[Sunset] Anon's Mistakes (The Breakup)

>As much as you love Sunset Shimmer, there are things you can't and won't do for anybody.
>Things like sacrificing a friend for the good of your relationship.

>You sit comfortably on Rarity's sofa, munching on a dwindling supply of popcorn.
>It's movie night, and you decided to rent an action flick.
>Typical, really.
>But watching robots collide in battle isn't sexy or arousing so much as it is cool.
>Perfect for not only killing the mood, but ensuring that neither Rarity or Rainbow Dash would be bored.
>Though Rarity might be a tad fed up with seeing machines tear one another apart with wrist-mounted circular saws and swords.
>"Ha! Anon, I gotta admit I didn't think you'd know what a good movie was, but this is awesome!" Rainbow cheers as the villain gets his power core ripped out.
>Rarity casts you an uninterested glance.
>"Certainly not what I planned on watching this evening, but I confess that it IS somewhat... compelling."

"Of course it is, who doesn't dig giant robots?"
>"Anon, you read my mind." Rainbow answers, "You should have brought Sunset Shimmer over."

"Maybe someday. She still didn't have the best uh, friendship with Rarity."
>"Oh she's not still upset over that cinema debacle is she?"
>"Cinema debacle?"

"I took Rara here and Sunset to a horror movie. I somehow ended up cuddling Rarity when it was over."
>"Among other things..."
>"Ouch. So is everything alright?"

"Well she isn't angry about it anymore but that doesn't mean she likes to see me with Rarity."
>Sunset doesn't like to know you're with Rarity at all, really.

>"But she was cool with you coming tonight, wasn't she?"

"Funny you say that. I uh, didn't exactly tell her I was coming here."
>Rarity jumps up from the couch with a look of disbelief, "Now are you certain that was a good idea? If she ever finds out..."

"It'll be okay, relax. She's sick and I don't have to say anything about today if she asks. She trusts me for the most part."
>Dash grabs some popcorn, "I hope you know what you're doing Anon. If you die I'll be stuck watching more gooey romances with Rarity."
>You chuckle.

"I promise not to get caught for your sake, RD."
>Hands on her hips, the fashionista says with a chiding tone, "Stories of love prevailing against all odds can be exciting too, you know."
>Rainbow snores, "What was that? I'm already falling asleep."
>"Oh ha-ha. Anonymous should know how tense they can be."

"Involve a third person and yeah, it can be interesting."
>"See, Rainbow Dash? At least Anonymous can appreciate more than robotic gore."
>"Anon's dating so of course HE likes romance. He's living one."

"I hope not. People die a lot in those movies."
>"Then stay away from fast cars and you'll be fine."

"I never thought of that. Thanks for the tip, Dash."
>"Anytime, Anon. I've got you covered." She punctuates with a wink.
>Then your phone rings.
>~Now you're a man! A man-ny man, man, man~
>"Nice ringtone."

"Gets the blood pumping."
>You slide the phone from your pocket and check the caller.

"Hang on guys, it's Sunset."
>The girls nod and you quickly step outside.
>It's a warm night.

>You answer, sticking a hand in your pocket.
"Hey there, babe. Feeling any better?"
>"No, I feel terrible. I might get better if you were here though." Sunset says with a sniff.
>Earlier today her voice was pretty nasal.
>She sounds a lot healthier now.

"Haven't had enough of me today?"
>"Actually I got the feeling that you might be missing me. Thought I'd do you a favor and save you the trouble of making up an excuse."
>You grin to yourself.

"Am I so predictable?"
>"You really are."

"Then I'll see you soon."
>"Don't make me wait too long."

"Wouldn't dream of it."
>With that, you hang up and head back inside to tell Dash and Rarity, stopping just past the house's threshold.
>The girls remain on the sofa chatting amongst themselves, a laugh here and there.
>You'd rather not interrupt, but...

"Sunset wants me to get over to her place, so I'm gonna head out. We should do this again sometime."
>Rarity springs off the couch and strolls over to give you an affectionate hug.
>She's still got that lavender shampoo.
>"Whenever you're next available, darling. Enjoy your night!"
>"Remember my advice, Anon!" Rainbow shouts from the sofa.

"I will! See ya girls."
>You wave and close the door behind you, then walk over to the driveway where your car is parked.
>For a moment, you wonder where Rarity's parents and Sweetie Belle are.
>You never spoke to her past a few words, but Rarity's younger sister is pretty cute.
>If you were a Freshman...
>You immediately shake off those thoughts and get into your car.
>That's not a can of worms you ever want to open.
>You twist your key in the ignition and drive off into the night.
>The yellow glow of streetlights flicker by and people blur past.
>You're sometimes astounded by how many folk are wandering about in the darkness.
>Not so much when it's nine at night, but when it's three in the morning...
>It's just a bit strange.
>You're one to talk.
>You turn up the radio and continue on your way to Sunset's house.

>It's difficult to wonder how you would be without Sunset Shimmer.
>You sometimes, after hearing her laugh or seeing her smile in that wonderful, character-breaking way, think to yourself:
>I might love this girl.

>Now you lie with your girlfriend, bundled up in blankets and caressing her hair.
>She tells you about the lack of events in her day and you quietly nod along.
>"I missed you." She coos with a stroke of your arm.

"I missed you too."
>"So where were you today?"
>For a second you consider telling her the whole truth.
>But that's probably not the best idea.

"Nowhere special, just hanging out with Dash."
>"That wasn't what I expected to hear."

"Something wrong with her?"
>"No, just thought you'd be with Rarity or one of your eco-geeks."

"Thanks for that."
>"Oh please. After that soccer game tantrum I thought you wouldn't even bother with Rainbow Dash."
>You chuckle and pull Sunset closer to you.
>"I don't think you even have any guy friends, do you?"

"'Fraid to confirm that I don't. As you can no doubt see, I'm quite the ladies man. No time for bros."
>"Are you now?"

"Oh yeah. You're proof of my irresisttibility. Canterlot High's meanest, toughest, and sexiest girl, lying right next to me? Tell me I'm not magic."
>"You got lucky."

