Not Every Bad Plan Is Bad

Chapters

At the Cafe
At the Shop
At the Academy
In the Office

At the Cafe

Spitfire scowled as she looked out at the ponies of Canterlot. No one in the cafe she was sitting at had worked up the courage to ask for her order. Which was just as well as Spitfire was here to scope out a marefriend for the evening, not eat. Normally she would have felt bad taking up cafe space, but she was far too busy with her own problems to spare it concern. Rainbow Dash has been going on and on about her beautiful new marefriend.

Of course, the love-struck newbie (not really a newbie anymore but still) wouldn't shut up about her marefriend. And Spitfire wasn't about to let herself be shown up by the new blood! She knew on a practical level she shouldn't get annoyed. But she was... a bit older than Rainbow Dash and it was poking her that with the focus on her career she hadn't really had a serious relationship. She had resolved to fix that, or at least try. But that wasn't tonight. Tonight was find some pretty young mare, be perfectly honest and upfront about this was just a party to show up Rainbow Dash. And probably bribe them with tickets or something. Then tomorrow was to put at least some effort into finding a possible life partner.

That was totally Spitfire's plan, but yet she was still sitting here, not doing anything with that plan. Mainly because she had to admit that the plan, even with being upfront, was a bit skeevy. She didn't intend to do anything untoward, but even just exploiting a young mare for a date was less than respectable. Rainbow Dash was fairly young and obviously didn't have the best self-control but Spitfire was a respectable...

Spitfires musings were interrupted by a steaming mug being slipped under her muzzle. She blinked as the pungent drink wafted up at her. She looked up to see a pretty young blue-coated mare grinning at her. While Spitfire was still processing this event the other mare spoke. "Heya! You looked upset, so I gotcha some hot chocolate!"

Spitfire stared, dumbfounded at the pony before her. Even as the blue mare took a sip of her own hot chocolate and slid into the chair across from Spitfire. While Spitfire wasn't in her commander jacket she usually exuded an aura of... Not hostility, but... Order. Other ponies respected that and usually kept their distance. This one just cut right through that and not only bought her hot chocolate but was sitting with her, uninvited. So her brain kicked into defense mode, it was so out of the ordinary. "I don't do hot chocolate." Though she started strong, Spitfire pulled back slightly as the mare gave her the cutest little pout...

"Aww, are you allergic? Poor thing! Should I get you a donut or something?" The mares bright smile was back as she waited for the answer.

Spitfire wasn't a stranger to kindness, of course, but this... Little piece of sunshine that had sat down at her table was something else entirely. After a few moments Spitfire supposed that one time wouldn't hurt, not like there were any Wonderbolts around to see. She raised the mug slowly to her lips and took a long sip. Spitfire didn't hate chocolate, it was just hot chocolate wasn't a commander drink. "There. It's not that I can't, or don't like it. It's just not my style really."

The other mare giggled and shook her head. "Oh, now don't be silly! Hot chocolate is everyone's style! It's delicious." She nodded sagely and continued her ridiculously large smile.

Spitfire was still trying to process the fact that this unicorn didn't seem to have any compunctions about talking to her like they were old friends. Then again, the other mare, uninvited, bought her hot chocolate, and sat down at her table when the even the staff hadn't worked up the courage to come over and ask her order. Spitfire shook her head after a few moments of thinking. "I'm Spitfire, by the way, commander of the Wonderbolts." Straightening up slightly she was sure that the other pony would at least recognize her importance.

The blue mare didn't seem to understand the gravity Spitfire was trying to put off. Instead, she clapped her hooves together. "Ooh! That's fancy! My friend has a friend in the Wonderbolts!" She took another sip of her hot chocolate before answering Spitfire's unstated question. "I'm Minuette." She then started to bob her head absently like she was listening to music Spitfire couldn't hear.

Spitfire looked around, half expecting to find a band or something playing music that everyone but her could hear. But no, it was just Minuette having fun. Spitfire wondered absently if Minuette would have been impossible to scare off the mare if she was in her normal jacket and sunglasses. On the other hoof, this did present an interesting mare that had plopped herself right into Spitfire's lap, metaphorically at least. And Minuette was a very pretty mare. Dual colored mane, well kept obviously, about the same age as Rainbow Dash. Though their age difference wasn't enough to be a scandal or anything it would certainly raise some eyebrows... Spitfire chuckled to herself at that thought, perhaps she was giving herself too much credit. This entire plan was so petty she should know a few years off her own maturity credit.

"Ooh, what's so funny?" Minuette was grinning again, and watching Spitfire, eagerly awaiting the funny joke that she too could share in.

Spitfire shook her head a bit. "Just thinking to myself that I'm not acting my age is all."

