[Sunset] The Everfree -Incomplete-

>You finally made it out of the hospital after what felt like a long recovery.

>All things considered though, you healed fast enough.

>Sunset and Rainbow Dash kept by your side the entire time.

>Dash brought you school work and books to read, Sunset brought you love, comfort, and playful ridicule.

>There were a few other visitors like Big Macintosh and his sister Applejack.

>Rarity came by too, once she was given the OK by your girlfriend.

>Maybe someday they'll manage to work things out and let bygones be bygones.

>That's the dream, anyway.

 

>"So where were ya plannin' on campin'? Everfree?" Applejack asks while she unlocks the cellar door.

>You feel a blast of cold air hit you when she swings the hatch open and proceeds down the stone steps into the darkness below.

>Reluctantly, you follow close behind with a hand on the wall.

 

"Uh, yeah."

>"Lucky we got everythin' ya might be needin' for our trip then, Anon." you hear a click, and see a small light-bulb above AJ's head flicker to life, "Take a gander."

>The poorly-lit cellar is packed full of rusty tools, frayed bags, crumpled boxes and old farm equipment lining the walls.

>You cautiously step through the room, careful not to step on stray objects that have fallen onto the floor while you peek inside various junk-filled containers.

>It almost feels like a scene straight out of a horror movie where the hero was dumb enough to follow the murderer somewhere quiet.

"I have a lot to live for, just so you know."

>"If I wanted ta kill you Anon, you'd already be dead."

 

"Can't be too careful."

>"Relax. The stuff you're lookin' for should be over in that there dark, scary, corner." She says with a wry smile.

>Applejack points to a series of neatly stacked bags and poles.

 

"So I have a girlfriend, who I love very much, and two parents that would be devastated if I vanished. Think about that while I leave myself vulnerable."

>She laughs, "Just look at the stuff, yeesh."

>You whistle quietly, walking over to the equipment and sifting through it's contents.

>This is essentially your first time camping, so you have no idea what you need.

>But everything looks to be in order, at least.

>Tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils...

 

"Looks like just about everything we'd need, don't you think?"

>"I told ya we didn't need to go shoppin' fer anythin'."

 

"You were right. So are you going to bring Applebloom along, or...?"

>"If she wants, but she's kinda swamped with schoolwork right now."

 

>You nod in understanding and heft a faded blue bag up into your arms.

>Applebloom seems like the kind of kid who would hate to be left behind while her older brother and sister are out having fun.

>But then again, that's most kids.

>Maybe you can help her with her studies, if she wants to join the party.

 

"Let's get these in the car then."

>"Alrighty."

 

>With Applejack's help, preparing for the trip out to the Everfree Forest wasn't difficult.

>All you really needed was a pair of sleeping bags for you and Sunset.

>Getting a hold of the equipment you require was the easy part though.

>The hard part was convincing Sunset to come along.

>You brought the idea to her while you were still bed-ridden at the hospital, and she wasn't very enthusiastic.

>She said that she would think about it.

>Which is never a good response, but you managed to get a foot in the door at least.

>You finally bring it up again while enjoying a night at her place, the both of you wrapped up in a cozy blanket.

 

"So Applejack and I have already got a hold of what we might need for this trip. All it's missing is you."

>Sunset groans, "I thought we were watching Butcher?"

>You glance at the screen and see a man getting his limbs cut off with a cleaver.

>Her tastes can get a little edgy.

 

"Well, let's talk about this for a minute."

>"You picked a weird time to suddenly bring this up again."

 

"It's just been on my mind for a while now."

>"Why don't you just go with the Apples? I'll be fine here at home."

 

"Because I want you along, obviously."

>"Anon, I really don't want to go."

>You adjust yourself to sit upright, making Sunset sink in-between you and the couch slightly.

>She huffs and pulls herself out of the seat to look at you, taking most of the blanket with her.

 

"It'll be fun, I promise."

>"Sleeping on the ground and eating hot dogs cooked on a fire is fun to you?"

 

"We could hike, enjoy the fresh air..."

>"...Get eaten by a manticore..." She mumbles

 

"What?"

>"Nothing." She turns away from you.

 

"Manticore?"

>"It's nothing."

>Then you remember the truth about Sunset Shimmer.

