takes place during S8 E16, (Friendship University.)
no, Dash is not in this episode.
also, their relationship is confusing as hell.

It had been one month. One, long, agonizing month since Soarin had broken things off with Dash.
Both knew the importance of not letting the team fall apart, and had remained professional towards one another. But that was all. Just the ‘hi’, ‘good morning’, ‘how are you?’, and ‘goodbye’. Needless to say, it had created quite the confusion among the team, who were sure confused on what happened. Only Lightning Streak seemed to have some idea and had mainly kept his distance from Soarin and Dash.

But then there had been some exchanged looks, tender smiles, slight teasing, and Soarin knew that as much as they tried to keep things work-only, it didn’t seem to be working quite as well.

For Soarin though, it was agonizing. To be so close, to hear her voice, and only be able to give a simple nod. He longed to have a conversation, to hold her in his arms, kiss her lips. He wanted her to take him on an adventure. She did it all the time, made the most mundane things come to life.

The Wonderbolts were currently in Manehattan for a show, a big interview and photoshoot for the famous magazine, Equestria Times.

“You ready for this?” Misty asked, nudging him. They were about to walk out and be interviewed by Trenderhoof, a famous journalist.

“I’m never ready.”

“Looking forward to it, Commander?” Fleet questioned, walking over to them.

Misty piped up. “He’s never ready, apparently.”

The two mares chuckled.

Soarin sighed, dragging his hoof across the floor. “I wish I was Thunder or Silver... maybe even Rapid. Or Surprise, Winds... anypony except me,” he explained. “Then I wouldn’t have to do this stupid interview.”

That was how it worked. Each year, after the public voted, the five most popular Wonderbolts of the year had to do a personal interview. Unfortunately for Soarin, he was one of them, along with Spitfire, Misty Fly, Fleetfoot, and of course, first place went to Rainbow Dash. The ponies had loved her daring personality, her openness and eagerness towards interacting with fans and along with the fact that she was Princess Twilight Sparkle’s best friend, it was no contest she would be featured.
She was also described as one of the most attractive female Wonderbolts, which she had pointed out that it was ridiculous that there was a poll for that. They had all sided with her, even though Soarin still thought the press was right on that matter.

“Commander Soarin, it’s your turn,” an assistant called, motioning for him to come into the room.

Soarin sighed as Fleetfoot casually pushed him forward. “You get ‘em tiger,” she called.

Biting his lip, Soarin walked into the nicely furnished room and sat straight across from Trenderhoof, sitting on a maroon couch with golden trimming.

“Hello, Commander Soarin,” the brown unicorn greeted, nodding his head.

Soarin looked him up and down. He was tall, had a blonde mane with a streak of white, wore a green jacket, and had white glasses covering his bright purple eyes. He looked nice enough. “Hello, Trenderhoof.”

The unicorn sat across from him. “So, I’m sure you know why you’re here. I’m going to be asking you some questions about your life, as a Wonderbolt and what it’s like doing that. All the ins and outs, behind the scenes. And then we had the public take another poll on the top three things they’d like to know about you.”

Soarin nodded. Maybe this wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. “That sounds good,” he said.

“Great, great. Tell me if anything’s way too sensitive of a subject, but this is supposed to get a little personal,” Trend warned.

“I’ll do that.” He tried to offer a friendly smile, but found it hard to do so nonetheless.

The journalist opened his book. “Okay, let’s start out simple. How’s the job going right now?”

Soarin pushed away thoughts of how his love life was going and focused on just his shows, practices, duties, and training. He smiled fondly. “It’s going good right now, like it usually is. It’s great to get to work with all the ‘Bolts on the team. They’re very talented, y’know,” he responded.

Trend scribbled it down. “Tell me, what’s your relationship like with the other members? We all know you, Captain Spitfire, and Fleetfoot are very close, and you seem to be friends with the others as well.”

Soarin bit his lip and shrugged. “Everypony on the team are great friends with everypony,” he started. “To us... we’re just ponies. We don’t treat one another like they’re a celebrity. It’s cool, I don’t think all ponies have a workplace environment like that.”

Trend wrote it down. “Can you be more specific? Besides the two mares I listed above, who are your closest friends within the team?”

“Ah, well,” Soarin rubbed his neck. “I don’t have favourites. But me and the guys, especially Wave, Rapid and Lightning hang out together. Kind of like a stallion’s night out. It’s pretty fun.”

“What do you ponies do?”

