>It's been a couple of days since the party.
>Though it feels like weeks.
>You haven't felt the same since that night.
>And Maud has been on your mind nonstop.
>That gorgeous mare has been causing you to lose focus, and even sleep.
>You've made a couple of trips to Sugar Cube Corner to see if she was there.
>No luck.
>Mrs. Cake mentioned something about Pinkie asking for some time off.
>She never said anything beyond that.
>Her and Pinkie seemed to have vanished.
>Typically, you would pay it no mind.
>But with Pinkie gone as well....
>...Something must be up.
 
>You exit your small shower and throw on one of your trademark suits.
>You've decided to spend the day looking for Maud and the pink one.
>It may help to ask around and see if anyone else knew where they may have ended up.
>If you're lucky, you'll see that stone cold mare again soon.
>You don't want to imagine anymore time without her.
>You grab a bagel and head out he door.
 
>Ideally, the first place to look this morning would be Sugar Cube Corner.
>At least, you think so.
>Arrive within a few minutes.
>Notice Mr. Cake cleaning the windows.
>He turns and notices you approaching.
>He greets you with a small and brisk wave.
>You return the greeting with a "Well! What is it?"
>Mr. Cake explains to you that Pinkie had asked for a few days off.
"I realize that, sir. Do you know anything else about what she is doing?"
>Mr. Cake frowns.
>"I don't think I'm supposed to say much more, Anon...."
>You sigh.
"It would really help me out if you could tell me anything."
>Mr. Cake gives you a quizzical look.
>"You've never been so close to Pinkie, Anon. Is there something you'd like to tell ME?"
 
>The first thing that pops into your head is Maud, and the night you spent with her.
>You'd rather keep that hidden from now.
>Besides, you don't know how Maud really feels about the entire situation.
>Welp, time to lie.
"I think I have a crush on Pinkie. I have a gift for her."
>Fuck. Should have thought this through.
 
>You bailed.
>Mr. Cake gives out a loud laugh, making you heart jump a bit.
>You quickly look around to make sure no one else heard you.
>Whew, coast is clear.
>Mr. Cake gives you another odd look.
>"Well! Anon, this is quite unexpected!"
>Might as well keep playing along.
"Y-yeah! I just... had a gift for her that I made myself. I wanted to get it to her soon b-because..."
>Think, Anon, think....
"Oh yeah, because it's the anniversary of the time we first met! Yeah, that's it!"
>His face glows slightly.
>"Wow, Anon. You're really kind! I'm happy that Pinkie has left such a mark on you."
>He throughs a dirty rag into a bucket of water.
>"Well... I suppose I can tell you."
>You begin to sweat.
>You nod furiously, awaiting Mr. Cake's response.
>"Between us... males... Pinkie has been keeping her odd sister away from here to try and surprise her with a birthday party."
 
>Wow... Pinkie goes at great lengths to keep these things secret.
>That explains why Sugar Cube Corner has been essentially behind bars.
>Mr. Cake pulls the rag back out of the water.
>"She's been staying with Twilight Sparkle at her library."
>You see Mrs. Cake step out of the door, looking very angry.
>"Carrot! Can you please come in here and help me set up the-"
>Mrs. Cake sees you and gives you a nervous smile.
>"Oh... A-Anon! It's great to see you!"
>Her eyes shift between yours and her husband's.
>Now is probably a good time to bail.
>Mr. Cake sighs and heads toward the door.
"We can talk more about... what kind of new oven I need later, Mr. Cake. Thanks again."
>You wave at him and run off towards the library.
>You look back and see Mrs. Cake giving an earful to a saddened Carrot Cake.
 
~
 
>Hours pass.
>Or what seems like hours.
>After being stopped by the CMC, Derpy, and Rarity, you finally approach Twilight's Library.
>Or "Treebrary," if you will.
>Before proceeding further, you notice a purple mare exiting the library.
>Followed by....
"Pinkie!"
 
>A pink pastel pony bounces quickly over to you, beaming.
>"Anon!! Hiiiiii there!!!!!!!!"
>You've never been happier to see Ponko.
>Twilight follows slowly behind Pinkie.
>You notice her mane ruffled slightly.
>She looks like she hasn't been resting much.
>No Maud around though....
 
