The white mare gasped, “You didn’t have to get me a gift, Sky.”
“You didn’t have to do what you did for me today, but did so anyway,” Sky Stinger countered. “Besides, you will love him.”
“H-him?” Vapor Trail rose a brow. Maybe it was a stuffed animal and Sky Stinger was referring to the gift as he.
The stallion looked down at something out of Vapor Trail’s sight. “It’s okay,” Sky Stinger said. “There’s no need to be afraid.” Vapor Trail didn’t know why her friend was talking to her Hearts and Hooves gift. Unless… her gift was not a stuffed animal.
The squeak of a cage being opened made Vapor Trail hop off her bed. “What is it?” she asked as she walked toward her friend’s bed. Sky Stinger stepped back and allowed Vapor Trail to get a better view of her gift.
A small pet kennel sat on the ground with a scared fish shivering in the back of its container. It looked like a koi fish, but it had an interesting feature on its sides: wings. Most of the fish’s body was white, with spots of orange peppering about its body. The forehead bore a large spot of orange in the crude shape of a circle. It was a cute little thing, but its expression of fear worried Vapor Trail.
Sky Stinger leaned his head down for the fish to see him. “Don’t worry, little guy. Vapor Trail won’t bite.”
Curious, Vapor Trail asked, “What is it?”
“An angel fish. I did tell you before that my favorite fish is an angel fish.” Sky Stinger winked at his friend, “Now I can be around two angel fish at the same time.”
Vapor Trail walked up to the cage and reached her hoof toward the angel fish. “Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you.” It wasn’t showing any sign of changing its mood, but the angel fish moved toward the offered hoof. The fish didn’t flop or flail when it moved but swam toward Vapor Trail’s hoof as if the air was water. Not wanting to be too forceful, the mare inched her arm further toward the angel fish before it gently brushed her hoof. It then swam up her arm, less afraid than earlier, and was soon hovering in front of the mare’s face. The angel fish bore a cute smile just before it nuzzled up against Vapor Trail. She giggled and gave her new friend a gentle hug. “He is adorable.” The compliment caused the angel fish to swim around Vapor Trail with joy, happy its owner was pleased.
“Does this make up for my earlier mess up, Vapor Trail?” Sky Stinger asked.
“This does more than that, Sky,” Vapor Trail said. “Thank you, Sky. How could I ever repay you?”
Sky Stinger held up a hoof, “You don’t need to repay me with anything. Just keep being the best friend I need.”
Vapor Trail blushed as the word “need” clung to her heart. Sky needs me! Rather than heeding her friend’s generous offer to keep being a close friend, the mare needed to give Sky Stinger something more. “Perhaps I could still thank you will a little something.”
Sky Stinger raised a brow and grinned, “I bet it is one of your world-famous hugs.”
“Maybe,” Vapor Trail swayed in place. The angel fish looked at its owner, confused at what was happening. Vapor Trail leaned toward her pet and whispered, “Watch this.” It purred and cocked its head to the side. It still needed to learn about what was going on and where it was.
Both pegusi were ready, one standing for impact, the other prepared to pounce. However, Vapor Trail had something else in mind to add to her “world-famous hug.” She was aiming to kiss Sky Stinger in the process; on the lips. Of course, he will think it was an accident and still think Vapor Trail had another stallion in mind. But she knew she would have to tell him her kiss was intentional.
In daydreaming fashion, the mare began to plan out her attack: Vapor Trail jumped into the air and arced toward Sky Stinger. The stallion extended his arm to embrace the flying mare. But then, she dipped low to the ground, Sky Stinger couldn’t predict what to do next. In the same motion, Vapor Trail lifted Sky Stinger into the air while pressing her mouth and snout onto his own. The stallion realized the situation he was in and embraced his special somepony with a gentle clutch. Suddenly, a hole in the bunker’s ceiling opened up and the two pegusi flew through it, ascending to the heavens.
