>"-set?"
>"Sunset, dear?"
>A warm, pressure grabs a hold of her arm.
>She snaps out of her daydream with a jolt.
>"Yesyes, I'm here what's the issue?"
>Sunset shakes her head back and forth, aware of her surroundings again.
>Her eyes fall onto the girl with royal purple curls, Rarity, who is beside her.
>"The issue is you Sunset, darling."
>Rarity drew her hand back slowly and a look of concern appeared 
>Her eyebrows slightly curved downward and her smile went crooked.
>"This is about the fifth time I've had to break you out of your own little world."
>Sunset look downwards slightly and recalled four other times where the world just seemed to drown itself out.
>Everything looked blurred and mixed together. Faces became unrecognizable and colors just drained out of the environments as Sunset's thoughts continued.
>The only thing left in this void of nothingness was what appeared to be a purple dot.
>"What does it mean...?" Sunset's thoughts thought.
>The void suddenly begins to quake as her eyes refocus.
>The girl with the purple curls has her hands on Sunset's cheeks and is wearing a panicked expression.
>"Sunset?"
>"Sunset please, you're really scaring me"
>Her eyes darted around, but she realized she was back in CHS and out of her head.
>Grabbing the girl's hand from her cheek she tries to calm her down.
>"Rarity, I"m fine."
>With both of her hands she calmly set's Rarity's back to her.
>"I've just had a lot on my mind" Sunset chuckled nervously
>Turning around she see one of Sunset's best friends, Twilight Sparkle walking down the hall.
>Sunset lowers her her voice and grabs the side of her arm with her hand.
>"...A lot on my mind"
>Rarity glances over to where Sunset's gaze stopped.
>It was their universe's Twilight Sparkle.
>"Just like the last four times" Rarity said to herself
>Awkwardly they stood while minutes ticked by which seemed like hours.
>Rarity reached out and rested her hand on Sunset's slightly trembling shoulder.
>"Darling" she began
>"You know you can talk to me about anything right?" her hand starting to gently rub Sunset's shoulder in a circular motion.
>"I worry when you get like this" she softly said.
>This only made Sunset retreat back behind her emotional wall even more
>She still can't believe the very person she blackmailed and whose life she made a living hell for years was honestly caring about her wellbeing.
>Without looking at Rarity, Sunset replies "Yeah, I know, I'm fine really"
>This answer is disappointing to hear.
>Rarity sighs to herself.
>"Alright dear, if you say s-" Her words trailed off as she looked at the clock.
>"Oh my goodness, I'm going to be late for my Geography test!" 
>Gathering up her things she bolts down the hallway
>"LaterSunsetSeeyouInABit!"
>After she is gone your mind drifts back to that purple dot.
>It felt...right to imagine it.
>Sunset's heart thumped in her chest.
>The dot sprouted arms and legs.
>Skinny, smooth, and slender.
>A head popped up  from out of it.
>Her hair tied back in a ponytail and her glasses slightly crooked
>It was her dear friend Twilight Sparkle.
>"Sunset?" she spoke.
>The world dissolved back into reality slowly as Twilight tried her best to get Sunset's attention.
>"Sunset, hello?"
>"You're going to be tardy"
>Was Sunset dreaming?
>"C'mon, if you get another tardy Mr. Doodle is going to kick you off the fencing team for sure!"
>Without thinking she grabbed Sunset's wrist and unknowingly set off an unseen chemical reaction.
>Sunset.exe has stopped working.
>"What the hell is going on with me?" Sunset tried to understand, but...
>Sunset had never noticed how soft Twilight's hand were...
>"Nope, stay focused Sunset. You can't space out now." through clenched teeth and a forced smile she tried to keep up with Twilight.
>Awkwardly stumbling over herself a few times
>Sunset had never noticed how soft and bouncy Twilight's hair looked...
>"Goddammit Sunset, pull yourself together" Sunset snapped at herself.
>Finally they reach their destination and Twilight lets go of Sunset's wrist.
>"I know you might be nervous about today's lesson Sunset, but don't worry we can have a study session tonight with the girls"
>Twilight smiled warmly.
>Sunset's cheeks felt red hot.
>"Y-Yeah, that sounds..." Sunset cleared her throat.
>"Sounds like a blast Twilight."
>Sunset's hand gripped the side of her pants and only then did she realize how sweaty they felt.
>This in turn only caused her body to shiver like someone had just walked over her grave.
>Sunset ducks into the classroom shielding her face from all her classmates.
>Twilight walks in slightly confused, but figures it can wait until after school today to talk about.
>Today was going to be a weird day.

>Her head slumps against the cold desktop.
>"Smooth Sunset" 
>A full body sigh escapes her chest.
>"Smooth."
>Students start to pile into the classroom.
>Twilight approaches the seat right next to Sunset wearing a worried expression.
>Sunset forgot about that.
>Nervously, she averted her eyes down to her notebook.
>She wasn't even sure if she grabbed the right one, but it wasn't like she was going to pay attention to much else anyway
>Opening the pages the familiar letters and numbers of pre-calculus filled Sunset's vision.
>Alongside the numbers were doodles.
>Usually a crude sketch of one of Sunset friends or dragons.
>Mr. Doodle's lesson about whatever the hell droned on and on.
>Twilight was very studious about her note taking and was keeping track of multiple notebooks.
>Sunset swears she's part octopus.
>Taking a glance at her sketch, Sunset sees it's starting to take on a sight she knows all too well.
>Wavy bangs up front with a simple ponytail in the back
>Sunset's neck and forehead begin to sweat.
>"Just stop thinking about this"
>"Just stop thinking about this and just...just..."
>It was at that point Sunset noticed things had become eerily silent.
>Looking up from her notebook she sees pure white.
>Every direction, no matter where her head turns, is white
>An uneasy feeling crept into Shimmer's stomach as she tried to figure what the hell was happening.
>The hairs on the back of her neck stand on edge.
>Someone was there with her, watching, and waiting.
>Slowly, she cocks her head to the right.
>What she sees causes her heart to pound in her ears.
>That same purple dot except this time it's already taken shape.
>"Twi-Twilight?" sweat dripped from Sunset's face as she grimaced.
>Twilight looked...normal.
>Same hair, same clothes, but for some odd reason the reflection off her glasses hid her eyes.
>Then without warning, she slowly started to make her way towards you.
>Each step was soundless, but it was like they were marching along to the beat of Sunset's heart.
>A million of things came to Sunset's mind, but not a single one made it out of her mouth.
>Twilight was closing in.
>She stopped right in front of Sunset just an arm's length away.
>Sunset's teeth clenched and she tried to look for a way out of here.
>She felt a warmth wrap around her back.
>Stunned she turned her gaze back in front.
>Twilight had her arms wrapped around Sunset's back and her cheek was nuzzling her jacket's leather shoulder.
>"...She's hugging you" Sunset's thoughts stated
>"...She's hugging you and it actually feels...nice."
>Sunset's guard began to lower. Her hands no longer trembled.
>She instead wrapped them around Twilight in a similar fashion.
>Everything about Twilight is so soft.
>Sunset embraces Twilight in a firm hug and to feel her softness all over.
>The butterflies in Sunset's stomach were doing aero-ballet, but she didn't care.
>Her gut told her this was the right thing.
>And her heart felt the same way.
>"Slosh"
>Drawn out of her thoughts by something she touched.
>Sunset brought her hand close to her face while still around Twilight.
>Her was covered in what looked like purple paint
>Confused she was about to ask Twilight what was going on.
>Grabbing her shoulders she breaks the hug gently and faces Twilight.
>"Twili-" she couldn't even get her name out before the words were stolen from her lips.
>Twilight's face looked like it was rippling.
>Cascading waves just traveling downwards.
>Still wearing that same warm smile.
>"What the fu-" Sunset said as she tried to turn and run, but found she couldn't lift her leg up.
>Come to think of it she couldn't feel her legs anymore either.
>She looked down and nearly had a panic attack at what she saw.
>Her leather boots looked exactly like Twilight's face, they were oozing and cascading downwards into a puddle on the floor.
>Defying what she saw, Sunset tried to lift her legs to run, but it was no use.
>She tried to pry her legs up with both her arms, but it was useless.
>For her arms had begun to drip and fade from sight.
>Pretty soon she felt both her arms fade and combine with the mess that was once her legs.
>Sunset was in panic mode. 
>She opened her mouth to scream, but no sound came out.
>"Mmmm!?" tilting her head downwards she saw the goopy remains of her mouth sliding off her body.
>"Mmmmph!"
>"Mmm-Mmmph!?!" soon she was nothing but a head floating on a puddle that was once her body.
>All hope was lost for Sunset.
>She opened her eyes one last time, but she wished she didn't
>Twilight's almost full melted face was just staring at you.
>Still, Sunset couldn't see her eyes. They were hidden behind those glasses.
>This sight haunted Sunset more than the whole melting thing.
>Sunset tried to scream, but no sound came out.
>The last thing she saw before fading into the puddle was the warm smile of Twilight. 
>"Please no, Twilight help me!"
>"Twilight, please don't let me go!
>"Twilight!" 
>A sharp object pokes Sunset in the side.
>She erratically comes to.
>Her eyes refocus on the light from above and the blurriness of everything shortly wears off.
>She's back in Pre-Calc.
>"Ms. Shimmer!" Mr. Doodle barked.
>"I know Pre-Calculus isn't the most exciting subject, but that doesn't give you the excuse to cause such a disturbance in class!"
>"What is all the commotion about?"
>All eyes were on Sunset.
>And her eyes were on everyone.
>Just darting around while sweat falls from her brow
>All the prying eyes was making Sunset extremely uncomfortable.
>She felt her chest heave in and out as she tried to catch her breath.
>Her hands clenched and fidgeting with themselves.
>She bit her bottom lip.
>"Well?" Mr. Doodle prodded.
>No matter what she thought the words would just not come out.
>Her eyes drifted over to Twilight.
>Worry doesn't even describe it.
>If it were any other context Sunset was sure Twilight would show off that big heart of hers.
>Twilight's the sweetest girl Sunset knows
>"Oh god, I need to get out of here" invasive thoughts entered Sunset's head
>With a sudden movement she wiped all her school stuff into her backpack.
>"I-I don't, uhh feel well"
>Sunset nearly galloped out the door
>"Ms. Shimmer!" Mr. Doodle called after her
>Sunset didn't look back.
>She ran because that's what her brain told her to do.
>Thinking on her feet she tries to find a place to hide out until the end of the day at least.
>That's when she notices the girl's restroom
>"No one really uses the one down this way anyway" Sunset thought.
>Running through the door, Sunset checks underneath each stall before her adrenaline wears off.
>No one in sight.
>Sunset gets in and locks the stall door as she sits on the toilet lid.
>She brings her knees up to her chest as her instincts are finally wearing down.
>A sob gets caught in her chest.
>Every time she closes her eyes all she can see is Twilight's smile melting away.
>Today was going to be a very long day.

>Tears were welling up in Sunset's eyes as her mind replayed her nightmare.
>Nearly beat for beat.
>A tightness grabbed a hold of her chest as she felt her throat close up.
>"What is happening to you Sunset?" was the only thought to come to her mind.
>More images flashed in her mind.
>As if her own brain was answering her plea.
>Important moments in Sunset and Twilight's life.
>Saving her from Midnight Sparkle (Herself)
>How she grasped Twilight's hand.
>How that sent a tingle through Sunset's palm and down the base of her back.
>Sunset remembers afterwards how Twilight looked at Sunset like she was this amazing hero.
>Some shining beacon of friendship and hope.
>That warm smile...
>Sure, she was already in well with the girls and the rest of the school.
>But this was different.
>Twilight was pure.
>Well, she wasn't biased against Sunset anyway.
>At least not that she knew of.
>All she did to this Twilight was kinda sorta yell at her, a lot.
>But, Sunset made up for it with friendship and care.
>The sound of footsteps approaching the bathroom door drew Sunset's attention.
>She didn't want anyone to find her like this.
>Hugging her knees tighter she ducked her head between them.
>Trying to minimize her presence.
>Sunset hears the door turn and open
>"...is great. So, so gre-eat!"
>That shrill, but girly voice.
>And that smug tone.
>It could only be one person.
>Sunset leaned over as much as she could on the toilet lid.
>Through a small crack in the stall door she saw a bit of grey-ish blue.
>This confirmed Sunset's suspicions 
>It was Trixie, former bitch just like Sunset.
>Well, not as much as she used to be.
>Slowly she approached Sunset's hiding stall and tried to open it.
>No dice.
>"Stupid, cheap bathroom door" Sunset heard Trixie mumble.
>Her fist knocked on the door.
>"Hey, is someone in there?" Sunset saw Trixie's shadow darken as she crouched to peek under the stall.
>She started to tightly hug her knees to her chest in hopes of maybe making herself unnoticable.
>Her breathing stopped.
>She was going to get caught she just knew it.
>A few seconds go by and Sunset hears Trixie get to her feet.
>"You may have bested Trixie this time stall door, but she will have her revenge!" Trixie says as Sunset hears her stumble.
>"Stupid trash can!"
>"Getting in Trixie's way like that!" Sunset hears another loud thump and hears Trixie yelp in pain.
>"Goddamn she's as dense as a pile of bricks" Sunset rolled her eyes.
>Without warning, you hear footsteps away from the stall and out the door.
>"Is...she gone?"
>Sunset's hands jittered slightly as she knelt down and took a peek from under the stall.
>No sign of Trixie.

