The Fire Maned Pegasus of Cloudsdale

It’s been a hell of a six months, hasn’t it? Ever since you became friends with Spitfire, life seemed to go a bit more smoothly for you. No longer did you feel obligated to go home, and sit around watching television until you fell asleep. Now, you actually have things to do! On your days off, you would go to the Cloudosseum and visit Spitfire and the Wonderbolts. No matter the day, she was always happy to see you, and you were happy to see her. Of course, you better be happy to see her, or else why would you even be showing up there?

Training has been going extremely well. Your first couple weeks had you building enough wing muscle to do one hundred wing-ups, and by the end of that second week, you managed to do well over one hundred and fifty. You would think that would be some kind of record, until you found out Soarin can get up to three hundred. No wonder that guy is perfect at flying, he’s a beast! It would be impressive, if he wasn’t such an asshole to you.

Seeing you with Spitfire seems to put a damper on his day. Could he be jealous? Don’t know what he’d be jealous about, since you aren’t hanging out with Spitfire for reasons other than friendship, are you?

Back to the topic at hoof, you’ve improved rather substantially in your flying skills. Spitfire has proved to be a great teacher, as you predicted not so long ago. She’s a hardass, but it’s only because she cares.

You’ve been through the works; hoops, turns, races, obstacle courses. You’re still not one hundred percent perfect, but it’s enough for you to feel proud of yourself. Of course, no training is complete without a couple visits to the hospital wing. Only a couple bumps and bruises nothing extremely serious. There was that time you hit one of those fast moving clouds in the obstacle course, however. You careened right in the middle of a barn not too far away. That left a bit of a mark. At least it’s a funny story to tell to others.

Surprise is nice enough to give you the time of day, though. She has, on a couple occasions, gone with you and Spitfire, when you two would go out to eat. She had a very bubbly personality off the field, which you were rather surprised about, considering when she’s in the skies, it’s all business. Thunderlane looks as if he’s warming up to you; you even caught him snickering at one of your many jokes one time, but a single angry look from Soarin makes him change his tune. You’ve tried to get some alone time with him, but he seems inseparable from Mr. McMeany.

I’m talking about Soarin. Oh, okay. You know what I’m saying. I should really stop underestimating you…even if I am your brain.

The best part of your days however, is just spending time with Spitfire. She’s your best friend in all of Equestria. It’s because of her, that you have become more open, more talkative with other ponies. No longer are you standing in the sidelines, digging at the ground with your hoof in shyness, you’re out there, conversing, having fun, and it’s all thanks to that Pegasus, who you owe your very life to. You would do anything and everything for her without a second thought.

It’s Friday, and you’ve just got off work early. Good thing too; the holidays are coming up, and the toy store had been packed to the brim with parents looking for products for their little foals. You couldn’t wait to get out of there. Luckily for you, the boss had been so impressed with your work ethic, that he decided to let you have the rest of the day off. Now, you can go surprise Spitfire at the Cloudosseum, maybe go get some dinner and see a movie.

Walking towards the Cloudosseum, you notice that the gates to the entranceway are closed. Strange, they train every day of the week. You assume that they cancelled and start your trek home. But wait, Soarin’s words soon enter your thoughts.

“A Captain should never cancel training” his douchebag voice echoes.

He’s right though; they wouldn’t cancel training without good reason. Then again, you didn’t see Spitfire the day before. Did something happen? Is she okay? Maybe she got hurt…maybe something worse happened!

Don’t panic! Don’t blame me! You’re the one that thought of it! Go check on her!

You fly to her home in the Cloudburbs. It’s a nice two story house; you’ve only been there a couple times, when you would come over to watch some flicks with her. She did have the best stereo system you’ve ever seen and heard, apart from the one at the actual Cineplex.

Going to the door, you knock on it several times. No answer. She might not be home. Better make sure. You knock again.

The intercom next to the door comes on.

“Hello?” you hear Spitfire’s voice. It doesn’t sound right. “Who’s there?”

“Spitfire? It’s me.”

“Oh…hey.” she recognizes your voice, “What are you doing here?”

“I got off work early, and I thought I might surprise you, but you weren’t at the Cloudosseum. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine.” Suddenly, she lets out a powerful sneeze. You step back, as if the snot was going to come out of the speaker. “I’m a little sick.”

“Sick? Do you need any help?”

“No. I’m fine.” she sneezes again. That sounded extra juicy. “Thanks for coming by.”

“Stay right there, I’m coming up.” You say with determination.

“No. Don’t…”

You don’t listen. You unfurl your wings and fly up to the second story, where Spitfire’s room is. Looking inside, you see Spitfire standing at the intercom, wearing a blue robe. Even through the window, you can tell that she didn’t look well.

Gently, you knock on the window, so you don’t scare her. Doesn’t work. She quickly turns around to see you with a gasp. You give her a wave, and a gesture for her to open the window. She shakes her head, but you are adamant about getting in. Eventually, she relents, opening the window. You fly inside, and turn to face her upon landing.

