Soarin’ couldn’t help feeling at least a little pathetic as he sat beside the door to Spitfire’s empty hotel suite. The occasional ponies that passed him in the hall all took the time to shoot him a variety of interesting looks. Soarin’s personal favorite was either the look of ‘you just got into a hay of a fight with your marefriend’ or the look of ‘you’re clearly too proud to admit to the hotel staff that you locked yourself out’. As was often the case in life, the truth was far more pedestrian in nature—though no less pathetic.
After his conversation earlier in the day with Arcus, Soarin’ was feeling on edge. He didn’t like to lie to anypony, least of all the pony that quite literally signed his paycheck. At the same time, he didn’t want to betray Spitfire’s trust in him. He would always be her El-Tee. She trusted him, and he trusted her in kind. He owed her too much to not put his own neck on the line.
Soarin’ sighed as he ran his hoof through his mane. He much preferred being the lieutenant. Being the second in command meant that, while he had the authority to do almost anything, he still had Spitfire to keep him in check. Furthermore, he could always pass problems up to her when he didn’t want to deal with them.
His role as captain was the other reason he had parked himself outside of Spitfire’s suite. He wanted Spitfire’s advice about Fleetfoot. Rapidfire had suggested he speak with Fleetfoot directly before they left. Soarin’ had opted to get some professional advice, first. And who better than Spitfire to advise an interim captain like him.
There were only two problems with Soarin’s plan. First, he had no clue when Spitfire planned to return from her day out with Rainbow Dash. That lack of knowledge is why he had spent the better part of two hours sitting beside the door. Second, and perhaps more pressing of a concern, he was bored out of his mind.
In the time since he had sat down to wait, Soarin’ had preened his wings—twice. He had then counted all the plucked feathers, counted all his primary feathers, calculated the flight time from the hotel to his favorite pie shop, and recounted in detail every cocktail recipe he knew. Soarin regretted not bringing something to read. A book, a magazine—hay, even one of those trashy tabloids would be a welcome relief from the boredom. He wondered, briefly, if that was half the reason tabloids even existed.
Leaning his head back until it lightly bumped against the wall, he blew a raspberry and kicked at the floor with a hoof.
“Bored,” he mumbled, thumping his head against the wall several times, “bored, bored, bored, bored, boooooooooooored.”
Soarin’ groaned and allowed himself to slide down the wall until he was flat on his back with his legs in the air. “How do the Palace guards do this sort of stuff all day? Why couldn’t they teach us that stupid trick in basic?”
After a few moments of laying on the floor like a whining foal, Soarin’ hefted himself back to his original sitting position. He tapped his hoof against the floor as if it would somehow make the time pass quicker. After about thirty seconds when he got bored of that, he closed his eyes and hummed softly. Soon, an old melody crept to the forefront of his mind. It was a song his mother used to sing around the house when he was little. Soarin’s head began to slowly nod in time with the melody.
“Hejo, spann den Wagen an,” he sang, mindful to keep his voice down. “Denn der Wind treibt Regen übers Land, Hol die goldnen Garben, Hol die goldnen Garben. Hejo, spann den Wagen an, Denn der Wind treibt—”
“Mallow, what are you doing?” Rapidfire asked.
“Gah!” Soarin’ yelped, his wings flaring out as his eyes snapped open.
Rapidfire covered his mouth with a hoof to stifle his laughter.
“H-how long have you been there?” Soarin’ demanded.
“Long enough to hear your little, uh… concert, Mallow,” Rapid answered.
Soarin’ groaned and pressed a hoof to his forehead, "Celestia erschlage mich"
Rapid rolled his eyes before giving Soarin’s shoulder a light smack. “In Equish please.”
“Do you need something, Rapid?” Soarin’ asked.
“Not from you, no,” Rapid said as he sat next to Soarin’.
A smirk spread over Soarin’s face. “Tell me again why you had Spitfire’s uniform this morning?”
An intense blush spread over Rapidfire’s cheeks for a moment before a smirk of his own crossed his lips. He casually wrapped his foreleg around Soarin’s shoulders and leaned a bit too close for Soarin’s comfort.
“Cause you’d fill it out in all the right places, babe,” Rapid purred.
Soarin’ narrowed his eyes. If Rapidfire wanted a war, Soarin’ would give him a war. He lifted his left hoof and used it to caress Rapid’s cheek. The gesture took Rapidfire by complete surprise, nearly sending him toppling backward.
“Oh honey,” Soarin’ cooed, “but you’d look so much better in her uniform.”