"Not yet."
>Sunset laughs and kisses you on the cheek.
>"And you never will."
>You pull your arm back from her waist and begin to shake off the covers.

"Well that's it. Relationship over. Nothing to stay fo-"
>"Oh shut up."
>Sunset cuts you off and pulls you back down into another kiss.
>When the kiss breaks she stares at you for a moment.
>"I'm happy with you, you know."

"I know."

"And you're the best thing in my life, Sunset."

>"I know."
>Then she rests her head on your chest, breathing softly.
>You hear her sniffle a few times.
>"Ugh, I hate being sick."

"Worst of it is over."
>"That doesn't make the last of it any better. Stuffed nose makes it hard to smell anything."
>Sunset sniffs again.
>"Speaking of which, Anon, are you actually wearing... Perfume?"
>You didn't consider the fact that you might take Rarity's scent with you.
>Play it off.

"Yeah, I went to the mall with Dash and happened to pass through the perfume section."
>"Rainbow Dash."

"Yep."
>Sunset sits upright, putting a short distance between you and her.
>"The athlete? Captain of most teams, wears the scent of sweat in the afternoon, Rainbow Dash? In the perfume section?"

"She can smell nice too, can't she?"
>"This your first year at Canterlot?"

"More like my fourth."
>"So you would know that she never bothered to smell like anything but a bar of soap."

"Maybe she has a date? I didn't bother asking why we were there."
>"Has she ever had a date?"

"First time for everything, right?"
>"Anon stop lying."
>You could almost hear the latch close when your mind locked.

"I'm not lying."
>You scratch the back of your head nervously.
>"Who were you really with?"
>You can still fix this.

"Okay, I was..."
>With someone believable.
>Applejack is like RD, she doesn't seem like she would care.
>Pinkie Pie... you don't even know.
>Twilight straight up left this dimension.

"...With Flutters."
>"If you were with Fluttershy, why would you lie about it?"

"Because... I... Like her..."
>Oh shit what are you doing.

"... too?"
>"What?" Sunset's gotten onto her feet now, looking down at you.
>Abort, abort, it's time to tell the truth before you dig an impossibly deep hole.
>"You have feelings for Fluttershy?"
>You take a slow, deep breath and exhale.
>Here we go...

"Okay. No, I don't."

"I'm telling the truth when I say I was with Rainbow Dash because I was, and she was there."

>"She was where?"
>Sunset's glaring at you now.
>Before saying any more, you stand up and match Sunset's gaze.

"With me. At uh, at Rarity's house."
>In the silence, she shakes her head.
>"Anon."

"Yeah?"
>"I didn't want to deal with this again." She groans, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You don't have to. It was a wholesome night, I swear."
>"But how do I know that?"

"Can't you just trust me?"
>"You lied to me twice about something you said was, 'wholesome'."

"Because I was afraid of how you would react. You haven't been comfortable with the idea of me and Rarity."
>"Because the last time you two were together you decided to check her out for two hours!"

"On complete accident!"
>"And you did it right next to me."
>Sunset pushes you backward towards the door, eyes still focused on accusing you of infidelity.

"Dash was there! S-she'll back me up."
>You stammer, stumbling from the shove.
>"She'll back RARITY up!"

"Sunset I can promise you, nothing happened."
>"And how believable is that?"

"I said I learned my lesson, didn't I?"
>"But there you were, at Rarity's anyway."

"I just want to stay her friend."
>"And I don't want you to!"
>You pause.

"...You're not serious, are you?"
>"Aren't I?" She sneers.

"I-I can't do that. I can't just not be her friend."
>Sunset takes a step back from you, anger plain on her face and arms folded once again.
>"Then here's your choice this time: Rarity, or me."
>She can't say that, she can't force that on you.

"Sunset that's not fair."
>"It should be an easy pick, right?"

"Are you kidding me? You want me to choose between you and a good friend."
>A slight rage begins to build in your heart.
>Who poses an ultimatum like that?
>"So what's it going to be, Anon?"

"Okay, okay, look."
>You take a deep, controlled breath to calm yourself down.

"I think we need to cool off a bit."
>"As soon as you make the decision Anon."

"What decision? The one to cut someone out of my life for a dumb reason?"
>"I told you I wasn't going to take this again."

"Nothing happened!"
>"I don't know that!"

"Sunset, just... don't do this to me. I can't lose you and I won't sacrifice a friend."
>"Then let me help; we're over."
>There's that feeling again.
>That feel that makes you want to clutch your heart in an attempt to hold it up.
>You try to ignore the loud, heavy beating of it in your ears, the sound of it's attempts to break out and shatter on the floor.
>Keep it together.

"No. We're not."
>"Not if you stop seeing Rarity."

"We can talk this out."
>"You can make the right choice!"

"There isn't a right choice! Can't you see how unreasonable this is?!"
>"Anon, I don't want to feel jealous every time I see or know you're with her! I don't want to sit here like an idiot wondering if my boyfriend is still MY boyfriend!"

"I will always be your boyfriend."
>"Only if you pick me."
>More protests crash against the lining of your skull, each of them unable to make a sound.

>Silence takes the chance to crawl inside the room while you frantically think of something to make it all better.
>Cold, uncomfortable, and above all, painful silence.
>You stand a few feet from Sunset, locked in a battle of wills, trying to make her see reason with quiet defiance.
>She doesn't budge or blink, she simply stares at you with tears in her eyes.
>Finally, after a few minutes she says softly, "...So I guess we're through."

"We don't have to be."
>"You're picking her over me, so yes Anon, we do."

"Sunset..."
>"...It's time for you to leave." She says as a tear rolls down her cheek, "It's over."

>And that was the end of it.
>Of everything.
>You didn't say any more... you couldn't.
>All you could do was hang your head low and walk away; out of her house, out of her life.
>You drove home with a muted radio and only your thoughts for company.
>Music seemed almost inappropriate.
>The trip to your home was completely automatic.
>Not a thing about anyone but Sunset entered your mind when you walked in the door.
>Then you fell straight into bed when you got to your room, wondering why you let Shimmer end your relationship that way.
>The answer was always the same.
>Because you couldn't sacrifice a friend.
>You don't know if it was worth it or even why you thought it was so important to keep Rarity around.
>At least you can say you didn't lose everything.
>Sure felt like it though.

