The Distant Sunset

One Month Before Camp Everfree.

The air was cool as the horizon displayed another breath taking moment that is sunset, painting the sky in it’s vibrant orange and glowing yellow that just eases anyone that watches. Canterlot High stood, lit up by the sunset’s glow, empty of anyone as is the norm on Sundays.

“So…this is the infamous Canterlot High I’ve heard so much about.”

The young man stood beside the support base where the Canterlot High statue used to stand. He looked at the school with a critical eye, his mind trying to figure out the reason behind the strange rumors he had heard about it.

“Doesn’t look any different from the other schools I’ve been at.”

Being the son of a military family, the young man had moved around a lot which meant transferring to new schools, leaving behind what few friends he had managed to make and being the outcast once again until either he makes it to graduation or forced to move again.

“This will be the eleventh school I’ve been to. Oh joy.”

Turning around, the young man gazed at the setting sun, allowing a smile to slowly spread across his face. Moving around a lot, the young man hadn’t been able to feel like he belonged anywhere. The people he called friends soon faded from his mind, the places became distant memories, and the things he once called his own felt worthless the older he got. In the end, the only things that kept him from fading away altogether were his family and the two celestial orbs in the sky.

The distant sunset was always his favourite sight.

“If you weren’t around, I don’t think I could’ve had a sense of stability.”

Facing the school again, the young man took one last look before walking away.

“Tomorrow will be my first day at this school.” The young man said with a sigh. “I might as well drop out now and get it over with.”

Bitterly, the young man walked home to get ready for school.

Sunset Shimmer walked through the doors to Canterlot High, excited to hear if the Camp Everfree trip was official; after raising all that money for it, she really hoped they made enough. Making her way to her locker, Sunset spotted Twilight and Fluttershy talking.

“Twilight. Fluttershy.” Sunset called out, getting their attention as she walked towards them. “Good morning.”

“Morning, Sunset.” Twilight replied.

“You seem really excited this morning.” Fluttershy commented.

“That’s because I am. Todays the day we find out if the Camp Everfree trip is a go.”

“I’m pretty sure we raised enough.” Twilight said. “I can’t see any reason ‘not’ to go.”

“I read online that the camp was closing down.” Sunset replied. “It might have been a rumor, but I can’t shake the feeling it’s true.”

“I heard that too.” Fluttershy added. “I hope it is just a rumor. I really what to meet some of the animals that live there.”

“If it’s just a rumor, then you shouldn’t take it seriously.” Twilight reasoned. “Until actual facts say it’s closing down, then it’s best to think it isn’t.”

Sunset smiled at Twilight. “You’re right, Twilight. Besides, it’s better to think about what fun we’re gonna have there.”

“Oh, yes.” Fluttershy agreed. “I hope we get to do early morning nature walks.”

“Speaking of which.” Sunset said as she started to back up. “I just picked up some hiking boots. Let me sho…”

Just as Sunset turned around to head for her locker, she bumped into someone.

“Sorry about that.” Sunset apologized. “I should’ve watched…where…”

Sunset looked at the new student she had bumped into; he stood about a foot taller then her in a tight black t-shirt and brown jeans with cloud white skin that reminded her of Rarity with crimson red hair that made it appear like it was on fire, but what drew her attention were his eyes, a darker shade of green that could be mistaken for blue.

And they were filled with pain.

“…it’s fine.” he finally said before walking past Sunset.

As the new student walked past her friends, Sunset stopped beside them and watched him walk away.

“Who was that?” Twilight asked.

“I have no idea.” Fluttershy answered.

“Does that mean he’s new here, too?” Twilight asked before looking at Sunset. “Are you alright?”

Sunset continued to watch the young man until he turned down a hallway. When she had looked into his eyes, Sunset had seen something she was all to familiar with, the eyes of someone guarding themselves from the world. Ever since she was Princess Celestia’s student, Sunset had been arrogant and greedy for power because she believed she deserved it, being the Princesses student. So, she separated herself from the ‘common’ ponies. When she came to the human world, that guard remained strong until Princess Twilight and the others broke through it and accepted her as their friend.

“Earth to Sunset?” Twilight said, waving her hand in front of Sunset. “Are you even listening?”

“What?” Sunset said, surprised. “Sorry, Twilight. I was distracted.”

“I think that ‘distraction’s’ gone, Sunset.” Fluttershy teased.

“What? NO! I wasn’t…” Sunset stammered, caught off guard by Fluttershy’s out of no where comment just as the bell rang.

“Come on, Sunset.” Twilight said as she and Fluttershy headed for class. “You don’t want ‘Mr. Distraction’ making you late for class.”

“I think it’s adorably, Sunset.” Fluttershy said over her shoulder at the stunned and beat red Sunset.

“GIRLS! It’s Not Like That!” Sunset shouted before following them to class.

Setting her books down, Sunset sat at her desk by the window and waited for class to begin. Looking out at the mountains outside town, Sunset couldn’t stop thinking about the boy she had bumped into. It wasn’t just his eyes that she thought about, it was the way he stood when she knocked into him; solid as a rock, almost tense and ready to react to whatever harm he thought would be inflicted on him.

“Who was that guy?” Sunset whispered.

Sunset heard something coming from in front of her, she turned to find Twilight and Fluttershy looking back at her and giggling. Flashing them a smirk, Sunset crumpled up some paper and threw it at them just before their teacher, Ms. Harshwhinny walked in.

“Alright, students. Let me have your attention.” Once everyone was settled down, she continued. “We have ‘another’ new student joining us today.”

Sunset leaned back with surprised as Twilight and Fluttershy looked back at her.

“Please welcome…” Ms. Harshwhinny said as the new student walked into the room, surprising Sunset.

“You’ve Got to be kidding me.” Sunset whispered.

“…Crimson Cloud.” Ms. Harshwhinny introduced. “I expect you to make him feel welcome.”

Sunset watched as Crimson looked around the classroom until he found the only empty seat left.

The one right behind her.

Crimson walked down the row of desks, meeting Sunset’s eyes when he got to the desk in front of her. Sunset refused to look away as Crimson walked past her and sat down without showing any sign of recognition.

“Now class, as I mentioned on Friday, you are to write a ten page essay on any historic figure of your choosing. I advise you to use this class time to get started on those essays.”

“Can we work in groups?” Roseluck asked with her hand up.

“You may work with ‘one’ other person. However, if you do choose to work in pairs, you may work on one essay but it must be twenty pages.”

Ms. Harshwhinny sat down after that, allowing the students to get started on their essays. Sunset, taking this opportunity to find out more about him, faced Crimson with a smile.

“Hi, I’m Sunset Shimmer. Would you like to pair up with me?”

“…no, thanks.” Crimson answered, not even looking up from his paper.

“Okay…well, since you’re new here I can show you around the school, if you’d like?”

“…I can make due on my own, thanks.”

“Alright…how about we have lunch together? I’m sure I’ll be better company then eating by yourself.”

Turning his gaze from his page, Crimson just looked at Sunset with different eyes then what she had seen earlier; where as before they were pained filled, now they had an edge to them that seemed to say ‘leave me alone.'

“…I’m gonna take that as a no and go over there.” Sunset said before getting out of her seat to make her way to her friends.

“…’preciate it.”

Standing beside Twilight, Sunset cast a look back at Crimson as he worked on his essay.

“So…” Twilight asked. “What’s he like?”

“Guarded.” Sunset answered. “I barely got him to say a complete sentence.”

“He is new to this school.” Fluttershy said as she stood up with her things. “Maybe he just needs a little time to get use to everyone before he feels comfortable enough to make friends.”

“We could always sic Pinkie Pie on him.” Sunset said with a chuckle. “That should make him feel welcome.”

Fluttershy giggled. “We want him to feel welcomed, not overwhelm him.” Just then, DJ Pon3 stood beside Fluttershy before the two of them sat down to work on their essays together.

“Let’s just work on this essay, for now.” Twilight suggested. “If it’s still bothering you, we can talk to the others about Crimson.”

