//------------------------------//
// Trying to Confront the Daily Signal 
// Story: After Practice Signals 
// by Manaphy 
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	Spitfire paced back and forth in front of the other Wonderbolts, who all stood in a straight line with tall stances and folded wings. Their lips were sealed tight as not a single peep escaped their throats. A slight, cold breeze swished in the air as Spitfire's mane danced with it, tickling her at times. Despite this, all that Spitfire heard was her panting. Her chest pounded and her lungs burned, but she managed to keep a straight face. Feeling lighter as she trotted about, Spitfire approached the row of pegasi. This ritual marked the conclusion of the Wonderbolts' first practice session of the day, and Spitfire couldn't help but smirk and nod.

"You all did a great job this morning," Spitfire said as she caught her breath. Sensing her body loosen up, she cleared her throat and continued. "We all have the general procedure down, but I did notice a few things that I think need to be tweaked." Spitfire shifted her eyes around, scanning the different Wonderbolts before her. She was already aware of which ponies needed some advice or a stern talking to, but her mind buzzed as thoughts filled it. Who should I confront first? There's Blaze and Misty Fly among the Wonderbolts I want to call out. Misty Fly just needs a few friendly tips. Simple enough. But Blaze is a different story. Spitfire exhaled, the tension in her muscles tightening. She clenched her teeth, formulating what she'd say and how loud she'd say it. Maybe some verbal lashes will do the trick. Well, I may as get it out of the way. Time to show my nastier side.

Flicking her tail and forming a taut expression, Spitfire brought her attention towards Blaze. The mare looked quite similar to Spitfire. The sole difference was her mane color and style, but it was close enough to where Blaze was sometimes mistaken for her. It was something that neither of them appreciated. Spitfire gazed into Blaze's eyes and grimaced.

"Blaze?" she asked in a harsh, raspy tone. Spitfire trotted towards her with ruffled eyebrows until the two were mere inches apart, their noses almost making contact.

Blaze shrugged. She lifted her goggles up and gave Spitfire a wide, cracked grin. "Um, what?" Blaze asked in an innocent tone. Looking to her left and then to her right, Blaze paused for a moment before bringing her focus back to Spitfire. "What could a perfectly calm mare like myself have done to grab your attention, Captain Spitfire?"

Rolling her eyes, Spitfire let out a deep sigh. "Blaze, you're a great flyer and we do have a lot of things in common."

Blaze groaned. Two Wonderbolts next to her bit their lips, trying to suppress their laughter. "Don't play that joke on me, please."

Spitfire covered her lips and snickered. "Maybe I will. Anyway, you do need to work on your temper whenever you mess up. I know performing a loop at just the right angle for the stunt takes time, but it's only going to be harder if you cuss up the storm that left your mouth."

"Well, we all get frustrated from time to time, right?" Blaze let out a feign chuckle, her body now slightly slumped.

"We all do." Spitfire took a deep breath and pursed her lips. "But that doesn't count as an excuse!" Blaze flinched and leaped into the air as though an electric current shocked her. "Remember, this takes practice, and if all you're going to do is make me want to shove a bar of soap into your mouth, it isn't going to get easier! Do you understand, Blaze!"

Blaze shivered, her eyes widened. Upon regaining her composure, Blaze gave Spitfire a quick salute. "Yes, ma'am!"

Spitfire nodded. "I'm glad you understand, but I expect to see and hear it when we go back out for the next session."

Blaze bobbed her head as not a word escaped her mouth. A cold, awkward silence filled the air once more.

Stepping away from the row, Spitfire trotted towards Misty Fly. Her light blue mane sparkled under the sunlight, looking like a blizzard from a distance. Upon arriving at her destination, she glanced at Misty's beaming smile and relaxed posture before gazing into her eyes. "Misty Fly?"

"Yes, Captain Spitfire?" Misty inquired in a soft, serene tone.

"You did a good job out there, but try not to go too fast in the parallel flyover." Spitfire spread her wide, golden wings out, fluttering them for a moment. "Adjust the angle of your wings if you think you're going to fast. One hundred and twenty degrees is usually the sweet spot for that display, but feel free to modify it a little if you think you're going too fast or too slow. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

Nodding, Misty's wings twitched as she adjusted them.

