> Golden Wings > by FierceRainbow > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter One: Hurricane Fluttershy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hurricane Fluttershy Spitfire felt a smile tug at her lips as she watched the yellow mare fly around and around in a circle, as if others were alongside her still funneling up the water to Clousdale. Rainbow Dash stopped her flight with a helpful cloud, then proceeding to fold her friend into a hug and come down together. While the other ponies were congratulating them, Spitfire took the time to fly up behind them. "Nice job, Rainbow Dash," she looked surprised for a moment, before bashfully smiling. "You may not have set a new record, but you showed a lot of guts." "Thanks," Rainbow Dash said. "But if you wanna talk guts, you got to give it to my number one flyer, Fluttershy!" she waved shyly at Spitfire, who tried to look encouraging. "Let's hear it for Fluttershy!" The other Pegasus proceeded to pick up Fluttershy and throw her into the air, chanting her name energetically. Spitfire chuckled, flapping away just in front of them, with Rainbow Dash sticking to her side. Every now and again, Rainbow Dash would cast a glance at her, beaming, before her eyes quickly darted elsewhere. "Well, it was a pleasure to see you all. Ponyville sure has some brave Pegasus," she nodded to Rainbow Dash, then Fluttershy who was on her own hooves again. "I'm afraid I have to leave now, the Wonderbolts have a show tomorrow. Goodbye!" Spitfire took to the air, careful to keep her flight elegant and in control, very aware of the watching eyes below. Looking over her shoulder after a while, the ponies were fading away into the distance, all moving together. At least, most of them were moving together. A pink-and-yellow shape had split off, heading another way. She contemplated just going back to the luxury Wonderbolt apartment, but Soarin had said he was bringing his friends over for a 'night of fun'. She wouldn't get much sleep there. Soaring high so as not be spotted, Spitfire doubled back the way she had come after who she expected to be Fluttershy. Once she had past the others, she allowed herself to go lower, putting on a quick blast speed to level out next to her. "Hey there, Fluttershy." She let out a loud squeak, freezing before rapidly regaining composer. "Sp-spitfire? What are you doing here?" "I thought I'd come see you," she said, as if she did that all the time. "Soarin's throwing a wild party, I won't be able to get a wink of sleep." "Oh," she was silent for a moment. Once she began to speak again, she had to strain to pick up the words. "Would you like to... um... stay at my place?" She felt herself beginning to grin at the idea of basically having a sleepover with a nice, normal pony, but forced herself to remain calm and not be a bother. "Well, I wouldn't like to impose..." "Oh no, it'll be fine," Fluttershy smiled softly, pointing with her hoof to a cottage nestled among trees at the edge of the Everfree Forest. "My house is just up ahead." Spitfire landed on the dusty trail leading to the cottage, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction at the feel of solid ground beneath her hooves. As Fluttershy went on ahead to open up, she had a quick look around. In her vast garden, she could see many animals moving around, some sleeping, some drinking from a pond near the center "You can come in now, that is, if you want to." A shy voice said meekly from the doorway. Spitfire trotted inside. All means of birdhouses and pet homes lay around the room, critters scurrying to and throw, brushing against her legs curiously. With a slight shiver as yet another small body passed her, she beat her wings and hovered above the ground. "You sure keep a lot of animals." "Yes, it's my special talent to look after them," Fluttershy's smiled slipped from her face. "It's not a bother, is it?" "Nah," knowing she probably seemed rude, Spitfire lowered herself to the ground, thankfully not stepping on one of the pets. She prodded a fluffy little squirrel, who gave her an irritated look. "They're pretty cute, actually." "Yes, they are," Fluttershy giggled happily. "Would you like some tea?" "That'd be nice, thanks." Spitfire took a seat on a couch, admiring the cottage some more. It didn't seem to be very big, but it had a warm, homely feel about it. She sighed and let herself sink into the soft pillows, closing her eyes. It had been a while since she had spent much time with a normal pony, the closet being with Rainbow Dash