"You didn't forget...did you?"
Sugarcube Corner...
Saying that name and looking at the front doors gave me that classic rush of nostalgia. Despite the several changes they’ve made to it over the year, it’s still the same bakery that I’ve had my first date with my girlfriend. As I opened the door, the familiar ringing of the bell and the smell of baked goods filled my senses . It was as if I was came in for the first time once more.
“You just gonna just stand there or are we gonna go in?”
A flustered blush came up as I turned to the girl behind me, “Oh, sorry about that!”
Her beautiful toothy grin flashed as she stepped in beside me, “No worries babe, now let’s get those shakes!”
“Sure Sunny,” I said breathing a sigh of relief. We both walked forward to the now empty register where Pinkie Pie was waving off a random teen with his doughnut and coffee. The moment she noticed us, her smile grew wider than a crescent moon. As much as I liked seeing her this happy, I’ve always had a bad feeling about this particular smile.
...And my suspicions were right as she immediately waved her hand around like a mad woman and yelled out at the top of her lungs, “HI BEST COUPLE IN CANTERLOT!”
I must’ve looked like a scared little girl in a crowd of thousands as I heard that, glancing at the nearby patrons staring right at us. Normally I would’ve stood there stunned for a good minute or two as my face would glow red like a poppy, but with Sunset by my side, I was able to compose myself and talk like a sane person. “Pinkie, I thought we told you not to call us out like that.”
She gave off an embarrassed giggle. “Whoopsie daisy, I was so excited to see the both of you back here that I must’ve forgot. I need to watch my big pink mouth more.”
Sunset waved her hand. “It’s no problem Pinks. Though to be fair, I kinda like the idea of being crowned the best couple in the whole city. Kinda fits our royally unbreakable bond, wouldn’t you agree babe?”
“Yeah...guess you could say that,” I responded, rolling my eyes at the idea of being the “best couple” when we’ve only been going out for a year now. I’m sure there’s way more qualified couples out there.
“Anywho,” Pinkie suddenly said, grabbing my attention again, “I bet you two are hankering for the usual huh? If you want, we’ve got plenty of ingredients left and I can whip them up lickity-split!”
“Ooh, tempting, ever so tempting,” Sunset snidely stated as she glanced right at me. “Well, what do you think, want yet another round of Rainbow Surprise, on me?”
“You’d probably buy it anyways even if I said no.”
“Then two medium Rainbow Surprises on me Pinkie!”
Before I could say anything, Pinkie immediately rushed to the back towards the kitchen, and after hearing mad clinking sounds and the whirring of machinery, came right back with two colorful milkshakes in tow, complete with a cherry on top and a bendy straw.
“Ta-da!” She said with a flourish. “Two of my specialties served with love for the love birds! That’ll be $5.99 please.”
I just stood there as Sunset brought out her wallet and paid for our milkshakes. I couldn't help but groan; I wouldn’t mind paying for my own drink, or all the other stuff she’d bought for me, but I guess I shouldn’t be complaining about her generosity.
“Thanks for the drinks Pinks,” I heard her say as I saw her get her change and grab the drinks. She then turned towards me and gave me mine. “Mind finding us a spot ‘round here? I gotta talk to Pinkie for a little bit.”
Bit of a weird request, but alright. “Sure, I’ll see what I can find.” As I started leaving, I could see out the corner of my eye Pinkie and Sunny talking and laughing about whatever I couldn’t understand. I’m sure it’s just something private between the two, and they wouldn’t be talking behind my back, right…?
“Nah…” That definitely doesn't sound like her.
I could see around me that every seat seems to be taken by teenagers and a couple of families. Frustrating, but at least this’ll give me an excuse to finally sit in their new outside tables. Ever since Sugarcube Corner’s expansion, there’s a lot of extra space to sit with a drink and take in the scenery. Besides, who doesn’t like drinking a nice cold milkshake under a hot day?
I finally took a seat at a table next to the entrance. Looking up, I could see the amazingly sunny and cloudless skies throughout Canterlot City, and I’m glad the weather’s going to be like this for the rest of the week. Especially since at the end of the week, it’ll just be me and Sunny on our special day.
Taking the first sip of my shake, I started to reminisce about how much I managed to accomplish in the span of two years. I graduated High School and now attending an amazing college, I’m now the leader of a new community gardening club where we’re twenty members strong, and I’ve managed to come out of my shell and make a good number of friends. Turns out using the memory stone to erase people’s memories just so happened to be one of those blessings in disguise, as they put it.
Never in a million years have I thought that rock would lead to me getting into a relationship with the most beautiful girl from high school, but here I am, waiting to drink with the most beautiful and popular girl in Canterlot High. With her by my side, I felt like my life was going to be absolutely perfect.
So...what made her think I deserved any of this...
“HEY!”
My immediate thoughts were interrupted as Sunset’s voice brought me back to reality. I must’ve been out for about a minute, as she looked at me as if nothing really happened.
“You getting enough sleep babe?” She asked, “you’ve been dozing off like this for the last few days now.”
I quickly shook my head, trying to get rid of all my thoughts from before. Gotta think positive Wallflower, don’t ruin a wholesome moment like this! “Oh...no, it’s nothing Sunset. I was just thinking about gardening stuff. You know how I get whenever I’m thinking of gardening stuff.”
At first, she gave me a weird stare at my poor attempt at lying, but it seemed like it worked as she shrugged it off. “I guess you do tend to lose track when you think like that. But if you’re done with your little snooze cruise, you should probably get to your shake before it starts to melt.”
“Uh...oh yeah, thanks!” I glanced back at my beverage, clearly seeing some of the whip-cream flowing down the glass and getting on my hand. After wiping that off with a napkin, I went to drinking what happens to be our favorite; Rainbow Supreme. Not only does all this fruity candy make for a great drink, but it was what we both ordered on my birthday. That’s a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
That day...does she ever think about it as much as I do? Does she still care...?
“So...enjoying your drink, or what seems to be left of it?”
Sunset thankfully interrupted my thoughts again, and I quickly gave her the best smile I could muster, which hopefully didn’t look too creepy. “It’s great, I love it! Still as delicious as the first time we’ve had it before.” Taking another sip, I started thinking back to the first time we shared this together. “Those coupons were probably the best presents I’ve ever gotten.”
“Oh...I see how it is,” She said giving me a coy laugh, “guess that $200 camera I bought wasn’t as good as a bunch of coupons I literally got at the last second. Good to see where your priorities are babe.”
“Hey, don’t be like that Sunny, I love the camera you brought me!” A Neighkon D100 camera with an amazing flash, over thirty filters, and practically an endless amount of memory. It was the best camera we could find at such a bargain price, and I still use it to this very day. It really was the best present ever...but even so...
