Rodeo Romeoby NightFirethePegasusChapterschapter 1chapter 2chapter 3chapter 4chapter 5chapter 6chapter 1Celestia's bright midmorning sun was shining brightly upon Ponyville. Braeburn Apple was trotting through ponyville, leaving dustclouds in his wake as his hooves struck the dirt path. His brown leather saddle bag bounced against his sides and the gold buckles clanked creating such a noise that ponies, miles down the road could hear him coming sooner than they could see him as he made his trek to Sweet Apple Acres to up some items from his cousin Applejack. 'Gosh Ah hope Soar isn't too mighty worried that Ah ain't home, but this should make it up to him.' The thought brought a smile to the earth pony's lips. Braeburn was picking up an order of Zap Apples to make a special Zap Apple pie for Soarin for their anniversary. Braeburn halted, his ears going up as they picked up the faint fluttering of wings, that along with a sudden gust of wind was his only warning as he was knocked to the ground and a pale-blue pegasus landed atop him knocking his trademark cowpony hat clear off his head, "Hiya Brae-Brae!" The pegasus exclaimed with a smirk before leaning in to lovingly nuzzle the yellow earth pony, and stroke a hoof through Braeburn's two-toned orange-yellow mane enjoying the scent of apples. Braeburn smiled warmly at the pegasus, his emerald eyes shining with joy, "Well howdy there Soarin what brings ya here ta ponyville?" He replied before burying his face in Soarin's dark-blue mane which had it's trademark look of being perpetually windswept. Soarin pulled his head back and gave Braeburn his best fake pout to try and look offended by the comment, "What, I can't just wanna say hi to, and spend time with my coltfriend? After my tour with the wonderbolts that Spitfire oh so kindly extended a whole extra year as this was the first tour we had with that new recruit, Rainbow Dash..." He replied pretending to sound insulted. Braeburn pressed his lips to the other's giving him a quick kiss before rolling the pegasus off of himself so that he could stand back up, dusting his vest off he looked back at soarin staring right into his brilliant green eyes, ' Ah still to this day get mah breath taken from me when Ah look at Soar Ah wonder if he gets this weird feeling too "No Ah don't see anythin' wrong with tha', but ya could'ave waited back home ah was gonna be home tomorrow." Soarin's face grew serious he never really liked Braeburn to be alone somewhere without having some idea where he was, 'Brae knows exactly why I got worried after that incident...' He thought to himself before he replied "Well you see when I didn't see you when I got home and there wasn't a note to tell me you went anywhere so immediately my protective Coltfriend instincts kicked into overdrive. I got worried and flew posthaste all the way here from Appleloosa..." He replied a tinge of worry in his voice, "But I can see I was being overprotective and paranoid so I'll see you when I get home man." He finished trying to act as if he wasn't obviously annoyed at how little Braeburn seemed unsettled. As he stretched out his wings giving them a few flaps preparing for the flight back to appleloosa he felt Braeburn rest a hoof on his shoulder turning his head his eyes met the face that makes him melt. I wish I could see inside Braeburn to see if he has a similar reaction around me... Braeburn giggled at Soarin's protectiveness, 'Ah know Soar worries about me bein' alone by mahself but Ah don't want him worryin' too much after all Ah'm not defenseless any true Apple family member can buck somepny's lights out just as well as we can buck apples out of a tree...' "Well ah was jus' pickin' some stuff up from cousin Applejack since yer here ya can tag along if ya want." Braeburn offered, picking up his cowpony hat and placing it back on his head as it had fallen off when Soarin tackled him and began walking ahead of Soarin though at a nice slow pace to give the pegasus a chance to catch up if he chose to tag along. "Sounds good beats going home alone." Soarin replied using his wings to rocket forward a little before landing on his hooves again catching up with Braeburn who had already resumed his trek. Am I sure this is the right time to do this? Soarin stopped a fraction of a second to reach in his bag and look at a tiny wrapped package before nodding in affirmation to the question he posed himself. placing the package back in his saddlebag he resumed walking towards Sweet Apple Acres 'yes, I am sure I'm ready to do this now is not the time to chicken out... As the two continued their walk Soarin smirks to himself, "Hey Brae do you think that big red stallion Big Macintosh will be there he's a real cutie." Hearing this caused Braeburn to stop dead, and turn to glare daggers into his coltfriend, this however only caused Soarin to laugh even more and egg things on some more "What's wrong honey, jealous?" 'oh it is so deliciously fun to rile my Brae-Brae up like this he is even cuter when he is mad...' If possible Soarin's devilish smirk grew wider at this thought and preparing to see just how good of a reaction he could manage to get out of Braeburn "As if, Ah ain't jealous 'cause Ah know ya'll love me too much ta run off with another stallion, Ah just don't like that you're hittin' on mah cousin tha's all." 'Darn it all Brae you know me too well to fall for that trick anymore I need to try plan B..' Soarin snatched Brae's hat placing it upon his own head, "Alrigh' Ah getit partner." He replied in a terrible western accent, "Soar give me back mah hat!" Braeburn hollered, grabbing for the hat 'Ha! Capture the hat works everytime!' "You'll have to catch me first!" Soarin replied before taking off down the trail Braeburn close behind, both of them laughing with joy, "Soar when Ah catch ya yer dead meat!" Braeburn shouted as he continued chasing Soarin down the trail ' Ah'll admit he does look good in my hat Ah wonder how his suit'd look on me.... '. chapter 2Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Braeburn is nearly knocked off his hooves, "Uncle Braeburn!" Applebloom shouted joyfully as she ran to hug him, Sweetie belle, and Scootaloo walking up behind her, Soarin chuckled, "Uncle braeburn huh?" He asked cocking his eyebrow at the earthpony hugging the little red-maned filly, "Ahm not truly her uncle in truth we're jus' cousins Ah'm just old enought ta be considered her uncle." Braeburn replied turning his attention back to apple bloom. As the two siblings chit-chatted Scootaloo nervously approached Soarin, "U-uhm excuse me sir aren't you Soarin from the Wonderbolts?" she asked with a shaky voice, Soarin realizing how nervous the orange pegasus was smiled at her, "Yep, that'd be me, it's a pleasure to meet you." He replied grasping her hoof and shaking it. Scootaloo looked as if she was gonna faint on the spot before letting out a squeal to end all squeals, "I am never washing this hoof again!" She burst out in excitement not only did she meet a wonderbolt she shook his hoof "Oh RD will be so jealous!" She thought to herself. "Excuse me" Sweetie Belle shouted and everyone shut up and looked at the little unicorn, "Can someone please explain why and how mr. Braeburn knows Soarin?" She asked looking absolutely confused and flustered. Just as she asked Braeburn burst out laughing as Soarin, and Applebloom just smiled knowingly, "What's so funny?" Sweetie Belle asked, frowning in annoyance. Braeburn finally calmed his laughter before smiling apologetically at Sweetie, "Ah'm sorry Sweetie belle Ah jus' thought Applebloom told ya'll, well ya see me, an' Soar are datin'." He chuckled as Soarin nuzzled his chin, and draped a wing over his shoulder. Sweetie just stood there mouth agape as her brain tried to understand what she was hearing, "Y-You...a-and h-him... a couple?!.." She