Glow

by ZOMG

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Sex, Spitfire, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Princess Luna, Drama
Length: 121581

When passions flare and new relationships are begun, it can be difficult to sort things out through the warmth and glow of young, budding love.

When passions flare and new relationships begin at the Grand Galloping Gala, it can be difficult to sort things out through the warmth and glow of young, budding love. Princess Twilight Sparkle and Captain Spitfire know full well such things are supposed to have a certain progression, but they're not going to let that stop them from enjoying each other's company as much as they can.

Prereading/Editing help by Cryosite, Jondor, Melon Hunter, Meridian Prime, and Timaeus.
Artwork by FlutterThrash.

Published 2017-02-12 18:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2017-04-04 21:16:49 UTC

2. A Night to Remember

Keeping pace with a Wonderbolt was no easy task, even when they chose a more leisurely pace. Their navy uniform made Spitfire almost indistinguishable from the night sky too, with only the light of the moon serving to illuminate her goldenrod body and orange mane.

She still hadn’t looked back. Somehow, Spitfire knew she had Twilight trailing after her like an eager puppy.

Twilight flew as best as she could with the weight of the dress dragging upon her. I really need to work on this, she thought, flapping her wings faster in hopes of catching up.

Almost as though sensing her intent, Spitfire put on a burst of speed, giving a teasing swish of her tail before shooting off into the night like a bolt loosed from a crossbow.

With a little whine of protest, Twilight pushed herself harder. She knows. She’s still playing that game, just without words. Actions and body language…

She watched as Spitfire neared the cloud, slowing considerably in her flight—gliding lazily, yet gracefully, toward the surface.

A similar scene played through her mind. One of her flight lessons, where Rainbow Dash had challenged her to a game of tag involving a few members of the weather team, how those pegasi so loved to glide just out of her reach before speeding back up again.

She wants me to play along. A smirk made its way across her lips, Twilight lit up her horn and focused on the space Spitfire was flying toward. Adjust for speed and distance… factor in optimal tagging range…

If Spitfire wanted to play and tease, she’d soon learn that when messing with Twilight Sparkle that she was dealing with a mare who mastered long-range teleportation. And without Rainbow there to enforce her normal “no magic” limitation she had the upper hoof for the first time in the evening.

Shifting herself into position, with her hooves outstretched, she folded her wings and began to fall. In a burst of magenta, Twilight blinked out of existence, reappearing a full pony’s length ahead and slightly above Spitfire.

With a triumphant cry, Twilight tackled Spitfire, driving her down to the fluffy cloud she’d just been hovering over. She placed her hooves on Spitfire’s shoulders and pinned her in place.

Spitfire let out an indignant squawk, her hooves flailed. “Gah! How the—where did you come from?”

Laughing, she tossed her mane. “I’m proficient in several areas of magic, including teleportation! Now—“ her tone shifted, Twilight leaned forward so that their snouts were almost touching and narrowed her eyes “—you teased me.”

“Mhmm.” Spitfire nodded. Her lips curved into a smirk.

“You got me to flirt with you so I’d start loosening up.”

“Two for two.”

“And—And you…” She glanced down at the medals on Spitfire’s uniform, giving an anxious little flick of her tail.

“Yes?”

“You made me think we were gonna kiss,” she whispered weakly.

A hoof cupped her chin, gently forcing her to look into Spitfire’s bright orange eyes. “Hon, I never said we weren’t—I just thought you’d like to take a little flight, so we could go somewhere nice and private.”

Twilight raised a brow, slowly checking the open sky for any hint of watchers. “You call this private?”

“Would you rather I kiss you in front of a bunch of stuffy nobles?” Biting her lip, Twilight shook her head. “Didn’t think so, hon. And I don’t wanna kiss you in front of them either. I’d rather it be special—between us.”

A beat of silence. “You didn’t want them to see?”

Spitfire grinned sheepishly. “Like I said, I don’t like getting pulled in different directions. But, in fairness, I got a little carried away kissing you on the cheek like that. And I doubt us leaving went unnoticed… sorry, ‘bout that.” She made as if to rub at the back of her mane, but couldn’t quite reach. Raising a brow, she gave a meaningful tug against the hoof Twilight had on her shoulder.

Sighing, Twilight drew back and stepped off Spitfire’s shoulders. “I didn’t think of that.”

“Don’t sweat it too much. We were gonna turn heads no matter what, hanging out together and all.” She sat up, brushing bits of cloud fluff off her uniform. With her task finished, she smiled and scooted over to sit next to Twilight. “I’m just glad you decided to give things a shot. Thought I might’ve scared you off a little at first.”

Her feathers ruffled, she looked down at the hem of her dress and chewed on her lip. Don’t say it. Don’t tell her.

Again, Spitfire cupped her chin and slowly turned her head. “I nearly did, I know. And I really am sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”

“Not uncomfortable, just…” Confused. Caught off guard. “Surprised,” she said, before hastily adding, “not that I think little of myself! Just surprised that you find me attractive“

Spitfire chuckled and shook her head. “Oh, Twilight. Ponies’ tastes aren’t all that easy to place into neat little categories. They tend to vary a lot. For example, I don’t particularly care if my girlfriend is all that into athletics. I hope she can respect what I do, and understands how much I love it, but I’m not gonna force her to yell and cheer if I take her to a game.” She leaned in, her snout touched against Twilight’s. “I’d rather find what makes her happy and spend as much time as I can with her, so I can see her smile.”

Twilight fidgeted in place, idly playing with the hem of her dress. “I like reading books.”

“So do I. Always had a thing for adventure stories, especially the classics. Y’know, the hero saves the love of their life from the big, scary monster, they fly off into the sunset and kiss atop a cloud, and the hero promises that they’ll always protect their love.” With a casual shrug, Spitfire continued, “Gotta love the classics.”

“Old pegasus legends,” Twilight pointed out. “That’s the end the story of Whirlwind and an earth pony named Maple—he saw her and fell in love instantly.”

“She was captured by a great dragon, who found her more beautiful than any gem he’d ever seen and claimed her for his horde. Whirlwind snuck into his cave, set Maple free, and fled as fast as he could to get her out before the dragon woke. But…” Spitfire held out a hoof for Twilight to finish.

“The dragon caught his scent, and gave chase. Whirlwind led him up to a patch of rogue thunderheads over the Everfree forest, and kicked them just as the dragon entered!”

Grinning, Spitfire nodded. “Full marks again, hon! You sure know your pegasus lore!”

Finally! Somepony other than her family or Celestia who liked to share in these things! Certainly, the girls would listen and had a few stories they enjoyed, but going back through lore was a thrill! “It was one of my favorites to read with Cadence; Tales of the Founders was another we loved to read. I especially liked the story of how Clover the Clever helped Commander Hurricane trick the diamond dogs to leave the area around the old castle.”

“Right, she tricked them with fool’s gold, didn’t she?” At Twilight’s nod, she gave a triumphant pump of her hoof. “Ha! The ol’ noggin’ hasn’t gone fuzzy on me yet! Fleetfoot and Soarin’, eat your hearts out! See?” She bumped her shoulder against Twilight’s. “This is what I’m talking about. Fun.”

Yes. Fun, and private, she thought, smiling as she noticed that Spitfire hadn’t pulled away, their shoulders still touching. Warm, like her namesake and the burst of flame emblazoned on her flank.

Memories of nights spent huddled up next to Cadence and Shining Armor during their ‘study night campouts’ flashed before her eyes—how they arranged pillows and blankets into a makeshift fort, hiding from any who might try to spy on them.

And other memories came forth, unbidden. Magnificent white wings wrapped around her, holding her close while her teacher groomed her mane and asked what magic she’d studied in her free time.

The urge to move closer, to subtly nudge her shoulder under Spitfire’s beautiful wing and coax it open to wrap around her was almost too tempting. Twilight rallied every bit of her self-control to beat it back.

Don’t force it, she thought, remembering one of Cadence’s many lectures on matters of love. Be natural, be the Twilight I always can, don’t play a part.

Let the conversation flow naturally—Spitfire did say she wanted this to just be two mares having a nice evening together, whether it trended toward friendship or… this.

Whatever this qualified as. Hanging out? Yes, but the flirting and kiss on her cheek were quite a bit different from hanging out with her friends. A date? No. At least, it didn’t seem like one—there had been no prearranged meeting place, it had been presented by Celestia as a way to make a friend and enjoy the night. Although…

Mutual affection and attraction were clearly present, and they had spent time together. So… perhaps a pre-date sort of thing?

Humming to herself, Twilight ground a hoof into the fluffy surface of the cloud. I really should’ve taken notes when Cadence told me these things.

“Problem, hon?” Spitfire’s voice cut through her reverie.

Twilight blinked. “Huh? Oh! No, everything’s fine. Just a little lost in thought—I have a tendency to drift off every now and again.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, I hope they’re good thoughts—especially if they’re about yours truly!”

She stifled a laugh with her hoof. “Yes, good thoughts about you, and, well—“ she gestured between them “—this. I’m just a little unsure of how we classify tonight. It’s not hanging out, and it’s not quite a date…”

“Classifying it? Heh, Dash wasn’t kidding about you; always ready to study something, eh?” Spitfire chuckled, a teasing grin played upon her lips. “All right, well, let’s call it a tryout for now, okay? Tonight is still casual, just you and me feeling each other out. Whatever happens, happens because we both agree on it. Treat each other like adults, ‘kay?”

“Okay.” Still, Twilight ground a hoof into the cloud. Unfamiliar territory, but with a guiding hoof to help her along. “So, next I ask what hobbies you have other than flying and reading.”

Spitfire nodded. “Yeah, that’d be a good start. Nice and easy. Well, believe it or not, I happen to love dancing. I know,” she said, shrugging at the look of incredulity Twilight shot her. “Surprising, eh?”

Blinking owlishly, Twilight tilted her head. “A little, yeah. You mean, like, night club dancing, right? Sort of like what Rainbow Dash and Pinkie do when they go to Vinyl Scratch’s club?”

“I don’t really know who Vinyl Scratch is, but yeah, I like getting down every now and again. It’s ‘Bolts’ tradition to rave after a big show. But a bit more than that—“ she smiled wistfully and looked off toward the moon “—slow, fast, cultural, anything really. It’s a lot like a flight routine.” She turned and winked at Twilight. “Instead, I get to slow down and do it with a partner, though.”

“Not counting your team in that?”

Giving her a mock glare, Spitfire lightly brushed her feathers across Twilight’s back, garnering a little squeak of protest. “Cheeky mare! You know what I mean!” Another nudge of her shoulder against Twilight’s, again not quite moving away. Amusement danced in her eyes. “Sometimes, yeah, my teammates are decent partners. They’re cool enough to go with me to parties, and they do a great job of keeping appearances that we’re together and don’t wanna be bothered.”

“Sort of like we were doing earlier,” Twilight noted.

“In a way, yeah, but that was more of an act so neither of us would get pulled along—“ Spitfire rubbed at her mane, and gave an uneasy chuckle “—strictly wing ponies looking out for one another, y’know?”

She bit her lip, mulling over the notion. “I guess it makes sense. None of you really enjoy the attention, do you?”

“Eh, not all of us.” Shrugging, Spitfire screwed up her muzzle and looked skyward. “Firestorm’s always got time to do an interview. Fleetfoot and Soarin love signing autographs for foals. Not that I mind doing either of those things, I just need a little ‘Spits time’ every now and then. I like to unwind.”

Certainly a familiar notion. Fluttershy had a rather similar outlook on going to big events—she needed hours before to get herself ready to deal with walking through crowds, and then time spent either with the girls or doting on Angel Bunny to relax after. Socializing with strangers can be rather taxing, she thought. Just greeting ponies at the Gala had been difficult with regard to maintaining appearances, not to mention remembering all the names.

Good. A pony who knew and understood herself—Spitfire had her flaws, but she recognized them and took steps to fix things. The very sort of pony Twilight could respect.

Her tail swished happily, brushing against something soft and silky. She flicked her ear, perplexed, and looked over her shoulder.

A bright blush rose in her cheeks, Twilight felt her breath clench in her chest as she caught sight of her tail touching Spitfire’s—deep purple, soft violet, and pink overlapping with a streak of wildfire against the cloud. O-Oh, my. Slowly, she turned to face Spitfire, an apology fresh on the tip of her tongue.

Spitfire gazed back at her, smiling brightly as though nothing were out of the ordinary. “So, what else does Twilight Sparkle do in her free time?” she asked. “And no using ‘study’ as an answer—I want specifics, hon.”

She felt that fiery tail loop over hers. The apology died on her lips. She likes it. “I like learning spells, and trying to craft new ones is rather fun, too.”

“Ah, cool. Is that what you studied under Princess Celestia?”

“For the most part, yes.” She nodded, licking her dried lips. So close together! “But then she started me on my study of the magic of friendship when she sent me to Ponyville, I met the girls, and, well, the rest is history!” Her wings fluttered, the tips of her primaries brushed against Spitfire’s

Spitfire gave a sidelong glance at the contact, but kept her reply to a mere hum and an appraising nod. “Nice. You’ll have to show me some of your work at some point. I’d be interested to see what sort of stuff you dabble in.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. “You want to read about magic?”

“You got it, hon.”

A beat.

“Why?”

“Just because I’m not a unicorn doesn’t mean I don’t have an interest. Besides, it’s not like pegasi and earth ponies don’t have their own magic.” Spitfire fixed her with a sly smirk. “I seem to recall you had a rather healthy knowledge of flight aspects and how to work an anemometer before you ever got these beauties.” Her feathers ran softly over Twilight’s, tickling and teasing her primaries.

Oh gosh! Twilight had to bite her lip to stifle a gasp, but couldn’t quite keep the squeak out of her voice. “It’s always been an interest!” she replied in a rush.

“I understand. And magic is something that fascinates me—even though I don’t get to study it as often as I’d like. More of a hobby, I suppose.” Another nudge of her shoulder, and a waggle of her brows. “But if all goes well tonight, I’ll have a chance to read your work, so I’ve got something to look forward to!”

“If you’re interested, I don’t see why not,” Twilight replied, half focused on the words, half on the light brushing against the tip of her tail. Warm and close. I could reach over and touch her hoof… or run my feathers over hers… “I’d be happy to share a bit.”

Grinning, Spitfire nodded. “Definitely. Now, I’m curious. You mentioned these hobbies of yours—“ her sly smirk was back in place, she leaned closer, almost touching snouts “—but not a single mention of singing practice! I know you’ve gotta put in some work to have a voice Canterlotters still talk about!”

Twilight snorted. She threw back her head and laughed. “Back to singing again?” she teased. “Thought you weren’t going to press the issue!”

“I can’t help it! Your voice just sounds too nice when talking.” She furrowed her brows, adopting a stern look akin to one Shining used on his recruits. “Clearly, you’re forcing my hoof, Princess. I’m afraid I’m a mare who can only resist temptation for so long.”

Another laugh, her shoulders shook as she gave Spitfire a feeble shove. “Oh, go away, you cheeky mare!”

“Nope!” Spitfire quickly looped a hoof around hers, and tugged her forward.

Twilight let out a squeak as she was pulled into a hug. Her feathers ruffled as she found her chest pressed against Spitfire’s, their snouts touched together. She fought the urge to lick her lips again. I could just lean forward, tilt to the side a little, and… Not yet.

Soft yellow feathers ghosted over hers. Spitfire unfurled her wings, slowly, almost playfully, wrapping them around Twilight.

A shuddering gasp escaped her lips. Oh my gosh, they are soft! She arched her back, and pressed herself snugly against Spitfire’s barrel.

“How’s that?” Spitfire whispered huskily. “Soft as you thought?”

Shaking her head, Twilight managed to stammer out, “B-Better! You m-must preen very, very well!”

“Thanks, hon. I do my best—proper wing care is as important as brushing your teeth, in my book.” She pulled back a bit to look Twilight over, an odd smile played on her lips. Not quite teasing or sly, more warm and affectionate.

One mare looking fondly at another.

Chuckling, she drew closer. “Look at us—up on a cloud, all alone, with my wings wrapped around you. All we need is a wicked dragon laying defeated nearby and me vowing my undying love and devotion, and we’re a regular Whirlwind and Maple!”

Twilight’s feathers ruffled and fluffed, warmth flowed through her—from the ends of her feathers to her chest, from her cheeks to the tips of her ears. Likening us to their story… After that came the…

She felt Spitfire shift her hooves up, wrapping and resting them lightly on the back of her neck.

Oh gosh…

“Still want that kiss, hon?”

“Yes,” she replied, without hesitation.

“First time?”

A single shake of her head. “A colt kissed me under the mistletoe at school, and another mare kissed me in Ponyville, but she was drunk…”

“No worries. I’ll just try to make our first special,” she purred. “Ready?”

Twilight nodded.

“Okay. Take a deep breath—“

She breathed in through her snout.

“—tilt your head to your right—your other right, hon!”

Oh gosh, it’s happening!

“—pucker your lips a little—“

She licked her lips. Butterflies danced in her stomach. Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh!

“—close your eyes, and here we go.”

Soft lips pressed against hers. Twilight felt her heart leap into her throat, time seemed to slow down as she gave in to the kiss.

Warmth. Spitfire’s breath on her face, their soft coats touching and rubbing against one another, a lock of fiery orange mane tickling between her eyes. So intimate, but so innocent—a chaste kiss, rather similar to the one under the mistletoe all those years ago. But with so much more in it.

Special.

Spitfire broke away, ending the kiss all too soon. She drew back and fixed Twilight with a grin. “So, that about what you expected earlier, hon?”

Her hooves trembled, Twilight slowly let her hooves wander up Spitfire’s chest, running over the smooth, ironed uniform and touching the well-polished medals. She licked her lips, Spitfire’s taste and a hint of the rainbow mixer still fresh on them.

More.

Those old books, conversations with Cadence, and Rarity gossiping with the girls flitted through her mind. When lovers kissed, it was a lot more than the chaste kisses of foalhood puppy love. Deeper, more sensual…

Passionate.

Is that what they were? Lovers? No, Spitfire said this was a tryout of sorts—feeling each other out.

Feel it out. “Not quite,” she whispered. Drawing close, she gave a tiny smile, snaking her hooves around Spitfire’s neck before giving one sudden, quick pull. Capturing Spitfire’s lips, Twilight tilted her head further and pressed herself closer.

Her hooves wrapped tighter, she unfurled her wings just enough to touch against the insides of Spitfire’s, lightly teasing against them. A snug embrace, warm, hooves wrapped tight, and feathers touching—just like pegasus love stories. Next came deepening the kiss… somehow…

She could feel Spitfire grinning into the kiss, and a little snort through her snout. One hoof pulled tighter against the back of her neck as Spitfire reciprocated, while the other slid up to cradle her head.

Slowly, playfully, Spitfire opened her mouth and drew her lips against Twilight’s—tickling, massaging, a sensation so unfamiliar but so very pleasant.

Just like all those love stories said, just like Cadence said.

Twilight sighed through her snout, giving a hum of content from the back of her throat. Breathtaking, that was the word. Her chest filled with warmth, as if her heart were alight with the fire that danced in Spitfire’s eyes. Wonderful. Better than I ever imagined.

Breaking the kiss, she smiled brightly at Spitfire, stealing a quick peck to her nose like she’d seen Shining do with Cadence so many times before.

Crossing her eyes, Spitfire wrinkled her muzzle, before grinning broadly. No words were needed, she caught the hint.

Continue.

Spitfire placed a hoof on her chest and lightly pushed, leaning with her to slowly lay her back upon the soft, fluff of cloud. She pushed forward with her hind legs until her chest laid atop Twilight’s. Deftly slipping her hoof out from under Twilight’s head, she cupped her cheeks and closed the distance.

Warm, soft, the taste of rainbow mixer. Spitfire’s hot breath washing over her muzzle.

Twilight let her eyes flutter shut, and tilted her head back. Again, she felt Spitfire’s lips drawing over hers, the light suckling as teasing and playful as the mare atop her. And then there was something else—something warm and wet ran slowly over her top lip, poking and coaxing them open. Curious, she parted her lips, and let out a squeak of surprise when it quickly slid inside and touched against her tongue.

Hers. Her tongue.

Slowly, gently, Spitfire’s tongue massaged against hers—playfully stroking along the side until Twilight maneuvered to meet it, and then slipping it beneath.

The brilliant spice mixing with smooth strawberry of the rainbow mixer they’d shared, and an unfamiliar taste, unique to Spitfire. Indescribable, like nothing she’d ever sampled before.

But it was good. Whatever it was—this taste of Spitfire—she wanted more, so much more!

She opened her mouth as wide as she could, and pulled Spitfire in tighter. More. Deeper. Twilight timidly poked at Spitfire’s tongue with hers, imitating the way she stroked and teased all the way until she brushed against Spitfire’s lips.

A low hum, a sign of content. Spitfire pressed down upon her and stepped over, straddling her waist. Her hooves trailed down Twilight’s chest, around to massage the joints and muscles where her wings met her back. Another grin, a breathy chuckle through her snout as Twilight arched her back and squealed.

So warm, so close—closer than ever. Twilight felt her eyes roll back into her head as Spitfire found a spot at the base of her tongue to tease. Hooves all over… Breathtaking.

Unclasping her hooves, Twilight let them wander over Spitfire’s body—down her chest, trailing to her sides on their way toward the end of the navy Wonderbolts uniform, searching for those flame lick cutie marks on either flank—

But Spitfire cut her off at the pass, grinning into the kiss and giving a little “Ah, ah, ah!” into her mouth. She pulled back, licking her lips to clean off the tiny strand of drool connecting them, and shook her head. “I appreciate the initiative, but no.”

Twilight laid her ears against her scalp, ducking her head until her chin touched her chest. “Too far?”

“For me? No, I’m cool with it if you are, but that’s a ‘no fly zone’ out here, hon,” Spitfire scolded playfully, giving a meaningful look about the skyline. “We’re nice and alone right now, but that doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way for too long. Never know when another couple on a nighttime flight might come up with a similar idea—believe me, there’s nothing more awkward than that.”

She untucked her chin, flicking an ear at the wording. A question came unbidden to the forefront of her mind, curiosity at the experience. Not my place, Twilight scolded, giving herself a mental slap. Those memories and relationships are her own business, prying would be rude.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight mumbled weakly. “I got carried away…”

“Happens to the best of us,” Spitfire replied, leaning forward to steal a kiss to her nose. She gave an uneasy smile, her ears drooped. “In all fairness, I probably shouldn’t have kissed you like that, Twilight.” She sighed and shook her head. “Out in the open like this, and probably too fast—“

A purple hoof shot forward and covered her mouth. Twilight looked off to the side. “I—No. I liked it. A lot.” Far more than you know.

“You’re sure?” Though she wasn’t looking, she could feel Spitfire’s quizzical gaze on her. Searching her.

Twilight turned back and gave a weak nod. “It was… fun. It felt good, and you were… brilliant.”

Spitfire smiled and shook her head again. “You’re too sweet for your own good, hon.” Leaning forward, she nosed against Twilight’s cheek, and stole a light, fluffy kiss before settling in to lay her head on Twilight’s shoulder.

A frown marred Twilight’s muzzle, her grip on Spitfire’s waistline held firm. The night was just too perfect, so very much like all the stories and talks she sat through.

“Out in the open like this…”

If only they weren’t in the open, she could have more of the same. More kisses, falling asleep in Spitfire’s embrace, and waking up together in the morning.

But leaving their cloud bed meant letting go of each other to fly. A short flight if they returned to Canterlot, but still robbing her that precious warmth and Spitfire’s rhythmic breathing.

Her ears perked up. Unless… A bright smile split her muzzle, they didn’t have to let go at all! She had just the spell for a situation like this!

“Spitfire?”

“Hmm?”

“Could you do me a favor and close your eyes?”

Spitfire raised her head, regarding her with a quizzical stare. “Uh, why?”

“Just trust me. Please?” She pushed her lip out and widened her eyes, her very best pouty face.

With a chuckle and a roll of her eyes, Spitfire replied, “Hon, you have no idea how many ponies have tried that face on me. But—“ she kissed Twilight’s nose “—if it’d make you happy, sure.” She closed her eyes, and mocked trying to look around. “Well, the lights are out! What next, hon?” Twilight fought back a giggle of her own as she lit her horn, her magenta aura engulfed both of them. “Hang on, I hear something. I know that sound—are you casting?”

“Yes. On the count of three, take a deep breath and hold on tight.

“Wait a minute, what spell?

“Teleportation! One—” I wonder if she’s done this before.

“Teleportation—huh?” Her brows furrowed. “Why?”

“Privacy! Two!”

“Oh! Oh!” A bright blush tinged Spitfire’s muzzle, her tongue ran across her lips. “Hon, if you’re joshing me, that’s just mean.”

Twilight leaned forward, brushing her lips against Spitfire’s and holding for a moment. She drew back and whispered, “Not a chance, hon. I mean it. Hold on tight, take a deep breath.”

Spitfire grinned and laid down on her chest, wrapping her hooves tighter as she took in a deep breath through her nose.

Unfurling her wings, Twilight wrapped Spitfire up and held her close. So warm. “Three!” In a brilliant flash of magenta, the mares blinked out of existence.

The deep blue of the night sky gave way to bleached white walls, a high arching ceiling, and a tall, paned window. For a second, there was nothing—no cloud fluff holding her, just herself, Spitfire, and dead air.

She squeaked in surprised when they dropped, landing with a soft whomp on the mattress, plumes of dust sent flying into the air by their landing.

Off target! Shoot! “Sorry!”

Pushing herself up, Spitfire grinned. “Are you kidding? That was a heck of a rush! I mean—holy—“ she looked around the room as if checking to make sure it was real “—we went from middle of the sky to… er…” Bringing a hoof up, she covered her mouth, her muzzle wrinkled. “An old library or something? Why’s there a bed here?”

Huh? Dust tickled her nose, she wrinkled her muzzle and gave a snort to try to clear out her sinuses. What in Equestria? “No, I was aiming for my bed, where did—oh, darn it!” Twilight brought a hoof to her forehead. “This is my old room!”

“No worries, hon.” Spitfire’s soft lips pressed against her forehead, lingering a moment before she pulled away. Sparing another quick glance around the room, she smiled. “Little bit of dust—“ she waggled her brows playfully “—but a nice place. Student days?”

“Yeah. I lived here before Celestia had me move to Ponyville—she gave it to me when I continued on in graduate school.”

“Nice! But, if you don’t mind, too much dust kinda messes with my sinuses…”

“Oh! Yes, of course! Hang on!” Twilight closed her eyes and drew in a deep, calming breath. Ignore her warmth, focus. Destination is the suite in the south tower that Celestia gave me for my visits, bedroom—preferably on the bed, not above it. “Okay, ready?”

Spitfire settled down on top of Twilight again, nodding into her chest. “Go for it, hon.”

“All right. One, two, thr—“ just as she finished, Spitfire quickly darted up and cheekily kissed her on the nose “—eep!”

Her horn flashed, the dusty old room disappeared in a burst of magenta. Vertigo, the feeling of falling onto the soft, Celestia-sized mattress. Soft pink walls, a high arching ceiling, and drapes matching her coat.

Frowning, Twilight fixed Spitfire with a narrowed-eyed stare. “You distracted me!”

“Just giving you a little bit of training, help with that focus!” Dotting her muzzle with another kiss, Spitfire sat back and gave a low whistle. “One of the Royal Suites?” She rubbed her eyes, before taking a second look to confirm the sight. “Quite the setup you’ve got!”

“Thanks. Celestia had it prepared for my stay.” Twilight sat up with her, their chests touched together again. “So… here we are,” she said lamely.

Spitfire laid her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, her grin falling to an affectionate smile. “Here we are,” she purred in reply, her eyes alight with mischief again. Her hooves snaked around Twilight’s neck again, pulling her in close.

Hot breath washed over her face, the scent of rainbow mixer, so strong she could almost taste it—and that of Spitfire’s mouth.

Unbidden, her tongue ran along her lips. More. But how to get more? Just go for it, like Rainbow Dash might say? Or be coy, like Cadence and Rarity, and set the bait for Spitfire? There certainly wasn’t the time to buy flowers and gifts as Shining had done—besides, she didn’t even know the sort of things Spitfire liked outside of old legends, dancing, the study of magic, and, apparently, herself.

Not to mention a want to hear her sing.

Before she could give voice to her thoughts, Spitfire caught her in a warm kiss—chaste and sweet like their first, but with something a bit more. The way Spitfire pressed her lips against hers, how one hoof cradled her head while the other drifted up to stroke at the back of her mane, the ticklish sensation of those magnificent golden feathers brushing against hers, it all sent Twilight on a flight above the clouds, without a care in the world!

A bit of daring, she parted her lips and let her tongue run along Spitfire’s—just as the older mare had done before.

Spitfire hummed appreciatively and opened her mouth wide, tilting her head to the left and pressing in close. Her tongue darted out to meet Twilight’s, the tastes still strong.

Rainbow mixer and Spitfire. Unique, and tasty, she thought. Her hooves leapt to Spitfire’s side, just beneath her wings, trailing downward again.

But she stopped at Spitfire’s waist. She said no before. Twilight brought her hooves around to the front, toward the mare’s chest. The thick uniform fabric felt almost unpleasant—the warmth and soft coat hidden beneath such an inconvenient, cumbersome piece.

Twilight broke the kiss. She panted, her breath mixing with Spitfire’s. Laying her hoof on the uniform and giving a little tug against one of the buttons, she asked, “Can I?”

“Just don’t pop the buttons!” Spitfire said before pulling her in for another kiss, her warm tongue in Twilight’s mouth, exploring every bit it could reach. Her hooves trailed down Twilight’s back, one stopping to play with her sash, the other continued on down the small of her back.

Oh gosh! She squeaked into the kiss as Spitfire’s hoof neared her dock, circling under and coaxing her tail up. Warm, almost burning beneath her coat, her very being.

Her hooves fumbled over the buttons—she didn’t dare use magic, lest she just tear the uniform off Spitfire in her haste. A shudder ran through her as the hem of her dress was lifted, the cool air teased her burning thighs.

That warm tongue, the passion and hunger in Spitfire’s kiss, the sudden looseness of her dress as the sash came undone, and a hoof slowly pulling her dress up over her waist—Twilight blocked it out as best she could and finally managed to get one button free.

Too long! Her horn flashed. The front of Spitfire’s uniform tore open, gold buttons popped out of their seams. Her hooves leapt to the soft yellow coat. Warm. So very warm.

Spitfire gasped, her tongue retreated into her mouth as she broke the kiss. “You bad girl,“ she growled playfully. “I thought we agreed no popping my buttons.”

“I’m sorry, but…” Twilight’s ears laid flat against her head. “They were being difficult.”

“Were they now?” Spitfire drew close, kissing her nose, then moving to her cheek, pressing forward and bringing her muzzle up toward her ear, trailing kisses and affectionate licks along the way.

Hot breath tickled Twilight’s ear. She bit her lip to stifle the whimper in the back of her throat, her eyes crossed and fluttered shut as Spitfire licked along the outside of her ear. Her wings were coaxed through the slits in her dress, the hem reached her chest.

“I’m gonna have to make you pay for that, hon,” Spitfire whispered, before nipping at Twilight’s ear. “Four buttons, four cute little squeaks.”

Another slow lick, and a fluffy kiss. The hem of her dress pulled over her head, a swish through the air as Rarity’s masterpiece was tossed unceremoniously to the carpet.

Twilight felt a firm hoof push against her chest, gently guiding her to lay down. Her back met with the soft mattress once again, her head lay against plush pillows. Oh, Celestia, this is happening! She took a deep breath through her nose and let her lips curve into a broad grin.

The raging inferno beneath her skin spurred her on. Twilight splayed her wings, gazing up at Spitfire through half-lidded eyes as she slowly licked her lips and held her hooves open.

Chuckling, Spitfire touched Twilight’s hind hoof, and slowly ran a fore hoof down her inner thigh, gently coaxing them open. “Dear Celestia, where have you been all my life?” she asked as she lowered herself on top of Twilight.

Muzzle to muzzle again, nosing together, they held each other close. Twilight wracked her brain desperately—none of her books, none of her chats with Cadence or her friends told her where to go from here. Certainly, she knew what, but how to get there was beyond her.

Spitfire’s smile fell. “You okay? You look a little lost, Twilight.”

Oh shoot! A shake of her head. “I’m f-fine! Just, well, you see, this is… that is to say…” Her hooves trembled. “It’s my first time going this far,” she mumbled.

“Do you want to stop?” She made to object, but Spitfire placed a hoof over her mouth. “Being serious, not playing. Look me in the eye, Twilight Sparkle, and be honest with me—more importantly, be honest with yourself. Do you really want this right now?”

“I do!” Twilight blurted. “I just—I don’t really, er…” She bit her lip, her ears drooped. “I don’t know how to do this—or go about getting to the point where I can do this with a pony. And I want—I really like everything tonight, and I really like you!”

Spitfire nodded solemnly, propping her hooves on either side of Twilight’s head. “I know, I feel the same, Twilight. It’s your first time going this far—if I’m your first, I want it to be special, not something we both regret.”

Though her words seemed strong, there was a flicker of something else in Spitfire’s eyes. Desire, still there, but mixed with anxiety—she really was worried.

Her jaw set. I’m not second guessing this time! Before Spitfire could move away, Twilight darted forward and wrapped her hooves around her shoulders. “Tonight has been special,” she whispered, stealing a quick kiss. “I met a wonderful mare, who says the nicest things, teaches me how to flirt and play, and teases me until I tackle her to the clouds and demand a kiss—I want this, Spitfire. I-I want you. Every bit of you.”

A hoof slid beneath Twilight’s chin, softly caressing. “You’re sure?”

She smiled and stole another kiss. “Please, Spitfire. I want this, I don’t know how to do any of this, but I want it so badly!”

“All right,” Spitfire said with a nod, her smile back in place. Her hoof slid up to touch Twilight’s cheek. “I’ll lead, but—“ she held up her free hoof “—there’s one rule, okay?”

“What’s that?”

“If, for whatever reason, you start to have second thoughts, you speak up. No hiding it, no thinking I’ll get angry and going for my sake—it’s for both of us, or neither of us. Deal?” With no alternative, Twilight nodded. “Good girl! Now, that said, we need a word… Oh! Red! That’s it! If you wanna stop, say ‘red’!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, cocking her head to the side. “Why red?”

Grinning, Spitfire pressed their lips together, a warm kiss, playful and sincere as ever. But before Twilight could return it, she pulled back and licked her muzzle. “Because code red means bad things in the military—“ she placed a hoof on Twilight’s chest, gently pushing her back again “—and for the Bolts, it means one of us is about to crash.”

Twilight let out a shuddering gasp and spread her legs wider so Spitfire could lay belly-to-belly on top of her, wrapping around the older mare’s waist. Oh gosh yes… please!

Spitfire drew in close, nosing beneath her chin. “I don’t want to make us crash, Twilight—but I need you to be my wingpony, here. If I’m about to send us down, you gotta let me know. You’re the most important member of my team, got it?”

“Yes, ma’am!” Twilight replied breathily. “Wingpony Twilight Sparkle reporting for duty!”

“You’re too cute.” Without further ado, she drew back just enough to catch Twilight in another kiss.

The warm tongue flicked against her lips. There was no hesitance this time—she parted her lips, happily welcoming Spitfire’s tongue into her mouth with her own. The warmth, the taste, the very scent of the mare atop her ignited the fire within her chest.

More.

Feathers met soft, purple coat, stroking and teasing. Twilight moaned into the kiss, and arched her back. The fire burning within so warm, begging for more. Her hooves slid down Spitfire’s sides, all the way down to the flame lick cutie mark adorning those shapely flanks. Taught muscles, but soft to the touch, begging to be squeezed and massaged.

As hypnotic now as it had been in the ballroom.

Spitfire’s sudden, sharp inhale made her grin against the kiss, the perfect chance to sneak her tongue across into enemy territory and sample that delectable taste again.

But just as soon as she pressed her advantage, Spitfire’s wing traced the inside of her left thigh, its slow, tickling touch sent shivers through her body. A squeal tore from her throat, her hooves gripped Spitfire’s bottom like a lifeline.

Spitfire chuckled throatily, drawing back to whisper in her ear, “You liked my wings back in the ballroom and up on that cloud—you’re gonna love ‘em in about a minute. And this is just the warmup act, rookie. I want you all loosened up and ready for the big show so you can bring your A game!”

Twilight let her head rest against Spitfire’s chest, the rise and fall of her lover’s body as she breathed relaxing, like a metronome slowly lulling her to sleep. The fire within died down to a calm flame, still warming her very being, but sated. For the first time in her life, she felt…

Euphoric? Was that the proper word?

The scent of sweat and sex hung thick on the air. Her coat still wet from waist down, and her muzzle dampened with the taste of Spitfire and… Spitfire clinging to it.

Her tongue darted out to lick around her lips, that wetness, the sweet taste, the feeling of Spitfire’s warm body atop hers—grinding, moaning, hooves, mouths, and wings all over one another, lost to their most basic instincts.

“That was—you…” she began, placing a soft kiss on Spitfire’s fluffy chest “… no words. I know no words for it.”

Chuckling, Spitfire kissed the top of her mane, right near her horn. “Me? You jumped straight from rookie to a full-fledged wingpony tonight, Twilight. Bit rough at first, and very messy all throughout—“ a pause, Twilight suspected she was licking her lips to taste the dampness around her own muzzle “—but you came into your own quite nicely.”

Twilight giggled at the word choice and tiredly threw in, “And then I came!”

A snort, Spitfire placed a hoof on the back of Twilight’s mane and gave an affectionate tussle. “Yes, you did. And I did, too.” Silence, Twilight could feel her shifting around as if looking. “Hmm, we did make quite a mess. You wanna take a shower before we call it a night, or—“

“Too tired,” she mumbled in reply, snuggling into the warm chest. “Don’t think I could move anyway.”

“Fair enough. Go ahead and go to sleep, hon.” Soft feathers ghosted over her sides as Spitfire wrapped her up again.

“No blankets?”

“They’re wet and on the floor, and after that little magic display of yours in the second round, I think body heat will be quite enough.” Another kiss to the top of her head, this time closer to her ears. “I’m certainly not complaining.” Her hoof began to softly stroke at Twilight’s mane. Spitfire began to hum a soft, lilting melody, timing her strokes to the song.

With a smile, Twilight nodded into her companion’s chest. “Okay.” Planting one last kiss, she closed her eyes, and let the soothing strokes of Spitfire’s hoof calm her.

But something about the melody nagged at her. Something from one of her culture studies classes. Where was it from?

“Spitfire?”

“Hmm?”

“The song. Where’s it from?”

“Mustangia, hon” Twilight could hear the smile in her voice, one she came to match as she again felt Spitfire’s lips press against her mane. “Ma used to hum it to me whenever I had trouble sleeping. You, er, don’t mind, do you?”

She shook her head, yawning into Spitfire’s coat. “No. It’s really nice of you to share it.”

“My pleasure. Close your eyes and get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning, Twilight.”

Twilight sighed in content and let her eyelids droop shut, the melody and soft caress of Spitfire’s hoof set her adrift to the realm of dreams, thoughts of a wonderful night shared with an even more wonderful mare lingered in her mind.

Interlude 1. What a Dream

The high arching ceiling looked down upon her, the skin beneath her coat burned like a raging inferno. Every breath came in a desperate, needing pant, Twilight moaned and laid her head to the side. Each nip at her felt tipped ear, the trailing wetness of Spitfire’s tongue along the outer edges, and each and every fluffy kiss drove her back to the edge.

“Tell me,” Spitfire purred, nipping at her ear, “how was your first time, hon?”

She tried to lift her hooves off the bed, but her muscles failed her. Every inch of her body tingled with ecstasy, that raging inferno begging for more.

“W-Wonderful!” Twilight said in a whimper. She gave an insistent roll of her hips, pressing herself against Spitfire. Her tongue felt dry, like it was sticking to the roof of her mouth. The words wouldn’t form on her lips.

Spitfire drew away from playing with her ear, beaming as she kissed Twilight’s lips. “Ready for round two?”

Round two? She thought though her euphoric haze, a goofy grin split her muzzle. Humming, she flicked her tail against Spitfire’s, and returned the kiss with her own. “Please!” she whispered huskily. “Please, more!”

Another kiss, lingering longer and with a warm tongue running against her lips. Spitfire broke it, her lips still brushing against Twilight’s as she spoke, “Well, then, let’s kick it up a notch. This time, I think I’ll skip the feathers and hooves, and just go right to the main course!” Her hooves wandered down Twilight’s back, trailing along her wings. “Ready for takeoff?”

A shuddering breath. Twilight arched her back, mewling at the light touch of hooves on her wings. “Y-Yes!” she gasped. “Please, yes!”

Chuckling, Spitfire gave a slow, playful lick from her chin to the tip of her snout. With one last kiss, and a little nip at her lips, she began sliding herself back, her eyes locked with Twilight’s as she slowly crawled backwards.

Kisses, licks, nibbling all the way. Slowly, torturously, Spitfire gave no quarter and left no bit of her go unloved. Her hooves and feathers were seemingly everywhere, caressing every bit of Twilight’s body, stoking the fire raging within.

Twilight bit her lip to withhold a squeal, her eyes squeezed shut. “S-S-Spitfire!”

Hot breath washed over her waistline, a pair of hooves wrapped around her legs and gently pulled them apart. Spitfire gave a low hum and let her tongue trail along the rest of the way, drawing closer and closer.

Twilight hissed, rolling her hips as if to entice the mare to go faster. Her tail swished back and forth, brushing shamelessly against the silky, wildfire.

“Mmm, somepony’s ready,” Spitfire purred. She lingered over Twilight’s belly, her breath teasing until Twilight’s skin burned and ached with want. “Beg for it,” she ordered, the sly grin evident in her voice.

A whine tore from her throat. Twilight rolled her hips again, her tail swished insistently against Spitfire’s. “Please!” she whimpered. “I-I need you!”

A soft kiss sent electricity through her body. “Do you now?” Spitfire’s tongue tickled her belly, her body went rigid, a throaty moan echoed off the walls. “Mmm, how badly?”

Twilight bit her lip and tried to growl, but it came out as more of a needy squeak than anything. “I-I-I can’t—You make me feel like I could fly forever! I need you like I need magic—Spitfire, please!”

Flat teeth nipped at her, a little twist drew a squeal from the back of her throat. She was ready, already at the edge, just waiting for Spitfire to allow her to spread her wings and fly away to the very peaks of ecstasy once again.

Mercifully, Spitfire ceased her teasing and continued on toward her destination.

Twilight threw her head back to let loose a deep, throaty moan as the gentle suckling began in earnest. Her forehooves scrambled against the mattress for purchase, her lower half pinned by Spitfire’s strong hooves, leaving her helpless to the sensations coursing through her body.

As the world around her faded to a blur of passion and pleasure, there was a flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye. Something midnight blue and twinkling like the night sky…

The scene changed. Soft pink walls became midnight blue, purple curtains faded into a sky blue matching the mane of its occupant when she was a little filly, and the open bed with plush purple pillows was gone, a more ornate, gothic inspired structure with dozens of pillows in its place.

A blue coated hoof reached up to rub at her forehead. Luna blinked, shaking her head as if to rid her mind of the scene crafted by Twilight’s dream realm. The beautiful blue dress laying on the floor, tangled with Spitfire’s Wonderbolt officer uniform, the sash hung haphazardly over the lampshade.

And Twilight…

Don’t think of it, she scolded herself. ’Tis a normal thing for a mare to desire such company, nothing out of the usual. That she found such attraction to Captain Spitfire only speaks of how well her evening went. It means nothing more, nothing less. She slid out of bed, her horn alight with a teal glow as she wrapped her magic around the bell and gave it a ring.

Still, the vision came unbidden to the forefront of her mind. Their youngest and newest princess—her friend—laid flat on her back, mewling and moaning, whimpering for Spitfire to give her more. And Spitfire was only too happy to oblige her.

Stomping a hoof into the floor, she snorted. “That dream was not for me to see, stop thinking of it.”

Such matters were private, for the dreamer and their lover alone. Princess Luna walked through the dreamscapes of her ponies to protect them from the horrors created by their own minds—their fears, their doubts, even hurtful words from others.

The fantasies of a pair of healthy mares who had been enjoying one another’s company before they slipped out of the ballroom were hardly her business. That one was her friend only made things more personal.

“Princess?” her seneschal’s voice called through the door. “May I enter?”

Rolling her eyes, Luna lit up her horn once more and opened the door to reveal a unicorn mare of navy coat and soft pink mane. “When I ring the bell, the request for you to enter is understood, my dear Midnight Bliss. As I have surely told you a thousand times.”

Midnight Bliss smiled. “You have, Princess. But I like to ask out of respect.”

“Much appreciated, of course.” Luna coughed awkwardly, flicking her tail as the scene played out before her again. “If you wouldn’t mind, I would very much appreciate a warm cup of tea. No sugar or cream.”

“No sugar or cream?” Midnight repeated, blinking in surprise. “Is everything okay, Princess?”

Waving her off with a hoof, Luna offered a smile. “Worry not, my dear. Just a dream that I should’ve vacated a bit sooner. A private one, if you understand my meaning.” Seeing the slight widening of her eyes and her mouth forming a little ‘o’, she nodded. “Yes, one of those.”

Midnight bowed low. “At once, Princess. Shall I have the girls run a bath for you as well?”

“Please do. With the jasmine scented salts. I feel a bit of meditation is in order.”

As Midnight turned and trotted off, Luna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her mind wandered off to the little plan Celestia had come to her with. Playing matchmaker with Twilight. She wrinkled her muzzle. Not the strangest thing she’s done, but rather odd that she should be so interested. I should think it more Cadence’s cup of tea.

Shrugging, she trotted from her bedroom and made for her private bath. “Well, that plan worked,” she mused. “I shall have to see what came of this in the real world, and temper my response based upon the results.”

Hopefully, I will be able to congratulate Twilight on her newfound companionship, and wish them both the best of luck in their time together.

3. Morning in Canterlot Shimmers

3. Morning in Canterlot Shimmers

Twilight stirred, letting out a happy, sleepy sigh into her pillow. Never before had she felt so good in the morning, so fulfilled.

And yet, she hadn’t the slightest intention of moving from her spot in bed. The warmth, her body against Spitfire’s, that taste, how lovingly those hooves caressed her body as Spitfire whispered sweet nothings into her ear, and then lulled her to sleep with that lullaby.

What a wonderful night, she thought, her feathers fluffed up. I take back everything I ever told Cadence when I used to hide in the library during school dances!

It was as if she had enough magic in her to juggle the sun and moon for days on end without breaking a sweat. Or like she could just float through the sky, like a fluffy cloud on the eastern winds.

No, wonderful wasn’t the word. There simply wasn’t anything to describe it. Shaky at first, but with a patient, loving guide, it was better than she could ever imagine.

Staying in bed after a night like the last, curled up warm and snug with her pillows seemed like a dream. Almost as good as the one she’d awoken from.

Too bad it ended before the good part. A goofy grin played upon her lips, she squeezed her thighs together and gave her tail a merry swish. The memory of how it felt, those feathers teasing and tickling her thighs, Spitfire’s tongue lapping at her core. Her entire body felt as though it had been refreshed, like she’d never been so complete.

Yes, staying in bed and just reflecting on the night before was a lovely idea.

Like a bolt from the blue, her schedule came unbidden to the forefront of her mind. Breakfast with the girls, the princesses, and Shining Armor. Get up.

She gave a low whine, trying feebly to push her more rational side away. “Just a few more minutes. I’ll make it in time!”

But I promised, she scolded herself. Get up, shower, get some coffee, and go to breakfast. Spend time with my friends and family, as planned.

Her smile ran away from her muzzle. True, she did have plans. Much like she had plans the night before, but she went against them and the evening turned out better than she could possibly imagine.

I promised.

Another whine. Twilight lit up her horn, feeling around for the edge of the comforter with her magic. Nothing. Wrinkling her muzzle, she rolled over onto her back and cracked open her eyes. With a little wince at morning sun’s assault on her poor eyes, she peered toward her bed to find her lower half decidedly uncovered—her coat from waist down was matted, some of it a bit sticky as she wiggled her legs to work out the kinks, and her tail seemed a bit frazzled.

No blanket. Had she kicked it off at some point during the night?

Twilight sat up abruptly, peering over the edge to find the comforter laying in a crumpled heap, looking oddly damp. Perplexed, she ran a hoof over the bed, her sheets cold and wet to the touch.

She gave a cautious sniff. Sweat and something else, musty, a bit sweet, and familiar. A scent she’d smelled on Shining Armor when he’d come home from a few dates with Cadence, grinning like the cat who caught the canary—evidence to a bit of sexual activity, as she would later realize.

The realization cut through her haze, her eyes went wide. Sex? That scent in my room—I actually had sex last night! The full weight came down on her shoulders, her heart raced as memories flashed through her mind.

Greeting guests. Spitfire walking up to chat with them. Celestia asking her to accompany Spitfire to the Gala. Drinking rainbow mixers and flirting. Following Spitfire out of the ballroom, her eyes lingering on the yellow-coated rump and swishing orange tail. Flying to meet Spitfire on the clouds for a talk and kissing. Lots of kissing. More than she’d ever had before, and, by the stars, moon, and sun, did she want more.

We came back to the suite, she thought. We had sex. She coached me, and she was gentle and sweet, and we fell asleep together!

She looked left and right, searching for her nighttime partner, her heart slowly sinking into the pit of her stomach. Twilight was alone in bed. Naught but the scent of their activities, her hazy memory, and a couple yellow pinions left atop the sheets remained.

Her ears swiveled back to lay flat against her head. With a trembling hoof, Twilight reached out to take hold of one of the feathers as if to make certain it were real.

The light brush of feather against her hoof made her blood run cold. It was real. The world came crashing down upon her shoulders. All those things they did together, all the sweet things Spitfire said at the Gala and whispered in her ear, was it all a lie?

She left. Twilight bit her lip and squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back hot, burning tears of fury and humiliation. Just like those ponies Cadence and Rarity warned me about all those times.

All those lectures about not letting herself get wrapped up in the moment or charmed into bed by some “floozy”, lest she allow herself to be hurt should she wake up alone—every time they brought it up, she’d just roll her eyes and say she knew how to take care of herself.

“There’s nothing to worry about, I’d never let myself get trapped in that situation.”

Her own words pierced through her like a lance. She’d done exactly what they warned her not to do at the very first chance.

A scowl marred her muzzle. Twilight drove the hoof holding Spitfire’s feather into the mattress, grinding it as best she could. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” she scolded herself. “You should’ve known! You stupid, air-headed little filly! Why in the name of Celestia’s shining sun would the Captain of the Wonderbolts take an interest in you, other than getting to say she rutted a princess!”

Magic sparked from her horn, the bedside lamp, shattered from a bout of accidental magic the night before, sparked and sizzled. Steam began to rise from the broken shards and frayed wires.

Calm down. She took a deep breath and let her magic recede. The sparking and sizzling stopped, though the smell of burning wires still lingered on the air. You have things to do today, and if you walk around with a scowl on your muzzle, everypony will pester you about it.

Twilight brought her hoof to her chest, inhaling deeply once again. Slowly, she let it go and extended her hoof just as Cadence taught her. Get up, shower, get coffee. Put on a smile and meet the girls. Simple enough. Even if the morning had been sufficiently ruined, the rest of her day was still salvageable.

With one last look at the remains of the broken feather and its intact sister, she gave a derisive snort and rolled out of bed, landing heavily on her hooves. Her mood still sour, she made to walk to the bathroom, but something new caught her eye.

Lying just a short distance away in a crumpled heap, entangled with the lovely dress Rarity had custom made for her to wear, was Spitfire’s officer uniform—with all of its medals still attached, and golden buttons missing from her efforts to rid the mare of the cumbersome article.

Her scowl returned in full. Lovely. I get another parting gift for the evening. I suppose I should expect a bill for uniform repairs as well. Scoffing, she continued onward to the bathroom door. “If that mare even thinks of trying it, she’s got another thing coming! I’m half a mind to tell Princess Celestia the Wonderbolts can afford to take a rather hefty cut in their—no. Can’t do that.” Bad. Don’t let personal feelings get in the way of being a proper, just ruler. “Well … I’ll just throw the stupid thing back in her face and tell her to fix it herself!”

Much better! And a perfectly reasonable response to everything! Lighting up her horn, Twilight twisted the doorknob and roughly jerked it open. She stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a loud bang.

Another deep breath, the tension seemed to leave her just a bit. It felt good to get her temper out, even if it was something as simple as slamming the door. Twilight extended her magic out and took hold of the faucets, twisting them and adjusting them to her preferences. Water poured out, slowly heating up until steam rose and filled the bathroom.

This is exactly what I need, she gave a sigh, half-relieved, but still half-angry. Flicking her tail, she stepped in and ducked under the steady stream of hot water.

All the stress, all the aggravation just seemed to run off her as water ran down the back of her neck, over her back and wings, and rolled off her sides. Shampoo floated from its place on the shower rack, then she squeezed a generous bit onto her hooves. Sitting back on her haunches, Twilight began to gently massage it into her mane, the soft repetition like a ritualistic cleansing of body and mind.

Such a stupid mistake. She didn’t change a bit. Frowning, she levitated a scrub brush from its place on the rack and squeezed a bit of shampoo onto the bristles. It’s the same as when she left Soarin’ in the hospital and tried to get Rainbow to join Team Cloudsdale—I’ll bet she made up that whole thing about her ‘aversion’ to being crowded.

The brush froze in mid-scrub. Twilight’s jaw dropped. “She lied to Princess Celestia too! Oooh! That mare!” She scowled. “Oh, when I find her, I’ll give her more than a piece of my mind! Lying to a Crown Princess in order to get help from another Crown Princess, and then playing me like a lyre!”

Just as she readied to launch herself into another tirade, Twilight managed to stop herself and take another breath. Calm down. She’s not worth all this, not if she left me and lied about learning from her mistakes at the qualifiers.

Her thoughts turned to Celestia, how her former teacher might react to this information. She could almost hear her reply, “If this is true, then I owe you my sincerest apologies, Twilight. Rest assured, Captain Spitfire and I will have words—you need not concern yourself with her or myself, though your willingness to rise to my defense is quite heartening in the face of such events …”

Despite her mood, Twilight couldn’t help but laugh to herself. No matter how old she got or how much she grew, Celestia would always look out for her. Almost as though she signed on to have a second mother when she became her personal student.

A second mother who was very busy running the country, and shouldn’t have to take time to fix her former student’s relationship woes.

Giving a resolute nod, Twilight shut off the water and placed the scrub brush back on the rack. “I can fight my own battles, I’m a big mare now.” With a flick of her magic, she was dried off. She stepped out of the shower, trotting over to the sink to look herself in the mirror.

Mane and coat cleaned properly and all evidence of nightly activities gone. Perfect. Her magic wrapped around a brush, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, readying to go through the rest of her morning routine. “Much better, the shower was all I really needed.” She nodded to herself, holding her head proudly. “One little mistake doesn’t change anything about who I am! It’s like Cadence or Rarity would say—her loss if she didn’t stick around!”

Yes, that was the way. If Spitfire wanted to up and leave after the night they shared, then that was her problem. She had no idea what she was missing out on!

A thought occurred. Twilight had to bring a hoof to her lips to stifle a giggle. “Oh, dear, I definitely can’t tell the girls. If Rainbow finds out, she’ll be furious. This makes the third time Spitfire’s ruined her own image.” With a shake of her head, she set about brushing her teeth. I’d have to enlist a squad of guards to make sure the girls didn’t go off and do something silly.

Not to mention what Shining Armor might do.

Giving a visible shudder, she rinsed out her mouth. “It’s one mistake on my part, nothing more. I’ve learned my lesson.” Twilight floated everything back into place and gave herself a quick once over in the mirror. “Move forward and don’t do it again, Twilight. Like a mistake in a lab exercise.”

The weight lifted off her shoulders, Twilight allowed herself a small smile. Today was a new day, after all. For once, she’d have a normal day in her home city, starting with a nice breakfast. Then, perhaps they could all take a walk around town, see a few things the girls were interested in, and meet up with her parents in the afternoon.

Pity dad isn’t one for big parties, he and Pinkie were an absolute terror with bad jokes at my post coronation party. Actually, scratch that. It’s a good thing. I would’ve spent the whole night begging them to stop while mom just laughed. Another shake of her head as she trotted briskly from the bathroom, stepping over the crumpled Wonderbolts uniform on her way out toward the living room and the suite’s kitchenette area.

A familiar scent wafted into her nose. The rich, smooth aroma of freshly brewed coffee made her ears perk right up and put an extra swish in her tail.

Spike must’ve woken up early and come over to her room to help get her moving. Naturally, that meant making coffee to tempt her out of bed.

Twilight made a mental note to do something nice for him later on. Maybe they could go get ice cream at his favorite shop, or go visit Pony Joe again. It’d been awhile since the last time she had one of his special jelly donuts, and Spike had been rather helpful around her new castle lately.

Her mind made up, she turned the corner to the kitchenette, a warm, perky “Good morning, Spike” on the tip of her tongue.

Indeed, somepony was in the kitchen and had been about it for quite some time. A newspaper laid open on the table—the sports section, judging by the pictures. But upon seeing the figure standing by the coffee pot, the greeting died on her lips and all attention was drawn to the mare before her. yellow coat, a flame lick cutie mark adorning each flank, her fiery mane and tail dampened and turned copper, magnificently preened feathers, and a towel hanging around her neck.

Spitfire hadn’t left after all.

Twilight gawked at the pegasus, watching the mare stare at the coffee pot, humming a jaunty tune under her breath. Upon second glance, she noticed Spitfire’s dampened mane hung limp against the back of her neck, highlighting the curves as it reached her toned shoulders.

Not to mention the hypnotic powers that tail seemed to hold over Twilight as it swished side to side to give her a teasing view of those delicious flanks.

Anger, frustration, humiliation all left her. Spitfire wasn’t one of the ponies Cadence and Rarity warned her about, she hadn’t repeated her mistake at the Falls, and Rainbow wouldn’t want to go flying off to give her idol a solid hoof to the face.

Her hoof trembled as Spitfire started a little shuffling step to go with her song, her fiery tail swaying back and forth like a metronome while she bounced to an imaginary beat. Out of uniform, Spitfire was a mare just like her. A flirty, stupidly attractive mare.

And she was standing in her kitchen, humming and doing a little dance without a care in the world as she reached up to open a cabinet and pull out a pair of mugs.

Coffee for two.

Twilight’s feathers fluffed up, the warmth from the night before filled her chest as her tail began to swish in time with Spitfire’s. She stayed, she made coffee, and she pulled down mugs for both of us—she’s waiting for me! Fighting down the urge to squeal and prance in place like she had upon getting her cutie mark, Twilight licked her lips. In a rush, her euphoric state hit her in full force. I’m just so happy I could … I could sing!

It clicked. Her ears stood up straight as a broad grin crossed her muzzle. Spitfire talked all night long about how she wanted to hear Twilight sing—how word had spread all around town, and the military thanks to Shining—that her singing voice was brilliant.

Since Spitfire stuck around and made coffee while giving her a free show, it was only fair that she get a little reward herself.

Humming a little tune of her own to get going, Twilight broke out in song. Spontaneous, unlike most of what she did, the lyrics weren’t planned. Like the night before, whatever came to mind—how happy she was, how wonderful she felt, her relief at finding Spitfire awake and waiting for her, how well-preened those gorgeous wings looked—everything flew passed her lips and into the morning air.

As soon as she started, Spitfire froze, her ears flicked back toward Twilight. Slowly, she turned her head, her bright orange eyes wide and mouth hanging open, the corners tugging upward into a grin.

For once, the more logical side of her, the one that told her when something might be embarrassing and that she should really stop, was quiet. That astonished, exuberant grin spurred her to finish her song, the warmth in her chest mixing with a light, fluffy feeling, as though she were floating on a cloud again.

By the time she finished, Spitfire ruffled her feathers and began trotting toward her, a sway in her hips as she approached. “Well, well, this is a fine ‘Good morning, Spitfire’!” she purred, fixing Twilight with a half-lidded gaze. Spitfire stopped and gave her a soft, affectionate nuzzle. “You realize, now that I’ve heard you sing, I’ll just have Soarin’ distract those friends of yours while Fleet and I take you back to base!”

Giggling, Twilight stole a kiss. “You’d have to get passed my brother and my friends first.”

“I’m in your room, hon.” Another kiss in reply, warm and lingering before Spitfire pulled away, her eyes dancing with mischief. “I could have you trussed up, out the window, and halfway to Cloudsdale before anypony even noticed!”

“Hmm, that sounds like intent to kidnap a princess, you know.” Twilight countered, bringing a hoof to her chin as a playful smirk crossed her muzzle. “I’m sure I could put in a request for you to be imprisoned in my castle in Ponyville for such a heinous crime, with your wings bound so you couldn’t try to fly off …”

Spitfire snorted, her breath washing over Twilight’s face. “Well, then, I guess I’ll have to be good, won’t I?” Stealing one last kiss, she stepped aside and nodded toward the coffee pot. “Coffee’s just about ready. How do you take yours?”

“Cream and one sugar,” she replied automatically, her gaze drifting low as Spitfire trotted over to ready the empty mugs.

Didn’t we just say that was a mistake? She chided herself, giving a mental slap upside her head. Too fast, even if she has set of flanks I could bounce a bit off and—stop it!

Twilight shook herself, seeing Spitfire pull out a spoon and open up the sugar, she fixed a smile on her muzzle. “You don’t have to do it for me.”

“After that musical number of yours, yeah I do,” Spitfire retorted. Casting a glance over her shoulder, she smirked. “Besides, I did kinda owe you for using your shower while you were sleeping—I’d have asked, but you looked way too cute all curled up like that.”

“Th-That’s perfectly fine!” she fought the urge to giggle, the corners of her mouth tugging into a full-blown grin. Fluffing up her feathers, she made her way over to the coffee table in the sitting room and took her seat. “Wait a moment.” Twilight tilted her head. “Didn’t I fall asleep on top of you?”

Snorting, Spitfire nodded. “That you did. You snuggled right up to my chest, let me wrap you up in my wings again, and conked right out.” As she finished, Spitfire deftly picked up each mug in her mouth, one at a time, and laid them on an extended wing. With a great show of coordination and grace, she trotted over to join Twilight, her step hardly even slowed by her burden. “Why do you ask?”

Twilight lit up her horn and accepted her steaming mug with a nod of thanks. “I’m curious, how exactly did you slip out of bed so easily?”

“Ah! I see.” Spitfire took her mug in hoof and sat down across from her, a sly smirk played upon her lips as she took a sip. “Good stuff, this coffee! Better than the swill at the mess hall—don’t tell Dash that, by the way. I don’t want her getting scared off because our food’s not high class, or something.”

The pair shared a laugh together. An image of Rainbow Dash blanching at whatever passed for food in the mess hall flitted through Twilight’s mind.

Oh, gosh, I’d have paid to see the first time she tasted that! Twilight sipped at her coffee, sighing in content at the warm, smooth taste. Just what she needed to get going.

Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “You were saying?”

Spitfire blinked and shook her head. “Sorry, got off track. To be honest, I don’t wanna say anything, but—“ a familiar, sly grin crossed her muzzle “—I learned a few things about you last night, hon. Specifically, that there’s a little spot just beneath your ear you just loved when I gave it a bit of attention.” A deep blush colored Twilight’s muzzle, that grin turned shark-like. “Yeah, you moved a little to give me room to work, so it wasn’t much trouble to coax you off me in the morning.”

Twilight held back a squeak and quickly took a sip of coffee to try to hide behind her mug. Very good coffee, very warm. A lot like Spitfire last night—stop that!

Her mind kept wandering back to their time on the cloud and eventual transition to the bedroom—memories of her first time flitting through her mind like a play, and she could do nothing to stop them. Such wonderful sensations, warmth and lightness in her body as she gave way to her passions, how Spitfire’s soft lips felt pressed against her, all of it brought a smile to her lips.

Still, it was far too fast. As euphoric as she felt now, and when she first awoke, there was still that fury when she thought Spitfire had left her—the bout of temper at how she could be discarded so carelessly was quite fresh in her mind.

She shifted awkwardly, her tail flicking anxiously. “I thought you’d left,” she said softly.

Spitfire froze with her mug halfway to her mouth. Slowly, she placed it on the table, the smile wiped from her face. “What?”

Likewise, Twilight placed her mug on the table. She closed her eyes and ducked her head as if bracing herself before speaking again. “When I realized you weren’t in bed I thought you’d just slipped away, and were having a laugh with your teammates …”

A hoof touched hers, gently pulling it over the table to hold. “Look up, hon.” She hesitated a moment, drawing a sigh. “Twilight—” Spitfire amended “—please look at me. Let’s talk about this like adults.”

Almost automatically, she obeyed. Twilight slowly cracked open her eyes, focusing on the yellow forehoof clasping her own.

Spitfire gave a small smile and patted her hoof. “‘Atta girl. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for scaring you like that. I forgot that last night was your first time, and didn’t really think you’d be sensitive about things in the morning. I showered, and took a flight to get a newspaper while you were sleeping. Thought I’d read while I waited for you to get up, but then I heard the shower going, so I figured I’d make coffee. Kinda surprised me, waking up early after last night.”

“I’ve always been an early riser for school and when I ran the library in Ponyville. This is sleeping in for me,” she admitted.

“Fair enough. I might have you beat on that, especially when we gear up for derby season, but I digress.” Spitfire sat back and placed her hooves on the seat cushion. “So, what’s on your mind?”

Twilight chewed on her lip. “Last night. What we did, talking and flirting, and then coming back here and …” she trailed off, shyly ducking her head as she struggled to put it in delicate terms.

“Having sex?”

“Yes, that.” Her feathers ruffled at Spitfire’s candor. “It was … fun. A lot of fun, wonderful even. The way you made me feel, how nice it was talking with you on the cloud before we kissed, how patient you were in guiding me throughout, er, the sex part—“

“Twilight,” Spitfire cut in gently, her smile still in place. “It’s just you and me here. You don’t have to try to be delicate about what we did together.”

“Right. Well, yes, we had sex. And it was a lot of fun, and I really liked it—really liked it.” Suddenly, her seat cushion seemed all the more interesting. How did they manage to make it so perfectly soft, but firm at the same time?

“But …” Spitfire supplied.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, a hoof ground into the cushion. “When I woke up and I thought you’d left, I did exactly what you said you didn’t want either of us to feel—I thought you’d tricked me into bed so you could have a quick lay, and left. And I started regretting it, and thinking how silly I was for letting things go so far so fast.” Squeezing her eyes shut, she took a deep breath. “I felt embarrassed, and then I was really angry about it until I realized you hadn’t left!”

Silence hung over the pair, broken only by the sound of Spitfire drawing in a deep breath and her heart pounding in her ears.

Sighing, Spitfire ran a hoof through her mane. “You don’t have to feel sorry about anything, Twilight. It was your first time, and, let’s be honest, you’ve got every reason to think I’d walk away thanks to what you saw of me at the Falls.” To Twilight’s surprise, she hung her head and let her ears lay flat. “I was stupid letting my drive to win get the better of me then, and I can’t stand what I did to Soarin and Dash that day. As far as we go—“ she raised her head to look into Twilight’s eyes “—I’m at fault, too. It was your first time and I could tell you were lost and nervous, but I let us both get out of control.”

“I should’ve said ‘red’,” Twilight mumbled.

“I never should’ve let us get to the point of needing a word, hon.” Another sigh and shake of her head. “But, damned if I didn’t want you bad. The moment I laid eyes on you last night, I thought you looked amazing, and I told myself to behave. But I didn’t.”

A rustle of feathers made Twilight look up from her examination of the cushion to find Spitfire rubbing a hoof against her shoulder, her eyes downcast.

Her shoulders slumped. “I think we went too fast …”

“Yeah …”

Twilight felt her heart sink like a stone in water. She hung her head low, the full weight of their activities fell upon her shoulders.

Yet, that euphoric, fluffy feeling within her chest remained. How warm their bodies felt intertwined together, the soft caress of magnificent feathers against her body as Spitfire captured her lips in a sweet kiss …

Far too fast, she knew that. Logically, there were supposed to be steps to these sort of things. Cadence had gone to painstaking lengths to teach her that much—there was talking to forge bonds, then nice dates together, a little bit of kissing, picnics on the hill, flowers and gifts, and then the more mature sorts of things.

Relationships based entirely off sex didn’t last, there had to be some sort of basis for two ponies to stay together. There were plenty of examples in favor of Cadence’s opinion.

Still, it was all so fun! And felt so good …

“Too fast,” she repeated a little louder. “But I liked it.”

Spitfire’s ears flicked toward her. “I know you liked it, Twilight, but that doesn’t change—“

“I liked it, and I wanted more when I woke up,” Twilight cut her off, determined to get her point across. “You—You said you were interested in flirting and things! And—And so was I!”

“True.” Shrugging and giving a nod, Spitfire raised a hoof. “Still, I don’t feel right about it. And from how you started off and the way you keep looking down, you’re having second thoughts. Am I right?”

A nod and an awkward rustling of her feathers. Twilight fiddled with her hooves, warmth flooded into her cheeks. “It was really good, though. I just … I don’t really know what happens from here.”

Quirking an eyebrow, Spitfire lowered her hoof. “Mind explaining?”

“Everything I know about relationships is secondary—from informational books, novels, or friends.” Shifting in place, she looked off to the side. “It sounds silly, I’m sure, but it’s something I’ve wanted but never really had the courage to go after.”

“You said as much last night. So … okay, this is gonna sound like I’m scoffing, but I have to say it.” Twilight flicked an ear in her direction at the shift in tone from remorse to mild amusement. “As much as I love organization, you can’t really put relationships, or love in general, into a step-by-step sort of thing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely a right and a wrong way to do things, but it’s not uniform.”

Twilight made to counter, a retort straight from one of Cadence’s lectures on the subject at the ready. But she stopped short. Cadence is the Princess of Love, she thought, bringing a hoof to her lips. She’s well-versed in helping ponies find love and keep it going, just like I am in forging friendships. But I’m certainly no expert on the matter, I just understand it well thanks to my friends. Her ears perked up to their full height. Each of her friends were different, from their personalities to their likes and dislikes, but they all came together and adapted to one another.

On an individual level, however, their relationships differed quite a bit. Rarity and Fluttershy like going to the spa to chat, while Applejack and Rainbow Dash would rather make bets, Pinkie likes to pull pranks and plan parties with all of us, I like to read with Rainbow, learn Apple family history, talk with Fluttershy about animals, have tea with Rarity, and bake with Pinkie. Her tail flicked as she pieced everything together, she glanced up at Spitfire and was met with a rather strained smile and yellow ears pinned back against her head.

Spitfire was worried—her facial ticks, and the telltale rustling of her wing said as much. Whether she was more worried that Twilight might come to regret last night or end things completely, however, she wasn’t certain.

“I had a lot of fun last night,” Twilight began slowly, “even before we had sex.”

Spitfire started. “Wha—er, yeah, so did I. Just talking with you was nice, not even counting the flirting part. Getting to know the mare behind the new princess was cool.”

“And getting to know the mare behind the sunglasses, scowls, and barked orders was ‘cool’ as well.” The pair shared smiles, warm and friendly as the night before. “I never would’ve guessed you liked dancing.”

“Just like I never imagined you got into old pegasus tales,” Spitfire countered good-naturedly. With a weak chuckle, she picked up her mug again, fiddling with it between her hooves. “So … we both had fun, and we enjoyed our time together. But I think we both can agree that it was a bit too soon. Yeah?”

Twilight nodded, a sheepish smile played upon her lips.

“Okay, good. Well, not good because we did it, but good in the sense that we can admit it. Progress.” Spitfire took a big sip of her coffee, finishing it off in a single gulp. “We’re on the same page, at least. And we both enjoyed talking and getting to know one another.”

Another nod. Twilight scrunched up her muzzle. “If you don’t mind my asking, where are you going with this?”

“Getting there—we started off like we were just a couple mares at the bar, got talking and getting to know each other, and ended up in bed way too fast, even though we weren’t drinking. So … I felt a spark there. I’m not sure just how strong it was, or if you feel the same—“

“I do!” Twilight blurted. Fidgeting in place, she spoke softly, “I-I mean, I felt it, too. It was … something throughout the night.”

Spitfire grinned and nodded. “Well, if we’re both on the same page and we both feel there was something between us, we could give it a try.”

“It?”

“Us.” Spitfire gestured between them with a hoof. “We could go on a couple dates, talk, and get to know each other a little more, see how things work out.” Ruffling her feathers, she leaned over the table. “Like a tryout, remember?”

“The last time we had a tryout together, we ended up having sex,” Twilight pointed out.

“Then this time, we can lay down some ground rules.”

Curious, she raised an eyebrow. “What sort of rules did you have in mind?”

“Simple stuff. Like, we keep the whole ‘code red’ thing for both of us—the second you or I feel uncomfortable, we say stop. That way, we don’t do something completely bonkers, and we don’t go too fast again.”

Humming in thought, Twilight considered the notion a moment. “I suppose that’s fair, though it didn’t stop us last night. Maybe we should quantify what ‘too fast’ is so we have a sort of line of demarcation.”

“That could work too,” Spitfire said with a nod. “Hugging and kissing is normal couple stuff, so I’d say that should be fair game.”

“Oh, wait! Hold on!” she cut in, lighting up her horn and casting a quick conjuring spell. In a flash of purple, a quill, inkwell, and roll of paper hovered before her. She began writing down the information. “Okay—kissing and hugging, fair game. Got it!”

Blinking, Spitfire tilted her head. “Remind me to ask you when you learned to do that—I’ve never seen anypony pull that off.”

“Hmm? Oh! Er, yes, it’s a relatively high level spell, so that doesn’t surprise me.” She raised the paper up to hide her reddened cheeks. “Celestia liked to challenge me, she would give me extra lists of spells to work on outside of my normal course load to see how I could manage on my own. That was one of them.” Coughing awkwardly, she steered the conversation back to the subject. “So, kissing—is that with or without tongue? Are there places where one is more acceptable than the other?”

There was a beat of silence, then the sound of poorly muffled sniggering. Twilight peeked over her list, only to narrow her eyes at the sight of Spitfire struggling to keep her laughter under control—those cute yellow cheeks of hers puffed out, a hoof jammed in her mouth to help hold it back.

“What is it?” she asked slowly.

The dam burst. Spitfire doubled over, clutching her ribs as she cackled. “Dang, Twilight! I never knew a pony could make Prench kissing sound so much like an add on service!” she howled between bouts of laughter. “What’s the premium rate on trailing my feathers over yours? Do I have to go double if I wanna run ‘em over that cute little rump?”

Twilight sucked in a breath through her snout, her cheeks puffed up angrily. Before she could launch into scolding Spitfire, the mare waved a hoof.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, it was just there and I like ribbing my friends.” Spitfire rubbed her shoulder, a sheepish smile crossed her muzzle. “Er, right, about kissing. Well, let me put it this way: Prenching in public is right out. It’s awkward, and ponies end up staring and talking. Not something either of us want to experience, I’m sure.”