"Well fooey on acting your age, that's no fun!" Minuette took an especially big sip of her own hot chocolate to leave herself with a hot chocolate mustache. "Acting our ages is so boring! We should just have fun!"

Spitfire chuckled again, this time at Minuette. "Well at your age that's a lot easier to get away with. We have a few more expectations put on us as we get older."

Minuette stuck her tongue out, illustrating Spitfire's point. At least so Spitfire thought, Minuette didn't seem to agree. "Nonsense! You can have fun at any age! I mean just look at Princess Celestia!" She's a thousand and she still makes funny pancakes!"

Spitfire blinked in astonishment. "Wait, she does what?"

Minuette giggled and nodded. "Oh yeah! My friend Twilight told me! Princess Celestia makes pancakes with funny faces on them!" Minuette bounced a bit in her own excitement.

Spitfire was completely taken aback by the fact that this random stranger that had walked up to her and started this conversation knew the princesses. Then something else clicked as well. "Oh! Is your friend's friend is Rainbow Dash?"

Minnuette nodded vigorously. "Oh yeah! She's such a show-off." Minuette took a sip of her almost gone hot chocolate and licked her mustache off of her face finally. "I mean, she likes to think she's the best at everything!" Minuette giggled again at the statement.

Spitfire had to give it to Minuette. She didn't seem to have a jealous bone in her body. Most ponies got annoyed at Rainbow Dash's constant need to show off and be the best, but there wasn't a flicker of that in Minuette's statements. Just statements of fact really. Though she did see a possibility here. Spitfire wasn't so sure she should go through with her plan really, it was truly immature of her, but Rainbow Dash could be such an annoyance at times... And Minuette was the one saying that acting your age was silly. Admittedly the younger mare probably didn't mean it like this but it was only one party. Spitfire smiled a bit. "You know, Minuette, the Wonderbolts are having a party tonight. And I do have a spare invite..."

Minuette nodded along as Spitfire spoke then grinned, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? You mean you want me to go with you?"

Spitfire immediately second-guessed her plan and shook her head. "No. Well, yes but not like that really. I mean, you bought me some hot chocolate and I thought I could repay the favor."

Minuette nodded, grinning a bit less in her usual way, and more in a conspiratorial way. "I think you just want a pretty young mare on your leg for the evening!" Spitfire's eyes widened and she shook her head. She legitimately had changed her mind after asking, now it was a normal invite, she swore! At least to herself, she was opening her mouth to state such when Minuette interrupted her. "I accept."

Spitfire stared for a few moments longer before raising her hooves. "Now wait just a minute!" Minute froze with her last sip of hot chocolate halfway to her lips and raised an eyebrow at Spitfire. Rolling her eyes Spitfire shook her head gently. "It's really not like that." She frowned and wrinkled her muzzle slightly. "I mean we just met."

Minuette giggled and nodded. "Mhmm, what, do you think we should go out a few more times before we go on a date?"

Spitfire shook her head again. "No! I mean... Also, you're younger than me!" Spitfire normally was more in control of herself but she hadn't expected to have first been called out on her dubious plan, then have that plan accepted.

"So? Who cares, I'm an adult." Minuette wasn't just out of foalhood true, but Spitfire still felt a bit odd even just talking to her like this. She was the same age as the new recruits... Previous new recruits like Rainbow Dash and Cloud Chaser!

"Now just slow down there a minute Minuette!" Minuette giggled at the alliteration and Spitfire couldn't help but crack a slight smile as well. "I mean, really you can't think we're compatible..." She'd decided that reason as likely her best escape here. It wasn't like she could justify saying no to such a pretty young... Spitfire scowled at her own thoughts and looked back at Minuette. "I mean be reasonable! I'm the one who wouldn't even drink the hot chocolate and was scaring off even the wait staff. You're the kind that just walks right into the middle of that and plops herself down!"

Minuette nodded sagely, making the most of the last sip of her hot chocolate. "I am. Doesn't that make it make more sense for us to try?" Spitfire frowned and Minuette continued. "I mean, how likely are you to find another pony who can cut through your prickly outside so easily, hmmm?" Spitfire cursed quietly at the logic that made. Minuette made a show of gasping. "Though I must say that I do not approve of such language!" Though it was obvious Minuette was making a show of her offense, she wasn't completely lying.

Spitfire cringed slightly, she did have a bit of a mouth, though she tried to keep it under control outside of training. "Yeah, sorry about that." But she still shook her head. "But still..." Spitfire couldn't really come up with a good reason. She could just say no, and she was fairly certain that the other mare would let her off, but she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to. She had just been thinking about the fact she should be looking for a relationship. But she was thinking with a pony closer to her own age. Like Soarin, or that Sassy Saddles. Not hook up with some young mare the same age as her subordinates! Ok, that had been the idea for showing off, but not for serious plans.