He blushed but answered anyway. “Ah, well, we usually’ll play some sort of game. Maybe poker or pool, even though we do that with rest of the team sometimes too. Sometimes we go out for drinks at a bar, and just... talk. Fly, challenge each other, it’s just... guys hanging out.”

Trend smirked. “Ever put the moves on with the mares? You four are all very popular with them.”

Soarin just laughed. “Ah, well, I know two of them enjoy it, but... me? Not always my thing,” he admitted.

“Alright, why not? Got a very special somepony already?”

“Work takes up a lot of my time,” he stammered clumsily.

He tried to hide his faltering calmness. His cheeks burned as Dash crossed his mind. Well, she was always on his mind. He had missed her like he had never missed another pony in his entire life. Such intensity. There was no pony like her, and as long as Soarin lived, he wasn’t sure if he would ever get over these feelings. He didn’t like to put it in his brain the longing he felt for her. Just for her to turn to him and place a comforting hoof on shoulder, calming, soothing him. A gentle smile on her lips, her beautiful eyes gazing at him, mane shining. He wanted her so badly.
“Anyway,” he coughed, “uh, no, I don’t. I’m almost as bad as Spitfire,” he chuckled awkwardly. “Totally married to my job.”

“Interesting,” Trend replied. “Because you and Rainbow Dash used to be seen hanging out together a lot. Was there something there?”

“No, she’s just a very good friend of mine,” he lied. “It’s hard not to like the pony who’s saved your life more than once,” he added, chuckling a little.

Trend nodded although he cast a suspicious glance. “You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” He frowned a little just to show he wasn’t willing to talk too much about this.

“Alright then, what can you tell us about any of your other Wonderbolt friends?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Misty, High Winds, Surprise, Thunderlane, Silver Zoom... they’re all great. Misty and High Winds are hilarious, Surprise is so full of energy,” he noted. “Thunder and Silver are great assets as well. Hardworking and diligent. At the end of the day though, the team is my life. We’re a family,” he said softly.

“That’s good to hear. So is anypony else within the team dating?”

Soarin tried to hide the irritation in his voice and expression. Why were ponies always interested in the love lives of others? “Not that I know of, and even if they were... it’s not really any of my business. And I’d let them tell the fans.”

“Okay, one more question and then we’ll move on. Have you ever wanted to be with a Wonderbolt mare?”

He sighed. “Yeah, I suppose, not revealing who though,” he added quickly.

Lucky for him, Trend didn’t ask to expand on that, instead going with, “Fair enough. Alright, so, has there ever been any... conflicts between you and the team? Former or current members?”

Soarin shrugged. “Well... back in my first year, there was one pony who didn’t treat me the best, but he left and I’ve let it go,” he answered truthfully. “But all of the current members? No huge, pull-apart issues. We all disagree, get into a couple arguments. But they’re fixable. We work things out. You can’t be around the same ponies all the time and not getting at least a little annoyed with them.” He chuckled for emphasis.

The writer nodded along. “What’s it like being the second-in-command?”

“Uh... well, what do you mean, exactly?”

“Just... the job, I suppose. What do you do, anything too different from the other ‘Bolts?”

Soarin thought on it for a moment. “Well, rushing, I suppose. We all pitch in from time to time in coming up with routines, but Spitfire and I tend to do a lot of it ourselves. Of course, we run it by the others, but we’re the main creators of most routines. When she’s asked to attend some social gathering, she’ll usually bring me or Fleetfoot, although she does bring some of the other members occasionally. I fill in for her when she’s out, and I still file lots of paperwork, while checking in to make sure everything’s running smoothly,” he explained. “I don’t do nearly as much as the captain though,” he added, smiling.

“Everypony’s also wondered how you got the job of second-in-command.”

Soarin grinned. “Ah, well, Veteran Arrow announced his retirement and had personally asked Spitfire if she wanted the job. I think she was a little... unsure about it at first, but she was a natural. Grew into it right away. She insisted the former second-in-command, Star Night, didn’t need to help with anything. Eventually Arrow visited and noticed. I guess they talked and I suppose he recommended me. So Spit actually took his advice.”

“Interesting. Do you ever get tired of the fame that comes with being a Wonderbolt?”