Scrunching up her muzzle, Twilight let the scene from last night play out in her mind. Spitfire on top of her, her tongue trailing along Twilight’s lips, coaxing them open, their bodies pressed together atop the fluffy cloud …

All in front of an audience of strangers.

A shudder ran down her spine. “Y-yes. Definitely not something I’d like to go through!” she shook herself, quickly adding a little note to the rules. “S-So, just little kisses in public. The, um, Prench kissing is for private time only. Got it.”

Spitfire raised a hoof and made to add something, but paused. Shaking her head, she said, “No, that’ll just add more confusion. We’ll just stick with that. Don’t ask.” She shot a look, no trace of playfulness in her gaze. “Moving along. We’re doing fine on the public front, as for the rest, the speed can be dictated and adjusted depending on the mood and how comfortable we are with things. I’m a bit more … experienced in that regard, but I’m more worried about you feeling out of sorts.”

“Me?” Twilight blinked. “But you were uneasy too!”

“Yes, but I know whether or not I’m ready when it’s clear that sex is an option. Last night, I was more than ready. You hesitated a bit, and I should’ve taken that as a sign to stop.” Another rustle of her feathers, and a rather visible flick of her tail. “I got excited, and I’m flexible with pacing. That said, we both need to figure out pacing for this. So, for now at least, let’s put up a red flag on us getting in the mood—if either of us gets to that point or feels uncomfortable in any way, we’ve gotta speak up for this to work.”

Twilight blanched, her magic faltered and nearly dropped the inkwell. “What?” she squawked. “But I—Spitfire, I have no idea how pacing a relationship works!”

A hoof shot forward and caught hers. Spitfire held it tight, turning it over so she could reach across with her free hoof to clasp the back of Twilight’s. “There isn’t a definitive guide, hon. Not for pacing, and certainly not for love. The only way to figure it out, is by going with your gut. If it feels comfortable, you’re fine. But the moment it doesn’t …” she let the words hang, her eyes taking on a serious edge to them.

She was waiting for Twilight to fill it in.

“Code red,” Twilight supplied.

Spitfire’s lips curved into a winning smile. “Bingo. Likewise, if anything comes up that bothers me, I’ll let you know. Anything we didn’t cover?”

“Er …” her eyes flitted to the list. There was hugging, kissing with and without tongue and when both were appropriate, and code red. But there were other things the night before. What’s missing… oh! “What about nuzzles?” she asked.

“Nuzzles are always fine,” Spitfire said with a chuckle, leaning forward to give a meaningful one to Twilight’s snout. “That one, I don’t think we need a code red for unless it’s something a bit more … low, if you catch my drift.”

She did, the light burning in her cheeks more akin to a raging inferno as she recalled how that went. “Y-Yes. Agreed.” Clearing her throat, she hid herself behind the list again, the slip of paper serving as a shield against Spitfire’s low chuckle and teasing grin. “One last thing: what about wings?”

Spitfire hummed. “What about them?”

Whining, she lowered the list. “Are you really going to make me ask?”

An eyebrow arched. “Yes.”

This mare … With a sigh, Twilight met her gaze and spoke, “What about using our wings to, er, hug, as it were?”

Spitfire didn’t reply immediately, her playful grin fell slightly, a more reserved, almost coy smile crossed her muzzle. “I think,” she began, “I’m going to have to use code red on that one.”

“Already?” Twilight blinked, then corrected herself. “I-I don’t mean that I want to push you—it’s just, we did that last night and—“

A hoof covered her mouth. “Yes,” Spitfire said. “And last night, things happened too fast. Wing hugs are in that category. I’ll explain later, but I’d like to get to know you more first. If all goes well, I’d be happy to wrap you in my wings again and tell you all about how special that is to pegasi.” She shrugged. “Of course, if you’re curious, you could always look it up. Or just ask one of your friends.”

There was a strange gleam in her eyes, an almost challenging look, daring Twilight to take the easy way to get information.

Twilight set her jaw and snorted a breath in Spitfire’s face, a little challenge of her own. “I’ll wait, then,” she said sweetly. “Relationships are built on respecting boundaries, and this is one of yours.”

Her smile broadened, the gleam in her eyes only seemed to shine brighter. “Thanks, hon.” Leaning forward, she dotted Twilight’s snout with a quick kiss. “So, this whole dating thing. Let’s plan something out. Simple, mind you. Like dinner—if you’re free tonight, we could go somewhere.”

“I’d love to, but I already had plans with the girls. Breakfast, walking around town, and meeting up with my parents,” Twilight said, her eyes crossing as Spitfire drew closer again, their snouts almost touching.

“No worries, we can work around that. I probably need to make sure Fleet and Soar haven’t done anything stupid—I swear, I’m their mother sometimes.” Another kiss to the end of her snout, this time closer to lips. “How long are you in town for?”

Acting quickly, Twilight stole a kiss to Spitfire’s lips, lingering a moment before she pulled away. “I’ll be here for a few more days. How about tomorrow?”

“I don’t think I’ve got anything planned after two or so. Late lunch, maybe? We could go find a place on the, er …” she trailed off and gave a crooked smile. “I was gonna say less upper-scale end of town. Not that I’m not good for money, but I’d rather start with something a little more …” she rolled a hoof in the air, searching for the word.

“Conducive to ‘real talk’?” Twilight offered, recalling Spitfire’s words from the night before.

Yellow ears perked up. “Yeah, there it is!” Spitfire grinned and stole another kiss. “So, how about it?”

Smiling, Twilight gave a soft nuzzle. “I’d be happy to.”

“Great! I’ll pick you up here around two, then!” With their date set up, the pair stood. Spitfire shook out a little bit of stiffness in her legs. “So, you’ve got breakfast downstairs?” At Twilight’s nod, she continued, “Cool. Let me grab my uniform and I’ll walk you down.” With one last nuzzle, she turned and trotted back into the bedroom, emerging just a moment later with her neatly folded uniform resting between her shoulder blades. Waggling her eyebrows, she spoke, “I’d put it on, but explaining my sudden lack of buttons might be a bit awkward, eh?”

A tiny squeak escaped her lips, Twilight ducked low. “Y-Yes. Let’s just not advertise that, shall we?”

Spitfire only laughed as she trotted over and nudged her toward the door out to the hallway, whispering something about the cute little blush that crossed Twilight’s muzzle as they stepped past the guards posted on either side and made their way to the stairwell.

The walk down to the Main Hall was, surprisingly, rather quiet. Spitfire seemed content to just stay close together, so much so that their feathers brushed together, a rather pleasant, ticklish sensation that sent tiny shockwaves through Twilight’s body.

An airy giggle escaped her lips. Even if she wasn’t quite certain what was so special about wing hugs. The playful brushing of feathers against feathers as they trotted side by side down the grand staircase and turned left down the corridor still made her coat stand on end.

Rather than take a right at the break at the end toward the Grand Banquet Hall, Twilight guided Spitfire to take another left.

“There are a few smaller dining halls,” she explained. “Celestia likes to keep things closer together when we’re all together—more intimate.”

Spitfire nodded along with her. “Makes sense. I’d imagine both she and Princess Luna like to have things a bit more closely knit every now and then.” Pausing a moment, she stole a glance to the portraits gracing the white marble walls. Each of them a depiction of the Immortal Sisters, together with their favored students over the years or the greatest heroes and heroines of Equestria. Even the founders themselves.

With a little nudge of her shoulder, she jerked her head toward a picture of Commander Hurricane standing alongside Chancellor Puddinghead, a rather sour glare as his earth pony counterpart tried to force his lips into a smile. “Looks kinda like a couple of my squad mates.”

“Or Pinkie and Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said with a giggle.

Laughing together, they made their way to the opened door at the end of the hall. The idle chatter of familiar voices, Rainbow’s raucous laughter and Cadence cooing playfully as Pinkie Pie mercilessly teased Party Favor, and Shining’s grumbling at how “You just can’t help yourself, can you Cady?”

Oh, dear, that can only bode well, Twilight mused as they came to a stop just outside. “You could stay,” she offered. “I’m sure everypony would be thrilled to meet you.”

Spitfire shook her head once. “I’d love to, hon. But if I’m not back at the hotel before noon, either Fleetfoot and Soarin will end up in prison or they’ll come looking for me like they’re the ones who play ‘responsible’ around the base. Can’t have either of those things happening. Still, there is one thing I’d like to leave you with.”

Before Twilight could voice confusion, Spitfire closed the distance and wrapped a hoof around her neck, pulling her in for a sweet kiss.

As agreed upon, there was no tongue, nor playing of wings over her body. Just their warm chests pressing against one another, and Spitfire’s soft lips flush against her own.

She hummed, her eyes closed as she allowed herself to be lost in the kiss. Time seemed to slow. The floral scent of the shampoo Spitfire borrowed from her bathroom and the sweet taste of her kiss, a flavor she couldn’t quite place, set her heart aflutter.

Spitfire broke the kiss and leaned in to whisper in her ear, “Two part present—kiss was the first, explaining to everypony who just saw is the second! Have fun, hon!” Quick as a flash, Spitfire took hold of her uniform in her mouth and shot off in a flurry of feathers, her teasing laughter echoed down the hall.

Blinking in confusion, Twilight tilted her head. What in Equestria did she—oh, no! Her blood ran cold. Slowly, she turned to look into the dining hall, and found herself met with her friends’, fellow princesses, and brother, each sporting looks telling of shock, amusement, or glee.

And at the center of it all, with a merry twinkle in her eye and a raised eyebrow, was Celestia.

“Well, well,” the Sun Princess drawled, “it looks like you had quite the evening with good Captain Spitfire, my former student. Please, do share with us, dear.”

4. Share With the Class

Though the Royal Canterlot Hotel was only a couple minutes away from the castle, flying over the Canterlot skyline was like having an aerial view over a diorama. No matter how many times she came to the city, whether on orders from one of the princesses or for the Wonderbolts Derby, Spitfire found herself spending more time glancing down at the buildings and watching ponies mill about than any other city.

From the bleach white marble to the soft purples and brilliant golds that decorated the more well-to-do houses and businesses, Canterlot looked like somepony had brought it straight out of a fairytale and into Equestria. Even the outer districts’ lower income housing seemed like it belonged in the upper crust neighborhoods of other cities.

A grin made its way across her muzzle. Spitfire shook her head and chuckled. “Ma would probably have a heart attack if she saw some of the prices, even if dad’s pension and savings would make it look like a drop in the bucket.”

Catching sight of the hotel’s rooftop, she banked to the left, circling overhead until she was certain the wouldn’t run the risk of trampling some poor passerby when she came in for landing.

She could almost see the headlines in the paper. “Captain of the Wonderbolts tramples wealthy businesspony,” she mumbled, rolling her eyes. “Just what I need after last night.”

Her bemused grin morphed, a fond smile took its place. The memory of Twilight Sparkle—Princess Twilight Sparkle, rather—sitting beside her on a cloud, all cozy like they really were pair of regular mares on a date instead of princess and Wonderbolt.

So cute, she thought. Awkward, inexperienced, and easily flustered. Wonder if I was like that my first time…

Their first kiss had been so sweet and innocent, but those after full of passion and vigor. A mistake? In her mind, their kisses certainly weren’t, but after that… yes. They’d jumped the starting bell and skipped over the bonding portion of the relationship.

Spitfire shook her head. “We’re gonna take care of that,” she told herself. “This thing has a chance to work, and we’re not gonna let it get become something where it’s nothing more than ‘she’s a good lay’.”

Angling herself for a leisurely descent, she swooped down, flaring her wings to slow her descent she touched down on the carriage driveway. “Morning,” she said to the doorpony.

The young stallion tipped his hat and gave a bright smile. “Good morning, Captain Spitfire!” he said, his voice full of energy. Somepony had clearly given him a double shot today. “Welcome back to the Royal Canterlot Hotel! Is there anything I can do to better your stay?”

“No, you’re doing fine, bud.” Spitfire waved him off with a hoof. “Just coming back after a bit of a—eheh, late night.”

To his credit, his smile didn’t falter in the slightest. “Of course, Captain.” Stepping to the side, he bowed low. “Enjoy the rest of your stay! Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance with anything you need!”

Her smile strained, but she nodded all the same. Geez, like I’m getting the royal treatment. If only for show. She shook her head as she trotted passed him and into the lobby. Don’t be like that, he’s a colt doing a job to get himself some bits. Probably happy to have a little coin in his pocket for some hobbies, maybe take his gal out to dinner. Or boyfriend. Or both.

Spitfire gave another shake of her head, her fiery mane whipping back and forth. “Mind your own business, Spits. Ma would give you such a cuff to the ear if she knew you were thinking like that.”

And she’d tan your hide if she found out what you did last night with that mare. Her smile fell, a small frown marred her muzzle as she made for the elevator on the other side of the lobby. Passing by the front desk, she nodded to the hotel management as they greeted guests and happily pointed ponies toward Canterlot’s finest restaurants and sights. Ma would be all over you for not calling stop when you should’ve.

“Yeah, I know,” she muttered to herself, slapping the elevator button with a bit more force than she meant. Tapping a hoof against the tile floor, she looked up at the elevator floor counter as it ticked down from the fifteenth floor. “I screwed up, I let her fly into a storm she couldn’t handle, and she freaked out this morning. We’re gonna make this right, though.”

Her tapping became louder, more insistent. The dial slowly made its way down, passing by ten, and stopping just at nine.

Scowling, she flicked her tail. I could fly up to my room if it weren’t for the window locks. Stupid hotel rules. Of course, the delay would give her a bit more time to think of what needed to be done today.

Checking in on Fleetfoot and Soarin was first priority—the pair weren’t typically given to mischief, but they had their moments. The Seaddle Convention Center staff still told stories of that night with the Saddle Arabian prince and his wife, if her sources were correct.

Not to mention they had Rainbow Dash with them at the Gala. Spitfire had to bite her lip to stifle a groan at the thought. Dash was her top prospect, a shoe in for the Bolts once she grew out of that maverick streak of hers. “If those two roped her into something stupid, I’m gonna beat their heads in!” she growled.

As stupid as sleeping with a virgin princess on your first date—actually, that would’ve been better. That wasn’t even a date, it was an escorting assignment given by Princess Celestia herself.

The ping of the elevator bell made her ears flick, and jolted her out of her thoughts. A small mercy. Spitfire stepped to the side to let other guests out, she gave a small wave to the awestruck foals who gaped and mouthed her name.

“Mommy, mommy! Look! That’s Captain Spitfire!” a little filly cried, giving her tiny wings an excited flap.

Chuckling, a mare with dusty pink coat and auburn mane bent down and picked her up by the scruff of her neck, placing her daughter gently on her back. “Yes, sweetie, we saw her walk in yesterday, remember?” she cooed.

Spitfire’s eyes met hers, the pair shared smiles. With a little laugh of her own, Spitfire stepped passed the group, letting her wing flick out to ruffle the filly’s mane. “Hey there, kid,” she greeted. “Be good for your ma, ‘kay?”

The little filly practically squealed, bobbing her head so fast she would’ve toppled over if not for a quick unfurling of her mother’s wings. Giving a wave of her hoof, she turned back to her mother and chattered excitedly, much to the amusement of the surrounding adults.

So much like Spitfire herself had been the first time her dad took her into the Wonderbolts’ Lounge to meet his team. How she buzzed about the room, going from fawning over Firefly to gaping at Cyclone as he warmed up for a few laps around the track and dared her to try and keep up.

Being the gutsy little filly she was, Spitfire took him up on it and promptly found herself eating his dust. But, oh, what a time that had been!

“What floor, Captain?” the elevator attendant asked with a tip of his hat.

“Sixteen, bud. Penthouse suite.” She let her mind wander as he flipped the switch, closing the doors and beginning their ascent.

Soft music wafted from the speakers, her ears flicked. Jazz? No, it didn’t have any of the saxophone accompaniment or quick strokes of brush sticks against cymbals. Nor was there the ever-popular scat singing.

It was smooth. The piano melody almost made her want to lean right up against the wall and drift off to sleep, almost like a lullaby.

Like the one you hummed for Twilight last night. Ma’s lullaby. Wrinkling her muzzle, she picked a spot on the elevator wall and stared at it, and gave that irritating little voice in her head a shove to the deepest recesses of her mind.

She’d fix it and they’d work things out. If there was something there, they’d find it on one of their actual dates. If not…

Spitfire shook her head. Think positive, don’t start planning for things to go screwy. This isn’t a routine or a mission, old girl. Give the darn thing a chance to take.

The bell chimed out as the elevator reached its destination on the sixteenth floor. Spitfire blinked to clear her head and stepped forward while the double door slid open. She stopped short, turning to the attendant and reaching into the pocket of her uniform to flick a couple of bits toward him. “Thanks for the ride.”

He caught the coins in his magic, grinning back at her. “Have a pleasant day, Captain!” he called back as she stepped out of the elevator and made her way down the hallway.

Normally, elevators to penthouses opened up inside the room. But the Royal Canterlot Hotel placed great value on its guests’ privacy—a short hallway, with pristine tile floor, walls of white with gold and purple trim, and paintings commissioned from the finest artists. It was a show of class. If one could afford to stay in the penthouse, they were likely a mere step or two below royalty or lordship, and thus they deserved that same treatment.

The Wonderbolts were quite well-off—both the team itself, and members of the top squad. Still, each time the team went to the Gala and got put up in the Royal’s penthouse, she found her eyes lingering over the decor.

This time, a certain picture of Commander Hurricane and Clover the Clever caught her eye. The pair stood before a contingent of diamond dogs, Clover’s mouth open in mid-speech, while Commander Hurricane was at her side, wings flared out and ready to spring into action. A picture of one of the first examples of unified diplomacy.

How ironic that the very same incident had been a topic of conversation the night before. Spitfire could only chuckle and shake her head. “Well, ma loves to say there’s no such thing as coincidence. Maybe she’s onto something there.”

Maybe their first date could include a bit of reading, then. Spitfire gave a merry swish of her tail at the prospect. Finally, somepony who could relax and enjoy a good story—with the added benefit of a rather great understanding of Equestrian culture, if Rainbow Dash’s boasts at the training grounds were any indication.

Humming to herself, Spitfire raised an eyebrow. “I wonder how Dash would react if I told her friends how much she gushed over having ‘friends awesome enough’ to keep up with her.” Visions of her top cadet’s blue muzzle turning rosy pink danced through her mind, a wicked grin crossed her muzzle. “I might just have to beg Twilight to help me make that happen! Gotta keep the rookie in line somehow!”

She approached the door, glancing down at the knob for any sign of a tie or one of Fleetfoot’s socks. Nothing. Either it was safe to enter and they’d at least kept whatever they’d done to their room, or they’d forgotten and she was about to get a free show.

And not one she wanted, no matter how much fillies squealed over how “fit” Soarin’s rump was.

With no shortage of trepidation, she rapped her hoof against the door. “Fleet! Soar!” she called in her best stern officer’s voice. “If I walk in and find you two are screwing on the couch, I’m kicking both your sorry rears to the moon and back!”

Her ear perked up, the sound of shuffling hooves and muted grumbling came from within the room. The lock clicked, the door pulled open to reveal a rather irritated and, by the bags beneath his eyes and alcohol on his breath, hungover Soarin. “Captain,” he greeted tersely. His navy mane was thoroughly ruffled and sticking out in odd places, a hint that he’d only just rolled out of bed. “With all due respect, gehen Brunft einen Kaktus . It’s too early in the morning for this!”

Grinning at his slip into Germane—a little something from his mother’s side that came out from time to time—Spitfire pressed a hoof against his chest and gave him a rough shove so she could step through the doorway. “Your fault for hitting the bottle so hard, Soarin. At least tell me you waited until after you left the Gala,” she said, kicking the door shut behind her.

“Course I did! Who do you take me for, Firestorm?” he quipped, giving a tired smile himself. “Fleet and I left a couple hours after you pulled your little vanishing act with Princess Twilight. Rainbow and a couple of her friends—including Applejack, that mare who bakes those amazing apple pies—joined us at Hops and Barley’s for a few. Made the mistake of getting into a drinking game between Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, and Party Favor.” Soarin gave a theatrical shudder. “Never again. I have no idea where those last two put it and I don’t wanna find out.”

Spitfire snorted. “I’m half proud that you waited, half disappointed that you let a few civvies drink you under the table. This might call for remedial lessons.”

“Bite me,” he said, flicking his tail across her nose. “You didn’t see the stuff I did last night, Spits. That mare is a veritable bottomless pit, and her boyfriend is about the same.” At the sound of a door being pulled open, his ears perked up, suddenly, and he turned to face the room he shared with Fleetfoot.

Fleetfoot dragged her hooves, her head low and scruffy white mane covered her eyes, giving her a look more like a walking corpse than a pony. A pair of white, fluffy earmuffs hung around her neck.

“Morning, Fleety!” Soarin called.

Slowly, she unfurled her wings and lowered her head, as if ready to pounce. “I’m gonna kill you,” she informed him as if talking about the weather. Fleetfoot stopped just in front of him, leaning up to plant a kiss on his lips. “Twice. First for accepting that challenge, then for talking too damn loud this morning. But first… coffee…”

“Right away, dear.” His smile never faltered as he turned and trotted off toward the kitchen. “Spits, you want some?”

“Sure, I could take another cup.” The familiar clinking of coffee mugs reached Spitfire’s ears, she trotted over to Fleetfoot’s side, giving her Lieutenant a once over. “Sheesh, hon. What time did you guys call it a night?”

With a derisive snort, Fleetfoot turned and made her way to the couch. “I’m not even sure how we made it home! You remember what time it was Soarin’?” She huffed, flicking her tail in agitation. “Ugh! Too damn drunk to even have sex! A chance with you out of the room for the night, where we wouldn’t have to worry about your whining in the morning, wasted!”

Spitfire did her best to hold back a laugh. Seems like I got lucky while the lovebirds were staggering about. “Eh, more important that you two had a good time, I think. And, y’know, we did a lot better managing public image. Especially with a certain prospect.”

“You mean we as in Soarin and me,” Fleetfoot corrected with a wry smirk. “You got a nice, cushy assignment from Princess Celestia. But then you ended up chatting up Princess Twilight and walking out with her.” Her smirk grew into a full, toothy grin.

She tapped her hooves twice against the ground, her ears flicking as she pinpointed the couch—a trick involving echolocation that Spitfire still didn’t quite understand, and couldn’t help but marvel at.

Fleetfoot nodded and sat down on the couch, gesturing to the love seat across from her. “Take a seat. You owe me an explanation.”

“And me!” Soarin called from the kitchen. He trotted toward them, a trio of coffee mugs balanced between his wings. “Don’t forget me, mein Liebe.”

Laughing, Fleetfoot turned her ear toward him and grinned. “Couldn’t do that if I tried, dear.” The moment he was in reach, she leaned forward and nosed against his cheek, simultaneously accepting a mug of steaming coffee. She gave a sniff, a contented sigh escaped her lips. “Mm, you always make it the way I like it.”

“Years of practice.” He kissed the top of her head and passed a mug to Spitfire. “Black as usual, Spits.”

Spitfire nodded in thanks, taking her mug in hoof and inhaling the scent. “Ah! Second cup is almost as good as the first.” Without further ado, she brought it to her mouth and took a long sip. The steaming nectar brought a warmth to her chest and energy to her tired limbs.

Almost as warm as Twilight’s hugs last night, she mused. Though not nearly as fulfilling. Shaking herself, Spitfire pulled out of those thoughts and back into present time. Head out of the clouds, don’t go down that line again until we’re both ready.

“So,” she began, “what do you wanna know?”

“Everything,” Soarin replied. “I caught sight of you getting cozy with Princess Twilight at that corner table, drinking party drinks. And that little show you gave her when you walked away? Hoo boy!” He gave a little ruffle of his feathers. “The hospital’s gonna have a sudden influx of patients with spasms in their neck muscles!”

Fleetfoot flicked her ear toward him, frowning as she raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And just how are your neck muscles after that show, dear?”

He didn’t even miss a beat. “Perfectly fine, mein Liebe. After all, I had the most beautiful mare in all Equestria under my wing, and am fortunate enough that she sits beside me this morn!” Soarin stole a kiss to her cheek, lingering long enough to make Fleetfoot’s feathers fluff up and bring forth a little hum from the back of her throat.

“Flatterer,” she accused half-heartedly, the hint of a rosy blush rising in her cheeks.

“Mama always told me to treat my mare like she was my princess, the only thing you’re missing is a horn.” Another kiss, his lips brushed against the corner of her mouth, expertly teasing her with the promise of more. Pulling away, he turned his attention to Spitfire, leveling her with a stern gaze. “Don’t think all this means you’re off the hook, Spits. Explanation time is now!”

Spitfire raised a hoof in surrender and placed the mug on the coffee table. “All right, fine. Yes, I was asked by Princess Celestia to escort Twi—Princess Twilight,” she hastily corrected herself, cursing internally as she saw Fleetfoot’s ears flick and a tiny smirk start to spread across her muzzle. “It was a simple thing, really. Just hang out with her, talk with her, treat her like a regular mare, and see what sort of relationship came about of it.” She drummed a hoof on the armrest, giving a happy swish of her tail as she thought back to the meeting. “Caught me off guard, but it worked out pretty well. She left quite a bit of leeway as to where to go with it.”

“Wait, wait, wait! Roll it back a bit.” Fleetfoot passed her mug to Soarin, and leaned forward, steepling her hooves. “You say ‘leeway’. Kind of implies that she had a preference as to what sort of relationship came about from it, but accounted for it not working out.” Spitfire could almost imagine her eyes gleaming with her expression.

She figured it out. Damn. With a sigh, Spitfire nodded. “Yeah. She did. Princess Celestia wanted me to try courting Princess Twilight, without making it a blatant set up.” Shrugging, she crossed her hooves over her chest. “I don’t see what the big deal was about—girl’s a nice enough mare, if a bit inexperienced as far as dating goes.”

“Er, far be it from me to question Princess Celestia,” Soarin began, placing his and Fleetfoot’s mugs on the coffee table, “but doesn’t this courtship or matchmaking business seem like it’d be more up Princess Cadence’s alley? And, if you don’t mind my asking, why you, Spits? The three of us only know her through Dash.”

Spitfire made to retort, but stopped herself. Come to think of it, Princess Celestia had been awful tight-lipped as to why she was chosen. Curious.

Princess Twilight Sparkle was a student, that much had been confirmed both by Princess Celestia and the mare herself. Why in Equestria would Princess Celestia choose her?

I do think I recall her going to a few shows while I was going up through the ranks, but she was always there to accompany Princess Celestia. Her brow furrowed, her mind conjured up the visage of a younger Twilight, one lacking wings, standing close by Princess Celestia’s side, almost using her teacher as an obstacle to hide behind. Shy, a bit awkward, much like she had been last night.

And yet, her eyes shone with a bit of something else. Respect? Admiration? Awe?

Perhaps she had a measure of respect for the Wonderbolts’ talent as Equestria’s top flight team, and an auxiliary branch of the military. The latter would certainly make sense, given her brother was Captain of the Royal Guard. As for the former…

Spitfire filed it away for later. Better to ask than make assumptions.

“I’m not entirely sure,” she admitted, answering Soarin’s question after a moment’s introspection. “I didn’t think to ask. The request caught me by surprise, really. I was ready for her to ask me to skip out on the Gala to go on a covert ops mission. Instead, she asks me to court her old student.”

Humming, Fleetfoot tapped her hooves together. “A strange request, but not the worst we’ve had. So, the pair of you left together, and you only just returned. I take it everything went well, then?”

Her memories shifted to those of the night before. Flirting, kissing Twilight’s cheek, talking and learning about one another on their private cloud before sharing their first kiss together, and then another, and another until they simply couldn’t contain themselves.

A flame flickered to life within her chest. Unable to help herself, she fluffed her feathers at the thought of waking up with Twilight wrapped in her wings, how she had to coax her bedmate to roll over with nuzzles beneath her ear, and the adorable little smile that crossed her pretty purple muzzle when Spitfire planted a soft kiss on her cheek before slipping away to take a shower.

“Yeah,” she said, grinning like the cat who caught the canary. “Last night was pretty great!”

“Oh yeah?” Soarin raised an eyebrow. “So, what exactly did you two get up to last night?”

Uh oh. Investigators Fleetfoot and Soarin are coming out. Like they’re my dang parents. Play it cool, girl. Fixing a casual smile on her muzzle, Spitfire leaned back, propping her hind legs up on the coffee table. “Eh, we took a little flight, hung out on a cloud, and chatted.”

Soarin’s eyebrow arched higher. His stare seemed more akin to a parent waiting for their naughty little foal to confess to mischief than a teammate and friend. He’d seen her try to hide her feelings too many times to fall for that old trick.

Can’t blame a girl for trying. “All right, all right. I kissed her.”

His stare bored through her. Fleetfoot began tapping a hind hoof against the tile floor, waiting for her façade to crack.

They knew her far too well. “I kissed her a lot.” Their stares continued, Fleetfoot heaved a sigh and flicked her tail in irritation. “With tongue. And my feathers teasing hers.”

“Is that so?” Fleetfoot said, her voice barely above a murmur. She tilted her head and sniffed, her nostrils flaring. Her body went rigid, her milky eyes shot wide open then narrowed into a glare. “That’s not your usual soap, Spits, or the hotel’s? Twilight’s, perhaps? Did you spend the night with her?”

A scowl crossed her muzzle. Spitfire grumbled under her breath, cursing her Lieutenant’s knack for catching her lies. “Yes. We went back to her room and—oh, don’t look at me like that!” she snapped at the pair. “Yes! I already know we went too far! Twilight and I spoke at length about the matter this morning.”

“On familiar terms with her, are we?” Soarin asked, his expression neutral. “Well, I suppose it fits, given you two experienced a bit of—er, shall we say bedroom turbulence?”

The trio fell into silence. Spitfire brought a hoof to her forehead. “Smack him before I do.”

“With pleasure,” Fleetfoot replied, not even missing a beat as she reached over and cuffed Soarin’s ear. “You idiot!”

“Scheiße!” Clapping his hooves over his head, Soarin quickly scooted away before she could cuff him again for his language. “Dang it, Fleety! It was just a joke!”

“This isn’t the time, dear. And you know that well enough.” Her attention shifted back to Spitfire, her hooves steepled once more. “You know what I’m gonna say, Spits.”

Sighing, Spitfire looked down at her seat cushion and nodded. “I do.”

“I’m still gonna say it.” Her voice was tinged with a mix of sternness and sadness. She knew how much it would hurt.

Spitfire closed her eyes. “Go ahead.”

A heavy sigh, like that of a disappointed mother ready to lecture her naughty filly. “You shouldn’t have slept with her—both for the obvious political reason and for whatever relationship you think you’re gonna have with her now.” She paused, hesitating with her next question. “At least tell me you didn’t get her drunk.”

“No. I had her split a rainbow mixer with me. No alcohol.” Got that going for me.

“Okay, that’s good. You two talked first? That wasn’t you trying to wheedle out of telling us?” Another pause, waiting as Spitfire nodded in the affirmative. “Even better. No way for anypony to claim you took advantage of a drunk princess.”

Just a virgin one, Spitfire chided herself. Her inner voice was starting to sound suspiciously like Fleetfoot as the morning went on. “Look, I talked with her this morning about everything. We’ve agreed to try to hold off on that sort of stuff, and do some more getting to know one another before we… yeah. You know.”

“Yes, we do,” Soarin interjected, casually sliding over to sit beside Fleetfoot again. Though he did seem to keep an eye out in case she decided to get another second shot in as he continued, “Look, I’m not gonna pretend that I support you and Princess Twilight sleeping together after a couple hours of chatting, especially if you wanna make this thing work long-term. But if you two talked it out and agreed on working through it, I’ll support things going forward.” He reached out and took Fleetfoot’s hoof, smiling as he nosed against her cheek. “Cadence knows Fleet and I got together because of a bout of stupidity!”

Fleetfoot giggled, her wings flinched as if to unfurl and cover her muzzle. “I still can’t believe you opened with ‘nice feathers, hot stuff’!”

“It worked, didn’t it?” He shrugged. “Got you laughing, and that’s half the battle. Anyway, Spits, we’re with you on making things work out. Verdammt, there’s no easy way to say this.” Soarin ran a hoof through his mane, his fond smile fell. “How long’s it been since you and Daybreak broke things off? Two years?”

Spitfire let her ears lay flat against her scalp, her wings drooped low. “Three,” she whispered weakly. “She sent me the letter three years ago, Soar.”

A hoof touched hers, rubbing gently against her ankle. “I’m not trying to be mean, Spits, but, gosh, if you could see yourself every time she gets brought up around you or any time you think about her. Three years, Spits, and you’re still like this. When’s the last time you even had a long-term thing with a mare?”

“Daybreak,” she choked out the name, her wings unfurled to wrap around herself. The letter’s words were fresh in her mind, like she’d read them just yesterday.

The hoof left hers to cup her chin, forcing her to look up like she had done with Twilight. “Spits, look at me.” Hesitation gripped her, she cracked open an eyelid to squint at him before slowly meeting his gaze as asked.

Concern, both as a friend and as fellow Wonderbolts, shone in his vibrant green eyes. “Spits, I hate to say this to you, but look at yourself! You never got over her. Everything since then has either been a quick fling or a search to find a mare just like her. That’s not fair, to you or Princess Twilight.”

“No fooling,” Fleetfoot added. “We know how much it hurt, everypony on the team does. But trying to find her in every mare you look at isn’t—“

“I know!” Spitfire snapped, jerking her hoof away from Soarin’s and fixing the pair of them with a glare. Her eyes burned with tears, threatening to spill. “I try! And for the first time in three years, I didn’t! I got an order from Princess Celestia, put on a bright smile, and thought I’d be in for an awkward night. I’d only met her a couple times, one of which wasn’t a good moment for anypony in this room.”

Fleetfoot and Soarin both shared a wince, though the former made sure to mutter a quick apology. Perhaps the hundredth for that debacle alone.

She wasn’t finished. Spitfire had a full head of steam, and they’d pushed a button they knew better than to touch too easily. “She’s smart and genuine. And, by Celestia’s wings, is she awkward as sin when it comes to romance—I had to guide her step-by-step how to position herself for a kiss and I liked doing so because I felt something there! The rest—“ she stopped. Spitfire bit her lip and shook her head, sighing in frustration. “Yeah. I made a mess of things. I should’ve said stop as soon as I noticed her looking a little bit lost when we were making out. I should’ve been lead pony.”

For a moment, the three stayed quiet. Only the sound of their breathing, and the pounding of her heart in her ears remained in the wake of her rant.

Softly, almost nervously, a hoof touched her left forehoof. Her eyes flitted down to find Soarin’s sky blue hoof bend to hold her sunny yellow. And then, another touched her right, Fleetfoot’s teal rubbed comfortingly against her shin.

“We’ve got you, Spits,” Fleetfoot whispered. “Just making sure you’ve got your head out of the clouds. For both of your sakes.”

Spitfire gave a watery smile and nodded. “I know. Thanks, guys.”

Soarin stood and deftly stepped around the coffee table to throw a hoof over her shoulders. “Anytime, Feurball,” he replied, nudging his shoulder against hers. “Just… give us a heads up if you’re gonna break up with her so we can check into witness protection. I don’t want the Royal Guard after my flank, y’know!”

Laughing, Spitfire shared a look with Fleetfoot, both gave each other a nod.

And promptly cuffed his ears.

Twilight never had a chance. The thought of turning tail and galloping down the corridor at full speed, shooting up the stairs, and locking herself in her room until her cheeks stopped burning or her friends’ excitement died down barely even crossed her mind before she found herself trapped in Cadence’s inescapable embrace.

It took her a moment to register a pony moving faster across a room than Pinkie Pie, but somehow Cadence had managed the feat.

Trapped, with Cadence’s powerful hooves squeezing her tight against her barrel, Twilight could do nothing but try in vain to wriggle free, much to her friends’ amusement.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! Yes!” Cadence squealed, bouncing up and down with each repetition, and adding a little flap at the end. “My little Twilight is finally growing up and finding love! Oh, I’ve waited for this day so long!”

“I know, right!” Pinkie threw in as she pounced and turned it into a hug sandwich, with Twilight the unfortunate filler. She turned to Party Favor, beaming and waggling her eyebrows. “This is so great! We can have a ‘Congratulations On Getting a Great, Big Smooch from Captain Spitfire’ party! Oh! Oh! Or a ‘Congratulations On Getting Your First Girlfriend’ party!”

A light blue aura tugged Pinkie away. Rarity tutted, “My word! At least give the poor mare a little space to breath, Pinkie dear! We can’t just go running about planning a party yet!” At Pinkie’s horrified gasp, she rolled her eyes and floated the struggling mare over to Party Favor. “Party, dear, I do believe this belongs to you. If you wouldn’t mind?”

“Er, yes! I’ll, uh, do the thing.” Chuckling nervously, Party wrapped his hooves around Pinkie’s barrel and kissed her cheek. Like magic, Pinkie’s hooves dropped to her sides and a tiny squee escaped her lips. She nuzzled into his shoulder and let him rub her mane and whisper sweet nothings into her ear.

Her work done, Rarity turned back to Twilight. “Now, darling, though our friend is a bit over enthusiastic, I must agree with Princess Cadence.” She nodded respectfully to the elder princess, then resumed, “This has been long overdue! You simply must tell us everything!”

“Like how you got a kiss from Spitfire after one night!” Rainbow seemed to materialize on Twilight’s right side.

Twilight yelped and made to jump away, but Cadence’s grip was too strong.

No good, she thought. Trapped between a rock and a hard place. Unless…

Rarity didn’t have near the magical ability she did, and Cadence, while powerful in her own right, was just a tad behind in terms of general skill. Of course, she made up for it by outflying Twilight any day of the week, a testament to her pegasus heritage before ascension.

Have to move fast. Twilight lit up her horn. A quick teleportation to her room, then a few locking charms on her doors and windows, and, of course, anti-teleportation wards so Cadence couldn’t simply follow after, sounded like the perfect plan. No way for her to trap me in my room and use her feathers to tickle me until I break if I throw one of those up and maintain it.

Her magic charged, she made to teleport, but found herself on the receiving end of a rather piercing headache. Pain shot through her forehead, as if she’d somehow gotten an ice cream headache. “Ow! Ow! Ow!” she whimpered. Her eyes watered and crossed as she massaged her temples. “What in the world?”

The sound of deep chuckling made her ear flick. She turned to find Shining Armor smirking at her and shaking his head. But her eyes were drawn elsewhere.

Specifically, the pink glow of magic wreathing his horn. He put up an anti-teleportation shield. It was all she could do not to whine. That jerk!

“Now, now, Twily,” he chided, “I know mom taught you how rude it was to teleport out of a room when ponies want to talk with you.” Shining grinned from ear to ear, his eyes alight with mischief. “Why don’t you take a seat right here—“ he patted the cushion to his left “—between Cady and me. We’ve gotta talk about this mare of yours.”

As Cadence released her grip and stepped to the side, Twilight scowled. “You know I could break through your shield if I really wanted to.”

“Oh?” Cadence purred, draping a wing across Twilight’s back and pulling her close. “How about if your big brother and your favorite foalsitter-slash-sister-in-law exploit each and every one of those tickle spots, hm? Especially the one right along your ribs!”

Twilight squeaked as purple tinged tips of her feathers trailed along her side. Instinctively, she tried to squirm away, to duck under Cadence’s wing and backpedal.

A flash of amusement in those purple eyes. Cadence held her tight, her grip with her wings even stronger than her hooves. “Come along, Twily,” she said, leading her toward the table, like she would a much younger Twilight years ago. “Come tell Cady all about your evening! And morning, too!” She nosed against Twilight’s cheek, her smile almost predatory. “I expect details, missy!”

Unable to fight her way out of Cadence’s grip, with her friends’ gazes and amused grins making the fur on the back of her neck stand on end, Twilight frowned and trotted obediently toward the open seat. Never once did Cadence lift her wing off Twilight’s back, even as they sat.

Wing hugs mean something special to pegasi, Twilight thought back to her talk with Spitfire. Memories flitted through her mind—from her fillyhood days, the earliest she could remember Cadence coming over to watch her, wing hugs were a normal thing. The practice became more commonplace as they grew closer, their bond akin to that of sisters.

When Twilight began studying under Princess Celestia herself, those hugs became something a bit more. Whether it was to comfort a little filly afraid of her nightmares, or wrapping her in those immaculate white wings and praising her mastery of a new spell.

Special how, though? Familial? An indication of deep-seeded friendship? Something for lovers? So many questions! I should’ve just said I’d look it up on my own time. Oh well.

A little nudge to her shoulder brought her back to present day. “Sorry,” she mumbled, shaking her head. “Lost in thought.”

“Well, join us in the real world long enough to spill all the juicy gossip on your special somepony!” Cadence commanded with an air of faux sternness. “I can’t put together my couples’ profile if I don’t have all the information!”

“If you wanted a bio, you could just ask Rainbow,” Twilight deadpanned.

Naturally, Rainbow fluffed up her feathers at the mention and took a deep breath, ready to launch into a full-blown recitation of Spitfire’s official profile, only to be cut off by a wave of Cadence’s golden-shoed hoof. “No, no, I don’t mean the silly thing they put on Wonderbolt Derby programs! Silly filly, you know better than that! I want details.” With a flash of teal magic, a quill and notepad popped into existence.

Swallowing a lump in her throat, Twilight ducked her head. Her ears laid flat as she felt her friends’ eyes on her. From Applejack and Rarity’s intrigued grins, to Rainbow’s mix of confusion and excitement, to Pinkie’s utter giddiness and Party and Fluttershy’s sheepish smiles, to Spike’s false gagging, and Shining’s sly smirk.

To the raised eyebrow and tiny smile hidden behind a teacup held aloft in a bright golden glow. Celestia’s brilliant purple eyes seemed to dance with mirth. She held Twilight’s gaze with ease, a silent message:

“Out with it. I’m waiting, little one.”

Heaving a sigh, she resigned herself to her fate. Never thought I’d be the one sitting here. “Well, I accompanied Spitfire to the Gala last night, on Celestia’s request—“ she nodded to the elder princess, who returned the gesture in kind “—for a couple reasons. One, I won’t go into because it may be something Spitfire would prefer to keep a bit quiet, nothing bad though.”

“Heh, friendship problems even at the Gala, eh, Twi?” Applejack chuckled, tilting her stetson back out of her eyes “So, from hangin’ out to kissin’ in the castle. Anypony else think that’s a mite off?”

“Hmm, I dunno,” Shining mused. “I mean, Cady had me listed as her personal guard for a while, so I don’t have much room to talk. Still, though, this is my baby sister we’re talking about, so this just can’t be allowed to stand!” His horn shimmered brighter, an extra layer to the shield spell. A muscle-bound leg was thrown over her shoulders, Twilight found herself pulled tight against her brother’s side. “So, what did you girls end up doing? Other than the obvious, of course.”

Twilight’s thoughts went to her night with Spitfire. Her warm embrace, feathers trailing down her thighs, a hoof rubbing at her core. A burning desire, dampness beneath her waistline. Spitfire’s soft lips meeting hers in a kiss that was gentle, but full of passion and want.

“We talked quite a bit,” she replied, keeping her voice as level as possible. “She got me to try a rainbow mixer for the first time, and that was certainly an experience!”

“Whoa! Really?” Rainbow sat up straight, her mouth curved into a broad grin. “So, all this time I couldn’t get you to try a couple party drinks, and you go right on ahead when a pretty mare saunters up to you at the Gala, eh? I see how it is!”

“Um, Rainbow?” Fluttershy tapped her shoulder. “Twilight has gone out for drinks with us before. Several times. If, um, you don’t mind me saying.”

Rainbow waved her off. “Yeah, yeah, I know she’s gone to Berry’s bar with us, but that was either straight cider or ale. She never did party drinks with us! Just punch or soda or whatever!”

“But punch is a party drink, Dashie! Party and I confirm—punch at a party, totally a party drink!” Pinkie said, with Party Favor nodding solemnly.

“Bah! You know what I mean! Anyway, Twilight, how was it? Did you go for a little rainbow mixed with booze? That stuff’s kind of a zinger if you don’t mix it with some fruit juice, but it’s such a rush!” She licked her lips, her feathers fluffed up.

Blinking, Twilight gave a nervous smile. “Er, no. Spitfire just stuck with a strawberry juice and rainbow mixer—she said something about not wanting to drink alcohol at such an important event. But we’re getting away from the point.” As the others leaned in and the twin grips on her shoulders tightened, Twilight ruffled her feathers. “We talked a little over drinks. She, er, kinda figured me out early on.”

“Oh?” Celestia spoke up. She placed her cup down on the saucer and folded her hooves neatly on the table. “And what, pray tell, did she manage to figure out about you?”

Her smile faltered, she fidgeted in place. Her tail flicked anxiously. “She figured out that I wasn’t exactly experienced in dating, and decided to, er, give me a crash course.” The burning in her cheeks returned at the catcalls from Applejack and Rainbow, and the way Shining arched his eyebrow.

Though none topped Cadence. “Oh?” She hummed, nudging her shoulder against Twilight’s. “All those years I spent trying to get you to listen up so we could find you a nice pony, and not a word of it sunk in? I’m hurt!”

Twilight sputtered. “N-No! It’s not that I didn’t remember what you said!” Oh, I remembered quite a bit. And went quite a lot farther than you advised. “I just struggled with the… execution part of it.” Her ears laid flat against her scalp in a vain attempt to block out Rainbow’s snickering. “She, er, taught me how to flirt, and made me feel like we were just a couple mares meeting at a party—a less formal party!” she hastily added at the end.

“A good way to start, if a bit playful.” Cadence nodded, patting Twilight’s hoof. “Nice of her to try to keep things low key, I think. And how did you do with your flirting lessons? I hope I won’t be expecting any bad notes from your new ‘teacher’.”

Cheeks burning, Twilight huffed. “No, you won’t be getting any notes!” With a quick shift, she managed enough distance to flick her wing across Cadence’s muzzle. “Everything went well!” Some things more so than others. “We left the Gala together, and she took me up to sit on a cloud just outside the city limits. We talked a little bit more, mostly about our hobbies and interests. Speaking of which—“ she turned to Rainbow “—did you know Spitfire likes to read old legends?”

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, it’s in her bio thing they put out every year. What about it?”

“We talked a little bout a couple stories; Whirlwind and the Dragon of Craggy Peak and ‘Dealings with Diamond Dogs’ from Tales of the Founders, if you’re familiar.” She nodded to Cadence. “Remember how I used to ask you to read that one every night?”

“I do!” Cadence’s eyes lit up, she nuzzled Twilight’s cheek affectionately. “That was your favorite bedtime story—you just loved hearing about how Clover managed to trick the Diamond Dogs into leaving, and how mystified Commander Hurricane was that he didn’t even need to draw his sword! In fact—“ she brought a hoof to her chin, her eyes danced with amusement “—I seem to recall you acting out the parts every so often…”

Her smile strained, her ears burned at her friends’ laughter, and Spike throwing in, “Still does it!”

Traitors. “That aside, yes, I love the story. And she mentioned a like for other classic stories as well, so we might talk about a few someday.” The memory made her smile brighten once more, her tail swished happily. “Perhaps at lunch tomorrow.”

Almost as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Twilight regretted it. She slapped her hooves over her lips, her ears laid flat against her scalp. Oh no… she thought, quailing beneath the hungry gazes of Rarity, Rainbow, Shining, and Spike.

She didn’t dare look down the table at Celestia. Her mentor’s gaze bored into her, though. She could feel it, and almost see the small, seemingly all-knowing smile on Celestia’s muzzle.

But just as the smile that no-doubt graced her mentor’s face made the fur on the back of her neck stand on end, the playful hum sounding from her left made her ears prick up and a block of ice drop into her stomach.

“Really now?” Cadence wrapped a hoof around her shoulders and pulled her tighter, nearly crushing Twilight against her larger frame. “Our little Twilight is finally ready for the dating scene!” With a happy squeal, she hugged Twilight for all she was worth, softly nuzzling their cheeks together. “Oh, I’ve waited for this day for so long! Shiny, you’ll come with us to make sure she doesn’t do something silly like teleport away, right?”

“Of course, Cady.” Twilight glared at her traitorous brother, who returned it with one of his annoyingly cheeky grins. “I’d be delighted.”

“Perfect!” She shifted and leaned across Twilight to kiss Shining’s cheek. “We’re starting straight away! First, we—“

Celestia cleared her throat, everypony turned to face the solar princess. “Happy though I may be that Twilight found a pony she likes well enough to date,” she began, “I would prefer it greatly if you waited until after our meal to go gallivanting off across the city. Seeing all of you, my friends and loved ones, at the same time without some sort of national crisis is a luxury I am so rarely afforded these days.”

Twilight withheld a cheer, settling for an internal “Thank you, Celestia!” along with nearly a hundred praises for her savior and mentor. To the one who so easily rescued her from the clutches of her wicked—but still favorite former foalsitter—sister-in-law and her traitorous big brother best friend forever!

Chagrined, Cadence laid her ears flat. “Er… yes. Sorry Auntie.”

“No need to apologize, dear. I just feel that such an opportunity to enjoy your company is one I’m loathe to surrender.” Her eyes twinkled, her small smile bloomed into a playful smirk that sent shivers running down Twilight’s spine. “Although, I too must express an interest in my dear, sweet former student’s first experience with a relationship.”

Twilight ducked her head as all eyes flitted to her again. The block of ice seemed to freeze her entire being as she caught the grins spreading across her friends’ faces. And why wouldn’t they?

Celestia had all but given them carte blanche.

A tiny whimper escaped her lips. She tried her best to make herself as small as possible when Celestia leaned forward, teacup floating to hover near her lips, and her smirk taking on a more calculating edge.

“Now, Twilight, how exactly did you get from discussing classical literature to that adorable little kiss this morning?”

5. Our First Date

By the time Twilight escaped Cadence’s clutches, her cheeks were a bright, rosy hue and her feathers were as ruffled as they’d been when Spitfire flirted with her the night before.

A pair of saddlebags bearing her cutie mark were strapped snugly around her waist, loaded with whatever books on Equestrian legends she managed to force into them without tearing the seams. Though her mind should’ve been on her date and how she might strike up the conversation about their culture’s lore, it was instead on a two rather nosy members of her family.

“I’ll be fine, Cadence!” she huffed to herself, stomping a hoof like a petulant filly and tossing her well-brushed, expertly styled mane. “Seriously! This is just supposed to be a casual lunch between Spitfire and me! I didn’t need all this!”

She’d lost track of the number of times she informed Cadence of that very fact, each time receiving a little giggle, an almost pitying smile and pat on the shoulder, and a knowing “Oh, Twily…” that made her hackles rise.

Shining snickering in the background and telling her to make sure she was home before eleven or he’d come looking for her didn’t help matters in the slightest. And just who said she’d be staying out that late to begin with? They were having lunch at two in the afternoon—she’d be back plenty early.

Even so, by Celestia, she was a grown mare! She could stay out however late she pleased and didn’t have to answer to her overprotective big brother or her nosy sister-in-law if she didn’t want to.

Though, if things went well, she could make no promises to herself that she wouldn’t spend the evening squealing and jumping in place with Cadence.

Focus, Twilight, she scolded herself, turning her thoughts toward her date. Today is about you and Spitfire, and trying to start this relationship off right.

The thought alone brought a smile to her face as she trotted through the foyer.

With a bounce in her step and a fluffing of her feathers, Twilight spared a nod to the on-duty guards as she passed them by. Her hooves thumped against the soft red carpet leading toward the main entrance, the grand hallway with pristine tiled floor, high arching walls, and the main castle door where all high profile visitors were received.

As she rounded the corner, Twilight found herself muzzle-to-muzzle with a stallion of sky blue coat and fluffy blue mane. “Party Favor!” she yelped. She brought a hoof to her chest, taking a deep breath to settle her racing heart. “You scared the feathers off me!”

Party Favor gave a sheepish smile, rubbing at the back of his mane. “Sorry, Princess Twilight,” he said, then bowed low. “I didn’t mean to. Pinkie wanted to have an, um, post-Gala after-party-party, and Sugar Belle seemed to like the idea, so they sent me out to get a few things so they could make cake.” He turned to the side to show off a pair of saddlebags stuffed to the brim, ready to burst at the seams. “She told me to make it back double-pronto, and—”

“Say no more. And stand up straight, Party.” Twilight waved him off, more than familiar with Pinkie’s antics. Fidgety and skittish though he was, Party somehow had the patience of Celestia herself, putting up with her silliness. “Get that stuff to Pinkie and collect your prize, Party. And try not to let them leave the kitchen a mess for poor Al Dente.”

“I’ll do my best,” he replied with a chuckle. “But you know how Pinkie and Sugar can get when they start baking. That said, I’d better run before they come looking for me.” Giving her another bow, Party stepped around her and began to trot down the hall she’d just come from, but stopped after a couple steps. “Er, Princess?”

Twilight rolled her eyes, turning to look over her shoulder at him. “You don’t have to call me by title, Party. We’re friends.”

“Right, sorry. I keep forgetting. I just, um, wanted to say—” he bit his lip, awkwardly scuffing a hoof against the tile floor “—I hope your date with Captain Spitfire goes well, Twilight.”

Blinking a couple times, Twilight offered a small smile in return. “Thank you, Party.” She turned to look toward the door again, giving a self-pitying laugh. “I’m actually a little nervous. Which is normal, according to everything Cadence and Shining told me, at least. Rarity also said something about there being a feeling of butterflies in my stomach and that being a sign of excitement and nerves, and I needed to find a way to use that to guide me along tonight, while Rainbow told me last night that I should power through it and just let my ‘innate awesomeness’ radiate through, or something to that effect. But Applejack contradicted that when she said something about not pretending to be anything I wasn’t and being genuine, and Pinkie—” she stopped herself, closing her eyes tight and drawing in a deep breath. Holding it a moment, she released slowly through her nose. “I’m sorry, just nerves. Thank you for wishing me luck, Party. Hopefully it helps.”

Party returned her smile, but hesitated to walk away. He glanced down a moment, then up to meet her eyes again, looking as though he had more to say. Just as he opened his mouth, his ears twitched and his eyes went wide.

“Paaaaaaaaartyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!” Pinkie’s voice, tinged with irritation, echoed off the castle walls. The Royal Guards at their posts pinned their ears back against their scalps, visibly cringing at her volume, far away though she was.

“Oh, shoot!” he yelped, leaping as though his tail had been dipped in boiling water. Giving another, more frantic bow, he scooted off down the hall, calling back at the top of his lungs, “Coming, Sweetie Pie!”

Shaking her head, Twilight could only chuckle. If he could pluck up the courage to ask Pinkie if it was okay to write her, I can survive one lunch date with Spitfire.

After the night they shared together, they were certainly comfortable on a more intimate level. The mere thought brought a blush back to her cheeks and a flash of heat beneath her tail, like the burning fire within roared to life at the very thought of Spitfire in bed with her.

No, bad! She shook her head. We agreed to take things slower this time around. “Like a tryout,” she whispered, repeating Spitfire’s words. “See if there’s a foundation for a romantic relationship, explore it if there’s something. If not, we can be friends—who just so happen to have been together in a way that most friends haven’t.”

Flicking her tail anxiously, she glanced toward the door and swallowed the lump in her throat. With no shortage of trepidation, Twilight forced her hooves to move. One step after the other—like she had to make a conscious effort to raise each hoof off the ground and go forward.

As she neared the open doorway, her ears pricked forward at the sound of powerful wings flapping. The shadow of a pegasus circled overhead, shrinking in size until Spitfire’s brilliant yellow coat and flamelike mane were visible.

Twilight’s heart did a backflip as she watched Spitfire touch down on the cobblestone pathway, her lips slowly tugged upward into a bright smile. Her hooves felt lighter, her wings ruffled up excitedly. She moved with a bounce in her step, almost prancing to meet her date at the door.

“Good afternoon, Spitfire!” she greeted.

Spitfire returned her smile with a toothy grin. “Hey, there, hon!” She stepped close and threw a hoof around Twilight’s neck in a tight hug. Rubbing their cheeks together a moment, she drew back to offer a little nuzzle. “Good to see you again. You look wonderful.”

“Thanks!” Happily, Twilight returned the gesture, adding a kiss to the end of Spitfire’s snout. “You look really nice out of your uniform,” she said, her voice low so the guards standing by the door wouldn’t hear. Her eyes flitted to Spitfire’s soft downy feathers and lit up. “You preened again?”

“Spent a little extra time for you this morning.” She pressed her lips against Twilight’s, lingering a moment, but keeping it chaste and light as promised the morning before. Drawing back, she stole a kiss to the end of Twilight’s muzzle, chuckling at the way she wrinkled her snout. “I take it you approve?”

“Very much, yes! You have no idea!”

“Oh, I don’t know about that! But it’s nice to hear, hon!” A playful gleam flashed in her eyes. “Have fun at breakfast yesterday?”

The smile slid from her face, her muzzle creased into a scowl. “You did that on purpose!” she growled in faux indignation.

Spitfire giggled and stole another kiss. “Sure did, hon! Question is what are you—” she poked Twilight in the chest “—gonna do about it, hmm?”

The merry twinkling in those brilliant amber eyes and that cheeky, infectious grin brought the smile back to her muzzle. Twilight tried to fight it at first, the corners of her mouth seemed to pull upward in spite of her efforts to maintain her scowl, giving her a rather silly look as though she were trying to fight back laughter.

That smirk, that damnable smirk, played upon Spitfire’s lips again. She knew it, too. Spitfire knew she had Twilight right in her hooves.

It was up to her to figure a way to return the favor. “You’ll pay for that,” she said warningly. “I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but you will.”

Spitfire’s smirk remained, she chuckled and nodded. “I look forward to it, hon!” She stole her third kiss of the day, then leaned forward to whisper in her ear, “Just try to make it entertaining, eh? I’d hate to have to teach my date the fine art of teasing.”

Twilight bristled, her wings flared out, as though she were ready to pounce. “I’m not that much of a shut in!”

Another laugh, she stole one last kiss, this time capturing Twilight’s lips. “We’ll just see about that when you make your move, then. For now, I believe I owe you lunch and another round of ‘real talk’.” Spitfire stepped to the side, jerking her head toward the clear blue sky. “Feel like joining me on another flight?”

Standing up straight, Twilight perked up her ears. “I’d be happy to. Did you find a place you liked?”

“Yeah, Soarin’ mentioned a place out past the higher end homes. In Little Roam there’s this family-owned place called Don Contorno’s he said we should try. He said something about it being a little pricey, but I’m more than good for it.”

Blinking, Twilight stared at Spitfire in muted wonder. Anypony who lived in Canterlot knew the name Don Contorno. Though its location might make it seem somewhat of a little-known neighborhood standby, it was one of the higher end dining experiences in the city in terms of quality of food and service.

And yet, the prices weren’t outrageous enough to break the bank—certainly, if one went to Don Contorno’s, they would spend more than a few bits dining on homemade pasta, fresh baked bread, and their choice of the finest wines from across Equestria and abroad, but it was affordable enough for the working family to spend a nice evening out once in awhile.

How long has it been since I last ate there with my family? Or Princess Celestia? Though her feathers ruffled and fluffed up, Twilight kept her smile casual and did her best to keep the excitement out of her voice. “Well, if that’s what you’d like to try, I’m all for it!”

“Sweet.” Spitfire shrugged and gave a toss of her fiery mane. “I’ve never been there, but he and Fleet swore by their feathers that the pasta was to die for. Bill’s on me.” Before Twilight could open her mouth to protest, she waved a hoof. “Ah, ah! No arguing! Already called it, so I’m paying! Deal with it, hon.”

“B-But—”

A yellow hoof was pressed against her lips for the second time in three days. “If it makes you feel better, you can get it on our second date. Today’s on me.”

Twilight let out a little whine, but nodded. She brushed away Spitfire’s hoof and said, “Fine, you can pay today. But no trickery or distractions or what have you when it’s my turn!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Spitfire unfurled her wings and bent her knees, ready for takeoff. “After you, Twilight,” she said, nodding toward the sky again.

With a nod in return, Twilight gave a mighty flap of her wings and took to the air, followed closely behind by Spitfire.

“Nice takeoff,” Spitfire praised. “Now, Soarin said it was toward the south, like you were gonna fly toward Ponyville, so we’ll get a little more altitude and bank left. Okay?”

“Got it!” Twilight called back as she adjusted herself to follow Spitfire’s lead. Finding Contorno’s when she had four hooves on the ground was easy, but the aerial view made it an entirely different story.

At least I’ll get to enjoy a nice, leisurely flight with her, she mused, her eyes wandered over Spitfire’s form and lingered on her toned flank and flame lick cutie mark. The fire in her chest burned hotter, memories of their night together came forth unbidden and brought a blush to her cheeks.

And it’s always nice to take the scenic route. The view is quite lovely.

Spitfire let out a low whistle as she stepped inside Don Contorno’s. The low lightning, the polished wooden furnishing, waiters and waitresses dressed in white button down shirts, hustling around with trays of food and pitchers held aloft in their magic spoke of a rather classy establishment.

So much for low key, she thought, glancing around curiously.

The restaurant itself was very nice, and held a rather welcoming atmosphere in the décor and presence of the staff. But at the same time, it wasn’t overly stifling. Families sat together—some dressed in rather expensive clothing, some having gone more casual—and chatted as they ate, their conversations kept to a dull roar.

A true Roam style affair. Not quite as low key and casual as she’d have liked, but more of a close-knit, friendly place.

With a little hum, she nodded. All right, Soar. Good call on this place’s feel. Now, let’s see if you’re as good a judge of their food.

Who was she kidding? If Soarin recommended food, it was bound to be good.

“Welcome to Don Contorno’s, Princess Twilight, Captain Spitfire,” a middle aged stallion with a hint of gray to his mane greeted. “A table for two? Or will there be more ponies joining your party?”

“No, a table for two will be fine,” Spitfire replied.

He stepped out from behind his podium and bowed to the pair. “Of course. If you would follow me, Your Highness, Captain, I’ll lead you to your table.”

Nodding, Spitfire gestured for Twilight to go before her, receiving a smile in return as the younger mare passed. She followed along, her eyes wandering aimlessly over her surroundings, but lingering on Twilight’s backside—the smooth mulberry coat, the starburst cutie mark, the little bit of bounce in her flanks, and the swaying tail of purple, blue, and magenta.

She smirked, licking her lips as she enjoyed the little show Twilight was giving her. A fair trade in exchange for the stolen looks and wandering eyes during their flight.

Don’t wander too much, old girl, she scolded herself lightly. Already went too far once, don’t want to scare her off, no matter how tempting it is to nip at that rump.

Later. Much later. They still needed to feel out the relationship before they went back to enjoying the more physical aspects of love.

The host lead them to a small booth along the back wall; a tiny candle hung on a stand on the wall, reaching out to cast its light upon the table. Everything was set, menus resting upon plates, silverware set upon tablecloths as pure white as Princess Celestia’s coat.

She gave another hum of approval and slid into the booth across from Twilight.

“Your waiter will be with you shortly, ladies. Is there anything I can get for you in the meantime?”

“Not for me right now, thanks.” Spitfire looked to Twilight and gestured with a hoof. “How about you, hon?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, thank you, sir. I’m fine for now.”

He nodded in reply. “Very good, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave, then.” With another bow, he stepped back and turned sharply on his hooves, striding away from the table with his head held high.

Offering a warm smile, Spitfire settled into her seat. “So, I see you brought a little bit of reading for us, eh?” She nodded toward the saddlebags Twilight had deposited into the booth.

Those cute purple-coated cheeks tinged a light brown, yet another blush and, as typical of Twilight, she ducked her head between her shoulders. “I thought we could discuss a few old legends—if you want to, that is,” she added hastily. “After we eat and talk about other things, of course, it was just an idea.”

“I think that’d be just fine, hon,” she replied. “But like you said, that can be after we eat. Until then, let’s get to know each other a little better than we did at the Gala.” Spitfire paused and wrinkled her snout. “Okay, let me rephrase that: let’s get to know each other as mares, like we started to… gosh, my mouth isn’t cooperating—just let’s talk about things.” Bringing a hoof to her forehead, she propped her elbow up on the table. “So, what sorts of magic do you like studying, hon?”

Twilight pricked her ears forward and sat up straight. “Oh, I like to dabble in several different fields! I’ve experimented with long-range teleportation, transformation, conjuring, I have had an incident or two that involved time travel—but I can’t go too much into that, I’m afraid.” Her smile turned a bit sheepish, but just for an instant. “Oh! I’m also rather skilled in alchemy and potion-making! I’ve been working to teach a couple young fillies how to cast spells and perform some basic alchemy on top of all that…”

The speed at which she rattled off the different branches nearly made Spitfire stagger, if not for years of listening to commanding officers barking orders or subordinates fire off reports like foals on a sugar rush.

Away she goes, off to the races, Spitfire made herself comfortable in her seat and let out a low whistle. “So, you’ve got your hooves in quite a few different pies when it comes to magic. How do you manage to pick so much up? I’ve not heard of too many who can juggle more than a couple of those branches.”

“There’s, um, not really many at all,” Twilight shifted in place, her ears splayed back. “My brother is probably the closest unicorn to myself and the other princesses in terms of raw power and diversity of his magic, though his speciality is in his bubble shields and warding spells.”

“Captain Armor knows warding spells?” Her brow arched. That was certainly new. “I thought he just tossed up a shield spell and let some unfortunate sod try to overpower him.”

Twilight gave a little wince and sideways bob of her head. “Er, yes and no. His shields are definitely strong enough to withstand a lot of brute force, but he adds a layer of warding so no pony can just use a counter spell to kill it, or teleport in and out as they please—for example, whenever he or Cady thought I was upset about something, he’d put a warded shield around me so I couldn’t run off and he’d make me sit down and talk to him.”

“Interesting, I never would’ve guessed. No offense intended, but I thought his spell was all brawn, no finesse.” Spitfire tapped a hoof against the countertop. “Although, that’d probably be like somepony saying that I just fly around in fancy patterns with a few friends.”

“Exactly!” Twilight nodded so fast her bangs shifted out of place and covered her eyes. With a wry glare, she blew a sharp burst of air through her nose and flipped them back into place, then continued. “There’s just as much precision and practice that goes into his shields and warding as there is in one of your routines. It’s not visible, but it’s there. And Shining is the unicorn equivalent of a Wonderbolt when it comes to them.”

“Well, well! Very high praise! Not gonna lie, I never would’ve thought it was quite as complicated or intricate as one of our routines,” Spitfire said. She leaned forward, resting her chin on the back of her hoof. “So, tell me, if Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard’s shield spells are to unicorns as the Wonderbolts’ flight routines are to pegasi, what does that make—” she lifted her chin to point her hoof at Twilight “—Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and former student of Princess Celestia, when she uses them?”

She had to fight back a chuckle at the way Twilight looked down at the table and began fidgeting in place. But before she could throw in a comment about how cute the blush rising in her date’s cheeks was, the sound of hoofsteps close by their table made them turn to find a young mare dressed smartly in a white collared shirt, with a tray carrying two glasses of water held in the soft pink glow of her magic.

“Your Highness,” she greeted, bowing first to Twilight, “Captain Spitfire, thank you for joining us this afternoon.” She floated the drinks to rest on the table, and deftly slid napkins into place beneath them. “My name is Rosebud and I’ll be your waitress today. My little sister Carnation Petal will be helping out as well. May I start you off with something to drink? Wine, perhaps?”

Spitfire wrinkled her snout and shook her head. “Little early in the day for me to start drinking, so I’ll pass on the wine. I don’t suppose you’ve got apple cider?”

Rosebud smiled and bobbed her head. “Yes, of course! Papa buys it in bulk from Mister Filthy Rich and the famed Apple family of Ponyville.”

“Oh?” Twilight cut in, her ears stood up straight. “If you’ve got Apple family cider, I’d like some as well.”

“I’ll have them for you straight away, Your Highness, Captain Spitfire.” Quick as a flash, Rosebud pulled a tiny notepad and pencil out from her shirt pocket and scribbled down their drink order. “Have you had a chance to look over the menu?”

“Er, no,” Spitfire mumbled sheepishly. She took hold of the sturdy black book and flipped it open, her eyes skimming over it like one of her reports. “Uh… hmm…”

“I can come back with your drinks and some fresh baked bread if you’d like, Captain. Then take your orders, if you’re ready.”

Glancing across the table at Twilight, who was also looking hers over, Spitfire nodded. “Yeah, that might be for the best. Sorry, we got chatting…”

Rosebud smiled and shook her head. “No trouble at all, Captain. Papa loves to let ponies sit and take their time. If you need longer, just let me know and I’ll be around.” Bowing her head, she flipped her notepad shut and trotted away, pausing to duck under a floating tray as she made her way toward the kitchen.

Spitfire hummed a tune as she looked through the items. Pastas, steamed vegetables, soups, it all looked so delicious. “I should’ve asked for her recommendation,” she mused. “Not sure if I can decide.”

There was a moment’s silence as she looked the menu over, her tail flicked in irritation. How hard could it be to decide something? When there were so many tasty sauces, different pastas, vegetables, salads…

Okay, quite difficult. No wonder Soarin likes this place so much, she thought, barely holding back a snort of laughter. He could sit in here, close his eyes, and have his hoof land on something he could just bury his face in. And Fleetfoot would let him.

Her mind conjured up the image of Soarin with his muzzle deep in alfredo while Fleetfoot sat across from him, calmly eating her food with proper table manners, occasionally stopping to remind him to at least wipe his face every now and again.

This time she couldn’t withhold a snort. Dear Celestia, that’s a sight I’ve seen way too many times with him and apple pie. A quick shake of her head cast the image from her mind. Got alfredo on the brain, so I’ll go with the fettuccine and broccoli. And maybe a salad. Garden looks good.

With a flick of her hoof, Spitfire closed her menu. “Okay, I’m ready when you are, hon.”

“I haven’t mastered everything, you know.”

Spitfire blinked, staring at Twilight uncertainly. “Er… I don’t think anypony’s mastered ‘everything’, hon.”

“No, no, that’s not what I mean.” Twilight looked up, her ears laid flat against her head and her smile had fallen. “I mean with magic. You asked about my shields.”

“Yeah. I was just curious how you compared with your brother.” She tilted her head to one side. “What’s wrong?”

Twilight shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m being silly, I know you didn’t mean…” She trailed off and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’ve had a few ponies assume that my talent with magic means that I can just do a spell and then have it mastered. That’s not the case at all. I can do a lot, I can learn a lot, but I have to practice more than most because I’m learning so much!”

“Ah.” Spitfire hummed. “It takes more effort because you don’t specialize? Like your brother with shields, or Fleetfoot with speed flying and Soarin with his power flying?”

“In a way, yes. When it comes to shield spells and warding, Shining is like the maestro. I’m more of, er, a renaissance mare.” She ducked her head, a hint of concern flashed in her eyes. “If it doesn’t sound too egotistical to say, that is. I just pick a lot of things up really fast, then I have to work to get better at them. So, by comparison, I can certainly match him in power, but…”

“He has the edge in terms of technique,” Spitfire finished for her.

With a sheepish grin, Twilight nodded. “Yeah. He’s got a knack for it, along with years of practice devoted to those specific areas. Well, on top of some offensive spells for the guard.” She folded her menu and placed it down upon the table, crossing her hooves one atop the other on the table. “But, for me, it took a lot of work to get where I am. You wouldn’t believe how much of a struggle it was for me to teleport short distances.”

“Probably about as much as it was for me to do a proper barrel roll without taking out Soarin and Fleetfoot.” A shudder ran down her spine, all the way to the tips of her feathers. “Seriously. It took longer than it should have.”

“You couldn’t do a proper barrel roll?” Twilight repeated, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Playfully, she raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like I’m lying, hon? Better yet, ask those two feather brains when I introduce you to them. It’s their favorite thing to laugh about that doesn’t involve a very drunken Firestorm.”

“I, um, if you don’t mind me saying…” her voice trailed off, Twilight poked her hooves together. “It’s difficult to imagine a scene like that. I mean, I saw you fly at Rainbow Falls and you were brilliant. And Rainbow always said…”

Spitfire let out a bark of laughter. “What? Don’t tell me she brought up my flight records? Hon, if you’re going off that, it’s probably as difficult as it is for me to think of you having trouble with the teleportation spell after I rode passenger with you?” Another blush colored Twilight’s cheeks, bringing forth another laugh. “But like you said, it didn’t just come easily.”

Ducking her head once again, Twilight offered a sheepish smile. “I just did the same thing I was upset with you for doing, didn’t I?”

“Heh, so you did.” Spitfire leveled her with a faux critical stare, one likely ruined by her cheeky grin. “I guess we’ll call that even, then. But I am curious as to which areas of magic you do lean more toward, the ones you put a bit more of your focus into, I mean.”

Just as she’d hoped, Twilight sat up a bit straighter. That pretty smile, toothy and full of glee, was back in place again. “I’d like that very much.”

Rosebud came by with their drinks, as if on cue. She neatly set them down on the table and took her notepad in her magic again. “Your Highness, Captain, are you ready?”

Spitfire and Twilight shared a look, each giving a small smile. “Yes,” Spitfire replied, “I think we are. Go ahead, Twilight.”

Lunch had been everything Soarin promised and more.

Accustomed though she was to eating out at high priced restaurants and dining with sponsors and politicians, Spitfire had to give credit where it was due. Don Contorno’s food was like eating back home—fresh made ingredients, prepared with great care and cooked to perfection in a way only her ma could manage. Not to mention the atmosphere certainly set a nice mood for talk, and Rosebud was happy to bring drinks as long as they stayed.

The tip she left might have been a bit over the top, and just might surprise the young mare, but it was worth it in spades.

Whatever it was about the place, Twilight was comfortable enough to talk without too much prompting. Of course, Spitfire asked questions here and there, and their byplay would go back toward her, but she didn’t have to coax words out of Twilight.

It felt more natural, like there was more ebb and flow, give and take. Twilight smiled, laughed that bubbly laugh of hers, and told stories about how her big brother—big, scary Captain Shining Armor—used to let her ride on his back while he pretended to buck and jump for all he was worth to throw her off, and if he did, he’d just catch her in his magic and tickle her silly.

All in all, Spitfire was quite surprised she didn’t have a heart attack at the image her mind conjured. Foal pictures, she resolved. I somehow need to find a picture of that. I know it exists somewhere.

Maybe if she played her cards right, they could arrange for an exchange of information. But, that was for later.

Once they’d finished their meal—and realized that they’d spent nearly an hour after doing so sitting around chatting, even after Spitfire had paid the bill—they made their way to the local park. Lush green grass, foals running and playing while their parents sat on the benches and watched, an old couple sat on a park bench feeding the pigeons a bit of birdseed.

“Nice place,” Spitfire commented. “A lot different from the Cloudsdale cloud fields.”

