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                     A Colorless Love                      
                      -by Ice Blade-                       
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          Soarin's Fabulous Day with Love Part 1           
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Soarin's Fabulous Day with Love Part 1
    “Long ago there was a group comprised of seven of the worlds’ worst villains, masterminds, and killers.   For the next hundred years the world was overrun by these pure elements of chaos, whose powers were far greater than that of Discord.  They were called the Seven Deadly Sins.  They caused destruction, death, lies, disease, and worst of all hopelessness.  However one of the seven decided to go one step further and take away one of the worlds’ only joys that remained, color.  He conjured a spell that made everypony see only white and black.  This horrid move was called The Fall.  For what seemed like ages the world finally saw a faint spark of hope.
Two sisters, one whose coat was white as snow with a pink mane, and one whose coat and mane were that of the night.  Together they had found six gems along with the passage of the ancients, which stated who the Sins were, their powers, and their weaknesses.  With these in hoof the two sisters traveled across the world, scouring the seven known continents for immortal warriors who had the same ideals as them, to save the world before it was too late.  They found five brave fighters whose hearts were pure and strong.  The first of the five was the Knight of Serenity, whose heart was filled with kindness, but when it came to protecting his friends nothing was able to stop from leaving total destruction in his wake.   The second was known as the Genius.  This stallion was able to create machines ages before the time they would resurface and be used again.  The third was a ninja from the distant lands of Neigh-Hon Ja.  This stallion used a certain magic to bend water at his will, as well use it in dark magic.  The fourth was known as the Eternal Flame.  He was called this not only because of his abilities to absorb fire and then use it in combat, but he also got into many arguments and fights with the ninja.  However when it came to combat these two worked together to defeat anyone of any caliber.  The last of the five was a mare who had a mysterious power that no one knows of other than her companions.  However, legends say that her abilities could bend time and space, but those are only legends not facts, so we may never know.  Along with the two sisters these five then went on a journey whose goal was to exterminate all evil that stood in their path of peace.
After about a century of fighting, loss, and blood everything was over, but the only one who did not make it out of the conflict was the Eternal Flame who died protecting his friends from a bomb that one of the Seven Deadly Sins had detonated within itself.  This lost tore the group apart, separating them.
However the world was still covered in the spell that still stole the ability to perceive color.  So the eldest of the two sisters, Celestia, with the help of the wizard Star Swirl the Bearded were able to create a counter spell, but even their power combined could only do so much.  They were only able to reverse it slightly.  The new effects of the altered curse were that a pony could regain their sight of color only and only if they had found and kissed their soul mate.
“And that my little colt, is why you can only see me and everything else only in black and white.” said an aged but wise mare who sat across the bed in a rocking chair.
“Grandma.” said a young colt who lay in his warm and comfy cloud bed.
“Yes Soarin.”
“I don’t really like that story.”
“I guess it was a little dramatic for somepony of your age.  Maybe you would like something more mellow.  How about Little White Riding Hood?”
“No,” replied the colt.  “That’s not what I meant.  What I wanted to say was that I don’t get it, especially the soul mate part.  What are those anyway?”
Soarin’s grandma smiled and she spoke, “A soul mate is a pony who will care about you and love you for all of your life together, and through that pony you will receive your sense of color back.  If you meet a mare but you don’t feel a connection to her or your sight doesn’t come back, then she is just using you.”  At that moment Soarin stuck his tongue out and gagged at the thought of mares.
“Ewwww…” he stated with disgust clear in his tone.
While laughing at his naiveness she said, “Trust me, you won’t be saying that when you find her.”
After ending her small stream of laughter the elderly opened her eyes to look at the small colt. What she saw made her smile go even wider.  His big emerald eyes had turned from that of disgust to that of curiosity.  To think that I used to be like him, asking the same type of questions and that colts and mares being together was gross.  The elderly mare thought to herself with a slight chuckle thinking back towards her days as a young pegasus.
“What are you laughing about Grandma?” asked Soarin, his eyes sparkling with inquisitiveness.
“Oh, it’s nothing.” replied Soarin’s grandmother.
“Okay.”
The old mare slowly turned her head towards the Wonderbolt styled clock on the wall, which read 9:54.   I must have stayed up later than usual.  Oh well at least little Soarin here learned something new.She mused to herself as she got up out of her chair and slowly walked towards Soarin’s bed, tucking in him when she arrived at her destination.
“It’s bedtime my little colt.” she said.
“But Grandma!”  Soarin pouted while puffing out his cheeks.  “I don’t wanna go to bed!”  .
“Come on Soarin.  It’s already passed your bedtime.  Plus if you don’t go to bed how are you going to become a big and strong Wonderbolt?  Hmmmm?”  the grandmother answered back with a smirk, knowing that the colt would fall for the Wonderbolt part of her question.
Soarin gasped and quickly shoved his head, face first unfortunately, on his pillow and muffled, “I’m going to be the world’s best Wonderbolt!”
Soarin’s grandmother chuckled, knowing that her trick worked.
“Alright my little angel good night now.  Sweet dreams.” she said as turned off the lights.
“Grandma one more thing.” asked Soarin, finally resting in the correct sleeping position.
“Yes Soarin?”
“Who’s gonna be my soul mate?”