"Hey, Pinkie. Twilight, how are you?"
>Twilight gives you a big sigh in response.
"Sounds... great. Pinkie, I need to talk to you real quick. Do you have a minute?"
>Pinkie gives you a fast nod.
"Only if you don't mind, Twilight. I hope I'm not interrupt-"
>"PLEASE, ANON! Oh... I mean.... I will go read a bit while you two talk."
>Twilight wipes a bit of sweat off her brow.
>"Please, take your time you two."
>Twilight trots quickly away.
>You swear you hear her mentioning something about being "free"....
 
>You and Pinkie walk over to a bench across from the Library.
"So Pinkie, I need to ask you something...."
>Pinkie gives you a large smile.
>You feel as if she might explode from just seeing you.
"I haven't seen you around in a few days. I was just wondering if...."
>You look around to make sure no one is listening.
"I was wondering if-"
>....
>You are stopped by a pair of pink lips.
>A pair of pink lips pressing hard against your own.
>You jump back a bit, shocked.
"Wha... who... Pinkie? What are you-!?"
>Pinkie gives you a look.
>A... devious look....
>A look you don't like coming from Pinkie Pie.
 
>"Oh, Anon! I overheard you talking to Mr. Cake earlier!"
>What?
>How is that even possible?
>"I was in the shop with Mrs. Cake, looking out the second floor window, and I happen to notice you walking towards the store! I would have said hi, but you looked like you were in a hurry!"
>The one time she doesn't stop you.
>"Annnnnyways! I overheard you telling Mr. Cake that you had a crush on me!! I couldn't believe it! I mean, you always used to give me weird looks, like you were annoyed by me or something, but it was love all along, wasn't it?"
>Yeah, you bailed hard.
 
>Pinkie gets on top of you, trying to kiss you.
>You shake your head and try to push the pink mass away.
"Pinkie... wait, hold on. You misheard me...."
>Pinkie's eyes glow.
>"No I didn't!!!!"~
>She begins to squeeze your cheeks together.
>"You even said you had a gift for me! One you made yourself!"
>This just keeps getting worse.
"Penkey. Ah dunt hink tha-"
>She plops another wet kiss on your lips.
 
>You manage to pull Pinkie off of you.
>You get off the bench and rub your cheeks.
"Pinkie. I'm sorry, but this is a misunderstanding."
>You see her lose some of the glow in her eyes.
>"Anon... don't you... don't you like me?"
>She WOULD pull this card.
>You begin to panic a little bit.
>You'll never get good with Maud if you break her sister's heart.
>You sit back down on the bench.
>Pinkie shifts slightly, leaning on you a little bit.
"Pinkie, listen. I DO like you. Ok? But-"
>Again, with the lips.
>Pinkie is on top of you, pinning you down on the bench.
>Her lips pressed firmly against yours, against your own will.
 
>She pulls back after a few seconds.
>"I knew you liked me! OMIGOSH. Anon, you are such a hunk."~
>Pinkie continues to plaster you with kisses and affection, much to your disliking.
>You attempt to push her off, but her energy far exceeds your own.
>Shoulda had a V8.
"Pink... Pinkie...! Wait! Hold on! I-"
>She finally stops and loosens her grip on you.
>Pinkie doesn't say anything though.
>....
>It feels as if you're being watched.
>Oh no.
>You shut your eyes tight and hope it isn't....
"Oh, HI MAUD!! There you are!"
 
>If time could stop now, you would end yourself.
>This can't be happening.
>You gently push Pinkie off you.
>You turn around and see Maud.
>The mare that has your mind going crazy.
>The mare who you truly enjoy.
>The mare who you think is absolutely beautiful.
 
>Maud doesn't react, as expected.
>She is giving you her normal stone-faced look....
>But it is cold, and uncaring.
>You can feel it.
>And it feels bad, man.
 
>You try to produce words.
>It's no use.
>Maud just stands there.
>Giving you a look of....
>Anger?
>Sadness?
>Shame?
>You can't tell.
>What you can tell is that her look pierces through your heart.
>You're wishing it would shatter to a million pieces.
 
>"Maud! Have I got the bestest news for you!"
>Maud continues to stare at you.
>You almost she wouldn't.
>Pinkie hops over to her and begins to hop around her.
>Her grin lighting up the entire area.
>"Anon... has.... a... CRUSH... ON.... MEEEEEE!!!"
>Each word hits your eardrums like a bomb.
>You get up from the bench and try to approach Maud.
>She begins to walk towards you.
>Before you can say anything, she just keeps walking past you.
 
