It was just another ordinary day at Crystal Prep as the students went about the business of heading to their lockers in class intervals for the needed supplies. No one in school had even bothered with the fact that it was the first of April, otherwise known as April Fool's Day. No one that is, except Indigo Zap who was making a failed attempt to look sneaky as she inserted a plain white envelope into the slot of one of the closed lockers.
“You're going to make me ask, aren't you?” Indigo turned as Sugarcoat was standing a few feet behind her.
“Oh, it's just you Sugarcoat,” the blue haired girl said as she breathed a sigh of relief. “For a second there I thought it was Sunny. Anyway, while you're here, check this out. I...”
“All the love notes from Sunny Flare's secret admirer over the past three months have really been from you for your grand April Fools prank despite the fact that Principal Cinch has banned any form of practical joke and any such activities will result in punishment up to expulsion from school.” Sugarcoat's explanation caused a brief moment of shock in Indigo before the girl frowned and folded her arms.
“You take the fun out of everything you know that?” The white haired girl shrugged off the comment as Indigo proceeded on. “Just keep your mouth shut about this and leave the master to her work.” The two went their separate ways as Indigo entered her next class. A few periods later, Indigo entered her math class where she found that the punctual Sunny Flare was already in her seat. She was even more pleased to find that the girl had brought the letter she'd placed in her locker earlier, the cover of which instructed her not to open it until a minute before the final bell.
Sunny sat in anxiousness as she watched the hands slowly travel around the clock. At last, the final minute came around and Sunny, carefully and quietly opened the letter. It read: Where the teacher stands move forward two desks and three to the right, move back two seats an I'll be in sight.
She followed the letter's instructions and turned to her secret admirer. Flare's face changed from a curious smile to one of disbelief as she witnessed Indigo Zap seated in the spot. She looked over the letter to see if she'd misread it only to look back up to find the athlete give her a wink and blow her a kiss. The bell rang shortly after and Sunny, her face flush red got out of her seat, collected her things and promptly exited the room. Indigo remained at her desk, chuckling all the while.
One Week Later
“I swear, you should have seen her face, Sugarcoat. I still can't get over it.”
“Mm-hmm.” Sugarcoat responded blandly as she stared down at her phone.
“Just wish she'd have answered her phone so I could rub it in. Come to think of it, where is she.” Indigo hopped in the air, a mischievous smile on her face as she reveled in her prank much to Sugarcoat's annoyance. The two stopped as they spotted Sour Sweet carrying a large stack of books in her arms as Lemon Zest walked beside her, her music on full blast which rendered her completely unaware of the former's plight.
“Hard study session, Sweet?” Indigo inquired as the other girl peered through an opening in the mound of books.
“Oh no, just bringing some work assignments to a Sunny, seeing as how she isn't coming back to school.”
“Huh?” Indigo said as she and Sugarcoat took notice.
“She said something happened last week and she was so embarrassed she doesn't know if she'll be back. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?”
Indigo froze for a moment as a bead of sweat rolled down her face, Sour glaring at her. “Pfft, no. No way. On an unrelated note, why don't you let me drop her work off. I know how busy you are and I'm headed that way myself.”
Several Hours Later
Indigo walked up to the doors of Flare's rather large home as she knocked on the door. A few waiting moments later, an older man in a black suit answered. “May I help you?”
“Um, I'm here to see Sunny Flare. I brought her school work.” Indigo responded as a young boy walked passed the door.
“Hey Indigo.” he said as he quickly ran to the door.
“What's up, Bellflower?”
“Eh, the usual. You here to see my sister?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, but she hasn't been out of her room for days. Come on.” Bellflower led the way as they climbed the stairs to the second floor. The two reached the door to Sunny's room and the boy knocked. “Sunny, it's me. You've got a visitor.”
“Go away,” the two hear her shout from the other side of the door. “I don't want anyone to see me like this!”
“I understand.” The young boy backed away from the door and looked up to Indigo. “It's cool.” He pulled a bobby pin out of his pocket and used it to pick the lock before walking away. “You're welcome.”
Indigo hesitated for a moment before opening the door. “Sunny?” She opened it to find the girl curled on her bed, still in her pajamas. Flare turned her attention to the open door as her classmate walked in.