“I don’t know Soarin, but what I do know is that you, and only you will know when you meet the right mare.  It’s already late, you can ask more questions tomorrow if you have any, but if you don’t go to bed there won't be any pie tomorrow.” she stated with an authoritative tone.
“Pie!”
Soarin’s grandmother couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer, but as she was about to release her cascade of laughter she raised a hoof to her muzzle so that only a few chuckles escaped.  Her wave of chuckles finally over she thought with a large smile.  His pie addiction will be the end of him
As his grandmother closed the door behind her Soarin only had one thought I wonder what pie would look like if I could see in color.Soarin let out a very large yawn and soon began to feel his eyelids grow heavy.  But I don’t want to go to bed… He thought before his world transformed from one of black to that of pie filled dreams that would go throughout the night.
Twelve Years Later...
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE--
So ended the life of the alarm clock.
Soarin slowly arose from his bed wiping the crust that was in his eyes.  He glanced towards the dresser that lay next to his bed.  The remains of the alarm clock lay scattered across it. Soarin sighed and said to himself, “Shit.  That’s the fifth one this week.”
He then glanced towards the actual clock that rested on the wall which read 8:16. I’m glad Spitfire allowed the veterans to come in late for the orientation for the new bolts’.Soarin’s eyes went wide with horror.  Wait.
Oh no.  Nononononononoooooooo.  Shit!  Why did I forget?!  I’m such an idiot.  Spitfire wanted me there to start the first tour… I’m so dead… Soarin thought to himself with a groan as he slammed his head into the wall.  Celestia that hurt.  He reflected, regretting his decision immediately, all the while rubbing his forehead.  Oh.  Wait.  Fleetfoot should be there to cover for me.  If I’m not leading the first tour than I will be leading the second.  So I should really start getting ready.
 He then walked towards the lavish bathroom that he had.  Everything was either in white or black, the sink, the floor, the glass, just literally everything else since his birth. I should never have hung out with the guys last night...Gah, my wings still hurt from that wingup contest.He thought to himself while he massaged his wings as he stepped into his glass shower turning the right knob as he did so.  “Gah! It’s still cold.  Oh well, I might as well stay in until it warms up.”  Soarin said as he felt the drizzling on his fur slowly start to warm up.  After about five minutes of being in too hot and too cold water, Soarin finished his shower clean and partially refreshed.  He then walked over to the mirror to first dry and then style his mane.  “No, afros don’t look good on me.  No, too anime-like. No, too many bangs. No.  This, this doesn’t even need a reason.... Okay I guess this will do.”  Soarin uttered to himself, his mane styled like always, windswept, just the way he liked it.  “Don’t know why I even bother with other styles if I’m just going to just stay with this one.”
Deciding that he looked good enough Soarin left his bathroom.  He then headed towards his dresser.  He opened one of the drawers revealing a stash of Wonderbolt uniforms.  He grabbed what he presumed which one was the cleanest and he left his room for the only thing he desired.  Well his stomach more or less.
After arriving in his kitchen Soarin went straight for the refrigerator, ignoring everything else.  “Come on where is it...Ah here it is!  You can’t hide from me my precious.”  Soarin said with a slightly evil smirk as he drew out a large apple pie.
As he sat down at his dining table to eat his pie Soarin felt as if he was forgetting something.  It kept eating away at his brain enough to take Soarin’s mind away from even eating pie.  “I swear that I’m missing something, I just can’t put my hoof on it.”  He grumbled to himself.  His eyes wandered across his dining room, hoping that an object that was lying around would help him.  They finally rested on their final destination, a Wonderbolt calendar with a VERY large circle around that day’s date, as well as an ominous warning.  Monday, June 13, Wonderbolt Reserve Training, and in very large letters were the words.  SPITFIRE WILL KICK YOUR SORRY ASS IF YOU'RE NOT THERE.  SO REMEMBER.
As if I don’t already know that.   Soarin thought as he rolled his eyes before he began to engulf the pie that lay before him.
“Where is that pie eating idiot.  The second tour for orientation is in forty-five minutes.” said a very aggravated Spitfire.  A pony could literally fry an egg on the top of her forehead because of her anger.  A pony soon came through the door, saluting once he stopped.
“At ease Sergeant Steel.  Now what is it.”
“Ma’am.  Co-commander--”
“Send him in, and tell him he might need earplugs.”  Spitfire said cutting of the sergeant, a plan forming in her mind to yell her lungs out at Soarin for being such an idiot.
Soarin then poked his head instead the office, cautious about having his eardrums blown out.
“Uhh...Hey?”  Soarin said sheepishly, his trademark smile coming across his face.
“Come in” Spitfire started.
“Aren’t you going to yell at me?” he asked suspiciosly.
“You bet your ass that I am… Ahem…”
“Celestia help me!.”  Soarin cried as he grabbed his ears with his hooves to try and muffle the upcoming yelling session of doom.
“WHERE. THE BUCK. HAVE. YOU. BEEN!”  Spitfire shouted through gritted teeth.
“Uhh... Sleeping, showering, andjustrememberingthatIhadtohelpoutatorientation.”  Soarin said rushing the last part, hoping Spitfire wouldn’t catch it.  Unfortunately for him she did.
