Finding Balance: Book 1 - Taking Flight
Dawn and his brother sat at a small table in the outdoor section of their favorite diner, each having their own servings of pasta. The diner around them had a majestic feel, marble walls and floors led into marble support beams. Silver and gold stands held glass table tops with chairs pushed underneath made of the same metals. The outdoor section was more of a balcony, overlooking the Manehatten street below. Dawn and his brother weren’t very rich, but they personally knew the owner so they got great deals, and the place had become their hangout spot after a long day of work.
“Hey.” His brother said, getting Dawn’s attention. His name was Storm Breeze, a pale pegasus with a short cropped blue mane. His silvery eyes shone like the moon, a trait that he and Dawn shared. His cutie mark was of a storm cloud getting pushed by a cartoonish breeze. Dawn had always known him as the fun older brother that knew when he could goof off or to be serious at appropriate moments. So far, he was currently goofing off. “See anyone cute?” He asked, mischief dancing in his eyes like wildfire.
They were both single, Storm was the last with a relationship, having had his heart broken by some bitch a couple weeks back, though he was always quick to bounce back into the game.
“Nah. Just the usual riff-raff.” Dawn replied in a bored tone. He moved one of his light grey wings, deftly handling a fork with the appendage, and took a bite of pasta. Dawn, was a pegasus like his brother, his light grey coat and slicked black mane a stark contrast to Storm’s brighter colors.
The two often joked about how Dawn should have been named Storm instead, seeing as his coloration would be more appropriate. Dawn’s cutie mark was a strange one, a Libra that looked like it should be in an art exhibit. It was composed of black spiky lines, forming the shape of a biped. The stand formed two ‘legs’ that connected about halfway up, the ‘head’ like center looked vaguely like a bat, leading out to two large ‘shoulders’. A series of slashes led down from them to a pair of ‘claws’ which were the trays.
“Hey, what about her?” Storm nodded towards a light orange mare with a fiery mane, styled as though she just finished flying at high speeds. She was sitting at a table not too far away, though something seemed off about her. Dawn looked her over for a moment before responding.
“She seems familiar, I can't put my hoof on why though.” Storm looked back at her, his eyes squinting.
“Hmm. Yeah, you’re right.” Storm rubbed his chin with a hoof. “I’m gonna go talk to her.”
“Attendere un minuto!” Dawn said, stopping Storm as he stood up. “It’s my turn, don’t you think?”
“Heh heh, I guess so lil’ bro. Andare a prendere il suo.” He sat back down, letting Dawn get up and make his way over to the fiery mare. Once he made his way over and she looked up at him with her fire colored eyes, he remembered exactly who she was.
“Spitfire?” He asked, getting a smile in return. “Damn, it’s been a while.”
“Yeah,” her voice giving him a sense of nostalgia, “Dawn, right?” Dawn nodded, she nodded to the chair he stood behind, silently telling him to sit. He complied, a polite smile on his face.
“I haven’t seen you since high school. Come sei stato?” He asked.
“I’ve been doing pretty good, got a decent job that allows me plenty of time to train.” She replied, a small smile on her face as she drank from her glass of water.
“Still working towards that whole Wonderbolt thing?”
“You laugh now, but one day it will happen.” She said seriously, holding out a few moments before chuckling. “Seriously though, I’m gonna make it happen. Hey, I remember you being a damn good flier, why don’t you try and get in too?”
“Nah, I’m not exactly one to showboat at that level. Besides, I’m pretty content with my life here. I have my pasta, my wings, and my idiota of a brother over there.” He nodded back to where his brother sat. She gave him a polite wave, getting one in return from Storm.
“How was your life been since high school?” She asked curiously.
“Like I said, I’m content. I’m second in command of the weather team, decent pay, and I get to boss my brother around.” Dawn said, reclining in the chair and throwing his arms around the back of his neck.
“I didn’t think the weather team paid well enough for this place, then again, the only reason I’m here is because I saved up.”
“Well, lucky for me and my bro, we are personal friends of the owner. So we get some damn good discounts.” Spitfire raised an eyebrow.
“Really? How’d that happen?”
“High school, he was a senior when I was a freshman. He watched my back to make sure no stronzi tried to pick on me. When he got out me and Storm helped him make the place, he even offered us jobs once we got out too, but we were already too deeply integrated in the weather team.” Spitfire smiled at him.