“What are you doing? You can’t stay long.” she says, “I don’t want you getting sick!”

“It’s okay. I took my immunization shots this week. I’m good.”

No you didn’t, you big fat liar. You haven't taken your shots since last year! Okay, shutting up.

“Well, alright…I guess…” she quietly says.

“Here, let me take you to bed.”

“What?”

“You need to stay warm. Get under the covers.”

“Oh. Yeah, sure.” she complies, getting into bed. She looks at you, not quite sure where all this is coming from. You know, though. You’ve been in doctor’s offices a lot, not to mention that you’ve had some experience with flus and colds. In your younger years, you would get sick all the time. You know the ins and outs of a common cold, so much so that you can end it the moment it begins.

You put a hoof on her forehead. She feels extremely hot, almost burning. Sweat drops from the side of her head. Using a tissue, you wipe it up.

“You’re really hot, Spitfire.” you say.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” she smirks.

“I mean that you feel hot.” you say with a chuckle.

“I feel cold.”

“That’s a common symptom. I’ll go make you some soup, maybe a cup of tea.”

“Everything is in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” you say, “I’ll be right back.”

You zoom downstairs to the kitchen. It was easy finding the soup and the tea bags. A nice bowl of vegetable and noodle soup does wonders to those with a cold, and a cup of hot herbal tea with honey is just icing on the proverbial cake.

Within minutes, both the soup and tea are ready. Carefully, you bring them upstairs on a tray, gently placing it on Spitfire’s lap. Success. Nothing spilled, and nopony burnt with hot tea. She looked very appreciative of all your help.

“Thank you.” she smiles, “But, you really don’t have to do all this.”

“I kind of do, actually.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, you saved my life. I owe you everything. Besides, this is the least I can do.”

“I have to say, you’re doing a pretty great job so far.”

She takes a spoonful of soup carefully sipping it.

“Tell me if it’s too hot.” you say to her.

She swallows it down with no problem, letting out a comforting “Mmmmmm….”

“No. Not at all. It’s just the way I like it.”

“Great. I was getting a little worried. I wasn’t sure if you would like it the way that I do.”

“It’s perfect.” she takes a sip of the tea, “Oh my goodness, this is fantastic!”

“Really? No kidding?”

“No, wow!” she takes another sip. “You’re really good at this.”

“It’s nothing really.”

“No, I’m serious! I can’t make tea to save my life!”

“You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“Hey….” she puts a hoof on yours, “I really do like it.”

You look into her eyes. You can see the happiness, and the appreciation gracing her face. She looked at you like she had always looked at you, glad that you’re with her, even when she is sick. The moment of the both of you staring a smiling goes on for a long time…a little too long, if you ask me. Just what do you think you’re doing?

Before things could get completely uncomfortable, you take your hoof back quickly, clearing your throat, and hiding that blush on your face. What was that about?

“So, umm….what would you like to do next?” you ask her.

“We could play some video games. I still want that Super Equestrian Fighter IV rematch.” she answers with a devilish smile.

“You’re on.” you chuckle.

You were a pro at that game. You played it for hours at home. When Spitfire first challenged you to a match a couple months ago, you couldn’t resist playing. As good as she was in the skies, at home, on the console, you had the power. She got close once, but it was by pure luck you beat her again. For the longest time since, she demanded a rematch, but work got in the way. Now, it’s a free for all.

The two of you fought for hours. You used your go to fighter, Thunder Strike, while Spitfire picked the nimble, yet weaker combatant Quicksilver. She was convinced that she could beat you, furthering her viewpoint that strength would always lose out over speed. You had proved her wrong time and time again, and it would seem that you would never lose.

Until today.

Somehow, she had gotten better; a master even. You practiced with your fighter for hours, days, but she is knocking you out like you’re just a newcomer. She knows the moves, the simple and the complex. She is so fast; it’s like she knows what you’re going to do before you do it.

Can’t be. It’s just beginner’s luck. You try again.

And again.

And again.

And again.

Ten matches later, and Spitfire still whups your once undefeated rump.

“YES!” she shouts, “I win again! Oh yeah! Who’s bad?!”

You sit there; mouth open wide at the television as ‘Player 1 Wins’ flashes across your face over and over again.

“I don’t believe it.” you say, “That was incredible.”

“You’re not the only one, who has mastered this game!” she celebrates further. Suddenly, she begins coughing, loudly.

On a reflex, you drop your controller, and rush to her side, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

“Are you okay?!” you ask in a panic.

“Yeah…” she finishes coughing, “Just a little phlegm is all.” You give her a nearby box of tissues from the table by her bed. “I’ve never seen you panic like that before. It's kind of cute.” she smiles.

“I’ve never heard you use the word ‘cute’ before.” you chortle, “It’s a little strange.”

“In a good way?”

“Maybe.” The two of you share another awkward moment. It’s taken you a long time to really notice her eyes. They practically sparkle when near a light source. It’s very beautiful. Hold on…dude…seriously…you better stop it, right now. I mean it. “Let me get you another cup of tea.” you excuse yourself.