Minuette grinned and got up, motioning out of the cafe with her hoof. "Well, shall we go then?"

Spitfire was tempted to simply so no but then she gave a small shrug. She wasn't really the initiator anymore so she supposed it was ok. "The party's not until tonight."

Minuette nodded and grinned. "I know! But we need to find matching dresses!" She cantered ahead, setting a good pace as Spitfire followed behind her.

At the Shop

Spitfire followed Minuette to a large store and frowned a moment. It seemed familiar but she couldn't put her hoof on why until she got close enough to see the dresses in the windows. Minuette was taking her to Canterlot Carousel. She rolled her eyes slightly but chuckled. "You know, you can go shopping without me if you want a new dress." Spitfire had gotten her hooves under her again since Minuette had blindsided her earlier with her insight, and enthusiastic acceptance.

Minuette nodded happily. "Oh, I know, but I want to match yours!"

Spitfire blinked and tilted her head for a moment before shaking it. "I'll be in my uniform tonight, Minuette." She chuckled, this was just more evidence that this wasn't really a great idea as they didn't know each other. But then again she shouldn't expect Minuette to know that as they had just met. Spitfire mentally scowled at herself, annoyed she was busy trying to justify why she should say yes again!

Minuette pouted a bit and Spitfire couldn't stop herself from wanting to do what Minuette asked. She was used to every whine, every finagle, everything from recruits. She just couldn't stop herself from admitting the unicorn was just so cute when she pouted like that! And it helped that she was an attractive young mare as well. She shook her head and stared at Minuette, hardening her resolve against the unicorn. "That's not optional."

Minuette giggled and shrugged."Well okay then! I'll just have to find something that matches your Wonderbolts outfit then! Maybe a deeper blue, obviously. Closer to my mane than my coat..." Minuette turned and resumed her pace towards the boutique. Spitfire followed after, impressed by how unflappable Miunuette was. Certainly an admirable quality, she probably would've made a fine Wonderbolt, if she was, you know, a pegasus. Spitfire rolled her eyes at herself as she followed Minuette into the store, she was doing it again.

Minuette instantly oohed and ahhed as she looked around at all the dresses. Spitfire didn't do much dressing up herself, but she had to agree, the dresses here certainly were pretty. And no two of them were the same which really impressed her. She had thought these places were like mass-produced fashion. As Spitfire looked to the side she saw that Minuette was already gone, scooting over to a long flowing dress. Though it wasn't blue, it was a deep orange and... Spitfire groaned as Minuette motioned her over. Walking over Spitfire shook her head. "I told you I need to wear my..."

Minuette waved the objection away. "Yeah, yeah, but that doesn't mean you can't try them on! Or maybe get one for some other time!" She bounced on her hooves in excitement.

Spitfire blew out a bit of air and grimaced. "I'm not so much a dress-up pony though Minuette. I mean... Dresses are expensive and not very practical..."She waved a hoof as she ran out of words. She felt a bit odd, really. Normally she was loud, but she couldn't very well yell at Minuette, she wasn't one of her recruits... Spitfire straightened up slightly, nodding to herself, she could certainly firmly put her hoof down though. "I am not trying on a dress, Minuette."

Minuette shrugged and walked towards the blue ones. "Aww, that's too bad, I bet you'd be really pretty." She hopped over to a more calm deep ocean blue dress, without too many frills, and started to look it over.

Spitfire had to smile as she followed. She'd been expecting a fight. The Wonderbolts were full of strong personalities that often sparked off each other. Getting anything done was an ordeal. She was quite happy with someone who just took her at her word. At least, mostly, there was that entire thing earlier about whether it was a date, but even Spitfire had to admit she had been wishy-washy there. She made a mental note that Minuette responded far better to firmness than wishy-washy. Well, at least she didn't try to argue against firmness would be a better way to put it. Minuette seemed to respond 'well' to... Just about everything. She smiled at the other pony as they moved around the shop, Minuette pouring over the dresses. "You seem to be having fun."

Minuette nodded excitedly as she surveyed a dress that obviously wasn't to her taste, but still seemed to enjoy poking at to watch the puffs bounce back. "Oh yes. These are so pretty!" She cantered around the puffy mess, giggling. "Even I think this one is ridiculous." Spitfire nodded in agreement as Minuette took a break from her walking on a nearby couch. She scooted over to provide room for Spitfire as well. But Spitfire decided the choice to remain to stand seemed like a prudent one. After a moment Minuette oozed down to lounge on the entirety of the couch. "Tell me more about this party?"

Spitfire nodded, well at least they were now onto a subject she could actually contribute to, rather than murmuring encouraging sounding sounds as Minuette chattered about dresses. Though was rather cute chattering. "Well it's to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the Wonderbolts. So nothing big or anything, but it's a yearly party. I think everyone else just uses it as an excuse to have cider and cake. I'd just skip it myself. Waste of resources."

