Rarity's P.O.V.
"Come on, Sweetie Belle. Drink your soup. It will help you to recover faster."
"No, I hate soup!"
"But, Sweet'ums, it will make you feel better. I prepared it myself. It was made with love. Do you really want me to throw it away?"
My sister looked at me. She could barely keep her eyes open and her nose was red. I put a wet towel on her forehead to decrease the temperature of her body. "Okay, okay." She sat on the bed and covered herself with the blankets. "Give me that soup."
I smiled at her and put the tray with a bowl full of soup on the bed. She never rejected anything that I made with love. "I'll be around. Call me if you need anything." Sweetie Belle nodded and I felt free to leave her room. Sighing, I headed downstairs, towards the living room.
School was already over and Sunset was on her way to give me today's homework. Earlier today, I received a text message from Trixie that intrigued me. She asked me to give Sunset her phone number. I couldn't reply to her because my sister called me right after I read it. Were Trixie and Sunset getting along well when I wasn't around? I'll find out when my friend arrived.
Sunset Shimmer arrived around an hour and a half after I went to the living room. I turned off the T.V. when she texted me saying that she was outside. I opened the front door to let her in.
"Sorry if I took too long." She apologized as she walked in, carrying a backpack.
"Nonsense, darling. Please, take a seat at the living room. I want to talk."
"Okay." My friend followed me and we sat on the couch. She searched inside her backpack as soon as we sat. "There's not much homework. Here it is."
"Thank you, Sunset. I'll have something to do while I take care of my sister." I said as I took the homework and put it on the table next to me. "Now, tell me. Has something interesting happened today? Our friends are doing well? Have you been talking to Trixie?"
"Oh, boy, you sure go straight to the point, don't you?" Sunset smirked and took a deep breath. "Don't get mad at me, but I did talk to her."
"Sunset..."
"I know, I know! I didn't do it on purpose. I went to the bathroom and I found her washing her hands. I was... worried about her."
"Worried? Why? She can take care of herself."
"I don't know. Maybe because you have been very protective towards her since you became her friend."
"I most certainly haven't!" I could feel my cheeks getting warm by her comment. "I just didn't want Trixie go back being her old self. She still doesn't want to be around you nor our friends."
"You also get on the defensive when I bring her up." Sunset smirked and crossed her arms. "Do you have a crush on her or something?"
"Me? With a crush on Trixie? D-Don't be ridiculous." I gave my back on Sunset and bit my nails. I was too nervous to have a coherent conversation. I hope I wasn't too obvious.
"Oh... my... gosh... you DO have a crush on her, don't you?" Oh, no. I was too obvious after all! I slowly turned to face my friend again, holding my own arm. "Rarity... is it true?"
I nodded slowly. "Y-Yes... I have been feeling weird around her for around a week, and last Saturday night, when I accompanied her to an open mic, I realized my feelings were romantic. I... I like Trixie. This is actually the first time I have said it out loud."
"How does it feel?"
"It feels... good." I smiled at my friend. "It feels right. I thought having feelings for a girl would be strange, but it's actually the same as liking a boy."
"Exactly, love is the same no matter how it's presented. Rarity, I'm proud of you." Sunset hugged me and I didn't hesitate to hug her back. "Welcome to my world."
"Thank you, Sunset. You're just who I need to handle this." We broke the hug. "This is new to me. I have a crush on Trixie, but I don't know if it's serious or not. Plus, I don't even know what this means? Am I gay? I don't think so. I still find boys attractive. Am I bisexual? I don't think so either, because Trixie is the only one I find attractive."
"Rarity, don't worry about that. There are way too many sexual orientations to find the one that suits you. Honestly, I don't care much about those names. You're just in love. You shouldn't have to tell your parents that you're gay, or bi, or whatever. I wish all you had to do, was to simply tell them that you're in love. That's what really matters."
"Oh my gosh, I forgot I had to tell my parents! What do I say? How do I say it?!" I suddenly had a panic attack and started to pace around the room. All I thought about the last two days was how would it be to date Trixie. I have completely forgotten about the part I had to tell my parents, and my sister.
"See? That's what I mean. Bringing the news to others always causes anxiety."