One blink of the eyes and Vapor Trail was back in reality. The moment was ripe for harvest. With one push of her legs, Vapor Trail jumped into the air. She felt her mane graze the ceiling before the pegasus descended toward Sky Stinger. As predicted, he braced for impact, extending an arm out for his friend. Vapor Trail made sure she didn't dive too quickly, so she fanned out her wings to create heavy drag. She saw her new pet swim away, the fish not wanting to be slammed into.
Right on the lips, Vapor Trail thought to herself. That was what made her over-the-top hug much more different from past embraces.
“SKY CLINGER!” a voice blared from outside. The stallion lowered his guard and turned to where the sound came from. Unfortunately, Vapor Trail was committed to her dive and could not avoid Sky Stinger. She collided with the pony, but Sky Stinger wasn't prepared for his name was called, nor for Vapor Trail’s impact. He grunted in pain as Vapor Trail carried Sky Stinger into the air. Love was about to be delivered when the mare saw her friend in pain. Part of Vapor Trail was concerned with her friend; the other half wanted to give whoever called Sky Stinger a piece of her mind. Kissing Sky Stinger was off the table for the moment. It was still possible to do, but tending to Sky Stinger’s injury was more important.
Will delicate care, Vapor Trail gently touched down and let go of Sky Stinger. He gasped for air, his throat hoarse as the stallion tried to breathe. The angel fish brushed itself on Vapor Trail’s side, tickling her sensitive fur. She looked down at the pet before turning back to her struggling friend. The hoarse breathing finally stopped and Sky Stinger grinned a painful smile. “You knocked the wind out of me.”
Vapor Trail gasped, “I didn’t mean to!” Her fish inched forward, observing the injured pony with curiosity.
“I know.” Sky Stinger looked at the bunker’s exit. “I believe that was Spitfire trying to call me.” He flashed a wide smile, “I wonder why…”
“Same here…” Vapor Trail grumbled, ears pointed back with irritated intention. Again, the angel fish looked between Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger with confusion. The mare noticed her pet’s perplexed staring and said to it, “I will fill you in on what has been happening, later.”
“Let's go find Spitfire,” Sky Stinger proclaimed with haste in his hoofsteps. Vapor Trail returned a subtle nod but followed along much slower. The stallion was about to bolt out the door when he stopped and watched Vapor Trail approach him at a snail's pace. “Do you have a name for your angel fish?” he asked.
With one turn of the head, Vapor Trail gazed down at the levitating animal. It waited in anticipation for a new title to be awarded. Naming an animal; such a difficult task. Several names came to mind for the angel fish. Angel. Floats. Steve. Simple titles, but they could work. However, Vapor Trail wanted her pet to be unique with whatever name it possessed. She wanted a name that made her think of something joyful every time the pegasus called the white and orange koi. Sunset? Swifty? Shyfly? Shyfly might work considering the fish’s skittish nature. But none of the six names didn’t have a meaning that transcended beyond physical appearance or natural behavior. “Do you have any suggestions, Sky?” Vapor Trail asked. She and the fish turned to Sky Stinger in hopes that he had an answer for the dilemma.
The stallion’s turquoise hoof pawed at his chin, now dragged into the situation. Sky Stinger slowly licked his lips, the question rooting deep into his brain. “How about… Sunbeam?”
An “ooo” left Vapor Trail. “I like that.” The potential Sunbeam gave an approving nod. Vapor Trail furrowed her brows in a curious fashion and said, “Might I ask why?”
“Well, you wanted to make me shine in the sunlight earlier today,” Sky Stinger started. “Perhaps a nice story can follow him around as a reminder of the day you got your very own angel fish.” He pointed a hoof in Vapor Trail’s direction. “Also, the angel fish has a nice orange color to it, almost reminding me of sunset. Think of the white scales as clouds and the orange spot on his forehead a sunbeam.”