“Well that’s awfully nice of him.” Spitfire looked up at the sun with a sigh. “It was nice to see you again, but I gotta go.” Spitfire called over a waiter, telling him that she was ready to pay.
“Aspettare, maybe we could see each other again sometime?” Dawn asked hopefully.
“...Are you asking me out?” She asked, an eyebrow raised.
“Sì, io sono” He replied with a nod. She blushed slightly as she mulled it over for a few moments as a waiter came by and left the bill.
“Alright, how about we meet here again? Around five. Tomorrow work?”
“That it does.” Dawn said with a smile, Spitfire smiling back at him.
“Then it’s a date. I’ll see you then, Dawn.” She pulled out a small bag of bits and left it on the bill before walking out. Dawn couldn’t help himself from staring at her flanks as her tail swished side to side. She looked back with a wink before continuing, and Dawn could feel his wings stiffen and his cheeks flush. Struggling to keep his wings by his side, he cantered back to his table where his brother eagerly awaited.
“So. How’d it go?” Storm asked excitedly as he sat down.
“I got myself a date.” Dawn replied, a grin on his face. “That was Spitfire, remember her? She went to high school with us.”
“The one that I had to translate for?” Dawn nodded. “No wonder she seemed so familiar. When is this date, eh?”
“Tomorrow at dinner, right here.” Storm grinned wickedly at him. “No, you are not telling Kaffa. He’ll make it into a huge scene.” Storm rolled his eyes and sighed.
“Fine.” He agreed, letting Dawn relax into his chair. The two continued to eat until Storm saw another cute mare and tried to talk with her. Dawn ate alone for a few minutes before Storm came back, a red spot on his cheek. “Why do all the mares like you and not me?”
“Because your an idiota, now eat your food.”
“Yes, mother.”
~-~
Dawn and Storm had paid for their food and exited the establishment in quick fashion after they finished eating. The two found themselves packed into the busy streets, attempting to make their way home. Typically, they always had the option of flying, but the two had never really enjoyed trying to find a place to land. It took a while, but eventually, they had made the half mile trip to their shared house. Storm decided that he would go take a shower first, leaving Dawn downstairs in the living room.
It was a nice house, two stories, three bedrooms two baths. Dawn, seeing as he got more money, was blessed with the master bedroom, though he sat in the spacious living room they had. Their couch covered one wall, a large coffee table in front of it, and a window sat across from it, allowing light in from their front yard. His cat, Gatto, hopped onto the couch and laid next to him. She was a gift from his mother before she passed away a couple years ago, she knew he had an affinity for cats and had given her to him as a kitten on his eighteenth. Gently petting the cat, he tried to remember anything he could about Spitfire, though he could only remember her love of flight, and a crush he had on her back in High School. He heard Storm coming down the stairs and stood up, patting the cat on her head.
“Your turn.” He said as he entered the living room. “We gonna do anything before bed or no?”
“Nah, I need to think about a couple things.” Dawn said walking past him.
“I see, you need to think about some sexy tail. Can’t say I blame you, she was fine!” Dawn only shook his head at his brother’s comment, though he silently agreed that Spitfire’s ass was rather fine. He made his way up the carpeted staircase, turning right at the top and proceeding to his bedroom. It was a good size, giving him a large bed but still plenty of room to move around. He had a dresser by the door, on top of was a collection of aged whiskey from up to eighty years ago. On a nightstand next to his bed was a small pile of books, and by the window on the right was another couch, just because they had an extra and he felt like taking it.
He moved into the master bathroom, a large shower awaited him, easily able to hold four ponies comfortably. Close by was a bathtub, built in jets for comfort, and on the opposite wall was a sink. The far wall was occupied by a door, one that led to a private toilet. He stepped into the shower and turned on the water, sighing as the warm liquid soaked him.
~-~
Dawn awoke the next morning refreshed, Gatto was curled up beside him, staring at Dawn with her bright yellow eyes. He gently patted her on the head as he sat up. He got off the bed, trotting out his door and down the stairs. Storm was already in the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hoof. Dawn trotted past him, a cup awaiting him next to the coffee machine. At the moment, all that Dawn could think about was the scalding hot beverage he was pouring for himself. He added a tiny spurt of milk and a spoon of sugar before stirring it and taking a sip. He sighed as liquid relief trickled down his throat, slightly scalding him.