“I just wish you didn’t go out your way to spend all that money when you barely knew me at the time. I didn’t think you’d actually do that when I asked you to get it for me.”
She just gave me a shrug. “Well, I just had to make a good first impression for my future girlfriend at the time. Besides, you’re definitely worth all the effort it took to get that thing. I wouldn’t get it for anyone else.”
“Yeah...thanks Sunny, you’re the best,” I responded with a slight smile. The most beautiful, smartest, and nicest girl I’ve ever met would always say those things to me, whether I feel like I deserve it or not. “Still...as your girlfriend, I must respectfully forbid you from getting me anymore expensive gifts like this. I’m not even worth all the effort of busting the bank, so just go for something small next time alright?”
She just laughed and gave me the most nonchalant shrug. “Alrighty then, whatever you say my little Blushy. Guess I’ll have to find a way to top that present without spending a single dime.”
“That wasn’t a joke...” I mumbled out to her. I then quickly realized what she called me and I bitterly stared back at her. “And I thought I told you to stop with the nicknames, they sound so embarrassing when you say them.”
She gave me an overly-dramatic scoff, crossing her arms as she took another sip from her milkshake. “Oh, curb your tongue my dear! I thought you said you loved my nicknames.”
“Yeah, and it was cute about three months ago, but now they just sound so awkward to me. Blushy? You realize how forced that sounds right?”
“Well excuse me, but if you get to call me Sunny all day, then I have the moral and legal right to give you my own nickname. Not my fault Wallflower Blush is a name without much creative freedom.”
I rolled my eyes. For a while now, she’s been trying to come up with a nickname for me, each one worse than the last. First there was Wally, then Flower Girl, and then there was the one her and Pinkie came up with together, “The Green Hand” to go with my green thumb. Needless to say, they were all rejected by me, but I can’t help but think about how cute it was that she’s trying to think of a name for me.
“Well, I’ll think of something later,” Sunset interrupted my thoughts once again. “Anyways, weren't you saying earlier that you wanted to talk to me here? I’m all ears if that’s the case.”
I guess that is something we’ll be saving for later...for better or for worse. Still, after taking another sip, I cleared my throat and prepared my question. “I do actually, felt like coming here would be...appropriate. You...wouldn’t happen to know what day it is, do you?
She continued to drink her milkshake until the liquid stopped in her straw, prompting her to look up at me. She hummed as she placed her finger under her chin. “Ooh, that’s always been a toughie, but if I was a betting girl, I’d say that today is Tuesday.”
“Yes...I mean no, I...you know I’m not talking about the actual day!”
“Really? I actually thought you were referring to that. Oh how silly of me…”
I sighed and shook my head at her signature teasing sarcasm I grew all too familiar with. “You never take things seriously, you know that? You always need to just tease me like this, don’t you?”
She just responded with another one of those grin-and-shrug combos I’m also way too familiar with. “You’re saying that like it’s a bad thing babe. You know it’s one of the best four assets of mine that you were attracted to. I’m sure you know what the other three are.”
And that was followed by another lewd joke of her “assets”, that I refuse to even acknowledge, even if she’s completely right. “Would it kill you to take what I say seriously and not act like a sarcastic vixen like you usually are?”
“Aww come on babe, don’t be like that. You know teasing you’s just my way of showing you how much I love ya.”
“It’s more like how much you like making my face look like a watermelon. I don’t even want to count the times you pop out of nowhere to kiss me in front of our friends.”
“But...isn’t embarrassing your other half the best part of being in a relationship? After all, what’s the point of being madly in love when you can’t show the whole world?”
“...”
She sighed, “Alright, alright, I’ll concede,” she said, holding up her hands in a defensive manner. “So...what’s this huge announcement you wanted to share anyways? Must’ve been so important that you’d drag us all the way here again...not that I mind, of course.”
I smiled as I took another sip from my drink. I wasn’t worried about any of those negative thoughts from before. We’ve been together for over a year now and I had the perfect way of showing her how thankful I am. “Well, what I was going to say earlier, I called you out here because at the end of the week, the anniversary of the day we officially became a couple will be here.”
The utter surprised look on her face was somewhat priceless. “A whole year since we started dating? Man has time really flew.”
“I know right!” I exclaimed with more excitement than I expected. “Which is why I wanted to tell you here. This was pretty much our first official dating spot, and I thought coming back here and drinking our favorite smoothies would be a very fitting place to start at.”
“Oh boy...sounds like you’ve thought of everything, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, I did!” I practically yelled that one out, making me start to blush, which matched her face. I was embarrassed, but didn’t care as I was too excited to let it shut me down like usual. “But don’t be too excited just yet Sunny, ‘cause I got something special planned just for the two of us.”
“Oh...uh…” Sunset for some reason started to look a bit nauseous, as if she just ate some bad fruit. Wouldn’t know why though since she was just as excited moments ago. “You don’t need to do anything like that...Wallflower, an anniversary for dating isn’t all that grand and special anyways.”
“Of course it is Sunny!” I exclaimed, maybe a bit louder than I thought. “It’s a day important to all couples, right? And if we’re going to be the so-called ‘Greatest couple in Canterlot’, then we have to celebrate a day like this in a big way!”
“You didn’t really plan anything huge, did you?”
“Oh don’t worry, it’s not anything really extravagant or anything, but that’s what makes it special. This is something I’ve been planning for weeks now, and since it’ll only be just the two of us, this will be the perfect night for the both of us.”
The perfect anniversary night…how I planned for this. Maybe a little too much, but that didn’t really matter to me. Being the leader of my own gardening club has its benefits, like being able to make a special section dedicated to a loved one, and having your members help you organize it. Add in a picnic basket full of our favorite food, some flameless candles for romantic scenery, and I totally deserve an award for best date planner.
As I was still feeling excited for the night, I looked back at her expecting...not really sure what I was expecting actually...but it wasn’t her texting on her phone, tapping away with a nervous glint in her eyes that I’ve seen before. “Hey Sunny, you alright?”
“Yeah…perfect…” She mumbled, practically waving off my question as she kept looking through her phone. “Just...checking some online stuff is all.”
Her tone started to sound a lot like mine whenever I get seriously nervous. A little too much like mine. “You sure? Because you’re looking awfully...flustered…? Is this about the anniversary?”
“What? Of course not babe...I just, uh...remembered I had a History assignment I needed to turn in soon. And now I need to meet up with Rainbow in an hour so we can work on it together.”
“O...kay…” I mumbled to her. Then I immediately realized something off. “Wait a sec...I thought you didn’t have...”
“Sorry Blushy, but I really need to head out now!” She quickly said as she got up and grabbed her things together. “I’ll be sure to talk to you again tomorrow at lunch.”
