> Colfire
>  by solsticebrony888
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
Colfire



Standing in front a big blue wooden door, which was adorned with a Wonderbolts logo, a blue-coated mare felt a mixture of excitement and angst. Her horn glowed as she contemplated when she should open the decorated door before her.  Colgate was nervous, but excited at a chance not only to meet a Wonderbolt; but somepony she owed a lot of gratitude. She was finally fulfilling a goal that she vowed to fulfill back when she graduated school. 

Colgate was at the practice gym and track where the Wonderbolts regularly hold mini-races. It was free for most to attend and those who get V.I.P passes are typically invited by the Wonderbolt’s themselves. Colgate had her own V.I.P ticket in her light blue saddlebag, ready to show to whomever would authorize her access to the show. 

The memories of a certain day were still very vivid in her mind. It wasn't a particularly good day for her. She wasn't a popular filly; she had the stereotypical braces causing her to talk with a slight lisp, she had freckles and a mane that would stick out in places no matter how much she brushed it. As a filly, she wasn't particularly amazing at school, but she steadily kept decent grades and was a good student. Socially, Colgate never had any true friends. She never had the best friend she could grow up with, she never had somepony to tell all her secrets to. It was just her and her parents, and occasional friends and coltfriends here and there. 

The bullying started quickly when she was a filly; in her second year, she had already been labeled brace-face. She had been sent to detention for letting other ponies copy off of her work, which she had done because they threatened to spread a rumor that she kissed a teacher. everypony in the school soon thought  that she kissed the teacher. Colgate tried her hardest to be confident and strong. She tried to ignore the bullies, but realized that it only made them try harder. Adults would tell her to ignore them and they’ll go away. That was simply not true. 

At risk of her parents sending her to a different school, Colgate, despite being a tinier than average  filly,  had every intention of standing up to the older bullies, each at least 2 two years older and much taller. It was at a school lunch when they approached her, intentionally knocking her juice box to the ground. Harmless? Yes, but when three colts were standing above Colgate, laughing at her as she looked down in sadness, it took its toll on the filly.

Despite having prepared the whole morning, telling herself that she was going to stick up for herself, she instead started to cry, avoiding eye contact with the three colts standing in front of her. Buster, Rapid Runner and Sky High  were their names, each with a dark colored coat. Buster, the tallest, had a dark orange coat and a short, spiky yellow mane. He had a scar near his eye from a fight he had gotten into the previous year. Rapid Runner was the shortest and thinnest, having a dark red coat and light grey mane and tail. Despite being the quietest of the bullies, he had no qualms watching his friends pick on the tinier ponies in their school. Sky High was the only Pegasus, the other two being earth ponies. He had a dark blue coat and mane, and did most of the provoking. This being the first time they reduced the filly to tears, he was the first to obnoxiously laugh at Colgate.

“Pleh, look at her! Her drink spilled, now she’s crying. She’s crying guys, should we help her?” He taunted, heavy on the sarcasm, shaking his hoof as he spoke, “Brace-face shouldn’t even be drinking juice, it’d be bad for her teeth.”

Though being an odd insult, it still bothered Colgate, thoughtshe stayed silent as the three colts stood over her. 

“What are you waiting for? A-Are you going to tell us to leave you alone? What are you going to, brace-face?” Buster contributed to the taunting, though still not getting her to acknowledge their taunts.

Sky High considered shoving the filly, just to get her attention. However, when he walked over to do it, another voice, a voice he recognized,  got him to avert his attention.

“Don’t you lay a hoof on her!” An adolescent Spitfire called with a voice crack, even getting Colgate to wipe her tears and look up, “You guys are disgusting, 

Face to face with his crush, Sky High changed his tune, “Oh, hey there, Spitfire, there’s nothing to worry about here,”

“Don’t even act as if I didn’t see you.” Spitfire said sharply, aggressive as always. She stood by the sad filly, 

“Don’t tell me you you’re going to defend this little nerd,  you’re too cool for that, Spitfire! Now let’s just change the topic to something better. There’s a dance coming up, and you might be pleasantly surprised to know that I want you to go with me,” He said, lowering his face closer to Spitfire’s with an arched eyebrow. His friends, a few feet to his side grimaced at his awkwardness.

“Just because I’m on the flight team doesn’t mean I’d let you treat her like this. Forget the dance, I’d never go with you. I’d rather go with Colgate as friends. You’re literally the typical school bully right now, I should have known better to not talk to you in the first place.”

Sky High craned his neck back, perplexed, “I’m the star on the male flight team, you’d get even more popular by dating me! I’ll forget about messing with little brace-face here if you go with me, deal?”

Spitfire looked down at the much smaller Colgate, who was amazed that somepony was even sticking up for her, “Would you like to go to the dance with me, Colgate? My new friend.” 

Colgate was in shock. Spitfire being one of the most popular ponies in the school, just called her her friend.

“Shove off, colts. Sky High, no matter what I do, you’re going to stop. Grow up.”

Without a word, Sky High awkwardly walked back to his friend, then left with his two friends in the opposite direction. Spitfire smiled and then sat next to the filly. She ignored her friend’s calls for her to meet them at their table.

“You okay, kid?” She asked Colgate, who was wiping away tears.

“T-thank you,”

“Oh, it’s nothing. All three of them are full of it. I really hope they hadn’t done this for long,”

“Since the-the beginning of the year,” Colgate said, “Y-you stood up for me though…that’s so nice of you. You’re so popular.” The blue unicorn stared at the Pegasus as if she was meeting a celebrity, “No one ever stuck up for me before.”

“Well that’s a shame, kid. I wish I’d have known of it earlier, they pick on everypony that’s smaller than them. I just didn’t know they picked on more than just colts…”

Colgate was silent for a minute, looking at her hooves which were on the table she was sitting at. She then turned her head to face the popular pony beside her, “Am I really your…your friend?”

“Of course you are,” Spitfire responded with a smile. It was a smile that Colgate never forgot.

It was also a day that she never forgot; a day where somepony stood up for her and whether Spitfire knew it or not, improve her life drastically. Soon after the incident, the bullies left her alone. Her confidence soared, she had a new friend and started to gain more. Spitfire always made time out of her busy schedule just to talk to Colgate. She kept her word about being Colgate’s friend.

However, she was quickly ascending in the world of Pegasi sports. After middle school, she had no need to stay in the regular school system; she was headed off to flight camp where she was trained  to be one of the best fliers out there. With that, she was unable to see her friends as often, and Colgate understood this.

As she did with most of her young childhood friends, she and Spitfire eventually stopped talking. Spitfire went on quickly to be a Wonderbolt, while Colgate went into higher education and after years of hard work, became a dentist. It’s a modest profession but she took great pride in it. 

And now, she was at the door of the Wonderbolt’s locker room, ready to talk to her old friend Spitfire for the first time in many years. Though she really had nothing to worry about, she felt oddly nervous. It was a part of her nature to be nervous despite there being nothing  to be nervous about. To Colgate, she wasn’t meeting a Wonderbolt, she was meeting an old friend.

The unicorn sighed for confidence, then nudged the door open slowly. Unfortunately it revealed an empty room, one that Spitfire may have just left. She was too late.

Colgate’s heart sank.

I think I wasted my time here. Why would she even want to see me? She’s famous now, with the all the friends and coltfriends and fans she could ever want. She wouldn’t want to meet somepony as bland as I am…

Colgate tended to lose hope fairly quickly when things seemed to be going downhill. However; when she turned around to walk down the hallway to the exit, she saw a janitor.

“Can, I…do you know where the Wonderbolts went? I was supposed to meet Spitfire here before the show, but I guess, I was late,” She spoke in her usual soft voice. As a dentist, having a comforting voice was important when you deal with nervous fillies and colts on a daily basis.

“I reckon’ I just saw them leave not ten minutes ago, little lady. You can catch them at the show if ya wish, do you have your V.I.P. pass to meet Spitfire and the crew?”

It’s weird that a janitor would have the ability to help me. But I won’t complain.

“Of course!” She said, using her magic to get the purple ticket out of her saddlebag. 

Colgate had received the V.I.P pass in the mail just a week before; she had sent a letter to the Wonderbolt’s requesting a chance to meet Spitfire. Though she never spoke directly with Spitfire herself in the letters, she received a letter back with the V.I.P. pass; legitimately surprised it had been accepted. She had sent the request because her roommate Carrot Top had pestered her about it. At some point, they must have asked Spitfire if it was okay, and she said yes. At least that’s what Colgate presumed. Carrot Top told the blue unicorn that it was extremely rare that any pony ever got a free V.I.P. pass, so Colgate counted her blessings and took the opportunity.

She handed the pass over, and after the light-blue coated stallion squinted at the pass, he nodded, then waved his hoof signaling for her to follow him. They walked down a hallway towards the back exit in the building. 

Okay, so maybe I can see her after all. I really hope she isn’t bothered by me meeting her, she must be so busy being such an idol. I can just thank her for what she did, and then be on my way. No need to be obtrusive. 

The older stallion led the blue mare down another hallway after turning right, which was decorated in a huge amount of Wonderbolt’s memorabilia. Colgate couldn’t help but notice that about half of it was for Spitfire.

I can’t tell whether the Wonderbolt’s weren’t all the great until Spitfire joined, or if she is really that spectacular at flying.

“Y’seem to be pretty interested in Spitfire; there’s a good reason she’s the youngest team captain in the group’s his’try.” 

“I knew her back when we were really young; I’m trying to connect with an old friend. I feel nervous knowing how great she’s done, I’m just a dentist.”

“Oh now, don’t talk to yourself like that. I’m sure when you’re done with them fillies teeth they’re happy most of the time, and I think that’s makin’ a difference, even if small.”

This stallion is the wisest pony I have ever met.

“Well, thank you, that does mean a lot.”

“No problem, little lady! Now, since the Wonderbolt’s are about to perform, you’re going to sit in the front row since you’re V.I.P. You’ll be able to see Spitfire, Fleetfoot and a…I forget the last one’s name, he doesn’t come ‘round here, he’s usually off with the other Wonderbolt’s.”

