Soarenity

The next day came around in the haze of a dull ache in my brain. I had to rub my eyes a little as they adjusted to the bright sky outside the large windows of Soarin’s house that greeted me once again with the realisation that I was still stuck in this pastel coloured world. I threw the blanket off me and sat up, stretching out my arms and then my back as I yawned. Even though I didn’t know the exact time, I could tell it was later than me and Soarin had been getting up usually during the week.

I made my way through the kitchen, making sure to down a glass of water before heading upstairs to get myself ready for the day. Soarin had kindly given me a bunch of standard utensils that I used back home. This included things like brushes, hairspray, moisturiser and a toothbrush. It wasn’t exactly extravagant, but he’d assured me that the next time we go out shopping that I would be able to get some form of makeup and other ‘ladylike’ things as he had called it. I chuckled at the recent memory. I set to work fixing as much of my hair as possible, at this time in the morning it was usually more effort to get the odds and ends back down then they were really worth.

After finishing up in the bathroom like I had become accustomed to every morning, what surprised me was how I hadn’t yet seen Soarin jumping around the house, the stallion who usually if not always had to drag me out of the home with a bottle of cloud walking potion in order to get into the headquarters on time. Even though today was a weekend and we didn’t start till a little later, I was still concerned at the vacant presence in the home. It was whilst walking along the corridor to get back to the stairs that my eyes happened to glance through the crack in Soarin’s bedroom door, it was there that I almost tripped at what I saw. A hand quickly covered my mouth as I slowly got my lungs under control before letting myself breathe properly. Turning back around, I peered into the crack in the doorway a second time.

My eyes had not deceived me.

Within the master bedroom, a large royal navy coloured cloud bed resided in the middle of a blue and white room, facing the doorway I was looking in from, within the thick bedsheets lay the stallion I’d been seeking, his left wing resting over Spitfire as she laid on his chest, her head resting there as Soarin’s lower body seemed to be turned on its side towards the mare who was sleeping on her belly. They breathed softly to one another as they rested undisturbed by the low morning light, I had to fight back my own thoughts at how cute it all looked from here, but I couldn’t still help feel a soft pang in my chest.

I couldn’t say it wasn’t something I hadn’t expected with what I had learned about the two from the previous night, but at the same time it still brought about even more questions to my already flooded brain. Sure, I’d share beds with my best friends during slumber parties if there wasn’t enough space on the floor or in the next available bedroom, but these two were cuddled up closer than I would expect some married couples weren’t even accustomed to. I so badly wanted to question it, but this looked incredibly intimate, and who was I to barge in on two very close friends who might just love sharing a bed together?

With all the current questions weighing on my mind, something seemed to give in my mind. I decided the only pony I could ask on the matter would be Fleetfoot. I softly left the corridor and headed downstairs to make breakfast, leaving the other two ponies to wake up on their own accord. I made a mental note in my brain whilst making a bowl of cereal that I would make it my task to get Fleetfoot alone for a couple of minutes. These conflicting thoughts I had circling in my head needed cleared, and the faster that was done, the better.

As I sat down, listening to the soft chirping of birds outside the nearby windows, I began to mull over the thoughts themselves. On the one hand I’d never even considered Soarin in the romantic sense since Fleetfoot had mentioned it over a week ago, even then I was still under the impression it had been nothing but a simple jest. Having said that though, now that I had gotten to know the stallion more, I definitely couldn’t deny the thought of dating someone of his personality, but there were many factors, big ones, that stood in my way from ever committing to attempt something like that, even if I desperately wanted to.

So why the heck am I feeling this way?

I couldn’t fathom it, was it jealousy? Regret? Guilt? Whatever that feeling was in my chest, I couldn’t work it out. The last time I’d felt this hadn’t been since my last crush back in college, but at least that was with somebody I was at least trying to court on a daily basis. My brain tried to find answers, but as I was deep in thought I hadn’t even noticed that Soarin and Spitfire had descended the stairs and were now eyeing me curiously as Soarin began making coffee.

“Are you… gonna eat that?” Spitfire asked as she quirked her eyebrow at me. I looked between her and the spoonful of now soggy cereal which I had been hovering near my mouth for at least a good few minutes, I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment as I quickly wolfed down the food and placed the spoon back in the bowl. Spitfire didn’t seem to press the issue of my awkwardness any further; she seemed happy and well rested enough to be in a good mood.

I felt that pang once again.

“So, I’m guessing you’re going to be giving Fleetfoot a run for her money today?” I asked jokingly as Soarin hoofed her a mug of steaming hot deliciousness before hoofing me one as well and sitting down between us both. I could see from the mug that he'd thankfully poured that all important cloud walking spell into the coffee mix.