“…alright.” Sunset agreed before moving Fluttershy’s desk closer to Twilights before siting in it. “Who should we write about?”

Near the end of class, Principle Celestia came on the intercom.

“Good morning, students. I’d like to let those that participated in the fund raiser for the trip to Camp Everfree know…it has been approved!”

Sunset, Twilight, Fluttershy and DJ Pon3 jumped up from their seats to celebrate.

“I’d like to thank you all who participated for all your hard work and I look forward to spending time with you at Camp Everfree next month. That is all.”

“Looks like I was worried for nothing.” Sunset admitted.

“I told you.” Twilight said matter-of-factly.

Giving Twilight a playful shove, Sunset turned to celebrate with Fluttershy when she noticed Crimson was staring at her before he turned his gaze back to his paper.

After class, Sunset and Twilight walked to her locker where they saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie waiting for them.

“SUNSET! TWILIGHT!” Pinkie shouted as they approached. “Aren’t you guys excited about going to Camp Everfree?”

“Absolutely.” Sunset replied, managing to match Pinkie’s level of excitement.

“Awe yeah!” Rainbow declared. "I can’t wait till we get there. They’ll be rock climbing, and tether ball and…who’s that?”

Turning to see who Rainbow was talking about, both Sunset and Twilight saw that it was Crimson, who was at his locker.

“Oh, that’s a new student.” Twilight answered. “His name’s Crimson Cloud.”

Pinkie let out a gasp that startled her friends.

“There’s a new student in school AND NO ONE TOLD ME?” Pinkie shouted as she dashed away.

“…ah Rainbow?” Sunset began. “Mind telling us what that was about?”

“I think it would be better if you saw it for yourself.”

“Saw what?” Twilight asked as Pinkie raced past her and suddenly stopped right behind Crimson with a trunk.

“Pinkie Pie’s famous welcomes.”

Sunset exchanged looks with Twilight before watching Pinkie welcome Crimson.

“Hi, there! I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie greeted, causing Crimson to turn around, eyes slightly wider with surprise. “And I’m here to welcome you to Canterlot High!”

Pinkie pushed a button on the side of the trunk that exploded with confetti, flags, and trumpets before a upbeat tone plays, prompting Pinkie to sing.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome. A fine welcome to you!

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I say how do you do?”

After throwing a hat on Crimson’s head, Pinkie joined in with the trunks trumpets with one of her own right beside his head before continuing her song with a marching bass drum.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome. I say hip hip hooray!

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Canterlot High today!”

At the end of her song a bell rings, causing a little box that on the trunk to explode with more confetti, showering Crimson in them.

Sunset and Twilight stood there, stunned by what they had just seen as Rainbow stood between them, an arm around both of their heads.

“That was Pinkie’s famous welcome.”

Sunset watched as Pinkie stood behind her trunk, not moving an inch as Crimson looked at his shoulder before brushing off the confetti.

“…that was rather…eccentric.” Crimson spoke in a neutral way.

“Thanks!” Pinkie replied. “I always try to make every new person feel welcomed!”

“You don’t say?” Crimson said sarcastically as he brushed more confetti off himself.

“Yep. I just enjoy making people smile whenever I can!” Pinkie explained as she pushed her trunk away. “I mean, what’s life without laughter?”

“…what, indeed?” Crimson said softly as he removed the hat. “Pinkie, was it?”

“That’s right. My full name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, but everyone just calls me Pinkie Pie!”

“I see. Listen, I appreciate the thought but I don’t feel very welcomed.” Crimson said as he placed the hat on Pinkie’s trunk before grabbing his bag and walking away. “…anywhere.”

“WHAT?” Pinkie screamed, surprising Sunset and the others. “B-b-b-but I just gave you my super special welcome!”

“…I know. But you’re wasting your time.”

“Wait.” Pinkie said as she moved to block Crimson’s path, prompting Sunset to move. “How can you not feel welcomed after that?”  Standing before him, Pinkie locked eyes with Crimson and lost some of her nerve by doing so as he gave Pinkie a look that scared her.

“…I’m only going to ask you once.” Crimson spoke slowly. “Leave. Me. Alone.”

“Come on, Pinkie.” Sunset said as she gently moved her out of Crimson’s way, shooting a glare at him “He’s not worth the trouble.”

Sunset and Crimson looked at each other, challenging the other to brake away first. Sunset, angry at Crimson for his attitude towards her and her friends and determined to show Crimson that he can’t speak to people like he had been while Crimson matched her anger with his own for not being left alone mix with a hint of sadness.

Maybe even regret.

Crimson looked away first, walking away as Rainbow and Twilight joined Sunset and Pinkie.

“What a jerk!” Rainbow proclaimed. “He didn’t need to be so cold.”

“I’ll admit, his attitude could be toned down a bit.” Twilight added. “But maybe we should be a little easier on him.”

“Are you actually ‘defending’ how he’s been acting towards us?” Sunset snapped. “We’ve done nothing but offer to be his friend.”

“And that’s why he’s been acting the way he has been.”

Looking over her shoulder, Sunset watched Vice-Principal Luna making her way to them.

“What do you mean by that?” Pinkie asked. “Are you saying he doesn’t ‘want’ to be friends with us?”

“Not at all, Pinkie Pie. But if you knew what Crimson Cloud has been through, you might understand what I mean.”

“So, what happened?” Twilight asked. “What could have happened to him to make him this way?”

“Yeah, teach. Spill it!” Rainbow said rudely earning her a sculling look from Vice-Principal Luna.

“Crimson Cloud comes from a military family; as such, he has moved around the country more times then a child should have too, going to different schools and being unable to form lasting relationships outside of his family. Canterlot High will be the eleventh school he has gone too since middle school.”

The girls gasped at hearing that. Pinkie and Rainbow could understand how a life like that could have a lasting affect on someone, but Sunset and Twilight could appreciate how tough moving to a different place and meeting new people can be.

But eleven times?

“No wonder Cloud’s been so cold towards us.” Sunset said aloud. “He must have gone through this so many times before, only to move away and lose touch with them.”

“That’s so sad!” Pinkie said, her eyes moist with tears.

“…and lonely.” Twilight softly added.

“…alright, I’ll admit.” Rainbow began. “Living like that sounds pretty rough…”

“Which brings me to why I am speaking with you.” Vice-Principle Luna announced, drawing everyones attention. “The seven of you have the ability to bring people together. I would like to ask you all to try your best to help him open up again. I know, if anyone can do this, it’s you girls.”

Sunset exchanged looks with her friends, gauging whether or not they want to help Crimson or not. She smiled when all three of her friends gave her a confidant smile and nod before turning to Vice Principle Luna.

“Okay, we’ll try our best to help Cloud to open up.”

“Thank you, girls. Now, I’d suggest you all get to class.”

And with that, the bell rang.

“She wants us ta do, what?”

It was lunch time when Sunset and the others were able to get together. After explaining to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack what Vice-Principle Luna asked of them, Applejack was the first to speak up, prompting Rarity to voice her own opinion.

“With all due respect to Vice-Principle Luna, if Pinkie wasn’t able to get Crimson Cloud to accept her welcome, how are we going to get him to open up to us?”

“And I even used my special trumpet, too.” Pinkie said sadly.

“I don’t think we should lose hope after one failed attempt.” Fluttershy offered. “Maybe we just need to take a different approach.”

“I’m with Fluttershy.” Twilight said, nodding to Fluttershy. “A guy like Crimson might respond to those with a similar situation as his.”

“Even if that would work…” Rainbow spoke as she bounced a soccer ball with her knee. “…who do we know that has been through anything close to what he’s been through?”

“…well…” Sunset began, earning everyone’s attention. “…I know what it’s like to leave someplace familiar and end up someplace completely different, keeping my guard up at all times until you girls helped me to see how great friendship is.”

“Ah’m not so sure that’ll work, sugarcube.” Applejack replied.

“What makes you say that?” Sunset asked.