“Cadence and Shining used to bring Spike and I here when we were little,” Twilight replied. “We’d set up a big picnic blanket on that hill over there—” she waved a hoof to her left, toward a tiny hill with a young oak tree standing tall and proud by its lonesome “—and we’d just do everything. Reading, playing knights and dragons with Shining, Cadence would teach me how to dance…”

Smiling, Spitfire stepped closer, enough so their feathers brushed together as they walked. The saddlebags strapped to Twilight’s waist jostled and bumped against her flank with every step. “Foalhood memories are always sweet, aren’t they? I remember dad taking me out to the fields and racing with me all day when he wasn’t on tour. Captain Crossfire, if you’ve heard the name.”

Twilight stopped walking, her snout scrunched up rather cutely as she tried to connect it. “I know I’ve heard it before, he was fairly recent, I believe.”

“Heh, he’s my dad, not my granddad, hon. Yeah, he’s pretty recent.”

Rolling her eyes, Twilight trotted up and bumped her shoulder against Spitfire’s. “You know what I mean, you cheeky mare!” She giggled and stayed close. “You know, if we keep talking about foalhood memories, the little ones around here will start talking about us like we’re a couple of old mares.”

With a mock gasp, Spitfire returned the shoulder bump. “You take that back! I’ll have you know I’m as spry as ever, and energetic as a diamond dog in a room full of crystals!” Grinning, she leaned in to whisper in Twilight’s ear. “And to be completely fair, I don’t think you’ll find the foals talking about their princess like that, hon.”

“Fine! They’ll call you an old mare!” Her brilliant purple eyes seemed to dance with mischief, a far sight from the nervous mare at the Gala or the shifty little thing from the morning after. “And rightfully so!”

“Old mare?” Spitfire balked, her wings flared out and ears pinned back. “Why you little—Princess or not, I can still get you in the air and put you through your paces!”

Giggling like a little filly, Twilight stuck her tongue out and crossed her eyes. A display that would’ve most ponies tripping over themselves to see.

A not-so-subtle challenge.

Spitfire narrowed her eyes and, timing her steps, made to wrap a hoof around Twilight’s withers to pull her into a tight side hug and subsequent noogie.

But Twilight was waiting.

Quick as a flash, bright magenta light burst before her eyes and a popping sound met her ears. Spitfire blinked to rid herself of the white spots that dotted her vision, only to find empty space where Twilight had been. “What the hay…” Before she could even catch up, another popping sound came from her left. Turning, she came nose-to-nose with a cheekily grinning Twilight, who poked her right in the nose and popped out of existence again.

Teleporting! She realized. With a frustrated growl, she stomped the ground, her eyes flitted left and right to find her prey. Clever, hon. But I’m a lot quicker than you think. Next time I hear that little pop, your wings are clipped.

Her ears perked up to full height, Spitfire crouched low to the ground, ready to pounce and give Twilight a Wonderbolt sized noogie she wouldn’t soon forget. All she needed was the timing. If it was anything like the last, she should be showing up right about—

A pop sounded from her left, Spitfire whipped around and made to leap at Twilight, but came up grasping at air. The pop sounded to her right. She turned just in time to catch the burst of magenta as Twilight teleported again.

Left. Right. Behind. Right. Left. Above. Left. Left. Behind.

With a simple teleport spell, traveling a distance of maybe half a pony’s length at most, Twilight lead her on a merry dance, leaving her chasing in circles as if she were a puppy chasing her own tail.

Spitfire stopped in place, her brows flatlined. “Oh, you cheeky little…”

So Twilight wanted to taunt and play tag with a Wonderbolt, eh? She was in for a surprise. All she needed was a little feint to start the cycle off.

Her plan set in motion, Spitfire listened closely for the telltale sound of Twilight’s magic cutting through the air. She didn’t disappoint.

The first came off to her right. As soon as the pressurized rush of air reached her, she flicked her right ear toward the source and jerked her head as if to make a move. Predictably, a second pop sounded through the air, and started the real search.

Had she moved to her right, Spitfire would’ve been completely off balance when she heard the pop sound just over her left shoulder. Ha! Got you! With a triumphant grin splitting her muzzle, she whipped around, her weight shifted to her back hooves to push off and tackle Twilight.

But when she turned, she found Twilight standing well within her personal bubble, cheerfully grinning with her muzzle pressed against Spitfire’s.

A tiny squeak slipped from the back of her throat; her shifted weight made her rear back, comically flailing her hooves for balance.

Twilight’s shot out and took her right hoof, and with one quick jerk, pulled her in for a light peck on the lips. Her coat stood on end as Twilight’s magic washed over her, the world engulfed in a magenta glow, there was the feeling of being hooked and pulled along by her withers.

Brilliant purple eyes, alight with mischief, vivacity, and warmth dominated her vision. Soft grass tickled her ankles, a change from the feel of the sidewalk’s hard pavement against her hooves. She caught me, Spitfire mused, still preoccupied with the kiss.

A wave of dizziness hit her. Her knees buckled, brilliant purple eyes blurred and faded as blackness tinged the edges of her vision. A gentle, but firm hoof wrapped around her barrel and pulled her close against Twilight’s chest.

“Sorry,” Twilight’s voice whispered into her ear. “I forgot how jarring it could be if you don’t have practice as a passenger—I gave you warning last time.”

Spitfire gave a barely audible mumble, bringing a hoof to her forehead. “Ugh. Anypony get the number of that manticore that trampled me?”

Giggling, Twilight’s chest shook. Soft lips pressed into her forehead. “No manticores, Spitfire. Just me not thinking through with my teasing.” Another kiss to her forehead, this one fluffy and lingering. “I’m sorry.”

Through her groggy state of mind, Spitfire shook her head, rubbing her nose into the warm fur on Twilight’s chest. “’S okay, hon.” A playful smiled made it’s way across her muzzle, she leaned in close and breathed in the scent of Twilight’s perfume. White chocolate and roses. Red, Spitfire. Keep it clean. “Just means you have to deal with me leaning on you for a while.”

“I think I can accept that,” Twilight replied, her lips curved into a smile. Spitfire felt her shift, stepping around to support her from the left side. “I’m going to help walk you over to the tree I pointed to a bit ago. Just a few steps, if you feel up to it.”

Spitfire turned and leveled her with a bemused stare. “Hon, I’m a just little off kilter. If you can guide me, I’ll make it.”

Twilight let out a snort of laughter, but nodded. “All right, if you say so. I’m, er, I’m going to wrap my wing around you—just to steady you!” she said the last bit in a rush. “I don’t mean to jump straight to wing hugs, and I don’t mean this as an excuse! I just don’t want you to stumble!”

Quickly averting her gaze, Spitfire found herself fighting down a bit of a blush in her cheeks. This silly mare. “It’s fine, hon.” She turned back to press her lips against Twilight’s cheek and give a light nuzzle. “We’ll just call this one your mulligan, okay?”

Giving a nod and a crooked smile, Twilight unfurled her wing. Her soft purple feathers ran over Spitfire’s vibrant yellow, sending a tickling sensation down her wing.

As they came in contact with her back, Spitfire drew in a sharp breath. “Your feathers are soft,” she noted breathily.

“I preened yesterday,” Twilight replied, a hint of flattery in her tone. Her wing wrapped snuggly around Spitfire’s middle, pulling her in close as she began to slowly trot toward the tree. “Cadence helped me.”

Blinking to help clear her head, Spitfire allowed herself to be led toward the tree. “Well, you both did a great job.” With her head less muggy, she leaned in to nuzzle Twilight’s cheek. “So, what’s the plan? Doubt you teleporting me over to the tree you pointed out was coincidence.”

Twilight’s smile turned sheepish. “You caught me,” she admitted. “I sort of thought we could sit under it and look over a few of these.” She turned to nod at the books in her saddlebags. “If that’s okay with you, I mean.”

Spitfire stopped a few paces from the tree and turned into Twilight. “Hon, if you want to share your old picnic spot with me, I’m flattered.” She gave a light kiss to Twilight’s lips, nuzzling their snouts together. “I’m more than okay with that.”

The smile that split Twilight’s muzzle could’ve brought light to the deepest, darkest cave, or kept a pony warm through the Windigos’ endless winter.

They sat down, Twilight deftly removed her wing and folded it against her side as they leaned against the tree trunk. The warmth, the soft feeling of her feathers left Spitfire. Her smile faltered, a not-so-small part of her demanded it back.

Not yet, too early for that, she scolded herself. And I’m the one doing the wing-hugging, dang it. I’m the lead.

“So, what’ve you got on tap for us?” she asked.

Twilight lit her horn and floated a rather thick book out of her saddlebags. The title Tales of the Founders of Equestria was displayed on the side in neat, golden script. “I thought I’d pull out an old favorite first. Since we mentioned a couple stories while we were up on the cloud.”

Nodding, Spitfire settled in beside her, leaning in to look at the book as Twilight flitted through the pages. Their sides brushed together again. Soft feathers, warmth, the rhythm of Twilight’s breathing against her.

Almost hypnotic. Like an invitation to wrap her hooves around Twilight’s body and pull her into her lap to be smothered with kisses and nips to her cute, purple ears. Then, slowly lay her back, move on top, and—

Spitfire shook her head. Red. Keep it under wraps. “Which story do you wanna look at first?”

Humming, Twilight glanced at the index. “How about we start with ‘Whirlwind, Maple, and the Dragon of Craggy Peak Mountain’?”

“Heh, an old favorite. I’m cool with that.” Spitfire glanced skyward, frowning at the clouds dotting the sky. They looked suspiciously like thunderheads. “Don’t suppose you checked the weather schedule before we left, did you?”

“Er, no. Why?”

She nodded to the sky. “I didn’t either. We’re gonna have to keep an eye on those or we’ll end up soaked.”

“Don’t tell me the vaunted Captain of the Wonderbolts is afraid of a little rain!” Twilight teased, nudging her with an elbow. “Wait until I tell Rainbow Dash!”

Snorting, Spitfire nudged her back. “I’m trying to make sure our date doesn’t end with us making a mad dash for cover, you silly filly.”

“Fair enough. Then onward to Whirlwind and Maple.” Twilight flipped to the first page of the story—which bore a rather impressive illustration of a pegasus with a navy coat carrying an earth pony mare of red soft brown coat and golden mane in his hooves as he fled from the great maw of a mighty dragon.

The stallion who outflew the jaws of hell.

“Once upon a time, there was a stallion named Whirlwind,” Twilight read aloud, “one of Commander Hurricane’s most trusted soldiers, among the first to stand up and join the newly formed Guard. He served with great devotion and valor, defending the six founders from the dangers of the world while they worked to unite the tribes under the Equestrian banner. While on patrol in the castle gardens one day, Whirlwind met with a mare more beautiful than the setting sun or all the stars in the night sky—a lovely earth pony named Maple.”

Spitfire closed her eyes and concentrated on Twilight’s voice. The way she read, the inflections of her voice with every word painted the scene for her.

Whirlwind was tongue-tied, his spear held limply in hoof as he gaped in awe of a lovely mare, clothed in a dirt-stained smock completely oblivious to him. She hummed an old earth pony folk song to herself as she moved from plant to plant, watering them and cooing over them as if they were her foals.

His lips seemed dry. Running his tongue over them to wet them in hopes of speaking to this beauty, this goddess given flesh, didn’t work. His heart beat in his ears, his wings trembled. She was an earth pony, he was a pegasus. The tribes were united on paper, by the word and signature of their leaders, but some of the animosity, the suspicion remained.

Would she hold onto that feeling?

“Oh!”

He blinked, shaken from his reverie to find himself met with a pair of eyes as green as the springtime fields. Such a vibrant, lovely color…

A goddess indeed.

“G-Good day, garden tender!” he blurted, his cheeks tinged a rosy pink hue.

The mare ducked her head shyly, bowing to him. “Good day, Guardpony,” she greeted. Mercifully, there was no animosity in her voice. Only a touch of hesitance. “I hope I’m not interrupting your patrol.”

Frantically, Whirlwind shook his head. His helmet rattled around, in a way his pegasus brothers and sisters would surely laugh at. “N-No! Not at all!” he assured her. “I heard you… I heard your singing.” He shifted in place, his armor creaking with his movement. “You have a… a lovely voice.”

Her cheeks colored, she looked down at a rosebush to hide a smile. “Thank you, sir. But I’m just a gardener. My voice isn’t that impressive…”

“No, it is!” he balked. How could such a vision of loveliness not know her own power? “Truly, you possess a voice as sweet as Lady Clover’s magic is awesome!” Spurred by his own words, he placed his spear on the ground and bowed to her, splaying his wings out in the traditional pegasus salute. “Please, if you’d be so kind, I would be delighted to know your name, fair maiden.”

There was a moment’s pause. The grass beneath her hooves crunched as she pawed awkwardly, but Whirlwind dared not raise his gaze lest he discourage her.

“Maple,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “My name is Maple.”

Maple. Like the trees whose scent was sweet and sap made delicious syrup. Fitting for such a mare.

Slowly, he raised his head, offering her a smile. “Thank you, fair Maple. Your name is as lovely as your voice.”

Another awkward shift, her cheeks seemed alight with fire. She glanced up at him shyly, her lips tugging into a smile. “Thank you, sir. In return, might I have your name?”

Whirlwind thrust out his chest. “My name is Whirlwind—Whirlwind of the Equestrian Guard, defender of the Castle of the Six!”

A hoof touched her shoulder, Spitfire jolted back to the present. “Huh?” She blinked and turned to Twilight, and was met with an amused tugging at her lips and mirth shining in her eyes. “What’s that?”

“You were off in the clouds,” Twilight said, giggling into a hoof. “I asked if you wanted to read the next passage.”

“Oh! Sure, hon.” She grinned and held out a hoof. “Pass it over.”

Twilight floated the book to her waiting hoof and let her magic cut out. “All right,” she said, leaning into Spitfire’s side. Much as Spitfire had done, she closed her eyes and smiled. “We were at the part about—”

Spitfire gave her a little brush with her feathers. “I know where we are, smarty hooves! Whirlwind just introduced himself, next up comes their courtship.” Clearing her throat, she made to carry on, pausing only to level Twilight with a stern glare when she kept giggling. “If you’re done?”

“Go ahead,” Twilight replied, waving her on.

Turning to give a snort into Twilight’s mane, and then quickly ducking to avoid a swipe of her hoof, she settled in and picked up where they left off. “Taken in by her beauty and gentle nature, Whirlwind began to court Maple; the six founders were rather surprised at how quickly the first official mixed courtship began, but gave their blessing. Among them, Chancellor Puddinghead, Commander Hurricane and Smart Cookie were their greatest supporters. To commemorate their relationship, Hurricane had the pegasus smiths forge a set of horseshoes deep in the heart of a thunderhead to enable Maple to walk on the clouds and stand at Whirlwind’s side. The pair were happy together, their example led the way for more and more ponies to court outside their tribes. But on one fateful day, a great dragon came down from his den on Craggy Peak Mountain, lured by the riches of the young nation.”

“Spike always hated this part,” Twilight whispered. “He’d always cross his arms and grumble that the evil dragon would’ve been stopped dead in his tracks if he’d been there to help defend the nation, and Maple could’ve been safe and Whirlwind wouldn’t have had to chase after her.”

“That so?” Spitfire said, snickering at the image of the tiny dragon that came to mind. “Well, how unfortunate that brave and noble Spike wasn’t there to protect the fair maiden, eh?”

Succumbing to another giggle fit, Twilight bobbed her head. “He doesn’t like it when evil dragons make the rest of his kind look bad.”

“Heh, well, maybe next time we have an evil dragon attack, Spike can be the good dragon who shows everypony what they’re really like.”

With a nod and a snort she turned back to the story. Her mind began to wander again as she read through. “The Dragon of Craggy Peak set upon the castle with his ravenous lust for gold. Completely caught off-guard, the unified forces of the Equestrian Guard could only scramble to protect the six founders and castle staff. But as they led the ponies to the safety of the castle’s keep, Whirlwind noticed there was one of their number missing. His lovely Maple was nowhere to be found. Taken in by her beauty much like Whirlwind, the dragon stole her away as his prize—a little pony with a voice as sweet as the birds in spring, perfect to sing him to sleep. Wrought with worry, Whirlwind took his thunder forged spear from the guard armory and gave chase, all the way to the dragon’s keep…”

The days had dragged on for the young guardpony, following along the trail of smoldering ruin the great dragon left in its wake. His heart pounded in his chest as he neared the base of the mountain, a rising up against the backdrop of an overcast sky.

To the south, he took note of a patch of wild thunderheads sat above the raging waters of the eastern sea—temperamental and violent, the lightning contained within one was more than enough to burn a pony or griffin to a crisp. A full patch of them, though…

Whirlwind shook his head, gripping his spear tighter. “Maple,” he whispered fervently. “I’m coming.”

He ascended the slopes of Craggy Peak Mountain as quietly as he could. Every crunch of gravel, every rock unsettled, every step he took made his heart leap to his throat. The steady stream of smoke coming from within the mouth of the cave above him meant the dragon was indeed home, there would be no avoiding an encounter.

Hopefully fortune would smile upon him and let the great beast be sound asleep while he made his move.

Whirlwind peeked his head into the cave entrance, his jaw dropped at the sight of the veritable sea of gold and trinkets within. How old was this dragon? How many years had he plundered the lands and neighboring kingdoms to acquire such a horde?

Maple. His thoughts returned to his beloved mare. Where was his Maple?

He crept into the cave, searching frantically for his lost love. Every which way he looked, another small mountain of treasure met his eye, the shine of gold blinding even in the depths of the cave. But no Maple!

His heart sank. If Maple wasn’t here, it could only mean one thing…

The dragon.

Whirlwind snarled, his eyes flitted to the great beast slumbering in the depths of his cave, blanketed in the golden sheen of his conquests.

How dare he…

Whirlwind unfurled his wings, snorting through his nose as he stalked toward the beast. Nothing else. This foul creature, this demon spawned from the depths of Tartarus had taken Maple from this world!

How dare he…

She was innocent! A beautiful little flower that had survived the harsh winter, the end of the War of the Three Tribes, and smiled so sweetly for him when he asked that she share her song.

How dare he…

Rage burned within him like a wildfire, consuming every bit of his being. Whirlwind moved in closer, his eyes locked on the dragon’s tightly shut eyelids—the eyes were always the weakest point on any creature, no armor or hide could stop a spear, sword, or arrow from piercing through.

Thunderforged steel would do the deed well enough. Even if the beast’s thrashing about in the throes of death managed to end him, Whirlwind would have his revenge and be with Maple once again.

He stood poised to deliver the strike, his spear hefted at the ready. “This is for Maple,” he whispered, his voice tinged with venomous fury, “you wicked creature!”

A soft gasp stayed his hoof. His ears flicked to the left. What in the world was that?

The dragon began to stir, a rumble sounded from the back of his throat. Scaled eyelids fluttered, much like a foal rousing from a deep sleep.

It was now or never! But who had started? Whirlwind searched again, peering around the dragon’s frame. Another captive? Did this creature take ponies to his cave and devour them one by one? What sort of wicked beast made its prey wait in such a manner?

There, sitting just a few paces from the dragon’s wing, was Maple. Her tear streaked cheeks were matted and eyes red-rimmed. She looked as though she hadn’t slept in days, her beautiful coat and mane were unkempt and stuck up in odd patches. And yet, to Whirlwind, she was still the most beautiful sight in all the land.

Maple gave a weak smile, her eyes teared up. As Whirlwind made to step toward her and thank the fates, she brought a hoof to her lips, then pointed to the dragon.

“Mare…” the dragon mumbled. “Sing… Sing to me again…”

“Yes, master,” Maple replied and bowed her head, the submissive gesture not matching the bright smile on her muzzle. With her lips tugging into a full grin and tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, she began to sing.

Both Whirlwind and the dragon froze—the latter letting out a contented sigh as he made himself comfortable again, drifting off with the first notes of her song. Whirlwind felt his heart soar, like he were flying with his brethren above the clouds.

She was singing for him. Not because she was bound by the dragon’s hold over her life, but for him.

Damn the beast, his mare was alive!

Whirlwind approached her, taking care to step around the dragon and avoid knocking over any of the trinkets. Her vibrant green eyes went wide, Maple made to wave him off, but he caught her hoof in his and pulled her into a kiss. “I was so worried,” he whispered as they broke.

“He’ll wake!” she hissed, her eyes darting back to her captor. “You have to go!”

“Not without you.”

A raindrop fell on the end of Spitfire’s nose. She blinked and shook her head, shifting her gaze from the text on the page to the darkened sky above.

She sniffed. The scent of ozone and fresh rain reached her nose. Squinting, Spitfire could make out the blurred outlines of her fellow pegasi flitting amongst the clouds, kicking them to spill their payloads out across the park.

“Aw, horseapples,” she cursed. Closing the book with a snap, she stuffed it into Twilight’s saddlebag. “Bad news, hon.”

Twilight followed her gaze, her shoulders slumped when she saw the rain coming. “Oh, come on!” she cried, giving an irritated flick of her tail. “We were getting to the best part, too!”

“Well, looks like the Canterlot Weather Team schedule isn’t gonna let us do that out here!” Spitfire jumped to her hooves and nosed her way between Twilight’s jaw and her shoulder, nudging her up. “Come on, on your hooves! Not having my date go home soaked to the bone if I can help it.”

She coaxed a rather put out Twilight to her hooves and picked up the saddlebags in her mouth. With a toss of her head, she flipped them over her back. “All right, we’ve got all the books in here, so let’s get back quick. Mind giving us a quick teleport, hon?”

Expecting an immediate yes, Spitfire stepped closer to Twilight’s side and took a deep breath, closing her eyes to help prevent the dizziness that came with sudden change in location.

But Twilight hesitated before giving her answer. “No,” she said.

Spitfire’s eyes shot open, she turned to stare at Twilight. “Er, hon, your books are gonna get soaked if we don’t get back, not to mention you.”

“Let me deal with that.” Twilight smiled, an odd gleam shined in her eyes. “I’ve had a wonderful time with you today; flying together, sitting and chatting at Contorno’s, and walking through the park before we stopped and read together.” She leaned in to plant a soft kiss on Spitfire’s cheek, her lips lingering a moment before she pulled away. “I’d rather spend more time together than cut things short with a teleport because we ran into some rain,” she whispered, nuzzling against Spitfire.

A warmth filled her chest. Spitfire leaned into her touch, allowing herself a little rustle of her wing. “I can’t argue with that,” she murmured.

Still, letting Twilight get wet was out of the question. Both because she wanted this date to end well and she’d look like a complete jerk if she let a princess get soaked.

At very least, she could offer something. And it’d be a nice little gesture from her culture, too.

Spitfire unfurled her left wing and offered it to Twilight. “Here,” she said, “stand under my wing, hon. No reason both of us have to get wet.”

The gesture earned a hum of approval and another kiss on the cheek. “You’re sweet. But I disagree.” She lit up her horn, smiling as she stepped close enough to press her side against Spitfire’s. “I don’t think there’s any room for either of us to get wet.” She raised her eyebrows, glancing up to survey something.

Curious, Spitfire followed her gaze, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth when she noticed the shimmering magenta bubble surrounding the pair.

A shield charm. And, by the looks of it, Twilight had put it up just in the nick of time as the pegasi kicked the rainclouds above them, dumping raindrops over the rest of the park.

She returned her gaze to Twilight again and captured her lips in a kiss. They stayed together, the shield keeping them dry long enough for Spitfire to savor their shared warmth, the soft touch of Twilight’s lips against hers.

A warm, wet tongue ran along her lips. Spitfire laughed into the kiss and broke it. “Now, now,” she mock scolded, her smile ruining the effect. “We talked about that, hon. That’s code red.”

Twilight simply grinned and stole a kiss to the end of her snout. “After a careful review of literature,” she began, speaking with an air of regality, “and assurances offered by the Princess of Love, Mi Amore Cadenza, I have come to the conclusion that Prench kissing is initiated when two ponies’ tongues interact within the confines of their mouths—licking your lips is the prelude, not the action.” Cheekily, she bumped her hip against Spitfire. “Unless you can’t handle the heat, Captain Spitfire.”

Laughing, Spitfire returned the bump. Got me back for breakfast after all. “I’ll give you that one, hon. But let’s keep the rest of our little game under wraps until later, okay? I wanna enjoy walking and talking, making you squirm can wait.”

The pair shared grins and another kiss before making their way out of the park and into the emptied streets of Canterlot. Just two mares, a little rain to cool the air and keep them close, and a nice walk.

Who could ask for a better end to a date?

6. Say Red

Spitfire had to do her very best not to snigger at the look of wide-eyed astonishment on both the doorpony and the elevator attendant when she walked up, all but snuggling against the newest princess of Equestria.

Both the poor colts must’ve been finishing their shifts, just hanging around and chatting with one another when she walked up with Twilight—purple and yellow wings touching and tracing against each other, laughing and chatting like old friends, and moving with a not-so-little sway in their gait.

Those sniggers almost turned into full-blown laughter when Twilight innocently greeted them with a casual “Hello” and a nod of her head, which sent them scrambling to bow their heads and reply in kind.

Through it all, even as they made their way through the hotel lobby, filled with well-to-do ponies huddled within, bringing out umbrellas to brave the rain outside, into the elevator where a new colt stood at the ready, Twilight’s attention and her warm, cheerful smile were reserved for her.

She’d return their greetings with a smile and nod, but she always came back to Spitfire.

Spitfire swished her tail and felt it brush against Twilight’s—a trail of fiery orange and yellow playing against neat and orderly purple, violet, and magenta.

Licking her lips, she nosed against Twilight’s cheek. Soft and well-cared for, just like her feathers. Just like she had it a couple nights ago.

Memories flashed through her mind. Heated kisses, warm tongues coming together in a passionate dance, their hooves massaging and trailing over their bodies.

Twilight laying on her back, her mane unkempt, yet so very beautiful. The very vision of passion as she lay with her wings unfurled, tail twitching and hind legs spread wide to bare herself to Spitfire.

How she whispered Spitfire’s name, so breathy and full of want—

The chime of the elevator’s bell brought her back to the present. Spitfire shook her head. Red. No fly zone, Spits.

She smiled to Twilight and bumped their hips together. “After you, hon,” she said, fixing her with a half-lidded stare she just knew would bring on that cute little blush-and-duck she’d so come to love.

Sure enough, Twilight gave a wobbly smile and ducked her head to hide a blush as she trotted forward. She barely remembered to mumble a polite “Thank you” to the colt operating the lever.

With a low chuckle, Spitfire trotted alongside her, sparing a nod to the colt as she passed him by and guided Twilight down the hallway toward the Wonderbolts’ penthouse suite.

“Wow,” Twilight murmured, her eyes darted to each of the paintings on display. “This is almost as impressive as some of the art in the castle, or the Royal Museum!”

“Yeah, they really go all out for VIPs here. Sometimes it makes me feel almost like—” she stepped a bit closer and brushed her feathers against Twilight’s side “—a princess.”

Twilight turned to level her with a flat stare. “Oh, ha ha!” She rolled her eyes, bumping her hip against Spitfire’s. “Somepony’s feeling rather cheeky, and so soon after she chased her own tail in the park.”

Trying to play? I’m game. Spitfire leapt forward to bare her left side to Twilight and struck a pose, bringing a hoof up to buff on her chest, ruffling her feathers, and gave a little lift of her tail—one that made those pretty purple eyes drift for a split second.

Only an instant, but Spitfire caught her. “Well,” she purred, “I can hardly be blamed. I’ve heard from a reliable source that my tail is quite alluring.” Her tail raised higher, a little flick made Twilight’s eyes follow the flaming tip as it neared her toned flank and flame-lick cutie mark.

Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, her nostrils flared. Soft purple feathers began to fluff and ruffle as her eyes wandered lower. Twilight froze, blinking and shaking her head, then looking away. “Um, yes! Well, you do have a rather distinctive coloration and manner of styling your mane and tail,” she said, her tone faltering a bit in the middle as her gaze flitted back to Spitfire. Looking away again, she shifted from hoof to hoof, chewing on her bottom lip.

Spitfire seized the opportunity. She put a little extra sway in her step as she trotted forward, grinning at how Twilight’s ear flicked toward her at the sound of her hooves, but her eyes remained focused on a spot on the wall.

The moment she came within reach, she pressed her lips against Twilight’s cheek, lingering long enough to delight in the little squeak that sounded from the back the mare’s throat and the merry swish in her tail. “Come on. Let’s get you inside before some hotel staff wanders up and thinks I’m just making a game of seeing how much I can get you to blush.”

“Th-That wasn’t what you were doing?” Twilight stammered, the smile on her muzzle ruining any attempt at accusation.

“Maybe a little.” Stealing another kiss, she threw a hoof around Twilight’s shoulders and steered her toward the penthouse. “But I’d rather sit on a nice, comfy couch and finish our story about Whirlwind and Maple. We can resume our little game afterward.”

Twilight huffed, pushing out her bottom lip and—in Spitfire’s opinion—performing the most adorable little pout any mare had ever managed, she followed along. “Not much of a game if you don’t have an opponent,” she mumbled.

Rolling her eyes, Spitfire turned to nuzzle her cheek. “Maybe I’m just waiting for my opponent to step up to my level, hon. Until then, you make a wonderful scoreboard. Actually, you’re perhaps the most beautiful scoreboard I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Slowly, the pout melted away, her lips tugged into a bright smile as she pressed herself against Spitfire’s side. “You’re a terrible tease, you know.”

“Only because—” she caught herself. Don’t scare her away, don’t jump in without looking. Again. She fixed a coy smile on her muzzle, eying Twilight with a hooded gaze. “Only because you’re worth it, hon.”

Blinking, Twilight tilted her head. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but stopped and closed it with a little click, then smiled. “Well,” she began, nosing into Spitfire’s neck, “glad I rank high enough to be teased by a mare whose beautiful in her own right!”

Oooh, clever girl. You’re getting better and better. With a grin spreading across her muzzle, Spitfire came to a stop before the door, her eyes flitted down to the handle.

No sign of a necktie.

Good. She let out a sigh of relief. Last thing I need is to walk in on Soarin mounting Fleetfoot on the couch like that time in Las Pegasus. Especially with Twi right here.

Twisting the knob and pushing the door open, Spitfire lead Twilight inside, kicking the door shut behind them. “Well, welcome to the penthouse. Not quite the Royal Suite you’ve got, but it’s a nice little pad.” She glanced left to Soarin and Fleetfoot’s room, then right to hers. “Helps that I get my own room so I get a little privacy while the lovebirds snuggle up together.”

“Is that so?” Twilight drawled. She turned, fixing Spitfire with a half-lidded stare and smirk as she slowly brushed her side along Spitfire’s body. Her soft tail teased and brushed Spitfire’s chin. “And what do you call us if your teammates are ‘lovebirds’?”

Spitfire licked her lips, the warmth of their bodies brought a heat to rise in her cheeks. How nice it would be to turn real quick, wrap her hooves around Twilight, pull her in for a deep kiss, and make their way over to the couch for a little—

Red.

She returned Twilight’s smirk with one of her own and flicked the ends of her tail across Twilight’s nose, earning a little squeak and wrinkle of her snout. “I say we’re a couple of mares still working on finishing this tryout. If all continues as it’s gone so far—” she maneuvered her primaries to brush and intertwine with Twilight’s, almost like holding hooves “—we can see about moving into that category together.”

A bright smile crossed Twilight’s muzzle. “Well, in that case, I think you and I have a story to finish.” She strode around Spitfire, but not without giving a little flick of her tail against Spitfire’s rump in retaliation, and leaned into her side. “The next part is always my favorite.”

Chuckling, Spitfire nosed against her cheek. “I think it’s everypony’s favorite part, hon,” she said, leading Twilight over to the couch.

As they sat, Twilight floated her saddlebags off Spitfire’s back and onto the coffee table, and took the book in her magic once again. “Okay, so we were at the part where Whirlwind wouldn’t leave without Maple, if I remember correctly.”

“Yeah, that sounds about right. You wanna read or should I?”

“You just read, so it’s my turn. Although,” she said, her tone turning a bit flirty as she scooted closer, pressing against Spitfire’s side again, “I think I’m in need for a cuddle buddy for this next part. Think you’re up to the task?”

Without a word, Spitfire wrapped a hoof around Twilight, pulling her in tight and kissing the end of her snout. The mares shared a warm smile, nosing together before they turned to read again.

“After much coaxing and assuring the dragon would never take Maple again, Whirlwind convinced his beloved to come away with him,” Twilight read aloud. “Gripping his thunderforged spear in his mouth, he lead her by the hoof through the darkened cave. They weaved between mounds of gold and silver trinkets, stepping softly as they could around the slumbering dragon as they made their way to the mouth of the cave. But as warm sunlight touched their coats, the great dragon started from his sleep again.”

Spitfire laid her head atop Twilight’s and closed her eyes, letting her friend’s soothing voice carry her off to the scene playing out in her head once again.

“Mare…” the beast grumbled, his voice shaking the very walls of the cave. “My sleep is troubled. Sing for me again…”

At the mouth of the cave, Maple and Whirlwind froze in mid-step. She turned, chewing on her bottom lip as she glanced from her kidnapper to her savior and back again.

Whirlwind shook himself, tugging on her hoof. “Come!” he said around his spear. “We must leave now!”

“If I don’t sing, he’ll wake!”

“Maple, my love, if you sing each time he calls, we’ll never leave this cave!” He spat his spear into his hoof, fixing her with a soulful gaze. “If we leave now, we have a chance to escape!”

She looked back again. “He’ll come after us,” she whimpered. “I still remember the fires, all the screams from the day he took me—”

“He will not catch us,” Whirlwind said, his brows knitted together. “You’ll be free of him. Just come away with me, we’ll fly any way you wish. Home, a new land, anywhere but this miserable cave.”

“Mare!”

Maple’s ears laid flat against her scalp. She ducked her head low and pressed against his side. “I don’t ever want to see him again,” she whispered. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, following along the wet tracks that had been traced countless times since her taking. “The fire, his voice, those fangs, none of it. He’s a creature straight out of my darkest nightmares and he delights in our suffering.”

Before Whirlwind could give any comforting reply, the dragon growled. “When I command, you are to sing! Sing, or I shall devour you, as I warned the first night I brought your feeble little hide to my dwelling!”

With a tiny squeak, Maple latched onto Whirlwind’s leg, trembling like a newborn filly.

It was all the answer he needed.

Whirlwind took his spear in his mouth once more. With a flap of his powerful wings, he took to the air and wrapped his hooves around Maple’s barrel.

“Mare!” The dragon roared. “You dare flee my presence? I will hunt you to the ends of the earth! I—” he stopped short, sniffing at the air. His growls returned in earnest. “No. Not fleeing alone…”

Whirlwind’s eyes went wide, he turned and shot out of the cave as fast as he could with his precious burden held tight in his grasp. “Just hold on tight!” he said, his words muffled by the wooden spear.

He began to climb, angling himself to rise as fast as he could toward the clouds. If he could make it to their cover, if he could get Maple to the calmer, safer cirrus, they had a chance. His eyes flitted to the wild thunderheads off to his right, lightning flashed within their darkened bodies.

They were more volatile than he expected. One good kick might be enough to set them off…

Maple opened her mouth to reply, but let loose a cry as thunder crashed and the dragon roared from within the depths of his cave.

“WHO DARES TRESPASS ON MY MOUNTAIN!” The entire sky seemed to shake. Lighting flashed and arched down upon the ground below.

Even from their height, Whirlwind could hear the beast’s massive paws stomping on the stone floor of its cave. Against his better judgement, he looked back over his shoulder to find the birds nesting in the trees at the mountain base taking flight in fear of the terrible mountain lord.

The beast emerged from within its cave, its body covered a third of the mountain side as it climbed the stone face to survey its dominion.

Whirlwind felt his heart stop as he realized the sheer enormity of his foe. “By the creator,” he muttered, his spear nearly dropped from his grip.

Maple’s hooves tightened around his. “Please don’t let him catch us!” she begged. “Not again! Please no more fire!”

He shook his head again, wrapping his hooves tighter around her barrel. “I have an idea. But you’ll have to trust me!”

“What are you—Eep!”

Banking and veering around the white clouds hanging over the forest, Whirlwind pinned his ears back as he heard the dragon below rage and howl threats to the earth and sky itself. He set Maple down, her thunder forged horseshoes worked perfectly to let her rest where only pegasi or the greatest unicorns could tread, just as his commander had promised.

“Stay here!” Whirlwind opened his mouth, letting the spear drop into his hoof.

Her beautiful green eyes went wide, filled with horror. “You can’t fight him!” she said, shaking her head. “The guards at the castle tried! You can’t take him by yourself!”

“I don’t need to take him in a straight on fight,” as he spoke, Whirlwind set about tearing off chunks of fluffy cloud and sticking them on his spear, until the polished wood and shining thunder forged steel were covered. “I just need him to believe he’s going to take you from me again. Give me your smock, and stay quiet. Don’t make a sound, no matter what happens. Promise me.”

Maple made to protest, her eyes filled with fear and unshed tears, but the dragon’s roar cut her off. She ducked her head, her gaze fell to the fluffy cloud she stood on. “Only if you swear to come back to me,” she whispered. “If you don’t, I’ll never forgive you, Whirlwind of the Equestrian Guard!” She looked up, a tear-filled glare crossed her beautiful face “You come back to me or I’ll—I’ll—”

He caught her lips in a kiss, holding her close against his chest. When they parted, he gave a warm smile. “You have my word.”

“Whirlwind slipped Maple’s smock over the cloud-covered spear, and held it tight in his hooves, as if he were holding the mare herself,” Twilight read on. “He took off, leaving Maple behind to look on in horror as he enacted a plan so foolhardy, so daring, none could even dare think to replicate it.”

Spitfire grinned and recited with her, “He baited the dragon to take flight and chase him through the sky.”

Twilight turned away from the book, letting it hover a bit lower in her magic. “I hope you don’t mind that I did the, um, voices a little,” she said, her ears laid against her scalp. “Shining always used to do that when he’d read it with me.”

“Not a problem. My dad used to do the same thing when he wasn’t on tour.” She pulled Twilight in tighter, their cheeks pressed together enough for their warm breaths to mix and wash over each other’s faces.

The temptation to forgo reading in favor of something a bit more intimate; all she had to do was take Twilight’s chin in hoof, turn her head, and press their lips together. Maybe even a little tongue, they were in private, after all. By the rules they’d laid out, Prenching was perfectly acceptable as long as it wasn’t—

Stop it! Red! Her feathers ruffled and fluffed, her fiery tail swished against the couch cushions.

A giggle from Twilight made her ear flick. Before she could speak, her lips were captured in a chaste kiss. For a moment, the tinkling sound of magic died out as Twilight let the book fall to rest upon the coffee table.

Spitfire seized her chance. She turned and wrapped her free hoof around Twilight’s neck, pulling her in closer. Angling her head to the right, she opened her mouth and began drawing her lips succulently against Twilight’s, teasing and massaging.

Twilight broke away first, breathing heavily, her eyes wide and nostrils flaring. “Okay,” she said, her tone breathy. She crossed her eyes and brushed a strand of her mane out of her face, then smiled. “Finish up first, then kissing?”

“Definitely.” Spitfire leaned forward and pressed her lips against Twilight’s, holding the kiss a moment, then breaking away to speak, “I think sitting here, kissing on a couch while it rains is a pretty good way to end a date.”

Beaming, Twilight lit up her horn again, floating the book off the table. “So, does that mean we’re, um, you know?”

“Yes.” She pecked Twilight’s lips, staying close as she replied, “I think this ‘tryout’ has gone well enough. If you accept, that is.”

“Definitely,” Twilight replied. She laid her head on Spitfire’s shoulder and let out a happy sigh. “Here’s to the start of my first relationship.” The smile that crossed her lips was as warm and welcoming as a blanket on a cold winter night

A nice, warm blanket with a princess and a Wonderbolt wrapped up in it doesn’t sound half bad, actually. She’d have to hold that thought underneath her wings for the winter. Cross that bridge when we come to it, we still have to make sure this lineup works out.

Twilight brought the book to hover before them. “Would you like to take over?”

Spitfire made to reply, but thought better of it, shaking her head. “If it’s all the same, I like the way you read it, hon. Your, er, little voices bring it to life for me.”

Giggling, Twilight nodded. “Alright, then.” She stole a kiss, then turned back to the story. “Whirlwind flew south and east, away from the safer, more serene clouds where his beloved Maple watched in muted horror and awe, and made his way toward the rumbling thunderheads. He banked and veered in wide, sweeping arcs, letting the sunlight glint off his polished armor to bring the dragon’s eye upon him…”

The dragon snarled and sprang from the mountain’s stone face, beating his leathery wings. Much to Whirlwind’s surprise, the beast’s larger frame did nothing to reduce its speed—the power in those massive wings was more than enough to send him cutting through the sky.

“I WILL BURN YOU TO ASH, INSOLENT WRETCH!”

His ears pinned back, both to help him pick up speed and to block out raging dragon’s roar. He angled himself off, turning to sweep low over the forest below. “Don’t make it obvious,” he muttered, remembering one of Commander Hurricane’s recent lessons. “If there’s one thing I want you all to take from Clover the Clever, it’s her talent for outwitting an opponent.”

Heat flashed, a jet of dragon fire shot passed him. Whirlwind quickly altered his course, just barely escaping the jet of rushing flames. Green-topped trees burned up, vaporized in an instant. Boulders melted and flowed like a river of lava.

The flames changed course, following Whirlwind’s path. He cursed and banked again, only just managing to escape the assault. He growled, calling over his shoulder, “You’ll have to aim better, you bloody lizard! I know crippled dams with better aim!”

Another jet of flame shot passed him, narrowly missing his left wing. “YOU WILL SUFFER THE PAIN OF A THOUSAND DEATHS!” the dragon raged, right on his tail. “NONE WHO FACE MY MIGHT LIVE TO TELL OF IT!”

Smirking, Whirlwind shot back, “If it means not hearing you whine like a newborn, one will suffice!” He altered course again, turning hard and shooting off toward the tumultuous waters and raging storm just as the great beast swooped down and swiped at the treetops he’d been flying over.

Just a bit further, all he had to do was make the damnable dragon follow him away from Maple, up to the clouds. “Come on, you ugly bastard,” he muttered. “Follow along.”

Whirlwind changed his heading, angling off to his right so he could climb while the dragon adjusted to his maneuver. If he could time it right and have the dragon focused solely on him, all he’d need was a quick bank through the clouds.

A plume of fire shot passed his right wing, a cry of pain tore from the back of his throat as he quickly rolled left. The smell of burning feathers made his nostrils burn and eyes water, Whirlwind gritted his teeth to block out the pain. He had to make a quick turn up and right to avoid another jet of flame—his plan certainly had the dragon in a blind rage, which put the odds of him flying through the clouds a bit higher.

Still, he had to make it to the clouds, first. Easier said than done when there was a furious dragon’s gaping maw chomping at his tail.

“THAT MARE IS MINE!” Another jet of fire punctuated the roar. “IF I CANNOT HAVE HER, NO ONE CAN!”

Whirlwind snarled, biting back a retort in favor of banking to avoid a swipe of his massive claws and climbing, his eyes locked on the ominous grey of the approaching storm front. He smirked, flapping his wings with renewed fervor, he shot forward like a bolt from a crossbow.

“You want her? Then come get her!” he shouted over the rumble of thunder as he dove into embrace of wild thunderheads, quickly turning as he entered to let his foe shoot passed, blinded by the thick, grey cover.

“… Incensed by Whirlwind’s taunts, the dragon flew deeper into the heart of the storm. His rage fueled by his ravenous taste for pony flesh and fury that one had dared step hoof into his cave,” Twilight read, a seemingly frantic edge to her tone as she continued on, “But Whirlwind had disappeared into the cover of the raging storm, the harsh winds and downpour made it difficult to track the tiny pegasus against the darkened clouds.”

The dragon snarled, flying in the middle of a raging storm, searching every which way for the pony who dared enter his lair and taunt him so. There was no sign of him; the insolent little wretch was hiding in the clouds like a little coward, just like the rest of his pathetic race!

“You think you can hide from me?” he rumbled, his claws shook with poorly suppressed indignation. “I will burn this land to cinder if it means finding you, little pegasus guard! Just like I did those who tried to face me at that miserable excuse for a castle!”

No answer came. He growled and took a deep breath, fire burned in the back of his throat, with a mighty roar he sent a breath of fire arcing through the clouds, reducing part of the ring to naught but vapor.

Out of the corner of his eye, the pegasus shot passed him, the mare he’d taken as prize clutched firmly in its hooves as he sped deeper into the heart of the storm.

With a roar, he gave chase, his entire being focused on catching the pegasus darting in and out of his vision, nimbly avoiding each jet of fire, every swipe of his mighty claws or chomp of his teeth. The prize in its grip, the little mare swathed in a dirt-stained smock, slipped, costing him a bit of speed as he tried to readjust.

A fanged grin split his snout. The pegasus’ cries of anguish would be sweet, almost as sweet as the mare’s song.

Almost as sweet as she would taste.

He took a deep breath and waited for his chance. A quick swipe of his claws. The pegasus adjusted, predictably, rolling out of the way.

That was the window he needed. Another swipe to make the little cretin roll again, and then a jet of flame set it banking off against the howling winds.

The burden in his hooves, however, didn’t go with him. His sudden turn ripped the mare out of his grasp and sent her tumbling through the air.

“No!” the pegasus guard cried, eyes wide in horror as his momentum took him into the thick, obscuring grey.

Roaring in victory, the dragon dove forward, his jaws opened wide, and snapped the little mare out of the air, swallowing her whole and licking his lips to savor the taste of—

Cloud and splintered wood?

Something sharp pricked his throat, like the tip of a tiny spear he’d swallowed along with some foolish little warrior ages ago. Grimacing, he spat out splinters, hacking as he tried to remove the offending piece from the back of his throat. “I will savor every crunch of your bones!” he hissed. “And when I find wherever you’ve hidden that mare, her screams will follow you into the afterlife!”

“Whirlwind grit his teeth as he shot out of the clouds,” Twilight said.

Spitfire grinned and read along with her, unable to resist, “He flared his wings to stop, bringing his hind legs up to buck the clouds and said…”

“You first, monster! This is for Maple!” Whirlwind bucked the clouds with all his might, white lightning flashed and arched toward the dragon.

With one cloud kicked, the entire storm was whipped into a frenzy; lightning raged, cracking and arcing through the sky, thunder boomed and shook him down to the bone. The storm was about to turn into a cataclysm.

Whirlwind took off as fast as he could, but couldn’t help but look back over his shoulder. A flash of lightning illuminated the dragon’s shape against the grey backdrop. A bolt of lightning arced toward the beast’s chest, guided by the thunder forged spirit lodged in its throat.

A shriek unlike any other tore from within the depths of the storm. The dragon convulsed as electricity ran through its body, lightning struck him again and again, as if a swarm of twittermites were attacking a naughty foal who disturbed their hive.

“The dragon fell from the clouds and into the raging sea below. Whirlwind watched it flail and convulse, falling beneath the surface, never to rise again.” Twilight shifted in place, nuzzling up against Spitfire’s cheek. “With a sigh of relief, he flew away from the storm, back toward the calm cirrus resting over the forest. The moment he touched down on the cloud, Maple nearly tackled him in a tight hug, her hooves wrapped tight around his barrel. Smiling, Whirlwind returned her embrace and kissed her forehead, and promised that he’d always protect and love her, until the very day he passed on.”

Twilight gave a happy hum, closing the book and setting it down on the table. “Sometimes, I wonder just how it played out,” she admitted.

“Aw, come on!” Spitfire teased, nudging her shoulder against Twilight’s. “Let poor Whirlwind and Maple have their story the way it is, hon! It’s cute. Not to mention, one of the classic romantic tales!”

“I know, I know! I’m just a naturally curious pony. You wouldn’t fault me for that, would you?” She turned and fixed Spitfire with a wide-eyed stare, her bottom lip poked out in a pout once again.

With a playful roll of her eyes, Spitfire sighed and said, “No, I guess I can’t. Especially not to a face that cute.”

Grinning, Twilight leaned forward, touching the ends of their snouts touched together. “I thought you said that look didn’t work on you,” she whispered huskily, her lips brushed against Spitfire’s.

“Well—” Spitfire shifted her body so she could press her chest against Twilight’s, wrapping her hooves around her new girlfriend’s neck “—there are exceptions to every rule. Especially when that exception happens to be a beautiful mare.”

“Is that so?” A pair of hooves cupped her cheeks. Twilight hummed, unfurling her wings to trace the tips of her primaries against Spitfire’s sides. “Would I happen to know any such mare?”

“Hmm, you might. There’s this one mare, really pretty thing. She’s got these gorgeous purple eyes and a coat as soft and smooth as velvet.” She ran her hoof down Twilight’s back, delighting in the very feeling, and the way Twilight squeaked and pressed against her as she teased the muscles around her wing joints. “But I think you can guess who that is.”

Twilight bit her lips to hide a silly grin. “I just might!”

“How ‘bout you, hon? Any mares you might have a weakness for?”

“Me? A weakness for a mare?” She gave a mock scoff and flick of her tail. “Why, Captain Spitfire! The very idea! A princess such as myself would never allow herself to disregard station and propriety!” Those beautiful purple eyes seemed to dance with glee. She leaned up to whisper in Spitfire’s ear, letting her lips tickle and brush over the furred tip, “Even for a mare with stunning orange eyes and a mane and tail like wildfire!”

Spitfire chuckled and brought a hoof up to push Twilight back enough so she could nose against her. “Well, then, I’m relieved. Still, I think I’d better test out your ‘strength’ there, Princess!” With a winning smile, she captured Twilight’s lips, her hoof moved to run through the soft, purple mane and cradle the back of her head.

Hot breath washed over her face, a warm tongue trailed along her lips as Twilight tilted her head to the right and began to let her wings trace over Spitfire’s sides again, pressing their bodies together.

Warmth, soft coat against hers, feathers teasing and tickling her sides beneath her own wings to unfurl and reciprocate.

A low hum arose from the back of her throat. Her hooves began to wander down Twilight’s back again, taking extra time to massage and tease along her wing joints and muscles. Her tail swished, her brilliant yellow feathers teased and intertwined with soft purple, tingles ran from the very tips to her spine and coursed throughout her body.

Red. We did this last time and it nearly turned out bad.

Spitfire parted her lips to allow Twilight free access, moving her tongue to meet and play along Twilight’s. The hooves cupping her cheeks moved down to her shoulders and pulled her closer, almost on top of the mare as she slowly began to lay herself back against the couch.

Their bellies rubbed together, memories of their time together on the cloud, and again in Twilight’s suite flashed through her mind. Spitfire moved with ease, her scruffy, flame-like tail flicked and played with Twilight’s well-trimmed, orderly tail.

Twilight’s back hit the couch, spreading her legs wide to invite Spitfire to lay atop her once again. An invitation Spitfire took with gusto.

Stop! Say red! You’re older, you’ve been here before! Be responsible for her sake, one side of her screamed.

But she’s so warm! she replied, almost whining. And so inviting! I want this!

Does she, though? Does she really? The voice was starting to sound oddly like Fleetfoot. Or have you gotten her wound up again?

Before she could reply, Twilight gave a sharp tug, pulling her on top so she could encircle Spitfire’s waist with her legs. She gave a happy mewl and let her hooves wander lower to press and grope the flame-lick cutie marks never once breaking the kiss.

Spitfire’s eyelids fluttered, she rolled her hips against Twilight’s in time with the groping, teasing hooves. I’d say she does.

She wanted it a couple nights ago, too. And then she freaked out in the morning! Soarin’s voice chided her. Making out isn’t consent, Spits. Pull up and call red!

Blinking, she jolted from her haze. She stopped grinding against Twilight as memories of a night together, of the passion and desire written on Twilight’s face dissolved. In their place was a young princess—no—a young mare with eyes downcast and ears drooping the next morning, ashamed that she’d thought Spitfire had taken advantage of her and left.

The very same mare who whined at how she stopped and rolled hers in kind, trying to incite her again.

Break away, she withdrew her tongue and made to end the kiss. Stop her, call red, and calm things down. She’ll be glad I—

Twilight ran her tongue along the roof of Spitfire’s mouth in time with an insistent roll of her hips and squeeze of her rump.

Eyes crossing, she moaned into the kiss and ran her tongue along the underside of Twilight’s. Damn, she’s good! And her kisses are so sweet!

Still, she had to make the call. She had to be the responsible mare.

Loathe though she was to pull away, Spitfire placed a hoof on Twilight’s chest and broke the kiss. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Nodding to herself, she opened her eyes and met Twilight’s gaze, the word right on the tip of her tongue.

One look into those brilliant purple eyes made her hesitate; there was a naked want, desire evident in the way Twilight stared up at her. Her tongue darted out to lick some saliva off her lips, her chest heaving.

Spitfire’s lips formed the word, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. She was waiting; whether for herself or Twilight to realize it was time to stop, she wasn’t quite certain. All she knew was the passion, the want, the love shown in those wonderful eyes.

What was that word? Purple? No, she’s purple, the word is red. Say red. Now. Right now. For her sake, even if you want her. Even if you want her really bad.

Twilight placed her hooves on the cushion and pushed forward, coming muzzle-to-muzzle with Spitfire again. Warm breath tickled her face, those kissable lips were right there, begging to be taken. They began to move, forming words.

Please say red, hon. You and I both know you’re not ready for this again.

“You mentioned the Wonderbolts used code to give orders.” Somehow, some way, Twilight managed to make the statement sound erotic, and her tone husky.

“Y-Yeah. We do.” One of those codes is red. As in, we’re about to crash. Say red. Say it, stupid! She started to babble, “We, um, usually use colors or places—l-like when I want Soarin to get ready for this power move he does, I say Manehattan. Or, when I need Fleetfoot to—”

A purple hoof pressed against her lips. “That’s all very interesting, but I was interested in one particular code.” There was no doubting that tone. Spitfire’s ears shot up, fire spread throughout her body, into her very core. The legs wrapped around her waist gripped tighter, her loins seemed to burn. Twilight kissed the end of her snout, then whispered, “What’s the code for ‘cleared for takeoff’?”

She’s serious?

The hoof left her lips, silent permission to speak.

“It’s purple—no, that’s not it.” Spitfire shook her head, looking away from those captivating purple eyes. “It’s, uh, it’s green. Code green is go ahead.”

“I see. Well, then,” Twilight said, drawing in close, her lips puckered, “code green, Captain.”

She is. Oh sweet Celestia, yes.

Spitfire darted forward and captured Twilight’s lips in a kiss, full of the same need and passion burning within her being, and in those hypnotic purple eyes.

She broke away, just long enough to say, “My room, hon. Not—” Twilight caught her in another quick kiss, cutting her short. She laughed and returned it. “Not out here.”

Forget red.

“Which one?” Another kiss, a warm, sweet tongue ran against her lips.

Her hooves wandered around Twilight’s front, down her belly to grip her flanks around those beautiful starburst cutie marks. “To the, uh, left now. Turned around from when we came in.” She scooted herself off the couch, guiding Twilight along and planting soft, fluffy kisses along the way.

Down the hall they went, bumping into the walls, giggling and mewling into kisses, nipping and licking each other’s cheeks and necks. Their tails swished, Twilight reared up and let Spitfire press her against the bedroom door, giving breathy moans and pleas for more as she nibbled on her collarbone and fumbled for the handle.

Her hoof came in contact with cold metal. Giving it a twist, she pushed the door open. They stumbled forward into her room. Spitfire kicked the door closed behind them and looped her hooves under Twilight’s. With a flap of her mighty wings, she lifted her girlfriend off the ground and carried her over to the bed, laying her down upon the plush mattress.

They gazed into each other’s eyes a moment, smiling as they drew in for a soft kiss. Then another. And another. Tongues came into play, hooves wandered and wings unfurled. Spitfire guided a hoof down Twilight’s front, gently coaxing her legs open.

Twilight whimpered and moaned into the kiss. Her hoof had reached its destination.

I think purple might just be my new favorite color.

Author's Note

Your favorite color would be purple, too.

7. Not Very Good With Rules

Twilight sighed, wrapping her hooves tighter around the warm, furry cushion she was resting on. Such a wonderful date, and a wonderful night with Spitfire afterward.

Her girlfriend, Spitfire. Her very first girlfriend. She couldn’t help but swish her tail and let out a happy, sleepy nicker as she snuggled into the warm cushion.

Her thoughts came to a screeching halt; cushions weren’t supposed to feel like a pony’s coat. At least, none that she knew of. Slowly, it clicked into place. Her ears perked up, a smile spread across her face.

She nosed against the warmth and inhaled through her nose, a happy sigh escaped her lips as the scent of sex, sweat, and Spitfire graced her nose. A hoof ran through her mane as Spitfire hummed the same song from their first night together. Twilight could feel the fiery orange tail twitch as her own brushed against it, then gently wrap around hers.

Nosing against Spitfire’s chest, she began planting fluffy kisses; her own silent thanks and show of love. “Good morning,” she said, her voice husky with sleep and desire.

Soft lips pressed against her head, right next to her ear, drawing a happy mewl from the back of her throat. “Good morning, hon,” Spitfire replied. “Sleep well?”

“Like a foal,” she replied between kisses. “You?”

“Less like a foal, more like I had the most beautiful mare in the world wrapped in my hooves.” Another kiss, lingering a moment, then followed with a soft nuzzle against her ears. Spitfire’s breath washed over her mane, in and out, like she was savoring the scent.

Twilight pushed herself up so she could gaze into Spitfire’s eyes, those beautiful orange eyes that lit a fire deep in her soul. “I think I like yours better,” she purred, drawing in to plant a kiss on her lover’s lips. “I’m gonna have to steal it someday.”

Chuckling, Spitfire tightened her embrace and returned it. “A princess stealing? I might have to punish you for that, hon.”

Memories of a few embarrassing conversations with Cadence flitted through her mind. Something about sex and ponies who liked their lovers to get a bit more domineering during intercourse; as if one had authority over the other, holding all the power to bring the other to the very peak of ecstasy or come down with a stern hoof.

The swishing of her tail betrayed her intrigue. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied, moving in for another kiss.

Their lips pressed together, parted already so Spitfire could deftly slip her tongue into Twilight’s mouth. The sensuous prodding and massaging, the familiar taste of her own orgasm and Spitfire, even mixed with the muggy taste of morning breath, brought forth a hum from the back of her throat.

Lifting her tail, Twilight rolled her hips, grinding herself against Spitfire. The burn beneath her skin returned in full force—desire, pure, unabashed want for the beautiful mare she was kissing.

Spitfire smiled into the kiss, her hooves slid down Twilight’s sides to cup her bottom, pulling her legs apart to reciprocate. Deep, panting breaths mixed together, the tongue receded from her mouth as Spitfire let out a husky moan.

They drew back, their snouts touching as they stared into each other’s eyes. Neither moved, twin smiles graced their lips.

“Y’know,” Spitfire began, her voice coming out as a low purr, “for a princess and a Wonderbolt officer, we are terrible at following rules, hon.”

Twilight grinned. “Yeah,” she whispered, nosing against her. “I should probably be upset about that.”

“Oh?” Their lips came together in another soft kiss, a warm tongue ran slowly across her bottom lip, earning another raising of her tail. “Why’s that?”

She broke away, arching an eyebrow in reply. “I’m the former personal student of Princess Celestia herself—rules, regulations, organization of everything has been my life since I was a filly.”

For a brief instant, the smile seemed to fade from Spitfire’s face. Twilight blinked, and it was back.

“So how does that filly think of our current disregard for rules?”

Confused, she shook her head. I must be seeing things. “Oh, she would be utterly appalled that I went against everything Cadence and my friend, Rarity, ever said about how love works!” she replied, feigning a dramatic swoon. “Not to mention how every love story ever featured a long buildup before the first kiss, and I violated the rule in that regard by even so much as kissing you on the cloud, let alone having sex. Twice.”

Spitfire snorted and leaned forward to dot her on the nose with another kiss. “Well, what does adult Twilight think?”

She stayed silent a moment, thinking hard. True, everything she “knew” about relationships was second-hoof; all of the information pointed to a much longer courtship involving flowers, picnic dates on a grassy hill, nights spent watching the stars while they cuddled together.

At the same time, everything she’d learned about what she liked between herself and Spitfire contradicted that. Flowers had been replaced by reading an old book together. A trip to a Roaman restaurant stood in place of the romantic picnic.

Of course, cuddling together had happened on the cloud; it just happened to transition to her first ever “makeout session”, as Cadence so gleefully insisted upon saying, and then a mind-blowing first time with sex.

Two ideals clashed, romantic novels aligned with Cadence’s lessons in hopes of defeating the raw passion and desire in her being, like two armies battling to a stalemate.

She wanted both. Romance and passion, she could have those at the same time without waiting too long, right?

Yes. I can. The corners of her mouth tugged into a smile, she leaned forward to nose against Spitfire, licking her lover’s soft, sweet lips. I’m an adult. We’re both adults. If we both want this, no pony can deny us.

“I think,” she whispered, “we may need to reevaluate the parameters of ‘code red’.”

Spitfire gave a lopsided smile, nodding in kind. “Probably a good idea, hon.” She glanced down pointedly, raising her brows at the sheets, the crumpled bedspread, finally coming to linger on Twilight’s legs, which straddled her waist. “Doesn’t exactly work when both of us want this.”

Twilight let out a breathy chuckle. “No kidding. It’s almost like that ‘don’t run in the hallway’ rule from the School for Gifted Unicorns at this point.” She paused, a sly smirk spread across her muzzle. Stealing a kiss, she whispered, “We can make amendments to the code later.”

“Later?” Spitfire parroted, raising an eyebrow. “What’d you have in mind for now?”

Purple furred ears waggled, Twilight gave a happy rustle of her wings as she noted the faux innocence in her tone. “Right now,” she purred, deftly maneuvering her forehooves to pin Spitfire’s shoulders to the mattress, “my beautiful girlfriend is trapped beneath me, and neither of us have anywhere to be this morning.”

Even as Spitfire gave way to her own grin and those brilliant orange eyes seemed to light up with passion, Twilight pressed her advantage and nipped at Spitfire’s exposed neck. A gasp and squeal tore from the mare’s throat. Spitfire arched her back, her eyes fluttered shut. The soft coat of her belly brushed against Twilight’s, tickling and teasing against her.

A quick kick back with her left hind hoof allowed her to move around Spitfire’s knee. Shifting her weight, she brought her knee down slowly, rubbing against Spitfire’s wet core.

She let her knee sink lower, all the way down until it came to rest at Spitfire’s flank. Her eyes crossed as she rolled her hips and let out a moan in time with Spitfire. “All mine today!” she crowed huskily.

Spitfire’s eyes snapped open, a competitive spark shone within. “‘Yours’, eh?” she asked, her hooves began to wander from Twilight’s backside, trailing down her thighs. “You sure about that, hon?”

The teasing, tickling sensation shot from her legs all the way up her spine. Those hooves were so experienced, so nimble in how they played against her, alternating between gentle caress and firm squeezing with such irregularity, such whimsy, she couldn’t anticipate.

“I—I—” she broke off to let a shuddering gasp pass through her lips. Closing her eyes, she leaned in to capture Spitfire in a deep kiss, casting off all pretense.

Her momentary lapse cost her any semblance of control. Spitfire’s left hoof looped around her right hind leg, while her right hind leg lifted Twilight’s left up, just enough to catch it with her right hoof and lift.

Twilight gave a squawk of surprise and indignation, her entire world seemed to pitch and spin. Her back hit the mattress, Spitfire’s elbows propped down between her armpits, while her hooves looped over and pinned Twilight’s shoulders and her legs straddling Twilight’s waist.

Blinking, she tried to push up, struggling with all her might against Spitfire’s hooves and weight on her body. “You!” she gasped, finding her efforts in vain. “What in Equestria was—”

Soft lips pressed against hers, the cry died in the back of her throat as a warm tongue ran along her lips, teasing her own to come forth to meet it.

Spitfire drew back the instant she allowed her tongue to poke out of her lips, grinning victoriously. “Looks like it’s you who’s all mine today, hon!”

The playful edge to her tone didn’t go missed. Twilight narrowed her eyes, glaring despite the desire and exhilaration bubbling beneath the surface. “I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to flip a princess over when she’s trying to be seductive!”

“I wouldn’t know, hon. You’re the first princess I’ve dated.” Grinning, she nuzzled against Twilight’s snout, pecking her lips and slowly trailing kisses down her jawline. “You’ll have to forgive me if I’m a bit… out of my element!” She leaned up and blew a sharp breath over the tip of Twilight’s ear, making her squirm and squeal in her grasp. Giving a throaty chuckle, she nipped at the tip and whispered, “I guess I’ll just have to play it by ear!”

Puffing up her cheeks, Twilight wrinkled her snout, unsure if she should groan at the pun or play along. Instead, she settled on saying, “Fine. I’m yours today.” She leaned forward to kiss Spitfire’s chin, then added, “You’re teaching me how to do that—that flipping over thing.”

“Maybe. If you play your cards right.” Her hooves moved from Twilight’s shoulders, cupping her cheeks tenderly as brilliant orange eyes met deep purple. The playful gleam in those eyes was gone, replaced by warm affection and—dare she think it?—love.

Is this how lovers wake up in the morning? She wondered idly.

Twilight felt her breath hitch in her throat. Her heart raced, the wildfire raged beneath her skin.

No further words were needed for the pair. Slowly, like two magnets’ poles pulling together, they leaned in for a deep, sensuous kiss. Their lips dragged and drew against one another in time, teasing and massaging with every breath. Twilight let her hooves wrap around Spitfire’s shoulders and pull her in close, pressing their bodies together to revel in their shared warmth.

Three successive bangs against the door made Spitfire leap off her, as if struck by lightning.

“Spits!” a stallion’s voice boomed through the solid wood door. “Get your sorry behind out here! On the double!”

Spitfire’s ears drooped. “Oh, shoot!” she hissed, covering her head with her hooves.

Tilting her head, Twilight planted her hooves against the mattress and pushed herself up into a seated position. “Who—” A hoof pressed against her lips. She blinked, crossing her eyes to stare at the yellow-coated limb, then looking up at Spitfire’s face.

Gone was the warmth, the affection that gleamed like a campfire on a cold winter night. Instead, an abashed cringe marred her muzzle. Spitfire bit her lip and turned to glance at the door, then to Twilight again. “Keep quiet!” she mouthed. With her free hoof, she pointed to the door. “It’s Soarin!”

Twilight’s brows flatlined. She brushed the hoof away from her lips. “I can hear that!” she mouthed in reply, waggling her ears meaningfully. “Why’s that a problem?”

Spitfire ducked her head, a deep blush colored her cheeks. “He and Fleet know about our first night together,” she whispered as soft as she could. “They kinda scolded me for letting things go too fast with you and, well, mentioned a few complications that might arise if we kept that up.”

“That’s hardly—wait.” She blinked. “You told your friends you slept with me?”

“… You didn’t tell yours?”

“No! I thought we wanted that private!”

“Not—well—yes.” Spitfire fidgeted in place. “I tried to keep it quiet, but Fleet has a certain, um, knack for figuring out when a pony is lying. It’s a long story, and—”

“Spits,” Fleetfoot called, “open the door. We found Princess Twilight’s bags on the table. ”

Wincing, Spitfire glanced from Twilight to the door again. “Sorry,” she mouthed, standing slowly. Her wings seemed to droop, as though she were a convicted felon being lead to her cell. With a single flap, she hopped off the bed and dragged her hooves along the carpeted floor as she made her way to the door.

Twilight watched as she laid her hoof on the handle and cast another look toward her. Those brilliant orange eyes seemed full of remorse, and a hint of shame.

She broke contact, letting her head hang as she pulled the door open to reveal the stern glares and furrowed brows of Fleetfoot and Soarin. “Morning, guys,” she greeted, feigning enthusiasm. “What time did you get back?”

Neither pony’s expression gave the slightest hint of wavering. “Morning, Spits,” Soarin replied, then leaned around to look at Twilight. “Princess Twilight, good morning.” He bowed low and pasted a smile across his face, an act mimicked by Fleetfoot.

“I hope you slept well,” Fleetfoot added, her lisp seemed to tickle Twilight’s ear.

Her hooves tugged at the edge of the blanket, pulling it up to cover her chest as if to hide behind it. “Y-Yes!” she squeaked. “Like a foal!”

Soarin’s eyes darted to Spitfire, then back to Twilight. “Wonderful to hear, Your Highness,” he said. “I apologize for the interruption, but we need to have a little word with our wayward Captain this morning.”

The way Spitfire winced left no doubt, she knew she’d upset them somehow.

So this is what it’s like on the outside of that.

“Perhaps you’d like to shower, then go down for breakfast while we do so?” he continued, gesturing to his right—her left—toward the bathroom. “If you’d like, one of us can escort you to the café downstairs.”

Twilight bit her lip, shyly lowering her cover down to her waist. Once she was certain they weren’t going to direct their ire at her, she lifted the blanket so she could slide her legs out and roll off the bed.

Her hooves hit the carpet with a muffled thump. Despite her embarrassment and nerves under the watchful eyes of two rather peeved Wonderbolts, she managed to keep her wings from unfurling to cover her face as she trotted toward the bathroom door.

She stopped with one hoof held aloft. “No,” she said. Her jaw set, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’ll join you all once I’ve finished showering.”

Silence hung over them for a moment. Then, Soarin sighed. “Alright. We’ll wait for you, then.”

Smiling, Twilight nodded to him. “Thank you.” She resumed her walk to the bathroom pushing open the door and slipping inside.

“Hey, Spits?” Fleetfoot’s voice made her ear flick.

“Yeah?”

“You might wanna take a shower, too. You can use ours. I can kinda smell her on you. A lot.”

Twilight squeaked and slammed the door shut with a flick of her magic. Her wings and hooves flew up to cover her burning muzzle, just as she heard Spitfire yell “Dang it, Fleetfoot! Tact! Learn some tact!”

Even so, she couldn’t help but allow herself a silly grin. Her hooves slid from her cheeks, down her body to wrap around her barrel, as if trying to catch any of Spitfire’s remaining warmth and hold it against her chest.

Her ears perked up at the sound of three muffled voices arguing, fading into the background as they trotted away and closed the bedroom door behind her.

Giggling, she let her magic snake out to turn the faucets, sending water cascading down upon the tiled shower floor.

Hopefully, Spitfire isn’t in too much trouble, she thought, a mischievous grin playing upon her lips. “Maybe I’ll have to help my poor Wonderbolt Captain break curfew so we can sneak a few kisses here and there,” she mused.

Once she was showered and groomed, Twilight joined the trio of Wonderbolts around their coffee table. She sat next to Spitfire, smiling and giving her girlfriend a quick kiss to the cheek as she settled in on the loveseat with her.

A mug of steaming coffee rested on the table before her. Twilight allowed her magic to wrap around the handle and pick it up, closing her eyes to sniff at the contents and bask in its warmth.

“Made it the way you like,” Spitfire mumbled out of the corner of her mouth. “Cream and one sugar.”

“Thank you,” she said in reply, stealing another kiss. As she drew back, she gave Spitfire a quick once over, her feathers fluffed up as she noticed how thoroughly her beautiful yellow coat had been brushed, and feathers preened to perfection. Her fiery mane, on the other hoof, was a sight different than usual.

Rather than her normal, flame-like styling, Spitfire wore her mane down, letting it run past her shoulders like a river of liquid fire.

For a moment, Twilight lingered on the new mane style, before turning to face Fleetfoot, whose eyes were downcast, and Soarin. “If you two don’t mind my asking, what exactly was the little interruption this morning about?”

Fleetfoot’s gaze seemed to linger at the table, instead flicking her ear and craning her head toward Twilight. “I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, Princess Twilight,” she began, bowing her head low, “we didn’t intend to embarrass you, or Captain Spitfire, for that matter. Our actions were the result of a bit of frustration with her.”

“Frustration?” Twilight repeated. Her eyes flitted to glance at Spitfire. “Would this be in reference to the, er, conversation you mentioned when they were banging on the door?”

Yellow-coated ears pinned back, a sheepish grin crossed Spitfire’s muzzle. She gave a single nod.

Twilight turned to face the pair again, frowning in confusion. “I’m afraid I only know what Spitfire told me in the bedroom.” Her hoof brushed against Spitfire’s, then snaked around to hold it for comfort. “She mentioned you two taking a bit of issue with how fast we went, which is something we’ve both discussed as well.”

“Right.” Soarin nodded. “She mentioned that to us as well, and we brought up a few things we saw as complications. Mainly—”

Fleetfoot cleared her throat. “Not the time, Soar.”

He cringed. “Good point, sorry Spits.”

Curious, Twilight turned to face Spitfire. She blinked and tilted her head as she took notice of the pained grimace gracing her girlfriend’s face.

Spitfire looked away, closing her eyes and offering a single, slow nod. “No worries, Soarin,” she said after a moment, her voice strained.

“Am I missing something?” Twilight asked, her curiosity piqued.

“We’ll talk later,” Spitfire spoke before her teammates could. “Just a little bit of a personal issue these two brought up.”

Regret flashed across Soarin’s face. His ears drooped low, his eyes flitted to the coffee cup in his hoof. “Er, right.” He cleared his throat. “The, er, main concern with you, Princess, is that your position makes the relationship a little dicey for Spits.”

Twilight drew in a sharp breath through her nose. Her wings twitched and began to unfurl, flaring out to the side as she readied to fire off a salvo.

“Wait a moment,” Fleetfoot said, holding up a hoof. “Before you jump up and tell us off, we’re not saying we don’t support you two. Far from it, we’re both really happy you’ve hit it off with Spits. She’s been way too uptight with work for far too long.”

“Hear, hear,” Soarin muttered, earning himself a pointed glare from Spitfire.

“You both suck,” she muttered, fluffing her yellow wings. “I haven’t been that bad.”

“We only say it ‘cause we love you, Spits.” Fleetfoot hid a smile, raising her head to face Twilight. “You had her about ready to walk on sunshine when she came back to the room the morning after the Gala, Princess. So, really, if this is something you both want, I’m all for it.”

“Mine as well. Fleet and I are more concerned over what your respective stations mean should things take a wrong turn,” Soarin said. He placed his cup on the table, then folded let his hooves rest on the couch cushion. “There’s really no delicate way of saying it, I’m afraid.”

“Then say it, please,” Twilight replied. “You make it sound as if our relationship not working out for whatever reason might ruin Spitfire’s career.”

A heavy silence fell over the group. Fleetfoot and Soarin gave crooked smiles, their ears pinned back to lay against their scalps in silent confirmation.

She let her jaw drop. “You can’t be serious.”

“It’s not so much that breaking up with you could ruin it because the higher ups or Princess Celestia would demand my commission be terminated,” Spitfire mumbled. “It’s more speculating that something went wrong between us, especially if the breakup isn’t seen as cordial afterward.”

Her magic flickered. Twilight had to catch the coffee mug before it hit the floor. “So, being a princess automatically ruins somepony’s life if I try dating her and it doesn’t work out?”