“Bellflower is so dead.”
“I uh...brought your homework.” Indigo's attempt to diffuse the situation was simply met with more silence as she cleared her throat. “Listen, I'm sorry.” Her attempt at an apology was cut short as her friend got up.
“No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did.” She walked up to Indigo, who was very surprised as Sunny took her by the hands. “You just caught me off guard with that. And admittedly, I'm a bit flattered that you feel that way about me. So if you think we can make this work, then I'm game.”
Indigo stood silent for a good time as her gaze shifts from the interlocked hands to Flare's eye. “Great.” she said as she chuckled nervously.
One Week Later
Indigo, accompanied by Sugarcoat, walked to school as Indigo continued to look over her shoulder. “You're nervous,” the spectacle wearing girl noted as she wore a sly smirk. “More than likely about your girlfriend.”
“It's not funny!” Indigo shouted as Sugarcoat let out an uncharacteristic laugh.
The white haired girl wiped tears from her eyes before readopting her calm composure. “I'm not sorry, because you deserved this.”
“What am I gonna do?”
“Tell her the truth. Just explain it was a stupid prank gone wrong.”
“I can't do that now. She'll never speak to me again.”
“While I'd love to intervene, I believe your exact word's were 'Just keep your mouth shut about this and leave the master to her work'. So until you figure out something, you better get used to a lot of this.” Sugarcoat veered off to another path as the duo approached the school and Sunny Flare walked up, filling in the empty spot that the brutally honest girl had left.
“And how are you this fine morning?” she asked as she wrapped her left arm around Indigo's right just as they approached the front of the school. “Walk me to my first class?” Indigo complied as the two made their way down the hall where quite a few students were chattering among themselves as they passed, making the girl even more embarrassed by the situation.
Among the other students were Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest who waved as the two passed them. “Wow, those two look like they're getting along a lot better.” Lemon noted.
“They are a cute couple, aren't they?” said Sour as she put her hands together. “If you're into that kind of thing.”
“Yeah, they sure...wait. They're what?!”
A few hours later, Zap found herself in Principal Cinch's office. She nervously tapped her hands against her legs as she sat opposite the intimidating faculty member. “I must say Ms. Zap, I'm not surprised to find you in my office yet again. I have to admit, I believe this is the first time that you've come here of your own volition.”
“The thing is...” Indigo found herself interrupted as Cinch rearranged some papers on her desk.
Cinch chuckled lightly before addressing the student once more. “Before anything else, it has come to my attention that you have formed a...connection with Ms. Flare. While I won't speak for your preferences I will remind you that public displays of affection are strictly prohibited on school grounds.”
“About that...”
“Secondly, I'd also like to commend you.” This caught Indigo further off guard than the prior weeks events. “Given your rambunctious nature and the first of April having come up I fully expected some form of mischief to come about. Thank you for proving me wrong.”
Indigo sunk down in her seat as her anxiety began to rise. “Haha, no problem Principal Cinch. I certainly wouldn't want to be expelled for playing a cruel, hurtful joke on someone.” A few minutes later and the girl had concluded her meeting without accomplishing her goal.
“So, how did it go?” Sugarcoat said as she leaned against the wall just outside.
“Don't you have somewhere to be?”
“Not really, it's free period. Also, you knew full well that talking to Cinch would accomplish nothing.”
“There you are.” Sunny said as she ran up to Indigo and wrapped her up in a hug. She stopped as she noticed the two other girls standing in front of Cinch's door. “Were you just in the principal's office?”
Indigo gave a slow nod before she spoke. “Cinch was just commending me for not doing my usual thing.”
“Seems your relation has had a positive effect on her already.” Sugarcoat chimed in as Indigo shot her an angered look.
“Sure looks like it.” Flare gave the goggle wearing girl a peck on the cheek.
Indigo immediately put a foot of distance between the two after prying away from her. “Yeah, but she also mentioned the whole PDA thing so we might have to cool it in that regard.” She personally didn't mind keeping a good distance between them until she could figure out a way to get out of the mess she made.
Flare responded with annoyance as she pouted. “She can be such a spoil sport. Oh well.” She leaned in and whispered into the girl's ear. “We'll just have to think of some things to do after school, now won't we?” Flare gave a sly smile before heading back down the stairwell.