>Like Twilight Sparkle, she isn't originally from this dimension.

>She's a colorful, magical, talking pony.

>And now you can't help but laugh at her.

 

"Is that some kind of pony-monster?"

>"It's not funny, Anon. In Equestria, it was always a bad idea to go into the Everfree forest."

 

"Are you actually... afraid?"

>"Of running into a lion with wings and a scorpion tail without magic? Let's see you fight something like that off with your hands."

 

"Sunset, Manticores don't exist here."

>"Really? The Everfree in Equestria acted exactly like this dimension. Plants grew on their own and clouds moved without pony aid. Say it works in reverse here?"

 

"But you didn't have our animals running around, did you?"

>"No, because we had worse."

 

"Sunset, people have been camping there for as long as I can remember. No one gets eaten. Not often, anyway."

>"As long as you can remember? Anon, this is your first time even camping."

 

"I get the feeling that you're afraid of the forest."

>"Do I need to slap you?"

 

"I thought ponies bucked?"

>"If you want me to kick you, keep going."

 

"Okay, okay, I'll stop. Just come with me Sunset, I want you there."

>She merely glares at you, then sighs, "If I go, we only stay for a day."

 

"Two days. We have the weekend."

>"One."

 

"We leave Friday afternoon, return Sunday evening."

>"Saturday evening. I'm not going to be in that forest for two whole nights."

 

"I can work with that."

 

>You spent the night at Sunset's and helped her pack what she might need for the trip the following morning.

>And "helped" in this case, means you did all the sorting while she sat on the bed, filing her nails.

>You put together various outfits, most of which she casually dismissed with a disgusted scoff and wave of her hand.

>Until you finally got through the bulk and settled on more simple, practical attire.

>Nothing special, just a couple pairs of shorts and a few T-Shirts.

>Looking through Sunset's wardrobe, you could see that she has very few articles of clothing suitable for this.

>Dresses, skirts, boots, tight-fitting jeans and a colorful assortment of blouses...

>...It's not exactly the wardrobe you expected, even though it's probably rather typical.

>Her usual black boots and leather jacket led you to believe that Sunset had a different taste.

>Not that you're complaining.

>Although you do like the way dark colors accentuate her slim figure.

>Unfortunately, Sunset's bright two-toned hair often clashes with such outfits.

>For obvious reasons you didn't get to pick her underwear, and ended up waiting outside with the car while she finished packing her things.

 

>You twiddle your thumbs out of boredom as you wait, leaning against the side of your car.

>You've yet to pick up a new cellphone after ruining your old one.

>Someday you'll apologize to Flash for that embarrassing beatdown.

>Not in the near future of course, but eventually.

>Probably, anyways.

 

>Finally, you see Sunset dressed up in shorts and a tank, exit the house with a bag of luggage in each hand.

>Which is more than you intended her to bring.

 

"It's just one night, babe."

>You remind her with a smirk.

>Sunset stops at the truck which lies ajar, drops her bags and looks at you with a raised eyebrow.

>"Is there something wrong with being prepared for the worst? When you're running around like an idiot with a blue spotted..."

>Sunset trails off and her brow furrows.

 

"Blue spotted...?"

>You inquire, curious where that sentence was going.

>"There's nothing really distinct about you, is there?"

 

"I'm pretty good at soccer if that counts."

>"Yeah, because THAT matters."

>It certainly mattered when Sunset didn't want to apologize to Fluttershy for being... well, herself.

>Hell, Dash probably appreciates your skill.

>No point letting that little comment rustle your jimmies though.

 

"Right, well is this all you're bringing along? It's best we get there early. Don't want to keep AJ and Mac waiting."

>"Yes, this is all."

>You nod and toss her things into the trunk alongside yours while Sunset settles in the passenger's seat.

>You close the trunk and hop in the car, getting it started.

>The once pungent odor of tomatoes, herbs and various spices has dulled and no longer overwhelms your sense of smell whenever you reach inside the vehicle.

>Being in the hospital had at least one benefit to offer during your lengthy stay.

 

>Sunset sits quietly in the car, a hand resting beneath her chin while she stares blankly out of the window.

>Her other hand taps restlessly on the dashboard.

>It's difficult to enjoy an event like this when your girlfriend insists on being a grump.

 

"Can you try to enjoy yourself at least?"