Soarin shook his head. “No, that’s not what we mean at all!”

“Then what do you mean?” she pressed, narrowing her eyes at the stallion, who seemed to quail beneath her gaze. “I may be a princess, but I am entitled to a personal life!” Quick as a cat, she threw a hoof around Spitfire’s shoulders and pulled her in close, reveling in the warmth.

To her surprise, and amusement, Spitfire let out a tiny squeak.

I’ll just save that for later, ‘hon’.

“The past few days have been amazing,” she continued, “even if things have gone a little faster than I ever imagined. I like Spitfire, I’ve enjoyed what we have so far, and I’d like to see where it goes.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a warm smile spreading across Spitfire’s muzzle. A hoof wrapped around her midsection. “I agree,” Spitfire said, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Just look at me a moment, hon.”

Twilight obeyed, turning in her seat to face Spitfire fully.

Twin yellow hooves cupped her cheek softly, their eyes met. “They mean well,” she continued, “but they bring up a legitimate point. We have to be a bit more careful with how we handle things. In particular…” she trailed off, her eyes flitting toward Fleetfoot and Soarin.

Rolling his eyes, Soarin spoke up. “The worst thing for ponies to hear would be that their newest princess was being used as some sort of fling.”

“This isn’t a fling!” Twilight said, nearly leaping to her hooves. “We’ve both made a conscious effort to establish an emotional connection with one another, compiling a list of interests on the first night we spent together, even if that ended in us, er, together in the more physical sense.”

Fleetfoot smiled. “We know. She told us, which is why we’re behind you on this, Princess. We’re trying to look out for our friend, just like yours would do for you.”

Twilight opened her mouth to refute the point, but caught herself. Hadn’t she spent an entire morning thinking on how her friends would close ranks around her in the event Spitfire had used her just a couple days ago?

She let her shoulders sag. Loathe though she was to admit it, they had a point.

“I don’t want you to lose your position because of me,” she whispered, looking down at the floor.

“I won’t lose anything, hon,” Spitfire said. With a soft turn of her hooves, she forced Twilight to meet her eyes again. “You wanna know why?”

Twilight nodded.

Drawing in close, Spitfire nosed against her snout. “Because this isn’t a fling, and we’re gonna make this work out the way we like it. We’ll reevaluate our little rule and go out on more dates, so this doesn’t end up as just a physical attraction.”

“I did like reading with you,” she admitted. “Even before we started kissing and getting hoofsy.”

“So did I, hon. It was a blast, I could really picture the story playing out when you read it.” Giving a moment’s pause, Spitfire frowned. “We should probably have our little talk about code red now, while it’s fresh on our mind.”

Twilight hesitated, her eyes flitted to Fleetfoot and Soarin once more.

“Don’t mind us,” Soarin said. “We’re not gonna go spreading this around, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Not gonna tell you how to run your relationship, either,” Fleetfoot added.

Nodding, she turned her gaze back, then took Spitfire’s hooves in hers. “It’d probably be a good idea.” Biting her lip, she gave an awkward flick of her tail. “I, er, I do like the sex, but if you all think that’s a problem—”

“Let me just cut in before you go off the edge,” Soarin said. “I can’t say Fleet or I really like the idea of you two going so fast, but it’s not our relationship. And, no offense, I’ve got no interest in watching over the two of you in the bedroom.”

Twilight squeaked, ducking her head as Fleetfoot rolled her eyes and boxed Soarin over the ears.

“What he means to say is that stuff is for you two to work out.” Fleetfoot flicked an ear toward Soarin, almost daring him to comment.

Instead, he opted to keep quiet and nod.

Given the way Fleetfoot snorted and flicked her tail, it was a rather wise move on his part.

Spitfire cleared her throat. “Yeah, let’s, er, talk about that now.”

“Yes,” Twilight agreed, turning away from the pair. “So, how do we approach this if not complete abstinence like before?”

Before Spitfire could give reply, Soarin stood, tugging Fleetfoot to her hooves with him. “Why don’t we give you two a bit of privacy? Fleet? Fancy some breakfast?”

“I was just thinking the same thing,” she said, smiling as she dotted his cheek with a kiss. “Lead on, Soar.” Stopping short, she rather deliberately turned to face Twilight, her ears stood up straight. “Princess, Spits, if you’d like to join us after you’ve finished, you’re more than welcome.”

Twilight gave a bright smile and nod. Then, upon catching sight of Fleetfoot’s milky white eyes, she added, “I’d be happy to. Thank you.”

“We’ll be down in a bit,” Spitfire said, nodding to both in kind. “Don’t let the garbage gut eat all the waffles, Fleet!”

Soarin pouted and made to retort, but Fleetfoot cut him off with a stolen kiss and a push against his chest, guiding him toward the door. “Oh, I’ll make sure he’s good! C’mon, Soar, I’m hungry. And you still have to teach me how to spreaken zee doiche or whatever the phrase is—actually, speaking of, what’s ‘garbage gut’ in Germane?”

The pair chattered and teased all the way out, even as Soarin opened the door and stood to the side to allow Fleetfoot through first. Their banter echoed down the hall, a loud, bark of Soarin’s laughter rang out just as the door closed with a click.

Twilight and Spitfire were left alone once again.

After a rather awkward silence, Spitfire hummed to herself, biting the inside of her cheek. “So,” she began, “about us and sex.”

“Yeah,” Twilight mumbled. “We should talk about that.”

“I’m of two minds on it,” she said, speaking slowly. “On one hoof, we do need to take a step back and go on a couple dates without it leading to sex.”

“The last one wasn’t exactly planned,” Twilight pointed out.

“I know, hon. I was about to get to that. I’m not sure if putting a complete stopper on it is the best idea either.” She folded her hooves over her chest. “We’re both adults here, we should be able to enjoy both the physical and romantic aspects of a relationship as long as both of us consent.”

Twilight’s feathers fluffed. “So not a complete ‘dead stop’?” she asked, unable to keep a hint of excitement out of her tone. “More of a ‘let’s focus on other things too’?”

“Exactly.” Spitfire smirked and nodded. “Yesterday was a fun time, and I’d like to have some more of that.”

Warmth flooded Twilight’s chest, her tail swished. “We could go out to dinner again,” she offered. Her ears perked up as a thought occurred to her. “We could alternate who picks where we go and when!”

“By that logic, it should be your pick this time.”

“Yes, well …” Twilight coughed. “I’ve never done this, so I think it might work better if you picked again.”

Grinning, Spitfire gave a little waggle of her ears. “Fair enough. It’ll give us some more time together for the more romantic stuff, not to mention let us get a feel for what we both like.” She leaned forward and kissed Twilight’s snout, lingering for a moment, then pulling back just enough to nuzzle. “We could go dancing sometime,” she said, her voice low.

Embarrassment colored her cheeks. “My friends tell me I’m not the best dancer.”

“I’ll teach you, hon. It’ll be a lot of fun.” Those orange eyes shone with glee. Spitfire drew in to whisper into her ear. “In fact, I’ll wager you’re better at it than you think. Especially with some of the slower stuff.”

“O-Oh?” Twilight stammered. “What makes you say that?”

Spitfire gave a husky chuckle. “Because dancing is a lot like sex—you pick a partner you think you’ll match up well with and you both move together in unison, an ebb and flow, in time with the beat.” She drew back, grinning at the way Twilight ducked her head to hide a crooked smile. “Never change, hon! You’re way too fun to tease!”

Huffing, Twilight lit her horn and caught the yellow furred tip of Spitfire’s ear in her magic, then gave a little twist. “Fun, is it?”

“Ow!” Spitfire clapped her hooves over her ear. “Let go of my ear!”

“Oh? That’s not what you said last night when I was nibbling on it.” With a playful smirk gracing her muzzle, she looped her hooves around Spitfire’s shoulders and pulled her in close. “Seems like my Wonderbolt likes to dish it out,” she whispered, letting her magic grip go from a firm tweak to a slow, sensuous tingle that teased the edges of Spitfire’s ear. A tiny squeak escaped Spitfire’s lips, followed by a nicker that made her feathers fluff. “But she doesn’t like to take it!”

Spitfire grit her teeth, but couldn’t stop herself from smiling under the tingling sensation washing over her ear. “Y-You win this r-round, hon,” she stammered, biting her lip to hold back a mewl of pleasure. “N-Now cut that out, or this whole conversation is getting put on hold for other activities.”

Pausing a moment as if to consider, Twilight allowed herself a private giggle at the way Spitfire squirmed and gasped under her ministrations.

She nodded. “Very well.” Twilight let her magic dissipate, leaning in to bump her snout against Spitfire’s and basking in the sensation of hot, panting gasps washing over her face as her girlfriend slumped into her embrace. “Just remember you’re not the only one who’s got a few tricks up her sleeve, hon.”

A playful gleam flashed in Spitfire’s eyes. “We’ll just see about that,” she whispered breathily, stealing a kiss before she wrapped her hooves around Twilight again. “So, we agree on going out a bit more. As for the code red stuff, maybe something a bit more flexible since we’re doing this a bit more our way.”

“Flexible how?” Twilight asked, perking her ears up.

“How about instead of code red being applied whenever one of us thinks we’re about to make a move towards sex? We can both be big mares in that regard. If we both want it, we let it happen. If not, it stops. Period.”

Bringing a hoof to her chin, she hummed in thought. “So, less a ‘full stop’, more of a ‘do I want this right now’?”

Spitfire grinned. “Exactly! We can respect each other, not to mention ourselves, well enough to make the call. Like I said the first time we were together, if there’s something that makes you uncomfortable speak up and we’ll stop.” She started, as if hit by a bolt of lightning. “That’s it! Code red doesn’t have to be our way of cutting things off entirely, it’s just an out for one of us to use if things go down a path we’re not comfortable with, or we’re just not in the mood, so to speak.”

“Doesn’t the, er, ‘not being in the mood’ go without saying?”

“Kinda, but I’m saying it for our purposes. We both like spending time together, we have some level of a connection, and we like sex.” Her grin turned into a more playful, sharklike smirk. “I mean, we both came to an agreement on that a few times in the past few days.”

Twilight blinked, tilting her head as she slowly worked out the wording. It clicked. She brought a hoof to her forehead, groaning as though in pain. “That was terrible, and you should feel terrible!”

“It was, but I don’t. I really, really don’t, hon.” Spitfire’s hooves repositioned themselves around her shoulders, then pulled her in close, chuckling as she pressed her lips against Twilight’s. She broke away and sighed happily. “Mm, and with a kiss like that, what do I have to regret?”

A whine escaped her lips. “But that sounds like one of Party or Pinkie’s stupid jokes!”

“Then it sounds like I’ll get on just fine with them—good to know!” She waggled her eyebrows, then let her smirk fade away into a more sedate smile. “So, how’s it sound to you? We take this at our pace, each of us can pull the reins in whenever it gets too dicey for one of us. Fair?”

Bringing the hoof down from her forehead, Twilight nodded. “I think it would give us a bit more autonomy by eliminating the need for one pony to have responsibility for both. It could prove more effective in the long-run if we stick to that way of using it.”

“Heh, there you go making it sound all official again,” Spitfire teased. “Alright, then, we’ve got that settled.” She glanced toward the door, raising her brows. “So, I don’t know about you, but I could use some food. Feel like joining my two nursemaids and I for a little breakfast?”

The corners of Twilight’s mouth tugged upward, a tiny smile spread across her muzzle. “I’d like that very much,” she said.

They stood, almost in perfect unison, and made their way to the door. Lighting up her horn, Twilight let her magic snake out to envelope the doorhandle, pulling it open with a shimmer of magenta and a tinkling of unseen bells. She stepped to the side, just as she’d seen Shining and Soarin do for their mares, and allowed Spitfire to pass through first.

Spitfire fixed her with a half-lidded stare out of the corner of her eye, smiling as she trotted passed. Her feathers trailed along Twilight’s side, up to her shoulder, then across her back, pulling her into a hug.

With a squeak, Twilight staggered forward, her grip on the door released. Her cheeks flushed rosy red. “I, um, thought you said this was for later.”

“I can amend my rules once in a while,” Spitfire countered. “Besides, you’re my girlfriend now. Wing hugs are a part of the package.”

Twilight ducked her head low to help fight down the merry squeal that threatened to escape her lips. Her eyes flitted to Spitfire, a spark of courage lit within her chest, coaxing her to maneuver herself to press against her girlfriend’s side.

They stayed that way for the duration of their walk to the elevator, and the entirety of the trip to the lobby.

Twilight had never seen a pony’s face go so red—Big Mac’s natural color notwithstanding.

Covering her mouth in vain hopes of suppressing her laughter, she leaned into Spitfire’s side, grinning at the deep red hue coloring her cheeks and the way she set her jaw.

“It’s not that funny,” she ground out, her feathers bristling as she crossed her hooves. “I didn’t bounce that high.”

“Horse apples you didn’t!” Fleetfoot said in between bouts of laughter. Tears of merriment gathered in her milky white eyes. “Hay! If I’m lying, you can hit me in the rump with a lightning bolt!”

Spitfire’s nostrils flared. “Now, there’s an idea!”

Twilight grinned and leaned up to nose against her cheek. “Aw, what’s the matter, hon?” she cooed, stealing a quick kiss to Spitfire’s cheek and savoring the warmth. “Don’t like it when the tables are turned?”

Slowly, Spitfire turned, fixing a wicked grin on her muzzle. She pecked Twilight on the cheek, lingering a moment.

Her eyes fluttered shut. She hummed at the feeling of soft lips pressing against her, the corners of her mouth tugged into a silly grin.

Spitfire pulled away all too soon, drawing a little whine and flick of her tail.

“I’ll remember that,” Spitfire whispered, her breath tickling the tip of Twilight’s ear. “Just you wait until I meet your friends or see that brother of yours again, hon. I’m gonna enjoy watching you squirm.”

Her smile fell. Twilight’s feathers bristled at the thought. “M-Maybe we should, um, take this a little slow,” she stammered, letting her ears pin back. “I mean, there’s really no rush, we can go at our own pace—”

“Slow?” Soarin repeated, lowering his copy of The Canterlot Chronicle. He arched a brow, his forest grin eyes flitted between the pair as he leaned over to stage whisper to Fleetfoot. “Honey, help me out, I’m afraid I must be mixing up my words again. Wouldn’t what we saw this morning be called ‘fast’ by normal standards?”

Fleetfoot flicked her ear and smirked before replying in Germane, “Ja, mein Liebe.” She reached out to take hold of a cup of milk, bringing it to her lips. “But you know young ponies these days. No patience for any courting or proper romance like you and me.”

“Agreed. Very good pronunciation, by the way.” He nosed against her cheek. “You’ve been practicing.”

“I’ve got a lot of incentive,” she said, turning to peck his lips. “There’s a good looking stallion in my life who likes to slip a little in when he whispers sweet nothings, and I wanna know what he’s saying.”

Chuckling, he kissed the end of her snout, then returned to his newspaper. “So, what’ve you two got planned today?” he asked. “Fancy another walk through the rain and late night snuggled up?”

Spitfire rolled her eyes, flicking her tail at the teasing. “Nothing yet, last night just kinda happened.” Her gaze flitted to Twilight. “I was probably supposed to have you back by midnight, wasn’t I?”

“I’m a big mare,” Twilight said, huffing and crossing her hooves over her chest. “I can stay up late and spend the night at my girlfriend’s hotel if I want.”

“Hey, I’m not complaining.” Soft lips pressed against her cheek again, a hoof snaked around her shoulders and pulled her close. “I’m just sayin’, your brother’s probably put me at the top of his troops’ ‘Wanted’ list.”

Fleetfoot snorted. “Hate to break it to you, Spits, but you’re not quite that important.”

“Besides,” Soarin began, glancing up from his paper and checking the sky through the window, “I don’t see any of Captain Armor’s barriers encompassing the city. Maybe he figured you stayed the night, Princess.”

“That might be it,” Twilight said. “He’ll probably expect me back sometime today, or at least that I’ll send a quick note.” She paused and wrinkled her snout. “You don’t have to address me by title, you know. This is going to seem rather awkward if you keep this up.”

He smiled. “Twilight it is, then. Funny. Who’d have thought a pie-scarfing goofball from the lower-east side would be on first name basis with royalty?” Chuckling to himself, he turned the page. “Mama won’t believe a word of it.”

“Naturally,” Fleetfoot quipped. “That mare only rates our Hellfire Dive as ‘passable’. It’d take Twilight knocking on her door and telling her all about this whole thing for her to believe it.”

Twilight waggled her ears, a sly grin made its way across her muzzle. “You know,” she began, using the low, playful tone she’d picked up from her friends, “I’m sure I’ll be visiting Cloudsdale a lot now that I’m dating Spitfire.” She nudged her shoulder against Spitfire’s.

Snorting, Spitfire allowed herself a small smirk. “Hmm, taking you out on a date just so we can make Soarin’s mama go batty? I like it. Can we tell her about us then, too? That mare likes to play mother for me for crying out loud! I’ve already got one.”

Soarin chuckled. “Well, glad to know we’re all gonna prank my dear mama. Now—” he fixed them with a stern gaze “—do Fleety and I need to chaperone you two, or did you get things settled?”

“We’re good, Soar,” Spitfire replied, giving Twilight a little squeeze. “Had a nice little talk and all, we’ll be good fillies—”

“—As long as we want to be!” Twilight added, before stealing another kiss. “It’s our relationship, after all.”

“Good answer,” he said. “Well, then, Fleet and I were going to a club later on tonight. That friend of yours—Pinkie, I think—mentioned it to us, Twilight. We could all go together, make it a double-date.”

Spitfire bobbed her head. “Wouldn’t be a bad idea.” She turned to smile at Twilight. “I did promise you dancing lessons.”

Twilight glanced between the pair across from her, swishing her tail in thought. She let her gaze fall to rest on Spitfire, a bright smile made its way across her muzzle. “I’ll send a note to Shining,” she said. “It wouldn’t be too fun if he brought a squad of guards to look for me!” She brought a hoof to her chin and hummed. “Though, if I tell him, he’ll let Cadence know, so we could end up with a visit from both of them.”

“A party with my fellow officers, the Captain of the Royal Guard, the Princess of Love, and my girlfriend?” Spitfire grinned. “If that goof of a brother of yours wants to show up, he’s welcome too. Send your note, hon. Then we’ve gotta get you dolled up for a night out on the town.”

Nodding, Twilight lit up her horn. A pencil and a sheet of paper popped into existence with a bright flash of magenta.

“Holy moly!” Soarin said, whistling in awe. “That’s pretty cool.”

Fleetfoot nudged him with an elbow. “Er, Soar? Mind giving the blind mare the play-by-play? What was the pop?”

“A conjuring spell,” Twilight answered as she scribbled a short note explaining where she’d been last night, as well as her plans for the day. “It’s rather complicated, but I’ve had plenty of practice with it. I used to struggle with it, actually.”

“And now?” Spitfire asked.

Beaming, she lit up her horn, making the quill vanish into thin air, then sending the note off to her brother with a loud pop. “Like a Wonderbolt in mid-season form,” she replied.

The trio grinned, ruffling their feathers in kind. “You know what?” Fleetfoot began. “I think we’re gonna get along famously, Twilight. As the only other mare from the Wonderbolts and Spits’ oldest friend, I approve.”

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? I need your approval to date?”

“Quite frankly, yes.”

“What am I, fifteen?”

Much to Twilight’s amusement, Fleetfoot reached across and patted Spitfire on the head. “Just be back by ten, or you’re grounded, honey. Don’t make me take away your gramophone again.”

“Why you—” Spitfire puffed up her cheeks. “You’re part of the date tonight, you feather duster with a mouth!”

Twilight giggled as she watched the pair fall to their banter, sharing a knowing grin with Soarin before he went back to reading his paper.

A rather nice way to start her first day with her first official girlfriend.

The thought alone made her feathers fluff and sent her tail swishing like a happy puppy.

8. We Can Stay Out Late and Dance the Night Away

Twilight had heard many tales of Canterlot’s night club scene, both from her brother and from a few of her former classmates. However, she’d never really gone out and experienced it firsthoof. Ponyville’s lone bar didn’t count, though it was rather nice and had a very friendly atmosphere.

If what Rainbow and Rarity said was true—and Twilight would wager they had more experience in the matter—the only true rivals to Canterlot’s night clubs were in Manehattan and Las Pegasus.

That said, as she watched the tight-packed crowd of ponies dancing, bumping, and jostling with one another in time with the pulsing beat. Neon lights flashed and flickered, making her squint her eyes to adjust to the alternating dimming and brightening.

Her wings twitched and unfurled, ready to cover her eyes to block out the assault on her senses. She turned to Spitfire. “The music is really loud,” she said.

Spitfire stopped tapping her hoof to the beat. She blinked and tilted her head, perking her ears up. “What’s that, hon? Can’t hear ya!”

Twilight leaned in close and spoke up. “I said ‘the music is really loud’!”

“Oh!” Spitfire looked around in search of something, her eyes wide. “Hang on, hon! They usually have somepony selling earplugs near the entrance for first timers. Want me to get you a pair?”

“Please.” Twilight nodded, then leaned in to nose Spitfire’s cheek. “I’ll pay you back.”

Grinning, Spitfire shook her head. “Nah, it’s on me, hon. I make more than enough to cover it. Fleet? Soar? You need some?”

With his wing wrapped tightly around Fleetfoot’s withers, and his hooves helping to cover her ears, Soarin replied, “Yeah, she’ll need a pair. Silly mare left her earmuffs back at the room.”

“They look ridiculous,” she hissed in reply. “I’m not wearing them out here!”

“Of course they do, meine Liebe.” He nosed into her mane, grinning and giving Twilight a playful wink. “So, because of image, we’ll wait right here, with me covering your ears like a parent taking a foal to a hoofball game, until Spits comes back with some earplugs.”

Fleetfoot’s tail flicked. “I can have you replaced, you know.” With little effort, she unfurled her wing and cuffed him over the back of his head. “I’ve heard plenty of cadets talk about what a ‘hot piece of tail’ I am when they think I’m out of earshot!”

“I know. Whenever I see your feathers fluff, I know it’s time to send the little punks flying until their wings fall off!” He waggled his eyebrows, then stole a little nip to her ear.

Spitfire rolled her eyes. “Well, we’ll leave you kids here. Do try to behave. I said try, Soarin. Don’t make me go all disciplinarian off the clock.”

“No promises!”

“Spectacular.” With another roll of her eyes, she bumped her hip against Twilight’s. “C’mon, hon. Let’s get you away from these two before they corrupt you any worse than I already have.”

Sniggering, Twilight nodded and followed along. They weaved around new entrants to the club, staying close enough that Twilight could feel Spitfire’s warm coat brushing against hers.

Soft, downy feathers touched her back. She glanced at Spitfire, perking up her ears in a silent question.

“You don’t mind if I, uh…” Spitfire trailed off, looking between her wing and Twilight. “You don’t mind if I put it over you again, right?”

Smiling, Twilight stepped closer and rubbed her shoulder against Spitfire’s. Then, without waiting, she turned to nose against Spitfire’s neck, sighing happily as she drank in the warmth and scent of citrus and rain.

The perfume tickled her nose, drawing a bright smile as she felt Spitfire’s wing wrap around her withers and pull her in closer. Soft lips pressed against her cheek, Twilight couldn’t help but hum her approval. “This is nice,” she said.

Spitfire’s ear twitched, she grinned into Twilight’s cheek. “Told ya! We come here when we do shows in the area. It’s always a great time!”

A great time? At such a loud place?

Filly Twilight would’ve scoffed and gone right back to reading a book on advanced magical theory, waving a hoof to dismiss her silly classmates for distracting her. Now, however, she found it just as fun as Shining Armor used to say.

Where else would she have seen Rainbow jump onto the bar counter, lay on her back, and dare Berry to open up a full barrel of cider and empty it into her open mouth, claiming she could drain it in ten seconds flat? Granted, Rainbow failed miserably and ended up sprinting—as best a drunken pegasus could—toward the mares’ room, but they all shared some laughs afterward.

I would’ve missed out on all that if I’d just stayed in my room. A tiny frown marred her muzzle. So many chances she could have gone out and made great memories with friends, wasted! All because she thought making friends was, in a word, silly.

A nudge to her shoulder opted her back to present time. “Hey, you okay?” Spitfire asked, her brows knitted together in concern.

“Huh? Oh, I’m fine!” Twilight fixed a smile on her face. “Just got a little lost in thought. Old memories.”

Spitfire arched a brow. “Lost in thought, eh?” she drawled, leaning in close. A mischievous gleam flashed in her eyes. “Not thinking of any other mares, I hope. Or—” she waggled her eyebrows “—at very least, it’s you and me running the bedroom, right?”

Twilight’s wings fluffed, her cheeks felt as though they’d burst into flames. With a shriek, she ducked out from under Spitfire’s wing and reared up, smacking her girlfriend in the shoulder with her hooves. “No, no, no, no, no, no! You jerk! You are not allowed to make those jokes!”

Laughing, Spitfire covered her head with a hoof. “Sure I can!” she crowed. Shifting herself, she caught Twilight’s hoof and pulled her into a tight, one-hooved hug, effectively pinning her hooves. “Now, now, that’s no way for a princess to behave!”

“I’ll show you!” Twilight growled, wiggling her hooves in vain. “Once I—grr—get my hooves free, you’ll be sorry!”

“I’m sure I will,” Spitfire said as she reached up to tussle Twilight’s mane. She pulled Twilight over to stand in front of a younger stallion, who held a box labeled ‘ear plugs, 1 bit’ aloft in his magic. “Now, hold still, while I ask the nice colt so we can get a little dancing in.”

Before Twilight could retort, she found herself dotted with another kiss on her nose, making her eyes cross and snout wrinkle as Spitfire turned to pass a pair of bits over to the young colt, who happily floated two tiny bags, each with a matching pair of earplugs, into her waiting hoof.

“Thanks, bud!” Spitfire released her hold on Twilight’s shoulders and tossed one of the bags to her. “Put ‘em in, hon. You’re gonna wanna be gentle, or it’s gonna feel like you’re cramming something into your brain.”

Chuckling, Twilight sliced open the bag with a deft flick of her magic and levitated the nub-shaped objects out. She surveyed them for a moment, then shrugged and floated one near each ear, slowly slipping them in as per Spitfire’s advice.

True to their namesake, the earplugs proved a rather effective tool to drown out some of the pounding bass and stomping hooves.

“How’s that, hon?” Spitfire asked, her normal gravelly voice sounded as though Twilight were submerged in water, muggy almost.

Twilight wrinkled her snout and gave her ears a little waggle. “It feels like I’ve got erasers stuck in my ear.”

Spitfire snorted. “Yeah, it can take some getting used to. It’s helping with the noise though, right?”

“Yes, they’re doing that quite nicely,” Twilight said with a smile. “Much more tolerable, and I can’t feel the pounding in my brain anymore.”

Grinning, Spitfire fluttered her wings. “Great!” she cheered, darting forward to nuzzle Twilight’s cheek. “C’mon, let’s go get this to Fleetfoot so we can tear up the dance floor!” With a cheeky waggle of her eyebrows, she bumped her hip against Twilight’s. “I wanna see those moves you mentioned earlier!”

Before Twilight could protest, she found herself pulled along again, only able to squeak as she felt a powerful wing wrap around her. The warmth and soft brush of feathers against her back brought forth a little sigh from her lips. She let herself be held, almost possessively, against Spitfire’s side, delighting in the feeling of their coats rubbing together.

Idly, she let her mind wander back to some of the traits she’d noticed in Fluttershy and Rainbow over the years—in particular, she found herself thinking on how possessive and protective the pair could be with their friends. Certainly, Rainbow was the more obvious example, given how loud and demonstrative she could be, but Fluttershy took a more quiet, almost motherly route to hers. Especially when her animals were concerned.

Although, if somepony threatened her animals, quiet and timid would go out the window.

Twilight glanced at Spitfire out of the corner of her eye. There seemed to be a mix of both, really. Further observation of her personality would be required before she could draw conclusion.

Until then, she was quite happy to shift herself closer and work herself so Spitfire’s primaries could tickle against her ribs. As Celestia had told her so long ago, there came a time when a pony should put aside her studies and get out of the library.

It just so happened that getting out of the library meant snuggling up to her beautiful girlfriend and dancing the night away in a loud night club filled with ponies.

If my younger self could see this, she thought, chuckling and shaking her head.

They drew near to Fleetfoot and Soarin and stopped beside them.

“Here, Fleet,” Spitfire said, passing the plastic bag over to her. “Pop ‘em in.”

Soarin smiled in thanks and took them in his hoof. “Here, let me.” He tore the bag open with his teeth, spat out the plastic, and dumped the earplugs into his hoof. Taking one in each, he held them out to Fleetfoot. “Okay, Fleet, I need you to prick up your ears so I can put them in.”

Biting her lip, Fleetfoot let her ears stand up. “Hurry, please!” she said, with a hint of a whimper in her tone as the bass pounded and a gyro like noise whirred through the air. Gritting her teeth, she ducked her head. “I hate wubs.”

“I know, meine liebe, I know.” He brushed his legs against her cheeks, smiling when she leaned into his touch. With practiced ease, he slipped the earplugs into place, then kissed her forehead. “There! How’s that?”

Fleetfoot sighed in relief. “Much better!” She smiled and leaned up to capture his lips, humming happily. After a moment, they broke apart, each beaming and subtly licking their lips to savor the taste. “I’m thinking we need drinks. And a table off in the corner,” she said, her husky tone brought forth a pink tinge to Soarin’s cheeks and a goofy smile to his face.

Soarin’ wrapped his wings around her shoulders, turning to wave to a row of tables on the opposite wall. “Right this way, meine Liebe!” he said, as though he were the maître’d leading a regular to her table. With a wink to Spitfire and a none-too-subtle mouthing “behave”, he turned and lead Fleetfoot away, both chatting back and forth as they walked.

Chuckling, Spitfire shook her head. “I wonder which of us is captain, sometimes.” She grinned at Twilight, then nodded toward the crowded dance floor. “Shall we?”

Her hoof shook, a bit of doubt flashed through Twilight’s mind. A memory of Rainbow cackling as she reenacted Twilight’s “seizure dancing” was all too fresh.

With a shaky nod, she replied, “After you.”

Spitfire grinned and released her wing hug, then lead her toward the dance floor. While her girlfriend’s steps were confident and her head held high, Twilight found herself shuffling forward with her head ducked low and ears laying flat against her scalp.

Biting her lip, Twilight let her eyes wander over the mass of bodies before her. Ponies of all sizes and race danced wildly, laughing with their friends, nuzzling and stealing kisses to their lovers as they moved in time with the music. Her steps began to follow along with the beat, unbidden. Almost as though the music carried some sort of magic with it.

She glanced down at her hooves, blinking as she noticed she was but a step away from the dance floor. Giving her wings a nervous ruffle, she looked up to find Spitfire waiting for her, a single hoof held out.

“C’mon,” she said, looking away just long enough to step out of the path of a younger couple as they danced by. She returned her gaze to Twilight and smiled. “I’m right here, hon.”

There were plenty of ponies in the crowd, and the club’s lighting would hide her colors well enough. Surely, they wouldn’t notice her.

Just as long as she stayed close to Spitfire, everything would be fine.

Twilight took her hoof, earning a bright smile before she was pulled into the mass of ponies. They pushed through the crowd, bumping and jostling with other patrons.

Wincing, she mumbled an apology to a pair of mares she’d unwittingly brushed with the tips of her primaries, blushing as they giggled and batted their eyelashes at her.

“Hey, there, cutie!” one cooed, giving a little pout as she trotted to keep up with Spitfire.

Spitfire turned to glare over her shoulder. “Hey yourself!” she snapped, eyes flashing. “She’s with me!”

The mares stepped back, ducking their heads under her gaze and muttering a barely audible apology before they were lost to the crowd.

Twilight’s ears burned when she caught Spitfire muttering “Feather-brained floozies” as she picked up the pace. “I swear, nopony can bother taking a look to see if a mare’s with somepony these days!”

Definitely possessive. Despite her nerves, Twilight couldn’t help but smile. She bounded forward to trot alongside Spitfire, a merry little swish in her tail.

The music stopped, there was a crackling of static before a mare called through the speaker system. “Alright Canterlot! Are you ready to rock this house?” The familiar voice made her ears perk up. Is that Vinyl?

A quick look to the DJ booth revealed Vinyl Scratch, her white coat shining and electric blue mane messy as usual, with a pair of headphones around her neck, trademark purple-lensed sunglasses covering her eyes, and a hoof on her turntable. By the broad grin on her muzzle, she was in her element.

The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves, ready for more music. Vinyl grinned at them all, her eyes wandered over the crowd, her grin widening with the growing noise.

For a moment, Twilight could’ve sworn Vinyl met her gaze.

Those purple lenses flashed, Vinyl pumped her hoof into the air and called out to the crowd, “Let’s kick it!” With a flip of a few switches and a flash of cerulean magic, the music started again.

Twilight shook it off and followed Spitfire over to the side of the dance floor; close enough that they could enjoy the lights and music, but away from the front so they weren’t at the center of attention.

Spitfire turned and fluffed her feathers. Her tail swished back and forth in time with the beat. Slowly, she started to shift side to side, timing her steps with the pulsing bass. “Ready, hon?” she called over the din.

Nodding, Twilight looked down at her hooves and began counting. Slowly, she started to step in time. A tiny frown marred her muzzle as she tried to make her body cooperate. Stupid, clumsy hooves.

She glanced up to find Spitfire entering into what could only be described as a little bit of a hop-slide, bouncing on her hooves with all the grace of a trained dancer, yet with all the whimsy of the ponies around them.

“Loosen up a little!” Spitfire teased, nudging her with a shoulder. “C’mon, it’s no fun if you’re all stiff like that!”

“Just trying to get in time with the beat,” she replied.

Laughing, Spitfire leaned in and kissed her cheek. “That’s not a hard-and-fast rule in club dancing, hon! Cut loose and feel the music—like wind currents when you fly!”

Twilight blinked, glancing down at her hooves then up to Spitfire again. Feel the music like I’m reading the wind current, she thought. Her feathers fluffed and twitched, reflexively trying to test for a wind current. Slowly, her lips began to curve into a smile. There was no wind, but there was a very pretty mare who wanted her to have some fun.

She could just be herself.

Well, when in Roam, do as the Roamans do!

Kicking her right hoof out, she grinned and closed her eyes, bobbing her head to the beat as she began to stomp her hooves and flap her wings. It wasn’t graceful, it wasn’t anything like some of those ballet dancers she’d seen.

It was fun. It was simple. It was just Twilight cutting loose, letting go of her reservations, and allowing herself to throw the rulebook out for a little bit so she could just get into her groove, as Shining would say.

There was a beat of silence, and then the whir of synthesizers and booming base came like crashing thunder. Twilight joined in the “whoop” that went through the crowd and wildly swung a hoof.

“Whoa!” Spitfire yelped. “Careful there, hon! This isn’t a contact sport!”

Twilight gasped, opening her eyes and bringing the offending hoof to her mouth. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

“It’s alright, I’m just teasing.” Spitfire nuzzled against her cheek, lingering long enough to give a quick kiss. “This isn’t exactly a formal dance, hon. I mean, look around.” She waved a hoof toward the raucous crowd, sniggering as she watched a few rear up on their hind hooves and try jumping like dogs, only to stumble over one another and quickly steady themselves by grabbing hooves.

Anything but graceful. Still, they hadn’t just swung a hoof and nearly knocked her date out.

With a little cringe, Twilight let her ears droop and settled into a timid shuffle step. Like Fluttershy trying to hide from a crowd of ponies, she made herself as small as possible, bringing her wings up to hide her face from any onlookers.

Spitfire stopped and grimaced. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“No, no, I’m glad you did,” Twilight said, bringing a hoof up to rub her shoulder. “I don’t want to ruin things by hitting you.”

“Yeah, but I just killed your mood. It’s written plain on your face.” Spitfire pointed at her face. “You were happy, like a filly on her first flight.”

Twilight bit the inside of her cheek, flicking her tail. “I was. But, well, like I said, I’m not very good at dancing. At all. Ever.” Sighing, she hung her head. “I never took the time to go to parties or clubs before I moved.”

A hoof touched her back, right between the base of her wings. She felt Spitfire’s breath tickle her ears as she leaned down to whisper, “I could show you a basic step thing, if you want.”

Slowly lifting her head, Twilight was met with Spitfire offering a sheepish half smile and rustle of her wings.

“It’s nothing flashy,” Spitfire continued, “it’s just listening to the bass and stepping in time, then throwing in a little kick or knee lift. Just a kinda—” she broke off, taking a couple steps to her left, then stopped, picking up her right hoof until it nearly touched her chest, and moved back to the right “—easy side-to-side thing.”

Twilight watched her go through the steps a couple times, noting how each beat of bass matched perfectly with yellow-coated hooves stepping and raising. Simple, like the ticking of a metronome.

A shy smile made its way across her muzzle. Twilight waited for Spitfire to complete another step, then joined in just as she was shown.

Step, step, knee lift. Step, step, knee lift. Step, step, knee li—kick? She glanced at Spitfire, raising a brow at the grin on her girlfriend’s muzzle as they went through again.

“Just get a rhythm, then play with the end move,” Spitfire said as she kicked her left legs out to the side, balancing herself on her right hooves. “Remember what I said dancing was like?”

“Sex,” Twilight replied before she could stop herself.

Nodding, Spitfire took a bit of a wider step so she could move closer. “Bingo,” she whispered, leaning over to peck Twilight’s lips rather than kick a hoof out. “Some ponies like lots of flashy things in dancing and sex, others like to keep it basic. The most important thing—” she pivoted and slid to the side so she was muzzle-to-muzzle with Twilight, still going through their three step routine “—is knowing what you’re comfortable with, and what your partner is, too.”

“Huh.” Twilight furrowed her brows in thought, then bobbed her head. “I guess that does make sense. It wouldn’t work too well if a new dancer tried keeping up with a professional ballet dancer.” On the last step of their more simplified dance, she moved forward instead of sideways, returning Spitfire’s kiss from before.

The pair stopped in place, each tilted their head to the side and pressed closer, savoring the kiss.

Who cares if I’m bad at dancing? I get kisses either way. Twilight gave a happy hum as they broke apart, she couldn’t keep the goofy grin off her muzzle. “Any other steps for me to try?” she asked, waggling her ears.

Spitfire fixed her with a half-lidded stare. “Oh, I think we can get a little creative with the basics.” She cast a meaningful glance to the crowd around them, and raised her brows. “Let’s try switching out the shuffle-step for a little bit of a hopping jig. But let’s add a new rule in.”

Raising an eyebrow, Twilight tilted her head. “What’d you have in mind?”

That playful gleam flashed in those brilliant orange eyes, Spitfire reached out and cupped her chin with a hoof. “Eye contact. No looking down.”

A bubbling laugh escaped her lips, Twilight bounced and kicked her legs forward, alternating left and right in time with Spitfire’s moves. Faster and faster they went, moving to the pulsing bass of Vinyl’s latest selection.

Somehow, Twilight had a feeling she’d seen that Spitfire was trying to teach her to dance and thought it’d be funny to start picking songs with faster beats. The more logical side of her brushed it off as Vinyl simply doing her job and giving the other ponies what they wanted.

“Losing your tempo!” Spitfire teased. “Better keep up, or I’m gonna make you blush in front of everypony!”

There it was, that playful threat she kept repeating. Each time the song changed and Twilight had to adjust for speed, Spitfire made sure to remind her the little wager they’d added on:

“Whoever breaks eye contact or loses her step gets swept up by the other. In front of everypony.”

At first, it had just been a joke. Then, for reasons she still couldn’t figure out, Twilight opened her mouth and vowed to hold Spitfire upside down in her magic, tickle, and kiss her silly in front of the entire crowd.

The way Spitfire’s eyes flashed with the same competitive light she’d seen in Rainbow so many times sent shivers down her spine. From there on, both mares were locked in an epic battle of wills the likes of which Equestria had never seen, neither willing to blink.

“Ready to give in?” Spitfire asked, leaning in close enough that their muzzles touched. Her steady breath washed over Twilight’s face, she nuzzled her snout, never once losing her step.

Though she was already pushing the limit of her coordination, Twilight grinned and shook her head. “Not a chance!” she replied through her laughter. Spitfire had already given her fair share of teases in the few days since they started dating.

Tonight, Twilight was determined that she would even the score. Or, at very least, narrow the gap a little bit.

Still, she had to keep up. The burn in her legs was growing with each bounce and kick of her hooves. If she kept up, it would only be a matter of time before she either lost step or gave into her laughter and stumbled, leaving Spitfire free to tease and torment her any way she pleased.

Of course, that was assuming she played fair.

She fought against the urge to smirk at Spitfire. Her girlfriend so loved to play tricks and tease her, the way she delighted in leaving Twilight blushing before her friends, family, and fellow princesses was proof enough of that. She seemed to be all too happy to go along with a certain phrase Cadence was so wont to say: all’s fair in love and war.

Well, if she wants to play, she’ll find I can adapt just as well as anypony.

Twilight fixed Spitfire with a half-lidded stare and made her move, quickly tilting her head and darting forward press her lips against Spitfire’s.

She smiled into the kiss as she felt the sharp intake of breath through Spitfire’s nose tickle against her coat. She pressed deeper, parting her lips just enough so she could run her tongue along Spitfire’s. Come on. Twilight fluttered her wings, unfurling and making to wrap them around Spitfire, all the while keeping her hooves moving in time with the beat.

Or, at least, trying to. They’d both since lost timing, simply bouncing and occasionally doing the extra little kick at their own pace, following along the beating of their own hearts.

Spitfire parted her lips, her warm tongue met with Twilight’s, teasing and running along her lips. Her steps began to slow with each passing second until, finally, she stopped, reaching up with a hoof to cup Twilight’s cheek.

Twilight watched as her eyelids began to flutter shut and wings fluffed and made to unfurl, waiting until Spitfire gave a happy sigh and tilted her head to deepen the kiss before she made her move.

The second Spitfire closed her eyes, Twilight reared up and caught her in a tight hug, pinning her hooves and wings to her sides. With a throaty chuckle, she pulled Spitfire flush against her chest and wrapped her tight in her wings.

Twilight trailed her soft, purple feathers up Spitfire’s sides, bringing forth a squeak from the back of her girlfriend’s throat.

She held the kiss a moment longer, then broke off to bask in the warmth. Taking note of how Spitfire’s lips were still parted for another kiss and her eyes stayed shut, she grinned and leaned in as if to grant her wish. Then, a flash of daring went through her. Glancing about to make sure everypony was watching the stage or was otherwise occupied, Twilight snuck a quick lick to Spitfire’s snout.

Spitfire’s snout wrinkled, her ears laid flat as a bright blush began to creep into her cheeks.

“Looks like I’m not the only one who’s cute when she blushes,” Twilight whispered huskily, darting forward to nose beneath Spitfire’s chin and nip at her neck.

Biting her lip, Spitfire pranced on her hind hooves, her tail twitched as a shuddering gasp escaped her lips. “H-Hon!” she said, whimpering as Twilight stole another nip, then slowly drew her tongue over the spot. Her eyes were clenched shut, a goofy grin spread across her muzzle.

“You lost your step, and nopony’s watching,” Twilight said. She kissed Spitfire’s neck and drank in her scent. “My turn!” To her delight, Spitfire’s blush deepened, tinging her cheeks a shade of orange that almost perfectly matched her fiery mane.

“Alright! Alright!” Spitfire yelped, craning her neck to escape Twilight’s assault. “You win, hon! Lemme go before somepony looks!”

The smile ran away from her face. Twilight pursed her lips, her eyes darted to search the crowd for any onlookers. None of yet, aside from a few passive glances—unless she counted those mares from before openly staring and giggling in their direction—but she couldn’t deny the point.

Giving one last kiss to her nose, Twilight released Spitfire from her embrace. She folded her wings at her sides, then stepped around to press against Spitfire’s side. “Fine,” she whispered, nosing into her cheek. “But let the record show that you lost step first.”

“Only because you cheated,” Spitfire shot back, trying to fight through her smile to fix a mock glare upon her face. She gave up, grinning back at Twilight and stealing a quick kiss to her cheek, then moving to whisper in her ear. “You know I’m gonna have to get even. I can’t be letting a rookie out-flirt me!”

There it was again. Labelling her a rookie with that grin and knowing look in her eyes.

Well, there was some point to it, but Twilight was confident she’d have Spitfire singing a different tune soon enough.

I’m starting to think a bit too much like Rarity! Twilight shook her head, then turned to search for Fleetfoot and Soarin. “Well, how about we meet up with the others? I could use a drink after that.”

“Heh, I like the sound of that.” Spitfire wiped a hoof across her brow and gave her wings a little flutter. “It’s getting a little hot in here.” Seeing Twilight open her mouth to retort, she cut her off. “Say what you’re thinking. I dare you.” She brought her muzzle a hair’s breadth away from Twilight’s, and gave a challenging snort. “One word, hon. Just one.”

With all the confidence of a mare who had defied the likes of Nightmare Moon, Discord, the Changeling Queen, and Tirek himself, Twilight kissed the end of Spitfire’s muzzle and muttered, “Hot.”

“Right.” Spitfire set her jaw and nodded, flicking her tail. “You’ll pay for that one later.” With keen eyes, she scanned the tables for her teammates, pointing to one in the far corner. “There they are, always far enough away that Fleet can listen without getting a headache.”

Twilight followed her hoof, Fleetfoot’s cloud-white mane stood out against the dimly lit room, even with the flashing lights and ponies walking by. She let Spitfire take the lead, trotting just behind her as they made their way over to the table.

Her eyes wandered, somehow finding their way—as had become habit—to Spitfire’s fiery tail and shapely rump. Her tail twitched, Twilight ran her tongue along her lip, savoring the lingering taste of Spitfire’s kisses. Be good, she chided herself. With a purr of approval, she sidled up to Spitfire and let her tail flirt against her girlfriend’s side, earning herself a smirk and a sidelong look.

“Trying to gain rank?” Spitfire asked.

Twilight met her gaze. “I think,” she began, trailing the ends of her tail along Spitfire’s flank, lingering on her flame-lick cutie mark, “you’ll find that a princess outranks a captain.”

Spitfire let out a bark of laughter, then flicked her tail against Twilight’s rear in kind. “I’ll give you that, hon. Well played.”

Another victory for the home team, albeit on a technicality. Though, with a girlfriend so willing to exploit any and every opportunity to tease and play, Twilight would have to do likewise.

Besides, as a princess, she could make the rules of the game. It was one of the perks that came with all the authority and important meetings.

Or, the important meetings that would grow more frequent as ponies adjusted to the idea of a fourth princess.

Until then, there was a pretty mare who wanted to spend time with her, and Twilight would have her feathers plucked before she let precious time go to waste.

The pair came closer to Fleetfoot and Soarin’s table, stopping just short. “Mind if we snag a spot?” Spitfire asked, before slipping into the booth across from them. A cue Twilight happily took, sliding in next to her with a tiny giggle.

Soarin broke of chatting with Fleetfoot to fix her with a bemused smile. “If I say no, how many laps will we be doing tomorrow morning?”

“I don’t think you can count that high,” she quipped in reply. “Is he behaving, Fleet?”

Flicking an ear toward Spitfire, Fleetfoot nodded. “He has been so far,” she said. With a coy smile, she raised her glass to show off a translucent drink which shone with a familiar rainbow hue as she swirled it. “He even got me my favorite drink.”

Spitfire’s ears perked up. “Mixing in some booze with the rainbow mixer, are we?”

“You never gave sobriety orders,” Soarin replied, shrugging as he took a sip of his own. “I figured it was fine since this isn’t a team event.”

“Nah, go for it. As long as we drink responsibly, it’s all good.” Spitfire took the menu out of the wire holder on the wall and skimmed through it. “Hmm, I might go with cider tonight. What about you, hon?” She passed the menu to Twilight.

Taking the menu in her magic, Twilight brought it to float before her. Idly, she let her eyes wander over strange drink names. Each description seemed like such a mix of different types of alcohol with additive flavors she never would’ve thought logical.

Rainbow, Pinkie, Party, and Vinyl would have a field day with this menu. Cringing at a few of the combinations. “I think I’ll stick with cider, too,” she said. “Some of these are a bit too ‘out there’ for my taste.”

“Sounds good.” Spitfire flagged down one of the waitresses and gave her their drink order, as well as adding a basket of hay fries for the table. “Hope you can handle your booze, ‘cos they’ve only got the hard stuff here.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Oh, please! I drink Sweet Apple Acres’ finest as soon as they start their Cider Season, I can handle my fair share!”

The trio of Wonderbolts let wicked smirks spread across their muzzles, a shudder ran down Twilight’s spine.

“We’ll see about that,” Fleetfoot said, chuckling darkly. “I suppose this is as good a chance as any to make sure you can hold your own with us. Can’t have the Captain seen with a lightweight!”

“Excuse me?” Twilight balked. “I thought you were fine with us dating!”

Sightless eyes met hers, Fleetfoot waggled her ears. “Call it an added stipulation. And don’t bother looking for Spits to override me, she’s thinking along similar lines.”

Slowly, Twilight turned to gape at Spitfire, who raised her eyebrows and nodded, just as a pair of mugs were placed on the table before them. “You’re joking,” she said.

“Nope!” Soarin replied through his chuckles. “If you wanna date a Wonderbolt, you’ve gotta be able to drink like a Wonderbolt!”

“I’d say no pressure,” Spitfire said, casually eyeing her drink. “But there was a certain girlfriend of mine who just snuck a kiss to win our little challenge on the dance floor, so I think she needs to show us she can hang with the big ponies. Wouldn’t you agree, Soarin?”

He gave a solemn nod. “Definitely, Spits. Princess or not, we’ve gotta make sure she comes into the flock properly.”

Spitfire thumped a hoof on the table. “Then it’s settled!” she said, taking up her mug. “Pick up that cider, hon! We’ve got music, plenty of booze, three Bolts, and a pretty royal—seems like a perfect chance to make sure you can hang with us!”

A few days prior, Twilight would’ve missed the teasing edge in their tone. The way each grinned like Rainbow or Pinkie, or even Party Favor, in the middle of a prank was another dead giveaway.

She played her part, huffing as though offended and taking her drink in hoof. “Fine, then! We’ll see who can’t handle her alcohol!”

“Morning in Ponyville—hic—shimmers! Morning in Ponyville—hic—shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiines!” Twilight sang, nearly falling over as she tried to wave a hoof. Giggling, she pressed against Spitfire’s side. “Oopsie!”

Spitfire closed her eyes and forced a smile, her ears laid flat against her scalp, both to block out Twilight’s drunken singing and her teammates’ sniggering. As it so turned out, her recently acquired girlfriend could indeed hold her booze quite well—if it was cider, of course.

After a few mugs, Soarin, sensing that their little trick wasn’t going so well, waited until Twilight had gotten herself a little bit of a buzz, then slyly slid his rum mixer over and offered her a little something different.

He is so flying laps for this! She fought down a blush as Twilight planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek and wrapped her wing over her shoulders, those soft purple feathers tickled against her sides. “Hon, maybe we oughta quiet it down a little,” she said, sliding her wings up to lay across Twilight’s back, just in case she toppled over again. “Ponies might be trying to sleep.”

“I say—hic—feh to them!” Twilight replied. She stopped and brought a hoof to her chest, as though ready to make a big proclamation. “Luna made such a—hic—such a beautiful night, and it’s nice, and I love it, and I really like spending time with—hic—you guys, and they should love it too!”

At least she was a happy drunk. Those were tolerable to a certain extent. Sad or angry drunks, well, they were a different story entirely.

Soarin was so going to pay for this. Fleetfoot, too, since she watched and let it happen. If they were smart, they’d keep their whining about how she thought it was a good idea at the time to themselves and just suck it up.

A not so small part of her hoped they weren’t that smart. Try to play the big sib-slash-mother card on me will you?

They came to the intersection of Mane Street and Royal Lane, and turned right to head up the winding pathway to the castle. Up ahead, Spitfire could see the lit windows and the glint of well-polished gold as the Princesses’ House Guard patrolled the castle grounds.

Not to mention, each of Twilight’s friends, her fellow princesses, and her older brother.

A shiver ran down Spitfire’s spine. She wasn’t sure which prospect made her more nervous: meeting the parents, or having to stand before the Royal Family and have them run the gauntlet on how she was to treat Twilight. Although Princess Celestia hadn’t threatened, she made sure to hint that she expected Spitfire’s conduct while accompanying Twilight to the Gala, and whatever relationship followed thereafter, was to be at her very best.

Twilight nosing against her cheek and hiccuping into her ear as she tried to whisper sweet nothings brought her back to reality. Despite her worry, she gave a laugh and maneuvered her snout under Twilight’s chin. “Ah-ah! You better stop that!” she scolded. “None of that drunk flirting, hon!”

“You’re no fun!” Twilight huffed, turning her head away. “How come you get to boss me around? I’m a—hic—princess!”

Spitfire cooed and kissed her cheek. “Yes you are. You’re my very beautiful, very tipsy, princess. And you’re my girlfriend.”

Twilight gave a solemn nod. “Right! So, I get to flirt—hic—if I want!” With a deft move, she managed to tilt her head back, then circle under to nip at Spitfire’s nose. “And I say flirting—hic—is okay!”

“Well, as your girlfriend, and as the mare who isn’t more sauced than Firestorm at Germaneigh’s Ciderfest, I’m gonna have to be all responsible and call code red on this.” She did her best to ignore the way Twilight pouted and whined, but her resolve crumbled. Sighing, she pecked Twilight’s lips, then stopped and placed a hoof on her chest when she tried to press further. “Twilight. No. Spitfire says code red.”

Giving another whine, Twilight stomped a hoof. “Meanie.”

With a roll of her eyes, Spitfire lead her onward. “Maybe so, but we talked about this sort of thing. Let’s get you back to the castle so you can sleep this off.”

“You don’t mind if we break off and head back to the room, do you?” Soarin asked, bobbing his head toward Fleetfoot. “This one didn’t sleep all that well last night.”

“Neither of us did, smart-aleck.” Fleetfoot bumped her flank against his. “Only reason I couldn’t was because you kept tossing and turning and covering your head with a pillow.”

Spitfire furrowed her brows. “Why were you—oh. Oh.” She cringed, ducking her head to hide her blushing cheeks. “Sorry.”

“Oops!” Twilight giggled, then leaned in as if to whisper, but ended up speaking at regular volume. “I think they heard us!”

Smirking, Soarin waggled his eyebrows. “Just a little. So yeah, it’s about midnight, I think we’re gonna hit the hay. Try to behave, Feuerball! I don’t think bailing your sorry behind out of jail is covered in the budget.” He ducked a quick swipe of her wing, cackling as he nimbly danced out of her reach. “Temper, temper! That’s no way for a mare who’s dating a princess to behave! Gotta be all proper now!”

“Maybe we can arrange for etiquette classes,” Fleetfoot said, bringing a hoof to her chin. “We’ll have to look into that.”

Spitfire grit her teeth, her ears burned as Twilight giggled at their antics. “Thanks, guys! Really. Great to know you’ve got my back. Now get the hay out of here, or we’re gonna have a little conditioning run in the morning.”

The words had scarcely left her mouth before the pair’s eyes went wide and they took off in a flurry of feathers, rocketing through the night sky as if the hounds of Tartarus were nipping at their tails. Spitfire smirked and gave a single nod. Still got it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Twilight waving and beaming at her teammates’ retreating forms. Her smirk melted into a more sincere smile, Spitfire gave her a light nudge toward the castle, sparing her a quick kiss to appease her.

Fortunately, the walk was short and the guards posted at the gate let them in without question, each snapped to attention and saluted with their spears or bowed to their princess.

If not for her keen eyes, Spitfire would’ve missed the tiny upward tugging of their lips as she passed them by with a thoroughly sauced Twilight in tow. To their credit, not one laughed or whispered, but they couldn’t hide their amusement entirely.

Not that I can blame them. Spitfire tightened her wing’s grip around Twilight’s side and pulled her in closer, nuzzling their cheeks together. Gonna get a lot of mileage out of that rendition of Brown-Eyed Mare once she sobers up—well, Orange-Eyed Mare, as she sang it.

She could already see the bright blush that would spread across Twilight’s cheeks before she tried to bury her muzzle in her wings. Yes, there would be plenty of teasing, and quite a bit of nuzzling those cute purple ears as she hummed the tune.

When they passed through the main entrance, Spitfire caught sight of three ponies waiting for them. She recognized Rainbow and Pinkie, but not the stallion they were with. Though, judging by how close he was standing to Pinkie and the little kiss she snuck him, he was the one Soarin and Twilight mentioned before. Party Favor, they’d called him.

Naturally, Twilight perked right up as soon as she saw them. “Hi, everypony!” She flared her wings out and bounded forward, stumbling over herself before she made to sweep the nearest of her friends into a hug. Pinkie simply laughed and let her, while the stallion sidestepped her and tried to hide his amusement.

He didn’t do nearly as well as the guards.

Pinkie grinned and returned the hug, pausing to sniff as Twilight’s breath hit her. “Oh, wow! Somepony had some fun tonight!” she said, waggling her ears.

“Yup!” Twilight chirped. “We went to a club! There was loud music, and dancing—hic—and drinks!”

“So we can tell!” Rainbow sniggered. She trotted up to Twilight and gave her a light elbow to the ribs. “Geez, Twi, how many did you have?”

“I remember a lot of mugs. And rum.” She beamed. “Soarin let me try a rum mixer. It was good.”

Gaping, Rainbow looked between Spitfire and Twilight. “Oh for the love of—gah!—that’s it! Next time, I’m going with you guys! I’ve been waiting forever to see Twi cut loose and drink, and it takes dating to make it happen!” A beat later, she ducked her head and spared Spitfire a glance. “No offense, ma’am.”

Oh, there’s just plenty of material for me tonight, isn’t there? “None taken,” she replied. Gesturing to Twilight with a wave of her hoof, she continued, “Well, one princess-slash-girlfriend delivered safe and sound. Make sure she gets some water in her tomorrow, first hangover’s gonna be a trip.”

Party winced. “Oh, gosh, I remember mine. Not fun.” He frowned, shifting in place a bit. “Sure you don’t wanna hang out and help us deal with a drunk alicorn?”

Spitfire raised an eyebrow at him. “Just so I’m clear, you’re Party Favor, right?” At his nod, she smirked and continued, “Well, pal, lemme put it this way: I’ve seen her teleport faster than a jackrabbit on a sugar rush and conjure pen and paper out of thin air while sober, and I was very impressed. However—” she gave a theatrical shudder “—I think I’m a bit too new to dating her to deal with having furniture thrown at me, or whatever crazy magic she’s packing!”

Sniggering, Rainbow nodded. “Fine, we’ll take her from here. C’mon, Twi, let’s get you to bed. We’ll bug you about your dates in the morning.”

“But I wanna stay up!” Twilight whined, fixing them with a pout. “How come everypony—hic—gets to boss me around?”

“Because we’re not three shades to the wind,” Spitfire quipped. She trotted over and gave her a quick hug and kissed her cheek. “I’ll come check on you tomorrow. Okay?”

The pout vanished in favor of an excited grin. Twilight returned her hug and gave her a lingering kiss on the lips. She made to speak, but turned away to cover her mouth as another bout of hiccups slipped out. After a moment, she turned back and smiled again. “Promise?”

“Bolts’ honor,” Spitfire replied. She nudged Twilight toward Rainbow, nodding to each member of their impromptu welcoming party. “Have a good night, everypony. I’ll stop by sometime tomorrow afternoon. Get a good night’s sleep—Dash, no keeping her up to pry my secrets out of her, or I’ll have your wings hanging up in my office. Miss Pie, Mister Favor, feel free to tattle if she does.”

She turned on her hoof and made her way out of the castle, grinning as the sounds of Rainbow Dash’s indignant protests mixed with raucous laughter. Seems I’ve got her pegged.

As she stepped out into the cool night air, Spitfire fluffed her feathers and took a deep breath, letting it out in a contented sigh. Two dates of their own planning, one that ended in a repeat of their night after the Gala, but now one that focused on them just having fun and spending time together.

Much better. She chuckled to herself. They’d had their missteps, but they managed to come to terms with it and get everything straightened out.

Stealing one last glance over her shoulder to watch as Twilight was guided up the stairs toward her suite, Spitfire bid her a silent goodnight before turning to face forward. Stifling a yawn, she closed her eyes for a moment, fighting against the oncoming sleep.

C’mon, Spits. Stay awake. Gotta make the flight back to the hotel. After a moment, she forced her eyes open and shook her head, then unfurled her wings, readying to take to flight.

“Hold fast, Captain,” Princess Luna’s familiar voice called out from her left, startling her into alertness.

Spitfire stumbled in her haste to turn and bow to Princess Luna as she stepped out of the shadows. “Your Highness,” she greeted. “My sincerest apologies, I didn’t see you there.”

Princess Luna waved her off. “No offense is taken, Captain. I can be quite stealthy when I wish to be.” An odd smile crossed her lips, like a mother’s knowing look when she’d caught her foal with crumbs smeared across its muzzle. “Care to join me for a walk?”

Uh oh. “I, er, wouldn’t dream of intruding, Princess,” Spitfire stammered.

She stepped closer, those moonlit, teal eyes gleamed as she draped a wing across Spitfire’s withers. “I insist. Worry not, I shan’t keep you out too late. After all, you have a young princess to entertain on the morrow. I simply wish to get to know the mare who has caught my young friend’s eye.”

Spitfire swallowed a nervous gulp of air, giving a shaky smile. “Of course. I’d be happy to walk with you, Princess. I just, um, might not be at my best. I’ve had a few ciders in me.”

If it were possible, Princess Luna’s smile seemed to broaden, taking on an almost predatory edge. “I shall temper my expectations, then. Now, my dear Captain, have you ever seen the Royal Gardens? They are a splendid sight at this hour, the moonflowers should be in full bloom.”

9. Friends in Night's Embrace

Spitfire, like most foals, had grown up hearing The Legend of the Mare in the Moon. The rise of Nightmare Moon, all the terrible, frightening things that came in her wake, and the looming threat of a visit from the Nightmare Princess should they not make a fitting offer of candies each Nightmare Night were major staples of her life.

Somehow, Spitfire found herself longing for the slightest hint of a fanged grin or an echoing cackle that carried the promise of malice. Instead, she was met with a serene smile and casual gait that rivaled Princess Celestia.

Princess Luna hummed a tune as she lead Spitfire through the hedge maze that was the Royal Garden, stopping here and there to sniff at a few flowers or voice compliment to the gardeners’ work. “Astounding, is it not?” she asked, smiling at a few bluebells. “I must confess, I don’t think I could ever have the patience for gardening, especially not here. Between the constant upkeep, temperamental plants dying due to the slightest mistake in care, or my employer’s flights of fancy, I think I would sooner tear my mane out.”

Uncertain how to react, Spitfire settled on a rather forced chuckle. “Y-Yes, Your Highness. I’m sure it can get a bit troublesome from time to time.”

“This walk was meant to be casual, Captain Spitfire. There is no need to be so tense.” Princess Luna frowned. “You look as though you’re ready to take wing and fly from my presence at a moment’s notice. We’ve had cordial relations prior to this, have we not?”

“We have, Your Highness,” Spitfire replied, nodding in kind.

“Then, pray tell, why do you seem so nervous?” The wing around her withers tightened, pulling her flush against Princess Luna’s side. A playful gleam shone in her eyes. “You weren’t up to any mischief while entertaining Princess Twilight, were you?”

Aside from sex last night and letting Soarin get her plastered? Oh, definitely not. She forced herself to smile, giving an anxious flick of her tail. “No, Your Highness,” she said with a rather stiff shake of her head. “My teammates and I kept a good eye on her throughout the night and made sure no pony bothered her at the club. The worst thing to happen was, well, her getting a little tipsy.”

Princess Luna nickered. “I saw. Our dear friend is in for quite the rude awakening, if I do say so myself.” She paused a moment, then aimed a teasing grin at Spitfire. “Or, rather, my friend is in for a rude awakening. She’s your girlfriend now, I believe.”

Right to the point, quite unlike Princess Celestia’s coy smiles and slow pulling information out at her own leisure.

Giving another nod, she replied, “Yes, Your Highness. Princess Twilight and I agreed to start seeing each other on a more regular basis this morning.” After a beat, she added, “I hope that doesn’t displease you.”

“Not at all,” Princess Luna said. She lifted her wing off of Spitfire, folding it neatly against her side. “Quite the opposite, I’m delighted to see that Twilight has found a pony she deems worthy of her affections. I must confess, I’d grown a bit worried that she would end up conjuring herself one.”

Spitfire flicked her ear, turning to face the princess. “Is that even possible?”

Princess Luna shook her head. “Many things are possible with magic, my dear Captain, but creating life out of nothing is not among them. With Twilight Sparkle’s talent for it, she could, in theory, imitate it, but I doubt she is the sort to try.” She turned her attention to the sky, a fond smile crossed her muzzle. “She’s had a few brushes with some rather unsavory spells that left her apprehensive of actively practicing dark magic.”

She hadn’t mentioned anything about that. Spitfire wrinkled her nose and made sure to log that away for later. Might make for an interesting story or two.

They came to a fork in the path, Princess Luna stopped and chewed on her lip. “Hmm, which way was it?” she muttered, humming to herself. She gave a little flick of her starry tail and stomped a hoof. “Confound it, Tia! Next time we decide on gardening schemes, I’ll have to insist that we do away with this silly thing!”

Unable to think of a suitable retort, Spitfire kept her mouth shut. She shifted in place as she waited for Princess Luna to make her decision, giving her wings a little flex. Don’t tell her “we could always just fly.” Try to say it respectfully. She took in a deep breath, then bowed her head. “Your Highness, if you would like, I can fly up and check the paths ahead, then return with what I see. Maybe that’ll help you remember?”

“Oh, thank you, Captain. However, that won’t be necessary,” Princess Luna said with a smile and a wave of her hoof toward the leftmost path. “I believe our goal is down that path. Come along, please. I wish to continue our talk.”

With another bow of her head, Spitfire followed alongside her as they made their way past patches of orchids, tulips, and sunflowers—which, to her surprise, Princess Luna stopped to survey a moment before shooting her a cheeky smile and nibbling on a few petals.

“Delicious,” Princess Luna said as though savoring a meal. “Such a shame that my sister will complain that I’ve been snacking on her flowers again.”

Spitfire nearly tripped over her own hooves. Only her natural grace and agility helped her right herself in time to disguise it as a neat sidestep away from the very flowers Princess Luna was snacking on.

Her move earned a hearty laugh from the Princess. “Come now, Captain Spitfire! Surely you’ve savored a nibble of sunflower petals before!” Those teal eyes twinkled, shining with mirth and a hint of mischief. Princess Luna stepped to the side and swept a hoof over the flowers. “Care to join me?”

“N-No, thank you, Princess!” She stammered, bowing and shaking her head so fast her mane whipped back and forth.

“A wise decision. Tia will merely roll her eyes and find some other means to return the favor for me. You, on the other hoof, wouldn’t have fared so well, I fear.” Princess Luna noted with a hint of a pout to her tone. “Though, now, you’ve ruined my little joke. I’m afraid I’ll have to ‘dock points’, as Rainbow Dash would say.”

Spitfire blanched, her wings flared out to their fullest extent. “Wait—I—you’re rating me?”

Princess Luna gave a solemn nod. “T’is the duty of family to ensure that prospective suitors are the best for their own.” A beat later, she resumed her smile. “Although, I should think that Twilight’s happiness after the Gala and her excitement for your dates, alongside your reputation warrant my approval. For now.” Before Spitfire could reply, she began walking again.

Shaking herself out of her shock, Spitfire dashed to catch up with her. “For now?” she parroted.

“I reserve the right to allow for change in opinion. After all, Twilight is family now; through Shining Armor’s marriage and her own adoption into our ranks after her ascension.” She fixed Spitfire with a sidelong glance. “I trust I need not go into detail as to what expectations there will be for you?”

“No, Your Highness.” I already had the riot act read to me once. “I’ll treat Twilight with the same respect I would any of our princesses, yourself included.”

Princess Luna snorted in amusement. Her eyelids lowered, her sidelong glance becoming a more coy, half-lidded stare, with a smirk added in. “Perhaps not quite the same, I would wager.”

Spitfire felt a fire burn in her cheeks. She ducked her head, pinning hear ears back to block out the laughter. “That wasn’t quite the way I meant it,” she said.

“I’m certain it wasn’t.” With a sly smile, she nodded toward another patch of flowers, violets this time. “T’would be rude of me not to offer some sort of fare for you. If not Tia’s, perhaps you would prefer Twilight’s, hmm?”

If it were at all possible for her face to actually burst into flames, Spitfire was certain she was nearing that point. The implication behind Luna’s wording was not lost on her. “N-No! No thank you!” she stammered, her voice came out in a squeak. “I had plenty to eat at the club! Er, food, I mean!”

“Of course, silly me. Another time, then.” Princess Luna turned her attention to the path ahead, her eyes lit up. “Ah, here we are!”

She had lead Spitfire to a clearing, with a single bench placed just a few feet from a gentle pond, a weeping willow for shade, and patches of moonflowers open and glowing with the soft white light of the moon.

Blinking, Spitfire could only gape at the sight. She was, by no means, a gardener or herbologist—that was more her mother’s thing, which she tried to tune out as best she could. That said, moonflowers were some of the rarest flowers in Equestria, described as beautiful beyond compare, save for the moon itself.

“Ma is so gonna kill me,” she whispered, a grin creeping across her muzzle. Spitfire broke away from Luna and trotted over to get a closer look. “Her biggest dream has always been to see just one of these.”

“Sentiments shared by many,” Princess Luna said as she moved to stand beside Spitfire. “Unfortunately, moonflowers can be rather temperamental when it comes to their care. Beautiful though they are, I fear they’re too much hassle unless a pony is willing to dedicate time to them. Not to mention their aversion to heat.”

“Ma’s retired, but she and dad moved back to Mustangia after he left the Wonderbolts.” She wrinkled her snout, the thought of Mustangia’s summers making such a beautiful flower wither and die brought forth a frown. “Too bad these wouldn’t last out there.”

“A pity, indeed. Though I do so love to see them in bloom, I do worry that the garden staff is required to spend too much time caring for them. Although,” she broke off, her gaze flitted to the castle, then back to Spitfire. “Whenever I’ve asked, I find myself informed that it is a ‘privilege’ to care for something that brings me such delight.”

While Princess Luna sighed and returned to stare at the flowers, Spitfire watched a smile slowly spread across her muzzle. Very much like her own mother whenever her father bought her something expensive—there was always a bit of complaint that he’d spent too much, regardless of how much he had from his pension or continued merchandising through the Wonderbolts, until either he grinned, swept her into a tight hug, and pointed out that she was trying not to smile.

As fun as it was to watch her mother squeal and squirm as she beat her hooves against his chest, Spitfire would just keep her mouth shut in Princess Luna’s presence. There was only one princess for her to tease until she blushed and squealed, and she was currently sleeping off her first night out with the Wonderbolts.

A yawn threatened to escape her lips, Spitfire sucked in her lips and forced it back into her throat. Her eyes watered as she tried to release it through her nose, struggling to withhold it lest she seem rude.

To her dismay, her lips parted unbidden, letting a tiny bit of the yawn out, until it forced its way out. She clapped a hoof over her mouth and turned her head away, her eyes fluttered shut. Two second ticked by. Then three. Then six.

Princess Luna snorted. “Am I keeping you up past your bedtime, Captain?”

“Huh? No!” Spitfire shook her head. “No, Your Highness. I apologize. Twilight and I just had a rather late night last night and then we went to the club with Fleetfoot and Soarin.”

“I understand. Perhaps you would like to sit down for our talk?” she offered, motioning toward the bench. “I don’t foresee it taking too much longer, but I would prefer we converse in comfort. Come, join me.”

Spitfire bowed her head and followed, waiting as Princess Luna swept gracefully into her spot on the bench before hopping up to sit next to her.

With a happy smile as she settled in, Princess Luna began, “You will understand, of course, if I may sound a bit redundant in asking you to take proper care of Twilight while you date her.” She fluffed her wing and gave a little flick of her ear. “Aside from her status both as my family through Cadence and a fellow princess, she is precious to me. She is to the entire family, really.”

“Of course,” Spitfire replied. “She’s rather close with all of you, if I recall.”

“That she is. Myself, I find her to be an example of a pony I aspire to be, and am grateful for the help she’s offered. With that in mind—” her eyes narrowed and flashed, a reminder that Princess Luna could be just as dangerous and menacing as her nights “—you understand that should you cause her any manner of pain, you will bear the full brunt of my displeasure.”

A chill ran down her spine, as if the breath of a timberwolf was ghosting over the back of her neck. For a second, she could’ve sworn Princess Luna’s teeth sharpened into gleaming fangs, which only disappeared when she blinked and looked again.

Swallowing a lump that formed in her throat, Spitfire gave a shaky nod, unable to bring herself to speak.

As soon as the darkening of Princess Luna’s mood came, it was gone. “Wonderful!” she chirped, the bright smile returned in full force. “Then with the obligatory ‘threatening elder speech’ and ‘notification of my pending approval’ given, I may dispense with this charade so that we may speak on happier matters.” With a tiny giggle, she added, “I trust you would appreciate such a change?”

Spitfire let out a sigh of relief. “Yes, very much so—er, no offense, Your Highness.” Again, she felt the onset of a yawn building in the back of her throat. Rather than fight it, she brought a hoof to her mouth and let it out, covering it as best she could. Wrinkling her snout, she blinked owlishly, trying to fight off the lure of sleep as best she could. “Ugh, sorry, Princess Luna. Dunno what’s come over me tonight.”

“Worry not. The hour is late, and it was I who asked you to walk with me after your evening at the club.” Turning her attention to the pond before them, Princess Luna closed her eyes and began to hum a light, soothing tune; one eerily familiar, but distant enough to nag at the back of her mind.

Her eyelids began to droop. Spitfire closed her eyes and shook her head, bringing a hoof to her forehead. Wake up, don’t fall asleep.

“So, uh, what else did you want to talk about?” she asked, struggling to bite back another yawn. “Places I’m not allowed to take Twilight or something?”

Giggling to herself, Princess Luna shook her head and said, “No, nothing of the sort. Though, I do hear she enjoys a good hayburger every now and again.” She shot a wink. “I should think her focus will be more on good company than being wined and dined.”

“Good to—gah!” Spitfire had to cover her mouth again as a yawn cut her off in mid reply. “Sorry. Good to know, Your Highness. I’ll remember that.”

“Do so. While I may be a bit protective of her due to the things she’s done for me, I will say that you have my support, as far as the Royal Family goes.”

Her ears perked up. Spitfire tried to fight the urge to swish her tail. “You mean it?”

Princess Luna gave a single nod. “Yes, Captain. I cannot necessarily say that I would be moving quite so fast as to allow another to sleep in my room after only a couple nights—” she paused to arch an eyebrow at Spitfire, who fidgeted and rubbed her shoulder.