“…  YOU FORGOT!!!  IS YOUR HEAD THAT STUFFED WITH PIE THAT YOU CAN’T EVEN REMEMBER ANYTHING!!!” yelled the mare whose eyes were alight with fire which gave the impression that she was a raging she demon.
                “Look.  Spits.” Soarin started hoping that he could calm the mare down.  “I know that you’re mad but hear me out.”
“Grrrrrrrr…Alright, fine I will.  Your excuse better be good though.”  Spitfire said calming down a bit from the techniques that she had learned from her anger management classes.  She slowly thought to herself, Breathe in, Breathe out.She then sucked in a large amount of air into her lungs, more than what was needed, and she breathed it all out.
Soarin then thanked the gods that his ears weren’t going to die any more than they already had that day.
“Training doesn’t start until 9:30 right?” Soarin said hopefully his reasoning would be enough to calm Spitfire.
“Yes, it does.”
“Aaannnddd it’s nine.”
Spitfire quickly glanced at her watch and then the clock on the wall.  So he isn’t lying she thought to herself, but then she remembered something that Soarin needed to know.
“Soarin I get where you’re going but you do realise that since you weren’t here Fleetfoot had to take over the tour that started at 8 o’clock.  Whoever leads that group is their instructor for the rest of the day.”  She said her tone leaning towards something obvious that Soarin had forgot about.  Again.
“So.  I already know that.  Plus I’ll just take the next one, which is in twenty-seven minutes.”
“Yea about that … Rainbow Dash was in the first group.”
“Wait … Are...are...are... you serious?” Soarin said, his voice caught in his throat after he had realized his mistake. “”
“Dead serious.”  Spitfire answered.  “Soarin, look I know that you’re sad but you can’t let this get you down, you still have to lead the second tour.  You’ll get to talk to her later.”
“Yea I know.” his voice dripping with remorse.
“Okay.  Even though I would like to comfort you more, as of now we need to go over the cadets in the second group.”  Spitfire responded taking on the tone that showed her authority.  “Here’s the list of the names of the rookies that you’ll be shadowing.  The first is Thunderlane from Ponyville…”
At that point of the conversation Soarin lost Spitfire.  He sighed and decided to slowly sink into the armchair that rested behind him.  Rainbow Dash.  The only mare to actually capture his heart.  Sure Soarin had been with mares before, but they had only wanted to be with him because he was a Wonderbolt.  It also helped that whenever he had finished kissing one of them his vision would be the same as always; black and white. It appeared that mares only wanted him because of the suit he was wearing, not the pony’s heart or feelings that were inside of it, but Rainbow Dash was different.
Sure she had been all over him when they first met, asking him random questions and what not, but as time rolled on she got to know him and the Wonderbolts on a more personal level.  Every time the Wonderbolts finished a show in either Ponyville or Cloudsdale they would all hang out at a Cloudsdale bar and just have fun until the early hours of the morning.  During these hangouts, even though he was intoxicated most of the time, Soarin was able to see the real Rainbow Dash, not what she usually flaunted.  Behind her wall of toughness and pride lay a sweet and loving mare who loved her friends with all of her heart, never wanting to hurt them.  It was not only where her heart was that made Soarin’s heart burn from desire, it were her looks as well.  Those graceful, yet powerful wings, those eyes, even though he couldn’t see the color of them, he was always able to see that there was a certain sparkle in them that could melt the coldest of hearts.  Her body was no exception either.  Oh those curves.  Soarin thought to himself with a shudder, trying to rid the erotic thoughts from his mind.   She was just so… well … awesome.  Nopony could replace her.
After a while of hanging out with her Soarin found that he began to develop a small crush on the mare.  That crush, however, evolved and it became so much more.  Soon Soarin had a feeling of longing towards that mare, it was at that point in time he had asked Spitfire for advice and all she said was that he was in love.  Ah love.  It can do both good and bad to a pony.  Still.  Even though he felt this way he had no idea if Rainbow Dash would feel the same way about him.  With the fear of rejection and the destruction of their friendship, Soarin had never had the guts to ask her out, but he knew that he had to do it soon or some other stallion would take her away from him, and no way in hell was he going to let that happen.
“...and that’s all of them.”  Spitfire said, declaring her long and boring speech to be finally over.
“Soarin, are you awake?” she asked while glancing at her friend. Oh I know those eyes.  He must be thinking about Rainbow or pie.  Again.  She thought as she rolled her eyes.   She then trotted toward her desk, searching for a certain drawer.  Once she found it she pulled an evil looking can that had a little funnel on the top of it.  On it were the words, Instant Wake Up for Idiots!
“Remember you brought this upon yourself.”  Spitfire said with a careless tone.  She then brought the air horn about half a hoof away from Soarin’s right ear, shutting her eyes and covering her ear with her other hoof.
Rainbow…Was Soarin’s last thought before his brains were blown out by Spitfire’s toy sent from hell.
“AAAHHHH!!!!!”  Soarin screamed shooting about five feet into the air, his head just missing the ceiling.  He then turned his head towards Spitfire, his face saying What THE FUCK was that for!!!
Spitfire looked at him with an impassive stare that could turn even Medusa to stone.
“How many times have I told you not to use that damn thing!” he whined as he gently rubbed his right ear.
“Countless, and I will keep using it until you and the rest of the Wonderbolts get your heads out of the clouds.”