“Not. A. Word.” Indigo said as the white haired girl next to her departed as well.
Two Months Later
“Dude, that was awesome!” shouted Lemon Zest as she watched Sunny perform several tricks on her roller blades. The group, along with a few others had decided to spend their day at the local roller rink.
“Thanks, but trust me. You haven't seen anything yet.” Lemon waved with a bright smile on her face as the girl sped off across the rink. As soon as she was a good distance away, her expression changed to one of disgust.
“Jerk.”
“Excuse me!” Lemon turned as Fleur Dis Lee rolled up behind her.
“Oh not you, Fleur. You're awesome. I was talking about...someone else.” Lemon Zest glared at Sunny Flare as she gracefully glided across the rink.
Given the last few months, it wasn't difficult for Fleur to put two and two together“Ah, I see. The jealous friend.”
Lemon scoffed in a pattern as if she was scratching a record. “I am not jealous.” She stood still for several seconds as her classmate kept her eyes trained on her. “Fine, I am.”
Fleur guides the girl over to a table outside the rink as the two remove their roller blades. “Sit. Tell me what's going on.”
“ It's just like, you know, Indigo and me are close. Have been since before we got to Crystal Prep. Now she spends all her time with Sunny Flare. I mean what's up with that?”
“I must admit, I wasn't aware of her tastes.”
“I know, right. I'm her best friend and she never told me a thing. And now I'm losing her to...that!” Her outstretched hand gestured to Sunny as the girl performed a triple axle.
“Believe me Lemon, I know how you feel,” Fleur turned her gaze over to another couple on the rink. “Upper Crust and I used to be, how you say, thick as thieves. That was until she started dating Jet Set. We don't spend as much time together as we used to, but believe me, you're not losing Indigo.”
“Wanna bet? My dad said when he started dating my mom he lost all his friends. Now I'm going to be the poor friendless chump eating lunch alone in the corner.” She promptly burst into tears.
“Now that's not true. You'll still have Sour Sweet and Sugarcoat.” This caused Lemon to pause for a moment with the realization, which prompted her to cry even harder.
“Waaaaah! Fleur, would you cradle meeeee?”
“I don't really think...” Her attempted protest was cut short as Lemon crawled into her lap and balled like a baby. “Oh oh, we're actually doing this?”
“You realize you've let this go on far longer than it should have, right?” Sugarcoat said as she sat at one of the nearby tables.
“You think I don't know that?” Indigo shouted in her defense. “If you have an idea, I'd love to hear it.”
“I do actually.”
“Well, what is...oh no.” Indigo protested as she realized exactly what Sugarcoat's idea was and who it involved. “No, no, no, no, no.”
“It won't be that bad.”
“But I can't stand her. She always wants me to talk about my feelings and gross stuff like that.”
“I tried to give you advice before and you didn't want to listen. I'm not a professional, of course, so maybe you'll take advice from one.”
“I hate you.” Indigo said as she consigned herself to her fate.
“No you don't.”
The Next Day
“Thanks for seeing me on such short notice Ms. Tree Hugger.” Indigo thanked the green skinned, orange haired woman who sat across from her as she lay on the couch.
“It's all groovy. As a counselor and more importantly as your friend, my door is always open.”
“Right. Anyway, I really came here to talk about me and my friend, Sunny Flare.”
“Sunny?” Tree Hugger's casual smile immediately shifted to one of pure ecstasy as she jumped up from her seat. “Say no more. You must be the one she's been telling me about.”
“Wait, she comes here too?”
“You bet. And I really have to thank you.”
“Thank me? For what?”
Her eyes shifted around the room before she leaned in toward Zap. “Don't tell her I told you, but Sunny has been coming to me for a while now to talk about these feelings she's had. Her aura was really dark and she just wasn't sure what to do with it. I tried to help her but she was so convinced it was a bad thing that she just wanted to bottle it all up.”
Indigo sat up as a lump formed in her throat. “I had no idea she was going through all that.”