“Enjoying your coffee?” Storm asked sarcastically, passing him the newspaper. Their morning had become routine, Storm, often being the first to wake up, would make coffee. Dawn typically wakes soon after that, coming down and getting a cup before he reads the newspaper. After ten to twenty minutes, they make their way to the weather facility of Manehattan, where they had just entered through the double doors.
Pegasi were flying everywhere, moving clouds and water proof crates full of snow and processed rainwater. Dawn nodded to Storm before he spread his wings and flew to the catwalks above. He went through his normal routine, making sure ponies were not fucking things up, or not working at all, typically for about fifteen minutes. After he was satisfied that no one would blow up the facility, he headed to a large room at the top of the facility, overlooking the area with a three-hundred sixty degree view.
He knocked on the door before entering, inside were two desks, both the same size. They sat directly opposite one another, sitting at one was a bright yellow mare with a light cyan mane. She was filing through paperwork, a plate stating ‘Sunshower Raindrops’ on her desk.
“Good morning, Dawn.” She said without looking up as he moved to a small table with a coffee machine.
“Buongiorno.” He replied, getting himself his second cup of coffee that day before moving toward his desk. A small pile of paper sat before him, a quill and ink close by. The first paper was on the billing of cloud shipments from Cloudsdale. A sigh escaped Dawn’s lips as he began his work day.
~-~
After a couple hours of work, and the occasional break where he went on rounds, his work day had ended. Raindrops nodded to him as he stood and made his way out the door. Spreading his wings, he flew down to the front doors where Storm was waiting for him.
“So, how was work?” He asked as the trotted together out the door.
“Be glad you aren’t the second in command, there is way too much paperwork.” Dawn deadpanned, earning a chuckle from Storm.
“Can’t argue there, though cloud work can be annoying too. Especially if some idiot tries to fuck with a thunder head, stronzo quasi tutti uccisi!” Storm exclaimed, anger evident in his voice.
“New guy?” Dawn asked.
“New guy.” He confirmed.
“Does he even know how much paperwork one thunderhead fuck up causes?”
“Doubt he even knows what paperwork is.” Storm snorted. The two continued in silence as they reached their home, Dawn immediately heading upstairs and taking a quick shower. By the time he was done it was four seventeen, still plenty of time to spare before the date. Dawn sat on the couch with his brother, a fancy chess board on the coffee table in front of them. The chessboard was made out of onyx and diamond, a gift from their father in Bitaly. The two battled each other ferociously, neither side taking nor gaining ground by much. By four forty-nine, Dawn had taken four pawns, and a knight, Storm wrecked revenge for his knight, taking a bishop and three pawns from Dawn. Dawn glanced at the time, suddenly standing up.
“Merda, I need to get going! We’ll finish this game after.” Dawn said, hopping over the table.
“Have fun, just know that you’re gonna get your ass whooped when you come back!” Storm called as Dawn burst out the door and into the busy Manehatten streets. He pushed his way through the crowds, travelling the half mile walk as fast as he could. Realization slowly washed over him as he remembered a very helpful fact: he had wings. With a burst of air that left ponies yelling at him, Dawn launched himself through the sky towards Kaffa’s Caffe. A moonlight transcendence following him, he sped up, allowing him to travel the distance in just a few moments. Landing with a thud, he entered the establishment, checking a clock on the wall, finding that it was three ‘til. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he continued in.
“Dawn!” A large violet stallion with a green mane called, sauntering up beside him, giving him a friendly kiss on both cheeks. “I was told by a pretty little lady that you're her date for the evening.”
“Really now? Did she tell you, or did my brother, Kaffa?” Dawn asked, a sly smirk on his face. “Because, I don’t see my date here.”
“Ahh, you got me. I promise that I won’t do anything too drastic, though.” He said a big smile on his face.
“No, Kaffa. I appreciate your desire to help, but remember the last time?” Dawn said, images of pasta sauce flying through his mind.
“Okay, maybe things got a little out of hand then, but this time it will be different.” His smile growing a little less big.