“Geez, now what do I do again.  The tour is about to start.”  Soarin stated as he read the clock that was on Spitfire’s desk, it already was 9:23.
“I don’t even know why I even tried explaining the first time,” she replied with a facehoof. “but here’s the list of the new recruits.” she said as she hoofed over a clipboard.  “You are to greet them in the mess hall, and you will make them feel comfortable with a speech about how you started as a Wonderbolt as well.  Then you will give them a full tour of the base.  Finally show them to their barracks and give them their training schedule.”
“Gotcha.  I won’t fail you.”
“Why do I find that so unassuring.”  Spitfire said unsure if she could trust Soarin with such an easy task.
“Hey!”  Soarin said defensively.
“Geez, I was only kidding.”  she replied with a slight smirk.
“Now I feel like you’re lying.”  he replied.
“You’re right, I was.  Now I have an assload of work to do, so shoo.  You need to get ready for the tour anyways.”  Spitfire said as she shoved him out of her office.
“Hey!”  Soarin said as he was left alone in the hallway.  He sighed while slowly trotting towards the mess hall.  He then thought with slight sadness.  Well I guess she’ll just have to wait.  Again.

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          Soarin's Fabulous Day with Love Part 2           
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Soarin's Fabulous Day with Love Part 2
               Soarin slowly trudged down the hallway.  His head so filled with rainbows and the promise of pie for lunch made him slowly curve into the middle of the hallway.  He then felt something abruptly hit him in the chest and he fell flat on his flank.
“Whoa, that was one weird way to say hi, Soarin.”
Wait it couldn’t be… Soarin thought to himself.  She’s supposed to be on the tour with Fleet…
As he focused on the pony he had just bumped into he began to feel a wave of both embarrassment and anxiety.  Light but muscular body; large beautiful eyes, even though they were grey; powerful yet graceful wings; the multi-hued mane and tail; and the three grey colored lightning bolt going through a cloud on her flank.  Yep, it was her no mistake about that.  Of all the ponies why her?!  I get nervous enough if I even think about her, but seriously actually bumping into her.  What are the chances.  He thought as gulped and started to ask with nervousness clearly in his voice, “Raiiinbow Dasssh?”
“The one and only.”  replied the upcoming starter for the Wonderbolts, pointing to her chest and raising her head in pride.  Once she lowered it she saw that Soarin was fidgeting with his hooves, and an awkward look was on his face.
“Geez Soarin you look as if Celestia was going to banish you to the moon for eating all of her pie or something.”
Soarin breathed in and out, hoping to gain his confidence back he said, “Good to see you too Rainbow, and aren’t you supposed to be on the tour with Fleet?”
“Well I was.” she replied.
“What do you mean?”
“Did anypony ever tell that you ask way too many questions?  Anyway, Fleetfoot just let us out early because she said that she had ‘way too much paperwork’ and that we were smart enough to find our quarters by ourselves’.”  she stated with a roll of her eyes.  “Now I have to find my room by myself.”
“First off the ‘paperwork’ business is a bunch of crap, she’s just lazy and secondly I could help yo- wait sorry, I can’t.  I have to lead the second group tour of the campus.”  he said, regret clear as crystal in his voice.
“Yeah that sucks, but thanks for the offer.  I think I can find my way through this sea of blue walls.  Wait.  If you have to lead the second tour and that starts at 9:30, and it’s 9:28.  Then…”  The moment that she finished her sentence Rainbow Dash’s face lit up with alarm.
“COME ON SOARIN!  WE NEED TO GET YOU TO THE CAFETERIA!!!!”  she screamed while grabbing his tail and shooting off from where they were standing, going at sonic speeds towards the cafeteria that was right down the hall.
“Great two times in one day...”  Soarin complained as he straightened both his mane and his brains as they landed.  “And you do realize that I was only about fifty feet away from the mess hall right?”
“…Uhhh…”
“Figures.  Well I better go.  Seeya Dashie!”  Soarin said as he walked into the mess hall, the door giving off a loud bang once it had been shut.  Unbeknownst to the love struck stallion the mare that he just said good bye to was giving the door a quizzical look.
“Dashie?  Since when did he start calling me that?  Bah, maybe he just heard what Pinkie usually calls me and thought that everypony does too.  Shoot. I still need to find my room before my roommate claims top bunk, and I always get top bunk!”  she said as she shrugged off what Soarin had said and when straight for the area where her room was supposed to be.
                                                                                                                                        
Shit!  Shit!  Shit!  I can’t believe I just said that!  I’m such an idiot!Soarin thought as he berated himself with a small blush on his cheeks.
“Hey Soarin!” came the familiar voice of his British friend.
“Oh.  Hey there Rapid.”  Soarin said turned his head towards the unmistakable voice of his best friend.  Rapid Fire got up from leaning on the far right of the mess hall and started trotting towards Soarin.
After he had reached Soarin and both were trotting towards the large stage that was set up, Rapid Fire asked abruptly, “See ya’ got yourself a new lady friend eh’?”
“She’s not my fillyfriend… plus I need to prepare my speech for the rookies.”  Soarin said trying his best to change the subject.  Luckily for him Rapid Fire let the subject go, for the moment of course.
“Lemme’ guess, you’re going to tell them on how you walked in on High Winds changing; got beat the shit out of, and that you needed to miss your first show because of a blow to your balls.”  He said while surprisingly keeping a straight face.