>"Phew" Sunset let out a sigh of relief.
>"I am really not in the mood to deal with her right no-" she stops in her tracks as she hears rapid footsteps heading back towards her.
>The door swings wide open before she can react.
>Trixie walks inside with a furrowed brow
>"Where did Trixie leave her-"
>"Oh, there it is" she calmly said as she grabbed a small bag off the sink
>Her face relaxed as she put the bag to her side.
>Sunset was frozen in place.
>Eyes were wider than dinner plates.
>Maybe by some sheer dumb luck Trixie wouldn't notice her.
>"Sunset?" she cocked an eyebrow.
>Luck wasn't on Sunset's side apparently.
>Trixie looked from her to the bathroom stall she was trying to open earlier.
>She opened her mouth to say something.
>"Were you..."
>Trixie's purple eyes were trained on Sunset's face.
>Tears were still shimmering in Sunset's eyes.
>Her legs felt like stone.
>They wouldn't move.
>Just like in her nightmare.
>Suddenly the room felt like it was shrinking.
>Sunset's heart pounded in her ears.
>"Sunset?"
>Trixie's voice was slightly smug, but her growing concern was new.
>Sunset looked to her hands and saw they were shivering.
>Shivering and trembling.
>She felt a chill go up her spine.
>A cold sweat dripped down her forehead.
>She looked back over at Trixie, but she wished she hadn't.
>Instead of Trixie's overzealous grin.
>She was met by a horrific sight.
>What appeared to be an amalgamation of Trixie and Twilight looked back at her.
>Trixie's smokey grey hair tied back into Twilight's bun.
>The same kind of baby blue top Twilight wears.
>The pinkish-purple sparkle emblem that adorns her skirt was on the bag Trixie had grabbed.
>Even down to her favorite pair of Mary Janes.
>Sunset felt the vice around her heart tighten.
>Her body shook violently.
>She hugged herself in some desperate attempt to stop it.
>"Sunset?" what sounded like Twilight's voice over top of Trixie's drew your attention.
>Nervously, Sunset's eyes traveled up to Trixie's face.
>A scream filled her lungs, but her mouth refused to let it out.
>There on Trixie's face were Twilight's glasses.
>Obscuring her eyes.
>Sunset felt like she was close to a mental break.
>However, she felt her legs finally give.
>As she collapsed to the floor.
>With quick speed Trixielite stepped forward to hopefully help.
>Her hands tried to wrap onto her shoulder.
>But Sunset wasn't having it.
>"Don't touch me!" she yelled and pulled her arm away.
>Trixie flinched back slightly.
>Sunset's face was glued to the floor.
>She was too frightened to look back up.
>Trixie shifted around as her eyes looked from Sunset to the bathroom door.
>"Uhh, Trixie can clearly see you're having a...moment"
>"So she'll just walk the other way and pretend this didn't happen" the great and uncomfortable Trixie said.
>Before she could take her second step however.
>Sunset heard Trixie's voice.
>Just Trixie's annoying voice.
>Her eyes unglued from the floor and traveled upwards to see Trixie's normal everything walking away from her.
>"Wait!"
>Trixie stopped cold in her retreat.
>"I...I have a...-" Sunset's throughts were barreling through themselves at a mile a minute.
>Trixie turned around and saw the unsure look on Sunset's face.
>Her face looked ghostly white, and pale.

>"...a quest-question to ask.." Sunset finally found the nerve to get her voice heard.
>Trixie rubbed the back of her head nervously.
>"Uhh, sure go ahead" her voice not faltering in confidence, but her expression would lead Sunset believe otherwise.
>Sunset wasn't prepared for Trixie to say yes so quickly.
>The right words just wouldn't come to mind.
>Her hand held the side of her arm as she felt her cheeks flush red-hot from embarrassment.
>"...Trixie doesn't know if she wants to hear this question anymore" her slightly shrill voice rang in Sunset's head.
>Her arms were folded on top of each other as she gazed with concern at Sunset.
>Sunset closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
>This time she started off calmer than she began.
>"How would you...
>"Let me put it like this actually" Sunset's face felt like it was boiling lava hot at this point.
>"If...someone had a...cr-cr-cr...
>The only way to get it out is to treat it like a band-aid.
>Rip it off like a bra at Mardi Gras.
>"If someone loved you...how would you want them to...tell you?"
>Looking up, Sunset saw Trixie's pupils shrink as a look of raw surprise came over her face.
>But, as quickly as it came it vanished back into that "Couldn't care less" attitude.
>"Look Sunset, the Great and Powerful Trixie is flattered and all, but she's not interested"
>"She's perfectly fine being a solo act at the moment"
>Sunset's face somehow grew redder
>"I-It's not you" she sputtered out.
>Trixie's eyes lit up again.
>She just stares at Sunset with a comprehensive look.
>As if she was trying to see if Sunset was lying.
>"It's not that one guy you used to date is it?"
>"Brash or whatever?" 
>"Because honestly Sunset you could do way, wayyyyyy better than him."
>Sunset's brow furrowed as the tears pooling in her eyes started to turn bitter.
>"It's not him either..." her tone harsh.
>Trixie cocked her head askew at Sunset.
>"...Then Trixie has no idea who you are talking about"
>"But, she totally gets it if you want keep it underwraps for now" she yawned.
>"As for some advice."
>Sunset looked up at Trixie's determined but tired face.
>"Be bold, and don't fear rejection!" Trixie practically shouted.
>"Because the worst thing that can happen is that they'll say no" she shrugged.
>"Just remember that"
>And although Sunset was still feeling a pit of pressure in her stomach.
>Trixie's advice somewhat helped make it not so terrible.
>Sunset rubbed the palms of her hands on her cheeks and sighed.
>"Thanks Trixie"
>Carefully Sunset pushed herself up off the cold bathroom tile.
>It took a minute for her legs to readjust, and uncramp, but other than that she was feeling fine.
>Physically anyway.
>Sunset walked past Trixie and out the bathroom door


>Sunset was feeling up to going to her next class.
> A slight surge of confidence traveled throughout her body from her encounter with Trixie.
>And all she had to do was hold onto that until the study session with Twilight and the girls later.
>Casually she headed inside Ms. Cheerilee's room and sat down in her usual desk.
>Everyone else piled in all murmuring to each other.
>Sunset pulled out her lime-green notebook and opened it up to the middle.
>The bell rang and Ms. Cheerilee shut the classroom door.
>With her usual overly-chipper voice.
>"Alrighty class, let's pick up where we left off yesterday with the Roman empire!"
>This is where Sunset stopped listening.
>History was another class where she didn't really need to pay attention much to get an A.
>It just came naturally to her.
>But the study sessions with Twilight and the girls always helped too.
>Especially with Twilight's help.
>Her and Sunset were practically queens of the school when it came to grade point averages at least.
>Sunset looked through some of her recent doodles.
>Trixie's advice echoed in her mind when she saw the drawing of Twilight's sparkle emblem she drew all over a page.
>"The worst thing they'll say is no"
>"Be bold!"
>That pit in her stomach felt like it was swirling around itself.
>She grabbed a pencil and started to shade the sparkly pretty star.
>Sunset found herself thinking of Twilight's skirt.
>How well it adorned her form.
>How the color brought out the beauty in her...eyes.
>Sunset blinked and looked around.
>Students were looking towards the front at Ms. Cheerilee.
>Who was still teaching a class.
>Shaking her head her eyes drifted back down to her notebook.
>Her breathing came to a halt.
>Under what seemed like a haze Sunset had drawn an almost photorealistic portrayal of Twilight's eyes.
>Plum-colored orbs that just seem to draw you in
>A familiarity was present in them.
>They felt like they belonged to someone warm and inviting.
>A hissing silence brought Sunset's thoughts back to focus.
>She again looked around, but was stunned to see nothing or no one.
>Just an empty white void.
>"Like earlier" Sunset's heart beat quickened.
>Her gaze returned back down to her notebook and saw her entire desk had vanished.
>She was standing in the middle of nowhere.
>Scared, terrified, and on the verge of unease.
>Her mind raced as she was preparing for anything at this point.
>A chill traveled down her head and rode along her spine.
>The instincts in Sunset's gut were telling her to turn around.
>And she did, while her heart thumped loudly.
>Each beat seemed to make the space vibrate.
>Sunset's eyes met with a sight she remembered from the last time.
>Twilight Sparkle.
>Wearing that offputting, but warm grin.
>Flashes of what happened to Sunset the last time caused her throat to constrict.
>She slowly began to hyperventilate.
>She rubbed her eyes vigorously with the palms of her hands.
>Hoping to wake up from this nightmare.
>The low hiss returned traveling on the coat tails of silence.
>Sunset's body froze as she did something she probably shouldn't.
>She began to lower her hands from her eyes.
>Purple was all she saw.
>Twilight had somehow teleported right in front of Sunset.
>Sunset gasped and practically jumped out of her skin
>Twilight didn't budge or react one bit.
>She just kept smiling.
>Sunset still couldn't see behind Twilight's glasses.
>A bead of sweat rolled down her cheek.
>Twilight's hand carefully rested on the side of Sunset's face and wiped the sweat off.
>Sunset was still frozen in place.
>Twilight's hand caressed the side of Sunset's face.
>Inside of Sunset the pit began to stop whirling slowly but surely.
>Her hand comforting Sunset like the best safety blanket.
>Sunset found her hand moving up to rest on the side of Twilight's face.

>Comforting her just as Twilight was.
>Words escape Sunset, but she feels the sides of her mouth curve into a smile.
>Why was she afraid of Twilight's smile?
>She's fought magical creatures with the magic of friendship just to see her smile.
>Seeing Twilight happy was what gave Sunset meaning.
>And that thought warms her insides.
>Twilight's hand moved down Sunset's face, to her shoulder, and landed palm first on her chest.
>Sunset looked to Twilight still with joy in her eyes.
>A pressure built up in Sunset's chest.
>It felt like someone was grabbing for something.
>Sunset's eyes looked down from Twilight as she saw her hand push past her chest and inside herself.
>She screamed, or she tried to anyway.
>Just as soon as Twilight pushed her hand in she pulled it back out.
>Sunset's eyes widened from panic as she saw her still beating heart in Twilight's hand.
>Without warning, Sunset crumpled to the floor.
>It was like everything on her just completely failed all at once.
>Legs wouldn't move, arms couldn't work, mouth wouldn't open, nothing.
>Only her eyes could move and they just focused on Twilight standing over Sunset.
>Her heart in hand.
>All of a sudden, Twilight crumpled right beside her.
>In a similar manner.
>Sunset's eyes nearly bulged out of her head.
>Her throat hurt as if she were screaming bloody murder, but still no sound came out.
>-Squish-
>A wetness appeared in Sunset's hand.
>She strained her eyes downwards.
>Numbness went throughout her body.
>In her hand was a heart still beating.
>Sunset's eyes looked back to Twilight.
>There was a black empty hole in her chest
>But Twilight's grin appeared wider.

>The two hearts were still beating.
>However the one in Twilight's hand was beating erratically.
>Faster and faster, each thump shaking the foundation of this void.
>Each beat making the hiss louder and louder until it was all Sunset could hear.
>"N-No, please Twilight"
>"Mmph"
>"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
>But her mouth refused to form the words.
>The shine off of Twilight's glasses the only thing Sunset could focus on.
>She felt a poke on her shoulder.
>"Please don't go Twilight!"
>The poke turned into a shake.
>The void disappeared.
>But the world that came into view was blurry.
>As Sunset's vision readjusted she realized that all eyes were on her, again.
>Ms Cheerilee looked at her concerned.
>"Is everything okay Sunset?"
>Sunset looked down at her notebook and saw Twilight's eyes.
>With a sudden movement she held her hand up to her chest and felt her heart beating.
>She let out a sigh.
>"Uhh, y-yeah just...had the wrong notebook out...is all" she flashed Cheerilee a big, fake smile.
>Cheerilee didn't look convinced.
>"Alrighty then, just keep the noise to a minimum please."
>"Others are trying to work"
>Sunset slumped down in her seat.
>"Heh...right...sorry" she squeaked.
>She rested her head on her desk.
>Eyes half closed she felt exhausted.
>And all she's been doing today is sleep it seems like.
>Sunset looked up at the clock on the wall.
>A half hour until the group study session would meet.
>She was beginning to half second thoughts about the whole bold and confidence thing.