Does she know?

If she did, Princess Luna opted not to say anything. Instead, she simply continued, “—however, I accept that this is not my relationship, so I shan’t attempt to dictate a speed for you. As adults, you are more than free to make your own decisions. Within reason.” She turned to face Spitfire, giving a slight raise of both eyebrows. “I draw the line at finding the pair of you enjoying our City Guards’ finest housing.”

Spitfire snorted, a relieved grin spread across her muzzle. “I’ll keep that in mind, Your Highness.” She let out a little sigh, letting the little bit of tension leave her chest. “I appreciate your support, and I’m sure Twilight will as well.”

“No thanks are necessary, Captain Spitfire. Make her happy and respect her as she deserves, and I shall consider us even.” Her smile seemed change, from bright and cheery to one more akin to how Spitfire’s mother would look at her. “I believe that concludes our business. I thank you for granting my request this evening.”

Ah, that’s my cue. “The pleasure was mine, Your Highness. I’m always happy to answer when called,” she said. “With your permission, Princess, I think I’d like to head back to the hotel.”

“Ah.” Princess Luna hummed. “You’ll need your rest if you are to entertain your princess tomorrow.”

Taking it as permission, Spitfire made to stand and bow before departing, but instead found herself caught in the soft, feathery embrace of a midnight blue wing. “Er… Your Highness?” she asked, her voice betraying her confusion. With an awkward rustle of her left wing, she gave a sheepish chuckle and quipped, “I, um, I should probably get back or I’ll fall asleep sitting next to you.”

“‘Will’ fall asleep?” Princess Luna repeated, barely restrained amusement bubbling forth into her voice. “Oh, my little pony, I’m afraid you fell asleep quite some time ago.”

Spitfire blanched and made to pull back, but the wing held her fast. “What?”

“It was my fault, really. I should have realized that you were exhausted when I saw you yawn as you readied to leave, and again when you started upon arriving to this place.” She waved her hoof at the clearing around them. “After the third or fourth, you started to nod off, so I offered my wing.”

Her mouth worked wordlessly, a muted squeak escaped the back of her throat as her blush returned in full. “I am so sorry!” she babbled, covering her face in her hooves. “Oh, gosh, please tell me I didn’t let you wrap me up!”

Princess Luna’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “You curled right up against my side like a little foal.” She threw back her head and laughed as Spitfire groaned in dismay, then leaned over to nuzzle her mane. “Worry not, my dear Captain, your secret is safe with me. None shall hear of this, you have my word.”

Spitfire let out a low whine, cursing herself. “I appreciate that,” she said after a moment. “I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t be. I enjoyed our talk, even if you fell asleep partway through. Our next conversation will have to take place when you aren’t so tired.”

“Still, it’s really my—” She stopped short, her ears twitched as Princess Luna’s words finally clicked. Wait a minute. If I fell asleep…

Slowly, Spitfire turned to meet Princess Luna’s eyes, her mouth fell open to form a small ‘o’ of wonder.

How are we talking right now?

As if reading her mind, Princess Luna nuzzled her mane and whispered, “Try not to let it bother you too much, Captain.” She stood and fluffed her wings, leaving Spitfire to sit and gape at her. “Unfortunately, I must ensure that my subjects are not burdened with nightmares this eve, so our time together must end. I greatly enjoyed this talk.”

“I—uh—thank you?” Spitfire blinked. “Wait, am I sleeping on the bench?”

Laughing, Princess Luna shook her head. “No, my dear, you are not. I brought you to one of the castle’s many guest rooms and took the liberty of sending a note to your teammates. You’ll be expected to join us at breakfast, by the by. Think of it as a term of repayment for your room this evening.”

Spitfire could only nod wordlessly, afraid that her mouth would fail her should she try speaking.

“Wonderful!” Giving two quick stomps of her hoof, Princess Luna turned with a merry swish of her tail. “I’m sure Twilight will be pleasantly surprised—and the others will be happy to host you as well.” She began to walk away, a door appeared before her as she called over her shoulder, “Enjoy your rest and the dream it brings, Captain. We’ll meet again in the morning.”

Before Spitfire could jump to her hooves and chase after her, the world began to change. Colors swirled around her like she was trapped in a swirling rainbow mixer. The beautiful clearing dissolved into a blur of colors, then faded away.

Blinking owlishly, she glanced around the new scenery. Lush green grass, a cobblestone pathway, guards in gleaming gold armor holding their spears as they stood at post by the castle’s main entrance.

What am I doing out here? Where did Princess Luna go?

A pair of hooves covered her eyes. Warm breath ghosted over her cheek, a pair of soft lips pressed against her, banishing all questions to the deepest recesses of her mind. Spitfire felt her eyes flutter shut. The musty scent of books and bite of iron wafted to her nose. “Hon?” she murmured, smiling as she was dotted with another kiss.

“How did you know it was me?” Twilight whispered back.

She reached up and took Twilight’s hooves in hers, pulling them apart so she could turn around and wrap her in a hug. “I know my girlfriend,” she replied huskily, nipping at Twilight’s nose. “Even when she tries to get playful and turn the tables.”

“I’ll have to step up my game then.” Stealing a quick kiss to her lips, Twilight slipped out of the embrace. She turned around and unfurled her wings, displaying her beautiful feathers.

The sight made Spitfire’s breath hitch in her throat. “H-Hon?” she stammered.

“There’s a patch of clouds to the west, towards Cloudsdale,” Twilight said, repeating her own words from the Gala. “Feel up for a quick flight?”

Without waiting for her answer, Twilight kicked off and took wing, her laughter floated back to tickle Spitfire’s ears.

A playful grin split Spitfire’s muzzle. She flared and flexed her wings. “Oh, your ears are so getting nuzzled, hon!” she called. She took off and flew as fast as she could, laughing as she chased her girlfriend through the sky.

Bright sunlight shone through a crack in the drapes, bathing the room in a golden light as brilliant as the coat of the mare slumbering in her bed. Her eyelids squeezed shut, her feathers ruffled and unfurled to cover her head in hopes of fending off her age-old nemesis.

A tired moan escaped Spitfire’s lips as she wrapped herself deeper into the covers, burrowing into her makeshift cocoon of warmth and fluff. “Five more minutes, ma,” she mumbled into her pillow, laying her ears flat. “Too tired for flight school today.”

She braced herself for her mother’s soft laughter, then warm breath washing over her mane—the only warning she’d get before her mother would nuzzle between her ears and coo that it was time for good little fillies to get out of bed, and that real Wonderbolts didn’t complain about getting up with the dawn and training until their feathers fell out. Naturally, Spitfire had her own secret weapon, one every filly knew to use on instinct: a cute whine, followed by a big, showy nuzzle into her pillow. The ultimate battle of wills, pitting mother against daughter.

But her mother’s voice and soft touch never came. The warmth of the morning sun touched upon her head like a soft hoof running through her mane, flashing across her eyelids as if trying to coax them open.

With a low grumble, Spitfire sat up and rubbed at her eyes, opening and blinking them a few times to chase away the bleariness. “Ugh, that was a crazy dream,” she muttered, sparing a cursory glance around her hotel room. “What time did I even get back here?”

She couldn’t remember. Everything after dropping Twilight off with her friends seemed fuzzy. Spitfire brought her hooves to her temples and massaged them in slow circles. “I brought her to the door,” she said. “I dropped her off with her friends, and then I came back to the hotel. I think.”

No, there was something else. She didn’t go back to the hotel immediately afterward.

Hay, I don’t even remember flying back, and there’s no way I was plastered—I don’t even feel the hangover!

As the room came into focus, she noticed something rather different about her surroundings.

Namely, that they were quite a bit different from her hotel room.

Extravagant though the Wonderbolts’ penthouse suite was, it had nothing on this. High arching walls painted a beautiful pink, purple drapes, a bed that felt like she were sleeping on her own cloud mattress, and a rather extravagant headboard. Foreign, yet familiar.

“I’ve been in a room like this before,” she thought aloud. Spitfire brought a hoof to her chin and wracked her brain.

Something nagged at her mind. Something about her falling asleep next to the princess, but that couldn’t be right. Spitfire shook her head and threw the covers off herself. If she was in the castle, she’d probably been invited to stay in one of the guest rooms.

“Twilight probably insisted or something,” she said with a little chuckle as she stretched her legs and wings. Wincing at the sound of her joints popping, she hopped out of bed. “She probably got all stubborn or something, and wouldn’t go up to her room unless I promised to stay with her or take a room for myself. I just forgot because it was a long day.”

A very long day. Not that she’d complain, though.

“Never a bad thing to get the rules straight so it works with a mare. Especially one who genuinely wants to hang out.” Spitfire rolled her shoulders forward, then back to loosen herself up. No matter how soft the mattress, whenever she slept on a bed that wasn’t hers, her muscles always stiffened right up and took forever to cooperate.

She flicked her tail and turned to trot to the bathroom. A nice, hot shower would take care of those nagging aches and stubborn muscles.

Out of the corner of her eye, Spitfire caught sight of a folded piece of paper on the nightstand. Curious, she stepped closer and took it in hoof, opening it to reveal a message written in neat, flowing script.

Captain Spitfire,

I greatly enjoyed our talk last night, despite its necessary transition to the dream realm. I do hope you found your sleep refreshing and the dream enjoyable, consider it a gift for making a very dear friend of mine smile.

Remember, I expect you to join us at breakfast this morning. You’ll find the bathroom fully stocked. While I don’t think it necessary to remind you to groom yourself properly, this would be a good opportunity to leave an impression on Twilight’s friends, her brother, and Princess Cadence.

Just a bit of friendly advice. Feel free to do with it what you wish.

I shall see you at breakfast, my friend. Don’t dally.

Princess Luna,

Mistress of the Night, Bane of Chaos, and Protector of Dreams.

Spitfire let the letter fall from her hooves, fluttering to the floor with a rustle. She stood stock still, the hoof she’d held the letter in shook. Slowly, she fell back on her haunches, her rump hit the floor with a thud.

“What did I just get myself into?”

Interlude 3. Dreamwalker

There were certain complications that came with being the Princess of Night and Guardian of Dreams.

Luna took a moment to reflect upon them as she trotted into her bed chambers, pausing just long enough to offer a kind smile and nod to her faithful guards posted at the door. A sense of calm and comfort washed over her as she entered a room adorned with walls colored midnight blue, polished black wood furnishings, and the old statues of ponies, goblins, and tricksters she collected during her younger years—those her beloved sister managed to save, of course. Immortal princess or not, the ravages of time were not so kind to ancient artifacts.

Still, it was a kind gesture. One she could never truly repay Celestia for. Her trinkets and statues were the last remnants of the age before her fall, a grounding point to which she could always return as she adjusted to the modern age.

She strode over to the balcony door and opened it with a deft flick of her magic, then stepped out into the night. With a bright smile, she closed her eyes and basked in the light of her moon. Truly, there was nothing like a cool night such as this.

Her best work in the dream realm always came when she cast her spell from the balcony under the moon’s watchful gaze, and blanketed her little ponies with her protection from the nightmares that threatened their dreams. Like a mother pegasus covering her foals in a downy embrace.

A plush blue cushion awaited her at the center, put out by one of her faithful House Guard no doubt. They never failed to make everything perfect for her to enjoy a night of dream walking, even in the midst of the harshest weather.

Luna didn’t have the heart to tell Moonlit Meadow that she knew full well the mare would open a hole in the clouds just wide enough that she wouldn’t feel a speck of rain or snow. Her House Guard so loved to think the little things they did to please her went unnoticed. Her smile was enough thanks, Sleepless Night would say.

Shaking her head, Luna chided herself. “Focus. There is work to be done.” It was an argument she’d have to save for another day. Tonight, she had business.

She took her seat in the cushion, shifted around a bit to get comfortable, then closed her eyes. The waking world faded from her consciousness. Instead, she stood in a grand hallway filled with thousands upon thousands of doors. Each of them led to the dreams of all the ponies, stallion, mare, and foal alike, who slumbered across the land. Every couple seconds, another would flash into view as one of her subjects surrendered to the sweet embrace of sleep and entered her realm.

Why ever had she taken this sacred bond for granted? Luna shook her head sadly. “Such a young, stupid mare, I was,” she muttered as she trotted along in search of one specific door.

Idly, she felt the ripples of a nightmare from one of the doors. Her brows furrowed, she glanced to one of the doors hovering hundreds of feet above her. That was Mythic Haze’s door. What in Equestria was that colt dreaming about this time?

Luna split her consciousness, another of her gifts to aid her duty as Guardian of Dreams, and sent a piece of herself to observe. A frown marred her face. A nightmare about a history test? Luna turned her attention to the hallway and continued on her trek. As long as you studied hard and—oh. Oh, you didn’t study. You played games instead. The scholar in her demanded a lecture, but she put it aside. The colt needed help feeling better. Fret not, one poor grade isn’t the end of the world. Take this as a lesson in prioritizing, young colt.

Her piece said, Luna continued her trot, splitting her mind here and there to check in on her ponies. Every so often she would send a piece off to a newborn foal’s door to lull them into a restful slumber, a good night’s sleep as important to their growth as a good meal. Others, she would send to allay their nightmares, like poor Whimsy Mimsy worrying her mother wouldn’t like the birthday present she made.

Then, she found it. Twilight Sparkle’s door.

She hesitated for a split second. The last time she entered this door herself, without splitting her mind, she was treated to a rather private dream. The very sort she swore never to reveal to any living soul unless harm was implied when she accepted her mantle countless moons ago.

For a split second, she questioned whether or not entering Twilight’s dream realm was the right idea. Luna banished those thoughts and began her spell. There were certain complications to the mantle Guardian of Dreams, but none forbade her from playing favorites every now and then.

So what if it seemed like something Tia would do? Luna could check in on her friends if she wished. What was the point, Discord would ask teasingly, of the power to dream walk if you didn’t take the chance to make sure your friends were well?

The notion was almost enough to give her pause. Luna shook her head. “I’ve got to stop listening to that creature,” she muttered, lighting her horn and pulling the door open. “He’ll drive me mad one of these days. Besides, I’m just checking. For Twilight’s sake.”

She left off “and that of my sanity” as she stepped inside.

“Well,” Luna said slowly, “at least it’s not the bedroom this time.”

She let her gaze sweep over the room and searched through a crowd of ponies chatting and milling about while they sipped at drinks. The furnishings were all a polished wood, pictures of sports stars and actors and actresses alike adorned the walls. A bar counter stood on the opposite side of the room, where ponies sat upon stools and nursed their drinks.

It was there she found who she was looking for. Luna would recognize Twilight Sparkle’s mulberry coat and tricolored mane anywhere. Not to mention the mare sitting beside her was a dead giveaway.

Luna watched Spitfire wave her hooves as if she hoped to paint a scene for Twilight. She regaled Celestia’s former student with wide, sweeping gestures, a bright smile, and her gravelly voice loud enough to carry over the dull roar of conversation.

If not for the fact that they were in a dream, Luna wagered such volume wouldn’t be appreciated in public. Her lips twitched. “Or perhaps, this is how Twilight sees her right now—loud, exciting, and more important than the world around her.”

The dream realm was wonderful that way. Ponies could bare their feelings without consequence, or even their own knowledge. A bond Luna once took for granted.

Never again.

She slipped through the crowd with ease, weaving around laughing stallions and beaming mares, their conversations little more than a senseless jumbled of words that was typical of bystanders in dreams. They weren’t of interest to Luna anyway.

Stopping just a few steps from Spitfire and Twilight, Luna stood silently and listened. Any hint she could glean from the scene Twilight’s subconscious painted would be helpful.

“… Okay, so, we make it through the show with our dignity and selves more or less intact,” Spitfire said in between snorts of laughter. Her wings twitched excitedly. “At this point, I’m about eight different flavors of done, so I get out of my gear, shower, and try to slip out before they start calling out names of pubs to crawl for the night. You can guess about how well that went.”

Twilight hid a laugh behind a hoof. “I’m guessing Fleetfoot or Soarin caught you before you made it to the door.” On cue, both Wonderbolts seemed to float into existence, wandering up to the bar and taking their seats on Twilight’s opposite side while they ordered drinks.

“Oh, I wish! They’d have at least slipped out with me! Freaking Firestorm caught me!” Fleetfoot and Soarin faded away just as quickly as they’d come. “Called me out and asked if I was too scared to try taking a shot at his drinking title, the little punk!”

“And you couldn’t let that slide.”

“Course not!” Spitfire gave a firm nod. “Can’t back down when a mouthy subordinate tries calling my tolerance into question. I’d hear it until the day I retired.”

“You know, you could’ve just put him on latrine duty or something,” Twilight replied, glancing off to the side.

Curious, Luna followed her gaze. The bar wall faded away to blue and gold checkered tiles with an open bathroom door. A stallion’s grumbling, tinged with irritation, floated to her ears along with the sound of a tiny brush scrubbing against porcelain. “Ricken’ nag!” he groused. “‘Rushin’ uh ‘oilet ‘owl wiff a oofruff! ‘Isgutin’!”

Scoffing, Spitfire waved her hoof. The tile vanished. “Wouldn’t work. I could make him do it, but that’d just encourage them to mess with me about it later. If I give them a hint of weakness and pull rank for something like that, they take it as hiding.”

Twilight seemed to consider her point for a moment. In a flash, a stack of books arose around them, shaping into a structure almost resembling a fort—a perfect hiding place. Well, perfect if one weren’t trying to find Twilight Sparkle.

A frown crossed Twilight’s face. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash poked their heads over the bar counter, their lips tugged into playful grins. Their eyes darted about the bar. Rainbow laid her hooves atop the counter and called, “Twilight! Come out, come out, wherever you are! It’s Friday night! Drinks are half off at Berry’s, so let’s move so we can get a seat!”

The book fort popped out in a blinding flash. The hunting mares hadn’t even noticed it was there. Their eyes fell upon Twilight and shone with glee.

Pinkie vaulted over the counter and looped a foreleg around Twilight’s shoulders. “C’mon, Twilight!” she teased. “Come to Berry’s with Rainbow and me! Party drinks can be all sorts of fun!”

“Yeah, don’t be a chicken, Egghead!” Rainbow crowed, fluffing her feathers. “Live a little! You can take a break from those books for a night and hang with us!”

As suddenly as they came, the pair dispelled into wisps of smoke. “I know exactly what you mean,” Twilight said.

Spitfire nodded. “Figured you might, hon.”

Luna made sure to log that one away. Modern language fascinated her in so many ways. And the warmth in Spitfire’s tone and the way she paused to smile and meet Twilight’s eyes did not go unnoticed.

How very interesting. Luna had to chuckle at the way Twilight tried to hide a wobbly smile as she fluffed her feathers. Even in her dream, the poor mare squirmed.

“But yeah, Firestorm caught me and called me out,” Spitfire continued. “Challenged me to a contest so we could see who could hold down more shots of Thundering Herd.” She paused a beat and raised a brow. “I’m guessing you’ve never tried it?”

Twilight shook her head.

“Keep it that way. Trust me.”

“If you say so,” Twilight teased. “So, who won?”

“Nopony.”

Twilight wrinkled her snout. “Nopony? What? Did you both fall over at the same time?”

“No. I won the drinking contest, but Firestorm got up on the bar, ripped off his jacket, and started trying to show dance while singing Ragtime Mare. Everypony who saw lost.” Spitfire made a show of flattening her ears against her scalp. “I want you to picture a full grown stallion on this bar, hon. Kicking his legs and pretending he’s wearing a dress. I have seen things. Things I could never wash away.”

They were silent for several seconds. The crowd’s low murmur subsided, Luna flicked her ear at the sound of boisterous laughter and a stallion’s voice, his words slurred by alcohol. Somepony’s feathers brushed against her side, then a shoulder bumped against her. She turned, her brows furrowed in a confused frown, then disappeared beneath her starry bangs.

A stallion wearing a blue dress with frills, a most unflattering look with his pearl white coat and bright orange mane, staggered toward the bar. His face was split in a wide grin—too wide to be his real face. In fact, Luna would daresay his mouth was two or three sizes larger than before. He seemed to be mumbling something under his breath, more to himself than those around him. It took Luna a second to realize who he was and just what he planned to do.

Oh, dear. It seems I get a show to go with this dream.

Firestreak hopped onto the bar counter with a few clumsy flaps of his wings. His hooves slipped as he landed, a nervous laugh escaped his lips. Once he righted himself, he stood on his hind legs, took the hem of his dress in his hooves, lifted it to his knees, and began a strange, kicking dance. All the while, he sang as loud as he could:

“Hello, my filly!

Hello, my honey!

Hello, my ragtime maaaaaaaaaaaare!

Send me a kiss by wiiiiiiiiire!

Baby, my heart’s on fire!

If you refuse me,

Honey, you’ll lose me!

Then you’ll be left alone!

Oh baby,

Telephone,

And tell me I’m you’re oooooooooowwwwwwwn!”

Firestorm threw his head back and kicked his left leg high as he belted out the last note. His balance slipped, his forehooves pinwheeled and he swung his left leg high in the air. Luna politely turned her gaze upon the pair of mares lest she see more of Staff Sergeant Firestorm than she ever intended.

The mares burst out laughing, Spitfire howled and slapped a hoof on the counter while Twilight tried her best to bury her face in her hooves and muffle her own mirth, betrayed by her shaking shoulders.

The dream continued on in similar vein. The mares swapped their favorite stories of friends’ follies, even some of their own—Luna had to admit, her personal favorite was the one where Twilight broke into the Archives when she could’ve just asked Celestia and walked straight in. That one had Spitfire laughing for quite some time.

With each story they shared, Luna’s smile broadened. They were answering her questions without prompt. Fun, laughter, a sense of relaxation and level-field for both of them, and, most of all, inclusion. Spitfire was happy to hold Twilight close and share in her experiences.

What more could a young princess like Twilight ask out of her first relationship?

Happiness and a chance to experience romance, Luna mused. A chance to find what she wants and to learn from her own mistakes and successes in a different way.

Luna stepped away from the pair and turned to walk toward Twilight’s door. She had seen plenty. Sometimes, her ponies didn’t need her to guide them along to the lessons they needed to learn.

Sometimes, they guided her without even realizing it.

Chuckling to herself, Luna returned to her hallway and pulled the door shut, sealing it off from whatever nightmares might try to sneak in through her realm. Whether or not she approved of their pacing was irrelevant. Whether or not Celestia would approve was the same.

Twilight Sparkle was happy. It was up to her to determine how things progressed.

“Congratulations, my friend.”

Interlude 4. Disrespect

Even before she took the Dual Throne with Luna, Celestia was used to being treated with high regard.

The only natural born alicorns in recorded history, both she and her little sister were gifted in magic at a young age, so much that Star Swirl the Bearded took them under his proverbial wing and sought to ensure they hone their magic and use it to better the lives of the ponies around them. In all the years of teaching them, even through his stern rebukes and lectures, he always respected them as fellow ponies and for the great power they wielded.

Ponies, griffons, diamond dogs, and dragons met her with a bow of their heads and chose their words with care. Cultural barrier and species didn’t matter to others, she found. Her reputation as the dawn bringer and co-ruler of Equestria was more than enough to earn their respect.

By the sun, even the few changelings she’d been able to interact with in the wake of their ill-fated invasion made sure to treat her with the same grace they might extend to their duplicitous queen. Though, admittedly, that was more likely out of a sense of self-preservation than actual respect.

Which was why the three yellow feathers resting on her desk brought forth such a wave of conflicting emotions in Celestia’s heart.

On one hoof, she was a healthy mare, and could appreciate the more physical aspects of a relationship. Just because her subjects liked to pretend she was some pure being didn’t mean she hadn’t enjoyed a romp or two over the centuries. Or in modern time, for that matter. Either way, she could understand the body’s want for that sort of thing.

On the other, there was the matter of respect. Not necessarily just for her, either.

Celestia made it plainly clear to Spitfire that she was expected to show respect for Twilight, both as a mare and as a Crown Princess of Equestria. Or so she thought.

The three feathers before her told a different story.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in through her nose, and held it a moment. Her jaw clenched, she reached out with a bared hoof to touch one of the feathers’ edge, teasing to see if her eyes had betrayed her. A small part of her dared to hope they had, as part of one of Luna’s jokes.

Her hoof touched soft vane.

The feathers were real.

Hot anger filled her chest. Celestia grit her teeth and sucked in another breath. “In what sense of the word ‘respect’ do you derive ‘deflower my student’, Captain?” she asked her empty study.

No reply came.

Celestia snorted and flicked her tail. Perhaps it was for the best that Spitfire wasn’t standing before her to receive the full brunt of her anger. She had made it clear—painfully so—that Twilight Sparkle was like an adopted daughter to her, that she would go to the farthest reaches of the land if it meant her happiness.

She took yet another deep breath. “Calm,” she told herself. “Captain Spitfire is not a foreign threat or a monster. She is a pony. I do not bring harm upon my own subjects, even if they disobey me and dare deflower my student in my own house.”

Her horn flashed a brilliant gold. A spark flashed, fire engulfed the feather touching her hoof. Celestia watched with grim satisfaction as tongues of flame licked at the offending feather, a small part of her delighted in the sight of sunny yellow burning away to a blackened crisp. It curled in on itself as if trying to escape the dancing flames.

Celestia’s magic flashed, the flames turned a blinding white, then dissipated, leaving nothing but a small pile of smoldering ashes and a scorched outline of a feather burned into the wooden desktop.

She wrinkled her snout at the scent and made a mental note to inform Raven to see about finding a replacement. Yet another innocent desk had fallen as collateral damage to her temper.

Meditation, that was the key. The deep breathing exercises she’d taught Cadence all those years ago would help.

They always did.

Deep in, hold, bring my hoof to my chest, release and push out with my hoof, like I’m banishing all my troubles. Celestia went through several iterations of the exercise, the tension slowly leaving her with each exhale and sweeping push of her hoof.

Still, the anger remained. Two more of Spitfire’s feathers rested on her desk, both haunting reminders at her orders—the respect she demanded Twilight be shown—had gone ignored the night of the Gala.

A knock on the door brought her out of her thoughts. Celestia’s ears perked up, she quickly swept the feathers off the desk and into an open drawer, closing it as she called out, “Who is it?”

“It is I, sister,” Luna’s voice, muffled by the wood, floated back to her. “May I enter?”

A smile crossed her muzzle. “Of course, Lulu,” she replied, relief filling her chest. A talk with Luna would surely help to ease her mind.

Or, at very least, serve to calm her enough to deal with the matter at hoof.

She turned in time to see Luna’s shimmering blue aura engulf the door handle, the tinkling of bells sounded as Luna pushed the door open and trotted in, closing the door behind her with a flick of her magic. “Good morning, Tia,” she greeted. “Sleep well?”

Despite her mood, Celestia gave an amused snort. “You would know best, Lulu. The dream realm has always been yours.”

Luna tossed her starry mane, a cheeky grin spread across her muzzle. “Yes, but what mare doesn’t like to hear that her hard work is appreciated?”

“A fair point,” Celestia said with a nod. “In that case, yes, I did sleep quite well. I had a rather lovely dream, rather reminiscent of our younger days. You remember when mother used to take us to the lake country?”

“Of course. She loved to take us during the summer.” Luna looked off into the distance. “We always feigned sleep, stayed up late, and watched her play dice with the guards.”

“She never could win. We always had to deal with her grumping the next morning.”

“Indeed. A brilliant ruler, but not one with any semblance of luck in gambling.” Luna shook her head, giving an amused chuckle. “I do believe father was ready to forbid her from wearing her regalia on our trips in fear that she would lose it to them.”

Celestia furrowed her brows. “As I recall, he did once.” Slowly, a smile made its way across her muzzle. “Mother snuck it all in our luggage. She was always so stubborn.”

“How very much like the two of us.” Luna sniffed, then wrinkled her snout. “Tia, is something burning?”

Biting back a curse, Celestia forced herself to hold her smile. “Oh, don’t mind that. I was just practicing a bit of basic magic to pass the time and managed to put a bit too much into a candle lighting spell. Nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing, you say?” A single brow arched, Luna regarded her with a quizzical stare. “T’is quite unlike you to make such an error.”

She shrugged. “Even I make mistakes, Lulu. You know that more than anypony else.”

Wincing, Luna looked away. Though not before Celestia could catch the pain that flashed across her face. “I suppose I do.” She stayed silent a moment, her head hung low. She sighed and gave her tail a flick, raising her head to add, “Though, I have seen you at your best, and you’ve seen me at mine.”

“Quite so.” Celestia nodded, a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company this morning?” She eyed the clock, tutting at the time. “Especially so early! Normally, you’re still in bed or enjoying your morning bath at this hour!”

Luna’s ears stood up straight. “Oh, yes!” She turned, beaming as bright as the morning sun. “Late last evening I happened upon Twilight Sparkle and Captain Spitfire as they returned from their date.”

“Oh, did you now?” Celestia’s voice strained.

“Yes! They both seemed quite tired, though Twilight was quite a bit tipsy.” Luna brought a hoof to her mouth to stifle a laugh. “The good captain had to help the poor mare up the pathway until her friends could escort her back to her room. I do believe she will be in for quite the rude awakening.”

Nodding dutifully, Celestia considered the news. “You say Captain Spitfire escorted Twilight home?” At Luna’s nod, she pressed further, “I am curious: how was her behavior around Twilight?”

“Her behavior was fine, if a bit playful.” Luna shrugged. “Quite a bit different from the suitors I remember, but I suppose that’s just how ponies are these days. She did make sure Twilight was in good hooves before making to leave, and was quite accommodating when I requested she join me on a walk so I might have the chance to speak with her.”

Her ears flicked. “Oh?” Celestia leaned forward, the gears in her head began to turn. “And what, pray tell, did you discuss with Captain Spitfire?”

Luna turned and trotted a couple steps toward the door, giving her a sidelong look and the tiniest of smirks. “Now, that, sister dear, would be telling. You know there are some things I am honor bound to keep between our ponies and myself.”

A groan escaped Celestia’s lips. “A dream?” she asked.

“Yes.” Luna nodded, giving a merry swish of her tail. The smirk tugged into a full grin.

“Your oath makes it so you can’t tell me because of its nature?”

“Correct.”

Celestia stared, her brows flatlined. “You’re enjoying this a bit too much, I think.”

“Perhaps,” Luna admitted. “But that is a discussion for later. I came to retrieve you for breakfast with a rather special guest.”

There was a beat of silence, then Celestia sighed. “You want me to guess, don’t you?”

Huffing, Luna flicked her tail. “If you’re going to be a fuddy-duddy, then no.” She stuck her tongue out in a manner that would’ve made their mother gape in muted horror, then resumed her smile. “Since I kept the good captain out late, enough so that she fell asleep at my side, I had her spend the night in one of the guest suites.” Her eyes shone with mischievous light. “I may have used the dream realm to extend out talk when she could no longer stay awake.”

“Luna. Your oath.” Celestia warned.

“Oh, fie on the oath! I’ve not given you anything but surface details!” Luna gave another flick of her tail, then added, “As I was saying, Captain Spitfire now sleeps in our castle. On the condition that she join us at breakfast with Twilight and her friends, that is.” Her smirk turned decidedly smug. “I believe this is the part where we make the prospective suitor ‘run the gauntlet’, yes?”

Celestia kept quiet a moment, her tail swished as she considered the prospect. She stole a quick glance to the drawer where she’d hidden Spitfire’s feathers, she screwed up her snout in irritation.

Spitfire had disrespected her by not treating Twilight properly on the night of the Gala. Yet, if Luna was to be believed, she was the perfect lady when dropping her off after their most recent outing.

Surely Luna wouldn’t fabricate such a scene, especially when Twilight is concerned.

She fought back her ire and fixed her typical serene smile on her face. “Yes,” she replied, rising from her seat with a little rustle of her wings. “Let us see how Captain Spitfire fares when she’s under careful watch.”

Very careful watch.

Luna fluffed up her feathers. “Excellent! Shall we, then? We may as well inform the chef what we’d like to eat!”

“A fine idea, Lulu. What would you say to blueberry muffins this morning?”

“I would prefer the chocolate chip, myself. Quite an interesting thing, that sort…”

Celestia half listened as they trotted from her study, casting a quick glance back toward her desk as she pulled the door closed with a flick of her magic. Unwitting though it may have been, Luna had just provided her with a rather fitting solution to her problem.

Let’s see how you treat my former student firsthoof, Captain. Her jaw tensed, hot anger flared within her chest. Your actions will determine how our next discussion goes.

Disrespect, whether toward herself or her family, would not be tolerated.

Author's Note

This chapter was written before Flurry Heart existed. If you've read my other stories, you know I adore Cady and Shiny's little filly, so I did not exclude her out of dislike.

I just didn't feel like adjusting when I already has the blasted thing nearly done.

10. Breakfast

Sunlight flooded into Twilight’s suite, spilling onto the floor and running up the leg of her bed as it slowly creeped toward her. Warmth touched her mane, like her mother’s soft hooves running through her mane to coax her to wake up.

Twilight stirred, then winced as pain pounded at the center of her forehead, bringing with it a wave of nausea.

A low moan sounded from the back of her throat. She buried her muzzle in her pillow and clenched her eyes shut, trying to hide from the sun’s light. “G’way, sun,” she mumbled, waving a clumsy hoof in the general direction of her window. “It’s sleepy time now, not awake time.”

Despite her pleas, the sun’s light crept closer and closer to her face, drawing a high-pitched whine from her. Twilight grumbled under her breath and made to cast a levitation spell to pull her blanket over her head.

The instant her horn lit up, the dull, pounding of her hangover headache became a hot lance of pain. Her hooves leapt to her temples, Twilight writhed and curled herself into a tight ball. Whimpering as her body burned and tried to sweat out alcohol she’d drunk the night before.

There was a steady cadence of hooves on carpeted floor, each driving the pain deeper into her skull.

“Well, well! Look who woke up after her first hangover!” Rainbow Dash’s voice seemed as though it came through a megaphone, drawing a strangled cry from Twilight as she tried to nose her way beneath her pillows.

“Rainbow!” she whined piteously. “Too loud!” Her ears flicked at the sound of Rainbow snickering at her misfortune. She gave another whine and aimlessly flailed a hoof. “Just—Just leave me alone to die, or something.”

“Oh, what was that? I mean, I did bring you one of the Apple family’s cure-alls, even though you went and had your first drunken rave without your best friends!”

Wincing at the light scolding tone, Twilight dared to peek out from under her pillow, a move she regretted when sunlight burned her eyes. “I’m sorry!” she replied, her voice muffled. “Soarin’s the one who offered!”

“And how many times have I offered you shots? Or rainbow mixers?” She gave a mock gasp. “I-I’m just so hurt, Twi!” she said, her voice tinged with poorly faked grief. “To think the girls and I wouldn’t get to share in the joys of your first drunken night together! The memories of helping you to the bathroom and holding your mane while you prayed to the porcelain goddess for the first time, all gone! They all belong to that other mare now!”

There was a heavy sigh and stern tutting. “Honestly, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity said. “Just give the poor mare her medicine and stop teasing her!“

Rainbow scoffed. “You’re just mad I got to the dramatic whining act before you pulled out your fainting—Yeowch!”

The bell-like tinkle of magic and telltale rustle of feathers told her all she needed to know, but she snuck a peek, despite the sun’s torturous light, and allowed herself a small smile at the sight of Rarity twisting Rainbow’s ear, the latter struggled with all she could to wrench herself free.

Rarity let her go just as she gave a sharp tug, giving a self-satisfied smirk at Rainbow stumbling a couple steps, then trotted toward Twilight’s bed. “Rainbow’s antics aside, I must agree with her.” Her horn lit up in a soft blue aura as she floated a small cup containing a bit of pale green slush over to the nightstand. “Drink that, you’ll feel much better.”

“Then can we pester her?” Rainbow asked, waggling her ears.

With a roll of her eyes, Rarity nodded. “After breakfast, yes. As long as she doesn’t feel like she’s going to be ill, in which case—” with another flash of magic, she levitated a bucket over to the side of the bed “—I’m afraid my own experience compels me to offer this, dear. I imagine it’ll be preferable to—”

Twilight felt her stomach churn, the nausea hit her full force. She leaned over the side of her bed and took the bucket in her hooves, holding her head over it while she gave a few deep, panting breaths. Her throat clenched, though nothing came up.

“I hate dry heaving,” she said, groaning as she held the bucket close, as if it were a security blanket. “Can’t tell if I’m going to throw up or not.”

Rarity floated the cup over to hover by her muzzle. “Drink that, then. It’ll settle your stomach.”

Eager to be rid of her ailment, Twilight took hold of the cup with unsteady hooves. She drew in a deep breath through her nose and blanched at the scent. “Are you sure this is supposed to help?”

“Oh, you haven’t needed it before, I always forget.” Rarity smiled and gave a nod. “She makes some for Rainbow, Pinkie, and I when we go out on Friday nights. You and Fluttershy don’t usually need any because both of you prefer to drink cider than any of the liquors or mixed drinks Berry makes.”

Wrinkling her snout, she regarded the foreign slush with a critical eye, the temptation to cast a quick spell to scan the strange substance was overridden only by her want to avoid aggravating her headache.

Rainbow prodded her shoulder. “Word of advice: down it as quick as you can. It tastes weird, but it’s better than puking. Or that hangover headache.” She pinned her ears back and shuddered. “Not a good time.”

Twilight fixed Applejack’s concoction with one last baleful look, then took a deep breath through her nose, and drank it. She sputtered and gagged as the taste hit her—like sweaty workout gear, a clove of garlic, and sour apples.

Nevertheless, she tilted her head back. Her face screwed up as she swallowed the last drop. Twilight gasped in relief, savoring the sweet taste of fresh air. “That was terrible!”

“Oh, yeah, forgot about that!” Rainbow said with a hint of a smirk. “Complained to Granny Smith about it once. She got all huffy about it.” She screwed up her muzzle and squinted her eyes, then pulled her best mockery of the elderly mare’s voice. “It ain’t s’posed to taste good, ya feathery varmint! It does its job and teaches the little seedlings who keep repeatin’ the same mistake a little lesson each time they have to drink it!”

She blew a raspberry as if Granny was standing before them, then cast Twilight a wink. “Doesn’t stop me, though. Little bit of bitter stuff is better than being sick.”

Rarity coughed. “It does make getting up in the morning easier, especially when Sweetie has her little friends over.” With a shake of her head, she took the empty cup in her magic and floated it over to the nightstand. “Now that we have that out of the way, it’s almost time for breakfast, and you, Twilight Sparkle, are getting the royal treatment before you go down.”

Blinking, Twilight cocked her head to the side. “Er, do I get to know why I have to? Or are you just going to drag me through it either way?”

Both her friends shared a look, then smirked in almost perfect unison. “Rainbow,” Rarity began, “do you mind if I tell her?”

“Oh, no, please!” Rainbow took a step back and waved a hoof toward the bed. “This was your find, I know better than to steal thunder as big as this!”

“Why, thank you! I appreciate that!”

Twilight’s ears twitched. Even with a hangover hitting her harder than a rampaging hydra, she was well enough aware of what it meant when her friends started playing off one another like Rarity and Rainbow were. “Alright, I’ll bite.” She pushed herself up into a seated position, fixing the pair with a narrow-eyed stare. “What do you two know?”

Rarity tossed her mane and gave a tiny smile. “Now, as you well know, aside from Princess Cadence and your brother, it’s only us, Spike, and the girls staying here. Nopony else on the guest list was invited to stay over, correct?” At Twilight’s nod, she continued, “Well, while Applejack and I were trotting to the fillies’ room to check on them, we happened upon a new visitor stepping out of her room.”

“What?” Twilight leapt to her hooves, nearly toppling over in her haste and muddled state. She managed to catch herself, her mind raced to think of any important visitors that might’ve been scheduled for a post Gala meeting. A cold sensation seemed to grip her chest, her breaths came in short gasps as she conjured the worst possible scenarios.

“Whoa! Settle down, Twi!” Rainbow hopped onto the bed, giving a couple quick flaps of her wings to steady herself as she laid her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders. “Hear out the rest before you go into panic mode! It isn’t that bad!”

She blinked. “It’s not?”

“No.” Rainbow’s smirk grew into a sharklike grin. “It’s way worse.” She turned to Rarity and gave a single nod. “Tell her who it was.”

Biting her lip, Twilight glanced toward Rarity, who simply smiled in return and said one word.

“Spitfire.”

The wheels in her head whirred into gear, turning at full speed as she tried to make sense of the information. Spitfire couldn’t be staying in the castle, she had her own penthouse suite in the Royal Canterlot Hotel—the same place the Prime Minister of Saddle Arabia and his wife stayed during diplomatic meetings.

Given Rainbow’s involvement, it could be a joke at her expense to get her moving, but Rarity wasn’t the type to join in on such a thing.

Of course, that begged a much more interesting question. If it were true, why had Spitfire stayed in the castle?

And why didn’t she just stay in my room again? Twilight bit her lip and opted to tuck that away until she had a chance to talk to the mare herself. “Did she say why?”

“Funny you should ask. Spitfire was a bit hesitant to give us the full story—honestly, Twilight, couldn’t you at least pick a mare who likes to gossip!” Rarity sighed and flicked her tail. “That aside, she mentioned a nighttime talk with Princess Luna that ended a bit late.”

“Yeah, like, way late!” Rainbow nickered. “She was already on her second coffee when we bumped into her. Apparently, Princess Luna offered her a room when she realized it was too late to have Cap fly back to her hotel, then invited her to breakfast with all of us!”

Twilight thought a moment, then nodded in assent. That makes a lot of sense, actually. If Luna offered her a room, she couldn’t just sleep in mine without letting Luna know or seeming rude. A smile made its way across her muzzle. I’ll have to remember to thank Luna for putting her up for the night. I wonder if she’d like—

Her thoughts ground to a screeching halt as Rainbow’s words fully registered. Twilight’s eyes went wide, her tail tucked between her legs. “R-Rainbow?” she asked, her voice coming out in a squeak.

“Yeeeeees?” Rainbow drawled in return.

Twilight’s ears pinned back. “Did you just say Spitfire was joining us for breakfast?”

“I did.”

“As in—” she swallowed a lump “—all of our friends—”

“Uh huh.”

“—The fillies and Spike—”

“Nah, we gave you a break on them.”

“—Party, Diamond, Sugar, and Night—”

“Actually, they’re not gonna be here today either. They wanted to check out Canterlot.” Rainbow brought a hoof to her chin. “Pinkie was gonna join them, but when she heard Spitfire was here, she asked Party if he minded if she stuck around.”

Twilight’s eyes lit up, full of hope. “And?”

Rainbow shook her head, her grin seemed to grow even wider. “He was all for it.”

Dang it, Party! You had one job! “O-Oh, goodie.” She chewed on her bottom lip, dread filled her chest as the remaining members’ names came to mind. “The, uh, other princesses and my brother, too?”

Closing her eyes and drawing in a deep breath, Rainbow gripped her shoulders. “Yeah, now you’ve got it.” She leaned in, pulling Twilight into a tight hug. Then, she whispered, “Y’know, I was mad you got a girlfriend like Spitfire before I could for about a second. Now? Well, now I get to tell all of those great stories we have. So, thanks, Twi! This is gonna be so much fun!”

She bit back a curse at Luna for unwittingly casting her organization asunder. This was far too soon! She hadn’t planned for any of this to come up until well after they’d gone home to Cloudsdale and Ponyville, at least then they could have it on their terms!

Then, a pathetic whimper escaped her lips.The memory of Spitfire’s vow when she laughed at all of Fleetfoot’s stories still fresh in her mind—that smirk, the way those brilliant orange eyes lit up and shone with mischief and a poorly hidden promise to tease her silly.

Twilight’s ears drooped low, her eyes flitted to Rarity, desperate for help.

Instead, she was met with a tiny smile and a joyful gleam in Rarity’s blue eyes—she was just as excited as Rainbow. Though for entirely different reasons.

Horror gripped her chest. Twilight made to step back from Rainbow, but found the grip on her shoulders too strong. “N-Now, girls,” she began, licking her dried lips to wet them. “Let’s just slow down. We can talk this out like rational, civilized adults.”

“Oh, I quite agree with you, darling,” Rarity replied, her tone taking an edge. She stepped closer to the bed, pausing to examine a hoof as if checking for dirt. “Which is exactly what I had in mind!”

Twilight blinked. “It is?”

“Of course! Don’t you see? Your girlfriend making a surprise appearance at breakfast with all of us after a late night discussion with Princess Luna, and right after escorting you home from your date.” She beamed and gave her tail a merry swish. “This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to get to know the mare that stole your heart away at the Gala! Why, it’s almost like a fairytale!”

Oh, horseapples. She’s gone full romantic on me. Twilight tried once more to pull away, to no avail.

Rainbow nimbly stepped around to her side, locking her hooves around Twilight’s neck and shoulder like she was putting on a wrestling hold. “Nuh uh, Twi! You’re not going anywhere!”

“I’ll get you any number of autographs you want,” Twilight offered.

Thinking a moment, Rainbow hummed to herself. “Tempting. But nah.” She shook her head, instead tightening her grip. “I kinda wanna know how last night went. And Rarity’s got a point, so double nah.”

Her shoulders sagged. She was sunk.

Rarity tutted. “Oh, don’t be such a filly! It’ll be fine!” With a little toss of her mane, she turned and trotted around the bed, nodding to the bathroom. “Now, come along, dear. We don’t have much time, but I’m confident we can have you ready to strut your stuff and dazzle your mare!”

“And before you think about teleporting you and Cap out,” Rainbow added, “Shining told me to let you know he and Princess Cadence already had a spell up. He also says—and I quote—‘no getting out of this one, Twily! Big brother’s right to tease and embarrass goes in effect’.” Waggling her ears, she gave Twilight a little shove toward the bathroom. “Now get your rear in gear! Rarity, get her makeup thingy and let’s get this show on the road!”

With a roll of her eyes, Rarity nodded and followed along. “Of course, of course. It’ll also give us a little time to hear every little detail about our dear friend’s date nights.”

As soon as she took note of the wicked grins and the gleaming in their eyes, Twilight knew she didn’t have a chance.

A pathetic whimper slipped through her lips as Rainbow pushed her into the bathroom, then waited for Rarity to join them before kicking the door shut with a hind hoof. With a playful inclining of her brows, she began, “So, Twi, I get the drinking last night, can’t argue with that since the Bolts are the epitome of cool outside, well, me.” She unfurled a wing and wrapped it tight around Twilight’s withers. “But what I really wanna know is where you slept the night before. So, spill, filly—did one of you two get couch duty, or did you snuggle up with Captain Spitfire?”

Oh, Celestia, have mercy.

Her cheeks burned as she trotted briskly down the corridor, her ears pinned flat against her scalp in vain hope of blocking out Rainbow’s sniggering. “You can stop laughing anytime!” she shot, quickening her pace as she rounded the corner.

“Aw, come on, Twi!” Rainbow called back, galloping along to catch up with her. With a playful grin, she bumped her hip against Twilight’s and waggled her eyebrows. “You can’t gimme that when you tell me Spitfire practically made you melt with the first kiss!”

Twilight ducked her head and stole a quick look around to check for anypony who might overhear. Fortunately, they were alone, save for the castle guards, who seemed to making it a point to look anywhere but her.

Satisfied, she turned to fix Rainbow Dash with a frosty glare. “That doesn’t mean you get to giggle and tell the whole city about it!” she hissed.

“Hmm, you may have a point, lemme think on that for a sec.” Rainbow reared back on her hind legs, flaring out her wings for balance as she crossed her forelegs over her chest and hummed in thought. After a moment, she grinned and shook her head. “Nah! It totally does!” Quick as a flash, she swept Twilight up in a tight embrace and gave her a rough noogie. “Since Shining and Princess Cadence get to invoke big sibling rights, I hereby invoke best friend right to tease!”

Wrinkling her snout, Twilight tried to push Rainbow off, but found her friend’s grip quite fast. She grit her teeth, straining against the leg thrown around her shoulders.

There was a telltale tinkling of bells and a flash of shimmering blue, Rainbow let out a yelp and shot into the air, her hooves clutching her backside. “Dang it, Rarity! What the hay’d you pinch me for?”

Breathing a bit heavy from chasing them down the hallway, Rarity leveled a stern glare at both. “After all the trouble I went to make sure Twilight’s mane was shampooed, conditioned, and brushed to perfection, I find you two roughhousing in the middle of the hallway?” Flicking her tail in agitation, she approached. She took Twilight’s cheeks in her hooves and gently turned her head, tutting as she used her magic to nudge a few strands back into place.

Twilight kept as still as she could, fighting back a fit of giggles. Her eyes flitted to Rainbow and found her friend had sucked in her lips, her cheeks puffed up with barely restrained laughter.

Their eyes met. Rainbow turned away and covered her mouth with her hooves, giving a rather poor attempt to disguise her mirth as a coughing fit.

“There!” Rarity said, nodding her approval. “Everything back in place. Now, just the final touch remains.” Her horn flashed blue and a familiar tiara, encased in her magic, floated into view. “If you wouldn’t mind, dear.”

“My tiara?” Twilight furrowed her brows. “Rarity, I hardly think I need to put this on to impress Spitfire.”

“It’s not about impressing her, Twilight, you’ve already caught her eye.” Rarity gave a coy smile, raising a hoof to fluff her mane a little. “It’s about your image! She’s about to have her first meal with all of us girls and the Royal Family, which you, darling, are a part of.”

Eying the tiara floating before her, Twilight cringed. “I don’t know. She’s already pretty aware that I’m a princess now, and I really don’t like the idea of waving it in under her nose.”

“I think you misunderstand, I’m not saying you should flaunt it! Just show her that you belong! You’re a grown mare with status, just like she has her status with the Wonderbolts!” With a little raise of her brow, Rarity tilted her head forward. “She wore her uniform the first night, didn’t she?”

Of course she had. All military officers wore their formal attire at the Gala, and Rarity knew that full well. “Yes,” Twilight admitted.

“And what did you wear?” Rarity asked.

“The dress you made.” Seeing Rarity’s brow arch higher, she sighed and added, “And my tiara.”

“Didn’t wear that on your date!” Rainbow put in as she landed. “Then again, you never really wear it unless we’re at a formal thing.”

“Indeed,” Rarity said. “And while this isn’t formal, it would go well to put you alongside your fellow princesses in her mind. Think of it as you showing Spitfire that you sit at the big ponies’ table, too, and you’re not just a filly wearing a mare’s coat.”

With another sigh, Twilight glanced toward one of the castle’s many stained glass windows. Loathe though she was to admit it, Rarity did have a point. She didn’t wear her tiara very often, even though she did enjoy her new duties as Princess of Friendship. It just felt so out of place on her head.

If Spitfire can wear her uniform and have me sit with her teammates, then maybe I should show that I’m comfortable with this aspect of my life. Almost tentatively, she took the tiara in her magic and floated it to hover over her head. If things worked out, Spitfire would have to get used to it anyway.

Twilight placed the tiara on her head. Adjusting it until it felt comfortable, she gave her friends a shy smile. “How do I look?”

Rainbow and Rarity shared matching smiles. “Twi,” Rainbow began, “you look good enough that I’d recite poetry if I knew it. Like a million bits, easy.”

“For once, I agree with Rainbow. As she might say, you’re going to knock the good Captain dead, Twilight.” Rarity cast a quick wink. “Figuratively speaking.”

Beaming, Twilight darted forward to catch them both in a hug. “Thanks, girls,” she whispered, holding them tight a moment before letting go. “I guess we’d better get moving before Shining Armor starts grilling her too badly.”

Rainbow scoffed. “Cap won’t back down from your brother! I bet he’s a big pushover!”

Twilight shook her head, allowing herself a small smile as she trotted down the hall toward the last corridor. “You’d lose that bet. Badly.”

She hung a left and looked to the door, her eyes lit up at the sight of a familiar mare standing just out of view of the open door, rubbing a hoof against her shin. Fixing a coy smile on her muzzle, she held a hoof to her lips to quiet Rarity and Rainbow, then crept closer. As she came within hoof’s reach of Spitfire, she leaned in to whisper, “My, my! Is the famed Captain Spitfire nervous?”

Spitfire gave a little flinch at her voice, turning in place to meet her gaze. Snorting playfully, she tossed her mane and gave a cocky smirk that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Yeah right, hon! Breakfast with a few friends? It’ll be easier than pulling a Hellfire Dive with Fleet and Soar!” Glancing over Twilight’s shoulder, she nodded. “Miss Rarity, Rainbow Dash.”

“Good morning, Captain.”

“Hey, Cap.”

Easy? Is that so? “Oh, good!” Feeling a bit mischievous, Twilight stole a quick kiss and nuzzled Spitfire’s cheek, right along the spot beneath her ear that always made the breath hitch in her throat. In silent victory, she smirked and whispered, “Because my brother’s not gonna be so playful when you chat with him this time. You get him, the girls, and three princesses all in one shot.”

A shiver ran through her body, bringing a full grin to Twilight’s muzzle. “Oh? What’s this?” she asked with feigned innocence, pulling back to delight in the rosy blush that colored Spitfire’s cheeks, before leveling her with a look of mock surprise. “A little crack in the armor?”

Wrinkling her snout, Spitfire turned and flicked a tail across her nose, then walked toward the open door. “Funny,” she replied, a smirk playing upon her lips. “I’ll remember that when the foal pictures come out.”

Twilight’s smile fell, her ears burned at the sound of Rainbow and Rarity giggling just behind her. Oh, horseapples. With a tiny squeak of dismay, she bounded after her girlfriend and walked side-by-side with her into the dining room.

Everypony was already there waiting for them, each seated before empty plates and silverware, with covered food dishes and muffin baskets lining the middle of the table.

Celestia and Luna sat at either end of the table, a clear show of who the ‘heads’ of the house were; Cadence and Shining Armor were together, naturally; Pinkie was next to Fluttershy, giggling over a joke while the latter tried to hide her laughter, while Applejack just chuckled and shook her head.

There were four places empty. Two on either side of Applejack, which Rainbow and Rarity moved to occupy, leaving a pair of empty seats in the middle, directly across from Shining and Cadence, arranged, no doubt, so everypony could give their full, undivided attention to the newest couple.

Luna looked up, waggling her ears merrily. “Ah! There you are!” she said. With a wave of her hoof to the empty seats, she offered a smile. “Please, join us, ladies. We’re all very eager to begin.”

Twilight shared an uneasy smile with Spitfire, then trotted over to her place at the table. As she reached for her chair, Spitfire stepped forward and pulled it out.

“Thank you,” Twilight said softly, nuzzling her nose as she sat in the offered seat.

Spitfire smiled and returned the nuzzle before taking her own seat on Twilight’s left, mumbling a quick, “Anytime, hon.”

With her girlfriend at her side, Twilight looked to her right at Celestia, who met her gaze with a neutral expression and a calculating look in her eye. After a moment, she gave a small smile and turned to the staff. “I do believe we’re ready,” she said.

The staff ponies bowed, then stepped forward to remove the gleaming metal covers. Twilight’s tail swished at the scents of countless dishes wafted to her nose.

Licking her lips, she took a blueberry muffin in her magic and floated it over to her plate, along with the butter dish. Just as she made to butter her muffin, Shining spoke up, “So, Spitfire, what’re your intentions toward my little sister?”

Twilight froze with her knife hovering over the butter dish. “Shiny!” she hissed, pinning her ears back. “Really?”

He looked back at her and fixed her with a stern look. “Don’t you ‘Shiny’ me, Twily!” he scolded. “Dad’s not here, so I get to ask questions.” Turning his attention to Spitfire, who had paused with a muffin in hoof, Shining tapped on the tabletop. “Well?”

Spitfire smiled, ducking her head beneath the full force of his attention. “Uh, well, right now we’re in a bit of a figuring each other out stage. First couple dates are always like that.” Her eyes flitted to Twilight, then back to him. “I suppose my intentions at the moment are to make sure we both enjoy our time together, then see where that takes us.”

“Fair enough, I can respect that.” Shining hummed as he floated a plate of pancakes over and picked a couple off the top of the stack, then lathered them with syrup. He folded his hooves one over the other, raising a brow as he passed the dish and syrup to Cadence. The corners of his mouth tugged into a small smirk, the very same one he always wore when he teased Twilight as a filly. “Still, I must admit that I’m a bit impressed you knew to take Twily to Don Contorno’s. Bet that scored you some major points.”

Twilight felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle as Spitfire turned to fix her with a half-lidded look. “Really?” Her cheeks burned at the playful edge in that raspy voice she’d come to love. “I had no idea she’d ever been there before!”

Cadence giggled. “Well, that’s a happy coincidence, then! What gave you the idea to take her there?”

“Fleetfoot and Soarin ate there the night before the Gala, actually. When Soarin recommends food, it’s usually a sure bet for a good meal.”

“And here I was hoping it would be like one of my old novels!” Cadence gave a wistful sigh, fluffing her feathers as she finished dishing up her plate. “Oh well! I suppose there’s plenty of time for little Twily to dig up my old lessons and romance you like a proper mare!”

A low whine escaped her lips. Twilight brought her hooves up to cover her face, her wings itched to wrap around her barrel. “Cady!” she pleaded piteously. “Not the lessons!”

“Yes, the lessons, young mare! Speaking of which, what did we teach you about slouching at the table?” Tutting, Cadence tapped a hoof on the table. “Sit up straight and uncover your face! Come, come, don’t be rude!”

Slowly, Twilight dragged her hooves down her face to fix Cadence with a glare. She gritted her teeth at the way her former foalsitter’s eyes seemed to dance with mirth and the smug smile upon her muzzle. “I thought we were grilling my girlfriend,” she mumbled.

Cadence simply grinned as if to ask “why not both?” before turning her attention to Spitfire again. “I have to wonder about how you two will be able to overcome your differing interests.”

“We’ve already found common ground,” Twilight said, eager to take control. “We both like old legends, we actually read one together the other night.”

“Whirlwind and Maple,” Spitfire added with a grin. “Gotta love the classics.”

“Heck yeah! Whirlwind rocked in that one!” Rainbow cheered, raising a glass of milk in salute. Across from her, Fluttershy gave a little smile and raise of her glass as well, far more sedate in her gesture.

Across the table, Shining chuckled, drawing attention to himself again. “Well, I guess the quickest way to Twilight’s heart is through her book list,” he quipped, fixing Twilight with a sidelong smirk. “Good to know you picked a mare who knows her literature, though.”

Twilight did her best to fight back a shaky smile, looking down at her plate to focus her gaze on the scrumptious muffin before her. “She likes more than just that,” she mumbled as she began plucking more food off their serving dishes. Soon, her plate began to fill with pancakes, generously lathered in syrup. “And I do like that she’s passionate about her own interests!”

“Of course, I don’t doubt that. But you’ll understand that I’m interested in what she likes about you.” Twilight froze. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes, a shiver ran down her spine as she noted the gleam in his eyes.

Shining turned to Spitfire, raising an eyebrow. “So? Care to enlighten us?”

Her mind raced, Twilight chewed on her bottom lip as she looked to Spitfire. A part of her wanted to shift closer, her hoof twitched as if to reach out to her, stopping just halfway.

Fortunately, Spitfire was of like mind. She took Twilight’s hoof in hers and gave a comforting squeeze, a small smile playing upon her lips. “Well, you were right there when Princess Celestia asked Twilight to accompany me to the Gala,” she began, sparing a nod to Celestia at the far end of the table. A gesture Celestia returned after a second’s hesitation. “But for the benefit of others present, the short version is that I really don’t like being crowded. Like, I love performing, I can deal with fans, but when it comes to parties, I just wanna hang out with a pony and talk without having to worry about my image.”

“Real talk,” Twilight supplied.

Spitfire grinned and gave her hoof another squeeze. “Yes, that. Thanks, hon.” She returned her attention to Shining and continued, “We had a nice little chat together, and I found myself liking a lot about her: smart, funny, not to mention incredibly adorable when she gets all flustered!”

A squeak slipped through Twilight’s lips before she could cover her mouth with her free hoof. She pinned back her ears, blushing as her friends giggled at her. “Am not,” she mumbled.

An amused hum was the only warning she had before a pair of soft lips pressed against her cheek, just beneath her ear. Twilight gave a shuddering gasp, her eyelids fluttered shut as her mouth dropped open just slightly, a smile spread across her muzzle.

“Ahem,” Luna coughed. “Loathe though I am to interrupt,” she began, a hint of scolding in her tone, “perhaps we might refrain from too much affection at the table, Captain.”

Spitfire gave a sheepish chuckle. “Sorry, Princess.” The telltale rustle of her wings made Twilight’s ears flick, she cracked open an eye just in time to catch a glimpse of her girlfriend reaching up to rub at the back of her head. “I’m still kinda in that giddy, playful stage of the whole thing.”

Twilight sighed in relief, sending silent praise to her fellow princess and savior. At least there was one pony at the table who didn’t deign to see her reduced to a blushing, stammering mess.

Luna’s teal eyes narrowed into a stern glare, the effect ruined by the smile tugging at her lips. “Understandable. However, I believe you are fully capable of confining your kisses to the cheek region. Or, if you must, a quick peck on the lips will suffice.”

Relief turned to dismay, and then a warm fuzziness that flooded her being as vibrant orange eyes flitted to meet her own, shining with glee before she was caught in a kiss that seemed all too brief.

She blinked. Her ears swiveled back to lay flat against her scalp. Twilight took in a deep breath, her cheeks puffed up as she snatched her muffin off her plate and took an angry bite.

The sweet taste of muffiny goodness and blueberries brought her peace. Delicious as always.

“Well, I for one think your tale is rather sweet,” Rarity put in, giving a wistful sigh. “Finding love at the Gala among all the style and glamour, it was but a dream to me only a few short years ago!”

Applejack sniggered. “You mean ‘till you tried gettin’ flirty with that namby-pamby prince you had your eye on?” At Celestia’s polite cough, she ducked her head. “Sorry, Princess. Forgot he was your kin for a spell. He just ain’t all that like you or Luna, so it ain’t easy to see.”

Celestia waved her off with a hoof. “I understand entirely, Applejack. Though my nephew has his … less than stellar qualities,” she said slowly, the corners of her mouth twitching, “he is still family. There is frightfully little I wouldn’t do for my family.” Her gaze flitted over to Twilight’s direction, but just a bit passed her. The serene smile faltered.

There was silence for a moment, weighing down upon them as if the entire mass of the ocean’s waters fell upon their shoulders.

“Sister,” Luna said, frowning as she tapped a hoof against the table to break the tension. “You’re going to pierce a hole through their young heads if you keep staring like that.”

“Oh, thank you, Luna. I was just thinking. My apologies, ladies.” Pursing her lips, Celestia lit her horn, holding a glass of orange juice aloft in the brilliant golden glow of her magic. She took a sip, eying the glass as if she were judging wine. “When you reach my age, you’ll find that your mind works in funny ways. Why, all this talk about classical tales and family just reminded me of another Post Unification tale. One that involved Hurricane himself, actually.”

She looked up, staring straight at Spitfire once again. “Have you heard the one about Hurricane, Clover the Clever, and Cold Front?”

Twilight watched as the color seemed to drain from Spitfire’s face. The mare gave an awkward chuckle, rustling her wings. “I—er—well, it’s been a while since I read that one. But, if I recall, it involved Hurricane being mad at one of his legionnaires for making a pass at Clover.”

“Hmm, close. But not quite.” Celestia turned her attention to Twilight, sparing a small smile as she asked, “What about you, Twilight? I know you read that one as part of your Old Equestrian Literature courses when you attended my school. Do you remember?”

“Yes,” she said slowly, confusion tinging her voice. Twilight glanced between Celestia and Spitfire, her tail flicked as she noted the almost calculating gleam in her old teacher’s eyes.

A stark contrast to the way Spitfire sat bolt upright, her eyes wide as though she were faced with a rampaging hydra. Twilight felt Spitfire’s grip on her hoof tighten, all the muscles in her leg seemed to tense up.

Twilight blinked a couple times, giving Spitfire’s hoof a squeeze, returning the gesture. “If I recall correctly,” she began as she turned her attention to Celestia again, “Cold Front was an officer in the old pegasus legion and had a bit of a supremacist attitude. He, among others, held onto the belief that pegasi were a class above and that unicorns and earth ponies should feel honored to even receive their attention. He made a pass at Clover, who by then had become one of Hurricane’s closest friends, and laid his wing upon her in a way that signified possession.”

“Cold Front made it a point to trail his feathers in a most inappropriate area,” Celestia corrected. “He foolishly chose to tease near her tail.”

Gasps of shock and indignation went up around the table. Fluttershy ducked her head, shivering as she wrapped her hooves around her barrel. “How awful!”

Coughing, Twilight glanced away. “Yes. And Clover wasn’t too happy to receive such attention, but he kept flirting and flicking her horn whenever she tried to cast a spell. Well, he made the mistake of doing so in front of Private Pansy, who went to tell Commander Hurricane. She interrupted his meeting with Princess Platinum and Chancellor Puddinghead, much to his irritation. But when she told him what happened … well, the story says he flew into a rage and immediately left the meeting to go discipline Cold Front.”

“Hope he gave that pervert a good wallop!” Applejack grumbled. “T’ain’t right, touchin’ a mare like that!”

“Oh, believe me, he got more than a wallop!” Rainbow crowed, flaring her wings. She hopped up onto her seat and reared back, punching her hooves like she were going after the stallion herself. “Ol’ Hurricane tackled Cold Front offa Clover and beat him senseless! Then, he called a big meeting of all the old pegasus legion and the new Equestrian Guard, and invited the rest of the founders and whoever they wanted to bring. He made right sure that everypony who thought like Cold Front was in the front row.”

With a smirk, she sat back down in her seat and leaned back. “Then, Hurricane dragged that sorry sack of horseapples up on stage and told them all what he’d done. Said that treating another pony like they were property and touching them like that were against all the Unification meant. So, for that, he had six guards hold Cold Front’s limbs, two from each race, and used the shaft of a spear to break his wing joints!” Rainbow stopped just long enough to cringe and fold her wings against her sides. “Major pain, believe me. And he told all the medics not to treat Cold Front or they’d answer to him.”

“My word!” Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof. “That’s a bit excessive, don’t you think?”

“That’s just one version of the story,” Luna cut in. “There’s several different tellings, all of which have Cold Front getting too fresh with Clover and Hurricane’s fury. But that is the most graphic of the bunch.” She paused to take a sip of her juice, then added, “There’s another where Hurricane simply had Cold Front’s wings bound and forced him to act as Clover’s attendant until he humbled himself and begged her forgiveness.”

Celestia hummed in agreement. “True, true. And another where he bound Cold Front’s wings in chains and banished him from Cloudsdale, forcing him to live out his days among earth ponies and unicorns.”

“Hurricane did love to discipline using a pony’s own hubris against them,” Cadence noted.

It hit Twilight like a ton of bricks. The way Spitfire was gripping her hoof, how she trembled in the face of Celestia’s stare, and the choice of story.

Her talk with Fleetfoot and Soarin leapt to the forefront of her mind. Their worry for Spitfire’s career, how ponies might react if she and Twilight parted on unfavorable terms.

All of it was on display before her, a scene crafted by Celestia herself.

Frowning, Twilight released Spitfire’s hoof in favor of wrapping her wing around the mare’s shoulders. “You’ll have to forgive me if I seem a bit obtuse,” she began, narrowing her eyes in challenge, “but I don’t see why that, of all things, would come to mind at present time.”

Silence fell over the table. Twilight set her jaw and met her former teacher’s gaze with confidence, tightening her wing around Spitfire.

Celestia blinked twice, then gave a tight-lipped smile. “Oh, just my old mind being silly, dear!” she said, chuckling as she took a sip of her juice. “Old age is strange in that regard. Perhaps we might discuss another tale—or would the rest of you prefer to move along with a few more questions?”

As if on cue, Fluttershy raised a hoof, ducking her head with a tiny squeak when the attention turned to her. “I, um, I have one for Twilight. If that’s okay, I mean.” She looked down at her hooves and shifted in her seat. “I don’t really know Spitfire well enough …”

“Go right ahead, Fluttershy,” Twilight said, happy for the change. Though she still kept watch over her old teacher out of the corner of her eye.

“Oh, well, I was just wondering if you’d both thought about how to make things work between you since Captain Spitfire lives in Cloudsdale and you live with us in Ponyville.”

Making to reply, Twilight found herself lacking an answer. She furrowed her brows, down at the table and bringing a hoof to her chin as she wracked her brain for a solution.

She didn’t have one. In all their talk of code red and what interests they shared or didn’t, the long distance relationship dynamic hadn’t come up.

“Uh,” Spitfire began, giving an awkward cough. “We haven’t really talked about that yet. We’ve kinda been in the—er—excited new couple stage.”

Fluttershy cringed and brought her hooves to her mouth. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to upset you both! It’s just—”

“It’s fine, Fluttershy,” Twilight said. “It’s just something we’ll have to work through before we go home. Together,” she added, turning to nuzzle Spitfire’s cheek and stealing a glance at Celestia.

Her teacher’s eyes held that calculating gleam again. The tiniest of smiles played upon her lips.

“Well,” Celestia said, “I’m sure you two will be able to figure something out.” Raising her glass, she looked around the table. “Here’s to our newest couple! May they both share in the joys of finding love and happiness together, and show one another the respect they are due!”

Spitfire flinched at her side. Twilight thought to turn and ask what was amiss, but stopped herself. She pasted a smile on her muzzle and nodded in thanks as her friends and family took up the gesture.

She’d have to figure out why Spitfire flinched like that later.

When they were well away from Celestia’s watchful eyes.

Spitfire liked to think herself a rather confident mare. She had the admiration of ponies all across Equestria, the respect of her peers both at home and abroad, a loyal group of family and friends, good standing with her fellow officers and the rulers of her country, and—her most recent accolade—a girlfriend whose looks were beaten out only by her brains and a rather endearing personality.

That said, it had been quite some time before she’d felt so nervous in Princess Celestia’s presence—or Princess Cadence’s, for that matter.

Princess Luna was another story entirely. She didn’t have the same rapport with the younger sister that she did with the elder, and years of reading The Legend of the Mare in the Moon with her ma and pa every Nightmare Night didn’t exactly help in that regard.

Talking with Princess Celestia at meetings had always been easy. She was always so warm and welcoming, a lot like Spitfire’s own ma, in that regard. Her hospitality rivaled that of even those old mares in Mustangia who embodied the “down to earth old biddy” stereotype.

The way Princess Celestia’s eyes had bored into her at breakfast, how they seemed to pierce through to her very soul, made her coat stand on end and her ears droop. It took all her self-control not to let her wings unfurl, either to hide her face or ready to take flight and flee from Princess Celestia’s presence.

As she half-listened to the conversation, Spitfire kept her smile as best as she could. Putting Princess Celestia aside for a moment—something she never thought she’d say about her of all ponies—those at the table was important to Twilight in some way. Whether through the friendships she shared or bonds of family, these ponies meant the most to Twilight. Only her parents were absent.

The urge to hide behind her wings seemed almost impossible to resist. Spitfire could only grit her teeth through it all and force a smile, all while trying her best to ignore that Princess Celestia’s eyes stayed locked on her for the bulk of the meal.

Pull yourself together, girl! Spitfire flicked her tail as she watched Twilight poke at the last of her pancakes. You don’t get this wound up in front of crowds of thousands, what’s a dozen or so ponies at breakfast?

A dozen or so ponies who had Twilight’s ear and could give tacit blessing or bring their relationship to ruin with a few words.

Her ears began to droop. Spitfire ducked her head between her shoulders and took hold of a mug of coffee, staring at her reflection in the warm liquid within. She’d never gotten to the whole “sit down with family and friends to be judged fitting or not for your partner” point with any of her previous girlfriends. Aside from her, Spitfire’s relationships didn’t last long enough to even bother bringing that up.

Thankfully, Twilight’s friends and brother seemed more interested in bringing up each and every embarrassing story they could to make her blush, squirm, and bury her face in her hooves, grumbling near incomprehensible promises of revenge that only spurred them onward.

Now, if Princess Celestia could just join in the fun and stop boring a hole in the side of her head, that would be great.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Twilight bringing a napkin up to wipe a bit of syrup off her lips. Spitfire had to bite her own to hold back an easy quip about a far better way to take care of the issue.

She couldn’t, however, fight back the urge to let her tongue dart out and run along her bottom lip. A kiss like that right now would go against the rules they’d so painstakingly laid out to one another, but it would be so very sweet.

Spitfire shook her head. She was a Wonderbolt officer, a mare of discipline. She could hold back the urge to lean in, lick Twilight’s lips clean of that sweet syrup, and then kiss her until her eyes crossed and those beautiful feathers fluffed.

Drawing in a sharp breath through her nose, she closed her eyes and gave herself a scolding. Definitely a bad idea in front of three other princesses.

Especially Princess Celestia.

Suddenly, the conversation stopped. Spitfire’s ears twitched, she blinked owlishly, her eyes flitted to each pony at the table, seeing each of them reclining or stretching as they made to rise. She turned to Twilight and found herself met with an expectant look and an amused smile.

“Uh …” She gave a crooked smile. “Did I tune out or something?”

Twilight burst into a fit of giggles. “I think we lost you somewhere around Rainbow trying to tell you about the time she found me asleep and buried under a tower of collapsed books.”

“I missed what?” Spitfire’s jaw dropped. She whipped her head around to look at Rainbow, ready to demand a repeat of the story.

As soon as she did, her star prospect laughed and shook her head. “Sorry, Cap! Only one telling per meal! Next one’s gonna cost you a barrel of Sweet Apple Acres’ finest, I’m afraid!”

“Goin’ for a bit o’ extortion, eh?” Applejack quipped, nudging her in the ribs.

“Can you blame me? It’s the only flipping way to make sure I get some without Pinkie guzzling, like, eight of them before I can even try buying one!”

Grumbling under her breath, Spitfire glanced at Twilight, wrinkling her snout at the smug smirk gracing her girlfriend’s muzzle. “You’re going to do everything to make sure I never hear that story, aren’t you?”

Twilight waggled her ears, then leaned in to nuzzle Spitfire’s nose. “You don’t have a snowball’s chance on a summer day!”

Spitfire flicked her tail. She’d just have to see about that. “Don’t count your chickens just yet, hon. I’ve got plenty of money for several barrels of cider.”

“And I can easily slip a law in that makes it illegal to use cider for bribery.” Twilight poked her in the snout. “You’re playing against a princess. I can cheat the rules of the game and make it not cheating.”

Cursing, Spitfire tapped a hoof against her chair. She wasn’t going to win this particular battle.

Best to just let Twilight think she had the upper hoof for now.

Her comeuppance would happen later.

And it would be quite delicious.

Oh yes.

Twilight stood, giving her feathers a little fluff. She leaned forward and nuzzled Spitfire’s cheek. “Ready to go?”

“Go?” Spitfire drew back. “Go where?”

“I don’t know. Canterlot’s a big city, I’m sure we can find something to do.”

Spitfire hummed. There were plenty of places they could go to get away from everything for a while. It didn’t have to be a club or a fancy restaurant, maybe just one of the ice cream parlors or libraries.

