Best Left Forgotten

Sunset fidgeted in the passenger seat of Rarity’s car, staring intensely at her phone. After several calls and texts to both Twilight and Rainbow Dash, she still had yet to get a response. Whether that was a good sign or a bad one, she couldn’t tell. Sighing, she let her phone fall into her lap.

Her head spun with one horrid scenario after another. She envisioned Wallflower’s anxiety crashing over her like a wave as the first knocks came at the door. She shuddered at the thought of Wallflower trembling and hyperventilating, huddled in a corner as Rainbow Dash’s repeated shouts forced her into a panic attack. Her heart skipped several beats as she imagined Wallflower locking herself in the bathroom with a kitchen knife, desperately slashing at her veins in a frenzied attempt to escape the terrors overwhelming her.

“How soon until we get there?” Sunset asked.

“Uhm, it’s your apartment, Sunset,” Rarity said. “I think you would know better than me.”

“Well I don’t have a car, Rarity!” Sunset snapped. “I don’t know the lights or traffic or whatever!” A second later, Sunset shook her head with a sigh. A short temper wouldn’t help anyone right now. “I’m sorry for shouting... I’m just really worried right now,” she said. “And, uhh, thanks for driving me. I really do appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Rarity said. “Though if I may ask, why the extreme sense of urgency?”

“You know how emphatic Rainbow Dash can be,” Sunset said. “If she comes knocking on the door demanding to come in, Wallflower will be scared out of her mind...”

“I know you said she was shy, but really? Terrified by a knock on the door?” As Rarity slowed to a stop at a red light, she gave Sunset a glance. “Perhaps I’m just being incredulous, but that seems like an overreaction.”

Sunset stared at the red light, counting the seconds as she waited for it to turn. “Not for her,” she said.

“Is that why you’ve been so unavailable, then?” Rarity asked. Disdain lingered in her voice. “It’s no wonder she’s been taking up all your time. Constantly being preoccupied with an anxious wreck of a roommate can’t be easy.”

Sunset forced herself to glare out the window. Now was not the time to start another argument, but with Rarity insulting Wallflower like that, Sunset could almost taste the bitterness of her own unspoken words.

“It’s not that simple, Rarity,” she said. The gears in her mind turned and twisted, trying to figure out how to explain herself without breaking her promise to Wallflower. “Look, just... Something really, really bad happened to her, and I need to be there for her. I’m all she has now.”

“Oh...” Rarity shrunk a little into her seat. “Well now I feel dreadful for talking about her like that.”

“It’s fine,” Sunset muttered, checking her phone again.

“You’ve called Rainbow Dash and Twilight half a dozen times now, dear,” Rarity said. “Perhaps you should just call Wallflower herself...?”

“If I could have done that, I would have by now.”

“She doesn’t even have a phone?” Rarity asked, her voice wavering.

“She barely had anything to eat before she moved in with me, let alone a cell phone,” Sunset said. In her periphery, Rarity cringed again. “I dunno, maybe I should’ve bought her a disposable one or something...”

“It’s wonderful of you to help her,” Rarity said, “but you’re not her mother, Sunset.”

“I know that.” Sunset rolled her eyes. “I’m sure things seem confusing from the outside looking in,” she said. “There’s a lot I wish I could say, but I promised Wallflower I wouldn’t tell anyone what happened without her permission.”

“I understand, dear,” Rarity said. “And my apologies for being so pressing on a private matter.”

Sunset glanced at her phone, seeing no new messages from Twilight or Rainbow Dash, and she squirmed in her seat as she and Rarity came to yet another red light. Her apartment was still several blocks away. Maybe it would be faster for her to hop out now and run rather than risk any more traffic. Maybe that would be a better idea once they got a little closer.

“I, uhh... I should apologize too,” she said. “For how I acted earlier, I mean.”

“It’s alright, Sunset,” Rarity said. “Had I known you were under so much pressure, I would have been a bit more delicate.” She paused, smirking. “Though maybe next time, lead with what’s stressing you rather than be so defensive right out of the gate, hmm?”

