A Slow Sunset

Chapters

Just Friends?
Love-Hate
The Tell Tale Heart

Just Friends?

What the hell am I doing?

How many times am I going to ask myself that question today?

Sunset Shimmer was not entirely sure why she was running through the halls, knowing full well doing so was against the rules, nor was she sure why a feeling of immense dread filled her chest at the news that her blonde rival had either participated in or instigated a fight against one of her own friends, and on school grounds no less.

A small part of her felt relieved that Adagio had returned to school. The unspoken worry of her well being due to her long absence along with the two other members of the Dazzlings was now suddenly quelled from her system and replaced with an entirely different emotion which again, she could not explain.

Am I… happy?

Just when she had thought she had purged her inner turmoil by confessing her feelings to Applejack, Adagio Dazzle’s sudden reappearance and the resulting ruckus she no doubt caused brought all the feelings she had expelled rushing back all over again in a matter of moments.

Sunset Shimmer was not sure if she happy, concerned, angry, or all of the above. It fueled her mad dash through the halls and to even go as far as to jump half way down staircases to the floor below to shave off as much distance and time as possible, startling other students as they jumped out of the way of the grim determination Sunset Shimmer displayed.

She moved like a girl possessed.

Eventually, she had bolted through the school’s main entrance to come to an abrupt stop in the courtyard and stumbled upon a scene of a slow dispersal of students heading towards her.

She started forward against the flow of the crowd, pausing momentarily as she noted a head of rainbow coloured hair just in the distance.

“Rainbow Dash!” Sunset Shimmer called out, moving in between other students to make her way towards the tomboyish guitarist, further noting the timid Fluttershy standing next to her.

Both girls looked over to the approaching Sunset Shimmer upon hearing her voice, closing the gap towards their friend, each with very different expressions.

Fluttershy opted to keep very quiet for the most part while Rainbow Dash immediately looked upon Sunset Shimmer with utter disbelief and a certain excited twinkle to her wide eyes.

“You are so not going to believe what just happened,” Rainbow Dash spoke excitedly, “Aria Blaze just—”

“I heard from Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash,” Sunset Shimmer interjected, panting, though quick to catch her breath, being far more physically fit than Pinkie Pie ever was, having just ran the entire way here, “do you know what happened? All I know is that Aria attacked Adagio.”

Fluttershy spoke up, somewhat saddened by the prospect of violence occurring so close to her. “W-we don’t know exactly… everyone else was as shocked as we were to see the Dazzlings stroll into school as if they hadn't been absent from school for ages and then… well...” She drew her eyes down to the ground, nibbling on her lower lip. “Things just went really bad, really quickly.”

Rainbow Dash was more than eager to finish off the story, animatedly speaking with her hands in her hype. “Uh? Yeah! Me and Fluttershy just literally walked back into school. We had to go back to her house to go get some textbooks she forgot for class. When we got back there they were; right in the open, arguing about who knows what. But man, they were really going at each other. Some pretty harsh words were exchanged.”

“Adagio seemed really angry about something Aria said...” Fluttershy added softly. “But, then again, she always seems to be angry to me, so…”

“No kidding! Those three suddenly showing up was kind of shocking itself, but, we figured it was nothing to stick around for, so we decided to move around them and take no notice... but I think Adagio was shouting at Aria about something to do with incompetence or whatever, and then said something about Sonata; I couldn't quite hear, but then all of a sudden—BOOM!” Rainbow Dash punched an open palm with a fist, causing Fluttershy to meep and jump at her friend’s verbose explanation, “Aria just smacked Adagio straight in the face! I have never seen anybody drop to the ground so quick before in my life! If it wasn’t for Sonata I think Aria might have kicked her while she was down! It was nuts! I couldn't believe my eyes! I can't imagine what it was that sent Aria over the edge like that.”

Fluttershy shook her head, clasping her hands close to her chest as she inclined her head to hide behind her hair somewhat. “I was so shocked… I couldn't believe a friend would do that to another friend, even if they were arguing… Aria called her some pretty mean things, too. I do hope Adagio is alright, though. She seemed pretty shook up. I think she was crying, too. Her nose was bleeding quite badly.”

“Well, yeah, wouldn't you be shocked if one of your best friends suddenly bopped you on the nose with a right hook in front of half of the school? Besides! I am sure Adagio probably deserved it. I mean, she did try and take over the school with her freaky Siren magic, so she’s not going to get any sympathy from me. Not to mention she does not exactly treat her friends all that well by the looks of it, so it’s no surprise to me really that they finally ditched her the way they did.”

