With her love for Sky Stinger overwhelming the mare, Vapor Trail attempts to confess her feelings to him. However, every time she tries to, something goes ary. Will she be able to tell Sky her emotions? Or with divine intervention prevent her?
Throughout her life, Vapor Trail has been in the shadow of Sky Stinger, in the best way she could. She didn't want all the attention to herself and wanted to give it to somepony she found special. As the years have gone by, the two have grown close to each other, helping one another accomplish their life long dream: becoming a Wonderbolt. And for once in her life, Vapor Trail didn't want to be in the shadow of Sky Stinger, but in the light beside him.
With both of their dreams accomplished, they can now live the dream... that is, until Vapor Trail had another dream in mind. Because of her closeness with Sky Stinger, the mare developed strong feelings for him and wants to confess her emotions to him.
However, Vapor Trail was unaware of how challenging such a task could be. Vapor Trail has many resources to her disposal, such as teammates and various plots to get the right words out. But will that be enough? Can Vapor Trail get the message across? Or will her chances of being Sky Stinger's special somepony vanish like a vapor of steam?
11/18/17 It happened! Failed Confessions made the featured page!
Early morning was normally most ponies’ least favorite time of day, especially when they had to wake up before sunrise. For Vapor Trail, it was a different story. The light-cream pegasus enjoyed the cool morning air and then feeling the rising sun warm herself before getting her day started.
She let out a soft yawn as she crawled out of her bunker bed, hoping she does not wake any of her Wonderbolt teammates. Because a show was on the approach, the Wonderbolts had to stay at the academy to make sure routines were in line.
As quietly as Vapor Trail could, the mare made her bed before trying to sneak outside. It was a bit difficult, however, having little light helping her. But the moment Vapor Trail tossed her pillow onto her small mattress, some dust was kicked into the air. The small particles managed to tickle the pegasus’ nose.
Vapor Trail wiggled her snout, and shook her head to get rid of the sneeze. But it clung to her and made her eyes water. With her fate sealed, Vapor Trail instinctively took a deep breath before squeaking out a “chew!”
“Bless you,” a voice mumbled. To the left of her bed was Sky Stinger, taking a peek at the mare with half closed eyes. “Good morning, best sneeze.”
“Thanks and good morning yourself,” Vapor Trail spoke lowly.
Rolling off his back, the stallion laid on his stomach, looking to his friend with a smile. “Ready for our first day in training?”
“A bit. I just want some fresh air is all. You should maybe rest some more.”
Letting out a loud yawn, Sky Stinger boasted, “Yeah, perhaps you are right.” Rotating to his side, he still faced Vapor Trail, smirking at her in full confidence. “I should let myself relax some more before I blow everypony away.”
“I bet you will,” Vapor Trail nodded, glad to see Sky in good spirits.
Out of nowhere, a pillow flew through the air and smacked Sky in the face. “Be quiet,” Spitfire grumbled from the other side of the room. “Only I am allowed… to shout… at others.” The captain stirred around in her bed before stilling herself. Whether Spitfire was woken up or her body’s sleep defences moved the pegasus, Vapor Trail’s ears fell back and she cursed at herself for being too loud. As the pillow slowly slid off of Sky Stinger’s face, Vapor Trail was greeted with an irritated look. The mare couldn’t help but giggle; quietly of course.
“Enjoy the rest of your sleep,” Vapor Trail spoke softly. Sky Stinger only nodded before closing his eyes again. Stepping outside, the mare fanned her wings out and gave them a good flap. A small cloud hovered right above the bunker, barely visible in the moonlight. Vapor Trail flew up to it and then flopped her body onto it. Several bits of bundled fluff puffed out of it, suppressed by her weight. With a happy sigh, the pegasus wiggled her body, part of her torso sinking into the cloud.
The atmosphere was starting to gain its blue color, the moon slowly descending into the horizon. After thirty minutes of silence, the sun finally peaked, sending rays of light cascading over Equestria. It was always a delight for Vapor Trail to see the sunrise. Every day she witnessed the spectacle of Princess Celestia raising the hot ball in the sky, Vapor Trail felt like it was the first time seeing light.
Looking to the world below, Vapor Trail pondered about her plans for the day. She had her practice with the Wonderbolts later on in the morning, and was going to have lunchtime with Sky Stinger. Nothing out of the ordinary according to her schedule. However, today, the pegasus had something special planned: during lunch, Vapor Trail was going to keep Sky Stinger alone to herself and confess her feelings to him.
A ray of hot sunlight heat warmed up her body, causing her to hum with delight. She closed her eyes, pretending the warmth was coming from Sky’s body as he sat next to her. Ever since Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger became Wonderbolts, the gate within the mare’s heart unlocked, it telling her that she cared more about him than just a friend.
She knew he had his flaws, like his cocky attitude, but Vapor Trail knew he had a caring heart. No matter what trouble she found herself in, Sky was never afraid to assist her. He was the wind in her wings, as was she in a more literal sense of the term. And now that she and him shared the same dream, Vapor Trail wanted to share another dream.
“ATTEEEENTION!” an obnoxious voice roared from behind the daydreaming mare. Vapor Trail screamed and leapt up high into the air, clinging to another cloud, shivering out of fear. Looking below, the mare saw Rainbow Dash holding a megaphone in her hooves. “Haha! Gotcha!” she laughed as she hovered in the air. Releasing herself from the cloud, Vapor Trail had to catch her breath before speaking.
“A- good morning would have been better,” she squeaked, her heart still racing.
Pressing a button on the megaphone, Rainbow Dash shouted, “GOOD MORNING!” The rainbow pegasus’ voice rang Vapor Trail’s eardrums.
“Hey, Crash…” Soarin spoke from below. Both Rainbow Dash and Vapor Trail looked down to see a very light-blue stallion staring upwards at them, squinting because of the sunlight. “Could you not be so loud?”
“Why not? Spitfire gets to wake everypony up by yelling!” Rainbow Dash folded her arms with a furrowed brow.
“Well, she is the captain after all.”
Looking at the amplifier, Vapor Trail pointed at it and asked, “Rainbow Dash, isn’t that Spitfire’s megaphone?”
“WHAT?!” a voice ripped through the air, much louder than Rainbow Dash’s voice through the amplifier. Vapor Trail didn’t know if she spoke loudly, but it was enough to catch somepony’s attention. Running out of the bunker, a yellow pegasus looked up with fire in her eyes. In a quick motion, Spitfire shot into the air, taking back her megaphone, giving Rainbow Dash no time to react. After doing a quick loop, the team captain stopped right in front of the cyan pegasus. Bringing her amplifier to her mouth, Spitfire yelled, “IF THERE IS ONE THING I LOVE MORE THAN ENTERTAINING FANS, IT IS MY MEGAPHONE! KEEP YOUR FLYING FEATHERS TO YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN POSSESSIONS! GOT IT?!”
With her hair blown back in a wild fashion, Rainbow Dash only nodded, not daring herself to speak. Taking in a deep breath, Spitfire seemed to be happy at what she had done. Vapor Trail managed to calm her startled heart and said to Spitfire, “Good morning captain."
Spitfire brought her megaphone to her mouth, causing Vapor Trail to cover her ears. “Good morning,” Spitfire smiled. “I assume you are wide awake.”
Realising she did not shout, the white pegasus removed her hooves from her ears. “I believe so,” Vapor Trail nodded with a small smile, but still intimidated by the captain. She looked to her left to see Rainbow Dash flick at her ear, attempting to get the ear working again.
“Good, because today is your first day training as an official Wonderbolt. Well, you and your friend Sky Stinger.”
“Did somepony say my name?” The pony just mentioned flew up into the air, hovering beside Spitfire. “You ready to get amazed captain?” Sky Stinger asked with a smug grin.
“I don’t know. Think you can keep up with experienced Wonderbolts?” Spitfire did not look amused with Sky Stinger’s boastful attitude.
“Just don’t be upset if I pass you,” he replied, smiling even wider. Vapor Trail shielded her face with her arms, afraid for her friend, but unable to help him.
Challenging his grin, Spitfire’s mouth turned into a wicked smile. “Jokes on you, because now you are going to be flying at the back of the pack.” Sky’s mouth dropped, no longer able to keep his prideful facade. A giggle escaped Rainbow Dash’s lips, letting out a ‘pfff.’ “You too Crash!” Spitfire barked. Neither Rainbow Dash, nor Sky Stinger dared to crack jokes at each other or the captain, least they were willing to be shouted at. “And you, Vapor Trail.”
“M-me?!” she flinched, now having the captain’s full attention upon her.
“You will be taking Crash’s place at the front. I want to see what you are made of.” A sincere smile came from Spitfire, “Think you got what it takes to lead a pack?” Looking to Rainbow Dash, Vapor Trail could tell she was not thrilled at being replaced and put to the back line. But something inside the mare wanted to try and impress Sky Stinger. Hopefully, he could see her from the back line.
“Yes,” she answered with a crack in her voice.
“Good answer,” Sky replied, patting his friend’s shoulder. Vapor blushed as Sky Stinger gave her friend gave her a boost of confidence.
Without warning, Spitfire yelled in her megaphone, “NOW LET’S GET A MOVE ON! WE GOT A LONG DAY AHEAD OF US!” With nopony willing to speak against her, Sky Stinger, Vapor Trail, and Rainbow Dash took off, leaving their captain to herself.
Petting her amplifier, she whispered to it, “Don’t worry, I won’t let any other mare take you away from me.”
At the head of the V formation, Vapor Trail squinted her eyes as she rose into the air. Her wings flapped at a fast rate, the air pressing hard against the pegasus’ body. She could feel the muscles burn with every bat of her wings. But Vapor Trail still climbed, waiting for Spitfire’s signal.
“NOW!” the captain cried through her megaphone. Seizing her flapping, Vapor Trail used the momentum she had and did a backwards flip. At the peak of her spin, she was upside-down. She could see her other teammates synchronizing with her; Sky Stinger gave her a wave as their sights met. Beneath her uniform, the mare held a hidden blush. But Sky Stinger only proved to be a distraction for Vapor Trail.
With her focus elsewhere, the white mare had lost all momentum in her flip and she fell backwards. Vapor Trail let out a small shriek before recovering herself. She looked back to see her group finish their loop and speed toward the ground.
“STOP, STOP! BREAK FORMATION!” In an instant, the Wonderbolts still in decent broke off and landed back down on the runway. Slowly, Vapor Trail flew down to the others, awaiting a scolding from her captain. “What the heck were you doing up there? Ya daydreaming?!” Spitfire shouted without her voice amplifier. “You had that perfectly, and once again, you messed up another routine!”
“Sorry…” Vapor Trail muttered, her ears folding back. “I had my mind elsewhere…” Hidden behind her goggles, the mare’s eyes fell on Sky Stinger.
“I have noticed.” Placing her goggles over her eyes, Spitfire looked to the others. “You all follow my lead.” Looking back at Vapor Trail, the captain spoke bluntly. “And you, Daydreamer, keep your eyes on me! Nothing else. Understand?” Vapor Trail nodded, unable to speak another word. “Let’s go, Wonderbolts!” Taking off in a quick dash, the others started to take off as well. Just before two other members went into the air, Sky Stinger walked over to his friend, removing his goggles.
“Sorry about distracting you that time…” he apologized, unhappy with Vapor Trail’s circumstance.
“It’s alright.” The mare responded with a smile that obviously said otherwise. “It is just nice to see you… see you-”
“I know it is great to see me fly.” Sky Stinger lifted his head up at his own compliment. “But it is almost as good as to see you fly as well. Maybe even a little better than me, since you are the one leading the V formation.” Her face flushed with color, and she was thankful for her uniform. “Just watch Spitfire and I will stop giving you a wave when we practice.” Quickly, Sky took off into the sky in a blue streak, the mare's tail and mane fluttering from the air of his momentum.
***
“Sounds to me you already have a nickname,” Sky Stinger grinned, pointing the tip of his carrot at his friend.
“I don’t blame Spitfire or the others for calling me Daydreamer,” Vapor Trail said with a small giggle. “I practically had my heads in the clouds. Heck, I even look like one.” She fluffed the front of her hair with a hoof as she tried to think of her mane as a cloud.
The sun was high in the sky and it was lunchtime for the Wonderbolts. Neither Sky Stinger, nor Vapor Trail wore their uniforms as they ate their food high on a cloud, above the Wonderbolt’s academy. Vapor Trail had a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Sky had several carrots and a hay sandwich. “Again, sorry about distracting you earlier,” Sky Stinger said, his eyes in a sad crease.
Vapor Trail could tell her friend felt bad for her circumstance, but knew it was her fault. She was going to ask him to be her special somepony today, after all. “It’s fine.” Her voice cracked as the pony’s heart began to race. “Well, the reason why I was so distracted by you is because…”
“Becafse wphat?” Sky mumbled with his mouth slightly full of food.
Vapor Trail’s white face burned hot with blush, unable to hide her current mood. With ears folded back, she said aloud, “Because I want to tell you that I really, really like you and I want to always be around you!”
After swallowing his chewed food, Sky scooted close to his friend and wrapped an arm around her. “Oh, I know that,” he said with a bright smile.
“You do?” Vapor Trail muttered, her cheek pressed against the stallion’s neck.
“Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t feel the same way?” Sky was acting in a way Vapor Trail was not expecting. Normally when somepony tells another they really really like them, the receiver is usually stunned in some way. However, he was behaving as if he heard this from her before. “I too really really like you as well, and am glad you always stood by my side.” Vapor looked at her friend’s face to see any type of blush, or hear any nervousness in his voice. But there were no traces of either. “You were practically the wind to my wings,” he winked.
“Isn't that the truth.”
The rest of the lunchtime was in silence. Vapor Trail wondered if Sky knew she had just confessed her emotions to him as she ate her sandwich. Perhaps she needed to ask Sky if they were official special someponies.
Taking in a deep breath, the mare asked, “So are w-”
“Daydreamer, please report to my office immediately!” Spitfire’s voice boomed over the intercom.
“Looks like cap wants needs a word with you,” Sky spoke before taking a huge chunk out of his hay sandwich. Vapor Trail shivered, believing she was in trouble, but a hoof patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I am sure she will just compliment you on your work.”
Vapor Trail get out a small giggle. “I appreciate the boost of encouragement, but I think the opposite. I messed up a lot today during practice.” Taking a stand, the mare looked to her friend, still wanting to ask him if they are special someponies. “Sky, are-”
“Oh and when you do get complimented for your great flying…” The stallion looked up to the sky with a grin. “...you mind asking Spitfire if she is interested in anypony.”
If Vapor Trail’s heart could fall out of her chest and shatter, now would have been able. “O-oh, alright,” she squeaked, her voice cracking with sadness. “I will… See you later...” Before he could get a good look at her face, the pegasus took off in a quick flash. She was afraid of her tears being visible.
“Come in,” Spitfire’s voice spoke, sounding bored. Slowly, Vapor Trail opened the door to her captain’s office. Various awards stuck to the wall in their own cases, along with various pictures and posters representing the Wonderbolts along the walls. The captain sat at her chair, staring down at papers, scribbling on them. She wasn’t wearing any attire as she did her work. Turning her slate faced gaze to the white pegasus, Spitfire said, “Daydreamer, we need to talk about your performance.”
“I had a feeling,” she sniffed, wiping any beads of tears that rested on her eyelids.
Putting down her pen, Spitfire placed her arms on her desk, but not removing her current expression. “What’s the matter, newbie? Daydreams gettin’ to ya?”
“It’s not import-”
“It is now!” Spitfire brought her hoof down on the table with a light thud. Vapor Trail flinched at the short burst of noise. “You were doing very well for your first day, I am willing to admit. Even I was impressed to see you lead a V formation so quickly.” At least Sky was right about Spitfire complimenting me about my flying, Vapor Trail thought, not as intimidated with the yellow leader. “And then, somehow, you had your head somewhere else and you lost your ability to fly.”
“I know…”
“And now I need to know what is going on through that head of yours.” Resting her elbows on the desk, Spitfire raised her hooves to her chin. “Because clearly something is bothering you. I can see it in your eyes. You have been crying.” No longer wanting to hold the serious mask to her face, Spitfire stood up and walked over to her Wonderbolt member. She put on a frown and asked, “So what’s up? Your information is confidential with me.”
“I-” Vapor Trail’s throat cramped hard with sadness and the tears started flowing again.
“Can’t handle the pressure? Sore muscles? Family pet run over by a cart?” Spitfire asked, trying to list off any possibilities of the mare’s distraught attitude. “Need more practice? Because I don’t think so.”
“It’s none of those things captain,” Vapor Trail shook her head. “It is more personal than that…”
“Got a guy on your mind?” Unable to take the pain, the white pegasus clenched her eyes tightly. “Bingo,” Spitfire muttered. “So what happened? Did he break your heart?” Craning her neck left and right, Spitfire’s neck cracked loudly. “Would you like for me to give him something to remember?” She grinned widely, ready to bring hurt to the stallion daring to turn down a Wonderbolt.
“It’s Sky,” Vapor Trail squeaked. “He has been on my mind… Perhaps a little more than often…” Vapor Trail dared to look at her captain with sad, pathetic eyes, and saw Spitfire standing in thought.
“Hmm… So you like him, huh?” Vapor Trail nodded, her face flushed and ears folded back. “Did you ask him out and he turned you down? Because right now it seems like it.”
“I don’t know actually…” Vapor Trail rubbed her shoulder, unsure of what happened when she told Sky she really really liked him.
“How so?” the captain hummed, turning her head in confusion.
“Well, at lunch, I told Sky Stinger that I really really liked him and I said that I always want to be around him.” The shy mare’s face flushed with red as she told Spitfire what had happened before she was summoned. “And then- he said that he feels the same way, but then Sky turned around and asked me if you were interested in anypony.”
Unable to hold her concerned face, Spitfire couldn’t help but snicker. “heh... heheha… Hahaha... AAAHHHAAAHAAAAAGGGGHHHH!” Vapor Trail took a few steps back, not sure what to make of her captain’s hysterical attitude. Trying to contain herself, Spitfire chuckled, “W-was he trying to ask me out?” With her funny bone tickled a bit too much, she wheezed as she continued to laugh loudly. “As if!” After finally regaining her composure, Spitfire said to Vapor Trail, “I am really sorry, but that is truly hilarious. Your friend has no chance with me, nor do I have anypony on my mind.”
Something inside of Vapor Trail made part of her shattered heart piece itself back together. However, there was still one nagging question. “But I don’t understand. How could he tell me he feels the same way, and then ask me if you were interested in somepony?”
Again, Spitfire chuckled for a moment, still finding humor in Sky Stinger trying to get together with her. “Sorry, it’s still funny.” Clearing her throat and then placing her serious face on, the captain said, “It seems to me that you had a failed confession to an oblivious friend.”
“Y-you think so?!” Vapor Trail’s ears perked up, hoping Spitfire's words were true.
“One-hundred percent!” she smiled. “What you said was a true confession of emotions. If I didn’t know that, perhaps I need a lesson on what emotions are.”
“Yeay!” Vapor Trail’s voice cracked with happiness as she started to bounce up and down.
“Alright, alright, Daydreamer…” Spitfire muttered, grabbing the bouncy mare by the torso. Looking at her teammate with a serious stare, Spitfire said, “Normally I would have a problem with Wonderbolt’s dating each other. If a relationship would turn south, it could ruin a flyer’s attitude, possibly causing some unneeded drama.” Vapor Trail nodded, understanding the captain’s issue. “However, time and time again, throughout Wonderbolt history, many have come into the team and fell in love with another performer. And things normally work out.” A shy smile grew on the white pegasus’ lips, thinking of past romances she knew nothing about. “In fact, it does increase a flyer’s attitude and confidence, making both members fly even better.”
“So you are okay about me asking Sky if we can be special someponies?” Vapor Trail asked, a spark of hope igniting inside her breast.
Walking over to her desk, Spitfire took a seat in her chair. “I will have a problem if you continue to daydream about him and it affects your flying negatively. And I will have an even bigger issue if both of you worsen your flying because of a romantic relationship.”
“I understand, captain!” Vapor Trail nodded with a firm tone in her voice.
“Good. Now get out of my office, Daydreamer.” Despite any possible malice, Spitfire gave a sincere smile to Vapor Trail as the white mare left her.
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.
Standing by their beds, Sky Stinger paced back and forth as Vapor Trail sat on her mattress. “Now that we are alone, you can now practice with the master of speaking the mind.” He paused his strut and pointed a hoof to his breast. “That’s me.” Vapor Trail giggled a bit, bringing a hoof to her mouth. Resuming his pace, so did Sky with his statement, “As you may know, I am not afraid of saying what is on my mind.”
“I noticed, considering how Spitfire put you in the back of the V formation after you told her not to be upset if you pass her,” Vapor Trail joked, trying to hold in a laugh.
“T-that was just because she was afraid of me showing her off. After all, you and I are most definitely the best flyers in the academy.” Both Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail knew they were very skilled at what they did best. But Sky believed his friend may be a better flyer than he is, and he had to include her in his prideful speech. And it didn’t bother him one bit that she was.
Vapor Trail was a bit flattered at the statement, but the mare didn’t care if she was the best flyer the Wonderbolts had ever seen; though it would be a nice title to have. “Anyways,” Vapor Trail’s voice cracked, wanting to get back to Sky Stinger’s ‘speaking of the mind’ lessons.
“So!” Stepping in front of his friend, Sky said, “If you are to speak your mind to this stallion you want to share your heart to, you’ll need somepony to practice on.” With a handsome smile, he looked into Vapor Trail’s eyes. “I will be that pony for you.”
Vapor Trail was glad that her friend was willing to assist her with confessing her emotions. However, the mare was screaming internally, because he was the one she was having difficulty confessing her love to. First, Sky was oblivious to her confession earlier at lunch. Then, Vapor Trail tried again, but couldn’t get the words out. Perhaps she did need her friend’s schooling on speaking her mind before telling him the truth.
Trying to almost pretend Sky Stinger was not the stallion in question, Vapor Trail nodded. But her blush was telling him otherwise. “Hey, don’t be embarrassed. Just pretend I am him. Right now.”
I can’t! “Alright.” Vapor Trail took in a deep breath and sighed, frustrated with her inability to be truthful. Trying to ‘imagine,’ she scanned Sky Stinger and tried to think of… another Sky Stinger. “Okay, you are him now,” she said, pointing a hoof at him.
“Good!” Walking around to the other side of the bed, Sky Stinger cleared his throat. Vapor Trail was about to turn her head to look at her friend, but he let out an ‘uh-uh.’ “I am getting into character.” A light smile grew on the mare’s face. She was finding Sky’s act of helpfulness very sweet, and knew he was wanting the best for her.
“Okay, you can turn around.” Rotating her body, Vapor Trail was expecting Sky to have some feature changed about him. Perhaps ruffle up his mane to try and impersonate Vapor Trail’s potential special somepony. But instead, when her eyes met his, it was the same old Sky Stinger that slept in the bed beside hers that same morning. “Just try to imagine the stallion you are interested in is less attractive than I am. After all, I am quite awesome and have looks other guys wish they had.”
It was a bit difficult to picture a not as handsome Sky Stinger. But when she did, Vapor Trail imagined him with a bigger nose and couldn’t help but snicker. “Okay, I am thinking of a less attractive stallion that I am interested in.” Which happens to be you.
“Perfect. Now we are going to roll play the asking out the stallion scene. I will be playing the not as handsome as Sky Stinger stallion.” The situation Vapor Trail was in started to amuse her, as the prideful stallion unknowingly insulted himself. Walking back to the other side of the bed, the stallion resumed, “And you will be the lovely, best sneeze mare, Vapor Trail, ready to ask me out.”
“Am I less attractive in this little scenario as well?” she asked, her brows playfully furrowed and her mouth grinned.
“Oh no no no!” Sky Stinger shook his head. “In this scene, you are dolled up beautifully. So beautiful, that the stallion in question cannot turn you down.”
Now Vapor Trail was beginning to have an easier time using her imagination. The pegasus thought of herself with powdered blush, sparkly eye lashes, and a well done mane that bounced even more when she moved her head. The scene was becoming more clear to her. There she was, standing outside in the sunset. Her body felt clean as she batted her eyes at the big nosed Sky Stinger.
“I think I am ready to start,” Vapor Trail nodded, her mane bouncing a little in excitement.
With a smile, Sky Stinger closed his eyes for a moment, and then opened them. “Why, Vapor Trail!” he spoke in a slightly dramatic tone, “you are looking quite lovely today!”
Not ready by the sudden start to the scenario, Vapor Trail stuttered a bit. “O-oh you know… I just wanted to look pretty today.” She looked down to the ground, her sunset scene starting to fade.
“Eye contact, Vapor Trail. If you want to keep a strong sense of confidence, you need to always look at him.” Sky spoke very calmly as he instructed his friend with a warm smile that heated her spirit. Taking the advice, Vapor Trail looked at the big-nosed Sky Stinger, but didn’t move her head. “And chin up. Remember, confidence is the key.” Removing the invisible weight that held her chin down, Vapor Trail’s head lifted up and leveled her chin with Sky Stinger's. With a nod, he resumed his act. “Well, you must be extra beautiful today for something.”
“It's because…” In her imagination, the sunbeams of the sunset flashed in a fan of orange shades as the sun fell behind a cloud. Sky Stinger and his big nose looked at Vapor Trail with curiosity. “...b-because…” she squeaked with blush unable to remove itself from her cheeks.
Unable to get any more words out, her coach spoke, “Now I want you to count down in your mind from three to one. When you get to one, you tell him your feelings.”
“Okay, I will do that.” Vapor Trail took in a deep breath before sighing, preparing herself for the confession. Her heart rate began to pick up the pace, taking this simulation seriously.
“So, I will start again.” Sky cleared his throat before getting back into character. “What is it? You can tell me what is on your mind.” With a smile, he spoke low, “Now count.”
“Sky, I really really like you!” Vapor Trail exclaimed, her heart knocking on her ribcage. She spoke his name in hopes Sky Stinger believes it is his. The friend looked at Vapor Trail, his eyes wide with shock. Vapor Trail saw this as her chance to bleed her emotions and pressed forward, “I just like everything about you Sky! Your smile, your attitude, your everything!” Her voice cracked, begging for her friend to believe the simulation was no simulation, but real and alive. “You… inspire me. A-and I wish to be with you.”
Sky Stinger took a few steps back. “You… you like me? As in... you want to be my special somepony?”
“Yes, Sky! Please, be my special somepony!” If she gushed out anymore emotions, Vapor Trail would have started to cry. Slowly, Sky Stinger walked up to Vapor Trail, his face flushing with red. He heard me! He believes me! Vapor Trail’s body shivered with anticipation and nervousness.
With his face up close to hers, a hot breath of air escaped the gaps of Sky Stinger’s lips. He reached out a hoof, slowly getting closer to her. Vapor Trail slightly tilted her chin down, batting her eyes shyly.
In one quick motion, Sky Stinger lightly booped her nose with his hoof. “That was perfect! Excellent work, Vapor Trail,” he beamed. “I was almost convinced you were really asking me out.”
“Oh, hehe… yeah…” Vapor Trail rubbed the back of her head, finding it hard to smile. I was hoping you would believe me… With her heart defeated and hopes to have Sky Stinger her special somepony, Vapor Trail needed some privacy. “I just… think I should think about your tips alone now… Just so I can prepare myself.”
“No problem.” Walking away from the bed he, made for the bunker’s exit. Then stopped. Looking back with a suspicious hint in his eyes, he asked, “You said 'Sky' when we were practicing, right?”
Vapor Trail’s ears twitched, hoping Sky Stinger caught onto her hint. “Yes I did,” the mare asked. She kept her eyes and chin leveled with his, just as he instructed her. Confidence was key.
Growing a smile, he said, “I know you were just using my name to keep the stallion you truly like hidden.”
Vapor Trailed lowered her head, losing all hope in Sky Stinger’s oblivious attitude. “Yeah, that's really it,” she muttered sarcastically.
“Well, I will be leaving you to your privacy. Later.” Sky Stinger then walked out with no more words to say.
Slightly frustrated, but more distraught, Vapor Trail planted her face into the pillow resting on her mattress. He didn't even know I was telling him the truth… She grumbled into her pillow, irritated at Sky and his inability to take a hint.
After letting out a muffled sigh, Vapor Trail needed to get some fresh air. When she lifted up her head, the mare realised she was now not alone. Standing at the entrance of the bunker, Fleetfoot looked at the mare, smiling at her.
“Oh, hey Fleetfoot,” Vapor Trail spoke, not really sure of what to make of the Wonderbolt’s presence.
Walking over to her bed, the light-blue mare couldn't contain her joy. “I heard you confess your feelings to Sky Stinger,” Fleetfoot giggled a bit. Vapor Trail’s face burned as she flushed red. “Hey hey, it's okay.” Fleetfoot winked at the flustered mare. “Your secret is safe with me.” She looked to the door of the bunker and hummed. “Well, maybe not for long. I am sure we will all know you two are together eventually.”
Sadness once again gripped Vapor Trail’s heart, knowing Fleetfoot was wrong about Sky Stinger being with the white mare. “Well, I did tell him how I felt…” Vapor Trail’s ears flicked back. “...but he didn’t believe me…”
Fleetfoot turned around, ready to charge out of the building. “He didn't!? What a jerk!” her voice cracking with anger. “Did he turn you down?”
“No no no! It's not what you think!” Vapor Trail squeaked, afraid the heated Wonderbolt was about to give Sky Stinger her two cents.
***
“So you two were just practicing on your confidence to ask out another stallion,” Fleetfoot spoke, summarizing what Vapor Trail had just said. “However, the stallion in question is actually Sky Stinger, and he was unaware of what was really going on.”
“That sounds about right,” Vapor Trail answered with a nod, her mane bouncing a bit.
Smirking, Fleetfoot shook her head, “Sounds to me you have quite a pickle.”
“A very stubborn big nosed pickle that that…” Vapor Trail creased her brow slightly, now believing she might be in a love/hate relationship with Sky Stinger.
Tapping her hoof with a shoulder, Fleetfoot asked, “So are you now going to ask him out a third time?”
“It wouldn't hurt to try. He didn't turn me down yet.”
“That's the spirit.” The Wonderbolt patted her teammate on the shoulder, making Vapor Trail smile. With a curious look in her eyes, Fleetfoot wondered, “I do hope Spitfire is alright with you and Sky Stinger becoming a thing. She isn’t one to like relationships among Wonderbolts.”
“She actually knows.” Vapor Trail’s ears fell back. “When she called me into the office, I told her why I was distracted. And it was because of Sky…”
Fleetfoot grinned, her cheeks lifting up to her eyes. “Now I get your nickname even more.”
A sigh escaped Vapor Trail, her heart still weighed down because of her mistakes from earlier. “But Spitfire is okay with my feelings for him, so long as I don’t… you know-”
“Daydreamer, I get it,” Fleetfoot nodded. “Anyways, I think we should get going. Lunch time is almost over and we still need to get down our routine.” The sky-blue pegasus reached out her hoof to Vapor Trail with an encouraging smile. “Let’s go.”
“Alright.” With hope still in her breast, Vapor Trail got off her bed, confident that her pursuit of Sky Stinger's heart was far from over.
The wind pressed hard on Vapor Trail dived straight for the ground. She wanted to peak at her teammates, wondering if they followed her lead. But remembering what Spitfire had enforced into the daydreamer’s head, she rather not be distracted; especially by Sky Stinger. The air bit at the mare’s ears as she picked up speed, the ground growing as she dived downward.
“NOW CLIMB!” Spitfire yelled in her megaphone. Fanning out her wings, Vapor Trail bent her body outward, pulling herself up into the air. The ground came close to the mare, but that was intended; the Wonderbolts were known to perform dangerous stunts most pegusi wouldn't dare to attempt.
Spitfire watched her team members shoot up into the atmosphere with streaks of hues and smoke trails as she stood on the grass alone. “Flying colors,” the captain muttered to herself. “Just the way I like em’.”
“Break formation Wonderbolts!” Spitfire called, not yelling at her normal volume. “Practice is dismissed!”
At once, the stunt ponies slowed their movements and scattered about the sky. Some landed on the clouds, taking deep breaths and enjoying the cool moisture within the white platforms. Others touched down with a slow pace, such as Vapor Trail.
Looking skyward, Vapor Trail looked to see where her friend was. In the air, she caught a glimpse of Sky Stinger’s dark and light- turquoise streak as it shot across the sky. Beside him were two other trails beside him. One was rainbow, and the other, a dark smoke trail that spat out small lightning bolts. It took Vapor Trail a moment to figure out what was going on: Sky Stinger was racing against Rainbow Dash and Soarin.
All three dove for the runway at fast speeds, and soon, others started to notice the racers as well, and began to cheer them on.
“Let's go, Crash!”
“Come on, Soarin!”
“Go Sky!” Vapor Trail cried out with her wings fanned out. Her voice cracked loudly as she rooted for her friend. A hoof nudged the mare’s ribs and caused her to flinch, and she quickly clenched her wings back to her sides. Looking to see who was grabbing her attention, Vapor Trail saw Fleetfoot wearing a sneer.
“Nice cheering, Daydreamer,” she winked. Fleetfoot shook her head when she turned back to the racers, “Soarin’s going to win.”
Insulted, Vapor Trail blurted out, “How do you know?! Sky is in the lead!”
Watching the streaks, Sky Stinger was now right in front of Soarin with Rainbow Dash slightly beside the veteran flyer. Both Rainbow Dash and Sky Stinger were quickly flapping their wings; however, Soarin’s was at a much slower rate. “Soarin is in your friend’s drag,” Fleetfoot answered. “Sky Stinger and Rainbow Dash are using an excessive amount of thrust, burning their energy faster than need be. And considering how we just finished a routine, I am sure all three are tired.”
Vapor Trail was starting to understand Fleetfoot’s logic, “So because Rainbow Dash and Sky are exhausting themselves against natural air…”
“...Soarin is conserving his energy for the kill,” Fleetfoot smirked, watching her friend dive underneath Sky Stinger. Soarin gained an insane amount of velocity, leaving his competitors in his dust; or rather, his black cloud trail. The trail’s lightning bolts bit at Rainbow Dash and Sky Stinger, giving them small shocks for flying too close to the clouds. “He also has a bit of a trick up his sleeve that keeps others from wanting to pass him.” Vapor Trail grumbled at the dirty tactic as she witnessed her friend lose speed upon getting electrified.
With the runway right below his hooves, Soarin touched down and skid on the asphalt with an ’errrt!’ He watched his opponents come for a slow landing as several Wonderbolt’s cheered and wooted for the winner.
“Nice one, Clipper!”
“Great use of your smoke trail!”
“Looks like you are buying lunch tomorrow, Daisy!”