at the gala, but ponies kept on drawing her away. After what seemed to be but a few moments, Fluttershy's soft voice broke into her thoughts. "Um, Spitfire? Your tea is ready. You don't mind how it's made, do you?" Spitfire opened her eyes to see her placing two steaming mugs on the table. "No, I'll drink anything. Thanks." She unfurled one wing from her side, strong after the constant strain and exercise they received, curling it around her tea and bringing it to her mouth to sip gently at the hot liquid. Fluttershy, however, cradled her tea in her hooves, blowing on it. "Why don't you use your wings?" the words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them. "Most Pegasus do." "I sometimes do," she frowned, swirling her drink around. "But sometimes it's quite nice to just hold it. You try." Hesitantly, she gripped the sides of her mug, folding her wing back against her side. "I... I guess it's alright." The cutest giggle she had ever heard came from her companion's mouth as she went back to drinking. Spitfire blinked, holding her gaze on her for a little longer, then returning to gulp down a small bit of tea. This is nice, She smiled. "So, Spitfire," Fluttershy said. "What's being a Wonderbolt like?" "Hmm," she placed her tea down to think about her answer. "I love performing. The freedom, even if we're sticking to flight patterns, is what I always yearned for, and the cheering of the crowd is music to my ears," she grinned at her, who returned the gesture. "But the rest of it? Not so good. I barely get a moment to myself anymore, the paparazzi are everywhere. If I do one thing slightly wrong, it'll be all over the paper and I'll have to go through Celestia knows what just to clear my name for the public," she heaved a heavy sigh. "My house is big and all, but it's kind of lonely being there all by myself. That part isn't too bad, though, because the Wonderbolts normally stay at a luxury apartment together, in case of early or late shows, you know?" Fluttershy nodded. "That doesn't sound very nice." "Nah, it's okay," Spitfire gave her a reassuring nudge. "I mean, should have really seen it coming, being famous and all." She gave another one of those cute giggles. "Mm, yes. But I don't think I would like a life such as that, I would just prefer to stay here with all my animal friends," she hugged a little rabbit. "Speaking of which, it's about time I gave them their dinner." Fluttershy swallowed some more of her tea, giving Spitfire a friendly nod and going to collect all the food she would need. As soon as she left the room, something hard hit the side of her head, landing next to her and revealing itself to be a half-eaten carrot, courtesy of the white rabbit from earlier, who was glaring at her and thumping his foot against the wooden floor. "You jerk, what was that for?" she asked, as if he would actually answer, which he did, but in a strange way. He jabbed a finger aggressively at her, then the direction in which Fluttershy had gone. "Me and Fluttershy? What the hay has Fluttershy done?" the rabbit face-palmed, as is Spitfire was being stupid (which she sure she was not), and pointed again, but only at her this time. "You're angry at me, for something to do with Fluttershy?" he nodded. She smirked leaning down so her face was close to angry pet's. "So you don't like me because I'm actually being nice to her, and not a jerk like you?" The carrot soared back to its earlier place. "Hello everyone, I'm back," a sing-song voice called out as she trotted back into the room, laden with all sorts of bags of seeds and nuts and other assortments. Spitfire rubbed her sore snout, casting a final glare at her rabbit. "Here you go, my friends," she laden out all the different kinds of food for the animals, finished by picking a bowl of fresh salad of the table and placing it in front of the rabbit. "A nice, fresh salad for you, as usual, Angel." Spitfire blinked in fury and shock, that this incorrectly-named menace was receiving such a nice treat instead of the other pet's plain food. She was snapped out her anger by Fluttershy speaking to her. "And I got some cookies for us, Spitfire. You do like them, don't you?" Spitfire smiled warmly at her. "I haven't had cookies in ages, I'd love some." Fluttershy placed a plate of the treats on the little table before them. Gulping down the rest of her tea, she took a cookie from the plate, flashing a smile to show thanks as she bit in with a crunch. A look of contentment came over her as she chewed it up, finishing and grinning at