>After what seemed like an eternity of tossing and turning, you coaxed yourself to sleep.
>As far as you could tell, you didn't even dream.

>When morning arrived you wanted to sleep the day away and drown out the pain inside.
>But you couldn't do that.
>It's not in your nature to wallow in self-pity for too long.
>So you haul yourself out of bed and recreate your morning routine for the sake of restoring some normality to a life that feels as though it spiraled out of control in minutes.
>Attempting to get over Sunset sooner rather than later sounds like a good idea.
>Even though it's been less than a day.
>You take a hot shower, brush your teeth, and serve up a bowl of cereal.
>All the while failing to shake off the emotions weighing down your heart.
>This feeling can't go away soon enough.
>Then as you sit on your couch playing a mindless shooter, you get a phone call from Rainbow Dash.
>You almost don't want to bother with answering to her.
>But none of this is her fault.
>Reluctantly, you pick up the phone and dress your voice in the happiest tone you can manage.

"...hey."
>So much for that.
>"Hey Anon. Last night was pretty fun, thought we could hang out for a bit."

"Uh, not today Dash. I'm a little... busy."
>"What? Crying? You sound like someone kicked your dog."

"I stubbed my toe pretty bad, kinda holding back tears here."
>"Oh okay."

"Yeah."
>"So how about telling me what's up without the lie?"
>Women can sniff out deceit like dogs can bombs, apparently.

"I'm not lying."
>"Sure you aren't."

"I'm not."
>"Waiting."

"I don't really want to talk about it, alright?"
>"Is it... About Rarity?"

"No. It's not about Rarity. Why would it be?"
>"Just a guess, relax."
>"Is it... About school?"

"No."
>"Fluttershy?"

"No."
>"Pinkie forget to invite you to her party tonight?"

"She has a party toni- No, Dash."
>Rainbow laughs, "Is it... About me?"

"Yes Rainbow. I'm madly in love with you."
>She takes a long sigh.
>"I shoulda known you'd fall for me after that game of soccer."
>You smile and shake your head.
>"Hey, it happens Anon. Who knows? Maybe someday I'll love you back."

"I can only dream of the day."
>"So... Is this about Sunset?"

"So thanks for calling Dash, I'll get back to you if my schedule opens up."
>"Don't you dare hang up on me Anon."

"Why do you care, Dash?"
>You hear her scoff.
>"Uh, I dunno, maybe because you're a friend?"

"I don't think this is something you can help me with."
>"Why not?"

"Because this is a relationship problem."
>"So I can't help?"
>No Dash, you can't. Because you've never experienced something so good that the loss of it chews you up and spits you out, leaving a mangled mess where you once were.
>But you refrain from snapping at her like that and begin to consider her offer.
>Do you even want the kind of aid she could offer?
>As far as you know she's never even been on a date.
>Too preoccupied being the queen of all sports.
>She might even tell you to go play football or something to shed all that stress.
>"You there?"

"Yeah."
>"You wanna tell me?"
>Not like there's anything to lose.

"Do you really want to know?"
>"Duh, why else would I be asking?"

"Alright, alright. So uh... Sunset dumped me last night."
>"Oh. Well that sucks."

"Yeah."
>"How you holdin' up?"

"Seriously Dash? I'm sitting here on my stupid couch with a hole in my chest playing Hero's Duty, and that's all you have to say about it?"
>"Chill out Anon, this is my first time."

"And that was MY first time feeling what I think might have been love, and now it's gone."
>"You love Sunset Shimmer?"

"Yes. I do... At least I think I do. Probably."
>"Then get her back."

"How?"
>"I... Can't really help you with that."
>Since last night it feels like you've been sighing every few minutes.

"Rainbow... It just hurts."
>"I know. Sorry."
>You feel a lump form in your throat.
>"Hey, Anon?"

"Yeah?"
>"I have to go do something. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Sure."
>She quickly ends the call and you slump in your seat, tossing the phone on a couch cushion.
>In another universe you aren't dealing with this problem.
>You're not alone on the couch, weeping silently.
>You're happy with an alternate Sunset, or you're content to just be single.
>Maybe you're a pony living the simple life.
>Another sigh.
>In a few weeks, the pain will pass... Maybe.
>Hopefully.
>For now you decide it best to turn your game back on and shoot a few kids.

>After some time passes, you hear a rapid series of knocks at your door.
>Without checking, you answer it with a smile pasted on.
>But it's Rainbow standing on your doorstep.

"Dash? What are you-?"
>Without warning she throws her arms around you and squeezes tightly.

>The sudden surprise causes you to freeze up instantly, and stand stiffly while she embraces you.
>It's different from when you would hold Sunset, or even a friend.
>The sensation is calming, making you want to melt in her arms.
>And you do.
>"You'll get her back, Anon." Dash comforts.

"How?"
>"Somehow. I've got you covered, remember?"
>You chuckle and gently push yourself away.

"Made the right call talking to you didn't I?"
>You say, going back for another hug.
>"And don't forget it. I'm here for you Anon. You're my friend and I'll always have your back."

"You're going to make me cry over here."
>"Go ahead. Just... don't go telling everyone about this, alright?"

"Not a soul."
>"Last thing we want is Sunset getting jealous of me anyway."

"You? There's nothing to worry about."
>"Why not?"

"I already had one breakup. Let's not make it two, yeah?"
>She laughs, "Right. Sorry 'bout that."
>Rainbow then stops talking, choosing to simply comfort you in the doorway.
>It's nicer than you would have expected from a girl like her.
>She really does smell like a bar of soap.

"Thanks Dash. I really needed this... honestly. I've been having a rough time dealing with it."
>"No problem. You're a pretty cool guy... a good guy, no matter what dumb stuff you did."
>You break the hug and offer a weak smile.