“Well, Rarity and Ah just had gym class with him and…” Applejack shared a look at Rarity.

“And what?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, darlings…” Rarity took over. “…Crimson seems to be more guarded then you think.”

Rarity and Applejack stood together as Ms. Peachbottom introduced Crimson Cloud to the rest of the class.

“Now class, I hope you make Crimson Cloud here feel welcomed. I want everyone to work together, because we’ll be playing soccer!”

The students responded differently from excitement to groans. Applejack was excited and Rarity had groaned.

“Must we subject ourselves to this primitive game? I am a lady, not an athlete.”

“Didn’t ya just compete in the Friendship Games on roller skates?” Applejack pointed out.

“Please, Applejack. You can not compare rollerskating to soccer.”

“Why’s that?”

“One requires elegance while the other is barbaric.”

Applejack rolled her eyes.

“Now lets get you all into your teams and we can get started!” Ms. Peachbottom declared before making said teams.

Being assigned to the same team, Applejack eyed Crimson who was standing apart from the rest of the team, looking off into the cloudless sky.

“What do you guys think we should do with the new guy?” One of Applejacks teammates, Teddy asked. “We don’t know anything about him.”

“We could just ask him what he’s best at?” Lyra asked.

“Even if we did, he’s the new guy.” Cloudy Kicks added. “We don’t know how well he’ll work on a team.”

“Ah agree.” Applejack said. “Fer now, we should have him be our goalie, at least until we have ah better understanding of what he’s like.”

Everyone agreed, prompting Applejack to address Crimson.

“Hey, Crimson?” Crimson looked at Applejack. “Ya mind being our goalie?”

“Alright.” Crimson answered before making his way to the net.

“Uh. That was easy.” Applejack said, surprised by how quick he was to accept what they had decided for him to do.

Almost like he was use to it.

As the game went on, Applejacks team had managed to keep the ball away from their net, allowing Crimson to gaze at the sky. That is until Bulk Biceps kicked the ball straight towards Crimson’s head.

“Crimson!” Applejack shouted. “Heads Up!”

Hearing his name, Crimson turned just as the ball smoked him in the face, forcing his head back as the ball landed on the ground in front of him. Applejack and the other students started to run to his aid but stopped when Crimson just brought his head back upright. Applejack watched as Crimson looked down at the ball in front of him then up at the field prompting her to look at where he was looking.

She saw that the other teams net was wide open.

Their goalie had left because everyone had stopped to see to Crimson. Looking back at Crimson, Applejack had noticed he took a few steps back and the next thing she saw was Crimson kicking the ball across the field and right into the other teams net, scoring a goal.

The only person that could do that was Rainbow Dash.

“Nice kick…” Applejack said surprised.

After Ms. Peachbottom check to see if Crimson was alright, the game continued until Applejacks team was declared the winner. As everyone finished cleaning up and getting ready for lunch, Applejack and Rarity approached Crimson.

“That’s some kick ya got there. How often do ya play?”

“Applejack, please. Where are your manners?” Rarity scolded before turning to Crimson. “Hello there, Crimson Cloud. I am Rarity and this is my friend, Applejack.”

“Howdy.”

“…nice to meet you.” Crimson said neutrally, causing Applejack and Rarity to exchange looks.

“Er, anyway. With ah kick like that, Ah’m sure you’ll be able ta give Rainbow Dash ah run fer her money.”

“Indeed. Tell me, were you on a previous soccer team before transferring here?”

“…no.”

“Why’s that?” Applejack asked. “From what ah saw, ya'll could easily be captain of the team.”

“Though I’m sure Rainbow Dash wouldn’t appreciate someone going after her position this late into the school year.”

“…lucky for her, I don’t intend on joining.”

“You…alright there, Cloud?” Applejack asked. “Ya seem ah bit…upset.”

“Well…” Rarity began. “…if ‘you’ got a soccer ball kicked to the face, I would think you would be a tad upset yourself.”

“Good point.”

“…if it’s all the same to the both of you…” Crimson began as he threw his bag on. “…I’d like to be alone now.”

With that, Crimson walked away leaving Applejack and Rarity stunned by his refusal to have a conversation with them.

“It was like talking ta an upset pig who missed out on their lunch.” Applejack added after telling the story. “Just dead set on being angry at the world.”

“Can you blame him?” Fluttershy said. “After what Vice Principal Luna said, I can understand why he would have his guard up all the time.”

Sunset thought about what she knew about Crimson; while his outward facade depicts someone who doesn’t want anything to do with friendship, his way of rejecting is rather polite then they could be. Despite that, Sunset knew he must have had friends before and truly believed that if she were to find some common ground, maybe he would let her in…

“WAIT, wait, wait! Let me get this straight!” Rainbow shouted as she caught her soccer ball, drawing everyones attention. “Crimson managed to score a goal from the opposite side of the field?”

Everyone looked at her, stunned.

“Rainbow, out of everything we’ve told ya…” Applejack said with frustration. “…THAT’S what gets ya worked up?”

“Well, duh. NO ones better at sports in this school then ME! I have a reputation to maintain!”

“Honestly, Rainbow.” Rarity sighed. “Must you think about that now? We have a classmate in need of our assistance, after all.”

“Fine. You want to help him? Let me challenge him to a game of one-on-one!”

“How will that help him?” Twilight asked.

“You’d be surprised what competition can bring out of people.” Rainbow said with a grin, balancing her ball on her head before catching it. “Now, where is he?”

“OH, oh. I know! I know!” Pinkie cheered. “I saw him head to the field not to long ago.”

“Perfect!” Rainbow said before racing out to the field. Sunset and the others close behind.

Outside, Sunset spotted Crimson sitting on the bleachers eating and listening to music while gazing at the mountains. Rainbow ran up and started to get his attention only to grow frustrated as Crimson continued to eat until she picked up a rock and threw it, landing right in front of him and getting his attention.

“…what?” Crimson said after removing one of his earbuds.

“So, Crimson.” Rainbow began. “I hear you’re pretty good at soccer.”

“Yeah. So?”

“Whaddaya say to a game of one-on-one?” Rainbow challenged. “First to five wins!” With that, Rainbow kicks the ball she was holding into the far net giving Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie a sense of déjà vu. “One, zip!”

Sunset shook her head before looking at Crimson with an apologetic expression and finding him unchanged.

“…no, thanks.” Crimson said before getting up and walking down the bleachers.

“What’s wrong, scared to be beat by a girl?” Rainbow jabbed.

“Hardly. What kind of person challenges someone then scores a goal before they even accepted?” Crimson said as he reached the bottom of the bleachers. “I want no part of your ego boost.”

“Ego boost?” Rainbow shouted.

“Rainbow, please. Calm down.” Rarity said sternly. “Getting angry isn’t helping anyone.”

“I was helping him! But he’s calling it an ego boost!”

“If that’s your way of helping people, I’d be better off without it.”

“Now, hold on.” Applejack stepped in. “Rainbow Dash may have been ah little too caught up with herself with that challenge…”

“Hey!”

“…but that’s no reason ta insult her like that.”

“Indeed.” Rarity joined in. “I can’t say I approve of your behaviour towards us.”

“Well, excuse my behaviour.” Crimson said coldly. “If I recall, I’ve asked most of you to leave me alone, yet here you are constantly ignoring my request, so forgive me if my patience is shorter then before.”

Crimson gave them a dark look that made Sunset and the her friends pause before turning toward the school and walking away. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding.

“…ah hate to admit it…” Applejack said as she looked at Sunset. “…but he ‘does’ have ah point. We have been pushing our friendship on him.”

“I just don’t understand why he choices to be alone.” Pinkie said as her hair seemed to deflate a little bit. “All we want is to be his friends. Why would he push us away?”

Twilight and Fluttershy looked at each other before running after Crimson.

“Hey! Where are you two…?” Rainbow started before turning to Sunset. “What are they doing?”

“…making one last attempt.” Sunset said as she watched her two friends catch up with Crimson.

“Crimson, wait! Please!” Twilight called out, causing Crimson to stop as the two of them stood behind him.