she stuttered out still in shock, "This is so.... totally...AWESOME!" Scootaloo shouted her excitement at the news. "Prove it!" Sweetie finally spoke up as she regained her composure, "S'cuse me little miss?" Braeburn stared in shock of Sweetie's behavior before sighing as he remembered she's Rarity's sister. Sweetie stood her ground digging her hoof into the ground, "Prove it, kiss eachother!" She demanded. Soarin smirked and chuckled, "Hah! is that all? okay then" He leaned in to kiss Brae placing a hoof to his cheek, but just before their lips touch they jump apart at a cranky but all to familiar voice, "Get a room ya two, and as for you three move along now there's nuttin ta see 'ere!" Applejack hollered as she made her way over to the group, "Gahhh come ooonn!" Sweetie Belle yelled as she was escorted away by a now laughing Applebloom and Scootaloo. Returning her attention to the couple she smiles at Braeburn, "Well howdy Braeburn, yer 'ere earlier than i expected" She said patting Braeburn on the back with her hoof, "But... ya'll didn't say ya were bringin' companeh.." She added casting a glare at Soarin, Which Soarin shot right back at her, "AJ I've said it before and I'll say it again I won't let things go sour for you're cousin and me, I love him too much to allow that!" he snorted keeping his sincere eyes locked with the orange mare's, "Ah know ya say that but Ah worry 'bout mah cousin datin' a celebrity.." Applejack replied her eyes growing softer to signal she was only looking out for her cousin, "If anything ever happened to Brae, I'd deserve the worst you could dish out. You have my word that aslong as I live I'll keep Brae safe and happy I swear on my life..." Soarin replied giving the most serious look Braeburn has ever seen on him, "Ah'll hold ya ta tha'" she chuckled finally lightening up. "Well that's all great and all that ya'll finally are gettin along but, our train leaves at 3 so if ah can get what ah came for.." Braeburn all but snapped, "Oh hay! Ah'm sorry cuz' Ah almost forgot, be right back." Applejack dashed into the barn, returning a second later she held a bag in her teeth, "Here ya go braeburn." She said, her words muffled by the bag in her mouth. Braeburn took the bag and put it in his saddlebag before tipping his hat "thank ya kindly." He said before turning to leave, but before he could leave he heard Soarin ask, "excuse me AJ is Big Mac around?" Soarin smirked imagining the flushed look on brae's face. "Yep he's around back with Caramel, want me to have them come say hi?" Applejack offered "If it's no trouble." Soarin replied, and with a nod Applejack went around to the back of the barn. Braeburn whipped around glaring at Soarin, "What the buck soar! We dun have time to stay and chat, we have a train ta catch!" "Well, Ah'm glad ta see ya too cuz'" Braeburn turned to see the pokerface expression on the big red stallion known as big macintosh, "Ah'm sorry Mac it's not tha' Ah dun wanna spend time with ya but our train ta Appleloosa leaves in fifteen minutes, and tomorrow is our 8th anniversary so if we dun catch the train now we won't be home in time ta celebrate." He replied apologetically, "W-well how about spending the night?" Caramel sugested, "I-I mean, well, does it really matter where you spend your anniversary aslong as you're together?" The tan pony finished as Big Mac stroked his chocolate brown mane with a hoof, "yeah, honey please... I don't feel like sitting on a train right now just to possibly have some anti-coltcuddler settler pony give us a hard time." As he said this Soarin put on his most pitiful begging face which caused Braeburn to sigh in defeat, "Gosh darn it soar Ah need ta learn how ta say no ta ya sometimes, but, ya'll make valid points so we'll stay Ah'll go start dinner." Braeburn gave in and went to the homestead to begin cooking dinner leaving the others to hang out till dinner was ready. Author's Note well I had considered combining the first half of chapter 3 to this chapter to lengthen it but the pacing was awkward so I chose to keep them separate parts anyways as always hope you enjoy chapter 3The first stars begin to appear in the sky as Braeburn made his way from the house back down to the field where he left Soarin and the others. Upon his arrival he first spotted his cousin and Caramel cuddled up together staring up at the night sky, Braeburn assumed the two were just stargazing; then it hit him, 'where the hay is Soarin?' he thought to himself, then as he looked up to the sky he saw Soarin flying around and performing different tricks, "Soar what're ya doin' up there?" He called out startling the 3 ponies and causing Soarin to lose focus and nearly crash into a nearby apple tree, but luckily Soarin was able to correct himself and land safely on the ground, "Oh hiya Brae-brae, I was just giving Mel and Mac a solo aerial performance to pass the time." He said stretching out the kinks that formed in his body from the emergency landing before walking over to kiss Braeburn on the cheek. Braeburn chuckled at his coltfriend's showing off, "Well dinner is ready, so we should head inside..." He said as a sly grin crept onto his lips, "Oh and Ah made somethin' real special for dessert." He added. Soarin's eyes grew wide with excitement as he gasped after puttung two and two together, "PIE!!!" He hollered as he bolted for the house. Caramel and Big mac got up off their spot on the ground and walked over to Braeburn, "Well I guess we'll leave you two to your evening, besides Mac and I have plans of our own, first we're heading over to Sugarcube Corner to get a bite to eat then we're heading to Vinyl's house for a party she's throwing while her roommate Octavia is out on a business trip." Caramel said, and Braeburn tipped his hat, "Well we'll see ya'll in the mornin' then, have fun ya two..." He replied, turning to follow his pie crazed coltfriend back to the house before turning a suggestive smirk toward Mac, "But not TOO much fun okay mac?" He said, causing Caramel to chuckle, and Mac to thank celestia his coat was red so that it disguised the burning red blush forming on his cheeks at his cousin's words. As the group parted ways Braeburn made his way back to the house, only to find himself bursting into a fit of laughter at the sight before him, there, with burnt tongue and hooves, sitting next to a half eaten zapapple pie, was Soarin, who had been quite literally caught, red-hoofed trying to sneak some pie before dinner, "Well Ah think ya finally learned yer lesson tha' when Ah say ta let a pie cool 'fore goin' an' eatin' it tha' ya'll should listen." Soarin gave a look of annoyance at the obvious amusement Braeburn was getting out of this, "Yeah yeah very funny now can we just move on and enjoy the romantic evening you had planned?" He huffed, getting back up onto all four hooves. Braeburn approached Soarin and stroked the pegasus' mane with his hoof, "Yeah let's go.." He complied leading the other outside onto the balcony where Braeburn had set up a nice candlelight dinner. The couple sat across from eachother and ate their meal while enjoying idle conversation. As dinner was finished Braeburn took the dishes to the kitchen; During this time, Soarin began frantically digging through his saddlebag to pull out a wrapped box, and placed it on the floor infront of him, 'Oh Celestia what if he says no? calm down Soar yer overreactin'..... oh buck now I'm even thinking in his accent...' "Okay, dishes are done, so what say ya'll an' me head off ta bed?" Braeburn said as he returned to the balcony, his two-toned mane seeming to shimmer and shine in the beautiful mix of candlelight and moonlight. 