“No…but that is a good rookie story…”
“You’re as smart as ever.”  Rapid Fire replied as he rolled his eyes.
“I know I am.  Now, watch me woo these newbies with my awesome speech.”  Soarin said his grin returning, this time with confidence.
As soon as Soarin got onto the makeshift stage he gathered the air that was need to construct the words that he was about to say.  “ALRIGHT LISTEN UP!” he bellowed.  All eyes then turned towards him and all talking died down within the very second he said those words.  “My name is Soarin and today I welcome you to your first day as a rookie in the Wonderbolts!”  A couple cheers were heard from the around five or six stallions and mares that were present.  After the cheering died down Soarin continued with his speech.  “I remember my first day just as if it was yesterday.  I was just as nervous as you guys, but at the same time proud that I had finally made it to the Wonderbolts.  So all I want to say is that it was no easy task getting here, and that you all deserve your spots in this elite group of fliers.  So once again welcome!  Today we will basically have a tour around the whole base, lunch, then bring you all towards your rooms, and finally a fine dinner where we will all meet here.”  Around the room there was a unanimous amount of heads bobbing up and down in agreement to what Soarin had said.
“Now, let’s get this day started!” Soarin said with a large smile.
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                After finally showing the rookies across the base, having a surprise meeting with well
Surprise, getting yelled at by Silver Lining for supposedly being an idiot, listening to the useless advice from Blaze, Spitfire saying ‘Hi.’, and finally showing the recruits to their personal rooms.  It was an understatement when Rapid Fire had said that he looked like a zombie pony, for it had seemed as if Soarin’s bags around his eyes had become ten times worse.
As Soarin opened the door to his cramped little room, he immediately went straight for his bed.  Plopping face first into his pillow he let out a large sigh.  “I wish that I had never signed up for this torture.” he said, his words muffled by his ever-so inviting pillow.  However, when he closed his eyes all he could think of was one thing.  Rainbow Dash.  That was it.  It was the sole survivor in the city known as Soarin’s brain.
            So instead of trying to sleep Soarin decided that he was going to think of the first and actual time they had met and talked besides the fact that he was one of the world’s most renown ponies.
Two Years ago at the Royal Wedding…
The purple mare with the pink stripe in her mane had just finished the song that she was singing.  While everyone was dancing and having a good time Soarin was leaning against a pillar in the far corner of the party enjoying his small glass of champagne.  ‘I kind of wish that Shining Armor didn’t invite me to this thing.  He should know that I hate these type of events, I mean I have known him long enough.’  Soarin thought with a slight frown.
As he was about to take another sip from his alcoholic he heard a cute but tomboyish voice say, “Soarin, is that you?”
“Huh” came the ‘words’ as he looked up at his new companion.
“Oh hey Rainbow, what’s up?” he said while eyeing the rambunctousmare.
“Well it’s kind of obvious, I’m having fun!  I mean this is a party after all.” she stated with a large smile.
“I know it is.”
“Don’t’ you get what I’m trying to say?”
“No.  I don’t.  So elaborate.”
“That is probably the smartest word that I have ever heard you say.  Ever.  Anyways that’s besides the point,” Rainbow state, ignoring Soarin’s annoyed expression.  “What I’m trying to say is that you look as if your not having fun, and the main point of a Pinkie Party is to have fun or else she will hunt you down.”
“I am having fun.”  Soarin protested, not wanting to be embarrassed.
“Sure you are.  Drinking champagne and standing in this little corner of the cortyard is not considered fun.  Wanna’ know what my definnition of fun is?”  She asked.
“No I don’t”
Once he said that Rainbow Dash bopped him on the nose with her hoof, hard.
“What was that for?”  Soarin said as he rubbed his nose.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“What, I d- Fine.  What’s your definition of ‘fun.’” he said as he changed his statement to a question in fear of being bopped on the nose again.
“Oh I don’t know… Oh!” she stated as an idea took form in her head.  “How about trying to beat me in a dance competition to the next song.  Loser has to do whatever the winner wants.”
At the mention of a challenge Soarin’s ears perked up and he said, “A challenge you say and a wager like that?  Well in that case you are no match for the Wonderbolts best flyer and dancer!”
“Well someone’s prideful today.”
“As if you aren’t.”  Soarin fired back.
“Touche.  Still I bet I could wup your ass in dancing.”  Dash said with a smirk.
“Alright bring it on.”  Soarin replied a grin forming on his face.
As soon as the two ponies walked onto the dance floor they instantly hit the floor dancing.  Well if you can call what they were as ‘dancing.’  They both had their eyes closed and were swaying their manes back and forth to the beat that blasted across the courtyard.  When they finally opened their eyes and saw how stupid they looked they both burst out laughing.  Soon it became contagious and the crowd that had formed around them began to laugh, well except for the nobles.  They chuckled behind their hooves or fans.
As the song began to die Rainbow Dash tapped Soarin on the shoulder and asked, “That my friend is how you have fun.”
“You were right.  That was a lot of fun.  Want to do it again?”  he asked, hoping to enjoy the night even more than he already had.
“Sure, but only when the fast songs come back up.”
“Why?”  Soarin asked curiosly.
“Umm… I don’t like slow songs.”