“Yeah, it was pretty heavy. That is, until a few months ago. She started telling me about this really cool girl she was spending time with and she wasn't so afraid of those feelings anymore. I'm so surprised it was you she was talking about, but happy at the same time. You've really helped her out of that dark cloud she was hiding herself in. Now she can soar like the majestic butterfly she was meant to be.” The counselor placed a thankful hand on the girl's shoulder. “I can't imagine where she'd be without someone like you.”
Indigo felt guilt, nervousness, anxiety and several other emotions all welling up in the pit of her stomach. “Me either, ha ha.”
After about half an hour, Indigo emerged from the office as her white haired friend passed the time on her phone. “So, how did it go?”
Zap simply placed a finger against her chest. “That is the absolute last time I take advise from you.”
“Mm hmm. Until the next time you screw up.”
Three Months Later
“Happy six month anniversary!” Flare shouted as she popped up behind Indigo as the latter sat with the rest of their friends, minus Lemon Zest, at a cafe table. The girl presented her with a large rectangular box with sparkling blue wrapping paper tied with a yellow ribbon.
“Oh wow, you shouldn't have,” Indigo said with a nervous smile as the other girl's eyes lit up as she awaited the opening of the gift. She removed the wrapping and opened the box, which revealed a brand new blue and yellow motorcycle jacket. “A new jacket?”
“Yeah, I know your old one has seen better days.”
“Ah yeah! Thanks, Sunny!” Before she realized it, Indigo had embraced the girl in a tight hug. She quickly corrected her move by stepping back for a moment before slapping herself in the head. “Wait, I didn't get you anything.”
“Yes you did. Look in the box.” Indigo reached down inside and removed the paper the jacket sat on and found a rather fancy outfit.
“You bought me a gift to give to you?”
“No silly. The outfit is for you. You're gift to me is wearing it to meet my parents.”
Indigo tensed up as the other girls traded concerned looks before they got up. “Well it was nice knowing you.” Sour Sweet said as she patted her on the back and took her leave along with Sugarcoat.
“Are you sure about this?” Indigo said with no small bit of uncertainty.
“Please, for me.” The blue haired girl attempted to shield herself as Sunny gave her huge, puppy dog eyes. Eventually, her resistance was ground into fine powder as she sighed and gave a defeated nod. “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” She delivered a peck on the cheek to Indigo that caused her to blush slightly. “You're going to love them, I promise. And I just know they're going to love you too.”
That Night
At the home of Sunny Flare, Indigo sat rather uncomfortably across from the other girl's parents as they waited in the living room. The two adults cast an unnerving glare at her as Sunny's mother spoke. “I hope you're proud of yourself.”
“For what?” Indigo asked.
“For ruining our daughter's life.” The response caused the girl to shift her eyes away from the two as she nervously tapped her foot, waiting for Flare to make her presence known.
“Okay, I'm ready.” the violet haired girl said as she descended the stairwell. Indigo jumped quickly removed herself from the awkward situation and ran over to her.
“Um, you look really nice.” the blue haired girl said.
“Aw, thanks.” Sunny wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. This made Indigo even more uncomfortable as she could still feel the cold eyes of Sunny's parents on her back as their daughter stood in front of her.
“Hey, what do you say we get going?” The blue haired girl quickly spun her “date” around and moved her toward the door.
“Oh? I just thought we could all sit and talk for a bit.”
“Believe me, I think we've all said everything that needed to be said while you were getting ready. Besides, the movie will be starting soon and I hate to miss the previews.” After the movie the two headed back out to Indigo's car. “That was epic! I'd definitely go see a sequel to that!” Soon after her boisterous statement, Indigo noticed that her passenger was noticeably quite, her gaze cast out the passenger side window. “Hey, you did like the movie, right?”
“It was fine.” she said dismissively, her face still turned away.
“What is it then?”
Sunny let out a long sigh before speaking. “It's just that...we've been going out for a while, a good long while as a matter of fact and yet...you haven't kissed me once.” Finally turning to face Indigo, the girl's face was a flush red.
For her part Indigo was now in panic mode. She'd been able to play this entire months long ordeal off as best she could and absolutely dreaded the fact that this very real possibility would rear it's head. “I uh...the thing is,” She nervously rubbed the back of her neck as she attempted to avert her eyes from the girl sitting next to her.