>Pinkie bounces over to you, still beaming.
>"Aren't you happy for us, Maud? Anon is such a great catch!"
>Maud continues to walk slowly past you all, ignoring Pinkie.
>"He's just so nice and sweet and caring and he smells good and..."
>Pinkie just continues speaking.
>Every word seems to set up a larger wall between you and Maud.
>The gray mare continues to walk away.
 
"Maud, wait!"
>You call after her....
>...
>Nothing.
>No response.
"Maud..."
>She stops in place.
>She doesn't turn around.
>But you see her put her head down slightly.
>"I'm happy for you two."
>Her quiet, monotone words put up a larger wall than anything Pinkie could.
 
>The rest of the world stops.
>Everything around you freezes momentarily.
>You and Maud remain in motion.
>Your brain moving rapidly....
>... you are unable to speak.
>And Maud....
>... a single tear hitting the ground at her hooves.
>She continues onward.
 
>Twilight heads out of the library, with a book floating in her wake.
>"Pinkie, I think I found a recipe that will-"
>She sees you motionless, with Pinkie bouncing around you.
>You finally feel the will to move again.
>Pinkie gives you a kiss on the cheek before hopping over to Twilight.
>"Twilight! Guess whaaaaaaat!???!?"~
>The two ponies walk into the library.
>Twilight turns back and gives you a confused look.
 
>You regain your focus and attempt to restructure your mind.
>You can still fix this.
>Maud is smart.
>Maud is DAMN smart.
>She'll undoubtedly understand.
>You just have to explain this whole situation to her.
>You head in Maud's direction, hoping to catch her.
 
~
 
>The sun begins to set gently in the sky,
>Luna would raise her moon soon.
>You've spent hours searching for Maud.
>With absolutely zero luck.
>You asked a bunch of ponies for help.
>Many commented on her weird and unapproachable personality.
>Others were genuinely sorry and promised to keep an eye out for you.
>You were beginning to get discouraged.
 
>It was beginning to get a bit colder.
>You forgot your extra thick jacket.
>You wouldn't be able to last much longer without it.
>Might as well take a break.
>Head into nearby coffee shop.
>Order a tall coffee and a scone.
>Go to restroom to freshen up before you eat.
>Look into mirror.
>Your face is strained and saddened.
>You wash up and regain your focus.
>You can fix this.
 
>Head out of restroom.
>Nice pony brings you your food.
>Thank and tip them.
>You begin to drink on your coffee.
>Notice something odd on the other side of the coffee shop.
>You see a... small rock on a table.
>That's odd....
>Suddenly, a gray mare steps out of the ladies restroom and sits at the table.
>She faces away from you, eating a plain donut and writing some notes.
>You know it's her.
>It's Maud....
 
>You duck down quickly.
>She hasn't seen you yet.
>Your heart skips a beat.
>Maud is here, now is your chance!
 
>Before you get up, you notice a waitress bringing her a coffee.
>Maud turns her head slowly in your direction.
>You quickly dodge roll into your booth, hoping that she didn't see you.
>Peek out.
>Maud continues to write notes.
>Whew.
>You can't mess this one up.
>You don't want to corner her either.
>You need to just bring the truth out.
>Explain to her that the whole Pinkie thing was a mistake and-
 
>"Anon."
>You shriek like a girl as Maud stands outside of your booth.
"M-Maud!"
>You feel like getting up and hugging her.
>Her eyes prevent you from moving.
>"What are you doing here?"
>You lift up your coffee and show it to her.
"Just getting a nice drink...."
>You take a swig and smile at her.
>She continues to give you a dead stare.
>You put the coffee down.
>Maud looks very upset.
>She's not physically showing it.
>But... you can tell.
>"You've been following me, Anon."
>How....
"How do you know that?"
>She pulls a small rock out of her dress.
>The same rock from the table.
>"Boulder was watching my back."
 
>You decide to ask rock-related questions later.
>Maud continues to stare at you, as if expecting some sort of explanation.
>You don't know quite how to proceed.
>"Shouldn't you be with my sister? I'm sure she is worried about you."
>You shake your head.
"Maud, there is something I need to tell you."
>She blinks at you, her expression unchanging.
>She blinks again, her eyes reddening slightly.
>Was she... crying?
>"I do not think I want to hear it, Anon."
>She continues to blink, as if to prevent the tears from escaping her eyes.
 