“What’s it gonna take to get through to…”

“I know what it’s like!” Twilight said, urgency in her voice. “To choose to be alone because you think it’s easier then to make friends.”

“And I know what it’s like to lose a good friend…” Fluttershy added sadly. “…and not knowing if we would ever be friends again.”

Crimson stood there, silent, visibly relaxing as the two friends spoke.

“And you know, as well as we do, how being alone all the time can be so painful.” Twilight said. “But you don’t have to be. We want to be your friend.”

“And even if we go our separate ways after graduating…” Fluttershy added. “…isn’t it better to have made friends then not?”

“…you two…are so lucky…to have that optimism.” Looking up into the sky, Crimson continued. “I had that same optimism the first time I moved away from my friends. And the second time. And the third.”

Twilight and Fluttershy stared in sad awe as Crimson looked over his shoulder at them and his eye was wet.

“But like most things in life, even the heart can only take so much.” Crimson looked forward. “I really do appreciate what you girls have been trying to do for me. But please, stop and focus on the friendships you already have.”

Crimson, having nothing else to say nor wanting to hear anything else from the two friends, walked away, leaving Twilight and Fluttershy alone until Sunset and the others joined them.

“…Crimson turned you two down, didn’t he?” Sunset guessed.

Twilight hung her head as Fluttershy softly cried as she buried her face in her hands.

Walking through the back door into the school, Crimson dried his eyes using his sleeve in order to avoid any interactions. The bell had rang indicating the end of lunch, but for Crimson it just meant a longer break as he had a spare this block. Crimson wanted to have his last block as a spare but the class he needed to graduate was only available then. The halls empty of students, Crimson wondered them, thinking about the girls that have been trying to befriend him.

Music began to fill his ears as Crimson felt the need to sing.

“If I’m a cloud,

Then why do I feel so rough,

I’m as strong as a storm

Even that’s not enough.

There’s something jagged in me

And I’ve made such mistakes

I thought that storms were fierce

Though I feel I could break.”

As he sung, Crimson walked to his locker to put away his lunch then made his way to the stairs as Principle Celestia and Vice-Principle Luna watched with sadness, Celestia placing a hand on Luna’s shoulder.

“Would you believe

That I’ve always wished I could be somebody else

Yet I can’t see

What I need to do to be the person I want to be.”

Walking past the second floor, Crimson failed to notice Sweetie Belle leaving her classroom as he climbed to the third floor, Sweetie Belle listening to him as he went.

“I’ve been told my whole life

What to do, what to say

Nobody showed me that

There might be some better way

And now I fell like I’m lost

I don’t know what to do

The ground is sinking away

I’m about to fall through.”

Reaching the door, Crimson walked out into the roof unaware that Sweetie Belle had been following him. She stood with the door ajar as Crimson finished his song.

“Would you believe

That I’ve always wished I could be somebody else

Yet I can’t see

What I need to do to be the person I want to be”

Crimson looked out to the mountains as the sun rested just above them, just waiting to set.

“To be the person I want to be.”

Crimson took out his earbuds as he continued to look out at the mountains until the sound of the door closing casted him to look back, finding no one else there.

“…the door took longer to close then I thought…” Crimson rationalized before siting down, unaware of Sweetie Belle heading back to class to tell her friends about Crimson.

The last bell of the day rung as Sunset packed her bags and left the classroom. Ever since meeting him, Sunset just couldn’t stop thinking about Crimson and his refusal to allow anyone to get close. Sunset walked to her locker, grabbing the books she needed for homework and spotting Crimson at his own locker. Catching a glimpse of his face, Sunset could almost feel the pain Crimson’s heart was in; knowing the joys of friendship only to suffer without it and unwilling to be hurt again.

Sunset’s heart beat faster as Crimson looked into her eyes, catching her staring at him and for an instant she saw something new in his eyes. There was still pain as well as that dark edge that was meant to drive people away but Sunset also saw something that had caused her increasingly beating heart.

Regret.

Before Sunset could be sure that’s what she saw, Crimson broke away from her eyes and headed for the front door, leaving Sunset to further wonder about him. Originally from Equestria, Sunset was constantly around ponies that were open and understanding with each other, even the social Elites she had been apart of since becoming Princess Celestia’s student. Coming from that lifestyle of openness, Sunset found it easy to manipulate the humans of this world who were more guarded and prone to mistrust.

Closing her locker, Sunset couldn’t remember meeting anyone so guarded that, had she not have changed into who she was now, would have done her best to avoid them for fear of her manipulations backfiring on her. Now, Sunset couldn’t help but be curious about who Crimson was and desperately wanting to talk with him to find out.

“Hey, Sunset!”

Looking down the hall, Sunset spotted Rainbow and Fluttershy with their instruments.

“Come on. Let’s get some practice in before heading home.”

“Coming.” Sunset replied taking one last look at the front door. “Cloud, what will it take for you to tear down your defences?”

Crimson walked out the front door, sighing heavily as he walked down the steps.

“I can’t believe she’s having this much effect on me.” Crimson said to himself as he stood beside the statue. “If just looking at her does this to me, I’m better off just dropping out and be done with this.”

“Nice scooter, Scootaloser! To scared to ride a bike?’

Looking around, Crimson finally spotted three boys talking with three girls.

“I’m braver then the three of you combined.” The girl with the scooter replied.

“Why don’t you go chase a cat up a tree, Rover?” The girl with a bow said.

“Yeah. Just leave us alone.” The girl with two shades of purple hair said.

“Why don’t you make us, twerp?” The shortest boy weakly threw back as Crimson walked up and stood behind them.

“Hey.” Crimson said, causing the three boys to turn on him, surprised as the three girls watched with recognition on the purple hair girls face. “Leave them alone.”

“Or what?” Rover said threateningly.

Crimson gave them a look that made them all take a step back.

“Or you’ll have to deal with me.” Crimson said, each word dripping with dark intent. “And you don’t want to deal with me.”

With that, Rover and his two buddies ran off, terrified, causing the three girls to laugh.

“That was awesome!” The girl with the scooter said with excitement. “That stare of your’s reminded me of Fluttershy’s stare.”

“Thanks fer yer help. I’m Applebloom. These here are Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.”

“I’m Crimson Cloud. Have those three been giving you trouble?”

“Not really.” Scootaloo said. “They only bug us every once in awhile. Nothing we can’t handle!

“Crimson Cloud…?” Sweetie Belle said to herself. “Aren’t you in Rarity’s classes?”

“…yes. Why?”

“She mentioned you at lunch. She said you didn’t want to be friends with anyone.”

“That’s you?” Scootaloo asked. “Rainbow was really upset with you when she told me.”

“Was she now?”

“And Applejack said that you got mad at them fer trying to be yer friend.”

“Did they tell you why?” Crimson asked.

“Something about moving around ah lot.” Applebloom said.

“There you have it.” Crimson said before walking away.

“You don’t have to be this way.” Sweetie Belle called out. “You can be anyone you want to be.”

Crimson stopped and looked over his shoulder, shocked.

“I…heard you. Just after lunch.”

Thinking back, Crimson remembered the door.

“That was you closing the door…” Crimson whispered.

Sweetie Belle nodded as Crimson turned his back to them and clinched his fists, doing everything he could to keep from turning on Sweetie Belle and saying something he would regret.

“I’m really sorry for eavesdropping, but you have an amazing singing voice.”

“Ya know, Applejack and her friends have ah band.” Applebloom said, oblivious to Crimson’s tenseness. “Ah’ll bet they’ll let you sing with em if ya ask.”

“Yeah! You should see when they play.” Sweetie Belle said. “They all glow and their hair grows so long, it’s like they have pony tails.”

Crimson’s eyes sprang open, his anger completely gone.

“And they all have their ears turn into pointy ears, like ponies!” Applebloom added.

Crimson turned to face them, surprised.

“And Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy sprout wings!” Scootaloo shouted. “And they really work! Rainbow Dash flew me around when she first got them!”

