The Cello and The Guitar

Chapters

Prologue: Hand Troubles
Chapter 2: Lunch With The Girls
Chapter 3: Just Girls Talking
Chapter 4: Once Again
Chapter 5: Distracted
Chapter 6: Waiting
Chapter 7: Unintentional Meeting
Chapter 8: Icarus
Chapter 9: Like A Yo-Yo
Chapter 10: Realization
Chapter 11: Worn Thin
Chapter 12: Preoccupied
Chapter 13: From Equestria With Love
Chapter 14: Forest of Discovery
Chapter 15: Home
Chapter 1: A Brief Run In

Prologue: Hand Troubles

Sunset Shimmer pensively chewed on her lower lip as her shaking hand grasped the pen, it’s tip resting mere millimeters above the page of her magic journal. This had been getting out of hand, she needed to tell someone about this!

...Right?

Who else could she turn to? The other girls would make a huge ordeal about the situation. Rarity would faint, Rainbow Dash would jeer and harass her, Pinkie would throw a party the likes of which Canterlot has never seen.

She would…

Sunset took a deep breath, begging her trembling heart to calm, if only for a minute.

The rapid beating continued.

“Celestia damnit…” Sunset cursed quietly as her whole body continued to quake. She took another breath, inhaling, holding, and releasing in short, steady patterns.

“Come on, Shimmer. This shouldn’t be this difficult! All you need to do is put pen to paper. Princess Twilight will understand! She’s your friend.”

Her hand refused to move closer to the paper.

“She’s not gonna overblow the situation. People and Ponies fall in love, it’s totally natural and a part of life!”

Her hand seemed to shake it’s head at her.

“Hell, mares outnumber stallions in Equestria, so it’s not uncommon for mares to fall in love with other mares! I mean, sure, Gaia is a little more… well, different about this sort of thing…”

...Did her hand just laugh at her? Okay, this was getting a bit much. Sure, this is a difficult subject- interspecies relationships often are- but she was the same species here on Gaia. Yes, Sunset was originally born and raised in Equestria, a world of magic and talking horses. But on Gaia she was human, just like everyone else!

“Yeah, but I’m still pretty much an illegal alien…” Sunset sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Why would she even be interested in me? I mean, I was the biggest bitch in the universe for three years! That alone gives her enough reason to say no! And she has a reputation to keep… I mean, sure, people are warming up to me more now that I helped defeat the Sirens. But she’s rich! I ride a fourth-hand, rust bucket of a moped while she gets to ride in a limo to and from school each day!”

Her spasming slowly started to subside, melancholy starting to build in Sunset’s gut as she sat there ruminating.

“There’s no way she would ever say yes to someone like me…” the pen slipped out of Sunset’s now limp hand, landing with a mute thump. She brought her hands up to her face, burying it as deep into them as she could, shaking her head and causing her wild mane of hair to splay out around her.

“Celestia above…” she groaned as she flopped back onto her bed, her body bouncing momentarily as her arms flung out.

Her journal sat open on her lap, the pen bouncing around slightly before rolling to a rest in the gap between the pages.

“Should I even go through with this?” Sunset asked the ceiling fan that was slowly rotating above her.

No response.

“Some help you are…” Sunset flipped an errant digit at the inanimate object, and was about to roll over when the book on her lap gave a large buzz.

“Wah!” Sunset shot up to a sitting position, her eyes narrow as they shot to the book now sitting shut beside her as it gently pulsed with purple light.

“Princess Twilight? What does she want?” Sunset whispered as she grabbed the book, flipping it open rapidly.

Sunset? Were you just trying to reach me?

Sunset’s brow furrowed. She hadn’t wrote anything, so how did Twilight-

The pen slid down to reveal a small mess of ink along the edge of the page.

“...Fuck…” a resounding sound of skin on skin contact filled the air as Sunset’s hands mercilessly slapped her face, leaving a set of deep red marks and stinging flesh as she removed them. Now what was she going to do!?

“Okay, Shimmer.” Sunset shook her head, trying her best to hype herself up as she grabbed her pen, rapidly thumbing the top button and causing the tip to pop in and out. “It’s go time. Now or never. You gotta do it. She got alerted. She knows. You can’t ignore her- WHY WON'T YOU GO DOWN!?”

Sunset brought her right hand up and started shaking it violently as she held onto the pen for dear life. Refusing to write earlier was one thing! But now Princess Twilight was waiting patiently on the other end of the Journal for her to respond.

Another short buzz and pulse of purple light as the purple Pony Princess sent another short message.

Sunset? Are you there?

“COME ON YOU PONY FEATHER! GO! DOWN!” Sunset yelled as she grabbed her wrist and attempted to force it down to write on the paper, to respond to her best friend.

Her hand was rebelling as she forced a scratchy line to be made made, her left hand forcing her rigid right to move and write.

anm here

Sorry

Sunset let out the breath that she had been holding, making an exasperated sound as it passed through her grit teeth. Hopefully Princess Twilight was still there and hadn’t left.

Sunset! Are you alright!?

Great. She had made her friend worried! This was just…

“I hate you, hand.” Sunset snarled at the extension of her body, the extremity sitting there unmoved and unmoving.

Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry about all this.

Sunset paused, unsure of how to progress. At least her hand was listening to her now?

That’s good. Now, is there a reason you woke me up at three oh seven in the morning?

Sunset’s face grew a deep blush as she turned and looked out her window at the twinkling stars.

Ooops...

Dear Princess Twilight,

I think I’m in love…

Let me go back to the start- at least I think it’s the start of this whole?

You see...

Chapter 2: Lunch With The Girls

Author's Note

Gosh Darn FimFic counting my ~ (How I show a passage of time or space without ending the chapter) as a word! xD

Chapter 2: Lunch With The Girls

Sunset shifted around uneasily at the end of the lunch line, the cafeteria a mess of students chatting and eating at tables, and the remaining few waiting in line to get their food. Sunset made sure to try and stay at the end of the line, the same she had been doing since the aftermath of the Fall Formal. To the credit of the students, they were at least trying to stop Sunset from letting them skip in front of her, which was nice, but she was still insistent that they take her spot in line.

“Haaaa…” Sunset turned around just in time to see four more students enter the cafeteria. “I do hope that Mother will be calmer when I arrive home tonight…”

“I’m- No, I’m not sure that she will be.” came the friendly, teasing tones of Lyra Heartstrings as she playfully swatted at the shoulder of Octavia Melody, the cellist having crossed her arms across her chest. “That banshee is something else.”

“Lyra! Watch your voice!” Bon Bon chided, a slight scowl on her features as she glared at the lyrist, her pink and blue curls bouncing in time with her steps.

“Hey! You all know I’m right! Vinyl? You’re on my side, aint’cha?” the mint hued girl look across the taller form of Octavia at the girl who was busy pressing her blaring earphones against her ears, pausing only to throw a hand her questioning friend, the fore and pinkie finger outstretched while the thumb hold down the middle and ring fingers. “Boss! See!”

“While I am not one to deny her species, I would prefer if we dismissed the subject for the time being.” Octavia said softly, pausing just in front of Sunset as she slowly unlocked her arms. “Hello again, Sunset.”

“Good day, Miss Melody.” Sunset smirked, Octavia pausing and taking a small step back, her entire face scrunching up in an adorable manner and causing the Equestrian to burst into soft laughter.

“Errr… What’s the joke that I am missing here?” Lyra looked around, her brow furrowed as her voice carried a tone of defensive annoyance.

“I ran into Octavia this morning with her dear parents.” Sunset explained between giggles as Octavia stumbled to recover her poise. “Just a reference to that encounter is all.”

“May I ask you to keep that ordeal to yourself?” Octavia said as she finished brushing a few hairs behind her delicate ear, a weary smile on her face.

“Mum’s the word.” Sunset gave a merry wink and causing the four girls to burst into various emotions. Lyra erupted into laughter, Vinyl struggled to not do the same, Bon Bon turned to the side, her body shaking slightly as her hand covered her mouth politely, and Octavia…

Octavia groaned as her face met a dainty palm.

~Later~

“Hey, girls!” Sunset sang out as she approached the table where the rest of the Rainbooms sat. “So sorry that I’m late! As usual…”

“Heh, it ain’t no bother, shugahcube.” came the gruffly warm welcome of Applejack, the farmer bowing her stetson as Sunset took her spot.

“Don’t you ever get anything different?” Rainbow asked as she stood up and loomed over Sunset’s tray, studying the leafy greens dotted with juicy red strawberries.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity whispered harshly, glaring judgingly at the athlete. “There is nothing wrong with someone liking a certain food.”

“But where’s all the goodies!?” Pinkie asked loudly as she appeared out of nowhere, flipping Sunset’s plate around dramatically yet somehow not spilling a single morsel. “I don’t see any cupcakes!”

“Did you get a good rest last night?” Fluttershy peeked around the excitable mass of pink, her large opal eyes. “We were up a little late.”

“Eight at night isn’t late, Fluttershy. But thank you for the concern.” Sunset smiled warmly as she unbundled her plastic utensils. “I slept alright, I guess. The victory high had definitely started to wear off by that time.”