>The ringing of final bell got everyone's attention.
>"And remember class, your papers on ancient roman architecture is due next week!" Cheerilee reminded the students shuffling out the door.
>A few groaners, but most just kept on walking and talking.
>Cheerliee turned her head when she heard a noise.
>It was Sunset Shimmer, still putting her stuff away into her bag.
>Her expression read emotionally wrought like a used sponge.
>She stood up from her desk.
>She felt like a weight was dropped on her shoulders.
>Her head leaned forward as she shut her eyes and slightly frowned.
>"...Sunset?" came Cheerilee's concerned voice.
>Sunset turned to look in Cheerilee's direction, but she couldn't look her in the eye.
>"Is...everything alright?"
>It took every ounce of energy she had left to push another fake smile on her face.
>The bags under eyes were still noticable however.
>"N-Never better." a false tone of cheeriness coated Sunset's words.
>Cheerilee's expression remained.
>Her eyebrows were taut together, and her mouth stayed neutral.
>"It's just, this is fourth time this month where you've nodded off during one of my lectures"
>Sunset's left eye twitched.
>"Not to mention how..."alarming" your sleep talking has become"
>Sunset felt like she was facing down a speeding bullet train.
>"...I guess what I'm trying to say is, do you need to talk to someone?"
>Biting her lip, Sunset's anxiety pooled in her stomach as she thought of a way out of this situation.
>"N-No, Ms. Cheerilee." stammered out Sunset.
>She began to inch herself towards the door.
>Her palms becoming moist and clammy.
>"I'll just...I'll just try to get more sleep"
>Sunset spun around facing the exit of the door.
>But before she could leave she felt a warm pressure wrap on her shoulder.
>Her head moved to see Cheerilee still looking distressed from not being able to help.
>"Sunset" her voice calm, but anxious.
>"You know you can talk to me about whatever is bothering you right?"
>"Nothing you say will leave this room" she tried to reassure Sunset.
>But all Sunset could feel was the stringing pangs of guilt stabbing her insides.
>Memories of how she blackmailed Cheerilee to do the dumbest stuff just because could could.
>Treating her like she was beneath Sunset.
>All for the stupidest reason.
>She didn't feel like she deserved her sympathy.
>Her head hung low and she let out a sigh.
>"Thank you, but...like I said I just need to sleep more"
>Sunset wasn't even convinced by her own lie.
>Cheerilee, disraught with not getting through to Sunset, bows her head and sighs as well.
>"I understand Sunset"
>"Go home, and get a good night's sleep then" she smiled at Sunset.
>It warmed up Sunset's mood just a little, but not by much.
>She waved and ran off towards the library.
>It was time to face her fears.

>Every Friday after school the girls all meet up in the library to catch up, study, do homework, and generally have a fun time.
>This time it was to study for a big pre-calc exam.
>But Sunset had more things on her mind than numbers and tests.
>She was wondering how she was going to deal with being close to Twilight for a long period of time.
>For the last month she's become an expert at keeping those feelings inside.
>But lately they seem to be slipping out.
>So she'll have to be on her guard.
>Pushing open the door to the library, Sunset looks around at all the different tables.
>A student reading, and a few friends meeting for an after school club.
>But no sign of her friends.
>"Pssst, Sunnnnset." she heard her name whisper yelled.
>Turning her head back and forth she saw Twilight's overly enthusiastic waving hand, and beaming face.
>She was sitting at a table.
>All by herself.
>A bad feeling sprung up from the bottom of Sunset's gut.
>But she swallowed that doubt and pushed forward.
>She walked to the table Twilight was at, and sat her stuff in a chair across from her.
>Twilight was still flashing a small, dorky smile at Sunset as she had books, notebooks, and other accessories laid out before her.
"Sooooo...where is everyone?" Sunset finally asked.
>Twilight's eyes went wide for a second and then she lightly bumped her forehead.
>"Oh right, I forgot to text you earlier"
>"Turns out the soccer team decided to have emergency practice tonight so Dash couldn't come."
>"Then Big Mac threw his shoulder out of whack trying to fix Applejack's tractor so she's at the hospital with him"
>"Pinkie wanted to go support Maud at the local comedy club"
>"Zephyr accidentally burnt a hole in Fluttershy's favorite dress so she's having that taken care of"
>"And Rarity is how she's taking care of that so that's why she isn't here"
>Sunset paused and took in everything Twilight just said.
>It seemed like the universe was trying to make something happen.
>Coincidences upon coincidences.
>But she shook those thoughts away.
>"Oh, well that's too bad"
>Sunset's disappointed expression didn't cause Twilight's grin to waver.
>"I like it when we all get together and just, you know, hang out."
>Twilight nodded
>"But, they all said they would make it up to us tenfold tomorrow." she expressed with glee.
>"And besides, just because it's just the two of us doesn't mean we can't have any fun"
>Sunset felt her cheeks flush red slightly at Twilight's last sentence.
>The universe was a cruel mistress.

>The universe was a cruel mistress.
>"R-Right!" Sunset let out a nervous giggle.
>Sunset drummed her fingers on the table.
>"To be honest Sunset, I was surprised to see you here"
>Sunset felt her eyes widen.
>"I didn't see you at all after pre-calc, and..." her gaze turned downwards.
>"Anyway, I"m just glad to see you're okay" she looked back up at Sunset with a comforting smile.
>A little voice in the back of Sunset's head was screaming like a banshee.
>Her heart felt like it was being smothered by thick wooly pillows and fire.
>Twilight was genuninely caring about Sunset's wellbeing and as sad as it sounds that felt foreign to Sunset still.
>"I-I-uhh, am glad I'm okay too!" Sunset forced a grin on her face.
>Twilight raised an eyebrow at Sunset's answer.
>Sunset's teeth clenched harder than an aligator eating its prey.
>Her eyes darted around the table looking for something to change the conversation to.
>A twinkle in her eyes occurred when she saw Twilight's study guide.

>"So!"
>"That looks like a hard problem on that there!" Sunset's voice was a little louder than normal.
>She pointed over to Twilight's notebook and study guide.
Twilight looked down at the paper to the one Sunset was pointing to.
>"This one?" she asked.
>Sunset vigorously nodded her head.
>Twilight adjusted her glasses and focused on the problem.
>"Hmmm, I'm sure if we both work on it we'll get it solved in no time!" Twilight triumphantly declared.
>Sunset  let out an internal sigh.
>Her distraction had worked.
>"I'd like that very much"
>So Sunset pulled out a notebook and her and Twilight went hard into the world of math.
>Nothing but the sound of scribbling, and calculator button pushing for a good five minutes.
>"So if you subtract both sides by thirteen..." Sunset began.
>"Then you multiply the numerator by its inverse..." returned Twilight.
>"That would leave you with the square of  x to the second power" Sunset was getting a bit excited.
>"With that you would just plug it in to the original equation and it would result innnnn..." Twilight was getting a bit more excited.
>"22!" Sunset practically shouted.
>"45!" Twilight shouted at the same time as Sunset.
>Twilight's expression grew worried.
>"Wait, what?" Twilight sounded dumbstruck.
>She chewed on her pencil as she made anxious wimpering noises through her hastening breaths.
>"...That's right" her tone was cold.
>"Easy Twilig-" before Sunset could finish Twilight practically jolted from her seat and came over to Sunset's side of the table.
>She was getting really, really close into Sunset's personal bubble.
>Twilight's ponytail was nearly resting in Sunset's face.
>Her back was to Sunset.
>Sunset felt like she should avert her eyes, move her chair further back, or something.
>But she felt something inside of her that wanted to stay put.
>Her thoughts were soon overtaken by a lovely aroma.
>It reminded her of the smell of the royal kitchen in Canterlot.
>Nearly every time she walked by there on her way to class the chefs were always baking something delicious.
>Well, they smelled delicious anyway.
>Sunset's heart was pounding in her chest as her eyes went half-lidded.
>It was intoxicating.
>So much so she found herself leaning forward until her face made contact with Twilight's ponytail.
>The silkiness was indescribable.
>What Sunset would give to run her fingers through it night after night.
>"Did you hear me Sunset?" Twilight's restless voice fell on deaf ears.
>"Sunse- Ah!" whipping her head over to Sunset she accidentally launched her glasses over on the library floor.
>Hearing Twilight's scream, Sunset snapped out of her scent stupor.
>"Twilight, what's wrong?" Sunset's motherly tone seeping through.
>"My glasses flew off somewhere" Twilight squinted at Sunset.
>"I think I saw them fly near your feet " she pointed to the left of Sunset.
>"I think..." her answer didn't sound confident as she tried to sit back down without falling down.
>Sunset carefully kneeled down and scanned the underside of the table.
>She found her target right underneathe her chair.
>"Found em!" Sunset happyily declared.
>Picking them up before she gave them back to Twilight she held them up to lights in the library.
>"Jeez Twilight, how can you see out of these things?" Sunset gave them an inspection.
>Twilight's glasses were dusty and had light smudges on the lens.
>For an overly organized girl Twilight was lacking in the "Care for your eyewear department"
>"Hehe, I can usually see out of them just fine...sometimes." this time she nervously chuckled.
>Sunset stifled a laugh.
>"Probably because you're so used to them looking like this I bet."
>"Here" Sunset lightly breathed on each lense letting them fog up.
>She then rubbed each lens using her top as a cloth.
>"Sunsettttttttt, that's just going to make them streak" Twilight whined.

>"Trust me, they're going to be 200% better than what they used to look like" Sunset's determined expression not winning over Twilight.
>She held them up to the light again and tried them on.
>"Woah!"
>"I can actually see stuff with these now" Twilight rolled her eyes and smirked a little at Sunset's joke.
>Sunset gently placed them back on Twilight's face.
>She blinked a few times and looked around as if she was seeing the world for the first time.
>"...Wow" was all Twilight could say.
>"You never thought to clean your glasses Twilight?" Sunset asked.
>"Well...not like how you did it" Twilight shrank with embarrasmment.
>It was Sunset's turn to smirk now.
>"Aren't you glad you have me around?" Sunset did a fake courtesy at Twilight.
>With a giggle, Twilight replied with: 
>"Of course Sunset, you're like the big sister I never had" Twilight expressed with the utmost glee
>Twilight's sentence echoed in Sunset's mind like a haunting melody
>Constantly on repeat.
>Each time through just causing the light inside of Sunset to grow dimmer and dimmer.
>"...Thanks Twilight" Sunset felt her heart beginning to dip inside the whirling miasma of anxiety and fear.
>An involuntary tremble went up her body.
>Twilight's concerned face returned.
>"Sunset...?"
>A buzzing sound grabbed Twilight's attention.
>She reached into her backpack on the floor and got her phone.
>She looked down at the screen.
>"Oh my gosh, the girls are all having a slumber party at Pinkie's tonight!" Twilight's enthusiasm beginning to return.
>Her beaming face looked over to Sunset.
>"Do you want to come?" she politely asked.
>Sunset was feeling like her night was over anyway.
>"...No thanks Twi."
>Twilight's bombastic mood deflated slightly.
>"Maybe next time" sighed Sunset.
>Twilight's eyes drifted down to her stuff.
>"Oh, alright, that's okay"
>"You look tired anyway why don't you go home and get some sleep" Twilight suggested.
>"Yeah...I'll go do that" Sunset said in a deadpan tone.
>Sunset grabbed all her stuff and shoved it in her backpack haphazardly.
>"See ya later Twi" Sunset waved.
>"...Sunset?" she turned around towards Twilight.
>In a flash, Twilight was wrapped around Sunset.
>Giving her a soft, light hug.
>Sunset's hands were afraid to touch Twilight anywhere.
>They were each shivering and shaking.
>From the warm, and brightening Twilight making her body feel like it was melting.
>The burn in her cheeks returned.
>She just patted Twilight on the back and clenched her eyes shut until she stopped.
>When she opened them Twilight was standing before her, hands behind her back, and wearing that innocent smile like a badge of honor.
>Sunset smiled back at her.
>Twilight was too much for her own good sometimes.


>The ceiling of Sunset's room was an average looking white tile.
>Each had their own divots, creases, bumps, and general wear n tear from exposure to the elements.
>Sunset would know because she's done nothing  but lose herself in them ever since returning home.
>"You're like the big sister I never had!" Twilight's words felt like they circled around Sunset's neck.
>Her stomach was stuck doing a never ending backflip it seems.
>She rolled over on her side.
>The sight of her alarm clock filled her vision.
>10:44PM
>Exhaustion hit Sunset like a burning truck running her over.
>But sleep still eluded  her grasp.
>For countless more minutes all she did was toss and turn in her bed.
>Her body just feeling uncomfortable in any position.
>She brought her hands up over her eyes and groaned.
>Sunset let her arms limply fall over to her sides.
>So she did the only thing she knew how to do well.
>She tried to force herself to sleep.
>Her eyes were clenched down firmly.
>Sunset turned over a few more times as she flipped over her pillow.
>Soon her thoughts were drifting.
>Images of Twilight's embrace played in Sunset's head.
>How her body enveloped Sunset in a loving glow.
>She found she didn't need to clench her eyes that tight now.
>Her eyelids just drooped naturally.
>Sunset finally felt like she could sleep.

>However, a hissing sound in the silence made her heart skip a beat.
>Opening her eyes to see what the noise was she found herself in an unbelievable situation.
>She was back in the CHS library.
>Sitting in the same seat.
>Which was sitting across from the same Twilight Sparkle as before
>Sunset should have been in full-blown panic mode, but a familiar smell calmed her nerves.
>The fresh scent of the finest bakeries filled her nose.
>It smelled just like when Twilight was...really close to her.
>As soon as she thought that the hiss noise sounded again.
>She looked up from her blurry notebook and saw Twilight had vanished.
>Something then grabbed a hold of Sunset's hand.
>Her head slowly moved to the side and saw the loving smile of Twilight Sparkle.
>She was absolutely beaming.
>Sunset looked down and saw that Twilights' hand was wrapped in a tender hold around her own.
>Blood pumped quickly into Sunset's face as she felt her entire body turn into mush.
>Her thoughts focused on Twilight.
>Why was she afraid of feeling cared for and loved by her?
>Why did she avoid how she really felt?
>Questions like those became silly the more Twilight's hand held onto Sunset's.
>All her cares seemed to melt away.
>Their hearts were beating as one.
>The air hissed again.
>A little louder this time.
>It went through Sunset like an arrow through a balloon.
>A panicked gasp caused her head to turn in a hurry.
>Twilight looked like she had just seen a ghost.
>She fell backwards out of her chair as she scooted too far back.
>"Twilight!?" Sunset hurried to Twilight's side and offered her a hand up.
>Twilight looked to her hand as if it were a loaded gun.