“Sorry, Kaffa, but I have to reject.” Kaffa’s smile disappeared, instead turning into a sad pout, his ears flattened against his head and his lip quivering.
“Fine, if you’re sure…” Dawn rolled his eyes at Kaffa’s display.
“You know you can’t guilt trip me.” Kaffa’s act disappeared immediately.
“Worth a try.”
“What was worth a try?” Spitfire’s voice asked from behind. Dawn turned to face her, a smile on his face.
“Spitfire, glad you came.”
“I said I would, didn’t I? I am a mare of her word, don’t you forget it.” Dawn’s smile grew at her comment.
“Anyways Spitfire, I’d like you to meet Kaffa. I don’t think I need to tell you that he owns the place.”
“Come si fa?” He asked, Spitfire raised a hoof, one which he shook with a smile..
“Sto facendo bene, you?” Kaffa visually brightened at her response.
“Ah, you know Bitalian.” He close to Dawn and whispered in his ear. “You need to keep this one.”
“Yeah, back in the day, this guy would speak in Bitalian half the time. After a couple years of that, you learn to speak the language, or, at least basics.”
“Ah, yes. I remember those days, you knew him back in High School?” Kaffa asked, a nostalgic smile on his muzzle.
“Yeah, he was a sophomore when I was a freshman. We were pretty close friends.”
“Well, it’s good to know that he had some friends after I left. Comunque, I’ll let you two get on with your date. I’ll send a waiter around with a menu.” Kaffa shook hooves Spitfire and Dawn before trotting off.
“I like him.” Spitfire commented as the fat plump stallion went out of view.
“Yeah, nice guy. His family came to Equestria with ours, and we were already friends before that. He likes to keep to the bitalian traditions, though.” Spitfire nodded. “Come, let’s get to a table.”
Dawn led her once again outside to his favorite table. It was in the far corner, but had a wonderful view of the sky, especially at sunset. A unicorn waiter soon came by, placing two menus in front of them, he held up a bottle of wine and two glasses.
“Would you care for some wine?” He asked.
“I would love some.” Dawn responded, getting the waiter to place the glasses on the table and pour them some wine. “Grazie, good sir.” The two shared respectful nods before the waiter walked over to another customer.
“Oh boy.” Spitfire commented as she picked up a menu.
“What’s wrong?” Dawn asked, his own menu in hoof.
“Everything is so expensive.” Dawn looked over the menu and chuckled at the prices of the dishes.
“Yes, that’s typically the cost of the fancy setting. Get anything you want.”
“A-are you sure.” Dawn couldn’t see her face, but he could tell she was blushing.
“You forget that I get a major discount.” Dawn reminded her with a smile.
“Oh. Right.” The two devolved into silence as Spitfire searched through the menu, Dawn having already chosen. The waiter returned after a few minutes Spitfire still searching through the menu.
“Are you ready to order?” Dawn glanced at Spitfire, shaking his head.
“No, I believe we-”
“No, I can order.” Spitfire cut him off, her menu hurriedly hitting the table. Both, Dawn and the waiter gave her a weird look, causing her to blush profusely. “I-I mean, uh, s-sorry.” She stammered, realizing her fault. “Sorry.” She said again, nervously.
“I guess that means we’re ready to order. I shall have some arancini con pistacchi.”
“Pasta con sugo all'arrabbiata, please.” The waiter nodded, his stare resting on Spitfire for a short while. “Sorry.” She meekly said again when the waiter was gone.
“It’s alright. We’re not in Bitaly, so you can’t be expected to be held up to our customs. So, pasta con sugo all'arrabbiata, eh? I didn’t peg you as a spicey mare.” Dawn commented.
“Yeah, I have a feeling I’m going to be living up to my name, and actually spit some fire.” She replied, the two sharing a laugh at her joke.
“So what made you want to accept my request for a date?” Dawn asked, taking a sip of his wine.
“Well, to be honest, I kinda had a huge crush on you in high school. When you showed up yesterday, I was scared like hell.” She said with another blush.
“Well, you kept your uncertainty well under wraps. I never had a clue, and to be honest,” Dawn leaned in slightly, his eyes glancing around, “I had a crush on you too.” he whispered.
“R-really?”
“Yeah! Personally, I think half the stallions in the school had a crush on you.”