“So, uh… No more Equestrian Magic stuff for awhile, alright?” Rainbow Dash asked as she slumped back down into her seat, rubbing at her shoulder that had just been slugged by Applejack. “My studies could use some help, and the Wonderbolts are gonna be starting up indoor practices soon, so the less crazy, otherworldly shenanigans the better.”

“Don’t make me pistol whip you, Dash.” Sunset chuckled as she pointed her fork at the rainbow maned girl. “Seriously, the only one I had any control over was the Fall Formal.”

“Well at least we have Princess Twilight on speed dial now!” Pinkie was back in her seat, sipping away at a collection of taped together juice boxes that she seemed to have procured from her poofy mane of hair. “She can help us if anything happens!”

“I’m afraid I am more on the side of Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said with a slight air of her seemingly copyrighted melodrama. “All this craziness for the last few weeks has left my wardrobe and supplies in an absolutely dreadful state.”

“Well I for one am fine taking a little bit of time to relax.” Sunset said between bites of her salad. “I mean, I still would like to try and maybe look around a bit for the Sirens.”

“Why?” Fluttershy cowered behind her long strands of vibrantly pink hair, her eyes wide. “They’re so scary!”

“Yeah, that’n Princess Twilight made the lot o’ em sound a right bit vicious.” Applejack gave a concerned frown as she looked over at the lone Equestrian of the table. “Ah still believe we should leave em all be.”

“Fiiine…” Sunset groaned, looking over to her left as she put a fresh mouthful of salad in her mouth, pausing when Octavia happened to enter her vision, the girl smiling before bringing a bottle of water up to her mouth, tilting it with her head as she took a small sip.

“Whatcha lookin at, Shims?” Rainbow asked, trying to see what had caught Sunset’s attention.

“Nothin…” the unicorn responded in a blunt manner.

Chapter 3: Just Girls Talking

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 4: Once Again

“That’s the second time this week that Octavia has worn that silly tuxedo to school!” Rarity exclaimed as the rest of the Rainbooms looked towards where she was pointing, and sure enough, a granite skinned, ebony maned girl strode into the cafeteria, clad in what was a most likely exorbitantly priced tuxedo. “I don’t recall hearing that she was performing anytime soon, so why would she possibly be dressed like that?”

“Maybe she just likes looking fancy?” Rainbow shrugged nonchalantly as she kicked her sneakers up onto the table, rattling it as she leaned back in her chair. “I mean, just look at yourself, Rares.”

“You dooo like dressing up.” added Pinkie Pie, the girl finishing her umpteenth cupcake of the lunch break.

“Yes, but within reason.” a small blush spread across the fashionista’s pale features as she tried to sidestep the dig.

“Sunset?” the amber teen shook her head when she heard the questioning tones of Applejack, turning to look at the farmer who had a worried look on her face. “Is there a reason why yer starin’ at her?”

“Heh, leave it to Shimm to fall for a girl from another world!” Rainbow Dash teased, only to get blindsided by a perfectly lobbed apple bouncing off of her forehead, causing her to careen back wildly on her chair. “Ow- Hey! What the hell!”

“Seriously? You do know the reason she wore that thing at the start of the week was cause her Mother came to the school to tear the Principals a new one over the results of the Battle of the Bands, right?” Sunset shook her head at the athlete as she recover her apple from off the table. “What do you think that means about today?”

“I could feel the whole school shake on Monday…” Fluttershy whispered, hiding behind her hair like usual.

“That still doesn’t explain the starin’, horse-girl.” Rainbow sneered back, the whole table groaning at the gravitas of a missile that the girl possessed.

“What’s wrong with worrying about someone?” the Equestrian asked incredulously, her palms flipping towards the ceiling.

“She was probably just lost’n thought, Dash. Relax.” Applejack finished the conversation, swiping the girl’s feet off of the table in a smooth motion. “Now, everybody, keyword EVERYbody, Dash, remembers that we got the band room reserved for after classes today, right?”

Various noises of confirmation echoed from the other five members of the Rainbooms, with Rainbow Dash grumbling as she crossed her arms.

“One time…”

“And we’ll never let you live it down.” Sunset teased as she stuffed another mouthful of salad into her mouth.

“Oi! I don’t-” Rainbow paused as everyone, Fluttershy included, glared daggers as her as she started to move to her feet. ‘O-Okay… Maybe I do…”

Sunset left the five younger girls to chat amongst themselves as Rainbow tried desperately to defend herself from their verbal jabs, instead shifting her head over towards Octavia and her friends, the four now seated alone at a table towards the exit.

The mulberry eyed girl giggled at some comment that Bon Bon appeared to make, her hand moving up to cover her mouth so her lunch didn’t spray out, earning a small jab in the shoulder from Lyra who was seated beside her. Sunset could almost hear the music radiating from Vinyl’s headphones, yet she responded in her own mute manner.

“You really are worried about her, huh?”

Once again Sunset shook off her unnecessary staring, coming to focus on the five girls that sat with her, each studying her as she came back to earth. “I guess?” she responded, shrugging slightly. “I mean… Back when I was the old me, I did some digging on everyone at the school, and I do mean everyone. And Octavia isn’t exactly the most lucky of individuals. Just promise me that none of you will mention anything about this, okay?”

“Why don’t you go and talk to her quick?” Rarity gave a small smile as she nodded at Sunset. “I mean, not only will it relax you, but it will help continue to build your new, better name amongst the students, right?”

The rest of her Gaian friends nodded as she looked around at the four of them, Sunset giving a small chuckle as she finished off the last of her salad, before stuffing her water bottle and apple into her signature leather jacket. “Well, I’ll be back?”

She made her way quickly across the cafeteria, returning waves and call outs, as well as grinning when she caught a few of the students staring at her a little more intently than may be publicly polite. She kept a steady pace, weaving in and around students, before pausing and waving towards Octavia when the girl noticed her.

“Heya, Octavia! Lyra, Bon Bon, Vinyl, good to see the three of you as well.” she grinned as she nodded at each in turn before she took a seat beside Bon Bon and across from Octavia, the familiar scent of strawberry shampoo swimming delicately through the air as Sunset lowered her voice closer to that of a whisper. “I hope I’m not overstepping bounds, but are you alright? I mean, usually you don’t wear the tux unless you were going to be performing, or if.. Y’know…”

“I am fine, Sunset, thank you for asking.” Octavia wore a polite smile, her face a proverbial stone wall of well practiced poise and restraint.

“What’s got you so worried, Shimmer?” Lyra leaned closer, eyeing the newcomer carefully. “Start of the week was one thing, but this?”

“I promise I’m not up to anything other than making sure a fellow student is fine, okay? Like I said, apologies if I’m stepping somewhere I shouldn’t be.”

“She’s just trying to be nice, Lyra.” Bon Bon chided. “That’s all.”

“Well I got my eyes on you.” Lyra glared as she shot two fingers between her golden orbs and Sunset.

“Alrighty…” Sunset chuckled as she turned back to Octavia, studying the girl’s face in detail.

Chapter 5: Distracted

Sunset sighed as she paused in front of the door to Rarity’s boutique, her hand hovering so close that her fingertips would momentarily brush against the brassy knob. She was late. She knew she was late. But she just hadn’t been able to get Octavia out of her mind the last few days, constantly worrying that she was alright.

She had been so worried that she hadn’t fallen asleep until five in the morning today, waking up at a little after ten when her phone started blaring with incoming texts. Thankfully it was a Sunday, but she still was late to the meetup with the other Rainbooms, this time being held at Rarity’s.

Rarity…

She knew Octavia the best out of the group, she even had the cellist's cell number. Maybe she could be convinced to share it…?

“Hey girls, sorry I’m late!” Sunset called out as she entered the boutique, the bell above the door chiming loudly to assist in announcing Sunset’s arrival. “I just couldn’t get any sleep the last few days.”

“I’ll say, dear!” Sunset looked up from her boots to see Rarity looking at her in a distraught manner. “You look atrocious- No offense.”

“Did you walk through a whirlwind!?” Pinkie Pie was dancing around Sunset, poking, pulling, and prodding at the random spikes of the girl’s amber and gold coloured mane.

“The wind has been pickin’ up…” Applejack said softly as she pulled aside the material that was covering the window, the sound of the wind howling reverberating through the window. “...Wait, did you go’n walk through this storm, Sunset?”

“...Walk? Storm?” Sunset looked up at the farmer, her brow furrowed. “What are you-”

Sunset was cut off as light flooded through the window, the massive crash of thunder following almost instantly as the lights to the Boutique died.

“...Talking about…?” Sunset’s face fell into a frown as she made her way towards the window, now the only source of faint light in the room. “When the hell did this start?”

“It’s been happening all morning, Shimms,” Rainbow Dash chuckled as she turned on the flashlight of her phone, before starting to attempt and pry Fluttershy off of her leg. “How did you not notice!?”

“I… I don’t know… I guess I was still worrying about Octavia?” Sunset replied lamely, giving an equally weak shrug.

“She’s still on your mind?” Rarity piped up as she crept towards the window, stealing the blinds from Applejack and returning them to covering the window. “I do say that she is becoming something of an obsession, dear.”

