The Letters that Drew them Together

Ugg…that party was a nightmare! Rainbow Dash thought as she slipped into her cloud home after the Grand Galloping Gala. I managed to talk to the Wonderbolts for all of two seconds, and then they ignored me for the rest of the night! Is this the thanks I get for saving your lives?

She went to her cloud bed and bucked it a few times to relive some of her anger. Luckily it isn't charged with electricity; otherwise the sound her house would make would reach all the way to Ponyville.

She finally got on her bed and grunted. She was so annoyed she realized she hadn't gotten rid of her dress yet. Though Rarity did try and make it almost as light as clouds, and for the most part succeeded. She turned over and closed her eyes thinking, the only good part of that night was when we all went to Donut Joe's. But my one chance for a while to impress the Wonderbolts…wasted.

A knock sounded on the door, and if it is possible to think with venom in your thoughts, Dash did just that. Whatever Pony is knocking better have some good reason to be here right now! Otherwise they'll take a lightning bolt to the head!

She opened the door and outside stood the stallion she just recently met. Soarin' stood outside Dash's door, grinning. When Rainbow Dash saw him, she first had her inevitable fangirl squeal from being in front of a Wonderbolt, but then she remembered that he ignored her at the Gala. And then she became angry.

"What are you doing here?" She asked Soarin' in an accusatory tone.

"Hi umm…Rainbow Dash right?" Soarin' said. Rainbow Dash just tapped her hoof impatiently. "Well umm…what happened to you at the Gala? After we went into the V.I.P section I got into a chat and completely lost you."

"What happened? You completely ignored me!" Rainbow Dash said. "I was trying to get your attention the entire time, but you didn't notice me."

"You were?" Soarin' asked and at that point Dash wanted to do a facehoof. "Sorry. I seriously didn't know."

"How could you not have?" Rainbow Dash asked

"Well I'm so used to so many Mares and Fillies trying to get my attention that I will usually just ignore them. So I just drowned you out like I usually do. Sorry about that."

Well, he is a Wonderbolt. I guess if I had thousands of fans I'd end up drowning it out eventually too. And boy will I enjoy the day that happens.

"Fine then. But I'm still wondering what you're doing here. Shouldn't you be with the rest of the Wonderbolts?"

"Not really. From what I've heard, after the Gala we get a few days off to relax, so I can sleep in tomorrow if I want to."

Or you could have visited me tomorrow when I'm not tired and annoyed. But I probably should stop whining as much as Rarity. I have a Wonderbolt in front of my house. This should be the best night of my life.

"And I'm here," Soarin' continued, "because I didn't really get a chance to chat with you. I figured it would be interesting to talk with the Mare that not only saved my life, but also my pie."

So I really did impress the Wonderbolts? This. Is. So. Awesome! Rainbow Dash was just about to speak, but she ended up yawning instead. Soarin' also yawned at the same time. It's getting really late. I want to chat with him, but I can't. I don't want to say or do something stupid and miss my chance.

Dash sighed and said "Listen Soarin'. As much as I would love to chat to you, it's getting way too late. I should really head to bed."

"Well maybe we can chat tomorrow. I still have that day off."

Disappointed, Dash said "Yeah but I don't. And as much as I would love to blow off work to hang with you, my boss is already… (Wait I can't tell him that!)… to get some storms moving and will need my help." Great save there. I almost told him that my boss is already angry at me being lazy. This is why I can't be talking to him over the night. Who knows what stupid thing I'll say.

"Oh…ok." Soarin' also seemed disappointed. "Well, maybe we can write to each other."

"Do you know what the postal fee to Canterlot is?" Rainbow Dash rhetorically asked him. "I can't pay for that on my works salary."

"I'll give you a few bits in my letter to pay it for you," Soarin' said.

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Are you sure you will be able to?" Is he really willing to do this all for me? Why?

"Don't worry about it," Soarin' said, "Being a Wonderbolt pays well. I have more money than I know what to do with. I still owe you for that pie, so it's the least I can do." Soarin' spread his wings and then said, "Well I better let you get your sleep. I'll write to you later Rainbow Dash."