"A little more downwards," Spitfire commented, squinting at Misty's wings as they bobbed ever so slightly.

Misty modified her wing position as suggested, budging them up or down. She glanced over to them, biting her lip as she adjusted them bit by bit. "Good?" she asked after a short period of time.

"You got it. Around there is where I'd recommend having it."

Misty's eyes shimmered. She looked back towards Spitfire and formed a bright grin. "Thanks, Captain Spitfire! I'll keep trying my very best!"

Placing her hoof on her chest, Spitfire sensed a warmth in her heart. There was something about Misty's cheerful state that brightened up Spitfire's expression and forced her lips to curl into a pleasant smile. Then again, Misty was known to have an allure that could thaw the coldest of hearts. It was little moments like those that made being Captain of the Wonderbolts worth it to Spitfire. "You're welcome, Misty Fly. I'm glad that I could help." Spitfire took a quick breath. "Just promise me that you'll give it your all and not slack off! Promise?"

"Promise!" Misty, like Blaze before her, saluted to Spitfire.

Spitfire shifted her eyes around, examining the rest of the Wonderbolts. "As for everypony else, myself included," Spitfire orated, "I want us to keep practicing the Thunder Sweep for next time. We're getting so close, but we're just not quite there yet. We need to make slightly tighter turns for the synchronized loop. Anyway, be on your best behavior, even if things go wrong! Got it?"

"Yes, ma'am," the other Wonderbolts all said in unison.

"Dismissed!"

With the drop of that single word, all of the Wonderbolts dispersed. Some of them headed toward the locker room, and others trotted straight toward the mess hall past where Spitfire stood. Glancing at their smiling visages as they went past, some of them with skips in their steps and laughs leaving their mouths, Spitfire couldn't help herself from forming a wide radiant grin. Wait a second. Spitfire's eyes widened. She rubbed her muzzle and turned to her left. Does that mean he'll do that gesture again?

Spitfire focused on one of the Wonderbolt stallions hopping towards the mess hall. His flowing blue mane was like an ocean's current and his wings were spread with grace. His name was Soarin. It was a name that Spitfire vowed to never forget. Her throat tensed and her heart raced. Studying Soarin's movements, Spitfire bit her lip. "Three, two, one."

Right on cue, Soarin winked, grinned, and waved at Spitfire. Wincing as she compelled her lips to arc into the slightest of smiles, Spitfire waved her hoof back at Soarin. He nodded and made his way towards the square, light blue building that was the mess hall. Once Soarin entered the establishment and escaped Spitfire's sight, she let out an elongated sigh and her shoulders drooped.

That makes thirty. Why does he do this to me? Spitfire frowned and shuffled her hooves forwards, her body sagging. She stared at the tarmac runway below, her head shackled to only gaze downwards and not up ahead. This is the thirtieth day in a row that Soarin gave me such a gesture at least once, and it's always after a practice session. Spitfire rubbed the top of her head. I smile and wave back at him, but is that what he wants? What do I do now?

Breaking free from the emotional restraints that bound her head, Spitfire raised it and noticed a lone bench off to the side of the runway. It had a blue color scheme, as did most of the objects at the Wonderbolts Headquarters, and its curved build was pleasing to the eye. Sensing the tension in her muscles dissipate, Spitfire made a beeline toward the bench.

But after only two short steps, something rubbed against her shoulder. It was a soft, comfortable feeling, much like the uniform that fit her like a glove. Glancing towards the source of the touch, she noticed none other than Misty Fly right behind her. Misty's smile was as bright and heartwarming as it had always been. However, Spitfire noticed Misty's eyes shimmering now that her goggles were off.

"Captain Spitfire, are you okay?"

Spitfire nodded. "Yeah, just a bit tired is all," she answered in a hesitant tone. Misty raised an eyebrow and cocked her head. The tension in Spitfire's legs returned, only now it felt as though a serpent was constricting them. Her stomach tied itself into a knot. Just one look at Misty's perplexed stare and wiggling lips told her everything she needed to know. "Okay, you got me."