her. "That was really nice, I bet you're a great cook." "Oh, I don't know about that," she shyly hid behind her long, pink mane. "I just like to make things for friends." Spitfire felt a soft warm in her stomach hearing the sweet voice. She leaned closer. "Are we friends?" Fluttershy blushed slightly, probably at the their proximity, and they both drew back at the same time. She felt her cheeks heat slightly and she rubbed the back of her mane. "Heh, sorry about that. I just... never mind." "It's okay." She said quietly. A silence fell between them, not the content one of when no more things need be said, but the awkward one where nopony knew what it was that needed to be said. Fluttershy ate a cookie. Angel glared at Spitfire. No much else happened. Finally, it grew to much, and she cleared her throat, making her new friend jump slightly. "Sorry," she apologized quickly. "I was just wondering... well, you know how the Wonderbolts are having their show tomorrow?" she bit her lip as she nodded. "Do you... do you want to come? I could get you an exclusive box, best seat in the entire place." "I don't know," despite her words, a smile pulled up the corners of her mouth. "I've never seen a Wonderbolts show before, but I hear you're very good. And I wouldn't want to be a bother." "No, it would be totally fine," she replied eagerly, enthralled by the idea of the normally shy mare cheering for her like she had for Rainbow Dash at the Best Young Fliers competition. "I want you to come. It'll be fun, I promise." A pink flush spread across her yellow cheeks. "W-well, if you really want me there, of course I'll come." "Great!" To celebrate her victory, she took another cookie, devouring it in a few bites. She giggled. "Well, we'll need to be up early to get there in time. Let's get some rest." Spitfire nodded, not letting herself speak for fear of spraying crumbs everywhere until she was finished. "I'll sleep on the sofa." Fluttershy's eyes widened in horror. "Oh no, you're my guest, take my bed!" "What?" she frowned at this. "I'm not taking your bed, I'll be fine down here." "I can sleep on the sofa, I've done it before," she continued to protest. "I really don't mind, but you can't spend the night on the sofa!" *** Spitfire was certainly used to compromises, she was always getting into arguments with ponies who thought differently to her. This, however, was not a good compromise. She sighed and twisted her head round on the plush pillow to see Fluttershy's relaxed, sleeping face. She blushed at the idea of sharing a bed. Fluttershy could be very persuasive. With yet another sigh, softer this time, she rolled over and wrapped her forelegs around her sleeping companion. "Goodnight, Fluttershy." She whispered, planting a quick kiss on her forehead. > Chapter Two: Wonderbolts > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wonderbolts A bright light shone onto Spitfire's eyelids, making red patterns dance before her. She cringed and rolled over on the empty bed to try and hold onto those last precious moments of sleep. Wait, empty bed? Begrudgingly, she looked over her shoulder to see she was indeed alone. With a loud groan, she attempted to get up out of the bed and start her day, but instead fell to the floor in a jumbled heap. She thrashed around a bit before finding a gap in which to pull herself free, hot and bothered. Still, it was nothing to cry about, so she set about making the bed, smoothing the blanket back over the mattress and even fluffing the pillow. "Goodmorning, Spitfire," Fluttershy called out, pushing open the door. "Are you awake?" Trying not to let her annoyance at the bad start to a day seep through, she answered her. "Yeah, I'm up." Fluttershy trotted into the room, not seeming to notice anything off. "That's good. I made pancakes if you'd like some." The thought of such a delicious treat put a grin back on Spitfire's face. "I'd love some!" She followed by down the stairs, slower than usual as she shook off the last clingy threads of sleep numbing her mind and body. As Fluttershy left to make the promised pancakes, she began to stretch out her weary limbs, pushing forwards and arching her back to a satisfying crack. After shaking and stretching each leg separately, she rolled her head around before focusing on the main part; her wings. Spitfire unfurled them gently, not wanting any aches or damage to them that would hinder her performance. Finally, they reached their full height, at which point she curled the tips and flexed them, enjoying the feel of sleek muscle