takes place during and in the evening after S5 E15 (Rarity Investigates!

Now:

As he stood in the west wing of Canterlot Castle, Soarin felt worse by the second. Rainbow seemed to hold no ill-will towards him or any of the Wonderbolts, but that didn’t stop him from feeling guilty of accusing. Why would he think she of all ponies would send Spitfire away? The one who had happily given him his spot back for the Equestria Games? The element of loyalty, the pony who proved she was not as shallow as it seemed, over and over again.

Earlier:

He had just finished a short routine in front of a small group of ponies when he saw Rainbow Dash sitting with her friend Rarity.

Since Spitfire had to leave to take care of her mom, he would have to ask Rainbow Dash to fly in her place, not that he minded. She was the most promising reserve they had. He spun in the air and flew down towards them, catching the hint of conversation.
“Well, I don’t know who I’d be talking to right now.”

Soarin landed right behind them and pulled up his goggles. “Ah, you’d be talking to me,” he said, flashing her a smile that always had the mares swooning before getting to the point. “Rainbow Dash, Spitfire’s mom sent a message that she was sick. She had to leave take care of her.”

He walked to Rainbow’s left and watched her ears droop. “Oh no, I hope her mom’s okay.”

“Me too,” Soarin sighed. “In the meantime, we need you to fly in her place,” he exclaimed, pointing at her, the look of a self assured leader. He hoped he looked confident in front of this mare in particular.

Her magenta eyes widened. “L-like, in the actual show?”

He had never seen eyes so full of life. “Unless Spitfire comes back, yes,” he confirmed, shooting her another assured grin.
As much as hated to admit it, he loved being in charge. He felt good at it, and ever since the Equestria Games tryouts, well... he needed the extra confidence.

The young mare flew up to meet his height. “I won’t let you down, Soarin,” she announced, saluting him. He liked the sound of his name on her lips. “Gahhhh!” she squealed, shooting right up into the air. “This is the best thing ever! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh.” Yep, she was in full fan-girl mode. Instead this time, it was utterly adorable to him. Then, she started dancing. “I’m gonna get to fly with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, cause I’m the bestest, and I’m awesome, and they know it,” she sang, moving her arms.

Unsure of what to do, Soarin put his hoof in the air. “Uh, Rainbow Dash?”

“Shh, shh,” the elegant white unicorn quieted with a wave of her hoof. “Let her have this darling.”

Ten minutes later and Soarin was hovering in the next to Misty Fly and Wave Chill watching Rainbow zoom around the sky in a race with Wind Rider. He could see that she was starting to pull ahead.
“So, Clipper,” Misty Fly started. “What was that smile you gave Rainbow Dash back there?”

He glanced at his teammate, determined to stay calm and act aloof. “What are you talking about?”

Wave Chill chuckled. “Yeah, you seemed pretty... flirtatious back there. We know the mares fall all over you~”

Soarin huffed, crossing his arms. “I was telling her that she would have to fly in your girlfriend’s place.”

Wave Chill’s cheeks turned scarlet and he coughed. “She is not my girlfriend.”

“Yeah, yeah, sure. Besides, I’m not as bad as Lighting Streak when it come to mares.”

“You sure about that? Because, mph!”

Misty Fly silenced both of them. “Shut up already. Clipper, whether you can admit it or not, you like Rainbow Dash. And Wave, everypony knows you have a thing for the Captain.” She sighed and shook her head. “Now, look. Over there, that pony looks familiar, doesn’t she? The one beside Rainbow Dash’s unicorn friend?” She took her hooves off their mouths.

Soarin squinted. He could make out her coat and mane colour, eerily similar to that of his best friend’s.
“You’re right, Dizzy. Come on, let’s fly closer.”

They flew by them, not wanting to seem weird if it wasn’t anypony they knew, but instead, his suspicions were correct. Talking to Rarity was Stormy Flare, Spitfire’s mom!

“Stormy Flare? Aren’t you supposed to be sick? ‘Kay, what’s happening?” Soarin asked. The other Wonderbolts joined him, staring in confusion at Spitfire’s mother.