When did I go sappy? She flicked her ear. And why is that not a problem?

A polite cough made Spitfire flick her ear. She turned slowly, her heart leapt into her throat as she found herself face to face with Princesses Celestia and Luna, with Princess Cadence standing just to the side.

Princess Celestia gave a small smile in her direction before looking just passed her. “I hope to spend more time with you later then, dear,” she said to Twilight. “Perhaps you and I might have dinner together this evening?”

Out of the corner of her eye. Spitfire watched Twilight perk up. “I’d like that!” she said, beaming at her old teacher.

“Splendid. I’ll look forward to it.”

“You hog her to yourself every chance you get, sister,” Princess Luna said teasingly. She glanced toward Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. “Young Shining might think you mean to steal her from his family!”

One cue, Shining’s ears twitched. “I’d have to steal her back,” he replied, quirking a brow. “I’m sure her friends would help.”

Chuckling to herself, Princess Celestia nodded. “Perhaps you’re both right. A compromise, then: Twilight will join Cadence, Shining, and I for dinner.” She held up a hoof to Princess Luna’s mouth. “And before you start, I was going to say you could dine with Spitfire.”

Spitfire felt her blood run cold, her dream conversation with Princess Luna still quite fresh in her mind.

Princess Luna’s ears perked up. She brushed Princess Celestia’s hoof aside. “That would be most agreeable!” she said, turning her attention on Spitfire. Her smile faltered just a bit. “Er, if you approve, of course.”

All eyes fell upon Spitfire. She ducked her head between her shoulders and let her ears lay flat as she gave a crooked smile.

There really wasn’t a choice. Guess I’ll need to pick up my uniform and get cleaned up.

“S-Sure,” she replied. “Just, um, pick a place and I’d be happy to join you.”

“Excellent!” Princess Celestia walked past her, glancing out of the corner of her eye. “Oh, be sure to pester her all you can tonight, Luna.” She cast a wink at Spitfire. “If she’s to date Twilight, we want to make sure she’s the right sort of mare.”

Twilight squeaked. “P-Princess!”

“Celestia, dear. We’ve talked about this. I’ll see you at dinner. Fair warning, though …” Her smile morphed into a wicked smirk. “I haven’t begun my interrogation yet.” Without another word, she left the dining room, with Luna trailing in her wake.

Spitfire felt her knee shake. She swallowed a lump, turning to give Twilight an uneasy grin. “So …”

Twilight ducked her head to hide a blush. “We’re doomed.”

“I figured. Nice knowing you, hon.”

“Likewise. Lunch before we meet our end?”

“Uh, actually …” Rainbow stepped forward, her ears splayed back against her scalp and the cocky grin she always wore nowhere to be found. “Do you, uh, mind if I borrow Cap—uh, Spitfire for a little bit?” She stood just out of hoof’s reach of Spitfire, shifting her weight from hoof to hoof, her wings rustled as she seemed to try to steel herself for something.

Spitfire frowned. Curious. Rainbow was rarely quiet unless she’d just got done being screamed at—usually by Spitfire herself. “Something wrong, Dash?”

Rainbow’s ears drooped slightly, then perked back up. She bit her lip, drawing in a deep breath through her nose.

She exhaled and met Spitfire’s eyes.

“I need to talk to you. Mare to mare.”

11. Loyalty

Spitfire paid quite a bit more attention to her recruits than most officers might, especially those she considered her pet projects.

Those special few to catch her eye and earn the right to have her stamp their file with her special “handle personally” label were a rarity among rarities. If ponies came looking and willing to show effort, she’d happily direct them to the Wonderbolt Academy so she could see whether or not they were worth her personal attention, if they should come up the ranks like any normal prospect, or if they were better off finding their career somewhere else.

In recent years, two files had been stamped. One had been put on hold after Lightning Dust had proven herself too much of a showboat and along with nearly killing several civilians and a princess when she wrecked the cloud busting track.

That her new girlfriend so happened to be that same princess was almost funny. Almost. It was probably a good thing they hadn’t been seeing one another at the time, or Soarin would’ve had to call for MPs to pull her off Lightning Dust.

The other file, of course, belonged to the mare standing before her.

Rainbow Dash.

Spitfire could almost remember it by heart. Headstrong, loyal to a fault, and willing to fight and train until her wings fall off to get her spot.

Everything a proper Wonderbolt should be.

The mare before her, however, was different. Rainbow Dash looked down at the floor, only glancing up for a few seconds before wincing and averting her gaze again. Her wings rustled and twitched, she shifted her weight from side to side.

Nervous. Well, that was certainly a change.

Almost as much as she was when she got to spend a day with us after that contest. Spitfire took a step closer. “You okay, Dash?”

“Fine!” Rainbow said, her voice cracked. “I’m fine! Perfectly fine! Why wouldn’t I be fine?”

“You look like you’d rather tangle with a manticore than be here right now,” Spitfire replied. Smirking, she tilted her head. She stole a glance at the other mares, her eyes lingering on Twilight’s beautiful face a moment, then stepped in close and dropped her voice. “You know I’m not gonna drop you from the Reserves just ‘cause you wanna talk about Twilight, right?”

Rainbow’s ears shot up. “How—”

“You’re not subtle, and last time I checked, ‘stupid’ wasn’t written across my forehead today.” Waggling her ears, she added, “And it won’t be ever again, if Soarin wants to live to see twenty-eight.”

A snort of laughter escaped Rainbow’s lips. “He seriously did that?”

Spitfire nodded once. “Yeah. And I kicked his tail to Vanhoover and back for that one.” She stepped forward until she was shoulder to shoulder with Rainbow and gave her a nudge. “Nice to see you can still laugh with me a bit. So what’s on your mind?”

Rainbow froze, her laughter died in the back of her throat. Her eyes flitted to the floor again as she began shifting from one hoof to another all over.

Where in Equestria had that loudmouth who could fly fast enough to bring a rinkydink town like Ponyville within a nose of beating Cloudsdale gone?

Frowning, Spitfire fixed her with a critical stare. The mare before her was but a shadow of the top prospect she’d been ready to go to bat for in front of all the other officers. It was almost as if Rainbow wasn’t sure how to begin.

Spitfire flicked an ear, a smile worked its way across her muzzle as an idea came to her.

She gave Rainbow another playful nudge. “Why don’t we take a flight?” she offered. “We’ll get outta here for a bit, and you can tell me whatever it is that’s got your feathers all ruffled.”

Rainbow beamed. “That’d be great!” Her feathers fluffed and twitched, just itching to fly. She blinked, her grin faltered slightly as she ducked her head and let her ears droop. “I, uh—I mean, yeah. That’d, uh …” Scuffing a hoof against the floor, she coughed. “Yeah, that’d be fine with me. You lead.”

It took all of Spitfire’s self-control to bite back a quip about her being the officer between them, but she managed. She’s here as Twilight’s friend. Be nice. No Captain-Recruit games.

Instead, she smiled and nodded. “Sounds like a plan.” Spitfire stepped over next to Twilight and nosed against her cheek. “Mind if I let her steal me for a little bit?” she murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth.

Twilight giggled, her feathers fluffed. “Only if you promise to come back to me,” she teased. “If not right after, then tonight.” A gleam shone in her eyes, she leaned in close enough that her breath tickled Spitfire’s ear and whispered, “I want to wake up in your hooves again.”

It took all Spitfire’s self control not to throw caution to the wind and pounce on her then and there. Instead, she kissed Twilight’s cheek once again, then turned to Rainbow. Trotting forward, she rustled her wings and swished her tail. “I dunno about you, but after sitting at breakfast with four royals and the night I had, I’m about ready to start doing corkscrews and buzz a few guard towers for kicks.”

There was a beat, then a quick cadence of hooves scrambling against the tile floor. Rainbow was at her side half a second later. “I doubt the guards would be too happy about that. Probably complain to Shining Armor.”

“I know.” Spitfire smirked. “And that’s why I said ‘for kicks’—I don’t answer to him, so all he can really do is ask me nicely. Unless he gets Princess Celestia involved, in which case, pluck my feathers and stuff a pillow with ‘em. ‘Cause then I’m toast.”

She turned right down the corridor and led Rainbow along, passed the paintings of sunny meadows or soft, moonlit glens and a stone bust of Star Swirl the Bearded, looking almost as though he were judging their worth through those blank, white eyes.

It was just so detailed, so lifelike. From the way his face was lined with years of stress and aging, to the way his lips creased into a stern frown like he were observing a pony who should’ve been studying instead of fooling about and wandering through the corridor.

Idly, Spitfire wondered if Twilight ever got the same feeling when she walked down this corridor. Chuckling, she shook her head.

No. Twilight probably had her nose in a book or found herself scrambling along with some important assignment for Princess Celestia.

Or maybe getting that look was part of why she’d be scampering …

Spitfire shook herself. Why in Equestria was she letting herself get so distracted?

It was just a bust.

With a roll of her eyes, she headed for the side door leading out to the gardens. Spitfire pushed it open and let the warm touch of mid morning sun wash over her body. She took in a deep breath as if to bask in its glow, her eyes fluttered shut.

Celestia, I needed this.

Her wings rustled, ready to unfurl and take flight. Spitfire scanned the sky and took note of a few clusters of small, fluffy clouds off in the distance. None close enough to the castle to just hop on up and sit, but hovering over the city to cool off the populace for the warm summer day to come.

“How do you feel like flying?” she asked over her shoulder.

Rainbow shrugged. “I’d be down for a slower pace. Easier to talk that way.”

Spitfire flicked an ear toward her in silent acknowledgement. She unfurled her wings and, with a quick running start, leapt into the air. A few flaps later and she was aloft, flying in a wide circle to give Rainbow a little room to get herself going.

She watched with a critical eye Rainbow take to the air with surprisingly little gusto for a mare of her nature—not even a running start or a good leap into the air, just a few flaps of her powerful wings to get herself some lift before she banked around to fly alongside Spitfire.

Frowning, Spitfire took the lead and maneuvered so they could take a flight over the city, high enough that no bypassers would overhear, but well out of the altitudes reserved for on duty guards and weather ponies.

Perfect for a nice, easy flight and a talk between mares.

Spitfire angled herself closer to Rainbow until she was but a hair’s breadth away, flying together tight formation like they were doing a stadium flyby.

“So, you wanna tell me what it is that’s got you acting so strange?” Spitfire asked. “Haven’t heard you make any big boasts or jokes since breakfast.”

Rainbow cringed. “Sorry. Just been thinking a bit.”

“What about?” Smiling, Spitfire gave her a light nudge with her elbow. “You gonna pull the protective friend routine on me?”

“Uh … kinda.” Rainbow looked away, rubbing a hoof against her shin. “It’s not that I’m not happy or that I don’t think you’ll be cool with Twilight or anything like that—I’m happy for her. And, I mean, I could think of worse ponies for her to get involved with.”

Spitfire snorted. “Wow. Thanks for that ringing endorsement there, Dash,” she teased. “I’ll put that one my resumé.”

Rainbow turned to fix her with a glare. “You know what I mean!”

“Relax, Dash.” Spitfire held up her hooves. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”

With a snort, Rainbow looked off into the distance. “Not helping. Trying to be serious here.”

“Fair enough, sorry. You were saying?”

Again, Rainbow rubbed her shin. “I’m trying to figure out how I wanna say it. Like, it’s not that I don’t trust you or anything, but Twilight’s not exactly like us. If that makes any sense.”

“I got that,” Spitfire said, chuckling as she let her eyes wander over the beautiful city below. “I can’t exactly teleport all over creation, y’know. And I’m pretty sure I haven’t started growing a horn.”

“I meant personality wise.” Rainbow coughed.

Blinking, Spitfire turned to stare at the side of her head. She perked one ear up and laid the other flat against her scalp. “Uh, well, yeah, I’ve noticed she’s not quite as loud. Or really into the athletics side of things.” She furrowed her brows. “What are you trying to get at here?”

Save for the whistle of wind in her ears, there was silence between them.

She watched out of the corner of her eye as Rainbow glided along and chewed on her lip. Spitfire looked ahead in time to see a pair of weather ponies pushing a few low-hanging clouds toward the park in Little Neighpon, headed straight across their flight path.

Spitfire and Rainbow banked together, sweeping around them in a wide arc to give them plenty of room, earning a wave of thanks from the lead weather pony.

“I guess I’m trying to say she’s not gonna be a pony you can mould or form into somepony else,” Rainbow said when they leveled out again. “She doesn’t have the mindset of a Wonderbolt, or even really an athlete. You can’t get in her face and start screaming orders and expect her to take it well.”

Spitfire wrinkled her snout. “Is that what you think I do with her?”

“No! Geez, I can’t say it right!” Rainbow buried her face in her hooves. “Ugh! I’m not accusing you or anything, I’m just trying to give you a head’s up!”

“You seemed fine with me last night. And at breakfast this morning,” Spitfire said.

“I’m still fine with you dating her, Cap. No objection here.”

With a roll of her eyes, Spitfire darted forward and stopped right in front of Rainbow, forcing the younger mare to rear back and flap her wings hard to brake. She crossed her hooves over her chest, flapping her wings in a lazy hover.

“Then what’s the problem?” she asked.

Rainbow looked down, a hoof leapt to her mane. “It’s … It’s not so much anything you’ve said or done that I’ve seen. Yet. But that’s the thing—you haven’t done it yet.” She looked up to meet Spitfire’s gaze, a frown marred her muzzle. “Look, I like you, Cap. I respect you and all the other Bolts a lot. But Twilight’s my friend, and as much as the girls and I love to tease her about how panicky she can be or how much of a nerd she is, we love her to death.”

Spitfire nodded once. “I’ve noticed. And I understand you on that front. Soarin and Fleetfoot are both pains in my backside, but I’d beat a dragon’s face in for them. Or at least try.”

“Yeah. Like Pinkie.” Rainbow chuckled. “Annoying and random sometimes, but anypony else tells her that and I’ll slug ‘em.”

“As your CO, I’m supposed to tell you to put a lid on that temper … but this is mare to mare talking time, so I’m going to conveniently leave that off your file when your tryout comes up.”

“Heh, thanks.”

Spitfire turned and beckoned her along with a wave of her hoof. They continued on their flight, passing by Little Neighpon and headed south toward the park Spitfire and Twilight had their first date.

Warmth flooded Spitfire’s chest. She searched the rolling green field for the tree they’d sat under, her lips tugged into a bright grin when she saw a crowd of foals gathered around it. One of them, a young filly, turned and placed her hooves on the tree while her friends scampered off as fast as they could.

Hide and seek without clouds, huh? Spitfire tilted her head and pulled a face. It didn’t seem right to her since she’d grown up in Cloudsdale, but it’d make for some interesting hiding spots to be sure.

Foals always figured something out.

Spitfire turned her attention to Rainbow Dash again. “So, you’re trying to look out for Twilight,” she said. The wind ran through her mane, whipping it back and forth like it was trying to entice her to play. “Fair enough, but I’m a bit confused. What exactly do you mean I can’t mould her or yell? Not that I was planning on either, mind you.”

Rainbow Dash let out a low whine. “I’m trying to be gentle about this, but I’m really not doing a good job.”

“Then don’t. Be blunt and tell me what’s up—I’d do the same if you were dating into my circle.”

“Blunt?” Rainbow shrugged. “Alright, then.” With a heavy sigh, she ran a hoof through her mane. “Twi’s really sensitive, okay? She likes to make everypony happy and doesn’t like feeling like she’s failed at anything. Hay, she had a nervous breakdown because she thought she was late on a dang friendship report once!”

Spitfire wrinkled her snout. “What the hay is a friendship report?”

“It’s a thing we all used to write up and send to Princess Celestia back when Twi wasn’t a princess, just studying the magic of friendship. But that’s not the point!” Rainbow darted around to hover before her, stopping Spitfire in mid flight. “She’s not like me or any of the other cadets. You can’t browbeat her with something she’s messed up on and expect her to come back for more or put a smile on her face afterward. Or doing the whole name calling thing too much. Egghead is about as far as I can take it, and I’ve known her for years.”

Spitfire’s wings seemed to flap of their own accord. Her tongue felt dry inside her mouth, memories of that letter from years before swam to the forefront of her mind.

“It’s not you, Spitfire. It’s me.”

“I can’t deal with waiting for you to come home anymore … I don’t understand how you can deal with a group that rowdy, or how dangerous it all is …”

“I can’t watch you ready to rage, then try to pretend you’re not angry or passionate for what you believe in.”

All such nice little things. Oh, Daybreak tried so hard to make it seem like she didn’t blame Spitfire for their relationship failing, putting every little bit of flowery wording she could, like she were writing one of her poems.

But it all meant the same thing.

Spitfire was too intense. She didn’t know how to take off her uniform and leave the Wonderbolts behind in the locker room when she came home to see her girlfriend.

How many times had she scared the wits out of Daybreak when she got angry enough to slam a hoof down on the table and leap up, ready to yell like she were about to discipline a cadet?

Enough.

And that was only one reason it failed. All the travel, the parties with her teammates, Daybreak crying because Soarin stuck her with a funny nickname after she passed out drunk …

She was always on the outside looking into the Wonderbolts’ circle, and she couldn’t take it anymore.

Daybreak was a lot like Twilight in that regard. Sensitive, not one given to any particular interest in athletics until she started watching Spitfire.

Spitfire licked her lips. “I wish I could say that hasn’t caused me problems before,” she began. “But that’s a lie.”

“I’m just trying to help,” Rainbow muttered. “I don’t want her hurt, and I can tell she’s happy now … so, I figure if I tell you straight up, things can work better. And stuff.”

“Better and stuff, huh?” Spitfire repeated. She flicked an ear. “I don’t know if I can promise not to be intense or passionate about things, but I can try not to be as abrasive. And I’ll avoid the names, though I thought that went without saying.”

Rainbow ducked her head between her shoulders and gave a sheepish grin. “Just making sure.”

“Yeah. I got ya.” Her tail flicked. Spitfire rubbed her hind hooves together. “I’ll work on keeping it cool for her.”

“Thanks.” With a bright smile, Rainbow offered her a hoof. “We cool?”

Snorting, Spitfire hoof bumped her. “Yeah, we’re cool. I appreciate it.”

“Awesome.” Slowly but surely, Rainbow’s smile grew into a smirk. The same she wore after pulling off one of her big tricks at the Reserves’ practice. “So, since we got the serious stuff out of the way, I’ve got a question I have to ask since Twilight wouldn’t give me an answer without stammering.”

“Sure. Shoot.”

Cerise eyes flashed with mischievous intent. Rainbow closed the distance between them, sidling up next to her and nudging her with an elbow. “Two nights together, I gotta know if my girl got lucky with the Captain of the freaking Wonderbolts!”

Spitfire sucked in her lips, she felt her blood run cold. “I … can neither confirm nor deny anything.”

“Aha! So she did!”

“I never said that.”

“You never said she didn’t!”

“Correct.”

Rainbow grinned triumphantly. “So I’m right!”

“I didn’t say that either,” Spitfire replied, the tiniest of smiles tugged at her lips.

“Well then which is it?” Rainbow’s grin fell.

“Yes.”

“Yes she did or yes she didn’t?”

Spitfire shrugged and flew around Rainbow. “Yes,” she repeated.

“Caaaaaap!” Rainbow whined, zipping over to fly beside her. “You can’t hold back on me like that!”

A thought came to her. Spitfire flipped herself over to glide upside down, her eyes locked with Rainbow’s. Slowly, she brought her right hoof up to touch her lips and drew it across them, then twisted it, and made a throwing motion.

Her lips were sealed.

“Oh come on!”

Spitfire let out a laugh and flipped herself back over so she could fly right. “Don’t gimme that! I don’t kiss and tell, and neither should you, rook!”

“But it’s Twilight Sparkle! One of my best friends!” Rainbow cried, flailing her hooves. “And you’re … you! You can’t leave me hanging on this! I gotta know if my girl got some dang action!”

“Too bad.” With a playful smirk, she flicked her tail across Rainbow’s nose. “Not answering.”

Rainbow fixed her with a glare and made to speak, but paused a moment to let out a sneeze. She rubbed a hoof across her nose. “Fine!” she said with a huff. “But I’m totally gonna needle Twi about it!”

“Go for it. Best friend code is in play on that front. Just don’t expect to hear it from me, and we’re good.”

“Fair enough, I guess. So … wanna race or something?”

Snorting, Spitfire shot her a sidelong look. “You want me to smoke you after giving me the protective friend spiel? Aw, rookie, I didn’t know you cared!”

“What? Smoke me? That’s a laugh!” Rainbow darted forward and bumped their shoulders together. “If there’s anyone getting smoked today, it’s you, Cap! I’ll even let you pick the course I beat your flank on!”

Her wings twitched. Spitfire narrowed her eyes and fixed Rainbow with a glare. Favorite recruit or not, anypony who thought they could outfly her on her own terms was in desperate need of a lesson.

She hummed in thought. Dinner with Luna was later, so she couldn’t exactly spend all day giving Rainbow an education, no matter how much the younger mare needed one.

A smile slowly made its way across her muzzle. She still had one option.

“On three, we head to the southern gate and hit a hard turn,” Spitfire said. “Finishing line is the Royal Canterlot Hotel.”

Rainbow flicked an ear. “Hanging out with Soarin and Fleetfoot before you have dinner with Princess Luna?”

“Something like that. Gotta get my jacket and get cleaned up.”

“… Would it be too much of a total rook slash fanfilly move to ask if I could tag along?” She asked, her eyes wide and dancing with glee.

Spitfire arched a brow and pretended to think it over. There were plenty of ways she could turn it all into a joke, but a thought gave her pause.

She had once been the starstruck filly, gaping in awe of all the Wonderbolts going through the drills while she watched her dad lead the team.

“Nah, it’s totally cool.” Spitfire rubbed her shoulder against Rainbow’s. “It’ll make the transition easier when you join us for real.”

Rainbow gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her hooves to hide a grin. “You mean it?”

“Officially, I have to evaluate you against all the other recruits in the program and consider the merit of adding you to the team.” A smile played upon her lips. Spitfire turned to look ahead. “Unofficially, Fleetfoot, Soarin, and I are just waiting for a spot to open up.”

“That. Is. Aweso—” She stopped short, then gave a cough. “I mean, uh, cool. That’s cool. Start on three?”

Spitfire shook her head. Oh, rookie. “Nah, counter always gets a jump on that.” She nodded toward a pair of weather ponies trying to maneuver a rather heavy cloud, each beating their wings to try and catch up with the rest of their team. “We start when we pass the weather team’s rooks, rook.”

Rainbow turned and gave her a flat look. “I’m really gonna enjoy reminding you that a rook beat the feathers offa you later.”

“Gotta win first, Dash. And even if you do, the fact that you’re a rook will be in place until the day somepony else is the rook.”

Throwing up her hooves, Rainbow let out a frustrated groan. “Has anypony ever told you that you’re a jerk?”

A smirk played upon her lips. “All the time. Usually after I make them fly until they puke. Or, more topically—” her eyes locked on the cloud pushers up ahead. Just a few more seconds and they could start.

“A lot of them say it after I smoke their sorry tails in a race.”

Rainbow gritted her teeth and faced forward. The pair passed by the cloud pushers and took off.

Racing was always a nice way to unwind in between grilling sessions.

Spitfire’s eye twitched with each stroke of the brush through her goldenrod coat, she pinned her ears back to try and ignore her favorite recruit sniggering in the background while Soarin fussed over her.

As it turned out, the chance to taunt Rainbow after beating her in a race—albeit with a rather borderline cheap trick, but she couldn’t just let the kid win—evaporated the very instant she trotted into her suite and mentioned dinner with a princess.

More specifically, dinner with a princess not named Twilight Sparkle. Her head was still spinning with how fast they’d shooed her off to take a shower so they could help her get ready.

She let out a sigh. Trust Soarin to go into full-blown mother pegasus mode the instant he had the chance. Sometimes she wondered just who ran the team. It seemed an awful lot like she bounced between den mother to everypony’s little foal.

Her wings rustled. Spitfire shifted her weight, standing while Soarin brushed her was always a pain. He didn’t just hit the few spots where her coat had gotten a little mussed up, he went through the whole spiel as though she’d just rolled out of bed.

His stupid mother had drilled that one into his head. Yet another reason Spitfire had half a mind to knock on the old battleaxe’s door and make out with Twilight on her front porch.

Just to see the look on her stupid face.

“Stop fidgeting,” Fleetfoot chided from her spot on the couch.

Spitfire scowled. She’d been caught. “I barely moved! How can you even tell?”

Fleetfoot simply smiled and waggled her ears.

Oh, right. Stupid bat-eared mare. Rolling her eyes, Spitfire tapped her hoof. “I could’ve gotten ready by myself you—ow!—know!”

“Uh huh, sure,” Soarin replied absentmindedly. His brows furrowed in concentration as he began trying to brush her coat until it was smooth as velvet. It was almost adorable, really. If not for how rough he could be when he hit a snag.

Wincing, Spitfire flicked a wing across his shoulder. “Careful back there!” she said, watching closely as he made his way to work on her cutie mark.

“Just hold still and relax, would you?” He chuckled and shook his head. “I’ll be done in a second.”

“You said that twenty minutes ago, Soar. I’m starting to think you can’t keep time.”

“For shame, Spits! Didn’t your mama ever teach you that patience was a virtue?” His forest green eyes shone with mischief. “Besides, you’re having dinner with Princess Luna. Dressing you up and making you look like a pretty little pony worthy of taking her fellow princess out is a requirement.”

Spitfire sucked in a breath. “I already have her approval. We talked about that last night.”

“Oh, is that where you were?” Fleetfoot asked from her spot on the couch. Her ears perked up.

“Uh, yeah. Where’d you think I was? Hitting bars all night?”

Sniggering, Soarin patted her back. “No, that’s Rapid’s thing. Actually, we thought you decided to spend the night in Twilight’s room with a necktie on the doorhandle, since you insist you’re a big mare and can decide when to play or not.”

“What’s this about neckties?” Rainbow cut in, eying Spitfire closely. “And am I reading into this, or is playing your coy way of saying—”

“Rook! Soarin! Shut it!” Spitfire snapped.

Soarin’s smirk only widened. “Necktie on the door means that we have a guest over for sex, Dash. And to answer your question.” He looked Spitfire right in the eye and made a show of fluffing his feathers. “Yes. It is.”

“Aha!” Rainbow preened, pointing a hoof at Spitfire. “I knew my girl got lucky! Both nights or one?”

With a groan, Spitfire brought a hoof to her forehead and slowly dragged it down her face. She shot a heated glare at Soarin. “I hate you. All of you. So much.”

“Love you too, Feurball.” Soarin turned to rub his cheek against hers. “Answer the question.”

Sometimes being captain of the same team with her best friends was more of a pain than a privilege. They knew how to push her buttons and go right up against the line, but dance along the edge while she waited in vain for them to set hoof across it.

“I so hate you,” Spitfire grumbled. She turned to Rainbow Dash, gritting her teeth at the expectant look in her star recruit’s eyes. “Both nights. Several times. Do I have to go into detail as to what she said, or does this satisfy you?” Pausing a beat, she added, “You’re included in the hating, if you haven’t gotten the hint.”

Rainbow thought for a moment then shrugged. “Eh, I can deal with being hated. My main mare did me proud!” She hopped into the seat across from Fleetfoot and laid her head in her hooves. “Dating Captain Spitfire and going all the way through the home stretch! Twilight has all of the awesome points right now!”

“All of them?” Fleetfoot flicked an ear toward Rainbow, a bemused smile played upon her lips. “There’s a finite amount?”

“It’s about as finite as the number of laps everypony in the room not named Spitfire will be doing after this is done,” Spitfire quipped. “Keep it up, and I’m adding weights to it.”

“All of the weights?” Soarin asked, smiling as he busied himself with brushing her side.

Her threats weren’t working. She’d have to default to glaring at the side of his head until he burst into flames.

His smile only broadened. Soarin had long since built up an immunity to her patented death glare. Even as she unfurled her wings and flared her nostrils in open challenge, he simply hummed one of his mother’s old Germane songs and finished brushing her coat.

“There!” he said, stepping back to survey his work. He nodded once. “Looking good, Spits.”

Spitfire craned to look at herself, lifting her right leg to get a good glance at her flank. Then she did the same with her left side.

He’d brushed until light shone off her coat, giving her a nice sheen that accented her muscles and curves quite nicely.

Her thoughts wandered to Twilight. How fun it would be to just trot right by the bookish princess, swaying her hips and giving a little swish of her tail before she ducked beneath Twilight’s chin and trailed her body along like a cat, before fixing her with a hooded stare.

She could already picture the way those purple cheeks would darken, how Twilight would stammer as her feathers fluffed and her tail whipped from side to side while Spitfire slipped into the bedroom and left the door open just a crack …

Spitfire felt her cheeks burn. She shook her head as if to chase the image away. Down, girl! We’re not entertaining that princess tonight!

Giving her feathers a little fluff, she turned and stepped close to Soarin. “Thanks for your help,” she said, rubbing their shoulders together. “Even though I’m kind of a pain.”

“Kind of?” Soarin pulled a face and waggled a hoof. “Depends on your mood. And if you find me and Fleet on the couch again with the whipped—”

She jammed a hoof in his mouth, the familiar burn of bile stung the back of her throat. “Aaaaaaaaand I hate you again. Completely.” Turning away, she whacked him across the snout with a wing, then trotted to her bedroom to get her uniform jacket.

Spitfire opened up the closet, her eyes flitted to the lone piece of clothing sitting on a hanger. She fondly ran a hoof over one of the short sleeves before removing it from the rack. A few flecks of dust resting on the shoulders floated up and tickled her nose.

Her eyes crossed, Spitfire’s nose twitched. She opened her mouth to breathe, then felt the familiar tingle. She turned to cover her face with her leg and sneezed so hard her ears popped.

Lovely. She sniffed and looked her jacket over. “I’m gonna have to borrow Soarin’s roller,” she muttered. “Good thing he brought his.”

Tedious, but nothing to fuss over. What was a few extra minutes spent making sure she didn’t have any hairs or dust on her jacket while eating with a princess?

Spitfire gave turned it around to check her medals, her heart sank as her eyes flitted down. “Oh, pluck my feathers!” she groaned. Not good. How was she supposed to explain this to Soarin and Fleetfoot?

Soarin stuck his head around the doorjamb. “Spits? What’s wrong?”

Without saying a word, Spitfire held out her jacket for him to see. She heard him mutter something under his breath before saying, “Spits, what the hay happened to your buttons?”

Here we go. Spitfire kept her gaze fixed on the closet, not daring to turn and meet his eye. “They got ripped off,” she ground out through gritted teeth.

“Okay,” he said slowly. After a moment’s pause, he added, “How did they get ripped off?”

“What’s this about getting ripped off?” Fleetfoot’s voice sounded from the sitting room.

“Spits’ buttons are missing!” Soarin called back.

“No way!” Rainbow chimed in her raspy voice. “Seriously?”

Spitfire flicked an ear at the sound of two sets of hooves walking toward her. Fleetfoot spoke again, this time from beside Soarin. “How the hay did she manage that?”

“Good question! Spits?” Soarin asked, turning back to her. “How’d you manage that?”

Her ears pinned back against her scalp. She could already picture the grin that would spread across his muzzle, the way his ears would perk right up at the chance to tease her. And that girlfriend of his was no different.

Rainbow Dash was the wildcard, but Spitfire was willing to bet she’d join right in. She’d been getting awful comfy with the three of them, a far cry from the starstruck filly who won the Best Young Flyers Competition.

Which left Spitfire with two options: talk or escape.

She’d have to deal with Soarin if she chose the latter. He’d always been the power flyer, and could easily wrap her up tight and hold her against his broad chest while Fleetfoot and Rainbow wheedled it out of her.

Her eyes flitted to her jacket. It was already damaged, it could be sacrificed to help her make a quick escape. Just toss it at Soarin, then give him a good shove into the other two, and she could be out the window before they could figure out which end was up. She would happily take her chances in the air against the three of them if she got a good head start. All she needed was a place to duck into and hide until it was time for dinner with Princess Luna.

Of course, that just delayed the inevitable.

The moment she set hoof in the suite again, Fleetfoot would have Soarin grab her for interrogation.

Spitfire sighed. Damn. She looked down at the carpet at her hooves and mumbled the answer under her breath.

“Wait, she what?” Fleetfoot sniggered. “Say that again!”

Oh right. Ol’ bat ears was in the room.

Double damn.

“I said Twilight ripped them off with her magic,” Spitfire grumbled. “She couldn’t get them with her hooves.”

There was silence. Slowly, she glanced back at the ponies standing in the doorway, promptly wincing when she saw Rainbow sitting on the floor with her hooves stuffed in her mouth and eyes screwed shut while she tried not to laugh.

Fleetfoot simply snorted and shook her head as she brought a hoof to her forehead and sighed. “Oh, Spits.”

“So!” Soarin said, grinning and clasping his hooves together. The way his face lit up was more akin to a foal on Hearth’s Warming morning than a full-grown stallion. “Let me see if I have this right!”

Spitfire let her shoulders slump. “Can we please not?”

“You’ve got dinner with Princess Luna, presumably to discuss your relationship with Twilight, who you’ve had sex with twice—once in the castle itself …”

“Yes.”

“It’ll probably be a nice affair, so dressing up is kinda required.”

“Uh huh.” Why me?

“But you can’t wear your jacket because Twilight Sparkle ripped it off in her haste to get to that first little tumble through the thunderheads.” Soarin waggled his ears. “And now you get to explain to Princess Luna—who’s kinda related to Twilight via marriage—why you’re not in Class A dress when you show up for dinner tonight. Anything I missed, or does that just about cover it?”

Spitfire gritted her teeth and gave a slow, stiff nod. “Yes, Soarin. Thank you so very much for that assessment. Is there anything else you’d like to add to further drive home how thoroughly screwed I am?”

He shook his head. “Nah, nothing to add. Just a request, really.”

“I’m afraid to ask … but I will.” She closed her eyes and braced for it. “What do you want, Soarin?”

She felt his hooves touch her shoulders, she opened one eye to regard the stallion beaming at her with a half-hearted glare.

Soarin simply grinned wider. “Can I please be there when you tell her? Pretty please with cirrus berries, sprinkles, and cherries on top?”

And there it is. Triple damn. “Soarin?”

“Yeah, Spits?”

“I hate you. Go rut yourself with a cactus.”

“Will you let me be there when you tell her if I do?”

Spitfire snarled and threw her jacket down on the floor. She gave him a rough shove, then jabbed a hoof at him and Fleetfoot. “If I survive tonight, the two of you are flying until your damn wings fall off!”

“Punishment for a bit of good-natured ribbing?” Fleetfoot crooned. “Oh, Spits, now you’re just making it worth sharing with the rest of the team!”

That did it. Soarin and Rainbow Dash fell over, kicking their hooves in the air as they laughed raucously while Fleetfoot just fixed Spitfire with a smug smirk.

I can’t win. Sighing, Spitfire walked over to her bed and flopped onto it, covering her face with her hooves and wings. “I hate all of you.”

12. Dinner With the Night Princess

Spitfire licked her dried lips, her eyes wandered over Canterlot Castle’s foyer, flitting from splendorous paintings of battles fought and deeds of kindness from ages ago to the architecture itself, even to the stony-faced expression worn by each of the Royal Guard.

Spitfire rubbed the back of her neck. Though they all kept their eyes straight ahead, she could feel their gazes on her.

It’s like they know, or something. She gave a crooked smile and pinned back her ears. Did Shining tell his entire friggin’ force that I was dating his little sister?

Come to think of it, that wasn’t entirely out of the question. If somepony tried dating Blaze or Rapid, she’d have the top squad line the main hallway on base in full force so the daft fools would have to endure the same, add in a few choice words and threats, of course.

Her wings rustled. Spitfire tried not to tap a hoof against the polished tile floor, she drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Royalty was supposed to be waited on, but one wasn’t supposed to look like they were waiting for royalty to appear.

That much had been drilled into her when she first made it into the Wonderbolts’ officer school—never make one of the princesses feel like they’ve inconvenienced you. They are important, their time is infinitely more important, and, what’s more, you answer to them.

It didn’t help her nerves that her Class A uniform jacket was currently sitting in a crumpled heap in her suite closet, with its buttons still missing.

Her mind wandered back to that night in the gardens, a heated blush colored her cheeks as she remembered that teasing smirk and the way the Night Princess so casually offered her …

Spitfire felt her heart skip a beat. Her ears pinned flat against her scalp.

“Perhaps you would prefer a taste of Twilight’s flower, then?”

She was almost certain she would burst into flames in the middle of the foyer. Princess Luna knew. Cirrus, even Princess Celestia seemed to know something was up!

Was that why she’d been asked to dine with Princess Luna, and Twilight with Princess Celestia? One princess to put the fear of Nightmare Moon in her, the other to hold Twilight close under wing?

“Be at ease, Captain. Methinks such stress will put gray in your mane before you reach your thirtieth year!”

Spitfire let out a yelp and took flight, her heart raced. The sound of raucous laughter reached her ears.

Below, Princess Luna gaze up at her, a mischievous smile playing upon her lips and her eyes dancing with mirth. “A bit skittish, aren’t we, Captain?”

Sighing, Spitfire slowly lowered herself to land before her princess. She bowed low. “Sorry, Princess Luna. I was lost in thought and I didn’t hear you approach.”

If possible, those teal eyes seemed to light up even more. “No trouble at all,” Luna replied, waving a hoof. “I’m quite talented at stealth, Captain Spitfire. Something I fear you’ll find yourself quite familiar with, given your blossoming relationship with my young friend and fellow princess. Admittedly, I was hoping to see how you might react to a bit of a scare.” Her smile tugged into a grin. “As the young ponies would say, you should’ve seen your face.”

Spitfire gave a weak chuckle as she stood up straight. A princess who loved tricks?

Her thoughts returned to their talk, how Princess Luna delighted in teasing her and found her reaction upon realizing she’d fallen asleep entertaining.

Perhaps she shouldn’t be so surprised.

“Y-Yeah, I guess so.” Grimacing, Spitfire let her amber eyes fall to the floor. “I’m sorry I’ve appeared before you out of uniform this evening, Princess Luna. The buttons popped out due to a bit of … um …”

Princess Luna raised an eyebrow. “Clumsy hooves?” she offered coyly.

Spitfire swallowed a lump, forcing herself to return Princess Luna’s smile with a very wide, very forced grin. “Yes! That’s exactly it! Clumsy hooves, late night after the Gala, you know how it is!” She shrugged her shoulders and fluffed her wings, trying her best to appear casual. “But I’m sure you don’t want me to bore you with the details.”

“Hmm, well, perhaps not all of them.” Princess Luna stepped closer until her larger frame was flush against Spitfire’s left side, she leaned down to whisper, “Would you like me to pretend I think it was your hooves that ruined your jacket, or perhaps I could interest you in swinging by the gardens for a quick snack on Twilight’s violets as an appetizer?”

With a strangled squeak, Spitfire took a big step to her right. “I—uh—Dinner!” she managed to stammer out. “Dinner! Right, we’re supposed to do that thing!”

“Indeed we are.” Giggling, Princess Luna shrugged. “I suppose the violets can wait.”

Oh, Celestia she’s gonna try to make me burst into flames before we even get to dinner. Flicking her tail, she looked away. “So, um, are we supposed to go to the dining hall again—oh, wait, that’s probably where Twilight and the others are …”

“Correct. I would’ve preferred we dine in, but my sister called dibs, as it were.” Princess Luna nodded toward the door. “So, I figured we could eat at a rather nice Neighponese restaurant on Moonlight Road. My niece recommended it rather highly, as did her husband, and I have yet to have the chance to try. Would that be agreeable to you?”

Spitfire bobbed her head. “Whatever you say, Princess. I’m honored to dine with you.”

Princess Luna’s smile faltered for a second, her brows knitted together. She wrinkled her nose and sighed, then beckoned Spitfire to follow her out the door. “Come along, Captain. I have a carriage ready for us.”

Blinking, Spitfire tilted her head. Had she said something wrong? Was she supposed to bow when she agreed to Princess Luna’s choice?

She shook herself and bounded after the princess. Whether or not she’d misspoken, Spitfire knew for certain she wasn’t supposed to dawdle. Royalty was meant to be waited on.

They weren’t supposed to wait on her.

Spitfire had dined with the princesses in the past, but it was rarely a one-on-one situation. If it ever was, she would always be sitting across from Princess Celestia on one of the balconies in Canterlot Castle while they discussed the next show or some of the prospects she was looking into bringing up.

Never before had she sat across from Princess Luna without the elder princess close by, let alone in a fancy Neighponese restaurant like Fuyu no Tsuki.

“Winter Moon,” as the princess seated on the cushion across from her had so happily supplied.

She shifted, trying her best to be subtle as she struggled to make herself comfortable on the cushion while Princess Luna looked over the menu.

Her eyes darted around the room to each of the Princess’ guards, clad in their deep purple armor as they stood at post—two to each entrance, one by the three windows, and one a mere three paces from Princess Luna herself.

“You should relax,” Princess Luna said without looking up from her menu. “Such posture will make your bones ache when you get older.”

With a yelp, Spitfire sat up straight. “Yes, Your Highness!”

Princess Luna sighed and lowered her menu. She folded her hooves, her brows knitted together as she stared silently at Spitfire for a moment. “There’s no need to be so formal and stiff in my presence,” she said, a ghost of a smile flitted across her muzzle. “I promise I won’t bite.”

“R-Right. Of course not.” Spitfire forced a smile, but her ears drooped low. Her wings unfurled and fluffed, ready to wrap around like twin, downy shields. The memory of their conversation was still fresh in her mind, both the subject …

And how it transitioned seamlessly from the waking world to her own dream.

The menu!

Spitfire snatched it off the table and quickly brought it before her face. Come on, breathe, she scolded herself. Pull your head out of the clouds and treat this like a flight routine. That’s all this is. A flight routine. With a princess. A princess with the power to walk into your dreams.

Maybe focusing on what she wanted to eat would help ease her frayed nerves.

Her eyes wandered over the page. While Neighponese food wasn’t necessarily her favorite, she’d tried it once or twice before. The taste was certainly exotic, and the use of shellfish and fish was rather similar to a few gryphons she’d met on international tours.

Shrimp and scallops were usually a safer bet, in her experience. Not that fish was bad, but some dishes tended to leave the head in place.

I could do without my food staring back at me while I eat it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed their waitress approach to take their orders. Princess Luna greeted the mare cordially, slipping into Neighponese with ease, much to her surprise. After a quick byplay, that left the younger mare’s cheeks tinged a rosy hue and bowing repeatedly, it was Spitfire’s turn.

“Uh …” Shoot. “Can I just get the scallop dinner with the vegetable mix and rice?”

“Hai—Pardon me. Yes, ma’am.” The waitress bowed. “And for your drink? Or will you be joining Her Highness in trying our plum sake?”

Spitfire’s gaze flitted to the menu again, then to Princess Luna. Perhaps a stronger drink might be helpful here. “Sure, I’ll give it a shot.”

Princess Luna smiled. “Excellent.” She turned to the waitress and added a few more words in Neighponese that made the mare bow lower, then scurry away as fast as her hooves could carry her.

Raising a brow, Spitfire glanced after her. “Geez, she moved like her tail was on fire.”

“Her family owns the restaurant,” Princess Luna said. “I told her that I found the aesthetic quite pleasant and that I’d heard wonderful things from Cadence and Shining Armor. Her reaction was rather predictable, but I do enjoy seeing my ponies happy.” With a low chuckle, she fluffed her feathers. “It’s nice to see you settling in as well.”

Spitfire started. She turned slowly, her ears laid flat. “I’m sorry, Princess. It’s just … well, there’s getting grilled by family, and then there’s getting grilled by three out of four princesses because you’re dating the fourth.”

“Dating into royalty is often that way.” Flicking her starry mane, Princess Luna crossed her hooves and laid them on the table. “Are you worried, then?”

Worried?

“About what?”

“About the ramifications, the consequences, anything, really.”

Unbidden, the image of Princess Celestia floated to the forefront of her mind. That calculating stare, the small frown marring her muzzle as she stared at Spitfire like she was studying her every move, her every word.

Spitfire licked her lips. “I’m not worried about my career, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Not necessarily, though I will admit complications with Twilight could, in theory, create some on that front as well. But, no, that’s not what I meant by consequences.”

A shiver ran down Spitfire’s spine. “I don’t suppose this means you’re revoking your support, then?”

Princess Luna gave an amused snort. “Nothing of the sort, actually. I extended it and I’ve yet to find you dragging Twilight into trouble in the last twenty-four hours, so I see no reason to pull it, as it were.” Her smile faltered. “Do you think me so flighty that my word means nothing?”

“No!” Spitfire quickly bowed her head. “I didn’t mean to imply that at all!”

“Oh, good. I was worried for a moment.” A pained smile spread across her muzzle. “Emotionally sound is not a phrase one would use to describe my history, is it?”

Spitfire winced. “I wouldn’t hazard a guess, Princess.”

Another snort. “Back to being stiff, are we? Has my sister’s prodding truly unsettled you so much, Little Flame?”

Goldenrod ears twitched. Spitfire’s head snapped up, she gaped at the princess, her mouth working wordlessly as she searched for the words. “Where did you—”

“The same place we finished our conversation last night,” Princess Luna replied. “You have such lovely dreams of home, Captain.”

Spitfire felt her blood run cold. There it was again. Another reminder she was dating into a family far more powerful than mere titles or the crowns they wore.

Two who raise the sun and moon, one who can spark love, and one who can learn any spell there is. She swallowed a lump in her throat. And whatever else they have under their hats.

Princess Luna caught her look. “If it’s any help, I’m bound by oath never to reveal the specific contents of your dreams to others.” Thinking a moment, she added, “My guards have taken similar oaths, so to avoid possible gossip.”

“I see.” Spitfire fidgeted. “I, er, hope you don’t take offense, but the whole dream walking thing is something I’m not entirely used to, Princess.”

“I understand. Though I have helped many overcome their nightmares, I do find many things have changed since my banishment. Whether or not my intrusion is always welcome is one of them.” She heaved a sigh and shook her head. “One of many things that has changed. So too have relationships, it seems.” Her smile returned in full. “Were one to dare tread in one of our chambers in that age, they would have been jailed on the spot. Or, alternatively …”

Mirth shone in those teal eyes. Princess Luna leaned forward, fixing Spitfire with a half-lidded stare. “You would have been expected to marry Twilight so she could save face.”

Spitfire coughed. “I, er, uh …” Darn it. She hung her head and heaved a sigh. “That bit with Twilight’s flowers wasn’t just a coincidental euphemism, was it?”

Princess Luna let out a laugh. “No, Captain, it was not.”

Oh boy. “Can I ask how?”

“Multiple sources.” Princess Luna chuckled. “First and foremost is that my guards caught you both leaving Twilight’s suite together, the second is something that’s become a personal favorite of mine: staff gossip.” She raised her brows. “The third is something I’m afraid I can’t say.”

Blinking, Spitfire tilted her head. “Why not?”

“For the same reason I cannot discuss or divulge the contents of your dreams to any other than you.”

A dream?

Spitfire wrinkled her nose. If Princess Luna couldn’t talk about it in her presence, then who—

It clicked.

Her heart skipped a beat. Spitfire felt her cheeks burn. An awkward smile spread slowly across her muzzle. “Ah. Twilight, then.”

Princess Luna simply smiled. “I would appreciate it if you didn’t press her on the matter. Twilight does know of my ability, but if she were to know what I happened upon before I realized and left, I daresay she would avoid my gaze for quite some time.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Spitfire mumbled. She winced and ducked her head. “Er, sorry. Slipped out.”

“No apology needed. Just keep it to yourself and I shall consider us even.”

The waitress came trotting in with a tray bearing a white bottle and two sake saucers held aloft in the pink glow of her magic. She moved quietly, setting the tray down on the table and pouring the sake before each of them.

Spitfire took her saucer in hoof, mumbling a soft “thanks” while she inspected the drink. Curious, she took a sniff. It held a rather sweet scent, almost like the flower itself, but with the familiar bite of alcohol.

Princess Luna nodded to the mare. “Thank you, Sakura,” she said. “If you wouldn’t mind, please bring us some tea out for our meal as well. I doubt we’ll be drinking sake all night.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Sakura bowed low, then scurried out of the room.

Chuckling, Princess Luna floated her saucer up. “To your health, Captain,” she said.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” she replied, raising her own saucer. “To your health as well.”

They drank in unison. The floral taste was sweet, but did little to distract from the burn in the back of her throat. Spitfire took a deep breath and blinked several times. “Hurricane’s pinions! This is strong stuff!”

“Neighponese sake usually is quite strong. Hence why it takes little to get a pony drunk.”

“No fooling! I gotta make sure my team never sneaks this onto one of our trips, or I’ll be doing laps in the hospital visiting all their rooms!”

“Indeed. My sister has told me of Firestorm’s reputation.” Waggling her ears, Princess Luna poured them both another saucer of sake. “Isn’t this more fun? Just the two of us sharing drinks and dining together?”

Spitfire gave her tail a flick. “I was half expecting this to be less cordial, Princess. Figured it would be another questioning session.”

“I see. Tell me, then, have you forgotten the promise I made last night?”

“I believe your wording was that I would ‘feel the brunt of your displeasure.’”

“Excellent. Then there is no need for further questioning.” Humming, she brought a hoof to her chin. “What else, I wonder. I know I had something—ah! Yes!” Princess Luna levitated her saucer once again, smiling brightly. “To what I hope is the beginning of a wonderful relationship with my young friend.”

Sitting up a bit straighter, Spitfire returned her smile and raised her saucer in kind. “I’ll definitely drink to that.”

The pair downed their second saucer together. Spitfire gasped, letting the cool air tickle her burning throat. She set her saucer down on the table, closer to the edge as a indication that she was finished drinking.

Just in time for Sakura to return with a pair of trays floating in her magic’s glow.

Spitfire’s nostrils flared, the scents of jasmine rice and scallops made her feathers fluff. She hadn’t eaten shellfish since the team did a goodwill event with Gryphonia’s Screaming Talons.

Amber eyes met teal. Princess Luna smiled and nodded as Sakura set their plates before them, then took up a pair of chopsticks in her magic.

Their conversation could continue after they’d eaten.

“I might just have to make this place a regular stop when I come to town for meetings,” Spitfire said, swishing her tail and licking her lips to savor the meal’s remnants. “This and that Istallion place. Don Contorno’s, I think.”

Princess Luna raised a brow and floated a cup of steaming tea before her. “For the food, or because the latter is one of Twilight’s favorite restaurants?”

Spitfire ducked her head, a crooked smile made its way across her muzzle. “A bit of both.”

“Good. She’ll enjoy that quite a bit.” Her lips twitched. “Speaking of, I would imagine you could turn Canterlot into a nice midway point between Ponyville and Cloudsdale.” Shrugging, Princess Luna took a sip of her tea. “Not that I mean to direct you toward anything, of course. Consider it food for thought.”

Spitfire sat up a little straighter. There it was again. Hinting at how she might further things with Twilight and move toward something lasting, and right after reminding her of the promise she made.

Her ears perked up. “Can I ask you something?”

Snorting, Princess Luna smiled. “You already have, but yes.”

Smart aleck. Spitfire flicked her tail, but kept her snark to herself. “I don’t mean to press or anything, but I’m a bit confused.”

“By what?”

“The way you talk about Twilight and me. One minute, it’s like you’re all in favor and completely fine with what we’re trying. But then there’s that promise you’ve made.” Spitfire let her gaze fall to the table. “I don’t want to assume anything, but it’s almost like you expect me to make a mess of things with her.”

Like I do every time.

Princess Luna scoffed. “If that’s what you’ve gotten from our talks, then I would advise you have your ears checked.”

Spitfire reared back as if she’d been struck across the face. “E-Excuse me?”

“I don’t believe I stuttered.” Princess Luna let her teacup float to rest on the table, steepling her hooves. “I said that I would support your relationship with Twilight because I value her happiness and respect her as an adult, never once did I say that I approved of everything that’s happened between you two. In fact, I recall telling you that I disapproved of her allowing you into her room the night of the Gala. To be perfectly blunt, it does trouble me that you two know one another in a more intimate sense after only a few short days together.” Her eyes narrowed. “That it was after only a few short hours is something I most certainly don’t approve.”

A cold shiver ran down Spitfire’s neck. The timberwolf’s breath was back, and this time, it had brought its pack.

She licked her lips. “I—we—Twilight and I sat down and sorted things afterward …”

Sighing, Princess Luna rolled her eyes. “And there you go again. Does no pony listen when I speak?” She turned to the guard posted on her right. “Am I speaking in tongues, Sleepless Night?”

The stallion shook his head. “No, Princess.”

“Excellent. So it’s not me then.” Her gaze fell upon Spitfire once again. “For your benefit, I will remind you—yet again—of our discussion last night. Do pay attention this time.”

Spitfire ducked her head, trying to make herself smaller. “Yes, Princess.”

Princess Luna brought her hooves up to massage her temples. “Young ponies these days. I truly do despair,” she muttered. Then, she said, “I may not approve of how quickly things have moved, but, as I said last night, I am not in this relationship. You two are grown mares. As long as you treat Twilight with respect and act like an adult in this, I won’t speak against it.” Her brows flatlined, her eyes bored into Spitfire. “In short, don’t upset my friend or I will be angry. Otherwise, it’s really not my business. Are we clear?”

“Crystal, Princess.”

“Good, then we understand one another.” Her smile returned. Princess Luna brought her cup to hover before her again. She stopped short, thinking for a moment. “I should caution you, though. My sister will not give her support so easily.”

The chill returned. Spitfire cringed and let her ears droop. “Princess Celestia did seem rather cold this morning …”

“Abnormally so, yes. Especially with that choice of story to discuss.” Sighing, the Night Princess shook her head. “She always was a bit jealous with how she guarded those closest to her. Twilight is no exception for rather obvious reasons.”

“Yeah. Former student and all.”

“Quite.”

Spitfire sucked in a breath through her teeth. “Do you think she knows that Twilight and I, er … y’know?”

“Were intimate the very night she set the pair of you up?” Princess Luna supplied.

Oh, geez, that’s right. I’m so clipped. “Yes. That.”

She simply shrugged. “I cannot say for certain, but given her mood this morning, the possibility is quite real.” Raising an eyebrow, she asked, “Are you nervous?”

“Nervous? Me?” Spitfire forced a grin. “Whatever gave you that impression?”

Princess Luna’s brow arched higher, her only response a deadpan stare.

Spitfire’s grin fell. She let her wings unfurl and begin to wrap around her. “I’m scared out of my wits,” she admitted. “I don’t think I’ve been this nervous since my tryout.”

“I appreciate your honestly.” Princess Luna nodded once. “You’ll need it again when my sister does decide to speak with you.”

Blinking, Spitfire tilted her head. “But you just said you weren’t sure she knows …”

“True, but we both know how important Twilight is to Celestia.” She chuckled and took a sip of her tea. “Regardless of whether or not she’s heard through the grapevine, if you think for one second you’ll be able to date Twilight Sparkle without enduring a lengthy discussion with my sister, I’m afraid I must inform you that you’re sadly mistaken.”

Spitfire’s mouth felt dry. She took a deep sip of her tea to wet it, but to no avail.

Why did she feel like she was about to pull a Hellfire Dive with her wings tied?

Actually, I might have a better shot with that. She reached up to rub her mane, her ears drooped. “Any advice for what to do when the time comes?”

Chuckling, Princess Luna moved to refill her cup. “Advice? Certainly.” Bringing her cup to her lips, she smiled. “Honesty and sincerity.”

13. White Wings

“It’s been a while since it’s just been us, I think,” Celestia said, smiling as she swirled a glass in her magic’s warm, golden glow. “Too long for my tastes.”

Twilight beamed and let her gaze wander around the table. Her brother and Cadence sat close together, as per usual, directly across from her, while Celestia took her rightful place at the head of the table. The seat on the opposite end stayed empty, reserved for Luna alone.

Just as it should be.

“I don’t think we’ve all been together like this since before Spike and I left for Ponyville,” she noted. A smile tugged at her lips. “We didn’t even have a dinner together when you two took the Crystal Throne.”

Shining coughed. “Let’s not even go there.” He rubbed at the back of his head, pointedly ignoring the way Cadence tittered behind a hoof. “We’ve only just got the crystal ponies all settled and comfortable, so I’m relieved we can leave without them worrying that we’ve legged it. They’re still worshipping Spike, for crying out loud!”

“Well, he did catch the Crystal Heart,” Cadence said as she leaned over to rub shoulders with him.

“Oh, I know. It’s just that if I have to hear about how lucky I am to be related to ‘Spike the Great’ one more time, I’m going to pull out his hatchling pictures and talk about some of his less-than-glorious moments.” His brows flatlined. “I changed enough of his diapers while Twily was in school, I have plenty of ammunition.”

Celestia hummed, the tiniest of smirks tugged at her lips. “I believe that still counts as Spike’s own ammunition, Shining.” She shrugged and brought her wine glass to her lips, adding, “Though far be it from me if you’d like to use it against him.”

Twilight had to clap a hoof over her mouth, her cheeks ached as she struggled to hold back her mirth. Across from her, Cadence and Shining Armor showed no such restraint, shamelessly sniggering and gasping out reminders of times they spent with him as a hatchling.

All in all, a nice start.

She levitated her own glass and took a sip. Wine wasn’t typically her thing, but for a quiet dinner, she could break from tradition.

Then again, Twilight rarely opted to partake, yet she let herself get talked into drinking with a trio of Wonderbolts. Though, admittedly, it was really just one of them she wanted to drink with.

Spitfire’s smirking face and lidded stare flashed through her mind. Twilight swished her tail, running her tongue along her lips as she let herself wander over the visage of that beautiful goldenrod coat, her fiery mane and tail, those wide hips, taught thighs, and a rump she could stare at for hours on end.

For scientific purposes, of course. A study in physics.

Mmm, hypothesis: A bit can bounce off Spitfire’s rump and knock out a Royal Guard twenty paces away. Purple feathers fluffed and fluttered. I just need a force gauge, a dummy, a pouch of bits, and a few hours alone in my lab with Spitfire.

The matter of payment could be negotiated—what sort of princess or scientist would she be if she didn’t compensate her own girlfriend for her time.

Twilight had to fight down a happy squeal, though she couldn’t help but let her tail whip back and forth. A bit of fun with her girlfriend was very much welcome.

And a chance to have Spitfire squirming while she tried to stay still would be a nice change of pace from the norm.

“You seem quite pleased with yourself, dear. Something you’d like to share?”

Celestia’s voice jolted her back to reality. Twilight sat bolt upright, her ears perked. A sheepish smile spread across her lips as she found herself the focus of their attention.

Her cheeks colored. “N-No! Nothing!” she squeaked, bringing the wine glass to her lips as though to hide behind it and taking a rather generous sip.

The taste of rose petals and fresh grapes greeted her. A bit sweeter than she preferred, but, then again, Celestia had always been a fan of such things.

It only made sense that it translated over to her wine choices as well.

Sweet or not, it was an easy way to stave off the interrogation, if only for a moment. Twilight licked the remaining droplets from her lips. “I don’t think I’ve had this vintage before,” she said. “Then again, I’m not much of a wine drinker.”

Celestia chuckled and shook her head. “Connoisseur, dear, the term is wine connoisseur.” She paused to take a sip from her own glass, smiling as she savored the taste. “And it’s a Prench vintage called Les Princesses du Ciel. I believe this particular bottle is … fifty years old?” Scrunching her nose, she levitated the bottle off the table and squinted at the table. Her eyes lit up. “Yes, fifty! My memory isn’t entirely gone after all!”

“Oh, come now, Auntie!” Cadence chided playfully, holding her own glass in hoof and leaning forward to fix Celestia with a half-lidded look. “You don’t look a day over thirty, and everypony who pays attention knows your memory hasn’t gone foggy in the slightest! Why, I bet you could tell me all the names of the wyvern lord’s ambassadors for the past three centuries—and he goes through them like you go through cakes!”

Celestia gave an amused snort. “I should hope that isn’t meant literally, otherwise I might have a few choice words for Lord Krasnoye Plamya the next time I visit him.”

“A fine idea,” Shining said with a nod. With an almost lazy, sideways look, he brought raised his glass. “Just make sure he’s already eaten first.”

“Well, I never! I’ll have you know that Krassy and I have built quite the rapport over the years!”

Twilight winced and glanced to Shining, who gave a rather pained smile as he edged away from Cadence. The siblings pinned their ears back and simultaneously took a long pull from their respective glasses.

They knew the gleam in Cadence’s eyes all too well.

“Krassy, hmm?” Three sets of ears flicked, then drooped. That low purr, the very way Cadence swirled her wine around and smiled like a cat who’d just caught a canary. “Auntie …”

“You know, speaking of rapport, why don’t we talk about Twilight?” Celestia pointedly avoided her niece’s annoyed huff and glare in favor of turning her attention back to the youngest princess at the table.

Twilight let out a squeak, her magic flickered, she quickly reached out to the glass just before it hit the table, fumbling it in her hooves.

A golden glow surrounded the glass. Celestia chuckled as she set it down on the table. “I’m just so curious about your relationship with Captain Spitfire,” she said, the smile tugging at her lips once again.

“Uh, um, it’s only been a couple days …” Twilight fidgeted in place. “And I’ve already told you most of the—”

The sound of squeaking wheels and hooves clopping against the tile made her turn toward the doorway. A trio of staff ponies, dressed in white collared shirts with purple and gold striped ties stood at the ready.

“Your Highnesses,” a stallion of pewter coat and blond mane greeted, bowing his head.

Celestia returned his bow with a nod. “Oh, thank you, Haut Savoir! I do believe we’re ready!”

Haut Savoir gave another bow, then directed his fellow staff ponies about. Each trotted forth with their head held high and a covered tray.

Twilight gave a nod of thanks to the mare who slid her tray into place and removed the cover, the scent of seasoned rice and sweet violet petals wafted to her nose. She swished her tail merrily, licking her lips as she levitated her silverware off the black linen, then set the linen in her lap.

A polite cough drew her attention back to Celestia. Her former mentor gave a smile, then said, “I was actually hoping to hear a bit more from your side since it’s a smaller group this time.” She swept a hoof around the table. “A bit more close-knit than the grilling this morning, I think.”

“Ooh, yes!” Cadence bounced in her seat. She beamed at Twilight, leaning forward to prop her head up on her hooves. “You so owe me details!”

Uh oh. Twilight looked to Shining in hope of support, but he just shook his head and sipped at his wine.

“Might as well give up whatever you’ve got,” he said with an almost lazy smile. “You know she’ll get it out of you eventually.”

Drat. He had a point.

Whenever it came to love, Cadence always got her way. Any hint of a crush, even a lingering gaze on a pretty face or the most discretely stolen glance at a passing mare’s tail never escaped her notice. And if it happened while she wasn’t around, she found out somehow.

Twilight had a distinct feeling there were two “somehows” in her case—their names were Shining Armor and Spike.

One of which so happened to be sitting so smugly as he chewed on a mouthful of rice and let his wife set to work cajoling information from her.

She licked her dried lips. “What sort of details were you hoping for?”

Cadence’s eyes danced. “I want to hear more about that little trip to Don Contorno’s!” She leaned forward, propping her hooves up on the table. “And I don’t mean that blasé little ‘oh, we ate dinner, it was nice’ summary you gave us! I want details!”

Oh dear. Twilight took a long pull from her wine. Was it bad form to get tipsy in front of two princesses now that she was a princess? Did it even matter if they were in private?

A small part of her was tempted to find out.

The wine ran out far too soon. Twilight slowly lowered her glass to the table. “Well, we started talking about magic and stuff …”

Laughter swept over the group, Shining shook his head. “I knew you were quick with teleporting, Twily, but that’s some pretty impressive stuff! And all to play a little joke on Captain Fireball, eh?”

Twilight tittered. “Yeah, I wanted to get her off balance for a chance.” Her ear flicked, she tilted her head. “Since when have you called Spitfire ‘Captain Fireball?’”

“Oh, that’s an old joke between us,” he replied, a wicked smirk playing upon his lips. “Ask her about the time I caught her screaming herself hoarse at a pair of Wonderbolt Reserves on the castle grounds back when we first met. I could’ve sworn her mane was fire with how mad she was.”

“I just might. Thanks.”

“I’m rather interested in how close you two have managed to come in such a short time,” Cadence put in. Her feathers fluffed up happily. “All those lessons on love you ignored over the years, but you still managed to catch a nice mare. Military too.” She waggled her ears, shooting a sidelong look at Shining as she stage whispered, “Between you and me, they’re the most fun. Mine squirms.”

Shining rolled his eyes. “I do not squirm,” he grumbled, taking a sip of his wine. “You just nip at my ears.”

“And you squirm as you try to escape!”

“Who wouldn’t?” he scoffed. Shining turned his attention to Twilight again. “So, your note said you went back to Spitfire’s room and finished the story there, then spent the night.” His lips curved into a small frown. “You had me a bit worried for a while. I was about ready to send out a search party.”

Twilight winced, a strained smile crossed her muzzle. “Sorry, Shiny. We just got talking and reading the story, and I lost track of time during the storm …”

An amused snort sounded from the head of the table. Celestia raised a brow at Twilight, a wry smile played upon her lips. “How did you miss the weather schedule, might I ask? We have them posted everywhere.”

“I wasn’t paying attention. At all.”

“I see.” Chuckling, Celestia shook her head and sipped her wine. “Silly filly,” she muttered, before continuing at normal volume, “Well, I’m quite glad you at least enjoyed your time with Captain Spitfire, regardless of that little oversight.”

Twilight smiled despite the burn tinging her cheeks. “Yeah, we both were kicking ourselves for that one. Fortunately, I just cast a small bubble shield spell and we weren’t out of walking distance from her hotel.” Pausing a moment, she nodded toward Shining. “Which is where the note comes in.”

“That makes sense.” Another sip of wine. Celestia’s smile faltered a note, she swirled the wine around in her glass, a look of contemplation flashed across her muzzle. She looked up at the moon, humming a low note. “The moon is quite bright tonight,” she noted. “Beautiful. And the stars dance, so.” Her gaze turned to Twilight again. “Luna must be having a good time with your new girlfriend.”

Twilight glanced up. Was there really a difference? No offense meant to Luna, but as far as Twilight could tell, there wasn’t really much of anything to show she was any happier than normal.

Maybe it was something in how the stars twinkled? Or how the full moon did seem a bit fuller tonight?

More importantly, though, was how Spitfire was doing with Luna herself. While Luna was a valued friend, and a newer mentor figure in the ways of princesshood, Twilight couldn’t help but worry a little. Spitfire and Luna both shared rather … forward personalities.

Spitfire in terms of what she wanted with love, Luna with how she voiced her displeasure.

Twilight bit her lip and let her gaze wander out across the lit buildings and blurry dots of pony forms milling about in the night, as though she hoped to see a flash of goldenrod coat and fiery mane so she could check up on Spitfire.

No such luck, though.

“Speaking of,” Celestia said, jolting Twilight out of her thoughts, “I must wonder where you slept that night, Twilight.”

Her heart skipped a beat. The memory of Spitfire’s hooves wandering over her body, her lips against Twilight’s neck, and a night spent entwined together flashed before her eyes.

Twilight did her best to fight back a blush, she kept her wings clamped firm against her sides. “In her suite, of course,” she replied. “I didn’t want to bother the hotel staff for a room on such short notice, and that’s if they even had one. Imagine, they might’ve tried to kick some poor family out for me or something!”

“Oh, my! That would’ve been a sight!” Cadence tittered into her hoof. “I can almost see the headlines!” She swept a hoof through the air as if pointing out a sign. “Family of four kicked out of Royal Canterlot Hotel so Princess Twilight Sparkle can rest after an afternoon stroll through the park with her girlfriend! Full spread on page seven!”

Shining snorted into his wine glass. “Geez, Cady, not while I’m drinking!” he scolded playfully.

“Your fault for drinking at the time, not mine!”

Celestia frowned at the pair, a hint of irritation at being interrupted flashed in her eyes before she schooled her expression. “Yes, very droll, you two. Now, if we could focus.” She glanced toward Twilight again. Her lips tugged into a tiny smirk, like a cat watching a mouse try to squirm its way out of being cornered.

Why did Twilight feel like she was sitting in her desk at school again all of the sudden?

And since when had Canterlot nights been so hot?

Those ancient purple eyes narrowed. “I appreciate your thoughtfulness for the hotel staff,” Celestia said, her tone that of a mother happily playing along with her foal’s game, “but that’s not what I was asking, Twilight.”

Twilight felt her muscles tense. Her smile strained. “Sorry. I figured you just meant it like did I get a room or something.”

“Not quite, but that does transition to a more specific line of questioning. Since you’ve made it clear you want to play the game.” Celestia raised a brow. “Where in the Spitfire’s suite did you sleep, my dear?”

Her wings rustled. Twilight quickly downed another sip of wine. How could she word it so Celestia didn’t assume the worst?

Or, rather, that she didn’t discern the truth.

Flicking her tail, Twilight glanced down and away. Her ears splayed back to lay against her scalp.

Celestia sighed. She closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. “By your silence, I can hazard a guess. Would I be correct in assuming that you slept in her bed?”

Twilight flinched, giving a single nod in reply.

“I see.” Another sigh. The ancient princess finished off the last bit of her wine, then placed the glass down on the table. “I suppose there’s no easy way to say it—I know about the night you spent together at the Gala.”

A cold sensation dropped into the pit of her stomach. Twilight felt her heart skip a beat, her mouth ran dry. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she stammered.

With a snort, Celestia opened her eyes and fixed Twilight with a look she’d seen only once before, the very same as the day she’d used the Want It, Need It spell. Disappointment. Like a mother looking down her nose at a naughty filly with her hoof caught in the cookie jar. But with more weight than any other.

She was disappointed in her student.

Shining coughed. “Um, Princess?” he spoke up, raising a hoof. “I don’t mean to interrupt or correct, but we already knew Spitfire slept in Twily’s suite. Like, on the couch downstairs. They might’ve been together, but—”

“No, she did not,” Celestia cut across him, her eyes never left Twilight. “They slept in the same bed, but that’s not the entirety of the story, is it, dear?”

“There’s more to it?” Shining turned his head so quick, Twilight could almost hear his joints pop. His deep blue eyes burrowed into hers as though she were one of his recruits. He furrowed his brows, his shoulders slumped a little. “Twily, please don’t tell me you went that far on the first night.”

Something about his tone, the way he looked at her sparked a fire within Twilight. The same defensiveness she felt when she sidled close to Spitfire at breakfast made her sit up a little straighter. “Does it really matter?” she asked, her jaw set.

“Yeah, it kinda does!”

“Then how far do you think I went?”

“I’m hoping it wasn’t too much beyond cuddling or kissing, but at this point, I’m getting a little worried!”

“Why?” Twilight huffed, her gaze flitted to each pony in turn. “We both were sober, I was fine with it and so was she, so what’s the issue?”

Cadence chose that moment to jump in. “I think it’s less a moral issue as it is worrying for how soon you went to that sort of thing. Admittedly, I think you should’ve waited a bit longer. At least three or four dates.”

“Dates?” Celestia raised a brow. “Cadence, please. This should have been quite some time down the line. The pair only just met—”

“Which you arranged,” Twilight reminded.

Celestia grimaced. “Yes. That much is true, and I won’t deny it. However, my point stands, dear.” She sighed and brought a hoof to massage the bridge of her snout. “I don’t mean to talk down to you, Twilight. I’m just concerned is all. You’re young, this is your first relationship. Don’t you think—”

“I think I’ve spoken with Spitfire on the matter,” she shot back. Her feathers bristled, she gritted her teeth. “What difference does it make if this is my first, second, or third girlfriend? I’m an adult, a princess no less! And Spitfire’s an adult, too!”

“Twily, we’re not saying you’re a foal or anything.” Shining reached across the table and took her hoof, offering a small smile and a gentle squeeze. “It’s just, well, this is something you haven’t really dealt with and we don’t want you to get your hopes up for something that, uh …” he trailed off, his eyes flitted away, he looked to Cadence for support.

A sad smile crossed Cadence’s muzzle. “What Shining means to say is that what bothers us is that you’re leaping headlong into things.” She rolled a hoof through the air, searching for the right words. “Dating is supposed to be more of an exploration process, two ponies coming to spend time together and see if what they feel for one another is real enough or strong enough to carry on to something more.”

Twilight’s nostrils flared. She gritted her teeth, her tail flicked angrily. They were doing it. Treating her like a little filly just because she wasn’t experienced in the area. With a scowl, she wrenched her hoof from Shining’s grasp. “You know, I probably did myself a disservice in not paying attention all your lessons growing up,” she said, fixing Cadence with a baleful look. “I could’ve probably quoted the exact things you said that supported exactly what Spitfire and I are doing right now.”

Cadence drew back as if she’d been slapped across the face. “I’m not trying to take a stand against you dating her, Twily. There’s no need to be so defensive.”

Something sparked within Twilight. That did it.

“No need to be defensive? Hardly.” She stood and placed her forehooves on the table, her chair scraped against the floor. “If you three are going to sit here and preach to me on how I’m supposed to go about dating my girlfriend, then, please excuse me if I take a bit of offense.”

To her right, Celestia stood slowly. The disappointed look in her eyes left in favor of something else, a glimmer of sadness and hurt. “Twilight, please,” she said. “We’re only trying to think of what’s best for—”

Twilight held up a hoof, cutting her teacher off. Her chest heaved, she looked down at the table and tried to keep her shoulders from shaking. Her first girlfriend and she couldn’t get a little support from the ponies she loved?

Her eyes clenched shut. She drew in a deep breath through her nose, then let it out slowly through her mouth. After a moment of quiet fury, she nodded to herself. “I’m done,” she muttered.

“What? Twily, please! Don’t do this,” Shining said. She heard his chair scrape against the floor as he stood, she felt his hoof brush against her shin just like he would to soothe her when she was younger. “Sit down and talk with us, don’t go away mad. We’ve still got dessert, and I really do want to—”

“No.” Twilight jerked her hoof away from his. “No. I don’t want dessert and I don’t feel like talking anymore. I’m done.” She took another breath. “You three can have it together. Or don’t. I don’t care. I need some time to myself.”

"Just give us a second here!" Pink light wreathed his horn. Yet another shield spell. The third since she'd come to Canterlot for the Gala.

Except this time, Cadence wasn't there to stop her from picking the lock.

Her magic leapt to life, in a burst of magenta, she teleported. For split second, she felt the slightest tug of his magic trying to anchor her to the balcony, but she jerked herself free as if pulling away from his embrace. He'd get a nice, sharp headache for his troubles, just like the one she got when he sprang his first up a couple mornings prior. The smooth touch of the balcony floor left her hooves, replaced instead by the cold paved road leading up to Canterlot Castle, just outside the Grand Entrance. Twilight let her ears splay back, her jaw ached as she grit her teeth and tried to fight back angry tears.