"Keep this up and I'm going to fall for you, Rainbow."
>"Like I said before: go ahead. I know what I signed up for."
>She smiles back at you.
>"Besides, I wouldn't mind making Sunset a little jealous. Payback, y'know?"

"Maybe next time, Dash."

>So you waited patiently for the school week to begin, hoping to see Sunset and set things straight.
>Rainbow did her best to get you through the last couple days in her own way.
>With lots of sports, games and junk food.
>And another movie night with Rarity.
>Rarity wasn't happy to discover that she was the source of the issue yet again.
>But she supported you as best she could, just like Rainbow Dash.
>Help really can come from unexpected places, you've learned.

>Lunch time.
>In a strange turn of events you find yourself sitting with Dash and her four closest friends.
>The girls who saved Canterlot High.
>You chat idly with them about whatever topic they bring to you.
>School work, people you know, and a few other subjects you don't bother to think of.
>This is actually your first time talking to Pinkie Pie.
>She's got a good heart, even though she's somewhat obnoxious.
>That's the most you'll say.

>"Okay Anon, how about this: one of us helps you make her jealous. She'll HAVE to see what she's missing then, right?" Rainbow says, nudging you.

"I like that idea, but it's a bad one. That'll just make it worse. She's already been avoiding me all day."
>"Did ya try explainin' everything?" Applejack chimes in.

"Sort of."
>"...Um, maybe you could get her a bunny?"

"She doesn't like animals much."
>"A party! An, 'I'm so very, very sorry Sunset Shimmer' party!"

"I don't think she would even come."
>"Why not a grand, absolutely romantic gesture? You could win her heart back with ease, I'm certain!"

"You kidding? She won't even look at me."
>You prop your head up with a palm and poke at the bowl of fruit in front of you.
>Sunset wouldn't go for anything that isn't a straight confrontation.
>"Cheer up Anon." Rainbow says with a pat on your back.
>"It's not over till it's over."

"I think it's over."
>"Not until she's with someone else. Then it's over."

"That gives me a lot of good feels, thanks."
>"Don't mention it."
>Even though you're tired from moping the entire day, you look up at Rainbow Dash.
>She's been an invaluable friend to you.
>But just as you're about to tell her as much you catch sight of Sunset in the distance behind Dash.
>Walking with the usual pride, not a hint of sadness or regret in her step.
>She laughs and smiles at the guy next to her.
>A certain blue-haired boy that's also her ex-boyfriend.
>Flash Sentry.
>All this time you thought he was an alright guy.
>"Anon? Are you alright? You're lookin' at me kinda weird."
>You ignore Rainbow and get up with a mission.
>"Anon?"
>The wound isn't even a week old and that faggot is already moving in?
>Not if you have anything to say about it.
>The students you pass stare curiously while you march angrily to meet Flash.
>They know you're here, they know you had to have seen them stroll across the cafeteria.
>Your fists clench as you close the gap and your heart begins to beat faster.
>Flash can't do this to you; you won't let him.
>The smug look on his face appears to magnify and you feel rage build the more you focus on it.
>You're going to feed him his teeth.

>But just when you get close enough to grab his attention, someone latches onto you.

"Get off me!"
>You shout, struggling against the strong arms holding you back.
>"Nope."
>Fucking Macintosh.

"Mac, I swear if you don't let me go."
>"Ah'm not gonna let you make that mistake."

"He's with my girlfriend."
>"That ain't my problem."
>You growl in frustration, making a scene while Big Mac restrains you.
>"Jus' calm down now Anonymous."

"Why?"
>"'Cause this sure ain't the way to react ta Flash eatin' lunch with Sunset when ya'll are doin' the exact same thing."

"I'm not eating alone with Rarity, Mac."
>"Neither is he."
>Then you see a few more guys sit with Flash and Sunset, quickly striking up conversion.
>"We all gotta go somewhere for comfort. For her, it's Flash. Jus' like it's my sister and her friends for you."

"But Mac-"
>"Jus' settle down." He says, slowly loosening his grip on you.
>And you stare angrily at Flash who seems to be making a conscious effort to avoid looking at you.
>You could swear he's frowning.

"Just this once."
>"Good enough for me."
>Macintosh releases you completely then turns you around to face him.
>"Take a deep breath next time, you hear?"

"Yeah."
>Macintosh pats your shoulder, "Go on. Rainbow Dash is waitin' for ya."
>Mac flicks his head in the table's direction and wanders off.
>You're still pissed and you look back at Flash.
>He's talking to another dude next to him.
>You grumble and get back to Rainbow Dash, all eyes on you.
>Next time Mac won't save him.

>The image of Sunset and Flash laughing and chatting and God knows what else refuses to leave your mind.
>It's hard to focus on anything but the things that make you feel... angrier.
>Or more sad.
>"Anon! You alive up there?!" Rainbow calls from the field below where she shows off her skills.

"Yeah... Sorry!"
>You're sitting on the bleachers, counting the minutes until you go home.
>Without Sunset, driving in particular felt lonely, so you offered to wait and take Rainbow to her place after a little personal practice.
>Single life sucks more than it used to, doesn't it?
>Nothing but pathetically reflecting on the times you had with your special someone.
>And as far as you know your ex-girlfriend was already over it.
>But Macintosh might be right about her looking for comfort, just as you were.

"Ah... shit."
>Your hands are quickly becoming used to storing your face in them.
>Heavy footsteps vibrate over the bleachers and you search for the source.
>Just Rarity's boots coming down on the shitty aluminum stands.

"Hey Rarity."
>"Hello there, Anonymous." she says with a kind smile.
>"I saw your car still in the lot and thought I might find you here."

"Good guess. I've been waiting to take Dash home."
>"Ah, I see."
>Rarity then sits quietly with you on the bleachers, watching Rainbow perform a series of stunt kicks.
>"Do you truly think it's over between Sunset Shimmer and yourself, Anon?"

"Honestly? I kinda do."
>"Why is that?"
>You scratch your chin in thought.

"Because I can't give you up for her. It wouldn't be right."
>"If Sunset is who makes you happy though Anon... You should just do it."

