The Stoneby TheKing2001ChaptersChapter IChapter IIChapter IIIChapter I Sunset “So we are all going to Applejack’s for a sleepover tonight, right?” I glanced at Rainbow sitting with a bored expression at the lunch room table, spinning a lunch tray on her finger as our two newest table mates, Blueberry Cake and Norman sat quietly at the end of the table. I don’t know why they started sitting here, they just sat down one day and well, three months later they still were here. They were fairly friendly I suppose. Not really to Rainbow Dash considering she called it “our table” and demanded to know why they took her spot. “Yepperoni!” Pinkie announced as she shoved another cupcake into her mouth. “I’m supplying the games, helping with the food and Rarity is bringing sleeping bags for us all.” “Why when Ah got an air mattress?” Applejack set down a half eaten apple. “We got a few old ones from God knows when.” I tuned out the rest of the conversation as I watched Pinkie laughing at some joke she probably thought of in her head. Pinkie’s laugh was probably the most beautiful noise I’ve ever heard. As far as I know, she has no idea I care about her this way. And by that, I mean way more a friend should. Pinkie is damn near the whole perfect package. She’s funny, kind, helpful in her own way, don’t even get me started on how pretty she is. I’ll spare you the details of my other thoughts about Pinkie, especially the late at night ones. “Going to the bathroom. And then to class. I’ll see you all at Applejacks. Bye!” Pinkie announced and walked away with her lunch tray as I stared at her walking with a faint blush. I thought she was damn fine in a dress but seeing her in her pink skirt and white leggings damn near drove me crazy. “Earth to Sunset,” Rainbow waved a hand in front of my face. “You’re staring at your girlfriends ass again.” “W-what are you talking about?” I forced a nervous laugh as they all exchanged smirks. “I have no girlfriend!” “Yet you still didn’t deny looking at Pinkie’s assets,” Rarity pointed out with a smug grin. “We all saw darling.” “We also saw you staring at her the whole time. Today’s not the first time either,” Fluttershy said quietly as she set down a fork. “Is there something you want you tell us?” “Nope,” I said nervously and shook my head as Applejack gave me an unimpressed look. I hate that she can tell when I’m keeping a secret or withholding information. “Are ya sure about that?” Applejack asked pointedly as she gazed at me. “Look darling,” Rarity intervened thankfully before I could make up something in my defense. “No offense but you’re awful at hiding your affections for Pinkie. You’ve been like this since the Battle of the Bands.” “The what?” Twilight asked as Blueberry and Norman both grimaced. I kinda forgot they were here. Oh lord, they probably heard the other stuff about Pinkie too. “Long story,” Rainbow answered as she looked away. “I’ll tell you about it later. Sunset saved all our asses that night.” I blushed more as they all gave me warm smiles. I didn’t really feel like I deserved all the credit. Sure, I helped and was the last piece they needed to defeat the Sirens but still. “Let’s entertain the thought I like Pinkie,” I started as Applejack snorted. “Firstly, she probably doesn’t even swing that way. Secondly, she probably wouldn’t even be interested in me that way. She seems to only view me as a friend.” “She most definitely swings that way,” Twilight mused as she closed her book she was reading. “I’ve heard a lot from other louder students about how she dated a few females here. Namely a Watermelody and a Vinyl Scratch before Vinyl started dating some cello player?” “Are you trying to be the school stalker now?” I asked as Twilight sputtered incoherent words. “No! People just speak really loudly! Especially Scootaloo. She announces everything in the locker room.” I gave a snicker as Twilight faintly frowned at me. “We all know you like Pinkie and it’s damn obvious. Even Lyra knows and that girl is a certified nut case!” Rainbow exclaimed as a nearby Bon Bon shot her a dirty look. “Oops. Anyway, how Pinkie doesn’t see you staring at her twenty four seven is beyond me.” “I don’t do that,” I corrected with a frown. I received multiple flat looks as I gulped. “Okay, maybe I do sometimes but not all the time.” “Ya do realize this sounds like am obsession, right?” Applejack pointed a fork at me as I scowled at her. “I am not obsessed!” I snapped as she raised an eyebrow. “I agree with Sunset darling. I personally find your interest in Pinkie quite adorable,” Rarity squeezed my shoulder. “I do wonder how you will be able to handle sleeping in close proximity to Pinkie though. You do seem quite flustered in the past by that alone.” Oh fuck. I did kinda forget about that. I usually was better at keeping it hidden than I have recently. “And I volunteer to assist you in telling Pinkie,” Rarity continued as I choked on air. Out of everything I’d expected her to say, I didn’t expect that. I should have seen it coming though. Rarity read way too many romance novels. This was practically her territory after all. “A grand gesture maybe? A simple dinner made by yourself? The opportunities are endless. Saving Pinkie from a vampire murderer whilst revealing yourself to be a vampire who betrayed her own kind after falling for a human girl?” I stared at her for a brief second. I have no idea where she gets this shit but she needs to quit reading her romance novels. “Last time I checked, Sunset isn’t a vampire Rarity,” Fluttershy pointed out before giving me a nervous look. “Right?” I slammed my face into the table and groaned as a response. Hopefully that answered her question. I should have just kept lying and said I didn’t like Pinkie that way. I crushed a cupcake wrapper before tossing it into the trash can sitting next to me. “Having fun?” Pinkie demanded as she approached me and I nodded with a smile before turning to watch Rainbow and Applejack continue their Mortal Kombat match. “Yeah Pinks. What about you?” “I’m super duper terrific!” Pinkie announced with a grin as she hugged me and I turned red as I accidentally got a look down her pajama shirt. Think puppy dogs and raccoons getting ran over by car tires. And never let Fluttershy see my thoughts because she’d definitely be crying if she saw what I was thinking. “T-that’s good,” I hugged her back and forced an inhale. “Same here.” “You’re warm,” Pinkie