To Spitfire's surprise, Minuette was nodding in serious agreement. "You're totally right." But Spitfire's amazement was ruined by the next sentence. "You can have cake any time You don't need an excuse to have it. Like donuts, they're yummy! Don't overdo it obviously, but have some when you want, it's not like it'll kill you."

Spitfire couldn't stop herself from chuckling. She didn't know Minuette well but she should have known better than to expect the hyper, irrepressibly happy pony to actually be agreeing with her that a party wasn't needed. She shook her head. "Not what I meant, but that's neither here nor there, it's happening. And Rainbow Dash was going on and on about her new Marefreind an..." Spitfire grimaced as she realized she was still talking out loud and Minuette grinned mischievously at her.

"Oooooooh, so that's why you were checking out all the mares passing by!" Spitfire groaned and facehoofed as Minuette continued. "I have to say you have impeccable taste to single me out like that!"

Spitfire opened one eye and looked at Minuette. "You know you were the one that really went after coming tonight. I just kind of floated the idea out there."

Minuette nodded happily as she relaxed on the couch. "Well of course. I mean I couldn't leave our brave Wonderbolt commander without a pretty mare to impress all her work friends could I???" She snickered and licked her lips. "Besides, you're no slouch in the looks department yourself."

Spitfire shook her head, chuckling gently. "Well thanks, but really, I'm a bit too old for you, you know."

Minuette waved a hoof. "Please, it's not like I'm a kid I'm the one who started this, so if anything I'm the one who's too young for you, not you being too old for me."

Spitfire frowned in confusion. "What does that change?"

"Everything. It changes you from a creepy older mare going after some young blood to me, the young love-struck mare going after a venerable experienced older mare."

Spitfire snorted. "Hey! I"m not that much older than you!"

Minuette raised an eyebrow. "Really? I couldn't tell with how you're acting like I'm trying to put the moves on Princess Celestia right now."

Spitfire shook her head ruefully. "Fire, point taken. I am overstating it a bit. But you're understating it too!"

Minuette grinned and got up off the couch, apparently ready to do more dress shopping. "Of course I am! Because it helps me get what I want, doesn't it?"

Spitfire laughed in spite of herself. "And you openly admit that, amazing. You're a devious young mare aren't you?"

Minuette giggled and shook her head. "No, if I was devious I wouldn't have told you would I have?" Spitfire had to nod, granting that point. And Minuette simply took the victory without gloating, perusing the dresses more. "You're sure you don't really have an opinion on which one's the prettiest?"

Spitfire shook her head gently. "No, like I said I'm not much of a dress girl. I'm sure you'd look cute in whatever you wore really."

Minuette took another ten minutes of scouting around but eventually decided on her favorite and brought it over to the counter. Spitfire didn't have a strong opinion on it but she had to admit that the dress was pretty. She glanced at Minuette, holding a hoof up as she thought of something. "Wait a minute, Minuette?" Minuette giggled again and Spitfire rolled her eyes. Apparently, the blue pony liked that private jokes of hers. The fact that her name sounded like a word wasn't in any way unusual, but Spitfire supposed it was good that the mare could be so amused by something so simple. "Uh, you sure you want to buy a dress just for one party?"

Minuette raised an eyebrow at that. "Who says it's only for one night? Are you not going to wear your uniform in the future?"

Spitfire furrowed her brow for a moment. She must have misunderstood, as the question had an obvious answer but... "Yes...?"

Minuette nodded at the confirmation. "Good, then I'll be able to wear it again."

It took Spitfire a moment to process the reasoning behind the statement before her eyes widened in shock. "Now hold up there!" She was getting her stride back now that she'd adjusted to the unicorns personality. She'd set Minuette straight on a fair number of things. "I said the intent was just to show off tonight! A serious relationship would come later."

Minuette nodded completely seriously. "Of course."

All the steam Spitfire had built up blew away when Minuette again caught her completely off guard. "Oh. So you mean..."

Minuette nodded, interrupting her companion. "Right-o! Tonight is just about showing off your pretty young marefriend!" Spitfire started to nod, but then Minuette finished her thought. "Then tomorrow or a few days from now we start a real relationship."

Spitfire gently shook her head with a groan. Spitfire was sorely tempted to go drill sergeant on the younger mare to make sure that Minuette understood... but Spitfire just sighed after a moment and shook her head. She couldn't yell at her pretty mare... The mare. Only mare, no qualifiers. "Yes, but I didn't mean with you."

Minuette grinned happily nodding again. "I know."