>Her eyes went wide as she started to hyperventilate.
>"G-Get away from me!" she yelled through bated breath
>A cold warmth spread throughout Sunset's heart.
>"What?"
>"Twilight, it's me, Sunset" Sunset stretched out her hand again to help her up.
>However, Twilight just pushed herself backwards through clenched teeth and a frightened expression.
>Her back hit a nearby bookcase.
>"I-Is this some kind of cruel joke?"
>Twilight hugged her knees tightly.
>"Twilight...I don't understand..." Sunset felt her hope slowly drain.
>Twilight let out a small growl.
>As if she was sick of some game the two of you were playing.
>"You're not Sunset" her brow furrowed
>"I don't know who you are, and I don't know what you did with the real Sunset Shimmer" Twilight looked downwards at her necklace.
>"But I won't have some monster going around trying to claim to be half the person she is" her conviction sounded strong.
>Sunset felt her eye twitch and her mouth quiver.
>"...A monster?"
>"I'm...I'm not a monster Twilight"
>"I'm...me" Sunset's eyelids drooped as she held her hands to her chest.
>Trying to keep her heart from stopping.
>Twilight picked herself up off the floor.
>Her stance was aggressive, but Sunset knew Twilight would never hit her.
>"Quit acting like you care about me!"
>"Quit calling me Twilight!"
>"and quit acting like...her." a sob was caught in Twilight's throat.
>But her conviction stood firm.
>"The real Sunset Shimmer cares about me, she cares about all of her friends"
>"What do you care about?" she pointed accusingly at Sunset.
>Sunset felt a balloon swell inside her chest.
>Liquid desperation was flowing through her.
>"You Twilight..." 
>"And my friends" she sniffled.

>Twilight's glare only thickened with each word Sunset spoke.
>"No you don't!" she stomped down hard.
>"All you care about is yourself."
>"N-no" Sunset was baffled.
>"Your lust for power is the only thing you've ever truly cared about" Twilight shook her head solemly.
>"You would use and step on anyone to get what you really desire."
>Sunset couldn't believe the words coming out of Twilight's mouth.
>Words were of no use to her right now.
>Each one of Twilight's new points carving out more and more pieces of her insides.
>Sunset looked to Twilight.
>She stood with her arms crossed against her chest.
>Her glare ice cold.
>Each second fueling Sunset's panic even further.
>She held the sides of her head with her hands and shut her eyes.
>"See, even you're starting to see that's the truth." Twilight callously stated.
>"Now...tell me where the real Sunset Shimmer is."
>Sunset stood there dumbfounded and on the verge of a breakdown.
>"Tw-Twilight...please" she stretched her trembling arm out towards Twilight.
>"I...I lo-love you" and the feeling of an 400lb weight lifted off of Sunset's shoulders.
>However, Twilight's expression didn't change a bit.
>"You don't love me"
>"All you can do is lust, and all you can do is let it consume you"
>"You can never truly love anyone"
>Twilight wasn't budging an inch.
>Sunset found herself slowly inching herself forward.
>Twilight was standing as still as a statue.
>Waiting for Sunset's approach.
>Each step was beating alongside the beat of Sunset's heart.

>She suddenly met with some resistence.
>Her body pushed up against a large, rectangular surface.
>"...What?" Sunset said confused.
>In the background a small hiss could be heard this time it was like static.
>Sunset quickly looked around to see the source, but instead saw her surroundings had changed.
>Nothing but the pitch black void.
>Blackness.
>She looked back towards Twilight, but instead is met by something much more alarming.
>Wide, midnight black colored, bat-like wings.
>Pale red skin all over.
>Wearing clothes that looked like they were made of pure fire.
>The hair was done up in the same way.
>It looked like Sunset did when she was corrupted by the element of magic.
>Sunset gasped and flinched back.
>As did the monster.
>Sunset tilted her head to the left with a quizzical look.
>The monster tilted her head to the left with a quizzical look.
>What sounded like the drums of war played to the beat of Sunset's heart inside her head.
>"N-No"
>"I'm not..."
>"That's not me"
>Every word, and facial action were copied perfectly by the beast across from her.
>Sunset was getting past the point of no return.
>She felt a small spark light up in her stomach.
>All the anxiety, fear, lust, anger, everything.
>It all felt like it was moving up Sunset's stomach and moving towards her hands.
>Her fists clenched until the whites of her knuckles were showing.
>In a fit of rage she swiped her hand at the demon before her.
>"Grragh!" a ball of magical energy broke the monster in front of Sunset into shards of glass.
>Sunset was breathing heavily and still red hot to the touch.

>The noise of heavy static returned.
>Piercing her ears.
>She fell to her knees.
>The inside of her ears felt like they were going to rupture.
>Then the static stopped.
>As quick as it began.
>Sunset was panting now.
>She noticed a piece of glass before her.
>Feeling curious she picked it up and looked into it to see her reflection.
>She really wished she hadn't.
>On her reflected demonic face her eyes were missing.
>Triangular slits with nothing but blackness residing.
>And so, Sunset screamed.
>Her head jolted upwards as her lungs felt like they were on fire.
>Her screaming stopped when she looked around and saw she was in her room.
>She hunched over and drooped her head.
>A full body shudder traveled throughout her body.
>Her pillow was coated in sweat.
>She knew because she was beating the living hell out of it.
>Each punch just aggravating the extreme feelings Sunset was experiencing.
>Her vision nearly turned red.
>She just wanted the nightmares to end.
>It wasn't fair to her or anyone else who had to deal with her.
>Why her?
>Taking several deep breaths she glanced over at her alarm clock.
>1:40AM
>She let out a heavy sigh.
>Another sleepness night.


>Beep, beep, beep.
>Sunset's alarm was blaring at her to wake up.
>But all Sunset did was barely open her eyes.
>Her bed was a mess.
>The muscles in her back felt stiff.
>And her back was still soaked in sweat from the nightmare.
>All of this however didn't phase Sunset one bit.
>She had a heart beat, and she was breathing.
>But other than that it was like the lights were on but no one was home.
>Still staring at the ceiling tiles while her alarm still beeps.
>She tried to find a reason to get out of bed and try today.
>Curling up into a ball on her bed a million things flowed into her thoughts.
>None were giving her the courage to face the day though.
>Her mind stopped on Twilight, and the rest of her friends.
>She rolled over on her other side.
>Sunset's heart was already pumping hard and it wasn't even 7AM yet.
>A combination of guilt, and not wanting to worry Twilight anymore than she already was caused her to slump out of bed.
>The bags under her eyes were heavier and darker.
>A haze clouded her mind.
>So she was relying on auto-pilot to get herself to school.
>The noises of the school all blended together and became an indistinguishable drone.
>And this was only from Sunset opening the front door.
>A nagging sensation in her head was already telling her to turn back.
>But she made it this far.
>As long as she didn't run into Twilight she could handle the day.

>Sunset tried to be the master of her thoughts as she walked down the hall to her locker.
>She felt vulnerable.
>Like all eyes could see past her.
>They could see how fragile and dark her heart felt.
>"Maybe I should just head ho-" her thought train was derailed by a pressure pulling on her arm.
>Sunset found herself practically dragged into an empty classroom.
>All the chairs were still placed on top of desks.
>Even the curtains on the windows were closed.
>Confused, Sunset looked behind her when she heard the sound of a door shutting.
>Surprise capture her as she looked to see Rarity who looked extremely unamused.
>Dressed to the nines as always.
>Rarity always turned heads wherever she was.
>Not always due to how she dressed though.
>"You. Me. Talk. Now" she puncuated each word with precise emphasis.
>A harsh exhale came from her nose.
>Almost sounding like a "Hurumph"
>Sunset was taken aback by the sudden harsh words
>"What's going on Rarit-"
>"You know very much as I do why we're having this discussion, Sunset" Rarity scolded Sunset like a child.
>The room felt like it was spinning to Sunset.
>She was feeling like a cornered animal.
>"If this is about the sleepover..." Sunset rubbed her arm and averted her eyes to a nearby table.
>"I was just...tired" 
>Rarity raised her eyebrow and gave Sunset a decisive stare.
>"Darling, you've been tired for months" Rarity's voice grew worried.
>She let out a sigh.

>"Look, Twilight told me about what happened in pre-calc yesterday."
>Sunset felt her pupils shrink.
>Her heartbeat was thudding against her ribs.
>Rarity began to step closer to Sunset.
>"I know..." Rarity carefully placed her hand on Sunset's arm.
>Sunset's body froze to her touch.
>"Wh-What do you know?" sweat was beginning to drip down Sunset's neck.
>Rarity frowned.
>"I've seen how you look at her dear"
>Sunset shifted herself away from Rarity's sad look.
>"I-I don't know what you're talking about..."
>Rarity closed her eyes and sighed again.
>"You love her Sunset"
>Rarity saying the l-word caused Sunset to slowly start to hyperventilate.
>"And you know the "her" I'm talking about"
>"You've been avoiding her, and us for a while now."
>"Not well mind you."
>"I know how much you enjoy our company so it would be foolish to completely isolate yourself" Rarity rambled a bit.
>"Nevertheless, a lady notices things when around people for long periods of time"
>Sunset was slightly shivering as she felt conflicting emotions battling inside herself.
>"Stares in particular"
>This felt like another nightmare to Sunset.
>She was waiting to her the hissing noise as she gently pinched her bare skin.
>But the only sound was the sound of Rarity talking and Sunset's anxiety-ridden breaths.
>"You love Twilight, Sunset" 
>The words chilled Sunset's soul.
>"Don't you?"
>Sunset turned her head and met Rarity's eyes.
>Concern filled Rarity's eyes to the point they shimmered under the light..
>Sunset's limbs felt like they were floating.
>She was cornered and saw no way of escape.
>So, she accepted her fate.
>Sunset gently nodded her head and stared to the floor.

>Rarity's bone white hand gently cupped Sunset's chin
>She lifted it up so Sunset's gaze was level with hers.
>"That's perfectly fine darling" Rarity's words were soothing, and her touch was comforting.
>She removed her hand from Sunset's chin.
>"What isn't fine is bottling these feelings inside yourself dear" 
>"That is why I think it is imperative you talk to Twilight as soon as possible" Rarity's motherly tone came back.
>"She looks up to you Sunset, and right now she thinks you don't like being around her"
>"But if you two would just talk then things will be okay"
>Each word Rarity spoke made another brick around Sunset's heart.
>Every word causing her to block her feelings off more and more.
>Sunset's body felt numb.
>"...You make it sound so easy Rarity
>Sunset wrapped her arms around herself in a hug.
>Even though she wasn't shivering.
>Sunset felt the bitter tears starting to pool in the bottom of her exhausted eyes
>"What if...she hates me?" Sunset glumly asked.
>"For loving her?" Rarity responded nervously.
>Sunset swallowed a great sob.
>And sniffled.
>"For getting to know the real me"
>Sunset's heart was on full display to Rarity.
>She closed her eyes and tried to think of nothing.
>Anything but how she was feeling.
>An affectionate glow blanketed around Sunset.
>Opening her eyes suddenly she recognized the familiar royal purple curls inches from her face.
>"The real you is amazing dear"
>Rarity firmly hugged Sunset.
>"It doesn't take someone with a keen eye to see that"
>Dumbstruck, Sunset stood there in Rarity's embrace for what seemed like ages.
>The tears still welling in her eyes.
>With trembling hands she moved them around Rarity's back.
>And returned the hug.
>Her heart feeling that cold warmth again.
>Gradually, Rarity broke off the hug and looked at Sunset.
>A small smile was on her face.
>It was a slight comfort to Sunset's plight.
>"I know you two will be so happy together" Rarity cupped Sunset's hand and gently squeezed.
>Rarity looked up at the clock on the wall.
>She turned and walked to the door.
>Turning the handle and opening it she took one quick look back at Sunset.
>Rarity nodded to her, and Sunset nodded back.
>And with that she made her way to her own class.
>Leaving Sunset behind with just her thoughts.
>But more assured of herself.
>At least she hoped she was.

>Surprisingly, Sunset's first half of the day went off without any major issues.
>Fluttershy meekly waved at her before history.
>Rainbow Dash gave her a quick thumbs up in between passing periods after science.
>But no sign of Twilight.
>Sunset spent all her classes barely paying attention to anything.
>She put all her focus into what she would say to Twilight.
>How she was going to profess her love.
>Every method she thought of just didn't rub her the right way.
>Each idea causing more frustration than the last.
>Before she knew it, it was time for lunch.
>A less than ideal time to talk to Twilight.
>Noisy environments
>Not much room for one-on-one conversation.
>Plus Sunset was still not feeling 100%.
>She didn't even feel up to sit by her friends.
>Sunset decided to spend her lunch by herself at an empty table.
>Heading down to the cafeteria she sneakily ducked in line.
>Grabbed a light snack and something to drink.
>Then she scanned the area for any sign of her friends.
>Not a rainbow or stetson in sight.
>She let out a sigh of relief.
>And found a lone table where she could eat in peace.
>Carefully sitting down and taking a bit of her apple.
>She finds her eyes wandering the cafeteria.
>A recognizable hue of pinkish-purple caught her eye.
>A few tables across from her there sat her friends.
>Laughing, talking, enjoying each other's company.
>Sunset's stomach felt queasy as she quickly averted her eyes down to the red tabletop.
>She hoped they wouldn't notice her.
>Taking another bite of her apple she heard the sound of someone approaching her.