“There’s more Wonderbolts?” Colgate questioned, looking towards the older stallion as they walked.

“There are multiple groups of three, if I remember correctly. Spitfire is captain of them all, they all go n’ perform in different towns, then meet up for their practice in Canterlot. Hope ya’ have fun meeting your old friend, there!”

“Oh, I know I will. Thank you, my name’s Colgate, what’s yours?”

“Oh, my name’s Dusty. I think it’s because I enjoy makin’ the world clean. Not exactly the biggest aspiration in life, but if someone notices how clean some place is, and I’m the one that cleaned it, it makes it worth it.”

“Well, you have done a great job here, certainly,” Colgate said with a smile, as she faced towards the exit door, “Thanks again!”

I wish he was my grandpa.

Colgate opened the door with her magic, immediately feeling a cool breeze. Her eyes adjusting to the bright lights and the large crowd; she panned to the left and right to see if she would see Spitfire or any other Wonderbolt. Directly in front of her was a racing track. It obviously was used by both Pegasi and earth-bound ponies, with lines dividing each lane. It sent a chill down her spine to know she would be just feet from the Wonderbolts. 

The crowd was large despite it not being a full airshow. The day was cloudless, and windless, so it seemed like a perfect scenario for some Wonderbolt races. 

Since she couldn’t see any Wonderbolts just yet, she took a left and walked towards a front row of seats, that were all empty except for a large white stallion in front. She walked up to and used her magic to present to him her V.I.P. pass.

“Alright, just take a seat in any of these seats. I doubt there are any others coming. Enjoy.” He said in an oddly high pitched voice, surprising Colgate.

“Thanks.” She said with a smile.

The blue unicorn walked towards the front, ignoring a few younger ponies glancing at her as if she were special for being a V.I.P. She was only lucky, but the young fillies and colts didn’t know that. There was about a ten foot gap between her seats and the ponies behind her, which is where the ascending seats began.

Wow, for Ponyville, this place is quite large. 

She sat down all the way at the end on a comfortable sitting pad, then put her front hooves on the wall between her and the track. Colgate took it all in, this was quite the experience for a pony that doesn’t really go out and experience new things like most ponies do. Colgate wasn’t necessarily introverted, but she does tend to enjoy continuity and a predictable lifestyle.

The start track was about twenty feet in front of her, marked with thick white chalk. The track itself was orange and made out of some combination of rock that was good for the hooves of the earth-bound athletes. between her and the track. Colgate enjoyed this experience thoroughly , this was quite the event for a pony that doesn’t really go out and experience new things like most ponies do.

Colgate settled in as she enjoyed being out for once. She couldn’t escape the anxiousness of meeting her friend again, knowing she’s accomplished so much. The blue mare scanned the crowd and any entrance ways she could spot. However, it was not until a quick crescendo from the crowd got her to look up; right as three blazing fast Wonderbolts flew over, leaving a trail of smoke behind them. Colgate couldn’t help but cheer along with the crowd.

“And here they are, ladies and gentlecolts! The Wonderbolts!” The enthusiastic announcer exclaimed.

Within thirty seconds, the three Wonderbolt’s entered the arena from the back entrance that Colgate herself had just gone through. She looked over towards them as they glided outside, seeing Spitfire behind two other Wonderbolts. They took their places just meters from Colgate. The blue unicorn was smiling non stop, as the three Wonderbolts enjoyed the applause from the crowd.

Spitfire then turned her head and saw Colgate. The unicorn had no clue what to do, so she shrugged and mouthed ‘hey ’ with quite an awkward smile. The fire-maned Wonderbolt grinned, then focused her attention at the race that was about to start.

I’m just as awkward as when we first met...

Typically, races don’t last too long. Nopony would enjoy watching three ponies go in circles at high speeds for hours upon hours, so there’s a one hundred lap limit. In just one minute, the three Wonderbolts could complete up to twenty laps, so it was quite a short race, but a quick burst of adrenaline for the Wonderbolts as the crowd cheered them on.

“Go Spitfire!” Colgate found herself cheering instinctively, “Wooo!”

Every Time they passed Colgate, there was a quick burst of wind, which the unicorn found herself enjoying a lot. The race was tight, no pony held the lead for more than a few fast seconds, and they all seemed to be trying very hard, despite it just be a quick race, and not a full-fledged airshow.

As quick as the race began, it was over, Spitfire taking second place to the stallion whose name Colgate didn’t know. They all stopped at the start/finish line where they began, waving towards the crowd.

Don’t be nervous, I’m sure she’s nice. Just because she’s famous doesn’t mean she’s mean now. That’s a stereotype, no need to assume things, Colgate.

The Wonderbolts each split up, meeting sections of the crowd. The crowd was a select group of ponies, those who were invited by ponies who knew the Wonderbolts. Colgate didn’t know this, she was under the assumption that she was going to see a regular air show, not a race.

After giving out a few autographs and conversing with some fans, Colgate watched as they all flew back to where they had entered the stadium, just meters away from Colgate once more. They all were given water to drink, and towels to wipe their faces with, the little that actually shown though their uniforms.

“I’ll be right back, Colgate.” Spitfire said suddenly, causing the blue pony to jump.

Oh my Celestia, she’s awesome.

It wasn’t hard for Colgate to separate the fact that she was meeting both a Wonderbolt and an old friend. It still made it much more exciting, but also nerve racking. However, she waited calmly and patiently for the Wonderbolts to return.

I have to clear my throat, I hope my voice doesn’t crack. Don’t be awkward. Just say thank you, small talk, thank her again, go home and be happy. Carrot Top will be so jealous. Just be calm.

The crowd slowly started to dwindle, ponies going to get drinks and go to the restroom before three new Wonderbolts showed up to have their race. Colgate found herself studying the sky, the smoke that Spitfire and the other two Wonderbolts left now dissipating in the air.

I can hear somepony coming. Stay calm, Colgate, it’s just an old friend.

After setting her goggles onto a table; the now suitless Spitfire made her way towards the anxious Colgate with a smile.

“Hey,” Spitfire said simply.

“Hey, it’s been- it’s been quite a long time.” Colgate said, returning the smile.

“Heck yeah it has. How have you been, Colgate? I see your braces are gone now!” Spitfire said with a chuckle. She flipped her mane to the said side, her Wonderbolt’s uniform not there to hold it back. 

Good Celestia, Spitfire must constantly work out. 

“Ironically, I am a dentist now, which kind of makes sense.” Colgate stated, rubbing the back of her neck, “I really just wanted to come here and say thank you.”

“A dentist? BAHA! That’s actually pretty awesome considering that you have first-hoof experience on how braces are. Also, thank me for what?” The Pegasus questioned. 

“For bailing me out when I was being picked on - I don’t know if you remember. It was still grade school, I was being picked on by those jocks. You came and told them off,” 

Colgate blushed a little out of embarrassment, “You were my first real friend, Spitfire.”

“Oh I remember that. It’s nothin’. Ever since I joined the flight team, I always knew I would have influence. My mom was the one that told me to be nice, I’m glad I listened to her. She was such a nice pony, I’m glad I followed in her hoofsteps.”

“You don’t understand how much that really helped me. You’re the reason I have any confidence at all. Jeez, if the bullying had continued, I’d have moved to a different school and everything.:

“You give me too much credit. A lot of it was definitely because of you.”

Colgate smiled , “Well, thank you, I guess I’ll be going no-“

“Wait, really? Like, now?”

“Well I thought that V.I.P pass said I’d have a few minutes to talk with you and the other Wonderbolts, then I could go. I really only care about talking to you though.”

The Pegasus scoffed, “Forget the V.I.P. It’s nice just having somepony normal to talk to for once,”

Colgate sat down again, Spitfire sitting next to her, “Normal? What do you mean? You could have anypony in Equestria as a friend.”

Spitfire sighed, “It’s different though. Ponies only know me from my performances. They’re fans because I fly fast, they don’t really know me,” Spitfire turned to Colgate, “But you know me.”

Oh my Celestia, we’re friends again.

“I’m certain plenty of ponies know you’re nice, just from your public appearances. I mean, you’ve been to every corner of Equestria, you have to have a lot of friends.”

Spitfire turned away, “No, I wouldn’t say that.”  

“Well at least you have the rest of the Wonderbolts, right?”

The Pegasus nodded emphatically, “Of course, I have them. Me and Soarin’ even dated for a while, but being famous, it didn’t really quite work out. He’s a lady’s stallion, I’m more…I don’t even know. But, when it comes to friends, it’s a lot harder to make friends when you’re famous like I am. I-I, guess it’s because they want my autograph to brag to their friends, not spend time at a bar, or play frisbee or something.”

“Well, that’s a shame.”

“Wait,” Spitfire said, “You didn’t even ask for an autograph. I’ll give you one if want, I mean, the first thing I had expected was for you to ask for one, everypony does.”

Spitfire seems a bit burnt out on the famous lifestyle. Maybe this isn’t just a onetime thing…

Thinking about what Spitfire had said previously, Colgate said, “No thanks, Spitfire. I, uh, can you tell me the last time you actually spent time away from being famous, just, you know, hung out with somepony?”

The Pegasus spaced out while she looked at a cloud, thinking about the question, “Hmmm. I’d have to say my graduation party from flight school. I hung with my coltfriend at the time, we went to a bar and drank way too much cider. A week later he broke up with me because I was so busy getting used to being a Wonderbolt.”

There was a silence between them despite the crowd roaring as three different Wonderbolts flew across the sky as they prepared for their own race.

“Spitfire, I don’t really know how to say this…”

“What is it?” The Pegasus asked, turning her head towards Colgate.

“I’ll…I’ll be your friend if you’d like.”
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“She really said that? You’re funny, Colgate, but you’re not a good liar,”

“No really! I swear, she tours all across Equestria, but only meets fans, not friends. We’re going to hang out tonight!”

Carrot Top chuckled, laying comfortably on her roommate’s couch, “Oh really now? Just going to hang out in public with one of the most idolized ponies in Equestria? How’d that even work?”