“Princess Twilight?” a Royal Guard called from somewhere behind her. Probably posted by the door. She heard him take a step forward. “Is something the matter? Do you need help?”

Twilight sniffed and shook her head. “No. I’m just dealing with something personal,” she said, turning to offer a plastic smile to ease the worry written plain upon his snow white face. “Don’t mind me.”

He hesitated, but nodded all the same and returned to his post. Just like a good guard should.

Leaving her to pick up the pieces herself. Twilight brushed the back of her hoof across her face to chase away the tears. She could get through this. Somehow. She always managed to pick herself back up, either by her own power or with her friends’ help.

Her wings rustled. She rubbed her hoof against her shoulder, longing for the soft touch of Spitfire’s downy feathers upon her back as she was pulled in and held against the mare’s chest. There was safety to be had in her embrace. And warmth.

And love.

The sound of carriage wheels rolling along the pavement made her ears perk up and twitch. Twilight opened her eyes, her heart leapt in her chest when she saw the familiar midnight blue and crescent moon cutie mark emblazoned upon the carriage doors, and the matching armor of Luna’s guards upon the stallions pulling it along. Luna was back.

So is Spitfire.

Twilight swished her tail. Despite her dour mood, a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she watched the carriage draw nearer. Coincidence or not, Spitfire was coming back to her exactly when she was needed.

The guards cantered to a halt, both snapped to attention and bowed their heads, greeting her in unison. The carriage door opened, another guard, a pegasus with white coat and blue mane and eyes as blue as the sea stepped out before taking post nearby.

Luna exited first. A warm smile played upon her lips as she descended the steps and noticed Twilight waiting. “Well met by moonlight, Twilight Sparkle,” she said. Her smile turned a bit mischievous, she glanced back into the carriage. “I believe I have something of yours to return.”

On cue, Spitfire poked her head out of the carriage, her lips curved into a playful smirk and brows furrowed as she hopped down to stand between them. “Hers?” she asked with a scoff. She sidled up to Twilight and unfurled her wing, casually trailing her feathers up Twilight’s side before laying it over her back. “I think you’ll find this one is mine, Princess. All do respect of course.”

Twilight didn’t bother correcting her. The soft touch and warmth provided served to wash away all the tension in her body, she pressed up against Spitfire’s side and rubbed her cheek against the smooth goldenrod coat covering her neck. This was exactly what she needed. If that meant she was Spitfire’s, so be it. Just so long as she could stay close and pretend her problems didn’t exist.

She felt Spitfire shift and move to hug her and nose against her cheek. Then, Spitfire stiffened. “Hon? You’re cheeks are a little wet.” To her dismay, Spitfire drew back. “Is something wrong?”

Yes. Very wrong, Twilight thought as she met those brilliant orange eyes. My family is treating me like a filly who doesn’t know how love is objectively supposed to work, and I just want to sit here, get lost in your eyes, and then be carried back to bed so we can cuddle and kiss each other to pieces.

Instead, she held her smile. “I’m just tired,” she said. “And I’d like to—” Twilight broke off to glance at Luna, whose teal eyes seemed to dance with mirth. Her cheeks burned, she ducked her head and looked up at Spitfire. “Um, I think I’d like to go to bed.”

Spitfire’s cheeks tinged a rosy hue, her eyes flitted to Luna as well. “Uh …”

Luna shook her head and laughed. “Young ponies these days! So open with their affection!” She cast a wink at the pair, then trotted toward the main entrance, fluffing her midnight blue wings. “Come along, Sleepless. I believe our young lovers wish to retire for the evening, let us not keep them any longer.”

The guard who’d been in the carriage with them nodded once, then bowed to Twilight before following after Luna.

Silence hung over the pair for a moment. Spitfire coughed, drawing Twilight’s attention once more. “So,” she began. “You mind telling me what happened, hon? And, uh, y’know—” she dropped her voice “—why you just said you wanted me to come to bed in front of freaking Princess Luna?”

Twilight winced. “Sorry,” she muttered, her ears drooped. “It’s just been a rough night and I really want to be with you and fall asleep wrapped up in your wings again.”

Spitfire’s eyes softened. “What happened, hon?”

Twilight shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. I just really would like to be held.” Pausing a moment, she nuzzled their noses together. “Please?”

Nodding, Spitfire pecked her lips. “Of course. Anytime you need me, all you’ve gotta do is ask.” She offered a small smile and rustled her wings. “Wanna fly over together?”

A matching smile spread across Twilight’s muzzle. She fluffed her feathers and leaned in to share a quick kiss with her girlfriend. “I’d like that a lot.”

There was a sort of odd calm that came as a result of a slow, quiet flight with Spitfire that let Twilight take a little time to cool her head. She could just put her frustrations into her wingbeats and sort of enter a state of half-awareness, half-reflection while they flew side by side and let the cool night air run through her mane.

It was like a sort of safety net. They didn’t speak, they didn’t hold each other and cry, they were just together. Spitfire simply flew alongside her, matching pace despite how easily she could have darted forward and try to change things up with a few dazzling stunts.

Was this what she’d been missing out on when she feigned interest in all those talks with Cadence and Rarity? Or when she made a point of looking anywhere but at the happy couples making eyes at each other in Sunlight Park and the benches outside Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns? Or when she stumbled upon weeping fillies and colts behind held by their partner in silence?

A feeling that somepony else was there, ready to help if needed, but staying quiet until the time came.

Sadly, it ended all too soon as they touched down on the front path toward the Royal Canterlot Hotel. Spitfire had thrown a wing over her shoulders and pulled her in tight, almost dutifully, and led her inside, sparing a silent nod toward the doorcolt before guiding her to the elevator and sent them on their way to the top floor.

When they made it to the suite itself, Fleetfoot and Soarin were sitting on the couch. The former turned an ear toward them, confusion had flashed across her muzzle. “Um, Spits?”

Spitfire had shaken her head. “Not right now, Fleet,” she said. “We’re just heading to bed. She’s had a rough night.”

Twilight watched, a bit of relief filled her chest as Fleetfoot nodded in understanding. Soarin, on the other hoof, looked as though he wanted to press a bit further, almost like Shining whenever Twilight came home from school upset because of some bullies.

Her ears drooped. Twilight grit her teeth, her jaw aching as her thoughts turned back to dinner. She flicked her tail. What right did they have to tell her how to live her life? If she wanted to date Spitfire, she would. If she wanted to have sex with Spitfire, she would damn well have sex with Spitfire whenever they were both good and ready for it!

Who gave them the right to tell me when I could move forward with a relationship? An idea came to her. They couldn’t. Nopony could tell her how fast or how slow to move with Spitfire other than the mare herself. And she had Spitfire right next to her, with a nice, warm bed right down the hall. The very same they’d shared a couple short nights ago. The tiniest of smiles spread across her muzzle. Perfect.

Twilight nosed her way under Spitfire’s chin, gently pushing her toward the bedroom. Orange eyes met purple, Spitfire furrowed her brows in concern.

That wasn’t how it was supposed to work. Spitfire was supposed to go with her, like before. Just down the hallway, they could slip into the bedroom and close the door, and Spitfire would be all hers for the night. A quick cone of silence would be more than enough to hide their activities from Fleetfoot and Soarin. She needed this, she needed Spitfire right now.

But if Spitfire wasn’t getting the message, Twilight knew how to help. Her eyes flitted down to the goldenrod coat covering her girlfriend’s neck. As sensitive as her ears might be, Spitfire loved it when she kissed and nipped at her neck. Twilight nuzzled her nose against the soft, velvet smooth coat and parted her lips. A little hint and she would have things her way. She’d have Spitfire all to herself, and she’d show all of them just how much of an adult she was. If she wanted something, she could have it.

Twilight stopped just short, her teeth just inches away from their destination. When had sex been about getting back at ponies? When Spitfire talked about it with her, she always spoke of it with such … respect. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

It was supposed to be between herself and Spitfire, not herself, Spitfire, and the ponies who annoyed her.

This isn’t right. Slowly, Twilight relaxed and closed her lips, turning her move into another nuzzle. It’s not fair to her if I ask for this after not telling her anything.

They could talk tomorrow. After they slept together—preferably with a pair of beautiful goldenrod wings wrapped around her.

She met Spitfire’s gaze again and gave a small, sad smile. “Could you just hold me?” she whispered. “I just want to be alone with you.”

Spitfire returned her smile with a single nod. “Sure thing, hon.” She turned to lead Twilight down the hallway, pausing just long enough to rub their cheeks together then glance at her teammates. “We’re gonna call it an early night. Catch you guys in the morning.”

Twilight only half heard them bid goodnight before giving her own in reply. She closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against Spitfire’s, letting herself be led to the bedroom. The click of the latch made her ears twitch, so too did the thud as Spitfire closed it with a gentle kick.

She trotted over to the bed with Spitfire. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a warm muzzle nose against her cheek, guiding her to roll onto the bed. Twilight opened her eyes in time to see Spitfire join her, crawling over to lay at her side.

“Are you okay?” Spitfire asked softly.

Twilight only gave a sad smile in return. “I’m better now.” She leaned forward to plant a kiss on her girlfriend’s lips, poking her tongue out to tease and savor the taste.

Spitfire fixed her with a warning look. “Hon, no. Not when you’re like this.”

“I know,” she said. “Red.”

“Yes. Very much red right now.” Spitfire’s stern glare fell, concern shone in her eyes. “You can tell me whatever it is.”

Warmth filled Twilight’s chest, her smile grew. “I know. And I appreciate that.” She ran her nose in a slow circle around Spitfire’s muzzle, whispering, “Right now, I just need you to hold and kiss me until we fall asleep together. Can I have that?”

Spitfire nodded, her smile returned. “Definitely.” She kissed Twilight’s nose. “But we’re talking about this in the morning, okay?”

Of course. With a half smile, Twilight bobbed her head. “Tomorrow sounds fine.”

“Good.” Spitfire kissed her nose, then pulled back the covers. Her feathers trailed up Twilight’s side, all the way up to trace along her primaries. A shiver ran down her spine as she leaned into the touch.

She felt Spitfire nose into the crook of her neck, guiding her to lay down on her side. Spitfire laid with her, tugging the covers up to their shoulders. A hoof wrapped around her midsection, pulling her in close until her back pressed against Spitfire’s chest.

Soft lips pressed into her neck, then again close to her jawline until Twilight could only close her eyes and let out a low, contented sigh. Spitfire’s feathers traced along her wing, slowly tickling and caressing her feathers until it wrapped around her barrel, trapping her in the softest, warmest embrace she’d ever felt.

There was safety and security in Spitfire’s embrace. When her wings were around Twilight, she felt at home.

Spitfire trailed kisses up to the corner of her mouth, lingering a moment, her lips brushed against Twilight’s.

Tease. Twilight turned and leaned forward to share a sweet kiss with her girlfriend. The perfect way to end such a trying night.

They parted all too soon. Spitfire fixed her with a half-lidded stare, those brilliant orange eyes of hers so full of affection and something else. The mare ran her nose around Twilight’s muzzle in a slow circle, then drew back just enough to give her nose a tiny, loving lick that set her cheeks aflame.

“Goodnight, hon,” Spitfire whispered. “Sweet dreams.”

It was all Twilight could do not to squirm in her grasp, but she couldn’t stop her feathers from fluffing or the wobbly smile from spreading across her muzzle.

Instead, she leaned in to return the gesture. She gave Spitfire’s nose a tiny lick, then laid her head upon the pillow. As Spitfire followed and nosed her way back into the crook of her neck, a thought came to Twilight’s mind. Something she hadn’t said over the past several days. “Spitfire?” she asked.

“Hmm?” Spitfire’s breath tickled her neck.

“I …” Twilight hesitated. Perhaps it was a bit too soon for that. And the mood, while better, was hardly suitable for such a thing. She swallowed a lump in her throat, her hooves slowly reached up to clasp the one Spitfire so lovingly wrapped around her barrel. “Thank you.”

She would tell her later.

14. Talk With Me, Hon

The soft glow of sunlight peeked through a thin crack in the blinds to bathe the sleeping pair in its warmth. Spitfire let out a soft moan of protest, bringing a hoof up to cover her eyes while keeping the other wrapped around the mare still slumbering beside her.

Why did morning have to come so soon?

Sleep had eluded her for most of the night, she spent most of her time in a sort of worried dozing state as she held Twilight tight in her hooves and wings. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a little voice told her she spent far too much time petting her girlfriend’s mane and watching her as she slept, just to make sure she didn’t wake up in tears or start having nightmares. She never did this sort of thing with Daybreak.

Spitfire took a sort of vindictive pleasure in cramming that annoying little voice in a tiny box and bucking it to the farthest recesses of her mind. There was rarely any comforting back then—all their arguments ended one of two ways: tears and Spitfire sleeping on the couch, or rather passionate sex.

Two young idiots in love who didn’t quite get the whole maturity part of relationships yet. No wonder it hadn’t worked out.

No dwelling, Spitfire scolded herself. She pressed the tip of her hoof against her forehead and rolled it in a slow circle to help clear her thoughts. Daybreak is gone, Twilight is here. She was upset last night and needed help—she still needs help.

Yesterday’s events flashed before her eyes: breakfast with Twilight’s friends, how Princess Celestia gazed at her as if to judge her worth, the talk with Rainbow Dash before she picked up her uniform, the teasing, dinner and drinks with Luna, and then a nice, quiet carriage ride back to the castle so she could meet Twilight again.

Her eyes snapped open. The pain and distress in Twilight’s eyes still lingered vividly, the way all the light and vitality seemed to dim, and the dark tracks of rolling tears against her mulberry coat nearly made her heart skip a couple beats. What all had gone on at dinner while she and Luna were together?

And why had she been so shifty when they met on the castle grounds, then tried to flirt when they got to the room?

A shiver ran down Spitfire’s spine. There was little doubt in her mind what Twilight was trying to do. Nosing into her neck with lips parted like she wanted to start nibbling was hardly a “let’s go lay down together” gesture. Well, it was, but not in the “I need comfort” sense.

Almost on cue, Twilight stirred and let out a sleepy moan of her own. She snuggled up against Spitfire so her back pressed against Spitfire’s belly, groggily maneuvering her head until Spitfire lifted her chin to allow her to lay cheek-to-cheek. A tired smile spread across her muzzle.

Spitfire bit the inside of her cheek. A small part of her wanted to let the sleeping princess rest longer, but the stern, tough-as-nails captain dormant within leapt to life like a roaring flame. Now was not the time to indulge and wait patiently—she’d done that last night and given Twilight a much needed reprieve from whatever had her so frazzled.

Now was the time for the answers she was owed.

Just call me the repo mare. Spitfire allowed herself a little snort at her own joke, then poked Twilight’s shoulder. “Hon,” she hissed, turning so she could nose her way until her mouth was near a slowly perking ear. “Time to wake up.”

Another tired moan, this time punctuated with a whine and Twilight pressing against her as if hoping to appeal to her sense of pity. Or perhaps just make herself as cute as possible so to compel Spitfire to hug her rather than force her to rejoin the waking world. And, credit to her efforts, it almost worked.

Don’t you dare, her “angry Captain Spitfire” voice barked from the corners of her mind. She’s had her rest and comfort, now comes the part where she needs to talk about this. It’s time for a firm, but loving hoof, Spits. Be there for your mare if you want this to work.

A frown tugged at her lips. Spitfire managed to slip her head out from under Twilight’s, and rose up to look down upon her girlfriend. How to move that along, though? Rainbow Dash warned her off being too stern or barking orders like normal, something she didn’t dare try for fear of a repeat of Daybreak.

Am I speaking Prench, you scrub? She could almost imagine herself scoffing and tossing her flaming mane as she fixed some punk kid with a glare. Firm, but loving, Spitfire. Like the nights and mornings you spent together. Be like that in good times and bad.

Of course. Firm, but with a tender, loving care behind it. Just like ma when she came home with a bad test grade or a detention slip.

Spitfire stood on the mattress, and looked down at Twilight with a hint of a fond smile. “C’mon, hon,” she whispered, nosing against her mulberry cheek and tracing fluffy kisses along her jawline. “It’s time to get up and going. And we said we’d talk about last night.”

Yet another whine, this time coupled with the a halfhearted attempt at reaching out blindly with a hoof to tug Spitfire down again. With a sigh, Spitfire gently batted away Twilight’s hoof and hopped over her, landing nimbly on the floor.

Again she nuzzled Twilight. “None of that, hon,” she scolded. “You had me worried when Princess Luna and I got back, and I let you off the hook so you could rest if you promised to talk to me in the morning.” As if Twilight could see with her eyes closed, Spitfire pointed to the blinds. “Sun is up, so time to talk.”

“Nuh uh,” Twilight mumbled. Her first bit of coherent speech for the day. “Room is dark.”

“Room is dark because blinds are closed,” Spitfire countered.

“Still dark. And sleepy.” Her hooves slipped out from beneath the sheets and reached pleadingly for Spitfire.

No can do. Spitfire danced just out of reach, both to escape the grasping hooves and to give herself enough room for a running start. She took a deep breath, then let out a muffled grunt as she bounded and leapt over the bed, spreading her wings so she could fly up and take hold of the drawstring. With a wicked grin, she stole a backward glance at Twilight, then let herself slowly land as she pulled the blinds back.

Sunlight flooded the room like a rush of water through an open door. Twilight let out a squeal of protest and promptly buried her head in the pillow, bringing the blanket up over to help block out the onslaught of light. “Spitfire!”

“Time to get up!” Spitfire made it a point to put as much pep and joy into her tone as possible as she sauntered around the bed and gently poked the shapely lump beneath the sheets. She dotted Twilight’s cheek with a kiss, earning a tiny hum of approval, along with a bleary-eyed glare. Spitfire simply smiled and kissed her again, an idea came to her head. She leaned in to whisper, “How about I run a bath, hon? We can wash up together, then talk while we soak.”

Twilight withdrew her head from her fortress of pillows. “After careful consideration,” she said, “I have decided that your proposal has merit and would be a worthwhile endeavor.”

“I thought you might.” Firm, loving Spitfire one. Stubborn girlfriend, zero.

Laying in a nice, warm tub for a long soak with a beautiful mare wrapped in her hooves was one of the unspoken benefits of having a girlfriend again. Spitfire buried her nose in Twilight’s mane, her eyes fluttered shut as she drank in the scent of watermelon shampoo. Well, for given value of the word “watermelon.” That’s what the bottle said, but she’d never smelled one quite like that. Maybe she was a sucker for the natural raincloud scents they made in Cloudsdale. Far too much of one to appreciate fake watermelon, at least.

In any case, she could take solace in the rather pleasant sound of Twilight’s rhythmic breathing as she rested against Spitfire’s chest and traced small circles in her matted, goldenrod coat. The tiniest of squeaks escaped her lips when Twilight brushed her hoof against her ribcage, which drew a little gasp and a mischievous grin from the princess.

Spitfire fixed her with a mock glare. “I’ve got plenty of experience wrestling trained Wonderbolts and locking them in holds, hon,” she warned, “I can pin those hooves and tickle you just as easy.”

Twilight returned her glare with a bright smile that sent shivers down her spine. “You forget I’ve got plenty of experience with magic, and I can think of a few spells that would leave your limbs stuck to the wall so I have free access to explore every inch of your body.” A light shone in her eyes, she ran her tongue along her lips. “We would have a little fun with that, I think.”

Oh. Oh, yes we could. Swallowing a lump, Spitfire willed her cheeks not to turn pink at the implication. She shook her head a few times, droplets of water from her soaked mane flicked here and there, drawing a shriek and bubbling laughter from Twilight. Come on, mare! Put your game face on! You’re supposed to be the older one in this relationship, act like it.

“Fun as that would be,” she began, “we’re supposed to be talking, not having sex. That’s gotta go on hold for a little bit.” Spitfire furrowed her brows and fixed a stern frown on her muzzle, not quite as harsh as what she gave her crop of cocky rookies, but enough so that the smile ran away from Twilight’s face. “You owe me an explanation for last night’s little … kerfuffle, hon.”

Twilight seemed to shrink in on herself. Her ears drooped, she let her gaze fall to a point somewhere between the lingering soap suds and Spitfire’s belly. Her tail flicked, stirring up a few tiny waves within the tub. “I would rather not,” she muttered.

Playing stubborn again. With a sigh, Spitfire nodded to herself. If Twilight didn’t want to play by the rules, she would have to dust off an old trick. Ma’s old specialty.

Even if it made her feel like a real jerk for pulling that card.

Pursing her lips, Spitfire cupped Twilight’s chin and gently lifted until their eyes met. “That’s not what we agreed on last night,” she said quietly. “I gave you a break so you could rest, even though you looked like a wreck and I wanted to bug you about it.”

A not-so-small part of her felt terrible pulling a guilt trip, but drastic times called for drastic measures. And a weepy girlfriend who refused to talk fell into that category.

By the way Twilight chewed on her bottom lip and let her shoulders slump, the plan worked to perfection. She just had to ignore the little pang in her chest when she saw the hurt flashing in those deep purple eyes. Not at all an easy feat.

Spitfire made a mental note to give Twilight some extra kisses to make up for it later. Lots of them. Possibly with tongue and a little bit of wing play, if the mood permitted. She set that aside for a bit, and maintained her stern stare.

Sighing to herself, Twilight turned so she was face to face with Spitfire and sat back. The water sloshed around in the tub, a few droplets managed to jump over the edge onto the white tiled floor. “I don’t really know if it was worth getting so upset over,” she mumbled. “Or so defensive.” With a moan, Twilight buried her face in her hooves. “Ohhh, they’re going to think I’m even more of a little filly after that!”

“Why don’t you tell me why they’d think that,” Spitfire pressed, “so I can maybe offer a little help? Just start at the beginning, then work your way to what happened.”

Another sigh. Twilight dragged her hooves down her face, her mulberry coat matted and turned a deep purple by the water. She chewed on her bottom lip a moment, then began to recount the events of last night.

Spitfire sat back against the wall to make herself comfortable while she listened. A small smile played upon her lips as Twilight went over the start of dinner, when Cadence pestered her to tell every detail of their dates, which quickly turned into outright laughter at the blush that spread across those mulberry cheeks when she got to the part where the Princess of Love started squealing over their first official date together. She did have to feign a scowl when she heard how Shining approved of Twilight’s little prank—and made a mental note to find a way to get her back for that little teleportation trick later—but, all in all, relaying their time together seemed harmless.

But then, came the part where Twilight lost control of the discussion. Spitfire felt as though an ice block slipped into her stomach, her insides twisted as she listened to Twilight recount how Princess Celestia pressed her on their … less than public activities.

She licked her lips. The world around her seemed to fade into a blur of pale yellow walls and white porcelain tub, Twilight’s voice sounded like it echoed through a deep fog. A trace of movement in the water made her look down to see what had fallen in.

Her knees were shaking. Each little shiver sent out tiny ripples through the tub. The roof of her mouth felt dry and sticky, like old peanut butter stuck to the countertop by an inattentive foal.

Princess Celestia knew. Breakfast yesterday had been tedious, Spitfire spent the entire affair trying not to squirm and qual beneath those seemingly all-knowing, ancient purple eyes. Her only solace the fact that all the venerable ruler had was assumption and possible hearsay. At very least, she could play it off that they were a little hoofsy and fell asleep cuddling. Nothing more.

But with every word Twilight said, her heart sank lower. The entire Royal Family knew about it. As if Princess Luna’s innuendo and thinly veiled threats weren’t bad enough, now came the proverbial gauntlet. A run-in with three of the most powerful ponies in all the land—magically and politically.

A pair of purple eyes shining with naked mirth came eerily close to her face. Spitfire yelped and flared her wings, sending a shower of water over the floor.

Twilight shrunk back again. “Sorry!” she squeaked. “I was just trying to see if you were okay. You, um, went off into your own little world for a little bit.”

Spitfire blinked and shook her head, mumbling, “Lost in thought trying to digest all of that. My bad.” She brought a hoof to her forehead and closed her eyes, then drew in a long, deep breath. Again, she tried to get the wheels in her head turning. She’d gotten herself into this mess—was it fair to call it a mess?—so it fell on her to find out how to deal with it.

There was no doubt she would have to speak with Princess Celestia. That much was certain when she and Twilight hit things off so well at the Gala. Only then, it would’ve been more a discussion on how Spitfire was expected to behave going forward. A conversation along the lines of those she had with Princess Luna, perhaps.

Instead, Spitfire would have to walk up to the Princess of the Day, Equestria’s beloved ruler of over a thousand years, and discuss how she took her favored student’s virginity in her own castle.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. Not a prospect Spitfire welcomed at all. But one she would have to go through, both for her own sake …

Slowly, she cracked open her eyes to gaze at Twilight. The young mare sat back on her haunches with her eyes downcast, her ears and wings drooped low like she half expected Spitfire to start yelling or storm off angrily.

Just like Daybreak.

Spitfire set her jaw. She shifted forward and took Twilight’s chin in her hooves. “Look at me, hon,” she whispered softly. More a request than a command. “Please.”

Giving a tiny little groan, Twilight obeyed, her posture still slumped.

A pang shot through Spitfire’s chest. “Why do you look like you expect me to fly off the handle?” Fixing a small smile on her muzzle, she leaned in close and softly kissed Twilight’s nose. “You’re not a cadet screwing up one of my routines, hon.”

Twilight mumbled something unintelligible under her breath. A raised brow and a wry look brought a blush to her cheeks. “I guess I’m just worried you’ll think all this isn’t worth the trouble,” she choked out, her voice thick with anxiety. “This is all that stuff we worried about when we started dating, and it’s only been a few days.”

Oh.

Oh, by Hurricane’s wings. The pang hit her again. It was just like the morning after their first time together: Twilight assumed Spitfire had left then, and now that things were getting tough …

She felt Spitfire had all the reason to weigh her career against the prospect of going against Princess Celestia, and fully expected her to get up and walk away.

Spitfire drew in a sharp breath, then let it out through her nose. Her nostrils flared angrily. “I’m not walking away,” she said, almost growling it out, “even if she doesn’t like how we’ve gone about things.” A fire burst within her chest like she were ready to fly through a hurricane. Twilight defended her at breakfast the previous morning, so it fell on her to return the favor.

Even if it meant she had to defy Princess Celestia. Well, again.

She pulled Twilight into a tight hug, wrapping soaking hooves and dampened wings around her fretful girlfriend. “I’ll talk to her. It’ll get straightened out.”

Spitfire made sure Twilight was cleaned, groomed to perfection, and well-fed before she led her girlfriend back to Canterlot Castle. Her mind raced the whole way, every instinct in her body told her to turn tail and flee. Self-preservation demanded that she alter course and head for home as fast as her powerful wings could carry her.

Instead, she touched down on the path leading to the main gate and trotted alongside Twilight with her head held high. What she had planned might cost her quite a bit. In all honesty, she wasn’t entirely sure how Princess Celestia would take somepony as hard-headed as her bowing up. Let alone after two nights spent tangled in the sheets with Twilight.

Wonder how likely it is that I’ll still have my job after this.

As if sensing her internal dilemma, Twilight trotted in silence with her. Out of curiosity, Spitfire stole a quick glance and caught sight of her girlfriend chewing nervously on her bottom lip. No doubt her mind was on the same thing, but she didn’t quite know how to give support.

A touching thing, really. Even if she couldn’t help. Funny how that worked. Twilight was known in rather high circles for her wit and knowledge, but now she faced a problem even she wasn’t sure had a solution. Or at least, a winnable one.

Up ahead, Spitfire saw the main entrance and two guards standing on either side. A pony with snow white coat and blue mane stood between them, she heard Twilight inhale sharply. Curious, she focused on him, her eyes as keen as ever.

Shining Armor was waiting for them. His eyebrows furrowed with worry, and his face was creased in a frown.

The hits just kept coming.

Spitfire let her mind wander a moment while they took the steps up to meet him. She’d had a long career with the Wonderbolts. Longer than most, actually. All those shows, the crowds of screaming fans, days spent signing autographs until her wrist ached, posing for pictures, running the Academy, and even the times she volunteered—usually under the influence of copious amounts of alcohol—to help with the Bolts of the Future Foals’ Program over the summer flashed before her eyes.

Everything including Daybreak. Her first “real” love, a wonderful thing that ended in a massive, flaming wreck worthy of true Wonderbolt mishap.

I’m not even thirty yet, she mused as she watched Shining and Twilight stand about a foot apart, each awkwardly looking anywhere but at each other while they struggled to find words. Those soft, purple feathers ruffled nervously. Twilight took a tentative step forward until her chest touched his, then leaned her neck against his and wrapped him in a hug Shining was happy to reciprocate. Spitfire smiled.

Youngest captain in Wonderbolts’ history. Most single and team records in history. Two time Equestria Games gold medalist. And all those other things. Accolades she rarely even remembered flashed through her mind. As did all the training it took to get to the top. Worked my whole life for this thing, just like everypony else on the team. Even Rainbow Dash. She remembered the day she got her letter. How proud her ma and pa had been that all her hard work paid off.

Then she looked at the mare who made her lose herself to passion again for the first time in ages.

And I might be about to throw all that away with what I do next.

Shining caught her eye. His smile faltered a touch. “Spitfire,” he greeted coolly.

She raised an eyebrow. “Shining Armor,” she replied in kind. “Nice morning.”

“Yeah, it is.” His grip on Twilight tightened. “Princess Celestia was hoping to talk to you. Cady and I as well.”

“I had a feeling you might.” Spitfire fixed a professional smile on her face like she was about to walk into a press conference. She held up a hoof to stop Twilight from arguing. “Relax, hon. It’s just a talk. I’ll live.”

Twilight flinched, she started to chew on her bottom lip again. Her brows furrowed in thought as she glanced between Shining and Spitfire. Deep purple eyes settled on Spitfire, she let go of Shining and squirmed out of his embrace, then walked straight over and planted a kiss right on Spitfire’s lips.

Blinking, Spitfire just drank it in. The scent of parchment and ink, the soft feeling of her lips, the warmth, it all made her eyes flutter shut. She tilted her head to the side so she could reciprocate. A part of her just wanted to forget the damned talk and melt into the kiss her and now.

But Twilight pulled back all too soon. “I’ll be waiting,” she said softly. “The girls and I leave for Ponyville tomorrow morning, so we all have to pack. I’d … like it if you came to see us off.”

Spitfire grinned and kissed her nose. “Hon, once I’m done, I’ll help you pack.”

A genuine smile spread across Twilight’s face, and Spitfire felt her heart do a backflip. The mare trotted off to find her friends, pausing only to give Shining Armor another quick hug before she disappeared into the castle. Leaving the pair together.

Alone.

There was silence between them for several moments. Spitfire flicked her ear at the sound of birdsong trilling through the air, she watched Shining closely as he tapped a hoof against the tile.

With a sigh, she spoke first, “Not gonna do the threatening brother routine?”

He just raised a brow. “Do I really need to with you?”

Spitfire snorted. “No. Lemme guess, shield spell can pack a heck of a mean punch if you push outward with it?”

“That’s one of the nicer offensive applications, yes.” His lips twitched into a ghost of a smile. “And even though I’ve heard things, I still like you.”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Yeah. I didn’t want to put trapping you in a bubble shield and then slowly shrinking it on the table. It’s not a fun image to ponder.”

Spitfire felt her blood run cold. She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Does it help if I say that I’ve no intent to hurt her?”

He nodded once, then turned to lead her inside. “It does. That’s why my threat option was going to be shield to the face, and possibly smashing you into a wall. Less gruesome, more chance of recovery.” A beat. “Eventually. Depends on the force I put behind it.” Shining shook his head, beckoning her to follow. “Come on. They’re waiting in Princess Celestia’s study.”

It took all her effort to keep from pinning her ears and tucking her tail between her legs as she followed him along. What sort of scary family was she dating into? Was it even worth it?

Twilight’s smile leapt to the forefront of her mind. Warmth flooded her chest.

Definitely. Besides, I at least have one of them on my side.

15. Burned

Spitfire tried not to tremble at the sight of the large wooden door just a few steps ahead. Of all the places she’d been for those big meetings with Princess Celestia, her private study wasn’t one of them. If anything, Princess Celestia’s study was the sort of thing that held an almost mythical weight to its very name.

Everypony knew of it. After all, the Princess of the Day was renowned as the eternal teacher to all her subjects, but the study itself held special regard as the worst kept secret in all the land. The only ponies who entered were family, close friends, and those who had the misfortune of earning the princess’ attention because they were in Very Big Trouble. Capitals required.

There wasn’t a doubt in Spitfire’s mind which of those categories she lay.

When they reached the door, Shining Armor raised his hoof and knocked three times.

“Enter,” Princess Celestia’s voice sounded through the thick wood.

Shining lit his horn. The latch clicked, he pushed the door open and stood to the side. “After you,” he said, beckoning Spitfire in with a wave of his hoof.

She took a deep breath through her nose and held it a moment. Her mind raced. A hint of worry, like a little flicker of anxiety before a big show, shot through her chest and chilled her blood. Was she making the right choice? Spitfire’s hoof trembled in mid step, hesitating to move forward into the study. What was she to do to defend her actions? Let alone defend her relationship?

Honesty and sincerity, Luna’s voice whispered in her ear, just as clear as the night before.

Spitfire took another deep breath. That’s right, she told herself. Princess Celestia already knew she and Twilight had gone too far too fast, but she might not necessarily have the whole picture. If she spoke honestly and showed the sincerity of her feelings, there was a chance she could appeal to the princess’ good nature. Minute, given Twilight was involved, but still a chance.

She trotted into Princess Celestia’s study with her head held high. Idly, she glanced around the room to survey her surroundings. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled to the very brim with books of all shapes and sizes. The carpet was a deep royal red with gold trim around the edge, and a rather intricate pattern that looked like a phoenix’s wings set behind the rising sun—or perhaps like they were lifting it.

Princess Cadence sat in a plush purple cushion to the left of the large oaken desk. She gave a thin smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and greeted Spitfire with an inclination of her head, which Spitfire returned with a slight bow of her own.

Naturally, Princess Celestia was at the very center of attention. The Princess of the Day was seated in a tall wooden chair with her back facing the door and her head bowed as though she were studying something on her desk. Her beautiful, prismatic mane twisted and flowed as if the wind were playing through it.

There was a flicker of movement in the lone darkened corner off to Princess Celestia’s left. Spitfire squinted and peered through the shadows until she found a starry mane and familiar pair of teal eyes staring back at her, with a hint of a smile gracing the mare’s midnight blue muzzle.

Princess Luna met her gaze and cast a wink at Spitfire. Then, she mimed covering her lips before turning to look pointedly at her sister, her silent message clear as the stars in her night sky:

”I am with you, friend. But you must speak to her.”

As if on cue, Princess Celestia turned to face her. Spitfire bowed low in greeting. Propriety, after all, must be observed in her presence.

“Captain Spitfire,” Princess Celestia said, her voice warm, but with a hint of the sun’s fire burning just beneath the surface. “Rise.”

Spitfire winced, but obeyed without question. She stood to her full height and met Princess Celestia’s gaze. Those ancient purple eyes bored deep into her soul, and flashed with something she hadn’t seen in years. A mother’s want to protect. Spitfire felt a shiver run down her spine. She remembered that look all too well.

Dawn’s mother had looked at her the exact same way when they first started dating.

Really hoping that’s not an omen. Wetting her lips, Spitfire waited for the princess to begin.

It didn’t take long. Princess Celestia lit her horn, a pair of goldenrod feathers floated off her desk to hover in the air for a moment. Then she floated them over to Spitfire, who caught them in hoof and glanced between the feathers and the princess with furrowed brow and confusion written across her face.

Then she looked closer at the feathers. Spitfire felt her blood run cold, she knew that shade of goldenrod. She knew them by feel, by sight, and by the way they smelled of wispy cloud and ozone—they were hers. But where had the princess gotten them?

“I trust I don’t need to waste time asking if you know whose feathers those are,” Princess Celestia said gravely.

Spitfire shook her head. “No, Princess. They’re mine.”

“Indeed. Care to take a guess at where I found them?”

Blinking, Spitfire tilted her head. She hadn’t preened on the castle grounds, and she certainly didn’t have feather flu. Short of flying face first into a wall or wrestling around with one of her teammates, there wasn’t a whole lot that could knock her feathers lose if they were healthy. Besides, her preen work before the Gala had been thorough.

Again, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t hazard a guess. Honestly, when I met Shining at the door, I figured I’d be talking to you about Twi—”

Princess Celestia held up a hoof for silence. “In my student’s bedroom,” she answered her own question. Her eyes narrowed. “My staff found your feathers in her bed, along with a rather—” her snout wrinkled as though she were swallowing something foul “—distinct scent lingering in the room.”

A groan to Spitfire’s right made her flick an ear toward Shining Armor, who brought a hoof to his head and clenched his eyes shut.

“Can we not?” he muttered.

“I hardly see how we can avoid it,” Princess Cadence put in. “That’s a part of why we were all here, anyway.”

“A part, but not the full reason.” Those ancient purple eyes never once left Spitfire’s. Princess Celestia stood, and began to walk toward her.

Idly, Spitfire wondered if she could make it out of the castle before any of the Royals present could catch her. Given the sheer depth of magical talent in Shining Armor, the lone unicorn present, she sincerely doubted she’d make it three steps.

Princess Celestia stopped a mere step away, looming over Spitfire by at least another head and shoulders—and she was firmly on the taller side of pegasi her age.

“Why don’t we take it from the top?” the princess asked. “Tell me everything that happened from the moment you walked away from us at the Gala, up to last night—sparing the details of your frivolity, if you please.”

Honesty and sincerity, Princess Luna’s words echoed in her mind once again.

Spitfire glanced at the Princess of the Night out of the corner of her eye, just for a split second. More than enough for Princess Luna to give her a single, solemn nod of support.

She closed her eyes and began her tale, sharing the strange whirlwind of a relationship she and Twilight shared over the past few days.

The silence that fell over the Royals while Spitfire told her tale was a mite unsettling. Sure, it made telling the story easy, and should such a luxury present itself when her teammates inevitably demanded she recount it all, Spitfire would count it as a blessing.

In front of three out of four Crown Princesses and the Prince-Captain of the Guard himself, however, it just didn’t sit right with her. If this was supposed to be some sort of special grilling, shouldn’t there be more questions? Shouldn’t Shining Armor be grinding his teeth loud enough she could hear the enamel scraping together, a step or two away from overly protective sibling rage?

Either Spitfire had missed out since Daybreak was an only foal, or that was just a thing in Misty Fly’s stupid books. Shining Armor stood stock still throughout, his expression unreadable even as Spitfire told him about how she unwittingly made Twilight think she’d done a flyby.

Unreadable, that was, save for a slight twitch in his left eye that stopped only after she got to the first chat with Twilight. After that, he simply gave a silent nod and flick of his tail.

Other than Shining’s little twitches, the Royals nodded along like they expected most, if not all, details she put forth. Princess Celestia merely nodded in approval at how she guided Twilight back to the castle after their late night at the club, and that was one she was half expecting fire and brimstone over!

Spitfire felt like a block of ice had been dropped into her stomach. If they already knew how things progressed, why in Equestria would Princess Celestia ask her to recount them?

It hit her like a bolt of lightning: inconsistencies. Princess Celestia wanted to see if there were any inconsistencies in her story and Twilight’s.

No wonder Princess Luna advised honesty the night before.

After Spitfire finished, Princess Celestia stood quietly, looking down on her through those ancient, deep purple eyes with a contemplative furrow of her brows. Her wings twitched as though ready to unfurl and fly, but remained closed.

She let out a long breath through her nose, then turned and walked over to her desk again. A shimmering gold glow enveloped the goldenrod feathers and jerked them out of Spitfire’s hoof to float beside the Princess of the Day.

“Twilight told us much the same,” Princess Celestia said, her voice low, “with some difference in perspective.” She glanced over her shoulder at Spitfire, eying her a moment. “You’ve caused my student quite a bit of emotional turmoil.”

Spitfire flinched, but gave a nod nonetheless. “Not intentionally. And I’ve made sure to talk with her so we can move on and solidify things.”

“Things?” A slender eyebrow arched.

“A more solid foundation,” Spitfire replied. For the first time in years, she felt a hint of unease as all eyes fell square upon her. “We’ve sort of been trying to work, uh, backwards so we can see about making this a lasting relationship.”

“Never a bad thing!” Princess Cadence chipped in. Her ears stood perked to their full height, her eyes held an almost eager, hungry gleam to them. “Even if things started off rather … rushed, shall we say?”

Princess Celestia snorted and turned to fix Cadence with a wry look. “You and I have very different definitions of the word, niece. Rushed is putting it lightly.”

From her darkened corner, Princess Luna threw in her own quip, “Only because your preferred pace is glacial, sister mine.”

The room seemed as hot as the surface of the sun itself. Spitfire sucked in her lips, glancing between the two sisters.

A frown spread across Princess Celestia’s muzzle. She glared at Princess Luna and asked, “Is there something you’d like to add to this conversation, Luna?”

“Oh, don’t mind me!” came the reply. Princess Luna aimed a bright smile at her elder sister, her teal eyes shone with naked mirth. “Just thinking aloud!”

Spitfire could almost hear the enamel grinding as Princess Celestia grit her teeth. Her ears pinned back, she thought to take a few steps away so she was out of the line of fire. But rather than sling spells or shout in ancient tongues, the sisters stared at one another for a moment like they were having some sort of silent confrontation.

Princess Celestia looked away first, muttering something under her breath. With a long-suffering sigh, she shook her head, then turned to face Spitfire once more. “Twilight does feel strongly for you,” she said slowly. “Enough so that she would speak up against me when I voiced my disapproval for how your relationship progressed so quickly.”

She began to circle around Spitfire like a shark who found an injured seal. Her gaze was one not of blinding fury or wrath, but appraisal. It was the same as those old Wonderbolt recruiters who watched her every move at tryouts an age ago.

“For a time, I’d wondered if she would ever question me on something close to heart,” Princess Celestia continued. “As wonderful a student as Twilight was, and as brilliant a mare she has become, I’m not blind to her tendency to cling to me as an authority figure.” Pausing a moment, she stopped circling and took a breath. “Truth be told, it was somewhat refreshing hearing her speak out in defense of your relationship last night.”

Warmth filled Spitfire’s chest like a campfire’s glow washing over her body on a cold night in the woods. If Twilight’s defense was sincere enough to make Princess Celestia herself stop and take note … Well, damned if this wasn’t something worth fighting for!

Then Princess Celestia leveled her with a stern gaze that made that comfortable warmth wash away. “You’ve managed to make your way into my favored student’s heart,” she began, “and I cannot demand you break things off because of my own opinion on how you disregarded my request—not without driving her away and causing her undue pain.” Her eyes narrowed. “Your blatant disrespect, however, is not unnoticed.”

A pang shot through Spitfire’s chest. She bowed her head to avoid Princess Celestia’s eyes and looked down at her hooves. “I wasn’t trying to show anypony disrespect, Princess,” she said softly. “Not you, and certainly not Twilight. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

“The opposite?” A note of incredulity crept into the princess’ voice. “Forgive me if I contradict you, but I fail to see how deflowering Twilight Sparkle in my own castle—“

“Our castle,” Princess Luna interrupted.

“Now is not the time to debate semantics, Luna!”

“On that, we must disagree,” came the reply, Princess Luna’s smug smile almost audible in her very tone. “Much like how agonizingly irritating I find your tendency to label things as objective right and wrong in all cases. To say nothing of this little matchmaking scheme you’ve made up.” With a derisive snort, she added, “But do go on.”

“Is this about—”

“No, it isn’t. And don’t go there.”

Princess Celestia groaned and brought a hoof to her forehead. “Oh, for the love of—I said I was sorry! That was fifteen hundred years ago!”

“I said don’t go there!”

Spitfire could only blink dumbly and look back and forth between the pair as they fell to—dare she think it?—bickering over a foalhood crush that hadn’t ended well. Blinking, she turned to Princess Cadence and tilted her head toward the pair, afraid to ask her question.

The Crystal Princess didn’t meet her eye. Instead, she wore a frown upon her pretty pink face, her brows knitted together. Her gaze flitted between the bickering sisters, then her own husband, before settling on Princess Celestia at last. “Excuse me?” she spoke up, a note of hurt evident in her voice. “Matchmaking scheme?”

The argument stopped in an instant. Both sisters stood stock still, neither dared to meet their younger counterpart’s eye. Silence reigned over the five ponies present, broken only by Princess Cadence huffing and saying, “Is there any particular reason why you didn’t consult me? This is sort of my area—no offense, Spitfire,” she added hastily. “It’s nothing against you. Just … well, imagine if somepony asked for input on an air show with you a few doors down and they didn’t bother knocking.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything,” Spitfire said, fighting back a scowl at the back-hoofed remark. Since when was somepony’s love life equivalent to a flight show? Still, she bit her tongue.

Princess Celestia sighed. “And I have known her longer than you, my dear,” she said tiredly. “My intent was to find somepony who might match Twilight’s ambition, achievement, and respect for authority while also providing somepony who would serve as a balance for her studious nature.”

“Still, though. When did you even have the time—”

“Before the Gala,” Shining spoke up for the first time since he greeted Spitfire. His eyes widened as comprehension dawned upon him, he fixed his gaze upon Spitfire and continued, “When you walked up to us at the main entrance, you said something about talking with Celestia before. That was it, wasn’t it?”

Spitfire glanced at each pony in turn, nodding slowly as though expecting a sudden burst of magic. None came. “Yes,” she replied. “Princess Celestia asked if I was seeing anypony, then explained her want to help Twilight find a special somepony of her own. Or just a new friend, if she didn’t seem receptive. I agreed to talk and see where the night took us, and then make the call on which way to take things.” She gave a rueful grin and rubbed at her mane. “Admittedly, I steered it toward dating from the get go once I saw her. She was … stunning.”

“Indeed.” Spitfire would bet good bits that a deaf pony could’ve heard the pride in Princess Celestia’s voice. “I hoped Twilight might take an interest in her first relationship, and hoped to pick a fitting candidate. If not, she’s been open to more friends joining her since her move to Ponyville. It was a win-win, in my opinion.” Pausing a moment, she turned her gaze upon Spitfire. “Though, perhaps I’ll have to amend the point on respect.”

Spitfire wasn’t entirely sure what sparked the righteous indignation that blazed in her chest. Perhaps she felt a bit emboldened by Princess Luna’s presence, or that Princess Cadence had sort of risen to chastise Princess Celestia for the whole thing. Or that Shining Armor hadn’t tried to rip her head off on sight.

Or maybe because the sight of Twilight’s tear-streaked face the night before was still fresh in her mind.

Either way, the fire raged. Spitfire stood up straight and set her jaw. Damn the thunderheads. “Permission to be speak freely, Princess?”

Princess Celestia stayed quiet for a moment. She nodded slowly, her gaze pierced into Spitfire’s very soul. “Granted.”

It was all Spitfire needed. “I’m the only one in this room who’s treated her with a modicum of respect over the past twenty-four hours,” she said, leaping into the verbal fray without restraint.

Three Royals flinched and gaped in silent awe while the fourth smiled and shook her head in her corner. “Excuse me?” Princess Celestia blinked. Her mouth opened and shut as though Spitfire had slapped her across the face with a wet dishrag. Words seemed to fail her—her! The vaunted orator of Equestria, lacking for words because of just one line.

Spitfire looked straight in her eyes like she would one of her superior officers. “No disrespect intended at all, Princess,” she began, “but the one thing everypony forgets about this entire story is that Twilight and I have communicated. We’ve come to terms with what we’ve done and set ground rules we both agreed upon, and worked for us.”

“Now just hang on a minute!” Shining cut in. He stepped forward until he was just a couple paces away, and said, “That’s all fine and good if it were anypony else, but the issue at hoof is that you’ve rushed into something with a mare who hasn’t had anything like this before!”

“Sorry, but not every relationship works the same,” Spitfire shot back. “I’ve been on classy romantic dates that didn’t amount to anything, and I’ve had relationships where our big hangout was a bar or a dance club that led to a few months of companionship. Longest one I’ve had was a mix of what both of us liked, just like what Twilight and I are trying for here.”

“How did that work out?”

Gritting her teeth, Spitfire leveled him with a glare. “Three years. Then broken off with a letter,” she hissed. “No warning, just a letter. Because I messed up and didn’t try to fix things the way I’ve been doing with your sister.”

Shining winced. “Oh.” He glanced away, his ears pinned back. “Sorry. I don’t want to press buttons. But, y’know, she’s—”

“Your sister, yes. I’m well aware.”

With an angry snort, Princess Celestia stepped between the pair, unfurling her wings as though to physically separate them. “That’s enough, both of you,” she said sternly. Her eyes never once left Spitfire. “Continue. But I would caution you to mind your tone. Whether or not you agree with us, you are still in my—our castle,” she amended before Princess Luna could pipe up again. “That much I will insist you respect.”

Calm down, she told herself. Make your point without being combative. Spitfire closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Sorry,” she whispered, bowing her head. “It’s still a sore spot.”

“I understand. More than you realize, in fact.” The ancient princess’ expression softened, her stern glare washed away as she folded her wings against her sides. She licked her lips, then spoke again, “I believe you were attempting to explain how we were the ones disrespecting her?”

Her tone almost made Spitfire take a step back, but she managed to stand fast. “In a sense, yes.” She nodded once. “I consider it rather condescending to act like she doesn’t know what she wants simply because she’s new to dating. Wanting romance or sex isn’t mutually exclusive.” Pausing to allow Princess Celestia a moment to draw in a sharp breath through her teeth, she pressed on, “And I may be about to cross a line in terms of being too … uh …” she trailed off as she wracked her brain for the word. “Crass, I think. Yes, that’s it. This may sound crass, but I asked her if she was comfortable with what we were doing, and told her specifically that if she wasn’t, we should hold off.”

For a moment, Princess Celestia stayed silent. She screwed up her face as though she were sucking on a lemon, then asked, “Did it not occur to you that you should take it upon yourself to make such a call?”

Spitfire looked down and let her ears droop. A shake of her head was the only answer she could give.

“I see.” Princess Celestia sighed. “I presume, then, that you would say your intent was not to defy my wishes. Rather, it was a lapse in judgement?”

Her goldenrod ears drooped lower. Spitfire nodded. “Yes. On both our parts.” She licked her lips, then added in a low tone, “That was part of the talks I mentioned. We wanted to set up a lasting relationship if we could, while still allowing us to, er, indulge if we should both consent. I, er, advised use of Wonderbolt signals.”

Another snort sounded from Princess Luna’s corner. Spitfire noticed those teal eyes dancing with unrestrained amusement.

Princess Celestia, on the other hoof, simply sighed again. Her shoulders sagged. “I suppose I was mistaken, then.” She turned away. With a shake of her head, she turned her attention to Princess Cadence. “What do you think, niece of mine?”

Princess Cadence pursed her lips and hummed, tapping a hoof against her cushion. “I’m of a couple minds,” she replied. “I definitely see their sincerity, and if they’re making an effort to build a foundation, I’m all for it. Although …” she trailed off, her eyes flitted to Spitfire and seemed to gleam with a strange light. A slow, catlike smile spread across her muzzle.

The hairs on the back of Spitfire’s neck stood on end. She glanced between the princesses, her hind hoof raised as if to step back.

“Cadence?” Princess Celestia called.

“Never mind me.” Princess Cadence shook her head. “Just … ruminating.”

Spitfire’s hoof trembled, the itch to step away ate at her, but the tiniest bit of curiosity nagged at the back of her mind and demanded she press Princess Cadence for more.

Instead, Princess Celestia took the initiative and looked to Shining Armor. “And you, Shining?” she asked.

He pulled a face like a foal being told to go do homework on a sunny afternoon. “I’d rather not think of my Twily having sex. Ever,” he grumbled.

“Within reason, Shiny!” Princess Cadence tittered.

His lips twitched into a small smile. “Fine.” Shining glanced at Spitfire and stood silent a moment, thinking it over. Then he shook his head. “Sorry. No. It’s just not something I’d look for so early on, because there’s a ton of stuff to build up before that.”

“Didn’t look for it,” Spitfire grumbled. A sharp look from Princess Celestia made her take a step back. She muttered a sick apology under her breath.

Shining took it in stride. “Not saying that you can’t, it’s just not something I would want. And, honestly? From the way you’ve talked about setting things right with those talks, it’s not what you wanted either.”

An image of Twilight sheepishly admitting how she thought the worst flashed through her mind. Spitfire made to speak, to make some quip that he was trying to put their relationship in a box, but her throat tightened and ached.

He was right. All that time spent talking came about because they felt they’d started off on the wrong hoof. They worked backwards to build the foundation.

And yet, it didn’t feel wrong looking back. Sure, they started out acting on a flight of passion like a pair of over eager teenagers, but damned if Spitfire didn’t think she and Twilight had come together and made something of it! A relationship that worked for them and allowed exploration, just like any other.

“I think,” Princess Celestia began, “a failure to communicate is to blame for this.”

Out of the corner of her eyes, Spitfire noticed Princess Luna muttering something under her breath. But the Princess of the Night didn’t speak up.

Princess Celestia turned back to Spitfire and spoke, “As I said before, I can’t force you to break things off given the bond you’ve created with my student for an admitted error. After all, every relationship undergoes its bumps in the road, each their own challenge to test those involved.” She tilted her head. “It has seemingly strengthened your young relationship.”

“Right,” Spitfire said, drawing out the vowel. Where was this even going?

“And you’ve been far more restrained since your second date.” Nodding to herself, Princess Celestia rustled her wings. “You’re sincere in your desire to have a lasting relationship with her?”

“I’m willing to try.”

“Excellent.” Princess Celestia gave a small, serene smile. “Then I suppose it hardly seems fit to dwell on past mistakes if you’ve both decided to move forward and put forth the effort. Which, of course, means that some changes will have to be made in order for it to last.” She turned away with a self-assured nod. “Though, I must say, this is where I believe you’ll find a more restricted, slower-paced courtship to be a bit more helpful in forming that lasting bond you so crave. One that will hold strong with a sense of mutual respect and dignity along with love”

Spitfire blinked a few times. Was she? “I’m sorry, Princess, perhaps I’m misunderstanding you.”

“In what regard? I’d be happy to clear up any questions you may have.”

Oh, I bet you are. Spitfire managed to keep the barb under wraps, instead saying in a more neutral tone, “It sounds like you’re implying that you’re going to tell us how our relationship works and—for lack of better term—monitor it.”

Princess Celestia turned toward her again, the smile gone from her muzzle. “I have no intent of looking over your shoulder on dates, but, to some degree, yes. You’ve both shown a lack of good judgement on the matter, by your own admission, no less.”

“I see.” Spitfire’s nostrils flared. Breathe in, breathe out. “So, you’re going to protect us from ourselves, then?”

“I … would not be so blunt with the wording. I simply wish to ensure that your relationship has the best chance to last, and end up as happy as Shining and Cadence.” She gestured to the pair, who perked up a bit. “As a matter of fact, you might consider consulting them. They do know Twilight quite well.”

Spitfire drew in a deep breath and forced her eyes shut. She counted backward from five. Then ten. Then twenty.

In a new personal record, her raging temper demanded that she worked her way up to thirty before she could think her reply through. Several choice words and rude phrases came to mind, each wrestling to be her pick and bringing with it a note of personal satisfaction of shutting up the ponies who sent her girlfriend to her side in tears the night before.

Then the more rational side of her spoke up, a booming voice over a crowd of noisy cadets who scrambled to obey the angry captain within.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and allowed herself a tiny smirk. A humorous laugh escaped her lips. For once, the angry captain lost out to the rabble rouser she kept hidden save for those she held dearest. Shaking her head, Spitfire glanced between each pony, and then gave her reply.

“She’s a grown mare,” Spitfire said, her voice soft, but full of gravel and bile, “and you’re not her mother. And right now, there’s only one princess acting like a mare just out of preteen years. I’ll leave you to figure out which.”

Then, without waiting for permission or retort, she turned and strode from the room.

Regardless of what happened once Princesses Celestia and Cadence, and Shining Armor regained their wits, Spitfire would always treasure the memory of the day she made Princess Luna fall over, kicking her hooves in the air as she cackled like a mad mare.

Career suicide, check. Now to go find the princess of my heart.

Mouthing off to the boss never felt so good.

Spitfire hadn’t meant to slam the door to Twilight’s suite as she shoved it open, but it did give her the tiniest hint of satisfaction. While it wasn’t quite as therapeutic as flying a few laps, it felt good to let a bit of her temper show forth. Goodness knows she’d bottled it up as she made her way through the castle.

A yelp and a thud made her ears perk up. Curious, she trotted into Twilight’s bedroom in search of her girlfriend, and promptly had to bite back a laugh.

“You’re one of the most magically gifted ponies in all the land, how in the name of Equestria did you manage to make your suitcase explode like that?”

A familiar pair of lovely, purple eyes glared back at her from beneath a pile of clothes, toiletries, and other assorted belongings. Twilight’s voice sounded, muffled by the hem of her dress.

Snorting, Spitfire stepped forward and gently brushed it aside to reveal a mulberry snout with lips that just begged to be kissed. She cut Twilight off with a light peck, reveling in the taste and warmth. It more than made up for the tete-a-tete with the Royal Family. “Say again?” she asked.

Twilight sucked in her lips to hide a smile, but the corners of her mouth tugged and betrayed her. The glare faltered. “I said that I wouldn’t have made my suitcase explode if somepony hadn’t burst in here like a herd of rampaging buffalo!”

Spitfire winced, dotting her with another kiss as apology. “Ah, sorry. Just needed a second to let a bit of temper out. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s fine. Packing isn’t really—” a flash of light burst from within the pile, every bit of clothing leapt off the entrapped unicorn and floated over to the suitcase resting upon her bed “—that much of an issue.” Twilight allowed herself a smile as she put everything neatly back in place, then returned her attention to Spitfire. Her smile faltered, she shifted about on her hooves and let her gaze fall to the floor. “How, um … how did it go?”

Spitfire let out a low growl from the back of her throat, flicking her tail. “Well, things were discussed. And I’ve been reacquainted with my temper in ways I’d rather avoided. But, hey, the castle didn’t burn down and we’re still a thing as far as I’m concerned.”

Twilight’s ears perked up. She heaved a sigh and let her shoulders slump, relieved at the news. “Good. I was … well, I was afraid Shining might try to pull some form of the protective brother routine I heard him joke about when I was younger.”

“He, ah, did.” Glancing away, Spitfire rustled her wings. “I’ve been told that if I hurt you, I’m going to eat a shield spell to the face.” She smirked. “Apparently, that’s the ‘I like you’ version.”

“Oh my—that—I am so sorry!”

Laughing, Spitfire looked back at her and waved her off. “It’s fine, hon. I expected worse given the conversation you mentioned last night.”

Twilight seemed to shrink before her eyes. Again, the mare let her gaze fall to the floor, her ears pinned back against her head. “Did Celestia—is she …” she trailed off. With a shake of her head, she asked, “Is she still upset?”

“With you? Nope.” A wicked grin nearly split her muzzle. “I, on the other hoof, am probably going to be getting a few sidelong looks the next time we have a joint military officers’ meeting with her.”

“What did you do?”

“You don’t wanna know.”

“Irritated or not, she’s still my teacher! And your princess!” After a beat, Twilight added, “One of your princesses! What did you do?”

“Let’s just say I’m not known for keeping quiet if the right button is pushed.” Spitfire raised her brows. “Princess Celestia pushed it.” A sharp look from Twilight made her roll her sigh. “I’ll tell you later, hon. Right now, I’d just like to put it all aside for a bit and hang out with you before you head home tomorrow.”

Twilight’s stern look softened. She bit her lip and tentatively stepped close enough to rub her cheek against Spitfire’s, her wings drooped. “I know we said we’d figure things out,” she whispered, “but how are we supposed to do that?”

Wrinkling her snout, Spitfire thought about it for a moment. “Well … the distance sucks, but it’s not like we can’t fly it or take a train ride. I think our best bet would be to compare schedules and work things out.”

Like she’d cast a spell, Twilight perked right up. Spitfire nearly stumbled back as she suddenly found those brilliant purple eyes boring into her own, shining with unhidden glee.

She let out a weak chuckle. “I take it you approve?”

“Immensely.” Twilight pecked her lips, then gestured toward the bed. “Let’s sit. We can discuss upcoming plans and see what time they leave for us to see one another.” Pausing a moment, she brought a hoof to her chin. “On second thought, I have a better idea.” Her horn wreathed with a magenta glow as she snaked a tendril of magic around Spitfire.

Spitfire let out a yelp as she was suddenly lifted into the air. Purely by instinct, she flapped her wings to right herself, but found her efforts in vain. Her heart skipped a couple beats when she caught the sly smirk on her girlfriend’s muzzle, and the way those purple eyes dazzled with mischief and unrestrained glee as she was turned over in midair and softly laid down on the bed.

Before she could move, Twilight pounced, horn flashing again as her magic swept over the room. The door clicked shut and all the drapes fell over the windows with a swish.

Blinking, Spitfire glanced about. “Uh, what did—”

“Cone of silence, one of Shining’s shield spells, and door and window seals so no pony could unlock them,” Twilight cut her off, her voice low and husky. “We’re not going to be this close until we can organize visits. I’m not waiting that long, and you have more than earned a little role reversal, hon!”

Spitfire felt a shiver run down her spine as the tingle of magic teased her legs and wings. Twilight had effectively pinned them to the bed and removed any chance of being flipped over.

Without warning, the mare lunged and set upon her neck with a flurry of kisses, licks, and nips that drew a deep throaty moan as Spitfire clenched her eyes shut. Soft lips pressed against her own, and Twilight’s warm, sweet tongue slipped into her mouth before she could even think to reciprocate.

A familiar burn spread beneath her skin, blooming from her neck and spreading through her body. She bit her lips as her very core seemed to ache with want, rolling her hips out of natural habit to try and rub against Twilight. Instead, Twilight simply arched her back so her hindquarters stuck up, denying her the release she so craved. With a mewling, pitiful whine, she tried again. No dice.

Twilight broke the kiss with a chuckle, then slowly licked Spitfire’s left cheek, trailing all the way up the side of her face. “By Celesia,” she breathed, “you’re gorgeous when you’re aroused.” Humming like she was appreciating a piece of art, she trailed tiny nips toward Spitfire’s ear. “I think I’m going to have to test this. Thoroughly.”

“Hon!” Spitfire whined as she tried to lunge forward and nip at her girlfriend’s mulberry coat, but came up just short. Another whine sounded in the back of her throat, she rolled her hips again, desperate for contact. “Green! Green! Just green already!”

Hot breath washed over her ear. A strangled gasp tore from the back of her throat. “No, no, no,” Twilight whispered, planting soft kisses along the outer edge that made Spitfire go cross-eyed. “We’re green for a show, but the flight team has to warm up before they’re cleared for takeoff, Captain. You know that.” Another nip made her squirm as Twilight began to trail kisses down toward her neck again. Then up the other side, pausing only to lick her left cheek. “I intend to make sure you’re ready to perform at your best.”

Twilight’s warm tongue touched Spitfire’s ear tip. Mewling, she buried her muzzle in the crook of her tormentor’s coat. “You’re gonna kill me, hon!”

“What a way to go,” Twilight purred in her ear. “Moaning, mewling, and begging for more, just like you had me the last couple times.” Slowly, torturously, she ran her tongue along Spitfire’s ear, and gave an approving hum at the shudder it drew. “Turnabout is fair play. Now, be a good mare and let me hear you sing!”

Eventually, they did discuss schedules and possible visits. At what point, though, Spitfire wasn’t exactly sure. Time just seemed meaningless, the sky was painted a beautiful mix of soft purple and fiery orange when they finally sat down and talked, but she sat in a daze and basked in the afterglow.

The memories of each lick, kiss, and nip made her feathers fluff and tingle. Every moan that tore from the back of her throat, and how the little, bookish princess drove her to the very brink until she begged for release and screamed out her name. Her goldenrod cheeks flushed, tinged orange by the blood rising in her face. How long had it been since she felt so complete? So fulfilled in mind, body, and heart?

Never.

By the time Twilight dropped her sealing spells and sent the dopey, glowing captain off into the coming night with a kiss and request to see her on the platform tomorrow, Spitfire figured it out. She flew drunkenly, smiling and humming to herself like a lovestruck filly.

Maybe Princess Celestia had resolved to be a right pain in the flank, but her little matchmaking scheme worked out quite nicely. It was on her to make it work.

Damned if I don’t let this slip through my hooves. Spitfire flipped over and looked back toward the castle, waggling her ears. Ma always said I’d find love where I least expected.

16. Goodbye For Now

Her suitcase was packed, her dress hung on a wire hanger so to avoid wrinkling—and inciting Rarity’s righteous fury over a perceived crime against fashion, or something of that sort. Twilight gave her bed a once over, frowning at a hint of a wrinkle in the comforter.

She wrapped a tendril of magic around the edge and tugged until the blanket cooperated with her will. The room might technically be hers, a gift from Celestia and Luna to commemorate her coronation, and there might be a waiting staff to take care of any cleanup, but Twilight Velvet didn’t raise any slobs. Beds were made and rooms returned to their neat, orderly state in their family.

A tiny voice in the back of her mind nagged her. She wasn’t doing this out of necessity, and she knew it. This was nothing more than an excuse to stay a little longer and avoid facing Celestia before she went home.

Twilight bit her lip as she thought back to her talk with Spitfire the night before—what talking they had done before and after one last session of passionate, needy sex. Her feathers fluffed and tingled, the mere memory of her girlfriend’s moans and whispered pleas for more made her tail swish. Definitely worth every second, she thought, licking her lips. Even if we won’t have the chance for some time.

Then her thoughts turned to how evasive Spitfire had gotten when her little chat with Celestia, Cadence, and Shining Armor came up. Specifically, how quickly she changed the subject whenever Twilight tried to wheedle out just what she said after Celestia “pressed the right button.” Whatever the so-called “button” was.

Frowning, she brought a hoof to her chin. What would she have said to sour what seemed like a good relationship with Celestia? Anxiety reared its ugly head and whispered in her ear like a conniving snake. Its silver tongue crafting horrid, lewd remarks designed to make her old teacher balk and clench her jaw in poorly suppressed rage. She could almost hear Spitfire firing back, her voice raspy and scratchy after years of screaming at rookie fliers, and her tenuous control of her tongue slackened with her loss of temper.

“Come on, Twilight!” Spike called from the sitting room. “You’ve been making your bed for the past half-hour! We’re going to miss the train at this rate!”

Twilight shot a glare at the door as if the drake were standing before her. “It has not, and I’ve told you a thousand times not to exaggerate!”

“Exaggerating to scold me for exaggerating doesn’t help your cause!” he shot back.

Sucking in her lips, Twilight flicked her tail. He was getting a bit too quick on his feet with those little quips. Perhaps a product of hanging around with the girls, or the Crusaders. She trotted out of the room, tugging the door closed with an idle tug of her magic, and met her smugly smirking assistant with a stern glare. “I don’t need a cause to ground you, young drake,” she threatened in her best impression of her mother’s tone.

His smirk widened into a full-blown grin. “Weak basis, don’t you think? You’d be madder if I didn’t tell you to hurry up and we ended up late.”

He had a point. Twilight flicked an ear and feigned interest in the pair of suitcases resting near the door—his tiny purple and green dwarfed by her more conservative, traditional brown. “Did you pack everything? You didn’t spend too much time playing and staying up late with the girls?”

“Got it all,” Spike said with a nod. “Checked the room over twice and found, like, eight of Sweetie’s brushes—and that’s no exaggeration,” he hastily added as Twilight raised a brow. “Apple Bloom and Scootaloo have been needling her all morning.”

Twilight chuckled and shook her head. “So you slipped away and came to pester me, huh?” A bright, toothy smile spread across his scaled face. As always, her number one assistant slash adopted brother was as transparent as ever. With a roll of her eyes, she lit her horn, lifting their suitcases. “Yes, we’re ready to head out and say our goodbyes. Eager to sleep in your own bed, huh?”

He bobbed his head. “The beds here are really nice and fluffy, but they’re not my bed,” he replied, his gaze shifting to the suitcases. His clawed fingers twitched. “Uh, you know I can carry those, right?”

“I do.” Twilight wrapped her magic around his tiny body and lifted him up, giggling at how he folded his arms and huffed at their old routine. She set him down upon her back and gave him a quick nuzzle that he returned. “But after a few days apart, I think I’m happy to get back to this.”

She felt him smile against her cheek. “Plus one hot girlfriend, right?”

Wrinkling her snout, Twilight drew back and fixed him with a wry look, her brow arched higher.

He simply grinned in reply. “Hey, Rarity’s still the most gorgeous pony in the world, but I can still appreciate a good-looking mare. And Rainbow came back boasting about you ‘scoring’ the hottest mare around.”

Of course. Rainbow Dash. With another roll of her eyes and a rueful smile tugging at her lips, she trotted toward the door and pushed it open. Why was she not at all surprised? Maybe because Rainbow’s a smart-mouthed punk, who doesn’t know when to keep things to herself.

Still, she couldn’t help but shake her head, her smile turning decidedly fond. Sure, Rainbow was a loudmouth who never shut up about certain things. Just like Rarity would demand every last bit of juicy gossip—no doubt adding in that she was exercising restraint in the castle out of respect for Twilight’s fellow Royal Family members—and Applejack would throw something in about the girls being honorary Apple Family, so teasing and nosiness was part of the package. And just like Pinkie would somehow have a party planned with all of Ponyville without having set hoof in town since last week.

Twilight paused and tilted her head. Well, Pinkie hadn’t been in Ponyville since last week as far as she knew. Given Pinkie’s nature, anything was possible. That aside, she at least had Fluttershy to lean on in times like this. Though she might coo and giggle, Fluttershy was hardly one to start teasing her for getting a girlfriend.

… Or was she? Come to think of it, Twilight couldn’t be sure how any of the girls might react outside of the castle. Just how much were they keeping under wraps until they were back in the sleepy embrace of Ponyville’s close-knit community?

Food for thought, perhaps. She shut the door behind her, and made her way to the main staircase with Spike seated comfortably upon her back and their suitcases floating along in her wake.

Never before had saying goodbye felt so awkward.

Standing on the pavement before a pair of carriages waiting to take them to the station, Twilight shifted her weight, her eyes flitted about as she stood with her friends and her fellow Royal Family members bade them farewell, though slightly off to the side. A half-smile spread across her muzzle as Party Favor blustered and blushed when Cadence whispered in his ear and gave a pointed nod toward a grinning Pinkie Pie, who was bouncing and chattering away with Sugar Bell about how excited she was to have Party join her in Ponyville for the next week or so.

Just a few steps away, Shining Armor shook his head at Cadence’s antics, and bent low to nuzzle Spike’s headfins and wrap him in a tight, brotherly hug that the little drake returned with equal fervor. Perhaps even a little more, a silent show of how he’d miss his big brother when they parted again. Twilight respectfully averted her gaze to let them have their moment.

Instead, she found herself watching the Royal Sisters saying their goodbyes. Luna wore a smile that seemed to shine like the stars in her night sky as she shook hooves with Double Diamond and Night Glider, then exchanged hugs with the others. Her teal eyes met Twilight’s for a moment, shining with mirth and a hint of mischief. A wink and a quick whisper to Rarity sent shivers down Twilight’s spine and made her feathers tingle, the urge to fly almost too great to ignore.

And then her gaze fell upon Celestia. Twilight bit her lip. Her tail seemed to tuck itself between her legs as she let her ears droop. Every bit of anxiety she held over the years, all spent trying to earn Celestia’s approval, came to the forefront. A small part of her expected to see her old teacher smile at the girls and Spike, then turn a stern frown upon Twilight herself.

But Celestia wasn’t smiling at all. Not in her normal way, at least.

While the Princess of the Day gave the tiniest of smiles as she bade the Cutie Mark Crusaders farewell, exchanging hugs with each filly as she was so wont to do, she didn’t seem to carry herself quite the same way as usual. Those purple eyes, so typically warm and welcoming with a glint of ageless knowledge held in their depths, were unfocused.

She didn’t give the fillies the attention she so loved to give her little ponies. Instead, her eyes flitted about, settling on Twilight for a mere second before they found the fillies again. Pristine white ears twitched and slowly swiveled as if to droop, but would stand ramrod straight the very instant she noticed. Her wings rustled uncomfortably, almost in time with the awkward flick of her ethereal tail.

Their eyes met. Twilight felt her blood run cold in her veins. She half expected her longtime teacher to turn up her nose and look away, or for those deep purple eyes to harden, tinged with disappointment at her frivolities.

The pain that flashed in Celestia’s ancient eyes before she turned to answer a babbled question from Sweetie Belle gave Twilight pause.

That was new. And quite concerning. Her right forehoof twitched and raised of its own volition, pulling her to go to her teacher’s side. But the memory of their argument two nights prior drove it right back to rest on the ground. How exactly did one strike up a casual conversation in the wake of something like that? It was a bit different with the girls—they were all close, and right around her age. There wasn’t really a lingering sense of fighting with her pseudo-mother figure in what few fights they had.

With Celestia, on the other hoof, it was there plus interest.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Luna greeted, nearly making her jump straight out of her coat.

The Princess of the Night wore a small smile, her eyes betrayed a hint of mischief as they danced with mirth. She stepped closer and wrapped Twilight in a tight embrace, like the family they’d become by rite and through marriage.

“T’was wonderful to see you again, young mare,” Luna said. She squeezed Twilight’s shoulders, then drew back to survey her. The small smile spread across her muzzle. “Perhaps we might take time to acquire coffee and ‘catch up,’ as you young ponies say.” Her smile turned wolfish, she raised an eyebrow and added, “If you don’t find yourself too entangled with your mare.”

Twilight felt her face burn, a rosy hue filled her cheeks and tinged them a dark violet. Her fellow princess’ double entendre did not go missed. “I—I’m sure that won’t be any sort of issue! We’ll—ahem—have to arrange something!”

It hardly seemed possible that Luna’s smile could grow any more wicked, but she managed the feat. “Indeed. And do give my regards to Captain Spitfire if you see her before I do—and, once her upcoming tour is done, I suspect you will.”

Curious, Twilight tilted her head. “How did you know she was going out on tour?”

Luna chuckled. “My dear, those things are public knowledge. Hardly difficult for anypony to learn for themselves.” With a wink, she leaned in to whisper, “And when somepony decides to date into my family, I do take a certain interest to their character and dealings.”

Oh, dear. “Ah. Well, um, yes.” Her blush deepened. Twilight rustled her wings. “We’ve discussed it a bit, and plan to exchange schedules through letters once we get home.”

“Excellent. I wish you both the best, then.” Luna released her embrace and stepped to the side, gazing toward her sister. For a moment, she was silent. The playful smile ran away from her face. Then, she took a deep breath and spoke, “She does care for you. And everypony under her watch.”

Blinking, Twilight glanced between the sisters. “I never doubted that. It’s just—“

“She can be smothering. Yes. I know.” Luna gave a pained smile. “Of the many reasons I stayed in the castle upon my return, that I was being doted on by a fretting immortal was one of them.”