Aside from Misty Fly cursing at Surprise for getting her to bet on the race, everypony else clapped in support of the friendly race. Vapor Trail briskly walked up to Sky Stinger, watching him breathing heavily and fan himself with his wings to keep cool. “You did great Sky,” she said with encouraging pat on the back.
“Thanks,” was all the pegasus could wheeze out, but he smiled nonetheless. “He just got lucky. If he didn't have that smoke trail, even Sorin would have to ask why I beat him.”
Vapor Trail could tell salt was on his wound and she wanted to help Sky feel better. She pulled him close and pressed her cheeks against his, “You are always a winner to me.” As she clung to her friend, Vapor Trail saw Spitfire and Fleetfoot looking at her. They gave the pegasus individual winks before turning toward each other.
“Again, thanks.” This time, he reached an arm around Vapor Trail, appreciating the support. He flashed a smile she could see and the mare grinned back.
“Good race, Soarin,” Rainbow Dash spoke, causing Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger to look at the other racers. “That was some fine flying. And nice smoke trail.”
“You and Sky Stinger did a good job keeping up.” Soarin looked between his opponents, not wanting to have any negative tension. “If you want racing tips, just ask Fleetfoot. She is the one no one can beat.”
In a blur of colors, Rainbow Dash flew to Fleetfoot with an eager gaze. “Tell me your secrets!” It was no secret to the Wonderbolts, including to Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail, that Fleetfoot was an incredible racer who regularly participated in derbies. Whether it was on hoof or by wing, Fleetfoot would always want to show she was the best racer.
As Rainbow Dash and Fleetfoot mingled about techniques, Vapor Trail wanted to get out of her Wonderbolt’s uniform.
“I am going to hit the spa, Sky,” she spoke, hoping he would accompany her based on her statement. But his attention was elsewhere; toward Fleetfoot. Without paying any attention to her, Sky Stinger went over to the race pony, in hopes to get some pointers.
All alone, Vapor Trail frowned and started to trudge to the poolroom by herself. “Hey, Daydreamer!” The voice of Spitfire made the fur on Vapor Trail’s neck stand up.
“Yes captain?” she stiffened and turned to see Spitfire wearing a calm grin.
“Where are you headed off to?”
***
Spitfire and Vapor Trail purred as the hot water relaxed their muscles. The jets shot at their backs, leaving them in a happy sensation of relaxation.
“You did well, Daydreamer,” Spitfire spoke, her voice slightly distorted by the waterjets hitting her spine. “Keep it up and you will move through the ranks quite…” The captain slid from her seat, sinking shoulders below the hot surface. “...nicely…” Spitfire whispered as the water comforted her once cold shoulders. Only her head was above water.
“Thanks,” Vapor Trail nodded, her wet mane bobbing in front of her eyes. “All I did was what you told me. That's all.”
“If only everypony else would just do what I told them.” Spitfire rolled her eyes, wondering why nopony seems to listen to her. “Speaking of you listening…” The captain began to sit up again. “Have you tried talking to your boyfriend and-”
Vapor Trail hissed at Spitfire, begging for her to be quiet. “Not so loud, please!” she whispered with flushed cheeks. “I don't want others to know. Besides, he isn't my boyfriend yet.”
Letting out a bothered sigh, Spitfire said, “Others are going to know eventually if you two become a thing.”
“Not unless it becomes official.” Vapor Trail’s eyes darted around to see if any nearby ears caught Spitfire’s words. “Just please, don't be open about it or tell him. I want to be the one to tell my feelings to him.”
“I never said I was going to tell him.” Spitfire shrugged, not sure why Vapor Trail was getting defensive. Speaking low to avoid spying ears listening in, the yellow mare spoke, “What I was trying to say was have you tried asking him out again, but clearly you two are not together yet.”
Hanging her head low, Vapor Trail let out a defeated sigh. “I tried, but he was again oblivious to my confession.” The pegasus didn't want to go into detail and how Sky Stinger allowed her to practice her confessing skills in him.
“I swear, if you try to ask him out again and he still doesn't take the hint, I will personally take my megaphone, shove it in his suborn ear, and tell him for you.” Spitfire gave Vapor Trail a look that didn't tell a lie. She was going to do it.
Vapor Trail giggled a little, almost hoping her captain would do that. “If it comes down to it, then I won't mind the assistance.”
“Good.” Spitfire sneered at the pegasus. “Because I love to yell at others with my megaphone. Just let me know if and when.”
Now starting to get overheated, Vapor Trail stood up and got out of the jacuzzi. “I'm going to go to the showers to wash off the chlorine.”
“Alright,” Spitfire waved before closing her eyes. “Good luck, Vapor Trail.”
Vapor Trail smiled a bit, glad to have her captain call her by her real name and not Daydreamer. After drying herself off with a towel, she made for the showers.
It bothered Vapor Trail as she stepped into the showers when she forgot to get another dry towel. Instead of getting a much less moist one, the mare kept to her cool shower instead.
Vapor Trail’s body was still warmed by the spa’s comforting waters. The less hot liquid cascaded over the mare, the pegasus enjoying the change of temperature. Vapor Trail grabbed her shampoo, squirted some onto her hoof, and started to scrub her mane.
As Vapor Trail cleaned herself, the pony thought about Sky; once again proving she was well fit for the nickname Daydreamer. Her heart was filled with emotion for Sky Stinger, a fact she couldn't deny. All she wanted was to be with him. And the more delay Vapor Trail had, the more she wanted him, which was driving the poor mare crazy.
Perhaps she needed to approach him with a different phrase. Instead of telling Sky Stinger she really really liked him, she would say to him that she loved him.
Vapor Trail ran her head under the cool cascading water, her face smiling and blushing, imagining the entire scene play out…
...She would have him alone at lunch time by the waterfalls of the Wonderbolt academy. Sky Stinger would ask her why she would choose such an interesting place to eat. Then, she would lay her heart on the line for him. And Sky Stinger would have no choice, but to accept her as his special somepony.
That's how I am going to do it. Tomorrow at lunch; when he and I are all alone. Vapor Trail reached for the shower nozzle and turned the water off. It did pain the mare to have to wait an entire day before telling Sky Stinger the fullest extent of her feelings. But it was best to prepare.
Taking her damp towel, Vapor Trail started to dry her mane. The stink of chlorine clung to the rag and the mare began to wish she had gotten another one. But dealing with what was at hoof, it didn't take long before she was finished with drying herself clean. Thanks to her shampoo, Vapor Trail’s mane smelled like sweet rose. If any scent of chlorine tried to stick to her, the rose smell will overpower it.
With her towel around her neck, Vapor Trail went to her locker. She opened it and saw a mirror that hung to the inside of the door. Grabbing her brush, the mare began to groom herself. As she brushed her mane, a bundle of pictures clung to the back of the locker. Doing her best, Vapor Trail tried to not look at them. She knew what was contained on them. One picture was with Vapor Trail and her parents. She was a teenager in the picture, and her expression screamed, “give me some space, Mom and Dad.” Her parents practically had their faces pressed against Vapor Trail’s cheeks, and the filly could only look embarrassed in front of the camera.
However that picture was easy to bare. It was the other two that Vapor Trail had to keep out of her peripheral. Unfortunately, the locker door couldn’t become detached and placed in front of the memories they bore, so the mare had to deal with those pictures being in sight.
The first picture was of her and Sky Stinger chasing a ball around his backyard. Vapor Trail remembered that day when she and him were playing a simple game of soccer. His goal was a cardboard box, and hers, two sticks stuck in the ground with the space in between. Because of the filly’s ability to pick up on things rather quickly, Vapor Trail was able to score a few goals on him in a matter of minutes. His older brothers began to tease him because he was losing to a girl, which was starting to get to Sky Stinger. So after Vapor Trail told the Sky Stinger a few pointers, not before he shook off the advice, saying he was only going easy on Vapor Trail, she decided to fumble about and let him win. After Vapor Trail’s “crushing defeat,” Sky Stinger was hoping his siblings would appreciate his victory. But the older brothers only told him that winning against a girl does not count.
The next game was Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger on the same team versus his two heckling siblings. After the score reached 10-0, the brothers got “bored” and left, losing their game in a forfeit, though they would have lost because of their lack of points. That evening, Sky Stinger gloated all day about how good he was, despite how Vapor Trail did most of the running. All he did was kick for the goals. Vapor Trail knew better than to put a damper in his pride, and kept that secret from him to this day.
After thinking about her silly fillyhood story, Vapor Trail realised she put him in the spotlight in order to make him shine. She felt bad that Sky Stinger never stood out in his family, even with his amazing flying abilities. Or at least, his amazing flying abilities with Vapor Trail’s unknown help.
The last picture was Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger wearing graduation caps from high school. At that point in their life, he was the star of Cloudsdale High School, one of the best flyers in the campus’ history. Of course, a very small amount of popularity shed on Vapor Trail. But when it did, she quickly brought light to Sky Stinger; after all, she didn’t want any attention. As of the day she became a Wonderbolt, Vapor Trail realized she did want to be recognized. And as of several weeks ago, she wanted Sky Stinger’s attention-
Why can’t I get my mind off of him?! Finished with grooming her mane, the pegasus lightly lobbed her brush into the locker. The stick of bristles landed with a hard thump as it hit the back of the metal wall. In the mirror, Vapor Trail saw herself with a fluffy mane ready to bounce with every move she made. Her expression was not as pretty as her mane, however. She glared back at herself, trying to intimidate her reflection. As the staring contest continued, the pony couldn’t grasp why Sky Stinger was plaguing her heart and mind all of a sudden.
Today was supposed to be the day Vapor Trail was going to confess her feelings to him. And every attempt ended in him being oblivious to her proposal. The days prior to the present didn’t seem to affect her at all. But those days are gone and the mare had to face that reality. Why all of a sudden can’t I avoid thinking about him?! Why now?!
“Having a staring contest with yourself, Daydreamer?” Spitfire asked with a raised brow. The sudden question made Vapor Trail flinch before giving her captain a slightly irritated stare. A sneer inflated on Spitfire’s mouth as she read the white mare’s flushed face.
“You are not the only one to admire yourself in the mirror.” With her shining armor now in the locker room, Sky Stinger walked up to the captain with a smile that matched hers. “Did you enjoy the show while you were on the ground? I bet even for flying at the end of the pack, my skills almost outshined the others. Except for Vapor Trail, of course.” Vapor Trail blushed, flattered by the compliment.
“You and the others did well.” Spitfire didn’t feel like playing Sky Stinger’s game and complimented him instead; but didn’t want to glorify him either. “As for your friend, she did do a great job with leading everypony in the V formation.”
“I agree,” Fleetfoot replied as she trudged into view.
“Same here!” Rainbow Dash agreed. Several other Wonderbolt members who were in the locker room shot their compliments at Vapor Trail, their voices echoing off the walls. The color in Vapor Trail’s face lit up even more, too much attention being drawn to her.
“Stop, please,” the white mare giggled, half lying. “After all, I am only the leader of just one act.”
“So,” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “During my first performance, I didn’t have any lead rolls.”
“Speaking of her rolling…” Spitfire snickered at the rainbow maned mare. “...I remember what Rainbow Crash did during her first Wonderbolt’s performance.” Rainbow Dash’s ears retreated, along with herself. But she bumped into Fleetfoot who gave her a mirrored image of her captain’s smile.
“Do tell,” Sky Stinger asked. With team members surrounding Rainbow Dash, she had nowhere to escape to. As Spitfire began telling the story of how Rainbow Dash attempted to showboat during her first performance, the cyan-furred mare needed to think of a way out of her predicament. With her wet rag around her neck, Rainbow Dash had an idea.
Glancing around, she noticed everypony was staring at Spitfire, laughing at how Crash collided with the earth. No one payed attention to the one Spitfire was talking about. Wrapping her towel in a tube, Rainbow Dash cracked it at Lightning Streak’s back ankle. He yelped, the sound of a wet rag smacking against skin.
Before the stallion could see who tagged him, Rainbow Dash tossed the white towel at Soarin’s hooves. “I saw that, Soarin!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and watched Lightning Streak shoot a glare at the scapegoat who had no idea he was being used.
“Did what?” Soarin asked, looking to the one who called his name. But in that time, he didn’t see Lightning Streak whip his towel at the Soarin, missing by a few hairs. “The heck, dude!”
Lightning Streak grinned, at the ready to whip the cloth he wielded viscously. Soarin gripped his wet rag, swung with harsh intent, and missed Lightning Streak, hitting Sky Stinger in the back. He flinched and let out an “ah!” as a red spot grew, indicating where Sky was struck.
“What?!” Vapor Trail was shocked by the sudden yelp. But her friend was quick to retaliate, whipping at whoever was behind him. His victim: Rainbow Dash. With everypony now aware of what was going on, most of the Wonderbolts scattered and grabbed their rags. Their animal instincts kicked in and were ready to strike at anypony who dared attack them. As for Spitfire and Vapor Trail, they looked at each other, wondering what riled up the team. Several members walked up and down the locker halls, hunting for their next victim. Loud smacks rang out, the occasional yelp following the crack.
Vapor Trail flinched as Blaze and High Winds dueled each other, cracking at each others legs and flanks. If there was one thing Vapor Trail hated about locker rooms, was the chance of being whipped by a wet rag.
“Alright, who started it?” Spitfire exclaimed, but was not ready, nor expecting her rhetorical question to be answered.
“Your mother!” Fleetfoot barked, her towel tagging the captain in the flank. The sound rang loud and a large red spot glowed on Spitfire’s fur.
A sinister sneer grew on Spitfire’s face. In one quick motion, the captain swung her towel like an aggressive whip. “You better run, Flatfoot…”
Now glad her friend was involved in the temporary war, Fleetfoot yelled, “The captain is commin,’ everypony!” As quickly as she could, the one called Flatfoot fled with Spitfire in hot pursuit. Vapor Trail watched the two round the corner before consecutive cracks rang in the air.
“I don’t care about who started this nonsense,” Spitfire exclaimed, her voice moving around the hallways. “But I will end it!” Several more snaps bit the air, making Vapor Trail flinch after each sound.
A crack rang from behind the mare. Her neck snaps to see who tried to hit her and saw her turquoise friend. “Please don’t, Sky!” Vapor Trail begged, quaking in fear.
Chuckling, the stallion shook his head, “I would never want to hurt you.” Keeping an eye on his flank, he said, “You better get out if you don’t want to get whipped.” Not taking her time, Vapor Trail made for the exit. A crack here and a bite there. But thankfully, the mare met no pegusi as she briskly headed toward her escape. However, the moment she rounded a corner, a stallion waited in preparation for an ambush.
Vapor Trail flinched and tucked her head into her shoulder just as Wind Waker swung his towel. The tip cracked against the mare’s cheek, leaving a bright red spot to show where she was hit. She let out a scream as the sound rang in the locker room.
“Oh my goodness! I am so sorry, Vapor Trail!” Wind Waker quickly lemented his choice as he watched the white mare’s eyes tear up. She rubbed her cheek, it stinging with pain.
“What happened?!” Sky Stinger’s voice bit the air, his name having more meaning. Looking behind her with one eye, she saw her friend standing with a puffed chest. Anger burned in his eyes with instincts almost ready to act irrationally.
“It was an accident, I swear!” Wind Waker tried to step toward Vapor Trail but she flinched at his movement. “She bent her head down and I was trying to aim for the legs-”
In one swift act, Sky Stinger dashed at Vapor Trail’s attacker and whipped at Wind Waker’s face. The rag tagged his nose, the stallion wincing in pain. “The legs are not up here, you moron!” Sky Stinger barked, pointing at his face with a hoof. The sound of cracking around the locker room ceased immediately.
“S-Sky!” Vapor Trail yelped, now longer worried about her hurt face. Stepping in front of her heated friend, she tried to calm him down, “He said it was an accident! I am fine.”
But her words fell on deaf ears. Sky Stinger saw where Wind Waker hit his friend and noticed Vapor Trail’s cheek was slightly swollen. Her upper cheek was puffed out, making it almost seem that Vapor Trail was struck by a harder force than a wet cloth. And that boiled his blood even more.
Being the barrier, the victim threw herself between the now angry stallions. “You heard your friend,” Wind Waker leered, no longer holding his towel. “She knows I am sorry.”
“Regardless of who you hit, you would have angered anyone by hitting them in the face,” Sky Stinger spoke through his teeth.
A crack rang out, along with Sky Stinger yelping in pain. Another sound and Wind Waker almost mimicked the same scream as Sky. “Alright, fun’s over…” Spitfire hovered in the air, leering above the three ponies. “It always ends in somepony getting hit in the face, and then things get ugly.”
At this point, others began to come around the corners, wondering what the commotion was all about. Among the ponies, Rainbow Dash stood in the back, feeling guilty because she was the one who started the towel whipping fiasco.
After landing in front of Vapor Trail, Spitfire got a good look at her swollen cheek. “Ouch…” she muttered. Spitfire gave the same stare Sky Stinger was wielding at Wind Waker, “Why were you aiming for the face, you dunce?!" Spitfire circled her hoof around her face, "The legs aren't up here!”
“It was an accident!” Wind Waker begged as others looked at him with disappointment. “She ducked her head down when I aimed for her legs.”
Vapor Trail nodded, “It is true. He didn’t mean it.” She began to hate herself for being weak and getting Wind Waker into trouble. “It’s my fault for flinching.”
“No it is not.” Sky Stinger placed a hoof on his friend’s shoulder, giving Vapor Trail a supportive look in his eyes.
“Speaking of fault…” Spitfire grumbled under her breath, but loud enough for everypony to hear her. “Anypony want to fess up and tell us why you started this towel whipping scenario?” Every head looked around to try and find the culprit.
Deciding to pony up, Rainbow Dash stepped forward. “It was me.” With all eyes on her, the mare shrank a bit. But most of the others didn’t seem to care that she did.
“Well, for whatever reason made you think that it was a good idea, don’t do it again, okay?” Spitfire was surprisingly calm about the situation, probably because things didn’t get quickly out of hoof.
“Yes, mam,” Rainbow Dash nodded. With nothing else to be done, the Wonderbolt members began to disperse. Wind Waker gave Vapor Trail another apologetic message before walking off with Soarin.
Spitfire looked to Sky Stinger who stood close to his hurt friend. “I’m gonna’ get some ice for that eye of hers," she said.
“Thanks, captain. I would be grateful if you did.” The words sounded strange to Spitfire when Sky Stinger replied so sincerely. Normally he would say something boastful, regardless of what the situation. Perhaps when it came to Vapor Trail being involved, Sky would take whatever was at hoof very seriously. Knowing Sky Stinger will keep his friend company, Spitfire went to receive an ice pack.
“You don’t have to-” But Vapor Trail’s words were cut short by her caring friend.
“But we will anyways,” he winked. He reached his hoof toward her wound, to see how sensitive it was.
“I told you I am- ow!” The instant Sky Stinger touched her swollen cheek, Vapor Trail winced in pain and turned away.
“And I think we should make sure we reduce the swell.” The stallion took a seat on edge of a bench down the locker hallway and gestured Vapor Trail to sit beside him. However, the mare stood where she was, trying to be tough and endure the pain. Sky Stinger looked away and spoke low, “Sorry for getting so upset. I don’t mean to worry you, but I can’t stand seeing my friend hurt.”
The statement made Vapor Trail’s heart swell with happiness, glad Sky Stinger willing to be her shield. “I understand. You just want me to be safe is all.” She rubbed the back of her hoof, wondering what to say next. Vapor Trail saw in her friend’s eyes that he was a bit soft. By seeing that, she wanted to test something… “You know Sky…” The mare’s cheeks began to flush and her body began to shiver a bit. “...my mother always used to kiss my wounds whenever I hurt myself. And for some reason, it always felt better right away.”
To her surprise, Sky Stinger’s cheeks started to show a different color as well. “I don’t suppose you are implying what I think you are implying.” His ears twitched a bit as the stallion wielded a nervous grin.
“You said you wanted to help.” Her words made him look away. Aww, he is getting embarressed. Vapor Trail almost giggled aloud, but she kept her glee inside her breast.
“Just this once,” he muttered. Without being asked, the mare slowly walked toward her caring friend. Perhaps now would be a good time I tell him my feelings. The moment is right and our hearts are practically visible.Yes. I will tell him. Tell him that I lo-
Something caused the mare to slip, Vapor Trail’s forelimbs slid away from below. Her chin smacked against the end of the bench Sky Stinger was sitting on, pain shooting through her jaw. The momentum made her head bounce before her temple crashed against the edge of the wooden seat. Vapor Trail’s vision went blurry, and was unable to move, stunned by the blow. To finish her fall, Vapor Trail’s skull smacked hard on the tile floor before she laid still.
Sky Stinger’s voice echoed in Vapor Trail’s head. "Hang on, Vapor Trail," he said. She felt his arms pick her up, but was unable to see anything clearly. Her eyes still rattled in her head. Then, the world started to darken. “Hang on, Vapor Trail…” Sky’s voice echoed again before the mare blanked out.
***
Soft. Vapor Trail stirred a bit, her fur enjoying whatever it was touching. The mare her eyes and looked around, wondering where she was. White was the obvious theme of the room; very plain; except for several paintings featuring old Wonderbolt members. A nurse walked about the room, attending to whatever was occupying her time.
Vapor Trail tried to sit up, but a hoof gently refused her to move any further than a few inches. “Easy, Vapor Trail…” Glancing to her right, Sky Stinger smiled at her. “You had quite a fall in the locker room.” As the memory came to her, so did the pain, and it shot through her brain.
When Vapor Trail gently touched her head, she felt a bandage wrapped around her skull. “Did I hit my head that hard?”
“A bit,” the nurse commented, walking over to her patient. “I did want to be extra sure in case serious damage was done, so I did a precautionary bandage.” The pegasus looked at her clipboard with a smile. “Your friend Sky Stinger here wouldn’t let you out of sight. He was a bit of a pain to deal with while you were under.” Sky Stinger only rolled his eyes at the statement, but couldn’t deny that he wanted to keep an eye on his close friend. Vapor Trail giggled at the stallion’s commitment to her. “I will be stepping out now. You two can talk if you like. But I advise that Vapor Trail does not get up and move about.” The nurse looked at her patient, “Understand?” The white mare nodded. Without having to make a comment on her leave, the nurse left.
“So Vapor, could you do me a favor?” Sky Stinger asked as he adjusted himself in his seat.
“What is it?” the mare replied.
Sky grew half a smile, “Try not to get hurt anymore.”
“It’s not my fault I slipped and fell.” Vapor Trail stook her tongue out of her mouth. A yawn suddenly crept up on the pegasus, unaware of her drowsiness. Her muscles started to tense up a bit, sore from the day’s hard practice.
“But really, though…” Sky Stinger’s half smile left him and returned a serious stare at his friend, “...it does pain me to see you hurt.” A hoof touched Vapor Trail’s arm and a shiver ran down her spine. The mare had to look away to hide her blush. Then again, why hide it?
Turning back to face Sky Stinger, she smiled, “It is very sweet of you to want to see me well.”
“Oh! That reminds me.” In a quick motion, the stallion stood up and kissed Vapor Trail on her swollen cheek. “You… feeling better?” Sky Stinger glanced at the floor, hoping the mare didn’t see his flustered face.
Unable to contain herself, Vapor Trail giggled with glee and squirmed in her bed. Blush brightly lit up her cheeks, wishing he could kiss her again. “Oh Sky.” Another yawn escaped her. Goodness, why am I so sleepy…?
“A-anyways, I am going to tell the others you are okay.” Sky Stinger stood up and made for the door.
“Wait, Sky!” I can’t let him go just yet! The moment is just too perfect! Another yawn came out.
“Trust me, the others want to be sure you are okay.” Before she could react, he already left, the door slamming behind him.
“But I want to say love you!” Vapor Trail wailed loudly. But only silence replied back to the mare. She wanted to get up and pursue her lifelong friend. However, two things weighed her down: the nurse’s order and tiredness.
Suddenly, Vapor Trail grew very tired, and not just because of her drowsiness that began to consume her consciousness. She was exhausted with trying to confess her feelings to Sky Stinger for the day.
The first attempt was a fluke because her friend was oblivious to her confession. The second time, Sky Stinger helped Vapor trail confess her feelings to her secret crush; little did the stallion know that he was in her interest. Thirdly, Vapor Trail was going to tell Sky Stinger she loved him, but ended up slipping and knocking herself out. And finally, just moments ago, the mare literally screamed that she loved her friend just after he left. However, it seemed that Sky did not hear her.
Letting out a sigh, Vapor Trail pulled the blanket over herself, and closed her eyes. She wanted to think about how she was going to ask out Sky Stinger during tomorrow's lunch. However, her body begged the mare to not think about anything else but rest. And soon, her consciousness faded into slumber.
Vapor Trail followed closely behind Soarin as she rose into the air at an almost horizontal angle. After leveling out, she watched the stallion before her begin to descend in a corkscrew spiral, and she mimicked his movement. The stunt the Wonderbolts were performing was also a common conditioning routine that forced the flyer to recover while decended. The Dizzatron is used to test a pegusi’s ability to recover if thrown out of control. However, the machine can only simulate. A performance is real.
Focus, Vapor Trail, the white mare thought as she spun after Soarin. After several moments of falling, he leveled out and landed on the runway in sequence with Fleetfoot. After Vapor Trail touched down, her hooves skid on the asphalt before coming to a complete stop. Vapor Trail looked behind to see the other members land behind her.
Stepping from the front of the pack, Spitfire removed her goggles and started walking down the line. She observed each Wonderbolt with sharp eyes, making sure her team didn't look in any way dizzy. As the captain passed Vapor Trail, she stopped at her and looked up and down. Because Vapor Trail was a newer recruit, Spitfire needed to make sure the pegasus was ready for her first show. Vapor Trail stiffened up, confident the captain would see nothing wrong. With nothing else to observe, Spitfire smiled and continued down the line.
Soarin let out a “woo!” rolling his head a bit. “That routine is always a head spinner.”
“With somepony of your experience,” Vapor Trail commented and the stallion turned toward her, “I would figure you would be used to it.”
“Trust me,” Fleetfoot stepped in. “There are going to be some stunts you will not want to do, no matter how many times you complete them.”
Vapor Trail slightly turned her head, “What stunt or stunts do you dislike Fleetfoot?”
“Definitely the 90 Dive.” The 90 dive; a stunt where performers dive straight down, then make a sharp ninety degree turn, and level out horizontally. As for Fleetfoot’s reason for disliking the stunt, it was the horror stories that have occurred when ponies before performed the move.
When diving at incredible speeds while descending toward the ground, some flyers panic and break formation. Or worse… black out. When panic and fear fuse, a pony could possibly faint. And when fainting and flying are in the mix, a tragedy may quickly follow.
“Oh yeah, you really hate that stunt,” Soarin chuckled. “But then again, you are the best racer on the team, so you know how to make extremely tight turns.”
“That still doesn't mean I like the stunt…” Fleetfoot grunted. Not wanting to think of a potential nightmare of a stunt, she looked to Vapor Trail with a smile. “Glad to see you and Sky Stinger keeping up with us veterans.”
“Well, Vapor Trail and I were extremely promising flyers. But now, she and I, well mostly me, will show this team the definition of promises.” Sky Stinger unknowingly stood beside his friend. Neither Soarin, nor Fleetfoot noticed him a few moments ago. Then again, anypony who mentions Sky Stinger, he thinks somepony is discussing good things about him and will come to gloat about it.
“Yes, we know how great you are…” Spitfire muttered, walking to the front again. Now being the first in line again, she called out, “Good work everypony, you can all see straight. Go on your lunch break.”
Everypony broke off at their captain’s words, ready to enjoy themselves. But before Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger could go receive their food, Spitfire flew over to the white mare. “I'm glad to see your head working right,” she smirked.
“All I got was just a small sore is all.” Vapor Trail touched her temple, feeling the bump. “I think I am okay.”
“I had full confidence that my friend was perfectly fine,” Sky Stinger boasted and gave Vapor Trail on the back of the neck.
Seeing an opportunity to mess with the boastful stallion, Spitfire sneered at Sky Stinger, “You sure were awfully worried about Vapor Trail, weren't you, Sky Clinger?”
The stallion’s brows creased and his cheeks flushed. His new nickname spread like wildfire as soon as he left the nurse’s office when he told the Wonderbolts Vapor Trail was okay. Spitfire teased Sky Stinger at how protective he was over his unconscious friend. The nurse wanted to tranquilize the stallion when he refused to let go of Vapor Trail’s hoof.
Vapor Trail was told the tale today when she was released from the infirmary. But she did not find anything wrong with his kind gesture.The mare may have done the same thing for Sky Stinger if he ever got hurt.
“Maybe I have been inspired by Rainbow Dash by being more loyal to my friend.” Sky Stinger wanted to try and brush off his flustered attitude by trying to lie to the two mares.
Spitfire whispered into Vapor Trail’s ear,“ And if you ask him out, he will be more ‘inspired’ to protect you.” Gazing back to the dark-turquoise stallion, the captain only rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Sky Clinger.” Before Sky had any attempt to say another thing to Spitfire, she was already off.
“Don’t worry Sky,” Vapor Trail giggled and nudged her friend. “I am glad you were there for me.”
“Well, I kind of owe you for everything you have done for me.” Sky’s right cheek lifted, a half smile. “You made me look good, and now it’s time for me to do the same.”
“Don’t you mean, ‘I helped you?’ Because I bet I didn’t look good unconscious.” Vapor Trail was amused as the stallion tried to piece his words together.
“You know what I mean.” Sky Stinger fanned out his wings and lifted off the ground. “Come on, let’s grab our lunch.”
“Alright.” Vapor Trail nodded as she began to follow him. “I also know where we should eat lunch.”
*** “Now this is a place to eat!” Sky Stinger exclaimed as he sat on the cloud, facing the waterfall that ran out of the side of the Wonderbolt Academy hillside. A light rainbow shined as the mist from the falls drifted in the air.
“It’s very pretty.” Vapor Trail sat a little closer to her friend than usual, in hopes Sky Stinger would catch the hint that she was interested in him. But before the mare tries to attempt to show her heart once more, Vapor Trail wanted to begin her lunch first. Her menu consisted of grapes, a carrot and hay sandwich, and a cinnamon bun. she took the sandwich out of her lunch pail and took a bite out of it with a loud crunch.
As for Sky Stinger, he had a six-inch sub that consisted of tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, and cucumbers. The two sat in silence, listening to the roaring sound of cascading water. While she ate, Vapor Trail pondered how to go about her confession. Yesterday, the mare convinced herself that she needed to tell Sky that she loved him, specifically that. Telling him that she really really liked him was not a big enough punch.
But even telling him that she loved him out of the blue seemed strange as well. Perhaps she needed to ease into the subject matter. After ten minutes of no words spoken, Vapor Trail felt that now was the time to speak. “So what did you do the rest of the day yesterday?”
Almost done with his sandwich, Sky Stinger held it in his hooves. He frowned a bit, his gaze atoward the falls. “Promise not to tell anypony?” the turquoise pegasus asked. Vapor Trail nodded, but was not sure why Sky wanted his words to remain private. “I… tried to look like I was practicing my flying, when in reality, I was trying to not worry about you.” Using the moment to her advantage, Vapor Trail scooted up against Sky. Her cheeks turned red as she attempted to comforted her friend. Despite the kind gesture, the stallion continued to gaze forward. “I just… You were so helpless and…” A sigh escaped Sky Stinger, and the stallion looked at the mare, “I’m sorry…”
“Oh no no, it is okay, Sky. You just wanted to be sure I was okay.” Vapor Trail gave her friend a cute smile as she batted her eyes. “If you want to be a caring and loyal friend to me, just like you told Spitfire how Rainbow Dash inspired you to be more loyal, then go on ahead.”
A chuckle escaped Sky Stinger, unable to hide any potential smiles. “Hehe, yeah. Thanks for understanding.”
“Your welcome. Besides, I-” Her heart began to race, now ready to tell the three dangerous words. “I- love you for your care and your friendship.” Vapor Trail’s face flushed brighter than the red on the rainbow that hovered over the falls.
“And I love you for your unknown gust of winds, helping me look awesome all these years,” Sky Stinger winked. Believing her words got to him, Vapor Trail pounced on her friend, embracing him with girly emotion. He rolled onto his back as the mare rested on top of him. Sky Stinger lost grip of the remainder of his sandwich and it fell to the earth. But he didn’t care for it. The stallion was already full. “And I love your hugs, too,” he spoke, getting his arms around Vapor Trail’s body.
The white pegasus giggled, glad she was victorious. “Thanks for loving me.”
“Well, you are like a sister to me.” Vapor Trail’s eyes shot open, not believing what was just said. No longer wanting to embrace Sky Stinger, she scrambled off of him.
“I am glad you think that way,” she spoke through her teeth. The mare couldn’t tell if she was more frustrated or saddened by her friend’s stubborn ignorance.
With his lunch no longer with him, Sky Stinger stood up and stretched his back. “Alright, I am gonna go fly around a bit and get some fresh air.”
“Go do your thing, Sky.” Because if you do not leave, I may hurt you because of your stupidity…
“Later!” He crouched down and shot off of the cloud into the air. The platform bounced slightly from the force of his kickoff. Vapor Trail looked left, then right. With nopony near her, or to what she could see, the mare tore off a chunk of the cloud with her hooves. And screamed into it in frustration.
Vapor Trail sagged her head as she trudged along the grass in the rings field. Another attempt of confessing her love ended in failure because of Sky Stinger’s oblivious nature. She wondered if her friend would ever be not too full of himself. That he may notice a thing or two that was more than obvious. Unfortunately, the reality of a less cocky and obliviousness Sky Stinger was not non-fiction. The mare looked up at the sky to see the stallion she wants to share her heart to dash through the air.
With her gaze up on the clouds, she bumped into Spitfire. The captain stumbled a bit and dropped her clipboard. As both mares stared at each other, Spitfire asked with a smirk, “Daydreaming again?”
The yellow pegasus picked up her things, and a sigh escaped Vapor Trail, knowing that was the case. Vapor Trail looked skyward trying to try and see where Sky Stinger has gone off to. “I told Sky that I loved him and... “ She shied her gaze elsewhere before resuming. “...I think he friendzoned me?”
A small grunt mumbled inside Spitfire’s closed mouth. “Sounds rough.” But recalling Vapor Trail’s words, the captain squinted at her and said, “Wait, you think he friendzoned you?” The distraught mare nodded slowly before turning her eyes back to Spitfire. “Did he say something like, ‘I want just want to be friends, not special someponies?’”
“Not like that,” Vapor Trail responded. She thought for a moment, remembering what Sky Stinger really said. “He said he loved me like a sister, but… Sky didn’t seem taken back by my confession.”