"Thanks Soarin'!" Rainbow Dash said as Soarin' flew off. When he was a safe distance away Rainbow Dash screamed out at the top of her lungs, "OHMYGOSHAWONDERBOLTWANTSTOBEPENPALSWITHMETHISISSOAWESOME!"

"Keep it down!" A pony called out. "Some of us are trying to sleep here!"

"Sorry!" Rainbow Dash called out, before heading inside and going to bed.

~

From that moment on Rainbow Dash and Soarin' were in constant commutation with each other. They would usually send letters between each other once a week talking about various things. From those letters Rainbow Dash figured out quickly that Soarin' is a big goofball. He also doesn't tend to take things too seriously to which Dash pointed out in one of her letters.

He replied: Well I do take my job seriously. I am in a position that many Pegasus dream of and I will never forget it or take it for granted. You probably already figured this out, but getting into the Wonderbolts isn't easy. So now that I'm in that position I want to make the most of it I can.

When Rainbow Dash saw that it got her thinking, I guess when I become a Wonderbolt I'll need to not take it for granted either. After all I'm still not a Wonderbolt even after all I've done. And I've helped save the world twice now. The Wonderbolts should be begging to have me by now. But because I have to actually work for it that will make it much more rewarding when I finally get in.

~

Rainbow Dash just got word in the mail that the Ponyville weather team was supposed to bring water to Cloudsdale tomorrow and that Spitfire would be watching them. She managed to get the Pegasus together and training, but she had a few mishaps with Fluttershy and her shyness. So Dash was annoyed and ready to get some sleep for tomorrow when she got a knock on her door.

Somepony better have a good reason for knocking, Rainbow Dash thought, because otherwise I am going to give them a nice kick in the flank!

She kicked open the door and yelled "What?!" When she saw that it was Soarin' on the other side she said, "Uhh…I mean what's up Soar? I don't mind the visit, but you could have written to me first telling me about it." So that I don't accidentally smack you one of these days when I'm annoyed.

"Well Dashie," Soarin' said to which Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes at his use of Pinkie's pet name (though I really can't blame him since I used his pet name), "I got the day off tomorrow because Spitfire is going to be gone. So I thought I'd come over and see if you want to do that race I promised you tomorrow."

Dash rolled her eyes and said "Soarin', tell me why Spitfire is going to be gone tomorrow."

"Well Cloudsdale needs water so Spitfire is going to oversee the event," Soarin' said.

"And where is Cloudsdale getting its water from?" Rainbow Dash asked, waiting for Soarin' to get it.

"Well I only really heard it in passing, but if I remember hearing right, from a reservoir in Ponyvil…oh." Soarin' got it. "Sorry Dash," Soarin apologized.

"It's ok Soarin'," Rainbow Dash replied.

"Hay, how about I make it up to you," Soarin' said. "How about I help you guys get the water flowing into Cloudsdale tomorrow?"

"No Soarin'," Rainbow Dash answered. "Spitfire will obviously recognize you there and then I'll have just done the task with a Wonderbolt's help. I need to prove myself and win with my weather team and my weather team alone. So I can't accept you're offer."

"Oh, I understand," Soarin' said. "I'll be watching and cheering you on from afar."

"From afar?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What's wrong Soar; afraid I'll fail and embarrass you?"

"Naw Dashie," Soarin' said. "I have full confidence in you. But just in case I'm wrong, I'll be far far away where nopony can see me."

"Well that makes me feel sooo much better," Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. "Thanks Soarin'."

"No problem," Soarin' said as they both stood there laughing.

"But seriously," Dash said as they calmed down with their laughter, "Thanks for the support Soarin'. You don't need to be there 'cause according to Twilight friends have a connection to each other, even if we're not right next to each other. So you're support is all I need."

"You're welcome Dash," Soarin' said. "I better let you get some sleep so you can do your best tomorrow. See ya later Dashie."

"By Soar," Dash said.

~

Soarin' was standing on a cliff face watching the water tornado spiral up towards Cloudsdale. The tornado was close, but just barely missing how much it needs to reach Cloudsdale. And it doesn't seem to be going any higher anytime soon.

"Come on Dash, just a bit more!" Soarin' mumbled.