rippling beneath her golden feather. Suddenly, a strange prickling sensation crawled along her back, as if she was being watched. She glanced towards the doorway to see Fluttershy staring, a pink flush coating her cheeks. "Uh," she folded her ears awkwardly at being watched doing her daily exercises. "Aren't you making pancakes?" "O-oh, right!" As if she had forgotten her purpose, she nodded and darted away into the kitchen. Shaking off her confusion, she trotted in a quick circle and flapped her wings, just to check everything was working. Fluttershy would probably still be cooking, so Spitfire was left with nothing to do. She slumped down on the sofa. At least that annoying Angel was nowhere to been, probably still fast asleep. When Fluttershy returned, she was carrying two steaming plates of syrupy pancakes, one of which she placed in front of Spitfire, one in front of herself. The sweet, enticing aroma drifted up her nostrils, and she inhaled deeply to draw more of it in. "Looks great, Fluttershy." With a cute smile, she sat down and began to eat. To a growl from her stomach, she cut up a large corner and shivering into her mouth, chewing up the warm batter hungrily, swallowing hard. "Tastes great, too, you are a good cook." She blushed at the praise. "Thank you." Spitfire ate quickly, savoring the delicious taste on her tongue as she finished. Fluttershy was still only half-way through her first, and it would probably take her a while to finish. She leaned back against the sofa, staring up at the ceiling for a bit before she spoke again. "Hey, 'Shy," she said, trying out a nickname. When she glanced her way, she continued. "You wouldn't mind if I took a shower, would you?" "Oh, um, of course not," Fluttershy pointed towards the stairs. "The bathroom's on the left." With a quick nod and thanks, she glided up the stairs, landing neatly on all fours outside of a wooden door. Smiling at the organic, natural look that was so different to the white stone bricks of Canterlot, she pushed the door open and slid inside, pushing it shut behind her while she looked around. It wasn't particularly big, fitted with a toilet against the top of the left hand wall with a sink laden with a block of pink soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste next to it. Left to the door was a gently humming radiator sporting a fluffy white yellow, and on the white a bathtub equip with a shower head. Spitfire stepped into the bath. She checked the temperature, then turned it up a notch to her preference. Happy with the heat, she pushed a circular button, gasping in shock as freezing cold water gushed down onto her mane, pressing it flat against her head. She stumbled out of the spray, blinking droplets out her eyes. Hesitantly, she stuck a wet hoof back into the water to find it was warming up. Relieved, she stepped back to her earlier position, tilting her head back and closing her eyes to enjoy the hot water. A sudden click broke into her peaceful state of mind, her head snapping round to see the door open with Fluttershy peaking through nervously, a bottle lightly gripped in her mouth. Blushing, she placed it on the towel just in front of the bath, there to soak up water from Spitfire's hooves when she got out. "I-I'm sorry, I forgot there was no shampoo in here. I'll g-go now." She squeaked, closing the door and dashing off. Spitfire could feel a red flush spreading across her own face that had nothing to do with the hot liquid cascading of her slick mane. It wasn't like she wore clothes or anything normally, apart from the normal Wonderbolts uniform, so she had no real reason to be embarrassed. But still, it was different when a cute, shy met mare she'd just met saw her showering. Shaking off those thoughts, she leaned down to scoop up the bottle of shampoo, and, using her wings for balance, squeeze a generous amount into hoof and rubbed it into her mane. She placed the bottle down, dropping down on her other foreleg while she finished. With frothy substance remaining on her hoof, she rubbed it into her tail until it matched her mane. Spitfire washed it out carefully, not getting any in her eyes. There was something about Fluttershy she couldn't quite pin down. They'd only just met but she already felt a strong connection to her, a desire to be with her and protect her. It would be nice having her watch her perform at the Wonderbolt's show. The show! She had no time to go slowly. Spitfire hurriedly scrubbed her coat, rinsed away the suds, turned off the shower, and stumbled out of