“But…”
She interrupted me again with a quick kiss on my cheek and a hug around my neck. “I’ll see you soon, alright? Buh bye!”
I silently watched Sunset as she sprinted down the street, leaving me alone without another word. As I looked at her direction speechless, an empty feeling resonated in my stomach as I wondered why she left like that. Sure she’s been pretty busy with college life, but never that busy enough to leave in a rush like that. Didn’t help that she looked so nervous when I mentioned our anniversary...as if she was trying to avoid the topic all together.
I then took a glance at the milkshake she left behind, lifting it up to see that it was only half-empty.
“She didn’t forget...did she?” I asked as I drunk out of my own cup again until it was empty.
It was surprisingly bitter.
I wasn’t really able to sleep well tonight. All of what Sunset said...or didn’t say, permeated in my brain until I eventually dozed off. This kind of stuff shouldn’t bother me anymore, not now of all times. She did not just made some flimsy excuse just to get out of our conversation yesterday...is what someone without years worth of anxiety would say.
When I woke up I somehow managed to sleep right past my alarm and I barely had time to get to campus. I wasn’t even able to focus on my class without those negative thoughts creeping up on me, forcing me to ignore the lesson and struggle to write any notes down.
It wasn’t until after class that I was able to breathe and think clearly for the first time in an hour. “Well...that was annoying.”
“Eeyup, you said it sister,” Right next to me, Applejack waved her hat like a fan. “All them fancy-schmancy textbooks and presentations are way above what they got back at Canterlot High. Think we’re a little above our heads here?”
“Of course we aren't dear!” Rarity’s familiar and haughty voice came next as we exited the room. “Sure our work is more wearisome, but we’ve certainly dealt with much harder trials in the past.”
“I don’t think comparing a near end-of-the-world crisis to college math is quite fair Rares. I certainly know the difference between what each of them does to yer hair.”
“Oh well, no need to worry about details dear. Besides, I have a certain Apple partner to help me on those long and arduous study nights.”
“Heh heh, it’s ma pleasure. No problem at all.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at these two. They’ve never been very subtle when it comes to their relationship, even back when they were still just friends. Then again, I wasn’t really subtle with Sunset either. Still, their relationship is pretty great since they’ve been friends for so long. They’ve been friends for years...huh, I wonder…
“Hey, Wallflower,” Applejack suddenly spoke out to me, “me and Rare’s been meaning to ask ya about how ya been this morning.”
I stopped right in my tracks as I looked at her dead in the eyes. “You mean the tired expression in my eyes, how I was almost late coming here, or the lack of motivation I have right now?”
“Er...all of the above...” Rarity hesitantly commented. “Though if I may be bold for a moment, I’d like to add the unsightly pale skin as another valid answer.
I sighed as I leaned by a nearby wall in the hallway, sliding to the floor with the others sitting next to me. “I haven’t been able to sleep lately. It’s hard to when a bunch of thoughts are just blaring in your head like Pinkie at karaoke night. It’s starting to drive me crazy!”
Rarity visibly cringed, “Ugh, I know how you feel, her singing can leave quite the lethal ring.”
“Pinkie’s pipes aside, what kinda thought’s been naggin’ at ya? I’m sure whatever is ailing ya, the two of us can help out.”
It took me awhile to trust Sunset’s friends, especially after what I did, but nowadays they’ve become my best friends and I can easily talk to them about my problems. So without much hesitation, I decided to just go straight for it. “Sunset’s been trying to avoid me and I think it’s because she forgot our anniversary!”
The two only looked at me with a confused glare. I coughed in my fist with a blush. “At least, that’s what’s been in my mind.”
“That...is quiet the bold claim dear.” Rarity began saying. “Are you sure the lack of sleep isn’t affecting you mentally?”
“It’s just that...I can’t help but feel like something’s wrong between the two of us. We’ve been going out for a year now, and our anniversary is in a few days, but when I asked her about it she got very dismissive and left before I could say anything else. Doesn't that sound weird to you guys?”
Applejack looked back at Rarity, before sharing a laugh with her. I couldn’t hide my blush any further. “Girl, you must be more paranoid than a cow trying to sneak outta the slaughterhouse. You really think Sunset’s the kinda gal to avoid her own girlfriend?”
“No…” I could only say slowly. “But…”
“Well there ya go sugarcube, there ain’t no need to worry ‘bout a thing. Maybe she’s preparing a surprise for you, she can’t just tell you that now can she?”
Sunset knows by now that I’m not good at surprises, but she would do that to me, wouldn't she?
“Think about it darling,” Rarity started talking, interrupting my thoughts, “we all have roundabout ways of showing our love to our significant others, and Sunset is no different. And even if she did forget your anniversary, so what? It’s only natural for one to be forgetful.”
“Really…and have either of you two ever forgotten something so important?” I asked out of curiosity, as well as suspicion.
Applejack looked up in thought before she raised a finger. “Well, there was this one time when I asked Rarity help our family for the harvest, but believe my surprise when I found out she went to some fancy schmancy party. Damn near made myself look like a fool in front of ma family for making them think we’d get extra help.”
Rarity frowned right at her, then cleared her throat rather exaggeratingly. “And...that just so happens to remind me of the time when Applejack forgot to come and model for my very important, key words: very important fashion show when I vigorously told her to come. Having to rush and get one more model at such short notice was a disaster.”
Applejack then glared right at her as she said that. “Hey, you givin’ me lip for missing yer show, but we were all struggling to get the harvest raked in on time. No thanks to you, honey.”
“Oh well excuse me for not coming to work on your filthy farm after I told you I wouldn’t. But I guess that gives you the right to cause me stress on a very important night of my career, darling.”
“You know full well I ain’t modeling in front of anyone that ain’t the girls or you.”
“And you know that the only time I plan on getting all dirty and sweaty like that is when we…!”
“Please stop!” I immediately blurted, my cheeks getting too heated up to hear anymore of their personal life. “I get it, people forget to do things and I shouldn’t get so worked up; is that what you want me to say?”
The two looked between each other, their faces writhe with embarrassment. After a moment of hilariously fumbling to get back on track. “Anyways,” Rarity managed to cough out, “the important thing to remember is that, you’re quite lucky to be in a relationship with a lady like Sunset. I believe she thinks the same towards you.”
A small smile appeared on my face as I thought about it more. “You guys...are probably right. Still, I doubt I’d be able to sleep tonight unless I hear it from her...or at the very least maybe from Rainbow since those two studied together.”
I then felt Applejack’s firm hand grab my shoulder for my attention. “Well girl, if you’re done soundin’ like a madwoman, there’s your Option B right over there.”