>"I didn't say I would have fun, only that I will come along."

 

"Would it kill you to consider having a good time?"

>"I don't even want to be here, Anon. I'm only taking this trip because you begged me to."

 

"I didn't beg."

>"You didn't? What am I doing in this car then?"

 

"You're here because you're my girlfriend."

>"Ha, yeah, because that's a good reason to do this."

 

"What's your problem?"

>"My problem is that I don't want to go to an evil forest!"

 

"It's not evil."

>"How would you know?"

 

"Because we live on Earth, not a land of magical horses and their talking dogs."

>"There is a dimensional gateway right outside school."

 

"What has it ever done? The only things that ever went down involving that mirror were pretty much your fault."

>"And if anything happens in that forest it's YOUR fault."

>Rather than continue bickering, you sigh in defeat and narrow your eyes to focus on the road.

>You might love Sunset Shimmer, but her constant attitude outside of intimate moments still gets to you from time to time.

>It's tiring.

>Now and then you wonder if she's aware of that.

>"... I'll try to relax." She says plainly, "but only because we won't be long."

 

"Thank you."

>"Yeah."

 

>Sunset kept to herself, loudly sighing and sneaking in a glare every so often, constantly reminding you of her annoyingly obvious displeasure.

>Perhaps it might have been best to leave her behind on this one.

 

>Eventually you turn onto a long dirt road leading through a gate to Applejack's farm.

>Your small delivery vehicle gently bounces on the uneven terrain and gathers a light brown coat of dust while you slog through the farm entrance.

>As you make you way to the main house, you can see the Apples loading up the last of their equipment to Mac's truck.

>Applebloom waves with a big grin while her siblings finish tossing items into the truck bed.

>It's good to see her along.

>Not that you really know the girl outside of causal greetings at school.

>You pull in close and roll down Sunset's window.

 

"So are we all set?"

>"Eeyup." Mac confirms.

>"Wait just a minute now." Applejack says, walking up to your open window.

>Sunset recoils in her seat.

>"Ya know the way there?"

 

"Not really."

>"Alrighty then. Well uh, Just stay close. The road to our usual spot is a little bit confusin' with the way it winds."

 

"Will do."

>With that, she pats the roof of your car and gets inside the truck.

>"So now we might get lost if we leave early? That's great."

 

"We're not going to get lost. All they're doing me us showing me the route there. I'll remember."

>"Will you? This wouldn't be the first time you said something that isn't true."

 

"Now's an excellent time to discuss something completely unrelated and from the past, isn't it?"

>"Okay, fine. That wasn't necessary."

 

"Seriously, Sunset. Lighten up. All I want out of this is time with you."

>"If we were doing something else, maybe you would be spending intimate time with me."

 

"Well that isn't fair."

>"You've forced me to be here. Denying you the affection you want makes us about even."

 

"We'll still cuddle next to the campfire though, right?"

>"Some things go without saying."

>Sunset kisses you on the cheek with a chuckle, and you watch with a smile as Macintosh leads you off the farm.

>At least she's still willing to show you some love.

 

>You turn up the radio as you drive, maintaining a short distance behind the Apples.

>Talk radio is something you grew fond of while delivering pizzas.

>Your favorite station in particular features a southern man delivering finance advice while raging at his many, often ridiculous callers.

>Someday you'll call in and join the fun.

>"I don't think I'll ever understand the appeal of this guy."

 

"It's just funny. One of those things you either enjoy, or you don't. I'll throw on a little music instead, if it bothers you."

>"No, go ahead and listen. I don't really care."

 

"Sure?"

>"Yeah. Listen to your angry man."

>You shrug, but keep the volume low while the host rattles a bag of cans.

>"Maybe music is a good idea."

 

"I thought so."

>You switch to FM, and continue on your way.

 

>Soon you caught sight of the Everfree Forest, waiting for you in the distance.

>With every second you grew closer, and details beyond the treeline became clearer.

>Bare, gnarled, faded and cracking brown branches greeted your sight, barely managing to resemble what you would call a tree.

>You stuck close to the Apples as planned, but you couldn't help but take note of the sickly green moss that crept up from the ground and claimed the many, large trunks within the woods as you drove by.

>Maybe it would have been a better idea to listen to Sunset.