Before Rapidfire could formulate a response, or an escape plan, their ears perked to the familiar sound of approaching hoofsteps. Quickly disentangling from each other, Soarin’ and Rapid did their best to look natural, which wasn’t the easiest of feats when both their faces were burning red. To their mutual horror, the pony trotting towards them was Spitfire. The former captain had a smile on her lips and a spring in her step as she trotted towards them.
“Hey guys, what’s—” She came to a stop in front of them, her left eyebrow arching upward. “Uh, you two alright?”
“Yup!” Soarin’ and Rapid answered simultaneously.
Spitfire blinked and watched them for a moment. “You sure?”
“Yup!” they answered again.
“Oookay,” Spitfire said as she stepped past them to unlock the door to her room. “Well, it’s actually kinda convenient that the both of you are here.”
Soarin’ and Rapidfire exchanged a worried glance.
“The Bad Seeds are playing tomorrow night at the Stonewall Bar and Grille,” Spitfire said as she pushed the door open and motioned them to follow her. “Rainbow asked if you two wanted to join us as well.”
“Why would she invite us?” Soarin’ asked, his face scrunching in mild confusion.
“Cause she had a lot of fun hanging out with the three of us Friday night and thought it’d be nice to do it again,” Spitfire answered as she trotted into her room and set her saddlebags on the floor. After taking a moment to stretch out her back she turned to face the two stallions. “So, you two interested?”
“Uh, sure,” Rapid answered.
“When does it start, where would we meet you, and when does it end?” Soarin’ asked.
The faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of Spitfire’s lips. “The show starts at eight, Rainbow and I would meet you there at seven, and it ends whenever the music stops.”
Soarin’ rubbed his chin as he thought over the information. “I guess as long as Rapid and I leave no later than ten, it should be fine.”
“What, why?” Rapid balked.
“Tomorrow is Sunday, Rapidfire,” Soarin’ said.
“Yeah, so?”
“So, you and I have to work on Monday.”
“Bah,” Rapidfire gave Soarin’ a flippant wave of his hoof. “We’ll just call in dead.”
“I don’t think Arcus would appreciate that,” Soarin’ replied with an amused snort.
“That would depend on the day,” Spitfire interjected.
“What makes you say that?” Rapid asked.
“Well, remember when you greased the toilet seats?” Spitfire asked.
Rapid snickered and Soarin’ shot a death glare to the smaller stallion.
“That was you?!” he growled.
“Hey, she made me do it!” Rapid laughed, pointing a hoof at his sister.
Soarin’s glare shifted to Spitfire, who immediately held her hooves up in surrender.
“What in the world possessed you to do that?” Soarin’ demanded.
“In fairness, it seemed like a great idea at the time,” Spitfire answered.
“W-what about in HINDsight?” Rapid asked as he burst into gales of laughter.
Soarin’s eye twitched as his rational mind ground to a momentary halt. He noticed Spitfire biting her foreleg in an attempt to quell her own laughter. Soarin’ came to a realization; he was surrounded by crazy ponies. He forced himself to take a deep breath, which he held for a few seconds before he exhaled slowly.
“You’re both insane,” Soarin’ noted.
“Sanity is overrated,” Spitfire replied with a manic grin.
“And totally boring!” Rapid added from his position on the floor.
“Anyway,” Spitfire began after she regained some semblance of control, “what brings you two here?”
“I’m just here to pester you,” Rapid answered.
“Well, at least you’re honest about it,” Spitfire mused.
“I try.” Rapid happily chirped.
“What about you, Soarin’?” Spitfire asked her friend.
“Wonderbolt stuff,” he answered.
Spitfire nodded, “Well, why don’t you two come inside and grab something from the minibar.”
“My liver still needs to recover from last night,” Rapid groaned.
Spitfire snickered, “well, that’ll learn you a thing or three.”
Spitfire trotted into her room, Soarin’ and Rapidfire following close behind her. Rapidfire closed the door with a light kick. Spitfire made her way over to the minibar and fished through it momentarily for a few drinks. She retrieved three bottles of water and hoofed one to both Rapid and Soarin’ before she sat down.
“So,” She began, her attention focused on Soarin’, “what’s on your mind?”
“A couple things,” Soarin’ mumbled as he played with the small bottle of water. “Fleetfoot’s been convincing most of the team we should look for Rainbow and ask her to teach us the Rainboom.”
“I thought Celestia said ‘no’ to that whole idea,” Rapidfire said before taking a sip of his drink.
“Celestia said she wouldn’t give Rainbow Dash an assignment to train us,” Spitfire corrected her brother, “she never said we couldn’t approach Rainbow on our own. Granted, she implied that we shouldn’t do that either.”
