Flash’s POV
I looked out the window and waved one last time to Twilight. Well, all of her friends were there to see me off, but it didn’t feel like I was waving goodbye to them much. As she went out of sight… I couldn’t help but feel like I left something behind. But Twilight made sure with two lists that I had everything, so… I’m pretty sure I didn’t.
I looked down on my lap. Twilight gave me a book from her personal collection as a parting gift. Looking at it… just made me miss her more. Her laugh, her smile, her passion for what she does… the way her coat seems to glisten in the moon –Whoa! Cool it man. I took my hoof and started to repeatedly pound on my head. What the hay was that? Did I just…
Nope, no. I didn’t. I started to shake my head and forcefully brought a smile to my face. I got myself to laugh a little. I’m okay, it’s just… um… I’m just hallucinating… I ate something bad and it’s messing with my head… I… I … just miss Twilight…
I miss her a lot… but I guess that’s what happens when you stumble across a mare like her. The intelligence, determination, and hard working spirit… I was a sitting duck. And she’s really kind and fun and just so… I don’t know, but there is something about her that just… catches you. And after spending the week with her… I, I just knew I had to at least… try. The worst that could happen would be she’d just say no. Okay, so I used the whole book thing as an excuse to even ask, but still, I get to spend some more time with her. And then I’ll properly ask her and then hopefully… she’ll accept. And if she doesn’t well… I’ll have to move on with my life. I’ll be fine though. I may like her… a lot, but I won’t be completely crushed if she says no.
Looking out the window… I remembered our time together. The laughs and smiles. I enjoyed her company and she was very easy to talk to. It just felt right, like nothing could go wrong as long as she was right there with me. It was a nice feeling and I could only I wish that I would keep that feeling with me. Without her though, it seemed impossible… and it hasn’t even been an hour since I left.
Okay Flashy boy. I sighed. Just focus on something else. Looking at the book again I decided to just read it. Twilight may have given it to me, but I’ll be engrossed in the world of war in no time. But when I opened it, there was a note inside… from Twilight!
It simply said: Write to me, okay Flash? And then she gave me to where I should send the letters to.
I felt a stupid grin grow on my face. She wants me to write to her. Looking at the little sheet of paper, I felt most of the doubt in my head disappear. She likes me enough to exchange letters. But does she like me like I like her? And the doubt came flooding back in. I cursed under my breath knowing I was back to where I started, but that might be safe place. I won’t get my hopes up and I won’t feel as bad if she declines… but if she said yes, I’d be the happiest stallion in all of Equestria.
I put the book down knowing that thinking of Twilight was pretty inescapable at this point so I just let myself go with it. Eventually I fell asleep, but I sure got a rude awakening. The whistle startled me enough that I fell over and hit my head. I shook it off and just gathered my things before getting off the train. I was expecting for my friends to be there to welcome me back. The family is back in Canterlot. Instead, I saw Princess Cadence waiting patiently. At first I thought that maybe an important pony was aboard the train but when she spotted, she waved at me and trotted towards me. Well this is… out of nowhere.
“Hello Flash, how was your trip?”
“Um, fine I guess.”
“Aw, don’t be nervous, you’re still off duty till tonight.” She smiled at me.
I smiled a little.
“So… did you visit Twilight while you were in Ponyville?” I couldn’t help but notice that she had a smirk on her face and sounded like she was teasing me. Something’s… up. Like seriously up.
I cocked an eyebrow and just slowly said, “Yes.”
“And…” She got all excited as if I was going to give her the biggest surprise of her life.
“Well, I spent most of my vacation with her.” She was hanging on everything I said. “I met her friends, we had a few laughs and I asked her to…” I trailed off knowing what it is that I was about to say and I wasn’t exactly sure how she would react.
“You asked her to what?”
“Well…” To say that I was nervous was like saying the sky was blue.
“Flash?” She had this knowing look on her face. I wasn’t sure I should be glad or to be begging for my life. She’s kind and reasonable, but this is her sister in law in question. And… well I grew up with a lot of siblings and dealing with anypony they brought home. I did get a little over protective with my sisters and they got overprotective with me… sometimes, it wasn’t a big deal, you know they come to quickly like the pony brought over or something. I… wasn’t sure what to do but to answer truthfully.
“Yes, Princess Cadence.” I gulped. If I didn’t, I might regret it.
“You didn’t happen to ask Twilight out did you?” She grew a smile of glee and kind of giggled. Suddenly I felt more embarrassed than nervous.
“Well, not exactly.” I looked away from her
Her smile disappeared and she gave me a questioning look. “Then, what do you mean Flash?” And the nervous feelings came flooding back… oh joy. And the truth is revealed.
“The thing is I… lost a book to her and to make up for it, I asked if she would let me treat her to a meal the next time she came by to the Crystal Empire.” With every word I said I felt myself getting smaller and I had hoped that she wouldn’t be mad with me to say the least.
I heard her sigh. “Well, you gotta start somewhere.”
“Huh.” I snapped my head back to look up at her with a confused look.
“Look Flash, I know it must be intimidating to ask out a princess but believe me when I say that Twilight really likes you.”
“She does?” I kept that stupid look on my face. I would’ve hit myself but here Princess Cadence was enlightening me on the whole situation.
She smiled sweetly. “Oh, definitely. I’m not the Princess of Love for nothing. I can feel that the bond between you two has such strong potential I haven’t felt since… well since Shining and me.”
“We do?” I couldn’t believe it.
She nodded. “Yes Flash.”
I let it all sink in. Twilight likes me back. She likes me like I like her. I smiled and laughed a bit at my worries, but you couldn’t really blame me. I mean could’ve been reading her wrong. But who cares? The most wonderful mare I have ever met has feelings for me as I do her.
“Now just promise me something Flash.” Princess Cadence brought me back to reality.
I shook my head and refocused. “Um, yes Princess Cadence?”
“Ask Twilight to a proper date when she visits. And don’t be afraid Flash. She’ll accept. I guarantee it.” She brought a hoof to her heart.
“Oh, um, sure no problem.” I don’t need anymore convincing.
“Good. Oh this is so exciting. Little Twilight…” I saw her mind wander off to some far off place. She kept a smile on her face though. After a while she turned to me and said, “Now, come along. On the way to your quarters I want you to tell me everything you and Twilight did and said.”
Suddenly it felt like she was a big sister. I smiled at her enthusiasm and felt all doubt and nervousness just leave. There was nothing to be afraid of. Everything seemed perfect. Okay, so it was still kind of weird to see Princess Cadence get all gossipy but you know, it was nice to have someone to talk to about it and be so supportive. Although, now I’m starting to think she ordered me to go to Ponyville on purpose. I didn’t give it much mind though, because hey, the mare of my dreams likes me too.
I can’t wait to see Twilight again.