"Ugh, I envy you so much, Sunset! You only had to tell us when you learnt that you also liked girls. Your parents live in another dimension!"
"Actually, they died after I exiled myself to this world..."
"Oh..." I gasped. I really wish I kept my mouth shut. "I-I'm sorry, Sunset, I didn't know."
"It's okay, I'm not mad. It happened a long time ago..." My friend stood up and walked a few steps away from me, giving me her back. "I blamed Princess Celestia for their deaths. It gave me another reason to get back at her. She told me they died of sadness, of what I became. Their hearts couldn't handle it. Since then, I vowed to have my revenge on the Princess. I came up with a plan and waited for the first window of opportunity to act. The rest, you know how it ends."
I walked closer to her and held her arm with my hand. She turned her head towards me. Her eyes were wet. It must not be easy to relive the pain of losing someone close. Trixie has gone through a similar situation, but I have never seen her crying. What are you doing, Rarity? Don't think on Trixie in a moment like this! "Is there something I can do for you?"
Sunset smiled at me and cleaned her tears with a hand. "You have already done more than enough for me. If it weren't for Twilight, you and our friends, I would currently be in a holding cell back in Equestria, all alone. Your friendship saved me from a depressing end."
"I'm glad to hear it, darling. Just remember, we're always here for you."
"I know. I can count on you in the present and future, but I can't undo my past. It's something it will haunt me forever, no matter what I do. Rarity, I'll help you with your feelings on Trixie. I can't allow myself to have a relationship, but I can help others to find their significant others."
"That's an awful thing to say, Sunset. You can't keep punishing yourself for what you did. The past is in the past. Whoever you fall in love with won't care about what you did. They will care about who you are now."
"No... she's too good for me. She deserves to be with someone else."
"She? Is? Sunset, are you also in love with someone? Who is it?"
Sunset Shimmer's eyes widened and walked away from me. "I-I can't tell you, Rarity."
"Why not?" I was confused by her reaction, but I didn't try to follow her.
"Because you'll make me tell her how I feel."
"Of course I will! You deserve to be happy, Sunset."
"I don't. I'm a monster."
"Sunset, seriously, stop that. You're not like that anymore. You must tell this girl how you feel. Who is it?"
"I won't tell."
"Please, Sunset, tell me about your crush. I won't stop until you do." I walked towards my friend as I spoke.
"No."
"Tell me."
"No."
"Come on."
"No."
"Pretty please?" I stood in front of her and I made the puppy eyes to try to convince her. But Sunset quickly turned her back on me again.
"The physical appearance of 'please' makes no difference."
"I have all day."
"Fine! Fine..." The former bully took her hand to her forehead and looked at me. "But don't tell our friends. They can't know."
"Why not?"
"Trust me, they can't."
I sighed. "Fine, I won't tell our friends. Now, if you please..."
"Alright." Sunset took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She took her time before saying the name. "It's... Fluttershy."
"Fl-Flu..." I gasped and widened my eyes. "Fluttershy...?! Really? My best friend Fluttershy?! Our Fluttershy?! The Fluttershy who has a huge crush on Twilight?! That Fluttershy?!"
"You see?" Sunset crossed her arms again. "That's why our friends can't know that I'm crazy about her."
"Oh my..." I covered my mouth with both of my hands. "And I asked you to help her to talk to Twilight. I'm so sorry!"
"You didn't know. What were you supposed to do?" Sunset gave me a weak smile. "I went with her to that cafe last Saturday to see if we could talk to Twilight, but she didn't show up. It wasn't so bad, I had some alone time with Fluttershy. We had fun. In the end, it was like she didn't care that Twilight didn't come."
"And you're just going to help her to date someone else just because you haven't forgiven yourself for your past actions? Do you really want to have your heart shattered?"
"Twilight is a better candidate than me! For starters, she never turned into a monster and I doubt she will ever do so!"
"Please, Sunset, bury the past! Tell Fluttershy how you feel before it's too late!"
"As I said, she's too good for me." Sunset dropped her head and stared at the floor. "She was the first one to approach me after I asked for redemption. She healed my bruises even after all I did. That was the moment I fell for her. When I was a bully, I didn't let anyone to get in my way. Fluttershy was the first one to get that close to me. I knew I couldn't have her, not after trying to incinerate her. I had to let her go, let her continue with her life without knowing what I feel. She's so beautiful, so kind and her determination to help all the animals she can is truly admirable..."