Sunset Shimmer frowned as she felt her own hands curl into her fists at her sides, her eyes glancing down to the ground then back towards the school ground’s entrance, which seemed to be void of either the Dazzlings or Principal Celestia at this point.

She must had just missed them by mere minutes.

I know Adagio can be quite bossy and is a little less than civilized in her mannerisms, but to go as far as to hit her? Was there really a need for such violence? I mean, they’re friends, right?

Come to think of it… are they?

Or are they just acquaintances of circumstance? After all, they were all sent here together from Equestria against their will, so, maybe they were not as united as we were all led to believe? Without their magic, maybe now there is no reason for them to be around one another and to tolerate each other’s company?

I’m speculating too much.

I need to get to the bottom of this for whatever reason I still can’t think an excuse for.

Shaking her head, Sunset Shimmer looked back to her friends. “Where are they now? Did you happen to see where they went?”

“Oh, um, I think Principal Celestia took Aria and Sonata away, so I suppose she’s at her office… I think I overheard that Vice-Principal Luna was going to talk to Adagio at the nurse’s office about what had happened... at least, I think I heard Principal Celestia say that.” She frowned sadly to Sunset. “I’m sorry, Sunset Shimmer, I wasn't close enough to really hear what it was they were saying properly.”

Sunset smiled softly to Fluttershy. “That’s okay; I’m sure I’ll find them. The school is big, but it’s not that big.”

Rainbow Dash tilted a brow as she quizzically leaned forward towards Sunset Shimmer. “Hey, you seem pretty concerned about them… what gives?”

“Nothing,” Sunset Shimmer replied all too quickly for Rainbow Dash’s liking, further deepening the tomboyish girl’s curious expression, “I thought maybe I could help. You know,” she smiled sheepishly, “try and lend a helping hand and all that to redeem myself for my past sins?”

Fluttershy shook her head gently, smiling sweetly at her friend. “I think you've done more than enough to redeem yourself, Sunset Shimmer. If it wasn't for you, we would had been in so much trouble. The Dazzlings would have won the battle of the—”

“Yeah-yeah,” Rainbow Dash interrupted, “but as we all know if it wasn't for my awesome guitar solo—”

“I am sorry, guys, but I have to go. I’ll catch you all during lunch, okay?” Although not wanting to be rude, Sunset Shimmer broke off into a jog nonetheless, waving back at the duo as she headed with the flow of students towards the school’s front entrance, leaving two very perplexed girls blinking on after the retreating Sunset Shimmer.

“Well… that happened.” Rainbow Dash looked to Fluttershy, who only replied with a shrug. “Yeah, I haven’t a clue what that was about either. She did look pretty peeved though.”

“I think it’s nice she’s worried about Adagio Dazzle.” Fluttershy responded with a subtle nod, “I feel bad for her too. She just lost both of her friends, you know? I would feel simply awful if one of my friends tried to hurt me.”

“Her only friends,” added Rainbow Dash with a sigh, “and why do I have a feeling I am going to be forced into a situation where I have to try and get along with Adagio?”

“I think it’d be for the best for everyone if we put our differences aside and try and be friends with the Dazzlings, just like what we did for Sunset Shimmer. Maybe if we give Adagio Dazzle a chance, she could become a close friend, too? That way, maybe we could help repair her relationship with the rest of the Dazzlings? Since... well, they’re not really on speaking terms right now, huh?” Fluttershy looked up at Rainbow Dash with a hopeful expression. “You would be willing to give Adagio a chance as well, right, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow Dash puffed her cheeks, pouting a little at the prospect as she turned her eyes away from Fluttershy’s pleading eyes. “Fine. But only if Sunset Shimmer makes the first move. I don’t see why I have to make an effort for someone that is clearly so far up herself she might as well marry her own reflection.”

Suddenly clapping her hands together, Rainbow Dash started off towards the school’s entrance, changing the subject entirely. “Right! Time to go to gym and show everyone how awesome I am!”

Fluttershy smiled to herself, giggling a little as she followed on after Rainbow Dash, holding back her remark about pots and kettles.

__________________

As the students gossiped amongst themselves while heading towards their next class, Sunset Shimmer chose to walk briskly towards the nurse’s office, her hands still balled into tightly clenched fists she could not quite relax.

In her mind, there was nothing she wanted to do more than to punch Aria Blaze right back in the face for attacking Adagio, however, considering how her rival often treated other people in her usual air of arrogance, another part of Sunset Shimmer suspected she deserved it to some degree.

Perhaps not as violently as it had occurred, but, enough to humble the blonde Siren into silence.

I wonder what she said to get Aria to hit her like that.