>A tray landed on the table with a slight thud.
>And the person who put that tray there was none other than the Great and Uninvited Trixie.
>Sunset failed to hide the annoyed look on her face.
>"You are not mistaken."
>"The Great and Powerful Trixie has chosen you, Sunset Shimmer, to be her new lunch time sitting buddy"
>Trixie pointed her finger at Sunset and gave a smug grin.
>"Feel free to feel honored if you want, I know it must be a welcomed surprise"
>Sunset was still chewing her apple.
>Giving Trixie no reply or response whatsoever.
>Trixie's smile deflated.
>"Don't get too excited now" she stabbed at her jello with a bored expression.
>Swallowing her apple, Sunset took in a deep breath.
>"Trixie, I kind of just want to sit by myself today."
>"No offense to you, but I'm just not feeling up to dealing with people right now" Sunset looked across to the table with her friends.
>Her mood dampened slightly.
>"Well, Trixie really has no where else to go at the moment." Trixie sighed.
>"Honestly, Trixie's friends kicked her out of the table."
>"You accidentally cause someone's eyebrows to combust one too many times suddenly they turn on you" Trixie was exasperated.
>"Can you believe that?!" angrily she crossed her arms and let out a small "Hmph."
>Her eyelids dropped slightly.
>"And...Trixie saw you sitting all by yourself and she thought...you were kicked out of your table too." 
>Concern was still so weird to hear come out of Trixie's arrogant mouth.
>But in a weird way it was actually sweet to hear her say that.
>A small smirk appeared on Sunset's face.

>"Are you amused by Trixie's woes?" an unamused look formed on her face.
>"No just...thinking about a funny joke" Sunset lied with a smile.
>Trixie cocked an eyebrow at Sunset.
>"If you say so" Trixie went back to absentmindly stabbing at her food.
>"So, what did you do?"
>Sunset looked over at Trixie mouth agape slightly.
>"To get kicked out to loner island over here I mean"
>Sunsets hands gripped the edge of the table tight.
>"I wasn't kicked out." Sunset spoke softly.
>"I just..." Sunset trailed off.
>Trixie looked up from her tray with a curious expression.
>"I just needed some space to think"
>Sunset's heart felt heavy again.
>Her thoughts were still disorganized.
>And still no plan on what to say to Twilight.
>Trixie looked over to the table with all Sunset's friends.
>...Is this still about your whole crush problem or whatever?"
>A cold chill took Sunset's whole body by force.
>"N-No!" Sunset unintentionally yelled at Trixie.
>Sunset swore she saw a glint in Trixie's eye as she went deep into thought.
>"Is...is your crush on one of your fri-" before Trixie could point Sunset interjected.
>"Wh-Why would I..." Sunset shook her head.
>"No, just no Trixie" her tone was curt.
>In response Trixie just shrugged.
>"I'm just asking"
>"No need to get all defensive on me" 
>Sunset held her hands up and let out a calm breath.
>She took her drink and took a sip.
>"...Is it Rainbow Dash?" 

>Trixie's question almost made Sunset choke on her water.
>She coughed and sputtered as her face grew red from a combination of embarrassment and from almost dying.
>Trixie recoiled from the debris coming from Sunset.
>"Alright, not Rainbow." she rubbed her chin and looked back over at the table.
>"Hmmm, is it Rarity?" Trixie's smug smile returned.
>Sunset looked extremely unamused.
>"I thought you didn't care about this?"
>"Trixie said she knew you wanted to keep it underwraps, but Trixie never said she wouldn't try to guess who it is"
>She shut her eyes with a self-assured expression.
>"Especially when I have a good feeling I know who it is..."
>Sunset's face was growing hotter, and redder.
>Like lava.
>Her hands were becoming slick and fidgety.
>"W-Well it's not Rarity..." Sunset's heart thumped into her throat.
>Trixie snapped her fingers.
>"Shoot, I thought for sure it was her."
>Trixie's eyebrows furrowed greatly as she concentrated.
>Sunset was sweating bullets at this point.
>Her hand was shaking terribly as she grabbed for her water again.
>"Eh, Trixie doesn't know then" she shrugged
>Sunset's insides untangled slightly from what Trixie said.
>She decided to just forget about what just happened and to just work on studying for whatever test she had coming up.
>With her hands still shaking she reached into her bag and grabbed her lime-green notebook.
>She began to open it, but it slipped out of her hands and landed in front of Trixie.

>Drawings of Twilight and various things associated with Twilight filled her vision.
>Sparkles, her eyes, her hair, rough sketches of Twilight embracing what appeared to be Sunset.
>"What?"
>Sunset was in full-blown panic mode.
>Trixie's eyes darted back and forth between the pages and Sunset.
>She found herself beginning to stand up.
>Her body hunched over the table taking in everything on the candid notebook pages.
>"YOU HAVE A CRUSH ON TWILIGHT?!" 
>Trixie's voice rang out with enough volume to cause nearly every head in the cafeteria to turn towards Sunset's table.
>Silence swept through like a whisper through the night.
>All eyes were practically looking to Sunset to see what was going on.
>Including Trixie's nearly bulging eyeballs.
>Sunset felt her soul beginning to exit her body.
>She felt like she was having an out of body experience.
>Or she just very much wished something would come along and whisk her away from all the prying eyes.
>Sunset saw Trixie look past her with a frightened expression.
>Why Sunset would turn is something she would kick herself later for.
>For she came face to face with a very confused, and very concerned Twilight Sparkle
>A wave of nausea punched Sunset's gut rapid fire.
>Her face went full on scarlet.
>She felt the stinging pain of tears welling up in her eyes.

>...Sunset?" Twilight said in a way that made a tear roll down Sunset's cheek.
>Everyone was gawking at her it seemed like.
>She couldn't breathe.
>Every breath she tried to take just felt like she was trying to swallow cactus needles.
>Her legs wobbled like a newborn calf.
>Flight or Fight mode was trying to activate in her head.
>With tears pouring down her face Sunset launched herself off her seat and ran.
>She ran and ran and when she felt like stopping.
>She ran some more.
>She kept on running until her legs refused to move another step.
>Sunset panted and sobbed.
>Salty tears dripped down from her chin.
>Her hair was windswept and messy.
>Sunset didn't care.
>She collapsed against a locker.
>A complete joke.

>There were no inhumane tortures, or indescribable agony to accurately express the war inside Sunset's body.
>She was broken.
>And inside herself she was continuing to break.
>The eyes of Twilight Sparkle the only thing her troubled mind could focus on.
>Her eyes surrounded by the sea of judgemental stares did nothing but strengthen the anxiety circling Sunset's heart.
>The cold steel of the locker only serving to remind Sunset how dead she felt inside.
>She waited and waited to her any kind of hissing noise.
>But the truth was all too real to Sunset.
>This wasn't a nightmare, this was real life.
>Everyone knows her secret and there is nothing she can do to change that except listen to her heart.
>But her gut was screaming over her heart and telling her to run.
>"Sunset?" a voice echoed down the hall.
>Resisting the urge to vomit then and there, Sunset looked in the direction the voice came.
>"Sunset?" came the voice again.
>It sounded dorky, but distressed.
>Like the sound of a teacher giving a lecture.
>Or a concerned mother searching for their lost child.
>All Sunset knew was she had to hide.
>Panicking, her eyes wandered around the hallway looking for an ideal spot to lay low.
>Footsteps were inching closer to Sunset.
>The clock was ticking.
>A saving grace appeared before Sunset however in the form of the girl's bathroom.
>Without hesitation she charged through the door and pushed herself up against the wall.
>She wrapped her hands around her mouth to quiet her restless breathing.

>The footsteps came closer.
>Each one louder than the last.
>Sunset curled up on the slightly damp bathroom floor and clenched her eyes shut.
>Hoping that maybe she would just disappear from existence if she tried hard enough.
>They sounded like they were right outside the bathroom door.
>An involuntary whimper came out of Sunset's shivering form.
>This felt like the end.
>Like all of reality would just crumble when those footsteps crossed the threshold of no return.
>But, they didn't.
>A minute passed by.
>Then without warning the footsteps marched off away.
>Becoming quieter, and quieter until Sunset could barely feel the vibration through the floor.
>Then nothing.
>The sound of running water the only thing left to listen to.
>Sunset laid on the floor for quite some time.
>Her arm getting tired from lying on her side.
>But, it didn't matter.
>It hurt to care right now.
>The thought of going through a routine like this for the rest of Sunset's life caused a rough sob to escape her throat.
>It felt like sandpaper scraping her throat.
>She just wanted things to go back to how they used to be.
>Her, Twilight, and her friends all being friendly and kind to one another.
>No nightmares, no stress, and no...feelings.
>Just obliviousness.
>"Oh wow, I knew things were bad, but I didn't know they were this bad." a voice caused Sunset's eyes to open.

>With great unease she clumsily picked herself off the floor.
>She leaned against a nearby wall for support.
>The strange thing being was no one else was in the bathroom with her.
>The door was still shut and all the stalls were empty.
>"Over here" the familiar voice said.
>It came from over by the bathroom sink.
>Nervously, Sunset stepped over by the sink and looked into it.
>Not sure what she expected to find.
>"In the mirror you dumbass" sighed the voice.
>Her heart stopped for what seemed like the hundredth time today.
>Swallowing her stomach's attempt to evacuate its contents out of Sunset's mouth again.
>Sunset followed the sound of the voice upwards.
>Into the mirror it said it was occupying.
>And there looking back at Sunset instead of her reflection, was herself.
>"Did you miss me?" the mirrored Sunset smugly asked.
>Same red and yellow hair but slightly brighter.
>Oily black leather jacket with a purple top with her sun cutie mark as a logo.
>But what was different was the glint in her eye.
>The aura of passion radiating from her very form.
>It made the real Sunset sick just looking at her.
>"Oh great, now I'm going crazy" Sunset brought her hands up to the sides of her head and massaged her temples.
>MirrorSet's expression didn't change.
>"I'd say this is more of a wake-up call"
>The way she spoke was giving Sunset a throbbing headache.
>"I'm really not interested tell it to a me who cares." Sunset slowly began to turn from the mirror.

>"Something tells me you are interested or why would I be here?" MirrorSet asked.
>"Don't know, don't care" Sunset's expression hardened as she went neutral.
>As her hand reached for the bathroom door handle she heard the sickening sounds of herself cackling.
>"Oh-Oh my god, you're being serious right now?" Sunset's hand was frozen on the handle.
>"This is who you've become?"
>"Some angsty little child running away from everything?
>Sunset's grip on the door tightened as she felt a small little fire light up inside her.
>"Sweet Celestia, do you even remember being me at all anymore?"
>Sunset's head drooped forward.
>"You had everything in the palm of your hands"
>"Money, power, and the adoration of countless followers"
>Mirrorset sighed.
>"Now look at you."
>"Everyone sees you as a joke."
>"No one fears the name "Sunset Shimmer" anymore"
>Both Sunsets went silence.
>"And no one respects it either" the mirrored Sunset finished.
>Sunset took her hand off the bathroom handle.
>She turned her palms towards herself.
>Petite, slender fingers, but calloused from dedication.
>"You're wrong" Sunset whispered.
>"What?" Mirrorset sounded surprised.
>Sunset paced back over to the mirror to meet her reflection.
>"Those "countless followers" didn't adore us...me." Sunset pulled her fists towards her heart.
>"They feared me..."
>Sunset met Mirrorset's gaze and saw the smug expression beginning to turn sour.
>"I was consumed by that lust for power, but I was more consumed by my lust to be loved"
>"I forced people and ponies to like me by being a monster" the fire in Sunset's belly was growing brighter.
>"After my time here and actually forging real bonds and connections I realized I was wrong for nearly all my life"
>Sunset's sullen expression returned as her head dipped.
>"And I've helped others see what I saw"
>"Feel what I felt"
>"But..." Sunset sighed.
>"Deep down I guess I'll never be able to be free of my desires"

>Mirrorset crossed her arms and slightly smirked.
>"I'll still have you as a reminder for that time in my life" Sunset gestured to her reflection.
>If mirrors could ooze smug then this one would be coated twice over.
>"Well look who finally found her backbone" she sarcastically clapped.
>"What are you going to do now that you have achieved this level of introspection oh enlightened one?" Mirrorset made big puppy dog eyes at Sunset.
>Another brick wall presented itself.
>Another hurdle to climb over.
>Before Sunset could answer she heard the frantic sounds of footsteps outside the bathroom.
>"Aww, what's the matter dweeb?"
>"Your dyke girlfriend hiding from you?"
>The fire burning inside Sunset grew hotter as she instinctively clenched her fists.
>She knew that conceited, anger filled voice anywhere.
>Gilda.
>Sunset carefully pushed the door open justa little bit so she could see who she was talking to.
>Through a crack in the door she saw the backside of the heavy brown coat Gilda wore.
>Sunset knew she wore it to look larger than she actually was.
>"P-Please, I just want to find her" came an anxious mousey voice.
>"I'll help you find the flaming dyke, for a price" Gilda's words were as sleazy as she looked.
>Sunset felt the start of adrenaline circulating through her bloodstream.
>"Sounds like she's talking about you" Sunset's mirror self joked.
>And with that crack, the pieces began to fall into place.
>The voice, Gilda's comments, and finally Mirrorset made Sunset realize that Gilda was threatening Twilight
>"But I already gave you all the money I had this week..."
>"I d-don't have anything else" Twilight pleaded desperately.
>"You look like you got stuff to me" Sunset saw Gilda point to her backpack.
>Gilda took another step closer, intimidating Twilight.