Misty trotted towards Spitfire and wrapped a wing around her body. The soft, tan feathers soothed her soul, but it remained firm nevertheless. "Spitfire, you're always welcome to speak out if something is bothering you. Even though you're the Captain of the Wonderbolts, you're free to talk to any of us."

Spitfire let out a deep sigh, her shoulders drooped. "I know, but this is a bit different. It's about who I am."

"About who you are?"

Shaking her head, a melancholic moan escaped Spitfire's mouth. "No, that's not it. At least, that's not the whole story."

Misty rubbed the top of Spitfire's head. The smooth motion was a nice change from the hard tension around Spitfire. "What's the story?"

"It's about Soarin. More specifically, the friendly gestures he's giving me after practice sessions."

Misty shrugged, her face forming a smirk. "That's all? That's really sweet of him to do. He must care a lot about you."

"That's the thing. I don't know why he's doing it. It's for a good reason, but is it just to be polite, or is there more to it?" Spitfire's face became taut. "I mean, he's been giving me these acts of kindness for a whole month, and I don't know what to do with them."

Misty paused. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and then resumed speaking. "I think I see what's going on."

Sensing a sudden jolt course through her, Spitfire's eyes perked up. "You do?"

"You're anxious about speaking to Soarin, aren't you?"

Spitfire let out a sigh and slowly nodded. "Well, um, yeah. You're right."

Misty stared at Spitfire. For reasons unbeknownst to her, Spitfire could feel her heart tickle as the two locked gazes. The sensation was warm and cozy like a favorite blanket. Whatever it was, it made Spitfire smirk ever so slightly.

"Spitfire," Misty said in a motherly tone, "how about I help you? I'd love to give you some advice. As a friend."

"You're more than welcome to do so, Misty."

Nodding, Misty's lips curled up. "Great! Now then, does Soarin have a specific reason to be providing you these gestures? Can you think of anything that comes to mind that would convince him to do this?"

Spitfire closed her eyes and massaged her muzzle as thoughts flowed inside her mind. Well, Soarin has been doing this for about a month. I've apologized profusely for what I did to him back at Rainbow Falls, so maybe that has something to do with it. Spitfire shook her head as she pursed her lips. No, that can't be it. He'd see me as a decent pony in the end, but not one he'd want to form such a strong relationship with. Wait, could he find me attractive?

Imagining herself staring into a mirror, Spitfire saw an image of her fiery, orange mane. Her glowing eyes were a nice sight, but nothing to brag about. Spitfire knew that fellow Wonderbolt High Winds would easily eclipse her in eye beauty. Her golden body covered in a blue uniform and its sleek shape was a nice feature, one that many would call cute. But that's all it was to Spitfire. She was just cute, and nothing more. The only way that could even be a possibility is if he shared some of his pie with me, and Soarin isn't one to share with precious pie with anypony.

Shrugging, Spitfire sagged and sighed. "I don't get it."

Misty cocked her head, her face forming a doleful frown. "Well, talking to him is the first step." Rubbing Spitfire's back with a gentle stroke, Misty's expression flipped into a warm, compassionate smile. "You're a brave, strong, and kind pony. I know you can do it. I believe in you, Spitfire, and I always will."

"Thanks for the compassion, Misty." Noticing her vision blur and her eyes becoming wetter, Spitfire blinked a few times. The peculiar sensation was gone in a flash, only now it was replaced by her heart tying itself into a knot. "But I don't want to offend Soarin by accident anymore." Spitfire let out an elongated sigh. She knew that hiding from the truth would get her nowhere. Concealing it would just make everything worse. "Misty, I'm terrible at communicating with other ponies." Her frown deepened. "It's just, you know, saying the right thing in the right tone of voice that is so hard for me to do."

"But Spitfire, you're doing a fine job with me so far."

Spitfire looked up at Misty with a grim visage. "Sometimes it just comes naturally to me. Other times I have to put a lot of thought in what I'm going to say, especially when instructing you and the other Wonderbolts. I want to be tough so that you all improve and do your best, but I don't want to inadvertently hurt the feelings of anypony at the same time. I mean, it's nice to let off some steam, and I know that I do a decent job of leading the Wonderbolts."