If Spitfire hadn't just been through a nearly identical misunderstanding a minute ago she'd be relieved. But now she didn't trust that her interpretation of reality was the same as Minuette's. "You know... But...?"

Minuette giggled and batted her eyes at Spitfire in a practiced way. It was not so much alluring, it was more in an endearing 'I want to protect this adorable mare' way. "It doesn't mean after an evening with me you won't change your mind!"

Spitfire chuckled and couldn't resist smiling at the mare's boundless optimism and confidence. "I'm going to regret this aren't I?"

Minuette's smile shifted slightly, from finagling to genuine and age giggled. "Only in one way!" She hopped up and started to pace down the street, forcing Spitfire to trot a little to catch up.

"Oh? How's that?" Spitfire knew how she was going to regret bringing Minuette, but how the unicorn perceived reality would no doubt lead to a very interesting answer.

Minuette grinned as she glanced over her shoulder. "That you didn't lock down this cute mare earlier."

Spitfire snorted, not in a rude way, in an amused one. "Fine, fine. But we need to start heading to the HQ. We both will need time to change." Minuette nodded and turned to follow Spitfire instead of her wandering.

At the Academy

Minuette grinned happily to herself as she sat in the dim office of the Wonderbolts commanding officer. She didn't really care about Spitfire's rank too much, but it was nice that her future marefriend was successful. Minuette giggled to herself as she knew she was getting ahead of herself. But it was fun to get ahead of herself! She'd done it many times, both figuratively and literally. Though she wasn't supposed to do it literally anymore. When Twilight found out about Minuette's fun with time magic she was a bit more than just a bit miffed.

Spitfire smiled as she walked behind her desk, now that she was on her home turf, as it were. She had her hooves back under her now, back in her own domain, where she was top dog. Straightening up behind her desk she looked at Minuette. "Well, I do think we should get this entire situation worked out. What exactly the plan is. Since you seem insistent on trying to make this more we'll need to set out some regulations."

Minuette smoked a little wider and hopped forward. Setting herself in front of the desk like she was a Wonderbolt herself. "Oooooh, commander Spitfire. I like it." Batting her eyelashes Minuette destroyed any resemblance to a Wonderbolt she'd had.

Spitfire rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her slight smile. "You're really gung ho."

Minuette grinned and went back to wandering around the office examining its contents. "Well, I can't help it! You just looked so unhappy..."

Spitfire wrinkled her nose. "I did not..."

"True, but that version makes me sound better!" Spitfire let out a bark of laughter as Minuette then turned and smiled gently at Spitfire. "But you did look a bit... Lonely."

Spitfire waved a hoof dismissively. "I was... Concentrating on my thoughts." Spitfire disliked the way the conversation was going so she tried to redirect it. "But it's very kind of you to care about a stranger like that." She turned to motion to a side door. "We have a little less than an hour but if you wanted to get fixed up or anything my private bathroom is through there." She turned back onto to find Minuette has walked over and say right next to her. Their faces only inches apart. "Gah! Minuette!?"

Minuette wasn't grinning like she usually was, and had a serious look. "I'm not one of your subordinates."

Spitfire blinked, shaking her head gently. Had she somehow offended Minuette...? "I... It was just an offer/information, Minuette. It wasn't an order."

Minuette giggled gently and shook her head. Spitfire was still confused, but glad that Minuette had gone back to her happier self. "I wasn't talking about the bathroom silly!" But even so, Minuette did avail herself of the offer. She wanted to more tidy up but. Spitfire had had to carry her up to the academy after all.

The two made quite the pair, Spitfire in her dress uniform and Minuette in her pretty blue dress. A bit overdone in Spitfire's opinion, but not by very much, much to her relief. She'd nearly had a heart attack at some of the dresses Minuette had been considering for the evening. Though like she'd suspected they were betting some sidelong glances. Of course, no one was saying anything openly but... Spitfires musing were interrupted by Minuette. "They're all jealous."

Spitfire grinned as she looked about. She had to give it to Minuette, a few of them did look jealous. And, thankfully, there seemed to be fewer who were giving them the sidelong glance as she'd thought there would be. Spitfire straightened up a bit, not having realized she'd been hunching down slightly. "Oh? Because you're so pretty, I assume?"

Minuette nodded, grinning widely. "Yep! You have the second prettiest marefriend here!"

Spitfire let out a small chuckle at that. She didn't even feel the urge to correct that they weren't actually marefriends. Even under Minuette's version, this was a test run. But being the second prettiest was an amusing turn of expectations so Spitfire couldn't help but ask. "And who has the prettiest one? Rainbow Dash?" Though come to think of it she's not seen rainbow Dash yet...

"I do."

Spitfire's brain took a moment to switch its attention back to Minuette, then another to process the statement. Spitfire has enough control to not allow herself to laugh out loud but it was a closer thing than she'd have liked to admit. And she wasn't able to stop her smile from growing a bit wider than was proper for her to walk around with. "Very clever, Minuette."