'Wow I can't believe how beautiful he looks in this light.... Oh no.. I don't think I can go through wih this...' Soarin suddenly found his heart stuck in his throat, couldn't find his voice, and just overall was a nervous wreck, and worst of all, Braeburn noticed, "is something wrong sugarcube?" he asked, the concern obvious in his tone. Soarin nudged the box over to Braeburn, "w-what's this?" Braeburn asked, looking puzzled, "j-just open it!" Soarin stuttered out. Braeburn ripped off the wrapping paper and gasped as he found a black velvet box emblazoned with the logo of a very famous jeweler from Canterlot. Inside was a red and gold hooflet with a diamond in the center in the shaoe of Soarin's cutiemark Braeburn was amazed and was fighting back the tears, "S-Soar this is beautiful, but what's it for?" 'Is... Is Soar really gonna ask me what Ah think he is?..' Braeburn asked, playing dumb, he knew full well what this was but he wanted the satisfaction of hearing Soarin say it anyway. The words spilt out of the wonderbolt's mouth at lightning speeds, "Well you see it's customary for unicorns to get rings for their horns, and I wasn't sure what earth ponies get eachother and-" Braeburn stopped Soarin's flood of words with a simple word...... "Yes..." Soarin froze and looked at Braeburn as he spoke, "What?!" 'He just said yes....He said he'll marry me?!' "Ah said yes, if'n yer sure this is what ya want then yes Ah'll gladly marry ya Soarin." Braeburn replied his attempts to hold back his tears faltered for a mere second as a lone tear framed his cheek. Soarin was nowhere near as successful as tears continued to roll down his cheeks as he moved to slip the hooflet onto his new husband-to-be's left hoof stopping at the wrist; He then pulled Braeburn close to him wrapping his wings around them, encircling the pair as the kissed and lost themselves in eachother's embrace, and, as Luna's moon shined down on them the same thought ran through both of their minds at once, 'I'm the most lucky pony in the world...' Author's Note okay part of me wanted to put Brae's answer in a separate chapter but it'd be too short so I just ended up putting it together so anyways as always rate review and comment see ya next time ~ N.F. chapter 4The next morning, Soarin got to experience one of Applejack's wake-up calls Caramel had warned him about the previous night. "Urfh, Brae-BraEEEeee how can your cousin be so loud this early on in the morning, especially on a weekend." Soarin whined, covering his ears. Braeburn sat up, placed on his cowpony hat, hopped out of bed and slipped on his vest before flashing a playfully annoyed look at the grumpy pegasus, "Hey now, ya'll were the one who was wantin' ta stay the night, so Ah reckon ya have no right conplainin', if'n Ah recall correctly, Ah wanted ta head home last night." Soarin hopped out of the bed to sit next to Braeburn and stretched out his wings, "To be honest Brae it's not actually being up this early that bothers me, I'm used to it with Spitfire, but I made reservations for a nice dinner in trottingham and since we didn't make it back home last night it'll be a longer trip so I wanted to sleep in today so I was well rested for the trip..." ' Buck me once again I failed to keep things a surprise for Brae... But I can't blame him. He said, feeling defeated that once again circumstances forced him to ruin a suprise he planned for the love of his life. Braeburn smiled understandingly, 'Why am Ah such a featherbrain? Ah just ruined another one of Soar's lovely surprises he plans for me he must be mighty upset...' "A'right partner, how's about this, Ah go downstairs rustle us up some breakfast, bring it back up, we eat, Ah bring the dishes back downstairs, then when Ah get back ya'll can rest while Ah cuddle the hay outta ya, tha' sound good Soar?" He suggested with a playful smirk. Upon hearing this, and seeing the look on Brae's face, Soarin perked right up, "Now you're speaking my language honey, it's a deal!" With that Soarin climbed back into bed as Braeburn went downstairs to get breakfast. Breakfast was simple, a bowl of oats, and a couple apple slices. The pair had eaten their meal in near silence, aside from some brief small talk. When Braeburn returned from bringing the dishes to the kitchen he was caught off guard when a pair of lightblue hooves emerged from the huddles up blanket on the bed to drag him onto it, "Okay Brae I played nice and ate breakfast, now let's get some sleep, I have a huge night planned for the two of us..." Soarin's words were ones of annoyance, but his tone was playful and teasing, "a'right, dun get yer feathers in a bunch Soar, Ah'm comin." Braeburn playfully snapped back, wriggling from the pegasus's grip before jumping out of bed briefly to set the alarm clock before he got back in bed, though he already asked Applejack to wake him an' soar up with another good ol' fashion apple family wake-up call, the thought of the prank he had planned for Soarin made him chuckle. This in turn peaked Soarin's curiosity, "what's so funny Brae?" Braeburn did his best to disguise his obvious giddiness at his master plan as he turned to face soarin and it seemed to work as Soarin didn't look suspicious as he replied, "Oh nothin' darlin' nothin' at all.." 'Oh this is gonna be a might hilarious Ah hope Soar doesn't hurt me too much for this' He replied, removing his hat and vest, he climbed into bed next to Soarin. Soarin decided just to let this one be, and chose to instead wrap his forelegs around Braeburn and pull him as close to his chest as possible. As the pair contently fell asleep a devious grin played on Braeburn's lips toward what would soon happen, Soarin on the other hand was smiling contently, blissfully unaware of what his fiancé has in store for him. Author's Note okay I realize this one is short and lacks a lot of detail but the next week is going to be hectic for me and then next weekend I'm gone on a camping trip and I won't be on FiMFiction tomorrow or sunday so it was today or no updates until like 2 weeks from now so I decided to get it up now this chapter was meant to bridge between the last chapter and the next to fill in the gap between scenes to eliminate confusion chapter 5Braeburn could swear he had probably broken the record for longest continual fit of laughter by the time he and Soarin arrived at the restaurant in Hoofington. Soarin had griped the poor Earth pony's ears off about the wake up call prank he had received from said earth pony. "-And furthermore you know I'm a light sleeper you didn't have to do all that to wake me up a simple 'wake up Soarin' would have sufficed instead of having your bucking cousin wake me up with her yelling..." Soarin groaned as he glided through the air using this trip as an excuse to stretch out his wings in the fresh air. "Alrigh' alrigh' Soar calm yer feathers we're here." Braeburn chuckled as he held the door for Soarin the pegasus gliding down to land in the doorway. As Soarin walked in Braeburn followed shutting the door behind them. Soarin approached the pony at the desk, "Soarin, party of two." he simply said addressing the other stallion. The stallion nodded and smiled politely "ah yes mister Soarin if you would come this way." The stallion led Soarin and Braeburn weaving through the many tables and chairs filling the spacious restaurant before coming to a stop at a booth and placing two menus on the table. Soarin and Braeburn took their seats across from each other and the waiter nodded, "I'll give you guys a few minutes to decide." and with that he turned and went to tend to the other customers. Soarin and Braeburn pick up their menus and begin carefully studying them Braeburn more meticulously than Soarin. As the two stallions were absorbed in their reading neither of them noticed a certain fiery yellow pegasus walk up to them with her trademark shades on. "Fancy seeing you here Soarin." She sounded very irritable, typical Spitfire. Soarin lowered his menu with a lopsided