"You do a great job," Misty corrected. "We've had so many successes thanks to your wit. Not everything may go to plan, but otherwise, we're accomplishing so much."

"Maybe so." Spitfire couldn't help herself from sneaking the slightest of smirks. "But sometimes, I'm just lost when it comes to talking to somepony. I know it sounds strange coming from me, but it's the truth." Spitfire inhaled and exhaled. "Some are harder for me to talk to for reasons," she unconsciously muttered.

Misty raised an eyebrow. "What reasons are they?"

Clenching her teeth for a moment, Spitfire placed her hoof on her chest. "Mistakes on my end."

"Everypony makes mistakes." Misty wrapped her wing around Spitfire once more. "The important thing is that you apologize, learn from them, and come out as a stronger pony."

"I guess so." Spitfire's face brightened up a little, though it was still a tad dark. "Maybe I'm better than I think, or maybe I'm not. I just don't know."

"Try focusing on the first one. Nopony's perfect, Spitfire, but some ponies are good. You're more than good, however, you're wonderful."

Spitfire's lips curled up into a visible smile. "I appreciate the compliments. Thank you."

Grinning, Misty's wing tightened its hug on Spitfire. "You're welcome. Now then, how about you pretend I'm Soarin and that we have a nice talk."

Spitfire jumped up, her eyes widening and her body shivering. "Huh?" Her heart raced as an electric current coursed through her veins. "How do I do that?"

Misty covered her mouth and giggled. "It's called role-play, and it's a great way of practicing for the real thing."

Tilting her head, Spitfire glanced down at the tarmac below before gazing back into Misty's eyes. "So then, how does it start? What do we do? Do you have to mimic his mannerisms, tone of voice, and accent?"

Misty's massaged Spitfire's back. "I think you're looking too much into it, Spitfire." She cleared her throat and stepped back a little, giving the two ample space. "Anyway, let's begin. 'Hey there, Spitfire. Fancy seeing you around here. What's up?'"

Spitfire shifted her eyes around, her throat tensing up. "Um, hello?"

Misty shook her head. "Spitfire, try adding some more confidence. That's always a plus. Let's try again. 'Hello, Spitfire. Fancy seeing you around here. What's up?'"

Spitfire took a deep breath, her heart pounding. It's just role-play. Nothing bad will happen if I mess up. I just have to act calm and be myself. "Hey there, Mi—" Spitfire shielded her lips for a brief second. She straightened herself out and resumed speaking. "I mean, um, hey there, Soarin. I'm doing well. How are you?"

"You've got it!" Misty nodded. "That's a great way to start out!"

Spitfire rubbed the top of her head. "Really?"

"Yep, short and sweet while asking how they are is a great way to open a conversation."

Rubbing the back of her neck, Spitfire slipped a slight smirk. "That's good to know."

"Anyway, here's one more exercise. Let's pretend that we've caught up on how we're doing, and you want to ask what the gestures are about. How would you go about that?"

Spitfire closed her eyes, taking in a short breath. Her muscles constricted themselves and her throat dried up. How would a pony go about that? Do I just lead into it right away? Do I speak in a soft tone? Or would a more confused one be acceptable if I slip into it? Wincing, Spitfire opened her eyes and resumed staring at Misty. "Ahem, Soarin, I have to ask—"

"Not quite," Misty interrupted. "Try complimenting him. That's a better way of doing it."

"Oh." Spitfire ruffled her wings about a bit and chuckled. "I think I get it. Would this work?" Spitfire paused for a second before she continued. "I appreciate the kind gestures. It's a nice thing to do."

Misty's eyes shimmered, her mouth opening up into a gleeful grin. "That's it! You got it!"

Sensing her muscles loosen, Spitfire felt as though she could breathe freely once more. She let out a relieved sigh. "That's good to know."

"Do you want to practice some more?"