“I had to tell Arcus that you had run into Rainbow,” Soarin’ said.
“You what?!” Spitfire blurted.
Soarin’ held up his hooves in a placating manner. “Whoa there, I didn’t tell him you started dating her. I just told him that you ran into her on the town and were talking to her.”
“Does he suspect anything?” Spitfire asked. Almost immediately she smacked herself in the forehead. “Oh, what am I saying? It’s Arcus; he always suspects.”
Soarin’ nodded. “He wants you to come by the stadium on Monday morning. Triage is gonna take a look at your wing.”
Spitfire nodded, her hoof rubbing her chin as she considered her situation. Triage was the team’s physician, and probably the only pony Arcus actually trusted. If he wanted Spitfire to specifically go to the stadium to see Triage then it probably meant Arcus planned to confront her directly. If he did that, Spitfire would need a plan of action to defend her budding relationship with Rainbow.
She sighed, her hoof running through her mane. Perhaps tomorrow she would talk to Rainbow about it first. Spitfire still wasn’t sure how Rainbow might react to that sort of attention. Come to think of it, she wasn’t sure if Rainbow was even willing to teach anypony the rainboom.
If it came down to that, would Fleetfoot or Blaze press the issue? Spitfire had already decided to side with Rainbow Dash if it came to that. Soarin’, Rapidfire, Misty, and Surprise would, in all likelihood, stand with her on that decision. But Spitfire didn’t know what long-term effects that sort of schism could have on her team.
Stunt flying required a lot of things, athleticism, a sharp mind, and good instincts. But it also heavily required the complete and unflinching trust between wingponies. Spitfire trusted Soarin’ to catch her if she fell, a trust that had been well and truly earned after years of flying together. Well, except for that last time, but that had been entirely her fault.
Either way, any sense of bitterness between teammates was nothing less than dangerous. She knew none of her Wonderbolt’s would do anything to intentionally sabotage one another; they were better than that. Still, that fundamental distrust of one’s wingpony could lead to oversights. There was no room for oversights in stunt flying. Not if you wanted to land safe and sound on all four hooves, at least.
Spitfire pursed her lips as her eyebrows knitted together. Folding her forelegs across her chest, she hummed to herself. She made a mental note to get Rainbow’s opinion on the matter. Perhaps the weather manager’s different perspective would yield some answers. And she owed it to Rainbow to be honest with her about what was going on.
“So,” Rapid spoke up, interrupting Spitfire’s thoughts, “what are you gonna do?”
“Well,” Spitfire began slowly, “I think I’ll enjoy the rest of my weekend and deal with Arcus when the time comes.”
“What about Fleetfoot?” Soarin’ asked, “any advice for me?”
Spitfire considered the question for a long moment before she answered. “Let’s see, this week is when most of the team goes on vacation, right?”
“Yeah, Arcus, Rapid, and I have a few meetings, but other then that everypony has the next couple weeks off.” Soarin’ answered.
“Okay, here’s what you do,” Spitfire began as she sat up straight, “tell Fleetfoot that you will think it over during the break and you will have a decision when the team reassembles in two weeks for the preseason planning. Throw her a bone and tell her to prepare some plans on how we might approach Rainbow, and what sort of arrangement we could offer her as compensation. Also make it clear that if Rainbow at any point says ‘no’ to the deal, then she is to drop it immediately.”
“Makes sense,” Rapid said with a nod. “It gives her something to do and stops the politicking for a while at least.”
“Yeah,” Soarin’ agreed, “but I’m concerned about what happens if Rainbow doesn’t want to train us or she finds out we’re the ones running interference for her.”
“If it comes to that, I’ll deal with Fleetfoot personally,” Spitfire said.
I'm so happy when this updates.
Feels like filler, but all stories need it eventually.
The relationship between Rapidfire and Soarin' hasn't stopped being funny.
2073789 Heh, a lot of metal going on there. And my god! I can't believe I forgot Keanu Reeves used to act like this. Has it been that long?
2073867 I honestly never felt that Keanu Reeves was a bad actor. He just had a tendency to play some rather serious roles.
2073877 Oh don't get me wrong... It wasn't bad, it was just so 90's.
2073886 The movie or his acting?
2073744
It is a bit filler, but I found that without it the transition to the next scene was too much of a jump. So yeah, hopefully it was at least funny
2073789
Of all the errors I've ever made, that is the most awesome one.