To my right, I suddenly saw Rainbow Dash trudging down the hallway with her head hanging low. Beside her was Twilight Sparkle, who looked much better than the girl right next to her, who began to groan as she slumped by a water fountain. “Man that was such a pain in the ass. I never want to remember another dead guy’s birthday ever again.”
“Oh come on Rainbow stop acting so dramatic. You passed didn’t you?”
“But at the cost of my sanity Twilight. I’ve got soccer practice in two hours and, instead of focusing on that, I’ll be thinking of what classes universities during colonial times had. Like any of that’ll help me kick better!”
“Well, funny you should say that…”
“Don’t you dare say some nerdy junk to justify this!”
As they were talking, the others beside me gave me a wink and a nod, prompting me to get up and walk towards them. The idea of talking to my friends just to get information about what Sunset’s been up to made me feel like some kind of creepy stalker. Still, I just needed to reassure myself, that’s all.
“H...hey guys…”
For a second, it almost looked as if they were stunned to see me. “Hey there Wallflower.” Twilight spoke first. “You need something?”
“Actually, yeah. Hope you two got a minute to spare.”
Rainbow groaned loudly. “Sure, but can you make it a quick minute. I gotta sleep off this raging headache after that torture session.”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Ignore her, what’s up?”
“Well...” I couldn’t make it obvious what I wanted to know. Have to come ask her something more...subtle. “I was just wondering what you two have been up to. You know how busy we all are and stuff, it means we haven’t talked in a while.”
Twilight gave me a confused glare. “You do remember how all of us were at Sugarcube Corner to help Pinkie with the renovations right?”
‘Crap.’ I thought to myself. Maybe I need to be a little less subtle on my approach. “Well, yeah, I do. You know how I get sometimes, not seeing you or especially Sunset in such a long time can be taxing on me sometimes.”
“Not seeing Sunset in a whole three days is considered a bad thing?” Rainbow asked without hesitation.
‘Abort, abort, you cannot do this!’
Before I could say anything else that would embarrass me to all hell. Twilight managed to snap me out of my stupor and get me to focus on her. “Calm down Wallflower, I think you’re trying to tell us something important. Try using your words carefully.”
It was very apparent to myself that dancing around the issue wasn’t getting me far at all; it never did for me. “Ok Twi, honestly, I was going to ask Rainbow how the study session went with Sunset, especially since she was off in a hurry last night, and I need to talk to her.”
Twilight gave off a weird expression, looking as if she was worried about something, right before she cleared her throat. “Oh...no need to worry about Sunset...right Rainbow?” She asked, giving her a jab with her elbow.
“Wha…?” Rainbow mindlessly asked before coming back to reality. “Oh yeah, we had a real rough night cramming in all those...uh...history stuff.”
I frustratingly crossed my arms. “Did you now?”
Rainbow then confidently smiled. “Of course! What do you take me for, a liar?”
“More like someone who should know Sunset isn’t taking history this semester.”
I’ll admit, seeing Rainbow’s face in sheer shock over getting called out was pretty funny. Especially after she started cursing and bashing her head due to her mess-up.
I looked at Twilight, who gave me a sheepish laugh. “So...you guys are hiding something from me, huh?”
She sighed. “Okay, you win, but we can’t tell you what’s really going on.”
“What?” I asked, “Why not? What are you hiding from me?”
Twilight gave another sheepish laugh as she clamped her fingers together. “Oh, nothing too bad or anything like that...she’s just trying to find a good gift for your anniversary.”
I took me a second to understand what she just said, and another to react accordingly. “She’s getting me a gift? Then why doesn't she just tell me that herself? And what do you mean you can’t tell me what’s going on?”
“Relax Wallflower,” Rainbow responded, recovering from her self-rant, rather gracefully I may add, “let’s just say that your bae has everything planned for that anniversary you two got going on, and she told us not to spill anymore of the beans.”
I still couldn’t believe what I just heard. Not only does this prove that Sunset forgot our anniversary, but she’s using her friends to try and keep secrets from me. I’d be fine if she just told me what’s going on, so why would she do this, and why does this make me so angry!?
“Hey, Wallflower, you alright?
I must’ve looked like a loon in front of my friends as I was spacing out. I need to calm down before thinking of the worse case scenario gets the better of me. “I’m fine Rainbow. Just a little agitated that Sunny wants to keep secrets like this from me.”
Rainbow nodded. “Yeah I get it, I wasn’t too keen on keeping this away from you either, but a promise is a promise.”
Twilight stepped in. “I know what Sunset’s doing may not be the most...ethical choice, in terms of how a budding relationship like yours would work, but we talked it out and you can rest assured knowing she’ll make your anniversary the best.”
I wanted to say something else, some kind of rebuttal or argument against them, but I couldn’t. Not only would I sound like stalker, but I needed to trust my own girlfriend. Trust that she has some plan for the both of us. After saying my goodbyes, the two finally left, leaving me by myself.
“Well, that was rather underwhelming,” Rarity's voice popped behind my ear, “I was certain there would’ve been some sort of drama here. Er...Not that I’d want that to happen to you darling, of course!”
“Were you guys seriously watching the entire time?” I disgruntling asked as I turned to face them. I then raised an eyebrow when I saw only one of them was there. “Where did Applejack go?”
“Oh, she decided to get us some food before the next class. I do apologize about snooping on the convo darling, but the good news is that you truly have nothing to worry about.”
I sighed, running my hand through my hair to scratch away my headache. “You sure it’s not just because she’s forgotten more than just the anniversary?”
She shook her head. “Your thinking about this far too morbidly, darling. Thinking of the worst possible thing is no way to run a relationship. Sunset will come back home to you with a wonderful gift, just you wait.”
“You’re right, Rarity. All this negative thinking is why I took up gardening as a form of therapy. Hopefully she’ll come back home and...wait, come back home?”
“Yes, that is what I said dear.”
It didn’t take a genius to see something was not right. “What do you mean ‘come back home’, did she travel to someplace or something?”
Rarity paused for a moment as she realized what she said. “Er...of course not dear, it’s a bit of a metaphor is all. As if to say that you’ll be home, and Sunset will come back like a partner coming from a long day in the office.” She tried to give me a convincing smile. “That makes sense, don’t you think so?”
“Do you know where Sunny went to?”
Rarity looked like she just realized she left the oven on, as the look of shock appeared directly on her face for a split second, before she fake coughed in her fist. “Oh, never you mind dear. Sunset will have your gift before you know it!”
“But what about…?”
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I must make sure AJ does not give me anything fattening!”
I was too late to catch her before she left. I wanted to say I was duped by the few friends I had, though betrayed felt more appropriate to me. Does Sunset not trust me enough to tell me that she just forgot after two whole years?
…
Two days...