The blue unicorn poured some water into a glass from the kitchen adjacent to their living room as she spoke, “You forget that she gets to go places most ponies can’t go. Or, she can just pay the owner of a bar to only have her and somepony else stay. She said she would meet me wearing a large hat and glasses, so fans wouldn’t won’t flip out at the sight of her. Gosh, I am excited,”

“Wow, so you’re not joking after all. Ugh, now I feel extremely jealous! My friend knows a Wonderbolt, and is now going to be hanging out with her. Now I have a lot of questions to ask you!”

“Okay C, ask away,” Colgate said, taking a spot in a chair across from the couch her friend was laying in.

“So, how’s her personality? She seems cocky whenever I see them perform.”

“Eh, I’d say that’s more a show she puts on. To be honest, she was nicer than I expected, but in a cool way, if that makes any sense. She can pull off being one of the coolest mares in Ponyville without being a complete jerk, too. I guess that showed when I first met her,”

“Does she have a coltfriend? She could get any stallion she’d ever want.” 

“I don’t think she does. I didn’t really ask. She did say that she dated Soarin’ for a while, though,”

“What? HA! Soarin’s a player, he probably has ten marefriends at once. No wonder she’s single.”

“I will say this though, she was in amazing shape. I was talking to her after she took off her uniform. It made me feel a bit jealous, considering the most exercise I get is walking to my work. I almost feel out of place, she’s a ten, I’m like a six!” The unicorn stated with a laugh.

“Why were you smiling so much when talking about how good of shape she’s in?” 

I was smiling?

“What do you mean? I’m just saying, up close, she’s extremely fit. I felt fat near her, heh, maybe seeing her healthiness inspired me, I don’t know.” Colgate responded, kinda bothered by the question. 

“Sounds to me like if you were a fillyfooler, you’d be all over that.” 

“As if a six like me could get a ten like her. You’re funny,” Colgate retorted quickly, “And besides, I’m not, so you can stop saying I am.” 

“Heck, I’d be all over that and I’m not a fillyfooler. She sounds pretty gorgeous without her uniform on.” Carrot Top said with a smile, “Then again, I’m not even a six.”

“Oh hush, you’re better looking than I am. We’re just the run-of-the-mill mares around town, but I have no problem with that. It keeps things normal, and I like normal.”

Carrot Top adjusted her position on the couch, then yawned, “Ugh, today was tiring. I’m going to take a nap or something. When are you going to meet Spitfire? Will any other Wonderbolts be there?”

Colgate pondered the question for a second, “I think it’s just going to me and her. I don’t think she’d want to spend any more time with the Wonderbolts than she also already does. I have to leave seen soon, it’s in like an hour from now when I am supposed to her.” 

“Where?”

“It’s a secret.” The blue unicorn said with a chuckle.




<><><><><><><><><>




Heh, I’m actually nervous. It’s been a while.

“Formal or casual... formal or casual?”

Spitfire sifted through the limited amount of clothes she owned that weren’t uniforms. The Pegasus contemplated wearing any at all; considering it was going to be much more casual than formal, since she’s just going to hang out with a friend.

“Soarin’, do ponies even really wear clothes when they spend time with friends nowadays?”

From the side of the Wonderbolts’ training room came a response, “I dunno. I don’t think friends care about what their friends wear or don’t wear when they hang out. Are you going to meet some fans or something?”

Lowering to the ground, Spitfire continued, “No, it’s actually the old friend who was a V.I.P at our races earlier today. We hit it off.”

“I have a feeling she’s just hanging with you just to have you meet her friends, sign autographs, do all that stuff. You’re too trusting sometimes; ponies have a lot to gain just by meeting us. It’s easier to mooch off of us than to work as hard as we did for what we’ve achieved, y’know.”

“You’re being ridiculous, Colgate is one of the nicest ponies I’ve ever known. She’s spending time with me because she knows I need a break from the spotlight. You can be so cynical sometimes, Soarin’”

“Well, when you’re signing autographs and taking pictures with fans, instead of hanging out with your new friend, you’ll know I’m right.”

“Fat chance, Sore-flank. You’re just jealous I actually have a friend now.”

Soarin’ laughed slightly obnoxiously, “Yeah! Every night I spend with a different marefriend, I always wish I could have a friend.” He said, thick with sarcasm. 

“Shut up.” Spitfire chided, though knowing the fellow Wonderbolt was just messing with her, “We’re just going to go to a bar and reminisce on the days when we both went to school together. I can relax and enjoy the privacy. I probably should get going soon.”

Spitfire used a brush to comb her mane to the side to make it look a bit nicer than its usual windblown look. She wasn’t going to wear anything, but she knew to at least clean herself up a bit. Though being quite the tomboy, she found herself slightly enjoying a chance to express a more feminine side of herself.

I hope I don’t come off as that typical rude superstar.

Spitfire found herself slightly nervous, but excited at the prospect of getting to hang out. 

I can't just say 'Wonderbolts this and flying that', I'd just bore her. I need to be interesting, beyond just my obvious stardom. 

Taking a temporary hat and glasses with her, she exited the Wonderbolt’s training facility and flew high up so nopony would hopefully see her. Spitfire, despite her worries, was still very excited to hang out with a friend for once. Not a fan, a friend who genuinely wants to spend time with her and hang out together.

It’s darker outside than I thought it was. 

After a few minutes of flying the general direction of the Hoofbeat Bar, she descended  to where she would see the sign that adorned the top of the building. It was a small bar, typical to those that any regular pony would go to after a hard day’s work.

I never thought I’d be excited to go a regular old bar, heh.

Spitfire spotted the blue unicorn from the air, both arriving nearly at the same time. Colgate quickly noticed the Pegasus as she flew down. Spitfire landed a few feet away from her.

“I’m so glad you could make it, Spitfire.” Colgate said kindly, with a smile.

Colgate is so nice. There’s no friends around her to beg me for autographs, either. I’ll have to tell Soarin’, it’ll be awesome.

“I definitely wouldn’t miss a time to hang with an old friend of mine. Ready to go in?” Spitfire said, returning the smile, then realizing she didn’t even need the hat or glasses to hide herself. There didn’t seem to be another pony in sight. 

At the counter, they both sat and each ordered a glass of cider, Spitfire setting her hat and glasses on the chair next to her.

“I guess you didn’t really need those since it’s dark now, huh?”  Colgate asked, looking towards the hat and glasses.

“Heh, no I didn’t until left. I didn’t know Luna would raise the moon so early tonight.” 

“How long did it take for you to gain so many fans? I mean, you’re one of the newer Wonderbolts, yet you’re the team captain, you must have a lot of fans just because of that.”

Spitfire pondered the question, “Oh, when I first joined, it was almost instant. Like, after the first show, BAM! Everyone wanted my autograph, a picture, anything, really. It was amazing at first, being the center of attention. I didn’t expect to lose so many friends. Ponies I knew back in school just assumed I forgot about them. They didn’t know how busy this job is. It’s not just flying in loops and patterns for crowds, it’s constant practicing, while at night trying my best to respond to fan mail. It’s overwhelming, I didn’t really have many chances to hang out with them. I’d never purposefully forget about somepony, but it’s just what happens when you’re in the spotlight constantly. Y’know, I’m probably more envious of you than you are of me.”

“I agree, I couldn’t handle being in the spotlight at all.” Colgate said with a chuckle.

“I’m serious though, you live such a nice, I guess private lifestyle. You get to choose to go out in public without being swarmed. Ugh, it’s not very cool for me to be whining like this so I’ll stop.”

Colgate laughed, “No, I’m your friend for a reason, I’m here to listen, Spitfire.”

Spitfire smiled half-heartedly, “Well, I told you about it a little earlier. This is my first time actually hanging out with somepony in a long time. I’m enjoying this right now more than my past five performances, and that’s saying something,” The Pegasus sighed, “Life seems a lot more fun when things aren’t just given to you anytime you want them. When you have to work, save-up, study. It makes it much more, I guess enjoyable. It’s hard to enjoy something when you really didn’t have to work for it all. Maybe that’s why I’ve been single for so long, I could get any stallion to date me if I wink and give them an autograph. There’s no, I guess anxiousness­ involved. I don’t feel nervous, I don’t get butterflies. It’s just not the same anymore. I may be famous, but if I could go a week of just being normal, it’d be fantastic.”

The unicorn took a moment to ponder this as an older stallion returned with their cider, “Well, maybe you could…I don’t know…” Colgate sighed, then continued, “I think you need to just take a vacation somewhere and just take a break from performing. Relax. I think taking some time off from performing will make you enjoy it much more when you get to perform again. Maybe you’ll meet a stallion you like, I don’t know.” The Pegasus chugged half of her cider, Colgate looking at her and chuckling, 

“Ah. That was refreshing. Maybe I do need a vacation. But we’re going to be touring this next month in Las Pegasus, then Manehattan. It’s not like I won’t try my best on the performances, but the whole time I’ll be thinking about being here, hanging out with you.”

Whoa… Colgate thought. Her heart soared, facing the other way to avoid Spitfire seeing the sudden redness on her cheeks.

Didn’t see that one coming, Celestia knows I hate being flattered.

“I’d much rather be here, drinking some cider with you. It’s a break from the normal. It’s better.”

“Well, now you’re just flattering me, I’m not that interesting.”

A Wonderbolt just told me she’ll be thinking about me when she’s performing. Carrot Top would never believe me.

Spitfire took another chug of the cider, then ordered a second one, “I’m paying, okay?’

“No, I’ll pay for myself, it’s fine.” Colgate responded with a slight smile.

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yep.”

“Nope.”

“Yes, final answer!” Spitfire said with a hearty laugh, “It’d be my pleasure.”

“I’ll pay next time then.”

“Hmmmmm. Nope.” She responded, both mares laughing for a bit.

When they finally calmed down, Colgate decided to attempt to chug her Cider. Lifting up the cup with her magic, she started spilling some of it instantly, causing her and Spitfire to laugh.