2073890 The style of it. It just has the vibe. And not the movie since it was made in the 80's (well end of it anyways.)
2073896 We all know Spitfire is a Metalhead.
Soarin' tossing out the coltcuddler act gave me a chuckle, but I bet Rapid wasn't laughing.
2073902 OH! I kinda thought you were writing about how he acts nowadays compared to this old movie. A lot of people seem to critizice him for no good reason.
The Bill and Ted movies are awesome movies no matter the era.
2073928 I actually never had a problem with his acting myself. I like his movies (especially Johnny Mnemonic.) And I agree, Bill & Ted was pretty funny, but I think we are getting off topic...
encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1-Rwt63gEDujjG3Ds3Pg-AnUVURY4VUhNIXloW3H5TZneOiix3Q
So how about those ponies?
chzallnighter.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/party-fails-is-this-really-a-childrens-show-my-little-pony-pinkie-pie-drunk-out-of-control.jpg
2073956 I really should look up more of those Spiderman GIF's.
As for ponies? I think that this video sums up what I too consider to be the best of the best.
And thus does the plot thicken once again... this is going to be either really really good, really really bad or it's going to blow up in one pony's face but not the other's... I am amused
The plans are all laid out.
Now to watch them fail!
This is getting soooo exciting* SQUEEEE*
But caution. they're entering....
That would be completely "using" Dash just to have her teach them the trick, yet keep her off the team! Awesome update as always
Aha, another chapter has been revealed! Although I am forced to ask. How long must I wait for Rapidfire and Soarin to finally admit they are gay? It makes for humorous dialogue until then, I am just curious :P
2074442
to be honest, I don't know yet if I'll actually ship them. I'm kinda having too much fun making them squirm.
Also, your cameo is in the next chapter
Mistake spotted:
Not if you wanted to land safe and sound on all for hooves at least.
Should be four
2074453
You can ship them, I believe in you. Also, imagine the awkward scenes you could create if they tried hiding it from Spitfire and the wonderbolts.
Also, I am now looking forward to the next chapter. Get back to the Priso....Computer room and keep writing <.<
2074467
oops, fixed. thanks!
2074473
but...but I want a snow cone
2074477
No problem. Loving the story
2074482
I put an Icee Machine down there an hour ago. Have one of those.
2074505
Speaking of writing, how's your story going?
2073789 I am one of those that is unsure if it is going somewhere, or if I should just friendship them instead - like normal shipping but with them being awesome friends instead of romantic partners
2074631
I'M unsure if it's going anywhere XD
2074635 [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=RZhYcPuGIRw#t=3s]
friggin youtube link
there we go, watch from 3 seconds in
Soarin and Rapid are gonna keep trying to one up each other until they kiss or something. Then the true hilarity begins.
2074631 I never said anything about romance. If anything, it's funny BROmance!
2075570 and sometimes bromancing/FRIENDshipping is the cooler option, like 'yeah I can totally see those two being the two old guys at the park laughing with eachother for hours each day'
2078547 Precisely. But Ruirik is still calling the shots though. Not that I have a problem with WHAT he does with them, just HOW he does it.
2078994
...wait, what did I break?
2079014..........wut!? No seriously, what do you mean by break!?
2079020
Fail joke failed in spectacular fashion.
I crave critical feedback, so if there's something you think I'm not doing very well, or an area I could improve on, please tell me so I can work on it in future chapters!
2079014 I was refering to whether or not they would be friends, lovers, bestest best bro buddies or anything in between. I'm okay with all posibilities. I just look forward to how you're gonna carry it out till the end. Nothing's broken silly!
2079044 Ah! Got it.
2079046
At the moment, the answer is "yes"
2079055
2079559
That sucks
where are you from
2079559
But... It's a freaking american song. HOW THE HELL CAN YOU NOT WATCH IT!!!
I mean i live in Fucking Denmark and i can watch it
Hahahaha this chapter made my day for two reasons:
1. the whole chapter is filled with realistic awkward humors.
2. the comments below this chapter are all legit and controversial to me.
Favorite sentence this chapter:
“Cause you’d fill it out in all the right places, babe,” Rapid purred.(reminds me of some hilarious cynical friends I know)
2080394
If I had to venture a guess, the person who uploaded the video did it you a european server or has their youtube settings tweaked to be region locked.
2082085
That can't be it since it's a song from vevo, which is also american.
Youtube go home. You're drunk
2082630
Dammit I told Rapidfire he wasn't allowed to go bar hopping with yourube
2082643
Ohh well. Could it be something about the state he lives in
2082668
I can't view the video either, actually
2082674
But its kenny loggins. It... It... By Lunas beautiful flank I should kick someone