If you take things day by day, things can get better, even if it seems like they never will.

That's one thing your mom taught you. She knew a lot about getting through the bad times.

Spitfire had never been given a formal release from the Academy. But she never was asked back, either. It had been hard for her at first. Ever since she was a filly, the Academy was all she knew. You could tell it hurt her more than she let on. She had taken a job with the local tourism board doing higher speed tours of the city. But you could tell the job was taking a toll on her. Every day she would come home, trying her hardest to keep a smile for you and Sunny.

It took a lot to stay strong with your training at the Academy. Fleetfoot wouldn't hear of you quitting it, even though you could feel the pain in her voice when you talked to her about it.

The one bit of salvation through it all was having Fleetfoot around a lot more. You could tell she was proud of you even through everything that happened. And she adored Sunny. She had no problem taking the small foal whenever she had the chance. She was the one pillar that was there holding you up. Flying extra shows and watching Sunny during the day, Fleetfoot never had said another word about you and Spitfire.

Making ends meet some weeks was hard. Things were expensive in Cloudsdale. Spitfire had been making a good wage before, but since then, you had discovered how expensive taking care of a foal while paying for room and board in the big city was.

With the worry about bits, the guilt would come back far too often. Sometimes you'd wake next to Spitfire, rolling over to watch her while she slept. Watching the way her fiery mane draped over her face in the dim light of the day. And then you'd feel the sting stab you somewhere deep inside.

Maybe this was how it felt to grow up?

Spitfire caught you one morning, as you just stared out the window from your bed, a long eyed stare on your face.

"There's a look I never thought I'd see on a colt." She said, still waking up. "What's on your mind?"

"A lot." You said. You almost felt like chuckling to yourself. That was an understatement.

"Same here." She responded, rubbing her muzzle against your shoulder. "Want to tell me?"

"Just thinking that this is how it's always going to be."

Spitfire pulled away suddenly and looked directly at you. "What do you mean?"

"Well...is this what it feels like for you? Does this ever get easier? Every day I wake up, I feel like everything I've done until now is wrong. It feels like everything I've done until now has caused nothing but problems for other ponies."

Spitifire smirked at you slightly. "That's regret. It's perfectly normal."

You sighed at her. "It's not funny. I didn't think it was supposed to be like this. I always saw you and Soarin', and I couldn't wait to have a life like you two. But now that I'm getting closer to what I wanted...I don't know if I like it anymore."

"You're hilarious sometimes, Rookie. You really think Soarin' and I coasted through to the Academy and it was all sunshine and daffodils?" Spitfire said, giggling to herself. She fell back on the bed, smiling at you.

"We all went through lots of hard times to get where we were. Lots of things that we weren't proud of. I remember when I first came to Cloudsdale, I had just run away from home..."

You looked over at the mare, suddenly captivated. She had never talked about her family before. It was hard to even imagine she had one sometimes.

"Well, let's just say they weren't supportive of me joining the Wonderbolts. They had always been weather ponies. And they didn't see why I shouldn't be one either. I had found a young colt that was already in the Academy. He seemed like everything I had been missing all rolled up in one pony. I could feel a sense of adventure whenever I was with him. He came from money, and promised to help me get by in the city if I came.

"It didn't take me long before I realized I made a mistake. The first week he was already pressuring me for sex. I was a young filly from the country that had never even had her first kiss." Spitfire smiled sadly as she talked.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't let him. Everything felt different when I was with him. He was really nice to me sometimes. But it didn't take long before I realized my mistake. As soon as I was accepted to the Academy, he changed. He treated me like a piece of property. I knew when I saw him with you...I knew he hadn't changed."

Something snapped taunt inside you when she said that. Suddenly you could see him again, that smirking face...

"Fire Streak always was a bad seed. I put up with him because I had no choice. I grew up a lot that year, because I had to." Spitfire could sense your surprise at her story. She reached out a hoof and put it around your shoulders. "Soarin' saved me. He knew what a jerk Streak was. He's the first genuine pony I ever met in Cloudsdale. Streak never got over it though. Every time I got promoted, he always was there, trying to hold his abuse over me, trying to control me even when he couldn't anymore.