Yet the tornado continued swirling just below Cloudsdale and was not going any higher. Soarin' spread his wings and was about to take off to join the fray, but he held himself back. Dash would probably resent me if I joined in. I don't want to get her angry at me. But still, come on Dash!

It took a bit longer but eventually the tornado finally hit Cloudsdale. Soarin' breathed a sigh of relief when it hit and then said "Thank Celestia she did it."

He looked back up to the tornado and watched as it drained all the water into Cloudsdale. After it was done Soarin' lifted off and looked onward waiting for a good time to congratulate Rainbow Dash.

~

Rainbow Dash was heading to her house and getting ready to relax her wings. But before doing that she breathed a loud sigh and then said to herself "That was close."

"It sure was," said a voice from above her. Dash looked up to see Soarin' descending next to her. "I almost thought you weren't going to make it there," Soarin' continued.

"Yeah, well thanks to Fluttershy we managed. Didn't break the record, but aw well. At least we managed to get it there with how many Pegasus got sick. Thanks by the way Soarin'."

"Thanks for what?" Soarin' asked.

"Well first off for supporting me. But mostly for not flying in when you thought I was going to fail. While I appreciate that you want to help me, I like to do things on my own and prove myself on my own. If I'm going to be a Wonderbolt one day, I'll need to get in on my own with nopony there helping me."

"Ok, I understand." In a less serious tome Soarin' said "So if you're ever going to get hurt or kidnapped I'll make sure you get out on your own without any help."

"You better not!" Rainbow Dash said. "After I saved you're life you better make sure to save mine!"

"On it Dashie," Soarin' said with a solute and a laugh.

"So anyways Soar, since we've done so much today I'm pretty sure I have the day off tomorrow, you want to have that race you promised me then?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You might even have a shot at beating me since I'll still be tired from yesterday."

"If I can get Spitfire to give me the day off sure. We don't have another show anytime soon, so she might. But I'll have to check just to make sure, since I don't want to miss a day of practice," Soarin' said.

"You really do take your work seriously," Rainbow Dash pointed out. Remind me to try doing that at some point in time. But then again, pushing clouds around all day gets boring fast and being a Wonderbolt I get to practice tricks all day.

"Well yeah. I think I already told you why."

"I got it Soarin'. Well, we'll see if Spitfire lets you off. If not I guess we'll have to hold off on that race for a bit longer."

"Yeah, I'll go see and then come back and tell you just so you're not waiting all day tomorrow for me," Soarin' said before spreading his wings. "So see you in a few Dashie."

"Later Soar," Dash said as he flew off.

~

Spitfire was just about to head en route to Canterlot when Soarin' caught up with her. When she saw Soarin' she asked him, "Hay Soarin' what are you doing all the way out here?"

"Just visiting a friend. Anyways, I wanted to ask you if I could take the day off tomorrow. I know we don't normally get days off but I wanted to spend a bit more time with one of my friends since I don't normally get a chance to see them. And we don't have another show for a while so…"

Spitfire thought about it for a few minutes before saying, "I would but I really don't like having multiple days without practice. And I refuse to have practice without the entire team there. But you have been working quite hard for us so I'll see if I can find a day off for you in the future."

Soarin's face fell. "Ok Spitfire, I understand. I'll see you in Canterlot."

Soarin' took off leaving Spitfire to think. I wonder who that goofball would want to take time off to visit here anyways. I've noticed him writing letters to Ponyville yet I haven't asked him yet who he is exactly sending those letters to. Whoever it was they must be a really good friend if he is trying to get a day off from work for them.

Hmm…I think he started writing to them after the Gala. The only pony I remember from Ponyville was…Rainbow Dash? I know she saved his pie but could Soarin'…have a crush on Rainbow Dash? If he does, well I feel bad about taking this chance of spending some time with her away, but I have a team to think about. Though I do have to make it up to him somehow. Knowing Soarin' he probably hasn't realized he has a crush on her yet, so I'll see what I can do about giving him a little push.

Spitfire thought about that for a few seconds before flying towards Canterlot.

~

The Changeling invasion of Canterlot caused a bit of destruction in the Wonderbolt headquarters, but luckily because it is one of the last places they attacked, the Changelings didn't cause too much damage before they were dispelled by the barrier.