“Is that why you were such a space cadet at practice the other day?” Rainbow grunted as she dragged Fluttershy towards one of the benches that sat around the front room.

“Was I?” Sunset followed her friends as everyone slowly made their way to the impromptu sitting area.

“Ya were more than a mite bit out there, shugahcube.” Applejack confirmed, giving a slow nod.

“Come on, Fluttershy! Let! GO!” Rainbow Dash finally managed to slip her leg out of Fluttershy’s trembling lock, stumbling backwards a few steps before steadying herself. “Okay, where’s the damn breaker box, Rares?”

“Oh, this way, Dashie.” Rarity got up to her feet and started off towards the back room, sky blue athlete in tow.

Applejack sighed as she got up and moved over to take a seat beside Sunset, wrapping an arm around her as she brought them close. “Ah know yer worried about her, Sunset. But there’s only so much ya can do fer her, ya know?”

“I can be there for her to talk to. I can try and make her smile. I can-”

“Sunset…” the amber skinned girl paused her rambling when the farmgirl spoke up, turning to look at her. “Ya need ta relax, girl. I know ya want ta help her, but things have changed since tha Battle o’ tha Bands.”

Sunset tilted her head, frowning slightly at the comment. In the distance, she thought she heard dull thud.

“People have forgiven ya now, seein as ya saved the lot of em an all.” the blonde girl continued. “Ya don’t need ta try and keep provin’ that ya have changed.”

“...I still gotta try…” Sunset whispered softly, causing Applejack to let out a sigh of her own, pulling Sunset a little bit closer.

“Well you do you, Sunset. Just remember that tha rest o’ us are here fer ya. Alright?”

Sunset smirked, nodding her head as she rested an arm around Applejack. “Thanks…”

Just as soon as she spoke the room was flooded with light, a fearful noise erupting from where Fluttershy was as Sunset was blinded.

“The aliens are back! The aliens are back!” screamed Pinkie Pie, the sound of her running around could be heard as Sunset’s vision slowly returned, only to notice Pinkie stop when Rarity and Rainbow Dash returned. “Oh, hi Ma- You two!”

Sunset was about to welcome them back as well, only to pause as she watched Rarity move a few errant strands of hair back into place, while what looked like the remnants of a blush left her face.

“Took the two o’ ya long enough!” Applejack shouted, shaking her head as she received a double digit response from Rainbow Dash, Sunset merely chuckling in response. Maybe she had just been seeing things?

“Okay, so now that everyone is here, and the lights are on, who’s ready to have some fun?” Rarity asked after clearing her throat with a quick cough.

“Oooh! Ohohohoh! Me! Pick meeee!” Pinkie slid across the floor on her knees, stopping just before the fashionista with one pink arm raised up to the roof.

“Yes, yes, Pinkie, go get everything ready.” Rarity responded, sending Pinkie off, before pausing and walking over to the motioning Sunset. “Yes, dear?”

Sunset looked around uneasily, everyone else having followed Pinkie to the back room. She took an extra deep breath before leaning forward.

“Can I get Octavia’s number?” she whispered softly into Rarity’s pale ear.

Chapter 6: Waiting

Author's Note

Hey all! Just a heads up that it looks like I'm gonna be doing 2 chapters per day! At least until the flashback is over, at which point things may change a little~ >;'3

Turns out that when you're used to pumping out multiple 4000-ish chapters a week, it's pretty easy to do multiple 1000 word chapters a day ^^;

Chapter 6: Waiting

“Good morning, Octavia.” Sunset beamed as she waved towards the approaching girl, the smaller limo departing behind the ebony mane cellist.

“Good morning, Sunset. What are you doing here?” Octavia paused in front of Sunset as the girl pushed off of the horse statue that sat in front of Canterlot High School.

“Well, I mean I am still a student here.” Sunset chuckled as she watched Octavia blush slightly in embarrassment.

“N-No, I meant-”

“I was waiting for you to arrive.” Sunset responded, before motioning for them to head into the school building. “Wanted to make sure you weren't dressed up in a tuxedo again.”

“Ah, well I appreciate the concern, Sunset, but please don’t let it bother you.” Octavia’s voice was calm and level, but her small smile betrayed the small hint of appreciation. “I must say, you certainly have changed a lot.”

“Yeah, well getting blasted into the ground by a massive rainbow laser should be enough to make anyone realize that they messed up.” the pair giggled at Sunset’s comment as they passed over the differently coloured chunk of concrete that proclaimed the spot of Sunset’s “defeat” during the Fall Formal.

“...Did it hurt…?” Octavia asked gently, her gaze remaining forward even as Sunset looked over at her.

“Not enough if you ask some people.” came the quiet response as the pair approached the doorway, Sunset hurrying forward to open the door for her classmate. “After you.”

Octavia responded with a warm smile and a nod as she made her way into the quiet halls of the school. “I always prefer to show up a little early, before the halls become such a mess.”

“Ya, it helped to show up early when I was still helping clean up the school.” Sunset snickered as she came to a pause beside the slightly shorter girl. “So what’s your schedule like?”

“Mine? Well today I start with math, before going to gym. Thankfully I have a spare after that, so I am able to get somewhat showered before lunch.” Octavia recited with perfect clarity, her cultured voice lingering in Sunset’s mind for an extra moment before she responded.

“Oh! So you’re the one still showering!” she chuckled as she looked down at Octavia, resting her hands on her hips. “I have gym third period, and I always wondered who it was that was still showering while the rest of us were changing.”

“A proper lady should clean herself.” Octavia’s features gained a slight blush as she defended herself. “What about yourself? What are your mornings like?”

“Advanced social, advanced english, the gym and lunch. Advanced chem, advanced math, and ending with advanced-”

“Do you not have a spare? S-Sorry to interrupt.” Octavia stepped back a slight as the blush returned to her cheeks, slightly deeper than before.

“Nah. I mean, truth be told I’m not exactly learning anything new here. Well, history, I guess, but chemistry is a lot safer than alchemy.” Sunset subconsciously pawed at her forearms as a phantom burning ran down them.

“Still, that is quite the workload!” Octavia said in amazement, awe glinting in her eyes.

“Heya, Tavs!” the duo turned around to see Lyra and Bon Bon enter the school, a mass of students behind them as a city bus sat disgorging them by what looked like the thousands. “Sunset? What are you doing here so early?”

“I’ve been coming to school early everyday since the Fall Formal. I’m usually off somewhere cleaning or something.” Sunset smirked as the new pair stopped in front of them. “I should let ya get ready for class, Octavia. I’ll probably spot ya at lunch.”

“...What’s her deal of late?” Lyra asked as Sunset departed, the Equestrian feeling her golden eyes staring intently into the her back.

“Oh, hush Lyra.” she heard Octavia chide as Sunset rounded the corner, a small smile on her face.

~Lunch~

“Okay, stopping by to chat is one thing, but this?” Sunset smirked as Lyra sat down while grumbling.

“What? Can’t I sit somewhere different for lunch?” Sunset asked as innocently as she could, earning a cold glare from the girl. “Let me guess, you haven’t forgiven me yet for the last three years, huh?”

“You can’t deny that I’m justified…” the lyrist muttered as the other three girls sat down.

“Touche, though I hope that someday you come to see that I am better person now than I was then.” Sunset gave a small frown. “Truth be told I needed a small break from Pinkie before I went insane.”

“Understanda-”

“I’m pretty sure that like, ninety percent of the school would beg for you to sit with them.” Lyra interjected, holding out a hand to silence Bon Bon. “So why us?”

“The jocks just want to stare, the nerds as well, the fashionistas just want to use me for popularity- should I continue?” Sunset raised a brow as she paused her explanation. Of course, another reason floated around in the recesses of her mind.

“She just needed some normal, non judgemental company for lunch, Lyra.” Octavia said, pausing to take a drink from her water bottle. “Is that too much to ask.”

“...Sunset? Why are you staring at Octavia?” Sunset furrowed her brow as she looked over at Lyra, a pit of annoyance building in her gut.

“Staring? She was talking, I was listening.” Sunset shook her head. “Look, if you’re that uneasy around me, I’ll go, alright?”

Sunset started to stand up, only to pause when she heard a rattle beneath the table and Lyra cry out.

“Ow! The fuck was that for, Scratch!?” the green girl howled as she bent over, hands vanishing under the table. Sunset watched as the DJ stared intently at Lyra, frowning slightly as she shook her head before looking up and nodding at Sunset.

“Stay, I insist.” said Octavia, an apologetic smile on her delicate features, warming Sunset’s body as she sat back down, a warm smile of her own spreading across her face.

“Thank you.”

Chapter 7: Unintentional Meeting

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 8: Icarus

Sunset yawned as she shut the door to the girls change room behind her. She had gotten out of class early and decided to just go and get ready for gym. The gymnasium itself was empty, which felt strange. Maybe they were all outdoors?

“Oh, hello, Sunset.”

The amber girl paused as the unmistakably cultured tone that the voice of one Octavia Melody rang out through the air. Her eyes were glued on the form of the young girl who was struggling with her undergarments, her arms currently wrapped awkwardly around her.