"Oh, Sunset..." I was at the edge of crying. Sunset had a romantic side I never knew about. "That was beautiful..."
"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter. Even if I told her how I feel, she has her eyes on someone else."
"They haven't spoken yet. You still can tell her about your feelings. We don't know this Twilight. There's no guarantee that she's the same as the one we know."
"But..."
"Sunset Shimmer, I won't let you break your own heart. Fluttershy knows you better than she knows Twilight. She spent more time with you, she talks to you with confidence. She values your friendship! Maybe, just maybe, if you tell her how you feel, she will give you a chance. And why wouldn't she? You're an amazing person! You clearly regret your past actions. You even helped her to deliver leaflets about the animal shelter she's a volunteer in, and, you volunteered alongside her more than once. She always welcomed your help. She knows your heart is no longer black. We all know. Do you think she would have you as her friend if she didn't forgive you for what you did? Do you think she would have healed your injuries after we fought? Darling, she was the first of us to see that there was good within you. That you could really be redeemed. We all had doubts, but she... she always had your back. She deserves to know. Don't push her to the first stranger she develops a crush in."
"It was your idea..."
"I know, but that's over!" I grabbed Sunset by her arms. "From now on, you'll find the way to confess to her. Spend more time with her, just like you did last Saturday. Yes, you were a terrible person once, but it has been a while since we moved on from those dark days. You're the only one who is still punishing yourself. Let it go, Sunset."
Sunset sighed and looked at me. "D-Do you really think it's a good idea?"
I smiled at her. "Of course. You two are my friends, and I want you two to be happy. Honestly, I would be happier if Fluttershy dates you because I know you'll treat her how she deserves."
Sunset looked around. She was thinking on what I just said. A long time passed before she shifted her eyes towards me again. "Th-Thank you, Rarity... I'll... I'll see what I can do."
"That's all I ask. Letting her go without a fight would be the worst mistake you will ever make."
Sunset chuckled and put a hand on my shoulder. "I really appreciate your thoughts on the matter, Rarity. I'm glad I told you."
"Likewise." I smiled and pulled out my phone. "Now, about Trixie's number..."
"Oh, right! I almost forgot." I giggled as Sunset hurried to pull her phone out. "Okay, I'm ready..." I gave her the number before putting my phone away. "Thanks, Rarity. I'll make sure to text her later to tell her I have it."
"You do that. Just, don't abuse of it."
"You sound just like her." She smiled at me. My cheeks became warm and I swirled a finger on my hair. "I must say, Rarity, from what I have seen, I don't think your feelings will go away anytime soon. You should hear your own advice. Don't let Trixie go."
My heart was pounding faster again. "I... I need some time to... think on what to do... She's special, though. I won't deny it, but I must be certain that my feelings are real. Besides, I don't even know if she would feel comfortable knowing that a girl has feelings for her."
"I'm sure she would. You know her. That girl thinks too highly of herself."
I laughed softly. "That's kind of true."
"Kind of?" Sunset shook her head. "Maybe she behaves different with you, but she still can't look directly into my eyes when she speaks to me. Anyway, if you want to wait for a few weeks, then so be it." Sunset checked the time on her phone. "I must go." She said as she walked towards her backpack. "I hope your sister recovers soon. Oh! Which reminds me..." She took something from her backpack, a small box, and gave it to me. "It's syrup to fight the cold. Give her some of it tonight and she should feel much better tomorrow."
"Oh, thank you, Sunset. This is really thoughtful."
My friend grinned and headed towards the door. She opened it but remained inside, holding the door. "By the way." she focused her eyes on me. "Trixie warned me about her friends planning to attack Rainbow Dash. I managed to foil their plans without making it obvious that I knew they were coming."
"Really?"
Sunset nodded. "Yeah. They wanted to steal Rainbow's clothes. I accompanied Rainbow to her practice and I walked into the dressing room from time to time. I caught them with their hands in the act. When they saw me, I pretended to be surprised to see them and I'm sure they believed me. I didn't run after them. After they dropped the bag, I took it with me to the field and watched the rest of Rainbow's practice."