“You don't really like me, do you?” She turned her gaze downward as tears began to move down her face, causing her make-up to run slightly. “I saw you talking to Ms. Tree Hugger a while ago. Guess I should have figured she'd ask one of my friends to do this for me so I'd feel better about myself. Can you just take me home, please.”
Seeing her friend about to break down caused Zap to quickly pull out the first thing that came to her mind, though it may not have been the best thing. “No, I love you!” Her everything froze up as she only realized afterward what she'd just blurted out.
“Then why...?”
She followed up her blunder with yet another fabrication as she scratched her nose. “It's just that... I didn't want to be that forward. I mean...you're a classy lady and I respect that.” Indigo froze up yet again as she felt the warmth of Sunny's hand placed on top of hers as the latter reached over and stared her in the eyes with a light smile.
“Indy, you don't have to be so nervous about this. It doesn't matter to me if you're not exactly sophisticated. And if you're worried about my parents or what anyone else will think, don't. I like you just the way you are. Like you always say, it you want something you have to go for it.” The violet skinned girl slowly closed her eyes and leaned across the seat, her lips puckered out as Indigo began to feel beads of sweat rolled down her face.
“How did I let it get this far?” She pondered as she knew she couldn't keep the other girl waiting forever and reciprocated the gesture.
The Next Day
“Stop laughing!” The sound of said laughter rang out over Indigo's phone as Sugarcoat couldn't help but continue her outburst.
“For the record...”
“You tried to warn me. Yeah, I know because you keep saying it. The only reason I called you was to ask for your help with the invitations.”
“Invitations?”
“Yes, invitations.” Indigo said as her flustered voice was a sweet symphony to Sugarcoat's ears. “Sunny thinks that maybe our relationship is strong enough for the next level and that next level happens to be...”
Several Months Later
“Invitation please.” The well dressed man at the front of the building asked as Lemon Zest, accompanied by Fleur Dis Lee presented the piece of finely decorated paper that gained them access to the wedding proceedings. Behind them was a rather long line of finely dressed family and friends of the soon to be newlyweds as each waited patiently, invite in hand, to enter the building.
“Thanks for being my plus one, Fleur. I don't think I could have come by myself.”
“Don't mention it. After all, what are friends for?”
“Thanks,” Lemon halted for a moment, “You did remember to bring the stun gun in case I flip out and try to stop it, right?” Fleur confirmed this by flashing the small device nestled in her purse. “Then we're golden.” The two find their seats next to Jet Set and Upper Crust. “Hey guys.”
“Wonderful day for a wedding, no?” Fleur asked as she noticed that the couple were clearly avoiding looking at each other before Upper Crust turned to them, a forced smile on her face.
“Yes, it certainly is,” she said before turning to look at Jet Set. “It's so beautiful when two people love each other enough to make a life together. Not like others who are afraid of commitment.”
“Don't start with me woman.” Jet Set said as he folded his arms.
Back in the changing room, Indigo, in a tuxedo, was sitting nervously. Alongside her was the rooms only other occupant, Sugarcoat. “I don't know how things got so out of hand.”
“Well, you pulled a prank, one which you should have never pulled in the first place on one of your friends that led her to believe that you had a crush on her. Then, instead of coming clean with the truth you went along with it for the better part of a year, going out on dates, exchanging gifts, meeting the parents and spending holidays together all in an attempt to spare her feelings. Now you're only minutes away from tying the proverbial knot and yet you still expect someone else to fix the problem for you.”
Sugarcoat's honest tirade left a bad impression on Indigo, who fired back almost immediately. “You know what? Forget it. I'm done asking for your help. I've got a real friend to talk to that will give me some actually good advice.”
The white haired girl slapped the palm of her right hand on her face. “You're still not listening.”
“Hey, Indigo.” Sunset Shimmer cracked open the door to find the two in the middle of the argument. “Is this a bad time?”
“Glad you could make it Sunset.” Indigo turned her full attention to the new arrival. “Sugarcoat here was just leaving.” The girl complied with the statement and exited passed Sunset.
“So, you said you needed some help with something?”