"Beginning to think you're crazy too."
>"I have my moments."
>Rarity takes your right hand in both of hers and smiles at you.
>"You really are a gentleman, Anonymous. Kind, loyal, and judging by today, fiercely protective."

"Thanks Rares."
>She plays with your fingers like she's counting them.
>Folding them down and gently pulling them up, toying with the way they bend.
>"If... If things don't work out with Sunset Shimmer, you should know that I'm here."

"Dash said the same thing."
>"Anon, that's not what I mean."
>Rarity spreads your hand out and interlocks your fingers with hers.
>Then you immediately realize what she meant.
>"I was being truthful when I told you I feel as though I missed out, all that time ago."

"Rarity... I, uh..."
>She puts a finger to your lips.
>"Don't trouble yourself with acceptance or rejection just yet... Rainbow Dash said you loved Sunset and I wouldn't want to ruin that."
>She takes her hand away and rests on your shoulder with a sigh.
>"Keep this in mind though, will you?"
>Rather than answer, you bring her hand to your mouth and kiss the back of it.

>Then her wrist.

>Her arm gets a few...

>Until finally, you're looking straight into her beautiful blue eyes.
>"...Anon...?" She breathes, her cheeks quickly flushing red.

"...Thanks... Rarity."
>Without a second thought you pull her into a passionate kiss.

>Rarity gasps when you break it off and stares at you with shock.
>Your pulse beats faster with every moment that speeds by.
>Her curious eyes meet yours, as if she's trying to comprehend the impulse that has taken over and she goes back for more.
>You lose yourself in the moment, shutting out everything around you and instead focus entirely on Rarity.
>Her smooth ivory skin, her soft lavender scented curls, her sweet, tender lips.
>You can't even think properly.
>She leans into the kiss with more and more weight until you fall onto your back and lie on the cold seat beneath.
>She giggles when the sudden drop makes you bump foreheads and forces her to straddle you.
>But the girl doesn't relent in the slightest.
>Is this real? Is this really what you want? Or are you merely giving into your vulnerability?
>You don't rightly care anymore, instead choosing to continue making out with Rarity, pushing those thoughts far back into your mind.
>"Anonymous..." She barely manages to speak your name before pressing her lips against yours again.
>"We shouldn't..." She kisses you, "...Be doing this..." Another one, "...I-if you want..." One more, "...to get back together with Sunset Shimmer we-"
>Then you hear a sharp voice from behind Rarity cut in, "Oh don't worry. After seeing this I can honestly say there's nothing left to save."
>Both of you freeze in place, the passion evaporating instantly.
>"... I'm glad you could move on, Anon." Sunset says.

"Sunset wait!"
>You scramble to your feet and give chase the moment Rarity gets off of you.

"Sunset!"
>You call again, hoping she'll stop.
>But Sunset continues to storm down the bleacher steps without acknowledging you.
>She quickly makes it out onto the field and immediately turns towards the parking lot, leaving you in the dust.

"Dash!"
>You shout frantically, signaling for the athlete to stop your ex.
>Rainbow doesn't hesitate and leaps into action, running to intercept Sunset Shimmer.
>You watch Rainbow turn a corner and they both disappear from your sight while you shuffle down the stairs.
>After getting close enough to the bottom, you jump off the last couple steps and break into a sprint to catch up.
>"Rainbow, if you don't move..."
>"You'll what?"
>"I don't think you want to find out."
>"Try me!"
>You slow to a stop and wave Rainbow off before looking to Sunset whose back is turned to you.

"Sunset, please, you don't understand."
>She whirls around to face you, anger apparent in her expression.
>"What is there to understand?"

"I-it was a moment of weakness, an accident, I didn't mean it, I swear."
>"Oh okay. Yeah, well you know what? I think I'll go have a, 'moment of weakness' with Flash."

"Sunset..."
>"Maybe if I don't mean to make out with him you'll forgive me."

"I'd never do that on purpose!"
>"Isn't it odd how you fall onto someone else's face sometimes?"

"I'm serious. Just please try to understand."
>"Understand what!?" Sunset yells at your face.

>Sunset scoffs, "You keep asking me to do that, but what is there to understand? That you have no self-control? That if I keep you in MY life, I just have to accept that you'll always secretly be pining for Rarity?"

"Sunset, I love you."
>She laughs, "Oh that makes everything better!"
>Then she narrows her eyes at you, "No, wait. It doesn't come close at all, actually. Try harder. My heart isn't breaking fast enough."

"I... I don't..."
>"Exactly. What can you say? All of this... These feelings between us? Dead. I seriously hope she was worth it, Anon."
>Sunset turns her back to you, "This time I'm not kidding."
>And walks away.
>You drop to your knees and stare blankly at the brown-tipped grass.
>"Anon... Are you okay?" Rainbow asks slowly, still taking in the scene that unfolded before her.

"No Dash. I'm really not."
>"Do you uh, want a hug?"

"Shut up Dash."
>"I'm only trying to help, jeez."

"Please. Just shut up."
>The words leave as a whimper, and you slowly rise to your feet.
>Escape from that weight on your chest was only an illusion at best.
>One you're now paying dearly for.
>"Anonymous, I am so, so sorry." Rarity says from behind you.

"Don't be. I was the one that fucked everything up. I knew what I was doing... You even warned me."
>Rarity wraps her arms around your waist and presses against you warmly.

"F-Fuck..."
>Before you can say any more, Rainbow joins in and holds you opposite Rarity.
>You cling tightly to her, mumbling your regrets.

>The following weeks saw Rainbow and Rarity playing the parts of your emotional crutches.
>The girls did their absolute best to keep you standing throughout the ordeal.
>It was their support that made certain you faced the next day out of bed and with friends.
>And despite the hollow feel inside, you coped well enough.