“I don’t know,” Stormy answered. “But I do know I didn’t send my daughter a note.”

Soarin tried to remain calm, but couldn’t help but worry where their leader had gone. Tell me this is a prank or something, Spits.

“Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?” Rarity questioned, dark blue eyes widening.

“Who would do such a thing?” Misty wondered out loud.

Soarin folded his arms. “Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose,” he mused, brows lowering.

Rainbow Dash appeared behind them. “Why would anypony want that?” she asked.

“Maybe, so they could take her spot,” Winder Rider replied.

Oh god, no. Rainbow Dash? Could she have done this? It makes sense...

The Wonderbolts closed in on her, sending threatening glares her way. Dash audibly gulped.

Now:

I was such an idiot, Soarin thought miserably, pacing around his room. She’s loyal. I doubted her. I hurt her feelings. I accused her of something somepony like her would never, ever do, no matter how much she looks up to us or wants to fly.
He started flying in circles, wondering if he could apologize properly. It was just after dinner, and while she had no reason to stay in Canterlot, she had decided to so she could spend the next two days keeping Rarity company. He sighed and sat down, filled with anger and self-hatred.

Earlier:

Back in the dressing room, Rainbow Dash stared at them, a hoof pointed towards herself. “Me? I-I would never do that to Spitfire!”

I hope so, Rainbow.
“Why would you think it was me?” she continued, a slight frown on her face.

Blaze stepped forward and pointed. “I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together.”

“We were room neighbours in the castle!” True. Spit told me that.

The accusations didn’t stop there. “And you did say you’d do anything to fly with Wind Rider,” Misty Fly pointed out.

“Yeah, but I didn’t mean anything.”

Soarin decided to speak. “Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom at around midnight. Where were you then?” he demanded, glaring at the rainbow haired beauty, who still, after all of this, had a special place in his heart.

Dash landed. “I was asleep at midnight,” she said. “Having this totally amazing dream. There I was, at the arena, flying with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts! Like I’ve always wanted to...” she glanced around and gave an embarrassed smile, vision vanishing.

Brash, self-centred, cocky, defensive... he listed.

“Ah-eh, never mind,” she added, “not helping.” She placed a hoof on her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut.

The team turned away from her and formed a circle. “She totally did this! It makes sense,” Blaze said.

“She’s saved our lives before. She’s very loyal... maybe... we give her a chance to prove innocence? If she doesn’t, then she’s gone,” Misty reasoned.

Soarin looked around and one by one, his teammates all nodded their heads. Secretly, he was glad to give Dash a chance, he still hoped she wouldn’t be guilty. He turned back and faced her, a hardened expression on his features. “Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire’s disappearance before the start of the show, then you can still fly with us.”

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows.

“In the meantime, Misty Fly, Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare’s house and try to find Spitfire and bring her back,” he ordered.
They nodded at their commander’s words and took off. He turned to Rainbow Dash and glared, starting to walk towards her. She looked scared and started flying backwards to avoid him crashing into her. “I have to warn you,” he began. “If you sent that letter, the bylaws are clear! I’d have no choice but to ban you from the Wonderbolts forever. Understand?”

Her face changed to one of horror. They were so close, if he moved a couple inches their lips would be locked. If it wasn’t for the situation, Soarin would have a very hard time controlling his actions.

Dash’s head drooped in defeat. “I understand. But how am I going to prove I didn’t send a letter, that I didn’t send?” she wandered. I don’t know, but please do.

“With me!” Rarity’s voice rang out loud and clear, and Soarin turned to see her in some sort of detective costume. He had known the mare to own boutiques and that she had a keen interest and love for fashion, but was the outfit... necessary? He was sure it had a purpose though. Maybe.
“Detective Rarity is on the case. And we’ going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!” she announced, walking over to Rainbow Dash’s side.

The latter just stared at her in disbelief. “Yeah, what’s with getup?” Rainbow asked, unimpressed.