“Wait, so the rumors about this school are true?” Crimson asked. “There really is magic here?”

“Yeah!” Scootaloo said with excitement. “Come on! We’ll show ya.”

Sunset tuned her guitar as the rest of the Rainbooms, including DJPon3, got their instruments ready while Twilight sat off to the side to watch. Sunset had hoped that band practice would distract her from Crimson, but all it did was make her wonder if he listened to her songs then maybe he would open up…

“SUNSET!”

Looking up, Sunset saw Rainbow looking at her, annoyed.

“You didn’t hear a single word I said, did you?” Rainbow accused.

“Uh…well…” Sunset started but then let out a sigh. “I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash. My heads just not in it today.”

“Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about Crimson?”

“Darling, you need to let it go.” Rarity added. “He’s made it quite clear that he has no interest in becoming friends with us.”

That made Sunset flinch a bit.

“You’ve been thinking about him ever since this morning, haven’t you, Sunset?” Fluttershy asked.

“…I can’t explain it. There’s just something about him that…I don’t know…resonates with me.”

“Well, how about this.” Applejack offered. “Why don’t you sit out this next song and just lose yourself in it. Maybe you’ll find something that can help.”

“Yeah. After all, it’s no fun if your thinking about a boy while playing music. You’ll start singing break up songs.” Pinkie said, causing Sunset to laugh a little bit. “And Twilight can fill in for you.”

“What?” Twilight said surprised.

“I agree with Pinkie.” Rarity said. “I, for one always feel bad for not including you. A lesson I learned not to long ago.” She finished, winking at Sunset.

“Go ahead, Twilight.” Sunset said as she made her way to her. “I could use a moment to clear my head.”

“…alright. I suppose I could.”

“Great!” Rainbow cheered. “I say we sing ‘Awesome as I…”

“Actually, Rainbow…” Sunset interrupted. “…could you guys play “Friendship Through the Ages’? Listening to it might help me find what I need.”

“Not ta mention, ah’m getting tired of playing that song.” Applejack said with her eyes half closed.

“Argh, fine.” Rainbow Dash said, disappointed.

“Thanks, Rainbow Dash.” Sunset said as she sat at the wall and nodded to DJ Pon3 who, somehow, knew what song they were singing. With everyone at their spots, DJ Pon3 stared up her table, prompting Twilight to begin.

“Nothing stays the same for long

But when it changes doesn’t mean it’s gone

Time will always get away

As it leaves behind another day.”

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Crimson all slipped through the side door just as Fluttershy began to sing while playing her tambourine.

“Things may come and things may go

Some go fast and some go slow

Few things last, that’s all I know

But friendship carries on through the ages.”

Crimson watched the girls began to glow as they transformed before his eyes when Rarity joined in with Fluttershy.

“Things may come and things may go

Some go fast and some go slow

Few things last, that’s all I know

But friendship carries on through the ages.”

Amazed, Crimson turned to see Sunset glowing as well, clapping along to the beat as Rainbow Dash played a guitar solo while she sang.

“Been around for a long time

Rocking out hard ‘cause I’m in my prime

Maybe it’ll change further down the line

But my friendships carries on through the ages.”

Crimson listened as he watched these girls sprout wings and ears and began to feel something change within him as Applejack started her verse.

“Every single style has something

Different it can say

There’s nothing wrong with being unique

And special in your own way.”

As Applejack sang, Crimson say Sunset begin to dance. Watching her, Crimson couldn’t help but think how beautiful she was as Pinkie jumped in when the music became techno like.

“Maybe you wanna be a pop star

Get your fifteen minutes of fame, wha, ah! Ah, oh!

That won’t last forever

But friendship remains the same, ah-oh, oh!”

As Pinkie finished, Crimson noticed that Sweetie Belle was looking at him. Flashing her his first genuine smile in a long time, Crimson noticed the music had ended but watched as Sunset joined in to sing and had grown ears as well.

“Things may come and things may go

Some go fast and some go slow

Few things last, that’s all I know

But friendship carries on through the ages".

("But friendship carries on.”)

Now Crimson understood why they were so insisted on befriending him; Sunset and her friends held not only a powerful magic within them, but a far stronger bond then anything he had made.

“..to think, I wanted to leave this school…” Crimson whispered as The Rainbooms finished their song.

“Things may come and things may go

Some go fast and some go slow

Few things last, that’s all I know

But friendship carries on through the ages.

("But friendship carries on.")

Ohhh-oh, carries on…”

“That was amazing you guys!” Scootaloo shouted, drawing everyones attention.

The Rainbooms all gasped when they saw Crimson Cloud standing with them.

“Crimson? What are you doing here?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, why don’t you be a jerk somewhere else.” Rainbow jabbed.

“Come on, Rainbow.” Scootaloo said in Crimson’s defence. “Crimson helped us out with Rover and his buddies.”

“Did he, now?” Applejack asked, eyeing Crimson.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Rarity shrieked as she grabbed Sweetie Belle. “Are you hurt? What did those ruffians do? I’ll teach them not to mess with my little sister!”

“Rarity, I’m fine. Like Scootaloo said, Crimson helped us.”

“Thank you so much for helping them, Crimson.” Rarity said genuinely.

“I should be thanking them for bringing me to see you girls play.” Crimson said as he looked at all of them. “I know I haven’t been the most…accepting person when it came to your offers of friendship and I apologize for behaving the way that I did towards you all. Especially you, Rainbow Dash.”

Crimson looked at Rainbow Dash, who, after a few second to think about it, smiled back at him.

“Ah, no big deal. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did either.”

“Does this mean you want to be friends with us?” Pinkie said excitedly.

Looking around, Crimson was surprised by the looks everyone was giving him; from Pinkie’s barely contained excitement to Fluttershy’s hopeful pleading, to Sunset’s bracing for his answer.

Lingering his gaze on Sunset, Crimson couldn’t help but believe that this time would be different.

“Yes.” Crimson said as if a huge weight had been removed from his shoulders. “I want to be your friend.”

Fifteen Days Before Camp Everfree.

“Just two more weeks until we get to Camp Everfree!” Pinkie cheered as she walked to school.

“Yeah. I can’t believe how fast the times going.” Sunset added. “Next thing you know, we’ll be on the bus heading there.”

“It’s definitely gonna be a fun time.” Twilight said as she stiffened a yawn.

“I’m looking forward to chasing the squirrels there.” Spike said joyfully as he walked beside Twilight.

“Forget the squirrels, Spike. There’s only one thing that is mandatory while at Camp Everfree.” Pinkie declared in a serious tone. “SMORES!!!”

Pinkie, Sunset and Spike laughed as Twilight hung back to hide another yawn.

“Late night study session?”

Surprised, Twilight turned to see Crimson was still hanging back from everyone. Ever since becoming friends, Crimson had been more involved with everyone at Canterlot High, especially Sunset. When they finally told him not only about Spike’s ability to talk but that Sunset was actually a pony from Equestria, Crimson had taken it pretty well, considering.

“Human, Pony, tentacle-haired alien, doesn’t matter. Sunset is just Sunset to me.”

When Sunset first saw Crimson, Twilight had noticed her interest in him. During the days leading up to today, Twilight had been noticing Crimson’s interest in her.

“Earth to Twilight.” Crimson said as he lightly knocked on her head. “You still in there?”

“Yes, I am! Quit it!” Twilight said, irritation in her voice as they continued walking to catch up with their friends.

“Just making sure.” Crimson said with a chuckle. “So, why have you been so tired lately?”

“No reason!” Twilight was quick to answer, making Crimson raise and eyebrow in confusion. “I-i-i’ve just been working on a little project of mine, that’s all!”

“…if you say so.” Crimson said as he looked forward at their now stationary friends. “But, whatever it ‘really’ is…” Crimson said as he gave a knowing smile to Twilight. “…don’t be afraid to talk about it.”

Twilight thought about Crimson’s advice as they joined up with Sunset, Pinkie, and Spike at the front doors of the school.