Vapor Trail clasped her hooves, “Then it is settled.” Her light-blue eyes fell upon the companion. “Your name is now Sunbeam!” Sunbeam whisked around the pegasus with joyful motions, his fins, and body lightly skimming against Vapor Trail’s body as he swam. Both mare and fish nuzzled each other once Sunbeam settled down. Sunbeam did not want to take part in anymore flying, so he swam on top of Vapor Trail’s mane and took refuge there. An adorable giggle departed from Vapor Trail’s joyful heart as she was entertained by her unique pet. “Thank you, Sky. I appreciate the gifts.”
“G-gifts?” Sky Stinger flinched, bewildered by the statement. “But I only got you one.”
But Vapor Trail gave a disapproving shake of the head. “I beg to differ. Not only did you get me a pet, but also gave Sunbeam his name and created a wonderful and unforgettable memory.”
A shy grin writhed onto the stallion’s lips, “I hope you don’t mean the instance where I threw you gift off a cliff.”
“Not at all.” It was suddenly difficult for Vapor Trail to look Sky Stinger directly in the eyes. She traced the tile floor lines that lead up to him, another attempt to kiss the pegasus at the ready. Each step she made toward her goal was another tick to Vapor Trail’s heart rate. “I get to remember the day my friend told me a truth that made me feel special.”
“I’d rather not be oblivious to what is obvious,” said the clearly obvious Sky Stinger. “You have always been a much better flier. I may have speed, but you have incredible skill.”
That’s it! I can't take it! Vapor Trail exclaimed in her head. The motions pent up in her loving heart burst forth and Vapor Trail’s hooves took off in a sprint. Sunbeam’s resting spot violently shook him off, but he recovered while watching his owner charge forward. Vapor Trail wondered if fate was about to have its intervention and slowed down just in case. If something were to interrupt the moment, Vapor Trail would not want to crash into Sky Stinger again.
“You have been very eager to give me your signature hugs,” Sky Stinger grinned.
The mare stopped in front of her friend. “You know me,” she winked. “I really really like to make you happy.” Vapor Trail’s emphasis on “really” didn't seem to faze Sky Stinger; no surprise there.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Sky Stinger extended an arm just big enough for a love-struck mare to fit into. “One plus one equals two great fliers.” How does Sky make such a romantic moment without even trying? Instead of doing her traditional leap of faith, Vapor Trail leaned on her forelegs and extended her neck. She stood on her tippiehooves as she readied her lips. Her eyes didn't leave Sky Stinger, afraid his vision would vanish in a puff of smoke.
“Hey, Sky!” somepony cried. The stallion turned his attention to the entrance and saw somepony enter. Vapor Trail, already committed, lifted her head in an attempt to kiss Sky Stinger. But his cheek was out of reach and the offered arm was on the ground. With nopony to catch her, Vapor Trail fell onto the tile. Her body sprawled out to try and reduce the impact force.
“Oh, crud!” Sky Stinger looked down to see the pegasus he forgot to catch. “I am so sorry!” He took one step forward but was immediately blocked off by Sunbeam. The angel fish swam up to Vapor Trail’s breast and pushed up to aid her in standing.
As Vapor Trail got onto all fours, she praised her pet, “Aww, thank you.” Sunbeam nuzzled her cheek in a sign of appreciation. Vapor Trail turned to Sky Stinger as Sunbeam resumed his affection giving. “It’s fine.” In the corner of her eye, Vapor Trail saw Spitfire standing at the door. “You were distracted by her.”
“If you want me to leave, you can just ask,” Spitfire finally spoke.
“You don’t have to,” Sky Stinger said, though Vapor Trail thought otherwise. “I was just about to hug my friend before coming to your beckoning call.” Vapor Trail fought the urge to scowl at the captain, but couldn't resist having a brow twitch in protest.
Spitfire took notice of the aggression directed at her. “Are you both done with whatever you are doing?”
