satisfied with the area, I headed out to explore the cloud island where the Wonderbolts and all of their members stayed. The island was covered with a thin layer of grass, and there was landscaping around all the buildings. I closed my eyes, breathing in the fresh air, feeling as relaxed as I have ever been, although nervous for the upcoming training. Beginning to walk forward, I started to open my eyes, but only to feel the impact of a blow to the side and see a streak of light and navy blue. Groaning and sitting up, I looked over, seeing a cornflower blue stalion with a navy mane and deep emerald eyes. My heart seemed to skip a beat as I looked at him. Dismissing it as a side effect from being thrown to the ground, I introduced myself, "Name's Spitfire," I greeted, seeing as he had gotten to his feet. "I'm Soarin," he replied, extending his hoof to me. I hadn't used a hoof-shake in years, but I figured it would be better than ignoring the gesture. "I'm sorry about crashing into you. I was just in a hurry to find my appartment, since I'm new here, and I wanted to have time to explore," he said, talking quickly. "No hard feeling," I replied, nodding to him. So, he was a new Wonderbolt like me. "Apartments are this way," I told him, starting to show him the way to them. All the newbies were put in the same building, so I stared to lead him to Thistle Hall. "What number?" I asked, beginning to navigate the complex labyrinth of doors and hallways. "Number 225." "Really, that's just four down from mine," I said, taking him toward my apartment. After a short walk, we reached his place. "Well, I will be in 221 if you get lost again," I called back, rolling my eyes once I was facing the other direction. Walking back into my appartment, I looked around, still drinking in the atmosphere of the room. Wow, I loved being able to say that. My own apartment, with the Wonderbolts. I don't think I would ever get used to that. ********************** The next day, I had to get up at five o'clock for training. When I arrived, I saw Soarin, the Pegasus that crashed into my life yesterday, a light blue mare with a fluffy white mane, and one other whose name I had had heard was Rapidfire. For today, it was stamina training: in other words, fly until your wings fall off. We had to do six hundred laps around the track. The track was fairly basic; a dirt ring with chalk marking out the lanes and start line. For the majority of the time, I had been in front, closely followed by Soarin, then Fleetfoot, who I learned was the blue mare, then Rapidfire. Sweat matted my fur down, plastering my mane to my neck. Let me tell you that six hundred laps in ninety five degree heat was not fun. As I crossed the finish, I made a quick landing, catching my breath. My chest was heaving for a good thirty seconds before my breathing returned to normal. "Nice time, I think that was a record," I heard from behind me, and whipped around, finding myself face to face with Soarin. With our muzzles touching, my cheeks turned pink and I backed up a few steps. "I... Um, thanks," I muttered, trotting off to my apartment, leaving Soarin alone, watching me go. When back at my apartment, I headed straight for the bathroom. I needed a shower to get all this sweat off. After a struggle with the zipper, I let my uniform fall to the ground, and stepped out of it. "Fells better already," I muttered, turning on cold water. Stepping in, I shivered at first contact with the chilly water running down my back. After getting clean, I shook off, clearing most if the water from my coat and mane, sending it into the spiked style that I always kept it in. Laying on the couch, I looked out the window, thinking about my future as a Wonderbolt. That thinking was interrupted by a knock at the door. Trotting over, I opened it to see Soarin standing there, a goofy lopsided grin on his face. "Come on in," I said, stepping back, allowing him entrance into my home. As he stepped in, I closed the door. "What did you want to talk ab- mhm," I started, only to be cut off my his lips being pressed against mine. My eyes widened, and my first instinct was to push him away, but yet I didn't want to. I let this go on for a few moments before braking the kiss. My cheeks were pink, as were his, and we looked into each other's eyes. "Sorry. I know I just met you, but I don't know. It just felt like the right thing to do..." He rambled on, not making much sense in the things he was saying. It was my turn to cut him off. I gently pressed my lips to his, and it started as a soft kiss, but began to get more passionate the longer it lasted. He pulled back after what seemed like an eternity. "Wanna hang out?" He asked simply, and I couldn't do anything but break into a huge smile.