>Twilight looked behind her as she hugged her backpack tight.
>"Don't even think about running or I'll be taking more than just a backpack"
>Sunset found herself looking onwards at the scene before her.
>The words Gilda hissed circling her brain.
>Before they settled inside her stomach stroking the flames.
>"Well?" came a voice from behind Sunset.
>"Do you know who you are?" she asked?
>Determination put Sunset into overdrive.
>Her righteous fury was the wheel and the gas.
>Sunset stood up straight and confidentally strutted out the door.
>"Hmph...go get her then"
>Before she left she could have swore she heard her mirrored self say something.
>But all sounds were blocked out as she focused on Gilda and Twilight.
>Twilight was still backing away slowly as Gilda looked ready to pounce.
>"C'mon dork, you really don't want to make me mad"
>"I'll make that clam-slamming girlfriend of yours seem like a pussy compared to what I can do"
>And with that, Twilight quickly tried to turn and run, but Gilda was prepared for that.
>She sadly was faster than Twilight.
>Gilda held Twilight in a headlock.
>Her arm squeezing on Twilight's brittle neck.
>Twilight tried to scream her lungs out, but Gilda clamped her mouth shut with her hand.
>She thrashed and struggled against Gilda's body, but Twilight was out of her weight class.
>"Now you've really gone and pissed me off you stupid carpet munching dyke." She angrily spat in Twilight's face.
>Sunset's vision went a shade darker than red.
>Gilda pulled her hand back and balled it into a fist.
>Ready to let loose on Twilight.
>Twilight closed her eyes as she prepared for the blow.
>"HEY!"
>Gilda and Twilight both turned towards the booming shout of Sunset Shimmer.

>She felt the fire still burning in her stomach as it began to burn everywhere else.
>Gilda looked surprised for a moment, but her cocky grin soon replaced it.
>"Well, look who finally decided to show herself."
>"Are you here to save your little girlfriend?" she noogied Twilight's hair viciously.
>Sunset remained stone faced.
>She took a step forward and didn't say a word.
>Her expression said everything.
>Sunset could see beads of sweat falling down Gilda's brow.
>Panicking, she tightened her grip around Twilight.
>A pained, muffled scream only fueled Sunset even more.
>"Stay back or I'll-
>"I'll..."
>"I'll ruin her pretty face!"
>Gilda's threats didn't stop Sunset.
>She kept marching forward.
>Taking her time to draw each step out as much as she could.
>"I-I'm warning you dyke!"
>Gilda reached in her back pocket and pulled out a small switchblade.
>Sunset stopped mid-step.
>Her expression unyielding to Gilda's cowardly ways.
>She held the blade up to Twilight's face who was trying to do anything to avoid it.
>Lightly running the tip of blade down Twilight's cheek.
>Twilight whimpered in response.
>A drop of blood dripped out of the fresh cut.
>On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the angriest it was safe to say Sunset's readings were off the scale.

>The veins in her neck pulsed and throbbed.
>Her fists were shaking with pure rage.
>Her glare could turn Medusa to a burning stone..
>"I warned you" Gilda's voice feeling like ice cubes down her back to Sunset.
>"Now, if you want her so badly then you gotta have something to trade dontcha?"
>Without breaking eye contact with Gilda, Sunset reached into the pocket of her jeans.
>And slowly pulled out her wallet.
>Gilda's cruel, sadastic grin just made Sunset even more pissed.
>"Let her go."  Sunset spoke with an almost silent furor.
>In response Gilda pressed the tip of the blade against Twilight's cheek again.
>"How about you give me what I want first?
>Or else" she put great emphasis on the "else"
>Sunset looked from Gilda to Twilight.
>She didn't see another option that didn't involve Twilight getting hurt.
>And that wasn't a risk she was willing to take.
>Slowly,  she began to kneel down.
>Keeping eye contact with Gilda so she doesn't pull any funny business.
>"Good, glad to see you've learned your place you dumb dyke"
>Sunset's calm, but furious scowl was all Gilda got back from her.
>She set her wallet on the floor and placed her hand on top of it.
>On the count of three in her head she was going to slide it over

>One.
>Two.
>Thr-
>"OW, SHIT YOU CRAZY BITCH!" Gilda screamed as Sunset swears she hears the sound of bones breaking.
>Sunset glances over at the Twilight in her grasp and sees she's biting down hard on Gilda's finger.
>Her eyes were shut hard as she held on for dear life.
>Gilda was punching Twilight in the side trying to loosen her grip.
>But Twilight stuck firmly on Gilda.
>In that moment Sunset witnessed time slowing down.
>Her breathing became calm as she took hold of the opportunity fate had just delivered her.
>Like a track star, Sunset sprinted towards Gilda.
>Almost in a horselike gallop.
>Gilda shook Twilight off and flung her into a nearby locker face first.
>She spat towards her.
>"Fucking psych-"
>Gilda's sentence was interrupted by the pure, unbridled rage that was Sunset Shimmer.
>Gritting her teeth, Sunset drew her hand back into a fist.
>And let she let it fly towards Gilda's shocked face.
>With the speed she gathered, Sunset's punch collided square into Gilda's jaw.
>Sending her spiraling back onto the slick hallway floor.
>Groaning in pain.

>Sunset's fist was still raised in front of her.
>Her eyes still focused and combat ready.
>But surprisingly Gilda stayed floored.
>She let out a breath she didn't even know she was holding.
>"Twilight!"
>But she wasn't out of the woods yet.
>She rushed over by Twilight's side she had collapsed against the locker Gilda threw her against.
>To Sunset's dismay it looked like she was out cold.
>Throwing caution to the wind she put her ear up against her chest.
>The light thumping of a heartbeat put Sunset's nerves at ease.
>She grabbed a hold of Twilight's shoulders and shook her gently.
>"Twilight?"
>Sunset lifted her head off the hard locker door and rested it against her hand.
>She could feel Twilight's breath wash against her face, but she still wouldn't come to.
>"Twilight please..." she hugged Twilight tight and rocked her gently.
>"What is all the commotion out her-"
>Sunset's head slowly tilted up and saw someone she wasn't prepared to see.
>Ms. Cheerilee, her eyes moving back and forth between Sunset and Gilda with an expression of awe.
>Sunset looked up into her comforting green eyes to find worry, and doubt.
>Her adrenaline was wearing off.
>Tears were glistening in her eyes under the pale hallway lights.
>All she could say without bursting into a crying mess was 
>"Help, please" Sunset held back a sniffle as Cheerilee power jogged over to the other side of Twilight.
>She checked Twilight's pulse and felt her breathing.
>"C'mon" she ordered as she carefully wrapped  Twilight's body up in her jacket.
>Sunset took in what Ms. Cheerliee was doing and nodded as she cleared her eyes of tears.
>And they both proceeded to Nurse Redheart's office determined to save a life.

>Even though Sunset knew Twilight was alive and kicking she was still stuck in guilt's close grasp.
>Maybe if she had acted sooner Twilight wouldn't have been hurt.
>But it was no time to play the blame game.
>Keeping up with Cheerilee's distressed pace, Sunset finally recognized the hallway they were in.
>Nurse Redheart's office was just up a little further right by Principal Celestia's office.
>Cheerilee elbowed open the door with enough force to scare Nurse Redheart out of her skin.
>She was standing in the middle of the average sized room.
>Clipboard in hand.
>Standard medical professional outfit.
>The works.
>She was good for being a high school nurse.
>"What's the ma-" Redheart looked in Cheerilee's arms and saw the still passed out Twilight.
>Her eyes widened as she moved over to one of the empty cots.
>She cleared it off and laid a fresh layer of what looked like wax paper on top as a cover.
>She pointed to it.
>"Right here" now she was the one ordering Cheerilee around.
>Without hesitation, Cheerilee carried Twilight over to the cot and then eased her onto it as best she could.
>"Easy...eeasy" Nurse Redheart spoke as they both put Twilight, back first, on the cot.
>"There we go" she wiped her forehead and walked over to a nearby drawer.
>Sunset just stood off to the side watching Nurse Redheart do her thing.
>She dabbed a bit of liquid on a cloth and carefully began to apply it to the cut on Twilight's cheek.
>"...Can I ask what happened?" Sunset was broken from her trance by Nurse Redheart's question.
>Sunset was afraid this might happen.
>Before she could speak up though Cheerilee began talking.
>"Well, I heard some loud noises out in the hall as I was trying to give a lecture"
>"And I find her on the floor with an unconcious student, and nearby was another student moaning in pain"
>Sunset felt like she was being stared at.
>And she looked up to find her assumption was true.
>Both Nurse Redheart and Cheerilee were looking to her for answers.

>Sunset let out a heavy sigh.
>"Alright, here's what happened." Sunset began as Redheart placed a bandage on Twilight's cheek.
>And so, Sunset recounted all the events beginning in the hallway.
>From Gilda threatening Twilight to Sunset knocking her lights out.
>Cheerilee put her hand in front of her mouth.
>Shocked to even hear such a thing happening at this school.
>But they both seemed to believe it.
>Nurse Redheart was doing some last minute inspections on Twilight.
>"Well...sounds like you've both been through quite the ordeal."
>"But, luckily it looks like only some minor bruises and scratches are what you're walking away with"
>"Well, her anyway" Nurse Redheart rambled a bit.
>Sunset stood at the foot of the cot Twilight was still passed out in.
>"She should wake up any time now." Nurse Redheart placed her hand on Sunset's back and gently patted.
>Moving to where Nurse Redheart was sitting, Sunset's eyes traveled up and down Twilight's still form.
>A weight was still resting on her heart.
>But Sunset didn't understand why.
>Twilight was okay, and she was going to wake up soon and everything will be fine.
>Sunset saw Twilight's lone hand off to her side.
>A tugging sensation in her stomach was telling her to hold it.
>So she did.
>Ms. Cheerilee had gotten up and was over talking to Nurse Redheart.
>Sunset's fingers were wrapped around Twilight's.
>Her hands were soft, kinda sweaty, but soft.
>It felt right holding her hand.
>Sunset's mind raced through the entire last few months in a blur.
>All leading up to here.
>Being in love with her best friend.
>And you know what? 
>That was perfectly okay.
>Sunset leaned forward, hand still locked in Twilight's, and wrapped her arms around her in a hug.
>She nuzzled Twilight's shoulder with her cheek and smiled.
>Feeling perfectly content, Sunset let out a calm breath.
>"I love y-" 
>"Sunset Shimmer" before she could finish her thought a voice grabbed her attention.

>Looking over to where the voice came from she saw the stern expression of Principal Celestia.
>She was standing in the doorway in her traditional tan jacket and purple bellbottoms.
>"Come with me please" her tone was slightly dismal.
>It gave Sunset a sinking feeling in her stomach.
>Sunset caressed the side of Twilight's face and looked at her sleeping peacefully.
>"I'll be back Twilight don't worry." and with one more squeeze Sunset let go of Twilight's hand.
>She walked over to the door and stopped for a second.
>She glanced at Twilight, and then back out into the hallway.
>And with that, she walked through the door.
>Principal Celestia was waiting just right outside the door near a set of lockers.
>"Please follow me, Ms. Shimmer"
>She began down the hall to her office.
>Sunset matched her pace and tagged along behind her.
>The creeping feeling that something was terribly wrong became stronger.
>Celestia walked into her office and had a seat at the desk with her name plaque sitting on top of it.
>"Have a seat." she gestured to the chair in front of her desk.
>Sunset swallowed her fear and obliged.
>Nervously, she sat before Principal Celestia.
>She tried to keep cool, but felt her authortative presence all around her.
>Celestia placed her hands together in front of her.
>Hand wrapped in hand.
>Sunset saw her shoulders raise up and down lower.
>As if what she was about to say was burdening her in some way.
>"Can you explain to me what happened between you, Twilight Sparkle, and Gilda?"
>Sunset grabbed the side of her arm as she looked away from Celestia's eyes.
>"Y-Yeah, I...I can"
>"Proceed" Celestia sat waiting to hear the full story.
>For the second time, Sunset recalled the events that had transpired nearly an hour ago.
>Not leaving any of the details out.
>Principal Celestia's reaction was more tame than Ms. Cheerilee's and Nurse Redheart's.
>But Sunset could feel a tinge of worry in those eyes.

