[Sunset] Anon Vs. R. Dash

>Sunset refrained from pulling any heinous stunts against Rarity after the cinema event.
>It wasn't easy to convince her either.
>And despite your better judgment, you stayed friends with Rarity, even setting time aside to spend together in the interest of friendship.
>Sunset didn't entirely approve of the arrangement, but you assured her you'd be keeping the fashionista at arm's length.
>That part wasn't always easy, though the risk of losing Sunset had a way of keeping you faithful.
>It was also a good way to slowly mix into Sunset's circle of friends without forcing yourself to get to know them.
>It was another day at school...

>"Anon, make Sunset apologize!"
>"You think he can make me do anything?"
>"He tamed you didn't he?"
>"Excuse me?"

"Please don't drag me into this."
>Rainbow Dash gets in your face and points at Sunset.
>"Then tell your girlfriend here to apologize to Fluttershy."
>"He's not going to order me to do a thing."
>"Anon!"
>You feel like a turtle fleeing into its shell for protection.
>The entire upset has attracted the attention of passing students, who are beginning to amass around you.
>You don't even know what Subset did this time.

"Just say you're sorry, babe."
>"You're taking her side?"
>"Duh. Anon has to know I'm right."

"I'm not, and I didn't say that. I just want this to be over so we can go home."
>"Take yourself home then, I'm not leaving until Dash lets it go."
>"As if I'd do that." Rainbow snorts.

"Is there any way we can solve this I dunno, now?"
>So much for taking Sunset to dinner early.
>"Not until she apologizes." Rainbow dash growls.
>You groan and shoot your girlfriend a pleading look.
>"Anon, why aren't you on my side?" She asks.

"Because I just want to get a bite to eat with you and an apology is the easiest way to do that."
>"Forget it, Anon."
>Sigh.
>Then Rainbow perks up with a smug grin.
>"Alright, how about this: a challenge. If I win, you say you're sorry and if you win, you and Anon can go and do your thing. Fair?"
>Sunset looks skeptical, "Let's hear your game first."
>"A two-on-two game of soccer. First to score a goal wins."
>Oh crap.
>"You honestly think I'll agree to that?"
>"Scared to lose?"
>Sunset huffs, then turns to you.
>"Anon, are you good at soccer?"

"I was good when I was a kid."
>"So are you good or not?"

"I don't know, it's been years."
>"Ugh, fine. Anon will be my partner then."
>Rainbow folds her arms, nods at Applejack and smiles, "Good. Then it's AJ and me against you and Anon. Meet us outside."
>"Anon, swear you'll do good." Sunset says.

"I'll do my best. No promises though."
>"Good enough. I don't want Rainbow to think she'll just walk all over us."

"She won't."
>"She'd better not."
>Your girlfriend then takes you by the hand and leads you outside to the field.

>A surprising amount of your classmates attended the showdown.
>Judging by the words you could make out amongst the chatter, it didn't seem as though anyone had faith in your abilities.
>You didn't either.
>The two pairs stood opposite each other at the ball.
>Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash had advantages over you: Strength and speed.
>Meanwhile, your teammate boasted no particular skill.
>So Sunset had you go toe to toe with Dash while she covered you.
>Lucky for you, it wasn't long before you shook off the dust on your talents.
>Dash was still quick on her feet, but you managed to stay on the ball.
>You even took a few shots in hopes of scoring.
>Applejack was a fortress goalie for the most part though.
>The match was a losing game from beginning to end.
>Sunset couldn't do a thing, and that left you to take a chance on striking when there was no defense if you fumbled the ball.
>Your legs weary, throat dry, heart pounding, and face sweating, you were giving your all.
>But Rainbow was too good for you.
>She's captain of most of Canterlot High's sports teams.
>You never stood a chance.
>Every shot rejected left you scrambling back to your goal for defense.
>Then the girls pressed harder, focusing completely on breaking you.
>Sunset managed to come through a couple times.
>It was never enough to give you the edge for more than a second.
>But then the stars aligned somewhere in the afternoon sky.
>Dash made a mistake when she accidentally kicked the ball backwards without realizing Applejack wasn't there to take it.
>You seize the opportunity and rush past the Captain, claiming the ball for yourself.
>And Sunset, you suppose.
>This got personal, however.
>The goal was undefended and in your sights.
>The price of the enemy's hubris spikes as your leg rears back.
>It was time to end the game.

>Caught up in the moment, you act without thinking.
>You kick the ball with all the might you could muster and it goes sailing through the air.
>You prepare the victory dance when suddenly, a dull clang rings out and the crowd gasps.
>The ball slammed against the top of the goalpost, and ricocheted right back over your head and to the center-field.
>Where Rainbow Dash was waiting just past Sunset.
>And a nice firm kick into your goal from Dash ended the game.

"SON OF A B- ARRGH!"
>Your fall to your knees in exhaustion and slam a fist into the grass.
>The game was almost yours.

"I was so close! SO CLOSE!"
>Rainbow Dash jogs up next to you, similarly out of breath.
>"Hey... Don't sweat it Anon, that was... Good. You were just... On the wrong team."

"Yeah... thanks. Where's Sunset?"
>You ask after a sharp intake of air.
>"I'm right here." She says, sitting next to you and placing a hand on your shoulder.
>She didn't even sound tired.
>You look up at her and see that she's smiling warmly at you.

"This was your fault, you know."
>"Yeah, I know."

"Ffff- aw jeez, I'm tired."
>She gives you a soft kiss and stands up to face Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy who just walked over.
>"You guys put up a good fight, but you lost. A deal's a deal." You hear Rainbow say.
>You summon the strength to pick yourself up and stand next to Sunset.
>Forget dinner, you're going to take a nap when you get home.
>The crowd murmurs expectantly.
>"Fine."
>Sunset takes a deep breath and looks away from the girls.
>"I'm sorry for pushing you down, Fluttershy."
>"It's okay, Sunset."
>Your jaw nearly drops.

"THAT'S why I was running my ass off for the past hour? Because Fluttershy got knocked down? What is she, five?"
>"There's more to it than that Ano-" You ignore Dash and dust the dirt off of your clothing.

"No. Forget it. I'm done. I am so done. Enjoy your stupid victory."
>You catch a couple boos as you shove your way past the girls and trudge straight over to your car.

>Really?
>You're Fluttershy's friend too and all, but Jesus.
>Was it excessive?
>Though your mind says yes, it didn't matter.
>There was no turning back and facing that crowd after your display of anger.
>Rainbow tried to explain her side of the issue.
>You didn't bother to listen.
>You'll care when you cool off.
>Sunset offered to walk home, but you insisted on driving her as you usually do.
>She told you the story of what happened on the way.
>The bustling hallway had your girlfriend shoved into Fluttershy, who dropped her binder and spilled it's contents.
>Sunset didn't bother with excusing herself; she instead stuffed the offender into a locker and stepped on Fluttershy's stuff when she walked away.
>She didn't technically do wrong, she just didn't care about Flutters' feelings or possessions.
>Dash watched the whole scene unfold without realizing Sunset was pushed, and took action.
>Then you got involved.
>She admired the fact that you put forth the effort you did into protecting her dignity.
>That's how she saw it anyway.
>Apologies still weren't easy to give.
>Then she invited you inside her house.
>Her parents weren't there, not that it mattered.

>You won't be playing soccer for a while.
>Or even hanging with Dash and friends.
>You don't want to do anything other than what you're currently doing:
>Laying with Sunset Shimmer on her bed, holding her close.
>Enjoying her warmth, her presence, and that wonderful strawberry scent you've come to love.
>You got the girl... and the best sleep you've ever had.