Spitfire twisted her head and scanned the perimeter of the Wonderbolts Headquarters. Not a single pony was outside other than Misty Fly and herself. The slight breeze still rolled around in the air, which produced the usual, coldness that either comforted or irritated Spitfire after a long day. It all depended on her mood. With a lingering sensation still tickling her chest, the breeze made her smile for today. But if I'm still nervous, should I wait and practice more? Or should I get it out of the way? Glancing over to the mess hall, which produced noises that were somehow audible from where Spitfire stood, she merely nodded and shuffled her hooves towards the blue building. Her ears twitched as the laughter and chatter increased in intensity.

"I'll give it a shot," Spitfire decided. "I think I should face my fears and get it over with."

"That's the spirit, Spitfire!" Misty announced. "If you ever need to talk to me again, please do so. I'd love to help out."

Spitfire glanced back towards Misty and bobbed her head. "I sure will. Thanks for the support, Misty Fly. You're a true friend."

A bubbly, bright expression formed on Misty's face as her lips arced into a grin. It was enough to warm Spitfire's heart to a star's temperature. "You're welcome, my friend. Soarin might be leaving the mess hall, so if he isn't there, feel free to ask around."

"Understood."

Spitfire waved to Misty, who waved back, and the pair went their separate ways for the time being. Gazing towards the mess hall, which loomed above her despite its modest size, Spitfire placed one hoof in front of the other toward it. I know that Soarin entered there when we split up after practice, but is he still there? The joyful conversations coming from the mess hall polluted the air from where Spitfire was, and it only grew louder as she approached her destination. Spitfire's heart pulsated faster as it tried to escape her chest. What if Soarin is talking about me? Her legs wiggled as she continued traversing along the tarmac.

Wait, even if he was, wouldn't it be good? He's giving me those gestures out of kindness and appreciation, that much is certain. Sensing her body loosen up, Spitfire approached the building's front door. She placed her hoof on the doorknob, the cold, metallic exterior coursing through her veins. Her teeth couldn't help but chatter in response. With a single twist, a click echoed into her ears, and the door swung open.

"Oops," a cheerful voice said from the other side. "I kind of got too close there. Sorry about that."

With the door now out of the way, Spitfire locked eyes with the voice's owner. Upon gazing at his emerald green eyes and his lively grin, Spitfire's heart skipped a beat. There was Soarin, carrying a box with him and swishing his blue tail. Spitfire let out a quiet gulp, her face becoming stiff. What do I do? Taking a deep breath, she cracked a slight smile. Remember what Misty Fly told me. "Hello, Soarin," Spitfire muttered under her breath in a polite tone.

"Hey there, Spits," Soarin replied with a smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't expect to bump into you here."

A slow laugh escaped Spitfire's mouth, only to trail off into nothingness soon after. "Same here. Anyway, how are you?"

"I'm doing great! I just picked up a sweet apple pie and chatted with Fire Streak for a bit." Soarin licked his lips as he thrust the box closer to Spitfire, presenting it as though it were a trophy."It's from the one and only Sweet Apple Acres."

Spitfire's stomach purred. "I bet it tastes good. I hope you enjoy it."

"I sure will." Soarin paused for a moment. Blinking a few times, he trotted closer to Spitfire. "Say, do you want to share this with me?"

Spitfire cocked her head, her mouth agape. "Huh?" Did Soarin, the one pony who would always gobble down an entire pie, just say what I think he did? Rubbing her eyes and twitching her ears, Spitfire formed a stupefied expression.

Letting out a burst of laughter, Soarin patted Spitfire on the back. "I know that I don't share my pie with almost anypony, but you're different." He trotted past Spitfire with a skip in his step, his pie wrapped around his foreleg. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

Nodding, Spitfire crept behind Soarin, her chest tightening more than ever. "Um, sure thing. However, can I ask a quick question?"

Soarin bobbed his head as he sat down on the curved bench to Spitfire's right. "Not a problem. What's on your mind?"

"Try complimenting him. That's a better way of doing it." Spitfire flinched, a sharp twang in her chest materialized. Did I already screw up? She took a deep breath, the tension inside her muscles dissipating. No. I just have to play it cool. Ask something innocent. "Soarin, is apple pie your favorite kind?"

"You bet!" Soarin then paused. He rubbed his muzzle and twisted his head to gaze at Spitfire once more. "Is everything okay, Spits?"