“I think so,” Vapor Trail said through a gap in her teeth. “How come you called Sky?”
“Because Fleetfoot wants to give him a Hearts and Hooves gift.”
Sky Stinger darted at Spitfire. “Where is she?”
The captain pointed a hoof outside, “At the obstacle course.” Vapor Trail didn't see her friend move. He was suddenly gone in a dash of turquoise.
All rational rules were thrown out the window and Vapor Trail stomped over to Spirefire. “This is the third time you have interrupted me today,” Vapor Trail grumbled. “And now Fleetfoot is trying to steal Sky from me.” The white pegasus threw her hoof into the air. “Who’s side are you on!”
Spitfire did not redirect any negative emotions back at Vapor Trail, and instead wore a smug grin. “Nopony’s,” she answered. Spitfire spun around, her tail wiping at the angry pony. “Come. You won’t want to miss what Fleetfoot has in store for your friend.”
***
It was hard for Vapor Trail to believe what was happening, not to mention how heartless Spitfire was behaving. On top of that, Vapor Trail wondered why Fleetfoot was giving Sky Stinger a Hearts and Hooves gift. Fleetfoot explicitly knew about Daydreamer’s soft emotions about Sky Stinger. Why were two Wonderbolt members conspiring against Vapor Trail?
The white mare walked behind Spitfire, not wanting any visual of her teammate's face. Sunbeam flew close by, his presence being the only support Vapor Trail was going to receive. There was nothing wrong with the angel fish’s company, but Vapor Trail didn’t give much of a care for him. Trying to break her from the grumpy and most likely sad mood, Sunbeam stopped right in front of the pony to get her attention. It worked, but Vapor Trail gave no sign of changing her attitude. Sunbeam hovered in place, his body swimming in an invisible river. The only thing that the fish did next was staying where he was and look up at Vapor Trail with concern. Their staring contest was short-lived, with Vapor Trail coming out as the loser. With care, she gently took Sunbeam into her warm chest. Finally, her worry and sadness overcame the anger she held close.
Vapor Trail blinked at her companion and asked him, “Can you tell I really like Sky?” Sunbeam complied with a nod. A bothered sigh wafted from the mare. “How is it that you, who has only known me for less than an hour, can see that I love Sky Stinger, but he cannot?” Sunbeam did not know how to properly respond to the question, only staring back in bewilderment. What he did do was wiggle free and brushed up against Vapor Trail’s soft cheek. That brought a different and much more positive attitude forth from the upset mare. “Thanks, Sunbeam.” Vapor Trail gave him a gentle kiss on the forehead. Sunbeam’s tiny cheeks revealed two spots of blush, forcing the fish to hide in the mare’s mane. With him out of sight, Vapor Trail’s smile left along with the pet. I just don’t know why Fleetfoot wants to give Sky Stinger a Hearts and Hooves gift. She and I did talk a week ago…
The obstacle course was just ahead of her with Sky Stinger, Fleetfoot, and Spitfire standing among each other. It was difficult to see, but Fleetfoot’s jaw moved with unreadable words at her lips. Vapor Trail picked up the pace, her need to intervene accelerating. If somepony was going to try and take Sky Stinger away from somepony they knew had strong feelings for him, Vapor Trail was going to fight long and hard to fend off the thief.
Upon stepping hoof onto the course, six eyes gazed at the newest pony. “What took you so long?” Spitfire asked, half smiling. “You are about to miss Fleetfoot giving your friend her gift.”
The daydreamer wondered if Spitfire was trying to get back at her for the morning’s accident? If she was, Vapor Trail would have a hard time trusting Spitfire with anything. The captain did apologize, so what was the big idea? To Vapor Trail’s surprise, Sky Stinger took notice of her disgruntled mood. “Is everything alright?”
“No,” she flatly answered. “I am not fine.”