“O-Oh, okay.” she says, watching you leave.

Thank Celestia you got yourself out of that mess. Just what in all of Equestria are you thinking? Not only is she your best friend, but she’s sick! You can’t just start making googly eyes at her! It’s really creepy…and weird! She probably thinks it’s weird too, so knock it off.

You return with the tea, which she tells you is just as good as the first cup. The sun is going down, you best be heading off.

“I think I should get going. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Wait…” she stops you, “Don’t you want to watch a movie?”

You think about that for a moment. Well, that’s what you two normally do when you come by her house. One movie can’t hurt.

“Okay.” you say, grinning, “What do you want to watch?”

“Pick something.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you go to her collection. She likes all the films that you like. Action, adventure, science fiction, never has she dragged you to some lame chick flick from that Pegasus Sparks guy. You settle on one.

“The Mare Do Well Rises.” You say, “I haven’t seen that in a while.”

“Me neither.” She watches you set it up. Once you do, she makes room for you on the bed, patting the mattress with her hoof. “Come on, sit next to me.”

The two of you spend the next three hours watching the movie. You were used to watching movies in her living room, with that kick ass sound system, but she appeared to have the same set up here. The only difference is now the two of you are side by side, elbow to elbow. She didn’t mind, though. The film itself was enjoyable as ever, and as the final credit rolled, the film was over in a flash.

“That was a really good movie.” you tell her, “The best one, in my opinion.”

“I agree.” she nods, “It’s one of my favorite superhero movies.”

You glance to the window. Night has fallen; you were so caught up with the movie, that you had no idea that it was pitch black outside.

“Woah.” you say, “Time sure flies.”

“Yeah. That’s why I like watching that movie. The three hours feel like one.”

“No kidding.” Then, you feel her shiver. You see her put her forelegs across her chest. That robe of hers doesn’t seem to be helping at all. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I’m cold. It’s hard to stay warm at night, when you’re sick.”

“I’ve been there. Hold on, I have an idea.” Quick on your hooves, you unfurl your left wing, and wrap it around her body. The shivering subsides. “Feeling any better?”

“Oooohhh, yeah. It’s really warm in here.”

“It WAS leaned against you for three hours.” you laugh.

“Well, you’ve done it now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now, I don’t want you to leave.”

“Oh…right….” She’s right, you’ve done it now. You have her wrapped up in your wing like some kind of pony burrito, and you have nowhere to go. Good job genius. On the plus side, she’s not cold anymore.

“Do you mind, spending the night here?” she asks you.

“You mean…like a sleepover?”

“Yeah. Exactly.”

“Sure. That sounds fine by me.” There’s nothing wrong with this. The concept is new to you personally, but you’re well aware that it is common practice for friends to spend the night. Don’t know if there are certain rules for friends that are colts and mares, though.

“In that case, put the other wing around me.” she almost demands of you.

You do not hesitate. You really would do anything to make her happy. You move her down to a more comfortable position, and wrap your other wing around her, pressing her against your coat. You can feel her breath swaying that little tuft of fur on your chest. She is comfortable, and so are you.

“This is nice.” she says, beginning to get drowsy, “I had no idea how warm you were.”

“There are some benefits to being a big fat Pegasus, you know.” you jest.

“No, you’re not fat.” she tries to assure you, “You’re just right.”

Slowly, she puts a hoof on your chest, softly caressing it. You’re heart rate rises exponentially. She giggles; being so close to you, she can hear your heart beating one hundred miles a minute.

“I’m sorry. Am I making you nervous?”

“What? Uh….n-no. Nervous? Me? Nah, I don’t get nervous.”

“Your heart. It’s pounding.”

“That’s because I have…heart problems. Yeah…that’s it.” you laugh it off.

She sighs; from the sound of it, she doesn’t believe you. But, she stops feeling your chest anyway. Internally, you are relieved. She rubs her head against you, relaxing as if you were a pillow.

“Did I ever tell you…” she almost trails off, “…that you’re my best friend?”

“What?” you’re surprised. “That can’t be true.”

“Why not?”

“Because…you’re Spitfire. I’m sure you have a ton of friends other than me.”

“I do have a ton of friends…and I think you’re the best one.”

“That’s just sleepy talk.”

“I’m serious.”

“Then…” you think about it, “What is it about me?”

“I just like…hanging out with you. You’re a cool dude.”

“I never thought of myself as a cool dude, before.”

“You are. Why do you think I let you in the house?”

“Because I forced you to.”

“No. You weren’t the first one to try it. Soarin and the others came to my window too, and I told them to leave. You…I let you in.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes.” she yawns, “It’s true.” She wraps her hooves around your waist, holding you tightly with a firm grip. “I think….” she trails off again, “I…think…I…..” she goes silent. She goes fast asleep within seconds.

You smile. Resting your head on a pillow. It doesn’t take long for you to fall asleep, it has been a long day for you; you deserve the rest.