Spitfire rolled her eyes, not surprised. “I know I have told you this before, but your friend is extremely unaware of your interest in him. That, or he doesn’t want to hurt your feelings and he keeps avoiding the subject.”
“H-how do you know that?!” Vapor Trail furrowed her brows as her heart went on the defensive. She didn’t want to believe her captain’s words. But the poison already settled in, now infecting Vapor Trail's vulnerable emotions.
Spitfire held up her hoof, unaffected by the sudden flurry of feelings that erupted in front of her. “Calm down, Daydreamer. All I am doing is assuming.” She took a deep breath, sighing a bit in frustration. “Look, I am not trying to harsh your mellow. You and Sky are great friends. Trust me, everypony can see that. However, this little charade of yours is starting to hurt you. And I care about my flyer’s wellbeing. If you want me to tell your friend that you love him, just to help you move on from this, then tell me now.”
“A-are you sure?” Vapor Trail glanced back and forth, somehow nervous somepony was listening nearby as she and Spitfire stood alone on the obstacle course. Then again, who would be thin enough to hide behind a pole? “I mean, it would be better if I-”
“If you try to do it, you may never speak the truth,” Spitfire bit back, her eyes staring back with a harsh gaze. “If I do it, there will finally be closure. I am not afraid of saying what is my mind.”
The captain made a good point. Every time Vapor Trail attempted to confess her feelings, she sometimes had a difficult time telling Sky the truth. And of course, the other times involved the stallion being completely unaware of the situation he was in. Perhaps the best option Vapor Trail had was to allow Spitfire to aid her.
With her mind made up, the white pegasus said, “Alright, you can tell him yourself.”
Spitfire shrugged, “If you insist.” She took megaphone that was resting beside her legs and she shouted into it. “HEY SKY CLINGER, IF YOU CAN HERE ME, GET YOUR RUFFLED FEATHERS TO THE OBSTACLE COURSE! I NEED TO REVIEW YOUR AMAZING TECHNIQUE!” A “pfft” escaped Spitfire’s lips, almost wanting to laugh at what she said. Amazing technique... Ha! I am the one who makes the routines around here.
A gust of wind blew at Vapor Trail and Spitfire as Sky Stinger came to a complete stop in front of them. “Your amazing technique flyer is here!” His eyes glanced at Vapor Trail, his smile growing quickly. “Did you tell our captain about me and my great flying?” Vapor Trail’s lips barely parted when the stallion blurted out, “No no!” He held up his hoof, not allowing his friend to answer. “You two were just amazed by my amazing flying I was just doing.”
“Can you fly through this obstacle course?" Spitfire asked, her stopwatch in hoof. "I want to see if you can beat the record. If you can even come close to becoming the record holder, I have something to tell you. Something that will change your ability to fly even better.” Spitfire knew Sky Stinger was up for any challenge and knew how to get him riled up. “And just so you know, Rainbow Dash is the one who has the fastest time. If I were to guess, she is the most talented out of all of the current Wonderbolts roster.” Spitfire could not deny that Rainbow Dash had the most passion out of all of the Wonderbolts, along with her abilities to try some of the most daring stunts.
Filled with flames of passion and pride, the stallion pawed at the ground. “Fresh meat is always the most tender. I will show you who is the better flyer here.” With a less, but still cocky grin, Sky Stinger winked at Vapor Trail. “Be impressed, my friend.” He lifted off to the starting line ring that stood on a tall poll.
Looking over to Spitfire, Vapor Trail asked, “Umm, aren't you-”
“I am,” the captain cut off the pony. “He will listen to me no matter what. Just watch and wait.”
With no choice but to be patient, Vapor Trail sat down, watching Sky Stinger stretching his arms and legs. I do hope Spitfire knows what she is doing.
Picking up her megaphone, she shouted into it, “GO!”
In a fast blur of colors, Sky Stinger jumped into the air and dashed through the first ring, then dropped quickly for the second. He rose to another high resting ring and needed to turn sharp for it. Sky fanned out his wings in order to break hard before entering the loop, then accelerated immensely after exiting his turn. Sky Stinger wove himself in a succession of loops that went high and low. However, the pegasus had a difficult time maintaining his velocity because each ring got smaller as he went on. Despite the course’s challenges, Sky Stinger pushed himself hard until the very last ring.
Sky Stinger dashed through the last obstacle and went over to Spitfire, trying not to breath too hard in front of the mares. “How was that?” he asked with his eyes on the captain.
“I think you did great Sky,” Vapor Trail complimented with a smile. The flight was very impressive, despite his lack of speed toward the end of his flight. She remembers running the course during the trials in entering the Wonderbolts academy. The key to the course was to get through as quickly as possible. But the main focus was to not touch the borders of the rings. If a ring was clipped, a one second penalty was added. Vapor believed her time was around twelve seconds. As for Sky’s current time…
“I agree with her,” Spitfire nodded looking at her stopwatch. “Your time was 9.79 seconds.” The captain’s expression yielded no look of approval. “However, you are nowhere near Rainbow Dash’s.”
“And what is her record?” Sky Stinger asked before taking a deep breath of air.
“7.33 seconds.” Spitfire pressed a button on her stopwatch, restarting the device back to zero.
Sky snorted out of his nostrils with a smirk, “Only by two seconds? Wow! I am surprised nopony has an even better time.”
Spitfire turned her head, “Think you can beat it?”
“Easy!” The two smiled at each other before Sky Stinger made his way back to the first ring. The exercise was interesting to watch, but Vapor Trail did not know if Spitfire remembers what she was trying to do in the first place.
“Umm, Spitfire-”
“I know what you are going to say, Daydreamer. Don’t worry, I will get to it.” The captain was more sharp than her pen clipped on her clipboard. But the reply didn’t make Vapor Trail any less tense. She tried to imagine how Spitfire will go about telling Sky Stinger her feelings toward him, but Vapor Trail couldn't understand the captain's method.
“GO!”
Vapor Trail payed no attention to her friend’s second attempt at the obstacle course; her thoughts were elsewhere. The mare’s first guess at Spitfire’s method was that she was going to casually tell Sky Stinger that Vapor Trail loves him. However, that did not seem like a plausible act. Despite the captain’s blunt attitude, she did not dislike others’ emotions. Spitfire did genuinely care for her teammates. She just liked to yell at them more.
Sky Stinger touched down, now finished with his second run. Vapor Trail flinched, unaware of her friend’s completed flight. He had to catch his breath before he said, “How was that for ya?” Spitfire took a glance at her stopwatch and rotated her device toward the stallion. Sky Stinger chuckled as he noticed his time loss. “9.12 seconds.” The stallion shook his head, “I think after a few more runs, I will have a time impossible to beat.”
“Shouldn't you take a break?” Vapor Trail suggested, her attention more on Sky’s exhaustion.
“But I got a plan all laid out in my head,” he pointed his hoof to his skull. “Wouldn’t want my idea to be forgotten if I tried another time.” Back at the starting line, Sky Stinger called to Spitfire, “Let's go!”
“BEGIN!” Not clinging to her imagination anymore, Vapor Trail watched the stallion again. As Sky was at the end of the course, his speed was too quick, clipping his wing on the second to last ring.
“Let’s… try that again.”
“Sure thing.” Spitfire clicked a button on her stopwatch and reset the timer, while the stallion had to ready up. “GO!”
This time, Sky Stinger sped at the corner turn ring and missed it entirely. “Alright- I… I got this.” The pegasus started taking deep breaths, tired from his consistent fast flying. However, he didn't want to stop and make himself look bad in front of the captain.
Vapor Trail held her tongue as she watched her friend struggle with his composure. She knows what happens when Sky Stinger gets frustrated. And she knows her words won't reach him so easily.
“GO!” Instead of running the course as fast as he could, Sky Stinger stuck to his roots and performed the course as he did before. Once he finished, the pegasus landed hard in front of Spitfire. His torso expanded and contracted, sucking in more oxygen.
Spitfire shook her head, “You were 10.27 seconds this time. One second slower than your current record.” Vapor Trail heard Sky Stinger grumble in his throat.
“Just… give me a few more tries. I can… do this…” Sky darted back to the start, but at a much slower speed and Vapor Trail noticed it.
“GO!” As the stallion made his next attempt to better his time, Spitfire spoke to Vapor Trail, “Watch how he handles the fourth ring; the one where he has to turn sharply.” Both mares watched Sky fan out his wings to break before entering the loop and then Dash once the obstacle was cleared. “You see what he did wrong?” Vapor Trail nodded, seeing the error of her friend’s flight. When Sky Stinger entered his turn, he was breaking too hard, which not only strained his wings, but also losses a lot of speed.
“Now watch how he handles the shrinking rings.” Being the observer, the white pegasus witnessed her friend slow down more and more as he weaved into each ring.
“I see,” Vapor Trail muttered. “Instead of using the momentum of his fall for the lower rings, Sky slows down for them and then has to climb for the higher rings.”
Spitfire chuckled, “Good eye. Perhaps you should help Fleetfoot with her time trials when derby season kicks in.” Before Vapor Trail could remark to the statement, Sky Stinger landed hard in the grass, panting hard. Trying his best to stand tall, the pegasus straightened his posture; it didn't help him catch his breath any better. Spitfire looked to her stopwatch and said, “10.79. You’re getting worse for some reason. Perhaps you should rest.”
“No, I need to-” Vapor Trail couldn't take her friend pushing himself too far.
“Sky!” She stepped forward, her brows slightly creased. “You need to rest and breath. Also, I know what you are doing wrong.” The stallion was about to speak against her, but took his friend’s advice and started to take in deep breaths.
“Then what do I need work on? Give me this advice that will help me become a better flier,” Sky Stinger asked with a serious stare, trying his best to not bob his head too low and keep his eye leveled with Vapor Trail. The pegasus explained how he was breaking too hard on his turn and his error with slowing down on the low rings.
“Instead of breaking, don't take the turn with too much speed,” Spitfire instructed. “Maintain a moderate velocity when approaching the ring. That way, you can push out of the turn with more speed in your wings. As for the final part of the course, I advise that you use your descent to the lower wings to your advantage; as you dive, use your falling speed to enter the rings. And as you rise, you can flap a little to regain a slight amount of speed. That way, when you are at the peak of your slowness, you can assess the size of each ring and adjust your body accordingly.”
With his breath now caught up, Sky Stinger paced in the grass, a hoof to his chin. “So, don't go too fast on the sharp turn while not breaking. And as for the shrinking rings, dive down for the lower rings, but use my momentum from my dive to rise to the higher rings.” He paused his movement and grinned, “Alright, now with an outside perspective of my flying, I think I can use… some of the advice.” It was obvious to the two mares at how hard Sky Stinger was trying to act like their advice was not that important. Vapor Trail was doing her best to not giggle at his pride, while Spitfire openly rolled her eyes.
“Alright,” Spitfire spoke, looking to both Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger. “Now that Clinger has his advice, I think we could improve his odds even more.” She hooved her megaphone to Vapor Trail and gave her a hard stare. “Hold this and don't drop it. If you do, you are off the team.” Not sure what her captain was getting at, the pegasus clutched the amplifier close to her body like it was a child made of glass.
Spitfire flew into the air and began pulling a cloud toward the end of the obstacle course. “Is she adjusting the course?” Sky Stinger asked, but didn't expect Vapor Trail to answer. The cloud Spitfire was using is now slightly below the final ring.
Flying back to the two pegusi, Spitfire took back her megaphone. “Alright, so here is the plan: Daydreamer, I want you to fly above that cloud I just moved, say, fifty feet. When I say go for Clinger here, I want you to fall toward it; just stop flying and let gravity do the work.”
Sky Stinger raised a brow, “And how would this better my time? If she falls right in front of the ring as I finish the course, I will collide with Vapor Trail.” Vapor Trail nodded in agreement, but was curious with Spitfire’s tactic and kept silent.
“I want you, Sky Clinger, to pretend Vapor Trail was zapped by a rogue thundercloud and was knocked unconscious. That cloud, though it more of a safety net, is the ground. Fly through the obstacle course as fast as you can and catch your friend before she crashes to the ‘ground.’” Spitfire was noticing how her words were getting to Sky Stinger as he was looking at his friend with determination. “Think you can beat Rainbow Dash’s time and save your friend?”
“The moment you say ‘go,’ Vapor Trail wouldn’t have a chance to descend.” There was no cocky grin on the stallion’s face for once, though his statement was.
Vapor Trail was beginning to see through Spitfire’s strategy. The captain was attempting to rile up Sky after exhausting him at the obstacle course. Now with Vapor Trail in the picture, Sky Stinger will have to desperately push himself through the obstacle course with his newly obtained strategy, and save the mare from the “ground.” And after this role play, the stallion’s heart will be soft enough for him to hear Spitfire’s words about Vapor Trail’s emotions for him.
...Or at least, that is how Vapor Trail was picturing it.
Looking to her stopwatch, Spitfire spoke, “Alright you two, get into your positions.”
Before Vapor Trail could fan out her wings, Sky Stinger placed his hoof on her shoulder. “I promise,” he said in a warming voice, “you won't hit that cloud. I swear it.” He wore a half smile, but Vapor Trail could see the fire in his pupils.
“And I believe you can,” the white mare nodded, her mane bouncing a bit.
“Hey Clinger, you gotta let her go if you expect her to participate.” Spitfire stood still with a slated expression, as if wanting to get on with other important matters.
“Yeah, yeah…” Without another word, Sky made his way to the starting ring. Vapor Trail turned to speak to her captain, but Spitfire held up a hoof to cut her off. Then winked.
Vapor Trail smiled, having full confidence in Spitfire’s plan and flew above the cloud as instructed. She looked down at Sky Stinger who stared up at her, giving her a nod before looking up at the first ring.
At once, Vapor Trail seized her hovering and began to fall toward the cloud. The mare glanced down at the platform and noticed how large it was. So even if Sky Stinger managed to miss her, she would have a safe and soft landing. A surge of adrenaline coursed through Vapor Trail’s body as she descended, daydreaming about the circumstance at hoof. She began to pretend that she was stunned by a lightning bolt and was about to crash hard onto the ground, and hoped a daring stallion would come to save the day.
Suddenly, the pegasus felt her body get snagged upwards and noticed the clouds she stared up at were coming close to her. Warmth comforted Vapor Trail as the cool air whisked at her body as Sky Stinger held her close, his grasp tight, but not uncomfortable. “Like I said,” Sky Stinger spoke into her ear, “the moment she said go, you wouldn’t even know you were falling.”
“Not in the slightest,” Vapor Trail giggled, her arms finding their way around Sky’s torso. He landed on a cloud and flopped over to his side before letting his friend go. Sky Stinger began to breath heavily, the exhaustion now starting to take its tole. But being the tough stallion he is, the pegasus sat up and smiled at Vapor Trail as she stood beside him.
Looking down at the captain, Vapor Trail called to Spitfire, “What is the time?”
Spitfire looked at her watch, then back up that Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger. And then… “WE HAVE A NEW RECORD AT THE OBSTACLE COURSE AT 6.97 SECONDS!” Spitfire exclaimed in her megaphone for all to hear.
“Too... easy,” Sky Stinger chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. His arm blocked his eyes, and the stallion didn’t notice his friend pouncing him. “Hey!” he cheerfully barked.
“Congrats!” Vapor Trail smiled as the cloud bounced from her sudden attack. She grabbed onto Sky as he did when he caught her.
A shadow fell over the two pegusi. “You two having fun?” Spitfire smirked, peering down at them as she sat at a slightly higher cloud. Sky Stinger was lying on his back as Vapor Trail was sprawled across his torso, the two making the shape of a plus sign.
“Just getting my celebratory hug from my closest friend.” Sky Stinger caught Vapor Trail’s eye and winked at her, the mare blushed at the gesture. “It was thanks to Vapor here that gave me the helpful advice to assist me in beating that easy record. And maybe a little bit of your help as well, cap.”
Spitfire rolled her eyes, but found herself smiling at the boastful stallion. “It looks to me that you and your closest friend really do help each other out a lot.”
Sky Stinger placed his hooves behind his head, gazing up at Vapor Trail. “Yup. That’s how we got here. I’d never be a Wonderbolt without Vapor.”
“Oh, well, I would say half of the reason you are here is because of me,” Vapor Trail muttered, her voice squeaking. “The other half is because you are an excellent flier.”
Butting in, Spitfire spoke up, “If I were to guess, you both look like special someponies. Have you two ever considered dating?” This is it! The moment I have been waiting for! Vapor Trail’s cheeks flushed at the statement, begging that Sky Stinger would catch a hint at her over the top embraces. The reaction the stallion presented was… not expected.
“Whoa, whoa, hey!” Sky Stinger exclaimed as he tried to sit up. Vapor Trail scrambled off of him, the mare worried the suggestion was something he abhorred. Sky Stinger looked up at Spitfire with heat in his eyes, “What makes you say that?”
Spitfire wore an expression of shock, not sure how to take in the pegasus’ reaction. “What? You and Vapor Trail look like you two would date each other because of how friendly you are toward one another.” She shot a look at Vapor Trail in hopes her teammate would interject, but the white mare only stood and stared at Sky.
“That’s what friends do with each other; being friendly.” Sky Stinger noticed Vapor Trail’s blush, which somehow made him even more defensive. “You don’t just… spring that type of question on us! That can make things awkward between her and I.”
“But-”
“Captain, with all do respect…” Sky Stinger’s tone was very serious, as if Spitfire had insulted his mother. “...don’t go around telling me, Vapor Trail, or anypony that they should date a close friend of theirs. That is their business.” He brought a hoof to his breast. “If I wanted to have Vapor Trail as my special somepony, then I will ask her myself; and I am certain she will do the same.” A smile rose his cheeks, “Besides, Vapor Trail told me she has a stallion in mind, though, wants to keep the pony in question a secret for the moment.”
Remembering her words from yesterday, Vapor Trail realized she had set herself a trap without realizing it. “I… I did say that. And… I wish to keep it a secret if you both don't mind.”
Shock writhed onto Sky Stinger’s expression. “Oh crud! I'm so sorry for just blurting out to the captain!”
“Don't worry Sky Clinger…” Spitfire stared down Vapor Trail with a twitch in her eye. “...I know all about her stallion in question…”
“Then please don't tell anypony about this," said Sky Stinger. "I am sure you wouldn't want your best fliers to have awkward tension as they fly.”
Spitfire nodded, “Yes. Forgive me for my act of disrespect.” Her tone was sarcastic, but it didn't seem to bother Sky Stinger.
“Thanks, captain.” Sky Stinger gave himself a long stretch now that his breath has caught up with him. “Alright you two, I'm gonna go take a quick shower to cool off before we do our second half of training.” He fanned out his wings, squatting down. “Oh, and Spitfire, don’t forget to put my best time in the record book for fastest run in the obstacle course.” Pressing down hard, Sky Stinger took off in a quick rush.
Vapor Trail watched the stallion twirl around in the air before falling out of view. The mare felt the cloud she rested on bounce and saw Spitfire shaking her head. “Sorry, but I can't help ya with him.”
Vapor Trail’s ears fell back, not sure what to do now. “He did make a valid argument.”
“I can’t believe you are defending him after everything I did! Who’s side are you on?” The uproar startled Vapor Trail and she felt tears build in her eyelids. Despite not taking a liking to the sensitive mare’s attitude, Spitfire didn’t want to upset her anymore than needed. “Again, with the respect of your best friend, I cannot help you with your predicament. As far as I can tell, Sky Clinger really likes you as his clinging thing.” The joke tickled Vapor Trail’s funny bone and giggled, not denying the fact. “I do honestly think the two of you will be special someponies. But either you or him have to take that first step.”
“Okay,” was the only word Vapor Trail could muster.
“Good. Now go and enjoy the rest of your break. And make sure you exhaust all of your daydreaming in the process.”
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…?
“WAKE UP EVERYPONY! THE WORST CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR IS UPON US!”
Vapor Trail shrieked and fell out of her bed. Moans of irritation echoed in the dark Wonderbolt’s bunker by Spitfire’s sudden outburst. The lights flicked on and stabbed Vapor Trail’s unadjusted pupils. The mare was surprised by how early they were woken up; she normally is awake before the other Wonderbolts. Fleetfoot’s words quickly came to mind, remembering Spitfire’s distaste for Hearts and Hooves Day.
Wonderbolt members slowly began to make their way out of the bunker at their own pace, but quick enough to not give Spitfire a reason to bite at their heels. Through her thin vision, Vapor Trail watched Soarin approach the captain. “Hey, Spitfire, maybe this year you don't have to be so… angry…”
His words did not sit well with the captain. “Who said I was angry?! You don't hear anypony asking me if I am! And if I was, there would be a clear indication!”
“Well, you do seem a bit angry already…” Soarin replied weakly, trying to ease Spitfire’s temper.
“I'm just frustrated with this stupid so-called holiday…” Spitfire’s voice was much weaker than her normal screaming volume. “Now get going. We got a lot to do this morning if the others want to do their own Hearts and Hooves nonsense; that’s why we are all up so early. I want to respect my teammate’s wishes and give them an early day off.” Both captain and teammate began to leave the bunker. “And I have a strong feeling one of our members is going to attempt to confess their love today…”
“Oh, hehe, y-ya think so?” Soarin’s voice trailed off, following Spitfire out of the rest hall. Vapor Trail knew Spitfire was referencing her, after all. Vapor Trail did tell her captain about the note prepared for Sky Stinger.
“Need some help off the floor? Or are you already daydreaming?” Sky Stinger looked down at Vapor Trail from his bed, a smirk lifting his left cheek.
“Maybe…” Vapor Trail flushed. Sky Stinger reached his hoof to the mare. She happily took the offer.
“You are probably thinking about that special somepony, are you not?” Sky Stinger asked suspiciously.
“M...maybe…” Vapor Trail repeated, finding it difficult to keep her eyes on the stallion.
“Then perhaps Spitfire is right, that you are that teammate ready to face that special stallion and confess your feelings to.” Sky Stinger crawled out of bed and began to stretch. Vapor Trail admired Sky Stinger’s visible muscles during his stretching, almost drooling at his healthy physique.
After his muscles were less tense, Sky Stinger turned around to face Vapor Trail. The mare quickly turned toward her bed and began to make it, not wanting to be caught staring at her friend. Then again, Sky Stinger wouldn’t mind if another mare were to stare at his awesome body.
“Do you have any plans for Hearts and Hooves, Sky?” Vapor Trail asked, her voice squeaking a little.
Sky Stinger walked to the other side of Vapor Trail’s bed and assisted her, tucking the sheets under the mattress. “Nah, not really,” he shrugged. “Unless if somepony does ask me to be their somepony.”
“You know, I have never seen you give anypony something for Hearts and Hooves.” Vapor Trail Tossed her pillow at the lip of the blanket. “Any reason why?”
He walked toward the end of her bed, and answered, “I want to have a mare approach me and have them ask me to be their special somepony.” Sky Stinger smirked, and Vapor Trail knew his ego was about to inflate. “If I just simply approach a mare and ask them to be my special somepony, she would more than likely throw herself into my arms. After all, I am a Wonderbolt and a wonderful stallion.”
“Perhaps you should put your theory to the test and ask one of us mares on the team,” Vapor Trail giggled.
Sky Stinger gestured toward the exit, indicating the mare to follow him. “I might. Except for Spitfire. She’s not on the list of potential dates.”
Vapor Trail walked past Sky Stinger and gave a playful push. “I thought you said any mare would leap into your arms if you asked them to be your special somepony.”
He quickly caught up and grinned, “I said, ‘more than likely.’ Not every mare is able to see the awesomeness of the one-and-only Sky Stinger.”
“Well, I think you are very awesome, Sky.” Vapor Trail wrapped an arm around his neck. An urge to kiss him in a joyful fit infected Vapor Trail. Not now, Vapor. Wait until later.
“You know I know that you know I am very awesome.” Sky Stinger’s word choice tickled Vapor Trail’s funny bone. “However…” He paused his movement and looked Vapor Trail straight in the eyes. “...you are even more awesome for keeping me in the spotlight for all these years. And now, I hope you and that lucky stallion shine in your very own spotlight.”
Oh Sky… The daydreamer froze, wondering if now would be the time to pull out her Hearts and Hooves gift for him. Perhaps the moment was now. Yes. It is. “And I think that special stallion will let me leap into his arms after my confession, don’t you think?” Vapor Trail batted her eyes at Sky Stinger.
“He better catch you when you leap, or I will have a word with him,” Sky Stinger warned, but still smiled at his friend.
“Then, maybe… I can show you what I got for-”
“DAYDREAMER! SKY CLINGER!” Spitfire stormed into the bunker, eyes hungry and on the hunt. “Are you both still half-asleep?!”
“N-no mam!” Vapor Trail responded, stiffening her spine.
“No mam!” Sky Stinger did the same as his white friend.
“Then hustle those bundle of feathers you call wings, you two! The rest of the team is waiting!”
Sky Stinger didn’t wait for Vapor Trail and briskly walked into the dark morning air. Vapor Trail slowly walked past her captain but was stopped by a yellow wing. “Was I interrupting a potential confession?” Spitfire asked, raising a brow.
Vapor Trail couldn’t help but show a small amount of irritation. “Yes.”
“Bummer,” Spitfire replied flatly. “There is a time and place for everything. Because now is the time to listen to me and my megaphone, not share your feelings with your potential special somepony.” The snide remark was not something Vapor Trail needed but kept quiet as she walked outside.
The morning sun beamed into the Wonderbolts' eyes as the team stood on the grass beside the runway. Spitfire had them face the ball of hot light on purpose, partially as a way to deal with sudden brightness. When spinning, looping, and darting through the air, a flyer may face the sun and get flashed. Many times before has a flyer see spots because of the sun and had to bail out of a stunt. Luckily, the team wore goggles to lessen the intense light. The second reason for the team being on the grass was because Spitfire wants to introduce each flier and have them shape a cloud to look like their own head when called.
The Wonderbolt’s announcer, Card Call, held Spitfire’s megaphone and proceeded with the mock introductions. “May I introduce the heart, the left wing, and the right one as well, Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot!” The trio took off into the air, their clouds right above them. Vapor Trail squinted from the sunlight and watched her teammates spin around their clouds before each cloud poofed into the flier’s respective head. The poof was more of a cosmetic effect, simulating a magic spell being cast. But shaping a cloud into an actual shape was very difficult, especially at great speed. The trick was to press the cloud into a tight space while diving into it and cutting it with a hoof to the appropriate shape. When the shape is complete, the flier then hollows out the inside of the cloud while still suppressing the outside shell. Once the flier stops their spinning, the image springs out, creating the “magical” proofing effect.
The announcer called three members at a time, balancing the attention among each Wonderbolt, while not having the intro too long.
To Vapor Trail’s right stood Rainbow Dash and the left was Sky Stinger. Neither of them tried to talk with one another, lest Spitfire ends up actually spewing flames from her tongue. Small talk was not allowed throughout the early morning practice. Spitfire made it clear that practice was going to be short so her teammates can enjoy the rest of the day for themselves. And the captain wanted to keep all lovey-dovey talk as far away from herself as possible. Love was clearly not Spitfire’s favorite thing and she intended to keep it that way.
Vapor Trail closed her eyes, the sun a little too much for her. She thought about the performance in her head, remembering how to shape a cloud to look like her head. However, the Hearts and Hooves holiday infected Vapor Trail with the lovesick plague. And she was also possessed by Sky Stinger’s handsome face. Vapor Trail looked up even more and felt the sun warm her throat, pretending her best friend was rising up from below and warming her with his nose.
“Last but not least, the latest members of the Wonderbolts!” Vapor Trail snapped back to reality as her time to act was upon her. Focus, Vapor Trail! Focus. “The Element of Loyalty and her two successors, Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger!”
Rainbow Dash, Sky Stinger, and Vapor Trail launched upwards and began to shape their cloud. Vapor Trail’s mind was in the present, but it was more than just in the clouds. In the three seconds she spun around her cloud, the pegasus wondered if the box of chocolates was enough to capture Sky Stinger’s heart. And where should she give the gift to him? The waterfall was already used to tell Sky Stinger that Vapor Trail loved him. So where?
Concluded with shaping her cloud, Vapor Trail flew out of her cloud and watched in horror that it was not what Spitfire had asked for. Vapor Trail looped around the white cotton and landed on top of the heart she accidentally created. Rainbow Dash and Sky Stinger looked to the white pegasus, not sure what to do for her. And if Spitfire was able to perform a sonic rainboom, she would have with the amount of speed it took her to get to the love-struck mare.
Spitfire quickly removed her goggles, her eyes angrier than the sun that was starting to blind Vapor Trail. “Oh, you think you’re funny!” the captain shouted. Shame and embarrassment released its emotions inside Vapor Trail’s soft heart. The pegasus’ ears fell back, scared of the angry Wonderbolt. “Do you think I am here to play games today, Daydreamer, or are you trying to pull a prank on your teammates?”
“N-n-n-no…” Vapor Trail squeaked, her voice cracking from pressure. In a quick glance, she saw Sky Stinger, stagnant and unable to help.
Spitfire snagged Vapor Trail’s hoof and pulled the mare from her cloud. Both flew in front of the newly shaped clouds and the captain pointed, “Then what are you implying with your heart, Daydreamer?” When Vapor Trail noticed what she did and the way the clouds were aligned, she made an unintentional subliminal message. Rainbow Dash’s and Sky Stinger’s clouds were obviously shaped to the flyer’s head. However, the heart Vapor Trail had made in the center of her teammates’ images said, “Rainbow Dash hearts Sky Stinger.”
“I’m sorry… I wasn’t trying to prank you…” Vapor Trail muttered, still embarrassed by what she had made.
“And I am sorry I allowed my team to have such an unfocused flier!” Spitfire exclaimed. Vapor Trail saw no mercy in her captain’s eyes when she said, “You are off the team!”
A gasp from every member was heard in the very mute morning air. Not even the crickets dared to make a sound unless they wanted to be poisoned by Spitfire’s harsh words. Vapor Trail had to slide her goggles off or her tears would have drowned her eyes. Sky Stinger made a single move to come to his friend, but Spitfire turned to him, daring the stallion to come to Vapor Trail’s aid.
“I’m… I’m off the team…?” Vapor Trail sobbed.
Spitfire snorted, “You pulled a prank on me, so now I did the same…” In a very flat sarcastic tone, the Wonderbolt said, “Ha… ha…” Vapor Trail sighed in relief, but fear still gripped at her heart, now knowing the extent of how angry Spitfire can become. Spitfire herself let out a sigh before calling to her team, “Take five, everypony. I’m going to take a lap around the academy. When I get back, we are going to do the introductions again and are going to do them right.” The Wonderbolt looked at Vapor Trail specifically when she concluded her sentence. “Dismissed.”
Spitfire left in a bright dash of yellow, leaving the team to do as they pleased before she returns. Soarin was the only pegasus who followed after the leader but didn’t fly too quickly as he left. Vapor Trail hovered in the air, frozen by humiliation. The ground below looked like an overview of a golf course to the mare as her eyes were cast to the world.
A pegasus approached the upset mare and grabbed her hoof. “Let’s land,” Sky Stinger said. The two descended and touched down on the grass, the blades tickling their hooves. Vapor Trail did not wish to look up at Sky Stinger or anypony else for that matter. Her friend moved forward and handled the mare with care. “It’s alright. Spitfire is gone.” Unable to hold back, Vapor Trail clenched her teeth and wept.
“I’m an idiot!” Vapor Trail huffed.
“It was a mistake. I know you are thinking about your special somepony and it is hard to get him off your mind.”
The mare pressed her face into Sky Stinger’s neck, “I am thinking about him. And I can’t stop myself. I want to tell him my feelings so badly.” Vapor Trail’s special somepony in question was up against her and he didn’t even know it. Despite his warming care for his friend, Vapor Trail was still afraid of the potential negative aftermath, not to mention actually getting out the right words with the right setting at hoof was something the mare needed to consider.
“If you don’t mind,” Sky Stinger said into Vapor Trail’s ear, “just to ease some tension off your shoulders, you can… point in the direction of your special somepony. That way, you don’t have to tell me his name but I will know his whereabouts.”
The offer was kind, but with Spitfire on the loose with a hot temper, Vapor Trail figured the captain didn’t want any proposing going on on the runway. But the white pegasus was in the arms of the friend she loved the most. He was right there, right up against her face. It was a simple offer that would require a simple gesture.
“If… If I point to where he is, will you… keep it a secret?” Vapor Trail asked in a nervous shiver.
“I would never let your secrets out,” Sky Stinger answered. “You were the wind at my wings for so long and you kept that a secret. I am more than willing to return the favor.” Vapor Trail backed away from Sky Stinger, her smile almost touching her eyes. It made her happy that Sky was willing to mention her past helping, and showed how grateful he really was, revealing the softer and more caring side of Sky Stinger.
Red in the face, Vapor Trail nodded. Her eyes clenched shut as she quickly stabbed her hoof forward at the stallion in front of her. “He’s right in front of me!” Vapor Trail’s own voice surprised herself, but the words were said. Through the cracks in her eyes, Vapor Trail saw Sky Stinger smiling.
“Wow, now that is quite the surprise,” Sky Stinger said, a beaming smile shining from his lips. A shimmer danced off Vapor Trail’s eyes. I think he heard me! “I never thought… that you would like Soarin.” The illusion was shattered by reality and the mare flinched at her friend’s words. She pointed right at Sky Stinger, so why would he assume another stallion? Vapor Trail looked over Sky Stinger’s shoulder and noticed Soarin walking beside Spitfire. And the two were walking her direction.
“Vapor Trail,” Spitfire called, “come here, please.” Please was not a common work in Spitfire’s vocabulary, so what she had to say was very important. Vapor Trail wanted to explain to Sky Stinger her pointing hoof was directed at him, but a captain’s demand was what the white pegasus needed to attend to first. Sky Stinger winked at her before lifting into the air, leaving his friend to attend to Spitfire’s call.
Great, first I make a heart in front of all the Wonderbolts. And now Sky Stinger thinks I like Soarin. I bet a scolding from Spitfire is in order to top off everything. Vapor Trail didn’t need to move as Spitfire and Soarin came to her. Vapor Trail looked over Soarin. He was a handsome and well fit stallion, but her interests were elsewhere. Another mare was meant for him, and Vapor Trail was destined for one stallion or none at all. “Yes, captain?” Vapor Trail asked, her body stiffening. “And before you begin, I must apologize-”
“Save the apology,” Spitfire interrupted. Vapor Trail swallowed the remaining of her sentence and expected a full-hearted scolding. “I wanted to apologize to you for being so rash.” Spitfire apologizing was another thing she was not known to do, especially after when she yells at somepony.