The questions were quite direct, but he supposed that Trend had a lot of interviews to get through today, and not just of the ‘Bolts. Soarin bit his lip. All the time. He knew he just wanted to fly and do tricks. Hang out with his friends, spend every spare minute with Dash. But it was all impossible, because Soarin hated his job just as much as he loved it. Fiercely.
“I won’t lie, I do,” he confessed, rubbing his neck. “Don’t get me wrong, the support and paycheque are great.” They both shared a laugh. “But it’s a lot of stress to watch every single thing you do when out in public, or if you make a mistake at a show, it’s all over and you’re criticized.” He sighed, drawing a a breath. “But, I love flying,” he continued. “It’s freedom, it’s joy, it’s... my passion. It’s my favourite thing in the world.” Soarin smiled softly. “I love being a Wonderbolt, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. So all the shit that comes with it is worth it. Because one of the best feelings in the world is when you’re up in the sky, performing for all these young ponies who look up to you and knowing that you inspire them. I’ll never get tired of that.”

Trenderhoof smiled. “Well said, commander. Equestria will appreciate it. Now, I’m going to ask you the three questions ponies have been most curious about.”

“Alright, ask away,” Soarin replied nonchalantly.

Trenderhoof scanned another piece of paper. “Okay. If you could do anything besides be a Wonderbolt, what would you be?”

Soarin pondered on this one, surprised it wasn’t a little more invasive. He hadn’t really ever thought about it before besides a brief moment. “Tough... maybe a... professional pie eater,” he laughed. “Okay, maybe not, uh... honest to god, I’ve never thought about it,” he mused. “I did work in the weather factory before I was part of the team, and I did enjoy it. Maybe a weather maker in Cloudsdale, I’m pretty skilled at handling lightning,” he explained, pointing to his flank. “Or I’d enroll in the AirForce full time,” he decided. “I’d like to help as much as I could. But being a Wonderbolt was my lifelong dream.”

“Wow. Alright, another question. Hmm, what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to somepony before?”

Soarin frowned a little and raised his eyebrows. “Um... is that a question I need to answer? ‘Cause I’m sure that... like, you can find another one or~“

Trend shook his head. “Sorry, Commander. Editors were very clear, the three questions must be answered.”

“Well,” Soarin sighed, feeling incredibly unsure. “Kay. But, this is the thing I consider to be the worst thing. Some ponies may not agree,” he warned. He wasn’t sure he wanted to tell the whole world this, but here it went. “Well a few years ago, I was at a party and I... and this mare...” No, he couldn’t do this. This was his personal business, and just because he was a celebrity didn’t mean he didn’t have a right to privacy.

Soarin hardened his look and promptly got off the couch. “I’m very sorry, Trenderhoof, for however this impacts your job. But I have a right to not say things that I don’t want to say. Send me two not so sensitive questions and I’ll answer them in a letter. Have a good day.” He opened the door when a brown hoof touched his shoulder.

“Please, Commander Soarin, won’t you just~”

“No,” Soarin said sharply. “No, I will not. You should probably call in Misty Fly now.”

“Come on, just answer the questions!” Trenderhoof pleaded.

Soarin turned and glared. “No,” he snapped and breathed deeply, regaining his composure. “I don’t want to be rude, but I can’t answer. Goodbye.”

He stared out the door and back into the hall, the snarl still on his face.

“Soarin! How’d it go?” Spitfire called, reaching him. Her smile dissipated when she saw his sour expression. “Uh, are you okay?”

He rolled his eyes a little. “Yeah, whatever. I’m gonna go watch the shoot, okay?”

Her orange eyes widened in surprise at his tone. “We’ll talk about it later,” she proposed and swiftly walked away before he could object.

Soarin continued to the photoshoot room and first saw Thunderlane and Silver Zoom talking in the corner. Dragging his eyes away, he found himself looking at Rainbow Dash, who was currently in a tight, sparkly black jumpsuit, hugging every curve, her bangs curled and fluffed, as was the rest of her hair, and a little black eyeliner on her lids with some clear gloss. She was posing for the camera in a stance that looked dangerous yet seductive. He gulped. He hadn’t entertained the thought that the girls would be featured like this. Normally they sported athletic wear. It was just his luck that he still had strong feelings for the sexiest mare in Equestria.

“Move a little to the left,” Photo Finish called, pointing. “Ah perfect, perfect! So photogenic, Miss Rainbow Dash.”

Dash smirked, changing stances as the camera flashed.

So fucking sexy.
Soarin looked down, still breathing heavily, thoughts reeling back to a few minutes ago. He hated this life. Why was everypony so intrusive? Why couldn’t they just be on their way? Why did he have to be bombarded with all these rules and responsibilities and all this stress and pressure. Was it too much to just want to fly? Put on an entertaining show for his fans and just relax? Was that so damn hard to have?

“Uh, can we stop for a sec? I need to take care of something!” Dash’s raspy voice called, snapping him out of his mind rant.