Spotting the nurse’s office down the other end of the hallway, her footsteps slowed as she noted Vice-Principal Luna depart from the room, looking none too pleased considering how the recent turn of events played out in the yard.

As the Vice-Principal walked towards Sunset Shimmer, she could tell the woman was attempting to keep her eyes from meeting with her own as they walked towards each other on opposite sides of the hallway.

An awkwardness filled Sunset Shimmer, including an apprehension that drew a sickly feeling in the back of her throat the closer they came, and considering that Vice-Principal Luna was the one who had discovered her and Adagio’s little foray of lust, such a feeling was far from unwarranted.

Just as both were about to pass the other, Sunset Shimmer stopped, swallowing hard as she just about barely managed to speak.

“Vice-Principal Luna, can I speak with you about something for a moment?”

The older woman stopped in her tracks, sighing quite openly at being called out. Turning, Luna looked down at Sunset Shimmer with an air of professionalism befitting an academic of her status and background. “Yes, Miss Shimmer, can I help you?”

“Y-yes,” Sunset Shimmer glanced nervously towards the nurse’s office, “it’s about what happened outside.”

Crossing her arms, Luna nodded gently to herself, an irritated expression taking over her once pleasant demeanour. “I figured as much,” she spoke as she glanced left and then right, confident no one was close enough to hear the conversation, “your girlfriend has caused quite a ruckus, Sunset Shimmer.”

A blush crept up Sunset Shimmer’s cheeks, her eyes wandering anywhere but the Vice-Principal’s piercing gazing. “We’re not like that… we’re just, friends…”

Well, we’re not even that, but… it is better than trying to explain just what it is our relationship is.

That is, if you can call what we have as a relationship.

Whether or not Luna noticed Sunset Shimmer’s embarrassment, she continued nonetheless. “Not only was she ditching school for almost four weeks along with Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk; which they will all be punished for I can assure you, but your ‘friend’ has also decided to start a confrontation not only with another student of mine, but with one of her own who seemingly punched her without any kind of physical provocation. Do you happen to know why?”

Shaking her head, Sunset Shimmer placed a hand to her chest, being sincere and honest as she spoke. “I don’t know why they started to fight, Vice-Principal Luna. I was in the music room with Applejack when it happened. I haven’t so much as talked to or even seen either of them since the battle of the bands event. But, from what I heard, they had some kind of disagreement and it just sort of escalated from there.”

Pondering for a moment, Luna slowly nodded her head. “That’s far more of the story than I managed to get from Adagio Dazzle. She refused to speak; whether or not she did so to protect her friends or just herself remains to be seen... Anyway, she seems to be in some kind of state of shock at present, so I will try asking her what happened again when she has calmed down a bit.”

“Is she going to be okay?” Sunset Shimmer tried her best to sound more curious than concerned, and failed miserably at it.

“Nurse Redheart is looking after her so I wouldn't worry too much, Sunset Shimmer. She’ll have a little bit of a bruise but it doesn't seem her nose is broken. The blood just makes it look a lot more serious than what it really is.”

“Vice-Principal Luna, how about if I talk to her? Being her—uh, friend, maybe I can find out what transpired? She might be more willing to talk to me about it compared to a member of the faculty?”

“Alright, Sunset Shimmer. For now, I am going to go and see what my sister has gleaned from the other two perpetrators of this little scuffle, however,” Suddenly, Vice-Principal Luna bent down a little, leveling her eyes with Sunset Shimmer who retracted somewhat from the taller woman’s suspicious gaze, shifting nervously on the spot, “don’t do anything… untoward with your ‘friend’ in the nurse’s office; you were both very lucky there was no reprimand for the last time, so, you make sure you don’t let me catch you doing anything like that again on school grounds… do I make myself perfectly clear, Sunset Shimmer?”

Blushing brighter than a red heat lamp, Sunset Shimmer only managed to nod her head once; embarrassed beyond comprehension at the Vice-Principal’s insinuation while she watched the older woman walk briskly away after her ominous warning.

This day can’t possibly get any worse, thought Sunset Shimmer, pressing her back against the wall while heaving a sigh. But why have I suddenly got a feeling it is going to do just that?

Author's Note

Next time, Adagio and Sunset Shimmer finally meet alone since the events of Sex On A Desk! Will Sunset confess her feelings? Probably not. Maybe?!

But, anyway, on a serious note, I have never done a sequel for a clop story before, or even tried to put any effort into one (if you know how I write my clops), so, thanks guys for the support. The reason why this was continued because of a certain person (Harmsy), begging me to do so.

Thumb up the story if you enjoyed it, or flame it! Your choice! Comment below to your heart's content, I always reply.