“How coooooome?” Fleetfoot asked, leaning forward on her forehooves and gesturing at Sky Stinger with her head. Unlike her oblivious friend, Vapor Trail caught onto what was going on: Spitfire and Fleetfoot were trying to help her with Sky Stinger. When she did catch wind of her predicament, Vapor Trail flushed. She obviously knew her friends were doing a good favor, but Vapor Trail was not in the mindset to deal with ponies around her. It was bad enough she was already tense when attempting to confess her feelings for Sky Stinger alone.
“Because I… I…” With a clear of her throat, Vapor Trail concluded her thought, “I didn’t give you your hug yet, Sky.”
The stallion gave the mare a smile and stepped forward. “Then how about I initiate the hug. Some divine intervention may try to intercept you from me.” Sky Stinger slid his foreleg where it naturally fit behind Vapor Trail’s neck. In a tight pull, she embraced him; Sunbeam shuffled about her mane, still hidden from visible eyes. An invisible flame of frustration flared in the mare’s heart. Why, oh why, Celestia can’t I speak the truth? Her free eyes looked at Fleetfoot and Spitfire, the two staring back with disappointment.
Sky Stinger patted Vapor Trail on the back of the neck just before letting go. “I think that is enough gifts out of you for one day.” But- no! My kiss! One step forward triggered the stallion to hold a hoof to the mare’s nose. “Really, I am good.” He smiled down at her, but Vapor Trail worried if she was becoming an annoyance to her friend. The courage she had suddenly brought to life was quickly extinguished with a simple gesture. Vapor Trail figured a break from telling Sky Stinger her love would be in order. Unless-
“So, Sky Stinger, “ Fleetfoot spoke up, no longer bound by other interruptions, “how’s about I give you your gift?”
Vapor Trail gasped at the sudden question and feared she had lost all chances to be with her best friend. In typical Sky Stinger fashion, a cocky grin lifted his right cheek. “I warn you, I have had a lot of gifts from Vapor Trail already. You better blow me away if you want to surpass her.”
Fleetfoot walked up to Sky Stinger and brushed her tail under his throat. “Watch me…” The seductive behavior didn't swoo the stallion, but it definitely grabbed his attention. Various insults that would make a children's show turn into an explicit experience coursed through Vapor Trail’s hidden consciousness. What’s worse was the possible and horrible scenario of Sky Stinger and Fleetfoot becoming special someponies. Vapor Trail tried to shake the thought from her imagination, but it stuck to her like cobweb caught in a mane. She began to imagine Fleetfoot flying through the air, her signature smoke trail following from behind. The speedy pegasus and her movements were too quick for anypony to catch. All that could be seen was the sentence being created in the air, “Fly with me, Sky.”
The daydream ended there, but Vapor Trail knew the conclusion to the tale. Too many signals were being presented and made her unsure what each one meant. It was apparent Spitfire and Fleetfoot were attempting to assist their teammate. But why was Fleetfoot suddenly behaving like a-
“Spitfire, grab your stopwatch,” Fleetfoot said as she walked over to the obstacle course’s starting point. Sky Stinger’s smirk went away in one blink. He turned to the captain and saw her picking up her stopwatch and the new megaphone. Vapor Trail was not sure what was going on but had a strong feeling Sky Stinger’s gift wasn't going to be something in the form of something physical.
“READY…” Spitfire reeved up her volume, her mouth almost touching the megaphone speaker. The sound of her voice was much different and a lot louder even though she was speaking at “normal” volume. Upon closer inspection, Vapor Trail noticed Spitfire was using her gift from Soarin. It did allow Vapor Trail to heave out a few giggles, knowing his Hearts and Hooves present was something practical and was going to be used… A lot.
“GO!” In the corner of her eye, Vapor Trail saw Fleetfoot kick off the ground and leap into the first ring. Blinking was the last thing Vapor Trail needed to do but did so anyway. When she did, Fleetfoot was already finished with the obstacle course. Vapor Trail would have been impressed if she wasn't more confused with what was going on. And just like herself, Sky Stinger was flabbergasted by the insane speed.