“I’m not very good at drinking so much at once,”  Colgate said, wiping her mouth, “That was definitely fun, though.”

Spitfire burped, “I can’t say I expected you to attempt to chug some cider, I’ll give you an A for effort.” 

“I didn’t really try; it was more like a C- in effort.” The unicorn responded with a laugh.

Spitfire stood up, “I gotta go to the restroom, I’ll be back soon. Make sure you don’t chug any cider until I am back!”

The Pegasus walked in the opposite direction towards where she assumed the restrooms would be. Colgate sighed happily, sipping on the cup of cider she had.

Wow, she’s in really good shape.

“I feel fat.” Colgate said aloud, for no reason.

She kept finding her eyes drifting towards Spitfire’s backside, only for her to quickly avert her attention elsewhere. Her heart fluttered each time she saw Spitfire’s body, before the Pegasus turned to find the restroom on the other side of the bar. 

What’s wrong with me? There’s no reason for me to be doing that. We’re both mares, that’s so weird of me. I’m not a fillyfooler.

The unicorn ignored the fact she had been staring at her friend’s flank and decided that it was just a side effect of the alcohol. 

She still makes me feel out of shape though. I can’t help it. She’s muscular, but not in a creepy way. She’s skinnier than me, her flank’s shapelier. She has a prettier mane, beautiful eyes…

“Ya okay, Colgate?”

Colgate’s eyes snapped open, “Yes, of course. Gosh, I don’t handle my alcohol well.” 

“I can’t have much more to drink anyway, I’m probably already too drunk to fly back to my home - jeez, why are you blushing so much. You still get embarrassed easy huh?”

“Yeah…”

I’m never getting drunk again…

“We don’t need to drink more to continue having fun, you up for around of pool? I’ll win this time, you know I am competitive by nature.” 

Calm down Colgate, nothing to worry about. Spitfire didn’t see you staring at her flank. I’m drunk, there’s no other explanation. Deal with it later.

“Alright, but you won’t win!”

Things quickly returned normal for Colgate. She and Spitfire got along famously. Colgate ended up winning the majority of their games of pool, probably the only thing she'd ever beat the Wonderbolt at. Their friendship definitely wasn't conventional, and it definitely wasn't going to be a normal friendship, but their both were happy to have somepony who they can relate to- even more than they had expected to. 

Their night of hanging out ended at about one am when Spitfire decided she needed to get back to the Wonderbolt's training facility so she can get enough rest for the next day's practices. 

Both mares went to sleep happy and content, knowing they had just solidified a new friendship. 

	
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Looks like you had a good time last night, Spitfire.” Soarin’ said with a chuckle.

“We had an amazing time. She kicked my flank in pool though, I’m not used to losing, hehe.” Spitfire sat down, then continued, “Don’t think I’ve met anypony as nice as her before. It makes it even more fun to hang around her.”

Fleetfoot from across the training room entered the conversation, “Really? Tell me about this mare. Why are you friends with her?”

“She’s the one I met yesterday around noon. I actually knew the filly since grade school. She’s just as nice as the day we met, but she was nice probably because I was there to save her from some bullies. I think that’s why she’s so nice; doesn’t want to be a bully. Or something like that. I’m rambling. But anyways, I really can’t wait to hang out with her again, and escape the world of being famous.”

“Wow, you really like this mare, don’t you?” Soarin’ provoked, just out of boredom. 

“I know what you’re getting at, just stop it.” The yellow Pegasus said.

Stallions and their obsession with lesbians, I swear.

“What? You’ve never been this happy to talk about anypony before. Not even Soarin’ when you guys were dating.” Fleetfoot stated with an agreeing nod from Soarin’ who was across the training room, lifting some weights with his wings.
“I could never be a filly fooler. I’d lose fans, parents of young fillies would tell their fillies I’m a bad influence. It’s not an option. I mean seriously, I’d be like a pariah.”

“I like how never denied your attraction to her, you just gave reasons to why it would be bad for ponies to know you did,” Soarin’ quipped, “Why should you care what other ponies think, I mean, you’re acting as if your thousands and thousands of fans would instantly forget about you because of that.”

Spitfire sighed, closing her clothing rack, her uniform on her back, “I finally make a friend and you two have to ruin it for me. Next race, you’re getting your flank kicked, Soarin’”

Spitfire didn’t wait for Soarin’s response, she quickly trotted towards her changing room which was a room all the way on the left down a hallway from the training room. It wasn’t extremely fancy; it just had the items any non-unicorn would need to help prep themselves. The Pegasus extended her right wing outward and left her suit and goggles on top of it.

I do feel really happy when I am around her. Relaxed, even.

Spitfire wasn’t one to lament on the question at hand without actually doing anything; she liked to explore and find the answer herself. Spitfire knew she was happier around Colgate than anypony else, but is one day after being reunited as friends enough to gauge whether her feelings for the unicorn were more than just temporary feelings of elation about having a new friend? Only time would tell.

She’s obviously not a filly fooler, and I don’t really consider myself one so I should just enjoy the fact we’re friends.

After finally fitting herself into her tight uniform, she sat up, walked out of her dressing room, taking a right then exiting into the small track field where a few other non-Pegasus ponies were jogging. She took a second to enjoy the morning breeze, then she put on her goggles and leapt into the air. As she ascended, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the wind blowing across her face and through her mane. The Pegasus glided at a high speed over the track, taking a sharp left turn to the make turn around. She particularly liked the feeling of drifting; her wings motionless and quiet, the smell of the outside air filling her nostrils. Flying alone was one of the few purely enjoyable events in her day before practice.

However, this day her mind started to drift.

When Colgate smiled at me when I first met her at the bar, my heart skipped a beat. I thought it was because I was nervous about hanging with a friend. I just don’t know if that’s really why…

Spitfire hit the turn and ascended a little higher, to where she was equivalent with the seats in the back; the highest row.

I feel I am just overreacting. Maybe the just the idea of me being a filly fooler has made me overreact. I’m not a fillyfooler, so I should just forget about this.

Feeling her speed increase, Spifire dipped down, then pulled back into a backflip. She saw the training building, and then peaked when she could see the ground, using an extra push from her wings to pull off a fairly impressive backflip. She grinned, enjoying the surge of adrenaline she always got from doing that particular trick. The day was quite windy, Spitfire loved to test herself on days with bad weather.

It was a good day for training, and one she felt she needed. She knew she had a lot of performances coming up, and perfecting her abilities was a never ending job.

The next day the Wonderbolts would arrive in Las Pegasus for their first show of the next month. They’d perform three to four times a week, each in a different part of Equestria. Spitfire needed to keep her mind clear this next month. Being focused was a huge part of pulling off challenging routines in their performances. Spitfire forced herself to push aside any drama and once again just focus on work. That’s what her career has become: work.

<><><><><><><><><> 

“We played pool for what seemed like hours, we played darts, we drank lots of cider, I probably had too much. Sorry if I woke you up last night, I couldn’t tell up from down.” Colgate said, in the early morning to Carrot Top, “She told me how awesome it feels to fly, and told her how awesome it is to not be famous!”

“Seems you’ve hit a good luck streak. I mean, jeez, you get a free V.I.P pass to one of their mini-racing things, then you’re friends, then you’re like best friends. With a Wonderbolt! Sometimes I question whether you’ve gone to see that Zebra to cast a luck spell on you or something.”

“Being kind pays off. That’s all she wanted; a nice friend to hang out with. But on a totally unrelated not, seeing her without a uniform on made me feel really fat.”

Among other things…

“You’re not fat, you’re just not in extremely great shape like she is. No need to call yourself fat. You always do that, heh. Anyways, well you should use your good luck to be cool with all of the Wonderbolts. I mean, why not?”

“I didn’t do this to meet Spitfire because she’s a Wonderbolt, Carrot Top. I did this because she’s my friend. Anyway, she told me we’re not going to be able to hang out for a month.”

Carrot Top sat up and gave her friend a confused look, “Why?”

“She’s going across Equestria with the Wonderbolts. But here’s the good news. There’s going to be a party here when she’s back, and she’s going to have me come. I can’t go looking like this, I need to shed some pounds, gain just a little muscle. Gotta have a nice flank if I’m finally going to meet the right stallion, right? I’m too pudgy right now, everypony there will be high class athletes and their friends. Gosh, I’m just nervous thinking about it.”

“So that’s why you’re up so early. You’re going to jog, huh?”

“Totally. I used to do it in high school, but it’s been a few…years. I can slim down nicely in a month though.”

“Just for a party? Nopony’s going to notice if you’re going to wear a dress.”

“Well, I am doing this for myself as well. If I do meet some stallion there and he likes me back, I don’t want him being a stud while I’m just some run-of-the mill Ponyville mare. I want to be a looker, too.”

“You think you can handle being stared at? Stallions can’t handle themselves when they see a pretty lady.” Carrot Top said with a chuckle, walking towards the door.

“Well, yeah. They’re also high class and a lot will have dates with them. Hopefully Spitfire doesn’t have a date, I don’t want to start off being the awkward third pony.” The unicorn said, levitating a glass of water and drinking from it.

“Well, good luck jogging I guess.” The orange earth pony said, ready to push open the front door.

“Have a nice day at the farm. Tell your mom I said hi!”

Once Carrot Top left the house that they share, Colgate went and sat on their burgundy couch.

I’m not too pudgy, I think I can get in fit shape in a few weeks if I can handle my urge for fat foods. Or limit myself on them. Or maybe have a one day of the week that I just pig out. NO. I must not eat an. 

Before discovering her ability for fast and precise dental work, Colgate had once aspired to be a track star. She jogged every morning, kept in great shape despite being awkward all throughout her teen years. It had been so long since she last jogged that she was excited, yet nervous to find out her cardio-vascular condition.

I’ll have to tell Spitfire about my days on the track team. I wonder why I didn’t even think of that last night.

Colgate continued to think about the upcoming party. She sipped on the remainder of a glass of water, then sat it carefully on the side table next to the couch. She sighed with happiness as she daydreamed about the party.  