It’s been two long and arduous days since I’ve even heard from Sunset. I’ve tried calling her, texting her, talking to some of the other students since I doubted my friends were keen on talking. I even tried asking Sunset’s Professors if they knew anything, but apparently she managed to get a convenient note to all of them about a family emergency trip, so none of them are any good either.
All I could ask myself was: why would she go through all this trouble? Did she really think I would be angry because she forgot about our anniversary? It’s already the day of our anniversary, and with her completely fallen off the face of the Earth, I found myself sitting on the steps of a random staircase, alone behind a closed door, far from any passing student, with that anxious feeling we both worked so hard to get rid of now returning with a vengeance.
All by myself with nothing but the silence and my thoughts, just like old times. Funny how nowadays a certain fiery-haired girl would come to my rescue, give me a hug, and talk about some crazy adventure her and the girls had way back then. I chuckled a bit as I remembered the time they fought some Snapgap model with an evil phone.
Thinking about it now, even though I’ve known who she was since the beginning of High School, I’ve only started to get to know her two years ago, and now we’re an actual couple. Somehow a girl made of 99% anxiety managed to get a girl who can perform in a band in front of hundreds. Not only are we both severely different types of personalities, but I barely know her compared to her other friends. Even when we’re all together, I feel like the odd one out; no super-powers, can’t play any instruments, and I barely even know the girls like they do themselves.
‘Wouldn’t it make sense for her to fall in love with one of her actual friends...not some forgettable nobody who almost ruined her life!? Seriously, what do you have that makes you better than any of them? What makes you think you were ever worthy of Sunset’s love to begin with!?’
“Aargh! What the hell is wrong with you!?”
I punched a nearby door with all the force I had inside me, which meant that the sound wasn’t very loud. I doubt anyone would’ve heard it even if I had any bit of Applejack’s strength, much less when she has that geode.
“Hello?”
A voice quieter than I usually muster was heard behind the door. I was surprised, almost scared that someone actually heard me at all. I stood up and looked through the window to see Twilight standing even more surprised than me.
Without hesitating I opened the door. “Twilight, you actually heard me hit the door?”
“That’s what that was?” she realized, “I almost thought some kind of large animal got inside.”
I immediately frowned. “Well at least I can say invisibility is my power, if only I could turn it off whenever I’m around Sunset.”
Twilight pursed her lips at me. “You’re...still not upset at us for keeping Sunset’s secret are you?”
What a stupid question. “No Twilight, I’m not mad at you or the others...”
“Oh that’s good, cause you had me worried that…”
“I’m just a bit peeved that it’s been a whole three days since I’ve even seen Sunny, and of all the people who should know where she is, I’m being left behind like always!” As I noticed what I said, I took a moment to calm down, not wanting to make things worse. “Sorry, didn’t mean to get all angsty like that.”
“It’s okay,” she assured me with a calm tone, “and believe me, we don’t agree with what Sunset’s doing.”
“Then what is she doing?” I started to ask, desperate for something out of her. “And more importantly, if you were so against it, why didn’t you guys stop her?”
“We tried, we told her that she didn’t need to go this far to make you happy, but she just wouldn’t listen to us. I never pegged her for the stubborn type.”
I’m starting to. “She’s probably just doing all this to keep me in check. The “nicest girl in all of Canterlot High” can’t have the lonely nobody go back to her wicked ways, can she?”
“What are you saying Wallflower?”
“I’m saying, that all this is starting to feel like a lie. Running away and losing contact with me just to get a last minute present? She forgot that we were in a relationship, and trying her best to make up for it so I don’t go back to erasing people's memories. It’s like she never loved me in the first place!”
“You know that’s not true. Sunset’s been loving you since day one.”
“Well, that’s really starting to not sound true!”
I was never much of a loud person, haven’t really went any more than a whisper. So to hear myself yell at such a volume, honestly surprised me more than it did Twilight. Was I starting to lose my mind? Is my anxiety starting to get the better of me?
“She’s in Equestria.”
Twilight interrupted my thoughts as she looked at me with a defined stare. “She went to Equestria to find a present you might like. That’s why you haven’t been able to contact her, and she told us that if you were to ask us anything, that we shouldn't tell you much, that way it would still be a surprise.”
Between my unrealized anger for my girlfriend, and Twilight’s words, I didn’t know what to say really. Can I really say anything now that I got my answers? Should I be happy that I got some sort of closure? ‘Of course not, you idiot. This just proves that Sunset never cared about you, that this whole two year crush was built on preventing you from self-destructing...and it failed!’
“Wallflower...” I faintly heard Twilight say, “I know you’re angry, but please don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
I heard everything she said...but I ignored her as I simply walked away from her. Even with all her calls, I realized I had no reason to stay here anymore.
“Hey there leader, fancy seeing you here.”
This time, I didn’t really care too much to be surprised that someone else noticed me. I also wasn’t surprised that it was one of my neighbors who was also a member of my garden community; Mr. Maple.
He caught me as I was leaving the college. He didn’t notice my defeated frown as he gave me the usual cheery smile “How you doing, Ms. Leader? Just got out of school?”
He was too nice of a person for me to bring down with my own problems. “I’m doing fine sir, and yes, I just left a while ago.”
“Well that’s great, because you’ll find that the special garden for your anniversary is still doing just fine. Along with the mini fridge, all should be ready for you and Ms. Shimmer.”
“Ready huh…?” I could’ve just gone straight home, at this point why bother going there when this so-called anniversary is ruined, but listening to his words and remembering all the hard work they’ve done, who was I to ignore it? “Thanks Mr. Maple, hope you have a good night.”
“We both have a lot to look forward to tonight. My dinner-date and show with the Missus will be the best we’ve ever had. We’ve been together for just about a decade, but you two are still young and got a long future ahead; a lot to look forward to as well, both good and bad.”
I cynically rolled my eyes, even if he was being truthful. “Thanks sir, I’ll...remember that.”
We waved goodbye, and I immediately made my way for the garden. It was pretty close to where Sunset and I lived; the rooftops of one of the nearby apartments down the block. It was a pretty big roof too, perfect setting for a date for two…
In about ten minutes, I made it to the apartment, and in another five, I was able to climb the stairs to the top. Opening the doors, I was at least able to take in the sight I’ve seen numerous times before. The garden was beautiful, a far cry from my personal one back at Canterlot High that still stands to this day. There was a larger variety of flowers thanks to our various neighbors, even plants from out of the country were being grown.
My focus, however, was on the small alcove in the corner. I slowly made my way over, careful not to step on any stray tools or roots, until there it was, the heart-shaped bed of flowers we all made just for her, complete with a complementary mini-fridge. Curious, I opened the thing to see it packed with our favorite foods; salad, decorated chocolate cake with frosting saying ‘Blushy & Sunny 4 Eva’, and a bottle of non-alcoholic cider.