>You finished lunch before most of the others and decided to take a stroll through the school halls.
>Lacking the usual hustle and bustle of students racing to their next class, it was a peaceful walk.
>Not to mention a good time to clear your head.
>Sunset maintained a fair distance after she caught you with Rarity.
>Every time you attempted to get close to talk, she quickly disappeared.
>Sometimes with Flash.
>The sight of that guy with your ex pissed you off to no end.
>Your hands would ball into fists almost instinctively.
>But you always took a deep breath like Macintosh advised you to do.
>It never failed to help stave off the desire to punch Sentry's face in.
>After you loop around, you stop outside the cafeteria and wait for the girls.
>Dash rarely takes long to shovel down her lunch and get out to play a game.
>You adjust your pack and slide your phone from your pocket, idly surfing the internet.
>Nothing else to do, really.
>While you flip through the usual sites, you hear a pair of voices and look up curiously.
>Down the hallway, standing face to face, you see Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry.
>Whatever he's saying to her it must be funny because she laughs...

>...Then he kisses her.

>You fly into a rage with phone in hand and charge right at Flash, discarding your pack on the way with a shrug.
>The sound of your feet hitting the floor turns him around at the last second and you tackle him to the ground with an angry cry.
>The two of you wrestle briefly on the floor, rolling and matching strengths until you land on top in prime position.
>You're feeling particularly full of bad decisions and reactions lately.
>An instant passes where you hesitate to throw a punch at his grimacing face.
>But a moment of pontificating isn't going to help you beat down Sentry.
>Every swing connects with his jaw and you can feel tension leave your system with every blow.
>The phone in your right hand only increased the impact.
>"Anon! Get off of him!" Sunset cries, tugging on your arm.
>Angry as you are, a red light sparks to life and you reluctantly allow Sunset to drag you away.
>You can't risk accidentally catching her with your elbow in a rage.
>You stumble back onto your feet, looking down at Sentry who's breathing heavily, eyes shut.
>Busted lip, broken nose.
>He didn't even fight back or defend himself.
>A strange satisfaction washes over you along with a slight confusion.
>Why would you overreact that way?
>Then you realize that there's a crowd surrounding the scene.
>"What happened here?" Asks Vice Principal Luna who just pushed through.
>You're still panting, brandishing your bloody fist and scanning the crowd.
>The many bystanders and Sunset provide accusatory stares in your direction.

>You count the faces you care about.

>Rainbow Dash.
>Rarity.
>Sunset.
>Macintosh.

>All of them appalled or disappointed.

>Next time you'll be sure to hear out the voice in your head before doing something stupid.
>Luna finally casts her gaze upon you after surveying the damage.
>"Attacking another student is an automatic seven-day suspension, Anonymous." She says matter-of-factly.
>"Come with me."

>With a slow nod you commence the walk of shame through Canterlot's halls, head bowed.
>Your knuckles ache.
>Luna guides you through the school, all the way to Celestia's office.
>The entire time you think to yourself about how far you're going in the wrong direction.
>Reacting to everything with an emotional response, a snap, rather than a thought out course of action.
>And you begin to feel sick of it all.
>Going to Rarity's and being honest with Sunset could have prevented this entire sequence of events.
>You wouldn't have destroyed your relationship and broken your own heart by repeating stupid actions you were told the consequences of.
>You wouldn't have left Sentry crumpled on the floor... A guy that didn't even fight you back.
>Though your blood's still running a bit too hot to regret a little violence.

>The Principal does her job and calls your parents, telling them what you've done and why you're about to appear back home.
>She then sends you to gather your backpack from the now vacant hallway where you beat up Sentry.
>And you leave back home.

>A week without school and a solid month of being grounded.
>Your cracked phone couldn't always properly handle calls anymore, so you discarded it.
>You didn't really want something you broke on another person's face anyway.
>Dash came over to give you a long tongue-lashing about being a colossal jerk.
>Then told you it was kinda cool.
>Rarity expressed her disappointment in your actions, but couldn't resist citing the fact that she knew you were protective.
>She claimed the fight to be a barbaric sort of sweet and left it at that.
>For obvious reasons she didn't stop by to say hello, but you could only imagine what Sunset would say if she did.
>The week-long suspension took it's time to pass after the girls' respective visits.
>Without the ability to play games or do much of anything, you re-read a few books.
>They were still pretty neat.

>Delivering pizzas was probably the highlight of your time alone and mostly flightless.
>Pinkie Pie called you a meanie for doing what you did when you brought her an order Friday night.
>From what she said Sentry was banged up, but not so bad that he couldn't attend school.
>She took the goods with the usual grin and hugged you as a tip.
>You hoped she never tries to pull that again.
>All in all, it was a dull enough suspension to offer just cause against fighting at school.

>Finally, Monday arrived and you were ready to get back to Canterlot High.
>With a few apologies in hand, of course.

>Top of the list: Sunset Shimmer.

>Early morning outside Canterlot High.
>You sit anxiously in the driver's seat, tightening and loosening your grip in the wheel in anticipation.
>Deja-vu strikes when you consider the last time you waited in the Pasta-car before class.
>Only now it's foggy and you're parked across the street.
>A glance at the digital clock says that Sunset will come by soon.
>You'll be ready with a sincere apology when she does.
>It's time you fixed this embarrassing mess.
>You impatiently scan the fog outside and lazily twist the volume knob.
>'Danger There's a Breakdown Dead Ahead' by Boz Scaggs
>Even the radio knows what situation you're in right now, it seems.
>Will Sunset take you back?
>You'd sure be happy if she does, but if she doesn't you'll understand completely.
>Then it's all about attempting to move on and live your life.
>Maybe there's a trio of diamonds in your future, if irreparable damage ends up being the case.
>Or a certain Captain of all teams at CH.
>As unlikely as getting with Rainbow Dash is, you wouldn't mind.
>But now isn't the time to think of such things; Your biggest hope is still to have Sunset Shimmer at your side.
>After all, she is the girl you claim to love.
>When the song draws near an end, you spot Sunset's bright red and yellow hair coming down the sidewalk on your side of the road.
>Here goes everything.
>You gather your courage, unlock the door and swing it open with a push, stepping onto the pavement.

>She notices you almost immediately, and slows her pace before stopping in front of you.
>"Trying again?" She asks.

"Not quite. I do have something to say though."
>"Then let's hear it."
>You take a deep breath and exhale, ignoring the quickening of your pulse.