giggled as she licked my cheek and I froze. “You had frosting on your cheek. I’m not about to let perfectly good frosting go to waste! That’s a frosting crime.” “A frosting crime,” I mused and snorted a laugh. “Yeah, that checks out. Why do you have so much Reddi Whip in your fridge by the way?” “That’s a secret,” Pinkie sang and winked at me. “You’ll find out shortly.” I hummed as I relaxed and realized everyone was giving me grins as I turned redder. “Adorable,” Rarity mouthed at me and I gave her a look. “I personally think I’m ready to go sleep darlings. Are you two finished with your video game war yet or no?” “I kicked her ass so yeah I am,” Rainbow shrugged and set her controller down as Applejack scowled at her. “Only because ya distracted me to win!” “Meh,” Rainbow waved a hand dismissively as she slid into her sleeping bag. “Minor details. Still won.” “You’re insufferable,” Applejack muttered as Twilight let out a quiet snore. How she managed to sleep the noise of the those two and Pinkie, I’ll never know. I stretched out on the bed Applejack insisted I sleep on as I yawned again, watching as Fluttershy stuck a night light in the socket next to her sleeping bag. I stared up for a moment at the stars on the ceiling and smiled faintly. She was probably the only one who knew I was afraid of the dark. She seemed like the only one I could trust at the time and well, telling Rainbow Dash I was afraid of the dark would be the worst idea ever. “You’re comfy,” Pinkie muttered as I jumped slightly. I had assumed she’d gone to her sleeping bag next to Twilight. “Pinkie? Why are you sleeping in the bed with me?” I asked with a raised eyebrow and internally hoped that didn’t make her leave. “Too tired to move and you’re comfortable and warm. Is it fine? I can force myself to move if you wish,” Pinkie commented as she covered a yawn and curled up closer to me. “N-no this is fine,” I stammered as I caught Rainbow winking at me from the corner of my eye. I’d be willing to bet she had something to do with this with a doubt. I shifted slightly under the sheets and wrapped an arm around Pinkie as the pink haired girl sighed contently. But yeah, this was fine. More than fine. Chapter II Sunset I shifted in the bed slightly as I yawned, squeezing my eyes shut to avoid the rays of sun passing through the blinds as I desperately tried to cling to the sleep realm as I liked to call it. “Ay yo!” I heard Rainbow whisper loudly, presumably to the other girls. “Come look at this!” “Well, Ah’ll be.” “Adorable!” “That’s actually pretty cute,” Twilight added. “Agreed,” Fluttershy chimed in as Rainbow snickered. “I’m so taking a picture of this and showing them when they wake up,” Rainbow said as I listened to a slapping sound. “Ow!” “Do not take a picture of them sleeping. Come, we will make breakfast with Granny Smith while the two stay comfortable,” Rarity chided as I shifted again. What the hell did she mean by two? I listened as the girls snuck out the room and the door shut before I opened my eyes and looked around curiously. “Oh God almighty,” I whispered to myself as my eyes widened. Pinkie was sleeping next to me with her face shoved into my neck, smiling faintly with an arm around my waist as I turned redder than a fire truck. I partially forgot she fell asleep with me last night. I honestly thought it was a dream for a little bit there. “This is probably the best day of my life. Even better than when I got my cutie mark.” I think all of Canterlot would agree with that. When I got my cutie mark, I accidentally had a magic overload and set damn near the whole town on fire. Thank the lord no pony remembers that anymore. If they do, they didn’t talk about it when I was there last with Twilight. “I kinda wish Rainbow took a picture,” I muttered as I glanced at my phone charging on the night stand. I grabbed it and sighed as I unlocked it before smiling and taking a quick selfie. Might as well capture the moment since I have the technology. “Waffles,” Pinkie muttered as I sniffed the air for a brief second. “How can you do that?” I asked as Pinkie yawned. “I know my baked goods,” Pinkie answered as she opened her bright blue eyes that I secretly adored. “Trust me on this. Applejack and Rarity are making waffles, presumably with caramel and sliced apples with Fluttershy sneaking in strawberries for herself. Apple Bloom is probably assisting the two.” I thought about that for a moment. Pinkie always did have this weird uncanny ability of knowing things without seeing said things happening. We just learned to not question her abilities to save our sanity. Well, all of us except Twilight. There was that whole thing with Twilight adament on finding out about Pinkie’s patented Pinkie Sense. I’ll admit, it was slightly amusing at points. I’ve never seen Twilight run that fast to avoid getting a piano dropped on her by a sheepish looking Derpy and Raindrops that one day when the two tried moving it into the upper level of the school. “Breakfast!” Granny Smith shouted as she opened the door and looked inside. “Come and get it before there’s none left.” “Syrup,” Pinkie muttered as her eyes widened. “Can we actually stay like this for a bit longer?” I asked with a faint grin hopefully as she gave me a confused look. “Why? Breakfast first. I’m not gonna wait on a Granny Smith breakfast. She can cook better than anyone and I mean anyone. Just don’t tell the Cakes I said that please.” I gave a sigh but nodded. She had a point there. Especially since we were helping on the farm after, we couldn’t really afford to miss breakfast. “Yeah, I won’t say a word.” I lifted the basket full of apples with a grunt, setting it in the bed of the truck Big Mac had left. I wiped some sweat off my head and glanced at Applejack. She made this seem so damn easy, almost enough to make me jealous. Almost. “Heyo,” I glanced down at Apple Bloom before offering a warm smile. “Want some help?” “Sure kid but if I’m having trouble, I’m not sure what help you’d be,” I commented and ruffled her hair with a grin. “Where’s Scoots and Sweetie at?” “Bein annoyin as usual,” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes as she handed me another basket. “Arguing over stupid shit.” “Don’t let Applejack or Granny hear you talking like that,” I warned as I picked another apple. “I remember the first time Granny heard me curse. And I thought facing mom when she’s angry was terrifying, she