I smiled a bit. At least I can be happy that everything wasn’t too ruined. Though, now that the sun was starting to set, it ironically just left a bad taste in my mouth. I poured some cider, hoping I could just wash it all down and forget this whole relationship happened in the first place, but I knew it was impossible for me to just forget about something...at least, now I do. In fact...sitting here at this very moment...I started to recall the very night I confessed everything to her.
It was three months after my Birthday, and she asked me out for another “hang-out”, as she put it. It wasn’t anything special, as we just walked around seeing the sights and buying clothes and makeup. We mostly bought stuff for me, some rather...revealing to what I’m used to. Thanks Rarity.
After several hours, when night came, we ended up walking back to Sugarcube Corner right before it closed. Thankfully, Pinkie was still there to serve us our favorite milkshakes and look after our stuff as we watched the moonlight outside. After several minutes of just staring at the stars, I spoke up first.
“You know, after using up all of my coupons on these shakes, I think I’m starting to like these things more than smoothies.” I took my first sip of my drink, then gave a disgusted grimace. “Although, I have to admit, I’m definitely not a fan of caramel.”
“Not everyone is,” she said to me, drinking her own shake before reluctantly swallowing it, “though, I can personally say that I’m not a pineapple kind of girl.” She looked at me with a curious grin. “Wanna trade?”
I almost spat out my shake the moment I heard that question. Not like I was disgusted or anything, but it was the idea of drinking her drink that must’ve got me. Still, I managed to spit out a barely comprehensible yes and we switched. It just so happens to be the right choice, and we enjoyed the new flavors, as I kinda enjoyed her aftertaste. We then started talking for what felt like hours, the conversation shifting from how school was to how I was managing to put myself out in public.
“Well, it’s actually been quite successful so far,” I gutsily told her, “still pretty intimidating since I keep clamming up when I talk to the newer members of the club. Whenever I do though, I just remind myself of all the advice you and the others gave me, and it really works in calming down and actually talking.”
Sunset smiled, “You see, Wallflower? It’s really not so hard once you put your mind to it. I also heard you managed to get some of the newer students to join in. So kudos for getting yourself out there like I knew you could!”
“Thanks Sunny…” I remember mumbling out, blushing, “though to be honest, I doubt I really made any new friends. I’m sure none of them will really be clamoring for any of my contact info after High School.”
“Some friends just come and go when you get older, don’t get all down about it. Besides, we’ll still be great friends even after school ends.”
“Honestly, I’m just lucky enough that I’ll be able to leave school with some sort of friend group. I never really thanked you guys enough for hanging out with me, especially you, after everything I’ve done.”
“You’re still on that, aren't you?” Sunset rhetorically asked me with a groan, “If your still kicking yourself over what you did, you can stop right now. I’ve told you a thousand times that I’ve forgiven you.”
I blushed, that definitely wasn’t the first time. “I know, and I’m pretty much over how I felt after using that rock...but it still feels like I need a reminder everyday, that I don’t need to worry about being invisible or forgotten. A reminder that there’s still no hard feelings after that whole debacle. You know how it is, right?”
“Of...course. But I guess if I have to remind you everyday that you never need to worry about being neglected, then I guess I have no choice.” She then proceeded to grab my shoulder and made me look her in the eyes. “So consider this you’re daily reminder! You’re appreciated and will never be forgotten. Especially by me!”
I never had anyone ever say that to me. No boy or girl ever complimented me like that, and the one who did was the person I thought I hated this whole time. I remembered my emotions flaring at that moment, months of stored up thoughts and feelings building up and I had to let it all out! And my response to her was the bravest...and stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
“SUNSETIHAVEACRUSHONYOU!!!”
“…”
“…”
“Excuse me...what?”
“...I...have a crush on you Sunset Shimmer.”
“...I’ll ask again...WHAT!?
She looked both visibly annoyed and startled by what I just blurted out from nowhere. Real smooth of you...idiot. Still, there was no backing out now, I NEED to tell her how I feel. “A crush, I’ve felt this way about you for a long time, especially after you became the first person at that school to care about my birthday.”
I could feel my skin tingling and my heart beating rapidly, but I kept going. “It was half the reason why I did all that stuff with the stone. I was so jealous about your popularity and how you never gave me a second thought that...I snapped and used the stone to make you feel how I felt. I know it’s so petty compared to all the stuff you went through, but I guess I only cared about how you treated me.”
My heart gave way as I said everything, tons of weight was lifted off my shoulders, but I still couldn’t help but think I was about to ruin everything. Still, I needed to finish what I had to say. “Sunset, you’re the most beautiful, smartest, talented, and overall greatest girl I’ve ever met. What I did to you was horrible, and what I’m asking sounds super selfish of me, but I’m hoping you could at least consider dating me.”
I hesitantly looked up to see Sunset giving me a shocked, albeit comical stare, that made me even more nervous than before. At the time, I thought I messed up royally, that I creeped her out so much that it made her not want to see me ever again. “That’s...wow...I, um...Wallflower, I honestly don’t know how to respond to that.”
She then started glaring daggers at me, her eyes practically judging me, “But if I had to say anything, I should start by saying that what you did was irresponsible as all hell!”
I immediately backed away as she raised her voice “I...I well...”
“I’m not sugarcoating this!” She adamantly interrupted “It’s bad enough that you did all of that because you were jealous of me, but to do so just to get my attention for forgetting you is borderline insane. And you’re telling me all you want at the end is to go out with me, thinking I’ll agree? If anything, you’re lucky I didn’t miss out on that deadline and our friends forgot all about me, or worse.”
“I...understand…” God, did I hate myself when I heard all that. I felt like I ruined our friendship in one swift motion. I thought she was going to stand and leave, never wanting to see me again. Or worse, if she is fine with me, she might say that she’s not even interested in girls and turn me down without a chance. I felt like leaving was the only solution at this point. “I’m...going to leave now…”
“Wait,” She suddenly said to me as she grabbed my hand, “I...didn’t say I wasn’t interested in you.”
“W-...what?”
She then pulled my hand down to sit me back next to her. “Don’t get the wrong idea, I’m still pretty upset about what you did and why you did it, but I’m not against the idea of going out with you.”
“Are you...serious?” I remembered asking. Was she just putting pity on me? Trying to let me down easy so I wouldn’t snap or feel any worse than I already am? “Look, I understand if you don’t want to be friends, you don’t need to beat around the bush.”
She visibly flinched as I said that, but quickly composed herself as she looked right at me. “Guess I can’t really blame you for saying that, but since we should both be honest with ourselves right now, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find you attractive out of everyone at school.” She visibly saw the disbelief on my face. “No, I’m serious! Sure, I’ve haven’t known you as long as the others, but I feel like we'd make a good couple. Bare in mind, we need to fix up that self-esteem of yours.”