“Hey, Octavia… What are you doing in here right now? Shouldn’t you be in class?” Sunset slowly made her way over to the girl, her mind torn between keeping eye contact with the girl but not staring at her.

“Class was thankfully cut short.” the cellist responded followed afterwards with a soft grunt as she struggled with her bra. “Cursed thing! Sunset…? Might I bother you for a spot of assistance?”

“You’re fine with me doin’ this? After what I said at the cafe?” Sunset did her best to stop the sudden shaking in her arm, her mind rapidly becoming conflicted about the whole scene before her. Why was she feeling this way all so suddenly?

“Well I would be loathe to continue on the day without a brassiere, and you are currently available.” Octavia gave a small giggle, causing Sunset’s heart to skip a beat. “Besides, it is not right to judge anyone on subjects of that matter.”

“Well I appreciate the vote of confidence.” Sunset chuckled, her tone trembling as much as she was as she moved behind the shorter girl, surprising herself at how much she was taking in the sweeping curves of-

“Okay, if you could undo the clasp, I’ll get my arms through the straps.” Octavia instructed, breaking Sunset out of her dazed state. “Afterwards if you could clasp it I would be most appreciative.”

“O-Okay.” Sunset cursed internally as she responded, watching the delicate grey arms of Octavia maneuver around, leaving Sunset free to fiddle with the partially askew clasp.

Her mind was suddenly thankful of the fourth letter of the alphabet as the clasp came undone, letting go of the piece of clothing and allowing the cellist to hook her arms through the now available straps, before relaxing and waiting for Sunset.

“Cheers, love.” Octavia smiled over shoulder as Sunset finished re-clasping the two back straps together, the Equestrian taking a step back as Octavia rolled her shoulders.

“No problem, heh…” Sunset scratched the back of her head as she gave a friendly smirk, taking in the simplicity of-

“So, how has your day been so far?” monocles and top hats flew through Sunsets mind at Octavia’s question, the turn turning around and picking up her bag of gym clothes.

“O-Oh, you know… Same old, same old.” now it was images of endless fields of strawberries, glistening with morning dew. “Sorry I wasn’t there to meet you this morning- I mean, not that I have to be there, heh heh…”

What the everflying Celestia am I doing right now!? the young woman yelled at herself as she dug into the bag.

“Are you alright, dear?” Sunset heard the gentle sounds of her fellow students footsteps draw close, concern in every syllable.

“Yup! I’m fine, I just…” Sunset paused and did her best to fake a large yawn, bringing a hand up to her mouth as she stretched slightly. “Sorry about that, guess I slept less than I thought last night.”

“...If you’re sure…” Octavia did not sound convinced in the slightest as her footsteps paused right behind the taller girl. “Perhaps I made you uneasy asking for help?”

“No!” Sunset spun around, eyes wide. “No, sorry, I mean… It’s fine, really. I just was worried that, well, since you know what I’m like potentially-”

“Like I said, Sunset, I don’t judge people on their preferences.” Sunset couldn’t but give a small smile. “I mean, just because I have no interest in the matter, doesn’t mean I should berate others for having their own.”

Sunset’s insides ran cold. The smile remained on her face, but that was only due to her being unable to move a single part of her body.

Oh…

“Oh my… I didn’t know they made them that size.” Octavia said as she peaked around Sunset and studied the undergarment laying on top of her gym clothes.

“Huh? Oh, that… Yeah, it’s a custom piece I got recently from Rarity…” Sunset replied in a sombre tone, turning around and finishing retrieving all of her gym gear and placing it on the bench. “One of the first things she did after the Fall Formal…”

“Well that was quite generous of her.” Octavia gave a small smile before returning to getting dressed. Sunset was sure the two of them shared some degree of small talk, but it wasn’t long until Octavia was on her way out.

“See you later perhaps, Sunset?” her tone was friendly, but Sunset could tell there was something else beneath it.

“Yup! Later Octavia.” Sunset waved, a forced smile on her face as she watched the girl depart, waiting until the sound of the door shutting before she collapsed down onto the bench, cradling her head in her hands.

What was she doing? The scent of strawberry shampoo still filled the air, only adding to the quaking in her heart as she sat there, trying to comprehend what was happening to her. Sure, she had her few flings back in Equestria, but she had never felt anything like this before.

She wasn’t focused on Octavia solely out of concern for her well being. No, there was something else that had moved its way in, slowly slipping into the reasoning behind Sunset’s fixation of Octavia.

Sunset was a Unicorn mare from Equestria, a world that was mirrored somewhat here in Gaia, but home to a whole other species.

One of which it seemed that she was attracted to.

Chapter 9: Like A Yo-Yo

“A-TEEEENSION Canterlot High School!” came the bombastic voice of Canterlot’s head party planner as she exploded through the cafeteria door and spun from pillar to pillar in a blur of pink. “You are all hereby invited to Canterlot High School’s Halloween party, hosted by yours truly!”

Cheers and other happy cries erupted from the students gathered in the cafeteria at Pinkie Pie’s announcement, the girl giggling as she leapt gaily from pillar to pillar, her lunch tray somehow balanced perfectly on top of her head even as she landed perfectly onto her open chair at the Rainbooms' table, the other girls clapping her impressive feat as she landed.

Or at least most of them did.

“Sunset? What’s up with you today?” Rainbow Dash asked as the clapping around the table died out, the athlete wearing a strangely concerned look on her face.

“Ya… You’ve been a mite bit… Off, sugahcube.” Applejack added, bending over as she looked intently at Sunset. “What’s up?”

“Hm? Oh, was I spaced out again?” Sunset looked up from errantly stabbing at her salad, her face stuck in a near permanent frown since an hour earlier. “Sorry, just… Tired, I guess…”

“Probably just that time of the month.” Rainbow Dash leaned back, obviously no longer concerned about her friend, only for a resounding crack to fill the air once Fluttershy’s fist connected with the sky blue girl’s arm. “FUCKING OW, FLUTTERSHY!”

“Behave.” the normally meek girl commanded, a disapproving scowl spread across her face.

“This appears like more than just one being tired, dear.” it was Rarity’s turn to sound concerned as she got up and walked over to the off beat Sunset, kneeling down as she rest a hand across the girl’s back. “What’s wrong? Is it something to do with Octavia?”

Sunset couldn’t stop the icy chill that ran down her spine, or the fact that she froze up at Rarity’s question. Had Octavia noticed something earlier? Dread was starting to consume her at the thought of Octavia having mentioned something to Rarity.

“N-No, Octavia’s fine! I mean, she hasn’t worn the tuxedo all week, right?” Sunset’s obviously fake smirk was not well received by the marshmallow hued girl, whose frown of concern only deepened. “I promise, Rarity, I’m just tired…”

“I promise…” Sunset muttered as she looked back at her salad, the green leafs seeming to lack all colour.

“Octavia, dear, can you come over here for a moment?” Sunset shot up straight to her feet once Rarity raised her voice, spinning around to watch Octavia point at herself in confusion, before slowly standing up and making her way over towards them.

“Rarity!? What in the everliving-”

“Sunset? Da Faq is coming out of your mouth right now?” Sunset paused as she looked over at Rainbow, the girl’s face a perfect picture of bemusement.

“What? What do you mean “What is coming out of my mouth right now”?”

“Er, Sunset? Are ya speakin’ in tongues or somethin’?” this time Sunset spun to look Applejack, the farm girl scratching her head as she looked Sunset in confusion, making Sunset realized that she had just spent the last few seconds speaking entirely in Equestrian.

“...Equestrian, right…” she groaned as her hand slapped against her forehead, grimacing as she heard Octavia draw nearer.

“Yes, love?” Octavia said as she paused right in front of Sunset and Rarity, before pausing and nodding warmly at the amber teen. “Hello again, Sunset. Thank you again for the hand earlier. I swear, sometimes I am all thumbs.”

“Earlier?” Rarity’s face took on a Cheshire Cat like grin as she looked back and forth between the two girls. “Why, whatever do you mean?”

“N-Nothing! She meant nothing!” Sunset rushed forward, before realizing that she was only dooming herself further with her outburst.

“Oh, I was, er…” Octavia paused before motioning for Rarity to come closer, Sunset barely able to hear the quiet whisper from the cellist. “I was having trouble with my brassiere earlier in the changing room, and Sunset helped me.”

Rarity tilted her head, a confused look growing on it as she glanced over at Sunset. “Is that what all this is about?”

“See...” Sunset let out a heavy sigh, relishing the fact that maybe this would work out in the end anyways. “I told you so… Maybe you should relax on all the snooping?”

“Point taken.” Rarity responded as she held her hands up in apology. “My apologies, Sunset.”

“It’s fine. Sorry about all this, Octavia.” Sunset gave a sad smile as she turned around and sat back down in her seat.

“Oh, before you go, Octavia! I had a question regarding that supposed “boyfriend” your mother is so desperate to set you up with.” Sunset's ears perked up at Rarity’s next comment, a confused gathering of emotions racing through her.