"I guess what I'm saying is, you're always going to have some bad times. But in my case, I never would have met Soarin' otherwise. And I wouldn't have met Fleetfoot later that year. When something bad happens, you need to use it, okay? It's like a test at the Academy. If you take it on and beat it, you're going to get stronger. Okay?"

You nodded at the mare, trying to find some comfort in her words. She always seemed to be able to make sense of things, even when you couldn't. But you weren't so sure this time. She was the one that had given up the most for you. And it was completely like her to try to make you feel better about it.

Sliding off the bed, you got your uniform on and ate a small breakfast quietly in the kitchen. Sunny had been sleeping a lot better lately. Sometimes she made it well into the morning before she woke. You checked in on her in the small office space of the apartment, long since turned into a makeshift nursery. The small foal was awake, looking up at you with wide eyes.

She was unusually quiet for a foal. You picked the little bundle up gently, and held her against you. You had a few minutes before class. Taking Sunny to the couch, you sat down and watched the city come alive. The early morning sun reflected off the glass of the surrounding buildings, pink and vivid as the dark of dawn gave way. A few pegasi were already flying by, on their way to work. Looking down, you could see the foal had dozed off again. With a grin, you smoothed her hair back off her forehead. It always reminded you of Spitfire when you slicked it back over her head.

__________________________________________________________________________

Your daily routine at class was unusual to say the least. As a first year student, you had a full workload every day. The academy tried to weed out the problem ponies quickly. Those that didn't cut it were usually sent to classes for weather and or other more menial branches. Some were just asked to leave.

But due to your situation, you already were known to most of the instructors. Fleetfoot was well known and respected by the other students.

And somehow...everyone seemed to suspect your relationship with Spitfire, but no one seemed to have any evidence to directly accuse you of anything.

It wouldn't take a smart pony much to put two and two together after all. Soon after you arrived, you were working with the senior Wonderbolts directly on show coordinating. The higher grade students had seen you and Spitfire together several times. And then suddenly, she was asked to leave under suspicious circumstances.

Most ponies didn't believe it. The other early year students looked up to you. You weren't just being carried by people you knew; you did well in your classes and the others knew it.

But some of the seniors wouldn't let things be. Everypony at the academy adored Spitfire. And some of them blamed you for her leaving. For the most part they left you alone. Having Soarin' and Blaze watch your back helped a lot in that department. But it was hard to fit in, and none of the ponies your age wanted to talk to you much outside of class.

You were spending lunch periods and time after class with the instructors. It was nice, in a way. Soarin' had lots of stories about Spitfire and times from the academy. He was always there to listen when things got harder.

And best of all, he never judged you once. You couldn't honestly think of anyone else that 'knew' and hadn't said a single word. If nothing else, he seemed more concerned that you and Spitfire were getting along and the foal was doing well.

In some ways, he was a lot like the father you had never known. And you appreciated him for that.

__________________________________________________________________________

It was no big surprise that Soarin' was the one that organized your sixteenth birthday. Of course he never told you. That wouldn't be his way. He and Blaze had lured you away after class, talking about meeting Spitfire after work. You were so caught up in chatting with them, you didn't realize until you had arrived at a familiar dive bar in the heart of town. Memories of hung over mornings flashed past as you walked inside.

Everyone had showed up for your party. Familiar faces from the Academy, old friends, and Spitfire and Fleetfoot welcoming you to a nearby table. Fleetfoot tended to Sunny's bassinet.

The other Wonderbolts had already started a tab. Fleetfoot winked as she passed a tall glass of beer. Taking a big sip, the froth covered your muzzle as all your friends talked and laughed around the table. In the dim light of the bar, you smiled a bit to yourself as you saw everypony enjoying themselves.