“What took you guys so long?” Sunset asked. “If you two wanted some ‘alone time’ all you gotta do is ask.”

“What! NO! It’s not like that!” Twilight said as she threw her arms up in protest. “Crimson, tell them that they're wrong.”

“…I don’t know, Twilight.” Crimson said with a playful grin. “You ‘did’ space out while looking at me.”

Twilight gave a groan of annoyance before stomping off, Spike right behind her as Crimson, Sunset, and Pinkie shared a laugh together.

“I better keep an eye on her.” Sunset offered. “Make sure she’s all right.”

Lingering her gaze on him a few seconds longer, Sunset took off after Twilight as Crimson watched, unaware of the longing written on his face.

“You know she’s a pony, right?”

Snapping out of his pseudo trace, Crimson looked at Pinkie who, surprisingly, he had forgotten was there.

“…yeah.” Crimson replied with a sigh. “I know.”

“And you STILL what to go out with her?” Pinkie questioned as she invaded Crimson’s personal space while focusing one eye on him, as if to find something as small as a flea on his nose. “Even after knowing that AND everything she’s done to the school, you still want to be with her?”

Crimson couldn’t deny everything Pinkie was telling him, after all, he found out about Sunset straight from the horses mouth.

Pun intended.

Finding out she was a magical unicorn from another world that can be access from the statue base at the front of Canterlot High was a lot to take in, but to hear that she had been a manipulative bully before Pinkie and the others worked together to help her see things differently might’ve took the wind from his sail early on.

But then he learned about all she had done to change, almost like her personality took a complete one eighty. Discovering the kind of drive Sunset had to change and be a better person ignited his interest once more as that was something Crimson could appreciate.

“Yes.” Crimson said confidently before looking Pinkie in the eyes. “I do what to be with her. More then anything.”

“Then what are you waiting for, silly?” Pinkie said cheerfully as she hopped towards the school. “Go and ask her out already!”

Before Crimson could recover from Pinkie’s rapid mood swing and respond, Pinkie had disappeared into the school, leaving Crimson to wonder if Pinkie was warning him about dating a pony in human form or curious as to why he hadn’t asked out Sunset by now.

“You finished your essay already?”

Crimson smiled as he sat down at his desk after handing in his completed ten page essay about General Firefly, a military woman that formed the Elite team called the Wonderbolts, enjoying Sunset’s look of disbelief.

“Is it really that surprising?” Crimson asked

“…I guess not, now that I think about.” Sunset said as she stood up. “We still have to do two more pages of our essay.”

“Who is it about?”

“Nickel Tesla.” Sunset answered, looking at Crimson. “HIs work on plasma energy closely resembles the basics of unicorn magic back in my world. Ever since arriving here, I’ve tried to implement his work to achieve that, but stopped after the Fall Formal.”

“And what did Twilight think of him?”

“She was thrilled. Apparently, she has a huge crush on him. Or his work, at least.”

The two of them shared a laugh before Sunset walked away to meet with Twilight. Thinking back to what Pinkie said, Crimson looked out the window as he thought about how he was going to ask Sunset out.

Problem is, he had never been on a date before.

Going from school to school, Crimson had always had the odd crush but when it came to asking them out, Crimson, for all his fierce exterior was deathly terrified to ask them out.

“Crimson?”

Turning around, Crimson noticed Fluttershy and DJ Pon3 standing beside him.

“Hey, Fluttershy.” he said as he gave a small wave to the DJ, who gave him a mock salute. “How’s your essay coming?”

“Good. We’re writing about Autumn Breeze.” Fluttershy said. “Her song, ‘Love is in the Breeze’ was a number one hit for a full year! She was the one that inspired me to write songs.”

“I’m guessing Pon3 likes it because of it’s popularity.” Crimson said with a grin, causing Fluttershy to giggle and Pon3 to stick her tongue out at him.

“Do you mind if we sit with you?” Fluttershy asked.

“Sure…” Crimson said, confused. “But, why?”

“You just looked like you could use some company.” Fluttershy said with smile, making Crimson smile back as the two girls pulled two desks closer to him.

Crimson stared out the window and listened to Fluttershy talk to Pon3 as he continue to think about asking Sunset out, eventually drawing Fluttershy’s attention.

“…it’s Sunset, isn’t it?”

Surprised, Crimson turned on Fluttershy before allowing a sad smile to creep across his face.

“Am I that transparent?” Crimson said with a chuckle.

“You kind of are.” Fluttershy said with an innocent smile. “But, to be fair, I was there when you became a ‘distraction’ to her.” She said with a giggle.

“Is that what I was?” Crimson said with a smirk. “I seem to have that effect on some girls.”

The two of them laughed before Fluttershy continued writing and Crimson looked back out the window but not before sparing a look at Sunset.

“…I’m terrified, Fluttershy.” Crimson finally admitted. “…of asking Sunset out.”

“Why? It’s obvious you two have feelings for each other.” Fluttershy said. “You think she’ll say no?”

“…I’m terrified she’ll say yes.” Crimson said with a whisper.

“Oh…”

Having never been in a relationship like the one he wants with Sunset, Crimson had no idea what to expect or even if he’ll be around long enough for it to mean anything. The idea off starting something like that, only for it to end in the near future was to much for Crimson to bare.

Especially with the feelings he has for her.

“Don’t be.”

Slowly, Crimson turned around, eyes wide when they met DJ Pon3 shaded ones, surprised to hear the silent DJ speak.

DJ Pon3 never spoke.

“If you feel strongly about something, don’t be afraid of it.” Pon3 said as she lowered her glasses to look at him with her bare eyes. “Isn’t it better to love and lost then never to have loved at all?”

Crimson looked from Pon3 to Fluttershy, who was smiling in agreement as Pon3 put her shades and headphones back on to continue on their essay. With the two girls focused on their work, Crimson turned back to the window, pondering the few words he had ever heard the DJ say.

“…the next thing ya see is Rarity, running round like ah chicken with it’s head cut off, screaming ‘STOP! STOP! There’s a tear in my new dress!’”

Everyone laughed as Applejack told what had happened during gym class when Crimson accidentally knocked Rarity over during a game of soccer, causing a tiny tear on her dress.

“She’s been giving me dirty looks ever since.” Crimson said after taking a bite of his sandwich. “Even after I apologized.”

“And I have accepted that apology, darling.” Rarity said with a hmph. “That does not mean I am ready to associate myself with you at this moment.”

“In my defence, I did say I play rough.”

“Not to mention, a dress isn’t really something you should be wearing during a soccer game.” Sunset added.

“Well, excuse me for trying to add ‘class’ to that ridiculous sport.”

Sunset smiled as she listened to the banter her friends bounced around themselves. She always loved the feeling of being together and cracking jokes about one another, knowing it was all in good fun. Looking at Crimson, Sunset was glad to see how relaxed and willing to participate in the banter and be apart of the conversation.

And yet…

“Wow. You have it bad.”

Sunset turned to see Rainbow Dash watching her.

“What?” Sunset asked confused.

“That love for Crimson you…”

Suddenly, Sunset covered Rainbow’s mouth, shushing the surprised girl, her sudden movement drawing everyone at their tables attention to them.

“Hehe, can you excuse us of a bit?” Sunset asked nervously before drawing Rainbow out of the cafeteria and into the soccer field.

“OW! OW! Let go, Sunset! That hurts!”

“Good! Maybe that’ll teach you from saying stupid things like that out loud again!”

“Why?” Rainbow asked as she rubbed the part of her arm Sunset had dragged her by. “Am I wrong?”

“Not…exactly.” Sunset admitted as she crossed her arms, avoiding Rainbow’s eyes.

“What’s going on with you two?” Rainbow asked as she brought her hands behind her head. “You guys are practically inseparable. Why aren’t you going out yet?”

Sunset closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“I’m not sure if he’s interested in me or not.” Sunset confessed.

“…………..what?” Rainbow asked, greatly confused. “Sunset, ‘I’ can see that’s he’s interested. What makes you think he isn’t?’