Indigo took in a deep breath before she began to explain. “I had this whole thing planned out and it was just supposed to be fun but than the thing happened and now it's me and Sunny and my parents are surprisingly cool with it but Lemon won't talk to me anymore and I tried to get out of it but I don't want to hurt her feelings 'cause she kisses like an innocent little princess, and now we've got matching sleepwear and I really don't want to get expelled and I really, really need some advice that's not from a white haired know it all! What do you say?”
Sunset sat motionless for a moment as she attempted to comprehend the girl's mile a minute explanation before giving her confused response. “Heh?” Indigo groaned in frustration as she grabbed Sunset's hand and placed it on her forehead, triggering the orange haired girl's empathic ability. A few seconds later she removed her hand as Sunset's eyes ceased their eerie glow. “Wow.”
“Now do you understand?”
“I do, and I have to say...that is so beautiful.” Sunset's beaming smile went completely unnoticed by Indigo at first.
“Yeah I...wait, what?”
“I have to admit, you two seem like the classic odd couple but I've never felt such pure, honest emotions. What you have is something special and I wish you nothing but the best.” Indigo's right eye began to twitch as she began to chuckle hysterically. “Are you okay?”
“Who me? Never better. In fact, I'm so better I'm afraid I have to cut this meeting short to take care of some important last minute things. Thanks for coming Sunset. You've been a real something or other. Don't forget to stick around for the reception.” She quickly removed Sunset from the room and plopped down in the nearby chair as she frantically tried to rationalize things.“That can't be right, can it? Doesn't matter now. Maybe it's just friendship, maybe it's something more. One thing's for sure. I do care about Sunny, enough to not hurt her.”
Her thoughts were cut short as a girl with blue skin and blonde hair stuck her head in. “Hey cousin, they're ready.”
“Thanks Lightning.” After what felt like an eternity, Indigo and Sunny stood opposite each other in front of the mass of gathered guests. Indigo did her best not to let the other girl see her sweat as the ceremony continued. As much as she was here for Sunny, Indigo half wished that something would happen like in the movies where someone would come in and say “I object!” loudly and boldly and put an end to this all. Unfortunately it wasn't coming from any of the parents, despite the complete and utter disdain Flare's parents seemed to have for the blue haired athlete.
It certainly wasn't coming from Sugarcoat, who'd decided to let the girl stew in the juices of her own mistakes. The final person who she thought would cause a loud outcry at the most inopportune moment for everyone was seated quietly, third row from the front with a surprisingly happy expression on her face as she gave a small wave. Unbeknownst to her, any attempt by Lemon to interrupt the proceedings was checked by Fleur Dis Lee, who had the stun gun pressed to her hip and just out of sight of anyone else.
With a lump in her throat as large as a bowling ball, Indigo heard the classic word. “If anyone here has any reason that these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold your peace.” Not one word was spoken from anyone in the room.
“Then by the power vested in me...”
“Stop!” The entire room took notice as Sunny Flare loudly protested. “I can't, I just can't.”
“What?!” Indigo was in absolute confusion as Flare lowered her head. “I don't get it. I thought this is what you wanted.” Flare began to sob heavily as Indigo put a reassuring arm on her shoulder. “Tell me what's wrong.”
“Promise, you won't be mad?” Flare asked, her face still cast downward.
“You know I won't.”
Sunny sniffled before she cleared her throat. Indigo was shocked as the other girl looked up at her with a huge smile on her face. “April Fool's!” the entire room shouted as Indigo was dumbfounded.
“What? I mean...what?” she stammered as Sunny Flare chuckled before she explained.
“Got you good, huh? I knew about you're prank from day one. You thought you could pull one over on me? I had to drag this out for one whole year just for that extra touch of irony. I'm honestly surprised you didn't realize that.” She handed Indigo an invitation. Sure enough it was dated “The First of April”.
Indigo blushed with embarrassment at her lack of attention. “Well I had a lot on my mind if you hadn't noticed.”
“Face it deary, I'm a way better prankster than you. It did take quite a bit of effort and promises to make it work. I'd like to give special thanks to Principal Cinch, Ms. Tree Hugger and Sunset Shimmer.” The aforementioned three stood up in the audience and waved to her.
“So all of you were in on it?” Indigo turned to the mass of people.
“Lemon wasn't!” the green haired girl shouted from her seat.
“But, all this?”