doesn’t hold a candle to an angry Granny Smith.” Apple Bloom winced as I gave a smirk. If I knew Apple Bloom well enough and I did, I know she’s been on the receiving end of the old woman’s wrath plenty of times. “So you and Pinkie, huh?” Apple Bloom asked with a mischievous grin as she sat on the tailgate of the truck as I shot her an incredulous look before throwing my hands in the air in defeat. “Are you kidding me?” I shouted as she chuckled. “Does everyone know I like her? I wouldn’t be surprised if Twilight back home knows.” “Probably does and Ah only because of Sweetie saying she could tell based on the signs. If it makes ya feel better, Scoots had no idea,” Apple Bloom offered with a faint smile. “Ah don’t think Pinkie knows though. Ah love that girl to death but she’s a bit oblivious. Means well though.” “It’s what I like about her,” I admitted as I joined Apple Bloom on the truck bed. “She’s so carefree, I’m jealous. Wish I was like that.” “Ah see. Why ain’t ya working with her on picking apples?” Apple Bloom asked as we both looked over to her and Twilight nearby laughing about something as Pinkie jumped to grab an apple on a higher branch. “I don’t know. Just sorta happened, I guess? I wouldn’t have minded if she was over here but we fell asleep together last time. Some space for her might be nice,” I shrugged. “Don’t want to smother her after all.” “This is Pinkie Pie we are talking about,” Apple Bloom pointed out flatly as she raised an eyebrow slightly. “Smothering is what that girl does.” I tensed up slightly. I didn’t necessarily like anyone insulting Pinkie, even if Apple Bloom was just pointing out the obvious. I can’t remember the last time anyone ever insulted Pinkie around me because I tend to get pretty rude when they do. I think the last time was someone named Lightning Dust or whatever from CPA at the Friendship Games. “Ya should tell her,” Apple Bloom commented as she swung her legs back and forth. “What’s the worst Pinkie could say, no? That girl is your best friend and loves you to death. She would easily still be your friend after if she said no. Ah personally think she’d say yes in a heartbeat. The two of you look pretty darn happy in each others company.” “You’ve been spending too much time with Sweetie Belle,” I said dryly as she smiled. “Maybe so,” Apple Bloom admitted as the younger girl jumped down. “So are ya gonna do it?” “Probably not,” I answered as she gave me a dirty look. “Ah’m no Scootaloo so bear with me here. Ah said, are ya gonna do? Get up off ya lazy ass and go get ya girl before Ah kick your ass into next week. Am Ah clear?” Apple Bloom demanded as she gave me a shove. “What are you, a coward? That ain’t the Sunset Ah know.” I stared at her in stunned silence. She had a point there. Pinkie would still be my friend after wards easily. Almost nothing breaks that girls spirits. “You’re right,” I clenched my fist and stared at Pinkie. “I’m gonna go up to her and ask her to dinner somewhere. Somewhere she can have fun because that girl is a fun addict. I will tell her I love her and that’s that damn it!” “Good!” Apple Bloom clapped with a large smile. “Ah was runnin out of motivational speeches Ah’ve heard Scoots give.” “Who are you telling you love?” Pinkie demanded as we both jumped and spun around. “My leg started twitching and I knew you were ho to something. Do I know them at all?” “Oh you know her,” I chuckled and admired Pinkie with a blush. “Better than anybody, except maybe me.” “Oh this is gonna be difficult,” Pinkie muttered as she toyed with her geode around her neck. “A lot of people know me. I’m the most popular girl at school. There’s Lyra, Lemon Zest, Flash, you, the other girls, Norman, Derpy, Bon Bon...” Apple Bloom and I looked at each other as Pinkie continued naming off our classmates. “Vinyl,” Pinkie mused as I snickered. “What?” “Never change Pinkie. Never change.” “Why would I change?” Pinkie gave me a confused look. “My dress is clean unless I got some dirt on it somehow. Do you not like it?” Like was the understatement of the year. “It’s perfect Pinkie. Just forget it,” I reassured as she hugged me and I hugged her back with a smile. “Thanks for the hug.” “You’re welcome Sunset!” And my face is now a tomato again. Chapter III Pinkie I scratched the back of my head as I sat in one of the chairs in Applejack’s living room as Rarity sat across from me, staring at me. “Something on your mind darling?” Rarity asked and I nodded as Twilight glanced over. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense Pinkie. What’s up?” “Did you girls know Sunset loves someone?” I asked as the two shared nervous looks. “I’m her best friend and she didn’t even tell me! I mean, yeah sure she’s super hot and all and I may secretly love her but still. She can tell me anything.” “Woah back up,” Twilight waved her hands in the hair. “You love Sunset?” “Well, duh!” I snorted and shrugged as she raised an eyebrow. “I figured that was obvious, with all the random gifts and baked goods I leave her in her locker.” “I uh don’t think she got the hint darling,” Rarity said as I gave her a confused look. “Why?” “You have to be straight forward with Sunset darling. As much as I love her like a sister, she does need to be stuff straight to the face sometimes,” Rarity explained as my eyes widened. So that was why Sunset never came to me. I assumed the cupcakes with little hearts and our initials together would have been obvious for her. “It doesn’t matter,” I sighed sadly and hugged myself. “Let’s face facts, she probably doesn’t love me probably. In all honesty, she probably loves Twilight or Princess Twilight instead.” “W-what?” Twilight sputtered as she turned red. “Why us?” “Let’s face it, you’re super duper smart! You’re the smartest girl in Canterlot High. Only Sunset was that high up the hierarchy around here before you came and took the spot. And you’re adorable with your glasses so why wouldn’t Sunset like you? The one back in Equestria is a princess and saved Sunset more than once. And then there was the holidays,” I said with a grimace as Rarity looked dejectedly at her socks for a second. “Well, firstly you were the only one who believed Sunset during that incident. You were by her side the whole time, even when we didn’t believe you. Sunset adores you and you are her best friend,” Rarity pointed out. “Out of us all, I’d expect you be the one Sunset would give up her life