“… You’re not being serious.”

She was met with a flat stare. “A thousand years waiting, Twilight Sparkle. I may as well have been a little filly in her eyes. Of my sister’s faults, and I feel she has quite a few, her greatest is that she cares a bit too much sometimes. Maddeningly so.” Flicking her tail, she fixed the smile back on her face when Celestia turned to approach them. She dropped her voice to a low murmur, “And on that regard, your mare gave her a bit of a slap back to reality that was long overdue.”

Twilight’s ears twitched. This was her chance! She raised a hoof, the question right on the tip of her tongue as Celestia drew within earshot.

“I hope you’re not spreading tales, Luna,” Celestia began, her voice tinged with false humor and a hint of tiredness, “or will I have to tell a few of yours?”

To her credit, Luna simply smiled. “I welcome the chance, oh ancient one. My reputation can suffer a few of my old stories, yours, on the other hoof …” she trailed off and let the sentence hang unfinished, then took a few steps toward the Crusaders. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a trio of troublemakers to bid farewell. And perhaps instill a reminder to at least try to behave themselves from time to time. I’ll leave you to your farewells. Have a safe trip, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Luna.” Twilight gave a little bow of her head. “It was good seeing you again.”

Luna bowed in reply, then resumed her trot, leaving Twilight and Celestia alone.

For the first time in many, many years, Twilight felt awkward before her old teacher—like she was once again the little filly who showed up for her first day of lessons with the Princess Celestia rather than a peer. She scuffed her hoof against the pavement, her teeth nibbled on a piece of broken skin on her lip.

“It was lovely to see you again, my dear,” Celestia said softly.

Twilight perked up, a tiny, nervous smile spread across her face. “It was fun to help out this year. Thank you for having us.”

“You are always welcome here, whenever you wish to visit.” She made as though to continue, but stopped short. Her face contorted, as though she were torn between apprehension and a want to sweep Twilight up in her embrace. Taking a deep breath, she added, “I truly do wish for your happiness, dear. Even if you might think otherwise at times.”

Wings drooping, Twilight nodded. Of course. Celestia had always been more than just a mentor. She was a friend, a confidant, and more.

Family.

“I know,” Twilight replied. Tentatively, she stepped close enough so she could touch her cheek against Celestia’s and gave an affectionate rub. “I just … she makes me feel so happy! And alive!” Her wings fluttered almost of their own volition. “No pony’s ever made me feel this way before, and I love it so much!”

She heard Celestia draw in a sharp breath. “I know.” With a sigh, Celestia drew back to regard her as if seeing her for the first time in ages. “I know what you mean all too well, Twilight. I just worry that you might get a bit caught up in that passion and be hurt in the end.”

Twilight let her ears droop. She made to argue, but stopped as Celestia raised a hoof.

“I don’t want assurances that it won’t happen to you, dear. I merely want you to promise me you’ll consider my advice and use sound judgement.” Celestia’s ancient eyes softened like a mother begging her daughter to see reason. “Please, Twilight.”

What in Equestria did Spitfire say to draw this sort of response? Nodding, Twilight let her smile return. “I can’t promise we won’t—er—” she glanced off to the side at Spike and the Crusaders, back at Celestia “—you know. But Spitfire and I both want to make this work so it can last.”

“Then I wish you luck, dear.” Her warm, welcoming smile returned. Celestia nuzzled her cheek, then took a step back and nodded toward the carriages. “Not that I wouldn’t love an excuse to keep you longer, but you’d all best get a move on or you’ll miss your train home.” Winking, she whispered, “And I think Pinkie Pie might just combust if she doesn’t get to show Party around …”

Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat. Saying Pinkie Pie was looking forward to Party’s visit was like saying summers in Froggy Bottom Bog were a bit humid. She pasted a grin on her face, turned to trot toward the carriages, calling to the group, “Time to head out, everypony! We’ve got to beat the station crowd or we’ll never make it in time!”

To her relief, there was no argument. Ears perked up and heads turned, and her friends quickly took up their bags and finished saying their goodbyes before they started to clamor into the carriages.

Twilight just managed to put hers in the boot of her carriage, she felt a strong hoof touch her shoulder. “Twily?” Shining’s voice made her ear flick. She turned to face him, and found herself met with both her brother and Cadence.

The pair offered small smiles, a hint of sheepishness showed in the way their ears drooped and Cadence’s wings rustled. He withdrew his hoof and rubbed at his mane. “Sorry about the other night,” he said, his smile strained. “It’s just—you’re my baby sister, y’know? I’ll always feel a bit protective.”

“A bit?” Twilight quipped, arching a brow.

“Oh, shut up.” He rolled his eyes. “You’ll understand when Spike starts dating. And I don’t mean that little crush he’s got on Rarity.”

They shared a chuckle. The not-so-secret crush Spike still harbored would have to come to a head someday. Hopefully in a way that wouldn’t cause too much drama, if fortune smiled upon them.

Cadence drew near and wrapped Twilight in a tight hug, then held her close. “I’ll miss you, Twily,” she murmured. “We’re just a quick letter away if you have any problems or questions about dating, you know. I’d be happy to offer a little advice on places you could go together.”

Twilight brought a hoof to her chin. True, she wasn’t entirely sure how dating went, that much was evident in the whirlwind relationship she’d stumbled into. It would make sense to have somepony she could ask other than Celestia or Luna, whose dating advice was about a thousand years out of date if she were being generous. Or worse.

Her mother.

“You know,” she began, a bright smile spread across her face, “I think I’d like that.”

The Royal Canterlot Station was crowded even though they’d managed to beat the rush. Ponies jostled together as they milled about the platforms and main lobby alongside griffons, an entourage of official looking yaks, and even a couple wyverns in high collared robes.

Fortunately, Twilight’s status gave her an easy means to cut a path through the crowd. While she was loathe to flaunt her title, walking with a sense of purpose and holding her head high in imitation of her fellow princess’ regal air seemed to do more than any levitation or shield spell. The crowd parted before her, some offering deep bows, others greeting her in their native tongue as she passed them by.

Twilight smiled and nodded, and gave greetings of her own as best she could. Her eyes flitted and searched the crowd for any sign of fiery orange mane or warm, goldenrod coat. Even a glimpse of Spitfire’s trademark flame lick cutie mark would be welcome.

“Lookin’ fer somepony?” Applejack drawled from her right.

Before she could reply, Rainbow was on Twilight’s left, playfully rubbing their shoulders together. “Looking for the hottest pegasus around other than yours truly, I bet!” she crowed. “Betcha twenty bits she’s hoping Spitfire gives her a nice big goodbye smooch!”

Cheeks burning, Twilight shook her head. “I am not!” she cried with a stomp of her hoof. “She just mentioned she’d be here to see me off!”

“Uh huh.”

The burn spread throughout her face to the very tips of her ears. Twilight turned to the others for support, but found herself met with eight smirks, a trio of interested fillies’ smiles, and Fluttershy trying in vein to hide a giggle behind a butter yellow hoof. With a groan, she strode forward, pinning her ears to block out Rainbow Dash’s raucous laughter.

What was it with all the sporty pegasi she knew being terrible jokesters? Knowing her luck, the entire Wonderbolts squad would be the same, eager to see who could reduce their target to a stammering, blushing mess the quickest. And, at some point, Twilight would have to run that gauntlet herself.

A shiver ran down her spine. Twilight shook herself, returning her focus to the task at hoof. After a few more seconds of scanning the crowd of colorful bodies, and accounting for the pegasi who opted to fly overhead, she was rewarded with a glimpse of Spitfire’s mane sticking out among all the others like a tiny flicker of flame in the dark.

Her heart leapt. Fluttering her wings, she picked up the pace. Twilight slid by a few ponies who were a bit slow in moving, idly sending a casual wave as they bowed and murmured apologies, and trotted straight for the fiery mare herself.

Flanked by Fleetfoot and Soarin, Spitfire stood in the middle of the platform, her wings freshly preened and her coat groomed velvety smooth so the light seemed to caress her curves and show off every bit of taut muscle in her body. The warm smile upon her face made butterflies take wing in Twilight’s chest. Grinning freely, she took the last several steps in a bound and snuggled right up to Spitfire’s chest, pressing her cheek against her girlfriend’s. “You came,” she murmured.

“Told you I would,” Spitfire said softly. “Did you really think I wouldn’t show?”

“No. I’m just happy to see you again before we have to juggle schedules.”

“Fair.” Spitfire drew back and gazed into her eyes for a moment, she leaned in as if to steal a kiss, but stopped short. She glanced around the station, her usual confidence wavered at the sight of all the waiting travellers. Coughing once, she looked toward Rainbow. “Keep an eye on her for me, rook?”

“You got it!” Rainbow said, snapping a quick salute. “I’ll keep her out of trouble.”

Twilight squawked indignantly. “Excuse me? Keep who out of trouble?”

“You, duh. Your ears working, Twi? Or are you too busy daydream—ow! What did I do?””

Rarity tutted. “You’re ruining the moment, Rainbow, and you know full well they could use a little time together before they part. With that in mind—” her horn lit up, she sent a tendril of magic to wrap around the bags in Twilight’s grasp “—let me take care of these, darling. Come along, everypony. Let’s leave these two to their goodbyes.”

With teasing smirks and waggling eyebrows, the group made their way toward the train, though not without a little prodding along to get the fillies moving. Spike sniggered as he gave Scootaloo a little jab in the rump with his claws, drawing a squeak before she darted through the open door and into the train car.

Twilight stood alone on the platform with the trio of Wonderbolts. Soarin smiled at her from over Spitfire’s shoulder, and gave a little bow of his head.

“Princess,” he greeted warmly.

Arching a brow, she released her hold on Spitfire and set her hooves on the platform. “I think we’ve gotten familiar enough that you can call me Twilight, Soarin,” she teased. “Given that I’m dating your friend slash captain.”

“True, but we’re in public, so I have to at least pretend to be all proper until you say something.” Waggling his ears, he stood up straight. “Have a safe trip home, Twilight. It was nice to meet you.”

“We’d be happy to have you join us backstage at one of our shows,” Fleetfoot added with a little bow of her own, her milky eyes stared straight ahead and over Twilight’s shoulder. She cocked her head so her left ear was more toward Twilight. With a wicked grin, she continued, “Some of us more than others, I’m sure.”

“Bite my flank,” Spitfire shot back with no trace of malice in her tone. “You’d be all over that deal too if Soarin weren’t a Bolt.”

“Point.” Ears twitching, Fleetfoot let her grin fade to a more friendly smile as she returned her attention to Twilight. “We’ll keep an eye on Fireball for you. No promises on keeping her out of trouble though.”

Grinning, Twilight fixed Spitfire with a sidelong smirk. “Just send me a letter. I’ll keep track and make sure she’s thoroughly reprimanded.”

Spitfire’s jaw dropped as a rosy hue tinged her cheeks. “Ex-Excuse me?” she squeaked, then faked a cough and straightened up, her usual smirk slid right back into place. “I dare you to try, hon. Please.”

Soarin let out a low, mocking ooooooooooooh like a bunch of foals on the playground might, much to Fleetfoot’s amusement. It only added to the feeling, like they were both playing chicken.

Well, then. Twilight was game. After all, she still owed Spitfire for quite a lot of teasing. And given the sizable crowd on the platform, she had quite the audience.

A slow smile spread across her muzzle as an idea came to mind. Yes, that’ll do nicely. Sighing as though defeated, she nuzzled Spitfire’s nose. “Write me soon, please.”

“Promise, hon.” Spitfire dotted her nose with a quick kiss. Soft and full of affection, but fast enough that no pony would notice unless they’d been watching for it. “It’ll be the first thing I do once I get back to Cloudsdale.”

“Good.” Twilight paused, tilting her head to one side. Something still nagged at her, right in the back of her mind. The look of pain in Celestia’s eyes still held fresh, as did the change in how she spoke of their relationship. Curious, she looked Spitfire in the eye and asked, “Why won’t you tell me what you said to Celestia?”

The smile ran away from Spitfire’s face. “Huh?”

“She seemed hurt,” Twilight replied, “but not angry. Like she’d been given terrible news. What did you say?”

Spitfire took a deep breath through her nose, then let it out in a deep sigh. Her shoulders slumped. “I lost my temper, and I said something I knew she’d think about for a while,” she said softly. Running a hoof through her mane, she added, “It wasn’t anything bad. Just sort of a heat of the moment thing. It’s … nothing. Really.”

“You made it sound like she’d be angry with you in meetings.”

“Not quite.” Spitfire raised her hoof. “I said she’d give me a few sidelong looks, I never said she’d be glaring daggers.”

Twilight fixed her with a deadpan stare. She arched a brow and flicked her tail, a silent message.

One received, if the pained grimace that flitted across Spitfire’s face was any indication. Sighing, she stepped closer and lowered her voice to a whisper. “Can we talk about it another time?” she asked. “Somewhere not in public?”

Pursing her lips, Twilight tapped a hoof against the ground. “Is it bad?”

“Not really. I just don’t want somepony overhearing the subject matter given it involves you in a less than regal state.” A slight inclination of her brows and a meaningful look left little doubt what she meant. She was looking out for Twilight’s public image.

Twilight conceded. “If you think so, I appreciate it,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll wait, but not too long.”

“Much appreciated, hon.”

A sharp whistle cut through the air, followed by the conductor’s voice booming over the platform. It was almost time to head out.

Spitfire gave a crooked smile. “You’d better get moving,” she said softly. The slight drooping of her ears betrayed her. “Don’t want you to miss your train.”

Twilight’s ears twitched, it was now or never. She wrapped Spitfire in another hug, humming happily as she felt a gentle hoof touch her between her wings. “You’re right. But first … there’s something I owe you.”

She felt Spitfire draw back. “Owe me? Hon, you don’t owe me anything.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked, pulling back just enough to fix Spitfire with a half-lidded stare. “Nothing at all?”

“Uh … not that I can—”

It was too perfect. Quick as a cat, Twilight looped her hooves around Spitfire’s neck and pulled her into a kiss. The scent of rain, ozone, and hotel shampoo filled her senses, she drank it all in. She nibbled and ran her tongue along Spitfire’s bottom lip before parting, a broad grin spread across her face as she took in the mare’s rosy cheeks, wide orange eyes, and wide open mouth.

“Huhwha?”

Soarin promptly fell over laughing and kicking his hooves in the air.

A giggle bubbled forth. She leaned in, rubbing her cheek against Spitfire’s as she whispered, “I told you I’d get you back for breakfast couple days ago, hon.” Turning her head, she pressed her lips against the warm, goldenrod coat. “Enjoy the crowd.”

She scampered off before Spitfire could gather her wits, pausing only to flash a grin and a wave at Soarin as he struggled to explain what happened to Fleetfoot. Twilight leapt through the doorway passed the startled conductor, and slipped on the rubber floor in her haste to turn and get to the window.

Pressing her face against the glass, Twilight watched while Spitfire slowly worked things out. A full belly laugh built up in her chest as her girlfriend’s ears pinned and those beautiful, golden wings sagged. Her orange eyes shrunk to pinpricks as she whispered mostly to herself:

”Oh, no …”

Twilight swished her tail. “Oh, yes, hon!”

Spitfire turned to face a crowd of gaping ponies, at least two or three of which had managed to pull out their cameras and snap a quick shot of their Princess of Friendship kissing the Captain of the Wonderbolts. She stepped back toward the train, stumbling over one of Soarin’s hooves.

The car jolted forward.

Goldenrod ears twitched. Spitfire snapped her head around to shoot a horrified look at Twilight, her jaw working wordlessly as she struggled to figure out how to convey this betrayal.

Twilight let it all out. Her eyes clenched shut, she wrapped her hooves around her barrel and let herself fall back onto her haunches. Tears stung at the corners of her eyes as she gave way to her mirth. Revenge was sweet—sweeter when it involved kissing her girlfriend silly!

“Well, well, well!”

Rainbow’s voice made the laughter die in the back of her throat. She froze, her ears slowly drooping as what she’d just done dawned upon her.

Kissing. Spitfire. Crowd of ponies. Cameras. Friends!

Slowly, she turned to face the grinning ponies in her car. Each of her friends wore wicked grins and matching gleams in their eyes, the same as that very morning after the Gala. Spike had his elbows propped on one of the seats, and slowly shook his head while Scootaloo simply stood stock still beside him and gaped. Rainbow Dash was sprawled across one of the cushions, leaning against the wall opposite Twilight, a wicked smirk playing upon her lips.

I really didn’t think this through.

Rainbow stood and swaggered over to her side before sitting and throwing a wing around her. “So, Twi,” she began, “on a scale of one to ten, how awesome would you say that kiss was?”

Her words jolted Scootaloo back into reality. The little filly buzzed her wings, zipping over to their side. For once, though, her focus wasn’t on Rainbow Dash.

Her eyes were trained on Twilight. “We were only here a few days! What the hay did I miss?”

With a sheepish smile, Twilight ducked her head between her shoulders and covered her face. “I … might be dating Spitfire.”

“And by might,” Rainbow chipped in, “she means she is. Both have confirmed it.”

Scootaloo blinked a few times. She tried to speak, but only managed a weak, strangled babble. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then nodded to herself as if readying for a race.

Her eyes snapped open, brimming with youthful determination. She reared up and placed her tiny hooves against Twilight’s knees as if she hoped to keep her in place.

“Tell me everything.”

1. At the Gala

Her officer’s uniform had been dry cleaned and ironed to perfection. Each and every one of her medals and bands had been taken off and polished until she could see the fiery orange of her eyes reflected in them.

The meeting with Princess Celestia had come as a surprise—short notice, given that it had nothing to do with military action or performance review. But, like Captain April Showers always said, “When the big mare calls, we answer. Don’t question it. Just go. And be ready for anything.”

Little did she know, anything literally meant anything.

Leaning up against a column, Spitfire sighed and ran a hoof through her mane as she searched the crowd for her target—or, rather, the mare she’d be escorting this evening. “Of all the things for her to ask,” she mumbled. “Kinda off the wall, even for her.”

“Captain Spitfire—” Princess Celestia had begun, smiling down upon her from her throne “—thank you for meeting with me today.”

Spitfire kneeled before her, dipping her head low and keeping her eyes focused on the red carpet until ordered to rise. “Anything to be of service, Your Highness. What can I do to help?”

“Rise. Let’s not stand on ceremony, my friend,” she’d commanded, “I was wondering, might I ask what you had planned for the Grand Galloping Gala?”

She’d shrugged. “Nothing much, Princess. I was just gonna tag along with Lieutenants Fleetfoot and Soarin, kinda play third wheel until they gave me the nod, maybe hang out by the bar and chat with a couple ponies. But I can cancel if need be.” Blinking, she’d tilted her head. “Is that what you wanted to ask about? Making sure that I was free so I could go on an assignment?”

“Oh, no, Captain! Quite the contrary! I wanted to make sure that my request wouldn’t conflict with any other plans,” Princess Celestia smiled brightly. “In fact, this works out just perfectly.”

“Uh… not to be rude, but how’s that?”

“Well, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind spending a little bit of time with my former student, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Spitfire had recoiled. “No disrespect, Princess, but shouldn’t that be up to her friends? And, if I recall, she was glued to your side at last year’s Gala—before everything went wonky.”

Giggling, Princess Celestia nodded. “Indeed she did! Which is actually why I wanted to ask you to pull her away for a bit—hear me out,” she held up a hoof to forestall an argument. “I love Twilight dearly, like the daughter I never had, and I’m pleased that she’s made so many friends. But… well, she does have a tendency to hang around me a bit too much when she visits, and I’d like her to work on pursuing other relationships. The Gala would help her with that.”

“So, why can’t you introduce her to a few ponies, Princess? I’m sure anypony would be happy to—“

“No.” A single shake of her head. “I need somepony trustworthy, Captain. Somepony who will treat her with the respect she deserves as a princess and as a mare.” She leaned forward, steepling her hooves and regarding Spitfire with a critical gaze. “Can I trust you, Captain?”

Shaking herself out of her reverie, Spitfire let her eyes wander around the great ballroom. She smiled and nodded to a couple of passing ponies—a rather well-to-do couple, if the custom tux on the stallion, and the soft peach dress and pearl necklace around the mare’s neck were anything to go by.

Classy, she thought with a nod. And that’s a nice dress, too. A smile played upon her lips, good to see a couple of ponies enjoying the night already.

The Gala was in full swing by now. The guards had rolled out the red carpet—literally—as the door opened to welcome the attendees and the Royal Canterlot Chamber Ensemble played a nice, slow melody for everypony to enjoy.

They’d certainly pulled out all the stops. Of course, the Grand Galloping Gala was the main event of any socialite’s calendar. Anything less just wouldn’t do.

Though, in her modest opinion, the ice sculpture of the four princesses near the food table was a tad cliché. Then again, since it was the first Gala where the entire Royal Family was present, it made a bit of sense.

Now, where is she? Spitfire craned her neck to see over the heads of the guests, her bright orange eyes darting this way and that in search of her target. A task far easier said than done in the crowd.

“She’ll be at my side, most likely. She helped plan things out this year, so she’ll be fretting over whether or not things are to my liking—of course they will be. Twilight can be a bit silly like that. Always has been.”

A fair point. And it made things easier in terms of searching her out.

Spitfire pushed off her post and began making her way through the throng of ponies, weaving in and out between crowds gathered for conversation, and ducking underneath a floating tray of hors d’oeurves as one of the staff trotted by. Probably still near the door, about to come in. All four princesses were greeting this year, and then things were gonna get going.

She passed by Fleetfoot and Soarin’, grinning as she heard them laughing uproariously with their audience, struggling to recount the night they’d tricked a rather drunk Firestorm into eating a ghost pepper during last year’s trip to Stalliongrad. As one stallion began to make a remark, Fleetfoot cocked her head toward him, listening patiently before laughing and nodding in reply.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of rainbow mane and matching dress. Rainbow Dash was just a few ponies away from two of her biggest idols.

If possible, Spitfire’s grin widened when Soarin’ turned to Rainbow and brought her into the conversation, the younger mare’s feathers ruffling excitedly at the chance to rub elbows with them.

A quick mental note to thank him for taking the time to chat with their top prospect, and she turned her focus back to her goal.

“Please, just show her a good time. I want her to socialize with a few new ponies—I want her to foster new relationships, and I think the Gala would be an excellent opportunity for that.”

“Forgive me for asking, but couldn’t you just tell her that?”

The little chuckle and shake of Celestia’s head were still visible in her mind, Spitfire wrinkled her nose as she stepped around the herald and brushed past the ponies entering through the main doors.

“It’s not that simple, Captain. Not the sort I’m referring to. You must understand, I’m doing this with her happiness in mind—she’s very precious to me.”

“I can respect that, Princess.”

There they were. The four princesses, each clothed in magnificent dresses, looking the very picture of immaculate beauty. Princess Cadence stood close by her husband, the ever-dutiful Captain Shining Armor, with the tips of her pink-and-purple feathers brushing up against his side. The loving couple wore bright smiles, telling of their youth and happiness as they greeted guests with excitement evident in their voices. Princesses Celestia and Luna stood side by side, head and shoulders above the rest, with serene smiles on their muzzles. They favored a more sedate greeting—a polite nod of their head, acknowledgement of their guests’ names, and an invitation to enter.

But on Princess Celestia’s right side, stood the mare Spitfire had been looking for.

Her tricolored mane was done up nicely—a bit of extra bounce in her bangs, and the curls at the end of her mane were a far cry from her typical look. Certainly different from the almost utilitarian “flat bangs, straight mane” style she was accustomed to, and the gleaming crown atop her head almost seemed out of place. Her dress, though, was something else—Spitfire was no expert on fashion, and she wouldn’t have thought a pony of mulberry coat could pull off a cyan dress with blue flowers around the neckline, let alone the orange sash tied off into a nice bow around her back.

She could happily go on record as wrong in that regard! Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and former student of Princess Celestia, had transformed from the studious little unicorn living in a small town on the edge of a forest to a full-grown mare.

Spitfire fought down a grin, and the urge to let loose a whistle. Down girl! I promised I’d behave tonight!

“Please just show her a good time, and get to know her mare to mare. Whatever comes of it is up to the two of you—I only ask that you treat her with respect, Captain. She is still your princess, and, along with Princess Cadence, the closest thing I have to a daughter. My family is my world. You don’t mind if I mention your aversion to being crowded, do you?”

Like a good officer, she eyed her target and took note of Princess Twilight’s posture—the way she ruffled her feathers, how her purple eyes darted from the guests to Princess Celestia in between greetings, even the slight strain in her smile.

The Princess of Friendship was bored. She made her approach, a winning smile on her muzzle as she stopped beside the Royal Family and knelt. “Good evening, Your Majesties,” she greeted.

“Not at all. I understand, Princess. Don’t worry, she’s in good hooves.”

Maybe she could make things work this time.

“Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala, Mister Jet Set! And you too, Madam Upper Crust! We’re very glad you could make it this evening!”

Her greeting was as practiced and grating as the stiff posture she assumed, and her sincerity as false and plastic as the smile on her muzzle. Twilight fought the urge to sigh—one she’d been battling for some time now.

She stole a glance to Celestia, a spark of hope that their eyes would meet and a silent plea could be sent. This was supposed to be different. We were supposed to spend time together, actual teacher-student time—or is it more familial now that Cadence and Shiny are married? Twilight shook her head.

Inner rambling when she was supposed to be focused on greeting ponies, not good. Celestia wouldn’t be too impressed if she stared blankly off into space and got lost in thought, especially not in front of such high profile guests.

The sigh escaped her lips before she could stop it, her wings dipped just a tad before she caught it and righted her posture. No, bad. There’s still a full night, the Gala has only just begun—there’s plenty of time for us all to spend together. Be patient.

Easier said than done. She shifted in place, trying to find the sweet spot in her shining, golden horseshoes. It’d only be for a little bit—or so Twilight told herself an hour ago.

Had an hour even passed? It certainly felt like it, what with her forcing a smile, standing through a bunch of feigned praise and overly formal exhalations. Plastic smiles and flattering words without actual feeling. A far cry from what she’d grown accustomed to in Ponyville.

“Good evening, Your Majesties.”

Twilight’s ear flicked toward the voice sounding from just outside the ballroom door—raspy and feminine, but holding a sort of warmth the other guests lacked. She turned away from welcoming Fancy Pants and his plus one, Fleur de Lis, and made to greet the newcomer.

The words died in her throat as her eyes locked with a pair of brilliant orange, striking even among other pony folk.

Blinking, she took a second look, her gaze flitting from the newcomer’s eyes to the sunny yellow coat, and two-toned orange mane, brushed and styled to look like flames in the wind, and a navy blue uniform with gleaming gold medals and colorful ribbons that told of years of service to the Crown.

Twilight knew her face quite well, even if she wasn’t a Wonderbolts superfan.

“Captain Spitfire?” she found herself asking.

Before Spitfire could reply, Celestia turned and greeted her with a smile. “Oh, Captain, I was just wondering where you’d gotten to! We didn’t see you come through the main entrance!” Naturally, her shift in attention from socialites to one of Equestria’s top celebrities drew a lot of attention.

Cadence, Shining Armor, and even Luna tore themselves away from the crowd to offer bright smiles and welcoming nods. A look of relief flashed across Shining’s face, along with a smile he reserved for friends and family alone. Or when he just caught a recruit out of line and was about to make the poor colt wet himself.

Out of the corner of her eye, Twilight noticed quite a number of stallions in line square their jaws while mares glared and hissed under their breath. That wasn’t going to be fun to deal with.

“Sorry, Princess Celestia,” Spitfire said sheepishly. “I thought I’d just kinda slip on through and mosey around a bit. Didn’t mean to bypass you all. No disrespect intended.” She nodded to the pair, who returned her greeting with small smiles of their own.

“Kind of odd, y’know,” Shining Armor threw in cheekily. “A ‘Bolt without her wing ponies. I thought you lot never broke formation!”

Smirking, Spitfire shot a wink to Twilight before giving her retort, “Good one! I’m surprised you were able to pull the spear out of your rear long enough to think of that one, Captain!”

“Oooh, she’s got you there, Shiny!” Cadence crowed. Wrapping her wing around his shoulders, she leaned in and waggled her eyebrows at him. “Not gonna get shown up in front of all these ponies are you?”

Shining laughed and shook his head, giving a stern nudge Cadence for her laughter. “Stop,” he scolded good-naturedly, “or I’ll limit your slow dances to a mere two.”

A gasp of horror. Cadence slipped her wing off him and neatly folded it against her side. “You wouldn’t dare!”

He merely raised a brow. “Wouldn’t I?”

She huffed, wrinkling her snout at him. “Jerk!” she grumbled, turning her head away from him to hide a little smile. Her eyes flitted to Spitfire and then back toward Shining, a flash of mischief danced in them. “You’re just jealous that Captain Spitfire here pulls off her uniform better, Shiny! Look, she even has her medals polished!”

“Thank you, Princess.” Spitfire bowed her head. “But you flatter me a bit too much—Captain Armor looks quite fabulous with his shoulder tassels.”

“I’m the most fabulous,” Shining corrected, a smirk playing upon his lips. He gave Cadence a little bump with his flank, jerking his head toward the crowd. “C’mon, honey, guests to greet before you get your dances. As for you—” he fixed Spitfire with a mock glare “—behave.”

Spitfire shared a grin with Cadence, before turning back to Twilight and giving a polite nod. “Banter aside, I’m glad to see you remember me, Princess! Although—“ she broke off to rub at the back of her mane “—I hope our last meeting hasn’t ruined your opinion of me. Or my team, for that matter.”

“Oh? You two already know each other?” Celestia raised an eyebrow, a tiny smile played upon her lips.

“Yes, Princess. I think the first time we met was… Oh, wow, Tornado Day in Ponyville! That was something, wasn’t it?”

Twilight nodded once. “Yes, it was a really big day for our weather team! And Fluttershy—everypony was so proud of her for stepping up and pushing her limits! We also met at Rainbow Falls, for the Equestria Games qualifiers.”

“Not my proudest moment,” Spitfire added, her feathers ruffling defensively. “I let my competitiveness blind me that day.”

Before Twilight could reply, Celestia stepped in once again. “It happens to the best of us, Captain—no pony’s perfect.”

“How very true,” Luna put in. “We all have our moments of weakness—taking the time to acknowledge and learn from them is important.”

Celestia chuckled. “Right you are, Luna. Ah, but we’re getting a bit distracted aren’t we? Our guests will be waiting all night at this rate. I trust you won’t mind if my sister and I return to our duties, Captain?”

“Not at all, Princess. I understand entirely. Please, don’t let me keep you!” she replied, but made no move to leave. Her eyes seemed to shine with mirth, a playful smile tugged at her lips.

Something clicked. Twilight’s ears perked up. “My sister and I”? Wait a moment, I’m supposed to be a part of this too! She made to speak up and correct her former teacher, but Celestia added, “Oh, dear! Twilight, I’m sorry, there was a tiny detail about tonight that I let slip my mind.”

“Memory troubles, sister?” Luna asked with a coy smile. “My, my! No wonder you wished for our newest princess to plan the festivities herself!”

“Oh, hush!” Celestia scolded, leveling Luna with a scowl. Almost instantly, her smile was back in place, the sisters shared a little chuckle at what seemed to be practiced routine, and then she turned to face Twilight and Spitfire once more. “I do apologize, Twilight,” she continued sheepishly, quite the shift from her usual demeanor. “But, to her credit, Luna might have something with that comment—you know how I can get sometimes…”

Twilight’s gaze flicked between the two sisters. Aged though they were, miscommunications such as this were far and few between, especially when an event like the Grand Galloping Gala was involved. Everypony’s been rather busy with the setup, not to mention all the work they do running the country, she reminded herself. It’s just a little thing, right? Shouldn’t be all that difficult.

She smiled—a genuine one, rather than the plastic one she’d given the guests—like the good student she’d always been. “I’m always happy to help, Celestia,” she replied, her voice strong and full of conviction. “You can count on me!”

“Splendid! You’ve actually made it rather easy for me just now.”

Twilight blinked and pricked up her ears—there was something about that smile on her old teacher’s muzzle… “I have?”

Not a smile, a toothy grin. The very same one worn whenever Celestia had a trick up her sleeve. “Indeed. You see, Captain Spitfire, here—“ she gestured to Spitfire, who offered a little wave of her hoof in reply “—often has a little bit of a problem at big events like these. Though, perhaps it’d be better if she were to explain it…”

Spitfire bowed to Celestia. “Thank you, Princess,” she said, before turning to Twilight and giving a rather tired smile. “Like Princess Celestia says, I kinda have a problem with big parties like these—no matter what I do, I get crowded. A lot. Your, uh, friend might’ve mentioned that about last year’s Gala.”

“I… yes, she did mention that you were a bit swamped. If you don’t mind me saying, Rainbow was pretty disappointed…” Twilight cringed, hastily adding, “But she understood! After a while, that is…”

“That makes two of us,” Spitfire groaned, and scuffed her hoof against the floor. “That’s kinda the thing—I get crowded and I don’t deal with it very well. I start feeling like I get pulled in six different directions, and then I lose sight of who I really want to talk to, but I can’t just tell some big wig ‘hang on a moment’ since I’m supposed to be the face of the team.” Her tail flicked in agitation. “Makes me wish I could stick the captain’s badge on Fleetfoot or Soarin’ and just go chat with some ponies—like, real talk, y’know?”

Twilight ruffled her feathers, wincing at the memory of a couple early encounters with her newfound status. Nodding, she gave a sympathetic smile. “I understand. Sometimes, I feel a bit out of place whenever I come home to visit. Ponyville just sort of grew on me—“ she started and turned to Celestia “—no offense, Celestia.”

“None taken.” Celestia chuckled. “We all have our own arena, so to speak. Yours is Ponyville, mine is Canterlot, and Captain Spitfire’s is a dangerous track.”

“Every dangerous track,” Spitfire corrected, her smirk back in place.

With a playful roll of her eyes, Celestia replied, “Oh, yes, forgive me, Captain! Such bravado!” Turning to Twilight, she winked. “Well? What say you, Twilight? Would you be willing to escort Captain Spitfire this evening?”

Her gaze flitted between her teacher and Spitfire, the little bit of hope in the latter’s eyes gave her pause. Yes, she wanted everypony to have fun and enjoy their time at the Gala, but she had plans.

Twilight chewed on the inside of her cheek as she weighed her options—either way, she’d get the chance to spend time with Celestia and her friends, so that was hardly an excuse.

But she had plans.

Still, Spitfire spending a night in full professional character was certainly a shame.

But she had plans, confound it!

She specifically planned the Gala so everypony—adult and foal alike—could relax, have a little fun, and enjoy their night.

“I’d be happy to, Princess,” Twilight replied, a smile spread across her muzzle as she turned to face Spitfire herself.

Spitfire gave a sigh of relief. “You had me worried there, Princess.” She chuckled nervously. “I thought I was gonna have to start begging!”

“Well, don’t thank me quite yet—I’m still not quite sure how my escorting a Wonderbolt is supposed to take attention off you…”

“I think—“ Celestia cut in “—you’ll find that most ponies will see the pair of you entering together, chatting as friends, as a bit of a sign that you’re preoccupied. While it might not take it all away, it’ll surely send a message that you have previous engagements and wish to be left to them. In short, just stay close together, act natural, and things will work themselves out.” She held up a hoof to forestall Twilight’s reply, and continued, “Furthermore, it serves as an opportunity for you as well.”

Blinking, Twilight looked between Celestia and Spitfire. “I’m… sorry?”

“Think of it as a chance to prepare yourself for future interactions with celebrities. As a princess, you’ll be expected to play host to these events on your own, not just standing at my side. Meeting and greeting celebrities, and conversing with them throughout.” With a sweeping wave of her hoof, she gestured to Spitfire. “Captain Spitfire is a bit more relaxed off base, which makes her a suitable candidate for easing yourself into this sort of thing.”

Spitfire nodded once. “I’d be happy to serve as a test run, Princesses. Not so much for the formal stuff, though, if that’s all right.”

The pair looked to Twilight, awaiting her reply. She bit her lip, her feathers ruffled under their gaze. True, she would eventually have to “fly solo” in big events and rub shoulders with some rather influential figures—including those outside Equestria’s borders. An evening spent chatting with Spitfire could serve as a good way to test the waters for a more amicable, casual setting.

Even if it meant the loss of a chance she’d been waiting ages for.

“I’d be happy to,” she said, feigning a smile despite how her heart sank.

Spitfire bowed her head, her grin still in place. She took a step closer to Twilight, and gave a little nod. “After you, Princess.”

While a favor for Celestia was hardly unwelcome, it came at a most inopportune time. Twilight sighed and let her ears droop. Her practiced smile, one she worked specifically on for the Gala, faltered. Why couldn’t things work out as planned when she wanted to catch up with family?

Spitfire was a nice enough mare, her competitive edge and gruffness aside, but it simply wasn’t the same.

Fortunately, Spitfire seemed to just take things in stride. She kept the space between them to a rather comfortable medium—not so close that their feathers touched, but enough so it was apparent to onlookers that they’d come in together and meant to stay that way.

“So,” Spitfire began casually, “Princess Celestia said you put a lot of work into this. Gotta say—“ she took a meaningful look around the ballroom, her eyes lingering on the decorations “—you sure know how to put together a party, Princess. Bit of a change from the last few Galas, I think, but not too overdone.”

Twilight smiled and ducked her head. “Thanks,” she said, “but I can’t quite take all the credit—Pinkie Pie and Rarity were a big help this year. The three of us bounced ideas to try to find a happy medium between fun and high class, so everypony could enjoy their time here.”

With a hum of approval, Spitfire nodded toward the Cutie Mark Crusaders and their sisters, each of them babbling excitedly as they shook hooves with ponies like Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis. A little chuckle, a tiny, genuine smile played upon her lips. “I’d say you three pulled that off pretty nicely. Last year’s Gala would’ve been a complete bore for the foals.”

“I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments. Speaking of friends, where are your teammates? If you don’t mind my asking, that is.”

“Not at all. They’re off schmoozing with the sponsors and a few prospects—Soarin’ made it a point to snag Rainbow and talk her up as soon as he saw her.”

Grinning, Twilight shook her head. “Oh, dear. You realize he’s just made her year, right? We’ll be hearing the full rundown of the entire night for weeks!”

The two shared a chuckle, and stepped around a small crowd of ponies, giving a few passing nods and greetings to those who called out to them.

Spitfire stopped and pointed to the drink table. “Thirsty?” she asked.

“A bit, yes.”

“I figured. All that formal talk makes for a dry throat, eh?”

On cue, Twilight reached up and rubbed a hoof against her neck. “It does feel a bit scratchy.”

“Drinks it is, then.” Spitfire nodded and lead her along, smirking playfully. “Can’t have you losing your voice on me so early in the night, Princess. Kinda defeats the purpose of the ‘real talk’ thing.”

Raising a brow, she turned to fix Spitfire with a critical stare. “What happened to feeling out of sorts at big social events?”

“You must just have a calming effect, Princess—truly, I’m fortunate that you agreed to accompany me!” A cheeky grin, she didn’t even miss a beat. “Of course, it could be that nice voice of yours. All the more reason to soothe your throat, I’d say!”

A quick look down and away to hide a blush, she followed along, trying in vain to avoid the amused grin on Spitfire’s muzzle. My how well polished the floors are. “My voice isn’t that nice,” she said, half to herself, half to Spitfire.

Snorting, Spitfire bumped her shoulder against Twilight’s. “Don’t be so bashful, it’s a compliment! From what I hear, you’re quite the singer, Princess—ponies still talk about that number you did for the Royal Wedding!”

Twilight blinked and raised her head. “They do?”

“Well, your brother had a little something to do with that one. Pity I didn’t get a chance to hear it…” That sly smile was back in place, her eyes shone with mirth. “I don’t suppose I could persuade you to let me hear firsthoof?”

Another look down, her ears burned to their very tips. Really, I can practically see myself in the tiles. Spike could learn a thing or two… She licked her lips and took a deep, calming breath through her nose. “Er, perhaps another time. I haven’t really had much of a chance to warm up, and I don’t even know what I’d—“

A laugh from Spitfire cut her off. “Relax, Princess!” she said in between chortles. “I’m not saying now—I mean, unless you change your mind, then consider me your captive audience.” She gave her ears a meaningful waggle, before continuing. “‘Till then, drinks! Hey, barkeep!”

The stallion behind the table looked up, and promptly bowed his head in greeting. “Princess Twilight, Captain Spitfire. What might I offer you this evening?”

“Hmm, you guys always put out a big spread…” she brought a hoof to her chin, her eyes flitted between the bottles of colorful beverages and their name cards. “Gosh, half of this stuff I haven’t even heard of—the asterisk is for alcoholic, right?”

“Correct, Captain.”

To Twilight’s surprise, Spitfire wrinkled her snout and blanched. “I’ll pass on that stuff, then. Last thing I need is to end up three shades to the wind at the Gala, of all places.” A visible shudder ran down her spine. “Still can’t go back to that hotel—ooh!” Her ears perked up, her fiery orange tail wagged happily. “Rainbow mixers! Love those! Can I get one with strawberry juice?”

Nodding, the stallion lit up his horn with a deep purple aura, levitating a bottle of ruby red juice off the table along with a smaller one with a thin dropper on the end—a shimmering rainbow rolled around like a kaleidoscope within. Twilight watched in mute fascination as the stallion poured a little splash of liquid rainbow into a shaker before filling the rest with strawberry juice.

He floated an empty glass over and, in one motion, opened the shaker, pouring the contents in . “Here you are, Captain,” he said, floating both the glass and the shaker onto a tray and offering them to her. “When you’re finished, just let one of the servers know and they’ll collect this.”

“Thanks, pal.” Spitfire reached into one of her uniform pockets and took out a couple of bits, placing them on the table. “Have that on me.” She shifted to the side to accept the tray’s weight on her back, and gave Twilight a smile. “Well, Princess? What’ll it be?”

“Er…” Twilight cringed, her eyes darted over the assortment of bottles and shakers. Party drinks had never really interested her—simple things like cider, tea, and copious amounts of coffee on a late night study session were about as far as she went.

None of her usual standbys were present on the table—a few empty bottles of Apple family cider stood off to the side. At least it got a lot of attention. “I don’t suppose you’d have club soda?”

Before he could reply, Spitfire gave her another little nudge. “C’mon, Princess, it’s a party! Live a little!”

“It’s the Gala, Captain!” she hissed back. “Not your everyday party!”

“Yeah, I know. That’s why I’m not drinking booze right now—here, try a rainbow mixer. It’s a nice little party drink from Cloudsdale.”

“With liquid rainbow,” Twilight pointed out. “Not exactly something I’d like drinking.”

Spitfire nodded. “On it’s own, no. But rainbow mixers only use diluted rainbow—not the pure stuff. Bit adventurous, but nothing too overpowering.” Sensing a bit of remaining unease, she offered a small smile. “How about this: you get a glass of your own and try a bit of mine. If you don’t like it, I’ll come get you club soda or whatever drink you want. No questions asked.”

Her eyes flitted to the drink table and back. The smile on Spitfire’s muzzle seemed sincere, no hint of the teasing mischief from before in those fiery orange eyes.

She just wants to sit down and talk, mare to mare. “All right,” Twilight said. “But if I start shooting rainbow fire out of my mouth, you have to guzzle a bottle of the pure stuff!”

The little joke brought a bark of laughter from Spitfire. “If the diluted stuff makes you shoot fire, I’ll eat my medals and wash ‘em down with the bottle.” She nodded to the stallion. “Gimme a second glass for the Princess, friend,” she said, brushing her hoof against Twilight’s leg. A lingering touch that lasted only a few seconds, but sent shivers down her spine.

Twilight felt the tips of her ears burn. She looked off to the side to hide a faint smile, giving a little rustle of her wings. A little tap on her shoulder made her look back, her muzzle still tinged a deep red.

If Spitfire noticed, she didn’t comment on it, instead nodding toward the other tables. “Lead on, Princess! Better find a table before it gets too crowded!”

Twilight let her eyes wander the ballroom. Tables were set a short walk from the drinks table. Guests sat and chatted while waiters and waitresses made their way between groups, taking orders and bringing fresh drinks for everypony.

Suddenly, there was a flash of pink. Twilight did a double-take, and promptly had to stifle a laugh as she caught sight of Pinkie Pie tugging a rather nervous looking Party Favor toward the dance floor. A quick smooch on the cheek silenced the fidgety stallion’s protests, a big goofy grin crossed his muzzle, much to Pinkie’s amusement.

Somewhere in the room, his friends were getting their chuckles in, Twilight was sure. How nice that they managed to make the trip, she thought.

“There,” Spitfire’s voice cut through her thoughts. She pointing to a small table off in the corner, just out of the way of the other guests. “How’s that look to you?”

“Like an empty table,” Twilight quipped, sticking out her tongue and earning yet another playful nudge.

“If you were one of my cadets, I’d have you flying ‘till those wings fell off!” she teased. “Or I’d just make you sit in my office and sing from dawn to dusk!”

With a bubbling laugh, Twilight gave a merry swish of her tail. She was having fun with this!

Twilight made as though to nudge Spitfire in return, but thought better of it when she remembered the drinks. She hummed, wracking her brain for a suitable retort. A playful smirk crossed her muzzle. If she’s anything like Dash, this will be an easy trump card to play. “Yes, well, fortunately, I hold jurisdiction over you, Captain! So I could,” she paused, looking upward and chewed on her bottom lip thoughtfully, “have you organizing all the bookshelves in my castle library, without use of those wonderful wings you’ve got there!”

Much to her surprise, Spitfire just grinned back, her eyes shone with mischief and a hint of something else. “Wonderful, eh?” she parroted, puffing up her feathers in a proud display. “Gotta say, you sure know how to make a mare feel good about herself, Princess! And here I thought you weren’t much for flirting!”

“I—Wha?” Twilight all but leapt away, her wings flared out wide. “I didn’t—I just meant—It was a—That’s not what I was trying to—“

“What? You don’t think my wings are nice?”

“I do! They’re very lovely wings, and I can see you’ve taken plenty of time preening and caring for them—“

A yellow coated hoof covered her mouth. Spitfire’s grin fell, a tiny frown crossed her muzzle. “Breathe, Princess,” she ordered softly. “Come on, close your eyes, relax, and just breathe—in through the nose—“

Almost instinctively, Twilight obeyed, closing her eyes and sucking in a deep breath through her nose. She held for a moment, awaiting the order.

The hoof left her. “—and out through the mouth.”

She let it go, exhaling slowly to let out all the air, all the tension in her being.

“Better?”

“Much. Thank you.” Twilight’s gaze fell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to panic like—“

Spitfire shook her head. “Wait until we sit down, Princess. Right past these last few tables.” She gave Twilight a little pat on the shoulder, steering her back on course.

As they stopped by their table, Spitfire took the edge of the tray in her mouth and gently placed it on the table. Turning, she pulled out a chair for Twilight. “Princess,” she said, bowing her head, “please take a seat.”

Twilight slid into her seat, nodding stiffly in reply. “Thank you, Captain.”

Spitfire stood to full height and pushed out her own chair before nimbly hopping in. She hummed a bar, taking the shaker in her hoof and pouring a little bit of the rainbow mixer into the empty glass. “Here—“ she held it out to Twilight “—try it. It’s got a little bit of a zip, but it’ll help.”

With a bit of hesitance, she lit up her horn and took the glass in her magic. Bringing it to her muzzle, she gave a tentative sniff. The scent of ozone, like the air just before rainfall, mixed with the familiar sweetness of strawberries.

What a strange combination. What would even make pegasi think to make liquid rainbow into a party drink? She glanced up to find Spitfire holding her own glass in hoof. Soft purple eyes met fiery orange, the corners of Spitfire’s mouth curved up into a grin.

“So, start with a toast for your first mixer?” Spitfire offered.

“You toast with party drinks? I thought that was more for really special occasions.”

“Well, it’s the Gala, so it’s the big night for everypony, for starters. Of course, I also get to share a nice drink with a pretty mare, so I’d call that special enough!”

The burning was back—across her muzzle, spreading through her cheeks, and even at the very tips of her ears. Twilight sucked in her lips to hide a smile, but the little rustling of her wings betrayed her. “If you say so…”

“I do.” Spitfire’s grin widened. Had she noticed? “What do you think? To the benevolent rule of our newest princess?”

More flattery, and this time Twilight couldn’t keep the smile hidden. “To strange requests that lead to new friendships,” she replied.

In unison, they raised their glasses to one another and brought them to their lips, Twilight sipping slowly, while Spitfire seemed content to down hers in one shot.

Twilight waited for the burning, for rainbow fire to dance on her tongue, making her eyes water just as Pinkie’s had in Cloudsdale. Her eyes shot open at the taste—the smooth, sweet caress of strawberries mixed with the biting spice of diluted rainbow, a mix of flavours quite unfamiliar to her. Unfamiliar, but pleasant.

She felt like a bit lighter, like she was wide awake and full of energy rather than maintaining appearances after a busy week of preparation.

“Well?” Spitfire asked.

“It’s good. Different, a bit strange, but good.”

“I’m glad you like it! You handled the spiciness like a pro—usually, there’s a bit of a shock the first time.”

“My friend Pinkie likes to slip hot sauce into drinks as a prank—“ Twilight cringed at the memory of a few such instances “—you get used to it after a while.”

Spitfire snorted and nodded. “Well, thank heavens for Miss Pie. It sure perked you up, Princess.” She put down her empty glass and rested her hooves on the table.

“It did have a bit of a ‘zip’ to it, like you said.” Twilight took another little sip, the taste not as foreign a second time. “It’s pretty good.”

“Told you.” Her grin faltered, a sheepish smile crossed her muzzle. “Now, about the, er, thing from a bit ago…”

Twilight’s gaze fell to the drink floating before her, focused on the red juice and little flicker of rainbow swirling within. “Yeah. That.”

Sighing, Spitfire ran a hoof through her mane. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable there. I thought you caught on and were playing along.”

“Caught on—oh!” My, what interesting colors… She swirled the glass in her magic, looking anywhere but the mare across from her. “You were really flirting with me?”

“Yeah. Couldn’t really help it—I got a bit comfortable and, well, excited. Not every day I get to just sit down, be myself, and have a drink with a nice mare, y’know. Especially one like you.”

“But you said you thought I was playing—it was all a game? All the nice things you said?”

“Not at all. Look at me for a minute, Princess,” Spitfire said softly.

Twilight slowly looked up, and caught a flash of concern when she met Spitfire’s gaze. She swallowed a bit of her drink, nodding for her to continue.

“Thanks. First off, no, I wasn’t playing with you. I was flirting with you, there’s a big difference—and why shouldn’t I? You’re nice, you did a heck of a job helping to put all this together—“

“With help!”

“—It counts!—and you really are pretty, beautiful even.” Spitfire leaned forward, fixing Twilight with a half-lidded stare. “You pull off that dress really well, and the mane style suits you. It’s a nice change of pace from your normal, more reserved look. Refined, but not overly flashy.”

“Rarity designed my dress and helped with my mane,” Twilight replied.

“She did a good job with both. And I really do mean that. I’d never ‘play games’ like that with a pony.”

“But you wanted me to play along?”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hopeful. But—“ she paused to offer a kind smile “—if it makes you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. I’ll stop if you want.”

Twilight bit her bottom lip and looked back to her glass. “It was nice,” she mumbled. “The things you said were really nice.”

“I meant it, all of it.”

“I, uh…” Her wings ruffled, as if to let out the heat building up with each added praise and assurance of sincerity. “That’s really… thank you. I, er, think—“ she glanced up at Spitfire, her eyes lingering on the freshly ironed uniform and well-polished medals “—you look very nice in your uniform.”

Spitfire sat up straighter, the warm smile returned. “Thank you kindly. Though, I’ll admit I’d have preferred it if I could dress up in civvies, but rules are rules. Still—“ she waved a hoof at Twilight “—I don’t mind being the second best looking mare here since I get to sit across from the one who took top spot!” At Twilight’s little squeak and blush, she grinned. “You don’t do this much, huh? This sort of back-and-forth?”

A shake of her head, a sheepish smile of her own. “There’s been a few mares who’ve caught my eye before—“ she ducked her head, a certain mare’s face flitted through her mind, the way she offered genuine smiles and laughter to her closest friends and gave aid to ponies without question “—but I either didn’t have time to pursue it, or I’d think about it and get uncomfortable making that sort of advancement.”

“Really? Why’s that?”

“I, er, get worried that it won’t be appreciated and that I’ll make somepony feel—“ her wings unfurled as if to cover her muzzle “—awkward.”

“Worried that they don’t feel the same?” Spitfire asked sympathetically. At Twilight’s nod, she gestured to herself. “Well, if you don’t mind me saying, Princess—I am most certainly interested. If you are, of course.” She winked. “If not, I’m cool with being friends—but I’m still gonna ask you to sing for me someday!”

Twilight stayed silent a moment, idly rubbing a hoof against her shin. True, Spitfire’s rather striking appearance had caught her eye at first, but there was much more to it than that. The types of mare she favored were a bit more down home—always smiling and giving a happy wave as they flew overhead or stopping to say hi in the market, willing to offer a hoof in any way they could. Spitfire, on the other hoof, was a big time celebrity—larger than life, the face of the most elite flight team in the country.

Still, she showed a hint of that same down to earth pony Twilight favored—her desire to sit down and share in some real conversation, dropping the professionalism that went with her station so very similar to those Twilight knew so well. And, despite her faults, she came around and made sure to fix her mistakes when confronted with them…

Not to mention how nice she’d been since pulling Twilight away from Celestia’s side.

“I… I’d like to give it a try,” Twilight said, biting down on her cheeks to hide the bright smile threatening to split her muzzle. A thought occurred to her, a way to fit the bill for Spitfire’s want for real talk. “But if we’re going to do this like normal mares… shouldn’t you just call me Twilight?”

That playful grin widened. “First name basis with royalty and only part way through our first evening—I think you know how to play this game a little better than you realize!” Spitfire tossed her mane, and lifted the shaker to refill their glasses. “Alright, here’s the plan: you don’t feel all that comfortable with flirting, right?”

A single nod as she accepted her glass.

“Okay. But you wanna try this like it’s just a normal thing?” Another nod. “Okay, then, let’s play it just like two ponies who met at a party—“ she broke off, her eyes flitting to the side. “A less formal party. So, we chatted, I got you drinks and paid the stallion who made them, and we had a little bit of flirting—steps one through three achieved, if you like checklists.”

“I do,” Twilight said before she could stop herself.

Spitfire chuckled. “Like things in order, eh? So do I. Well, usually, what comes next depends on intent—you say you’re interested, so we have that little back-and-forth I mentioned.” She leaned forward, her eyes shone with mischievous intent. “Flirt with me.”

She blinked once and opened her mouth to reply, but shut it quickly. Staring, her cheeks colored, her tongue seemed to go dry. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. I know you’re a bit uneasy, so—“ she drummed her hooves on the table “—why don’t we start off with some nice, easy stuff. You’ve got an idea of how to do it, right?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Twilight brought her wings up to cover her chest. “I’ve heard Rarity and Rainbow talk about what they like in ponies, but that’s about it…”

“Okay, fair enough—so we’ll start with some really basic things. Put simply, take a look at me, pick something out that catches your eye, and tell me that you like it—but there’s a catch—“ Spitfire raised a hoof “—you’ve gotta make me believe it. Make it sincere, not something bland like ‘I think you’ve got a pretty face’. With me so far?”

A moment’s hesitation. Her left wing twitched, almost defensively. It was just an offer, all she had to do was give it one chance.

Certainly a few degrees from friendship. But nice. In a different way. Something she hadn’t had the time or courage to pursue before.

“Okay.” Twilight smiled, shuffling nervously in her seat. “So, how do we start off?”

“I’ll go first, then you. Try to be quick with what you pick out, okay? Now, here we go.” Spitfire leaned forward, fixing her with a half-lidded gaze. “You did a really good job preening today, Twilight—I can hardly tell that those wings are new!”

Her feathers fluffed up, the heat was back in her cheeks. “I-I did?”

“Mmhmm! I’ll bet you took it nice and slow today, making sure that each and every feather was straight, groomed, and well cared for!” A little waggle of her eyebrows. “I’m tempted to run a hoof through them to see just how soft they are!”

“O-Oh! Well, um, thank you, I did take a bit longer today and—well, you’re the first to really say something about it…” She closed her eyes and shook her head. Relax!

A deep breath—in through the nose, out through the mouth. Her eyes searched Spitfire’s face, looking for any sign of tell of lying. She found none. They were flattering words, but with sincerity in them.

She noticed. Everypony else just complimented my mane and the dress Rarity made… Twilight let her eyes wander over Spitfire, looking for something to speak of in turn, and found herself drawn back to the first thing that caught her attention that night.

“You have… very pretty eyes,” she said nervously, giving an awkward ruffle of her wings. “They’re, um, a nice shade of orange?”

“Little rough, but not bad for a basic start. Be more descriptive—tell me something they remind you of or something you think of when you look! Flirting is like poetry, connect what you see with something else! Color, feeling, desire, anything you want!”

The urge to look for a quill and paper was strong. Hearing Spitfire talk in such a manner was eerily similar to a lector, something she should be noting for later on. But these things are just supposed to come from the heart, like Cadence would say.

Like Spitfire would say, too.

She looked to those eyes again—vibrant orange, like sunset over Canterlot or a flickering flame at the end of a candle’s wick.

That’s it! “Your eyes—and your mane—” she started.

“Yeeees?” Spitfire drawled teasingly, propping her head up against a hoof and giving a smirk.

“They’re… warm. Like a candle in the darkness, helping me study on a long night of research. Or—Or like a campfire on a cold winter night.”

There. Descriptive, connecting an image, and certainly nothing too bland. Just like she’d asked.

Chuckling, Spitfire shook her head. “Boy, when I ask for poetry, you really give it, don’t you? And you’ve got my wings all aflutter, Twilight!” she teased, nodding to the fluffing in her feathers. “Like I said, you do know how to make a mare feel appreciated! You sure you’re not hustling me?”

Twilight shook her head earnestly. “No! Of course not!”

“Well, I guess I’m gonna have to step up my game! I can’t let a rookie have me all ruffled up without returning the favor—no matter how much a looker she is!” Leaning forward, she steepled her hooves. “Hmm, you know, I didn’t wanna say anything, but I can’t get over how cute that duck of your head and quick turn away is, like you’re trying to hide it. Almost makes me wanna hold you close and make you look me in the eye so I can see the red fill your cheeks, right across your muzzle…”

Oh, no, she had noticed! Twilight’s traitorous cheeks burst into flame on cue, she covered her face with her hooves and squeaked in protest.

“Just like that! And what a cute little squeak, too! Betcha I can get a few more if I were to wrap you in a big hug and nuzzle between your ears!”

On cue, she ducked her head, her hooves hiding the wobbly smile on her muzzle. “I—I wouldn’t squeak!” she cried through a bout of giggles. “That was just because you caught me off-guard!”

Shrugging, Spitfire sat back and folded her hooves, a wicked smirk crossed her muzzle. “If ya can’t take the heat, I’ll have you squeakin’ all night, hon. It’s your fault for stepping it up with that last one anyway!”

“Ooooh! Fine!” She dropped her hooves and revealed her puffed up, blushing cheeks and reluctant smile. If Spitfire wanted to play, she’d play! And Twilight knew just the thing to throw her opponent-slash-friend-slash-pseudo-date off-guard! “Your voice, it’s—“

“Hang on a minute, I said you had to be honest, Twilight. I happen to know my voice sounds like I’ve been gargling gravel. Make it sincere, remember?”

“If you’d be patient, I’m about to!”

A raised eyebrow, she waved Twilight on. “Alright, go ahead.”

Perfect. This time, it was her turn to smirk. “Yes, it’s a little bit rough from all the yelling and flying, but here—and when you talk off duty—it’s warm, friendly, but strong. Like, you’re being casual, but ready to take the lead.”

That eyebrow arched higher, touching the tip of Spitfire’s fiery orange mane. “Go on,” she said, almost purring.

What a shift in tone… I’ve heard Cadence talk to Shining like that before. “It’s… it’s sort of like Shining’s, but different.” Seeing Spitfire tilt her head, she continued, “When he talks, I know I’m safe—but I still see him as the big brother who would read me stories at night. Yours… I can tell you’d jump to defend somepony, never leave a wing pony, right?”

A pause, then a nod. “I’m… heh. Wow.” Spitfire let out a breathy chuckle. “I don’t know what to say to that, Twilight.” She rubbed at the back of her head and looked away, her playful smirk slid into a tiny smile, the slightest hint of coloring graced her cheeks.

Grinning, Twilight had to point it out. “Hmm, looks like I’m not the only mare at the table who blushes cutely!”

“Yeah, yeah! You got me, hon—but we’re still onto the next round!” Her eyes narrowed, that playful fire burning brightly within. “If you think you can handle a bit more heat!”

“Heat? What heat? I thought we were warming up!” Fun. And it felt good! She was starting to get a hang of this!

“We’ll see what you say after this one. Impress me, and I may just let you graduate to the advanced course, rookie!”

Twilight just raised her brows meaningfully and took hold of her glass in her magic. Nodding to Spitfire, she brought it to her lips and drained it in one shot, placing it down on the table and crossing her hooves. A silent challenge.

One she knew Spitfire couldn’t resist. The flare of her nostrils, the narrowing of her eyes, how she pinned back her yellow coated ears—all of it spoke of a mare ready to leap into the fray.

Just like Rainbow Dash.

“Since we wanna play with fire…“ Spitfire trailed off and stood, trotting slowly toward Twilight. She stopped just within a hoof’s reach and propped herself up against the table. “There’s something I’ve had my eye on, goes back to wanting to nuzzle between your ears, maybe even play with them!”

Stay strong. Wait for her to deliver. Twilight took the chance to throw an earlier invitation back. “G-Go on.” Stupid stammer! Cooperate, mouth!

She tried to regroup, giving Spitfire a little wave of her hoof and arching her brow.

But the older mare caught her. That half-lidded stare was back, she leaned in and spoke, her tone husky, “Your coat looks so smooth. The way the light glints off it, all nice and even from the tip of your snout to your hooves, like velvet. I wish I could get mine like that…”

Their snouts were almost touching, Spitfire’s breath washed over her face. Her heart leapt to her throat, a shudder ran down her back, all the way to the tip of her tail. So close. We’re almost nuzzling… Just a bit further… she licked her lips, a few conversations with Cadence during her younger years, a few classic romance novels read in the privacy of her room all flashed through her mind. Too soon! That doesn’t happen until much later in those stories!

Spitfire stopped just short of their snouts touching, she spoke barely above a whisper, “Just another point in your favor, hon. That voice, that meticulous preening, that sharp mind, everything. I’ve half a mind to just take you up to a cloud, hold you tight, and make you sing for me.”

“I-I, u-um…” Twilight swallowed a lump in her throat. “Meep!”

So close. The words, Spitfire’s hot breath tickling her face, their snouts almost touching…

Was the room suddenly hotter? No, that was silly. She knew somewhere in the back of her mind that they’d taken care to make sure that plenty of windows would be opened to let a bit of cool air in, and the number of lighting fixtures had been carefully considered to make sure they didn’t give off too much heat.

But damned if she didn’t feel a bead of sweat rolling down the back of her neck. She unfurled her wings to cool herself down, her dress seemed like it was confining her…

She made to reply, only to let out a feeble stammer. “I-I… y-you… singing… holding me?”

“Mhmm! Nice and tight, as long or as short as you want, hon. A cloud for two, how’s that sound?”

Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh! She fought the urge to hide her face, warmth filled her chest. “G-Good! Very, very good!”

Spitfire giggled. “Glad you think so too. But first, it’s your turn. Wanna take a shot, or do you concede our little game?”

Give up the game? The thing that got her to this?

No. Every other time she’d written similar chances off as a waste, as too intrusive, or as something she just didn’t feel right doing. Not tonight.

Not when her partner gave her a clear sign.

But how to reply? What could she say to top that? She had to lean back, licking her lips as she drank in Spitfire’s form again.

Beautiful yellow coat, mane of wild fire, those well-defined muscles in her core and wings, and those perfectly preened, soft feathers.

Feathers that looked like they’d feel as fluffy as clouds…

So much like the immaculate white feathers that brushed and caressed her sides when she was a filly. Wings, powerful, but with a gentle touch, wrapped tight around her. A hoof stroked at her mane, her teacher’s voice whispered soothing, sweet words to chase the nightmares away…

White and yellow mixed together in her head. She fidgeted in her seat at the memories of yesteryear overlapping with temptations of today. They looked so soft…

“Y-Your feathers!”

Spitfire grinned and closed the distance again. “Hmm?”

What to say? What to say? “I… I, um… they look… er… soft…” Twilight closed her eyes tight, blocking out the image of that playful grin and just blurted, “I want to feel your wings wrapped around me—Eep!” She clapped her hooves over her mouth. Color drained from her face as she replayed the words in her head. Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no! Too much, too soon! That’s far too personal!

Against her better judgement, she dared to look up, fearful of Spitfire’s reaction. The older mare stared back at her, eyes wide and mouth formed into a tiny ‘o’ of surprise. The faintest hint of a blush graced her cheeks.

A tiny voice in the back of her head reminded Twilight of pegasus body language—the state of their wings. She chanced a look down, marveling at how Spitfire’s fluffed and unfurled, like she was ready to spread them wide and put them on full display for all.

Spitfire wiped the shock from her face, licking her lips before giving a confident smirk. She reared up and placed her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, effectively pinning her in place.

Slowly, she leaned in, her lips parted ever so slightly.

Oh gosh. Oh gosh! Twilight’s breath hitched in her chest, this was it! Forget long chapters and shared first kisses at the climax of the story! Hers was now!

Her eyes fluttered shut, she tilted her head back, waiting for warm, soft lips to touch against hers.

Something brushed against her cheek, she could feel the corner of Spitfire’s mouth ghost over hers. Hot breath ran over her ear.

“Outside, hon.” A shuddering breath slipped out as Spitfire whispered to her. “There’s a few clouds to the west, toward Cloudsdale. Five minute flight. See ya there.” Spitfire pressed her lips against Twilight’s cheek, lingering a moment before she pulled away.

Twilight’s ear flicked at the sound of hooves trotting from her table. A few deep breaths, she opened her eyes, searching for the mare who’d driven her to such heights.

Spitfire wasn’t even trying to hide from Twilight’s gaze. Her stride was light, almost bouncing as she carried herself confidently through the crowd, never deviating in her path.

Running her tongue over her lips, she watched the swaying hips, that fiery tail swishing almost hypnotically from side-to-side—that cheeky, teasing pegasus didn’t even look back! Like she thought she was in total control! Like she had the gall to think she had Twilight dazzled with her charms!

Twilight was out of her seat before she even knew it. Her hooves moved of their own accord, her eyes never left that swaying rump as she followed Spitfire out of the ballroom and into the night.

Author's Note

Nearly two friggin' years later, finally got to post this thing. Started it back around the same time I started writing TVCR (I think this came later) and only just put the finishing touches on it February 11th, 2017.

Interlude 2. Yellow Feathers

Celestia allowed herself a small smile. Everything was going according to plan, fie on Luna’s silly doubts on her ability to match her student up with an appropriate suitor.

Much like Cadence might, she had approached the task with utmost care and deliberation. After all, Twilight deserved the best when it came to her special somepony. Watching her struggle through some half-hearted fling or relationship doomed to fail simply wouldn’t do.

Naturally, it fell to her to cut out the middle-pony, so to speak, and find a fitting candidate.

Not that the task had been particularly difficult. Twilight had never made her tastes much of a secret—at least, she hadn’t done well at making them a secret.

Oh, how adorable she was when she’d chew her lip and look away to hide her blushing, Celestia tittered, nodding to a pair of guards as she passed. She always used to snuggle right up in my wings and drift right off.

A sigh escaped her lips. No small part of her longed for those days, if only she could cherry pick certain moments in time and make them reality. A younger Twilight together with those lovely friends of hers, all bright eyed and innocent; Cadence before she bloomed into a beautiful mare in her own right, somewhere around the time she and Shining Armor only just started formally dating one another; and, of course, Luna after her return.

If there were any way to somehow make it happen, then lock her little “family” in some temporal stasis while they all lived their happy, carefree lives, she might consider it.

Still, that would rob her of seeing them all grow as ponies, friends, and lovers. As Luna so loved to say, she could not have her cake and eat it too.

She could, however, ensure that Twilight Sparkle find a lovely mare to hold close and share her love with. Building a “love potential profile”—Cadence’s name for it, not hers—was all too easy.

Twilight’s tastes trended toward mares; simple enough, already there were plenty of candidates that sprang to mind. However, there was plenty more. She liked ponies who held a bit of authority, talent in their field, and plenty of intelligence, but also had a warmth in them. A leader who could guide her along, then smile and hold her close while they told her how important she was in their life.

In short, Twilight had, perhaps unconsciously, looked at her loved ones at a very young age and decided that her special somepony would have to exhibit all of their best traits.

Which, in turn, left Celestia the task of sorting through her list to find a mare who would treat her with the love and affection she deserved, while also respecting her as a princess and mare.

Captain Spitfire’s name was quick to come to mind. After all, she was a decorated officer with the Wonderbolts, held a rather good record overall in terms of conduct, and her skill in flying was matched only by her own teammates and Rainbow Dash.

Celestia turned the corner, trotting down the hallway toward a group of maids who were huddled off to the side, no doubt sharing some of the ever-infamous castle gossip. Her smile broadened into a grin as she considered what she’d learned yesterday morning.

Her plan, beautifully simplistic in its design, had worked perfectly. By informing Captain Spitfire that she had plenty of latitude to read her interaction with Twilight and utilize it as basis for whether she pursued friendship or romance, she gave tacit permission for the mare to be herself. None of the vacant stares or stiff-lipped ceremony, just one mare chatting with another—albeit, with the expressly stated respect requirement in place.

As if I would allow some bore of a mare to steal Twilight’s heart, she thought, only just withholding a titter. What sort of mother would I be if I let that happen? She paused, giving a tiny frown. Not to steal her from Twilight Velvet, of course. Perhaps ‘surrogate mother’ would be a more apt term. Yes, that will do just nicely.

Her smile returned. Celestia snuck a glance out the stained glass window depicting her student standing alongside her fellow former element bearers, basking in the array of colors the sun cast through the tinted glass.

Sighing happily, she closed her eyes. What a wonderful start to the day. Her little attempt at matchmaking worked like a charm, Twilight should be on a lovely date with Captain Spitfire—out for a late lunch at Don Contorno’s, if memory served.

Celestia would have to send her compliments to the good captain; the methods at the Gala had been a tad more forward than she would’ve preferred, but effective nonetheless. A bit of affectionate nuzzling, a kiss or two here and there was perfectly acceptable.

With some moderation, of course.

Thoughts for another day, old mare. Quietly enjoy a job well done, then wait for Twilight to return and prod her for details. Wrinkling her snout as another thought occurred, she allowed herself a little giggle. Or sit back and enjoy the show as Cadence pounces on her and demands every last detail be shared.

“Are you sure?” One of the maids’ voices made her ear flick, drawing her out of her reverie.

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“I’m just asking! You’re sure you heard right?”

“I heard it from Tidy with my own two ears, Feather! Read my lips: yellow. Feathers. In. Princess. Twilight’s. Bed. Yellow feathers!” The maid gave a little stomp of her hoof. “And I have it on good authority that Princess Twilight didn’t leave the Gala alone, either! Miss Rainbow Dash was talking with Miss Applejack about how—and I quote—‘totally awesome and amazingly lucky’ Princess Twilight was to catch Spitfire’s eye!”

The other mares gasped. “Captain Spitfire? From the Wonderbolts?”

“The very same!”

Celestia drew in a sharp breath, her ears shot up straight. She turned to approach them, moving with silent steps as she came closer. Her eyes narrowed. Surely this was just a bit of castle gossip, lacking in substance. Just a rumor.

It couldn’t hurt to confirm it, though.

“So Tidy found her feathers in the princess’—oh, by Celestia! I remember when I first started working here, we all thought she didn’t even think about love, let alone the finer things in life!” The mare fluffed her feathers, then leaned in to whisper, “Does she still have them?”

“Of course! You really think she’d get rid of those?”

A third mare chimed in, “Couldn’t that just mean that she let Captain Spitfire sleep in her bed?” The others fixed her with a look, she pinned back her ears and ducked her head. “I was just thinking… Princess Twilight is supposed to be really nice.”

She is! Celestia managed to keep the affirmation to herself. She grit her teeth. And far too innocent for any of this! I’m half a mind to find this ‘Tidy’ and give her a piece of my mind! Spreading rumors of my student as if she were some two-bit hussy on the street corner, who would just lift her tail and spread her legs because a mare said a few nice things!

“Miley, you’re always so stubborn!” the first mare said. “If you want further proof, Tidy said there was also a certain scent about the room.”

Feather gasped. “You’re joking!”

“No!” Miley brought a hoof to her lips.

“Yes!” she replied, with a bit too much glee in her tone for Celestia’s liking.

Nostrils flaring, Celestia stood to her full height, coming to stop just a few steps behind the one called Miley.

The first mare looked up, barely glimpsing Celestia before she looked back to her friends. “The sheets and cover were dampened and smelled of—of—” she trailed off, freezing in place like a startled gazelle. “Pr-Pr-Princess Celestia!” she squeaked and gave a quick bow, a move her friends scrambled to copy.

“Oh, don’t mind me ladies,” she said, feeling just the slightest bit proud of the way they flinched at her tone. “I just happened to overhear your conversation about my former student and fellow princess, and found myself quite enthralled by the tale you were telling, Feather, Miley, and—oh, forgive me! I don’t believe I know your name, dear! You must be new!”

“Y-Yes, Your Highness!” she said, stammering as she bowed again. “M-My name is Br-Bright Shine, this is m-my second week here!”

Celestia smiled. “Well, you’ve come across quite the little piece of gossip in just your second week! I, for one, would be delighted to hear all about it! Perhaps you three would like to join me in my study so you might regale me in private?” She paused as if to consider. “Oh! Better yet, Miley, was it?”

Miley gave a stiff nod and bow. “Yes, Your Highness! At your service!”

“Would you be a dear and fetch Tidy for me? I think it would be prudent to hear the news straight from the source!” She waved a hoof in a shooing motion. “Run along, now.”

“A-At once, Your Highness!” Giving another bow, she scampered off as though Cerberus himself were nipping at her tail.

As she watched the mare near the corridor, Celestia called again, “Oh, Miley? Please inform Tidy that I expect her to bring the feathers she claims she found. I’m very interested in those.”

She barely heard Miley squeak out another “Yes, Your Highness” before she scuttled off, her attention turned to Feather and Bright Shine. “Ladies,” she purred dangerously, “shall we adjourn to my study?”

If not for her growing ire, Celestia might have been a tad amused at the way they pinned their ears back and fell into step with her like they were a pair of naughty fillies about to be scolded by an angry mother.