“I'm gonna be honest, because of this I'm not having a graduation party or any Christmas or birthday gifts until I'm in my early thirties and my real wedding is going to be done in a drive-thru chapel with a fat Elvis impersonator. Still, all worth it.”
“Was the kiss?”
Sunny reached a hand to her lips and peeled off two translucent sheets. “Wax lips. As if I was going to let you take my first kiss.”
“But you made me go through all of this. I felt horrible about what I was doing. I was seriously having an identity crisis because of all this!”
“Well you tried to prank me. Now we're even.” she turned back to the assembled guests. “Thanks everyone for coming and being a part of this special day. Hopefully Indigo here has learned her lesson about the dark side of pranks. Still, feel free to help yourselves to the buffet, it's all been paid for. And Indigo, I got you good.”
“And that's a wrap.” a man wearing glasses said as he sat in the front row.
“What?” He walked up to the still baffled Indigo and pointed up to a collection of balloons in the corner where a hidden camera was perched.
“Say hi to the camera, Indigo Zap. You're the latest victim on everyone's favorite show...”
“I Got You Good!” everyone said in unison. Her nationwide humiliation was the straw that broke the camel's back as Indigo promptly fainted.
Later
“Hey Indy,” Lemon Zest said as she held two plates with a slice of cake on each and sat next to her friend on the steps of the building as everyone was enjoying the outdoor reception. “Cake?”
“Yes Lemon, I really want cake,” Indigo gave a sarcastic smile. “I spent the last year falling over myself to please a friend I thought had a romantic interest in me just so I wouldn't crush her only to find out that she'd planned an elaborate series of events to make a fool of me on a grand scale. But yeah, I'm sure cake will make it all better.”
“So is that a yes or a sarcastic no?”
Indigo sighed as she accepted the plate. “I am never going to live this down.”
“Look on the bright side. In a few weeks everyone will be hooked on some new reality show and forget all about your five minutes of fame. Well except for all of us. I mean, we know you and we'll never let this die. In fact I heard a few of the AV club guys talking about putting this into a clip show for our high school reunion down the line.” Indigo almost threw her face into the cake as she put her head down.
“Cheer up Indy. At least you didn't end up like that.” The two turned their attention to the reception area where Jet Set and Upper Crust were in the middle of an argument which culminated in the girl hitting her boyfriend in the head with a piece of cake and storming off. “And besides that, you showed just how loyal you are to your friends. I doubt Rainbow Dash can honestly ever say she went this far.”
This perked up Indigo a bit. “Yeah, I guess so. Say you want to get out of here and head to the arcade?”
Lemon rubbed the back of her head for a moment. “Well I would, but Fleur got us tickets to a concert tonight. Rain check?”
“Sure thing.” The two stood up and shared a hug before Zest headed out. A short while later Sunny Flare walked over. “Come to have another laugh?”
“No I've gotten that all out of my system.” Sunny's joke was not as humorous to Indigo as it was to her. “I just wanted to talk for a bit.”
“Look, I'm sorry for the pranking. I wasn't thinking about how it could have really hurt you.”
“No you didn't. That being said, I forgive you. I trust that, given what you've been through today, you've learned your lesson?”
“You got that right. Think I'll take a break on the pranks for a while and show a little more self control.”
“I'd appreciate that. Still, I have to admit I was a bit flattered that you'd go to the lengths of marriage just to make someone you had no romantic interest in happy.”
“Yeah, well from now on don't think I don't care the next time I do something stupid. Come to think of it, I guess you'll be wanting all your gifts back, huh?”
“Nah, keep them. From one close friend to another.” The two shared a long hug after which Sunny walked around behind Indigo and whispered in her ear. “Think I'll keep the sexy sleepwear too. You never know what'll happen.” She gifted Indigo a surprise slap on the butt before giving a wink and walked off.
Indigo's cheeks turned crimson as the flustered girl collapsed back on the stairs. “Somehow, I'll never understand women.”
A cake covered Jet Set sat down beside her as Upper Crust's shouting could be heard in the distance. “Welcome to my world.”
Author's Note
Try my best for the pacing of a short story though I think it still might come off as a bit jarring. Gave myself a deadline on this and said to myself that it was going to be finished on time.