“He hasn’t responded to my advances.” Sunset said as she started walking across the field, Rainbow right beside her. “And I’ve been making them as clear as I can possible make them without out right saying it.”

“Have you forgotten he’s still a guy?”

“I know, Rainbow but Flash wasn’t like this. He caught on right away.”

“That’s like comparing me to Fluttershy. Do you really think she’d outright admit her feelings before the guy said anything first?”

Sunset pondered that before letting out a frustrated sigh.

“I suppose not. I just figured Crimson was comfortable enough around me to talk about his feelings.”

“Maybe that’s why he hasn’t yet.” Rainbow said as she looked up at the sky.

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked, confused.

“Well, he has moved around a lot. Maybe he doesn’t want to admit his feelings because he’s afraid of moving away again.”

Sunset rubbed her face in frustration.

“I wish I could just touch him and see what his true feelings are.”

“That’s a boring power.” Rainbow commented. “I’d rather have super speed!”

The two of them shared a laugh as they heard Pinkie call out to them. Turning around, Sunset noticed that Crimson wasn’t with them.

“Where’s Crimson?” She asked when her friends got close enough.

“He offered to look after Spike, since he has a spare next block.” Twilight replied. “They’re going for a walk around the block now.”

“(sigh) He’s not making this easy.” Sunset said under her breath.

“Don’t give up on him, Sunset.” Fluttershy said as she placed a hand on her shoulder. “He has some personal fears to face before he’s ready.”

Sunset looked at Fluttershy, returning the smile she was giving her.

Crimson walked down the street as Spike ran ahead, chasing anything that moved. He was starting to get the feeling that he was thinking too much about asking Sunset out but at the same time he couldn’t forget the feeling of building a relationship, platonic or otherwise, then watching as the distance slowly destroyed it. The sound of Spike’s barking brought his attention back to his current task.

“Twilight forgot to warn me about your lack of exercise.” Crimson said as he caught up to Spike. “Had I known you haven’t been on a walk before now, I never would have agreed to this.”

“Yeah, Twilight sometimes get’s so worked up with her studies, she forgets to take me out.” Spike replied.

“Doesn’t she have an older brother you can go to?” Crimson asked, finding talking to Spike still surreal. “Can’t you get him to take you for a walk?”

“Sometimes, when I REALLY need to go. But most of the time her family insists I bug Twilight, as I am her dog.”

“Makes sense.”

“Although, ever since she’s been having that nightmare, she’s been taking me on more walks then before.”

“Nightmare?” Crimson asked.

“Yeah, about Midnight Sparkle.” Spike told him. “Ever since her transformation, she’s been having the same nightmare every night.”

“So, that’s it.” Crimson said. “I thought she was hiding something this morning.”

“Yeah, she doesn’t want to tell anyone because she’s afraid she’ll turn into her again and hurt everyone.”

“…I can appreciate her decision to keep something that important to herself.” Crimson said with a sad smile.

“Does this have something to do with Sunset?” Spike asked.

“How do…?”

“Twilight told me.”

“Oh, right.” Crimson said while shaking his head as they approached the school.

“So, what’s going on with you two? Twilight said you two really want to be together but haven’t said anything to each other yet.”

“I want to, Spike. I really do.” Crimson confessed. “It’s just…”

“Hey, Crimson! Spike!”

Crimson and Spike turned to the school entrance and watched Flash Sentry approach them.

“Hey, Flash.” Crimson greeted as Flash stood before him.

“How’s it going?” Spike said as his tail waged.

“Good. I just wanted to ask you two about Twilight?”

“What about her?” Crimson asked.

“She hasn’t said anything about me, has she?”

“Not that I know of. Spike?”

“Nope. Sorry, Flash. Twilight’s been really focused on her projects. That’s just who she is.”

“Oh. I see.” Flash said, disappointed. “I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. She’s not the same Twilight as…” He started to say before releasing Spike and Crimson didn’t know much about Princess Twilight. “Ah, never mind.”

“Sorry, Flash.” Crimson said before a thought came to him. “But, maybe you can help me with something.”

“Sure, if I can.”

“Do you regret going out with Sunset? Considering how different she is now?”

“Uh…that’s a good question.” Flash said as he looked up at the sky and pondered. “Well, It’s nice to see she’s changed for the better. That said, no I don’t regret braking up with her. She was pretty bad when she first came to CS.”

“I see.” Crimson said. “Thanks, Flash. I’ll let you know if Twilight says anything about you.”

“I appreciate it, Crimson. See ya around.” Flash said as he turned to walk away then stop after taking a couple of steps. “Sunset ‘has’ changed a lot since then…” He said before walking away, leaving Crimson standing there scared.

“Flash…isn’t still…interested in Sunset…” Crimson said slowly before looking at Spike. “is he?”

“He might.”

Looking back at the school, Crimson decided he couldn’t put this off any longer. He was gonna ask Sunset Shimmer out before the day was done.

Walking out of the school, Sunset let out a sigh as she stepped down the stairs, her friends not far behind her. They had just finished their band practice and were on their way home.

“Yet another practice where we ‘didn’t’ play ‘Awesome as I Wanna Be’. Lame.” Rainbow complied once again.

“Have you ever thought that we don’t enjoy playing a song that’s mostly about yourself?” Sunset asked.

“Why not?“

“Because it just feeds yer egomaniac, that’s why!” Applejack bluntly said.

“Sunset!” Crimson called as he ran to catch up with her.

“Well, we’ll see you two tomorrow then.” Rarity said as she rushed everyone away.

“Awe! But I want to see them get together!” Pinkie cried out as she was dragged away, leaving Sunset with a smile on her face when Crimson caught up with her.

“Where’re they going?” Crimson asked with a little hint of nervousness in his voice.

“They…had places to go.” Sunset answered. “You know them; always on the move.”

“And here I thought Rarity was still mad at me.”

“That probably has something to do with it, also.”

Sharing a laugh, Sunset was beginning to get butterflies in her stomach as she anticipated what Crimson wanted to talk about.

“So, was there something you needed?” Sunset asked.

“Yes, there was something I wanted to tell you.” Crimson said. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask you something for a while now.”

Sunset’s eyes widened as the thought of Crimson asking her out filled her mind.

“Well, what took you so long? I don’t bite.”

“Yes, you do.” Crimson joked as he playfully pushed her. “It’s one of your better qualities.”

“You got that right.” Sunset said with a wink, making Crimson’s face start to turn crimson.

“A-a-anyway, what I wanted to say was you are the most amazing person I have ever met.” Crimson said while looking into Sunset’s eyes. “Pony or otherwise.”

Sunset gave a weak laugh at that as she thought of a reason he would bring that fact up. After all, she was sure he didn’t care that she wasn’t originally human, right?”

“And that your drive and ambition to get better has always impressed me to the point where I can’t help but admire you greatly.”

“Really?” Sunset asked hopeful.

“Yeah. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you and I’m really glad you didn’t give up on being my friend.”

“Well, i know what it’s like to not have a friend around.” Sunset replied.

“And I’m so glad to have you as a friend.” Crimson said with a smile.

“What…?” Sunset asked, scared that Crimson had only saw her as a friend.

“Actually, I like to think we’re best friends…”

Sunset had stopped listening after that. What more did she need to hear? Crimson only saw her as a friend and nothing more.

“…I’ve got to go, Crimson.” Sunset said as she walked away. “See you tomorrow.”

“What? Sunset, wait! I…” Crimson called out, but Sunset didn’t stop. She kept walking away, eyes drenched in tears.

After Camp Everfree’s Crystal Cave Ball.

“There is one thing I’m wondering about, though.” Sunset said, standing outside the crystal cave, a drink in one hand, her shoes in the other.

“What’s that?” Twilight asked, a drink of her own in hand.

“Where did the magic that hit this cave, come from?”

Sunset and Twilight looked up into the sky as they pondered that question.

“…Sunset…”

Snapping their heads forward, Sunset and Twilight watched as Crimson, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt walked up to them nervously.

