takes place during in the evening of S8 E11, (Molt Down.) again, Dash isn’t in this one, so i made this up for what she was doing.

any weird sounding sentences are intentional. they’re drunk. i don’t now if i hate this chapter. i have mixed feelings about it... and i’m bored.

It had been three weeks since Soarin had taken charge of the ‘Bolts, and it just so happened that today was the day Spitfire came back to HQ, knocking on the door and saying she was ready to take her job back back.

“You sure, Spit?” Soarin questioned.

She had only looked at the ground before shaking her head. “Definitely. I feel way better, relaxed, and I’m getting a little bored at Fleet’s house.” She hadn’t wanted to intrude on Dash longer then was necessary, and while Dash insisted she didn’t mind, Spitfire had spent the last week and a half at Fleetfoot’s.

“Well, you always were married to your job,” he mused.

She shrugged, walking in, looking over the paperwork he was currently in the middle of. “What can I say? It’s my soulmate.”

They had both chuckled as Soarin neatly and quickly organized the stack of papers. “Ah, well, it was nice getting to wear you,” he said to Spitfire’s sunglasses.

Said pony stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “You did what?” she growled.

Soarin rubbed his neck, looking away. “Nothin’,” he tried in a reassuring tone. “Look, I’ll take care of this today, and then since we’re all supposed to take the weekend off anyways,” he suggested.

“Really, Clipper? I’ve been off for three weeks! It was only supposed to be one. Do you think I’m not capable of my job or something?” she asked, annoyed.

“I just... ugh! Fine, fine, there was only a little left anyways,” he gave in. “Look, just... meet the team in the mess hall at five, okay?”

Spitfire raised an eyebrow. “I’m not stupid. What do you all want?”

“It’s a surprise.” He grinned. “Not literally, although she will be there.”

“I don’t need a ‘welcome back Spitfire’ party,” she deadpanned.

He grumbled, “You’re no fun. Anyways, it isn’t a party. Just meet us there, got it? You’ll like it,” he promised.

She sighed. “Yeah, whatever. See you there.”

“Yes ma’am!” Soarin saluted. “It’s good to have you back, Spit,” he added kindly.

“Good to be back,” she said, already working her way through the papers.
Soarin could only chuckle.

The whole team was in Las Pegasus, currently at a casual bar that served food as well. It was loud and upbeat, and right across the street there was a hip new dance club.

“You guys seriously didn’t have to do this,” Spitfire said. “It’s not like I was gone for years.”

“It felt like years,” Fleetfoot wailed. “I personally prefer you over Soarin to lead us.”

Soarin glared. “What happened to ‘You’re so much better than Spitfire’, hmm?” As soon as the words left his mouth, Soarin instantly felt awful that he had let Spitfire hear that.

Fleetfoot glared right back. “Don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

The whole team had quieted and was currently staring at the two bicker. “You... You feel that way, Fleet?” Spitfire asked blankly.

Fleetfoot stared at her captain, guilt filling her gut. “I- No, Spit, I was just joking.”

“Oh, right, okay,” Spitfire responded, a fake smile on her face.

“C’mon guys! We’re in Las Pegasus! Let’s have some fun! Cider’s on me!” Lightning announced cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood. “Anypony up for a drinking game?”

High Winds, Misty Fly, Rapidfire, Surprise, and Rainbow Dash all raised their hooves. “Me!”

“Alright! Hey, six shots of cider please!” Lightning called.

The bartender got to work, mixing and pouring. “Coming right up!”

In less then a minute he had shot over five, well, shots of cider to the five Wonderbolts. Soarin watched as they all clinked their glasses together and each took long drinks, while Lightning and Dash kept asking for more, chugging them down like it was water.

Soarin yawned, picking at his chicken sandwich, not really in the mood to eat for once. “You’re gonna be okay, Cap? Fleet means no harm.”

She chuckled. “I know, Soar... Keep an eye on Lightning tonight, not me.”