“My self-esteem? W-what do you mean by that?”
She suddenly grabbed my hand and gave me a serious look. “I don’t need my powers to know that you probably thought that worse case scenario; I’d never talk to you. In fact, this is starting to get a little bit too familiar if you catch my drift.”
For some reason, I wasn’t surprised or shook in the slightest. Every word hit me dead on like I was a target, but I guess I was too much in disbelief that she was going to give me a chance in the first place. I could only respond with a cheap small smile. “Guess I still haven’t changed that much, have I? I never even dated anyone before, so I don’t even know how we’re gonna make this work”
She then gave me coy smile as she scooted closer to me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Look, how about we just start this whole dating thing slowly. I’ve only ever dated Flash for a short while and that’s about it. Still, I know we just gotta work together and make it work! Sounds simple enough, don’t you think?”
After hearing that, my heart heated up like a furnace as I smiled at her. It was like seeing Sunset handing me that gift for my Birthday once more, the same overwhelming joy from before returned as I wrapped my arms around her and gave a squeeze. Another thought then crept in my mind as I looked at her again. “I know this is the nerves still talking here, but you don’t think you’re making a big mistake, do you?”
The last thing she told me, no matter what, I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. She stood straight up, took my hand and said “Oh well, I guess this’ll be a mistake we’ll be making together!”
Thinking about that memory, I was surprised on how long this relationship lasted. I’ve always had a feeling something would happen between us, but I didn’t expect it to because we didn’t have one to begin with. It frustrates me, all this time I thought I actually had someone to lean on, someone who’d never forget me at all.
I laid down next to the bed of flowers, my eyes filled with nothing but shades of red. Roses, dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, and poppies were all arranged just for her. ‘I did all of this just for her; I spent hours buying, arranging, and planting all of this, and for who, a girl who just pretended to be your girlfriend out of pity? A girl who proves you’ll never be remembered for who you want to be?
“Babe?”
“...”
“Hey, Wallflower…?”
“...”
“You...uh...hear me, right?”
I didn't say anything, not because I wasn’t listening, but because I couldn’t believe she actually came here, and now I have no idea what to think. My mind was racing at a hundred miles while my body was frozen solid. Without any hesitation however, all I could do was just turn around and face her.
I didn’t expect her to be here in the first place, but I definitely didn’t expect the amazing getup she had on. A velvet red dress with matching heels and makeup. Her hands were behind her back, which unintentionally accentuated her chest. By the looks of it, it’s almost as if she was prepared to go on a...date.
“You came…” I silently said.
She gave a toothy grin as she gestured to herself. “Of course I did, this is our anniversary, right? Why wouldn’t I be here?”
“Our anniversary…” I said much louder. “Tonight’s our anniversary…” Something in my mind suddenly clicked, an intense feeling of rage I never thought I could express. Now that she’s here...I couldn’t help but want to let it all out right in front of her.
I slowly stood straight up, ignoring the bits of grass that was on my pants. I stared right into her eyes, which must’ve surprised her as she took a step back as a response. “You’re late. I’ve been...waiting for you.”
She started to approach me, her feet slowly trudging through the grass in a careful manner. “Look, I know I have a ton of explaining to do, so why don’t we pour some of that cider you got there so we can talk?”
I ignored her as I stomped towards her, my mind too focused to think of anything else. “So you finally remembered, you finally remembered that I exist, huh?”
She stopped in her tracks. “Huh…?”
“You did a very good job keeping up the ruse for two years, but this moment right here just proved that no matter what, I’ll always be the girl no one will remember! I thought you loved me Sunset!”
She was “I do love you Wallflower, I…”
“Then why did you leave, Sunset!? Why did you go through all this effort to hide that fact that you were gone for three whole days, and didn’t have the decency to tell me?! I’ve called you well over fifteen times before Twilight finally told me that your were in Equestria!”
Sunset’s eyes were wide open. “She...told you?”
“Surprised that you’re best friend couldn’t keep your secret? I can’t believe you would just go off to another dimension without telling me! What part of you thought that was a good idea at all?”
She then gave me a shy frown as she took a step back. “It wasn’t my idea.”
I raised an eyebrow right up to when she quickly stated, “I...was in a hurry to get to Equestria and I forgot to tell you where I was going…”
In that moment, I wasn’t just upset anymore, I was absolutely livid. “You...you...BITCH!”
We were both stunned by what I just said, but I didn’t feel like holding back at all. “I should’ve known from the beginning this was all just some sick pity party. A $200 camera, for a person you barely knew? Who does that kind of shit?”
“Wallflower, please...I’m sorry that I…”
“Sorry? Oh sure, an apology is just all I need to make me feel better when the whole world will never remember me. What, is that anniversary gift now just some cheeky apology gift?”
She tried to spit out something else at some vain attempt to make me feel better, but I wasn’t having it. “Well, you know what Sunset, you can keep your goddamn present and bury it down a ditch!”
Suddenly, my body acted faster than I could think...as I extended my arms and I pushed Sunset onto the ground...
There was a long silence as time felt like it came to a crawl, right up to the moment I heard the familiar sound of a flower pot hitting and breaking against the cement. The sound must’ve snapped me wide awake as I finally realized what was happening. I just pushed Sunset on the ground, she was crying, and I broke her anniversary gift for me.
I felt my knees turn to rubber as I dropped to the ground, rage turning straight to misery, seeing nothing but tears. It was as if I broke out of a magic trance and the weight of all I’ve done just came down all at one. This was truly the worst feeling in the world.
I just sat there and cried for what felt like hours, all that built up frustrations and self-hate was just released all at once. Hearing only the sounds of my own crying, it was hard to focus on anything else that was happening in reality. Not until a violent shake at my shoulders brought me back.
The first thing I saw was Sunset’s eyes, which started to run black with her makeup, as the mascara was ruined. It was one of the only times I’ve seen her this vulnerable, the only other time was when…
I did my best not to look her in the eyes. “Sunset...I’m sorry. I...I ruined everything.”
“No Wallflower. I’m the one who should be saying that. I should’ve remembered our anniversary, hell, I should’ve remembered to tell you I was leaving. Damn I feel like such an idiot!”
Hearing her chastise herself like this was alien to me. All that confidence she’d always exude was gone, and it might as well have been me who ruined it for her. I took her arms off my shoulders. “Just leave me alone, Sunset. I’m not worth crying over...”
“Why do you keep saying stuff like that?” She clearly asked me through her sniffling. “Of course my own girlfriend is worth crying over, that’s what love does to people.”