I hope he’s tall, but I also hope he’s smart. Hopefully he notices my pearly whites! Should I let my mane grow out? Hopefully my dress looks nice. I hope I am not too awkward.

“Wow, I feel like a teen all over again.” She said aloud for no particular reason. She sighed once more  as she enjoyed her short daydreams. They almost turned into literal dreams when she realized how tired she was, getting up an hour early than usual. She blinked a few times, as if it could lessen the heaviness of them. Being up early wasn't exactly enjoyable for her. 

I better hurry up and get moving. Time to shed some pounds.

As she headed out the door, Colgate’s thoughts drifted to the up and down night before. The night brought up a lot of questions about herself, however; the blue coated mare decided to correlate any negative moments from the night before to how drunk she was.

I got so drunk, I was checking out Spitfire. HA! What a funny thing to do, totally unlike anything I’d ever do sober.

It was easy for her to forget, it being what she presumed was caused by the alcohol she had drank. Her focus shifted to the month ahead and her weight loss and muscle gain.  It would take a lot of hard work, but she was ready to return to her teenage weight. 
 
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three and a half weeks later, 3 days from the party.

Show after show; performance after performance. It went by slow when it was happening, but it always surprised the Pegasus when she and the rest of the Wonderbolts start performing the last shows on their schedule. As it happened, it went by slow, but when it’s over, it seemingly went by fast.

The surge of adrenaline she received never changed when she flies above a huge crowd, side by side with the other Wonderbolts. Her heart always skipped a beat when they performed their most challenging trick, and when they performed it successfully, the roar from the crowds send chills down her spine. She couldn’t hold the smile in and loved the reaction from the fans when she waved at them.

Things started to feel different about two weeks in. She had kept herself away from distractions, she had done plenty of shows successfully and was making a lot of fans happy by signing autographs, and just talking to them and giving them some memorable moments after shows. However, she felt like something was missing.

Soarin’ had recently begun dating an ex of his again. Fleetfoot was engaged, Rapidfire was married. It certainly was an odd thing for Spitfire to be bothered about, but it certainly caused her to feel pretty lonely when she was alone at their location’s training building while the others were out with their special somepony. The nagging thoughts caused Spitfire to mess up here and there during practice and even a few times during live shows. The crowd just cheered and nopony was really bothered by the minor mistakes. However, it caught the attention of her peers, and most of all, caught her own attention. Spitfire was nothing short of a perfectionist; making those mistakes would cause her to dwell on them hours after the show, adding to her recently developed anxiety. 

It was a rainy day in Canterlot on the last leg of their tour. They were all quite exhausted, having just taken showers and ready to retire to the bedrooms the training facility provided for them. Soarin’ however had noticed Spitfire’s mistakes, and knowing she was quite the perfectionist, motivated him to see if there was any underlying cause to her recent mistakes.
“Hey there, Spit.” He said, gliding into the middle of the workout room, where Spitfire had been lifting weights with her wings. She had been the only one in the room for over an hour.

“Hey.” She responded, the continued to lift the weights.

“Look. See I-“

Spitfire sat up, setting down the weight, “I know I made some mistakes these past few days. I’m sorry. There’s two more shows left, I’ll make sure to do better then. Why do you think I'm still here?Don’t remind me, please.”

“Look Spitfire, we’re not always on the best of terms, but I can tell you didn’t make those mistakes because of lack and especially not because of any lack of ability. There’s obviously something on your mind, and since I am second in line to be team captain, I think it’s best for me to be somepony you can, you know, confide in.”

The yellow Pegasus wiped the sweat off her forehead, then responded, “I have a lot on my mind Soarin’.”

Soarin’ nodded, expecting her to continue.

“Maybe I am just not ready to come to terms with my thoughts just yet.”

“Well telling somepony, like me, could help. I mean, I know what it’s like to not have anypony to talk to whenever I feel terrible. So I know it’s weird to see this side from me, but I’m all ears if you want to talk.”

Spitfire turned around the face the stallion, “I like this softer side of you. It’s refreshing.”

Soarin’ grinned, Spitfire sighed as she pondered what she should even say.

“You know me Soarin’. I’m not one to have confidence issues.”

“You’re as overconfident as the rest of us.” Soarin’ said with a chuckle.

Spitfire smiled, then continued, “I know you have no problems getting a date nowadays, but before you were in the Wonderbolts or even popular, did you know what it’s like to want to be with somepony so bad, but knowing it’s impossible?”

“Mhmm. I think we all go through that, “ The stallions said, then continuing, “Is this about who I think it is?”

Spitfire blushed, “Does it matter?”

He better not insult me.

“Colgate?”

Spitfire’s heart fluttered at the name being said aloud, “Y-Yes…”

“You’re crushing on a mare?”

“Nothing gets past you, huh?” Spitfire said, heavy on the sarcasm.

“Well geez,” The stallion said with an awkward chuckle, “I kind of feel bad about teasing you now that it’s actually true.”

“Can you get over it? Her being a mare doesn’t even really matter to me. It's that I haven’t had to ever go after somepony before. Stallions have been lining up to date me since school. I’m nervous, Soarin’.  I’ve tried to ignore it. But these past few weeks, even during practice and shows, I keep daydreaming about her. About us. I’ve only hung out with her like 2 times. There’s no way she likes me back. It’s killing me, Soarin’. On top of all of that, we’re going to a party in a few days. It’s basically a party for single ponies. She’s going to meet somepony there, because of me."

Soarin’s eyes widened as he realized how much Spitfire actually had gone through, “You’re sure you’re…you know…like her being a mare? You know...”

The yellow mare sighed, “Yes, Soarin’. It’s not just her personality that I am attracted to. Perv.”

“Well since this party is some sort of party for singles, why not just ask her out there?” Soarin' suggested, ignoring Spitfire calling him a perv.

“It’s not like it’s a dedicated singles party, singles just tend to be there often. I can’t just walk up to her and say ‘oh hey Colgate, I know we’ve only hung out like 2 times and we’re both mares, but I’d like to go on a date anyway because I am crazy about you.”

Soarin’ responded quickly, “Why not?”

Spitfire looked at him and sighed, “Because she deserves a stallion, Soarin’.”

“Now why do you think that?”

“Well for starters they can have a family together…no magic or anything needed. She deserves somepony who isn’t in the spotlight all the time. I'd put such a burden on her just being with her.”

“There’s ways for you two to have kids if it ever came to that. Also, being in the spotlight doesn’t stop me from seeing my marefriend often. I am sure you could see her often, too.”

“You’re right, maybe I just feel this way because I hate it.”  	

“Huh? Hate what?”

“That I am attracted to a mare. I hate it. I try to deny it. I can’t believe that I feel this way about her, but I feel much better around her than I have in months. Life sucks sometimes. Everypony else is attracted to the opposite sex. Why do I have to be the different one? Why can't I just change myself?"

Ugh, I sound so pathetic right now.

“I guess if I suddenly had feelings for a stallion I’d feel the same way. Why let it bother you though? You should stop loathing that you’re crushin’ on a filly and accept it and be awesome instead.”

Spitfire chuckled, “Maybe you’re right. I just worry about what my family would think. They’re so old-fashioned. They’d abandon me. My mom definitely wants me to have foals so she can pamper them. She always said she'd would do that just so get back at me for how many times I annoyed her when I was growing up. She was joking of course."

Soarin’ sat up, preparing to exit the room, “And you will, no matter who you end up with. Now, Spitfire, you’re one of the few mares I knows that actually doesn’t complain and whine about every little flaw she has. Having feelings for a mare isn’t even a flaw, heck, I’d bet it’s normal for mares since mares outnumber colts like seven to one in Equestria.”

“Thanks Soarin’. You can be a pain in the flank sometimes, but you really did help me a lot. I won’t mess up tomorrow. Don’t worry.”

“Heh, it was nothin’”


Just a few more performances, just a few more nights away.  Then I can see Colgate again. I’ll do it.

<><><><><><><><><> 

“Yes yes yes yes yes!”

A loud noise caused Carrot Top top jump, nearly falling off the chair she had been comfortably resting in, “Colgate, what?”

“Come here!”

The orange mare sat up and walked to the restroom that was down a hall from the living room. Inside was an elated Colgate.

“What?”

“I did it! I lost 15 pounds!” Colgate said, smiling a big smile.

“Congrats girl! I knew you could do it. You're one determined pony. ”

Colgate hugged her friend, “Oh me too, I’m just glad I did it! I could maybe even start joining marathons now. There is a race a few days after the party. Should I go?”

“We all know the answer is yes, Colgate. You should! And you should win, too.”

“Ponies have been training for months for this race. I’ll just try and do my best. I doubt I could beat some of the professionals. It’ll be nice to run again, though. I lost my competitive spirit after school.” Colgate said in a matter of fact way.

“I honestly didn’t think you could do it. You’re more dedicated than I thought. Three weeks, 15 pounds? That doesn’t even sound healthy!” Carrot Top said, looking at her own excess weight, “Maybe I should do the same.”

“No, you’re fine. You stay in shape because of your work at the carrot farm. Me being a dentist…well...made it easier to gain some weight, heh.”

“So what are you going to wear to the party?”

“I was thinking a simple dress and maybe ear rings. I don’t need, nor have the money to get something super luxurious. I don’t think it would fit me anyway.”

In a more excited voice, Carrot Top continued, “Are you getting excited?”

“Totally,” Colgate said with a grin, “I wish you could go with me too.”

Carrot Top smiled, “No, don’t worry about it. I like being single, I’d go there and not even attempt to flirt or anything. It’s your night.”

“I just hope the more famous beautiful ponies don’t overshadow little ol’ me.”

“With the work you’ve done to get in shape these past three weeks, I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Colgate started to brush her teeth, stepping off of the scale.

Wow, I really look good.

“You’ll definitely have the nicest teeth there, that’s for sure.”

