Learn to Fly

The flight test was nothing.

She’d been nervous on the ballon ride up to Cloudsdale, constantly asking Rainbow for assurance that she was ready. Rainbow, grumpy that the doctor had told her not to fly until her wounds healed, got pretty snippy with her by the end of the trip.

But once she was in the air, she was fine. She’d flown to the halfway marker and back so much as a butterfly in her stomach, and then she was back on solid cloud, and her family was hugging her, Mr. Updraft was grinning with pride, and Rainbow kissed her right in front of her parents! They didn’t look surprised, but Zeph looked heartbroken and didn’t talk much for the rest of the evening after that.

They all went out to dinner afterwards. Once the thrill of passing the test had faded, she began to feel sad. This was it. She was really leaving home. Rainbow and her dad were talking about something technical about cloud house construction, and Zeph was sullenly poking at his french fries and shooting her the occasional jealous glance.

“I’m glad you and Rainbow finally realized how you felt about each other,” said her mother. “She’ll take good care of you.”

Fluttershy blushed furiously.

“Anyway, you’re not off the hook for grandfoals, young mare.”

“But… but mares can’t…”

“Find a way.”

“Yes, mommy,” whispered Fluttershy.

“Are your sure your face feels all right?” said her mother. “That’s an awful black eye.”

“I’m fine, mom. Nothing’s broken. Anyway, I got it saving a bear.” Fluttershy grinned. “I’m pretty proud.”

Her mother stroked her hoof. “I’m very proud of you, too, sweetie. I’m so sorry I tried to make you stay. I was afraid. I’m not as brave as you. I was always to scared to leave Cloudsdale.”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I didn’t leave because I was brave. I left because I was scared to say here. I’ve always known Cloudsdale wasn’t where I really belonged. I was so afraid of getting stuck here that I would have done anything to get out. I’m sorry I ran away.”

“Honey! No! I knew this was coming. I just wanted you to pass your flight test first. But everything worked out, didn’t it? You’ve even got a job. A job that’s perfect for you!” Her mother folded her hooves over her heart. “Oh, my sweet little filly is all grown up.” Tears began to roll down her cheeks. Then she grabbed her daughter and started bawling into her hair.

“Mom… you’re… we’re in public. You’re embarrassing me.”

Her mother sobbed more.

“You’re… you’re… my mane is getting very wet.”

✭☆✭☆✭☆✭

Her parents encouraged Rainbow sleep in Fluttershy’s room that night. The two young mares made gentle, quiet love to the sound of Zephyr’s heartbroken sobs, and when they were done, the lay tangled together, looking into each others eyes.

“So your folks are pretty cool about this whole lesbian thing,” said Rainbow after a while.

Fluttershy tittered. “I think dad’s just glad he didn’t have to give his precious little filly to some other stallion.”

Rainbow smirked. “Yeah, well, they know I’m gonna treat you right.”

There were things on Fluttershy’s mind, though. “But what about your dreams? I mean… you always wanted to be a Wonderbolt. And I know they usually recruit from the EUP. And your whole life’s up in Cloudsdale! What are we going to do?”

Rainbow’s eyes went wide. “Oh, I didn’t tell you!” She zipped out of bed, and returned holding her saddlebags. “Wait for it…” she said, reaching in. “Ta da!”

Fluttershy squinted at the badge Rainbow was holding. “Rainbow Danger Dash. Trainee. Equestrian Weather Service, Ponyville division.” She gasped. “Rainbow! Oh my gosh!”

“I wasn’t just lazing around and taking naps when I wasn’t training you last week. Well, I mean, I took a lot of naps. But I went looking for work, too. The Wonderbolts recruit from weather ponies, too, and I wanted to be around Ponyville. You know, to keep an eye on you.”

Fluttershy hugged Rainbow, careful not to press on her bandaged side. “Oh, Rainbow, I love you so much.”

Rainbow kissed her and stroked her mane. “Hey, I’d do anything for you, Flutterbutt!”

“Please don’t call me that, though.”