for.” “What holidays incident?” Twilight gave us a confused look. “We will tell you later darling. Now is not the time nor the place, helping Pinkie is our objective,” Rarity expertly avoided the topic. Thank the cupcake gods for that one. I really didn’t wanna go over that again. And yes, there are such a thing as the cupcake gods. “Back to Pinkie, why not just tell her?” Twilight asked and shrugged. “I mean, if you and Sunset are super close, what would it hurt?” “Her rejecting me, me getting bullied by my other classmates or laughed at for said rejection?” I offered as they both frowned at me. “Firstly, none of us would ever let them laugh at you. Rainbow Dash is too intimidating for that and secondly, Sunset wouldn’t laugh at you either. Give it a shot,” Rarity coaxed as she hugged me and Twilight’s scowl turned into a warm smile. “Nobody would dare bully you, the school loves you.” I inhaled and took a deep breath. I kinda wonder if this is how Sunset felt when she admitted she used to get panic attacks as a filly. “Okay, I’ll ask her out. But uh, what should I do? What if she’s not impressed by my choice and-” Rarity placed a finger over my mouth. “Stop that,” Rarity chided as she narrowed her eyes. “And take her to that ice cream shop you like. She loves ice cream, especially the odd flavors. Take her somewhere else after, like the movies or a walk.” “Roller skating?” I suggested hopefully after she removed her finger and Rarity nodded thoughtfully. “You could always teach her. You and I are the best at rollerskating, we did show that at the Friendship Games,” Rarity mused as she tapped her finger against her thigh. “Yes. But don’t make her think it’s a friend date. If she is, then she’ll just get more confused about your feelings.” “I can loan you my guide to flirting and dating,” Twilight chimed in as Rarity gave her a startled look. “You have one of those?” Rarity asked with a smirk and Twilight blushed as she sheepishly nodded. “It’s complicated.” I didn’t entirely know what to say there. Based on her expression, nor did Rarity. Twilight had a book for pretty much every occasion it seemed. “Moving on,” Rarity shook her head and locked eyes with me. “I’ll assist you with your outfit as well if you wish. Sunset is currently showering I believe so I’d suggest waiting and not barging in to ask her like you usually do to ask us all random questions darling.” I turned red but nodded. “You guys absolutely certain she’ll say yes?” I asked nervously and flicked my eyes up the stairs where Sunset was. “This seems like a bad idea after all and I mean worse than putting hot sauce on a cupcake and chocolate bars.” Twilight opened her mouth to comment but sighed and promptly closed it. “I’m absolutely certain this is a good idea,” Rarity gave me a smug grin. “Trust us, she will most definitely say yes.” “Sunset just texted me saying she was out if one of us wants to go next. I’ll go so Rarity can uh listen,” Twilight mumbled as she took off up for stairs and into the bathroom. I’d been so focused on them, I hadn’t even heard Sunset leave and that door is super squeaky. Sunset yawned as she stepped off the final step with a towel wrapped around her head. She wore the pajamas Rarity made her for Christmas with a little red maned unicorn decorating the pants and shirt. “Hey, what’s going on?” Sunset dropped down into the chair next to Rarity as she stretched. “Applejack and Rainbow were fighting over video games again. Fluttershy is scary when she wants to be the mom of the group. She actually put them in time out.” Rarity gave a sigh as she stood up, groaning and facepalmed. “I’ll go assist her. Why don’t you two talk for a bit? You’re entirely alone down here after all and can talk about anything,” Rarity shot me a smirk as Sunset looked between the two of us. “What was that about?” Sunset asked as we both watched Rarity speed walk up the stairs. “Nothing!” I said hastily and forced a smile as Sunset gave me a doubtful look. “Hey, wanna go out tomorrow?” “Sure,” Sunset answered as she unlocked her phone and I internally groaned. “I’m free after four when I get off work. What ya wanna do?” “Get ice cream and roller skating. If we have time we can catch a movie?” I suggested with a weak smile as Sunset looked up. “Just us?” Sunset asked with a faintly hopeful look in her eyes. “Mhm. The others are uh busy at the moment.” I felt bad lying and I bit my lip. “I mean, the two of us can ya know, go out?” “Like a date.” “Maybe?” I offered and Sunset gave me a smile that I loved. She practically brightened up any room she went in with that smile. “I’d love to. I’ll pick you up around seven and we can do whatever you want. Just the two of us,” Sunset squeezed my hand as I nodded. “I’ll be waiting down the street,” I answered as she gave a thumbs up. I love my family and all, but they can be super duper strict. Especially about dating. Limestone was super critical about Maud’s boyfriend, Mudbriar. I can’t talk though, I was too. Mainly because I didn’t think he was super interesting but hey, Maud likes him and that’s the important part. “I’m gonna guess Rarity was down here encouraging you, wasn’t she?” Sunset asked with a smile and I blushed. “Maybe,” I admitted as Sunset gave a faint laugh. Even though I’ve heard it dozens of times, I don’t think I’ll ever get over how amazing it is. At one point in my life, I never thought she ever would laugh even though I tried all the time in freshman year. “I’m not surprised. The amount of times Rarity has given advice to our random classmates has been through the roof. I think I heard a rumor she even helped Derpy and Time Turner get together.” “She did,” I confirmed. “I helped Time Turner plan out him confessing to her. Mainly with muffins with heart shapes on the top.” “That girl and her muffins,” Sunset shook her head. “Derpy is something else. Remember the time she accidentally blew up a science project in her face during the Games?” “How could I forget?” I giggled as Sunset joined in. “She was covered head to toe in ash. It was crazy, even by my standards.” “Now that’s something rare,” Sunset teased. “Something being crazier than the stuff you get up too. I’ve seen you stuff a party cannon into a suitcase somehow.” “A party planner never reveals her secrets,” I stated firmly. “I got ya. Wanna go sleep again?” I paused before nodding sheepishly. She was probably the best person to sleep with, very soft. But I’d never tell anyone except her that.