After three weeks, Colgate could finally see the end results of all the work she put in to the exercise and diet she was on. She hated getting up early, she hated being tired at work, but enjoyed the wind through her mane and the gradual return to her high school weight. From the beginning, she knew she wanted to impress some ponies at the party, she wanted to be that unknown pony that grabs other ponies’ interest. Colgate’s confidence was at an all-time high, and she was ready to meet her friend Spitfire and have a blast.
Spitfire…

On a daily basis the past few weeks, Colgate had found herself thinking about the famous Pegasus. They had not been able to hang out in quite some time since the Pegasus had been on an Equestrian tour with the Wonderbolts. Colgate didn’t want to be Spitfire's un-athletic earth-bound friend. She wanted to be in good shape like the yellow Pegasus, to try and fit in with the other famous and athletic ponies bound to attend the party. 

3 days away…this is going to be amazing.
 





 
        	

        	
        	
 

        	
 
        	
        	
 
 
 
        	
            


> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“This dress itches. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a dress.” Spitfire complained, though more for the sake of complaining than anything. 

“You’re an athlete, of course you’re going to hate wearing a dress. It’s just for one night.” Fleetfoot said, as she met the fellow Wonderbolt in the dressing room, “You look great in it, by the way!”


“You’re not going?” Spitfire asked, noticing the fellow Wonderbolt still in her uniform. 

“I’m not single, I have no reason to go.” 

“Couples go there, too, you know.” Spitfire said, moving across the room towards the wall sized mirror. 

She scanned the dress she was wearing. It matched her coat color, and the lining through it was close to the colors in her mane. It was just one layer, somewhat thin and didn’t have much flair to it, which is exactly how she liked it. 

“How should I do my mane? It’s impossible to manage.” The yellow Pegasus asked her friend. 

“Pull it back or to the side or something. Ponytail?”

“Ponytail is a little too casual.”

“Well, it is a singles party. About as casual as it gets, I think.”

Spitfire turned around, “Singles parties are casual? I thought they were really formal? Remember, some fancy-smancy ponies from Canterlot will be here too.”

“It would be being held in Canterlot if it were really that casual. It’s in Ponyville, just have fun. Enjoy yourself. No need to dress up all fancy. Plus, I really can’t imagine your mane style in anything other than how it is when you’re wearing your suit, it pulled to the side. I think a ponytail would look nice.”

“Hmmmm,” Spitfire contemplated, “Alright. Deal. I’ll do it.” 

“Need help?”

“Absolutely.” The yellow Pegasus responded with a chuckle as the fellow Wonderbolt found a hairband in a supplies drawer near the mirror. Not being a unicorn, it took a few minutes for her to actually fit the hairband around Spitfire’s mane, but when it was finished, Spitfire really liked it. 

“Where’s the party at, exactly?”

“A place called The Golden Horseshoe. Only notable ponies will be allowed in though. It makes me feel bad though. I’m going with Colgate, while other quote ‘normal’ ponies won’t be able to go in.”

Fleetfoot smirked, “Feelin’ a bit guilty about your fame, huh?”

“Well, kinda. But whatever, I probably should get going. I’ll have to get there early to find Colgate. Just like usual, time goes by slow until it’s over. It feels like yesterday that I first saw her again.”

“That’s deep. Have fun!”

“Oh, I will!”

Flying in this dress will be a pain. 

Spitfire sighed, and then exited the dressing room as Fleetfoot went on to do something else. She turned an immediate left, then walked down the hallways filled with portraits of the Wonderbolts; mostly consisting of herself. 

She pushed open the door, slightly surprised by the cold breeze that hit her. Spitfire looked up into the night sky, adjusting her wings to get through the slits in the dress. Once they were outside of the dress, she quickly burst into the air once more. It was cloudier than she expect, so she flew a bit lower so she could find The Golden Horseshoe easier. 

Sometimes she forgot how interesting it was just to fly above a town or city and just gaze upon the scenery under her. The night left everything in a dark hue, occasional lights giving her a sense of where she was located.

 Ugh, my mane is going to look terrible and I forgot my brush. Oh well. 

Despite knowing her mane would look a little  unkempt, Spitfire considered it worth the few minutes she could enjoy the wind in her mane and face. 

Gotta keep my eye out for a cluster of buildings…The Golden Horseshoe will be on the corner.

It didn’t take too long for her to find The Golden Horseshoe, because it was one of the few bright spots in a dark town. There was a large stallion outside getting ponies’ names and allowing them inside. 

Just go with the flow. See how things go; decide what to do as it happens. 

With a quick dive, Spitfire landed about fifteen feet from the start of the line of ponies waiting to get into the party. She slightly recognized a few of the ponies, probably from previous get-togethers of more famous ponies. Colgate was either in the party already or yet to arrive. 

The Pegasus went to the back of the line, and was immediately reminded why she enjoyed these type of parties. Nopony stared at her and begged for autographs, and despite trying not to sound rude about her fans, she enjoyed getting a break them when she could. 

She could see into the party already. Despite it being a public area usually, it looked pretty formal from what she could see in side. The Pegasus started to get a little impatient when the pony in front was taking a long time to be admitted. 

Tonight is either going to be to be amazing or…whatever, it’s going to be amazing no matter what. 

Soon, the line started to progress. Fancy Pants was right in front of her, oddly enough, considering this wasn’t the most fancy of parties. 

The burly stallion in front didn’t even need Spitfire’s name, he just motioned his head towards the entrance as a way to signal she could go in. 

Well, here goes nothing. 

The whole building was relatively small, though very well decorated. There were a lot of tables, covered in a very nice white fabric, most of which were already taken up by two ponies. There were paintings on the wall of very prominent figures in Equestrian Culture, like Sapphire Shores and other ponies of her fame. There was a very expensive bar set up towards a corner, and classical music being played from an upstairs room. The owners of the Golden Horseshow, Hoity Toity and Sapphire Shore hired plenty of servers to serve the drinks from behind the bar.

It wasn’t very crowded, though scanning to see Colgate was a bit harder than expected. Spitfire took a left, noticing Rapidfire, another Wonderbolt, flirting with a bunch of mares. Spitfire sighed, then started to look for a table, so Colgate could have a seat with her when she arrives. However, upon hearing somepony saying her name from across the room, she instantly realized Colgate had already arrived and had chosen a table. 

Spitfire’s heart skipped a beat, but she put on a confident smile and walked over to her friend who had kept a table for them. 

“Wow, that month sure went by fast.” Spitfire comments as she sat down, facing towards Colgate who smiled. 

“Thank you for inviting me, I’ve never been around so many sophisticated ponies. I recognize ponies from magazines, it’s pretty surreal.”

Wow, she looks perfect in that dress.

“You’re very welcome,” Spitfire said with a smile, “How were you this past month?” 

“Oh, pretty good. I started jogging each morning. I lost some weight specifically for this party. If I am going to meet somepony here, I might as well be fit.”

The Pegasus frowned slightly, “Meet somepony? Like, like a stallion?”

“Well, it is a singles party, isn’t it?”

“Kinda…” Spitfire said, “Don’t go off too soon, I already know who I have my eyes set on. I need somepony to talk to right now, and you’re my only friend, really.” 

You…I have my eyes set on you.

Wow, I sound pretty creepy in my own thoughts. 

“Oh really? Who might that be?” The unicorn said, genuinely interested, “I see a lot of cute stallions here, wouldn’t they come up to us? Do I go up to them? I haven’t been on a date in a while,” Colgate continued, obviously a bit nervous, “I should just stay calm huh?"

“Oh, you’ll just have to wait. You’ll find out who it is soon enough. They usually come up to us. They’ll see us two at a table and ask us to dance. Give it some time, the party’s barely begun.”

“I just hope my work the past month makes it worth it. There are so many pretty mares here, I feel so ordinary compared to them.”

“Don’t feel that way. You look amazing,” Spitfire responded quickly, “How much weight did you lose?”

Colgate stood up, her thin dress showing off her improved figure, “About fifteen pounds. It sure was a lot of work. There’s a race in just a few days that I’ll be participating in!”

Spitfire’s jaw dropped. 

Sweet Celestia, what a body. 

“Colgate, you have the body of an athlete like myself!” Spitfire said, trying to hide the fact she was blushing, “I didn’t know you had a thing for running.”

“OH! I don’t even know why I forgot to tell you when we first hung out. I was on the track team in high school for a while. Placed second place on a 100 yard dash my senior year. After that, though, I went to dental school, slowly gained some weight back. I feel healthier than ever. I even feel more confident! GAH! I am so glad I am here. Thank you, Spitfire.”

“Oh, anytime. This won’t be the last time either. About one third of my job is going to parties…” 

Colgate chuckled with Spitfire, scanning through the stallions at the party. 

“So…” Spitfire started, “When was the last time you had a coltfriend?”

The questions surprised Colgate, “Oh my…too long. Nearly a year, my last coltfriend broke up with me and after that, I kinda wanted to stay single for a very long time.”

The hint of sadness in Colgate’s voice provoked the Pegasus’ next question, “What happened?”

“He…he well. He broke up with me for a much prettier mare. He told me she was prettier to my face, which was the reason we broke up. Obviously. It really made me feel terrible, you know? Every girl wants to think she’s beautiful, that she’s really pretty and that she’s somepony her coltfriend can show off, then I was told I wasn’t by a pony I thought I was in love with. He ended up marrying her too, and moved to Canterlot.”

How could he deny how beautiful she is? Why would he want anypony else? She’s so kind, she’s definitely pretty. She works with little kids! She’s perfect! 

Wow, I’m more head-over-hooves than I thought…

Before Spitfire responded, her facial expression was one of sincere disgust. To Spitfire, Colgate looked amazing. She had the right amount of makeup on, her mane looked amazing. She was in amazing shape and was very smart. Spitfire couldn’t imagine why a stallion would leave her for somepony else. 

I’d treat her like she deserves, everyday..

“That’s just…I can’t even imagine why he would do that. I’m sure you’ll find somepony who’ll treat you much better,” Spitfire lowered her head, as she contemplated what she was going to say next.

I can’t wait any longer. 