Rarity cocked an eyebrow. “Obviously, I am channeling Shadow Spade to these gorgeous garments.” She struck a pose before continuing, “And she would say that the bet way to prove that you didn’t send the letter, is to find out whoever did! First stop, the scene of the crime!”

Now:

He was going to talk to her. To apologize. To make everything okay. He was sure she was feeling resentful, especially towards him. She was probably holding back because he was a Wonderbolt. He couldn’t have that. Dash was his friend, a mare he was fond of, and he couldn’t let their friendship disappear. Not without fighting for it, at least.

Earlier:

Rainbow Dash had left with Rarity to help figure out who had sent Spitfire the note. All of them were pacing around, worried about their leader.

“Do you really think Rainbow Dash did this?” High Winds asked. “From what I’ve heard about her, it doesn’t seem like she would.”

“She has motive. And even though she’s saved the world doesn’t mean she isn’t self centred,” Fleetfoot said.

Soarin nodded and sighed. Wave Chill walked over to him. “Sorry about this, Commander. I hope she didn’t do this.”

“Me too,” Soarin mumbled, looking down.

Fleetfoot grinned, not sensing the mood. “Oh yeah! I forgot about Clipper’s little thing for Dash! Too bad.”

Wave Chill glared at her. “Not the time, Flatfoot,” he snapped, sticking up for his friend.

Fleetfoot rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath, walking away.

One hour later and Soarin was getting restless. He was considering going to find the two mares and telling them to give up, but wanted desperately to be proved wrong. He grabbed a pie from the food table, plopped down on the floor and dug in. It was only moments like these where Soarin was a serious stress eater.

The door opened and Blaze and Misty Fly walked in. “We looked everywhere,” Blaze said. “But Spitfire wasn’t at her mom’s house.”

Stormy Flare looked even more alarmed then she had a minute earlier. “Where could she be?”

The door opened again, although this time more dramatically. Rarity stepped in, making an entrance, and was followed by Rainbow Dash.
“I found the culprit!” Rarity declared, determination all over her face.

All the Wonderbolts looked at each other, exchanging nervous gulps and glances. Was she serious? Wasn’t this case a lost cause?

Rarity walked closer to Wind Rider. “Somepony spent Spitfire away, and framed Rainbow Dash for it. And that pony was none other than Wind Rider!”

The legendary veteran blinked then glared, still as cool as a cucumber, even after an accusation as horrendous as this one.

Soarin gasped along with his teammates.

Rainbow hoofpalmed. “Rarity!” she scolded. “I can’t believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me.” She placed both hooves on her chest, and Soarin could see the slightly defined muscles under her coat. “He’s a living legend for pony’s sake!”

Rarity didn’t falter. “All the evidence points to him.”

Rainbow Dash scoffed and batted her friend’s hoof away. “Pfft, what evidence could you possibly have? All you did was ask about cake, admire decor, and change outfits a gazillion times!” she shouted, fed up.

“Let me explain.” Rarity placed a hoof over Rainbow’s mouth and smiled patiently. “I never believed you would send Spitfire away. And when we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire’s room,” she used her unicorn magic to pull out a small, clear plastic bag filled with hair that was undoubtedly Rainbow’s. “I could tell they didn’t fall out. They were cut.”

Everypony was interested, looking intently at the fashionista as she continued talking. “Nopony loses hair in a chunk. And look at the ends, it’s a straight line. They were clearly cut with shears! Which means somepony planted it,” she stated, walking around. “Then when we were examining Spitfire’s room, I smelled something on the envelope. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider’s cologne of choice!”

Soarin raised his eyebrows, impressed. She certainly had a knack for detail.

“Then, in the castle hallway, I noticed some of the danis curtains fell out of their velvet rope holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them.” She rested her hoof under her chin, rubbing it back and forth. “Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?”

Wind Rider, one of Soarin’s idols, scowled, unimpressed and annoyed. “Juniper Phoenix is a very popular fragrance. And anypony could have moved those curtains,” he argued.
These were all true facts. They needed more proof than this.