"Maud. Listen. I've made a huge mistake."
>She slams a hoof down.
>You remain quiet.
>"The only mistake... is me thinking that you were different, Anon."
 
>Your eyes widen a bit.
>Maud has genuine feelings for you.
>Or... had....
>"I enjoyed your company the other night. I never had felt happier in the company of another."
>Her eyes begin to water, though her expression remains unchanged.
>"I thought you were different. I thought you and I...."
>She closes her eyes, tears flowing slowly down her cheeks.
>"... I thought we could be something...."
 
>She turns to walk away.
>You reach out and grab her hoof.
>She turns to you, her face still unchanged, though wet from tears.
>"We have nothing else to talk about, Anon."
>She closes her eyes.
>"Just promise me you will make my sister happy."
>Tears continue to flow from her eyes.
>"...like you made me."
 
>You get up from the booth and kneel next to her.
"Maud. Please... give me a chance to explain...."
>She pulls away from you.
>"I told you, Anon. There is nothing more for us to talk ab-"
>You throw your arms around Maud.
>Your bury your face into her.
>You feel Maud's breathing begin to slow.
>Her warmth feels incredible, even now.
>Slowly, Maud begins to relax in your arms.
>Though you feel resistance.
>She is hurt, but you feel your hearts melding again.
 
"Maud, I..."
>You can't continue.
>You just hold her tighter.
>Maud nuzzles her head into you.
>You feel her warmth overtake you.
>You never want to let her go.
>Maud cries gently into your shoulder as you embrace her.
>You begin to stroke her mane gently, comforting her.
>You've made a mistake.
>But you have to show her that you are there for her.
 
>You pull away slowly.
>Maud opens her eyes and stares at you.
>Her eyes are still watery, her face full of life.
>You look into her eyes.
>Begging her to give you a chance.
 
>But it's no good....
 
>Maud reluctantly moves away from you.
>She turns away, hiding her now flushed face.
>"I... I am sorry, Anon."
>You reach out to her again.
>She flinches at you this time.
>"I can not be here right now, Anon. I am sorry... but... I do love-"
>Maud is unable to finish speaking.
>Tears continue to rush down her cheeks.
>She turns and runs out of the coffee shop before she can finish talking.
 
>The few ponies in the shop give you a concerned look.
>You remain kneeling on the ground.
>You feel as if your heart left out the door with Maud.
>You feel empty, weightless.
>This can't be the end.
>You get up slowly, though a bit shakily.
>You bury your face in your hands.
>There is nothing more you can do at this point.
>You pay your bill and leave the coffee shop.
>Still empty.
>Still without your Maud.
 
>The moon is bright in the night sky.
>The cold wind seemingly lifts you to your small home.
>You can't seem to remember how you left the coffee shop.
>All you know is that you wish that you could hold Maud again.
 
>There is no point in complaining for the time being.
>Sleep it off, and figure out a solution tomorrow.
>Though it hurts, you realize that there is nothing you can do but wait it out.
>Sometimes that is for the best.
>You undress to your boxers and climb into your bed.
>The window is slightly ajar, letting in some of the breeze.
>The moon shines down on you, seemingly surrounded you in an aura.
 
>You begin to slowly fade away.
>You keep jerking slowly awake.
>Continuously staring out of the window.
>As if something is there.
>As if... Maud is there.
"Maud... I'm sorry."
>Your thoughts begin to slow down.
>Your breathing deepens.
>After another few minutes, you finally relinquish yourself to your sleep.
 
~
 
>You hear a loud crack.
>You get up quickly and scan your room.
>Nothing.
>Maybe it's your imagination....
>You get up and head towards your window.
>A small rock rests on your windowsill.
>That wasn't there before....
 
>You feel someone watching you.
>You turn around.
>Your heart almost falls out of its chest.
>You make out the shape of a pony.
>You rub your eyes.
>Maud stands before you.
>You can't believe what you are seeing.
>Her mane gently flows from the wind.
>Her eyes glistening in the moonlight.
>Her beauty radiates, and you feel your heart expand.
"This can't be real... Maud...?"
>You reach your hand forward....
>Maud throws herself into your chest.
>Her warmth once again overtakes you.
>You close your eyes.
>Holding on tight.
>Maud nuzzles you once again.
>"I... I need you, Anon...."
 
~
 
END of Part 2