“Yeah, bu- Spitfire? You okay?” Colgate said, noticing the Pegasus’ nervous facial expression. 

Spitfire looked up, “Colgate, we’ve known each other for a long time…I know this question is going to so-“ 

Next to Colgate was a mid-sized stallion, dressed extremely properly, with a rose in his mouth. In a deep voice, he said, “Care to dance, m’lady?”

Colgate smiled at Spitfire, giddy that somepony had actually chosen her out of the crowd of mares in the room. 

“Have fun, Colgate!” Spitfire said, though with a particular inflection of disappointment in her voice. She watched as the two walked towards the shiny wooden dance floor, she sighed. 

This is going to be a long, long night. At least I have more time to think. 

From her table, she could see Colgate and the stallion, whose coat was light orange and mane white as snow. 
I’ve never seen him before…

“May I have this dance?” A voice said from above her. 

Spitfire looked up, “Oh, um no thanks, I am waiting for somepony. Sorry,” She responded, the stallion nodding, then moving onto another possible date. 

Ugh, how awkward. I feel bad for him, he definitely knows who I am. 

The Pegasus shifted positions, the dress she was wearing annoying her. She continued to survey the two as they danced. Colgate was smiling, and enjoying the slow dance with the stallion. 

Jeez, I feel like a stalker. Maybe I should rethink my plans for this night. 

<><><><><><><><><>
“So, would you care to dance?” The stallion asked he and Colgate approached the stage. 

“S-sure.” The blue unicorn said with a meek smile, the stallion taking her hoof and leading her up onto the stage. Colgate looked back towards Spitfire for a second with a giddy smile. Surprisingly, Spitfire reflexively averted her eyes away from Colgate’s direction, as if she had been caught looking their way. 

The unicorn shrugged off the odd occurrence, and mustered up any ability to dance she had learned in her younger days. 

Thankfully this is a slow song. I hate dancing to fast songs. 

“So, what’s your name, beautiful?”

Oh my, what a charmer!

“My name’s Colgate, yours?”

“My name is Silverwing, I write for the Equestrian Times.”

“Oh my, I love that newspaper!” Colgate exaggerated instinctively. 

Love? Who honestly can say they love a newspaper? Pleh, I’m sure he doesn’t care. I bet he enjoys the ego boost. 

The music in the background was classical music, performed by a popular orchestra who play shows all across Equestria. It was the quintessential music for a formal party, so Colgate felt a little odd dressing more casual than she probably should have. However, this didn’t really bother her. Silverwing obviously didn’t mind it, and things were comfortable for Colgate. 

“So where are you from, little lady?” He said, letting his hoof out towards her. She graciously accepted his offer to dance, as they continued to talk. 

“Oh, a little old town called Ponyville.”

Silverwing raised an eyebrow, “Ponyville, you say? You look must too beautiful to be from such a low town. What brings you here, tonight?”

What does he mean by ‘low’?

“Oh, um. An old friend, I’ve known Spitfire since before she was a Wonderbolt, we only recent got back in touch though.”

Mentioning Spitfire’s name caused Colgate to instinctively look toward her friend. However, she could only catch Spitfire walking away towards steps. Colgate could only assume Spitfire was going to the balcony on the second floor, which was basically the only part of the second floor meant for anyone at the party. The rest of the second floor was a large, empty room save for a few boxes here and there, which the unicorn could see from her spot on the dancefloor. 
I hope Spitfire can find a date, too..

With one of her hooves in the stallion’s hoof, they started a slow dance fitting to the calm, and slow orchestral music being played at the moment. Colgate kept blushing, Silverwing set on keeping eye contact. It made her feel for awkward than anything, but she was set on enjoying her time no matter what. 

“I love your eyes, they sure do remind me of my mother’s.” He said, particularly posh.

“Oh my, you’re just quite the charmer, aren’t you?” 

“Only for you, Crest.”

Crest. What. 

“I-it’s Colgate, not Crest.”

<><><><><><><><><><>

Spitfire decided she wasn’t going to even attempt to find a date with anypony else. It wasn’t like she had expected to in the first place, she clearly only had her sight on one pony. She enjoyed the large balcony and let herself decide on when she should come out to Colgate and confess her feelings. 

Is it love? Is it lust? Am I just falling for her because she’s my first true friend in ages? Are the feelings strong enough to be called love? Everything went so much easier in my head last night. Now it’s like I am in high school again. Except, this time I am the awkward one completely confused on where I should go forward with my feelings. 

The Pegasus stretched her wings for a second, the lining in her thin dress irritating the base of her wings. 

Being famous has certainly helped me enjoy the times where I’m not being gawked at, that’s for sure. 
I remember when I was in high school. Stallions basically lined up for me, and I hated it. Any stallion I was with was so full of himself. Egos are just the worst, yet here I am almost expecting another mare that I’ve only gotten in touch with recently to date me. Sometimes I feel being a Wonderbolt has made me a bit too cocky. 

Spitfire changed her position, sitting away from the entrance to the balcony and enjoying a nighttime view of Ponyville. There was still a line of ponies entering the building below. 

It’s not like I’m not nervous…I’ve been questioning myself for the past month. I’m anything by cocky at this point. What if she says no? What if I lose her as a friend? My only friend..

The Pegasus sighed, adjusting her position to not damage her dress any further. 

This dress is beautiful, I just wish it was more comfortable. 

Her thoughts quickly returned to the blue unicorn on the dance floor. 

Is this love? yeah, it’s love. She thought. Dammit. 

Spitfire then spoke aloud if only for the reassurance of her own voice. “I need to stop being such a filly about this. 
We’re both adults; there’s no reason to be this nervous. I should sweep her off her hooves, in one quick romantic gesture. Or, maybe I should be cautious? I think she wouldn’t like it if I was too aggressive, considering we’re both ma-“

“Who in the hay are you talking to Spitfire?” Colgate said with a laugh, though the laugh was heavy with disappointment from was had just happened on the dance floor. 

Spitfire was startled, though she then put on a smile and acted natural, “Oh nothing,” She said, standing up, to turn towards her friend, “Wait, why are you here? Where’s that one stallion dude?”

“Spitfire…” Colgate started, with a slightly embarrassed smile, “He accidentally...he accidentally got my name wrong, then started acting extremely awkward. I literally felt his sweat. Oh Celestia, it was the most awkward thing I’ve ever been through. He left to get us some drinks after the dance was over, I didn’t see him for ten minutes, so I left. “

Spitfire grimaced, half embarrassed for her friend, have rejuvenated at the appearance of an opportunity, “Ouuuuuuuuuch. That was one awkward fella’, huh?. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I almost even feel bad for him, he had a chance with one of the most beautiful mares in the room and messed it up.”

Neither pony would admit it to themselves, but the romantic tension between them grew between them after Spitfire’s smooth compliment. They both started to choose their words carefully. 

The unicorn blushed at the sudden compliment from her friend, “Oh, you’re just too nice, Spitfire. Honestly, I love this party and all, but I’d rather not go look for another stallion. It’s just too awkward. Can we just hang? Or are you just going to look for a stallion?”

Spitfire consciously kept a slight smile on her face, hoping it’d somehow make her more attractive. She had done ever since she was old enough to be dating, she never knew whether it worked or not, “I don’t know, I’d rather spent my time with you, too.”

The Pegasus left her response just ambiguous enough for Colgate to question whether by “my time” she meant her time at the party they were at or or if she meant more than that. 

The unicorn sat down carefully, facing the Pegasus,  “Why did you come up here, anyway? I can imagine stallions lined up for you.”

“It was never my intention to find a stallion here, Colgate.” 

Oh boy am I good under pressure. And I’m also cocky…

There was a slight silence between them, though this time it wasn’t an awkward silence. Spitfire kept smiling, and tried to keep eye contact with Colgate, who was just about ten inches from her face. 

“W-what do you mean?”

Is Spitfire flirting with me? Oh my Celestia…

Spitfire took a deep breath. She had anticipated this moment since the first moment she realized she could invite Colgate to this party. She knew that the reward of being successful was worth the risk of being denied. 

“Colgate. I don’t know what it is about you,  your smile, your kindness, how down-to-earth you are, and I don’t want to make you feel awkward by this,” She glanced deeply into the widened eyes of the blue unicorn before her, “But I’ve had strong feelings for you, for a long time. I’d really love it if you gave me a chance and let me take you to the most luxurious restaurant in Ponyville. I’ll get you whatever you want, I’ll treat you like nopony else could. I’ll make sure you enjoy yourself, no matter what ends up happening. Please, just let me take you out. “

A few moments of silence, all they could hear was each other’s breaths, and their own thoughts running wild. 

Spitfire just asked me out…? I can’t believe this, she’s a Wonderbolt, she’s famous, and she likes me? 

Seeing the surprise on her friend’s face, Spitfire’s heart skipped a beat as she spoke up again, “So, what do you say?”

“I..I don’t…”

Spitfire, sensing the hesitation, started to panic, “Oh-Jeez, I’m s-sorry Colgate if this is a bit weird, I didn’t mean to-“

“No Spitfire, I just-“

There was another silence, this time filled with angst, both ponies about to explode from conflicting emotions about the current turn of events. 

“I’m sorry…”

“I don’t know, Spitfire, I just don’t know…”

“Please, Colgate, I’d make it the time of your life…”

Now I’m begging, I sound like a darn filly. I can’t believe this…

“Spitfire…I…I’ll talk to you later,” Colgate said, a tear in her eye. 

The unicorn stood up and walked back into the party, Spitfire watching the whole way out, barely able to comprehend what just happened. 
	
	

	

	





> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Colgate, did you sell your soul or something? The Wonderbolt caption asked you out? It’s like impossible things keep happening left and right to you! You must have done something, this is just not possible! Well…?” Carrot Top said in her usual position on their couch, eating a hay sandwich. 

“Well what?” Colgate question, hair slightly disheveled and with a worried expression on her face. She had only a few hours been at the party where Spitfire had asked her out, and its possible effect on her life was stressing her out. 

“Well you said yes, right?”