Love-Hate

Alright, Sunset Shimmer… I don’t know why you are feeling nervous right about now, but just push aside what the Vice-Principal said and focus on the task at hand.

Which is… what exactly?

Sure, I can convince myself I am here not to see Adagio quite easily, but just what exactly am I going to say to Nurse Redheart?

‘Hi! I’ve come to talk to my friend who got into a fight in the yard, I hope you don’t mind? What’s that, Nurse? Oh, that? She just calls me bitch as a friendly snipe between friends! Oh yes, Vice-Principal Luna gave me her blessing to be here. And by blessing, I of course don’t mean she said that myself and Adagio were allowed to perform sexual acts in your lovely little corner of the school.’

Perhaps if there was such thing as a cockatrice in this world, Sunset Shimmer might have appeared to be the victim of one at this point in time.

For the past eight minutes she had been at the door to the nurse’s office with her hand raised to eye level, balled into a fist and ready to rap against the wooden surface before entering.

Trapped in that position and within her inner monologue, Sunset Shimmer gazed with such an intensity at the door that she barely noticed a couple of students walk by her, staring at the strange girl who was seemingly frozen in position.

She barely heard their curious mutterings as she continued to lament over her excuses.

What about Adagio? What do I even say to her?

‘Hey there, Adagio, I hope you don’t mind me being here but I just can’t get you out of my mind. Do you mind if I sit here next to you and flesh out my reasons for being here in such a way that most certainly won’t be awkward for anyone listening in on us?’

Yeah, that’ll work… in a billion years!

Urgh. What do I say?

Finally, her hand dropped from its stasis to her side, her body arching back as she raised the other hand to slap against her forehead. “This is completely ridiculous. What do I hope to achieve here? It’s not like she’s going to—”

The door opened and Sunset yelped as she felt somebody with a similar build and height collide into her, causing her to stumble back from the doorway and fall against the opposite side of the corridor, her hands sprayed against the walls as she stared wide eyed at Adagio, who cursed and nursed her lightly bruised nose with a cupped hand.

“Watch where you are going you—y-y-you!” Adagio stammered angrily, narrowing her eyes just as Nurse Redheart appeared over her shoulder.

“Is something the matter, Miss Dazzle?” Redheart blinked between the two girls. “Is everything okay?”

“Fine! Just… just fine. Just a minor annoyance that can be easily ignored.” With those words, Adagio dropped her hand from her face and gave Sunset Shimmer one final glare that could melt steel before departing down the corridor.

Sunset Shimmer, still stunned, found herself unable to speak the very moment she realized who it was. However, as Nurse Redheart turned her gaze from Adagio and onto her, the girl laughed nervously.

“Is something the matter, Miss Shimmer? Are you feeling okay? You look pale.”

Yep. Worst, day, ever.

“Oh! No… I—um… I’m fine. Can you please excuse me?” For the second time today, Sunset Shimmer retreated, leaving yet another person perplexed in her wake.

Picking up her pace until she was just behind Adagio Dazzle, Sunset Shimmer boldly reached a hand out to grip at the girl’s wrist to stop her, gently tugging at the arm to spin her about.

“Adagio, wait a minute, we need to talk.”

Snatching back her wrist, Adagio placed both of her hands upon her hips, bringing her ever present glare upon Sunset Shimmer. “I have nothing to say to anyone let alone you. The last face I want to see right now is yours, so, would you please kindly take your boasting elsewhere, or so help me I’ll make you regret it. I am having a particularly terrible day as you can see and I am just about ready to do something I am sure I am not going to regret. In fact, I am going to do something. I am going to do something, right, now!”

“Boasting?” Sunset Shimmer took a step back, her arms crossing as she returned the glare with one of her own, arching a brow. “What are you talking about? I haven’t come here to boast about anything.”

“Sure, bacon hair—”

“I told you to stop calling me that!!!” Sunset snapped, baring her teeth as she clenched a fist and waved it in Adagio’s direction. “Don’t make me give you a black eye to go along with that bruised nose of yours!”

“Oooo, I’m sooo scared at wittle Shimmer pretending she can show her clipped wittle claaaaaws~” Adagio lifted her hands either side of her head, trembling them to further accentuate the sarcasm dripping from every word. Taking a step forward, Adagio thrusted a finger to poke Sunset savagely against the chest. “You came here to rub it in my face that I lost at the battle of the bands—and don’t you deny it!”

