Looping Over Feeling

“Sooo,” Cadance started.

“Sooo, what?” Sunset asked without taking her eyes off her book.

“Well.”

“Well?”

“You know.” Cadance shrugged.

“No, I don’t know, Cadance.” Sunset snapped her book closed in irritation, “Stop being coy.”

“I thought you liked it when I was coy?” Cadance smirked, taking a sip at the hot chocolate in front of her.

“Cadance!” Sunset snapped.

“O-oh, sorry.” All bemusement left Cadance’s expression. “I thought we were doing a bit.”

“No, we—” A heavy sigh “—I’m not in a good mood. I’m already two for three on lashing out against ponies I care about, so please just get to the point.”

“...I just wanted to ask about your plans for Hearth’s Warming.”

Sunset released noises of frustration. Passerby and other patrons at the cafe they were sitting at looked at the couple curiously.

“Why does everypony have to know what I’m doing for this stupid holiday!” Sunset declared.

“I-I just wanted to—”

“Ask to be with your family too?!” Sunset rounded on Cadance.

“...Yes,” Cadance said weakly.

“Ugh!” Sunset ran her hooves through her mane roughly. “I don’t want to celebrate this holiday! It’s such a pain and I’m NOT in the mood to deal with this.”

She packed her book into her saddlebags and slammed a few bits on the table.

“Where are you going?” Cadance asked.

“Away. I’m just—” Another noise of frustration “—why can’t you all just respect that I don’t want to deal with any of this!”

“We were talking and we were just worried since you’ve been so out of sorts since you came back from seeing Celestia last week. We wanted to make sure—”

“I. Don’t. Need. Help!” Sunset slammed her hooves on the table. “I just want to either be left alone or at least enjoy some peace and quiet. You and Flash and Wallflower always trying to invite me for Hearthwarming is driving me crazy! Just—” A defeated sigh “—I just want to be left alone.”

Cadance hung her head, ears pinned down.

“O-okay, Sunset. Whatever you need. I… We will leave you be.”

A pang of guilt. Sunset smothered it. She refused to feel bad about wanting to be left alone. She left.