“N-Not exactly..”

Carrot Top turned around on their couch to face the unicorn, with wide eyes, “You said NO?”

“Not exactly.” Colgate said with a sigh. 

The orange pony sighed too, “Then what did you say?”

“I said ‘I don’t know’ because I was freaking out. Thoughts ran in my head about how my parents would react if they knew I went out with a mare, then I responded to her. I knew it was a mistake the second I returned to the party. But there’s such a stigma that comes with being with a mare…everypony thinks that mares date mares because they’re mad at stallions, or being with mares because they know immature little colts love it when two girls kiss.”

“Grow a backbone, Colgate.” Carrot Top said bluntly, then continued, “Imagine how hard it was for her to do that. You’re her first friend in ages, you’re attractive, you’re also a mare. Even as a Wonderbolt, she must have struggled with it for a bit. Especially with her fame. Never mind her parents, she had thousands of adoring fans, thousands of colts who are mainly fans just because she’s hot. She ignored the possible backlash from her fans, she ignored any sort of prejudgments ponies could have made about your relationship, and went for it. You obviously share her feelings, right?”

“What are you getting to?” Colgate responded snidely, purposefully not denying her friend’s assumption. 

“She’s certainly feeling worse than you are right now. You should talk to her about it. Why didn’t you when you saw her after the party?”

Suddenly feeling the rising of her guilt, Colgate responded, “Wow, at first I was insulted when you told me I should grow a backbone, but wow did I seriously mess things up this time,” The unicorn said, thoughts plagued by how she made Spitfire feel, “I didn’t see her for long after the party. I think we both knew it’d be awkward. She didn’t seem sad; she even waited for me outside. When I caught up, he dress was already off, she looked back at me, and said ‘I’ll see you later, Colgate.’ Then left. She acted calm, she even grinned at me, as if nothing was wrong, but the crack in her voice convinced me otherwise. I…I feel as if I just wasted one of the biggest opportunities ever…”

“There’s no chance she’d just forget about you or ignore you. Colgate, she’s probably just as worried about losing you as you are about losing her. Tomorrow just go mend things, and see where things go.”

“Jeez, I need to thank you for all this advice. I’d be nowhere without your help, Carrot Top.” Colgate said with a smile, reaching over the couch to give her friend a hug. 

“Don’t mention it, now get some sleep! I’m starting my own jogging-in-the-morning thing that you did.”

“Alright, goodnight!” The unicorn replied. 


<><><><><><><><><>

“Ouch” Fleetfoot responded, after hearing the Wonderbolt’s explanation of the night before, “Where are you going to go from here? Or are you just going to quit?”

“Me? Quit? Pleh, I’ve been out of the dating game for a while, I’m not going to quit this easy,”

Fleetfoot flew to the other side of the training quarters where she acquired a drink from a vending machine and sat on the leather couches next to training equipment, facing Spitfire, “I don’t know, maybe it’s better if you didn’t pursue her.”

“What do you mean?” The yellow Pegasus responded quickly, heavy on the skepticism in her voice. 

“You’re the captain of the Wonderbolts, you’re gone like five months out of the year, you work late, your fans might backlash at the idea of you being with a mare. Especially your insane amount of fans that are stallions, which seriously think they could someday be with you.”

“You’re saying that as if I didn’t already know that.” Spitfire responded snidely, then continuing in a softer tone, “I just don’t know if I can handle losing the one friend I’ve had in years that isn’t some famous snob. You don’t count of course,”

“Well, if you’re friends with her, you don’t have to worry about how long you’re gone when we go on tours. If you’re with her, like, dating, she may get lonely and regret taking such a chance.” Fleetfoot said bluntly, sipping on her carrot juice. 

Spitfire sighed, “I can’t act tough all the time I guess. You’re being a downer right now, but it’s now like what you’re saying isn’t true.”

“I’m kinda known for being the buzzkill sometimes, but it’s just comes along with viewing things logically.”

“Well maybe sometimes you have to take chances, you know?” The yellow Pegasus replied to her light-blue coated colleague.

“You already did, Spitfire. And it didn’t work out. You can’t just take wild chances until something works out. I’m sure she wants to be friends still, and I doubt it’s because you’re a Wonderbolt, too.”

Spitfire sighed wistfully, “How does Soarin’ get every mare he wants, and I struggle to get even one?” Spitfire laughed, though it was tinged with a disappointed tone in her voice, “I feel like everything’s stacked against me at this point. I feel for her, and she let me fall.”

“Well, you should at least go make sure that you’re still friends and you can forget about it. Jeez, you’ll get over it like you got over Soarin’”

“Naw. It’s more logical to do that, but maybe I’d rather try and fail than not try and just be friends.”	

The blue-mane Pegasus laid back in the couch and raised an eyebrow, “Then what’s your plan going to be?”

“I don’t know. She’s got a race in three days I believe, maybe I show up there and meet her at the finish line?”

“…that’s actually not bad to be honest. If you’re going to do this, greeting her at the finish line as a surprise at her own race sounds like a good plan to me.”

“Maybe. It seems good to me. But I think I should see her before then. I don’t know. I want to see her as soon as possible, I really wouldn’t want her to think I will completely ignore her after tonight. I need to make slower advances I guess. I was too quick, I didn’t really flirt with her much, I didn’t test the water. Maybe if I prove to her as a friend that I’ll treat her better than anypony else, maybe I’ll have a better chance?”

“Ha! You’re much too impatient for that. Wonderbolts are not patient. And I think she probably understands that.”

“Yeah, maybe I should just give it one more shot. I really couldn’t stand having to wait. I’d ruin it and be awkward. I wasn’t even awkward tonight until I realized It wasn’t going the way I had suspected.”

Fleetfoot sat up, “It’s weird giving you advice, Spitfire.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m used to you bossing us around and not giving an inch of detail on your personal life. You’re so much nicer when you’re not screaming at us!”

“Well, I have to be that way as Captain. I imagine my already limited social life would be a bit worse if I was already directing ponies like a drill sergeant. I’ve let my guard down, but whatever, I needed some advice for once. So, thank you Fleetfoot.”

“You’re welcome.”

So I was rejected. This is much more like my youngers years than I thought it would be. It’s like I’m reliving being a teenager. Well, teenagers give up. I don’t see why I should. 




<><><> The Day of the Race <><><>




Stretchy sweat-bands around her hooves, mane in a ponytail, towel across her back, Colgate was preparing for the race. It wasn’t just a running of the leaves; it was for the best of runners in the region, which is something a lot of ponies train for months ahead of time. 

Colgate wasn’t feeling very confident, or ready for the race in general. It had been so long that she wouldn’t her feel confident almost like a pre-emptive measure to not have her hopes be too high to be met. It was the feeling of obligation to complete this race competitively that kept her going. All the weight she lost and muscle gained seemed like enough of a reward to her, but doing pretty well in a race would be extraordinary for somepony who was out of shape just months ago. 


Carrot Top wasn’t at their home, having been consistent with her own plans to lose weight by jogging across Ponyville as the unicorn did, so Colgate was left alone with herself and her thoughts. 

The start of the race isn’t far from here, it won’t take long to get there. 

She consciously drank a somewhat large amount of water, having consumed three full cups since the hour she awoke. The unicorn didn’t want to be dehydrated, so it was the focus of her morning to keep herself healthy and ready for the race. 

I really doubt I can even place fifth…

With sigh for confidence, the blue pony exited her home and headed west towards the start of the race, where she’d meet the other contestants. It was within sight after about ten minutes of walking towards the edge of Ponyville, and she saw a larger crowd of spectators than she expected. While she walked, she contemplated strategies to avoid burning herself out early in the race and how she can develop a lead on some of the ponies that wouldn’t be at her skill level. 

She saw a large rectangular start sign that was held above a painted white line. Nopony in the race was standing under it yet, and were instead interacting with each other in the crowd. She could see a few other ponies arriving just as she was, and from behind the crowd that were lined up on the sides of the racing road, was a large air-balloon from which an announcers would help keep track, and presumably look out for injuries and cheaters. 

The day wasn’t too bad for a race. The weather team was supposed to keep it at partly cloudy in order to keep the temperature down, but without making the humidity too high for the athletes to endure during such a race. 

The race was only going to be about two and a half miles long; though in most years it would be double. It was the same length of races that she participated in while a teenager in school, and she looked forward to comparing herself to how she did when she was younger. 

Colgate wasn’t in the mood to make friends, she didn’t want to get distracted as she prepared herself for the race. 

However, she did join in a little pre-race casual conversation. 

“So what’s your best time?” A grey Pegasus female asked her friend, a green coated unicorn. 

“In races this long or just overall?” The green pony responded, with a very raspy voice for a female. 

“For races this long. I’m sure you’ve done one before.”

“Oh, let me think.. Ahhh, I’mma thinkin’ it was my time of 19:20 back when I was in Ponyville University. I can swear I’ve done better, I just really cannot think of a better time at the moment.”

“Pleh! That’s it!” A cocky male earth pony chimed in, “I’ve ran one in 17:00 minutes flat, it was a school record for years!”

“Hey, you’re an earth pony, earth ponies are naturally stronger. And you’re a dude. It’s nothing surprising, but I won’t be surprised if I beat you anyway!”

Seventeen minutes? My best was 21 minutes when I had been training for years…at this rate, it’s unlikely that I’ll even be in the middle by the finish of the race. 

“How ‘bout you?” The cocky stallion said towards Colgate. 

“Oh uh…I’ve done it in 18 minutes before, I believe.”

“Ohhhh, this is going to be a close one I see!”


I’ll need to slap myself later for saying such a pointless lie. 

Colgate even chuckled at the fact she had just lied, considering it was such a trivial thing to lie about. She was genuinely a truthful pony, so her nerves were certainly getting to her. She took a deep breath and calmed down. 

When she turned around, one of the security-ponies helping conduct the race placed a piece of paper over Colgate’s cutie mark denoting that she was number twenty-three. He then walked away without saying a word. 

The crowd’s getting a little excited; it can’t be too far away now.