“I-I would never do such a thing!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, struggling to restrain the anger building in her tone. “If you must know, I came here to see if you were okay. I heard what happened between you and Aria and I was concerned that you—”

“Concerned?” Adagio scoffed, taking a step back to fold her own arms over her chest, looking upon Sunset Shimmer with a skeptical expression. “If you think I am going to believe your bullshit for a single second, Shimmer, you can forget it. Do you know what you did? Do you have any idea what you have done? Because of you, I lost my powers… I lost everything! You had two choices to make; pick up that microphone and save your friends, or walk away and allow me to rule over this school. But guess what? You chose them over me!”

Sunset blinked, just as Adagio’s face gawked at her.

“I-I mean us—urgh! Just leave me alone, or I swear you are going to regret it.” Adagio turned about, stomping away with her fists clenched at her sides.

Did I just hear that right?

No, maybe not. She’s in a swirl of emotions right now; I best take everything she says with a grain of salt.

Sunset Shimmer stood unable to move after Adagio, though she was fully capable to of voicing her concerns. “What do you mean by ‘you are going to do something right now’?”

For whatever reason Adagio could not quite describe, she paused and swung back to face Sunset Shimmer, her heavily blushing face confusing the rest of her expression considering just how pissed off the Dazzling’s gaze appeared. “I am going to find Aria and I am going to kick her ass for EVER even thinking she could hit me!”

“Why did she even hit you in the first place?” Sunset Shimmer thrusted both of her hands into her jacket pockets, taking some steps to close the gap between them once more. “That’s why I came to speak to you. I figured you would react this way. I just wanted to be here to stop you doing anything stupid.”

“And what makes you think you know me?” Adagio eyed her suspiciously. “What do you hope to gain meddling in my affairs?”

“Preventing you from getting expelled, for starters. And by the way? You can thank me later when I do eventually make you see sense. What do you hope to gain anyway going after Aria? What happened? I thought you three were friends.”

Adagio felt her teeth grit together at the notion she and those two were anything resembling friends. “Don’t insult my intelligence. I have no friends. Those two were nothing more to me than mere pawns. I couldn’t exactly survive alone in this world, so, why not use them to help me make this entire miserable world adore me! Just look at me! I deserved to be worshipped!”

“As perhaps the biggest self conceited bitch that ever walked the earth.”

“What did you just say?” Adagio took a threatening step forward. “Say that again.”

“Bitch.” Sunset Shimmer grinned, rocking back and fore on the tips of her toes and the ball of heel.

“Sto—”

“Biiiiiiiitch~” Sunset Shimmer chimed in a sing-song.

Adagio stomped a foot. “I said stop!”

“Why?” Smirked Sunset Shimmer. “Because you’re bitching about it?”

“I swear—”

“I’ll stop saying it, if you stop being one.”

“FINE!” Adagio threw her hands into the air. “To hell with this. I am going home. I don’t need to hear this from the likes of you. It’s not like I am going to do anything anyway with you in the way.”

Sunset Shimmer grinned triumphantly. “Go. Go home then.”

“I WILL!” Adagio pointed at Sunset Shimmer.

“You’re still here?”

“I… what… URGH! You’re doing this on purpose! Why are you so intent on getting a rise out of me! Is it because I can’t do anything now; is that it? Is it because you know I am nothing more than a helpless little girl? Is that it?!” Adagio felt tears creep to the corners of her eyes, to which Sunset Shimmer immediately noticed, the girl’s smug grin fading.

“A-Adagio, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that—”

“I’ve heard enough. Leave me alone, you freak—and stop following me! I won’t hurt your precious little Aria, alright? I thought you said you were here because of me, not because you were worried about what I’d do to that little traitorous slut when I get my hands on her!” Storming off for who-knows-what-numbered attempt, Adagio departed at a quickened pace leaving Sunset Shimmer watching on after her.

As the Siren turned a corner, Sunset Shimmer’s face twisted into irritation, her eyebrow twitching.

What the hell just happened?

That… that wasn’t why I came here! I didn’t mean to say those things!

She curled her fingers into her hair, eyes wide as she replayed the entire scene over in her head.

That was the complete opposite reaction to what I wanted! How is she able to get that kind of reaction out of me? Even when we had sex, she still somehow managed to yank my chain and drag out the side of me that I had hoped was long since laid to rest!

Her hands slipped down to smother her face, whimpering to herself. “I can’t believe this. How can I be so… so... I’m pathetic. I can’t even say how I feel when she’s here but, here I am talking to thin air—“

“Um…”

A gentle voice spoke up in front of Sunset Shimmer, causing the girl to spread her fingers upon her face and gaze through the cracks, noticing a particular blue haired teen standing before her.

Oh yeah! Bring it on! Anything else you want to throw at me, I am more than prepared for it!

“I take it you’ve just been dumped, or something?” Flash Sentry commented with a skeptical stare. “By… Adagio?”