>Celestia stood up from her desk and looked out the window behind her.
>It was a view into the hallway
>"...And you are positive on all that, Sunset Shimmer?"
>A lump formed in Sunset's throat.
>"Y-Yes, m'am" she nervously squeaked out.
>Principal Celestia turned back around to face Sunset.
>"Good, because your story matches closer to the security footage than Gilda's did"
>"She tried to say you assaulted her and Twilight" she did a small eye roll.
>Sunset felt a strange tingle in her heart.
>It felt like hope.
>A small smile formed on her face.
>"Between you and me" Celestia leaned in close to Sunset and whispered.
>"I didn't believe her for a second"
>The light at the end of the tunnel was approaching.
>Sunset felt it.
>She was in the clear.
>Principal Celestia's face frowned slightly.
>"But" 
>"You know, as well as I, CHS has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to physical violence"
>The light was getting dimmer.
>The path was veering away into the dark abyss.
>"...So I'm getting suspended?" Sunset's tone didn't hide her disappointment.
>Principal Celestia let out a wistful sigh as she pulled out a folder from in her desk.
>"Actually, you're not."
>Sunset cocked an eyebrow at Celestia, but what she saw didn't instill hope in her.

>Her frown was deepening.
>"The school board recently passed a new rule stating any student involved in three or more physical altercations..."
>Sunset was on the edge of her seat.
>Her heart was beating so fast she could feel it throughout her body.
>The vice around her lungs was tightening as she could hardly breathe.
>Principal Celestia looked to Sunset with somber eyes
>"...they be recommended for expulsion.
>Sunset felt more tears beginning to form in her eyes.
>She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
>It wasn't fair.
>"And...sadly, this is your third one Sunset Shimmer"
>"The other two happened during your freshmen year" Principal Celestia explained as she looked through the folder in front of her.
>This triggered a flashback to when Sunset first arrived in this world.
>She remembered getting into it with the posh, preppy jerks pretty bad.
>But it only ended in fighting just the two times.
>The first was some pompous, fashion model wannabe and the other was her meat-head jerk boyfriend.
>Sunset leaned forward and held her hands by the sides of her head.
>Clenching them as she had to resist the urge to completely lose it then and there.
>"I'm being punished for saving Twilight's life?" was the only thing to come to her mind.
>It lacked the raw anger, but it was still bitter to hear.
>She looked up to Principal Celestia with tears nearly pouring down her face.
>Celestia averted her eyes away from Sunset.
>She looked crestfallen and nodded.

>"If it were up to me Sunset..."
>"You'd get a slap on the wrist, and nothing more."
>She crossed her arms against her chest.
>"But, the school board would have my head as well as my sister's if I just..looked the other way on this one."
>Sunset felt like her life was over.
>There were times when she felt at the end of her rope, but none of them compared to this.
>She'd rather take on all the magical nonsense this world had to offer single-handedly than to be punished for caring.
>Punished for showing her love, and punished for being a good friend.
>Thats how it felt to Sunset.
>"The hearing for it will probably be held in a week or so..."
>"I'll let you know more as new information is passed along to me."
>Sunset's hands were trembling as she just stared at the floor of Celestia's office.
>Still reeling in from the horrible news Principal Celestia had just given her.
>She heard the sound of a chair scooting in..
>Then footsteps over to her.
>Yellow heels appeared off to the side in her vision.
>Sunset felt Principal Celestia gently place her hand on her back.
>She lifted her heavy, bagged eyes off the floor to meet Principal Celestia's
>And Celestia encased her in a comforting embrace.
>"Can I at least say goodbye to Twilight?" Sunset sobbed into Principal Celestia's jacket
>In a sympathetic voice, Celestia replied
>"Of course" she smiled.
>Sunset at least had that

>"Things will be okay, I promise" Celestia soothingly whispered to Sunset.
>Sunset broke off the hug and wiped her eyes on her own jacket sleeve.
>She bowed her head forward slightly.
>"...Thanks"
>And with that, she walked out of her office with a great weight upon her shoulders.
>She thought she saw Celestia drying her eyes on her jacket as well, but Sunset really didn't care at this point.
>Her life here at Canterlot High.
>Her friends.
>Everything.
>It was over.
>The door was slowly, but surely closing on any hope she had left.
>She made the short trip back down to Nurse Redheart's, but it felt like she was walking to her death.
>She wanted to run away.
>Just go back through the portal and just go live in some far off land where no one and no pony could find her.
>But
>As much as this whole situation wasn't fair to Sunset.
>Leaving now without so much as a goodbye wouldn't be fair to Twilight or any of her friends.
>So she had to put on a brave face, for their sakes.
>Stopping just outside the door.
>Sunset took a deep breath and put on the biggest grin she could muster up.
>And headed into the room.
>The first thing she noticed was Twilight was awake.
>Her eyes were half-lidded and she looked exhausted.
>But as soon as she caught sight of Sunset she raised her head up towards her.
>A relieved smile soon appeared on her face.
>"I'm so glad you're okay" Twilight sheepishly said.
>This caused Sunset to smirk.
>"I should be saying that to you" 
>Sunset took her seat by the side of Twilight's cot.

>In the corner Ms.Cheerilee and Nurse Redheart were still talking, but Sunset saw Ms. Cheerilee steal a glance over at Sunset walking back in.
>"How are you feeling?" Twilight's still weak voice drew Sunset's focus.
>She was feeling hollow.
>"Oh, you know." 
>"Really happy you're okay" Sunset had a hard time keeping eye contact with Twilight.
>She knew she was lying, but she had to.
>"H-How are you feeling?" 
>Twilight remained silent for a second as she looked at Sunset with a light bit of concern.
>"Sore, and exhausted"
>"Mainly sore" she sighed as she rubbed her side.
>It was so good just to hear Twilight speak.
>It made Sunset feel like everything would be okay.
>"I woke up and didn't see you."
>Sunset realized that as soon as she went down to Principal Celestia's office Twilight must have came to.
>"You-You didn't happen to hear anything before waking up...did you?" Sunset's nerves were getting fired up.
>Twilight closed her eyes and concentrated.
>"I...thought I heard something, but I think it was in a dream I was having"
>Sunset let out an internal sigh of relief
>"Why did you want to know?" Sunset felt the blood rush to her cheeks.
>"Hehe, no reason just...didn't want anything to wake you up.
>Without warning Twilight placed her hand on Sunset's leg.
>Fireworks were going off in Sunset's head.
>She looked from Twilight's hand to Twilight's bright and shining face.
>"...What?" Sunset was beyond dumbfounded.
>"I was trying to find you earlier...after the whole thing at lunch"
>The memory of Trixie blurting out her biggest secret caused a bubble of anger to form in her chest.
>"Because...well, I was touched honestly."
>"Ever since those games you've made me feel so cared for."
>"You looked out for me like...like I was your family."
>Sunset's face was blushing lightly.
>"Then I come to find that your feelings go even deeper than that."
>Twilight looked towards Sunset.
>Their eyes met.
>A spark exchanged between their gazes.

>They stared deep into each other's eyes for what seemed like enternity.
>As if to note each little, small, gorgeous detail in them.
>Twilight's face was flushed as red as the red cross on Nurse Redheart's heart.
>Before she could open her mouth however.
>They were disrupted by Ms.Cheerilee butting into their conversation.
>"How's everything holding up girls?" she said in her usual cheery tone
>Twilight beamed up at her.
>"Good." 
>"Oh, and thanks for helping Sunset bring me here Ms. Cheerilee you're a livesaver"
>Now it was Ms. Cheerilee's turn to blush.
She waved her hand away from Twilight.
>"Not a problem!"
>As if she just recalled something extremely important her expression changed.
>"Oh!"
>"Sunset, can I ask how your meeting with Principal Celestia went?"
>And just like that, the room became twenty degrees colder.
>Sweat began to drip down Sunset's face.
>"Ummm..."
>It went...alright" Sunset started to pinch the side of her jacket.
>Neither one was convinced by Sunset's fib.
>"Alright?"
>"What did she say to you? Ms. Cheerilee sounded concerned.
>Sunset's eyes drifted over to Twilight.
>She looked twice as concerned.
>Sunset felt so weak not being able to keep a brave face.
>But, better hear it from her than from Principal Celestia.
>Her eyebrows drooped, and her mouth curved downwards.
>"...There's a possibility I will be expelled" a sentence that even Sunset was saying with disbelief.
>"What?" both Twilight and Ms. Cheerilee said in unison.
>Sunset nodded towards them both.
>"It's some new rule the school board added this year..."
>"Get into three fights and you're out of here" Sunset felt the tears in her eyes, but she had grown sick of crying.
>"The three strike rule" Ms. Cheerilee said.

>Sunset looked up at her and saw her shake her head in amazement.
>Her eyes drifted back to the floor.
>The sound of someone quickly getting off the cot caught Sunset's attention.
>She turned her head and saw to her surprise Twilight marching with her hand on her side out of the room.
>Sunset jumped out of her seat.
>"Twilight, what are you doing?"
>But Twilight kept walking and headed right out of the room.
>Full-blown panic alarms went off in Sunset's head.
>Running after her, she exits the room and sees Twilight heading down the hall in that limping strut.
>"Twilight, please!" she hollered down the hall.
>But still no response.
>She was starting to scare Sunset.
>A chill went up her spine.
>"Twilight!" she kept yelling at her as she headed for Principal Celestia's office.
>Heads were turning Sunset's way, but she had more important things to worry about.
>Sunset was still exhausted from earlier so she couldn't keep up with Twilight.
>She turned and headed into Principal Celestia's office.
>"Twilight!" her hand outstretched as she ran to her.
>She looked down a nearby hallway and saw her group of friends stopping and staring at Sunset.
>Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.
>All with confused expressions on their face.
>But Sunset's heart was tugging her attention back to the front.
>Without saying a word she left her friends behind.
>But she had to make sure Twilight was okay.
>"Hey!" came what Sunset was pretty sure was Dash's brash voice.
>That didn't stop her though.
>She slowed down and carefully walked through the door of Principal Celestia's office, again.
>To find Twilight Sparkle standing before a surprised Principal.

>"Twilig-" 
>"You're expelling her?!" Twilight didn't let her even get a confused greeting out.
>Sunset flinched back from Twilight's outburst.
>She had never seen Twilight this upset.
>Her hair was still messy and her clothes were still full of dirt and scuffs.
>But Twilight had her eyes on what really mattered. 
>Principal Celestia's eyes widened for a second.
>"She saved my life and you're expelling her?!"
>"Twilight please, calm down" Sunset tried to put her hand on Twilight's shoulder.
>But without even turning her head she pulled her arm away with almost violent resentment.
>"I'll calm down when when you get treated like the hero you are!" she practically screamed.
>Out of the corner of Sunset's eye she saw that outside the office there were her friends crowded around the door.
>Looking at the scene before them deeply concerned.
>"What's going on?" Sunset had no doubts that was Rarity's posh accent.
>Sunset opened her mouth to reply, but was beaten by Twilight's outburst.
>"Sunset is going to be expelled!"
>A collective gasp goes throughout the girls.
>"What?" Rainbow Dash was getting as fired up as Twilight.
>"Why?!"
>Principal Celestia was taking everything on the chin.
>Her professional demeanor didn't falter a second.
>"Yes it is true that Sunset will be appearing before the school board."
>"And yes there will be a discussion on whether or not Sunset be expelled at this meeting"
>She took a quick breath.
>"Things are not set in stone on this."
>"It's just a possibility"

>Sunset looked at all the girls.
>Applejack and Rainbow Dash were still fuming.
>Fluttershy was holding Pinkie they both looked like they were trying not to cry.
>Rarity was looking to Principal Celestia with a deep, worried look.
>Twilight's fists were clenched.
>Her stare was still serious.
>"There shouldn't even need to be a meeting!"
>Principal Celestia's frown returned.
>"I'm so so sorry Twilight, but...this is out of my hands."
>Twilight's body was shaking and shivering.
>Her face was red with fury.
>Sunset never knew Twilight's anger could get this far.
>The most upset she's remembered seeing Twilight was when a teacher incorrectly handed her back the wrong paper.
>So she thought she had earned her first F ever and promptly threw a fit the likes of which even Sunset was afraid of.
>All the teachers afterwards triple check names so such an event never happens again.
>But this was different.
>This wasn't complaining about a low grade.
>No, Twilight's voice was that of someone who had enough.
>Why couldn't real life have happy endings?
>Why does the knight get the girl and live happily ever after in all those dumb fairytales Princess Celestia used to tell her?
>When in real life the dragon seems to always find a way to win.
>Sunset and Twilight were finding things out the hard way.
>"Then I should be expelled with her"
>You could hear the tinest pin drop in that room with how quiet it became.

>Everyone was flabberghasted at Twilight's remark.
>Sunset looked to her expecting to see any ounce of guilt or fear.
>But instead she was met with a fierce stare chock full of conviction.
>She was serious.
>"I was as much as involved as in that fight as Sunset."
>"If she goes, I go" Twilight said in a cold whisper-like voice.
>Here was the girl whose whole life revolved around learning who was willing to throw that all away just for someone she cared about..
>Sunset didn't know what to even say.
>Her heart felt warm and fuzzy.
>"Twilight...that's...you..." the right words escaped Sunset.
>She looked down towards the floor and rubbed her shoulder slowly.
>"Think about your future"
>"None of those prestigous schools you always talk about attending would even look in your direction if you were expelled!"
>Sunset didn't mean to shout, but she thought what Twilight was saying was just too much.
>She looked up into Twilight's eyes.
>A tinge of worry was present.
>"Don't throw away your life for me Twilight"
>Sunset held her hands close to her heart.
>"I'm not worth it" she said with a bitter half-smile.
>Twilight's eyes stayed stern as she looked deep in thought.
>Sunset could see Twilight's eyes dimly shimmer under the lighting in the office.
>Maybe she was starting to understand what was important to her.
>And Sunset hoped she would make the right decision.
>Looking around with a heavy heart Sunset began to think about what she was going to do.
>Thinking about how she could stay in contact with everyone if she did get expelled.
>About whether or not she'd stay over in this world or home.
>It was too much to think about.
>Sunset looked down at the floor.
>A pair of pretty, purple Mary Janes came into view.
>Surprised, Sunset quickly brought her head up.
>"Twilig-"
>But was cut off by Twilight's lips giving her a loving kiss.