grin, "Oh.... hi Spitfire.." Soarin knew exactly what was about to come out of her mouth next and he had wished she at least had waited to chew him out while Braeburn wasn't around. No such luck. "You weren't where you said you were staying during your break..." She began. "Listen Spitfire..." Soarin calmly interjected and Spitfire raised an eyebrow listening to what he had to say. Soarin opened his mouth to continue his explanation but then to both his and Spitfire's surprise, Braeburn spoke up. "T'is mah fault miss Spitfire. Ah left from Appleloosa ta Ponyville ta pick up some ingredients fer a special anniversary treat fer Soar, but like a featherbrain Ah fergot ta leave a note letting Soar know where Ah went and that Ah'd be back. So he came ta check up on me an' after we got may order from may cousin Applejack may cousin Mac and his coltfriend Caramel talked Soarin inta choosin' to stay at the farm fer the night and then they all ganged up on me an' Ah just couldn't say no so if'n ya wanna blame somepony fer Soar not bein' where he said he would blame me." Spitfire stared blankly at Braeburn and his sudden outburst, quite frankly she will admit she admires him and his guts normally she wouldn't tolerate anypony talking to her like that especially when they cut her or Soarin off but she can't help but applaud him. "Well then.... I'll let it slide this time but from now on try to keep me in the loop on where you two are..." With a replying nod from both Soarin and Braeburn she bid them both farewell and left the couple to their meal allowing a faint ghost of a smile to play across her lips at the thought of Braeburn defending Soarin like that. "Brae why'd you say that you know it was my idea to stay here..." "Yeah, but, if'n Ah had left you a note ya wouldn't have come all the way here in the first place ya'll would've jus' stayed home." Soarin just let the subject drop after all he had to admit Braeburn did have a point there as much as he feels he should take the heat for Braeburn at the moment he was right. The waiter returned with a pad of paper and a pen, "So are you two ready to order or do you need more time?" The realization dawned on both stallions, due to the interruption by Spitfire neither of them came to a conclusion on what they were going to order, "We are gonna need a few more minutes." Soarin replied. "Can I at least get you guys started on some drinks?" Soarin and Braeburn looked at each other and smiled before turning back to the waiter and replying in unison, "Cider." The waiter nodded and again retreated back into the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. As Braeburn and Soarin got close enough to the farm that they could see the barn in the distance Braeburn decided to bring up something that was burning a hole in the back of his mind all day. "Soar..." Soarin looked over to Braeburn seeing the nervous look on his face Soarin grew concerned, "yeah Brae? What's up?" "Well Ah was thinking an' Ah know that if I get the right magic used here and there Ah could gain the ability to fly like ya'll can, Ah asked Miss Rarity and she said she could make me something like a pair of wearable imitation wings..." "What is the point Brae?" "Ah wanna be a Wonderbolt like you..." Soarin was for lack of a better word in utter shock he couldn't believe what he was hearing, Brae, a Wonderbolt, even if he could and Soarin said yes there was the problem of Spitfire she could be stubborn. "Are you sure Brae? it isn't easy it is hard work and it would be even harder on you because you would need to learn how to fly in general first and I can't guarantee everyone will be as excited about this idea as we are especially Spitfire." "Ah'm sure as shooting' Soar I would love ta be up there flying' with ya I always have wanted to ever since I fell for ya.." by this time they were at the entrance to the house on the farm. Soarin had resolved to see his Coltfriend, and future husband's dreams come true and with an affirming nod he replied, "Okay I'll go speak to Spitfire about it tomorrow but you had best stay here I wouldn't want her lashing out at you for no real reason other than Spitfire being Spitfire okay?" Braeburn nodded and gave Soarin a quick peck on the cheek before the pair went off to the guest room and got some well needed sleep. Author's Note sorry if the quality of this chapter is kinda low I kinda just wrote this chapter off-hand instead of really planning it out too much chapter 6-2 months later- "Come on Brae I know you can do better than that! Try that run again!" Soarin stood on the ground at Sweet Apple Acres, watching Braeburn train as the memories of the past couple months replayed in his mind. -Flashback- "Spitfire don't be so cold! Give Brae a bucking chance to prove himself!" Soarin barked angrily at the firey coated pegasus across the room from him. Spitfire stared back at him, her trademark tinted shades being the only thing blocking anypony from seeing the fury in her eyes, but Soarin didn't need to see her eyes to know what emotion she currently held in them. "'No Soarin, and that's final! Coltfriend or not I will not allow an earthpony wannabe flyer to be a part of this team I put up with Braeburn's involvements with the team thus far but this I will not stand for!" Something in Soarin cracked in that moment... Something about the way Spitfire talked about Braeburn when he wasn't here to defend himself, it was a final straw of sorts for Soarin. Soarin decided not to waste anymore words on Spitfire' instead he chose to reply through his actions. Soarin reached a hoof to the pocket of his uniform shirt, removed his WonderBolt badge and placed it on the table before storming out of his former teammate's office at the WB academy before Spitfire could even reply. -end flashback- "Yo man, Soarin, let's take a break man." Said a grey pegasus, his white puffy mane matching the clouds as he stopped to hover in the air. Soarin nods with a smile and Braeburn and the grey pegasus descend, Braeburn tucking his artificial wings to his side. "Nice flying there Braeburn!" The grey pegasus exclaims with a warm smile. "Thank ya kindly Rapidfire." Braeburn replies returning the smile. -Flashback- Rapidfire Approaches Soarin as the lightblue pegasus heads for the exit of the academy. "Yo man, wait up!" Soarin hauls around ready to explode at whoever stopped him. However his anger immediately diminishes and he calms down as soon as he sees the worried face of Rapidfire staring concerned back at him. Rapidfire was the closest thing akin to a brother to Soarin, when Soarin needed somepony to talk to Rapidfire listened, when there was an argument he always took Soarin's side, and when Soarin introduced Braeburn to the team he welcomed him with open hooves. Rapidfire truly was a steadfast friend. "Listen man, I overheard the conversation between you and Spits and, well, I don't want any part of a team who views other ponies like that it just ain't right... so what are you going to do now?" Soarin and Rapidfire keep walking towards the exit as they continue talking, "Well I promised Brae he and I would pursue this dream of his to fly, so,.... I'm gonna start my own flight team." "Sign me up dude!" Raidfire exclaimed enthusiastically. "You wanna come with me and Brae?" Soarin asked stopping at the door giving a dead serious look at Rapidfire. "Damn straight, you bet man! you lead, I follow!" With that the two former Wonderbolts left the academy for the last time with a new goal. -end flashback- Author's Note okay so how was it I was having trouble writing an entire chapter on just Soarin's trip to the academy so I decided to try writing a time jump with some flashbacks please give me some feedback thanks. Also I know I said I wouldn't be on here any more... well I got an opportunity to get on the computer so I decided to quickly add in the latest chapter I worked on as alway please R&R