“Yeah, I know. I’m just trying to keep Wallflower safe, and... I dunno,” Sunset sighed. She tapped her leg up and down, anxiety mounting in her limbs. “She’d be really upset if I left her alone to go to some party, y’know?”

“Well, you know she would be welcome to come with you,” Rarity said. “Perhaps we could plan for a more relaxed and quiet evening, rather than one of Pinkie’s usual festivities?”

“I’m sorry, but I doubt it,” Sunset said. “Wallflower isn’t really comfortable around anyone but me.”

“That... Doesn’t sound very healthy for her,” Rarity said. “Wouldn’t encouraging her to be around others be a good thing?”

“That’s, uhm...” Sunset blinked, her train of thought grinding to a halt. Rarity actually had a good point—as well-deserved as Wallflower’s anxiety was, overcoming it would be even more difficult without confronting it.

“It’s just a suggestion.” Rarity shrugged.

“O-oh, sorry,” Sunset said. “I was just lost in thought, but yeah. That sounds like a good idea. I’ll ask her about it.”

“Wonderful, darling,” Rarity said, smiling. “I’m sure the rest of the girls would be more than happy to have her around.”

“Yeah, that’s...” Sunset looked at her phone again. “That’s good. We can figure that out after I make sure Wallflower’s okay.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” Rarity said. “Still nothing from Twilight or Rainbow Dash?”

“Still nothing,” Sunset sighed. “Hey, uhm, we’re getting pretty close. Just drop me off at the next light and I’ll go by foot.”

“I don’t mean to invalidate your concern, dear, but I promise things are going to be alright,” Rarity said. She pulled the car to the curb and put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “She’ll be fine. She has you, after all.”

“Y-yeah,” Sunset sighed. “She’ll be okay. Thanks for the ride, Rarity.”

“I’ll be right behind you!” Rarity called out behind her as she shut the car door.

Sunset didn’t bother with a reply.

Wallflower glanced out the tiny window of the apartment, scanning the sidewalk for any sign of red and gold hair. With a disappointed sigh, she turned her eyes to the kitchen clock. It was still a little early for Sunset to be getting back, but it didn’t hurt to hope. Either way, though, it would be worth the wait. It was always worth the wait.

Daydreams danced through Wallflower’s mind, bringing a gleeful grin to her face. Their evening routine played out beneath her closed eyelids—rushing over to the door, pulling Sunset close, reveling in the warmth and safety she brought with her. A shiver tingled in her abdomen, anticipating their lips pressing together, drawing each other in. Maybe they’d settle on the couch and just enjoy being together for a while. Maybe Sunset would lead Wallflower’s hands beneath her shirt again.

Wallflower shifted, another little shiver running through her. Maybe this time, Sunset would want to touch her, too.

Of course, Wallflower was more than happy to go along with whatever her girlfriend wanted. Making sure Sunset knew how much Wallflower cherished her was more than worth a little discomfort—and besides, if Sunset liked it so much, Wallflower would probably enjoy herself too. Either way, it would mean Wallflower was being useful to Sunset, and that was enough.

Wallflower stood and paced across the apartment, making her way to the bathroom. Doing her best to avoid her reflection’s gaze, she applied a bit of lip balm and took the time to rub some aloe lotion into her skin. She had never bothered herself with such products before, but she knew that Sunset liked her soft. That alone made the effort worth it.

Knowing she was making Sunset happy was such a wonderful feeling, a high she chased every day with ever-increasing fervor. Watching Sunset’s lips curl into smile as she pulled away from a drawn-out kiss, listening to her softened sighs as Wallflower massaged and played with her chest, the way her eyes lit up when Wallflower said she loved her... She would tell Sunset she loved her as many times as she had to—more, even.

Maybe one day, Sunset would even say it back.

If she wasn’t ready or able to match Wallflower’s affections, though, that was still fine. Sunset had already done so much for her—it wasn’t fair to expect anything more. All that mattered was Sunset’s happiness, and what they had right now was perfect as it was.

Just as Wallflower returned to the window, a sound rang out, and she froze. Someone just knocked on the door.

Sunset never knocked. She never had to—she had a key. But someone just knocked on the door. Someone who wasn’t Sunset.