>It felt like the wind was knocked out of Sunset.
>Twilight's lips met hers in a tender seal.
>Her arms were draped around Sunset in a soft hug.
>The feeling of pure magic traveling throughout her body caused Sunset's heart to tingle.
>And just as soon as the kiss began.
>Twilight broke it off.
>Each girl just passionately stared into each other's eyes.
>Sunset's heart was threatening to beat straight out of her chest.
>The sparkle in Twilight's eyes and her shining smile made Sunset's legs wobble.
>"You're worth it to me" Twilight's tone was as soft as her hands.
>Sunset pulled Twilight closer.
>Her cheek resting against the shoulder of Sunset's jacket.
>Sunset looked around the room.
>Everyone was in shock.
>Rarity's hands were brought up to her cheeks as she smooshed them together.
>With an expression of pure girlish glee.
>The rest of the girls were stunned.
>Then again, so was Sunset.
>Butterflies were swarming her stomach.
>The sound of a drawer opening caught her off guard.
>She looked over at Principal Celestia who was in the middle of grabbing what appeared to be tissues.
>Drying her eyes before she began to speak again.
>"As touching as that was Twilight" Celestia sniffled.
>"I couldn't expel you even if I wanted to"
>Twilight's euphoric state drifted and was replaced with meleancholy.

>Still in Sunset's arms she let out a bitter sigh.
>"Being that this would have been your first strike it would have just resulted in out of school suspension" Celestia continued.
>"Wait, what do y'all mean by "would have"?" Applejack spoke up from the side.
>Principal Celestia nodded to her.
>"Correct, with how the situation is currently Twilight will not be punished."
>"From the security footage we have anyway"
>Celestia shut her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.
>"It's just...it's how the rules are written"
>The slight bit of joyous news turned the butterflies in Sunset's stomach sour.
>She should be happy Twilight won't be punished too.
>But, it feels like a hollow victory.
>Twilight scraped by and only won because they rules said she did.
>Meanwhile those same rules painted Sunset with the same brush as Gilda.
>"So...there's nothing any of us can do?" Fluttershy's meek voice spoke up.
>Sunset felt Twilight's body shiver lightly.
>She hugged her a little tighter.
>"No...I'm afraid there isn't."
>"The most we can do right now is prepare for anything to happen"
>Slowly, the girls began to surround Sunset and Twilight.
>They all joined in on the hug adding in their warmth.
>Adding in their love.
>"...And be there for one another" Principal Celestia murmured as she wiped the side of her eyes again.
>Maybe Sunset's life wasn't over quite yet.

>The girls all gave their hugs and kind words to Sunset and Twilight.
>But sadly they had to be off for it was getting late.
>Rarity gave Sunset a proud smile and patted her on the shoulder.
>The group left Principal Celestia's office.
>Applejack and Dash waved and left.
>Then next was Pinkie and Fluttershy.
>Lastly, Rarity gave Twilight one last hug and gave Sunset one last warm smile before saying farewell.
>Leaving the two in the hallway, alone.
>Sunset took a seat on a nearby bench.
>She leaned forward with her head facing her knees.
>Just sitting there and taking in everything.
>Sunset heard the sound of someone sitting down beside her.
>Her eyes peeked to her left.
>There was Twilight, the girl who Sunset had shared a truly passionate kiss with earlier.
>Trying to comfort her.
>She scooted over until she was a breath away from Sunset.
>"...How was I?"
>Sunset's face went bright red.
>She wasn't prepared for such a question.
>"Could you tell it was my first time?"
>Sunset's cheeks felt like they were burning.
>Twilight held her hand in front of her mouth as she giggled.
>A small smile formed on her face.
>She nuzzled Sunset's shoulder closely.
>As Sunset was still reeling in from all the new experiences and sensations in her body.
>"...You're amazing Twilight" Sunset's wide eyes stared at the lockers in front of them.
>Twilight snuggled in closer.
>Without thinking twice, Sunset manuvered her arm around Twilight's shoulder.
>Life seemed easy when Sunset had someone to hold onto.

>"Sunset?"
>"Can I ask you a question?"
>Sunset looked down at the comfy looking Twilight resting against her.
>"Of course, Twilight."
>Pausing for a moment, Twilight took a breath and started to speak again.
>"How long have you felt this way about me?" Twilight's innocent voice sweeter than candy to Sunset's ears.
>Thinking back to after the Friendship Games, Sunset remembered how Twilight looked to her.
>With a warm glow in her eyes.
>It planted the seeds that have begun to sprout.
>"Since the end of the Friendship Games I suppose." Sunset was caressing Twilight's shoulder.
>Silence passed between them.
>They both just lost themselves in the nearby lockers.
>Twilight took Sunset's arm and placed it back to her side.
>She sat right straight up and looked into Sunset's eyes.
>And she started in on something that Sunset had been dreading in the back of her head for ages now.
>"Sunset...you held that in for that long?" Twilight spoke with a worried tone.
>Like how a doctor would scold a patient for poor health..
>With a dejected nod, Sunset confirmed Twilight's nagging suspicions.
>Her heart felt like it was constricting around itself.
>She felt the gentle touch of Twilight's hand on her knee
>Sunset's throat went dry as she tried to think of the right thing to say.
>"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Twilight's hand rubbing Sunset's knee.
>Twilight's way of saying how she wasn't mad, just concerned.
>With half-lidded eyes and a stomach full of knots, Sunset decided now would be the best time for the truth.
>"Because, I...I was scared." a solemness grabbed hold of her heart.

>Sunset grimaced as she swallowed the vitrol pooling in her stomach.
>Twilight was swinging in a cradle of uneasiness.
>She moved her hand over Sunset's and grasped it tenderly.
>"...Scared?" Twilight knew that was not a smart question to ask.
>Sunset's heart trembled as she nodded back.
>She knew this day would come.
>It was inveitable.
>"Twilight...how much did you about me before you transferred here?"
>Sunset's eyes were stuck on the hallway floor.
>Her question lingered in the air and in Twilight's thoughts.
>Twilight shook her head slowly.
>"Not a whole lot"
>"Mainly just rumors the other Crystal Prep girls were spreading"
>She shuffled her feet against the floor.
>"And well...you were at the games too"
>"I at least knew you cared about your friends an awful lot."
>Twilight's tone turned slightly sorrowful on that last sentence.
>The scene where Sunset verbally assaulted Twilight at the Friendship Games popped into Sunset's head
>Her eyes were still somberly staring away from Twilight.
>"...I wasn't always like that.
>Twilight's almost appalled stare was visible out of the corner of Sunset's eye.
>"I didn't care about anything except being number one"
>"And not like Rainbow Dash either."
>"Whoever I had to use or step on to get what I wanted..." Sunset sighed as her voice trailed off 
>Her voice was showing signs of a sob trying to break through.
>"I just...I just wanted to be loved" she swallowed down another sob but a sniffle fell through.

>"My teacher, and my close mentor, made me think...she didn't see me as her equal"
>"Like I was just some commoner drifting in from off the street way out of her league"
>Sunset's tone was becoming more bitter as her rant continued.
>"I thought, "I'll show her!" and so I threw myself into that mindset"
>"Ambition was my heart's desire for the longest time." Sunset placed her hands over her eyes.
>"All because I wanted her to show me one, little shred of respect, but..." she sighed.
>"My mind was too clouded by anger and jealously to see she did, she always did"
>Sunset closed her eyes tight and choked back a heavy sob once more.
>"She always loved me, but I just...never loved myself" Sunset's shoulders were heaving from her more shallow sounding breaths.
>She shut her eyes as a lone tear dripped down her cheek.
>"I thought my desire was love and I thought my desire would finally fill that aching hole in my heart"
>"Instead, I was consumed by it."
>"It turned me into someone I didn't even recognize."
>Sunset glanced over to Twilight.
>She looked to be on the verge of tears as well.
>Her mouth was quivering as she stifled back sobs.
>"That's why I was terrified to tell you Twilight"
>"You're too...amazing to drag through something like that" anxiety bubbles were gathering in Sunset's heart.
>"I didn't want to hurt you or our friendship"
>Sunset was lightly pushed to the side as Twilight swiftly wrapped Sunset in a bittersweet hug
>Her arms locking behind Sunset's back
>Quiet sobs were all that came out of her mouth.
>She nuzzled the shoulder of Sunset's jacket once more and moved in close.
>Sunset returned the embrace as she leaned in to give Twilight a small, comforting kiss on her cheek.
>Feeling sad, but light as a feather.

>Sunset's thoughts drifted.
>It seemed like all lately she's been doing is crying.
>Crying, and feeling sorry for herself.
>Just wanting to hide from the rest of the world.
>She hated feeling vulnerable and opening herself up.
>But it's what good friends would do.
>Twilight was one of Sunset's best friends.
>So to get that all off her chest without the burning urge to run as far as she could away.
>It was something special that's for sure.
>She was something special.
>Twilight turned her head so she was looking into Sunset's eyes.
>In them Sunset felt not anger, betrayal, or judgement.
>But love, sympathy, and understanding.
>Something she had only truly felt when she finally stopped trying to be someone she wasn't.
>For the first time in what seemed like years.
>Sunset finally felt the same about herself as her friends felt about her.
>Closing her eyes she leaned forward and locked lips with Twilight.
>Finally feeling home.
>Despite everything still hanging over them.
>They had each other.
>Pulling away from Twilight, Sunset beamed a heartfelt grin to her.
>"Sunset Shimmer?" a voice to her side caught Sunset off guard.
>Without hesistation, she jerked her head to the side and came face to face with the, equally as stern as her sister, Vice Principal Luna.
>Sunset saw her eyes go from herself and then over to Twilight who was blushing beet red.
>"Is this a bad time?" her voice still commanded respect even in a casual tone.
>Sunset's mind went blank as she stuttered out
>"O-Oh, n-no this is a good time for whatever you wanted to talk about"
>She was mentally hitting herself.

>It wasn't that she disliked Vice Principal Luna.
>They just never really got along that well.
>"Alright" Vice Principal Luna began.
>For a moment, Sunset saw a brief glimpse of uncertainity on her face.
>"Sunset" her voice softened.
>"When you first came to CHS, I'm going to be quite frank" Luna's head dipped downwards slightly as she sighed.
>"I didn't like you"
>Sunset's heart began to lower into her stomach.
>"You were an arrogant, and manipulative coward who made countless lives, including mine and my sister's, a waking nightmare.
>Sunset's head sank lower as Luna's harsh comments were making her re-live all those bad memories.
>A small silence passed between them.
>Twilight was holding Sunset's hand tight.
>"But...in these last few months" a spark of hope was in Luna's voice.
>"I've seen you transform into one the finest students I've had the pleasure to know at CHS in years"
>Stunned, Sunset instinctively raised her head and looked towards Vice Principal Luna.
>Her face was brimming with pride.
>"Rest assured Sunset Shimmer, that as long as me and my sister are around."
>"We will fight tooth and nail to keep you here at CHS" Luna kneeled down after saying that.
>She stretched out her hand and placed it on Sunset's shoulder.
>Sunset tensed somewhat, but the combination of Luna's warm words, and Twilight's comforting hand, she almost instantly relaxed.
>Vice Principal Luna stood straight back up after a few minutes.
>She waved goodbye to the two girls on the bench and started to walk away.
>But before she could get two steps in she stopped and turned back around.
>Nervously rubbing the back of her head.
>"Oh, umm, also congratulations on...you two" she gestured to Sunset and Twilight.
>"But, uhh, just remember to keep it hands only okay?"
>She wore a big nervous grin.
>Sunset could tell she never had to give a heartwarming pep talk and then turn around to tell them to keep their mouths to each other.
>It was enough to make her and Twilight giggle.

>She gave a thumbs up to the increasingly awkward feeling Vice Principal.
>And she gave one in return as she smirked at the absurdity..
>Shaking her head she turned back around and stepped down the hall.
>With a slight skip in her gait.
>Twilight huddled closer to Sunset's side.
>And with that.
>Both girls sighed and relaxed.
>"Hey Twilight?"
>Twilight perked her head up from Sunset's shoulder.
>"Wanna go back to my place and watch a movie or something?"
>Sunset gently stroked Twilight's hair.
>She let out cute sigh of contentment.
>"I'd love to"
>She nuzzled back against Sunset.
>"Five more minutes though" she said with a smile
>Sunset's heart tingled again.
>Causing a light giggle to escape her lips.
>She hugged Twilight closer and rested her head on top of hers.
>"Five more minutes" 
>Sunset kissed the top of Twilight's head.
>Hope burned bright in her heart that these five minutes will last forever.
>Even if they didn't.
>They will always have them close.
>Despite everything.
>Despite the future being murky.
>Despite the hardships in the past.
>They will always remember these five minutes.