“Ah, yes. Well my mother knows my stance on the matter. I may be your typical young girl and pinning for a relationship, but I also have to focus on my art.” Sunset felt all of her earlier dread and concern start to fly away at Octavia’s comment, realizing that she had misunderstood the slate skinned girl’s earlier comments, a giddy smile starting to build as she started stuffing her salad into her mouth.

“Ah, such a shame. His loss I guess?” the two girls shared girly giggles on the girly subject, while Sunset was trying her best to not shed joyous, girly tears into her salad. She listened as the two shared their farewells, Octavia slowly returning to her table as Rarity returned to her seat.

“I could kiss you right now.” Sunset proclaimed loudly in Equestrian as Rarity sat down, beaming a Pinkie level smile as she shook her head. “You have more than made up for prodding me about my emotions, Rarity.”

“Umm… Sunset?” Rarity gave a self conscious giggle. “Can you say that again in a language the rest of us know?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Sunset chuckled as she returned to eating.

Chapter 10: Realization

“Thank you all! Have a good party!” Rainbow Dash called out as the Rainbooms departed the stage amidst a sea of applause. The gymnasium had been packed by what looked to be the entirety of the student body of Canterlot High School, everyone dressed up in some manner, ranging from complicated and exotic looking outfits, to…

“Really, Rainbow? You’re Wonderbolts uniform?” Rarity chastised as the group descended the stage. Rarity had done her usual all-out approach to the evening, decked to the nines in one of her latest designs. Quite out of place for the evening, but better than Rainbow Dash’s soccer uniform Sunset had to admit.

“Ah agree.” Applejack added as she shifted her bass around. She wore a flannel top, straw sticking out at points as a plastic cleaver clapped against the side of her jean clad thigh. Her face was done up by Rarity’s amazing makeup skills, turning the gentle farmer into a bloody and sadistic scarecrow.

Fluttershy giggled as she reseated her squirrel ears as the girl’s “pony’d up” state dissipated, her large, fluffy looking tail bobbing behind her.

“Ah, relax!” Pinkie yelled as she popped up in front of Fluttershy, sending the meek girl stumbling back with a panicked shriek as what seemed to be a giant green aligator with vibrant pink curls invaded her vision, a similar looking plushy hanging around at her hip.

Sunset rolled her eyes at the whole scene as she deposited Guy into his case, swatting aside her limp, spade tipped tail. She had decided on a daemonic looking costume, one meant to reference her Fall Formal state as a hopefully final nail in the coffin of that dark day. The crowd seemed to love it, though that may be due to the fact of how provocative the costume was.

“Move aside!” commanded Trixie, the girl’s arm throwing out her large, red cape in a dramatic fashion. It’s collar was popped up around her face as a large necklace of an ovular shape bounced upon her chest as she walked past. “The Sorcerer Supreme, the Great and Powerful Trixie must showcase her newest feat!”

The group giggled before nodding and starting to split up. Sunset decided to make her way over to the refreshment stand, passing through the crowd of students fixated on the display happening up on the stage. More or less.

“Goin’ for the no shame look, are we?” Sunset shook her head as she turned around to smirk at Lyra Heartstrings, the pirate girl wearing a smug grin.

“I guess, I mean it’s not like this is what most people would ask to see on a daily basis.” Sunset shrugged as she watched Bon Bon approach. “Heya Bon Bon.”

The girl, also dressed up like a pirate, waved as she drew in close to Lyra. “Come on, Lyra, we promised to get Vinyl some refreshments!”

“Oh yeah, she must be melting in that booth!” Sunset stood, allowing the duo to make up a small pate to take to the DJ. “What’s she dressed up like?”

“She has some kind of face paint on.” Lyra commented as she placed a few goodies onto the plate Bon Bon was holding onto. “Looked like a… Sandstorm?”

“Du du du du du…” Sunset muttered under her breath, chuckling as she waved farewell to the retreating privateers, only to freeze when her eyes fell across an instantly recognizable tuxedo, and the unmistakable young woman who wore it beyond description.

Sunset stood there and stared dumbly at Octavia as she chatted with some other student, Sunset realizing just how well the dress sat on the girl, hugging every curve, yet not over-presenting them like Sunset’s own garb. The fabric clung just right, accentuating the young woman perfectly, the black fabric only added to the girl’s own natural colours.

Octavia gave a small flip of her head, her ebony locks sparkling in the light as they landed perfectly across her back, Sunset’s mind subconsciously conjuring the thoughts of strawberries, even all this distance away.

She felt her knees start to go weak as she stood there, her mouth going dry even as she tried to gulp for breath, her lungs burning ferociously. She truly was smitten by the beauty that was Octavia, the full package that was the cellist. She carried herself with unwavering poise, radiating a maturity beyond her years. Her unmissable mulberry eyes glowed with her youth, yet wisdom swam in the recesses.

The girl’s mouth turned up, her delicate, full lips splitting as she started to laugh, all other noise vanishing around Sunset as the musical sound of Octavia’s laughter surrounded her, warming her in its embrace. It tickled every nerve, her legs shaking as a chill ran down her spine.

Sunset ran the back of a shaking hand across her forehead, surprised that it wasn’t drenched in sweat with how much heat was radiating from her body. Her heart beat it’s explosive tune in her chest, threatening to tear itself free of her body and present itself to the girl. If only she would look this way, for but a moment. Sunset would be hers if the she asked, she would-

A small wave. Octavia had looked her wave, a warm smile on her face as she noticed Sunset looking at her.

A small wave. Sunset felt the earth give way beneath her, a roiling sea of emotion and primal desire swallowing her, an endless reflection of the delicate wave repeating over itself all around her as she tumbled into the abyss.

She could die happy now.

“Sunset, love! That performance was absolutely brilliant!” Octavia’s praise pierced through Sunset like a spear.

It was nothing compared to your own brilliance! she thought as she struggled to find an appropriate answer to the praise of her overwhelming goddess.

“T-Thanks, Octavia!” Sunset sputtered, blushing in embarrassment as she stumbled to her feet, a childlike grin on her face. “Y-You too! Er…”

Insert hoof into mouth, Shimmer… Sunset groaned as Octavia started giggling.

Chapter 11: Worn Thin

...So that’s everything since the Battle of the Bands… I think.

Sunset sighed as she set her pen down, her gaze passing over the crumpled up costume she had worn to Pinkie’s Halloween party. The tangled mess of clothing lay at the top of her small hamper, the fake tail curling out over the top to lay limply against the side of the plastic tub.

She had spent a few minutes talking with Octavia, desperately doing her best to not stare or appear awkward and failing epically. She was able to brush it off as having just finished her performance with the Rainbooms, thankfully, but she was still talking to the girl of her life, dressed to kill in a tuxedo that looked more like a second skin.

Sunset felt her cheeks start to heat up as a blush spread across them, the thought of Octavia performing privately for her, a few more buttons undone revealing-

“Waaahg!?” Sunset shuddered and gave a mighty cry as the book on her lap gave a strong buzz, signalling a response from Princess Twilight.

Well that is quite the tale, Sunset. I will be honest, a matter such as this is beyond my scope of knowledge. However my sister-in-law, Princess Cadance, is the Princess of Love, so surely she should know more on this subject!

I shall contact her tomorrow- today? Once the sun rises and I’ve at least had breakfast.

Sunset gave an uneasy chuckle as she looked back out the window. The pair had spent over an hour talking, writing back and forth in their magic journals. Sunset picked her pen back up and started writing her response.

Sorry for waking you, Princess Twilight. I guess I was so lost that I had to talk to someone, and the other girls, well…

Anyways, thank you so much for listening, I would appreciate any help you, or Princess Cadance, can give me on the matter.

Your friend,

Sunset Shimmer~*

Sunset groaned as she flopped back onto her pillow, the girl barely able to muster the energy to look at the Princess’ response, a polite “Good Night”, before shutting the journal and putting it onto her bedside stand along with her pen.

The amber skinned girl laid there in silence, the only movement of her long body the shallow rise and fall of her chest as she stared blankly up at the lazy circles of the ceiling mounted fan.

How could this happen? Sure, she had dated Flash Sentry while she was here, flaunted her body constantly, but that was only to help make her more popular. She wasn’t really interested in him, nor had she found anyone else attractive while she had been here.

But…

A vision of the slate skinned Gaian passed across the back of her eyes, the scent of strawberries and sound of her songbird like laughter invading her senses, leaving her a blushing, giddy mess as she rolled back and forth.

No wonder everybody seemed like fools when they were in love. These emotions- these raw feelings were overpowering… All-consuming as they raged through her, washing away logic and reason...

~Later~

“Sunset? Are you going to eat your lunch?” Rarity finally asked, concerned about her friend who continued to just sit at the table and her fork against her ignored salad, her aquamarine orbs instead focused on the open journal in front of her.

“Mrgrgr…” Sunset muttered under her breath, before starting to yell loudly in her native tongue. “Come on, Twilight! It’s been eight freakin’ hours! What, are you hoof delivering the damn letter!?”

“Woah, nelly!”

“DUCK AND COVER!”

“Eeek!”