Vapor Trail saw Soarin look at his captain with a sad look in his eyes. Spitfire gave him the same look as his and she nodded at him. “Just to clue you in, Vapor Trail, Spitfire greatly dislikes Hearts and Hooves,” Soarin said. “As to why she just does.” Vapor Trail knew that was a lie and figured there was an underlying reason for Spitfire’s hatred. What’s more, Soarin held the truth to her reason, according to Fleetfoot. However, Vapor Trail knew to not throw Fleetfoot under the horsedrawn carriage and didn’t speak of it.
“It was my fault for being distracted…” Vapor Trail muttered, her hoof pushing the blades of grass around.
“Knowing how the Wonderbolt’s very own Daydreamer behaves, this was something I should have expected,” Spitfire said. The nickname usage didn’t bother Vapor Trail. At least her teammates were not using to banter her, only to mention a common behavior. Spitfire sighed out her nostrils, “Ah, what the hay…” She faced the sky and called to her teammates, “Alright, everypony, practice is dis...missed…” Both Vapor Trail and Soarin looked to the sky, wondering why their captain’s voice trailed off. Above the three grounded pegasi, the rest of the team made a “We” out of clouds and placed it beside Vapor Trail’s heart. Beside the white heart was Spitfire’s head cloud. An “aww” escaped Vapor Trail, the message indicating, “We heart Spitfire.”
“You all better love me!” Spitfire called at them, a smile visible to Vapor Trail. “I’m the one who runs this place and holds your paychecks!” The captain faced Soarin and said, “Thanks for the talk. I can always count on you when I need the help.”
If it weren’t for his uniform, Vapor Trail would have seen the stallion flush. “Anytime, Spitfire.”
“Well, I’m off to my office. Enjoy your day you two.” At her own pace, Spitfire walked alone, nopony daring to intercept her path.
Soarin sighed as he watched his captain walk away. Vapor Trail wondered if she could try and squeeze some info out of him about Spitfire. “Of all the holidays,” Vapor Trail began, looking at Soarin, “I wouldn’t have guessed Spitfire would be so angry about a day of love.”
“I just wished for once she would give it a chance,” Soarin responded. Vapor Trail analyzed the statement, wondering if there was any clue she could try and pick at.
“Did something happen to her?” Vapor Trail asked. It was a bold question and maybe too personal, but she had already said it.
“No,” Soarin said, his tone very low. A clue, perhaps, but Vapor Trail figured his loyalty to Spitfire would yield her no clear answers. He looked at the white mare and gave her a smile, “I’m off, Daydreamer.” The stallion strutted a few steps before flying away.
Vapor Trail noticed her teammates began to fly in various directions, no longer bound by practice. The mare figured she could head for the showers and wash up before presenting her gift to Sky Stinger. As she walked, a pony landed beside her. “Hey, Vapor Trail,” Rainbow Dash said, “you doin’ alright?”
“I’m fine,” Vapor Trail nodded. “Spitfire can sure be angry when she wants to be.”
“Don’t worry,” Rainbow Dash reassured. “Everypony gets a taste of her anger one way or another. Trust me, I would know.”
“Does it involve your first performance when you showboated?”
“M-maybe. But that is not important.” Vapor Trail knew Rainbow Dash wanted to get the attention off of her and allowed it to happen. “What is important is that my apprentice is all well.”
A giggle escaped Vapor Trail, “When did I become your apprentice? I don’t remember signing up for anything aside from wanting to become a Wonderbolt.”
“You can’t forget that I was the one who hoof-picked you and Sky Stinger to be trained by myself and Twilight Sparkle,” Rainbow Dash boasted.
“You also can’t forget that I was voted most promising flyer,” Sky Stinger said from above. Both mares looked up and saw the stallion hovering above them. “So, perhaps you had some helping hoof in our success.” Speak his name and he shall appear. Sky Stinger landed beside his friend and held his head high.
“If I remember,” Rainbow Dash grinned, “you were quite terrible without Vapor Trail at your wingtips. And I have yet to hear a thank you from you.”
“The word you are looking for, Crash,” Sky Stinger retorted, “is 'unlocked potential'. And thanks to some of the advice I was given, I bloomed.”
“That was two words…” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“Regardless,” Vapor Trail butted in, not wanting the quipping match to continue any further, “I am glad Rainbow Dash wanted to check up on me.”
“Thank you,” the cyan mare smiled. “Now that leaves one glaring question…”
“And what might that be?” Sky Stinger asked before Vapor Trail had the chance to say the same question.
Rainbow Dash looked at Vapor Trail, a brow raised, “What was going through your head when you made that heart?” The cyan pegasus pointed behind her as she finished her question.
Vapor Trail flushed, and answered the obvious, “I have somepony I have in mind… for Hearts and Hooves… B-but don’t tell anypony.”
“Nonsense!” Rainbow Dash beamed. “I would never let out my apprentice’s secret!” Several Wonderbolt’s passed by the loud pegasus, their gazes confused and perhaps wanting to hear a few words of whatever she was exclaiming about.
“Being a little quieter would be appreciated,” Sky Stinger hissed. His friend nodded in agreement, her cheeks puffed and her eyes creased.
Rainbow Dash’s ears fell back and gave her two teammates a nervous grin, “Sorry… Loyalty can sometimes be a little louder than somepony may want.” She gestured to Sky Stinger with a nod, “Sky Clinger might understand what I mean.”
His nickname didn’t seem to bother him, and Sky Stinger fully understood what Rainbow Dash was referring to when she mentioned it. He looked at Vapor Trail and gave her a smile, “I believe I do understand.” Vapor Trail giggled, her blush yet to fade. “But now I want to ask you a question, Rainbow Dash,” said Sky Stinger. Both mares rose their brows, curious as to what the stallion had to ask. “What did you think Vapor Trail was trying to do when she made her heart cloud?”
It was Rainbow Dash’s turn to flush and this interested her two apprentices. “I uh… thought… Vapor Trail was… maybe sorta, but not really… trying to, you know… get us… together…”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Sky Stinger smiled and gave the cyan pegasus a wink. This put Vapor Trail on edge. Worry and jealousy coursed through her veins at an unprecedented rate.
Rainbow Dash only returned a grin, “You have to save Equestria at least three times before I even consider you as a possibility.”
“Then when your so-called apprentice surpasses you and needs to save you and Equestria, I will be sure to keep that in mind.” Sky Stinger looked to Vapor Trail, oblivious to her jealous stare at Rainbow Dash. “And so will she I assume.”
“Maybe…” Vapor Trail mumbled, her brows pointed at Rainbow Dash. The rainbow-maned mare didn’t know what to make of her teammate’s aggression and figured she would ask Vapor Trail about the sudden attitude change toward her.
The three approached the bunker that housed the locker room, pool, spa, and gym. Sky Stinger started to break off when they walked by the indoor spa. “Alright, ladies, I am off to the spa and think of how I want to spend my Hearts and Hooves day,” said Sky Stinger.
“See you later, Sky,” Vapor Trail smiled, her sights set on him, ready to confess later on in the day.
Both mares went to the shower room in silence, Rainbow Dash hesitating to talk to Vapor Trail and her attitude. But Rainbow Dash managed to muster up the question, “Hey, Vapor Trail?”
“Hmm?” was all the mare did for a response and she rose a brow.
“Why were you…leering at me outside?” Rainbow Dash too rose a brow but erected a curious one. “Were you jealous when I suggested you were trying to hook me and Sky Stinger up?”
“M...maybe…” Vapor Trail admitted, despite her sentence being vague. Her pink cheeks was what gave the truth away.
Rainbow Dash put two and two together and grinned, “Oh! I get it now.” She placed a hoof on Vapor Trail’s shoulder, “Don’t worry, Daydreamer. Sky Stinger is far from me even considering him as a special somepony. My caliber of awesome is overwhelming for most ponies.”
“‘Most ponies,’” Vapor Trail quoted her tone low and on the prowl.
Rainbow Dash knew she wasn’t helping herself and needed to get the jealous teammate in a more comfortable state. “Look, if you are so worried about me, or even other mares, just…” She shuffled her head over her shoulders to make sure nopony walked in on Vapor Trail and herself. “...just tell him,” Rainbow Dash whispered.
Vapor Trail saw the concern in Rainbow Dash’s eyes and drew the conclusion her teammate had no romantic interest in Sky Stinger. Showing her softer side, Vapor Trail allowed herself to vent to the wielder of Loyalty, “That’s what I have been trying to do for a while now… But Sky Stinger, along with other mishaps, has made confessing my feelings to him very difficult.”
Rainbow Dash pounded her hoof on her chest, “Then allow me to help you!”
“You sure you want to help me?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Of course! I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”
Vapor Trail and Rainbow Dash walked back to the resting bunker, feeling refreshed from their warm showers. Their manes were slightly wet and the breeze cooled their heated skulls. From afar, Spitfire was speaking to a brown earth pony with a green cap. His cap was not like a hat with a bill, but it sagged over like an unstuffed sack. The brown stallion was hitched to a wooden wagon, the walls of it tall and the inside hollow.
Vapor Trail was curious to who the guest was and why he was talking to the captain, but she wanted to focus on a much more vital situation: giving her Hearts and Hooves gift to Sky Stinger. And with Rainbow Dash at the ready with her loyal ammunition, Vapor Trail was willing to up the ante.
“How are you going to assist in helping me confess my feelings to Sky Stinger?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Okay,” Rainbow Dash began, “first, you need to apply some makeup!”
Vapor Trail pursed her lips and her brows creased. “You could have told me this when we were in the locker room,” she argued.
“I know I could have, but it's all apart of the big plan,” said Rainbow Dash, gesturing her hoof in front of her, attempting to show Vapor Trail her invisible list.
“If putting on makeup is step one, shouldn't I turn around and return to my locker?” Vapor Trail asked.
Rainbow Dash gave an uncertain smile, “Sorry, I'm new to the whole romance scene. But I am good at improvising. Consider the makeup part as step one, part two. Currently, we are doing step one, part one.” It would be difficult for Vapor Trail to try and shake Rainbow Dash off, considering how much she wants to help. But the cyan mare was making things so much more complicated; she hasn't even gotten to step two! It may have been better for Vapor Trail to work alone. “So you told me you got… him a box of chocolates that has a note inside?”
“It's a postcard, but yes, that is what I got Sky,” Vapor Trail commented.
“Couldn't you have gotten him something more fit for a stallion?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Like a remote control car or horseshoe game set would be cool, I think.”
“It's not his birthday.” Vapor Trail frowned, “Besides, if I did get him an RC car and Sky ends up rejecting me, I don't want something around to remind him of the day he said ‘no.’” Vapor Trail used her hoof to drive an imaginary steering wheel, “Wow, sure glad I got this RC the day I rejected Vapor Trail. Hey, let's use that horseshoe set she gave me that one Hearts and Hooves just before I proceeded to break her spirit. Got a hammer? Let's nail the spike into the grass just like-”
“Okay, okay, I get it!” Rainbow Dash snorted, unable to take any more negativity. “Do you have to put yourself down so much? No wonder you haven't asked him out yet.”
“I have tried to ask him,” Vapor Trail wined, “but things keep getting in the way!”
They entered the resting bunker, Rainbow Dash taking the lead. She looked around and saw nopony in the room. “Is anypony in there?” Vapor Trail asked sheepishly.
“Coast is clear,” said Rainbow Dash and closed the bunker door. And then locked it.
“Y-you can’t lock the sleeping quarter’s door!” Vapor Trail exclaimed and turned around to unlock it.
Rainbow Dash was faster and blocked Vapor Trail from the door. “But we can't unlock it now! Step one, part one doesn't need anypony interrupting!”
Whatever step one, part one might be, Vapor Trail hadn't had a clue. But she begged the question, “Then what needs to be done first?”
“Step one, part one, get in a better mood!” Rainbow Dash instructed, pressing her muzzle hard on Vapor Trail’s nose. A nervous grin bloomed from the white pegasus’ lips, which didn't impress, nor convince Rainbow Dash. “Come on, you can do better!”
“How is yelling at somepony supposed to make them feel happy?” Vapor Trail squeaked.
The cyan pegasus scratched her chin, her impromptu Hearts and Hooves plan needing quick adjustments. “Do what Daydreamer does best: daydream.”
“About Sky Stinger?”
“Of course, him! Daydream about him to put yourself in a more positive mood.” Rainbow Dash removed her assertive expression and replaced it with a warming and relaxing smile, “You were able face the odds and become a Wonderbolt. I know my apprentice can tell her friend how she feels.” Rainbow Dash pointed at herself, “Trust me, I have dealt with friendship problems for quite some time now. Saying what needs to be said can be hard. But someponies need to be told certain things. Some need to be told that they can't do everything all on their own. Some need to be told not to brainwash an entire village because they think cutie marks creates pain, and causes others to feel lesser than others.”
Vapor Trail was thrown off by Rainbow Dash and she gave the cyan pegasus a confused stare. “The last one I mentioned is a long story, but I did have to tell somepony that. Look, the point is you need to tell Sky Stinger your feelings. You will never know what will happen if you don't try. I've had to be told some things from my friends, even though it made them uncomfortable to say what was needed to be said. Now look at where I am! I am a friendship mender, and wielder of the Element of Loyalty.” Rainbow Dash wrapped an arm around Vapor Trail, “This wouldn't be the first time I have helped you before. And I know my advice has helped you become a better flier. Now, it is time to make you a courageous and loyal friend.”
The words of encouragement was enough to lift Vapor Trail spirits. “I don’t think I need to daydream about Sky Stinger,” she smiled. “You already cheered me up.”
“I am glad my awesome words have changed your mood. However, you need to do step one, part one properly.” Rainbow Dash stamped her hoof down, “Follow my instructions to the tee and I will guarantee success.”
The urge to be successful at her confession increased several times over. Vapor Trail did as instructed and closed her eyes, putting her nickname to work. The scene she put herself in was on a hillside. Sky Stinger was dressed in a typical black tuxedo with a red tie. As for herself, Vapor Trail was in a simple sundress, the outfit in a beautiful dark turquoise. Her perfume was a sweet vanilla, infectious to any stallion who would catch a whiff of it. In her hooves was the box of chocolates she had purchased several days before. Rainbow Dash hovered from above, moving clouds in front of the sun to make it beam a streak of light down onto them. Vapor Trail wondered if her imagination was starting to get out of control, but figured she had the excuse to do so because it was Hearts and Hooves after all.
“Now,” Rainbow Dash started, “are you in a better mood by daydreaming about Sky Stinger?”
“Can I suggest how to make today’s Hearts and Hooves proposal so much more magical?” Vapor Trail asked, her daydream fully bewitching her. Having a sunbeam shine down on Sky Stinger would make him feel like a star, no doubt. And it would also grab his attention and help him understand Vapor Trail when she confesses her feelings.
“Unless it conflicts with any of my steps,” Rainbow Dash started, “you may leave suggestions. But not right now.” The sunbeam idea was perfect and Vapor Trail wanted to let it out. However, things needed to be discussed before other ideas come into play. “Step one, part one point five: go get your gift and give it to me.”
“Step one, part one point five?” Vapor Trail repeated. “Can't you just-”
“Step one, part one point five: Go. Get. Your. Gift. Who cares about what number it is?” Rainbow Dash folded her arms, “Do you want my help or not?” The idea of simply giving Sky Stinger her gift didn't satisfy Vapor Trail’s fantasy, and an extra hoof would give the confession an extra hoof. But with how strange Rainbow Dash worked her numbering system, Vapor Trail wondered if her teammate really knew what she was doing.
Vapor Trail answered Rainbow Dash with movement and the white pegasus walked over to her own bed. Under it was her box of chocolates shaped like a heart, hidden from the normal eye. There was another Hearts and Hooves gift beside the box, designated to Spitfire. Vapor Trail took Fleetfoot’s advice by getting their captain a thank you card for Hearts and Hooves. And hopefully, Spitfire accepts the friendly notion and doesn't resist the card instead.
Vapor Trail snagged her gift and made her way over to Rainbow Dash. “Step one, part one point five finished.” It took Vapor Trail a moment to realize she said the entire phrase Rainbow Dash was saying but didn't care about it. The next part was about to be done.
“Good!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and took the heart. She opened the top and saw the Hearts and Hooves card all prepared for the climactic reveal. The mare grabbed a chocolate in the shape of the ball and gave it a sniff.
“Hey, that's not for you!” Vapor Trail barked.
“Kidding, kidding,” Rainbow Dash laughed, amused by her teammate’s aggressive stare. “This was the optional step one, part one point seventy-five, where I inspect the gift.” Before Vapor Trail could complain about anything else, Rainbow Dash put the candy back into its place and said, “Now it's time for step one… dramatic pause…” Vapor Trail let out an irritated sigh, a sign of her wanting to move along with the day. She wondered if there was a step one, part one point eighty-nine and a half; and that didn't make any logical sense!
“...part two,” Rainbow Dash concluded her dramatic pause. At once, Vapor Trail was at attention, ready to get the better steps and parts in motion. “Now, you said you wanted to make your proposal more ‘magical,’ correct?” The love-struck pony nodded with eager anticipation. If the part twos of step one involved getting pretty and making the setting for Sky Stinger perfect, Vapor Trail would do all the parts if needed. “What do you have in mind, Daydreamer?”
Vapor a Trail sat down and clapped her hooves together, “Okay, I want to confess my feelings to Sky Stinger in front of a tree.”
“That's it?” Rainbow Dash rose a brow. “I'm pretty sure you have daydreamed about more interesting ways to tell Sky Stinger your feelings.”
“There's more,” Vapor Trail smiled. “I want to have you move clouds over the tree and make a sunbeam glow onto it.”
The cyan mare scratched her chin and grinned, “Not bad, Daydreamer.”
Vapor Trail giggled, “I try.”
“I would have suggested having Princess Cadence cast a love spell on Sky Stinger, so he would easily fall for you. But hey, I can dig sunlight.”
Vapor Trail’s eyes widened, “You know Princess Miamore Cadenza! Maybe you could get her and help out with my Hearts and Hooves!”
The excitement startled Rainbow Dash and she was not sure how to approach the sparkly-eyed pegasus. “I could see if she is available, but your confession may be delayed for a while.”
Vapor Trail had no intention to delay her confession, even if the alicorn of love may come to her aid. “Then I will stick to my original idea,” she said.
“Cool,” Rainbow Dash nodded. “Now, go to the locker room and get yourself all prettied up, while I find a tree for you and Sky Stinger.”
“Where will I meet you when I am done?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Look for a tree with sunlight beaming on it,” Rainbow Dash said.
A small puff of powder ploomed from Vapor Trail’s little makeup container as her brush touched the light material. She didn’t need to apply too much powder because of her already white fur. The mare had finished putting her hair in a ponytail before applying anything to her face, lest it falls in front of her eyes. It took Vapor Trail a lot of concentration and nerve to keep herself from shivering as she continued to pretty herself up.
What concerned Vapor Trail was not the gift or Rainbow Dash’s involvement. The did worry her was Sky Stinger. Both he and Vapor Trail were the best of friends and the mare couldn’t be more blessed than to have him in her life. But would her simple gift cause a cataclysm in the world she held with Sky Stinger? Even if Sky Stinger would give the white pegasus a gentle no, which was something she didn't want, Vapor Trail would rather have nothing bad happen to her friendship, regardless of the outcome of the confession. But Vapor Trail knew the risk of telling somepony their love to another. But not trying might be worse than not trying at all. After all, she had already tried a few times; and they all resulted in either Sky Stinger being oblivious or by circumstances intervening.
One glance at her mirror told Vapor Trail she was almost ready. Aside from her mane, Vapor Trail had her eyelashes brushed, ready to be batted in typical lovestruck fashion. A small streak of eyeliner curved like a wave of ink and a light amount of powder caked her face. All that was needed was a nice touch of blush, even though Vapor Trail was destined to be flushed later on; might as well show more. The mare’s nostrils picked up the sweet smell of her powder as she applied the blush with a soft pad. Vapor Trail noted to put on some perfume to not have the smell of makeup shroud her.
Vapor Trail closed her blush container and placed it in the locker. She caught her reflection in the mirror and was stunned at her own sight. Ponytail done, eyeliner applied, and powder and blush spread. She was finished.
The mare closed her locker door and left the locker room in a nervoucited mood. Sky Stinger would be foolish to not compliment her lovely appearance. Vapor Trail exited the locker room just as Wind Waker was walking down the hall toward her. He froze at the sight of the angel down the hall and flushed. “W-wow, Vapor Trail! You look wonderful.”
Vapor Trail did not stop walking but did give Wind Waker a smile and a nod. “Why thank you,” she said. Just before rounding the corner, Vapor Trail looked back and caught Wind Waker still staring at her. The stallion tried to run into the locker room but rammed into the wall as he still tried to look at Vapor Trail. She giggled as she watched Wind Waker flee out of sight and the mare knew then and there she was a walking cupid. And in her quiver, she had one arrow to fire.
***
Flying was the last thing Vapor Trail wanted to do. If she did, her mane would get frizzy, which is why she stuck to walking. Vapor Trail noticed others staring at her as she made her way through the Wonderbolt Acadamy. She didn't care for them but the mare was still nervoucited. Her current objective was to locate a beam of light shining down on a tree.
Fifteen minutes passed and Vapor Trail caught no glimpse of a sunbeam. The sky did have several clouds floating about, which made the search more unnerving. Vapor Trail wanted to hurry, locate the tree, find Sky Stinger, and then do what she has been trying to do several times before.
Vapor Trail was walking by the captain’s quarters when she noticed Soarin and Spitfire standing in front one another. Vapor Trail noticed the gift Soarin was holding. She also saw the nervous smile he held as well.
Not moving too quickly, but fast enough to stay hidden, Vapor Trail ducked behind a corner and peaked at the mingling pegasi. “-a-and I know the only thing you would love to do on a day like this is… well…” Soarin hooved the gift over to the captain and continued, “...open it and see what I got ya.” Spitfire didn't look at all angry with Soarin, and was actually smiling. Vapor Trail wondered if this was a Hearts and Hooves gift, or perhaps more! The thought of Soarin asking out Spitfire to be his special somepony almost made Vapor Trail giggle out loud. After Spitfire tore the gift wrap off the box, Soarin said, “Happy Hearts and Hooves.”
Vapor Trail gasped and hummed at the sweet gesture. She looked behind herself to see if anypony had caught her spying. But to her fortune, she was still in stealth mode.
“Wow, Soarin!” Spitfire exclaimed. “A new megaphone!” Out of character, the captain hugged Soarin and the stallion grunted at her quick movement. “Thanks. I love it.”
“A-any time,” Soarin stammered. “You uhh… wanna go try it out?”
“Sure,” said Spitfire. “I would love to yell at somepony with this new bad boy.” She and Soarin began to walk in Vapor Trail’s direction. The white mare ducked into the alley and hid behind a convenient box. Both Wonderbolts passed with no notice of Vapor Trail. “How many features does this thing have?” Spitfire said, her voice distant.
“Over a dozen.”
“Holy hay!”
Vapor Trail waited a minute before moving from her hiding spot. Trying to act casual and not suspicious, the mare strutted out of the alley. She looked to where Spitfire and Soarin went and didn't see them. Glad she was not caught, Vapor Trail let out a sigh.
“HEY, DAYDREAMER!” a voice blared from behind Vapor Trail. Instead of leaping into the air like a frightened cat, Vapor Trail hopped forward while letting out a scared scream. Her subconscious was still aware that preventing a frizzy mane was a high priority. Vapor Trail looked back after her high pitched yelp and saw Spitfire grinning. Soarin was doing his best to not smirk but failed miserably. The captain did not have her eyes on the white mare, and was instead admiring her new toy. “Wow, this thing is loud, and that is saying something.” Finished with looking at the various buttons on her shiny red megaphone, Spitfire took notice of Vapor Trail’s features. “You going on a date with all that makeup?”
Vapor Trail took the moment to take a crack at Spitfire, “I can go on a double date with you and your megaphone, along with me and my potential date.”
“You know, I normally hate dates. But I wouldn’t mind taking my megaphone along with me,” Spitfire said. “Then I may talk into my date’s ear to ‘whisper’ things to you.”
Soarin chuckled into his hoof, “I don’t know if you could whisper into a megaphone.”
The challenge made Spitfire whisper into her megaphone, though it sounded more of a very loud ghost trying to be found out, “Nothing is impossible, Clipper.” Spitfire removed the megaphone from her mouth, along with her smile, and asked, “In all seriousness, Vapor Trail, you got something planned for another stallion?” Vapor Trail knew Spitfire was being vague in front of Soarin. So worrying about Soarin knowing Vapor Trail’s crush was nothing to be concerned with.
“It’s Hearts and Hooves after all,” the white mare answered. “You can assume why I have all this makeup.” Vapor Trail looked between Spitfire and Soarin, curious about the one-way gift exchange. “Do either of you two have plans for Hearts and Hooves?”
“I may use my megaphone to scream at others at how terrible this holiday is,” Spitfire said, “but other than that, I got nothing going for me today.” Vapor Trail waited for Soarin to answer her question, but he stared at the back of Spitfire’s head with a neutral stare; Vapor Trail took note of his silence.
The white pegasus looked around to see if any nearby trees had a beaming light on it. There was no such thing as far as Vapor Trail could see. She figured she could spare another question that was unrelated to romance or holidays before heading off to seal her fate. “Hey, Spitfire, who was that pony you were talking to earlier today? The one with the cart?”
“You sure like to spy on me when you aren’t daydreaming,” Spitfire replied with a raised brow.
“I’d like to ask the same thing,” Soarin chimed in. “Who was he?”
The talk of business was unavoidable, so Spitfire answered, “His name was Quarter Hearts and he is strictly here for business.” It was subtle, but Vapor Trail heard Soarin sigh out of relief. It was strange for Vapor Trail to see the normally upbeat and positive stallion not look like himself. “There are some gems under Wonderbolts Academy and Quarter Hearts wants to mine them. I scheduled him to mine as much as he wants for three hours. He didn’t seem to mind the time limit and mentioned to me he had other things planned today, so my conditions were met with no issues.”
There was no more mystery to the pony Spitfire spoke to earlier and there was no more reason for Vapor Trail to stick around her teammates. “Thanks,” said Vapor Trail. “I was just curious.”
“Not a problem,” Spitfire responded.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Vapor Trail added.
Spitfire rose a brow, “Yes…?”
“Have you seen Sky Stinger?”
The stallion in question spoke from behind Vapor Trail, “Who wants to know?” The mare looked behind to see Sky Stinger smiling at her. His expression turned surprised Sky Stinger got a good look at Vapor Trail. “Does the lovely best sneeze need me?”
“Oh Sky,” Vapor Trail giggled. Spitfire rolled her eyes at the mushy nonsense before her and walked out of the ally with Soarin in tow.
“You look great, Vapor Trail,” said Sky Stinger while Spitfire and Soarin exited the ally. He looked to Spitfire and added, “You look great as well, Cap.” Again, Spitfire rolled her eyes. Soarin on the other hoof let out an irritated clear of the throat and made an obvious glare at Sky Stinger.
“What's with the look?” Sky Stinger asked Soarin. “There's nothing wrong with complimenting a mare.”
“I-it’s just…” Soarin stammered, his words not properly pieced together. “...you have already seen Spitfire about her attitude toward Hearts and Hooves. I would refrain from complimenting her, lest you too want a scolding.” It was hard for Vapor Trail to tell if Soarin was standing up for Spitfire, or if Soarin was trying to get Sky Stinger to back off of the captain because he was jealous.
Spitfire agreed with Soarin with a smile and directed her megaphone at Sky Stinger. “Yeah, Sky Clinger! Leave me alone or I will render you deaf!” The loud noise rang in both Sky Stinger’s and Vapor Trail’s ears. Spitfire turned around and lowered her microphone, “Anyways, I'm gonna go test this thing.” She looked to Soarin and asked, “You wanna tag along?”
“Sure,” Soarin said. Before the stallion walked off with his friend, Soarin approached Sky Stinger, “Sorry. Didn't mean to get all up like that. Spitfire’s just a little sensitive about this holiday.”
“Not a problem,” Sky Stinger held up a reassuring hoof.
“Thanks.” Soarin looked back to see Spitfire had left him without hesitation and the pegasus had to leave in a quick dash to catch up with her.
Sky Stinger returned his attention to Vapor Trail. “You do look wonderful. Is there a particular reason why you dolled yourself up?”
Vapor Trail was tempted to confess her feelings then and there but easily resisted. “Have you seen a tree with a beam of light on it?”
Thanks to Sky Stinger’s willing ability to assist his friend, he was able to find the tree caught in a spotlight. When the Vapor Trail told Sky Stinger she needed him to come to the tree, the stallion was very curious. The pair walked in silence, Sky Stinger leading the way.
“Is there a reason why you need me?” he asked.
Vapor Trail winked at Sky Stinger, “You will see.” With every step Vapor Trail made, her heart ticked faster; and with four legs to walk with, Vapor Trail’s heart was at an unsteady rate. “You can say I am putting you in the spotlight once more.”
Sky Stinger grinned, “You trying to set me up with somepony.”
“Maybe,” Vapor Trail said, her hip bumping Sky Stinger’s flank. “Maybe not.”
“Well, whatever you are up to, I’m sure I will like it.”
“I hope so…” A shadow of doubt began to shroud the mare’s heart. What if Sky Stinger didn’t like the gift, or disapproved of Vapor Trail’s confession? Or both?!
Sky Stinger caught wind of Vapor Trail’s tone and he stopped walking. “I know I will like what you have planned. After all, you are putting me in the spotlight. That already makes me feel awesome.”
The mare giggled, “I guess that is a good start to my gift to you.” Vapor Trail gasped, the secret slipping from her lips. Her ears fell back, upset she couldn’t keep one mystery quiet until the moment was right.
“Hey, why are you upset?” Sky Stinger asked. “The beautiful best sneeze shouldn’t be frowning with all that makeup she has on.” Vapor Trail flushed but couldn’t get herself to smile for long.
“I wanted to surprise you,” said Vapor Trail.
Sky Stinger smiled, “I already am. Knowing you have something planned for me makes feel pretty awesome.” He brought a hoof to his chest, “I swear.”
“If you plan on swearing,” Vapor Trail grinned, “you better be making a promise to not use vulgar language.”
The stallion put an arm around Vapor Trail’s neck, “That’s the spirit.” Sky Stinger gave a gentle pull toward where he was walking, “And I think we have found our tree.”
Near the edge of the cliff was a large cedar tree, its shadow large and consuming. A cluster of clouds hovered above the tall plant, out of place as they were manually placed there. And just as Vapor Trail requested, a beam of light shined down at the cedar through a hole in the clouds. It was everything Vapor Trail wanted. All that needed to be done was to deliver the box of chocolates that held more than a sweet kiss. Vapor Trail took the lead and grabbed Sky Stinger’s hoof, “Come on! Let me surprise you even more!”
Resting on the cluster of clouds, Rainbow Dash noticed Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail walking toward the cedar through the hole in the clouds. She let out a sigh and spoke to nopony, “About time…” Rainbow Dash stood up and flew through the hole. The mare landed on the grass, ready to propose step two to Vapor Trail.
As Sky Stinger got close, he took notice of Rainbow Dash. “And what brings you here?” Sky Stinger asked.
Rainbow Dash wanted to get all the attention off of her and onto Vapor Trail, “All I am here for is assisting my apprentice with special loyalty business. Nothing between you and I.”
“Too bad,” Sky Stinger shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind showing you personally how loyal I can be to a mare.”
Vapor Trail grew a little jealous as Sky Stinger had his eyes on Rainbow Dash. Even though Rainbow Dash had no interest in being with Sky, the fact that he had his eyes on other mares caused Vapor Trail’s natural instincts to go on the offensive. “Maybe today, you can show another pegasus you know your loyalty,” Vapor Trail said, absorbing as much of Sky Stinger’s attention onto her.
The stallion turned toward the white pegasus and smiled at her, “And who might that be?”
Rainbow Dash answered for Vapor Trail, “Stand under the tree and find out.” Sky Stinger didn’t question the request and went under the tree in the spotlight. Rainbow Dash approached Vapor Trail and whispered into her ear, “Okay, ready for step two?”
“Yes!” Vapor Trail whispered, but it was more of a huff of words than a quiet transfer of words. “Yes, yes, yes ye-”
“Okay, I get it…” Rainbow Dash interjected. “Now, step two, part one: get the gift hidden in the hole of the tree. Part two of step two will require you to look around for any potential interruptions that may intervene with your confession.” Vapor Trail nodded at step two, part two. Whenever the right words were about to come out before, somepony or something would happen, and the confession would be lost. She knew step two, part two was vital.
“Then comes step three…” Rainbow Dash began slowly. The sudden shift in going from step two to step three took Vapor Trail’s breath. “Step three, part one involves some improvising. Tell Sky Stinger about how you feel about him and your friendship. No need to get all mushy and tell him about how much you love him.”
Vapor Trail nodded and whispered, “I can do that.” The anticipation for the next step was making the nervous mare quake. She could assume what the next step was, but the mare was nervous all the same.
“Step three, part two is when you give him the gift,” Rainbow Dash concluded and stepped back from Vapor Trail.
Not sure what step three, part three, or even step four might entail, Vapor Trail panicked, “Wh-what do I do next?”
“Anything can happen after Sky Stinger reads your note,” said Rainbow Dash. “But I am sure you will know what to do once Sky knows how you feel about him.”
A nervous grin wiggled onto the white mare’s lips, “A-alright. I’m ready.”
Rainbow Dash gave Vapor Trail a hard pat on the back of the neck, “Then go get em’! And remember: follow each part in order to grant success.” Rainbow Dash fanned out her wings, a sign that Vapor Trail was about to go through with a difficult task alone. “Go make your daydream a reality!” In no hurry, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings and flew above the cluster of clouds.
Go make your daydream a reality, Vapor Trail repeated in her head. If she had the time, Vapor Trail would have closed her eyes, and lose herself in another fantasy with Sky Stinger. But living in a fictional world is not something the mare was willing to do any longer. With confidence in her stride, Vapor Trail pressed forward and walked toward her future.
“What were you two talking about?” Sky Stinger asked when Vapor Trail got close enough to hear him.
“Just… talking about our plans for Hearts and Hooves,” Vapor Trail said, only speaking half the truth. She didn’t know if Rainbow Dash did have anything special planned for Hearts and Hooves, but that was not important to Vapor Trail. As she looked for a hole in the cedar, Vapor Trail asked, “What about you, Sky? Have any mare on your mind for Hearts and Hooves?”
“Any mare is a candidate for me,” Sky Stinger boasted. Even though his thoughts were on every mare in Equestria, Vapor Trail was glad that she was eligible for her friend. “But as I said earlier this morning, if I asked any mare to be my special somepony, they will leap into my arms.”