the tub. She grabbed Fluttershy's yellow towel of the radiator and proceeded to rub down her body until she was dry. Her suit, where was it? The bedroom! Spitfire hurried out of the bathroom, crossing a small stretch of space to the room where she had discarded the clingy item of clothing before going to bed. She had expected to see it strewn across the floor where she had left it, but it was nowhere to be seen. Panicking, she darted around the room, searching everywhere for someplace Fluttershy would have put it. No luck. Gritting her teeth, she thudded out of the room and soared down the stairs, turning sharply into the kitchen to the sound of humming that cut off as she came in. "Spitfire!" Fluttershy stopped washing dishes, placing the already impeccably clean plate down on the side. "Is something wrong?" "I can't find my suit!" she blurted out, not waiting. She dropped to the floor, pacing across the room. "I need that for my show, I can't turn up without it!" "Your suit?" she said. "I ironed it for you while you having a shower. I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd mind..." "What?" she blinked as the words sunk in, leaving her feelings ridiculous as she spotted the sort article of clothing draped over the edge of an ironing board as Fluttershy picked it up. "Oh, no. I don't mind. Uh, thank you." Spitfire took the wonderfully silky fabric from her friend, awkwardly leaving the room to get dressed. She slipped her legs into the sleeves, zipping the back up seamlessly and tugging the mask on front of her face, wriggling her ears through the holes and shifting it around so she could see properly. Finally, she snapped the goggles atop her head, ready for her flight. As an afterthought, she shifted them down to cover her eyes, shooting out of the door into the fresh air. After a few spins and flips, she looped around the cottage and trotted back in, pushing her goggles up. "Oh, Spitfire, there you are," Fluttershy stood in the living room where she had been but a moment ago. "Your hair... it's all blown back again." "Yeah," she brushed it back some more with a foreleg awkwardly. "So, should we go?" *** Even from outside the stadium, Spitfire could hear the loud noise the crowd was making outside, leaning forwards on the seats, hoping to see the Wonderbolts soaring out and beginning their performance. Fluttershy would be there too, in the private box she had bashfully accepted after a lot of persuasion. She grinned. "So who's the cute filly?" She jumped at the sudden noise, spinning round to see her Soarin smirking at her. "I saw you giving her a private box. She must be pretty special." A hot blush spread across her cheeks at the suggestion he was making. "Sh-she's not! She's just my friend, Fluttershy." "Fluttershy, huh?" Soarin seemed to think for a bit, although she knew he was just winding her up. "So, if you're not interested, can I have a shot at her?" "What? No!" Spitfire snapped. "You're not allowed to go and flirt with my new friend!" "Alright, alright, calm down," she scowled at him as he brushed off her angry words. "But you like her, don't you?" Her cheeks turned red again. "I-it's time to go out. Behind me, Wonderbots!" Chuckling quietly, Soarin took his place along with the rest behind his captain. Like her? I only just met her! Spitfire thought furiously. Then, a memory of the cutest little giggle rising from her mouth, soft green eyes hidden slightly by the beautiful pink mane rose to her mind. She shook her head to dispel the thought. I can't think about things like that now, it's time for the show. Galloping forwards strongly, Spitfire spread her wings and flapped them hard, lifting her into the air, gliding smoothly upwards. The crowd broke into a loud roar, cheering with all their might for the performers. A smile spread across her face as she drew her to a brief stop, letting the ponies get a good look at them before twisting into a loop. This was what she lived for, the excited ponies and thrill she felt shooting through her, driving them through the various stunts, drawing out 'ooh's and 'aah's. Suddenly, a bouncing yellow figure aught her attention, jumping up and down and screaming like there was no tomorrow. Fluttershy. Cheering. For her. Energy filled her like never before, and she found herself pouring more than she ever had into her performance, deftly finishing the routine with a flourish. Spitfire landed in the room next to the stadium, her breathing pattern slightly irregular. She poured herself a cold cup of water, drinking it