More cries of shock erupted from Sugarcube Corner at Sunset’s outburst, the teen breathing heavily as she shook the journal in front of herself, completely ignorant of the entire situation unfurling around her.

“Sunset! Calm down!” Rainbow Dash yelled, rushing forward and grabbing the journal from her friends hands, leaving Sunset’s face viewable by the public, an innumerable amount of bags hanging heavy under her eyes. “Seriously! What’s going on?”

“Dash, if you don’t give me back that book right NOW-” Sunset started before pausing and finally taking in the crowd around her, sighing as she brought a hand up to her face. “Sorry, everyone…”

“Seriously, Sunset, what’s up?” Rainbow asked as everyone returned to their own conversations. “The last… Jeez, forever now you’ve been really off.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay? Can I just have my journal back?” Sunset ran her hand down her face before reaching out towards the athlete. “I’m waiting for Princess Twilight to respond.”

“Oh? What are you talking to our dear Princess about?” Rarity asked, suddenly very interested in the journal still in Rainbow’s grasp.

“...It’s personal.” Sunset responded.

She instantly regretted it.

“Oooh? What’s it about?” Rainbow Dash asked in a teasing tone as she retracted the book before starting to flip through it to get to the last page.

“Maybe she just wants ta talk ta tha Princess.” Applejack commented, completely ignored by the small scuffle building between Rainbow, Rarity, and Sunset. “Guess Ah’ll just sit in tha background…”

“Come on, Rainbow…” Sunset whispered dangerously as she stalked towards the teen. “Give. It. BACK.”

“Aha! Here-” Rainbow never got a chance to finish as she had to doge away from the irate Sunset, holding an arm up to try and fend the girl off.

“You forget I’m taller than you, Dash!” Sunset grunted as she stretched towards the book, only to have the girl toss it towards Rarity.

“Rares! Catch!” Rarity giggled as she awkwardly caught the tome.

“Come on, dear.” Rarity giggled as Sunset turned on her. “Surely it’s nothing that dramatic!”

The duo played keep away quote well, Sunset growing ever more angry as it went until all of her exhaustion and fury bubbled up. She let out a massive roar as she fell to her knees, before breaking into heavy sobs as she cried into her hands.

“I-I-I’m in love, alright?” Sunset managed to choke out between sobs.

Chapter 12: Preoccupied

“Wow… You look rough.” Sunset raised an eyebrow as she looked over at the approaching form of Lyra Heartstrings, Bon Bon nudging the girl firmly.

“Shhh!” the quiet hiss escaped between the creme skinned girl. “Sorry about her, Sunset. You know what she’s like.”

The Equestrian let out a guttural grunt in response, shrugging her shoulders before viciously stabbing her fork into her salad and dragging the greens into her waiting maw.

“Sunset? What’s wrong, love?” she paused as she heard the silken, dulcet tones of Octavia’s accented voice, looking up at the girl as she sat down beside her.

“I’m in love with you and it’s driving me crazy.” Sunset replied, watching as Octavia’s brow furrowed in confusion.

“What did you just say?” the cellist whispered softly.

“Was that… whatever the language is called back in horsie-land?” Lyra asked, leaning forward to look around Octavia.

“Equestrian, yeah…” Sunset chuckled as she shook her head. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Well I heard from Rarity that you had a rather rough Saturday.” Octavia reached out and rested a hand on top of Sunset’s, freezing the otherworldly girl as she let out an audible gulp. “Would you like to talk about it?”

“It’s fine now, really.” the smile Sunset wore was fatigued beyond imagining as she looked back down at her salad. “I just need to relax a little bit.”

“Well, uh… I hate to tell you this, but it looks like AJ is struggling to stop RD from headin’ over here.” Lyra said, Sunset doing her best not to look up and towards the Rainbooms table.

“They’re all staring over here.” Bon Bon whispered before shifting back to look at Sunset. “Are you sure it’s just nothing?”

“I was up all night Friday to Saturday waiting for Princess Twilight to respond.” Sunset started to explain after letting out a heavy sigh. “I was tired and they started to play keep away with my journal.”

“And the breakdown…?” Sunset froze up at Octavia’s quiet voice, clenching her teeth and closing her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself.

“It’s personal… Something I’ve never had to deal with before…” Sunset said painfully slowly and with forced neutrality. “And I’d prefer to keep it quiet to be honest.”

The four girls looked around at each other as Sunset sat hunched over, sharing looks of uncertainty before Octavia nodded and rested hand on the girl’s back.

“Okay, Sunset. We understand.” she said gently, a warm smile on her face as Sunset glanced over at her. “We’ll be here for you.”

“Thanks…”

~Later~

Sunset slumped against the door to her apartment, sliding down against it until she was seated, her head resting in both hands.

The day had been spent in exhaustion spurred paranoia, constantly watching as students would try to whisper about her behind her back, only to stop when she glared at them dangerously.

Her heart wrenched as she thought back to lunch, when Octavia rested a delicate, silken hand upon her. The euphoria of the sensation still lingered as she sat there, trying to calm the explosion of emotions still boiling from the last half a week.

Dear Sunset Shimmer,

Sorry for the late response! I decided to see Cadance personally to ask her for assistance, and she is more than willing to help. Maybe a little ~~too~~ willing What would you think if we came to see you in a week?

I know you need the help as soon as possible, but there are unfortunately some minor issues we need to deal with in the meantime.

I hope to hear back from you soon!

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle~*

The Princess had responded while Sunset had started crying on the floor, and Rarity tried handing the journal to Sunset, only for her to grab it and run from the cafe, ignoring the shocked and worried cries of her friends.

Dear Sunset Shimmer,

I noticed you haven’t responded yet. Is everything okay? Hopefully you have just been busy with school or our friends, but I do hope to hear back soon.

Your friend,

Twilight Sparkle~*

That was the Princess’ comment on Sunday, when Sunset had yet to respond, guilt burning in the back of Sunset’s mind as she spent the day hiding in her bed.

The journal vibrated in her backpack, causing Sunset to drift back into reality. She slowly got up to her feet, removing her shoes and hanging her leather jacket before starting to shuffle over towards her laptop in a zombie like state.

She dropped her backpack onto the table, opening and retrieving the now inert journal, depositing it on the wooden surface before starting to flip through it.

Sunset? You’re really starting to worry me. Please respond as soon as you can!

Sunset sighed, her hand hovering over a pen, only to give a quick curse as she slammed the journal shut and stuffed it back inside her backpack before shifting over to her laptop.

Larry was an old piece that she managed to weasel out of a local used electronics shop for cheap, and thanks to minor upgrades it ran smoothly enough to do what Sunset needed.

She pushed on the power button, impatiently rapping her fingers against the wooden surface as it slowly booted up. Once everything was ready she grabbed the nearby mouse, moving the cursor over to the internet browser shortcut on the desktop and giving it a quick double-click.

She shifted up to the search bar at the top of the screen, pushing a key and clicking on the video sharing website she frequented, before typing a familiar name into the websites personal search bar.

She scrolled through a few results before clicking on one, fiddling around with her backpack as she dug her earbuds, before plugging them into Larry and listening to the start of a deeply moving cello performance.

She sat there for hours innumerable, eyes glued on the figure giving rousing performances in her signature tuxedo, her slate face perfectly calm.

Chapter 13: From Equestria With Love

Sunset recrossed her legs as she leaned against CHS’s horse statue, giving a slight shiver as the cool breeze fluttered past her.

The week had passed without any major incidents, well… life threatening incidents. Sunset had subdued the attention of any of her classmates who tried to get her attention, regardless of who they were, and eventually the rumour mongering about her breakdown the other weekend passed on, replaced with some other juicy morsel for the students to whisper about.

Mainly being Sunset’s now constant bouts of random blush ridden giggling or daydreaming in class. She didn’t mean to make a doofus of herself, it was just that her mind was so ungodly focused on Octavia, a blush coming to her face whenever an errant thought of the ebony haired beauty passes through her mind.

More than a few times she had been reprimanded in class for randomly starting to giggle, a blush on her face as she sat there thinking about the cellist in one form or another. She had even been called out for daydreaming, the amber skinned girl shooting to her feet and declaring proudly “I love her!” in Equestrian.

At least now people were trying to figure out what it was that was occupying her mind, instead of why she rolled up in a ball on the floor of Sugarcube corner to cry her eyes out.

She couldn’t help but give a goofy giggle as the idea of Octavia dressed up like a punk rocker as she quietly played her cello, drifted pleasantly through her mind.

Her sleep pattern had finally fixed herself, the girl no longer a grumpy, sleep-deprived mess as she tried to spend as much time around Octavia as she could without being reduced to a blubbering mess of giggling and blushing by the near proximity of her school girl crush.

She was in her late twenties for Celestia sake! Why was she acting like a chicken with it’s head cut off! Maybe it was the hormones of her younger body? But she remembered reading-

“O-O-Okay, careful now. Just hold onto me- There we go…” Sunset jumped to attention as she heard the calm yet uneasy voice of Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“Princess Twilight!” Sunset beamed as she rounded the corner, just in time to see a woman with violet, pink, and yellow hair almost trip face first onto the concrete, before being caught by the shorter Princess Twilight.