“Oh, okay.  Maybe we can sit down somewhere and talk.  You know, to get to know each other, cuz’ last time all you did was bounce up and down and shot random questions at me.”  he said with a chuckle.
“Ugh…Sure.”  she replied with a large blush as she began to walk behind Soarin towards one of the lone tables, her wall of cenfidence broken because of one statement.
As they both sat down in their rightful seats an awkward silence crept into the air.  After what seemed like hours Soarin finally spoke up.  “So Rainbow Dash.  Want to tell me about yourself?”
“Ummmm...Okay.”  she replied while putting her hoof o her chin as if she was in deep thought.
“Well I was born in Cloudsdale, raised by my mom and dad, went to the Cloudsdale Air Academy when I was eight, performed the Sonic Rainboom at ten, went to Cloudsdale High when I was thirteen, barely graduated, settled down in Ponyville, became the weather manager there, became the Element of Loyalty, and fighting Equestria’s evil and finally training to become a Wonderbolt at the age of twenty.”
“That…was a lot to take in.”
“Well that’s my life, not much to it except for that.”
“Oh come on.  There’s got to be more than that.  What about your name?  Why did you parents call you that?”
“Geez so many question, which I’m probably going to have to answer.”  Rainbow said with a sigh.
“Well I guess my mom named me that when I was born.  Never was able to really see why she named me that because all I can see is a grey mare and a multi-greyed mane every time I Iook in the mirror.  Well that and everything else around me is black and white.”
“Well yea, you can’t see in color until you kiss your soul mate.”
“I know.  I’ve read the history books Soarin, I think everypony has.”  She replied with a deadpan expression.
“Well…Ugh…”  Soarin said while trying to come up with a good question to ask the mare.
“What about you?”  said the rainbow-haired mare, her question slicing through his thoughts.
“Huh?”  he asked confused.
“What about you.  You know your childhood and stuff.”
“Well my story isn’t as interesting as yours.” he said trying to stray away from the topic.
“Oh come on.  Mine could put a crying to foal to sleep.  Now let’s hear yours.  Or else I’ll have to make you.”  She said with any evil grin as she leaned in towards his face.
“Alright fine, I will.” He said as he began his story.  “Well not much can be said.  I grew up here in Canterlot.  My parents were in the high middle class for both of them were doctors at the nearby hospital, so they were gone most of the time.  Since they were so busy they didn’t have time to teach me flying so I was pretty bad when I was a colt.”
“Really?  I was expecting you to have grown up in a racing family.”  She commented, surprise clear in her voice.
“Well not all of us have natural talent.”  Soarin said with a chuckle as he saw the mare before him blush because of the complement.  “Now where was I, oh yeah.  So when I was a colt I was probably the worst flier at school so I was constantly made fun of.  That’s when I met Spitfire and Shining Armor.”
“Wait you know Shining Armor?!”  Rainbow Dash interjected.
“Stop interrupting my story and yes I do, that’s the only reason why Spitfire and I are the only Wonderbolts here.”
“Wow.  Small world.”
“Huh?  What do you mean?”
“Well you see I’m here only because I’m the friend of his little sister Twilight Sparkle.”
“You mean the lavender mare with the dark purple man and the pink streak?”
“Very observant description but yes that’s her.”
“Huh.  Small world indeed.”
“Anyways continue.”  Rainbow Dash said as she waved her hoof in a circular motion motioning towards continuing.
“Okay, but please stop interrupting.”
“Can’t make any promises.”
“Meh, I can live with that.  Anyways, Spitfire was in the same condition as me.  Her parents were too busy to teach her so she was pretty bad.  Shining Armor was naturally good with magic but he was kinder than most ponies so he would hang out with us.  Spitfire and I constantly trained together, never giving up and always giving our best.  We soon created a friendship as strong as if we were brothers and sisters.  Shining Armor became like a brother to me as well, we could literally talk about anything.  However that bond was weakened when Spitfire and I were enlisted into the Academy and Shining Armor was inducted to the Royal Guard.  We still talked, but not as much.  I’m actually surprised that he invited me here.”
“Well that’s friendship for you.  It will stick with you wherever you go, however many arguments you get into.  If anything these challenges only bring you closer.”
“True.”  Soarin stated with a nod of his head.
“Yeah.  I guess it’s an understatement when somepony says that my friends changed me.  I mean I at first thought that I was the best pony in the world, but now that I think about it I now know that it’s my loved ones who will always come first.  Even though I’m a great flier I have learned that it’s my job to stay loyal to those who can’t and help them fly their own paths.  Well that’s what I’m trying to teach Scootaloo right now.”
“Is Scootaloo your filly?”
SLAP
“No she isn’t.  She’s an orphan whom I treat as my younger sister.”  Rainbow stated with a large blush on her cheeks.
“Okay and seriously why in Celestia’s name would you slap me!?”  Soarin whined as he rubbed his cheek.
“I don’t know, maybe it’s because you’re a total idiot.”
“Hey!  Only sometimes!”  he said defiantly.
“Sometimes.  Sure.”  Rainbow said with a roll of her eyes.  Glancing at the large clock that pierced the night sky, Rainbow saw that it was already late, and calculating the time it would take to get to Ponyville, she would arrive home around 12 a.m.