quickly as her peers congratulated her. She ignored them. While they were some of her best friend, they weren't who she wanted to see. No, that was the shy mare that had somehow made it to the entrance, scuffing her hooves along the ground while she waited. Spitfire soared over her friends, galloping to Fluttershy and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Spitfire, you were amazing!" Fluttershy beamed, returning the hug, much to her excitement. Reluctantly, she unfolded her arms from her. "Hehe, thanks," she glanced over team-mates, who were currently watching with a curiosity that made the other mare shrink away. "Say, do you want to come to the after party? Normally it's Wonderbolts earlier, but I can make an exception." "Oh no, I wouldn't want to intrude," Fluttershy gasped. "I mean, it's exclusive." "Do you want to come?" Spitfire demanded, gazing into those gorgeous green eyes. After a few moments of silence, a smile lit up Fluttershy's features. "Yes." > Chapter Three: Party Time > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Party Time On a normal night, Spitfire would be at the front, racing to be the first in the private Wonderbolt apartment, set up for them with decorations by their attendants. But tonight wasn't a normal night, so she let them all overtake her, choosing instead to stay behind with her slower-paced companion. She knew what everything looked like anyway, it wasn't like she was missing at anything. Besides, every now and again Fluttershy would smile at her. No, she definitely wasn't missing anything. Rather behind all the others, they reached the open door. With an encouraging look, Spitfire took her hoof and led her inside. The Wonderbolts were chatting happily, somepony closing the door behind them. Misty Fly darted to a white DJ with spiky blue hair, giving her the all clear to place her first disc and began playing. Spitfire was accustomed to the sudden loud blare of sounds that came to life, but Fluttershy was not, yelping and throwing herself to the ground. She awkwardly stroked her mane, shouting over the music. "Come on, it's okay! Let's go eat!" She tenderly took her hoof again to pull her up. With a smile, she led her through the room to a long table laden with all sorts of edible treats. Gripping two paper plates in her teeth, she dropped one in front of Fluttershy, and the other in front of herself. She was about to begin piling on food when she realized that the other mare's lips were moving, as if she were trying to speak. With a sigh, she leaned forwards. "I can't hear you!" Fluttershy tried again, with the same results as her last attempt. She did that a couple more times, before finally realizing it was a failure. Taking a deep breath, she screamed at the top of her voice. "I said, there sure is a lot of food!" Spitfire flinched at the sheer volume, recovering to see a few heads turning to stare for a few long moments, then turning back to whatever they had been busy with before. With a sheepish grin at the embarrassed Pegasus, she flew swiftly to Vinyl, whispering a few words in her ear. Nodding hesitantly, she turned the volume down to a reasonable level. "There. Is that better?" She landed neatly on all fours. Fluttershy nodded bashfully. "Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for shouting." "No, no, it's fine," Spitfire chuckled. "Quite funny, actually. You don't normally seem to come out of your shell like that." Fluttershy gave one of those adorable cute giggles that sent blood rushing to the Wonderbolt's cheeks, but she had no time to comment, as Soarin was stomping into the room (apparently he left at some point), balancing a box on his back. He cranked open the lid to reveal an assortment of alcoholic beverages nestled closely together. He grinned widely. "Who's ready to really start partying?" His question was immediately responded to with a loud roar of cheering from the few ponies present, who crowded around the box to grab a drink. All except two of them, one backing away and the other frowning after them. "It'll be alright, Fluttershy. I promise I won't get widely drunk, not unless you do." "I don't know," she said. "I don't really drink." "Well, what's the harm in just trying a glass?" Spitfire encouraged her. She knew she could never pressure her sweet new friend, but it wasn't like she went all all out every night. No, only at these parties, and she really didn't want to sit it out. Thankfully, Fluttershy gave a slight nod. "O-okay. One glass." *** Stars were supposed to piercing, clear