Another day of practice has come and gone. Vapor Trail stood in the shower as luke-warm water cascaded down her white body. The bouncy mane of hers sagged in front of her eyes, saturated with water.
The second half of practice involved the Wonderbolts in a marching routine. It was nothing too special, mostly mundane for several team members. Regardless of who feels about liking or disliking walking in lines, Spitfire prefers to have her team enter with style and organization, instead of everypony scrambling in; every Wonderbolt’s member deserves a chance to shine and be recognized.
Interestingly enough, Spitfire had Vapor Trail, Sky Stinger, and Rainbow Dash at the front of the line; all the veterans were in the back, further emphasizing Spitfire’s idea to give attention to all team members. Of course, Rainbow Dash and Sky Stinger believed that they were at the front, not because of being a newcomer, but because of how much potential they have yet to show off. Vapor Trail was much more humble than the other two, which gave her the very first position in line; her modest attitude once again let her be in the lead.
Thankfully, Rainbow Dash was right behind Vapor Trail, so Sky Stinger was mostly blocked out, both physically and even more mentally. But still, Vapor Trail was not sure how to get her message across to Sky Stinger after everything had happened. Perhaps telling him she was in love with him will do the trick. Or just make it blatant and just pull him into a closet and kiss him. But telling Sky Stinger words would be the better choice instead of acting rash.
Two things were mentally blocking her, however: one was the fact that Vapor Trail didn't just run up to him and confess her emotions to him like that; which segways into her second issue: Vapor Trail needs the moment to be perfect.
Her fantasies were now too great, and the white mare didn't just want, she needed- no, demanded a romantic setting. How else should a confession be if it were not set up with romantic meaning and plot? If Vapor Trail were to just be flat with Sky Stinger, the mare worried her friend would think she was lusting, not loving.
She needed another device to aid her in the quest to claim Sky Stinger’s heart. But what will that aid be?
On her way to her locker, she bumped into Wind Waker as she was daydreaming. The stallion apologized once more for the mishap the day before and Vapor Trail was more than willing to accept the apology. It was just an accident.
Vapor Trail dried her mane while she sat in front of her locker door. She smirked at her frazzled mane and brushed the messy strands of hair. After a few moments of her sitting alone, Fleetfoot entered the room. “Nice work today, Vapor Trail.”
The white mare’s ear twitched and gandered at the veteran. “Oh, it was nothing.” She looked back to the mirror, prettying herself up.“Well, I mean, I am not one to gloat, but I guess it was more than nothing.”
“Oh, don’t you lower yourself too much, Vapor Trail. You and Sky Clinger are really good at keeping up with everypony.”
“Why thank you!” Sky Stinger exclaimed from somewhere in the locker room. He didn’t show himself, but the stallion was definitely on the alert for his name being spoken as always.
Leaning into Vapor Trail’s ear, Fleetfoot whispered, “Speaking of him, have any luck, Daydreamer?” Vapor Trail’s ears fell back, her eyes sagging with sadness. “Did something happen?”
“That’s the thing,” Vapor Trail replied quietly, “nothing is happening. I have told Sky that I liked him, then loved him, and nothing has happened.”
“You would think a pony would ask what they meant by saying, ‘I love you.’” Fleetfoot took a seat beside her teammate, wondering if there was any way possible to help her. “Well lucky for you…” Fleetfoot pulled Vapor Trail close and smiled, “next week, a special day is coming up.”
“What day? Is it a holiday?” Vapor Trail didn't know what Fleetfoot was referencing.
Fleetfoot chuckled, “Hearts and Hooves. You know, the day you dedicate to your special somepony.”
“Hearts and Hooves! Of course!” The excitement was too much for Vapor Trail to contain and she practically screamed. A hot streak of blush ran across Vapor Trail’s cheeks and the mare hid her face in her towel.
“Oh, Daydreamer…” Vapor Trail couldn't see Fleetfoot shake her head, but felt the bench lift slightly. “So now that you know what is coming up, what are you going to do?”
Removing the damp rag from her face, Fleetfoot could see Vapor Trail grinning. “I'll think of something.”
“Then make it good.” Fleetfoot turned around to leave, but quickly stopped herself and returned to her teammate. “Oh, and make sure you get something for Spitfire something for Hearts and Hooves.”
“U-umm… why?” Vapor Trail asked in confusion.
“Because she gets all… angry whenever Hearts and Hooves comes around. The team gets her something to make her feel better.”
Vapor Trail shifted her body and faced Fleetfoot. “Did something happen to her that makes Spitfire hate Hearts and Hooves?”
“Only Soarin knows the real truth about that matter. And don't bother asking him either,” Fleetfoot shook her head. “He and Spitfire go way back, so expect a strong loyalty between the two.”
Vapor Trail wanted to ask more of the matter but knew Fleetfoot would bare no fruit. Instead, she simply nodded, concluding the conversation.
Letting out a sigh, Fleetfoot made for the exit. “Good luck, Daydreamer,” she called out, not looking back.
Thanks, I will need it. But why does Spitfire hate Hearts and Hooves…?