“So anyways, it’s getting late Soarin and I need to make sure that both Scootaloo and I get enough sleep for tomorrow.  It’s been fun.  Seeya around Soarin!”  Rainbow said with a smile as she was rose up out of her seat and started to walk towards the exit.
“Wait!” Soarin called out to her.
Rainbow Dash turned around and asked, “Yeah?”
‘What the hell am I even doing…Oh well might as well.  I have nothing to lose.  Plus I can’t turn back now.’  Soarin thought before extending his right hoof out and asked, “Would you like to have one more dance with me?”
“I don’t know…”  Rainbow said unsure about her decision.
“Come on it’s only one dance.”  Soarin said with an almost desperate tone.
“Alright fine…but only one okay.”  Rainbow said as she rolled her eyes at Soarin’s childish tone.
Soarin took her left arm and encased it with his right as they slowly walked their way onto the dance floor.  As soon as their hooves stopped on the smooth marble tiles, the fast paced song ended with its last chord, and a new song began to come alive.  As soon as the song hit Rainbow’s ears she instantly blushed and said, “I thought I told you I don’t like classical.”
“Oh come on now Rainbow a little fancy music and dancing won’t kill you.”
“I know that.  Its just that I can’t ballroom dance.”  She stated while trying to hide her massive blush with her mane.
“Oh.”  Soarin said.  Even though it was barely audible he could still make out the words because of his well trained ears.  “Don’t worry Rainbow.  I’ll show you.”
“How can you show me when we are already on the dance floor.”
“Just follow my lead.” He stated as he began to stand up on his hind legs, hinting at Dash to do the same.  Once she had gotten into position and his right hoof was around her shoulder blade and he had her put her left hoof on his right shoulder with the other two arms folded and slightly extended out.   This process was hard because of Rainbow Dash’s constant mumbling and blushing, as well as Soarin looking from side to side trying in vain to hide his blush.  After both of them had finally gained control of their blushes they both slowly began to waltz across the courtyard.  Soarin spoke in a small voice as he guided Rainbow Dash with her hoofwork as he said, “And a one, two three, and one two three, and a one two three…”
Soon both got the hang of it, with a couple of mishaps of course.  Once Soarin was able to finally stop correcting Rainbow’s mistakes he was finally look at his dancing partner.   The first thought that his feeble mind was actually able to process was, ‘She’s freakin’ gorgeous.’  The way the party lights shone through her mane made it look as if a thousand lights were bouncing around in it.  The smile of pure joy that was on her face made his own shine brighter.  Even though he couldn’t see the color of her eyes, Soarin was able to see that her smile was not a lie in those beautiful cesspools of happiness.  Her face was literally the definition of ‘having fun’ and it made his heart melt.  His eyes then drifted towards her body.  The way that her dress fit on her only added onto her beauty.  It looked as if it was made of rainbows strewn together by the threads of clouds, creating the mirage of a perfect sky blue day.  The dress also allowed her to show off her delicate but powerful wings.  Each feather looked as if was powerful enough to create a hurricane, but also smooth and graceful.  Before his eyes could go any further Rainbow’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“Am I just that good looking?”  Rainbow asked knowing that Soarin would get all flustered and what not.
Caught in the act Soarin said the best thing he could think of, which was incredibly stupid.  “Yes.”
“HA! You perv- Wait what?  You really think that I’m good looking?”  she said while trying to hide her blush.
In a very small voice Soarin said, “Yes, you are.”
“Well…thanks… I guess.”
As she said those words the peaceful song slowly came to an end and both ponies just stood there awkwardly looking at the floor unsure of what to say.
Rainbow Dash finally broke the silence and said, “Well I AM the fastest flier in Equestria so I might as well be the sexiest.”  Even though her words were bold what nullified them was the small tinge of a blush on her cheeks.
“Prideful as evil Rainbow.”  Soarin said, hoping that this new conversation would wash away the awkwardness of the previous.
“Hey!  I have the right to be prideful because all I say is true!”  she fired back.
“Can’t argue with that.”  Soarin said not wanting to anger or get into a fight with his multi-hued friend.
“Anyways I only promised one dance and it’s already 10:47, so I should really get going.”
“Alright seeya Dash.”
As Rainbow Dash exited the party to head towards the train station she felt a slight breeze next to her.  Immediately knowing who it was she turned around and asked, “What is now Soarin it’s really late and I need to get back to my house.”
“Actually it’s me, Spitfire.”
“Oh hey Spitfire what’s up?  Didn’t see much of ya’ during the party.”
“Yea I was busy talking to the nobles.  Everypony wants to have a piece of the Wonderbolt cash pie.  Anyways I was wondering if you would like to hang out with the Wonderbolts at the local bar after every show in Cloudsdale or Ponyville.”
“OH MY GO- I mean sure.  That would be awesome!”  Rainbwo replied excitedly almost unable to withhold her excitement.
“Alright see you then!”  Spitfire exclaimed as she turned around to re-enter the party.  As she did she heard a large fan-girl-like scream from behind her.  With a slight smile she chuckled and mused to herself, ‘Soarin seriously needs to grow some balls and ask her out himself, I AM not going to become some love messenger for him.’