OH ME AND MY BIG FUCKING MOUTH!

“You can’t be serious.” Sunset Shimmer groaned. “This is the worst day of my life. First I screw that up and now my ex-boyfriend thinks I am a creep that talks to herself in the middle of the hallway who just got turned down by that raging bitch. I just want to go and crawl under a rock and die.”

Flash Sentry took a step back. “O-kay, I am going to go and… pretend I didn't hear any of this.”

Author's Note

Thanks for reading guys and following! I do appreciate it.

Thumbs up if you like this shit. Comment below whatever you're thinking.

The Tell Tale Heart

Perhaps what I am feeling isn't attraction, after all?

I mean, when we were going at it in the Principal’s office I wasn’t necessarily trying to seduce her to attain some kind of emotional response… other than the trying to make her orgasm before me thing, which, now that I think about it properly, sounds so completely messed up.

Why did she even suggest that, anyway?

Come to think of it, why did I even agree!?

It wasn't like I was playing that silly game of hers because I wanted to. That big boobed bimbo forced me into it! She was trying to seduce me into basically betraying my friends. I thought maybe if I played along I could possibly turn the tables on her…

I suppose in a way I kind of did.

But then again that contradicts the fact I just said I didn't want to play along and yet I agreed while having my own agenda—oh, to hell with it! A small part of me was interested; who am I trying to kid at this point?

No one.

Just myself, it seems.

It’s just… when it was happening, I just didn't think of the consequences.

All I could care about was winning and making her mine.

Didn't she say she would make me hers at one point?

Is it impossible to say that this feeling I have was also shared by her as well?

Again, so messed up! What the hell was wrong with me? Did she slip some kind of aphrodisiac into my drink during lunch or did she use some type of mind-altering Siren magic on me to make me feel this way towards her?

Urgh! This whole situation is ridiculous.

Why is it every time I think of her face I just get so frustrated and yet so… and yet so…

My heart beats fast, whenever I remember her moans and the things that we did in that office. It was my first time having sex and yet it felt just so comfortable and so natural.

My breath catches in my lungs whenever I imagine kissing those lips again! They tasted so sweet from someone so… bitter!

It’s true.

I can’t escape it, because it’s true.

I, for whatever reason, have fallen hopelessly for Adagio Dazzle and I just can’t understand why.

Over what, though?

Was it the sex or was it… her body? Was it the way she touched me or was it the way she spoke to me with those plush lips?

What is worse, is that we’re not exactly what you would call friends, either, considering myself and the girls technically destroyed their plans to rule the school, while simultaneously obliterating their magic, thus turning them into normal and exceptionally tone deaf high school girls.

Well… perhaps not all of us are normal high school girls, but that is besides the point!

Something tells me she isn’t going to be happy about that whenever they decide to return to school… so maybe my feelings are doomed from the start, anyhow?

Come to think of it, who am I even talking to?

“What’s up, sugarcube? You’re… kinda standing there staring into space. Are you sure you’re okay? Ya’ll said you wanted to tell me somethin’... is everything alright? Did something happen?”

Yeah… yeah something definitely DID happen alright...

Taking a deep breath, Sunset Shimmer attempted to calm her nerves.

She needed to do this.

She needed to say it!

She needed to tell someone—anyone—what it is that has been plaguing her mind and forcing her to lay awake at night since that fateful event within the Principal’s office before she went insane from her own jumbled up thoughts.

I need to be direct. There is no point beating around the bush—just suck it up and say it, Sunset Shimmer! You’re far more confident than this.

Stealing a glance over her shoulder, Sunset Shimmer looked back to the music room’s closed door, anxious that someone would walk in just when she had built up enough courage to spill her guts.

“I…” Sunset began, but found herself tongue-tied as she twirled her hair around her index finger, shifting on the spot while her blush deepened with every passing syllable. “The truth is… I… I… I-I had sex.”

The bassist's fingers paused around two tuning pegs as she slowly looked up from her guitar.

“... in the Principal’s office.” Sunset Shimmer added in a rush, her blush deepening and her embarrassment increasing.

Applejack simply stared open-mouthed at her friend.

Sunset Shimmer could have sworn someone had just swapped her personality with Fluttershy’s, as Sunset Shimmer’s voice dropped uncontrollably into a meek and distant whisper. “With... Adagio Dazzle.”

Applejack found herself unable to process in the information. Her body was completely frozen as she stared at Sunset Shimmer with raised eyebrows.

Did she just hear that correctly? Because she could have sworn Sunset Shimmer had just confessed that she had sex with Adagio Dazzle in the Principal’s office.