Spitfire caught your smile and grinned, reaching over and ruffling your mane like she used to do when you first met her. It was a bit embarrassing then, but you had grown to like it. Sliding over slightly, you bumped against her on the tall stools at your table, nearly falling over as you leaned against her, hugging her tight.

Soarin’ and Blaze had to pull you apart to give you a poorly wrapped present. Soarin’ especially had trouble holding back his anticipation as you unwrapped the gift. It took a moment to even realize what they had given you. It was a framed document of some sort. Holding it closely to a nearby lantern, you could make out the writing.

“This document shall serve as notice that Fire Streak has been dishonorably discharged from…” Your eyes were wide as you kept reading.

“Where the hell did you guys get that?!” Spitfire said, craning her neck to read as well.

“Heh, Blaze knows someone in records. It’s the original copy. Figured you might like it…for reasons.” Soarin’ chuckled.

“You should put it back. We don’t need that thing sitting around the house.” Fleetfoot added.

“Oh c’mon Fleets.” Soarin’ protested. “That was hard to get.”

“We’re keeping it.” You said, grinning at Soarin’. “I know just the wall to put it on.”

“See, the kid’s got taste!” Soarin’ laughed.

Fleetfoot just sighed, pouring herself another beer. The serving pony quickly filled up the pitcher with a smile.

It was a pretty good birthday.

__________________________________________________________________________

It was late when you arrived back at the apartment. Your head still fuzzy from the drinks, you hung up your saddlebags and grabbed a glass of water.

“Grab me one too?” Spitfire called out.

You obliged, putting both on the table. Fleetfoot had taken Sunny to her room, leaving you and Spitfire around the dining table. You pushed her drink over, both of you drinking deeply, trying to chase away any hangover from the following morning.

The other mare was strangely silent, sipping her water slowly as she gazed across the table.

You didn't even realize when Fleetfoot left the apartment, taking the softly sleeping Sunny with her. The mare grabbed her saddlebags and walked out the front door quietly, leaving you and Spitfire alone at the table.

It first dawned on you when Spitfire became silent, and stared at you with her fiery eyes. It had been quite some time since you saw that look. Instantly, you glanced around for Fleetfoot, worried that the vigilant pony might see you. It was then that you realized she had left the two of you alone. Spitfire was staring you down, gazing almost with a hunger.

"So how was your birthday so far?" She asked, reaching a hoof under the table. You could feel her soft fur against yours, as she rubbed slowly upwards.

"Pretty good so far." You managed, trying to stay strong against her advance.

"Want to make it even better?" The mare replied. You couldn't help but breathe in quickly as her hooftip grazed your sheath, tickling you slightly all the way up.

Still in a haze of confusion and lust, you stared at her, trying to figure her out. The mare smiled a wicked smile. "I talked to Fleets. She figured since you’re sixteen now..."

Her other hoof was tracing your leg. You didn't know where it was headed but you wanted to find out.

"Besides, it must be torture sleeping next to me, and not being able to do anything about it."

Her other hoof had hooked yours, and pulled you closer to her. She reached down and guided your rear hoof along her thighs. You could feel her heat as she spread open for you. You bit your lip as she teased you along her intimate nethers.

Hardly able to help yourself anymore, you lunged at the mare across the table, tackling her to the ground and pushing both of you against the sofa.

Dears gods you loved that lemon shampoo smell.

"You have gotten a lot faster, Rookie." She said softly as you kissed her chest. She pulled you close, but you broke her embrace and met her muzzle to muzzle. Her face flushed as her orange eyes went wide. "Stronger too..."

You pulled her into a deep kiss. The two of you had kissed these past months of course; many times in fact. But this was different. The anticipation made it electric as she met your tongue, taking you inside hers. She nibbled your lower lip as you ran anxious hooves along her body. Her warmth pushed hard against you as you rubbed her thighs, her breath fast and warm on your muzzle as Spitifre writhed in pleasure.

"Hold on..." She said softly. "I need to get something..."

You followed her into the bedroom, not really caring what the surprise was as you watched her flank sway as she trotted into the bathroom. She was certainly fast. Not but thirty seconds later, the mare emerged, walking slowly towards you.