Spitfire nodded quickly, forming a faux grin. "I am. Nothing to worry about. See, I'm perfectly happy."

Soarin raised an eyebrow, his expression blank.

"Okay, I'm actually anxious." Spitfire's shoulders drooped as she trotted towards Soarin. "I'm curious about the kind gestures you've been giving me for the past month. I'm so sorry if I'm sounding rude here." Spitfire plopped onto the curved bench next to Soarin. It's flowing shape cushioned her back and eased her body. It was a nice change of pace from standing up and quivering at times while also being a nervous wreck. Now she was just the latter.

Rubbing Spitfire's back, Soarin's mouth curled into a warm smile. "No need to apologize. I'm more than happy to explain why I'm doing so. Spitfire, it's because I care about you. I want you to feel appreciated. I like to see you happy."

Spitfire froze in place as not a single word escaped her mouth.

"You're so awesome, Spitfire, and I don't want you to forget that."

Spitfire's lips wiggled about, her body feeling light. "T-thank you so much, Soarin," she replied with a short breath. Her eyes widened and twinkled. "It means so much to me."

"I'm glad it does." Soarin hastily opened the box, revealing an apple pie, a pile of napkins, and a plastic cutter. A crisp, warm aroma filled the air and tickled Spitfire's nostrils. Pushing the cutter off to the side, Soarin's hooves dived towards the pie, but halted just before touching it. With a sheepish smile, he took the plastic cutter and sliced a small piece with two clean cuts. "For you, Spitfire."

Soarin took one of the napkins and, with the piece of pie wrapped inside of it, presented the slice to Spitfire. Grabbing a hold of the napkin and slice of pie, Spitfire opened her mouth and took a small bite. Her taste buds cheered as they took in the apple flavor and crust. Chewing a few times, Spitfire consumed the portion of pie and licked her lips with a wide, beaming grin.

"This is delicious," Spitfire commented. "The flavor is poignant, but it doesn't dominate over the rest of the pie too much. It's no wonder you always like to have the whole thing."

Soarin chortled, his blushing so vibrant that it somehow managed to be visible under the blue uniform he wore. "I guess so."

Giggling back, Spitfire leaned towards Soarin. "Yeah, but try not to eat too much, because I don't want you getting sick when we have to go back out."

Nodding, Soarin massaged the back of his neck. "That's true. I remember my first week as a Wonderbolt and what happened."

"What happened?"

"Let's just say that, well, I didn't feel well afterwards." He chuckled once again. "Silver Lining couldn't believe what happened. I can still see the comical look on his face."

"At least you learned something for next time."

"I sure did." Soarin glanced upwards, then back to Spitfire. "By the way, I have a question of my own."

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"

"Would you like to go somewhere nice one evening? Just the two of us?"

Spitfire quivered for a brief second. "A date? But I was so rude to you during—"

Shaking his head, Soarin lifted his hoof up. "It's okay, Spitfire," he interrupted. "It was a huge misunderstanding to begin with, and you've already apologized a lot. Five times, no, make that six, right?"

"Oh." An awkward silence passed by for a minute. Spitfire took a few deep breaths before she resumed. "Sorry about what happened at Rainbow Falls."

"Seven." Soarin snickered. "I forgive you, like always."

Spitfire continued her discussion with Soarin for a little longer as they chowed down on the pie together. Laughter, smiles, and hugs were among the reactions both of them had. As the beginning of the next practice session arrived, Spitfire had one additional thought in her mind aside from what exercises to do with her fellow Wonderbolts.

Spitfire knew that her relationship with Soarin could only grow stronger from here. Just gazing into his glowing eyes informed her that he thought the same as well. And as she locked eyes with the young Misty Fly as all of the Wonderbolts lined up once again, Spitfire couldn't help herself from giving her a soothing smile.

Thank you, Misty Fly. I'll always remember this. You're going to be one of the best Wonderbolts one day, and we'll be there for each other. And thank you, Soarin, I'll always have your back as well. I'll always be there for my fellow Wonderbolts. That's a promise.

Spitfire knew that her promise would never be broken.