Spitfire grinned slightly, seeming to be fantasising the idea of it in her head, “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t really considering it. But no matter what punishment you give Fleet, she always finds a way to get back at you for it.”

Soarin nodded in agreement as he turned to me with that familiar winning smile, “So, you have a good sleep last night? Thought you might have slept in with the later start time at work today.”

I shrugged, trying to keep the thoughts of my morning discovery far out of my head. “I slept okay I guess, but I think my body clock has finally come to terms with waking up at sunrise.”

“That's it Rebecca, I’ll make a morning pony out of you yet!” Soarin cheered as Spitfire chuckled at his foalish antics, it made me smile too.

“So,” I began, keeping my smile. “You guys enjoy last night? Besides the sea of ponies,” I joked.

Soarin smiled as he looked to Spitfire who shot me an amused grin, “Well, it’s not like the first time that’s happened. We’ve had a lot worse as well.”

“True that,” Soarin agreed. “We were once caught on a Wonderbolts’ night out a few years back, had a line of ponies around the door of the bar asking for autographs.”

“It’s all in good fun,” Spitfire shrugged with a small smile.

I nodded, it was nice to know that nor Soarin or Spitfire seemed to think any ill-will of their fans. I knew celebrities back home who would treat them like trash, it was nice to know that things here were completely different. Though, the fame wasn't handed to these ponies, the Wonderbolts earned their fame, with a lot of determination and courage.

It was a story I’d like to hear more about when I had the time to hang out with Soarin and Spitfire again. I finished my bowl of cereal quickly as the other two had some breakfast themselves, I took a moment to gauge them once again. They both seemed well relaxed and happy; it was good to know I hadn’t spoiled anything, which was a win in my book.

It didn’t take long for us all to get ready after that.

Soarin offered to carry me to work but I chose to walk and try to process the current thoughts on my mind some more, so I passed it off that I just wanted to enjoy the weather while it was nice. As I walked across the residential area towards the Wonderbolt headquarters, I began to think over what I was going to ask Fleetfoot when I found her, the mare was probably going to be doing unfortunate work of some kind despite Spitfire brushing off the idea.

Going back to my thoughts, I didn’t think anything was going on between Spitfire and Soarin but the questions still presented themselves nonetheless. It was just something I didn’t expect, but I couldn’t blame anyone for the fact that I’d only been living here for just over a week.

A few ponies passed me as I walked along. Smiling as best I could, I tried to fight away the oncoming heat that was rising through my cheeks due to the constant staring I mostly received.

I understood that it was something I’d just have to get used to over time, but so long as it wasn’t hurting anyone, I didn’t mind too much. Part of me wondered if Soarin had ever had these curiosities when we first met. The stallion had a heart of gold, that was for sure. Spitfire had the same to an extent, even though she acted a bit more on the abrasive side at work, but I could easily chalk that up to her having to manage an entire establishment. I hadn’t spent too much time with anyone else in the Wonderbolts to get a sense of other ponies’ personalities, but I was sure that despite that, Soarin would still take time out to introduce me to the rest of them.

It made me smile as I walked, knowing that feeling of acceptance almost; the welcoming smiles and generosity of these ponies almost made work feel like somewhere you wanted to spend the day… almost.

I hadn’t realised it took me this long to walk, it felt like an eternity had past by the time I finally made it to work. After making it back to the castle within Canterlot, I'd hopped on a chariot ride once more, the guards seemed to be completely fine about it to my surprise, maybe standing around guarding doors all day really was that boring. On the bright side of my long journey, my head felt a bit more organised at least. I breathed a sigh of relief as I made it up to the main gates at the Wonderbolt headquarters. The guards recognized me and nodded as I walked up to them, opening the gate as I past through, maybe being the only species on this planet had its perks?

Getting into the extravagant building, I quickly made my way through the blue and yellow corridors till I arrived at my office. I opened the door and walked in, letting it click softly shut as I looked out to the window. It was a nice day outside. Minus the wild Fleetfoot that was eagerly trying to get in.

Wait a minute.

“Fleetfoot?” I asked, my voice seeming to grab her attention as she looked towards me like a deer stuck in the headlights. I held my quizzical expression as I opened the window, Fleetfoot quickly flying through and dashing towards the door, peeking out as she opened it.

“Fleetfoot, what are you doing?”

“I’m hiding.”

“From who?”