Minuette, for her part, smiled widely and leaned in. "See?"

Spitfire frowned, shooking her head. "See? See what? You don't expect me to believe you actually think I'm the prettiest do you?"

Minuette giggles and shook her head. "Oh no. Though you are definitely top ten. I meant nothing went wrong just now!"

Spitfire was still lost but she didn't think it was important. Minuette was very pretty, but Spitfire was finding out she was equally odd. Not that that was an issue, most ponies had their own odd foibles. She pointed over towards the refreshments to change the subject. "Want something to drink? Or a snack?"

Minuette nodded eagerly as they trotted over to the table, looking out at the crowd. She knew a hoof full of ponies here, but had to nudge Spitfire for help on one of them. "Who's that? The one with the bow."

Spitfire glanced in the direction just to make sure but she was fairly certain she knew who it was. Wasn't many full-grown ponies that wore bows. "That's Flitter, Cloud Chaser's sister."

Minuette nodded, pointing at the very similarly colored pegasus in the same group and Spitfire nodded. "They're almost twins."

Spitfire nodded as Minuette went around poking her for more information on the guests. Spitfire knew almost all of who each guest came with but knew their exact relationship ship only a little more than half the time. Eventually, Spitfire had to ask. "Why are you asking all this?"

Minuette gave a most mischievous grin. "Well since you said that this is a probationary relationship I'm scoping out other options."

Spitfire chuckled and shook her head. While that might have been somewhat true she seriously doubted that was the main reason Minuette was asking. "Care to give me the truth?"

Minuette motioned around them to the crowd. "Well, you didn't seem to mind when any of your subordinates were in relationships..." Spitfire groaned as she realized Minuette was scheming to get her way... "And I was also just curious." Spitfire gave Minuette a long sideways glance before deciding that was probably also the truth.

Spitfire smiled slightly. "Ok, trickster. You've made your point." Minuette beamed but Spitfire raised a hoof. "I'm not saying I've agreed. You've just made a point that I shouldn't dismiss the idea out of hoof. Though like I said I kind of already had a plan..."

"Yeah, but you didn't like me because I wasn't old enough for your austere majesty." Minuette managed to make it sound even more Sarcastic as she gave a small fake bow.

Spitfire smirked and would have responded save for a small commotion at the door. Spitfire nodded towards it as Minuette perked up at the sight. "I'm guessing that's Rainbow Dash. She has some exotic marefriend. Cloud Chaser said it was some kind of unicorn."

As they walked over Rainbow Dash was standing proudly with a strange creature at her side. Scales down it's back, an antler instead of a horn, and a tail with only a ruff of hair at its end instead of being all hair. An exotic looking pony no doubt. That alone would have accounted for the crowd around the two, but it did very much help that the exotic pony was quite fetching, in a strange "she has scales" kind of way.

Minuette, like most the others, crowded around after the surprise wore off. While most barraged the two with questions Minuette was polite enough just to stare and try and get a good view of the new creature. Spitfire smiled absently as she watched the happy, bouncy, mare try to get what she wanted, but did so in a well-behaved way, unlike some of the others who were peppering the two with questions. Sadly she couldn't yell at the group for it since about half of them weren't actually Wonderbolts or support staff, but their guests.

It was a few minutes but Minuette found her way back to Spitfire, smiling and Spitfire tilted her head in question. "You get a good look?"

Minuette nodded, smiling. "Mhmm! I'd have wanted to ask her some questions too but there were too many people pestering her already."

Spitfire smiled a little wider, inclining her head to Minuette, which just caused Minuette to tilt her own head in question. "Oh, I'm just... Uh... Glad you thought better than to add onto the poor things stress tonight."

Minuette snorted, a tiny bit indignant, but mostly just amused. "You know just because I like to be happy doesn't mean I'm an uncultured boor!" She grinned a bit at Spitfire, any the bite in her words washed away by that same happy demeanor.

"Well she couldn't have answered any of your questions anyway, she's mute." Minuette's eyes widened as Spitfire dropped that nugget of information.

"Oooooh! Do I get to barrage you with questions then?" Though Minuette grinned, Spitfire had to disappoint the pony, shaking her head.

"No, I only know that, she's from a faraway forest, and her name is Autumn Blaze." Spitfire almost watched Minuette deflate in front of her eyes, and couldn't stop herself from grinning. "You know I'm sure after everything's calmed down Rainbow Dash would be happy to talk to you."

Minuette bounced up and down, grinning. "Ooooh! So I get to barrage... Er... Ask her a reasonable amount of questions?"