“Crimson! What are…?” Sunset stammered as she nearly dropped her drink.

“I just remembered something I need to do somewhere else.” Twilight said suddenly. “I’ll just…be going now.”

Alone, Crimson and Sunset did everything they could to both avoid each others eyes and try to catch a glimpse of the other person.

“…there was a time where we looked at each other without being so nervous, right?” Crimson asked as he took step closer.

“I think so.” Sunset said with a small smile. “Must’ve been a million years ago, now.”

“Feels like yesterday, to me.”

Fed up with her nervousness, Sunset fully faced Crimson prompting him to do the same as he took another step closer, afraid each step would send Sunset running.

“…how did you get here?” Sunset asked after taking a sip of her drink.

“Parents. I got a message from Pon3 saying I needed to get to you ASAP.” Crimson said, slowly approaching Sunset until he was an arms length away. “Don’t know why, you’re one of the most capable girls I’ve ever met.”

“You got that right.” Sunset said, her smile a full smirk as she relaxed.

Ever since Crimson told her he saw her as his best friend, Sunset hadn’t been hanging out with him like they use too. Even though her friends insisted he saw her as much more then that, Sunset just couldn’t believe them as he had yet to show her that he even like her. Looking back, Sunset could see how foolish she had been, but the thought that the guy she wanted to be with only saw her as a best friend…

“…I’m sorry.”

“What…?” Sunset asked, her eyes wide as she looked at Crimson.

“I must’ve did something to make you avoid me.” Crimson said as fiddled with jeans. “Whatever it was, I’m sorry.”

Surprised that Crimson would assume it was his fault, Sunset couldn’t help but laugh lightly, catching him off guard.

“I…missed the joke?”

“I’m…I’m sorry, Crimson.” Sunset said as she calmed down from her laughing. “I was laughing at this whole situation. I made it into a bigger deal then it needed to be.” Sunset took a step closer to Crimson.

“Only because I hadn’t been able to…” Crimson began.

“It’s fine, Crimson. Really. You don’t need….” Sunset interrupted as she placed her hand on his arm, activating her powers.

“Who is that?”

Crimson stood there, looking down at the girl who bumped into him, doing everything in his power to keep from saying those words out loud.

“She’s so beautiful…”

“Sorry about that.” The girl said as she looked up at him. “I should’ve watched…where…”

“Her eyes…are deeper then all the oceans in the world.”

“...it’s fine.” Crimson said as he walked around her and headed for his first class.

“Smooth, Casanova. You really swept her off her feet with that one!”

“Please welcome, Crimson Cloud.” His new teacher, Ms, Harshwhinny introduced as he walked into the classroom. After being directed to his desk, Crimson spotted the girl he had bumped into before.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! Not only are we in the same class, I have to sit behind her?”

Walking past the girl, Crimson once again locked eyes with her, doing his best to keep his facade in tacked. They finally broke eye contact when he walked past her desk and sat down at his and looking out the window as Ms. Harshwhinny explained the assignment.

“Okay, Crimson. Calm down. You know how much trouble friends are, so a girlfriend would only be much worst!”

As Ms. Harshwhinny answered a students question, Crimson couldn’t help but spare a glance at the girl in front of her.

“…she has radiant hair. Almost like a…”

Crimson aloud a smile to cross his face.

“…sunset.”

Ms. Harshwhinny finished her explanation, prompting Crimson to take out his writing materials and just as he began to write his essay, the girl turned around to face him, a friendly smile on her face.

“Hi, I’m Sunset Shimmer. Would you like to pair up with me?”

“…her name's…Sunset? …seriously…?”

“…no, thanks.” Crimson said, not trusting himself to look at her.

“Okay…well, since you’re new here I can show you around the school, if you’d like?”

“…does she want to…spend time with me?”

“…I can make due on my own, thanks.”

“Alright…how about we have lunch together? I’m sure I’ll be better company then eating by yourself.”

“No! Not again! I won’t be hurt again!”

Bringing all those bad memories to the forefront of his mind, Crimson lifted his head up from his page and looked at Sunset with his best ‘leave me alone’ look his pain could produce.

“…I’m gonna take that as a no and go over there.” Sunset said before getting out of her seat to make her way to her friends.

“…’preciate it.”

“…it’s for the best. She’s much to good for me.”

“I’M SUCH AN IDIOT! Why didn’t you tell her!?” Crimson shouted as he looked himself in his bathroom mirror. He was incredibly glad his parents were out of the house or else Crimson wouldn’t have been able to berate himself for screwing up. Ever since his failed attempt to ask Sunset out, Crimson had been fuming at himself because she had been seemingly avoiding him.

“She’s done SO MUCH for you, yet you can’t even bring up the courage to ask her out on a date?!” Crimson shouted at his reflection. “How hard is it to say ‘Hey, Sunset. Would you like to go to dinner together sometime?’ It’s a lot easier to say then ‘I love you, Sunset Shimmer. Please be with me!’!”

Crimson leaned on the sink as he took several deep breaths before looking back up, his reflection showing him his tear stained face and a deep sadness in his eyes.

“I wish I had your bravery, Sunset.” Crimson said aloud as he kept his voice from cracking. “Then maybe I would have been able to tell you…how much you mean to me ever since we first locked eyes. How much your hair soothes me as easily as watching your namesake. How relaxed your eyes make me EVERY time I look at them. Your smile brightened my world the first time I saw it. Your singing both pumps me up and makes my heart skip a beat every time I listen to you. Your voice always lifts up my spirits, even when I’m at my absolute lowest.”

Unable to hold back, Crimson looked up at the roof to avoid seeing himself crying as he took deep breaths to calm himself down before holding his last breath and letting it out slowly, returning his gaze to the mirror, a sad smile on his face.

“You’re the one and only for me, Sunset Shimmer.” Crimson admitted. “I love you…” Crimson began to cry as he lowered himself to his knees, repeating those words.

“I love you, Sunset Shimmer….I love you…Sunset…I love you…”

“Sunset? Are you okay? Say something! Please!”

Coming out of her trance, Sunset found herself on the ground, her drink and shoes beside her while being held up by someone. Blinking her eyes clear, Sunset saw Crimson Cloud above her and images of what she just saw came rushing to the front of her mind as her eyes welled up and the biggest smile spread across her face.

“Sunset, say something!” Crimson said, more worried then Sunset had ever seen him, providing her with everything she needed except for one more thing.

“…say it…” Sunset said in a whisper.

“Say, what?” he asked, with both worry and confusion in his voice.

Grabbing his shirt with both hands, Sunset gave Crimson her most pleading look she could muster.

“I need to hear you say those words!”

She watched as Crimson’s eyes widen in shock as realization flashed within them. She watched as the struggle she had seen glimpses of throughout the time they spent together filled his eyes. She watched as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath before opening them to show exactly what she had been searching for since they first locked eyes.

“I love you, Sunset Shimmer.” Crimson finally admitted. “I’ve been in love with you since the moment I first saw you.”

With that, Sunset pulled herself to Crimson’s lips, kissing him with all the pent up love and frustration she had, thrilled when he return the kiss with just as much passion.

Braking their first kiss, Sunset was lost in Crimson eyes as they shone with the love she could hardly believe was there, her smile flashing her teeth as Crimson brought his hand up to cup her face gentler then she thought he was capable of.

“I love you too, Crimson Cloud.” Sunset admitted as she reached up to cup his face, the surface of his face was rough with the beginnings of a beard.

“It’s about time!”

“PINKIE!” Everyone shouted as both Crimson and Sunset looked at the entrance of the cave to see Pinkie and the rest of the Rainbooms standing at the cave mouth.

“What?” Pinkie asked innocently. “This is great! Now I can throw that ‘Congratulations On Getting Together’ party!”

Laughing together over Pinkie’s Pinkieness, Sunset lend into Crimson’s chest as he held her.

Author's Note:

If there are parts that seemed rushed or poorly written, that's my lack of experience in romance.

Thank you for reading.
You are Awesome.

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