Vapor Trail wanted to shoot down any candidates she could from Sky Stinger’s mind. “What about Spitfire? Or even Rainbow Dash? Neither of them seem interested in a relationship.” Vapor Trail didn’t want to be harsh and tell her friend they want nothing to do with him. But she did want to kill two birds with one stone, or in her case, two pegasi from Sky Stinger’s flirtatious and boastful nature.
“There are many fish in Equestria, Vapor Trail,” Sky Stinger said. “Two mares is nothing compared to the many who live in Equestria.” Vapor Trail began to frantically look for the tree hole before she begins to seek out a fishing pole to remove the world of its fish.
The hole was eventually found, but it was high in the tree. Vapor Trail did not want to fly and get her pretty mane frizzy by the wind; or worse, a tree branch getting caught in her mane. But step two, part one was in effect, and Vapor Trail knew she had to be the one initiating her confession. She flew up to the hole, cautious of every twig and leaf as the mare ascended. In the hole was the box of chocolates resting delicately, waiting to be delivered.
Vapor Trail grabbed the box and descended to her friend, the grass crunching as she touched down. Her cheeks were flushed and so was Sky Stinger's. “Vapor Trail…” he began but was at a loss for words. Sky’s eyes kept glancing between the red heart and Vapor Trail, not sure what or who to pay attention to more.
Vapor Trail noticed Sky Stinger was not quite in the beam of light and said, “Take a few steps back, please.” The stallion creased his brow slightly but did what he was told. At last, part of Vapor Trail’s daydream had become real. “There!” the mare beamed, “Now you can shine in the spotlight again. Just like you always have.”
Sky Stinger looked up and saw his convenient placement of himself and the sunbeam. “I do look good in the light, don’t I?” Sky Stinger smiled.
“I’ve always enjoyed seeing you in it, after all,” Vapor Trail said. “Perhaps more than I would like to admit.” It was a rare sight to see Sky Stinger blush. Normally, his ego would always be higher than the stratosphere with nothing able to faze his demeanor. But perhaps the dolled up Vapor Trail was more than he could take and his ability to wear facades grew slippery.
“I know you said there are many fish in Equestria, Sky,” Vapor Trail began, her gaze at a single flower nearby. A bee crawled about it, collecting pollen for itself. “Well…” She pointed a hoof at herself, “...this angelfish wishes to speak a few words to you.”
Sky Stinger managed to keep his eyes on Vapor Trail, “Lucky for you, angel fish are my favorite.” He gave a nod, “Well, speak those words.”
Remember, Vapor Trail, there is no need to be all romantic yet. Even though your angelfish bit might have been a little too obvious. Vapor Trail swallowed, forcing any nervous lumps that may interrupt her compliments back into her stomach. “I got you this gift and set this scene for you because…” A lump started to crawl up the mare’s throat like an octopus escaping a poorly knit net. Again, she swallowed, and the lump was pushed down. “...because I wanted to tell you how much of a great friend you are.” A smile rose Sky Stinger’s cheeks, but he remained quiet, waiting to be complimented some more. “I always enjoyed seeing you happy, glowing in the spotlight. Your joy means a lot to me, Sky. A-and I appreciate you always being there with me. When we fly, you always want me beside you. To glide with you.”
Vapor Trail took a step forward toward the stallion, his face still flushed. In a slow gesture, Vapor Trail extended her arm that held the box of chocolates, “Please take this Hearts and Hooves gift for being such a sweet guy to me.” She turned her attention to the flower she was staring at before, too embarrassed to look upon Sky Stinger. The bee was no longer attending to the flower, perhaps pleased with the pollen it had collected.
“Clever pun,” said Sky Stinger. Vapor Trail felt the gift leave her hooves, a transaction complete. The flower quickly lost its beauty and Vapor Trail needed to gaze upon a stallion instead. The moment her eyes met Sky Stinger’s, he gave a friendly wink.
“I hope you like the simple gift,” Vapor Trail said, her heart pounding in her ears. All he had to do was open the box and read the note prepared for him.
“Don’t worry, I will enjoy every bite.” As if suspense had it out for Vapor Trail, it told Sky Stinger to slowly open the box. Vapor Trail sucked her lips into her mouth, awaiting Sky Stinger to react to the note. She thought of all the steps and parts she had to go through. Vapor Trail prettied herself up, had a scene made for Sky Stinger, words were said, and the box of chocolates was in the stallion’s Hooves. No steps were missed. Everything was about to change.
A nasty buzz came close to Vapor Trail’s head before something bumped into her ear. The moment she flinched, a bee came close to her peripheral. Vapor Trail squeaked before retreating a few steps backward. “What is it?” Sky Stinger asked. When he, too, noticed the black and yellow pest, the stallion had a much more hysterical reaction. “BEEEEEEE!”
One quick blur of turquoise later and Sky Stinger hid behind the cedar tree, scared like a colt. Vapor Trail couldn't blame him for his reaction. Bees were a common crowd disperser. Not to mention, nopony wishes to be stung by one. But for once in her life, Vapor Trail was more angry with the bee than scared of it. The box of chocolates was parted open and the bee was crawling about the contents. From her perspective, Vapor Trail could see the pink note peeking out the side of the box. The key to unlocking a possible happy future was being guarded by a small bee.
Vapor Trail wasn't going to have it. All of the things she had to go through was not about to be in vain. She was frightened about the possibility of being stung, but a little poke may be the only sacrifice the mare had to endure.
Her shadow loomed over the bee as Vapor Trail walked over to the box of chocolates. Behind her, the mare heard Sky Stinger say, “What are you doing?”
“I'm getting your Hearts and Hooves gift,” Vapor Trail answered. The bee looked up to the large pony, no fear upon its little face. It leered at Vapor Trail and made sure its stinger was in sight. Wings buzzed in a loud hum, a warning that it will strike if it continued to be threatened. Both pony and bee glared at one another, wondering who would make the first move.
As sweet as the bonbon was, the bee didn't believe that it should stay put and be threatened. The bee leaped into the air, its small spearhead set to sting. Vapor Trail shrieked and stumbled back to dodge the insect. But her legs fumbled over one another and the mare fell onto her flank. Angry wings buzzed above Vapor Trail as the bee hovered over her like a lion who had felled its prey.
A voice spoke from behind the angered bee, “The only Stinger she wants is me, not you!” In his hooves, Sky Stinger used the box of chocolates to clamp down on the bee, trapping it inside. He gave the box a harsh shake before running over to the cliff side.
Vapor Trail watched in horror as her Hearts and Hooves gift was pitched off the cliff before it disappeared from her sight. The mare didn't know if she was either more angry with Sky Stinger and the bee, or more upset that everything she had prepared for Sky Stinger was gone with a simple toss.
Sky Stinger turned toward his friend and immediately saw her distress. He walked toward her, rubbing the back of his head. “Sorry about your gift… I didn't want you to get stung.”
And at that moment, Vapor Trail had given up. Fate was not allowing the reality of Sky Stinger being her special somepony to exist. He didn't even turn Vapor Trail down, but it felt like it was rejection for the white mare.
She got onto all fours and said, “It's fine…” before walking away. Sky Stinger called her name but she didn't hear him.
***
A rock splintered into pieces as Quarter Hearts swung his pick in an angry fit. And yet every time his tool struck something, the stallion’s headache seemed to only get worse. At least his fury managed to cause the rock he had just hit spit out an emerald.
The cave around him sparkled with life. Gems of many colors flashed in their clear bodies, some even projected magical light. But Quarter Hearts was not cheered up by their natural beauty. Not with Epona on his mind.
His wagon sat at the cave’s entrance, not full enough to the point gems were poking out the top. Quarter Hearts wanted to step outside and try to get his crush off his mind. Quarter Hearts lobbed the emerald into the cart as if it's value was that of a bit. A rock intercepted the stallion’s path and was immediately kicked away. A larger rock stuck out of the ground in the shade, much too large to be moved by a mere kick of the leg. It looked like a nice place to rest, so Quarter Hearts went over to the stone, placed his pick on the cliff’s wall, and sat on the rock.
Quarter Hearts bit down until his jaw began to cramp. The stallion rubbed his forehead with a hoof, still angry how he forgot the Hearts and Hooves gift for Epona. The gift: a ruby in the shape of a heart. Through his endeavors of trying to seek out the largest and rarest of gems and crystals, the one Quarter Hearts cherished the most was his cherry-colored ruby. It was a beauty, naturally shaped by the earth into a heart. When Quarter Hearts found it in some dark cavern, the pony felt like he had unearthed an organ from a natural being. And just like most of his ventures into caves, Quarter Hearts had to fight off a massive monster before hauling off his treasure.
Quarter Hearts knew he was not a stallion of many words. In fact, he rarely spoke at all. But with the cherry ruby, he may be able to muster up the courage to face Epona and tell her how he feels about her. It made Quarter Hearts laugh at the fact that he has faced many monsters, creatures, and angry chickens with very little fear (except for the chickens). But when it came to Epona, Quarter Hearts couldn't even mutter.
The worst of what made Quarter Hearts’ Hearts and Hooves experience even worse was how he promised Epona something after he was done working. What was Quarter Hearts going to do when he shows up to Lon Lon Ranch, and arrives with hooves empty? The worry was too much for the upset earth pony.
An object from the sky hit the dirt ground in a puff of dust. Quarter Hearts brandished his pick, naturally ready to be attacked for no reason. However, nothing followed the sudden fall. The stallion walked over to what fell from the sky, and noticed the thing that hit the ground was a red box. Quarter Hearts picked up the heart-shaped box, giving it a few sniffs before smelling the sugar from inside. It was a box of chocolates.
In a fit of joy, Quarter Hearts spun around and held the Hearts and Hooves gift above him. I found a Full Heart (of Chocolates). I can use this as a substitute Hearts and Hooves gift for Epona. Sure, it may not be the Cherry Ruby, but this will do for now.
Curious about the contents inside, Quarter Hearts opened the box of chocolates. An aggressive insect jumped out of the gift, nearly missing Quarter Heart’s cheek. Part of the stallion was not surprised that something tried to attack him. Whenever he took something that was not his, Quarter Hearts had to fight for it; not that he was a thief of any sort. What did surprise Quarter Hearts was that his attacker was a bee. A very… small… normal bee.
Quarter Hearts chuckled at his opponent, not intimidated in the slightest. But he knew that underestimating it may cause him to end up with a swollen nose. The bee pointed its stinger and darted at the stallion. Quarter Hearts ducked to avoid the attack before running over to his pick. He placed down the box of chocolates so that it won't be damaged in the conflict.
With his pickaxe in hoof, Quarter Hearts prepared for another strike from the bee. Sure enough, the bug came back around for Quarter Hearts. Again, the dodge was easy for the pony. However, this time, Quarter Hearts had a weapon and he swung the tool at the bee.
The insect managed to avoid being hit with a quick spin. The bee stuck out its tongue in a mocking manner before darting back at Quarter Hearts. The stallion remained still, knowing very well what he had just done. All he had to do was stand still.
With all its might, he bee pounded its flank into Quarter Hearts’ cheek. But instead of a yelp of pain, the earth pony only smirked. The bee looked at Quarter Hearts with confusion, not sure why its stinger had no effect. Then Quarter Hearts pointed to the bee’s stinger.
The bee was in shock when it noticed its stinger was clipped. Its once-sharp cone was nothing more than a harmless stub. Quarter Hearts was kind enough to locate the stinger and hoof it to the bee. The insect was flushed as it snatched the other half of its stinger before flying away.
All was hopeless for Vapor Trail. Everything she had tried, all either interrupted or not noticed. The only thing she could do was lie down on her bed to bask in her sadness. She moved her pillows from the bed and pulled the blanket down, revealing the cover underneath. Vapor Trail’s makeup had already begun to run from the tears she had already cried. Hooves clenched onto as much of the cover as they could and brought it to the mare’s face. Vapor Trail rubbed the sheet onto her face in an attempt to remove the applied makeup.
Will all the rubbing was done, Vapor Trail looked at the cover she had smothered her face in. A smear of black stained the thin blanket. A few tears from the mare’s still sobbing eyes accompanied the black, creating several pools of darkness.
Hoofsteps echoed off the walls, but Vapor Trail didn't bother to look. She didn't care who it was, even if it was Sky Stinger. The sound grew closer and closer to Vapor Trail before it stopped. But the white pegasus only looked to the black smudge.
“Hey, Vapor Trail,” said Rainbow Dash, “you uh… doin’ alright?”
“I followed every step and part of your plan,” Vapor Trail croaked over her crying tears. “You tell me.”
“Technically… you didn't follow one part in particular…” Vapor Trail’s ear twitched, curious as to what step was avoided. “You didn't check for possible interruptions that may intervene with your confession.”
A groan escaped Vapor Trail, “Ugh! I'm such an idiot!” The mare’s face flopped onto the mattress, her head bouncing a little from the bed springs. “Why does this keep happening!”
“What do you mean, Vapor Trail?” asked Rainbow Dash.
Vapor Trail rotated her head so her mouth was not on the mattress. “I've been trying to confess my feelings to Sky for a while now and things keep getting in the way. And after what had just happened, I wish to be alone.” The mare grabbed the blanket and hid under it, a shield that only made ponies more curious about who was under it and why. “I put in a lot of heart into that note for Sky, and it took a lot of courage to say what was said. All of that was literally thrown off a cliff.”
Rainbow Dash’s voice was much closer as she spoke, “There's always a next time.”
“No… There will not… I'm done trying and failing. And I want to be alone.”
“But-”
“Please, Rainbow Dash. Leave me be.”
“Alright.” Hoof steps started at Vapor Trail’s bed and the sound began to move away. “If you need anypony to talk to, just ask me.” Vapor Trail didn't respond to the offer but made a mental note of it.
Sleep found Vapor Trail, her dreaming strange and confusing. Most of the dreams involved Sky Stinger, while the rest of it was about flying. The memories of him and Vapor Trail jumped around, from fillyhood to current day. Everything she dreamt was like reliving a long-loved memory. But every second Vapor Trail continued to sleep and ponder about Sky Stinger, the faster the memories came and went. She didn't have time to enjoy the past. Only the Hearts and Hooves moment started to play over and over. A loop to be repeated until the slumber was disturbed.
The mattress dipped, waking Vapor Trail from her dizzying sleep. Her body jolted unnecessarily and Vapor Trail didn't know where she was at first. It took a few moments for Vapor Trail to remember why she was under her blanket. But somepony was sitting on her bed and a hoof was on her covered shoulder.
“Hey, Vapor.” The voice was Sky Stinger's. “I've been looking for you.”
The mare didn't bother removing her shield. “How long has it been since I walked away from you?”
“Three hours,” he said. It didn't bother Vapor Trail that she was asleep for so long, but it did make sense why her body was so sluggish. “I wish to say something to you. Face to face. Pony to pony.” Vapor Trail made no movement, not sure she wanted to be around the stallion who threw her gift off a cliff. “There is something I must confess.” It was not something Vapor Trail was expecting to hear, but her dimly lit perspective got a lot brighter as she removed the blanket from her head. Sky Stinger looked down at her, a light smile on his face. “There she is.”
Vapor Trail stretched out her back before sitting up. “Here I am.” The word confession rang in the mare’s head. Was Sky Stinger about to confess a love he had had for Vapor Trail? It was difficult for her to keep her breath still.
Sky Stinger let out a sigh. “Vapor Trail, I want to first say how sorry I am for what happened to your gift. Trust me when I say I loved what you did for me today.” He stared at the floor, “Which brings me to what I must confess…” Vapor Trail’s eyes began to shimmer, expecting the words of romantic confession.
The stallion’s cheeks were flushed, a sign of true emotion. “I just… want to tell you…”
“Yes…?” Vapor Trail asked, leaning toward her friend, ready to kiss him upon his next few words.
“...that… I… think you are… an amazing flyer. Much better than I could ever be.” It was not the words Vapor Trail was hoping for, but it did take her by surprise.
“What do you mean?” Vapor Trail asked. She readjusted herself not to be too close to Sky Stinger’s face.
“Exactly what I just said, Vapor Trail.” Sky Stinger’s flush didn’t fade as he resumed, “And I have more to say about you.” He swallowed something in his throat, but Vapor Trail knew the stallion was nervous. “I am truly grateful for what you did today for me, and for everything you’ve done for me as well.”
“Well thank you, Sky,” Vapor Trail smiled.
“But I really mean it, Vapor Trail. Once again, you put me in the light, this time literally into a beam of light.”
Vapor Trail giggled, “I just love to see you shine.” I also happen to love you in general.
“All because of you.” Sky Stinger put his hoof on Vapor Trail’s shoulder. The mare began to shutter, eager for her friend to continue. “I know I have been saying this a lot, but I cannot stress how grateful I am for what you have done for me. For years, you kept a secret that helped me rise in popularity and ability. But it was your ability to push the right amount of wind in my wings and allow me to soar.” Sky Stinger’s shoulders sagged, “Also, something has been bothering me…”
“What is it?” Vapor Trail asked, scooting up against Sky Stinger’s flank.
“I have been wondering… what would have happened if you told me that you were helping me fly when we were younger…” Sky Stinger looked at Vapor Trail, worry clear on his expression. “I wonder if I would have behaved the way I did when you told me the truth the day we were trying out for the Wonderbolts.” Vapor Trail watched the whites of her friend’s eyes start to turn to a light red. Tears began to swell at the corner of Sky Stinger’s eyes. “And I worry that I would have acted like a jerk… and hated you like- like-” Sky Stinger clenched his eyelids and salty tears gushed forward.
“Sky!” Vapor Trail exclaimed, her voice cracking. At once, she held her best friend and began to sob alongside him.
Sky Stinger opened his eyes and noticed the mare crying. “Why are you crying, Vapor Trail? I’m the one who is upset here.”
“Because you are hurt,” Vapor Trail said. “And I hate to see you sad.”
A weak smile reached for Sky Stinger’s red eyes, “I am glad that you care.” The smile grew too heavy and Sky Stinger had to sag his cheeks. “I was a jerk that day you told me the truth. You knew if you told me what you were doing, my stupid ego would have brushed you aside.”
“But why are you worried about what will never be, Sky?” Vapor Trail asked, her body pressing against Sky Stinger. The stallion pulled his friend as close as he could, his heat warming and cooling in unison. Vapor Trail didn’t feel like crying anymore but was still concerned about Sky Stinger’s attitude.
“Because I worry about what if’s. I worry about losing my best friend. Like I have said years before we even came to the Wonderbolt’s academy, ‘I never fly without you.’ I’ve always wanted you beside me.” Sky Stinger rested his forehead on Vapor Trail’s brow. The mare flushed, wondering if he was trying to kiss her. “You were the first pony to truly see me. I was so transparent, and yet you saw me.” Sky Stinger retracted his head and gave a wide smile, “Your Hearts and Hooves gift was something I was not expecting. I actually thought you were setting me up with somepony.”
Vapor Trail giggled, “Maybe I still am.”
“Well, whoever they are, that mare can wait. Right now, I want to be with the with the mare I know well and love very much.”
The white mare gasped, blush brighter than any sunset, “You love me?” Vapor Trail was about to lunge forward and kiss the stallion to death but kept her unstable nature to jump on Sky Stinger still.
Sky Stinger winked, “As I said a while back, you are like a sister to me.” Vapor Trail groaned in her throat, the romantic mirage ruined. “Besides, you still have Soarin keep daydreaming about to ask out. I know I’m no candidate. You would have told me by now if I was.”
Vapor Trail was regretting telling Sky Stinger that she had a stallion on her mind. That roadblock was preventing Sky Stinger to see that he was the stallion in question. At least she was able to hold him close for the moment. “Regardless of your… level of affection toward me, I am glad you care about our friendship.”
“Thanks,” Sky Stinger nodded. “Again, your gift was something else, Vapor Trail. Even after I became a better flyer, you still wanted me in the spotlight. It shows how much of a loyal friend you really are.”
“Well, I am somehow Rainbow Dash’s apprentice,” said Vapor Trail. “I’ve taken a good helping from the Element of Loyalty’s tips and steps she has given me. I just wanted to show how much I love our friendship.” The word “love” was apparently very different to Sky Stinger. If Vapor Trail were to try and confess her love another time, a kiss on the lips might be the best option. Extreme? Yes. Would it get a message across? Most likely; unless the kiss ended up being an accident.
“And that’s why I was so moved by your compliments when you were giving me your gift,” said Sky Stinger. “It made me reflect on how much I care about our friendship. Me crying was in no way to make you feel sorry for me. I cried because I would never be in the position I am in today without you. Thank you, Vapor Trail.” The stallion then wiped the tears from his face and gave a hard sniff. He was done with shedding a few tears of truth.
Vapor Trail couldn’t contain herself and kissed Sky Stinger on the cheek, “And I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Sky Stinger flushed, “Save your lips for your Soarin. Wouldn’t want him to see you kiss me and then have you ask him out later. That might give him the wrong idea.”
“I’ll tell him it was a friendly gesture,” Vapor Trail winked.
Sky Stinger hopped off the bed, “Speaking of friendly gestures…” Vapor Trail watched her friend walk toward his bed, curious to what he was up to. “...I myself got you a Hearts and Hooves gift.”
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.
Sunbeam swam through the air upside-down right under Vapor Trail’s chin trying to amuse his owner. He succeeded when the angle fish received a kiss on the belly. Vapor Trail wondered what her pet required for sustenance and was tempted to seek Sky Stinger out. But Soarin and Spitfire were Vapor Trail’s prime targets so Sky was for another time.
Then a thought came to the mare’s mind: what is she going to do when she finds Soarin? Vapor trail was obviously not in love with him in the slightest. He was a kind soul but lacked a strong friendship, which kept her from considering the possibility of becoming Soarin's special somepony. Perhaps she can try and mingle with Soarin for a little while and get to know the Wonderbolt. Vapor Trail also figured she might be able to fish out information about Spitfire.
Not expecting anypony to be in the bunker, Vapor Trail decided to race Sunbeam in a playful chase. Vapor Trail was the first to enter the door, winning the simple game with ease. But her momentum was carried into somepony and smashed into the body of a Wonderbolt member. The mare quickly removed herself from Soarin, embarrassed and felt like an idiot for hurting him. “Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!”
Soarin let out a painful chuckle as he took a stand, “It’s fine, Vapor Trail. Things happen.” Vapor Trail lent a hoof to help him up and the offer was taken. “Thanks.”
“Your welcome,” said Vapor Trail. Sunbeam swam to her side and gave her a look over with a worried expression. “Don’t worry, Sunbeam, I am alright.”
“Is that an angel fish?” Soarin pointed to Sunbeam. The stallion brows suppressed. “You sure Spitfire is cool with you having a pet on the academy grounds?”
Vapor Trail didn’t consider how Spitfire would react or behave with Sunbeam as a personal companion. “I don’t know.” Sunbeam frowned, a look of worry shimmered in his little eyes. “Sky got me him for Hearts and Hooves. And I am already loving my little Sunny.” The arm closest to Sunbeam snagged him close to Vapor Trail. The fish wiggled around to adjust to a more comfortable position before settling down.
“Just talk to the captain about him,” Soarin said. “Spitfire may come off as intimidating, but she is a really nice mare.”
“I am sure she is.” Vapor Trail figured she could use the time to talk about Spitfire while not asking about her hatred for Hearts and Hooves. “When did you two meet?”
“Flight school,” Soarin answered. “Even then, Spitfire was a feisty filly.” He started to stretch out his arms, a little sore from the collision with himself and Vapor Trail. “What about you and Sky Stinger? What’s your story?”
Vapor Trail’s hold on Sunbeam loosened and the fish swam over to Soarin with curiosity in his fins. As she walked over to her bed to receive Spitfire’s Hearts and Hooves gift, Vapor Trail answered, “We were neighbors. One day my parents were trying to suffocate me with attention so I hid from them in the clouds. Then I saw Sky Stinger trying to grab his parents’ attention by doing a loop. With my help, I gave him a gust of wind from my wings which helped him succeed in his stunt. And, well, that’s how we became to be.” After obtaining the card, Vapor Trail stood up and saw Soarin petting Sunbeam. “I think he likes you, Soarin.”
“Ya think so?” the stallion asked as he rubbed Sunbeam’s underside. “That’s nice…” Soarin’s normal smile slowly went away and stopped giving the fish attention.
“What’s wrong?” Vapor Trail asked and came to her teammate’s aid. Sunbeam moved aside for his owner and spectated the two from above.
“Do you mind keeping a secret, Vapor Trail?” Soarin asked.
“Of course!”
“Shh! Keep it down…” Soarin’s ears fell back and looked to the door in an attempt to not let his message known to somepony other than Vapor Trail.
“Sorry,” Vapor Trail whispered. “But what is it you need to tell me? I mean, I appreciate you want to trust me with something, but you don’t know me a whole lot.”
A streak of blush ran across Soarin’s white face. “Well, I just… think it would be best if I tell somepony who is not willing to harass me.”
“O...kay…” Vapor Trail was not sure what the stallion was getting at but could see Soarin wanted to get something embarrassing off his chest. Then she wondered if he was trying to ask her to be his special somepony! The thought alone made her flush.
“You see… I like somepony…” Soarin confessed, which only made Vapor Trail further convinced he was trying to ask her out. “I-it’s not you!” he blurted out.
“Oh.” It was slightly relieving for Vapor Trail, and yet, the mare felt a little insulted Soarin was so quick to tell her she wasn’t the one for him.
“Not to say you aren’t a swell looking mare!” Soaring sucked in his lips and slapped his hoof on his forehead. “I’m sorry, Vapor Trail… I am just… nervous.”
It was apparent to the mare that Soarin was probably having a more difficult time with getting out what he wants to say. And Vapor Trail could immediately relate to him. “Don’t worry. I understand how you feel. I’ve been having some trouble with saying the right words to somepony myself, so no need to feel ashamed.”
Soarin rubbed the back of his head. “Thanks.” He walked over to a bed and sat down on it. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you trying to ask somepony to be your special somepony as well?”
“You could say that,” Vapor Trail smiled and walked over to Soarin. The mare wanted to be a little devious and out of character. She reached her neck up toward the stallion who turned bright red. “But I want to ask you a question.”
“S-sure…” Soarin stuttered.
“Even though I am nowhere near the mare you like, I was wondering if you would ever consider me.” Instead of hearing a coherent answer, Vapor Trail giggled as she watched Soarin mutter indistinguishable words. Suddenly, something from behind Vapor Trail head pushed her forward. Unable to react in time, the mare’s lips smacked right onto Soarin’s and fell on top of him. When she realized what had just happened, Vapor Trail looked back to see Sunbeam floating right behind her. “S-Sunbeam!”
“Umm… Vapor Trail…” Soarin chimed in. “You’re still…”
Red with anger and embarrassment, Vapor Trail lept off of Soarin and began to scold her angel fish. “No! That was not okay!” Sunbeam grabbed his tail and hid as much of his face behind it.
Soarin propped himself up and smiled. “Looks to me your pet wants us to hook up.” Sunbeam nodded in agreement.
“Sunbeam,” Vapor Trail began, “you know I like Sky.” But Sunbeam gave a disapproving shake of the head. “You don’t like me liking Sky?” The pet nodded. “Why not?” the mare pouted. “I love him!” Realizing what she had just said, Vapor Trail crammed her hoof on her lips and looked back at Soarin. “Can you… not tell anypony what I just said…?”
“If you don't tell anypony I really like Spitfire,” Soarin answered, rubbing the back of his head.
Vapor Trail gasped and all embarrassment was thrown out the window. “Aww, that's so cute!”
“Shh!” Soarin hissed again. “Please… keep it down… If the guys here you, they will easily tell Spitfire.”
“Oop!” Once more, Vapor Trail clamped her hoof on her mouth. “Sorry, but it is really cute. I can see that your megaphone you got Spitfire was the first of your gifts for the day.”
There was nothing for Soarin to hide behind so he simply smiled, though his flushed face became more obvious. “You can say that.” The stallion looked at the angel fish and smirked at him. “So you better not attempt to get us together when we have other ponies in mind.” Sunbeam folded his fins to pout but got no sympathy from the two pegasi.
“But before I go about asking you how you plan to propose to Spitfire-”
“Don’t say it like I hope to make her my wife,” Soarin laughed.
Vapor Trail stuck out her tongue in protest, “But I know you would like to be her husband.”
Soarin let out a sigh, “I mean, I wouldn’t mind that happening.” He blinked and became more serious. “But I want to be realistic with what is at hoof and not get ahead of myself.”
Vapor Trail bit her lip and admitted, “Can’t say the same for my non-realistic daydreams.” The stallion laughed a lot louder than Vapor Trail would have liked. So much for being quiet. “Anyways, what I wanted to ask you is even though Spitfire is the mare you love-”
“I wouldn’t say 'love,'” Soarin blushed.
“Can you let me finish, Clipper?” the mare smirked and gave Soarin a push. “Anyways, even though you interested in Spitfire… would you ever consider me as a date?”
Because Vapor Trail chose to not be mischievous toward Soarin, she found herself to be very flustered by her own question and felt her ears hide in her mane. Soarin didn’t hesitate to answer, “I wouldn’t mind taking you somewhere, whether or not we are dating.”
“That’s very sweet of you, Soarin,” Vapor Trail smiled. Being the interrupter of conversations, Sunbeam nuzzled his owner and brought the mare’s attention to him. “And you are sweet too, even though you hate Sky Stinger.” The accusation made the angel fish wince and gave Vapor Trail a firm stare. “What’s with that look?”
Soarin pointed his hoof at Sunbeam. “I don’t think he necessarily hates Sky but doesn’t want you and him to be special someponies.” Sunbeam nodded in absolute agreement. “See?”
Vapor Trail claimed her pet with one arm and rubbed his belly. “Well, that at least makes me feel better.” The mare tapped Sunbeam on the nose and he lightly nibbled on her hoof. After finishing her mini-playtime with Sunbeam, Vapor Trail looked back to Soarin. “So…” Before she continued any further, Vapor Trail lowered her tone so the stallion doesn’t get upset with her “loud voice.” “...how do you plan on asking Spitfire out?”
The not-so-composed-when-it-comes-to-romantic-interests Soarin shuffled on the bed, uncomfortable with the simple question. “Honestly, I plan on pulling her aside and telling Spitfire that I really like her. You know, the basic stuff.” Vapor Trail rose a brow, not sure what the “basic stuff” meant. “You know, things like being my long-time friend, always being there for me, the fun times we have had, and finish it all off, by telling Spitfire she is the most lovely and fiery spirited mare in all of Equestria.”
Vapor Trail gave thought to Soarin’s “basic” proposal package. “You know… now that I think about it, stallions tend to go in that particular order when it comes to confessing their love.”
“I think of it more as a guideline,” Soarin said. “Listing off everything a mare is good at and then topping it off with the ‘most beautiful mare’ bit helps drive the point home. It wouldn’t be too flattering if a stallion came to ask you out and only said you were beautiful. You would wonder if there is something else he might find in you other than physical attraction.”
Even though Vapor Trail had only discussed very few times with Soarin, she was impressed with his gentlestallion behavior. “You are absolutely right.” Vapor Trail began to fan herself with a wing, worried she might fall for Soarin’s caring charm. “So what are you waiting for?” she asked. “Go on and tell Spitfire your-” Realizing her voice was giving Soarin visible discomfort, Vapor Trail cleared her throat and spoke softly, “-your Clipper has come to clip away all the bad so you can give her the good.”
“Hey, I like that,” Soarin laughed slightly. “‘Clip away all the bad…’ I might use that.”
Vapor Trail stepped forward and pulled Soarin’s hoof, yanking him off the bed. “Then let’s go!”
“W-wait!” Soarin flushed, his ears signaling distress. She didn’t want to stop herself from fulfilling the stallion’s destiny but Vapor Trail let go of Soarin. “I’m just… not sure how to deliver the right message to Spitfire.”
“Are you afraid of her not saying yes?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Of course I am and I know that is your biggest worry with Sky Stinger as well. However, it’s how I say the right words.” Soarin tapped his temple, “I know everything to tell her. But it is the how, Vapor. How do I tell her?”
The mare knew exactly how difficult Soarin’s situation was. Of course, she knew how much she loves Sky Stinger but it was the how that was the most vital part of the delivery. But then Vapor Trail remembered a technique that the big-nosed Sky Stinger used to simulate a confession. “Why don’t you practice on me, Soarin?”
“Huh?”
“Pretend I am Spitfire and tell me how much you feel.” Vapor Trail was amused with how she was using Sky Stinger’s method of practice with another stallion. At least she knew Soarin had another mare in mind, so Vapor Trail knew she was not the mare in question. And if she was, Vapor Trail would be less likely to be oblivious than Sky.
“I could try…” said Soarin, rubbing the back of his foreleg. His gaze fell to the ground, the most incorrect thing to do when trying to talk to somepony.
Vapor Trail hesitated but then remembered it was only a simulation. She placed her hoof on Soarin’s chin and lightly redirected it to face her way. “The key to getting the message across is eye contact. It shows confidence.” The advice quickly settled into Soarin and he not only looked Vapor Trail in the eyes, he straightened his entire posture. “Good,” the mare smiled with a nod.
“Now what?” Soarin asked as if what he was doing was something he had never seen or done before. Maybe he hasn’t ever asked a mare out before. Regardless of assuming what he has and has not done, Vapor Trail knew what to do next.
“Daydream,” she answered.
The strong composure Soarin bore cracked and the stallion laughed into his hoof. “Of course you would say that!”
“Hey, I am the one trying to help you,” Vapor Trail grinned. “You wouldn’t want me to… RAISE MY VOICE!” Angry hissing slithered through Soarin’s teeth and Vapor Trail rose her hooves to defend herself from a glare. “Sorry, sorry.” She placed on the best soft smile in her arsenal before continuing. “But really, daydream. Pretend that I am Spitfire and pretend we are somewhere else, like on top of the clouds or… under a tree where the sun is beaming a bright light down on you and her.”
Soarin let go of his angry brows and laughed again. “That is oddly specific.”
“If you could, would you want to put Spitfire in a romantic situation to help set the mood?” Vapor Trail asked. She brought a hoof to her chest and proclaimed, “You are talking to the one and only Daydreamer here. And I know you of all stallions would want to create a lovely seen for Spitfire.”
Soarin relaxed his shoulders and sat down on the tile floor. “I would." He gestured Vapor Trail over to his spot. “Sit beside me. I think I know how I would want to tell Spitfire what is on my mind.”
“O-okay,” the mare nodded. Remember, it is only a simulation. Don’t get flustered by his words. Vapor Trail sat close to Soarin and made sure not to touch his side. Sunbeam, being the official captain of their ship, swam in between the pegasi in an attempt to get smothered by their affection. It worked and both Clipper and Daydreamer assaulted the fish with a soft petting. “Don’t distract us from what we are trying to do.” Vapor Trail's words, however, did not bother Sunbeam and only made him settle in the mare’s mane, lying in wait for whatever he may want to bounce at.