He frowned in confusion. “What are you~”

Wave cleared his throat and pointed at Lightning, who was currently poking and teasing Dash. Soarin felt jealousy roll over him like a tsunami. “Oh please, Dash can make her own choices, she’s a grown mare for god’s sake,” he protested.

Blaze and Wave Chill looked at each other and laughed. “Please, Clipper, everypony knows you’re practically in love with her... if that was the mare I liked, god knows I’d be jealous,” Blaze commented.

Soarin, fed up, downed his soda. “Hey, Dec! Can I have some beer please?!”

“Sure thing, Commander!” the bartender replied and threw a beer his way.

Soarin caught it and opened it up, taking a swig. “Yeah well, you wouldn’t need to be Blazey, considering that Lightning is a stallion,” he muttered.

She shrugged. “Just saying.”

“So, Blaze,” Fleet coughed, “do you like any mares right now?”

“Yeah, tell us,” Silver agreed.

Blaze’s yellow cheeks darkened. “Maybe, maybe not.”

“Oh she does!” Fleetfoot exclaimed, leaning in closely. “Who is it? We won’t tell, cross my heart.” She grinned.

Soarin, Spitfire, Silver and Wave all nodded.

Blaze rolled her purple eyes. “No. Now shut up.”

The other five snickered. Soarin looked at the other five, who were all laughing and flipping, part of whatever game they had invented. Dash was looping through Winds and Rapid and then Lightning, who went out of his way to make sure she bumped into him. Soarin tightened his grip on his drink as the prismatic pegasus reeled back. Instead of getting angry, she simply chuckled and eagerly watched as High Winds did her round.

“Does Lightning have zero control?” Soarin muttered, trying not to stare at him and Dash. She would never purposely hurt you. And Lightning does this all the time...

“Pretty much. He hits on pretty much every mare that looks in his direction,” Wave answered casually, finishing his cider. “Although...” his voice trailed off and he averted his eyes as he realized he probably shouldn’t tell Soarin.

Soarin raised his brow. “What?”

“Nothing. Never mind.”

“Wave.”

Wave continued to look away. “Seriously, don’t bother, it isn’t a big deal, Commander.”

“Alright. As your Commander, I order you, Wave Chill, to tell me what you were going to say,” Soarin stated, motioning to Dec for another beer.

“I really don’t think you want to~”

Soarin slammed the beer bottle down harshly. “For fuck’s sake, Wave, what won’t you say?” he barked.

Wave looked taken aback. Soarin had never really gotten annoyed with him like this before, and had only ordered him for training and when Spitfire was unavailable. “Commander, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he stuttered.

Spitfire butt in. “No need to yell at him, Soarin,” she said sharply with a hint of protectiveness.

Soarin rolled his eyes. “Sorry. But just say it. I can take it,” he told them quietly.

Wave sighed. “Whenever a female joined the team, Lightning pursued them for maybe a week. After that, he accepted them as a teammate and nothing more.”

“Nothing we don’t know,” Soarin told him blankly.

Spitfire nodded, understanding where Wave was coming from. “He’s saying, Soar, that Dash has been on the team for nearly two years and Lightning still... flirts with her.”

“You don’t think he actually likes her, do you?” Soarin gulped.

Spitfire turned to Wave and they looked away. “We don’t know,” Wave replied slowly. “But he might. Or they’re just good friends and he finds her really attractive.”

“Which she is. I mean, if I was gay, I’d be into that,” Spitfire smirked a little.

“I... But... Lightning... he wouldn’t... he knows I like her. He’s not that type of guy,” Soarin sighed and looked at the two ponies who were the topic of their conversation.

Dash was laughing and smiling with him, deep in conversation and would playfully shove him when Lightning whispered something in her ear.

Soarin didn’t say anything. Only kept on staring.

He felt anger. Anger at Lightning for flirting with Dash when he knew Soarin liked her. Anger at Dash for not rejecting Lightning. And angry at himself for thinking that Dash liked him as much as he liked her. Loved her.

