An update? Really? Yep! I forgot about this fic, and this website in general. But I'm back now with a second chapter, and will probably still have inconsistent updates but hopefully more frequently. This chapter was based off of lyrics from a Breathe Carolina song, Sellouts. Those first lyrics fit Soarin', while the second set fit Braeburn.

Chapter Two

Broken Determination

It's easy from the outside
You're fighting to get in
It's not all gold and glory
I gave my life for this

You never fail to judge me
No matter who I am
And I can't change my story
But I'll do the best I can

Before he even knew what he was doing, a scream erupted from his throat. Braeburn's night had given him no dreams, to which he was thankful, but he was always plagued by the knowledge of hatred in the mornings. He was usually able to fight back his emotions when it happened, but this was not one of those times.

Braeburn curled up on the couch, sobbing into his hooves as all of the memories and harsh words came flooding in. All of the kicks and stomps, broken bones, black eyes. His life was hell, and his brain was making sure he remembered every last waking moment.

Why did he have to live in such a judgmental town?

He got an idea. He'd heard about Applejack's friend, that rainbow-maned pegasus who was the most obvious fillyfooler in Equestria. No one in Ponyville ever seemed to care about her sexuality. Maybe I should move out that way?

It was the most healthy choice for him right now, there wasn't any doubt about it. He'd wait until he'd tied up any loose ends, then get himself away from the hate. There was a sound of paper hitting the floor, and upon glancing over, he knew it was the mail. It was probably nothing but junk anyway, but he went over and looked at the single envelope lying before him.

It was from Applejack.

Dear Braeburn,

Rainbow Dash is all excited right now because she heard the Wonderbolts would be heading your way. She damn near busted my eardrum yammering on about it. She knows how down you've been and thought that it'd be perfect to help cheer you up. If you agree to it, we'll be heading your way after she reserves the highest class tickets she can. I don't know how she'll do it, but with how much she loves that group, you can count on VIP passes and the whole lot.

Love,
Applejack

The Wonderbolts? Braeburn knew the name and what the group was, but why Appleloosa? It seemed like an odd choice to him. He wasn't complaining though, if Applejack and Rainbow Dash would be heading out his way soon, then he had the perfect opportunity to move. When they left, he'd just tag along back to Ponyville with them.

Needless to say, he was excited.

Soarin groaned, a slight ache clouding his head. He had no recollection of the previous day, just small glimpses every now and again. Why did his head hurt? His eyes found empty liquor bottles at his side and he remembered. The show, the crazed fanmares chasing him down, Spitfire's attempted advancement. He groaned once more, not from the hangover, but from the memories he'd tried to drown out.

His wings were still a little off from the show yesterday and he found himself thanking Celestia that the next show was in a few days instead of today. He wasn't sure why exactly Spitfire had chosen the town she did, Appleloosa, but he wasn't going to complain lest he had to deal with her after the events of last night.

He heard a loud thud from next to him, followed by a surprised yelp. Soarin automatically connected the yelp to Fleetfoot. By the looks and sounds of things, she had a hangover a million times worse than his own. She whined loudly, the sound hurting Soarin's ears. He decided he needed air, getting up and walking out to the balcony of the train cart, feeling the breeze blow against his coat.

He wanted nothing more than to fly away, maybe find something that could make him happy again. He sighed heavily, sitting down . The gentle sound of hoofsteps entered his hearing range and he glanced backward, hoping it wasn't who he thought it was. Rapidfire made his entry, looking down at Soarin.

Rapidfire was the only one he really liked anymore. Where Fleetfoot was a complete drunk and Spitfire was an annoying ex who wanted him back, Rapidfire remained a good friend. He was always friendly, never grated on Soarin's nerves and knew when Soarin needed cheering up. Rapidfire was a good listener, calm and quiet. He was rational. When Soarin reached his breaking point, Rapidfire could fan the flames of his anger.

At first, Soarin expected the same of him that had happened with Spitfire, that Rapidfire would be there for him just to earn his love. That's why Soarin had to break it off with the yellow mare, she manipulated his emotions to get what she wanted and when she wanted it. When Soarin finally wised up and broke it off, it left her trying to win him back and the light blue stallion distant from most. He was afraid that they'd do the same.

The other stallion wasn't like that, he truly wanted to be a friend. He wasn't trying to manipulate Soarin's emotions to get laid, he was only being friendly. Rapidfire sat next to him, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. He knew what had happened and was trying to help.

"Spitfire get to you again?"

Soarin remained silent, his response being a simple nod.

"I know she's a royal pain in the flank, and there isn't any use in saying 'Don't let her get to you.' If you need to vent, I'll lend an ear."

Soarin sighed, rubbing at a tired eye. "I know.. I just can't believe she won't give up. She knows I hate her more than anypony else, and she knows I don't trust her one bit. She just keeps trying and trying, and I can't take it. Plus there's all of the shows that we have to do nearly every week and all of those crazy fans that would do anything for a lock of my mane. We really need better security."

Rapidfire chuckled softly despite how true it was. "I don't think I'll ever forget when one stole you out of a moving train. I'm glad that she's behind bars now."

"Oh, don't remind me of that. Worst night of my life so far," Soarin groaned. He stared up at the sky, breathing in the cool air. "Thanks for being here when I need you, man."

"You're welcome. Now come on, we need to get Fleetfoot out of the beer stash before she ends up derailing us."

It was the next day when Applejack received the response. She had spent the morning tending to her orchard, only noticing the mail on a break. There was a single letter, and she knew who it was from. She opened it up, expecting full out denial but was pleasantly surprised when she read it.

Dear Applejack,

I think that sounds nice. I need a good change of pace right now, so I'll get some space ready for you and your friend. There are a few matters I'd like to talk about, but they can wait until you've arrived and get settled in.

I'll see you soon,
Braeburn

She wondered what exactly he needed to talk about, but she couldn't wonder for too long, she still had work to do. And now she also had to tell Rainbow Dash the good news.

Seriously, I need to start writing more often. You guys need to help me out here, keep me on task x3