“Th-they did!?”
“Oh, big time.” Dawn grinned at her. “Back then you were cute, but now your cazzo di caldo!” Spitfire blushed furiously, her wings stiff behind her. “Though that’s not the reason I had, and still have, a crush on you.”
“A-and what is that?” She asked nervously.
“I had a crush on you because of you. I find your passion for what you want to do, something to be inspired by. When I knew you, you took every chance you could just to practice, and from what you told me yesterday, you’re still working toward that goal. I find that determination to be a desirable attribute, don’t you?” Spitfire could only nod as the waiter returned with their food.
“Avere un buon pasto.” He said politely. Spitfire stammered for words, but they wouldn’t come to her. Dawn smiled at her deep blush, finding it funny that he was able to embarrass her with the truth.
“D-do you mean that?” She sputtered out.
“Every word.” Dawn replied.
“Well.” Spitfire rubbed the back of her neck. “I don’t think I can top that, but I kinda feel the same way about you. That I enjoy your personality, not that you have determination. Not that I’m saying you aren’t determined for anything!” She said quickly, obviously flustered. “I’m sorry, this is my first time going on a date.”
“Really? Huh. Anyways, as you were saying?” Spitfire nodded and continued.
“The reason I like you is because you’re not afraid to be you. When I first met you, I had to get your brother as a translator because you refused to speak purely in Equestrian.” Dawn chuckled as he remembered that. “You never cared what anyone thought of you, you just did you, and often ponies enjoyed that. You always felt real, like you were the stallion everypony could rely on, and I guess that’s why you had so many friends. Whenever I was around you, you treated me like an equal, not like some piece of tail to get, you still treat me that way. I find that to be an admirable trait.” It was Dawn’s turn to blush, a smile on his face.
“Well you were wrong. You topped it.” Spitfire blushed again, a smile on her face as well. Dawn grabbed his glass and raised it. “To not being assholes who only care about external appearances!” Spitfire tapped her glass of wine against his before they both took a sip from their respective glasses.
Dawn placed his glass back on the table, a smile on his face. He picked up a rice ball and ate it, the delicious dish filling his mouth with flavor.
"I guess that's out of the way now." Spitfire commented as she took a bite of pasta, her face flushing red from the spice. As she let out a content sigh, a small bit of steam streamed from her mouth.
"Is it really that hot?" Dawn asked with a raised brow, getting a nod in response.
"Wanna taste?" She offered, and Dawn hesitantly agreed. She stuck some of the pasta on a fork before allowing him to take a bite. As soon as the pasta touched his tongue, pure bliss coursed through his taste buds. It was exceedingly spicy, and Dawn's tongue grew numb. He let out a breath, seeing steam pour from his mouth.
"I heard it was spicy, but no one mentioned it was that spicy!" Dawn exclaimed, still feeling the heat as he sat back.
"Typically it's not, but the menu said that Kaffa puts in ghost peppers instead of red peppers. Huge difference." She said, taking another bite.
"That seems like something Kaffa would do." Dawn commented. "Damn, now I wish I had that. Oh well." He shrugged as he ate some more of his rice balls.
"Maybe you should ask for the recipe." Spitfire commented with a smile. "You could have the sauce anywhere."
"I might just do that." He replied with a chuckle. They continued eating, a waiter soon dropping off a check. It labeled that it cost about a couple hundred bits, but that had been crossed out, displaying a nice fifty bits instead, as well as Kaffa's signature. Spitfire let out a long whistle as she saw the numbers.
"That really is a discount." She commented in disbelief.
"Well, he's practically family, and bitalian familys look out for each other." Dawn said, a smile on his face.
"That must be nice." Spitfire commented as the two finished their meals. Dawn pulled out a small bag of bits, placing fifty on the bill before standing up. He offered a hoof to Spitfire, who blushed as he helped her up. Spitfire looked over the rails and into the sky.
"Wow." Was all she said, prompting Dawn to look too. The sun was beginning to set, and they got the perfect view. As the colors of the sky meshed pink and yellow, Dawn glanced at Spitfire, illuminated by the light. She seemed to shine with an otherworldly beauty, a gentle smile caressing her lips as she turned her gaze towards Dawn.
"Thank you."
~-~