white dots scattered across the dark night sky, but these stars weren't. They blurred together into some sort of pale, stringy mess, occasionally separating before falling back into the pattern. It wasn't their fault, of course, it was her groggy brain's. At least she knew that. She sighed, her head swimming as she tilted it back and closed her eyes. Already very tipsy in the few short hours of alcohol sipping that had led her into the night, she couldn't drink anymore. Spitfire had promised she wouldn't get drunk, and as far as she knew (though she had drunk a fair bit) Fluttershy wasn't drunk. "Spitty!" a high voice called out, breaking in the middle. She spun around in surprise to see her friend stumbling towards her, a bottle filled with swishing liquid grasped between her teeth. She put the bottle down with a grin. "Hello!" "Fluttershy?" Spitfire frowned. "Have you been drinking?" She giggled, covering her mouth. "Hehe, yes. Have some, ish good!" Spitfire chuckled at the slight slur, picking up the bottle and taking a swig of it. "Ah... you're right, this is the stuff." "Mm, mm," she purred, rubbing up against her, causing a blush to break out across her cheeks. "Ah bet I could fly right up to the... to the moon." "Could you really?" She raised an eyebrow skeptically, jiggling the bottle around to watch the liquid splash against the glass sides. "Yeah, yeah," Fluttershy nodded enthusiastically, springing onto the balcony with some helpful flaps of her wings. "Watch me." "No, wait!" She grabbed the silky tail, pulling it's owner down with a worried glare. "Don't fly, you're drunk." "I'm not drunksh!" She protested, a hiccup following her words. With a sigh, Spitfire drowned another mouthful of wine, enjoying the slightly sour taste as it traveled in a hot, wet trail down her throat. Maybe if she got drunk enough, she wouldn't care anymore, and she could just fly to the moon with Fluttershy. It sounded pretty fun. Wait, that was a bad idea. Was staying sober to care for her the right thing to do. Looking between her drink and the giggling Fluttershy, her laugh punctuated with hiccups, as she found enjoyment in some funny thing. Nah. *** At some point the music had been turned up again, a steady beat thrumming inside the delicate fur of Spitfire's ear, just how she liked it. She swished her hips from side to side, letting out a loud whoop as Fluttershy joined her, dancing as if they had no care in the world, which, at that point, they didn't. It was a nice view anyway, her long mane obscuring her face as she nodded her head wildly to the beat, her beautiful yellow wings splayed out in the air, occasionally lifting her up. Catching Spitfire's stare, she paused to give a suggestive wink. She needed no more invitation than that, sauntering forwards to grip her shoulders and lock their lips together, wriggling her tongue pass her lips. A series of 'oohs' arose from the crowd, so she kissed her again, this time with a much stronger response. Fluttershy pushed her towards a closet, never breaking the kiss until they were swamped in warm darkness. Spitfire breathed heavily, licking along the length of Fluttershy's ear as she let out a shudder. She stared into her deep green eyes, a wide grin spreading across her face. The night was only just getting started. > Chapter Four: Sunrise > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunrise The first thing Spitfire was aware of was a pounding, unbearable pain pounding in her head, obliterating any other thoughts. She groaned loudly, pressed her hooves against her forehead, as if that would stop it. The second thing was that another mare was wrapped around her, warm body pressed against her back and soft breath dancing along her ear. The third thing was that the mare was Fluttershy. The pain from her head grew worse as she remembered the party last night, ending with time in the closet. Still, that wasn't necessarily bad. Fluttershy did have very cute flanks. Spitfire shook her head rapidly, ignoring the fresh wave agony crashing over her. Look at you. You actually start making a nice new friend, one so sweet and kind as well, and next day you've gotten her drunk and had your way with her. Well, it was more she had her way with me... but that doesn't matter. She twisted round to look at her sleeping face, long eyelashes gently resting against her flushed cheeks, mane scruffy and in dire need of a hairbrush. Despite herself, heat rose to her cheeks, resulting in a bright red blush. Was she always that cute? Fluttershy mumbled