"Those ruffians are obsessed with clothes lately..." I said as I shook my head. "I'm glad to see that Trixie is being more open to you."
"Don't get me wrong, she clearly keeps disliking me But we managed to have a more... civilized conversation."
"Give her time, Sunset. She will learn to trust you."
Sunset nodded. "Bye. I'll see you later."
I waved at her and she left. Once again, I was left with my thoughts. My mind focused on my feelings towards Trixie. She still disliked Sunset, but for some reason, she decided to give her important information about her former friends. I was proud of her. I'll do what Sunset said and listen to my own advice. If my feelings are here to stay, I will not hesitate on telling Trixie about how I felt. Suddenly, my thoughts wandered off to Sunset's situation. To think that she has been in love with my best friend for so long but refused to tell her because of everything she did... it was sad... so sad. I couldn't believe she punished herself so hard. I was sure that Fluttershy would give Sunset a chance.
I actually, they would make a good couple. Maybe I can't tell my friends, but that doesn't mean I couldn't leave with them to give Sunset and Fluttershy some time alone.
"Sis! I'm done with my soup!"
"Oh..." My thoughts had to wait. My sister needs me. "I'm coming, Sweetie Belle!" I took the homework Sunset gave me and walked to my room to put it on my desk alongside my cell phone before checking on my sister. "Did you really take this long drink your soup? Sweetie Belle, you're supposed to have it hot."
"I know, and I did. But I heard that you were talking to Sunset and I didn't want to interrupt you."
I smiled at her and moved the tray with the empty bowl aside before sitting. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel like dying. Other than that, great!" Sweetie Belle tried to smile but she coughed.
"Don't worry. Sunset bought medicine on the way here. She says that if you take it before sleeping tonight, you should feel much better in the morning."
"If it works, remind me to thank her."
"I think you should thank her even if it doesn't work. I didn't ask her to buy it."
"Okay, okay. I'll thank her even if it doesn't work." I accommodated Sweetie Belle's blanket so it properly covered her chest. "What were you two talking about?"
My eyes opened widely and I blushed deeply. "Uhh, grownups stuff..." I don't know if I was ready to tell Sweetie Belle.
"Aww, tell me! Pleeeeease!"
"Another time, dear."
"I'm sick and can't leave my bed. Talking to you will make me feel better. Please, sis, don't be mean."
I looked at my sister. She was using her best puppy eyes on me. Oh, no. I can't resist them. She was an expert! She always got what she wanted whenever she used them. I had no choice. "Alright" I sighed. "I'll tell you... I was going to tell you one day anyway, but I suppose now is the best moment." Sweetie Belle grinned got more comfortable while I thought on where to begin. "Well, here it goes. Sweetie Belle, darling, your sister... has a crush."
"Oh! Who is it, who is it?! Do I know him? Does he go to Canterlot High? Tell me more!"
I gulped. There was no turning back now. I'm not going to lie to my own sister. "Th-That's the thing... it's not... it's not... a boy..."
"Huh? What do you mean? Who do you have a crush on, sis?"
My heart raced faster and faster. My chest was hurting and I was starting to sweat. My sister was confused. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before saying the name of the girl who was taking my breath away. "Trixie... I have a crush on Trixie Lulamoon..." I didn't dare to open my eyes. What would Sweetie Belle think of me? Would she support me? I know she loves me, but, will she still love me now that she knows that I had feelings for another girl. After what felt like an eternity, I peeked by opening one of my eyes. Sweetie Belle's jaw was dropped. However, the moment she realized I was looking at her, she grinned and sat on the bed to hug me.
"Sis, I'm so happy for you!"
"R-Really? You are?"
"Of course!" she moved her head to look at me. "Trixie is a great girl, when she's on her good side. And she's cool when you're around."
"So, you don't care that I like another girl?"
"Why would I? If Trixie makes you happy, then I'm happy! Oh, this is great! Trixie will be my sister in-law! I'll have two sisters!"
"Woah, calm down, dear. You're going too fast. I literally got my crush on her a couple of days ago. I'm still adapting. Besides, we don't know if Trixie will like me back."