“I think I am set with my daydream,” Soarin said as he scooted against Vapor Trail. Both ponies flushed, the simulation starting to feel a little too real for Vapor Trail. It’s a simulation, Vapor. No need to get nervous.
“Okay,” Vapor Trail nodded. She had a hard time getting herself to look Soarin in the eyes but remembered Sky’s words of wisdom: “Confidence is key.” Repeating the words out loud to Soarin, Vapor Trail said, “Remember: Confidence is key. Keep eye contact with me.” She reached for Soarin’s shoulder and gave it a pat. “If it makes it any easier on you, you can say my name instead of Spitfire. It might prove to be an effective tool before saying it to her.”
“I can do that.” The mare saw the flustered stallion swallow something in his throat. “Let’s give it a whirl.”
Vapor Trail tried to come up with a scenario with what Soarin was trying to imagine. She closed her eyes and saw herself standing behind a cherry blossom tree. The pedals were cascading down onto Soarin and Spitfire as they sat on a bench. The hot heat of sunset warmed the atmosphere, perfectly capturing a romantic setting. Ready herself, Vapor Trail opened her eyes and returned to the bunker but still had the scene running in her mind. “Thanks for getting me away from everypony,” Vapor Trail said, hoping she wasn’t affecting Soarin’s daydream by adding to the scenario unnecessarily.
“You looked like you needed a break from everypony’s ridiculous behavior. I mean, didn’t you see how Vapor Trail kept daydreaming today? I bet that was driving you crazy!”
The immersion was broken when the mare let out a “humph” and looked away from Soarin, while he only chuckled. Despite not liking herself being made an example in their simulation, Vapor Trail tried to behave more like the captain and continued to play along. “At least her talent is still showing. She might surpass a veteran like yourself.”
The mare hoped her small insult might get a large reaction but was disappointed when Soarin only rolled his eyes. He nudged into Vapor Trail and said, “Good attempt, but you could never top the actual Spitfire.”
“Hey, I’m trying to help you here, mister!” Vapor Trail’s growing volume got Soarin to settle down. “Now, where was I…” Clearing her throat, she continued her role as Spitfire. “I sometimes wonder what I would do without you, Soarin. I am glad you are there for me during these times of careless ponies.” Vapor Trail figured it was time to cut to the chase and force Soarin into an uncomfortable position.
“And I am glad to have you as a friend, Sp- Sp- Vapor Trail…” Soarin broke eye contact with Vapor Trail’s. He was still staring at her, but not directly at her pupils.
“Eye contact,” Vapor Trail corrected. Her words brought the stallion’s attention toward herself but didn’t receive a reply. “Now Soarin, in order for you to tell Spitfire the truth, you should begin by saying something like, ‘Spitfire, I need to tell you something.’ No doubt she will ask you 'what.' Once she does, count from three to one in your head. When you reach one, let it all out.”
“That’s…” Soarin once again broke eye contact but not because he was nervous. “...a very clever way of getting the right thing to say out.”
“I have somepony to thank for this method,” Vapor Trail said. The mare made sure she had another sentence at the ready in case Soarin were to ask her who designed the countdown approach. “Now let’s go back to the near confession scene.”
The stallion nodded and held a firm grasp on being confident. Vapor Trail could see it in his eyes and couldn’t help but admire his hazel eyes. “Vapor Trail, there is something I need to tell you.”
It was beginning to feel real and Vapor Trail’s heart rate began to quicken. “What is it, Soarin?” She watched her teammate’s lips move, reading the words, “...three… two… one…”
“Vapor Trail, you- I-” Soarin’s entire face became red as he said, “I really like you!” The words alone almost knocked Vapor Trail over. Simulation, Vapor! Sim-u-la-tion! “I like… a lot of things about you. Your attitude, our companionship, your beauty! All of it. And I like all of you!” Soarin pulled Vapor Trail close and the mare felt Sunbeam exit her thick mane. “I know you may not like Hearts and Hooves,” he said into her ear. “But I really do like you. This isn’t a joke. This isn’t a prank. This is my genuine attitude for you. Please… Please be my special somepony…”
It was too much for Vapor Trail and she squealed, “Yes!” She stood up and said, “Absolutely, yes!” She began to use both of her wings to cool herself.
“Was I that good?” Soarin asked.
“Like I said, ‘absolutely.’” Vapor Trail winked. She helped Soarin up and quickly pounced him. “I think you are ready for the real deal. Go tell Spitfire your feelings.” Soarin’s hoofing was staggered by the sudden mare crashing into him. But he managed to not fall over.
“Uh, Vapor Trail…” Soarin said, his tone uncomfortable.
“What is it? Did I hurt you?” Vapor Trail easily removed herself from the stallion and looked at him. Soarin was looking at the entrance of the bunker. When Vapor Trail turned to where her teammate was facing, she saw Sky Stinger leaning on the wall with a wide smile on his face.
“It looks like the best sneeze got what she wanted,” Sky Stinger said.
Vapor Trail was at a loss for words as her best friend stood without notifying anypony of his presence. Soarin was her saving grace when he stepped toward Sky Stinger and said, “This… isn’t what it looks like.”
Sky Stinger couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “I’m sure it isn’t.” The invisible barrier Sky Stinger was standing behind went away and the stallion stepped forward. “If you think I am upset that you asked my friend to be your special somepony, you are far from wrong.” Sky Stinger stared at Vapor Trail to give her one of his charming smiles. “Besides, she has been daydreaming about you for the longest time.”
Both Vapor Trail and Soarin were stuck in a quicksand that was quickly swallowing them whole. Vapor Trail did what she could to get herself to speak, managing a few words to roll off her tongue. “This may come as a shock…” Her cheeks flushed as she knew for sure the truth about her love for Sky Stinger was drawing near. “...this is all a big misunderstanding. Soarin isn’t the pony I have in mind for Hearts and Hooves.”
Her friend’s brow twitched with confusion. “But I thought you said that Soarin was the pony you were daydreaming about. I mean, you pointed to him this morning.” For some reason, Vapor Trail felt tears start to push the at the back of her eyes. She didn’t feel sad. So why? Vapor Trail looked around to try and divert her attention to anything other than Sky Stinger. On her bed, she saw Sunbeam spectating the scene. He saw his owner but didn’t move from the mattress.
“Do you two…” Soarin inputted softly, “...need me to leave?”
Sky Stinger shot his hoof in front of Soarin’s potential path. “Not until I understand everything.” The stallion rubbed his chin, “This morning, Vapor Trail said she liked you or rather pointed at you specifically.” Sky Stinger scanned over Vapor Trail’s vulnerable stature. “Throughout the day, you didn’t deny that Soarin was the pony you liked. And just moments ago, Soarin just said your name along with the words, ‘I really like you.’ But now you are denying his words, even though you exclaimed ‘yes.’” Sky Stinger couldn’t hold his eyes on either Soarin or Vapor Trail for very long. “What’s going on? Somepony please tell me what I am missing.”
The atmosphere increased its weight and pressed hard on Vapor Trail. And her body couldn’t hold back or resist any longer. Tears began to roll down Vapor Trail’s flushed cheeks; they twinkled like diamonds on the surface of red sand. The first to react to the liquid gems was Sky Stinger. He magnetized himself against the crying mare. In her peripheral, Vapor Trail saw her friend stare down with intense worry and confusion. The second to react, though it was more of a tie, was Soarin and Sunbeam. With quick speed, the angel fish brushed himself under Vapor Trail’s throat before settling on her neck like a scarf. Soarin stood on the sidelines, not sure what to do. All he did was look concerned and stayed mute.
“I’m sorry I lied about Soarin,” Vapor Trail said as she buried her face into Sky Stinger’s muscular chest.
“There is nothing to be sorry about, Vapor. I don’t understand why you are crying.” As she continued to weep, she listened to Sky Stinger and Soarin talk. “So... what were you two doing if you both weren’t trying to ask each other out?” Sky Stinger asked.
“We… were talking about the ponies we wanted to ask to be our special someponies,” Soarin answered.
“Did she mention that you weren’t the pony she had in mind?”
“She did. And I told her who I was interested in.”
Vapor Trail’s nerves twitched when Sky Stinger started to stroke her back. “Let me guess… You like… Fleetfoot!”
“Heh, not quite. But Vapor did tell me who she was truly in love with.” Vapor Trail spun her head at Soarin, giving him a stare that dared him to speak any further.
“But… when I walked into the bunker, you were telling Vapor Trail how much you really like her,” Sky Stinger said.
The ability to speak finally returned to the white mare. She tapped her friend on the shoulder and stole his attention. “We were practicing Soarin’s confession on asking Spitfire out.” Realizing what she had just said, Vapor Trail looked at Soarin who was very upset at her casual truth unveiling.
“V-V-Vapor Trail!” Soarin shouted.
As for Sky Stinger, his composure was easily misaligned. “Holy hay! No way!” Why Sky Stinger was laughing so hysterically Vapor Trail didn’t know. But she felt ashamed for letting out the fact about Soarin’s deep liking to Spitfire so easily. “You want to date that ball of fury?!”
“Can you keep it down?” Soarin hissed. His cheeks flared to a color of pink that Vapor Trail worried if it would burn if she touched Soarin’s face. The Wonderbolt simmered his temper and gave a more shy expression. “I want to tell Spitfire myself and not let word spread to her.”
As Vapor Trail leaned her head on Sky Stinger, she heard a low hum in his breast. “Well, that explains one mystery. “Though it is a shame that you weren’t the pony Vapor Trail had in mind.”
The mare looked up to Sky Stinger. “Why do you say that?”
“Because I know Soarin is a one stallion I trust,” Sky Stinger said. “He is very respectful toward other mares. Unlike me, who likes to flirt but fails at it.” He then shrugged, “But what can I say? Mares don’t know what they are missing while I stay single.”
Vapor Trail squirmed around, her emotions wanting what she was missing with Sky Stinger. However, she was curious about what he said earlier. “What did you mean by one mystery being solved?”
“Because everything changed now that Soarin was not the pony you were pointing to this morning,” Sky Stinger said. “Who were you pointing to? I didn’t see any other stallions standing behind me.” Vapor Trail slid her head down and looked at Sunbeam. The two stared at one another in silence. Has the moment finally come? Or will, once again, another interruption bother the moment? She looked at Soarin who was sitting on a bed, waiting to be dismissed. It was all on Vapor Trail. Only she could answer the question.
“I was definitely pointing at somepony,” Vapor Trail said. Just to be sure Sky Stinger didn’t make an unnecessary and extreme guess, she spoke, “And no, it is not Spitfire.”
Both stallions started to laugh at the statement. “That would make things interesting if they were,” Sky Stinger chuckled.
“I don’t even know how Spitfire would react if Vapor Trail had a crush on the captain,” Soarin said.
“Regardless!” Vapor Trail exclaimed, settling the easily amused stallions. She was not in the mood for laughter and was taking the moment with seriousness and caution.
“Hey, Vapor, there’s no need to get mad,” Sky Stinger smiled and extinguished any anger the mare might have had. “So, it wasn’t Soarin you were pointing at. And, of course, Spitfire wasn’t on your list of ponies to like, either. Then who?” Both Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger looked at one another. Vapor Trail wanted to mend her mind with his and know what was going on in that thick head of his.
“Isn’t it obvious?” Vapor Trail whispered. “Has… has nothing I’ve done made any sense to you?”
“Well, clearly I am not sure who you were pointing at.”
The tears returned in full force. “Who else was in front of me? Who else was there for me? Who else… who…” The old frustration of the past began to grasp at Vapor Trail’s heart. Why was the stallion she loved so much acted so stupid? Why wouldn’t he see what was so plain and obvious? As hard as she could, the pegasus squeezed Sky Stinger. Please! Please, hear me, Sky!
“Were… Were you pointing at me?” Sky Stinger asked. Vapor Trail’s ears twitched, not sure if she was daydreaming. “Look at me, Vapor Trail.” It was slow but the mare lifted her head. When her eyes met Sky Stinger’s, the stallion’s cheeks were red and wore a look of wonder. “Am I… the stallion you’ve been daydreaming about?”
Vapor Trail’s lips writhed into a wide smile and the warm tears kept flowing. “Yes.”
It was such a quiet moment. Nopony dared to move after Vapor Trail delivered the message she has been wanting to give Sky Stinger. The stallion disrupted the quiet air, not quite shattering the atmosphere with a loud voice. “I… don’t know what to say…” Sky Stinger muttered. “Well, except for what I just said.” Giggles infected Vapor Trail’s sensitive heart and she pressed her cheek against the stallion’s chest. The big heart of his thumped rapidly, a sign Sky Stinger was heavily affected by the truth. “Might I ask why I am the pony you keep daydreaming about?”
“Of course,” the mare nodded. Vapor Trail noted the details in Sky Stinger’s face. His brows were at a curious and nervous bend. The blush on her friend’s cheeks still radiated, almost giving off a light at how red they were. But the tragic reality of Sky Stinger’s lips not smiling bothered the lovestruck mare. Still, Vapor Trail pressed forward, determined to finally tell the stallion the full truth. “Because… because…” Just let it all out. He now knows.
She looked into Sky Stinger’s eyes and began to count backward.
Three…
...two…
...one.
“You and I have been close friends for the longest time, Sky. Ever since you’ve wanted to fly with me, I’ve always felt welcomed while not being overwhelmed with affection like how my parents smothered me.”
“Funny how my situation was different from yours,” Sky Stinger said. “Yet, here we are.”
Vapor Trail nodded and continued, “And… over the years, I have grown very close to you. You’re brave, confident, and very protective of me. And I honestly find it very sweet at how much you want to keep me safe.”
“I just don’t like seeing my closest friend hurt,” Sky Stinger said and took the moment to wipe a tear from Vapor Trail’s cheek. “It isn’t wrong to do such a thing, now is it?”
“Nope.” Vapor Trail looked down at Sunbeam still and quiet, but was curious about everything happening around him. She didn’t look back at Soarin, but the mare wondered why he has not left yet. Whatever his reason may be for staying, Vapor Trail didn’t give the third wheel much attention.
Sky Stinger tapped Vapor Trail on the shoulder and brought her attention back to him. “You still have not told me why you daydream about me.”
“I did just tell you three things that I like about you; you’re brave, confident, and protective of me.”
“But why me?” Sky Stinger asked while removing his hold on Vapor Trail. “Why did you choose me?” The stallion gave a confused look as if he didn’t know what was going on. But Vapor Trail caught his tone; he was arguing with her.
“Because I love you, Sky!” Vapor Trail said in a worried fit. “You are my best friend and you’ve always been the only pony I want with me! Thanks to you, I’ve been able to be more confident in myself in both flying and other things.” She took a few steps forward to test Sky Stinger’s resistance. He didn’t move, which prompted Vapor Trail to place her forehead on his. “I also love making you happy,” she whispered. Sky Stinger took a deep breath after her words were delivered. Vapor Trail’s eyes were so close to her best friend in an attempt to charm Sky Stinger with a stare alone. But she needed to continue her endeavor with more tone and action. “As a friend who… loves you…” Vapor Trail squeaked as her voice cracked, “I like filling you with joy. Nothing satisfies me more than when I give you the strength to press forward.” She poked at the stallion’s ribs and made Sky Stinger flinch. “Like the time last week when you beat the obstacle course’s record.” Vapor Trail winked, “Because I was involved, I know it made you happy to overcome Rainbow Dash’s time.”
“Don’t forget about your hugs,” Sky Stinger smiled. “I really do…” He gave a strong clear of the throat. “...enjoy your… comfort.” In a subtle motion, Vapor Trail pressed her chest against her friend, curious about his heartbeat. It was still pounding hard, perhaps much more than before.
“Sky,” Vapor Trail started, “will you be… my special somepony?”
There it was. The question to either solidify or stagnate any further growth in a friendship. Vapor Trail waited patiently for a response, though the silence was killing her.
It was not his place to speak up, and Soarin had to keep his tongue from speaking his mind. From what he had witnessed, Soarin was happy to see Vapor Trail able to muster up the courage to confess her love to Sky Stinger. For a good portion of two years, Soarin had found himself in love with Spitfire, but was unable to find the strength to tell the captain the truth. The encouragement he needed finally showed itself when Vapor Trail not only told Sky the truth. It was also how she simulated a scene of asking Spitfire out with him. Vapor Trail’s amazing technique really put the umph! in Soarin’s feathers.
However, Sky Stinger’s final sentence simmered most of Soarin’s motivation to even approach Spitfire.
“Is… is this a no?” Vapor Trail squeaked. Just her tone alone broke Soarin’s heart. Her delivery was perfect! She expressed her emotions to the very core. Even Soarin felt the love and became a little jealous that a mare like Vapor Trail didn’t share emotions to the degree she did to himself. But was Sky Stinger being resistant? Was he trying not to break Vapor Trail’s heart and hope to let her off easy? Or maybe Sky actually wanted his friend to date Soarin and not himself. It was a stretch of a possibility, but Soarin could only assume, for he was not in the horseshoes of Sky Stinger or Vapor Trail.
“This is far from a ‘no,’” Sky Stinger answered. Soarin’s ears twitched and he couldn’t help but lean forward to hear what else needed to be said. Vapor Trail pressed against her friend as if to climb him. “But just not close enough to a definite ‘yes.’” Her pressure was short lived and the mare settled herself.
A flame of relief kindled within Soarin’s breast, not just for Vapor Trail but for himself. His biggest worry about asking Spitfire to be his special somepony is rejection. Nopony wanted to be rejected by the pony they loved. But what encouraged Soarin was Sky Stinger’s reply. Soarin had a strong feeling that Spitfire was going to think about her choice of being his boyfriend. They have been friends for years. The likelihood of a “yes” is definitely in the ballpark. But the chances of a foul ball was a possibility as well…
“Okay,” Vapor Trail nodded. It was obvious that Sky Stinger’s inept ability to be specific bothered the mare and her ears bent back as far as they could.
Sky Stinger looked at Vapor Trail as if he didn’t know what to do. He continued to hold her, but Sky looked like a father unable to take care of their foal. Soarin was beginning to be more concerned with Sky Stinger more than Vapor Trail.
“Let me… Let me show you how close I am to saying 'yes…'” Sky Stinger said. He gave no warning to anypony, not that it needed to be said. The stallion planted a firm kiss on Vapor Trail’s cheek. It happened so fast, Vapor Trail reflexed her wings out. Even Soarin did the same thing. Sunbeam was also astonished and flew off of Vapor Trail’s shoulders to watch from a distance.
Vapor Trail’s knees buckled and nearly gave way, but she held fast. When Sky Stinger concluded his kiss, the mare said, “I need to take a step outside.” She looked back at Soarin with a beat-red face and then to Sunbeam. “You want to come with me, Sunbeam?” The fish nodded and followed the mare who briskly made for the exit.
The moment she was out of sight, a cheerful squeal quickly followed. Soarin smiled for Vapor Trail’s joy and tried to imagine if Spitfire would react the same. As for Sky Stinger, he was blushing but not smiling. “You don’t seem very happy, Sky,” Soarin said as he got off the bed.
“Trust me,” Sky Stinger began, “I am very happy.” He circled a hoof around his face. “This is the expression of concern.” Another cheer of happiness ripped through the air.
“But why?” Soarin chuckled. “Do you not hear how happy Vapor Trail is? Or even see?”
“Don’t tell me things I can easily notice,” Sky Stinger bit back. “I am not oblivious.” The sudden mood swing hit Soarin and the stallion took two steps back. The turquoise pegasus blinked and quickly changed hit attitude. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to get aggressive.”
Soarin gave Sky Stinger a wide grin. “You are nothing compared to Spitfire. I once got myself a personal pizza with pineapples on it. When Spitfire saw that I had a toping she didn't like, she got so mad, she ordered a large pizza with tomatoes and wouldn’t let me have a piece of it.”
“All that over a pizza?” Sky Stinger laughed.
Soarin’s smile grew wider. “It’s funny how you can talk about politics and start a heated debate. But talking about whether or not pineapple on pizza is a good idea will end up with somepony dead.”
“No no no!” Sky Stinger argued with a shake of his head. “Arguing if a cat or a dog is the better pet will cause a war.” Soarin used the moment to laugh alongside his teammate. It was certainly a surprise to Soarin that Sky wasn’t always boastful about himself. Then again, Rainbow Dash was the same. She liked to bark, but she also knew how to crash, along with various other good traits about her. “Anyways, back to this whole romance issue.” The scene was easily swapped out and the comedy relief was gone. Back to reality. “Again, I did not mean to get in your face like that, Soarin. I am just… worried.”
“About Vapor Trail?”
“No,” Sky Stinger admitted. “About me.” It was too difficult for Soarin to respond to his teammate’s comment and only waited for Sky to continue. “Let me explain…”
Cool air shilled Vapor Trail’s wings as she ascended to the stratosphere, while Sunbeam easily managed to keep up. Because he was so close, the mare snatched her pet and held him close. “Sky kissed me! He gave me a real kiss!” In a marvelous dive, Vapor Trail sped toward the ground, keeping the adrenaline alive. It was too late for the lovestruck mare; she was infected with joy and could not hold still. Vapor Trail worried if she suddenly stopped, the energy in her heart would cause her to explode.
She rose up again and spiraled toward a cloud. It was a soft collision and the mare easily parted the cloud into small pieces. Exhaustion eventually started to yank at Vapor Trail’s already excited heart. She allowed Sunbeam to fly again and the mare descended toward the cedar tree that was used in an attempt to tell Sky Stinger the truth.
The instant Vapor Trail touched down, her body gave up and flopped onto the grass. In and out she breathed, her girly emotions nearly tired out. Still, the reality was almost unreal for Vapor Trail. After all the daydreaming she was able to do, reality finally happened. Sky Stinger knows her emotions. The mare looked up to see the sunbeam still shining down onto the tree. And through the hole of the cloud, Sunbeam peaked out from it before darting after Vapor Trail. Round and round he went, circling his happy owner. Finally spent as Vapor Trail, Sunbeam relaxed and settled beside the mare.
Both Sunbeams warmed Vapor Trail to the very core. Convinced she was going to receive a ‘yes’ from her best friend, the final daydream was born.
Sky Stinger entered through the hole in the clouds like an angel sent to take Vapor Trail away to a better place. He landed with simple grace, easily fitting himself next to her. Both of them began to glitter in the sunbeam and for the moment, they became crystal ponies. Sky then opened his mouth and began to lean toward his mare to be.
“Vapor Trail…?” Sky Stinger’s voice echoed.
“Yes?” the mare shyly answered.
“How are you doing?” he said in a much less elegant volume. Vapor Trail opened her eyes and saw the real Sky Stinger standing in the light. A few blinks confirmed that she was not daydreaming. A handsome smile grew on Sky’s face. “I don't doubt that you were thinking about me.”
“Happy things about you and I to be specific,” Vapor Trail said. Sky Stinger offered her a hoof and the mare easily accepted it.
She made an attempt to kiss him, but was intercepted with a “hold on.” Vapor Trail was upset with herself, bothered that her impatient heart got the better of her. Sky Stinger’s smile was weak, but it was a smile regardless. “Before you start assaulting me with kisses, you need to know that I am still thinking about my decision about you and me.”
Still convinced his answer was going to be a “yes,” Vapor Trail was not at all discouraged by his words. Though she did wonder if somepony can assault somepony with lips. Maybe sexual harassment, but assault? “Take your time with your choice,” Vapor Trail sang in the sweetest resemblance of a siren trying to charm a sailor lost at sea.
Soarin stood behind Sky Stinger who was being amused by Sunbeam. When Sunbeam approached him or went to Soarin, Vapor Trail didn’t know. But at least her pet managed to have another pony he liked. If only Sunbeam liked Sky Stinger. Sky did buy him after all, so Sunbeam has to at least show some respect.
“So, Vapor Trail,” Sky began, “can you help me with something?”
“YES!” she shouted. Vapor Trail flushed when she didn’t hear what she wanted, though she would have blushed if the question was “will you be my special somepony.” Her throat croaked as she tried to retake her response back and try again. “Yes. What would you like me to help you with?”
“Settle down, Vapor,” Sky Stinger said, a smile infecting his lips. “That question will be said hopefully in the near future.”
Vapor Trail didn’t care if her friend was avoiding the topic of being special someponies. Sky kissed her and that is all that mattered. They were going to get together. “Okay,” Vapor Trail nodded. “So, what do you need help with, Sky?” At the corner of her eye, she noticed Soarin look her way and Vapor Trail couldn’t resist looking at him. The moment they made eye contact, Soarin shied away and looked at Sunbeam who was eager to have his belly rubbed again.
“Well, since it is Hearts and Hooves Day,” Sky started, “and because we both know about Clipper’s mare in mind, I would like your help in setting the scene between him and…” Out of respect, Sky Stinger whispered into Vapor Trail’s ear, “...Spitfire.”
A small surge of a different kind of adrenaline tickled the mare’s heart; the kind where secrecy is involved. Vapor Trail’s smile matched Sky Stinger’s. “I would be more than happy to see out teammate achieve his Happily Ever After.” Poor Soarin nervously rubbed the back of his leg, clearly aware of the situation at hoof. “Is something wrong, Soarin?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Just… nervous is all…” Blush invaded Soarin’s cheeks as he looked around at anything that didn’t have a pair of eyes.
Knowing his circumstance, Vapor Trail approached Soarin. “Trust me, I know how you feel. It is difficult to let that pony you care about so much know about a love that burns in your heart.” She turned around and looked at Sky Stinger. “But you will feel much better when that pony knows your thoughts.” Vapor Trail fought the urge to giggle, but her girly-filled joy could not be contained. Sky only looked at her for a short second before looking at Soarin, their mouths and eyes serious. The mare tried to understand the silent stallion conversation both were having but quickly gave up trying.
The silence at the cedar tree did give Vapor Trail a small chill. She and Sky Stinger were eager to help Soarin get together with Spitfire. Love was supposed to be in the air. Why was their only serious stares? Did Sky and Soarin have some intense talk while she was gone? For a moment, Vapor Trail was worried about her chances with Sky Stinger. He did kiss her, but perhaps that was his consolation prize instead of Vapor Trail being granted the grand prize.
Vapor’s mood was soured by the idea and lost track of what she was saying. Thankfully, Soarin was able to find the strength to break through the awkward glass. “I know what you mean, Vapor Trail,” he said with a weak smile. “You forget I was there when…” Soarin looked between Vapor and Sky. “...you know.” The memory of truth still fresh in her mind made the mare flush for a moment. “I am grateful for both of you willing to help me with mustering up the courage to confront Spitfire on the matters of my…” He cleared his throat, “...feelings.” His eyes fixated on Vapor Trail, a message specially meant for her was at the ready. “And your little practice sentence between you and I really did help a great deal. So, thanks for that.”
“Your welcome,” Vapor Trail smiled.
Soarin’s weak eyes went to Sunbeam. “But I still need your help. And I feel weak for having to rely on my teammates for this matter.”
“This is love we are talking here,” Vapor Trail said with a disapproving shake of the head. “Taking it seriously is not a terrible thing to do, Soarin. You are talking to Daydreamer, after all, so I would know.” The simple encouragement gave Soarin the strength to grin. “Just because you are having a difficult time with your personal matter doesn’t make you weak. We are a team. And teammates help each other with their struggles.”
“I agree,” Sky Stinger said. He proudly walked beside the stallion and wrapped his arm around Soarin. “And you know how us stallion Wonderbolts go by our code: bros before shows.”
“I thought it was bros before-” Soarin was instantly cut off by Sky Stinger with a bitter clear of his throat. Vapor Trail was unaware of this “code” the other stallions went by but was amused by the clever brotherhood motto.
“Now I think it is time for no more delay, brother,” Sky said to Soarin. “That great ball of fire needs somepony to catch her.”
Vapor Trail jumped in on the bandwagon of encouragement. “Yes. It’s time to face the phoenix.”
Sky Stinger took his attention to his friend. “I like that one, Vapor Trail.”
“Hehe, I try.”
Even Sunbeam gave Soarin a supportive nudge on the shoulder. Encouraged by the two Wonderbolt members and angelfish, he smiled, “Thanks, you three.”
“Your welcome,” Vapor Trail said. She looked at Sky Stinger, certain he had a plan for getting Spitfire and Soarin in the same room. “Alright, what is the plan?”
Sky Stinger’s hoof knocked on Spitfire’s office door, while Vapor Trail talked to the nervous Soarin. “Remember: confidence is key. Look at Spitfire as you both talk.”
“Mmmhmm,” Soarin mumbled. The moment of truth was on the approach. The door to the Wonderbolt Captain’s Wing was like a sealed temple, holding a winged creature of fire, fury, and a voice loud enough to shape mountains. Of course, Soarin knew that the monster he was imagining was only Spitfire. But he couldn't understand why he was picturing Spitfire as a much more intimidating thing than she already was. It was obvious that she did have some spunk. She also had a heart too, and Soarin was praying that he would be able to reach it.
Another round of knocks rang in the hallway, much louder than before. “Is she not inside?” Vapor Trail asked.
“Hmm…” Sky Stinger pawed at his chin as if he wore a beard. He reached for the doorknob and slowly gave it a twist.
“I-I wouldn't do that!” Soarin stuttered. “If she is in there and didn't respond, Spitfire is obviously not in the mood to be disturbed.”
“So,” Sky shrugged and resumed twisting the knob. Soarin watched the handle continue to rotate. He was shocked to see Sky Stinger not care about what he was doing. Even Vapor Trail didn't have the slightest concern for consequence. Their intentions were in the right places and wanted to see Soarin and Spitfire hoof in hoof. However, disturbing the Captain of the Wonderbolts was an easy ticket to being placed on probation.
“Maybe we should-”
Soarin was cut off by Sky Stinger, “Push the door open to reveal the phoenix?” One quick push of the door revealed everything that was expected in Spitfire’s office. Except, Spitfire was not present.
Soarin was the first to walk in. “That's strange…” He walked to the left, still observing the vacant desk.
“What is it?” Vapor a Trail asked from behind.
“Spitfire always locks up her office.” No longer interested in Spitfire’s throne, he looked at the various trinkets, posters, and awards stamped across the room’s walls. “Maybe she forgot?” Soarin turned around to face Vapor Trail.
The mare scrunched her brows. “Hmm… I think the better question is ‘where is she?’ Doesn't she normally close herself off on Hearts and Hooves Day?”
“It varies from year to year,” Soarin answered. “Last year was not as bad, considering how you did your accidental daydreaming today and ticked her off.”
Vapor Trail’s ears retreated in shame. “I know she apologized, but she really did scare me… I thought Spitfire was really going to kick me off the team…”
“That's what happens when you play with fire,” Soarin said. “You gotta be careful around her.”
“Well then…” Sky Stinger sang as he flew over to Spitfire’s chair, then sat in it. “...let’s add some more logs to the pyre then.”
“Hey!” Soarin barked. “Get out of her chair! We came here to see if Spitfire was here so I can… you know… tell her my… affection. But I will not stand for your disregard for respect!”
Vapor Trail took a step forward. “I agree with Soarin. Spitfire has already dealt with me liking you for a while now, and I don't think she would like to see me invading her office as well.”
Sky sat up in the chair and looked at Vapor with curiosity. “Why does Spitfire know about you liking me?”
“I'll explain after we are done with helping Soarin.” Vapor Trail gazed at the ground. “Though, I want to hurry… I don't want to keep Sunbeam locked up in his cage. He looked so sad when I put him in.”
“I'm sure he will be-” Sky Stinger cut himself short when his eyes fell below the desk. “What’s this?” Both Soarin and Vapor Trail looked at one another, while Sky reached under the desk. “It’s a gift for-” The sound of something hitting the table rang out. “Ow…” Soarin made sure his laugh was heard. He even saw Vapor Trail crack a guilty smile. When Sky surfaced, he wore a very uncomfortable expression, while a thin object wrapped in pink and red wrapping paper was in his clutches. The stallion looked at Soarin and managed to smile. “This gift is for you.”
Soarin almost scolded Sky Stinger again by managing things that didn't belong to him. But Soarin’s jaw went slack. “For me…?”
The only mare in the room let out a sweet hum. “Aww, how sweet!”
“Is… it from Spitfire?” Soarin asked.
Sky Stinger’s smug grin didn't bother Soarin, even though the veteran wanted somepony to smack it off; preferably by Spitfire. “The one and only.”
A surge of confidence coursed through Soarin’s blood. “I have a good feeling about telling Spitfire the truth.” His cheeks flushed, but the Wonderbolt didn't care if Vapor Trail or Sky Stinger saw.
Vapor Trail giggled, “I have good feelings as well.” Soarin saw Sky’s smug expression blink away. He looked at Soarin and nodded. A huge pressure weighed down on Soarin as he recalled their talk.
But why are you relying on me, Sky?
I want to see if it is worth being my best friend’s special somepony by seeing Spitfire react to your confession.
That… doesn't seem right. You and Vapor Trail are different ponies compared to Spitfire and I.
I'm aware of that. However, you cannot deny how stressful it must be to tell your best friend you really like her, and how you worry about ruining what is already special to you.
You are right…
But I do commend you for being brave enough for even considering what you want to do. I've never had the courage to tell Vapor Trail how…
Don't worry. I won't say a word to her.
Thanks. Just remember: Spitfire’s response to you telling her your feelings will heavily weigh my answer to Vapor Trail’s own question about her and I being special someponies.
But why…?
I already told you my stupid reason: I don't feel like I deserve Vapor Trail because of how much of a jerk I can be. Anyways, let’s go. I don't want the angelfish to wait any longer.
Are you talking about Sunbeam?
No.
“Now, how are we going to get Spitfire into the office?” Vapor Trail asked. Soarin looked at the cute pegasus, the mare unaware of what he and Sky Stinger discussed while she flew around in the air. He heard her answer, but only pretended to think and not give a response. The pressure was all on Soarin.
Just like the usually expected character that is Sky Stinger, the stallion had another smug grin in his arsenal. “Why don't we call her via intercom?” Before Vapor Trail or Soarin argue against him, Sky spoke into the speaker that stuck out of the desk, “Hey, Spitfire, your mother is a racehorse.”
Soarin froze in place, but his mood quickly ignited. “Why the hay did you go and say that?!”
Sky Stinger ducked under the desk, then dashed away from it and over to Vapor Trail. He picked up the mare, clutching her close like he was trying to keep the mare’s soul from leaving her body. “I did it to call her to your office,” Sky said. “Pretend you came in here to stand up for the cap; otherwise, she may think you were snooping around her office.” With one tilt of his head, Sky Stinger was looking down at Vapor Trail. “Stay close and stay quiet.”
“Anything for you,” Vapor giggled, squirming around in his arms to get comfortable.
In a blur of turquoise, Sky Stinger darted over to the closet door that was at the desk’s right. “We’ll be in here, watching.”