quietly under her breath, eyes drifting open. Spitfire gulped. "Sp-spitfire," she whispered softly, making her heart do flips inside her chest. "Oh... ow, my head..." She picture herself leaning forwards and tenderly planting her lips on her forehead. Should I do it?... No, I can't. I don't even know how she feels about me. "Sorry. About your head, I mean," as if reminded that she was supposed to be hungover, the pain returned with a vengeance. "Ugh. And about, y'know... last night." Fluttershy's cheeks flared brightly with a flash of color. "Oh no, did we? Ah!" She squealed, turning around and burying her head in the floor. Guilt hit her then, like a stone wall slamming against her. "I'm sorry, 'Shy. I never should've made you drink with me. You didn't want to." A heavy silence fell over the pair, finally broken by Fluttershy lifting her head from the floor, her eyes watering. "No, it was my fault. I shouldn't of let myself go," with a sigh, she dropped her head, smoothing down her mane with her hooves. "And I know you probably don't like me now, and you don't want to my friend- I don't even know why you're even talking to me, I'm nothing special- but I wanted you to know that I... I..." She whimpered suddenly, massaging her forehead. Spitfire swallowed hard. Was she about to say what I think she was?. "Come with me. Let's get some fresh air." She got up unsteadily, gritting her teeth and moving towards the open doors that led to the balcony. A few moments later, she heard Fluttershy's light footsteps. As soon as she stepped outside, she closed her eyes, letting out a relived sigh. The cold morning wind billowed gently across her messy hair, clearing her mind as it dulled the horrible pain. "This is nice." Fluttershy breathed softly. Spitfire's keen eyes scanned the sky, quickly locating a fluffy white cloud peacefully across the warm orange-pink of the sky. She unfurled her wings stiffly from where they had previously been pinned to her sides, flexing the feathery appendages, until they were once again supple and ready for flight. She flapped her wings, pausing on the balcony to flash wild smile at Fluttershy. "Are you coming?" The Pegasus mare needed no more invitation than that, eagerly flapping her wings. Spitfire turned away, bending her legs and shooting upwards into the sky. An immediate ache hit her head, but soon she'd forgotten about it, revealing in the thrilling feeling of wind gently rustling her feathers and blowing against her mane. All too soon she'd reached her target, touching down of the soft surface of the cloud. She curled up, glancing to her left to watch the sun continue it's gradual assent upwards. Celestia sure was taking her sweet time. Two yellow forelegs draped themselves over her shoulders, sending her into a nervous shiver as she felt their owner's nose nuzzling her neck. "You're being kind of bold, y'know." "O-oh, I'm sorry," she removed her legs, putting disappointing distance between them. "I just thought... last night... sorry." Spitfire gave her a sad smile."No, it's fine. I don't mind. It's... nice." Hesitantly, Fluttershy returned to her former position, bringing with her that pleasure warmth. She blushed, her heart thrumming inside of her chest. For a while they were quiet, content simply with watching the sun until it cleared the horizon, a pale blue wash spreading over their heads. How long they lay there was uncertain, but she loved every minute of it. Still, all good things had to come to an end, especially when something so important was dangling over her heads. Just before she opened her mouth, Fluttershy broke the ice, to her surprise. "Spitfire, I know I'm just a silly little pony, but I... you're so nice to me, and you even invited me to your party," color rushed to both of their cheeks as they reflected back on the last night's acts. "And I know we were drunk, and it wasn't anything special, but... well, it was to me. I think I like you, not as a friend." Shaking, she forced herself past her nervousness. Come on, if Fluttershy can do it, you can! "I haven't know you very long," she forced a laugh. "Hay, it's only been a couple of days! And yet... I feel something, you know? A type of connection. You're cute, and nice, and fun, and talented, and considerate... I could go on all day. My point is..." she leaned closer, nuzzling her cheek briefly. "Are you doing anything for hearts and hooves and day?" Fluttershy leaned forwards, pressing their lips together in a short, but sweet, kiss. "I'm spending the day with a very special pony."