chapter 1Celestia's bright midmorning sun was shining brightly upon Ponyville. Braeburn Apple was trotting through ponyville, leaving dustclouds in his wake as his hooves struck the dirt path. His brown leather saddle bag bounced against his sides and the gold buckles clanked creating such a noise that ponies, miles down the road could hear him coming sooner than they could see him as he made his trek to Sweet Apple Acres to up some items from his cousin Applejack. 'Gosh Ah hope Soar isn't too mighty worried that Ah ain't home, but this should make it up to him.' The thought brought a smile to the earth pony's lips. Braeburn was picking up an order of Zap Apples to make a special Zap Apple pie for Soarin for their anniversary. Braeburn halted, his ears going up as they picked up the faint fluttering of wings, that along with a sudden gust of wind was his only warning as he was knocked to the ground and a pale-blue pegasus landed atop him knocking his trademark cowpony hat clear off his head, "Hiya Brae-Brae!" The pegasus exclaimed with a smirk before leaning in to lovingly nuzzle the yellow earth pony, and stroke a hoof through Braeburn's two-toned orange-yellow mane enjoying the scent of apples. Braeburn smiled warmly at the pegasus, his emerald eyes shining with joy, "Well howdy there Soarin what brings ya here ta ponyville?" He replied before burying his face in Soarin's dark-blue mane which had it's trademark look of being perpetually windswept. Soarin pulled his head back and gave Braeburn his best fake pout to try and look offended by the comment, "What, I can't just wanna say hi to, and spend time with my coltfriend? After my tour with the wonderbolts that Spitfire oh so kindly extended a whole extra year as this was the first tour we had with that new recruit, Rainbow Dash..." He replied pretending to sound insulted. Braeburn pressed his lips to the other's giving him a quick kiss before rolling the pegasus off of himself so that he could stand back up, dusting his vest off he looked back at soarin staring right into his brilliant green eyes, ' Ah still to this day get mah breath taken from me when Ah look at Soar Ah wonder if he gets this weird feeling too "No Ah don't see anythin' wrong with tha', but ya could'ave waited back home ah was gonna be home tomorrow." Soarin's face grew serious he never really liked Braeburn to be alone somewhere without having some idea where he was, 'Brae knows exactly why I got worried after that incident...' He thought to himself before he replied "Well you see when I didn't see you when I got home and there wasn't a note to tell me you went anywhere so immediately my protective Coltfriend instincts kicked into overdrive. I got worried and flew posthaste all the way here from Appleloosa..." He replied a tinge of worry in his voice, "But I can see I was being overprotective and paranoid so I'll see you when I get home man." He finished trying to act as if he wasn't obviously annoyed at how little Braeburn seemed unsettled. As he stretched out his wings giving them a few flaps preparing for the flight back to appleloosa he felt Braeburn rest a hoof on his shoulder turning his head his eyes met the face that makes him melt. I wish I could see inside Braeburn to see if he has a similar reaction around me... Braeburn giggled at Soarin's protectiveness, 'Ah know Soar worries about me bein' alone by mahself but Ah don't want him worryin' too much after all Ah'm not defenseless any true Apple family member can buck somepny's lights out just as well as we can buck apples out of a tree...' "Well ah was jus' pickin' some stuff up from cousin Applejack since yer here ya can tag along if ya want." Braeburn offered, picking up his cowpony hat and placing it back on his head as it had fallen off when Soarin tackled him and began walking ahead of Soarin though at a nice slow pace to give the pegasus a chance to catch up if he chose to tag along. "Sounds good beats going home alone." Soarin replied using his wings to rocket forward a little before landing on his hooves again catching up with Braeburn who had already resumed his trek. Am I sure this is the right time to do this? Soarin stopped a fraction of a second to reach in his bag and look at a tiny wrapped package before nodding in affirmation to the question he posed himself. placing the package back in his saddlebag he resumed walking towards Sweet Apple Acres 'yes, I am sure I'm ready to do this now is not the time to chicken out... As the two continued their walk Soarin smirks to himself, "Hey Brae do you think that big red stallion Big Macintosh will be there he's a real cutie." Hearing this caused Braeburn to stop dead, and turn to glare daggers into his coltfriend, this however only caused Soarin to laugh even more and egg things on some more "What's wrong honey, jealous?" 'oh it is so deliciously fun to rile my Brae-Brae up like this he is even cuter when he is mad...' If possible Soarin's devilish smirk grew wider at this thought and preparing to see just how good of a reaction he could manage to get out of Braeburn "As if, Ah ain't jealous 'cause Ah know ya'll love me too much ta run off with another stallion, Ah just don't like that you're hittin' on mah cousin tha's all." 'Darn it all Brae you know me too well to fall for that trick anymore I need to try plan B..' Soarin snatched Brae's hat placing it upon his own head, "Alrigh' Ah getit partner." He replied in a terrible western accent, "Soar give me back mah hat!" Braeburn hollered, grabbing for the hat 'Ha! Capture the hat works everytime!' "You'll have to catch me first!" Soarin replied before taking off down the trail Braeburn close behind, both of them laughing with joy, "Soar when Ah catch ya yer dead meat!" Braeburn shouted as he continued chasing Soarin down the trail ' Ah'll admit he does look good in my hat Ah wonder how his suit'd look on me.... '.
chapter 2Arriving at Sweet Apple Acres, Braeburn is nearly knocked off his hooves, "Uncle Braeburn!" Applebloom shouted joyfully as she ran to hug him, Sweetie belle, and Scootaloo walking up behind her, Soarin chuckled, "Uncle braeburn huh?" He asked cocking his eyebrow at the earthpony hugging the little red-maned filly, "Ahm not truly her uncle in truth we're jus' cousins Ah'm just old enought ta be considered her uncle." Braeburn replied turning his attention back to apple bloom. As the two siblings chit-chatted Scootaloo nervously approached Soarin, "U-uhm excuse me sir aren't you Soarin from the Wonderbolts?" she asked with a shaky voice, Soarin realizing how nervous the orange pegasus was smiled at her, "Yep, that'd be me, it's a pleasure to meet you." He replied grasping her hoof and shaking it. Scootaloo looked as if she was gonna faint on the spot before letting out a squeal to end all squeals, "I am never washing this hoof again!" She burst out in excitement not only did she meet a wonderbolt she shook his hoof "Oh RD will be so jealous!" She thought to herself. "Excuse me" Sweetie Belle shouted and everyone shut up and looked at the little unicorn, "Can someone please explain why and how mr. Braeburn knows Soarin?" She asked looking absolutely confused and flustered. Just as she asked Braeburn burst out laughing as Soarin, and Applebloom just smiled knowingly, "What's so funny?" Sweetie Belle asked, frowning in annoyance. Braeburn finally calmed his laughter before smiling apologetically at Sweetie, "Ah'm sorry Sweetie belle Ah jus' thought Applebloom told ya'll, well ya see me, an' Soar are datin'." He chuckled as Soarin nuzzled his chin, and draped a wing over his shoulder. Sweetie just stood there mouth agape as her brain tried to understand what she was hearing, "Y-You...a-and h-him... a couple?!.." She she stuttered out still in shock, "This is