“W-Woooaah…” came the uneasy voice as the cerise skinned woman slowly stood up, holding desperately onto the shorter purple girl. “O-Okay, maybe you were right.”

“I told you so.” Twilight chuckled as her guest finally stabilized, turning to greet her friend. “Sunset, so good to see you again! Though, please respond sooner next time…”

“Heh, sorry Princess…” Sunset chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head, a sheepish blush spreading across her face. “I didn’t know just how crazy of a drug “love” could be.”

“Well that’s why I enlisted the Princess of Love herself.” Princess Twilight beamed proudly as she stood aside, letting go of the taller woman who struggled to keep balanced.

“Nice to see you again, Sunset.” Princess Cadance said once she steadied herself, smiling warmly.

“You too. Well, I mean at least not when I’m stealing something from your castle.” the trio laughed at Sunset’s response. “Why don’t you two follow me? My apartment isn’t far from here.”

~Later~

“So let me get this straight.” Cadance sat at the edge of Sunset’s sofa, staring intently at the girl sitting on the floor. “You, Sunset Shimmer, a unicorn mare from Equestria, are beyond smitten with one Octavia Melody, a human girl from here on Gaia.”

Sunset nodded.

“You are conflicted because one; you have never truly been in love before, as far as you can tell.”

Another nod.

“Two; you feel inferior to her, given your status as a being from another world, financial differences, and finally the differences in your age, though that last one is subjective to the magics of the mirror.”

A third nod.

“Well your feelings aren't that odd in that regard.” Cadance chuckled as she looked at Sunset’s ceiling. “Love doesn’t care about things like that, and you’ll learn to see that.”

“But what am I supposed to do?” Sunset asked, getting onto her knees. “I can’t keep doing this!”

“Tell her.” the alicorn gave a lazy shrug, bursting into tittering giggles at the dumbfounded look Sunset was giving her. “Really. Just take her aside and ask her. Don’t make it complicated. Tell her you like her and would like to go on a date.”

“B-B-But…!” Sunset’s face went flush as she started to trip over herself trying to talk. “Whenever I even think of her I go full on stupid! If she’s in arms reach I turn I to a babbling buffoon!”

“All of which is quite normal, even for older ponies.” Cadance smiled softly as she watch Sunset scrambled over herself. “Please, Sunset, just take a deep breath and relax.”

“But what if she says no?” Sunset whispered softly, tears building in the corners of her worry stricken eyes.

“Then she says no. Life will go on Sunset, and you will certainly find another.”

“But I don’t want another…” Sunset pouted quietly, before a light bulb went off in her head. “Tell me how to woo her! What can I do to help swing the odds in my favour!?”

“You really are desperate.” Sunset’s blush deepened at the blunt statement. “All I can say, and this is the best advice, is just be yourself. Show her what you are like to be around.”

The room grew quiet, Sunset swore she could hear a fly sneeze a mile away.

“That’s it?”

It was Cadance’s turn to nod in response.

“Well, I mean… I guess I can try that.”

“Just promise me that you will keep in touch with your endeavours. I do so love hearing stories about young loves.”

It was Twilight’s turn to blush.

Chapter 14: Forest of Discovery

“...Where’s Octavia?” Sunset looked at the trio of girls in confusion, counting and recounting heads as time and time again the unmissable ebony locks of Octavia were missed.

“You didn’t hear?” Bon Bon paused, a slightly surprised look spreading across her face as she watched Sunset sit down at their table. “Octavia’s parents have flown her out to an application performance at a musical academy on the coast.”

“O-Oh…?” Sunset’s throat tightened as she tried to swallow. So much for putting the Princess’ recommendations to use…

“Yeah, she should be back later in the week from what I heard.” Lyra spat out between mouthfuls of food. “Too bad for you, eh?”

“E-Excuse me?” Sunset stumbled at the callous grin of the lyrist.

“Well, I mean you’ve been following her around like a desperate puppy.” the mint hued girl set her sandwich down as she watched Sunset. “It’s honestly a little pathetic- Ow!”

“Lyra…” Bon Bon’s tone turned dark as she stared at the musician.

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry, okay?” Lyra muttered as she bent over, hands disappearing under the table. “What I mean is that if you really wanted to be her friend, you could just ask her.”

“Heh… Y-Yeah, I guess I should just ask her…” Sunset scratched at her cheek as she started to turn away. “Thanks for the info, girls.”

Sunset started to worry as she turned her back on three girls, slowly making her way back to the Rainbooms’ table as concern for Octavia’s well-being started to flood her mind.

~Later~

“O-Octavia?”

Sunset’s worries from the start of the week came true when she was out for a walk Saturday morning. She decided to enjoy the off season warmth of the morning by going to Canterlot Central Park, trekking along it’s more obscure paths when she hears the voice of somebody crying.

“Octavia, are you alright!?” Sunset lunged towards the sobbing form of the ebony haired girl. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she knelt over and grabbed the softly wailing girl, pulling her in close. “Shhh, it’s alright, Octavia. It’s me, Sunset.”

Sunset froze as Octavia threw her thin, granite shaded arms around the amber girl, crying openly into her shoulder. She knelt there, softly whispering reassuringly into the girl’s ear as Octavia unleashed her woes upon the world.

“Feeling any better?” she asked as Octavia slowly started to calm down, the girl hiccuping as she nodded her her slightly. “Do you think you can stand?”

The cellist nodded once again, using Sunset’s assistance to slowly get up to her feet, wiping her face once the two were standing, Sunset struggling not to crush her in a worry driven embrace.

“What happened, Octavia?” the Equestrian asked softly, reaching out to grab the girl's shoulder, only for her to jerk away. “W-Why are you here…?”

“I… I’m sorry you had to witness that, Sunset.” Octavia attempted her usual calm and collected tone, but the wavering, hiccup ridden voice that came out only fueled Sunset’s concern. “I p-promise you that I am fine n-now, and-”

“Bullshit.” Octavia gave a small jump at Sunset’s choice word.

“P-Pardon me?”

“No disrespect, Octavia, but what you said is some serious bullshit.” Sunset furrowed her brow as she rested her hands on her hips, her gaze not leaving Octavia’s mulberry orbs. “One doesn’t go into the forest and cry openly if they are “perfectly fine”, so I’m sorry, but I’m gonna need a better explanation.”

She watched as Octavia fiddled around, smoothing her hair and picking forest debris out of her clothes.

“Octavia…” Sunset took a step forward, only for Octavia to start shaking. “Hey… What’s the matter?”

“I… Could you call Lyra for me? I do not think I’ll be going home tonight.” Octavia managed to get out as she stopped shuddering.

“...You don’t trust me, huh…” Sunset’s shoulders slumped, a sad smile coming to her face as she slid her hands into her pockets.

“N-No! I-I-I do! I just do not wish to involve you in my family drama.” Octavia rushed forward, grabbing Sunset’s hands.

“...Your mom did something, didn't she?” Sunset said slowly as she started to piece the clues together. Octavia was leaning on one side, her clothes extra long and bulky for the heat that was in the air. “No…”

“Please, Sunset…! J-Just forget about this and call Lyra… Please!” Octavia was openly begging her classmate now, tears starting to build in her eyes as she gripped Sunset’s hands.

“How can I ignore a friend when she’s being abused! By her family no less!” Sunset’s whisper was quick and harsh, her eyes narrowing visibly as she looked down at the shorter girl. “I’m sorry, Octavia, but I’m not going to look past this.”

“S-Sunset!? Whe-Where are you taking me!?” Octavia yelled as Sunset hoisted the girl up, Octavia’s thin legs hanging loosely over one of her amber arms.

“Somewhere I know is safe.” Sunset said, smiling down at Octavia. “Trust me.”

~Later~

“And heeere we are!” Sunset sang as she opened the door to her apartment, beaming in pride as she showed her humble abode, the cellist timidly following in behind her forceful host.

“Oh my.” Octavia paused in the entrance of Sunset’s apartment, looking around in amazement. “This is all yours?”

“Yup!” a happy smirk spread across Sunset’s features as she shimmied out of her coat, shutting the door behind Octavia before hanging her jacket. “Make yourself feel at home! Imma be taking care of you over the weekend!”

“T-T-The whole weekend?” Octavia looked up at Sunset in worry.

“I mean, I figured you may like a relaxing break. Why don’t you call your dad and tell him you’re at Lyra’s for the weekend?” Sunset suggested as Octavia removed her coat and handed it to Sunset.

“You have this all planned out, don’t you?” Octavia uttered in amazement.

“A little bit, yeah.” the amber girl responded amidst chuckles, hanging the jacket before turning to look at Octavia, her eyes going wide.

“What the…”

Chapter 15: Home

Octavia stood there in confusion, her head tilted in confusion as Sunset stood staring at her. “Sunset? Whatever is the matter?”

“Y-You’re, uh, still in your tuxedo?” Sunset commented dumbly, swearing at herself in her mind.

“O-oh… I guess I am.” Octavia looked down, frowning as she realized the mess that had become of her expensive clothing. “I fear I ran away as soon as we arrived at home, and didn’t even spare a thought for what I was wearing.”