Spitfire chuckled but nodded. "Certainly, but if you'll excuse me I need to go pull her out of that mess she's in right now." Spitfire pushed her way through the crowd and with vague statements about forms, and other requirements pulled both Rainbow Dash and her new marefriend out of the frenzy and off to a safer area of the banquet.

Minuette trailed after them, posing, making sure she was as pretty as possible, waiting to be introduced, once Spitfire was done rescuing the two poor things. But that never ended up happening. After Spitfire got Rainbow Dash nestled in with Cloud Chaser and Flitter, Spitfire returned to Minuette. While most would have placed the two with Soarin, Fleetfoot or some of the other more senior members for strength of rank, Spitfire knew better. Flitter had the strange ability to absolutely exude an amount of "unwelcome" that Spitfire could only aspire to. Not even Spitfire willingly stayed in a conversation that Flitter wanted her out of.

Spitfire and Minuette spent most of the banquet simply making small talk. Mostly it was Minuette making small talk with Spitfire simply listening, and maybe looking a little intimidating. Though that was mainly for show, you couldn't be the commander and not give off at least a little bit of intimidation in your dress uniforms. They even returned to Rainbow Dash eventually and Minuette got to ask some of her questions, but Spitfire only introduced her as Minuette, nothing special.

As the night ended they both returned to Spitfire's office to change back, and go home. But Minuette had something to address first. "Well, before we go I think we have something to talk about?"

Spitfire chuckled a little and nodded. "Oh, of course, your "let's be a couple" argument I believe." Spitfire herself hadn't made up her own mind yet.

Minuette shook her head. "We do need to talk about that, but first there's something more important for us to talk about!" She smiled, bowing her head to Spitfire. "I'm sorry."

In the Office

"You're sorry?" Spitfire hadn't been expecting that. Any amount of chatter about how fun that was, or how cute Autumn Blaze is, or how cute her dress was... But... An apology? And even less so since Spitfire had no idea what Minuette could be apologizing for. She couldn't think of anything that should have rose her ire during the party.

Minuette smiled a little and shook her head. “I might have been a bit pushy. But I had good motives!”

Spitfire smirked a bit, well Minuette had technically been pushy, but Spitfire had more than let her be pushy. “And what was that motive?”

Minuets smiled widely at the question. “I thought you were lonely! And I wanted you to be not lonely!"

Spitfire chuckled gently. It was a noble motivation, though a big assumption to make about a stranger. But pointing that out wouldn’t really accomplish much. Minuette might had set her up for a nice joke... “and so you don’t have that motivation any more?”

Minuette started to shake her head before giggling gently. “I do still want you happy! But I just don’t think you’re lonely anymore.”

Spitfire nodded. “Well, I’m glad we got that out of the way. But why’d you think that?”

Minuette grinned and bounced a little in her hooves. "Well that aura you were giving off at the cafe and all?" Spitfire nodded as she followed along. "I thought that was you being all 'I'm the commander. I should be in charge. I should be unapproachable.' But that's not wh... Well, I'm guessing it's a small part. You're just more reserved than most!"

Spitfire nodded. "And you're far less so than most. Though I think I learned a little something like you did."

Minuette continued to grin. "Oh? Like what?"

"You aren't nearly as flippant and happy go lucky as you play it." Spitfire grinned as she leaned forward. "Like how you were polite enough to not pester Rainbow Dash and Autumn Blaze with questions like half the guests." She grimaced slightly. "And an irritating amount of Wonderbolts."

Minuette nodded seriously. "Right. I can only imagine how stressful that was for Autumn Blaze. I wasn't about to add to it." After a moment though Minuette blew a raspberry. "Ewwww! Too serious talk!"

Spitfire couldn't stop a small chuckle at that. "Well, I think you would want at least one more serious thing before you pull that face."

Minuette eyes lit up and she grinned. "You are so right." She walked up to the desk, but in a more calm, regal way. "If you want I can, at times, be more behaved."

Spitfire raised an eyebrow while grinning. "Oh? Could you? You'd be willing to fake it to be my marefriend?"

Minuette wrinkled her nose. "Of course not! I just meant that I'd be willing to put up doing more serious things without complaint. When required. I mean I was one of Princess Cadence's bridesmaids!... Well... Kinda."

Spitfire grimaced at the reminder but took Minuette's point without dwelling on the changeling invasion. "What about me?"

"Well you'd obviously have the final say in... if we became a couple...?" Minuette was obviously unsure of what the implied question was.

Spitfire shook her head. "No, I meant would you have any requests of the similar? Only reversed obviously."

Minuette shook her head. "Oh, no, my crowd's ok with reserved ponies." At the raised eyebrow Minuette expanded on her answer. "If you're around while me and my friends are out eating donuts it won't take away from our enjoyment if you're being quiet. It just means you like me so much you want to spend time with me even when not participating!"