“Umm, Sky-” The white mare didn’t have time to get her sentence out as her friend slammed the door shut.
Soarin was all alone in the open space of Spitfire’s office. Of course, he knew she was on her way, most likely on fire, but his heart started to thump in quick concession. He then remembered he had to act like he came in to seek out Sky Stinger and pretend to come kick his flank in for insulting the captain.
The door swung open, slamming into the wall. Soarin spun around and saw fury in Spitfire’s eyes. She looked at her friend, and with one blink, quickly changed her mood. “What are you doing here?”
“I… came here because I heard Sky Stinger over the intercom. I wanted to confront him and give him a piece of my mind.” Soarin tried to make himself look angry, but the nervousness he was already feeling made him appear confused.
“Well, I appreciate you wanting to help, Soarin,” Spitfire winked. She looked around the room to try and find where Sky might be. “Did you see him come in here or leave?”
If Soarin were to tell Spitfire where not only Sky Stinger but also Vapor Trail hid, she would get suspicious of him as well. So he chose to play the role he was assigned. “I did not.”
Without delving in too deep on her search, Spitfire shrugged and walked over to her desk. “When you see him, tell Sky Clinger disciplinary actions will be enforced. If we had important guests here at the academy today and we had somepony hear that idiot over the intercom, that would make me look bad, considering I was the one who recruited him.”
Soarin felt bad for Sky Stinger despite his typical cocky attitude. Soarin knew Sky was trying to help with Spitfire. Whatever the captain had in store must not be a good. “I understand, Spitfire.” He looked over his shoulder, not sure how to approach the mare. “So-”
“Yo, Soarin,” Spitfire said, “Close the door, will ya? There’s something I want to show you.”
The stallion flinched, knowing his gift was about to be presented. But it surprised him that she wanted their time together to be left undisturbed. “Sure thing, boss.” After closing the door, Soarin turned around to see Spitfire holding what Sky Stinger discovered before her arrival. His face flushed as his first thoughts went to the question, Why did she get me something for Hearts and Hooves Day?
“Don’t get the wrong idea, Soarin,” Spitfire smirked. “This isn’t a gift of love or whatever.” The stallion frowned, upset the gift wasn’t motivated by what he was hoping for. “But this is a gift for my closest friend.” Soarin was graced with the rare sighting of Spitfire blushing. She slowly approached with her hooves dragging on the floor. Even if his present was not in the name of love, Soarin could easily tell Spitfire was genuine about how her gift giving.
“I don’t know what to say,” Soarin said, his ears falling back with embarrassment.
“You’re supposed to say that after you open the gift.” Spitfire almost shoved the present into Soarin’s chest. “Open it,” she smiled. “And make it quick. This whole ordeal is making me embarrassed.” It amused Soarin to see the captain of the Wonderbolts so out of character, a simple characteristic he found cute when she did show different emotion that wasn’t anger. He took advantage of the atmosphere and slowly began to tear away the wrapping paper. “Just tear the darn thing up and see what I got you! I didn’t gift wrap your resignation papers in it, so don’t be so afraid of it.”
Soarin laughed at Spitfire’s flustered mood. “You didn’t see me act like this when I gave you your megaphone.”
The captain rolled her eyes. “That’s because you are more kind than I am. Besides, you forget it’s the dreadful holiday, Hearts and Hooves. You could give a sandwich to somepony and they may think you are trying to hit on them.”
“Haha!” Soarin gave a long tear of his gift as he laughed aloud. When he regained composure, the Wonderbolt saw what his gift was. “This is…”
“It is,” Spitfire nodded. “And it is one of a kind.”
Happiness fluttered in his heart as he looked at a golden vinyl encased in a clear square case. At the very center in a small circle was labeled, Dressed in Emerald. “It’s from my favorite smooth-jazz band, The Rainclouds!”
Another out of character expression appeared on Spitfire’s face. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day,” she beamed.
Soarin placed the gift gently on the wall before giving the yellow mare a close embrace. “Thank you, Spitfire. How can I ever compensate you for this priceless gift?”
“By being my friend.” Spitfire gave a little squeeze in her grip.
Soarin felt his heart jump into his throat. The moment was right for a confession. But he wanted to snatch up Spitfire’s attention by setting the mood. His body started to lock up, going on the defensive, advising against what he was about to do. However, his heart was in control. As gently as he could, Soarin placed his lips on Spitfire’s forehead. The mare gasped. Soarin couldn’t help but keep himself from shivering.
Spitfire looked up at Soarin, her cheeks filled with a heavy amount of blush. “Wh-what the heck was that for?”
Everything about Soarin’s body became petrified. Nothing could be done about his movement. He was too nervous to do anything. “Soarin,” Spitfire repeated, her brows demanding an answer, “why did you just kiss my forehead?”
“I… I can explain,” Soarin replied. What kind of stupid response was that, the stallion barked at himself.
“You should.” Spitfire’s pupils twitched here and there, moving ever so slightly across Soarin’s physique. The stallion couldn’t get a read on her. The only obvious emotion Soarin was able to understand what Spitfire was feeling was concern. He was already so far into committing to confronting his friend but began to regret it. Soarin looked away from her eyes to try and look at a poster that might give him better vibes, and possibly an answer to his predicament; perhaps the motivational flier that said, “Fly to Great Heights,” would speak to him. But he was called back by Spitfire, “Look at me, Soarin.” Escape was no possibility. Soarin wanted to fly backwards and reverse what he had done. If only time travel was possible by taking a few steps in reverse.
The office space was so quiet, Soarin heard the sound of silent ringing in his hear; the ring that was only heard in deafening situations. It was awkward. Standing became uncomfortable and his knees wanted to give into the pressure that weighed on Soarin’s heart.
“I’ll wait,” Spitfire said, taking in a deep breath before exhaling hot air. It was strange to see the captain of the Wonderbolts keep herself composed after being kissed by Soarin. Whenever somepony were to simply bring up the question of Spitfire’s love life, she would get extremely disgusted and would demand a change in subject. Of course, Soarin knew the real truth behind the disliking of romance. But something in his heart told him he would be the exception to the mare’s rule. And from how Spitfire reacted to his kiss, it did not seem that way.
“Spitfire…” Soarin began. The mare finally made more motions in her body language, suggesting she was willing to listen. “I…” Eye contact, Soarin. Confidence is key. Taking Vapor Trail’s simple advice, the stallion gazed upon the warm-colored mare while reducing the distance between him and Spitfire. Two yellow ears fell back, the gravity of the situation starting to show more visible effects on the Wonderbolt aside from her blush. “If you know what I am going to say and you are not going to say ‘yes,’ you can just tell me-”
“Are you already regretting what you’re doing, Soarin?” Spitfire asked. She shook her head, her brows bending to the point where they might snap like twigs. “Because if you are, then you are an idiot like the rest of the other stallions who dared to try and sway me into their arms.”
Soarin swallowed, “I don’t want to affect our friendship negatively.”
“Then tell me why you kissed me!” Spitfire snorted like a dragon, and Soarin feared she may start getting louder. Instead, her temper simmered and the pegasus showed some genuine worry. “Be honest with me.”
The opportunity finally presented itself and Soarin was left to confess the truth. But what was there to say first? That was the second step in his endeavor. Starting with mentioning how beautiful Spitfire was was definitely not the way to begin. If Soarin was to properly tell why he was drawn to the pegasus, he needed to answer the question she asked with flare.
“I kissed you because… because I deeply care about you. The times we have had together, from the fun and joyful moments, and even the sad and angry ones are moments that I cherish. And… I want to give you all of me b-because somepony like you deserves happiness.” Spitfire’s lips rose high, a sign to Soarin that his words were starting to crack her tough shell. “My feelings are for you, and only you! They always have been there, since we were foals, and you have used them before. Let me be more than a pony who holds your secrets close to my heart. Let me share more of me with the most wonderful mare in Equestria.”
There it was, the smile Soarin was hoping to see. It was similar to the grin she gave him when he gave her the megaphone for Hearts and Hooves, except Spitfire was accompanied with pink blush. “Does our friendship mean that much to you, Clipper?”
The pet name usage made Soarin smile just as wide as the mare’s lips. “Do I need to kiss you again to answer your question?”
Spitfire’s beam dramatically sagged to a simple smile. “Just answer my question, Soarin. If you delay any more questions, we won’t ever leave my office.”
“Oh, right… Hehe.” Several self-inflicted insults pounded into Soarin’s head. Unless Spitfire was dressing for the occasion and trying to look beautiful, calling her attractive, especially when a stallion says it, would cause her mood to adjust in some way.
“It does, Spitfire,” Soarin nodded. “And all I want is to share with you is more affection; affection only a pair of special someponies can cherish and grow.”
The smile was gone, and Spitfire’s tone became deadly serious, “And what affection are you expecting me to give you?”
“I… would like for us to hold hooves and maybe kiss every so often.”
Spitfire’s short mane swayed back and forth in a disapproving wave. “Soarin…” She faced away from the stallion, her tail flicking like an angry flame. “You idiot…” Spitfire made for her seat with the speed of a Canterlot Guard on patrol.
The words of his friend struck down Soarin with a bitter lash. The stallion knew what was coming to him, and there was nothing but himself to blame. Soarin stared at the white carpet, each hair and fiber looking to pull him under the surface to drown him in a sorrow that will not go away for a long time.
Spitfire’s chair squeaked as her weight suppressed the small neck of the chair. The sound of the gray throne called to Soarin without the use of Spitfire’s threatening voice. Both Wonderbolt veterans looked into each other’s soul, seeking an understanding for their actions. Soarin wanted to resort to tears in an attempt to try and shake his friend from her broken pillars of the past but knew that crying never really made the captain change her opinion once it was made up.
“Soarin,” Spitfire said, her elbows resting on the desk and eyes no more pleased as her friend, “did you honestly think, after seeing my display of my hatred of this stupid holiday today, that you would have a chance with me?”
Soarin didn’t dare look away from the mare. He may have been broken-hearted, but the stallion clung to what confidence he had left in him. It was the only way for their conversation to resume properly. “I thought you might allow me a chance,” he answered. “Maybe even be the only exception to your rule.”
“You thought wrong!” Spitfire’s hoof pounded the desk and everything on it bounced. A picture that sat on the desk’s upper right corner tipped over, revealing the past to Soarin. The memory showed Spitfire and Soarin in their younger days of being recruited as Wonderbolts. It was the probably the only solid evidence that proved Spitfire possessed the emotion of pure joy, even though everypony thought of her to be an angry yeller.
Soarin swallowed, his ground already thin as paper. “But… why won’t you give me at least a chance? I know what you said is a simple ‘no.’ You know, just by everything I had said, that our friendship means so much. That is no lie. So please, tell me why.”
“Have-” There it was. Soarin saw the past quickly clamp its vice around Spitfire’s throat. Her expression twitched and fought every urge to cry. “Have you forgotten about what caused my reason for abhorring Hearts and Hooves Day?”
He didn’t want to press that button, but Soarin needed Spitfire to answer his question. “You might as well bring it up again. We have talked about it time after time after time. Now wouldn’t be any- Actually, no. Now would be much more different than before.”
“Indeed,” Spitfire growled. “Fine. But it is your fault if I… get upset.”
It was Soarin’s turn to shake his head. “It won’t be all my fault if that does happen.”
Spitfire did not give any reply to Soarin’s comment. And it was her who looked down at her wooden desk. Spitfire’s yellow body expanded as she took in a deep breath before submerging into the past. “You were there in high school, Soarin; when I was in what I would call my ‘heart-filled days.’” Spitfire’s eyes flicked back up at her friend and continued, “I’ll be honest, I somewhat miss what I felt when I was in my relationship with Shot Put. And I don’t mean I miss him. He can fall off a cloud for all I care.” Soarin only nodded. Even he felt an angry bite crunch down onto his heart by the sheer mention of the stallion who broke Spitfire’s heart.
“Of course, all that changed the day before Hearts and Hooves Day.” Spitfire took in another deep breath, which was noticeably different from the previous one; it was unstable and Soarin braced himself for any possible way he could share his care when needed. “When I got those… stupid braces… that good for nothing… son of a mule’s… lust sucking…”
As Spitfire resumed her adventure to curse at her ex-boyfriend, Soarin walked around the desk. It pained him to see her come closer and closer to tears. So he came close to her in case she needed to escape to him. Soarin said no words as he kept a locked gaze on the mare. Spitfire ended her spree of insults with no end to conclude how much she detested Shot Put.
“You remember how Shot Put looked at me when I smiled at him, showing those disgusting braces for all to see?”
Soarin nodded, “I do remember when that good for nothing, son of a mule’s, lust sucking, and the sort did look at you.”
The yellow mare chortled at the comment, lifting Soarin’s mood. However, his simple joke brought forth other emotions. “Stupid tears…” Spitfire grumbled, “I can’t see properly…” Angst weighed her brow to an angle only Soarin was accustomed to seeing whenever his friend visited old pains. He stood tall, his entire being begging Spitfire to use him as a beacon of comfort. However, her throne of ice kept the Wonderbolt from getting off the chair.
“I remember on that dreadful Hearts and Hooves Day, as I held his gift I bought for him, how Shot Put looked at me with a sick look in his eyes. And the first thing that mule asked me was, ‘When did you get those?’ I said to him, ‘Does it matter?’ I then pointed to my jaw because it was aching from the tightness of my braises, and I wanted Shot Put to kiss my cheek to make me feel somewhat better.” Spitfire scrambled of her chair and quickly claimed Soarin in a tight squeeze. “Don’t get the wrong idea,” she squeaked.
It was too late for Soarin to think differently about Spitfire’s affection, and he got the wrong idea; an idea that perhaps Spitfire was trying to avoid. He felt guilty for enjoying her close contact, and Soarin had to tell himself he was only there for her, not for a touchy-feely moment.
Gentle whimpers escaped the mare, her tears staining Soarin’s nearly-white coat. “And then… later that day, Shot Put broke up with me just after I gave him my gift as if my Hearts and Hooves present was some consolation prize for breaking myheart! Oh, how I remember that stupid excuse he gave me! And what a day to tell me it! ‘I think we should see other ponies.’ ‘THINK?!’ To this day, I have no bucking idea what the hay Shot Put was trying to get at other than to get Grillfire away from him.”
Soarin gently placed his cheek on Spitfire’s neck, listening to her hollow gasps. “And that nickname! Grillfire! How the entire flight team called me that! All because of my stupid braces! I was called ugly from other mares and was quickly dismissed by Shot Put and other stallions.” Spitfire lifted her head, which motioned Soarin to look at her. “The only pony who didn’t give into their dreadful and hurtful teasing was you. And I am glad you chose not to.”
“It didn’t seem right,” Soarin said, his voice sounding alien for a moment. He had gotten used to Spitfire ranting to him that the stallion forgot his own tone. “Your nickname made you feel ugly. But I don’t find you ugly at all.”
Spitfire was quick to shove him away. “Don’t compliment me!”
Her comment didn’t sit well with Soarin. “Why are you behaving this way toward me? I’m not trying to hurt you.”
“Because Grillfire is too busy being stuck in the past!” Spitfire exclaimed as she stomped her hoof on the ground. The carpet fibers took the blow and swallowed most of the sound she created. “I’m scared of being hurt again! Like the only reason why you want to be with me is because I am beautiful, or something stupid like that.” Spitfire ran her arm across her face to remove as much sadness as she could.
“Look at me, Soarin.” Soarin did as asked and saw just how red Spitfire’s eyes were. “Do you honestly look like I am in the mood for sharing my heart to anypony right now? Do you think I am emotionally stable at this very moment to want to love somepony? If I am so far stuck in the past and afraid to get romantically close to you, then don’t bother with me. All I am going to do is keeping you away from a much better mare.”
“Is this the reason why I have no chance with you?” Soarin asked as he saw the fate of their discussion draw near.
Spitfire’s shoulders dropped a few centimeters. “It’s unfair for me to say that, for sure, we have no chance. But at this very moment, I am nowhere near close to wanting to be in any relationship.” The idea of Soarin having the hint that he could be in a future relationship with Spitfire did give his heart an excuse to flutter for a short moment.
“You are a great friend, Soarin. Keep being one for me.” Spitfire approached the defeated stallion. Soarin’s ears pointed back, not sure if he wanted her to hug him. It may tempt him to press further into another endeavor of trying to convince Spitfire for another reason why she should give Soarin a chance.
Soarin held up a hoof to stop Spitfire. He didn’t hold anything against her and wore no angry emotions. But that didn’t excuse him from hiding his mood. “I will,” Soarin said with a slow nod. He turned away from Spitfire and saw his glowing record resting against the wall, waiting to be propped up and be displayed for all to see. “I’ll see you later. And don’t worry. I won’t let this affect my flying performance.”
“Glad to hear that,” he heard Spitfire said, though her tone did not match the positive words. Soarin grabbed his gift and saw his frown reflect on the golden surface. He gave the reflection no comment and left the office alone.
The door closed with a deafening ku-klunk, leaving the Wonderbolt’s captain to her own thoughts. Little did she know about the two pegasi who spectated everything that had happened in her closet.
A slit of light beamed into the dark closet as Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger clung to one another, swallowed by a depressing silence. Thick jackets and various other articles of clothing dangled about the ponies in the small, cramped space. The white mare leaned her head onto the stallion, listening to a sad heart thump against her ear.
From what Vapor Trail was able to see was Spitfire resting at her desk, her arms hiding the captain’s face. Vapor didn’t care about her predicament for being trapped in a closet. She was too upset to move because of Soarin’s unfortunate rejection.
Sky Stinger let out a soft sigh and whispered, “So much for that…”
“Mmhmm,” Vapor Trail mumbled with a small nod. Her grip tightened around the stallion, frustrated with how Spitfire shot down her closest friend. “It’s just not fair… He was willing to give her everything.”
“Yeah…”
Sky’s shoulders sagged a little, bringing Vapor to notice the body shift. “Is something wrong, Sky?”
With what little light the two ponies had, Vapor Trail saw Sky Stinger looking through the crack. “I am not sure how long we are going to be here in this closet. But… since we are together, I might as well give you my answer to… you know…”
The light to Sky’s nervousness was shown when Vapor listened to the sensitive organ pulse with intensity. Even her own heart began to beat rapidly; and with every thump, it inched more and more up into her ears. “Regardless of your answer, Sky, I will make sure I will keep quiet.” What Vapor Trail meant to say was, “I will keep quiet, but I will shiver with anticipation for your 'yes.'” She was bent on being given a much different ending than what Soarin was given.
“Vapor, I-” It was Sky’s turn to confess what was true in his heart, and Vapor knew how hard that was. Ever so patient, the mare waited. She looked up into his eyes, the strip of light scaring Sky Stinger’s handsome face. He didn’t look at her, his thoughts elsewhere. The sound of Sky’s heart was at a quick, consistent tempo. Vapor Trail bobbed her head very gently with every tick it made. But it didn’t take long for it to beat faster.
“To answer your question…” Still patient, Vapor Trail kept quiet. However, the anticipation was starting to slowly kill the mare. Sky’s heart began to pound louder, almost pushing Vapor’s ear off his chest with every beat. The answer was getting nearer and nearer. As if to squeeze it out of him, Vapor Trail adjusted herself, her arms getting a better hold of Sky Stinger. The stallion gasped a little louder than she would have liked. And Vapor knew that she, nor Sky wanted to be caught by Spitfire. Still, Vapor Trail’s love for her best friend was finally told. She knew that Sky Stinger would never give her anything that would have simulated Spitfire’s reaction to Soarin’s confession, and instead-
“You don’t want to be in a relationship with me, Vapor,” Sky whispered as quietly as he could.
Vapor Trail’s eyes went wide, the tears too quick to show themselves. “W-what…?” No… No no no no no no no no! Not after everything I had gone through! Not after what I just saw with Soarin and-
Her first thought was to run. Run away from Sky Stinger’s lie. Her second thought was to see how he reacted to her trying to leave. Vapor Trail started to push herself off of him and reached for the door. Sky’s hoof claimed the mare’s limb before it did anything that would get them into trouble. “What are you doing?!” Sky whispered a loudly as needed.
“Leaving, since you don’t want to be with me.” To play with Sky Stinger’s mind was not a game Vapor Trail wanted to do. But she remembered the kiss he gave her earlier. There was a deeper meaning to the simple romantic gesture. He even told Vapor that his answer heavily leaned toward a "yes." There was a lot of untold truths under the waters, and Vapor Trail was determined to fish out every single one.
Sky Stinger quickly reclaimed Vapor Trail back into his arms. The mare easily surrendered herself to his strength and body. “I never said, ‘I don’t want to be with you.’ Ever. In fact, I am… very lucky to have you consider me as somepony you really like.”
Vapor Trail flushed as well as gasp at Sky’s uplifting words. One good fish was caught. But there were fatter truths still lingering, and Vapor was determined to get them all. “Then why do you think that I shouldn't be in a relationship with you? Matter of fact…” Again, his kiss came to mind. Vapor Trail remembered Sky Stinger’s heart-filled confession as he told her how much of a better flier she was than him. And the tears Sky shed as he spoke to her. There was so much emotion he showed in one moment. Maybe there was more to Sky’s simple kiss. “Why did you kiss me?”
An itch came to Vapor Trail’s eyes, and she gave them a rub as well as wipe the tears from her cheeks. When she was finished and had a much better view of Sky Stinger. The stallion’s head was weighed low, burdened by the two questions. “I kissed you because…” The waiting game once again commenced, leaving Vapor to be patient in Sky’s warm arms. “...b-because…”
Another fish was about to be pulled to the surface, and Vapor Trail knew she could help her friend get it out. “Eye contact, Sky,” the mare said. “If you want to be confident in yourself and get the right words, then look at me directly.”
Finally, Sky Stinger was the one adjusting himself so he could get a better hold of Vapor Trail. “I never thought my advice from our little mock confession two weeks ago would go so far.” Sky then grinned, “Then again, my advice is much better than simple words of encouragement.” A giggle lightened up the dark atmosphere as Vapor Trail squirmed a little, her hold getting even better than what Sky Stinger had originally.
“A lot of things you have said are more than encouraging,” Vapor Trail said. “They are true. Especially when you told me how much of a better flier I was than you. And now, I want to know why you kissed me. I know you can tell me the truth about that.”
The small amount of light allowed Vapor Trail to see the stallion swallow. His eyes were unmovable as he stared down at the angel fish delicately placed in his hold. “You see, Vapor, for the longest time, I… I have…” A chill ran down the mare’s spine; a chill that did not mean a terrible omen. Is he…!
“...I've had a… strong feeling of emotion for you. Since, like… high school…” Sky Stinger’s face lit up with red blush. A nervous grin never before seen in the history of Sky Stinger's life sat upon his turquoise lips.
Vapor Trail blinked at him, afraid it was all a daydream. The warmth of her friend’s arms reminded her that she was awake. Sky Stinger said it! He actually said words that Vapor Trail could only dream of! “You… you mean it, Sky?” she squeaked. Vapor had to restrain her voice from being too loud. Their captain was still in the office.
“I swear,” Sky Stinger confirmed. There it was. The big, fat truth came to the surface in a wonderful appearance of a handsome pony looking at his best friend. But why would he restrain something for so long away from Vapor Trail? That was the next question that the mare thought up of next. There was also the fact that Sky told Vapor that she wouldn't want to be in a relationship with him.
Knowing that would be the best way to shift their quiet talk in the closet, Vapor Trail asked, “If you feel that way for me, why don't you want me to be with you?”
Sky Stinger broke eye contact, his confidence fading away. “Because I don’t deserve your heart. And I figured kissing you after you told me how you felt would be the only time I could do that without you asking me.”
The excuse for holding back his love for Vapor Trail only made the mare laugh a little, and she decided to add a little mare-magic to convince Sky Stinger that he can have her heart. Vapor brought a hoof to Sky’s chin to redirect his gaze onto her. “Well, since the truth is out, and we both want to be with one another, you no longer have to feel that way.” Vapor fluttered her eyes and brought her face close to the flustered stallion. “Whatever your reason is for not wanting me to be your special somepony, forget it. I’m yours.”
Despite her words, Sky Stinger did not throw away his “reason.” His blush did show that he was, indeed, flustered by Vapor Trail’s pursuit. The lack of a smile also clued in that something was still holding Sky back. “But Vapor, I… I just can’t let you be with me, no matter how much I want to be with you.”
Irritated with his resistance, Vapor Trail creased her brows. “Why are you rejecting me?” she asked, her throat letting loose a sad croak Vapor did not want to release.
“I am not rejecting you,” Sky Stinger answered with a shake of his head. “I just don’t think I am the right stallion for you.” The site of the stallion being genuinely worried gave Vapor Trail a sense of hope she could still convince her friend from not being a fool. She just had to argue against his unstable ground, even though the mare did not want to dispute with Sky.
“You may not notice it, Sky, but you are rejecting me. By saying, ‘I can’t let you be with me,’ is literally telling me that we shouldn’t be special someponies. Do not try and argue that you aren’t doing what you don’t want to do. And by saying, ‘I shouldn’t consider you as a special somepony,” is the same exact thing. You are refusing to allow me to give you what I want to give you: my affection.” With all of her quiet frustration out of her system, Vapor Trail removed the stress in her brows while she continued to frown. “Be honest with me, Sky. I promise I won’t be angry with you. Just tell me why you feel like you don’t deserve me, and I will do my best to prove you wrong. Because I know, after everything we have just said, we both want to be in each other’s arms.” Vapor Trail looked away for a moment, flustered with Sky’s and her situation. “I mean, look at how you are holding me right now.” The word “confidence” rang in Vapor’s head. It told her to look back at the stallion she loved, and show him how confident a mare can be. “How many times have you wondered what it would be like to cradle me like this? How many times have you thought about how much you truly cared about your wingpony? How many times have you daydreamed about kissing me?”
Sky Stinger looked into Vapor Trail’s eyes, his stare just as warm as his arms. “I can answer all those questions in one go.” He smiled, “I know, it is awesome that I can do that.” Sky’s little act of boasting tickled Vapor’s funny bone, and she giggled as quietly as she could. Then, before Vapor Trail could catch her breath, Sky Stinger whispered into her ear, “A lot.”
It took a moment for Vapor’s brain to remind her to breathe. “So have I,” she weakly said. In a much louder whisper, Vapor Trail asked, “Then please, Sky, tell me the truth. Why don’t you feel you deserve my love?” The mare wanted to do everything she could in order to convince her friend to not only tell the truth but to also force their friendship into something greater; which meant more powerful words had to be applied.
With one hoof, Sky Stinger placed it behind Vapor Trail’s head and began to gently pull. She knew what he was trying to get her to do, so the mare allowed Sky’s hoof to direct her head to his chest. Vapor carefully aimed her right ear to lean right onto the stallion’s heart. The moment her white ear came in contact with Sky Stinger’s chest, he took in a deep breath.
“Listen,” Sky said as he gently rubbed Vapor’s back. And she did. Every heartbeat was not as fast as before, but they were heavy and loud. “The truth is… I am scared, Vapor Trail.”
That was all it took for the mare to look up. “Why are you scared? What could possibly intimidate the proudest and most confident stallion in all of Equestria?”
A weak smile lifted Sky’s lips. “Everypony has their weaknesses. And you are among one of the very few.”
Vapor Trail made sure not to assert herself too much as she moved her head one centimeter closer to Sky Stinger. “Is it my charm?” she asked, booping a hoof onto his nose.
The stallion grunted and brought a hoof to his chest and dramatically proclaimed, “No! My weakness is on the assault!”
Playing along, Vapor Trail grinned, “Then you better not reject me. Otherwise, I may have to give you the kiss of death.”
Both ponies laughed at the mare’s comment as Sky slowly began to “die” as Vapor continued to tap his nose over and over. Before Vapor Trail could realise what was happening, she found her muzzle almost touching Sky Stinger. Never in her life has she felt so close to the stallion.
“Please… don’t kill me…” Sky whispered as he touched his snout onto Vapor’s own nose.
“I’ll do what I can to hold back my power…” Whatever Sky Stinger’s reason why he didn’t want Vapor Trail to be his special somepony, the mare didn’t care about it. She thought whatever it may be was a stupid excuse because of how Sky was behaving. Vapor Trail knew he wanted her. After all, she was Sky Stinger’s weakness.
It was impossible to control herself. As gently as possible, Vapor Trail applied her kiss of death onto Sky Stinger’s lips. Through the crack of her eyelids, she saw stallion’s ears were pointed back and his brows were at a nervous crease. Vapor took the natural action as cute. He’s nervous.
At least Sky Stinger was not too nervous. He lifted Vapor Trail up into him, their kiss becoming much deeper than the mare would have anticipated. Again, Vapor lost her ability to breath, and the mare feared Sky had a kiss of death at his own disposal. To Vapor Trail, her friend’s lips were warm and soft. Something about her first kiss was a bit underwhelming. She was expecting the feeling of love to burst from her heart, and her kisser would feel the same emotion. Still, Vapor Trail couldn’t deny the intense happiness from within herself. To give her first kiss to the stallion she loved made Vapor hope she would experience many other firsts with Sky.
Their lips parted with a light smacking sound. The two ponies gazed into each others’ eyes. Vapor Trail smiled for a short moment and awaited Sky Stinger to return the same expression. However, Sky didn’t change his perplexed expression as if the stallion didn’t know what he partook in.
“Did you enjoy our kiss?” Vapor Trail asked, her lips refusing to be let down by Sky Stinger’s frown.
At last, Sky smiled. “I did. And now, you proudly hold the best kiss and best sneeze title.” Another cute giggle infected Vapor’s heart, and she worried her light laugh would be heard by the lingering captain who continued to sit at her desk. Even Sky Stinger expressed a pang of worry, but one look to the outside world confirmed that Spitfire was still resting undisturbed.
With their alone time undiscovered, Vapor Trail returned to the situation at hoof: her talk with Sky Stinger. “So, why are you scared? Why are you afraid of being in a relationship with me?” Neither Vapor nor Sky wore any smiles. It was time to be serious.
“Can you make a guess as to why you would be afraid of telling me how much you liked me?” Sky asked. It didn’t make Vapor Trail feel any less stressed because her friend answered her question with another question. She could only assume Sky Stinger was going to make a point based on her answer. It was also not a difficult question for Vapor Trail to answer, so she wasn’t too intimidated by it.
“Well, of course, I don’t want to be rejected,” she answered.
“What else?”
“I… hmm…” It took a moment for Vapor to conjure up another response. “Well, because love may be risky, I wouldn’t want to ruin our friendship. That’s why, I think, you would be just as scared as I was-” Her voice was caught as she answered Sky Stinger’s question; Sky nodded his head to confirm Vapor’s answer was the same as his.
“Exactly why I am afraid, Vapor Trail. I am afraid of our friendship, the friendship I would die for, to be broken and lost if I said or did the wrong thing.”
It wasn’t a terrible excuse. Even Vapor worried about the same thing for the longest time. But the words were already said, and nothing could be taken back. “I understand, Sky. I know why you wouldn’t want to negatively affect what we already had built.” A smile reached for her eyes. “But I cannot deny how I feel about you. You’ve been there for me ever since we were foals. And even though I want you to be in the light, I wish to be there with you. And I know you would want me to be there beside you.”
“And you are correct. I do want you with me. Always. But…” That dreadful word “but” seeped its way into Vapor Trail’s ear. A word that tosses everything that was good before it away. “...after how I reacted toward you when you told me the truth about giving me gusts of winds to help me fly, I never forgave yourself…” A hot breath of escaped Sky Stinger’s nose, though he turned his head away from Vapor Trail so he didn’t breathe on her. “I was a stubborn mule the day Princess Twilight and Rainbow Dash came to help us.”
“Is… is that’s what’s holding you back?” Vapor asked. “Do you think, that after you made one mistake, I don’t deserve me?”
“It’s more than that. But yes, that is part of the reason.”
“Then explain the rest of your reason. Matter of fact, tell me it all!” Sky Stinger’s resistance was starting to make more sense. However, Vapor Trail knew patience was the key to gaining truth and knowledge. So she bottled up every emotion other than a simple listening expression to keep herself from saying anything else.
Sky Stinger let out another sigh before speaking. “For a while now, I have… I realized how much I like you.” One emotion slipped out of Vapor Trail’s mental bottle, and the mare blushed and smiled. It was the only one she was going to let loose. Her grin distracted Sky for a moment, but he didn’t linger in silence for much longer. “But when you told me the truth about what you have been doing in secret for me, when I blew up in your face like a total jerk, and after everything between us was resolved, I knew that I could never allow somepony like myself to be your stallionfriend.” He shook his head, the past corrupting his mind like a tick sucking the blood from his joy. “I reacted so… terribly… How could I do that to the mare I care so much about?”
“You were frustrated,” Vapor Trail answered, stroking her hoof down Sky Stinger’s neck. “And I know what happens when you get frustrated. It’s just a part of you.”
“But that’s just it, Vapor! My attitude is a part of me! And that part of me is an ugly I don’t want you to see! The last thing I want for us to endure ever again is another argument.”
Vapor Trail believed she found the root of a nasty weed that had been corrupting Sky Stinger for however long the two have been Wonderbolts. “Your biggest reason as to why you don’t want us to be special someponies is because you are worried we may have another argument?”
“It’s not just that… I fear that another argument will tear us apart again!” Sky’s hooves gently gripped at Vapor’s shoulders. “That is why you shouldn’t want to be my special somepony. If we get into another fight, I will most likely end up being a jackass and ruin our friendship like I already almost did.”
At last, the absolute truth had come to light. Vapor Trail prepared herself to tear the negative weed from its roots and replace it with flowery love. “This may come as a shock to you, Sky, but I am just as at fault for what happened during the trials.”
The stallion twitched with disbelief. “How is anything your fault?”
“Because I didn’t tell you the truth. After all, Princess Twilight and Rainbow Dash wouldn’t have come to help us if we didn’t have a friendship problem.” A small anchor weighed down Vapor Trail’s heart. “I should have told you sooner.”
“But you had your reason, Vapor. You knew how I would react. And just like you feared, I became a jerk that day…” Sky’s shoulders slumped. “You were never in the wrong.”
“Yes, I was!” The mare knew she was so close to changing his mind and had to think to how Twilight and Rainbow Dash aided them. “Remember what happened when we were brought back together, and we realized that we were still friends even though we had a dispute. We were both wrong. And it happens. What we went through was our first serious argument.”
“But what if-”
Vapor trail gently pressed a gentle hoof on Sky Stinger’s lips. “No more ‘what if’s.’ What could have been never came to be. I remember earlier today how you were so worried about what could have happened. Well, let me tell you something, Sky: don’t… worry… anymore.” A grin reached across the mare’s face. “Believe this or not, we are having an argument right now.” Sky Stinger’s eyes went wide with worry, and Vapor Trail had to quickly respond to it. “It’s not that it is a bad thing. Like I said, arguments happen all the time. Don’t be held back by an error on your part. You don’t see me hating myself because I afraid of telling you the truth about me helping you outperform me.”