The dark as night silk attire, while now coated with bits of grass and detritus, sat upon the girl’s body as brilliantly as any other time Sunset had seen her wear it, causing her amber cheeks to turn a ferocious cherry red as she watched Octavia pull at the sleeves and hem of the top.

“Er, why don’t I lend you some of my clothes?” Sunset offered, rushing towards the staircase in an attempt to hide the state her face currently was in. “I don’t have a washing machine in here, but we can at least hang them so they don’t get wrinkly, right?”

Stupidstupidstupid! Sunset yelled at herself as she reached the top of the stairs, slapping herself softly across her blazingly hot cheeks. What the hell are you doing right now?

She wasn’t even paying attention as she dug through her dresser and wardrobe, grabbing random pieces and draping them over her shoulder, before starting back down the stairs, finding Octavia still standing where she had been before Sunset went clothes hunting.

“Here, try these!” Sunset smiled warmly as she handed the clothes towards the girl. “I know I’m taller than you, but hopefully some of these will feel comfortable.”

“Thank you, Sunset.” Octavia gave a sheepish smile as she accepted the clothes, pausing to look around the ground floor of the apartment. “Where is your washroom, so I may change?”

“That door right over there.” Sunset pointed, nodding as Octavia started to head her way towards it. “The lock is a little finicky, just a heads up.”

Sunset was once again left alone, standing awkwardly in the landing of her apartment, twiddling her thumbs and wondering what she should do. She was suddenly realizing that maybe she should have called Lyra like Octavia requested, but the advice from Cadance came floating back at that moment, inspiring Sunset to take charge and take care of Octavia.

But what were they going to do? Sunset didn’t exactly have much for entertainment, mainly watching videos on her laptop or talking with Princess Twilight. Her eyes paused as they passed over the resting form of Guy. She didn’t have an amp of her own, so there wasn’t much he could provide, sadly.

She reached into her pocket and dug out her phone. Maybe the girls would have some ideas. She shook her head instantly, banishing the thought. No, they would probably think something else was going on if she mentioned it to them. Maybe she should just call Lyra…

“Thank you, Sunset.” the girl turned upon hearing her name as Octavia strode out of the washroom, clad in Sunset’s spare clothes. “These are a little large, but they shall do.”

Sunset smiled and nodded stupidly, desperately hoping not to drool and that her grin wasn’t too off. The slight bulkiness of Sunset’s larger clothes only seemed to help add to Octavia’s body in Sunset’s eye, leaving the girl close to that level of bumbling mess as Octavia paused a foot away.

“Here are your extras. I just hanged my tuxedo on the shower pole for the time being, if that is alright.”

“You’re alright…” Sunset said in awe, before shaking her head and shining a larger smile. “It’s fine, I mean, heh… Anyways, should you at least call your dad now? I mean, I know he's at least a little more civil, right?”

Octavia paused, her arms encasing herself as her head tilted towards the floor, causing Sunset’s insides to clench. “I think it would be best if we called Lyra…” the cellist said somberly. “Her family has oft been a place of refuge for me, and they will know just how to inform my parents.”

“Works for me.” Sunset smiled warmly, her heart rending as she struggled not to grab Octavia close and crush her with affection. “At least, as long as Lyra doesn’t show up with a knife, or something.”

The pair chuckled at Sunset’s joke, the Equestrian’s heart calming as she saw Octavia’s mood pick up ever so slightly.

“Er, yes, can you call Lyra for me? I do not have my phone with me... Mother confiscated it before the trip and never gave it back.” Octavia tapped her fingers together as she looked up at Sunset, smiling in embarrassment.

“I, uh… I don’t have her number.” Sunset said simply, leaving the two to stand there silently.

“Oh.” Octavia commented, staring blankly.

“Yeah.” Sunset added before the pair fell into silence again.

“Perhaps Rarity-”

“No!” Sunset yelled, cutting off Octavia’s suggestion and startling the poor girl. “S-Sorry, I mean… maybe it wouldn’t be best to talk to the Rainbooms? I mean… You know what Rarity is like with rumours, and if she knew I brought you here…”

“Rumours?” Octavia studied Sunset in bemusement. “And why should it matter if you brought me here?”

“You know what my reputation is, right? I’m sure Rarity would mention something and it would get blown out of proportion.” Sunset chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head, desperately hoping to persuade Octavia to not inform Rarity. “Besides, what if something spread amongst school? I don’t want your reputation damaged.”

“To hell with my reputation!” it was now Sunset’s turn to jump in shock at the outburst from Octavia, the cellist flying completely off the handle, her eyes wide and full of brimstone. Sunset stood and listened to Octavia go off on a tirade for what felt like a lifetime, the entire time envision little storm clouds with top hats and monocles.

Chapter 1: A Brief Run In

Sunset let out a pleased groan as she slid the helmet off of her head, shaking her head as her feet sat firmly on the concrete of the school parking lot. God that thing was tight!

It had been a couple days since the events of the Battle of the Bands, her and the Rainbooms having spent most of the weekend relishing their victory of the event, as well as saving the world from the Sirens. Evil though they were, Sunset still wondered where they ran to after their loss, and she would have chased after them if her fellow Rainbooms hadn’t stopped her from doing so.

She waved back at a small group of Wondercolts who were walking past the student parking lot and towards the school, Sunset chuckling at just how much things had changed since Friday. She slid off of the moped, patting it affectionately as she started to open it up to store her helmet inside. Sure, the helmet was designed to be used for motorcycles and looked out of place on someone riding a moped, but it was a future purchase Sunset had justified at the time.

She had just finished depositing the helmet and locking up the storage when the rumble of an engine caught her attention, the young woman hoisting her backpack onto her shoulder as she turned to watch, along with the small group of students who had previously waved at her.

A long limo, the longest Sunset had ever seen, pulled in front of the school and parked. Strange, she thought. Octavia almost never uses that limo unless-

“I do not care what you say, Octavia!” a harsh voice could be heard radiating through the air as the driver exited the vehicle, the poor old man rushing to the other side to open the door, just in time for an older woman to burst out, her voice roaring further. “I will not accept that some, thinks-they-can group of peasants could be better than yourself in regards to music!”

“Darling, please do calm down.” an older man came out of the limo next, equally dressed to the nines as he chased his wife. “Octavia doesn’t need you-”

“I will not have my family’s name tarnished by such an occurrence!” the woman whipped around on her husband in the blink of an eye, her body radiating hatred even as far away as Sunset was. She gave a small sigh before she started walking towards the school, the grounds empty save for her, the two adults, and the other student of Canterlot High School who had just exited the limousine, nodding understandably to the shaking butler.

The granite skinned girl appeared as though she gave a small sigh before following the butler to the back of car, retrieving a massive case and giving a small, polite curtsy to the older man. Sunset had more than enough time to make it to the small monument that the portal to Equestria, waiting and waving to Octavia as she got close.

“Heya, Octavia!” Sunset smiled warmly, watching as the Wondercolt paused mid step, a fraction of a moment before continuing on her way, a stern, yet apologetic look on her face as she neared.

“Good day, Miss Shimmer.” came the deeply cultured and stoic voice of the cellist, the girl pausing to give a small curtsy, only to jolt when the woman’s voice called out.

“Octavia Melody!” came the banshee screech. “Why must we continue to wait for you?”

“Sorry, Mother.” the girl called, passing Sunset at a brisk pace and not paying her a second notice. Sunset gave a knowing frown, waiting for the trio to start moving before she pushed off of the statue and started making her own way towards the school.

Octavia was incredibly well mannered, well cultured, and impossibly polite. Even if she somehow got upset with you, it was hard to tell thanks her voice always sounding like it should be wearing a top hat and monocle.

Her mother on the other hand…

The only reason Sunset knew of Octavia’s mother and father was thanks to her own unsavory past, and while Octavia had never risen to be a threat, Sunset was careful to find out as much about the girl as possible.

And boy was there a lot to learn.

Octavia was the only daughter of the Fortepiano family, and had been raised entirely since her childhood to be a great musician. While she mainly focused on her preferred cello, earning invitations from famed musical academies across the country, she seemed more content to try and finish her standard education first.

She was a friendly girl, mostly remaining with the more respected cliques of the school once things started to separate during the early parts of Sunset’s reign of CHS, but wasn’t afraid to branch out slightly. She preferred things of a higher class, and was often seen spending what free time she could afford with Rarity, the two able to bond over their tastes of high fashion and good teas.

But she was never seen as a true threat to Sunset’s reign at the time, and was thusly ignored. However during her cataloguing of the girl, she discovered just how much of a monster the girl’s mother could be, thankfully only ever running into the matriarch of the house on one occasion, when she had come to the school to raise hell at the Principal and Vice Principal in regards to some perceived slight of her daughter.

Sunset had felt the walls shake in the hallway.

Now, though, Sunset was more worried about Octavia, and what could possibly be happening if both of her parents were here to discuss the happenings of the Battle of the Bands with Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna. Octavia was incredibly reserved just previously, just like how she appeared in the few videos Sunset had found online of when the charcoal haired girl performed.

...She should try and talk to Octavia at lunch.