But Soarin, although not as obvious about it as say Rapid or Lightning, was quite the mares’ stallion. He had the looks, charm, status, and rank.

He needed to show Dash that he had the same effect as any of his make teammates did. He took one look at High Winds and got off his chair, flying over to her. “Hey Windy,” he greeted, using a more affectionate nickname.

“Oh, hi Soar-Soar!” she exclaimed and held out her glass. “Want a sip? It’s really, really good!”

And she’s drunk. Not a bad thing in his case. “So, uh, how’s it going? You winning whatever game you ponies are playing?”

She shrugged and blinked, swallowing her drink. “We were playing a game?”

“Uh... never mind,” he chuckled and wrapped a hoof around her. “C’mon, sit with me,” he beckoned, choosing the seats right next to Lightning and Rainbow.

“So, you seeing anypony?” he questioned casually, sparing a look in Dash’s direction.

Winds shook her head. “Nope! I’m a single Pringle!” she giggled. “Are you a taken piece of bacon?” she questioned, green eyes widening.

Soarin blinked. Usually High Winds was very... cool. “Uh... not exactly.” He coughed uncomfortably and leaned in closer to her, casually tucking a piece of her curly blue hair out of her face.

“What about you and the rainbow girl?” She pointed to Dash. “What’s her name again?” she slurred. “Rainbow... something.”

Soarin looked over and saw the two gone. “Excuse me, Windy,” he said passively.

“Aw, alright handsome,” she moaned sadly. “Three tequila shots please, old man!” she yelled.

Soarin cringed and disappeared into a close off area only meant for VIPs. He figured he could pass, considering he was one of the most famous Wonderbolts in Equestria.

“Oh, Dash,” somepony groaned, followed by a sharp breath.

Soarin rounded the corner, and felt his heart drop as he witnessed Lightning push her against the wall in a suggestive manner, kissing her neck while she rubbed his back.

Dash’s eyes were closed, and while she didn’t seem to be doing anything, she didn’t exactly look uncomfortable. “Yeah... who are~” Her magenta eyes opened and she looked down at Lightning. Her look of relaxation turned to a frown. “Wha- who- Light? Or-or Fore?” she shook her mane. “Fire?” she croaked slowly.

Lightning pulled away. “It’s Lightning Streak,” he told her.

Soarin watched as Rainbow went silent, her body unmoving. “I... You’re not...”

“What?”

She tried to gently push him off her, but Lightning wouldn’t budge. “You’re not... the... Commamdee,” she stated. “Or, I mean, um... Commander.”

Soarin’s ears flipped up. Did he hear her correctly?

“I’ll be yours if you wanna me a too,” Lightning slurred his words incorrectly. “I mean, I saw him with Wen... no, Windy earlier.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “He isn’t here.”

Soarin’s glare hardened and he stepped forward. “Yeah, actually, I am.”

Dash’s eyes lazily landed on him and he wings shot out. “Soarin! Clipper! You’re there and I’m here and and... why am I not with you?” she wailed.

Soarin’s heart clenched. Both in frustration and concern. He smoothly walked over and pulled Lightning away, catching Rainbow as she clumsily fell into him. “I’m here, Rainbow,” Soarin told her.

She blinked and pointed to the other stallion who was on the door.

Soarin sighed, overly annoyed with his friend to really pay attention. He was too worried about Rainbow Dash and just wanted to get her home. He also didn’t want to spoil a night that was supposed to welcome Spitfire back. “Streak, I’ll get Wave to come help you, ‘kay buddy?”

Lightning only groaned, pretty much passed out on the floor.

“Come on, Rainbow.”

“Where we going?” she mumbled, leaning against him.

He didn’t reply as he carried her weight over to where Spitfire, Wave, Fleetfoot and Blaze were all talking. “Uh, Wave?”

