Maybe Not
Flash Sentry stared after Sunset’s retreating back and sighed. Well...that didn’t go the way I’d hoped, he thought. He closed his eyes and ran his hand through his spiked blue hair.
Then, a warm hand touched his back. Flash opened his eyes and glanced over his shoulder. A familiar face regarded him, her eyes bright with sympathy. She gave a lopsided smile and simply said, “Wanna talk?”
Flash opened his mouth to give a confident but polite dismissal, but quickly stopped himself. His mouth curved into a frown and he rubbed the back of his neck as his eyes darted about awkwardly. “Uh...how long have you been standing there, exactly?”
Ditzy grinned at him. “Long enough.”
Flash’s cheeks started to warm. He exhaled before chuckling. “Yeah...I, uh...I’m kind of going through some stuff...and I’m not really sure what to do about it.”
“I’m all ears.” Ditzy plopped down onto one of the steps leading to the lodge house and spread out her arms in a welcoming gesture. “Come, sit!”
Flash shoved his hands in his pockets and chewed the inside of his cheek. He walked forward and sat next to her with a sigh.
“Girl trouble?” Ditzy asked, crossing one foot over the other.
Flash glanced at her, smiling ruefully. “And friendship trouble.” He paused, absently running his fingers against his cuticles while staring off into space. “I’m sort of confused about everything. When I met Twilight...the other one...it felt so right, being around her. I mean...she’s smart, pretty, friendly... and she’s got this…” He trailed off, and his face scrunched in search of thought. He motioned his hands, trying to get the proper words out.
“...kind of a quiet strength about her...I mean, she’s not out there, but she’s...you know what I mean?”
Ditzy nodded enthusiastically before pausing and shaking her head.
Flash gave a sheepish smile and leaned back, resting his elbows on the hard wood. “Yeah. I’m not that great with words that aren't lyrics."
“Well, look on the bright side,” Ditzy suggested. “The Twilight from this world might like Timber, but..." She glanced at him sideways. "Do you think the other Twilight still thinks about you?"
Flash averted his gaze. “I wonder that too sometimes. But it’s probably not going to work out between her and me, aside from her being a long way from here.”
“Oh? Why wouldn’t it?”
“Well...When I met the Twilight from this world, she barely gave me a second glance. I know she was probably busy, but...it’s become a pretty common thing, now. I mean, she’s nice and all, but I don’t think she’s even interested in being friends."
“But she’s different from the other Twilight,” Ditzy pointed out. "Didn’t Princess Twilight herself mention that a lot of us were actually quite different from our other selves? If both Twilights are different people, their interests probably won’t line up all the time either, right?”
Flash thought for a moment. “While that might be true, whoever Twilight chooses to be with would have to affect who she’s with here, wouldn’t it? What about the Cakes? If they weren’t married in Princess Twilight’s world, how and why would they be married in this world? Would there still be any Cake Twins for Pinkie Pie to babysit?
“And that goes for my parents, your parents, and everyone else’s. I’m pretty sure we all have the same brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles. It's like we're destined. It has to happen, right?"
Ditzy pursed her lips together, looking uncertain. “I...I don’t know. I don’t know how it all works. I don’t know if what they do affects our lives….or-or if it happens the other way around…” Ditzy scratched the top of her head.
Flash kicked at the grass. “Maybe we weren’t meant to be together in the first place.”
Ditzy scooted closer to Flash, placing an arm around his shoulder. “Don't be sad...For all you know, it could just be a teeny little crush.”
Flash hung his head. “Who knows. Maybe I was the teeny little crush too.”
Ditzy gave a small sigh, and rested her head on his shoulder. “You know you’re more than someone’s teeny little crush. Don’t you?”
Flash shook his head. “I don’t know. Sunset only dated me in the first place just to gain popularity. Twilight liked me for me, but...she’s like a star. She’s...impossible to reach for. She’s a Princess of an entire country and a savior to both her world and ours. I’m just a guitar player with a car. I mean, it’s awesome and all, but what use would she have for it? She has wings!”
“And Twilight’s just a High school student here,” Ditzy said, raising her head. “Just think! The other you could be an important Ambassador...or a Prince! Or even a Knight!” Her hands stretched above her head as her legs lifted off the ground. “The possibilities are endless!”