Sky Stinger looked down at the mare still within his arms. Since the two were trapped within Spitfire’s closet, Vapor Trail didn’t mind waiting for Sky Stinger to speak.
***
“...Vapor…” The calling of her name quickly brought the mare to reawaken from her warm nap. Vapor Trail twitched, before remembering the imprisonment she and Sky were still partaking in.
“Is Spitfire gone?” Vapor Trail weakly asked. Her body tense from her unknown amount of sleep, and her awkward positioning. At least Sky Stinger was there to keep the mare company. To answer the question for herself, Vapor Trail looked through the closet’s crack, only to see Spitfire sitting up at her desk. In her mouth was a pen, scribbling down on some paperwork. The desk lamp light beamed through the door’s crack, a sign that it was perhaps evening. Wondering why she was woken up, Vapor Trail rolled over to look up at Sky Stinger looking down at her. And he was smiling. “How come you are smiling? We are still trapped.”
“Well… Ever since you have been asleep, I’ve been thinking about… us.” Despite the small amount of light given to the two ponies, Vapor Trail saw the blush in Sky Stinger’s cheeks. At once, Vapor sat up at attention. “Woah, settle down,” Sky said with a nervous smile. However, the spirit of a wild horse burst forth, and Vapor couldn’t find it within herself to act rationally.
Vapor Trail’s nose was nearly on Sky Stinger’s muzzle. “Go on...” she whispered. “Say whatever it is you needed. I’ve also been a very patient mare, so take your time as well.” watching the stallion’s lips awkwardly smile tickled Vapor’s eager heart. Something about a nervous Sky Stinger excited the mare. Being the patient mare that she was, Vapor Trail waited for the stallion’s wonderful words.
“You see… I have to admit something first,” Sky Stinger began. Vapor Trail figured it would take a moment before the stallion got to the good stuff, so she nodded and waited for the artificial confession. “I hate to be wrong, Vapor… It really gets me down. I also don’t like to be tricked.” Vapor felt guilt creep up in her system. She had a feeling where he was going. “I think I now know why I exploded on you that day. And… hehe… like I had just said, ‘I hate to be wrong,’ but I will have to admit I was wrong about you not being in the wrong.”
Vapor Trail smiled, “I’m glad you noticed that I am not the perfect angel fish you thought I was.”
“That doesn’t mean you aren’t the perfect friend.” Sky Stinger placed his forehead on Vapor Trail’s skull, the mare suddenly taken off guard by the action. He then spoke with a low hum, “Anyways, the point I am trying to make, Vapor, is that… I… I want you to be my special somepony, and-”
Vapor Trail gasped a lot louder than she would have liked. Through the crack, she saw Spitfire stop her paperwork for a moment. The Wonderbolt glanced around before returning to important matters.
After getting a grip on herself, Vapor Trail looked up at the handsome stallion. Her nerves were shivering, but only enough to the point that Sky Stinger wouldn’t notice. “May I continue?” he smiled. Vapor nodded her head, eager for more to be said. “So, I do want you to be my stallionfriend, and I know you want to be my marefriend. The one thing I really want from you is to be honest with me. Even if I am wrong and you don’t want to upset me, tell me anyways. As for myself, I will make sure I will keep a hold of myself whenever we have a disagreement. Is that fair?”
“I think it is.” Vapor Trail’s little heart pounded in her ears. Every nerve began to quake, unable to contain themselves. It was finally coming.
“Then allow me to say the words,” Sky Stinger said as he removed his head from Vapor Trail. He held both of the mare’s hooves as Sky looked down as his mare-to-be. “Vapor Trail, you have always had a special place in my heart. And now, I am willing to show that there is still more room for you and me to grow as friends. Will you be my special somepony?”
A tiny amount of anger stung at Vapor Trail’s happiness. How dare he be able to say such wonderful and charming words with no hesitation! Vapor reflected on how she stuttered over every word during every failed confession she made to Sky Stinger. All it took was three sentences from the charming stallion to snatch up her heart, while it took numerous attempts for the fumbling mare.
Sky Stinger needed to pay!
“YES!” Vapor Trail cried at the top of her lungs and jumped into Sky Stinger. On the attack, she swarmed the stallion’s face with an endless barrage of kisses. Tears of joy gushed from Vapor Trail’s eyes, the daydream no longer a fantasy. Sky gave no attempt to resist or kiss back, but Vapor didn’t care. She was his. And that was all that mattered.
The closet door flung open, and light quickly captured the hidden ponies hiding among the jackets. Vapor Trail froze, no longer needing to resume her kiss of death barrage attack. Spitfire looked down at the two ponies with confusion, as if she was not sure how to approach the scene that was unfolding in her closet. “Care to explain yourselves?” the captain asked.
Vapor Trail stood tenaciously by Sky Stinger’s side, afraid Spitfire’s eyes would burn a hole in the floor she stood on and fall through. The stallion’s hoof firmly held Vapor’s, a true sigh their relationship has transitioned into a romantic one. But despite her wonderful blessing, Vapor Trail was still in fear of Spitfire. And if either Sky or Vapor said the incorrect excuse to why they were in their captain’s closet, both special someponies would end up in an early retirement for the Wonderbolts.
“Go on,” Spitfire said patiently, her arms resting on the desk, holding up her yellow stature. “Tell me why you both were in my office without my volition?”
“‘Volition,’” Sky repeated with a grin. “Nice word use.”
A clenched hoof pounded the desk. “I am not amused with your shenanigans, Sky Stinger!” Shame crashed over the stallion. Both ears fell back, and his muzzle aimed for the ground. “I understand you have a tendency to mess around, and yeah, I’ll admit, I like a good snarky quip battle. It’s fun. I get to practice coming up with good comebacks if and when I get at it with somepony. However, what you did, what you said over the intercom about my Mom, was not cool!” A slightly amused smile lifted Spitfire’s left cheek. “And if my mother was here, Sky, she would easily show you how fast of a racehorse she was.”
Vapor Trail had to save her friend from falling deeper into the hole he fell into. “I admit, Sky shouldn’t have said that,” the white pegasus agreed. Vapor looked at her special somepony, and for once, Sky Stinger looked like he did not want any attention to himself. To bring that light off of him, Vapor Trail said, “However, Sky and I were trying to get you and Soarin in the same room.”
Spitfire’s brows twitched, her mood quickly swinging from anger to… calm. “Oh,” was all she said. The captain eyed Sky Stinger, “Why didn’t you start explaining yourself with why you used the intercom like your friend here instead of being impressed with the word ‘volition?’”
“A stupid reason…” Sky answered.
“I’m glad you realize that,” Spitfire smirked. She looked down at her desk, leaving the two teammates to stand in silence.
Vapor Trail bunched herself against Sky Stinger. Just as she was, Sky looked terribly nervous. Without being secretive, Vapor said to him, “It’s going to be fine.”
The stallion swallowed something before saying to Spitfire, “I apologize for stepping out of line. My intention was to get you to your office as fast as possible because… I was eager to see Soarin tell you how he felt about you.”
Spitfire did not look up; she kept eyeing her paperwork. “Go on. I’m listening.”
Sky Stinger looked at Vapor Trail, his hold on her hoof tightening a bit. “You see, Soarin and I talked before Vapor, he, and I came here.” Vapor was curious about where he was going with his apology, wondering what the two discussed among themselves. Maybe it was words of encouragement. Or an exchange of stallion pride or something like that; stallions have a tendency to get a little riled up when mares are involved. “When he and I talked, I… I told him that your reaction will dictate how I responded to Vapor Trail’s confession.”
The captain’s ears twitched, both eyes upon the couple. “Which explains why Daydreamer was on top of you in my closet.” Vapor Trail flushed, embarrassed she went above and beyond to give Sky Stinger her love. Spitfire looked at the flustered mare and smiled, “I assumed you both were together when I saw you both in the closet, but I am glad to know your words finally got to him.”
Sky Stinger looked at Vapor Trail. “What does she mean by ‘your words finally got to him?’”
“I’ll explain later,” Vapor Trail said.
However, Spitfire did not wait for later. “Daydreamer here has been trying to confess her feelings to you for the last two weeks.”
A quick flinch made Sky Stinger’s brows twitch with confusion. “She… she has…?” Vapor Trail’s eyes looked elsewhere, her memory remembering the frustrating tale of failed confessions. “Vapor… I… I had no idea…”
“Ohoho, but I did!” Spitfire sang. “And boy was it amusing, Sky. You were so oblivious to how Vapor Trail was behaving around you, but the others started to think she had a thing for you.”
Vapor Trail flushed even more, and she had to interject. “Did you tell anypony anything I told you?”
“I would never do that to a teammate of mine,” Spitfire said. “Your romantic problem was not mine to solve, even though I tried to help you at the obstacle course. However, I do care about my fliers and their trust with me. Not once did it slip my mind.”
“‘Obstacle course?’” Sky Stinger repeated. “What does she mean by that?”
It was a strange feeling for Vapor Trail to listen to her friend admit he was unaware of every confession she tried to make. Part of Vapor was frustrated. But she was also curious as to why he was so oblivious. “When you beat Rainbow Dash’s record last week, I was hoping that Spitfire telling you we looked like special someponies, you would possibly consider it.” The truth started to overflow Vapor Trail’s mind; she didn’t care if Spitfire listened in. “That same day, before you broke the obstacle course’s record, at the waterfall, I told you I loved you. I was hoping that those words were enough to get through to you. Then you told me that you loved me like a sister.” In the corner of Vapor Trail’s eye, she saw Spitfire shake her head with an amused grin. Vapor couldn’t blame the captain’s mood. It was ridiculous that Sky Stinger did not pick up on that hint, or any others for that matter.
“I-I had no idea…” The truth deeply hurt the mare, even though she was in a relationship with Sky Stinger. The stallion was swift and brought Vapor’s hoof to his beating chest. “But remember what I said in the closet. I romanticly blocked you out when I couldn’t forgive myself for how I reacted to the truth during tryouts. Maybe that is why I didn’t see how much you really wanted me to be your special somepony. And…” Sky’s heartbeat began to increase. Vapor Trail could feel his emotions when he said, “...I never thought you, the most amazing mare, would want me to be your special somepony. Forgive me for being such an idiot.”
“Oh, Sky,” Vapor Trail giggled. She pecked the stallion on the cheek. “You aren’t an idiot. You are very-”
Spitfire cleared her throat and tapped a very irritated hoof on the desk. “Yes, yes, you love him and all that… Let’s get back on track with your involvement with me and Soarin.”
Sky Stinger nodded, but he still kept Vapor Trail’s hoof clutched to his chest. Vapor felt some relief as she sort of understood why her words didn’t reach the stallion over the last two weeks. She didn’t allow her thoughts to dwell on the past for long; it was far away; the present was what mattered.
“Where was I?” Sky asked aloud.
Spitfire scratched her chin, “Something along the lines of Soarin’s confession dictating how my response would influence your decision to have Vapor Trail your special somepony or not.”
“Right. So, part of me was eager to see you both together.”
Vapor Trail agreed with a soft, “Mmhmm,” and nothing else. She too wanted to see two veterans happily in love with one another. Of course, Vaper witnessed how badly the confession went, and she had a feeling Spitfire and Soarin had a tragic case of, “it was never meant to be.”
“As for the other half,” Sky Stinger continued, “I wanted to not leave Vapor Trail waiting.” Vapor leaned into Sky, curious what his “other half” meant, though the excuse seemed self-explanatory. “When I realized that I was who Vapor Trail was daydreaming about, I kissed her on the cheek.” Sky looked down at Vapor, his smile as handsome as ever. “You should have seen how happy she was as she flew around the air with such speed.”
“More talk, less romance,” Spitfire said, rolling her hoof dismissively.
Vapor Trail knew that their captain demanded respect, but she couldn’t help but feel disgruntled about Spitfire’s attitude. Vapor knew Sky was making a point through all his flattering; she also really liked his kind words. “Spitfire,” Vapor Trail spoke up to comment on her captain’s attitude. However, when Spitfire’s hot-orange eyes fell upon her, Vapor squeaked and regretted interrupting.
“What is it, Vapor Trail?”
Escape was impossible. So the white mare asked, “I… can assume the just about why you don’t want to be in a relationship with Soarin, but you seem so… so… negative when Sky and I started our romantic talk. Why?”
Instead of getting angry, Spitfire only adjusted herself in her seat, perhaps to get a little more comfortable. “For starters, I just want to cut to the chase. I don’t need extra exposition. Second-”
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
The three ponies in the room flinched and turned around to face the door. “I’m having a talk with somepony!” Spitfire called to the door. “Come back another time!”
“Okay,” Soarin’s voice responded.
Vapor Trail gasped, not expecting Soarin’s interruption. She quickly looked back at Spitfire, her ears pinned back. “Come in, Clipper.”
Every single door hinge squeaked as Soarin slowly opened the door and entered the office. Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger glanced at one another, curious why the new challenger had entered Spitfire’s ring of fire. The first thing Soarin did was look at the couple before bringing his attention to the captain. “I can come back.”
“Too bad for you, Soarin, you are the subject of our discussion,” Spitfire said, gesturing to Vapor and Sky. “I found these two in my closet, claiming that you were in on getting me to come to the office so you can do your thing.”
“I was in on it.” Soarin rubbed the back of his head, “I was hoping to talk to you to get you out of your office and allow them to escape.” He nervously smiled and looked at Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail. “Too bad it looks like you both were caught…”
Spitfire shrugged, “At least you confirming that you knew about them being in my office won’t force me to give them an early resignation. I’d hate to have two amazing fliers off the team because they wanted to be nosy.”
It was impossible for Vapor Trail to know if Spitfire was being sarcastic or serious. But it was still frightening to hear Spitfire say the words, ‘resignation.’ She hadn’t even performed at one show, and Vapor ran the risk of being thrown off the Wonderbolts. All Vapor could do as she stood and listened to the captain was keep hold of Sky Stinger.
“I’m glad you hadn’t done that, Spitfire,” Soarin said. “I’d now love to see how they fly now.” The stallion winked at Vapor Trail, and the mare felt a flare of positivity in her breast. She wondered, because of her love for Sky Stinger, if her confidence to fly alongside him would greatly improve her skill as a flier.
Spitfire looked at the couple, “You both better be ten-times as good as you were earlier today, considering the huge amount of second chances I am giving you two.”
“Yes, Captain!” both Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger exclaimed.
A laugh escaped Soarin. “Alright, Spitfire, I think you got your fill on scaring them.”
“Maybe not quite enough…” Spitfire grinned. Her smile did not sit well with Vapor Trail. The white pegasus could only hope Spitfire was joking. As quick as it came, the smirk was gone. “Anyways… Soarin, since you were late to my little talk with Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger, I’ll fill you in on what we discussed.”
Soarin nodded without a word, his common positivity evaporating in an instant. Vapor Trail predicted another flurry of emotions was on its way, and she mentally braced herself to aid Soarin if he needed it.
“So, we already know you were in on Sky’s and Vapor’s spying on us in the closet. Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail had their lovey-dovey, I love you, moment. And while Sky was expressing how much he cared about Vapor, I interrupted his talk with her and wanted him to cut to the chase. Vapor Trail then asked me why I seemed so angry with their romantic talk.” Spitfire gestured an arm to Soarin. “And then you showed up.” Soarin looked away, his eyes on one of the decorations that clung to the walls.
“You know,” Soarin carefully spoke, “I was wondering that myself. Why are you so aggressive toward the subject of romance? I could only assume it is because of the past and how Shot Put damaged your heart, but even you never gave me a firm answer.”
The queen upon her spinning throne sat in silence, Spitfire’s eyes were back on the paperwork. “Because…” Again, her fiery stare burned into Sky and Vapor. “This talk only stays between the four of us. Understand?”
The two pegasi nodded. Vapor Trail swallowed but was still eager to listen to Spitfire’s reason for getting angry at somepony else’s loving words. For once, curiosity overruled Vapor’s nervousness.
“The truth is, Soarin, and you are going to hate me for this… I am… jealous.” Hot blush stained Spitfire’s yellow cheeks, the truth known among her teammates. Confusion crashed over Vapor Trail. She knew Spitfire was afraid of being hurt, which is why she turned down Soarin. However, because Spitfire admitted she was jealous of others for being in love contradicted everything the captain had told her friend.
“Why are you jealous?” Soarin asked, his eyes warm with curiosity.
“Because I want somepony to tell me I’m cute and beautiful. But I don't know if somepony genuinely thinks I am beautiful and somepony they care about, or if they want to be with me because I'm a hot Wonderbolt. And of course, I’m too scared to want to be in a relationship because I don’t want to end up hurt again.” Spitfire let out a defeated sigh, “I told you before, I am an emotional mess, Soarin… I know what I want, but I am too afraid of getting too close to anypony…” A rare phoenix tear rolled down Spitfire’s face. Vapor Trail gasped, shocked as well as saddened by her leader’s true emotion. “I confess, Soarin… that… that it did hurt me to reject you the way I did. You are such a great friend to me. And I think I overreacted…”
Soarin was quick to disagree. “It was obvious that you weren’t ready.”
“How would you know without asking?” Spitfire countered. Her sad eyes looked to Vapor Trail. “Be honest with me, Daydreamer, did you have a feeling that Sky Clinger would, in some way, love you back?”
Vapor Trail flinched at the sound of her name. Her involvement in Spitfire’s and Soarin’s talk took her by surprise, and Vapor knew her input would most likely direct the outcome of their talk; just like how Spitfire’s rejection almost influenced Sky Stinger’s reply to her confession. The stallion at her side kept silent but gave the mare a positive smile. With motivation at her side, it was enough to get Vapor Trail to speak. “I did. I mean, Sky really seemed to love my hugs everytime I pounced him when I was happy for him.” Sky Stinger’s happiness grew, the compliment doing the works on his heart, further assisting Vapor Trail with collecting the right words from her mind. “When the signs were there, I just… had a feeling. Love cannot be explained as something simple as being happy or sad. There is a connection. A wanting for that pony’s touch.” Vapor Trail looked at Spitfire with a positive smile, “Have you wanted that, even after your harsh breakup? A stallion to be at your side with a warm hoof around your neck and… a nice, firm kiss on the lips…?” Even though Vapor Trail was Sky Stinger’s special somepony, the mare couldn’t help herself from daydreaming about the things he and she could do together.
“I mean… perhaps I have…” Spitfire admitted. The Wonderbolt’s captain smiled at Vapor Trail, “I appreciate you trying to change my mind.” She looked up at Soarin, her expression never changing. “And I think… you might have made me think differently about Clipper here.” The mood in the office quickly took a drastic change. Vapor Trail’s heart almost jumped out of her chest, shocked her influence may have very well allowed Spitfire and Soarin to be holding hooves in no time. Soarin almost ran over to Spitfire’s desk, his face red and overjoyed. “Woah, woah! Settle down, Romeo. I only said I might have a different opinion about you and me being… you know.”
Soarin flushed, “Sorry…” Everypony besides Soarin laughed at his fast reaction to Spitfire’s second wind.
Spitfire got up from her seat, and the mare had to slightly look up at Soarin, his height barely overshadowing her. “How about you and I go get something to eat? Just the two of us? We can talk about… the obvious friendship we have.”
It was amusing for Vapor Trail to witness Spitfire dance around romantic words. The offer was as plain as day, and Soarin easily took the opportunity given to him. “I’ll pay for the bill.”
“You’d better,” Spitfire said as she walked passed the stallion, bumping her flank into Soarin. “Let’s get a move on. I want to take a break from Vapor Trail’s influence on everything that has happened over the last two weeks.” Vapor Trail creased her brows, the comment not necessary or wanted. “I’m kidding, Daydreamer,” Spitfire laughed.
Spitfire made for the door as Soarin followed her with a skip in his step. As he passed Vapor Trail, the stallion said to her, “Thank you.”
“Your welcome,” Vapor Trail said back with a smile.
***
“Roll over, Sky.”
“You better get closer, then.”
A cute giggle came forth as Vapor Trail scooted close to Sky Stinger as they both laid on their backs. The two pegasi faced the star-lit sky as they rested on a cloud. Sunbeam happily took refuge on Vapor’s belly, his scales tickling her sensitive underside.
The stallion took notice of the fish’s action, and Sky said to him, “I hope you know that spot you’re sitting on is reserved for me.”
Sunbeam responded to Sky Stinger’s comment by shuffling himself and getting comfortable. Vapor Trail giggled as her belly was tickled. “Stop it, Sunbeam! That tickles!” She stilled the fish by trapping him in a hug.
“I hope I don’t have to compete with Sunbeam to gain your affection,” Sky Stinger said as he folded his arms.
Vapor Trail grabbed the stallion’s hoof and smiled, “Oh, don’t be like that, Sky.”
The stallion rolled onto his side and kissed the mare on the cheek. “Oh, I am going to be like that, Vapor.”
Vapor sighed, “Then no hugs for Sky Stinger. Right, Sunbeam?” Sunbeam nodded in agreement and stuck out his tongue at Sky.
“Too bad,” Sky Stinger said with a shake of his head. “I was reserving my lips exclusively for you. Might as well share them with Sunbeam.” The angel fish winced in disgust, while Vapor Trail wanted to put that to the test.
The mare picked up Sunbeam and brought him close to Sky. “Better pucker up, you two.” Sunbeam was not having his mouth be poisoned. He flailed around before flying out of Vapor’s hooves.
“Now’s my chance!” Sky Stinger quickly rolled onto his stomach. With no hesitation, he pressed his mouth onto Vapor Trail’s belly and blew with all his might.
A squeal of laughs cried to the stars. “Ah, Sky!” Vapor Trail cried. “That tickles!” To retaliate against the stallion, Vapor leaped onto Sky and pinned him down. The cloud bounced a little, a few particles puffing out of the platform before fading away.
As she looked down at her special somepony, Sky Stinger placed both hooves behind his head. “Enjoying the view like I am?”
Vapor Trail blushed, “If only I could look at the stars and you at the same time.” The mare fell onto the pegasus and kissed him on the lips. Sky’s body heat was like a camp fire’s warmth, slowly getting hotter and hotter with every second she laid on him.
After they parted lips, Sky Stinger said, “Rest your back into me.”
“Okay,” Vapor Trail giggled. A quick roll was all it took, and the mare was consumed with two turquoise arms. Vapor shuffled around to get more comfortable before looking up at the stars. Her pet fluttered around her head before Sunbeam reclaimed his spot. “Hehe, looks like you still have some competition, Sky.”
“I can end that contest real quick,” Sky said. “I still have Sunbeam’s receipt for the pet store.”
“Sky!” Vapor cried. She held Sunbeam close, afraid Sky was going to go through with his threat.
“I’m joking! I’m joking!” Sky Stinger laughed. Vapor Trail felt the stallion his her head, and her fear was replaced with bubbly joy.
“Okay, I forgive you.” Sunbeam, on the other hoof, did not seem to want to forgive Sky. “Don’t worry, Sunbeam. The mean, yet handsome, stallion won’t take you away from me.”
“And I won’t let any pony try and take you away from me,” Sky said, his hold getting more firm. “In fact, I am sure Sunbeam will do the same, and keep you out of harm’s way when I am not around. So, maybe he and I can be a tag-team of sorts.”
“Hmm…” Vapor Trail looked at Sunbeam with a curious stare. “Do you like Sky’s idea?” The angel fish nodded in agreement. For once, Sunbeam didn’t dislike Sky Stinger.
Speaking of skies…
Up in the atmosphere, white spots decorated the black air in a random assortment. A few clouds that were higher drifted about among each other at their own pace. The moon did its best to bring light to those clouds and the world below it.
The air around Vapor Trail was a little chilly, but thanks to the stallion cuddling her from behind, she avoided having to leave their cloud to get a blanket.
“I wonder how Spitfire and Soarin are doing…” Vapor said softly.
“Who knows…” Sky said in kind. “I do hope they work out. Just like you and I.”
Vapor suddenly became uncomfortable, and needed to change position. “Sunbeam, can you fly up for a second?” The pet obediently got up to allow her owner to move freely. She got off of Sky and rested on her hip. The stallion did the same. In doing so, Sky Stinger was close enough to touch Vapor Trail’s nose with his own. Sunbeam wiggled himself under Vapor’s wing, and the mare bunched him close to herself with a gentle squeeze of her feathers.
“Sky…?”
“What is it…?
“Do you think we will last?”
Sky Stinger slipped an arm from underneath Vapor Trail and pulled her up against him. “Why worry about that when our relationship has just started? This is what you wanted. We both know the risk. And I know, that right now, I don’t have to chase another dream. I get to be with the mare I love.”
It was a surprise to Vapor Trail that she was still able to bring tears to her eyes after all the crying she had done throughout the day. “You love me?” her little voice squeaked.
“More…” Sky Stinger whispered.
There was too much joy within Vapor Trail’s heart. She needed to let it out. “Oh, Sky!” the mare cried as she pounced on her best friend.
***
Warm… It’s too warm…
Vapor Trail slowly cracked her eyes to see what was overheating her body. A turquoise face rested close to her, which almost startled the pegasus. But when she lifted her head, Vapor remembered the night before with Sky Stinger. The two had gotten onto a cloud to look at the stars, and then got carried away in another makeout session. Before Sky even knew it, he grew tired and fell asleep in Vapor’s arms. Instead of waking him, she chose to not ruin her first time with her special somepony and allowed herself to sleep with Sky.
Vapor ruffled her feathers and remembered Sunbeam had taken refuge under her wing. It was not her intention to wake up the pet, but she did. Sunbeam blinked a few times at Vapor Trail before letting out a yawn. She kissed the angel fish on the forehead before looking out to the land.
Sunrise had already happened. The Wonderbolts’ Academy had nopony walking around the base. Several clouds surrounded her. And the sun gave no time to Vapor Trail.
Vapor Trail jumped into the air, screaming at the top of her lungs. Sky Stinger flailed about and fell off the cloud. He quickly recovered and returned to their lone cloud. “What in the hay!” Sky exclaimed, looking around to where the outburst came from. Sunbeam darted out of Vapor’s wing and hid in the cloud.
From above, Spitfire looked down at Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger with a wide smirk. “HAVE A WONDERFUL REST?” she cried into her megaphone.
Before Vapor could recover from Spitfire’s loud shout, she noticed more heads popping out of the clouds that surrounded Sky and herself. The rest of the Wonderbolts stood from their hiding spots and smiled down at them.
Vapor Trail hadn’t been awake for more than five minutes, and she was already red in the face with embarrassment. However, Sky Stinger reacted much differently. “Sorry, everypony! Vapor and I are no longer single! And no, I don’t do three-way relationships!”
Spitfire flew off her cloud, and Soarin followed after the mare. Vapor smiled as she saw Soarin grin alongside Spitfire. Just as the two Wonderbolts touched down, Vapor asked, “How did your date go last night?”
An angry glare stabbed at Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger. “Terrible…” Spitfire growled.
Soarin began to laugh, “It wasn’t bad until you chose to spend fifty bits on a claw machine.”
“Hey, that stupid bear with the twenty bit gift card looked easy to get!” Before the anger could get to her, Spitfire cleared her throat and reclaimed her smile. “If you are wondering, our date went well.”
“Are you two together?” Vapor squealed.
The captain hissed at the loud mare, “Shh! Keep it down! Nopony knows about Soarin and I!” Something tickled Vapor’s leg. She looked down and saw Sunbeam shivering, which was no surprise because of Spitfire.
“We are planning a second date,” Soarin whispered. “And I want to make sure there aren’t any crane games to tempt Spitfire before she and I go.” His comment was enough to get him pushed off the cloud by Spitfire.
Vapor Trail, still flustered by everypony’s presence, asked, “So, why is the entire Wonderbolts team here?”
“Ah! That!” Spitfire’s eyes looked down at Sunbeam, causing the scared fish to retreat into Vapor’s mane. “You see, Daydreamer, after Sky Clinger made his comment yesterday over the intercom, everypony has been wondering what I plan to do to punish him.”
“O-Oh…” Vapor muttered.
“I thought you were giving me a second chance,” Sky argued.
“And I am by allowing you to stay on the team,” Spitfire countered. “But that does not mean I let off ponies easy. I put Rainbow Crash on probation because she showboated during her first performance.”
Nervousness possessed the white pegasus and began to violently shake her. “Then… what do you plan on doing to him…?”
Soarin returned and landed beside Spitfire, acting like nothing happened. “Did you tell them the bet?”
“Bet?” Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger replied in unison.
“That’s right, lovebirds!” Spitfire exclaimed. “You see, I am in a good mood because of last night thanks to you both. When Soarin and I returned from dinner, the teammates have been making bets on how I plan on disciplining Sky. So I decided to raise the stakes.” The captain pressed fanned out her wing and pressed a feather against Vapor Trail. “I told them, that if either you…” Spitfire jabbed the feather into Sky Stinger’s breast. “...can wow me and the others with a trick, both of you are off the hook, and… you two lovebirds can have your own performance together.”
“Interesting…” Sky grinned. He puffed out his chest with pride. “I think both Vapor Trail and I can shock you with anything. And I am sure that would get us two personal performances.”
Vapor tapped her chin, amused with the bet Spitfire had made. But like every bet, there is a catch. “What happens if we don’t wow you?”
“The entire team gets the day off, while you two have to do conditioning all day with Spitfire,” Soarin answered with a smile that enjoyed witnessing a world on fire. “She told everypony that you both were making out in her closet, framing Vapor Trail as well for intruding into the captain's office. Spitfire also forgot to mention that if either of you impress her, the entire team has to do the conditioning.”
An evil chuckle bubbled in Sky Stinger. “You better get your sweat bands ready, team!” he shouted. The stallion darted away without warning to anypony toward the Wonderbolt Academy. In less than two seconds, he returned with a white flower and began to place it in Vapor Trail’s mane. “I can wow everypony, you included Vapor.”
“Oh, stop it, Sky,” Vapor Trail blushed. She looked around to see the mare Wonderbolts giggling with one another, further flustering Vapor more than she wanted. The stallions only looked down at her with simple smiles.
However, Spitfire was not impressed with Sky Stinger at all. “Oh, wow! You flew to the ground and picked a flower!”
Instead of having a witty comeback to combat Spitfire’s comment, Sky Stinger remained silence. Soarin grinned nervously, “Well, Vapor Trail, you’re up. Make it count.”
All attention was on her. The gravity of the situation did not make Vapor feel comfortable at all. But Sky was by her side to cheer her on. “I know you can impress everypony,” he said into her ear. “You’ve already impressed me with your morning smile, so why don’t you knock the horseshoes off our teammates with some amazing flying.” A warm kiss planted against Vapor Trail’s soft cheek.
And that gave her an immediate idea.
“Spitfire, can I do a few practice laps at the obstacle course?”
***
Everypony was there. Not just the core team, but the recruits and employees of the Wonderbolt Academy. Spitfire stood with her megaphone tightly gripped in a yellow hoof. Vapor Trail stretched some more before propping herself at the starting area. She looked at Sky Stinger who sat close to the final ring. Sunbeam hovered beside him, his expression not clear from where Vapor was standing; but she knew Sky and Sunbeam were smiling at her.
Fleetfoot was the closest pony to Vapor, amused her record was being challenged. “You know, Daydreamer, when I heard you finally got the right words across to Sky and became special someponies, I was very happy. However…” Fleetfoot chuckled into her hoof. “...when you said that you would beat my record I just… Good luck.”
“Don’t let Flatfoot get into your head, Vapor Trail!” Sky Stinger called. “Show her who to not mess with!”
“Yeah…” Vapor Trail said under her breath.
“Alright, Daydreamer…” Spitfire said into her megaphone. “...this is it. Your last chance to save yourself from an entire day of painful conditioning is on your wings now.”
Don’t let her get in your head, Vapor. Don’t let her get in your head, Vapor.
“READY…”
Don’t let them get in your head, Vapor. Don’t let them get in your head, Vapor. Don’t let them get in your head, Vapor.
“...GET SET…”
Do it for him! Do it for him! Do it for him! Do it for him! Do it for him!
Vapor Trail placed her goggles over her eyes, and the pegasus hunched over.
“...GO!”
Vapor pushed off the ground so hard, she kicked up some chunks of grass. Up and down she went between for the first two rings. The hard turn quickly approached, but Vapor Trail knew she had to take it on with little slowdown. That was where most of the slowdown was created, and the mare had to risk clipping the ring in order to beat Fleetfoot’s time. Vapor heaved herself to the right as she turned into the ring, her mane shaving the top of the loop. YES! A surge of adrenaline coursed through the excited mare, the goal on a fast approach. The final rings tried to intimidate Vapor Trail, but Sky Stinger’s cheer kept her from slowing down. It shocked the mare that she was able to keep a fast speed while she fit through the smaller rings.
Sky was right. I am an amazing flyer.
She darted through the final ring and climbed high into the sky. Vapor Trail felt alive! It had been the longest time since she had had such a rush of adrenaline. Her heart was in her throat, begging for a slowdown. But Vapor kept rising and rising, not stopping for anypony.
Suddenly, something latched onto her. She looked back to see Sky Stinger nuzzling her cheek. “That was, and pardon my language, really freakin’ fast!”
For a second, Vapor and Sky hovered in the air, still from any gravity. Then, they both fell together, further falling in love with each other.
The two touched down with a gentle land. Sky Stinger held Vapor Trail’s hoof in a confident hold. Everypony around Spitfire tried to get a look at her stopwatch, but she was very protective of it, not allowing anypony to catch a glimpse of the time. Before Spitfire could proclaim the time, Vapor Trail called out loud, “Sunbeam, where are you?”
A blur of orange blinked in front of the mare. Sunbeam’s speed was so quick, it appeared that he materialized in front of Vapor. He nuzzled his owner before resting under her wing.
“So…” Sky Stinger said with a grin. “...tell us what the new record is…”
Fleetfoot was allowed to get close to Spitfire but was not granted a proper look. The entire world was quiet. And it waited for Vapor Trail’s official time.
Spitfire looked down at the stopwatch.
Fleetfoot leaned in to finally look at the time. Her brows creased. “Aww, f-”
“FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS, WE HAVE A NEW RECORD AT 5.68 SECONDS!” Vapor Trail’s eyes went wide, not sure if she was in a part of another daydream. Most of the ponies cheered for Vapor Trail, while the rest of the official fliers stomped their hooves with a half-hearted effort.
Before the shocked mare could reclaim her ability to breathe, Sky Stinger gave Vapor Trail a firm kiss on the lips. She melted on the spot and wrapped her forearms around the stallion’s neck. Vapor cracked her eyes to get a look at Fleetfoot. The Wonderbolt was not at all pleased with having her record beaten.