Chapter I Sunset “So we are all going to Applejack’s for a sleepover tonight, right?” I glanced at Rainbow sitting with a bored expression at the lunch room table, spinning a lunch tray on her finger as our two newest table mates, Blueberry Cake and Norman sat quietly at the end of the table. I don’t know why they started sitting here, they just sat down one day and well, three months later they still were here. They were fairly friendly I suppose. Not really to Rainbow Dash considering she called it “our table” and demanded to know why they took her spot. “Yepperoni!” Pinkie announced as she shoved another cupcake into her mouth. “I’m supplying the games, helping with the food and Rarity is bringing sleeping bags for us all.” “Why when Ah got an air mattress?” Applejack set down a half eaten apple. “We got a few old ones from God knows when.” I tuned out the rest of the conversation as I watched Pinkie laughing at some joke she probably thought of in her head. Pinkie’s laugh was probably the most beautiful noise I’ve ever heard. As far as I know, she has no idea I care about her this way. And by that, I mean way more a friend should. Pinkie is damn near the whole perfect package. She’s funny, kind, helpful in her own way, don’t even get me started on how pretty she is. I’ll spare you the details of my other thoughts about Pinkie, especially the late at night ones. “Going to the bathroom. And then to class. I’ll see you all at Applejacks. Bye!” Pinkie announced and walked away with her lunch tray as I stared at her walking with a faint blush. I thought she was damn fine in a dress but seeing her in her pink skirt and white leggings damn near drove me crazy. “Earth to Sunset,” Rainbow waved a hand in front of my face. “You’re staring at your girlfriends ass again.” “W-what are you talking about?” I forced a nervous laugh as they all exchanged smirks. “I have no girlfriend!” “Yet you still didn’t deny looking at Pinkie’s assets,” Rarity pointed out with a smug grin. “We all saw darling.” “We also saw you staring at her the whole time. Today’s not the first time either,” Fluttershy said quietly as she set down a fork. “Is there something you want you tell us?” “Nope,” I said nervously and shook my head as Applejack gave me an unimpressed look. I hate that she can tell when I’m keeping a secret or withholding information. “Are ya sure about that?” Applejack asked pointedly as she gazed at me. “Look darling,” Rarity intervened thankfully before I could make up something in my defense. “No offense but you’re awful at hiding your affections for Pinkie. You’ve been like this since the Battle of the Bands.” “The what?” Twilight asked as Blueberry and Norman both grimaced. I kinda forgot they were here. Oh lord, they probably heard the other stuff about Pinkie too. “Long story,” Rainbow answered as she looked away. “I’ll tell you about it later. Sunset saved all our asses that night.” I blushed more as they all gave me warm smiles. I didn’t really feel like I deserved all the credit. Sure, I helped and was the last piece they needed to defeat the Sirens but still. “Let’s entertain the thought I like Pinkie,” I started as Applejack snorted. “Firstly, she probably doesn’t even swing that way. Secondly, she probably wouldn’t even be interested in me that way. She seems to only view me as a friend.” “She most definitely swings that way,” Twilight mused as she closed her book she was reading. “I’ve heard a lot from other louder students about how she dated a few females here. Namely a Watermelody and a Vinyl Scratch before Vinyl started dating some cello player?” “Are you trying to be the school stalker now?” I asked as Twilight sputtered incoherent words. “No! People just speak really loudly! Especially Scootaloo. She announces everything in the locker room.” I gave a snicker as Twilight faintly frowned at me. “We all know you like Pinkie and it’s damn obvious. Even Lyra knows and that girl is a certified nut case!” Rainbow exclaimed as a nearby Bon Bon shot her a dirty look. “Oops. Anyway, how Pinkie doesn’t see you staring at her twenty four seven is beyond me.” “I don’t do that,” I corrected with a frown. I received multiple flat looks as I gulped. “Okay, maybe I do sometimes but not all the time.” “Ya do realize this sounds like am obsession, right?” Applejack pointed a fork at me as I scowled at her. “I am not obsessed!” I snapped as she raised an eyebrow. “I agree with Sunset darling. I personally find your interest in Pinkie quite adorable,” Rarity squeezed my shoulder. “I do wonder how you will be able to handle sleeping in close proximity to Pinkie though. You do seem quite flustered in the past by that alone.” Oh fuck. I did kinda forget about that. I usually was better at keeping it hidden than I have recently. “And I volunteer to assist you in telling Pinkie,” Rarity continued as I choked on air. Out of everything I’d expected her to say, I didn’t expect that. I should have seen it coming though. Rarity read way too many romance novels. This was practically her territory after all. “A grand gesture maybe? A simple dinner made by yourself? The opportunities are endless. Saving Pinkie from a vampire murderer whilst revealing yourself to be a vampire who betrayed her own kind after falling for a human girl?” I stared at her for a brief second. I have no idea where she gets this shit but she needs to quit reading her romance novels. “Last time I checked, Sunset isn’t a vampire Rarity,” Fluttershy pointed out before giving me a nervous look. “Right?” I slammed my face into the table and groaned as a response. Hopefully that answered her question. I should have just kept lying and said I didn’t like Pinkie that way. I crushed a cupcake wrapper before tossing it into the trash can sitting next to me. “Having fun?” Pinkie demanded as she approached me and I nodded with a smile before turning to watch Rainbow and Applejack continue their Mortal Kombat match. “Yeah Pinks. What about you?” “I’m super duper terrific!” Pinkie announced with a grin as she hugged me and I turned red as I accidentally got a look down her pajama shirt. Think puppy dogs and raccoons getting ran over by car tires. And never let Fluttershy see my thoughts because she’d definitely be crying if she saw what I was thinking. “T-that’s good,” I hugged her back and forced an inhale. “Same here.” “You’re warm,” Pinkie giggled as