Flash couldn’t help but laugh. “I doubt it. If I were a Prince, I’m pretty sure Twilight would’ve mentioned it by now.” He smiled at Ditzy and tapped her arm with his knuckles. “But I bet you’re something special in the other world. You’re always there for people. And me. You just...get me, you know?"
Ditzy grinned. "Really? I'm not that great with words either. I'm just happy to help! Just don’t single yourself out so much, okay? You’ll find a great girl someday, Flash. I know you will.” She tilted her head to the side. “Speaking of, have you thought about Sunset lately?”
Flash waved his hand. “No, we’re just friends. At least I hope we are. We haven’t really spoken until now.” He rested his elbows on his knees. “It’s kinda weird. It’s almost like talking to a stranger. She really did change. Even if I considered dating her again, I doubt she’d want to. I was the one who broke up with her. Besides...I’d be reaching too high again. Sunset really did grow into something beautiful. But they’re both better off without me. As long as they’re happy...I guess I’m happy too.”
His head suddenly snapped up. “Whoa…” His eyes widened, as did his smile. “WHOAH!” He jumped to his feet, startling Ditzy
“What!?” she gasped.
“I just had an epiphany!” Flash yelled, jogging in circles, pumping his fists in the air. “I just had the perfect idea for song lyrics!” He suddenly whirled around and held out his hand with a dangerous-looking smile. “Come with me!!!”
“Whoa!” Ditzy said as she was yanked off of her seat. Together, the two raced across the camp. After a few twists and turns along the trail, the two of them reached the boy’s side of the camp, where most of the students were walking about, exercising, or talking with one another. “In here,” Flash said as they neared his tent. He poked his head inside before gesturing Derpy inside. “Good, my roommate isn't here…”
He jogged over to his bed and knelt down as Ditzy gawked at her surroundings. “Ooh, the guy’s tent!” she grinned, placing her hands on the rustic furniture.
“I don’t think your tents are much different than ours,” Flash chuckled as he pulled something out from under his bed. “Ah, here we go…”
Ditzy turned around and gasped. “You brought your guitar? Is that allowed?”
Flash simpered as he shrugged on his guitar strap. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Besides--the woods are the perfect place for inspiration. How could I not take this thing along?”
Ditzy giggled and pinched two of her fingers together before running them across her lips. “My lips are sealed!” Flash sat down on his bed, his brow knitted in concentration. He nodded his head, gesturing Ditzy to come over.
The blonde haired girl skipped over and sat down next to Flash as he tuned his guitar. He hummed quietly to himself as he strummed out the chords. Finally, he broke out into a smile. “Now we’re talking.” He grinned at Ditzy and winked. “Check this out.”
He strummed his guitar and exhaled.
Girl with the crown, you made my heart soar,
I hoped we’d be so much more
But I only have a car and you’ve got wings
What use would you have for those things?
Maybe, Maybe, Maybe
We just weren’t meant to be…
But baby, baby, baby that’s alright with me
‘Cause your happiness means everything to meeeeee….
Flash sighed and brushed his hair back while Ditzy clapped for him. “So angsty!”
“Thanks.” Flash tapped his knuckles on the base of his guitar. “It still hurts…” He gave a small shrug. “But if I could move on once, I could move on again...couldn’t I?”
Ditzy hugged him gently. “I know you can.” She rubbed his shoulder. “You’re a really great guy, Flash. I really hope you know that.”
A smile spread across Flash’s face as he returned the hug. “Thanks for everything. And you know what?" They pulled apart and he gave another wink. "I think you're an even greater girl.”
They regarded one another with soft smiles. Ditzy's eyes turned downcast and she started to play with her hands while Flash cleared his throat.
“Maybe I could make my life story into some kind of career,” Flash said as he resumed strumming.
“I bet the ladies would really go for that, huh?” Ditzy said with a wink.
Flash laughed. “Maybe. But I think it might be a long while before I think about dating again. I don’t think anyone at school would be interested right now.”
Derpy brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “There’s always someone.”
The corners of Flash's mouth lifted and he gave a confident tilt of his head. "You know what? Maybe you're right. Gotta stay positive. Alright, check out this next one, Ditzy. It's called Two Mares, one Crown."
Ditzy sat cross legged on Flash's bed as she rested her chin on her hands. She closed her eyes in content as a soft melody filled the tent.