“Saywhatwithwhonow?”

Sunset Shimmer settled onto a nearby chair, her face falling into her hands while she propped her elbows up atop her knees. “I… really don’t want to repeat it, Applejack… i-it was kind of difficult saying it the first time…”

Placing her guitar down onto the ground, leaning the neck against the wall behind her, Applejack approached Sunset Shimmer and placed her hands gently upon the seated girl’s trembling shoulders.

“Ah’m… not sure what to say? Ah mean… Ah didn’t know you swung that way—not that Ah’m against it or anythin’, but… why in the hay did you sleep with Adagio Dazzle? Ah mean, she’s a pretty girl an’ all but she’s not exactly the right type of person to want to be sharing some space with, let alone a bed.” Applejack tilted her head, still clearly stunned by Sunset’s confession. “Does anyone else know?”

Technically... Sunset Shimmer thought to herself, but chose not to impart the knowledge that they were actually caught on film by a security camera that both Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna had unfortunately viewed.

“It’s really complicated to explain, Applejack, but, to be perfectly honest that isn’t exactly why I wanted to tell you I just… It’s not like I am telling you because I want to come out as being into girls, or being confused about my sexuality, or something... I’m pretty sure I am bisexual at this point but, the truth is, I needed to tell someone before my head imploded. I have been thinking about this for weeks now and I just can’t seem to... I was going to write to Princess Twilight Sparkle about it all, but I didn’t want to make her worry about as something as unimportant as this, you know?”

“That isn’t what Ah call unimportant, Sunset, but Ah’m happy you came to talk to me about it first, even though Ah’m as much use in this department as trying to make sense out of Pinkie Pie when she’s on a sugar rush.” Applejack did her best to give her friend a comforting smile.

“Thanks, Applejack... “ Sunset Shimmer embraced the other girl, sighing aloud, feeling most of the weight drifting off of her shoulders as the girl reciprocated the gesture.

“Think nothing of it, sugarcube. Now, what’s the real reason for tellin’ me any of this? Ah can kind of tell you’re keeping something back. After all, loads of people have sex for just pleasure an’ all, so, Ah suppose what Ah have to ask you is, is the reason you're tellin’ me this is because you wanted to sort of vent, or is it because you; you know… like her?”

Applejack was not entirely sure how to express herself under the notion Sunset Shimmer was even remotely interested in that sociopath.

Parting from the embrace, Sunset Shimmer lowered her gaze from Applejack. “I-I can’t get her out of my head, you know? I mean, the sex isn’t the reason why I’m… I’m not saying I’m in love with her or anything. She did try blackmailing at the time you—”

That got a curious eyebrow arch from Applejack as she interjected suddenly.

“Hold up! She tried blackmailing you with sex? Listen, Ah’m no officer or lawyer or anythin’ but that sounds pretty darn wrong if you ask me. That sounds like the kind of stuff someone goes to jail over.”

Sunset lifted up her hands up, smiling awkwardly. “Without making it all the more confusing than it already is to explain, it was all an elaborate scheme at first to try and make me join The Dazzlings before the battle of the bands and… it sort of didn’t pan out how she wanted… we both sort of… we both sort of got caught up in the moment, so to speak.”

Resisting the urge to remember the finale of her time with Adagio, Sunset Shimmer released a very lacklustre chuckle at Applejack’s frown. She did not look amused.

Bending down so that she was eye level with Sunset Shimmer, she looked the girl square in the eyes. “And you’re tellin’ me you’ve fallen for her? Even though she tried usin’ you?”

Sunset Shimmer simply nodded. “I wouldn’t say I love her, but… she has been occupying my mind a lot recently, yeah...”

Sighing while pressing a hand against her face, Applejack took a step back while her eyes lifted to the ceiling, licking her tongue against her teeth. “Ah think you really should’ve talked to Rarity or someone else about this. Ah jus’ don’t know what to say other than that all sounds pretty complicated for you, sugarcube.”

“You’re telling me! I just don’t know what to think anymore.” Sunset Shimmer chuckled, smiling up at her friend. “I know I shouldn't have made you listen to all of this but, thanks for just being here, Applejack. I just needed to say it. I know she’s a terrible person that tried to brainwash the entire school into adoring them and everything, but I just feel...”

Sunset Shimmer paused as she realized what she was saying, looking at the incredulous expression on Applejack’s features.

“Yeah, well, ya’ll got somethin’ in common there,” Applejack mused, “but, you never know… you turned over a new leaf quite easily. Ah’m sure if we give The Dazzlings a chance, maybe everyone else will come to accept them too, like they did with you? Maybe that should be your first step in all of this?”