>Who, by the way, is currently sporting a smug, knowing look on her face.

>"So here we are, driving right into the heart of the Everfree. If you love me like you say you do Anon, you'll take me home. It's already disgusting."

>You roll your eyes, paying no mind to her comment.

>Though you admit that the rotting bark which coats each wooden giant isn't very pleasant to look at.

>Much like the Apples' basement, you find the Everfree to be daunting.

 

"How have we not paved over this place yet? It might be the only campground around, but holy shit there's no saving it."

>You're not sure when, but at some point the path turned to mud, and now your car is sloshing through it.

>"Remember that it's your fault. Even if all we have to deal with is getting messy, I want you to know that you brought this on us."

 

"I love you too, Sunny-bunny."

>"If you weren't driving, you'd be crying right now."

 

"Then it's a good thing your life is in my hands, isn't it Sunshine?"

>"Keep digging."

 

"But you're my beautiful Sunflower. Is it so wrong to express my love with a pet name?"

>"Is it, Nonny?"

 

"Joke's on you. I like that name."

>"How about I call you, 'Flash' from now on then?"

 

"There's such a thing as going too far, you know."

>"Is there? I forgot the line existed around the time you called me Sunny-Bunny."

 

"I think it makes you sound adorable."

>"Because that's what a girl wants to be called. Adorable."

 

"Tell you what: if you agree to being Mrs. Anonymous, I'll drop the nicknames."

>"Sunshine might work."

 

"It's only a matter of time, Sunset."

>She gives you a playful shove, laughing off the topic.

>You begin to slow, a smirk on your face while the Apples proceed to a small, rounded clearing.

>Here you are, the Everfree Forest.

 

>You circle the campsite and park on the edge of the forest behind Macintosh, the both of you trying to occupy as little space as possible.

>You take a moment to observe the grim surroundings from the safety of your vehicle.

>The muddy trail you and Mac left behind were the only blemishes on an otherwise dry ground.

>The trees appeared to stand taller than before, and their branches held leaves of varying health.

>A part of you wonders if this is the only acceptable place to camp in these decrepit woods.

>Fortunate that you asked AJ and her brother to join you for the weekend.

>You sigh, pop the trunk, and cautiously step out of the car.

 

>The air is cold, but refreshing.

>You take a deep breath, letting the cool breeze fill your lungs and brush against your skin.

>A small reminder of why you wanted to go camping.

>After being bed-ridden in a pale, lifeless, hospital following the harsh meeting between your ass and a car?

>Sometimes it's the little things.

>Nothing like stretching your healed legs, too.

>You close your car door and flip open the trunk, pulling out your tent and a few stakes.

>Least that's what you'd imagine to be the first step in setting camp.

 

"Hey, Mac?"

>You call over to your friend as he drops the gate of his truck.

>"Eeyup?"

 

"Is it cool to set up the tent?"

>"Eeyup."

>Sunset scoffs, having gotten out of the car and put a safe distance between herself and the treeline, "That's kind of a dumb question, isn't it? What else would you do?" She says while pulling her hair into a ponytail.

 

"Always with these little remarks."

>"Oh please. They shouldn't even bother you at this point."

 

"You're right. I got myself into this mess, it's the price I pay."

>"I'm going to assume you're saying that as a joke."

>You offer a nod in response and walk past the Apples to a bare patch of dirt where you begin to set it up.

>"Havin' a lil' trouble there, Anon?" Applejack asks while you fumble a stake.

 

"No, I've got it."

>"Ah was actually talkin' about Sunset Shimmer. Ah get the feeling things ain't exactly peachy between the two of you." She says in a hushed voice.

 

"She's just afraid of being here."

>"What in the world could scare Sunset Shimmer?"

 

"I dunno. Monsters? She thinks the forest is infested with monsters."

>You unfold the tent and lay out it's components.

>"Did ya tell her they don't exist?"

 

"Yeah, but there's no convincing her."

>"Maybe ya ought to take her for a walk. It might set her mind at ease."

 

"You think so?"

>"'Course I'm sure. We've been here a few times growin' up, and ain't nothing happen here."

>Applejack takes a thin pole and threads it into a slot within the tent's fabric.

>"Ya'll can go for that walk and let the rest of us fix things up 'round here. No point camping if you can't have fun doin' it."