The Wonderbolts themselves survived with only a few bruises and not too much damage, though the question on everypony's mind was whether the wedding that was supposed to be taking place now was going to be postponed or not. Not that it really mattered to most of them, because they weren't preforming at the wedding and only a few were attending the after party. One of whom wasn't Soarin'. Or at least, he didn't think he was.

Spitfire walked into the headquarters saying, "Hey everypony! I just checked in and the wedding is going on later today."

That was naturally met with various levels of enthusiasm, depending on whether they were going or not. Soarin' was one of those that gave a semi-unenthusiastic response. Though he still made sure to give his usual jokes. "That's good news for those of us that are going. Got any good news for those of us that aren't?"

"Aww, I thought you would enjoy that news. After all, I heard that the Mare that saved you're pie during the Gala is going to be there," Spitfire said.

"Yeah, well it doesn't help me that I'm not going," Soarin' said.

"Really," Spitfire asked mysteriously. "Well then, I guess the invitation I got for you is going to go to waste then. Aw well, I guess I'll just see if somepony else wants it."

"You got me an invitation?" Soarin' asked, his face lighting up.

"Yeah. As I said before, you've been working so hard for us since you've joined so this is just a bit of my gratitude. Now go get you're suit and get ready to go."

"Thanks Spitfire!" Soarin' said before heading to his quarters.

After Soarin' left for his room, Wave Chill walked up to Spitfire and asked her, "So, why are you feeling generous today? I know you well enough to know that you have a reason for giving him that inviation. One that doesn't involve him just working hard."

Spitfire smiled mischievously and said "I might have a good reason or two."

"I'm going to assume that one of those reasons has something to do with the Mare that saved Soarin's pie?" Wave Chill asked.

"Maybe," Spitfire answered cryptically. "Let's just say I think Soarin' needs a little push and I'm helping him out with that."

~

Rainbow Dash was at the after party of the wedding. Vinyl Scratch and Pinkie Pie were at the DJ stand mixing up some beats. And Twilight was at the microphone singing a song called Love is in Bloom. Everypony was dancing around the bride and groom, and Rainbow Dash was no exception. Then everypony dispersed around the place.

Rainbow Dash was enjoying herself dancing when she literally bumped into Soarin'. "Soarin'! You're here!" Rainbow Dash said. "You know, if we're going to be in the same place you could write and tell me so we can meet up."

"Well I would of," Soarin' said, "but I didn't even know I was going myself. I just got the invitation from Spitfire today so I wasn't able to tell you. But now that I'm here, do you want to dance?"

"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked surprised. "Are you sure there isn't any other Mare here that you want to dance with? Don't you have a fillyfriend?"

"Nah I don't have one yet. Thought about dating Spitfire once, but I found it too awkward. Me dating my captain would feel really weird. How about you? Any coltfriends?" Soarin' asked.

"Not really," Rainbow Dash admitted. "I was once thinking about dating a Pegasus from Ponyville called Thunderlane, but then that jerk ditched work on bringing that tornado to Cloudsdale by pretending to be sick."

"So then you won't mind dancing with me?" Soarin' asked.

"Of course I don't mind!" Rainbow Dash said.

The two of them started dancing and while in the middle of it, somepony took their picture together. After they recovered from the flash of the camera, they both looked around to see who took their picture, but they couldn't find them in time. Whoever the camerapony was had disappeared into the crowd.

"Oh great, now the gossip magazines are going to be talking about this and ponies are going to think that we are together," Rainbow Dash said. "You're reputation might be ruined."

Soarin' took it with a laidback attitude. "I'm not worried. The Wonderbolts don't have any rules against dating non-Wonderbolts. So I doubt ponies thinking that we're together is going to affect me much. Plus, you are a possible up incomer for the Wonderbolts so why would ponies think much about it? Besides…maybe we are."

Rainbow Dash's face became thoughtful at the last thing Soarin' said. "Are we?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Well…I enjoy being around you. The jokes we make between each other keep me laughing every time I meet you. You're a high flyer with a high spirit. And I am always anticipating you're letters to me. Heck, I once accidently ran into this one guy because I was distracted waiting for one of your letters."

