The Dark Awakening

Elusive and Bubble Berry went to their beds, resting only as much as their minds would allow them. As the night went on, they both had so many questions, the main one on both of their minds being: “How in Equestria could I have LIKED that?!”

The morning came and the two felt they simply had to make up for the fight. The main thought on their minds, however, was feeling bad for liking the fight. They couldn't shake how they felt personally, but they were very capable of assuring themselves that the other must have felt horrible over it.

Bubble Berry was nervous about going back to the boutique, and was almost as relieved as he was surprised to see the familiar purple mane and white coat walk through the doors at Sugarcube Corner. The thing that really caught his attention, though, was the blackened ring around the unicorn's left eye. There was something odd about it to him. It was a reminder of the fight, but it was also a slight reminder of how the fight made him feel.

Elusive gave a soft smile as he saw Bubble Berry, finally taking notice of just how unscathed the earth pony had gotten off, especially compared to himself. He felt odd walking in with his blackened eye and bruised face. It was only a few small bruises, but there wasn't a single one on his friend, and it brought a few questions that were rather quickly shoved away.

“Hello, Bubble Berry. Is there any chance we could talk about yesterday?” Elusive looked at the empty building, only open because of the  cleaning and orders that have already been handled, leaving the stallions essentially alone for hours to talk. “You know, about the, uh, the fight?”

Bubble Berry scratched the back of his head as he made a bit of an awkward smile. “Yeah, I, uh, I think maybe we should.” He forced a chuckle before noticing just how badly he bruised the unicorn, and then how little he was bruised himself. His expression changed as it was obvious he was thinking. After a moment he spoke back up. “Hey, wait a sec.”

Elusive stopped, a bit nervous, entirely unsure of what had the earth pony was thinking. “Um, yes?”

“You have a black eye, and bruises. That's understandable. The thing is that I just realized that my knuckles are about the most sore thing on me.” Bubble Berry had a bit of an accusative look, though not intentionally.

Elusive froze. Before this, and in fact all night, he'd thought he hadn't really tried to fight back, but this essentially cemented the fact. He thought it over quickly and hurriedly tried to respond. “Oh, well, what about it?” He hoped he could buy some time with the question, but knew it would only push things further if he didn't act quickly.

Bubble Berry gave a slight, slow nod as he slowly stepped closer. “Well, I know you can hit pretty hard, probably harder than I can.” Elusive wanted to step back, but almost felt like he was walking closer as well. “Were you holding back or something?”

Elusive had no idea how to respond, so he just said what first came to his mind in hopes his nature was as close to instinct as he once figured. “I don't know. Maybe?” It took a second for this to sink in for the two, but Elusive was the first to get it, immediately regretting not thinking his words through. It took about a second after for Bubble Berry to get it. The look on his face told Elusive all he needed. They exchanged looks, a mix of confusion and mild understanding between them before Bubble Berry broke the silence.

“I'm sorry.” He felt there was little else he needed to say, or rather, that he could.

“No, I'm sorry.” Elusive wasn't sure why, but he wanted to antagonize his friend. He knew part of him wanted to see if he actually liked it, so he had to try.

Bubble Berry knew in the back of his mind he should have left it where it was, but something stronger was telling him to keep going, to take it further. “No. I'm the one that hurt you. I'm sorry.” He made sure there was a bit of aggravation in his voice.

Elusive stepped forward, subconsciously leaning in just slightly as he spoke. “And I shouldn't have kept it going, so I should be the one apologizing!”

“Why can't  you just accept that I'm the one to apologize?!” Bubble Berry was leaning in, his face only inches away from Elusive's, both blushing very slightly.

Elusive couldn't hold back anymore, he couldn't say he was angry, but he had to make a move. He reached out and gave a shove, pushing back the pink stallion. He didn't push hard, but definitely hard enough, and it didn't take long to show through.

The push was all it took, as almost instantly Bubble Berry drew his arm back and punched Elusive with everything he could muster, though he felt there wasn't much anger in it.

Elusive stumbled and fell, not sure what to expect, but definitely not expecting such a blow. He wiped the blood from his mouth on his sleeve. The two looked to each other, but they saw the cakes coming back and quickly get themselves back into a more casual stance. The rest of the time was spent in an awkward silence, but their minds were far from quiet as they left each other's company.

Bubble Berry - I'm.....confused. Elusive admitted he was holding back in our fight the other day, and today it was...almost as if he was trying to start another one. Could...could he ENJOY me beating him? I mean, I know it sounds crazy and all, but it seems as if he tries to goad me into it. And I, I am happy to comply. I hate to say it.....but it's fun to hurt him....What's wrong with me?! - Bubble Berry

Elusive -

Journal entry # 237

What did I do? Did I just start another scuffle? Was I just trying to get Bubble Berry to, to hit me? More than that, I wasn't even angry that he hit me so hard. He knocked me to the floor and I didn't even care. I, I think I actually may have even, dare I say, LIKED it. I wonder... Is there a chance that Bubble Berry, maybe, likes hitting me? He seemed, how should I put it, happy? No, excited? No, no, no. Eager? Yes. He seemed eager about hitting me. He didn't seem like he was necessarily enjoying the idea, but he wasn't angry. I didn't see the anger from the first fight. I saw, well, I saw almost like a sparkle in his eyes as he pulled back. Whatever the case is, I know I felt something from that punch, and pain wasn't the end of it. I think I might want to try it again. I'm not sure. What if he doesn't enjoy it and I'm just being selfish? I don't know, I guess I need to pay more attention. I think I know, maybe I can test to see if it really hurts him to hurt me. If it does, I'll stop. If not... I can't say I would. Am I a bad person?~ Elusive