she licked my cheek and I froze. “You had frosting on your cheek. I’m not about to let perfectly good frosting go to waste! That’s a frosting crime.” “A frosting crime,” I mused and snorted a laugh. “Yeah, that checks out. Why do you have so much Reddi Whip in your fridge by the way?” “That’s a secret,” Pinkie sang and winked at me. “You’ll find out shortly.” I hummed as I relaxed and realized everyone was giving me grins as I turned redder. “Adorable,” Rarity mouthed at me and I gave her a look. “I personally think I’m ready to go sleep darlings. Are you two finished with your video game war yet or no?” “I kicked her ass so yeah I am,” Rainbow shrugged and set her controller down as Applejack scowled at her. “Only because ya distracted me to win!” “Meh,” Rainbow waved a hand dismissively as she slid into her sleeping bag. “Minor details. Still won.” “You’re insufferable,” Applejack muttered as Twilight let out a quiet snore. How she managed to sleep the noise of the those two and Pinkie, I’ll never know. I stretched out on the bed Applejack insisted I sleep on as I yawned again, watching as Fluttershy stuck a night light in the socket next to her sleeping bag. I stared up for a moment at the stars on the ceiling and smiled faintly. She was probably the only one who knew I was afraid of the dark. She seemed like the only one I could trust at the time and well, telling Rainbow Dash I was afraid of the dark would be the worst idea ever. “You’re comfy,” Pinkie muttered as I jumped slightly. I had assumed she’d gone to her sleeping bag next to Twilight. “Pinkie? Why are you sleeping in the bed with me?” I asked with a raised eyebrow and internally hoped that didn’t make her leave. “Too tired to move and you’re comfortable and warm. Is it fine? I can force myself to move if you wish,” Pinkie commented as she covered a yawn and curled up closer to me. “N-no this is fine,” I stammered as I caught Rainbow winking at me from the corner of my eye. I’d be willing to bet she had something to do with this with a doubt. I shifted slightly under the sheets and wrapped an arm around Pinkie as the pink haired girl sighed contently. But yeah, this was fine. More than fine.
Chapter II Sunset I shifted in the bed slightly as I yawned, squeezing my eyes shut to avoid the rays of sun passing through the blinds as I desperately tried to cling to the sleep realm as I liked to call it. “Ay yo!” I heard Rainbow whisper loudly, presumably to the other girls. “Come look at this!” “Well, Ah’ll be.” “Adorable!” “That’s actually pretty cute,” Twilight added. “Agreed,” Fluttershy chimed in as Rainbow snickered. “I’m so taking a picture of this and showing them when they wake up,” Rainbow said as I listened to a slapping sound. “Ow!” “Do not take a picture of them sleeping. Come, we will make breakfast with Granny Smith while the two stay comfortable,” Rarity chided as I shifted again. What the hell did she mean by two? I listened as the girls snuck out the room and the door shut before I opened my eyes and looked around curiously. “Oh God almighty,” I whispered to myself as my eyes widened. Pinkie was sleeping next to me with her face shoved into my neck, smiling faintly with an arm around my waist as I turned redder than a fire truck. I partially forgot she fell asleep with me last night. I honestly thought it was a dream for a little bit there. “This is probably the best day of my life. Even better than when I got my cutie mark.” I think all of Canterlot would agree with that. When I got my cutie mark, I accidentally had a magic overload and set damn near the whole town on fire. Thank the lord no pony remembers that anymore. If they do, they didn’t talk about it when I was there last with Twilight. “I kinda wish Rainbow took a picture,” I muttered as I glanced at my phone charging on the night stand. I grabbed it and sighed as I unlocked it before smiling and taking a quick selfie. Might as well capture the moment since I have the technology. “Waffles,” Pinkie muttered as I sniffed the air for a brief second. “How can you do that?” I asked as Pinkie yawned. “I know my baked goods,” Pinkie answered as she opened her bright blue eyes that I secretly adored. “Trust me on this. Applejack and Rarity are making waffles, presumably with caramel and sliced apples with Fluttershy sneaking in strawberries for herself. Apple Bloom is probably assisting the two.” I thought about that for a moment. Pinkie always did have this weird uncanny ability of knowing things without seeing said things happening. We just learned to not question her abilities to save our sanity. Well, all of us except Twilight. There was that whole thing with Twilight adament on finding out about Pinkie’s patented Pinkie Sense. I’ll admit, it was slightly amusing at points. I’ve never seen Twilight run that fast to avoid getting a piano dropped on her by a sheepish looking Derpy and Raindrops that one day when the two tried moving it into the upper level of the school. “Breakfast!” Granny Smith shouted as she opened the door and looked inside. “Come and get it before there’s none left.” “Syrup,” Pinkie muttered as her eyes widened. “Can we actually stay like this for a bit longer?” I asked with a faint grin hopefully as she gave me a confused look. “Why? Breakfast first. I’m not gonna wait on a Granny Smith breakfast. She can cook better than anyone and I mean anyone. Just don’t tell the Cakes I said that please.” I gave a sigh but nodded. She had a point there. Especially since we were helping on the farm after, we couldn’t really afford to miss breakfast. “Yeah, I won’t say a word.” I lifted the basket full of apples with a grunt, setting it in the bed of the truck Big Mac had left. I wiped some sweat off my head and glanced at Applejack. She made this seem so damn easy, almost enough to make me jealous. Almost. “Heyo,” I glanced down at Apple Bloom before offering a warm smile. “Want some help?” “Sure kid but if I’m having trouble, I’m not sure what help you’d be,” I commented and ruffled her hair with a grin. “Where’s Scoots and Sweetie at?” “Bein annoyin as usual,” Apple Bloom rolled her eyes as she handed me another basket. “Arguing over stupid shit.” “Don’t let Applejack or Granny hear you talking like that,” I warned as I picked another apple. “I remember the first time Granny heard me curse. And I thought facing mom when she’s angry was terrifying, she doesn’t hold a candle to an angry Granny