“You know exactly who! It’s Spitfire,” Fleetfoot explained anxiously, closing the door and looking back towards me. “She’s going to have my flank for yesterday! Not that I’d mind it if she wanted to get kinky, but you know what I mean!”

I tried to hold back my laughter as I stood there looking incredulously towards Fleetfoot. I shook my head in disbelief. “Are you usually this scared?” I joked.

Fleetfoot rolled her eyes as she groaned and trotted back over to my desk with a sigh. She looked to me with a pleading look, “You’ve gotta help me, Rebecca! I can’t just go out there and have Spitfire decide whether I should die by endurance practice or wing push up!”

I giggled, sitting down on my chair as I thought up a plan. “Okay, okay! Fine, I’ll help you if you help answer some questions for me, deal?”

Fleetfoot seemed to eye me curiously, her brain seeming to scan me before a smirk suddenly exploded across her muzzle, “Let me guess,” she began mischievously, “if you’re asking me to tell you how big Soarin is down there, I-”

“I don’t wanna know that!” I blurted, my cheeks heating up as Fleetfoot stared at me, “I’m trying to help you!”

“Well if you did want to know that, I can only assume,” Fleetfoot carried on, “But if I assumed I definitely say it would be b-”

“Fleetfoot!”

“Alright!” She giggled. Rising up as she sat up on the desk, she faced me with a smile, “So what’s on your mind, Becca?”

“Well,” I began, pausing a moment to make sure I worded myself correctly; Soarin was the last person I wanted to say something wrong about by accident. “It’s about Soarin and Spitfire,” I started, broadening the question and then narrowing it down, good tactic.

Fleetfoot nodded. “Uhuh,” she began, slightly confused as she tilted her head, “What about them?”

“It’s just,” I paused again, “When we were out last night, they acted a lot different,” I explained, watching Fleetfoot’s expression to gauge her reaction.

“How different?” Fleet raised her eyebrow questioningly.

“Well…” I didn’t know what else to say, “They were quite lovey dovey to one another.”

Fleetfoot’s eyes widened for a moment, a few tense seconds passed between the two of us before Fleetfoot started laughing lightly. I doubled back a moment when she started putting a hoof up to her muzzle to stop the giggling fit.

My anger flared up slightly, did she think I was playing a prank on her? “It’s true! I’m not lying to you!” I exclaimed, trying to sound as serious as I could.

Fleetfoot put a forehoof up in a gesture to stop me as she finished laughing, shaking her head a little before speaking, “I know you aren’t, Rebecca.”

“So, you know about this as well?” I asked curiously, it was hardly a surprise knowing how long Fleetfoot had history-wise with the two.

“Of course I do, you can’t expect me not to have picked up on their adorable little relationship after so many years in the academy and reserves. I don't know exactly where it comes from, but I guess you'll just have to ask them some time” Fleetfoot giggled again, thinking back on it with a smile before turning to me, “It’s definitely not a romantic relationship if that’s what you’re thinking,” she smirked knowingly, “It is, isn’t it?”

I could feel the blush rushing to my cheeks as I tried to hide the embarrassed expression that was clearly visible now. Fleetfoot caught my gaze, and it surprised me to see a more sympathetic expression stare right back at me.

“It’s cool,” Fleet began, “I thought the same thing when I first saw it, but I quickly realised it wasn’t. They’re just the bestest of friends, especially considering the fact that neither really stayed apart from one another growing up, they practically lived together in the Academy,” she explained.

I sat back, soaking all the new information in. It had made sense in my head, but the suspicions had caused some doubt in there somewhere, it was nice to have some of it cleared up.

“Thanks Fleet, I guess I just had some confusing thoughts about it all.”

“It’s no probs,” Fleetfoot got off the desk and dusted her forehoof against her chest, she smirked as she looked out towards the city beyond my window, “But if you do ever start dating Cheeseball, you better make sure you don’t mess up. Spitfire’s just as overprotective of him as he is of her.”

I nodded with the blush only growing redder at the idea, I still had to consider those thoughts about the stallion very carefully, but I took the important information on the matter nonetheless. “Thanks,” I began, “So, you want to get out of Spitfire’s mane for the day?” I asked. Fleetfoot immediately nodded her head as she looked towards me with an hopeful expression. I picked up a folder from the desk, double checking the label I had put on it just to make sure it was the right one. “I needed this order for the next set of props to be delivered here for the Fillydelphia show. It doesn’t need to be sent till the end of the day, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find some sort of traffic issue to make it take a little longer.”

Fleetfoot’s whole posture seemed to light up as I spoke, she dashed over the room and snatched the folder from me, hugging it to her chest like a long lost teddy bear, “You’re a freakin’ Genius, Rebecca! Thanks!”

