Category 5

I had established the main issue. Being able to practice “physical therapy” with the other mare on the team while also being chaste. This was not going to be an easy task, as they had not had a stallion in God knows how long. But I felt something special with Spitfire, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but I knew something was different compared to other mares. I got up at 6:30 as usual and put on my uniform, still blank, and headed down to the practice coliseum. I watched all the Wonderbolts go up into the sky, looping around in the air at dizzying speeds. I went to the team box and saw a couple of reserves sitting there. I recognized one of them from living in Ponyville.

“Rainbow Dash! What’s good?” I say, offering a hand to the rainbow maned mare who most of the town adored.

“Dave! You’re...” She stopped short

“A Wonderbolt technically.” I scratched the back of my head.

“Well what do you do here?” She asked me.

“I’m a physical therapist.” I say

“You worked at the spa! Why did they-oh.” She realized what I meant halfway through her sentence.

“Yeah, it’s been a drag lately. Hell, I’ve had 2 clients in the space of 2 days so it’s slow, but I did get time to read the latest Daring Do book.” I chuckle.

Her eyes lit up.

“Oh! Have you gotten to the part with the Crystal of Darkness yet?” She said, eyes going wide.

“Dude, yes! I did not see that plot twist coming when she-” I was cut off by a loud scream from the other reserve with Rainbow. Her hoof pointed up, a yellow and orange form falling out of the sky at top speed with no control.

Spitfire. Son of a bitch.

Nopony else had noticed her drop, not even the team as she was engaged in other matters.

“I can’t do anything! Reserves aren’t allowed to leave the box unless ordered to by a superior officer!” Rainbow Dash gasped.

Mother Fucker!

“Luckily, I’m not restricted by that guideline.” I said, bolting out to the coliseum.

Soarin had finally noticed, but it was too late for him to do anything and nopony else was around. I was her best shot, running as fast as my adrenaline fueled body would take me.

I got under her and braced myself for the impact. I caught her, but her weight drove me into the ground like a pile driver. I felt my legs crumple, my head hit the concrete and...blackness.

Coming back, I felt a heavy load on my torso. My whole body ached and I sat up and felt the back of my head. Blood caked my hand, the dark red contrasting greatly with my pale white skin.

Damn, scalp wounds. Bleed way too much.

I then turned my attention to Spitfire, still resting on my torso. I put a hand up to her neck and felt for her jugular. A strong, healthy pulse indicated she was still very much alive. Her breathing was slow and labored. I held her tight and tried to rise to my feet. I was initially unsuccessful and fell again. I tried again and wobbled up, scanning the surrounding area. I saw Soarin and tried to walk over. A sharp pain in my chest was the only injury I knew of my legs moved fine, but the blood ran warm and heavy down my neck.

“Sweet Celestia, Luna and Faust!” Soarin said, “Reserves! I need medical here ASAP!” He yelled in the direction of Dash. They shot off at high speed.

“You ok?” Soarin asked me, the rest of the Wonderbolts now landing beside him.

“Yeah, for the most part” I grimaced, “I’ve got a bleeding head wound and I think, a cracked rib or 2.”

Thank Celestia! What about Spits?” He asked breathing one sigh of relief.

“I think I absorbed most of the impact, she’s got a strong pulse but her breathing isn’t that strong.” I report.

An ambulance arrives shortly thereafter. I limp into it, Spitfire in my arms.

Her eyes flutter and she groans.

“It’s ok Spits. You’re safe now.” I say as the carriage nears Cloudsdale Hospital.

Both Spits and myself are admitted, my head wound is bandaged and I’m diagnosed with a concussion and a broken rib. Spits on the other hand, had a sprained wing and a mild concussion.

“You’re a hero son.” The doctor said to me as he checked my head wound, replacing the bandages.

“Huh? What doc?” I ask, not catching what he said.

“All of Cloudsdale knows what you did. You’re a hero.” He repeated.

“Aw doc, I’m sure it’s nothing. I only did what I had to do. It wasn’t like I saved her...wow, I am a hero.” I said, realizing halfway through that I had done something above and beyond the line of duty.

“Where is Spitfire by the way?” I asked the doctor.

“Right next to you. She got moved in here last night per her request.” He stated, waving a hoof nonchalantly.

“Alright, well you’re all set. That wound is almost fully healed. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame there buddy.” The doctor said, giving me a tiny salute.

As soon as he left, I got up and walked over to the other side of the room. Spitfire sat by the window, her face neutral.

“Hey there Cap” I said.

She turned, looking at me with those amber eyes, sparkling with tears.

“You’re getting a few medals and rank increases for that you know right?” She said, embracing me lightly, obviously knowing about the broken rib.

“I don’t even care. I saved you and that’s what matters.” I said returning the hug, also remembering to be ginger around her sprained wing.

“I need to ask you something.” She asked.

“Anything.” I said.

“Do you love me?” She asked

I was disarmed. I did not expect that question so soon. I did have feelings for her, but I didn’t know if one of them was love. I needed to search for an answer. Then, a light in my head emerged. Almost like the North Star, it guided me to the answer I knew was true.

“Yes.” I whispered.

She teared up even more and as they ran down her muzzle, she reached up and kissed me. The passion and hunger was undeniable, her tongue teasing itself over my teeth. I allowed it access and we explored the unknown frontier of each other’s maws.

She broke the kiss and looked up at me, tears staining her yellow fur.

“I always knew you had a soft spot for me, ever since we met. But what I didn’t know is that I would have a human, the only human in Equestria, think of me as his love. I need to know, are you being truthful?” She asked.

I knew the answer without a flash of doubt or regret.

“Yes. I love you to the ends of the world and beyond. I know we’ve only known each other for barely a week, but the feelings I have are too strong to ignore when I’m around you.” I say, my face inches from her own.

“There is nothing anyone or anypony can do to stop us. But I want to be safe and take it slow. Why don’t we go out on that date you were talking about earlier?” I smiled.

Her beam of absolute joy was an indicator of her answer as we embraced and kissed again.