In an instant, Wallflower dropped to the floor, pressing herself against the wall. She hadn’t seen anyone out the window, but maybe they had seen her? The thought made her skin crawl, a dreadful sensation only made worse by a second rhythmic pounding on the door. Whoever was out there wanted to be let in. If she opened the door, they might even walk in without asking. And she was all alone.

She took a slow, shaky breath, and then another. It was fine. If she stayed quiet and hidden, they’d leave her alone. Besides, Sunset was going to be home soon anyway. She’d make them leave. She’d keep her safe.

A raspy voice called out from the other side of the door. “Hey, anyone home? Sunset?”

“I think we’re a little early,” a second voice said. “She’s probably not back yet.”

“Well what time is it?”

“I’m not sure. Phone died while I was waiting for you to finish running in circles.”

“Of course it did, Twilight,” the first voice said. “Don’t you keep like, a hundred extra batteries or something?”

“Those are for other devices, Rainbow Dash!” the second voice—’Twilight’—shot back, embarrassment lacing her voice.

Twilight...? Wallflower blinked. Twilight Sparkle, she remembered. She was Sunset’s friend, as was Rainbow Dash. They were among the girls Wallflower had tried to attack with the memory stone. They had watched on in horror as Sunset had writhed and screamed on the ground when Wallflower ripped her mind apart.

Wallflower gulped. If she opened the door, those girls would not be happy to see her.

Another knock. “Hello? Uhh...” Rainbow Dash paused. “Ah, dang it, what was her name...”

“You’re kidding, right?” the other voice responded. “We just talked about this yesterday.”

“I’m tired from practice, Twilight! Give me a break!”

“Wallflower?” Twilight called out. “Wallflower Blush?” There was another knock, this one softer and shorter. “You in there?”

Wallflower shifted lower to the floor, adrenaline pulsing through her. Sweat tickled her forehead as a frown spread across her face. Why was she so scared, anyway? Things would be fine. She’d be fine. They were here for Sunset, not her, and Sunset would be home soon. All she had to do was stay silent. She wasn’t in danger, she wasn’t, she wasn’t—

“Oh hey!” Rainbow Dash’s voice was right behind her.

Wallflower’s entire body iced over as she realized that she was still sitting beneath the window. Like an idiot.

“Hey, Wallflower!” The sound of knuckles on glass stung her ears. “You, uhh... You know I can see you, right?”

Wallflower didn’t reply. She couldn’t even move. What the hell was wrong with her? She was fine. They weren’t going to do anything to her. Sunset was friends with these girls—even if they didn’t like Wallflower very much, it’s not like they were going hurt her. So why did she feel so paralyzed right now?

“Y’know, it’s pretty rude to ignore someone like this!” Rainbow Dash spoke louder, and a whimper broke through Wallflower’s lips. Still, she remained frozen, huddled in a ball beneath the windowsill.

There was another knock on the window. It was softer, yet still managed to shake her to her core. Tears stung her eyes. This was stupid. Why was she being so stupid? She was safe. She was perfectly safe but she still couldn’t move.

“Wallflower? Could we maybe talk to you for a minute?” Twilight Sparkle was behind her now. Even with her head pressed against her knees, Wallflower could feel both Twilight’s and Rainbow Dash’s gazes burning into the back of her skull.

“Oh gosh, Wallflower...?” Twilight’s voice softened. “Are you alright?”

She couldn’t take this. For some stupid, pathetic reason, she couldn’t take this. Finally, Wallflower cried out, curling up as tight as she could.

“Hey!”

Someone else shouted, their voice echoing from further away. Even without looking, Wallflower knew who it was.

“There you are!” Rainbow Dash said. “We’ve been looking all over for—”

“What the hell are you doing?!” Sunset shouted over her. “Get away from the damn window!”

“S-Sunset, we didn’t...” Twilight stammered. “We didn’t mean to upset her, we j-just...”

“Yeah, well you did anyway,” Sunset said. “I said get away from her.”

Wallflower heard the door’s latch unlock. Trembling, she managed to pull her gaze to the door just in time to see Sunset burst through.