Rarity stayed calm. “Precisely why I questioned the castle guards.” She smiled knowingly. “They were at their posts at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for a small window of time when somepony brought them cake. A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice.”

Raspy voice? Girl pony? Come on, Rainbow Dash, prove me wrong.

“Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on their ivory scarf,” Rarity continued. “And I couldn’t help but notice that Winder Rider’s scarf is tied in a tight-winds-or knot, instead of it’s usual loose slip knot.”

Soarin blinked. There’s different types of knots?

“And why is that?” she used her telekinesis and gripped the scarf. “Is it to hide... the chocolate stain?!” She undid the piece of fabric and it fell open around his neck, exposing the cream coloured neck accessory, as the unicorn predicted, covered in splatters of chocolate.
Soarin and everypony around him gasped. It was unexpected. One of the greatest Wonderbolts of all time, framed Rainbow Dash? For what? He was so unbelievably relieved he could drop to the ground and kiss the floor.

Wind Rider rolled his eyes and flew up, getting closer to the ‘Bolts. “Aw, this is preposterous,” he said. “Wonderbolts, you don’t believe a word of this, right?” he asked, chuckling a little.

“Just admit it! You’re as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that ivory scarf!” Rarity stated.

“Ah, fine!” Wind Rider snapped. “You caught me! I did it!”

Rainbow Dash, who had stayed quiet through the whole thing, looked at her longtime hero in sadness and disbelief. “But why, Wind Rider? Is it because I took the last broccoli at the dinner, and you really, really, wanted it?” She tilted her head.
Soarin and Fleetfoot glanced at each other. She wasn’t serious about that, was she? There had to be a better reason than getting mad at somepony over a vegetable.

“No,” Rarity butted in. “It was because he was afraid that you would break his long distance Wonderbolt record.”

Okay, that made sense. Dash’s reason? Not so much. Rarity spoke again. “I heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking his record. He said, and I quote, ‘Heh heh’. That’s the polite but disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy, but really, you’re not.” She walked away.

“I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever, my record would be preserved,” Wind Rider admitted, not sounding the least bit apologetic.

Now:

He made it to her door. He stood there for a while, trying to figure out what to say. Obviously apologize. Then maybe... maybe invite her to do something the next day. Or now. Get to know her more. He wanted to know everything. So taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he raised his hoof to the door and gave it three solid knocks. He stepped back, hoping she would open while simultaneously hoping she wouldn’t. One of his wishes came true. The door creaked open and the cyan mare stood before him. “Soarin?” she asked, a lilt of confusion to her voice.

Earlier:

“Really? That is so not cool. And I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever, until now,” Dash said, turning away.

Wind Rider exploded again. “I did what I had to do to protect my record. Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!”

“That’s not what being a Wonderbolt is all about,” she argued.

Soarin stepped in, agreeing with her internally. “She’s right!” he exclaimed, a protective tone in his voice. “Wonderbolts look out for each other! Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?”
I hope you’re okay, Spits.

Wind Rider grinned. “I sent her the letter pretending to be Stormy Flare. I told her I had pegasitis, and the only cure is the Ice Iris in the Crystal Mountains.”

“No wonder she’s been gone so long,” Rainbow said worriedly. “Ice Irises are almost impossible to find in Spring.”

Soarin walked towards the mare. “The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the Royal Garden Opening.” He flapped his wings and hovered a foot above the ground. “Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire’s place.” He hoped he didn’t sound too desperate.

Rainbow shook her head. “But Spitfire shouldn’t have to miss this. I’m gonna get her,” she declared.

Say what? “Well you’ll never make it in time,” he argued, flying close to her.

That didn’t stop Rainbow Dash. She flew out of the room and into the sky. “Then there’s no time to lose!” she yelled, and with that, she was gone.

An hour and a half later, and Soarin was worried sick. Worried for his best friend, and worried for Rainbow Dash, although he wasn’t sure what she was to him. For some reason, calling her just a friend didn’t seem quite right. He felt oddly connected to her in a way he didn’t with Spitfire, Misty, or any other female for that matter.
“Spitfire was really looking forward to this,” Soarin told Stormy Flare.