so.... totally...AWESOME!" Scootaloo shouted her excitement at the news. "Prove it!" Sweetie finally spoke up as she regained her composure, "S'cuse me little miss?" Braeburn stared in shock of Sweetie's behavior before sighing as he remembered she's Rarity's sister. Sweetie stood her ground digging her hoof into the ground, "Prove it, kiss eachother!" She demanded. Soarin smirked and chuckled, "Hah! is that all? okay then" He leaned in to kiss Brae placing a hoof to his cheek, but just before their lips touch they jump apart at a cranky but all to familiar voice, "Get a room ya two, and as for you three move along now there's nuttin ta see 'ere!" Applejack hollered as she made her way over to the group, "Gahhh come ooonn!" Sweetie Belle yelled as she was escorted away by a now laughing Applebloom and Scootaloo. Returning her attention to the couple she smiles at Braeburn, "Well howdy Braeburn, yer 'ere earlier than i expected" She said patting Braeburn on the back with her hoof, "But... ya'll didn't say ya were bringin' companeh.." She added casting a glare at Soarin, Which Soarin shot right back at her, "AJ I've said it before and I'll say it again I won't let things go sour for you're cousin and me, I love him too much to allow that!" he snorted keeping his sincere eyes locked with the orange mare's, "Ah know ya say that but Ah worry 'bout mah cousin datin' a celebrity.." Applejack replied her eyes growing softer to signal she was only looking out for her cousin, "If anything ever happened to Brae, I'd deserve the worst you could dish out. You have my word that aslong as I live I'll keep Brae safe and happy I swear on my life..." Soarin replied giving the most serious look Braeburn has ever seen on him, "Ah'll hold ya ta tha'" she chuckled finally lightening up. "Well that's all great and all that ya'll finally are gettin along but, our train leaves at 3 so if ah can get what ah came for.." Braeburn all but snapped, "Oh hay! Ah'm sorry cuz' Ah almost forgot, be right back." Applejack dashed into the barn, returning a second later she held a bag in her teeth, "Here ya go braeburn." She said, her words muffled by the bag in her mouth. Braeburn took the bag and put it in his saddlebag before tipping his hat "thank ya kindly." He said before turning to leave, but before he could leave he heard Soarin ask, "excuse me AJ is Big Mac around?" Soarin smirked imagining the flushed look on brae's face. "Yep he's around back with Caramel, want me to have them come say hi?" Applejack offered "If it's no trouble." Soarin replied, and with a nod Applejack went around to the back of the barn. Braeburn whipped around glaring at Soarin, "What the buck soar! We dun have time to stay and chat, we have a train ta catch!" "Well, Ah'm glad ta see ya too cuz'" Braeburn turned to see the pokerface expression on the big red stallion known as big macintosh, "Ah'm sorry Mac it's not tha' Ah dun wanna spend time with ya but our train ta Appleloosa leaves in fifteen minutes, and tomorrow is our 8th anniversary so if we dun catch the train now we won't be home in time ta celebrate." He replied apologetically, "W-well how about spending the night?" Caramel sugested, "I-I mean, well, does it really matter where you spend your anniversary aslong as you're together?" The tan pony finished as Big Mac stroked his chocolate brown mane with a hoof, "yeah, honey please... I don't feel like sitting on a train right now just to possibly have some anti-coltcuddler settler pony give us a hard time." As he said this Soarin put on his most pitiful begging face which caused Braeburn to sigh in defeat, "Gosh darn it soar Ah need ta learn how ta say no ta ya sometimes, but, ya'll make valid points so we'll stay Ah'll go start dinner." Braeburn gave in and went to the homestead to begin cooking dinner leaving the others to hang out till dinner was ready. Author's Note well I had considered combining the first half of chapter 3 to this chapter to lengthen it but the pacing was awkward so I chose to keep them separate parts anyways as always hope you enjoy
chapter 3The first stars begin to appear in the sky as Braeburn made his way from the house back down to the field where he left Soarin and the others. Upon his arrival he first spotted his cousin and Caramel cuddled up together staring up at the night sky, Braeburn assumed the two were just stargazing; then it hit him, 'where the hay is Soarin?' he thought to himself, then as he looked up to the sky he saw Soarin flying around and performing different tricks, "Soar what're ya doin' up there?" He called out startling the 3 ponies and causing Soarin to lose focus and nearly crash into a nearby apple tree, but luckily Soarin was able to correct himself and land safely on the ground, "Oh hiya Brae-brae, I was just giving Mel and Mac a solo aerial performance to pass the time." He said stretching out the kinks that formed in his body from the emergency landing before walking over to kiss Braeburn on the cheek. Braeburn chuckled at his coltfriend's showing off, "Well dinner is ready, so we should head inside..." He said as a sly grin crept onto his lips, "Oh and Ah made somethin' real special for dessert." He added. Soarin's eyes grew wide with excitement as he gasped after puttung two and two together, "PIE!!!" He hollered as he bolted for the house. Caramel and Big mac got up off their spot on the ground and walked over to Braeburn, "Well I guess we'll leave you two to your evening, besides Mac and I have plans of our own, first we're heading over to Sugarcube Corner to get a bite to eat then we're heading to Vinyl's house for a party she's throwing while her roommate Octavia is out on a business trip." Caramel said, and Braeburn tipped his hat, "Well we'll see ya'll in the mornin' then, have fun ya two..." He replied, turning to follow his pie crazed coltfriend back to the house before turning a suggestive smirk toward Mac, "But not TOO much fun okay mac?" He said, causing Caramel to chuckle, and Mac to thank celestia his coat was red so that it disguised the burning red blush forming on his cheeks at his cousin's words. As the group parted ways Braeburn made his way back to the house, only to find himself bursting into a fit of laughter at the sight before him, there, with burnt tongue and hooves, sitting next to a half eaten zapapple pie, was Soarin, who had been quite literally caught, red-hoofed trying to sneak some pie before dinner, "Well Ah think ya finally learned yer lesson tha' when Ah say ta let a pie cool 'fore goin' an' eatin' it tha' ya'll should listen." Soarin gave a look of annoyance at the obvious amusement Braeburn was getting out of this, "Yeah yeah very funny now can we just move on and enjoy the romantic evening you had planned?" He huffed, getting back up onto all four hooves. Braeburn approached Soarin and stroked the pegasus' mane with his hoof, "Yeah let's go.." He complied leading the other outside onto the balcony where Braeburn had set up a nice candlelight dinner. The couple sat across from eachother and ate their meal while enjoying idle conversation. As dinner was finished Braeburn took the dishes to the kitchen; During this time, Soarin began frantically digging through his saddlebag to pull out a wrapped box, and placed it on the floor infront of him, 'Oh Celestia what if he says no? calm down Soar yer overreactin'..... oh buck now I'm even thinking in his accent...' "Okay, dishes are done, so what say ya'll an' me head off ta bed?" Braeburn said as he returned to the balcony, his two-toned mane seeming to shimmer and shine in the beautiful mix of candlelight and moonlight. 