'Sweet Celestia...' you thought. 'I can only get so erect...'

Spitfire strode into the bedroom, kitted out in her entire flight suit, goggles and all. The bright blue and yellow spandex clung dangerously close to her body. Every move of her muscles could be seen as she strutted slowly over to you. With a forceful push, she set you on your back on the bed, crawling up between your legs. Orange eyes gazed lovingly at your member, as she grazed it with her muzzle, licking your length as the mare slithered up against your chest.

"There's a surprise inside." She whispered, handing you a small box with a dial. The mare ground her crotch against your rod. "Turn it on."

Hoof trembling in anticipation, you reached for the small pink dial, turning it slowly until it clicked on. There was an immediate buzzing sensation against you, as Spitfire trembled and bucked against your thighs slightly. A giddy grin on her face, she held your hoof against her nethers. You could feel a small vibe merrily buzzing away against her clit, held fast by the tight fabric. The mare reached out and moved your hoof on the dial, increasing the sensation. She sighed as she kissed you again, grinding against your thigh as you rolled on the sheets.

Breaking away from your grasp, Spitfire slid down your body, staring at you as you lowered the dial speed. You could feel her breath against your member as she reached out her soft tongue and engulfed the tip. Teasing the underside of your cock, her head bobbed in fast, short strokes, her fiery mane flowing over her eyes as she worked. Gods she was good at that. You rewarded her by increasing the dial setting. You could feel her shudder around your length at the sudden pleasure, momentarily forgetting herself as she held you in her mouth. In a moment she found herself again, and increased her tempo, going deeper on you. She made an obscene slurping noise as she popped free from you.

You could tell from her face she was flagging fast. Even at the lowest setting, as she rose up, you could see the entire rear end of her uniform was soaked through. Spitifre turned around at the end of the bed, reaching behind her and deftly pulling the uniform away from her tail, enlarging the tailhole enough to see her tight ass.

Not needing any further invitation, you took her from behind, rubbing your rock hard erection along her. You turned the dial up, enjoying the sensation through her uniform as you lubed yourself up with her drenched spandex. She helped you move into position, gasping slightly as you pushed against her asshole. Always the one to want to take the lead, she pushed back against you, taking nearly your whole length in one go. Biting your lower lip, you sat there for a moment, trying hard not to cum as her whole ass pulsated around you.

"Rookie..." She said, her voice coming in small pants. "I'm close."

Realizing your selfishness, you began to move, testing the small opening first. Gods, she was tight here. It was hard to even move. Her drenched uniform coated your member in her juices as you started humping her in earnest. Spitfire started making the cutest mewling noises as you increased tempo, taking care not to take her too deep. As if sensing your hesitation, she pushed hard against you, forcing the last few inches in. For the first time you could feel her spandex covered rump against your thighs, your twitching member fully inside her. She grabbed your hoof, turning the dial to the max.

Spitfire started clamping hard on you as she came. Her legs gave out as you propped her up from behind, finishing off with a few quick strokes. You hilted the mare, collapsing on her form as you filled her up. Her ass kept twitching for what seemed like several minutes, as your dick sat inside her, slowly deflating. Both of you were panting as you rolled off her. You couldn't help but grin when you saw her uniform snap back into place, keeping your seed inside her.

"Old academy trick." She said, gazing at you with dreamy eyes. She reached over and turned the dial off.

"That was new." You said, snuggling against her on the floor.

"That was just the warmup. You're not tired yet, are you? I'm nearly twice as old as you are."

You smiled at her. "No ma'am!"

Trying to compose herself as much as a mare that just got fucked silly could possibly do, she slicked her mane back and stood. "Good cadet. Up on the bed. Don't make me ask twice."

Author's Note

I wanted to start writing again, but I felt I couldn't start anything new until I finished this story. I loved writing every bit of this tale, and I hope everyone here enjoyed it too. It was unfair of me to leave last year and not finish it. I hope you enjoy the conclusion.