>You finish inserting another pole.

 

"You sure?"

>"Go on ahead. You might slow us down anyway."

 

"Thanks AJ."

>She nods and picks up the pieces you left behind while you go get your girlfriend.

>Sunset watches you approach with disinterest from her position, leaning against the side of your car.

 

"Up for a walk, Sunshine?"

>"No."

 

"It couldn't hurt, could it?"

>"Say that again when we're getting mauled by a bear."

 

"Only ten minutes. You can keep count, even."

>"No."

 

"Getting really sick of all this resistance, Sunset."

>"Should I care?"

 

"Fine. I'll go alone and you can just stay here."

>You concede and throw your hands up as a gesture.

>It's probably best to keep reminding yourself that this is just how she acts nervous.

>As difficult to tolerate as it is.

>You bend over to pick up a stick that was resting nearby before wandering away.

>But then Sunset stops you with a hand on your arm.

>"If you're going to be like that then fine. I'll come with you."

 

>Sunset tightened her grip on your arm ever so slightly once you officially stepped out of the the campsite and into the dimly lit woods.

>You held the stick and poked a few things here and there, but otherwise just dragged it in the dirt.

>Up close, the trees held no greater charm than what you saw from a distance.

>Some were stripped bare of their leaves by the wind, while others proudly displayed their ample supply.

>It made the scenery appear messy, and generally unpleasant.

>On the literal bright side, the lack of dressing on certain trees saw to it that your surroundings were easily visible, despite the blanket of shade that rested everywhere else.

>Sunset maintained a delicate grip on the sleeve of your hoodie at all times, as though you could protect her if an animal or magical creature attacked.

>Dating a girl like Sunset doesn't offer much opportunity to be the man, and you enjoyed the opportunity.

>But she shouldn't feel like this in the first place.

 

"So, what's so scary about this place in Equestria?"

>"It's unnatural. The Everfree back home didn't work the same way the rest of the world did." She responds as you help her over a log.

 

"I remember that much."

>"Then there isn't a lot to tell you, is there?"

 

"Nothing else to it?"

>"Think of it like this; if this place had clouds that never moved at all or had trees that rearranged themselves everyday, wouldn't you find it unnerving?"

 

"Probably."

>"Then there you go. It was the pony equivalent of a horror setting."

 

"Equivalent? You didn't have horror stories?"

>Sunset scoffs, "We did, but nothing like what you have here. Ponies weren't hunted by murderers or fate. It was small stuff... Like the headless horse."

 

"Headless horse?"

>"It was genuinely scary before I came here. Again, your media is different."

>Sunset's hand slides down your arm and coaxes your palm open, her slim fingers locking with yours.

>"It's been ten minutes, by the way."

 

>Ten minutes is all you asked of her, so you nod in acknowledgment and curve around a fallen tree to begin making your way back to camp.

>Your girlfriend sticks close to your side as you quietly walk the same way you came, gently swinging the hand she has in yours back and forth.

>You watch her kick the occasional rock while she casually takes in the dismal sight of her surroundings with a frown.

>"Stop staring at me Anon."

 

"I'll stop when I've had my fill."

>Sunset rolls her eyes and turns away, "You see me all the time."

 

"And I still can't get enough."

>"That's sweet." She replies in monotone.

 

"Hot and cold today?"

>"No, you're just... corny. We're dating, in love... we don't need to keep acting like a couple of puppies."

 

"It's like you don't even do gooey romance."

>Sunset kicks a rock, "Wrong girl for that."

 

"No, the right one is just stubborn."

>She lightly squeezes your hand, but otherwise doesn't comment.

 

>After a short while the campsite comes into view.

>The tents are set up, and both cars appear to have been emptied of their useful contents.

>Applejack sits alone and cross-legged in the center of the site, placing rocks into a rough circle.

>It looks like they also dragged a pair of short logs over for seating.

 

"Hey AJ. Where's Mac?"

>She looks up with a smile, "Oh Big Mac jus' took Applebloom ta go fetch some firewood. Figured I might as well do a bit of the prep."

 

"Ooh, neat."

>"Yep. So did ya clear the air?"

>You cast Sunset a glance while she goes to sit on a log.

 

"Makin' progress."