“Wallflower!” Sunset rushed over to her, kneeling on the floor beside her. “H-hey, I’ve got you, Wallflower. You’re okay, you’re okay...” Wallflower’s breathing grew a little steadier as Sunset embraced her. She closed her eyes, her muscles at last relaxing a bit, but any sense of comfort was poisoned by a sickening realization. Sunset was scared out of her mind—again—because Wallflower couldn’t keep herself together.

She curled into herself again, a shaky sigh leaving her. “I-I’m sorry...”

“No, Wallflower, don’t do that,” Sunset said. She turned her head to glare at the girls who had followed them inside. “This isn’t your fault.”

Wallflower braved a glance at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Both girls wore expressions that fell somewhere between confusion and concern, and Wallflower withered beneath their looks of pity. As soon as they made eye contact with her, she tore herself away.

“Don’t s-say it’s theirs,” she whimpered. “Th-they’re not the ones who f-freaked out over nothing.”

“Well...” Twilight lowered her head. “We still shouldn’t have harassed you like that.”

“It’s not like we meant to,” Rainbow Dash said, wincing as Twilight elbowed her in the side. “I-I mean, we just haven’t heard from Sunset in like, forever. No calls, texts, nothing.” She shrugged. “Figured maybe you could tell us what’s up, is all.”

“I’ve been busy,” Sunset snapped back.

“Sunset...?” Wallflower looked up at her girlfriend. “You’re not talking to your friends?”

“I’m just busy a lot—you know that better than anyone, right?” Sunset said. “It’s fine, I promise.”

But it wasn’t fine, and Wallflower knew it.

“Because of me...” she whispered.

“Huh?”

“Y-you’re only so busy because of me.” Wallflower stared at the floor, her eyes widening a little as wetness tickled her face. “I’m ruining your friendships... Again...”

Sunset immediately moved in front of her. “No,” she said flatly. “You’re not. You haven’t done anything wrong, I promise.”

“That’s n-not true!” Wallflower cried. “Don’t make excuses for me, Sunset! I’m s-so helpless and needy and I’m coming between you and the people you care about again—!”

“I care about you,” Sunset said, hugging her once more. “Please, please don’t blame yourself for this.”

“Uhm...” Rainbow Dash shifted. “I’m just, uhh... I’m gonna wait outside,” she said. “C’mon, Twilight.”

“N-no, wait,” Sunset spoke up. “You... You’re right, Rainbow Dash. I haven’t been responding to you, and that’s not okay.” Wallflower could feel Sunset taking a deep breath. “I just... Look, things are complicated right now.”

Rainbow Dash stifled a laugh. “Yeah, we can see that.”

“That’s not what I...” Sunset shook her head. “I’m sorry for blowing you off, okay? That wasn’t cool of me.”

“It really wasn’t,” Rainbow Dash replied, earning another nudge from Twilight.

“Sunset,” Twilight said, “if you don’t have time to spend with us, that’s okay. We were just really concerned, you know?”

“Y-yeah, I know,” Sunset sighed. “And I’m sorry for that. I’ll do my best to keep up with you and the rest of the girls.”

“Only if you’re able,” Twilight said. “We don’t want to strain you, Sunset. We just want to know you’re doing alright.”

“No,” Sunset said. “I can make the time for it.” She wrapped an arm around Wallflower’s shoulder. “We’ll talk about it and get back to you. Promise.”

“Awesome!” Rainbow Dash pumped her fist. “Gang’s back together again!”

Sunset turned to Wallflower. “This whole thing is on me, Wallflower. No one else. Especially not you, okay?”

Wallflower met her girlfriend’s gaze. Sunset really, truly believed what she was saying. Arguing with her about it would only make her feel worse, and Wallflower had caused her enough of that already. “Okay,” she said softly.

Sunset embraced her again, and Wallflower at last returned the hug. There was some commotion across the room—yet another person entering the apartment—but Wallflower was too lost in her own shame to give it much notice. Even if Sunset wouldn’t admit that Wallflower was still causing her problems, that didn’t change the truth of things.

That was okay, though. Wallflower would just have to find a way to make it up to her.