                                                                                                                                                                
 
Present
Soarin sighed as the wonderful memory came to an end.  He slowly got up out of his bed, deciding that he would grab something to eat if he wasn’t going to sleep.  How long was I thinking about Dash?  He thought as he glanced towards his clock.  Hmm.  Only thirty minutes so I still have plenty of time to chill before I start my makeup workout.He groggily walked out of his room heading towards the mess hall.
After a couple of loud and embarrassing stomach growls, bumping into three ponies, and slipping across the mopped ground at least five times, Soarin finally reached the mess hall.  Wiping off the excess water from his coat, Soarin opened the door to the cafeteria only to be met by tons of ponies walking across the various tables shouting, talking, and well eating.  Soarin trotted to the end of the line and grabbed a tray.  As his eyes scanned the counter for his favorite food he didn’t notice a mare had slowly crept up behind him.
“Have you grown the balls yet to ask her out?” asked a certain mare with a large grin plastered on her face.
“Huh- Oh hi Fleet.”  Soarin exclaimed as he saw the familiar grin of pure evil.
“I thought I would get a better reaction than that.”  Fleetfoot pouted as she grabbed a tray and what appeared to be a sandwich.
“After being scared shitless for two years of you doing that I think I would have gotten used to it.”  Soarin said his eyes still looking for the pie that his stomach yearned for.
“Go figure, meh I’ll just do it to one of the cute rookies that I saw.”  She stated with a shrug.
“Geez.  Their probably going to put a restraining order on you.  Anyways I heard that ditched your tour group because of ‘important paperwork.’”  Soarin said.
“Hey! Not my fault that I was the only lead squad bolt’ here early enough to lead a group.  Which should have been your job if you weren’t thinking about pie and rainbows twenty-four seven.”
Soarin grumbled some inaudible remarks as he grabbed a hay sandwich, for he could not find a pie.
“All I’m saying is that you need to ask her and get your stupid crush over with.”  Fleetfoot stated as she grabbed a drink, some salad, and an apple.  After deciding that what she had picked was a balanced meal she left the line dragging Soarin by the tail.
“Wha-Hey! I still need to get the rest of my dinner!” Soarin said before deciding that him complaining would get him nowhere, so he yanked his tail out of her iron grip, grabbed the rest of his food and walked back towards Fleetfoot.
“Geez, make me wait.  So.  How has dreaming about your crush been Mr. Alone Forever.” Fleetfoot said as she put her tray down, shooing away any other ponies that might have disrupted her personal space and interrogation of Soarin’s love life.
“Don’t say it so loudly and it has actually been going pretty well.”
“Wait.  What?!”  said a shocked Fleetfoot.
“Yeah.  I actually talked to her this morning when I was heading towards well, here to lead the second group.”  Soarin stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
“So did you ask her out?” she asked in a nonchalantly.
Soarin’s cheeks turned a little brighter and he said, “No.”
“Go figure.”
“Hey!  Why don’t you try asking out the mare/stallion of your dreams!”  he fired back as he blushed even more.
“Done that.  Actually it was more that they asked me out.”
“But they asked you out, not you.”
Fleetfoot put down her sandwich and gave Soarin a deadpan look while saying, “You do realize it’s supposed to be that way, you know where a stallion asks a mare out.  Or are you just too stupid to know even that.”
“I know that!  But it’s harder than it looks okay.”
“I know I see you every day.  My advice-“
“Great.  Another round of Fleetfoot’s wonderful advice. Remember what happened last time.”  He said while giving her an accusatory stare.
“Not my fault that you actually did that.  Anyways, what I was going to say was ask her tomorrow since it’s a rest day for the team I order for the rookies to settle in.  Ask her to go to a simple restaurant that you like and go home and have a little ‘fun.’”  Fleetfoot said while bouncing her eyebrows up in down, suggesting the obvious.
“That actually sounds good, coming from you.”  Once his brain had actually processed the last of the sentence his face became overwhelmed with a VERY large blush.  “Except for the last part.” He said stuttering and blushing all throughout the sentence.
Pffffftttttttt – BWAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAAH
Still blushing Soarin said, “Fleet, stop.  You’re making a scene.”
Fleetfoot took a glance at Soarin and said with joy, “Nah.  Now where was I, oh yeah.  Laughing because of your misery.  *Ahem*”
“Sweet Celestia not again.”  Soarin said as covered his ears with his hooves, trying in vain to drown out the terrible noise that was resonating from Fleetfoot’s throat.
Five minutes.  She’s been laughing for five minutes straight.Soarin thought as he rested his face on the table.
HAHAHAHHAHAHA hehehehehheehehe…
“Done yet.”  Soarin asked in annoyed tone.
“Almost.”
Hehhehehehhehehheh…
 “Alright.  I’m done.”
“You sure?”
“Yep.”
“Alright.”
An awkward silence settled in before Fleetfoot broke the ice.  “Soarin, just follow what I told you to do and you should be fine.  See ya Soarin I’m going to bed.”  She said as she got up and walked towards the door.  As she opened the door she decided to tease Soarin one last time.  “Oh and this morning I asked Dash about you, she thinks you’re cute.” she said with a smirk.
Soarin blushed furiously and asked with hope in her voice, “Really?”
It was too late, Fleetfoot was out the door and was already heading towards her room leaving it to Soarin to decide whether she was kidding or not.
I really hope she’s lying to me…Soarin thought as he finished up his dinner in peace.