Spitfire snorted as Minuette managed to interpret even non-participation as a positive thing. "Well that's sure open minded of you. Hardly seems fair though. I get to always be me and you have to adjust."

Minuette shrugged. "Yes and no. It's not your fault that other people would get annoyed at me at fancy high class parties or what have you."

Spitfire has to give that one to Minuette. "True enough. Still seems a bit unfair." Spitfire rapped her muzzle with her hoof. "I'd need to think of some way to make it up to you..."

Minuette rolled her eyes. "If we were friends, maybe."

Spitfire actually flinched at that. "Well... That was... I mean, ouch."

Mint sure looked confused for a moment before shaking her head. "Sorry, I meant if we became just friends maybe. But if we were a couple, that's just how things work. I'd put up with it because you came with it."

Nodding, Spitfire was relieved the rather hurtful statement was a misunderstanding. And she was pleased, the unicorn had really grown on her. "What about the fact I didn't have to go through similar?"

Minuette snorted. "What? You think I'm gonna hold some balance of tit for tat over your head? That'd be a pretty short freaking relationship!"

Spitfire chuckled. Resting her chin on her hoof as she considered Minuette. "A lot more mature than I gave you credit for the first time."

Minuette smirked gently, but Spitfire could have sworn she saw a blush under her blue coat. "Mhmm, I'm not just a cute young mare! Though I am that too."

Spitfire paced out from behind her desk, rolling her eyes but smiling gently. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're very pretty, happy?" Minuette nodded, grinning a bit wider as if she knew what was coming. But Spitfire wasn't going to give her what she wanted that easily. "Though I mean... If I've gotten over the age difference..." Minuette leaned forward... "I think Flitter might be cuter..."

Much to Spitfire's surprise Minuette's grin remained. "She is pretty adorable... I mean if you wanted to date us both I wouldn't mind getting to see more of that cute bow of hers."

Spitfire reared back as if she'd been slapped. "What!? You...!?" She looked at Minuette's self satisfied smile and spitfire harrumphed. "Unicorns." Her tone so annoyed it almost turned the word into a curse, not quite, but it was close.

Munuette giggled but then schooled her face into a more serious look. "It was only an option."

Spitfire smirked a bit and shook her head. "Maybe we'll be in need of a long talk about our expectations?"

Minuette stuck her tongue out, wrinkling her nose. "Ugh, sounds awful! But you're probably right aren't you?"

Spitfire chuckled and nodded. "Ok, maybe I have your maturity a little too much credit, didn't I?"

Minuette giggled a little and nodded. "Definitely! I mean if it was up to me we'd all be one big love organism!"

Spitfire smirked much like Minuette has earlier. "Really?"

Minuette shook her head. "Nah. We couldn't pull it off. I mean it'd be great if everyone could get along like that! But that's not going to happen."

Spitfure tilted her head to the side. "But just so we're clear, you're ok with dating only one mare?"

Minuette nodded her head. "Totally! I'm open to more, but I'm perfectly happy with one!" Her smile was so wide and genuine Spitfire let out a small sigh.

"Good. I'm an old pegasus ya know. We have our traditions." Spitfire knew some of the more... 'progressive' unicorns considered anyone who didn't agree with them as culturally inferior. Thankfully that wasn't Minuette.

"Ooh!" Minuette laid down, smiling up at Spitfire. "Oh my great... Uh... Prime mate? I'm no expert on pegasus history. But I swear I will obey and..."

Spitfire rolled her eyes and interrupted. "I'm not that old! Now get up you silly mare."

Minuette grinned as she stood up. "Well with how you t..."

"Yes! Yes!" Spitfire waved her hoof, but couldn't stop her own grin from sticking to her muzzle. "With how I talk I'm older than Celestia, right?"

"Right!"

Spitfire grinned, deciding that she could try some of Minuettes own jokes on her. "Well if I'm so old I probably can't manage carrying some uppity unicorn back to solid ground..." Minuette hopped up and started to rush towards the door, and Spitfire blinked in surprise. "What are..."

"Well if you can't I better see if I can catch Flitter!" Minuette pushed her way out of the office before Spitfire could sigh.

"Oh get back in here!" Minuette grinned, very self satisfied as she walked back into Spitfire's office. "I'll take you home whenever you want."

Minuette grinned a little wider. "Ooooooh!" She would have continued but Spitfire picked up on her tone and cut her off at the pass.

"You're home!... We have two more dates before you get to come home with me." Spitfire smiled to see Minuette nod for a moment before her eyes widened, and she started to smile as well.

"Aha! So you're saying..."

"Yes... Now get changed, it is getting late and I need to take you home then go home."

"You know we could skip one step..." Spitfire rolled her eyes, and Minuette giggled.