 

>The remaining hours of the afternoon passed without note and the moon took it's place in the sky while a small, cozy fire burned at your feet.

>Sunset scooted closer to you for comfort, wary of the now pitch-black forest and you draped an arm around her shoulders, holding her tight.

>You traded stories about whatever came to mind.

>School, work, life in general.

>Applebloom was interested in learning how to play soccer and you offered to teach her after school sometime.

>Making plans with a young girl was a little strange, but AJ and Mac didn't seem to care.

>Sunset, like Macintosh, mostly kept quiet while you talked with the two girls.

>She contributed the rare snide comment, but that was the extent of her involvement with the group.

>Applejack tried a couple times to strike up a conversation with your girlfriend, but it never lasted long.

>Then again, it's hard to keep talking about apples and farm care when it's not your thing.

>You couldn't blame Sunset for letting the topic die a sudden death.

>You like AJ, but that's a boring subject.

 

>Eventually the others decided to turn in for the night, and they left you alone with Sunset.

>You both sat there quietly, listening to the flames crackle and basking in what little heat the small fire could offer.

 

>Sunset lets go of your arm, the warmth of her body quickly leaving when you're reintroduced to the cool nighttime breeze.

>Then she stands up briefly, stretching her arms and legs with a groan.

>"I almost fell asleep on you."

 

"That's not so bad, is it?"

>"No... It isn't."

>She falls back down onto the log and swings a leg over the other side so that her back can rest against you.

>"This could be worse."

 

"Everything's better when you're with me, Sunset."

>"You never quit, do you?"

 

"It only ends when you're mine forever. Even then you probably won't be safe"

>"Forever huh? You think you can handle me for that long?"

 

"If I can't then let Fate pull us apart here and now."

>You look up to the sky, pretending to wait for a sign of divine intervention.

>Sunset even searches with you, the beginning of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

 

"See? We're destined."

>She laughs, "You're a dork, Anon. I don't know why I bother with you."

 

"Because we're two halves of a whole."

>"And we complete each other?"

 

"Exactly."

>"Am I your first girlfriend then? You say too many stupid things to be experienced."

 

"If I have to put up with your constant attitude, you have to tolerate my lame attempts at romance."

>"Try pathetic."

 

"See what I mean?"

>"Fine, whatever."

>You watch the orange flames dance with a smile on your face, content in the moment.

>The things you say ARE ridiculous.

>But you only say them to embarrass her.

>Back when you first began to date, you could tell she secretly liked having someone who acted as though she was the entire world to them.

>You really should dial it back though.

 

"What was it like in Equestria?"

>Sunset sighs, "Boring. I was always studying."

 

"School?"

>"Believe it or not, I qualified as an adult there. I finished school when I was a filly -a little girl- and managed to land a role as Princess Celestia's Student."

>You begin to laugh.

 

"The principal? She's a princess there? Holy shit her human side got the raw end of the deal."

>"So did Luna... and the lunch lady. I think she partly founded some mudhole south of Canterlot."

>Sunset reclines further, her hair beginning to tickle your nose.

>You snort a few times, trying to blow the stands from your face.

 

"Do you miss it there?"

>"All I really miss is having magic. Hands are neat, but they don't compare to having real, actual power."

 

"No friends or family?"

>Sunset lets out a sharp laugh, "No. Well yes, a family, but I quit talking to them after I became Celestia's student. Honestly you're the closest I've been to anyone in years... not counting Flash."

>A twinge of jealousy tugs at you upon the mention of his name.

>No reason to be upset.

>He just got here first.

 

"Don't you miss them?"

>Best to avoid talking about him though.

>"Should I? They're alive, and I'm sure that's all that matters."

 

"That's cold."

>"I love them, but what do you want me to do? Mope about what I'm missing? That's pointless."

 

"If I wandered into another universe, I would miss my family. That's all I'm saying."

>"Like you even have a family to miss. I don't think I've ever seen your parents."

 

>Unless things get serious enough that you decide to marry her, she'll probably never see a single member of your family.

>The Stranger family appreciates secrecy.

>It's what defines them.

>Most, anyways.

>The rest are faggots.

 

"Rest assured that they exist, but don't expect an introduction anytime soon."

>"Hiding me from everyone?"