"I enjoy the times I get to see you too. At first it was just because you were a Wonderbolt, but then as we went on you became a really good friend of mine. But dating…" Rainbow Dash thought about it for a few seconds to find the words. "I'm not so sure about that. Yeah I like you, and we would make a good couple, but I'm not sure about it now. I'm in Ponyville and you're here in Canterlot. We only can talk with each other in letters we send to each other once a week. I'm not sure that we can keep it up over such a long distance."

"But I will think about it," Rainbow Dash said. "I would love for us to be together."

"Well at least you didn't shoot me down completely," Soarin' said. His voice was a bit down, but he still tried to keep his usual cheer. "And hay, at least you're not being as brash as you usually are."

"Well you're my main worry. I'm the Element of Loyalty, so I wouldn't go out to find anypony else. Whereas you're the big star Wonderbolt with Mares and Fillies trying to get your attention," Rainbow Dash said mostly joking. Yet at the same time, she accidentally said exactly what she was worried about.

Soarin' picked up on that. He was about to say something to assure her, but he couldn't think of anything to say. Because while he didn't believe he would cheat on Dash, it was a valid concern considering his fans. He could easily forget about Rainbow Dash with how far away she is and he could very easily pick up another Mare. And he can do nothing to prove otherwise.

"I…guess you're right," Soarin' said. "Don't worry, I understand."

The party was slowly fading away and dying so it was time for the two to depart from each other. They both left on an awkward and sad note, neither one knowing what to say next so they left without saying anything else.

~

Rainbow Dash was just waking up for the morning. At this point in time, she would be anticipating a letter from Soarin' but after their awkward split up during the wedding they haven't sent letters between each other. They just couldn't think of anything to talk about, so it was just best they didn't even write. Rainbow Dash wasn't really sure of her feelings, but she found it best just not to think of it and continue on as usual.

She was about to go out and start her job, but Derpy burst into her house suddenly. After Rainbow Dash did her obvious scream—which Derpy completely ignored—Derpy said, "Here's your weekly muffin!" before taking a letter out of one of her saddlebags and giving it to Rainbow Dash. Derpy then burst out of Rainbow Dash's house the same way she came in.

Rainbow Dash looked over the letter and saw that it was from Canterlot. Could it possibly be from…? Rainbow Dash asked herself. She quickly opened up the letter, and read it.

Dear Rainbow Dash:

You were right. As a Wonderbolt I could very easily forget you and find some other Mare. But I won't. Because I only have eyes for you Rainbow Dash. Ever since we left I was thinking about it and I decided that I would go to the ends of the earth to prove myself to you. If I have to, I will even quit my job as a Wonderbolt just to be with you.

I'll be at the reservoir that you lifted up the water for Cloudsdale. Come there and name whatever you want me to do to prove myself and I will do it. If you don't show, then I'll take it as a sign you can't trust me and I'll understand. Until then, I'll be waiting. And if I don't see you there, then goodbye Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash looked over that letter several times, reading each and every detail. She then put the letter down, lifted off, and flew straight for the reservoir.

~

Soarin' was exactly where he said he would be looking to the skies. He saw Rainbow Dash come in and immediately as she landed Soarin' asked her, "So what do you want me to do for you Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash came up to him and gave him a quick hug. "You don't have to do anything for me," She said, "you've already proven yourself."

"What?" Soarin' asked, not expecting that.

"In your letter you told me that you would give up the Wonderbolts for me. I know how much you take your job seriously and like your job so for you to want to give it up just for me, already proves you're loyalty," Rainbow Dash explained.

"So…does that mean?" Soarin' asked, but he was cut off by Rainbow Dash.

"Hey Soarin' you want to do that race you promised me now?" Rainbow Dash asked a mischievous smile on her face.

"Umm…yeah I guess," Soarin' said, still surprised about how things are going down.

"Good. So do you want to make things interesting?"

"Uhh…how?"

"How about we make a bet." Rainbow Dash looked directly in Soarin's eyes. "Let's say…the loser kisses the winner! What do you think about that Soar?"

Soarin' took that as confirmation to his original question. He smiled back to her and said "Bring it on Dashie."