“Maybe,” Sunset lowered her head, her shoulders sagging somewhat, “but none of them have returned to school since they lost at the battle of the bands. Nobody has heard or seen from them since. I just don’t think I can stand knowing I won’t get to see her again, as much as it pains me to admit it out loud. I suppose not knowing if she feels the same way is what is eating me up inside. I'll feel a lot better when she rejects the notion, to be honest.”

After all, they were not exactly the best of friends the last time they met.

“Ah’m sure they’ll be back causing mischief before you know it, you’ll see. Ah honestly think all good things come to those who wait.”

As if a higher power was listening in on the conversation, the music room’s door blew open by a wide eyed, panicked Pinkie Pie, her hair frazzled and her brow drenched with sweat.

“GIRLS! You’re so not going to believe what just happened in front of the school gates! It was crazy! Completely and utterly crazy!” Pausing for a moment, Pinkie struggled to regain her breath. “Like, even I am having a hard time believing it and I’m pretty out there on the craze’o’meter!”

Applejack and Sunset Shimmer both looked at the panting pink haired girl, both eyeing her as if she had spawned several heads.

“Did ya’ll run all the way here or somethin’, Pinkie Pie?” Applejack commented with a blink. “You look you've battled through a forest to get here. Ya’ll look terrible!” The country girl leaned forward, noting a twig sticking out of the side of the poofy pink hair.

Sunset Shimmer stood up from the chair, concern growing on her face as she regarded Pinkie Pie. “What happened, Pinkie Pie?”

“Never mind me! It’s the Dazzlings… they’re back and they’re already causing chaos!”

Sunset Shimmer’s heart clenched at the trio's name, a hand lifting up to ball against her chest as a small measure of unexplained excitement grew inside of her. She would get to see Adagio Dazzle far sooner than she had anticipated, it would seem.

Applejack gave a passing glance to Sunset Shimmer, pressing her hands against her hips as she shook her head towards Pinkie Pie. “That ain’t exactly any reason to be running yourself ragged to come and tell us, Pinkie. They lost their powers. There ain’t much else they can do to cause—”

“No-no-no!” Pinkie Pie leaned heavily against the door frame. “You don’t understand! They got into a big argument! There was a fight and everything!”

Both Sunset Shimmer and Applejack chimed in as one, both visibly stunned at the news. “What?!”

Pinkie Pie nodded frantically. “I don’t know the details because Principal Celestia broke it up before I could get there, but from what I understand, Aria punched Adagio right in the face! There was blood everywhere! Just like in those murder mysteries you see on TV… eeeexcept without the bodies or with an actual murder taking place… actually, there wasn't that much blood… I might’ve imagined that part.”

As soon as Applejack turned to face Sunset Shimmer, the girl had broken off into a sprint, brushing past Pinkie Pie without so much as a word as she moved out into the hallway at speed.

Pinkie Pie leaned out of the music room, watching Sunset Shimmer dash down the hallway, weaving in and around students, expertly avoiding them.

“Wow... what’s her problem? I have never seen her move so fast!” Pinkie Pie continued to observe Sunset Shimmer skid around a corner, disappearing from sight soon after. “Did she eat one of Rainbow Dash’s extra hot curries or something?”

Applejack had at this point poked her head into the hallway too, just missing Sunset Shimmer’s near drifting maneuver around the bend. “If Ah told ya, Pinkie Pie, you wouldn't believe me. Besides, Ah don’ think it would be right of me to—”

“Sunset Shimmer is in love with Adagio Dazzle and she came to confess in secret about it to you because she was unsure on how to properly deal with what she was feeling.” Pinkie Pie flat out replied, causing Applejack to frown and glare suspiciously at her friend. “Right?”

“How... how in the hay did you… Ya’ll weren’t eavesdropping on us, were you?”

“Nope!” Pinkie Pie shrugged. “Just a lucky guess, I suppose… that and they weren’t exactly being discreet when they were doing the nasty in Principal Celestia’s office.”

Applejack’s eyes widened at that. “Ah take it that’s another one of your lucky guesses?”

Pinkie Pie shook her head, beaming up at Applejack. “Don’t be silly! At first I thought they were having a fight, but, the naughty sounding noises they were making kind of gave it away. You see, I was kind of standing outside and listening to them when they were doing it. Kind of hard not to when they were being so really loud. Luckily not many people were in that part of the school building at that time, so I don’t think anyone else heard.”

“That’s… that’s really kind of weird, Pinkie Pie, listening in on people like that. Especially when they’re… Just how long were you—actually, no, forget it… Ah don’t think I wanna know.”

Author's Note

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