The mom sighed. “I know. This job has been her dream her entire life, I’m so proud. I can’t believe anypony would do this.”

“Yeah,” he muttered. “It’s always who you least expect.”

Blaze looked back at the other Wonderbolts. “Rainbow Dash is still gone,” she said.

Rarity smiled reassuringly. “Oh don’t panic. If I know Rainbow Dash, she’ll come through.”

And true to her word, the very next second the door opened and revealed Dash standing behind, an accomplished yet humble smile on her face. The door opened wider and revealed Spitfire, panting, but grinning.

Soarin lit up and trotted over to her. “Spitfire, you’re back! I can’t believe you made it.”

“Ugh, I wouldn’t have, if Rainbow hadn’t found me so fast. Gave me enough time to fly back,” she replied, still smiling.
He smiled back, and saw in the corner Rainbow and Rarity making up over a little spat they had.

“So, Crystal Mountains, huh?” he asked. “Pretty intense.”

She chuckled as the other ‘Bolts surrounded her, happy to have their leader back. “Yeah, tell me about it. I actually had to ask Princess Cadence for help. She gave me some directions but still, I couldn’t find any.”

“So you know what happened here?” Fleetfoot asked.

Spitfire nodded. “Mostly. Wind Rider framed Rainbow Dash for sending me away. I hate to say this, but what he did was not what Wonderbolts do. I might have to, no, I will discharge him. Dishonourably.”

Lighting Streak let a surprised sound escape. “Spitfire, he’s one of the best Wonderbolts in the history of Equestria!”

The captain sighed and Stormy Flare placed a hoof in her daughter’s back. “I’m sorry, honey. I know he was a pony you looked up to.”

Spitfire nodded. “Thanks mom. But that aside, he framed our best reserve and to some of us, our friend, who has been nothing but loyal and good to us. We owe this to her. Besides, I would be ashamed to be associated with a pony like him for any longer then I had to. Do I make myself clear?”
The team saluted and Spitfire smiled. “Good.”

They flew up and watched the friends’ exchange. “Actually, you’re quite a good friend,” Rarity was saying. “You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn’t fly today.”

Dash smiled and rubbed the back of her neck, smiling up at them. “I’ll get my chance one day.”

Spitfire grinned and flew over. “Or today!” she exclaimed and gestured to Wind Rider. “How’d you like Wind Rider’s spot in the show?” she asked enthusiastically.

The veteran looked panicked. “Uh-uh, w-what? Y-you can’t do this to me! I’m one of the greatest Wonderbolts there ever was!”

“Not anymore!” Spitfire replied, glaring. “For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolt status.” She swiped his pin off his coat.

Soarin grinned widely as Spitfire pointed to the door and Fleetfoot lead him out. He turned to Dash and smiled. “So, would you like to fly with us?”

“Would I?” she exclaimed, sending him a smile and flew into the air. “Wahoo!” And began her dance routine again. “Yeah yeah yeah, awn awn, awn yeah, awn yeah~”

Soarin raised his hoof, trying to stay professional. “Uh, Rainbow Dash?”

She stopped immediately and flushed, pink dusting on her cheeks as they headed out to get ready for the show. “Coming!”
Adorable.

Now:

“Erm...” he trailed off, suddenly getting more nervous. He stared at her magenta eyes and shining mane, all colours of the rainbow. He really liked that mane of hers.

“Uh, Equestria to Soarin?” Rainbow waved a hoof in front of his face, trying to snap him out of his trance.

He didn’t really want to, and would be content to stare at her all day. But that would be creepy, he realized, and came back to reality.
“Hey, Rainbow. I was wondering if... uh, maybe... youwantedtogoforafly?” he rushed out.

She probably thought he was a weirdo and was prepared to have her reject him.
Instead, she nodded. “Sure.” She trotted out of her door and through the hallway. “Let’s go.”