'Wow I can't believe how beautiful he looks in this light.... Oh no.. I don't think I can go through wih this...' Soarin suddenly found his heart stuck in his throat, couldn't find his voice, and just overall was a nervous wreck, and worst of all, Braeburn noticed, "is something wrong sugarcube?" he asked, the concern obvious in his tone. Soarin nudged the box over to Braeburn, "w-what's this?" Braeburn asked, looking puzzled, "j-just open it!" Soarin stuttered out. Braeburn ripped off the wrapping paper and gasped as he found a black velvet box emblazoned with the logo of a very famous jeweler from Canterlot. Inside was a red and gold hooflet with a diamond in the center in the shaoe of Soarin's cutiemark Braeburn was amazed and was fighting back the tears, "S-Soar this is beautiful, but what's it for?" 'Is... Is Soar really gonna ask me what Ah think he is?..' Braeburn asked, playing dumb, he knew full well what this was but he wanted the satisfaction of hearing Soarin say it anyway. The words spilt out of the wonderbolt's mouth at lightning speeds, "Well you see it's customary for unicorns to get rings for their horns, and I wasn't sure what earth ponies get eachother and-" Braeburn stopped Soarin's flood of words with a simple word...... "Yes..." Soarin froze and looked at Braeburn as he spoke, "What?!" 'He just said yes....He said he'll marry me?!' "Ah said yes, if'n yer sure this is what ya want then yes Ah'll gladly marry ya Soarin." Braeburn replied his attempts to hold back his tears faltered for a mere second as a lone tear framed his cheek. Soarin was nowhere near as successful as tears continued to roll down his cheeks as he moved to slip the hooflet onto his new husband-to-be's left hoof stopping at the wrist; He then pulled Braeburn close to him wrapping his wings around them, encircling the pair as the kissed and lost themselves in eachother's embrace, and, as Luna's moon shined down on them the same thought ran through both of their minds at once, 'I'm the most lucky pony in the world...' Author's Note okay part of me wanted to put Brae's answer in a separate chapter but it'd be too short so I just ended up putting it together so anyways as always rate review and comment see ya next time ~ N.F.
chapter 4The next morning, Soarin got to experience one of Applejack's wake-up calls Caramel had warned him about the previous night. "Urfh, Brae-BraEEEeee how can your cousin be so loud this early on in the morning, especially on a weekend." Soarin whined, covering his ears. Braeburn sat up, placed on his cowpony hat, hopped out of bed and slipped on his vest before flashing a playfully annoyed look at the grumpy pegasus, "Hey now, ya'll were the one who was wantin' ta stay the night, so Ah reckon ya have no right conplainin', if'n Ah recall correctly, Ah wanted ta head home last night." Soarin hopped out of the bed to sit next to Braeburn and stretched out his wings, "To be honest Brae it's not actually being up this early that bothers me, I'm used to it with Spitfire, but I made reservations for a nice dinner in trottingham and since we didn't make it back home last night it'll be a longer trip so I wanted to sleep in today so I was well rested for the trip..." ' Buck me once again I failed to keep things a surprise for Brae... But I can't blame him. He said, feeling defeated that once again circumstances forced him to ruin a suprise he planned for the love of his life. Braeburn smiled understandingly, 'Why am Ah such a featherbrain? Ah just ruined another one of Soar's lovely surprises he plans for me he must be mighty upset...' "A'right partner, how's about this, Ah go downstairs rustle us up some breakfast, bring it back up, we eat, Ah bring the dishes back downstairs, then when Ah get back ya'll can rest while Ah cuddle the hay outta ya, tha' sound good Soar?" He suggested with a playful smirk. Upon hearing this, and seeing the look on Brae's face, Soarin perked right up, "Now you're speaking my language honey, it's a deal!" With that Soarin climbed back into bed as Braeburn went downstairs to get breakfast. Breakfast was simple, a bowl of oats, and a couple apple slices. The pair had eaten their meal in near silence, aside from some brief small talk. When Braeburn returned from bringing the dishes to the kitchen he was caught off guard when a pair of lightblue hooves emerged from the huddles up blanket on the bed to drag him onto it, "Okay Brae I played nice and ate breakfast, now let's get some sleep, I have a huge night planned for the two of us..." Soarin's words were ones of annoyance, but his tone was playful and teasing, "a'right, dun get yer feathers in a bunch Soar, Ah'm comin." Braeburn playfully snapped back, wriggling from the pegasus's grip before jumping out of bed briefly to set the alarm clock before he got back in bed, though he already asked Applejack to wake him an' soar up with another good ol' fashion apple family wake-up call, the thought of the prank he had planned for Soarin made him chuckle. This in turn peaked Soarin's curiosity, "what's so funny Brae?" Braeburn did his best to disguise his obvious giddiness at his master plan as he turned to face soarin and it seemed to work as Soarin didn't look suspicious as he replied, "Oh nothin' darlin' nothin' at all.." 'Oh this is gonna be a might hilarious Ah hope Soar doesn't hurt me too much for this' He replied, removing his hat and vest, he climbed into bed next to Soarin. Soarin decided just to let this one be, and chose to instead wrap his forelegs around Braeburn and pull him as close to his chest as possible. As the pair contently fell asleep a devious grin played on Braeburn's lips toward what would soon happen, Soarin on the other hand was smiling contently, blissfully unaware of what his fiancé has in store for him. Author's Note okay I realize this one is short and lacks a lot of detail but the next week is going to be hectic for me and then next weekend I'm gone on a camping trip and I won't be on FiMFiction tomorrow or sunday so it was today or no updates until like 2 weeks from now so I decided to get it up now this chapter was meant to bridge between the last chapter and the next to fill in the gap between scenes to eliminate confusion
chapter 5Braeburn could swear he had probably broken the record for longest continual fit of laughter by the time he and Soarin arrived at the restaurant in Hoofington. Soarin had griped the poor Earth pony's ears off about the wake up call prank he had received from said earth pony. "-And furthermore you know I'm a light sleeper you didn't have to do all that to wake me up a simple 'wake up Soarin' would have sufficed instead of having your bucking cousin wake me up with her yelling..." Soarin groaned as he glided through the air using this trip as an excuse to stretch out his wings in the fresh air. "Alrigh' alrigh' Soar calm yer feathers we're here." Braeburn chuckled as he held the door for Soarin the pegasus gliding down to land in the doorway. As Soarin walked in Braeburn followed shutting the door behind them. Soarin approached the pony at the desk, "Soarin, party of two." he simply said addressing the other stallion. The stallion nodded and smiled politely "ah yes mister Soarin if you would come this way." The stallion led Soarin and Braeburn weaving through the many tables and chairs filling the spacious restaurant before coming to a stop at a booth and placing two menus on the table. Soarin and Braeburn took their seats across from each other and the waiter nodded, "I'll give you guys a few minutes to decide." and with that he turned and went to tend to the other customers. Soarin and Braeburn pick up their menus and begin carefully studying them Braeburn more meticulously than Soarin. As the two stallions were absorbed in their reading neither of them noticed a certain fiery yellow pegasus walk up to them with her trademark shades on. "Fancy seeing you here Soarin." She sounded very irritable, typical Spitfire. Soarin lowered his menu with a lopsided grin, "Oh.... hi Spitfire.." Soarin knew exactly what was