"Sunset, I'm sorry. For all of this... Everything."
>"I've heard this part before."

"But not this next one."
>Sunset scoffs, but looks at you expectantly.

"I messed up pretty bad. Between you and Rarity, I've done more wrong to both of you girls than I ever thought I would. I betrayed your trust twice, and gave in to exactly what you feared shortly after that."
>"Go on."

"And I feel terrible. There's a hole right here..."
>You poke your chest.

"...And I'm the entire reason it even exists. I don't expect forgiveness, or anything like that. I just need you to know I regret this."
>Your hand falls back to your side and you look Sunset in the eyes.

"Once again, with complete sincerity, I'm sorry for doing this to you Sunset."
>She matches your gaze without reaction, and says, "I might believe you this time... But I can't forgive you. Not after you and Rarity..."
>Sunset sighs, "Thanks though, Anon. I wish this wasn't it."

"Me too. Best days of my life to date."
>She takes one of your hands and gives it a light squeeze, smiling softly as she does so.
>Then she leaves you there, standing numb, soaking in the agonizing consequences of your actions.
>Your thoughts sound akin to a low rumble in your ears while you try to feel.
>Wait.

>You look into the fog and see a pair of headlights speeding closer and closer.
>Too damn fast.
>Dread swells in your system when you see that Sunset is crossing the street at that moment.
>Why doesn't she jog across like a normal jay-walker?
>You drop your pack onto the sidewalk and shout her name, grabbing her attention almost instantly.
>But she doesn't react the way you hoped she would, and stops mid-step to look at you.
>And you break into a sprint, carrying yourself as fast as you can into the road.
>Racing the car to her, hoping you get there first.
>You can hear the beat of your heart pounding in your ears when you close in and roughly shove Sunset with all your strength.
>The last dumb thing you'll do.
>The vehicle's impact instantly shatters your arm, leg, and who knows what else.
>Your can feel yourself tumble over the hood and roof of the car before abruptly flipping onto the cold ground.
>Everything has lost it's feeling, and you lie there, gasping for air with labored breaths.
>A sharp screech is heard, along with your name.
>But it's hard to think about anything but the red pool slowly forming around you.
>The world begins to descend into a haze.
>Your name is called again, and Sunset enters your blurry vision.
>Someone else does, too, repeatedly apologizing while they appear to take out a phone.
>Sunset's talking to you.
>Not a single word can be made out though, and you stare vacantly.
>Your eyelids grow heavy, and you feel them falling shut.

>Darkness.

>A splitting pain shoots through your body and you wake up biting the inside of your cheek.
>Your entire body feels like a large bruise, every movement pressing down on it and sending a dull pain out.

"Oh... Shit... I should have tackled her..."
>You murmur, struggling to sit upright and look around at the hospital room.
>Clean, bare... Bland.
>A whiteboard with your nurse's name on it, a note on your status.
>Nothing interesting.
>You notice you're sporting a cast on your right arm and leg.
>It also feels like a bandage might be wrapped around your cranium.
>A few cards and flowers are lined up on the window sill, but they're too far to exactly make out who they're from.
>With a grunt, you fall back onto your pillow and groan.

"Yeah... I should have tackled her..."
>"That probably would have been a better idea."

"...Dash?"
>"Hey there Anon. Was wondering when you'd wake up." Rainbow says from the chair next to you.
>You apparently failed to properly check the area out.

"Ugh, I feel like shit. Everything hurts."
>"You DID jump in front of a car. Could be worse, right?"

"I'll get back to you on that when I think of something worse."
>"Like getting hit by a train?"

"Yes. A train."
>She laughs and props her feet up on the bed.
>"Gotta say though Anon... That was pretty cool."

"It really was, you should try it sometime."
>"Nah. I mean it was cool that you did that for Sunset, y'know?"
>You stay quiet and use your free hand to point at the cards.
>Sunset must be okay, even though you didn't see what happened to her.
>You have enough aches to manage though.

"Could you read those to me? I'm curious."
>"Yeah, sure."
>Rainbow pulls one down and flips it open, "'At least you're alive. Best wishes, Big Macintosh.' Looks like he left an apple here, too."

"Fantastic."

>Dash gets another, "Anonymous, that was an incredibly heroic thing of you to do. Whilst you may not be the best at decision making, you are without a doubt, a brave man. Love, Rarity." She folds it closed and sets it aside.
>"I'll just keep that one for you. Wouldn't want Sunset to read it."

"Go ahead and leave it. No big deal anymore."
>"You sure about that?"

"Yeah. I don't need or want to hide things anymore."
>"If you say so."
>Rainbow places the card back and takes another to read to you.
>Some are funny, a few commend you, and others simply wish you well.
>A few were unexpected, such as the card you received from Flash Sentry.
>It was basically an apology followed by a, "get well soon."
>The fact that he didn't sound sore about the beating you gave him was shocking.

>Not a single card was from Sunset though.
>Neither were any of the flowers.
>Dash looked as though she could see the disappointment in your face, but didn't say anything.
>After a short silence you decided to ask a question.

"How long have you been here?"
>"Since school ended." Dash answers with nonchalance.

"Really?"
>"Well yeah. I'm not going to just leave you here in a boring old hospital. I've stopped by every day."

"You're more than I could ask for, Dash."
>"Yeah I know." She pauses, "Hey, you up for another book?"

"Another?"
>"I've been reading the Daring Do series to you."

"You're killing me with all this emotional debt here."
>"You'll pay me back eventually, don't sweat it."

"You mind starting from book one again?"
>"Sure."
>Rainbow bends down to go through her pack, but stops and looks to you.
>"Actually, Anon. You might want to know something before I uh, get started."

"I'm not going to die, right?"
>Rainbow laughs, "Pfft, of course not. You didn't listen to my advice, but you're not going to die for it."

"That's good. No paralysis?"
>"No one told me that. Far as I know you'll walk again."

"That's a relief."
>"Yeah... so here's the thing: Sunset's in the cafeteria. She wanted me to get her if you woke up."

"Wait, she's here? Is there a reason you didn't tell me that to begin with?"
>"I just thought you might want to relax a little before... Dealing with that."
>You can't be upset with Dash for meaning well.