There was a slight heave to Fleetfoot’s breathing when she touched down in the middle of the group. “What was my time, Spitfire?”
One turn of the wrist was all Spitfire needed to read the stopwatch. “5.82 seconds.”
Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger flinched at the news. “Then… that means-” Sky Stinger stammered but was cut off by a loud megaphone.
“WE’VE GOT A NEW RECORD ON THE OBSTACLE COURSE!” Spitfire called.
Still confused about the entire ordeal, glanced between Spitfire and Fleetfoot. “But where is my Hearts and Hooves gift? All you did was beat my record, w-which, by the way, was, I mean, not by much, but your time was… good.”
As vicious as ever, Fleetfoot pranced over to the defeated stallion. “I already gave it to you.” Vapor Trail was spectating what was happening, unsure what the cryptic pegasus was getting at. “I got you a new record to beat,” Fleetfoot winked before pecking Sky Stinger on the cheek. To Spitfire’s shock and disliking, Fleetfoot snatched her captain’s amplifier and pointed it at Sky Stinger. “HAPPY HEARTS AND HOOVES DAY, SKY CLINGER!”
In one fast motion, Spitfire sped up to Fleetfoot and took her megaphone back and directed it back at the thief. “THIS MEGAPHONE IS NOT FOR YOU TO TAKE, FLATFOOT! NOW GET OFF THE OBSTACLE COURSE!” Faster than her trip through the obstacle course, Fleetfoot sped away in fear of a prolonged scolding. Spitfire looked at her Hearts and Hooves gift and gave it a kiss. “I love this thing.” Her stare turned to the two remaining pegasi on the grass. “I’m off, you two. Later.”
Sky Stinger was petrified on the spot as if a cockatrice turned him to stone. Vapor Trail walked beside her friend, and asked, “Sky, are you alright?”
He turned his head toward the mare with a smile. “Fleetfoot may have beat my record, but she failed horribly at topping your Hearts and Hooves gifts.”
“At least you know how to make the best out of a bad situation, Sky,” Vapor Trail winked.
A “humph” rumbled inside the stallion as he turned away. “This is not a bad situation at all. In fact…” Sky Stinger gestured his friend to come close. When Vapor Trail to him, he continued in a whisper, “...this shows how much I need to improve. Just don’t tell anypony I told you that.”
“Of course,” Vapor Trail nodded. With the two alone on the field, the mare wondered if she could attempt anything with Sky Stinger. But he already stated more Hearts and Hooves gifts from her were not permitted. A break may be the best option. At least Fleetfoot and Sky Stinger didn’t become special someponies. Part of Vapor Trail wanted to get back at Fleetfoot and Spitfire for their little prank, but malice was never the better choice to go about “thanking somepony.”
“Hey, Vapor Trail,” Sky Stinger said.
“Yes?”
“Aren’t you going to go ask Soarin to be your special somepony?” The sudden question almost knocked Vapor Trail off her hooves. “What? You pointed to him this morning when I told you to point to the stallion you were daydreaming about so much.” The question was not what weakened the mare’s knees. It was how she pointed directly at Sky Stinger, and yet, he thought Vapor Trail was pointing at the stallion behind him. Why Sky Stinger never considered he was a potential candidate Vapor Trail may never know. But because Soarin was what Sky Stinger considered to be his friend’s future boyfriend, Vapor Trail figured she might as well seek him out.
“I guess I can go find him,” she answered.
Sky Stinger pulled Vapor Trail up close. “Good luck.”
“Luck won’t be needed.” The two parted ways, both enduring a day full of affection and gifts. Vapor Trail figured she could try and find Soarin but at her own pace. She also remembered Spitfire’s Hearts and Hooves thank you card was still undelivered. So, Vapor Trail and Sunbeam went to the bunker in a slow approach.