"You have to tell her, sis! Call her now and tell her how you feel!"
"Sweetie Belle, please. I'll tell her when I'm ready." My sister's excitement died slowly, but she remained sitting. I took her hands with mine before speaking. "Listen, darling, I'm glad that you're supporting me, but let me handle this. I have to wait for a little while to make sure that my feelings won't fade away before thinking on confessing to her. I don't want to hurt Trixie."
"But..."
I used a finger to cover her lips. "There's no need to rush anything. I don't want to lose a good friend. I'm taking one step at a time, okay?"
Sweetie Belle nodded and I removed my finger from her lips. "Okay, I understand."
I giggled and stroked her hair before kissing her forehead. "Get some rest, dear. I'll take the tray to the kitchen. I have homework to do."
Sweetie Belle laid on the bed and I covered her with the blankets before taking the tray and walking to the door. "Oh! Don't tell anyone about this, alright? Especially our parents."
"Why not?"
"I don't want Trixie finding out about my feelings through someone else. I'm the one who has to tell her. I also have to tell our parents personally. But I would rather wait until and if I date Trixie."
"Got it. My lips are sealed."
I smiled at her before walking out the room. I put the tray with the bowl on the kitchen and I headed to my room. The faster I finished my homework, the more free time I would have. I sat on the chair and started with it. When I was halfway through, my phone rang. A big smile appeared on my face when I checked who it was. "Trixie, hello!"
"Hello, Rarity." It was amazing. I felt like if I was flying on the clouds by just hearing the sound of her voice. I took my phone to my chest and sighed happily. I didn’t know how serious my feelings were, but as long as I have them, I'll enjoy every moment of it. "Rarity, are you there?" it seems like I left Trixie talking alone.
"I'm sorry, Trixie. I was... getting comfortable. Did you say something?"
"I asked how your sister was."
"She's not looking good, but I think she will recover soon. It's just a cold. All she need is to rest. Thank you for asking, darling. I'll let her know you send her your regards."
"You do that. I would go to visit you and her, but..."
I didn't like the way she mentioned that 'but' "But, what?"
"Well, something happened..."
"Something good, or something bad?"
"Something... bad. I had been asked to go to the Principal's office today."
"Trixie... what did you do?" I sounded like a mother whose daughter was about to confess her crimes.
"Oh, it's funny, actually." Trixie chuckled as she spoke. "I was running late to class, and the vice-principal stopped me to tell me the obvious, that I was getting late. I jokingly told her that she made me waste more time."
"I'm not laughing, Trixie." But I was smiling. That was so typical of her.
"I thought it was funny! Until I opened my mouth... Anyway, long story short, she gave me detention tomorrow and the day after. I'm afraid you won't accompany me to the bus stop until Thursday."
"Oh, no, Trixie. Seriously?"
"I'm sorry. I'll see you through the window, though, if I find a seat near it."
"I'll make sure to check. You're a naughty girl, Trixie. When will you learn?"
"Trixie said she's sorry! She won't do it again. Clementine already knows and I'm grounded too."
I hit my forehead with the palm of one of my hands. "Are you kidding me?! I can't even visit you?! For how long?" my smile faded.
"I'll be free on Saturday, but until then, no videogames, no friends. I can talk to you on the phone, though."
"Wait, we can't see each other but we can talk through the phone? That doesn't makes any sense."
"You're my only friend, Rarity. My brother doesn't want me to be lonely again. He made an exception."
"You have an amazing brother, Trixie." I recovered my smile. At least I could still hear her voice. Clementine was one of a kind. I wish I could thank him right now. "We'll talk soon, then. I'm in the middle of my homework."
"Oh, me too! Let's do it together. I'll put my phone on speaker. Do the same."
"Alright, that sounds good." I did what Trixie asked me and put my phone on my desk. "Where are you at?"
"Chemistry. I started with math since the exercises were easier."
"I'm doing math now. You're right. It's the same thing as the last week."
"Just different numbers."
I laughed softly. "Yeah."
We continued doing homework together. Trixie made a few funny comments and I laughed. I made funny comments and she laughed. The sounds of her laughter made my day. I was still upset that I wouldn't be able to see her until next Saturday, but her voice would be enough to keep me smiling.