Smith.” Apple Bloom winced as I gave a smirk. If I knew Apple Bloom well enough and I did, I know she’s been on the receiving end of the old woman’s wrath plenty of times. “So you and Pinkie, huh?” Apple Bloom asked with a mischievous grin as she sat on the tailgate of the truck as I shot her an incredulous look before throwing my hands in the air in defeat. “Are you kidding me?” I shouted as she chuckled. “Does everyone know I like her? I wouldn’t be surprised if Twilight back home knows.” “Probably does and Ah only because of Sweetie saying she could tell based on the signs. If it makes ya feel better, Scoots had no idea,” Apple Bloom offered with a faint smile. “Ah don’t think Pinkie knows though. Ah love that girl to death but she’s a bit oblivious. Means well though.” “It’s what I like about her,” I admitted as I joined Apple Bloom on the truck bed. “She’s so carefree, I’m jealous. Wish I was like that.” “Ah see. Why ain’t ya working with her on picking apples?” Apple Bloom asked as we both looked over to her and Twilight nearby laughing about something as Pinkie jumped to grab an apple on a higher branch. “I don’t know. Just sorta happened, I guess? I wouldn’t have minded if she was over here but we fell asleep together last time. Some space for her might be nice,” I shrugged. “Don’t want to smother her after all.” “This is Pinkie Pie we are talking about,” Apple Bloom pointed out flatly as she raised an eyebrow slightly. “Smothering is what that girl does.” I tensed up slightly. I didn’t necessarily like anyone insulting Pinkie, even if Apple Bloom was just pointing out the obvious. I can’t remember the last time anyone ever insulted Pinkie around me because I tend to get pretty rude when they do. I think the last time was someone named Lightning Dust or whatever from CPA at the Friendship Games. “Ya should tell her,” Apple Bloom commented as she swung her legs back and forth. “What’s the worst Pinkie could say, no? That girl is your best friend and loves you to death. She would easily still be your friend after if she said no. Ah personally think she’d say yes in a heartbeat. The two of you look pretty darn happy in each others company.” “You’ve been spending too much time with Sweetie Belle,” I said dryly as she smiled. “Maybe so,” Apple Bloom admitted as the younger girl jumped down. “So are ya gonna do it?” “Probably not,” I answered as she gave me a dirty look. “Ah’m no Scootaloo so bear with me here. Ah said, are ya gonna do? Get up off ya lazy ass and go get ya girl before Ah kick your ass into next week. Am Ah clear?” Apple Bloom demanded as she gave me a shove. “What are you, a coward? That ain’t the Sunset Ah know.” I stared at her in stunned silence. She had a point there. Pinkie would still be my friend after wards easily. Almost nothing breaks that girls spirits. “You’re right,” I clenched my fist and stared at Pinkie. “I’m gonna go up to her and ask her to dinner somewhere. Somewhere she can have fun because that girl is a fun addict. I will tell her I love her and that’s that damn it!” “Good!” Apple Bloom clapped with a large smile. “Ah was runnin out of motivational speeches Ah’ve heard Scoots give.” “Who are you telling you love?” Pinkie demanded as we both jumped and spun around. “My leg started twitching and I knew you were ho to something. Do I know them at all?” “Oh you know her,” I chuckled and admired Pinkie with a blush. “Better than anybody, except maybe me.” “Oh this is gonna be difficult,” Pinkie muttered as she toyed with her geode around her neck. “A lot of people know me. I’m the most popular girl at school. There’s Lyra, Lemon Zest, Flash, you, the other girls, Norman, Derpy, Bon Bon...” Apple Bloom and I looked at each other as Pinkie continued naming off our classmates. “Vinyl,” Pinkie mused as I snickered. “What?” “Never change Pinkie. Never change.” “Why would I change?” Pinkie gave me a confused look. “My dress is clean unless I got some dirt on it somehow. Do you not like it?” Like was the understatement of the year. “It’s perfect Pinkie. Just forget it,” I reassured as she hugged me and I hugged her back with a smile. “Thanks for the hug.” “You’re welcome Sunset!” And my face is now a tomato again.
Chapter III Pinkie I scratched the back of my head as I sat in one of the chairs in Applejack’s living room as Rarity sat across from me, staring at me. “Something on your mind darling?” Rarity asked and I nodded as Twilight glanced over. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense Pinkie. What’s up?” “Did you girls know Sunset loves someone?” I asked as the two shared nervous looks. “I’m her best friend and she didn’t even tell me! I mean, yeah sure she’s super hot and all and I may secretly love her but still. She can tell me anything.” “Woah back up,” Twilight waved her hands in the hair. “You love Sunset?” “Well, duh!” I snorted and shrugged as she raised an eyebrow. “I figured that was obvious, with all the random gifts and baked goods I leave her in her locker.” “I uh don’t think she got the hint darling,” Rarity said as I gave her a confused look. “Why?” “You have to be straight forward with Sunset darling. As much as I love her like a sister, she does need to be stuff straight to the face sometimes,” Rarity explained as my eyes widened. So that was why Sunset never came to me. I assumed the cupcakes with little hearts and our initials together would have been obvious for her. “It doesn’t matter,” I sighed sadly and hugged myself. “Let’s face facts, she probably doesn’t love me probably. In all honesty, she probably loves Twilight or Princess Twilight instead.” “W-what?” Twilight sputtered as she turned red. “Why us?” “Let’s face it, you’re super duper smart! You’re the smartest girl in Canterlot High. Only Sunset was that high up the hierarchy around here before you came and took the spot. And you’re adorable with your glasses so why wouldn’t Sunset like you? The one back in Equestria is a princess and saved Sunset more than once. And then there was the holidays,” I said with a grimace as Rarity looked dejectedly at her socks for a second. “Well, firstly you were the only one who believed Sunset during that incident. You were by her side the whole time, even when we didn’t believe you. Sunset adores you and you are her best friend,” Rarity pointed out. “Out of us all, I’d expect you be the one Sunset would give up her life for.” “What holidays incident?” Twilight gave us