“But we’re in the middle of a shoot~”

“And we’ll do some more once I take care of this.”

There was a bunch of loud sighs. “Fine,” a pony called. “Take ten everypony!”

Soarin felt a soft hoof tap on his shoulder. Despairingly, he lifted his eyes to see bright cerise. The makeup just made the colour stand out even more.

“To the closet,” she ordered, eyes narrowed.

Soarin sighed. “Rainbow, I don’t need~”

“Closet. Now,” she repeated firmly and walked away, hips swishing sexily. Oh how he would love to tear that suit right off and feel the sculpted body underneath.

He complied and solemnly made his way over, shutting the door behind them.

“What’s going on, Soarin?” she questioned seriously.

“Nothing.”

She scoffed. “Like it or not, I know you. Now, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he snarled.

Dash just huffed, stepping closer and poked him in the chest. “Don’t lie to me,” she whispered. “I don’t care if you hate me right now or forever. I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s bothering you.”

Why did he have to fall for her? Why do I have to love you?

“Stop it, Rainbow,” Soarin growled.

“No.”

“Stop.”

“No!”

“Shut up and go back out there!” he snapped.

He regretted making the shocked look that registered on her, but she brushed it off. “No,” she stated again. “I meant what I just told you.”

She was too stubborn to back down, he knew that. “If I tell you will you let me go?” he asked. In all honesty, he wanted to stay with her forever, but was too pissed and prideful to ever succumb to that right now. Especially on what terms they were on.

“Fine. Now talk,” she prodded.

“I just want some privacy,” he said. “Is it so much to ask not to be followed almost everywhere I go? Or to have these downright private ass questions spat in my face, being demanded an answer? Nopony respects my business! I don’t want to have to answer every question in a goddamn interview!” he shouted in frustration. “I just want to live my life! Why can’t I be free? Why can’t I be normal? Why can’t I be~”

He was cut off when Dash quickly wrapped an arm around his neck. “It does kind of suck,” she murmured.

This was what he needed. Oh how he had longed for her touch. “All my life, I just wanted to fly. I just want to put on shows and inspire ponies, meet my fans,” he continued quietly. “I don’t need all this pressure of trying to be perfect all the time. I do one wrong thing and...”

“You’re shamed for weeks on end, I know,” she said. “It’s awful, Soar.”

He let go of his pride a little and hesitantly leaned into her. “I want these stupid problems to go away.”

His eyes closed as she stroked his mane. “I can’t make them go away,” she muttered in his ear and took her hoof off him, looking up through lidded lashes. “But you won’t face them alone. Ever. Okay? ‘Cause you have the team. Spitfire, Fleet, Wave...” she counted off and blushed as she stared at him. “And you have me. Always. No matter what happens, okay?”

Those caring words took him back to two weeks after their ‘break up.’

He was in the mess hall by himself when she stomped in, the force of her glare keeping him quiet.

She shoved him a little. “I care about you,” she stated. “I care about you. And you can think that I don’t, Soarin, but I do. And- and... I miss you right now. I liked you! I still do! I was probably falling in...” She blinked back tears and stopped talking. “You are the only stallion to ever make me feel this way. And I hate you for it. But screw you,” she snapped, “screw you, for not believing me when I say that you are the only one I want,” she whispered, tears running down her face though her voice stayed steady. “And even though we can’t seem to work, you will always be the only one I want for the rest of my life.”

She didn’t even look at him as she stalked out.

He couldn’t reply. Only gaze in awe. How had he ever managed to get her to like him? This amazing young pegasus who just soared into his life and created a rainbow, making things bright again. Not that he wasn’t content before, he had everything. But he was never blissfully happy until he met her. And they couldn’t seem to work and his heart was breaking all over again.

He sighed. I have to get over you. “I have the team, I have my friends,” he copied.

Her brow raised. “And...?”

He shook his head, trying to loosen it up. “I know I’ve got you too, Dash. Thank you.” He couldn’t bring himself to say the words and instead just smiled at her, forgetting all the bad things.

She smiled back, a gentle, caring smile, that creased her eyes slightly. One she saved for the closest ponies in her life. “You’re welcome, Clipper.” Her eyes tore away from his. “I should get back. I’ll see ya at dinner, alright?”

He nodded and opened the door. ““You have me too.”

I will always be there for you. Even if he hated her, even if she hated him, even if it was the end of the world and there was no hope, she would have him. And deep down, he knew they truly had each other. Forever connected.

She had paused right by him before she shut the door and he sank to his knees, numbness spreading over.