"Alright."
>"Do you want me to get her?"

"Yeah. Let's get this over with."
>"I'll be right back."
>Rainbow takes her legs off the mattress and leaves you alone.
>You don't even know what to expect from Sunset after all that's happened.
>Will she be happy? Mad? Maybe regretful?
>Whatever the case, you're ready for what happens.
>Sunset Shimmer can't hurt you more than breaking your bones and your heart.
>Always a bright side, right?

>After a long while you hear a knock at the door before it cracks open.
>No mistaking Sunset's voice, "Anon?"

"I'm up, I'm up."
>She walks in and looks down at you, examining the casts.
>Still wearing her usual attire, sans the leather jacket.
>"You're hard to get rid of, aren't you?"

"Shoot me now and I guarantee not to wake."
>"Oh shut up."
>She sits on the edge of the bed, still focused on you.

>"How long have you been conscious?"

"No idea. An hour at least."
>"I knew Rainbow wasn't going to get me."

"She wanted to make sure I was ready to talk to you. No harm done."
>"Sticking to her, too?"

"Yeah."
>"I can live with that."
>Sunset rests her palm on your leg and sighs.
>"You're crazy, you do know that right? I just broke it off and you saved my life."

"What kind of person lets a girl get hit by a car because they ended a relationship?"
>"Not you, I guess... So do you want to put this back on the table?"

"Only if you want to."
>She sighs.
>"I want this to work out, but seriously? Stop giving other girls the eye. I hate being jealous of Rarity."
>You nod in response.
>"If we fight about this again, a car accident isn't going to save you the trouble of fixing this the hard way."

"Yeah, I know."
>"That's not all. I still don't want you to see Rarity."

"No. I can't do that."
>"Then you can't be my boyfriend." She snaps back.

"You'll have to trust me with her."
>"Anon, you don't deserve my trust."

"I won't bend on this matter. I messed up and yeah, it was pretty bad, but I won't pay that kind of price for it."
>"We're done here then." She retorts in a stern tone.
>Sunset stands back up, and marches to the door, but stops with her grip on the handle.
>It reactivates the pain in your chest to see her so ready to depart.
>One more objection might be all it takes to win her back... But you can't do it.
>"Do you really love me?" Sunset asks quietly, "Or were you just saying that so I would calm down?"

>The truth?
"I do."

>"Then why won't you compromise?"

"Because that isn't a compromise. You're asking me to give up Rarity without offering something in return."
>"I'll trust you again."

"With who? Rainbow Dash? Fluttershy?"
>"Anyone."

"Anyone except Rarity."
>Sunset doesn't respond, she merely waits at the door, eyes on you as if she expects you to stop her like you usually do.
>Last time you saw her with an almost melancholic expression like the one she currently wears was probably after the Fall Formal.
>And you can tell she doesn't want it to end any more than you do.
>"...How about this then, Anon." She releases the door.
>"One last time... We start fresh."

"How fresh?"
>"Right from the Spring Fling fresh. Like we just began."
>That didn't quite make the sense you hoped it would.

"Why?"
>"So I can pretend you're still the same sweet guy, obviously."

"How does this fix... Anything?"
>She strolls over to the foot of your bed and prods the cast closest to her.
>"It doesn't, really. It just makes me feel better about you. Go see Rarity all you want and I'll act like you're not tongue wrestling. We build this up from scratch."
>Not even close to an acceptable deal.
>In the long term, it would never work out like she says.
>Only a matter of time before she accuses you of being the villain and this painful cycle goes another round.
>There might not be a car to save you next time.

"Better solution: I'll only see Rarity when you're comfortable enough to think I won't do anything. No more risks on this."
>"You sure you can control yourself?"

"I've grown a little, so yeah. I think I can manage."
>"Don't play with me Anon. Are you sure? I want an absolute."
>You look Sunset in the eyes with a straight face.
>There isn't a moment in your life where you've been more serious.
>Shimmer means enough to you that it's worth the effort to repair your relationship.
>And all it takes is a one word commitment packed with all the sincerity you can muster.

"Yes."
>"Ugh, Anon I hate you." Sunset groans.
>What.

"What? Why?"
>"Because you made me believe in you. It's not easy to forget what you did."

"Rarity won't be an issue anymore. There's nothing to worry about."
>"It'll be a while. You won't be seeing her in a week or even three."

"As long as it takes."
>"Honest?"

"Honest."
>Sunset shifts her weight from one leg to another, hands behind her back.
>"This isn't easy."
>She huffs in frustration and steps over to your side with a weak smile.
>"I'm happy we don't have to fall back to square one though. It was awkward enough kissing you that first time."

"You enjoyed it."
>Maybe I did..."
>You remember the music of the Spring Fling, the dancing, her beautiful red dress.
>The first time you did wrong, and the first time you made it right.
>The way her half-lidded turquoise eyes held a gleam when they rested on you.

>Sunset cautiously leans down to you, making sure not to press on a bruise and brushing her hair back with a finger.
>When her warm lips meet yours, you can practically feel the hole inside patching itself up.
>Every lasting second pulling another thread, closing the seam.
>Sunset was missing from your life for over a month now, and at this moment, after multiple mistakes, she's finally back.
>Strawberries, cherry chapstick, and all.
>"This isn't going away after a long kiss either, you know." She whispers, breaking away and pressing her forehead against yours.

"I don't expect it to."
>"And don't make me regret this."

"Regret giving me another chance?"
>"Regret telling you that I love you too."
>Not giving you the time to reply, Sunset leaps forward to catch you in another kiss.
>She moans contently, pushing forward with passion and pulling away to take a sharp breath.
>Every press reminds you of that first shared kiss, back at Canterlot High.
>Her touch envelops you, pulling you into a series of emotions that only bring you closer to Sunset.
>The pain of broken bones disappear, as does the dread of wondering if she'll remain in your life.
>The world is finally right again.
>She makes it complete.

>You won't let her slip away.
>You're holding on for dear life.

>You won't let this fail.
>Because you love Sunset Shimmer.