a confused look. “We will tell you later darling. Now is not the time nor the place, helping Pinkie is our objective,” Rarity expertly avoided the topic. Thank the cupcake gods for that one. I really didn’t wanna go over that again. And yes, there are such a thing as the cupcake gods. “Back to Pinkie, why not just tell her?” Twilight asked and shrugged. “I mean, if you and Sunset are super close, what would it hurt?” “Her rejecting me, me getting bullied by my other classmates or laughed at for said rejection?” I offered as they both frowned at me. “Firstly, none of us would ever let them laugh at you. Rainbow Dash is too intimidating for that and secondly, Sunset wouldn’t laugh at you either. Give it a shot,” Rarity coaxed as she hugged me and Twilight’s scowl turned into a warm smile. “Nobody would dare bully you, the school loves you.” I inhaled and took a deep breath. I kinda wonder if this is how Sunset felt when she admitted she used to get panic attacks as a filly. “Okay, I’ll ask her out. But uh, what should I do? What if she’s not impressed by my choice and-” Rarity placed a finger over my mouth. “Stop that,” Rarity chided as she narrowed her eyes. “And take her to that ice cream shop you like. She loves ice cream, especially the odd flavors. Take her somewhere else after, like the movies or a walk.” “Roller skating?” I suggested hopefully after she removed her finger and Rarity nodded thoughtfully. “You could always teach her. You and I are the best at rollerskating, we did show that at the Friendship Games,” Rarity mused as she tapped her finger against her thigh. “Yes. But don’t make her think it’s a friend date. If she is, then she’ll just get more confused about your feelings.” “I can loan you my guide to flirting and dating,” Twilight chimed in as Rarity gave her a startled look. “You have one of those?” Rarity asked with a smirk and Twilight blushed as she sheepishly nodded. “It’s complicated.” I didn’t entirely know what to say there. Based on her expression, nor did Rarity. Twilight had a book for pretty much every occasion it seemed. “Moving on,” Rarity shook her head and locked eyes with me. “I’ll assist you with your outfit as well if you wish. Sunset is currently showering I believe so I’d suggest waiting and not barging in to ask her like you usually do to ask us all random questions darling.” I turned red but nodded. “You guys absolutely certain she’ll say yes?” I asked nervously and flicked my eyes up the stairs where Sunset was. “This seems like a bad idea after all and I mean worse than putting hot sauce on a cupcake and chocolate bars.” Twilight opened her mouth to comment but sighed and promptly closed it. “I’m absolutely certain this is a good idea,” Rarity gave me a smug grin. “Trust us, she will most definitely say yes.” “Sunset just texted me saying she was out if one of us wants to go next. I’ll go so Rarity can uh listen,” Twilight mumbled as she took off up for stairs and into the bathroom. I’d been so focused on them, I hadn’t even heard Sunset leave and that door is super squeaky. Sunset yawned as she stepped off the final step with a towel wrapped around her head. She wore the pajamas Rarity made her for Christmas with a little red maned unicorn decorating the pants and shirt. “Hey, what’s going on?” Sunset dropped down into the chair next to Rarity as she stretched. “Applejack and Rainbow were fighting over video games again. Fluttershy is scary when she wants to be the mom of the group. She actually put them in time out.” Rarity gave a sigh as she stood up, groaning and facepalmed. “I’ll go assist her. Why don’t you two talk for a bit? You’re entirely alone down here after all and can talk about anything,” Rarity shot me a smirk as Sunset looked between the two of us. “What was that about?” Sunset asked as we both watched Rarity speed walk up the stairs. “Nothing!” I said hastily and forced a smile as Sunset gave me a doubtful look. “Hey, wanna go out tomorrow?” “Sure,” Sunset answered as she unlocked her phone and I internally groaned. “I’m free after four when I get off work. What ya wanna do?” “Get ice cream and roller skating. If we have time we can catch a movie?” I suggested with a weak smile as Sunset looked up. “Just us?” Sunset asked with a faintly hopeful look in her eyes. “Mhm. The others are uh busy at the moment.” I felt bad lying and I bit my lip. “I mean, the two of us can ya know, go out?” “Like a date.” “Maybe?” I offered and Sunset gave me a smile that I loved. She practically brightened up any room she went in with that smile. “I’d love to. I’ll pick you up around seven and we can do whatever you want. Just the two of us,” Sunset squeezed my hand as I nodded. “I’ll be waiting down the street,” I answered as she gave a thumbs up. I love my family and all, but they can be super duper strict. Especially about dating. Limestone was super critical about Maud’s boyfriend, Mudbriar. I can’t talk though, I was too. Mainly because I didn’t think he was super interesting but hey, Maud likes him and that’s the important part. “I’m gonna guess Rarity was down here encouraging you, wasn’t she?” Sunset asked with a smile and I blushed. “Maybe,” I admitted as Sunset gave a faint laugh. Even though I’ve heard it dozens of times, I don’t think I’ll ever get over how amazing it is. At one point in my life, I never thought she ever would laugh even though I tried all the time in freshman year. “I’m not surprised. The amount of times Rarity has given advice to our random classmates has been through the roof. I think I heard a rumor she even helped Derpy and Time Turner get together.” “She did,” I confirmed. “I helped Time Turner plan out him confessing to her. Mainly with muffins with heart shapes on the top.” “That girl and her muffins,” Sunset shook her head. “Derpy is something else. Remember the time she accidentally blew up a science project in her face during the Games?” “How could I forget?” I giggled as Sunset joined in. “She was covered head to toe in ash. It was crazy, even by my standards.” “Now that’s something rare,” Sunset teased. “Something being crazier than the stuff you get up too. I’ve seen you stuff a party cannon into a suitcase somehow.” “A party planner never reveals her secrets,” I stated firmly. “I got ya. Wanna go sleep again?” I paused before nodding sheepishly. She was probably the best person to sleep with, very soft. But I’d never tell anyone except her that.