That word again. “But why do you LOVE me Sunset? I...I can’t...I don’t understand why you never hated me. I HATE MYSELF!” I never said that before in my life, but it felt like I just ripped off a bandage. “What was so great about some worthless nobody? I had no friends, no social life, and my only response to a problem was to either erase people memories or have a fucking panic attack!”
These words have been swirling in my head for years. “This whole cryfest we were having wouldn’t have happened if I wasn’t such a coward. You’re the greatest woman who’s saved the world like five times, and you want to settle for last place?”
It actually was a relief to just let out all my emotions at once and not hold back on what I was really feeling. I could feel Sunset grab me by the shoulders again, and I didn’t want her to let go this time. “It was never your fault, Sunset...it’s mine. I’m worthless.”
“You’re not worthless,” Sunset retorted, “you’re Wallflower Blush, leader of a gardening club, Canterlot High graduate, and the woman I fell in love with because you were just yourself!”
“But...I ruined our...”
“Wallflower, you’re not the only one at fault here. I fucked up when I didn’t just come clean and talk to you. I wanted to make up for forgetting our anniversary, this was meant to be a last minute surprise present. I ruined our anniversary too.”
We both just sat as the cold air started to blow. My tears were starting to dry up, and that fiery rage from earlier was starting to go down. “You know...that Memory Stone would be pretty useful right now.”
She chuckled. “Yeah, it would,” She then clasped her hands together onto mine, “but it’d be better if instead we finally start our anniversary together...as a couple.”
It was unbelievable, in that moment, I felt all those negative thoughts from before wash away from my head. Feeling her warm touch made me feel so much better than before. My body rushed forward as I hugged her body and placed my lips onto hers. In this moment, I realized why we became a couple in the first place, because she cares and loves me, just as much as I do her.
After a minute, our lips separated only being connected by a thin strand of saliva. She then quietly booped my nose, enlisting a laugh from both of us. “So Sunny...what did you get me?
Her eyes widened. “That’s right!” She reached towards the small box and quickly opened it. Inside were broken pieces of pottery and dirt, but also a bright yellow flower that glowed as brightly as the sun itself. “It’s an Equestrian Sunflower. Looks like a regular sunflower, but they’re imbued with Celestia’s magic to glow like this even at night. Had to do a couple of favors just to convince her to bring this to the human world. Had to do a lot of makeup homework from when I left.” She sighed as she looked back at me. “And I’m probably going to make up some apologies to our friends for keeping a secret.”
I carefully picked up the flower and was mesmerized by it. I’ve seen almost every flower on Earth, but this must be the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen. “I love it...thank you Sunny.”
“Heh, you’re welcome...My Little Flower.” She then looked at me in utter shock and surprise. “My Little Flower! That’s the nickname I’m gonna give you!”
I rolled my eyes as we both started laughing like children.
An hour passed and we were just sitting together right in front of the Equestrian Sunflower now standing tall in the center of the garden. We were enjoying the moonlight and the delicious cake, and it was pretty quiet for awhile, until I broke the silence. “I’m sorry for getting all worked up.”
She chuckled. “And I’m sorry that I forgot our anniversary. Man, we’re both pretty messed up, aren’t we?”
“Yep, we sure are…”
“But look on the bright side, we made a mistake together, just like I said we were going to.”
My eyes widened in response, then I gave her a loving smile. “Well, at least you remembered that.”
“Well, memory can be a fickle thing sometimes.” She paused, then wrapped her arms around my shoulder. “I...love you Wallflower. I love you simply because you’re you. Seeing you laugh, have fun, and being happy...it just makes me want you to stay happy. You’ve introduced me to my love of gardening, and honestly, you're as fun to be around as any of my other friends.
“I don’t care what those negative thoughts want to say about us being together, I want to keep being with you and learning from these kinds of mistakes again. So Please, no matter what happens from here on out...know that I’ll always be there for you.”
It felt warm hearing those words, like a warm blanket was wrapped around me after a cold night. She really is the greatest girlfriend I could ever hope for. “Thanks...I love you too Sunset. Though, you know, after what happened in the last three days, I’m glad we can finally have a peaceful night together.”
Suddenly, I heard a rather...suggestive sounding laugh from her. “Well, it’s great that you’re getting what you wanted, but maybe now that we’re all alone, we can do that “thing” I wanted to do, and you were so nervous about doing.”
“What are you talking abo-...whoa!”
I then felt her on top of me like before. Only this time, her eyes were less subtle, and the top of her dress was now loose, making her black, lacy bra out in the open for me to see. My good ‘ol fashioned blush reared its way back in an instant. “SUNSET! What are you doing!?”
“Oh you know,” She whispered, “just trying to...pluck my little flower’s petals.”
I could feel her warm hands on my stomach as she reached for the hem of my sweater. “But...out in public...like this?”
“It’ll be alright. The door to the roof is locked, and as long as we’re not too loud, nobody will hear a thing.”
As she said this, my sweater was halfway up, making my brown, much-less lacy bra shown. I was sweating bullets at the sheer bravery Sunset had, trying to do what I thought we’d never do in public. I wanted to call it off immediately get back to being wholesome but…
“You know, if you’re too nervous to do this, we can just head home and call it a night. It’s ultimately your…”
“Please Sunny,” I said cutting her off, “the anxiety schtick will get old if I keep doing it.” I then pull my sweater off showing off my green, not lacy bra and threw it to the side. I then brought her face closer to mine. “Now...why don’t we get dirty in the garden.”
“...Please tell me that’s wasn't the only garden themed innuendo you could think of.”
“Oh shut up and kiss me!”
Author's Note
So...a bit of backstory on this piece.
This was originally written for Oroboro's Sunset Shipping contest about a year ago, but as you can see now this is a bit of a late entry. I still wanted to finish this story, but honestly with how many comments the prequel got that were nothing but "WALLFLOWER IS THE WORSE AND IS TERRIBLE" and hardly anything on how good or bad the actual story was, I got pretty discouraged. I honestly questioned if people actually cared about reading my stories, let alone telling me what they think of my stories. I really wanted to be a great writer like the many other famous names on this site, but I thought I'd never get anywhere.
But after some reflection and a lot of not writing, I learned that I still have a long ways to go. Maybe I'll write a story that'll one day get featured, maybe this will be it, or maybe that'll never happen. But that's alright, because I love creating stories and as long as I'm having fun, that's the important part right? It sucks to pour your time and effort into something only for nobody to either give it the recognition you desire, but that shouldn't stop you from doing what you love.
Anyways think of this story as a way of me projecting my own anxieties to you, but I hope you still enjoyed it. Don't forget to leave a like, tell me what you think, and have a good day.
P.S. PLS DON'T BULLY THE WALLFLOWER