“No problem, next time try not to get us stuck in a swarm of ponies,” I jested, she rolled her eyes but laughed all the same, it felt good to at least help someone out while they were in a spot of bother. I couldn’t help back to thinking about what Soarin said, maybe I was the new reason why they’d get away with so much stuff? The thought humored me.

I sent Fleetfoot on her merry way, with any luck she'd be back in time before any pony noticed or even better with too little time for Spitfire to punish us both in one day. I just stuck myself into doing some more of the work that had started to stack up over the last few days in the meantime. Sunny dropped by after a while, offering me refreshments and helping me organise a few more bits of paperwork into folders that she’d kindly supplied. It was nice to see someone who cared so passionately about everyone that worked backstage.

“Hey Sunny?” I asked, the bat pony looked over to me with a small smile. “Are you normally always this helpful to everyone? How do you do it?”

She blushed lightly and quickly went back to clipping a folder shut before slapping a label on it and handing it over the desk towards me, “It’s just something I’ve always felt, the obligation to help others. Equestria welcomed my race with open hooves even despite everything that happened during Nightmare Moon, so I feel it is within my duty to show the same love and compassion for everypony else.”

As I took the folder from her soft grip, I was almost bewildered by how much genuine care the mare had for ponies she never even knew beyond work. It was a goal which was achieved by those only too good to grace the earth, but I cherished every one of those personalities that I met. As we quietly went back to working again, a soft knock at the door averted our gazes towards a pale blue stallion leaning on the doorway.

“Hey Soar,” I greeted; it was one of the first times I’d used that nickname on him.

“Not doing too bad, Bex, what about you?” he asked politely, trotting into the room and waving to Sunny who beamed back at him.

“It’s been a bit hectic as usual, but Sunny’s helped me organise all this stuff so I don’t let it all go over my head,” I explained, gesturing to the bat pony.

Soarin smiled, “Good to hear you guys are getting along well, I’d be worried if I found someone who couldn’t get along with Sunny,” he joked.

The mare in question turned around with a tinge of pink, “You flatter me too much, Soarin.”

They shared another smile before he turned back to me, smirking as he leaned in close, “So, I thought I’d ask, but... you haven’t happened to come across Fleetfoot today?” he questioned.

My stomach tightened, needless to say when it came to lying I was worse than bad. I tried to stop the giddy laughter that tried to bubble up through my throat as I gave my most serious expression, “I… I don’t believe I have, why?”

Soarin still kept his smirk, which wasn’t helping matters any better. “Oh, nothing, it’s just that we’ve not really been able to find her all day, Spitfire was just asking after her.”

Oh shit

“Well, um…” I scratched the back of my neck, while averting my gaze, “If I see her then I’ll totally make sure she goes to see Spitfire!” I replied swiftly. I really wish I hadn’t dared to look back at this point, seeing his smirk getting wider already told me I was fighting a losing battle.

“That’s good to hear,” Soarin began, turning on his hooves as he swiftly began trotting back out of the room, “I’ll pick you up here after the days finished?” he asked. I was still slightly in shock but the sudden change in events, I felt like I’d been played and I hadn’t even noticed. In the time I was thinking this, Soarin was already staring at me, awaiting an answer.

“Sure, that’d be great Soarin, thanks!” I quickly began. Waving goodbye as Soarin only chuckled before looking as if he was about to leave. I sighed thankfully, but his voice made it hitch in my throat suddenly.

“Hey, Bex?”

“Y-Yeah Soar?”

“When Fleet comes back, tell her if she doesn’t want to get punished, she may as well give herself anything but a punishment as an alternative.”

Welp, there goes my hopes and dreams of becoming a smuggler

I felt a little ashamed for lying to him, the blush weighing heavily on my cheeks despite the conversation which had been a lot less serious. Though Soarin seemed to give me a reassuring smile that made all those feelings dissipated somewhat, as he finally left the open space of the doorframe, I couldn’t help but want to ask him to come back. Sunny looked at me with a smile, which I only noticed after I’d come out of my small trance. She trotted over to the desk with the last bunch of folders, putting them on my desk and sliding them over to me.

“You look like you have something on your mind, Rebecca,” she said sweetly. I smiled back at her, looking between her and the now vacant doorway. A soft sigh escaped my lips, I denied the feeling for now. If I was even going to pursue the horrible, stupid idea that was forming in the back of my skull, I’d at least have to start by asking a very specific pony.

Looking back to Sunny, I nodded firmly, “I do, but I have no fucking clue how to solve it.”