Relief swept over Vapor Trail as she left the captain's office. Spitfire, despite her irritation with Vapor Trail's distracted mind, was able to help in a small way. So long as Vapor Trail keeps herself from daydreaming during practice, the captain won't not have an issue with her. Also, Spitfire was not against Vapor Trail’s interest in Sky Stinger, so that was another plus.
There was one glaring issue for the pegasus, however: she needed to still confess her feelings to Sky Stinger. But she already tried that before and he was oblivious to Vapor Trail’s confession. Now she had to think of another way to tell him.
“Hey, Vapor!” Sky Stinger called from a cloud right above Spitfire’s office. He lifted off the platform and touched down beside his friend. “How many compliments did the captain give you about your flying?
“Actually, a good amount actually,” Vapor Trail nodded, looking back at the building where Spitfire did her personal work. “But she did scold me a bit about me being distracted.” Vapor Trail’s ears fell back, still bothered with her own actions.
“But that was my fault,” Sky frowned. “Did you tell her it was me-”
“No.” Vapor Trail’s ears perked up along with a smile. “I won't throw you under the wagon like that.” It was a lie and she knew that. Her mouth opened to speak the true reason why she distracted, but words didn't come out. Why is it so hard to tell him the truth so suddenly!?
“Okay,” Sky muttered with a small nod. “So... what about Spitfire being interested in other stallions?” he grinned, expecting a good answer.
For once, Vapor Trail was glad to give him "unfortunate" news. “She just laughed and said you had no chance with her.” The pegasus wanted to make sure he was convinced he heard the truth. Yes, she was not lying, but Vapor Trail wanted to be blunt about the truth, so her chance does not get too far away.
Sky Stinger did not seem upset by the news of Spitfire’s boastful laugher. “Egh,” he shrugged casually. “Didn’t hurt to try. I was just curious is all. Now that I am around some of the best flyers in Equestria, I might as well mingle with some of the mares here.”
It was as if he was trying to make Vapor Trail jealous on purpose; and it was working. Sky Stinger was a stallion who did flirt on the occasion, and Vapor Trail knew that. The obvious outcome was him being shot down every time he tried to get with a mare. At the time, Vapor Trail did not mind his action, so long as nopony was hurt in the process. And thankfully, Sky Stinger was not known for being a heart breaker.
Now was different. He was never a lady’s stallion, but never doesn’t void out everything. Never just means something has not happened yet. Who knows when another mare may literally come flying into his arms! It could be another Wonderbolt member, but what about a die-hard fangirl?! With his proud attitude and a fangirl’s undying love, Vapor Trail’s chances of romance will be gone faster than a vapor of steam.
Thinking on her hooves, Vapor Trail said, “Speaking of mingling, I have been interested in a stallion recently.”
“What?!” The look of shock on Sky Stinger’s face almost startled the mare. But his stunned expression turned into a joyful smile. “That sounds great!” he beamed, hugging his friend. Somewhere in Vapor Trail’s heart, she wanted to see some bit of jealousy in her friend; and she started to hate herself for that. Looking into her eyes, Sky asked, “Who is it?” Trying to tell him he was the one Vapor Trail was interested in, she tried to squeeze out the truth. However, no words came out of her mouth. Her face flushed with red as she stared at her lifelong friend, hoping he would be her lifelong romance. “You can tell me,” he reassured with a handsome grin. Vapor Trail’s face burned bright red, now falling further in love with Sky Stinger. You are the one I want to tell my feelings to! she screamed internally.
But the right words were lodged in her throat. Vapor Trail was able to do it before, but something stopped her. Perhaps it was even harder to do it a second time. “I can’t say… It’s a bit of a secret…” she answered, unable to let out the truth.
“It’s alright,” Sky nodded in full respect of his friend. “You can tell me when the time is right.”
I already did! Vapor Trail had to try and force her shy heart to spill its emotions once again. “I have been trying to tell him my feelings, but I just don’t have the strength to do so…” She held her head low with ears pointing back, accepting that hard reality.
“And I don’t doubt you are having trouble with that.” You have no idea, Vapor Trail grumbled internally. Bringing his hoof to his chest, Sky Stinger exclaimed, “Worry not! Your amazing friend, Sky Stinger, is willing to assist you in your time of need!” Several ponies nearby, including some teammates look at the two, wondering what the shouting was all about.
Spitfire's voice boomed over the intercom, "DO NOT SHOUT OUTSIDE MY OFFICE, SKY STINGER! GO SOMEWHERE ELSE WHERE OTHERS MAY WANT TO HEAR YOU!"
Vapor Trail lowered her head as more ponies looked their way. Sky Stinger only looked irritated with Spitfire calling him out, but not embarrassed. “Since you are having some trouble telling your feelings to this lucky stallion," he said, unaffected by the captain's call out, "why don’t we go somewhere private?"
“O-okay,” Vapor Trail spoke softly. “But why?”
“So you can practice your confessing skills,” he answered and grabbed his friend’s hoof.