Wave turned, drawing away from his conversation. “What’s up— oh. Crash, you okay?” he questioned.

She nodded happily. “Wavey... I almost made out with Lightning...” Her eyes went wide.

Wave looked around uncomfortably. “Um...”

“He’s in the VIP section. Do you mind taking care of him? I’m really sorry about this,” Soarin apologized hastily.

Wave peeked past them before nodding. “Sure thing. I don’t mind.”

Soarin smiled gratefully at his friend. “Thanks, dude. I owe you one.”

They bumped hooves and Wave flew away.

Spitfire and Fleetfoot turned to the two. “Why’d you send him away?” Fleet asked.

Soarin motioned to Dash, who was giggling at her own hiccups. “She’s drunk. I saw them... like, almost... together and~”

“Dashie! How could you?” Fleet scolded playfully.

Dash jumped and let out a short yelp. “Wha?”

Blaze and Spitfire chuckled. “Get her a hotel room, Soar. Guess we’re spending the night here,” Spitfire told him.

He flashed her a small grin. “Thanks, Spit. See ya.”

“Don’t make any drunken mistakes!” Fleetfoot called whilst laughing.

Soarin leaned down. “Hey, Rainbow, get on my back.”

He saw her lips form a pout. “But I wanna fly! I need to be fwee!”

“You can be free tomorrow. You’re drunk right now,” he stated calmly.

“N I not,” she snipped. “Lemme show ya.” She flapped her wings unevenly and wobbled off the ground, managing to clumsily stay in the air for about fifteen seconds before falling. “Aw...” Her blue ears folded in. “This doesn’t mean you win,” she told him, climbing onto his back, wrapping her legs around his shoulders and waist.

Soarin felt his face flush from the contact, despite the fact that she had done many more intimate acts with him. He adjusted to her weight and took off, flying out the bar and onto the busy roads, until he found a chic motel, classy but not too crowded and part pay like. He flew in and landed, clearing his throat to get the receptionist’s attention.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

Soarin nodded. “I need a room for tonight.”

The grey pony checked through the book before nodding. “Alright. It’ll number be twenty-three on the next floor. Thirty bits, please,” he requested.

Soarin grabbed his wallet with his mouth and threw it to the receptionist. “I’d do it myself but...” He pointed to the passed out mare on his back.

“I get it.” He fished thirty bits out of the wallet and handed it back to Soarin. “Enjoy your night, sir, and um... miss.”

“Thanks,” Soarin nodded and walked away, climbing up the stairs.

Once they were safely in the room, Soarin tried unsuccessfully to get Dash into bed without waking her.

“Mmm?” she mumbled, eyes opening, staring up at Soarin.

If she wasn’t drunk, Soarin would have kissed her. She looked like an angel, and oh, those damn eyes, they killed him, took his breath away every time he looked at them. “Go to sleep, Rainbow.”

“Is you Soar... in?” she asked, blinking rapidly.

“Yes, it’s me, I’m here,” he said, rubbing her head and face.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, thick lashes covering her eyes.

He sighed. He was angry. But they would deal with that tomorrow. He just needed her to feel better first and then he’d get some answers. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“I~”

He shook his head. “Seriously, Rainbow, go to sleep.”

She frowned and hit him sloppily. It didn’t hurt at all. “Lemme... let me... talk,” she croaked. “I... thought he was you...”

“What?” he asked, not sure if he believed her. “Lightning Streak looks nothing like me.”

She shifted. “I’m drunk... he kissed me... and when I opened my eyes I... you... I guess I was imagining you.”

Soarin didn’t say anything. “We’ll talk about it later, alright? Get some rest.”

She dramatically sighed, still heavily intoxicated. “Fine...”

He climbed into the other bed, although his heart wanted nothing more then to lie next to her, his brain said no. Soarin clicked the light off. “Night, Rainbow,” he said.

“You’re the only one I want, Soarin,” she moaned.

He didn’t move.