about to come out of her mouth next and he had wished she at least had waited to chew him out while Braeburn wasn't around. No such luck. "You weren't where you said you were staying during your break..." She began. "Listen Spitfire..." Soarin calmly interjected and Spitfire raised an eyebrow listening to what he had to say. Soarin opened his mouth to continue his explanation but then to both his and Spitfire's surprise, Braeburn spoke up. "T'is mah fault miss Spitfire. Ah left from Appleloosa ta Ponyville ta pick up some ingredients fer a special anniversary treat fer Soar, but like a featherbrain Ah fergot ta leave a note letting Soar know where Ah went and that Ah'd be back. So he came ta check up on me an' after we got may order from may cousin Applejack may cousin Mac and his coltfriend Caramel talked Soarin inta choosin' to stay at the farm fer the night and then they all ganged up on me an' Ah just couldn't say no so if'n ya wanna blame somepony fer Soar not bein' where he said he would blame me." Spitfire stared blankly at Braeburn and his sudden outburst, quite frankly she will admit she admires him and his guts normally she wouldn't tolerate anypony talking to her like that especially when they cut her or Soarin off but she can't help but applaud him. "Well then.... I'll let it slide this time but from now on try to keep me in the loop on where you two are..." With a replying nod from both Soarin and Braeburn she bid them both farewell and left the couple to their meal allowing a faint ghost of a smile to play across her lips at the thought of Braeburn defending Soarin like that. "Brae why'd you say that you know it was my idea to stay here..." "Yeah, but, if'n Ah had left you a note ya wouldn't have come all the way here in the first place ya'll would've jus' stayed home." Soarin just let the subject drop after all he had to admit Braeburn did have a point there as much as he feels he should take the heat for Braeburn at the moment he was right. The waiter returned with a pad of paper and a pen, "So are you two ready to order or do you need more time?" The realization dawned on both stallions, due to the interruption by Spitfire neither of them came to a conclusion on what they were going to order, "We are gonna need a few more minutes." Soarin replied. "Can I at least get you guys started on some drinks?" Soarin and Braeburn looked at each other and smiled before turning back to the waiter and replying in unison, "Cider." The waiter nodded and again retreated back into the hustle and bustle of the restaurant. As Braeburn and Soarin got close enough to the farm that they could see the barn in the distance Braeburn decided to bring up something that was burning a hole in the back of his mind all day. "Soar..." Soarin looked over to Braeburn seeing the nervous look on his face Soarin grew concerned, "yeah Brae? What's up?" "Well Ah was thinking an' Ah know that if I get the right magic used here and there Ah could gain the ability to fly like ya'll can, Ah asked Miss Rarity and she said she could make me something like a pair of wearable imitation wings..." "What is the point Brae?" "Ah wanna be a Wonderbolt like you..." Soarin was for lack of a better word in utter shock he couldn't believe what he was hearing, Brae, a Wonderbolt, even if he could and Soarin said yes there was the problem of Spitfire she could be stubborn. "Are you sure Brae? it isn't easy it is hard work and it would be even harder on you because you would need to learn how to fly in general first and I can't guarantee everyone will be as excited about this idea as we are especially Spitfire." "Ah'm sure as shooting' Soar I would love ta be up there flying' with ya I always have wanted to ever since I fell for ya.." by this time they were at the entrance to the house on the farm. Soarin had resolved to see his Coltfriend, and future husband's dreams come true and with an affirming nod he replied, "Okay I'll go speak to Spitfire about it tomorrow but you had best stay here I wouldn't want her lashing out at you for no real reason other than Spitfire being Spitfire okay?" Braeburn nodded and gave Soarin a quick peck on the cheek before the pair went off to the guest room and got some well needed sleep. Author's Note sorry if the quality of this chapter is kinda low I kinda just wrote this chapter off-hand instead of really planning it out too much
chapter 6-2 months later- "Come on Brae I know you can do better than that! Try that run again!" Soarin stood on the ground at Sweet Apple Acres, watching Braeburn train as the memories of the past couple months replayed in his mind. -Flashback- "Spitfire don't be so cold! Give Brae a bucking chance to prove himself!" Soarin barked angrily at the firey coated pegasus across the room from him. Spitfire stared back at him, her trademark tinted shades being the only thing blocking anypony from seeing the fury in her eyes, but Soarin didn't need to see her eyes to know what emotion she currently held in them. "'No Soarin, and that's final! Coltfriend or not I will not allow an earthpony wannabe flyer to be a part of this team I put up with Braeburn's involvements with the team thus far but this I will not stand for!" Something in Soarin cracked in that moment... Something about the way Spitfire talked about Braeburn when he wasn't here to defend himself, it was a final straw of sorts for Soarin. Soarin decided not to waste anymore words on Spitfire' instead he chose to reply through his actions. Soarin reached a hoof to the pocket of his uniform shirt, removed his WonderBolt badge and placed it on the table before storming out of his former teammate's office at the WB academy before Spitfire could even reply. -end flashback- "Yo man, Soarin, let's take a break man." Said a grey pegasus, his white puffy mane matching the clouds as he stopped to hover in the air. Soarin nods with a smile and Braeburn and the grey pegasus descend, Braeburn tucking his artificial wings to his side. "Nice flying there Braeburn!" The grey pegasus exclaims with a warm smile. "Thank ya kindly Rapidfire." Braeburn replies returning the smile. -Flashback- Rapidfire Approaches Soarin as the lightblue pegasus heads for the exit of the academy. "Yo man, wait up!" Soarin hauls around ready to explode at whoever stopped him. However his anger immediately diminishes and he calms down as soon as he sees the worried face of Rapidfire staring concerned back at him. Rapidfire was the closest thing akin to a brother to Soarin, when Soarin needed somepony to talk to Rapidfire listened, when there was an argument he always took Soarin's side, and when Soarin introduced Braeburn to the team he welcomed him with open hooves. Rapidfire truly was a steadfast friend. "Listen man, I overheard the conversation between you and Spits and, well, I don't want any part of a team who views other ponies like that it just ain't right... so what are you going to do now?" Soarin and Rapidfire keep walking towards the exit as they continue talking, "Well I promised Brae he and I would pursue this dream of his to fly, so,.... I'm gonna start my own flight team." "Sign me up dude!" Raidfire exclaimed enthusiastically. "You wanna come with me and Brae?" Soarin asked stopping at the door giving a dead serious look at Rapidfire. "Damn straight, you bet man! you lead, I follow!" With that the two former Wonderbolts left the academy for the last time with a new goal. -end flashback- Author's Note okay so how was it I was having trouble writing an entire chapter on just Soarin's trip to the academy so I decided to try writing a time jump with some flashbacks please give me some feedback thanks. Also I know I said I wouldn't be on here any more... well I got an opportunity to get on the computer so I decided to quickly add in the latest chapter I worked on as alway please R&R