 

"The fact that I even have a girlfriend much less a hot one is worth flaunting, so you couldn't be more wrong. My parents are just busy people. We'll get there when we get there."

>"I can wait. I don't need to meet them soon or anything."

 

"It's a long wait."

>"Then let's hope you can hang onto me."

 

"You say that like I won't be able to."

>"I wonder why? Could it be that you've shaken my faith before?"

 

"Here again? I admitted to screwing up pretty bad already. Let it go."

>"I'll let it go when I want to. Until then, you're paying the price."

 

"The price was a broken everything, wasn't it? The price was, potentially, my life. Y'know, that thing that spells the difference between a person and a corpse?"

>"Fine, you're right. Sorry."

>You sigh, exhausted from always facing fire from that series of mistakes.

>Sunset grows quiet again, the sound of her faint breathing preventing you from getting angry.

>She always apologizes, but never sincerely.

>"Hey, Anon?"

 

"...Yeah."

>She sits up and adjusts herself so that she's facing you, "I DO love you, you know."

>A smile takes hold of your face.

 

"I love you too, Sunset."

>"I know... just thought you might be unsure."

 

"You know what to do."

>Sunset rolls her eyes, but embraces you anyway.

>It's almost become customary to bury your face in her silky hair and take a whiff when you're so close.

>One of many things you love about her.

>She always smells nice.

 

"Consider my doubts put to rest."

>Not that you had any to begin with.

>The reassurance is nice though.

>"Good." Sunset replies, pulling back from you.

>"We have these moments too often."

 

"You like them."

>"Sometimes."

>She gives you a quick kiss on the lips.

>"It depends on how sweet we get. It's embarrassing when we're making kissy-faces for hours."

 

"We can make different faces. I particularly want to see your-"

>"Stopping you right there."

 

"You don't even know where I was going with that."

>"Please. It isn't hard to guess."

>You just want to see what Sunset looks like cross-eyed.

>Maybe sticking her tongue out and blowing a raspberry.

>Like Derpy.

>She's adorable.

 

"Fine, fine. Just know that I'm disappointed."

>"You'll get your chance someday."

 

"I can make the face anytime I want. It's yours I want to see."

>"...I didn't need to know that."

 

"Well no, but hell, it's true."

>"Right. Well I'm going to bed, Anon."

 

"So soon?"

>Sunset pulls out her phone from a pocket, "It's midnight."

 

"And?"

>"I'm tired, Anon. Goodnight."

 

"Night."

>Sunset crawls into a large tent with AJ and Applebloom, leaving you alone with only the fire to keep you company.

>You should probably hit the hay as well.

>Now on your feet, you stretch and make your way over to the tent you share with Mac.

>He's inside snoring loudly, mouth hung open with a steady stream of drool pouring onto his pillow.

>You climb into your sleeping bag and turn away from the big guy.

>Today was boring.

 

>Your eyes snap open and you jump out of your bag with an urgent need.

>Gotta take a leak.

>You quietly unzip the tent, careful not to wake Macintosh from his slumber.

>He seems like the kind of guy who wouldn't take kindly to interruption.

>The flap hangs open and you leap outside, the brisk night air chilling your spine and cotton sock clad toes.

>Vision still groggy, you scan the trees around you, searching for the ideal trunk.

>Far enough to provide privacy, but close enough that you don't get lost in the darkness.

>Though to be honest you don't truly care about location, you're just scared to go alone.

 

"Oh, fuck."

>You mumble to yourself, still weighing your options.

>Piss your pants or wander into the pitch black forest.

>Behind you, the orange glow of the fire dies out, and you get enveloped in shadow.

 

"I better not die, I better not die..."

>You fight back your hesitation and trot into the woods, unbuckling your belt and undoing your zipper on the way.

>Parking behind a suitable tree, you pull down your boxers and let it flow with a relaxed sigh.

>Sweet, sweet relief.

>You sniff, taking in the smell of pine and looking around while you pee.

>Within the wooden depths of the Everfree, you notice a dark fog rolling in.

>You squint to get a better look at the cloud gliding across the floor in your direction.

>Spooky.

>With a dismissive shrug, you give lil' Anon a shake and pull up your pants.

>Been a long time since you've taken a leak in the wilderness.

>Feels amazing.

 

-

 

I'll finish this eventually for those that care.