It has been a couple of weeks since Sunset Shimmer, Caramel, Soarin, Sonata, and the others helped me out of my depressed state, and life's been a little better since then. I've started to hang out with Caramel and Soarin a little more often, and the three of us have been enjoying hanging out with Sonata and the Rainbooms.
Caramel and Soarin couldn't be happier spending time with Rainbow Dash and Applejack during lunch, and I've grown to be more comfortable around Rarity and Sunset Shimmer. Rarity can be hard to talk to sometimes since there's not a lot of things she likes to talk about that isn't fashion or gossip, but as long as I pay attention to what she's saying to some extent, it doesn't become an issue. Fluttershy doesn't say much, but it's always a pleasure to get a brief hi or bye from a sweet and innocent girl like her. Usually, that's all we'll get from her unless someone brings up something about animals, and then suddenly she'll talk so much about it that I'd almost mistake her for Pinkie Pie. Sonata couldn't be happier just to be with real friends, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it warms our hearts to see her so gleeful. It's no secret, however, that she's especially fond of me. Not that she thinks of me in any romantic way, but it's clear to everyone that she treasures her friendship with me the most for "saving her life" as she tends to put it.
As for Sunset Shimmer, we're starting to become better friends. Sometimes we have to work on it whenever I discover something that was a lie from last spring, but we are adjusting to forgive and forget which we're starting to do regularly. Apart from that, she tends to check on me the most when it comes to how I'm doing with Octavia, which I appreciate.
And how am I doing about that right now? Well, there are good days and bad days. As much as I am out of my depression over the breakup, there are times where my heart still aches for Octavia. The pain isn't as bad as it was before, but I'm still sad about what happened. Regardless, I'm learning to let her go more and more bit by bit, and I'm feeling all the better for it. At times I do miss the Derpy, Doc, and even Lyra and Bon Bon to an extent. Vinyl, on the other hand, has continued to act cold towards me whenever we are crossing paths, but luckily she seems to have stopped going any further than giving me a deathly glare through her shades.
So life hasn't been great, but I feel content all things considered.
Today is Valentine's Day, or as most students like to call it, Single Awareness Day. This has always been one of my personal favorite holidays because, being the hopeless romantic that I am, I like how this specific day is about celebrating love, even though I have no one special to celebrate it with. Usually, I get some party pizzas and ice cream for dinner and watch some romantic episodes from some shows I some romantic films on my laptop. It's a lonely way to celebrate the holiday, I know, but I've been content with it for so many years in Applelosa, especially after my classes reached that age where we don't give Valentine's Day cards to all of our classmates anymore. Man, I miss those days.
This year is going to be a little hard, though. Last Valentine's Day, I had just recently moved to Canterlot and started going to CHS, and it was about a week before Sunset Shimmer started to trick me into thinking she had a thing for me. Since then, I found someone that I loved and who loved me back, but it ended before this day came, so it's going to be difficult treating the holiday like usual when I finally found a love so precious only to have lost it.
My mother drops me off at school as usual, and I walk inside to meet Caramel and Soarin for our first class. The halls are covered with Valentine's Day decorations, and already, some girls are carrying boxes of chocolates or flowers or teddy bears of different sizes and colors that have been given to them by boyfriends or admirers. Sometimes I'll pass by a couple who are making out or making googly eyes at each other, which makes me feel sad thinking of the times when I did things like that with Octavia. Finally, I meet up with Soarin and Caramel just as the first bell starts to ring, telling us to head to our first class.
"Hey, fellas, happy Valentine's Day," I greet.
"Uh, happy Valentine's Day, Rough Draft." Caramel replies looking somewhat surprised. "You're in a cheery mood."
"Yeah, I'm a little puzzled myself," Soarin says. "Truth be told, I thought you'd be a little down today given the holiday and thinking about Octavia."
"Oh, I am a little down," I confirm. "It's a little hard to see all these couples be all lovey-dovey, and I'm not with Octavia to do that with her, but I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. After all, I've been single for the past 17 Valentine's days and always celebrating the concept of love with an optimistic outlook, so I can do it again with hopes that I might find love again someday." I say.
Soarin rolls her eyes before he says with a smile: "I'd ridicule you for being a hopeless romantic again if it wasn't so nice to see you more cheery than I've seen you since the Anon-a-Miss thing."
"You think so?" I ask.
"We both do," Caramel answers. "Not only have you been handling your breakup better, but, how should I say this? You've been acting more friendly than you've ever been."
"You mean I wasn't before?" I ask, confused.
"No, it's nothing like that," Soarin says supportively. "I guess what we're trying to say is that forgiving Sunset Shimmer and the three of us hanging out with her, the other Rainbooms and Sonata has done you some good. I think they're a better crowd for someone like you who never had friends before the two of us than the guys at the E.M.R."
I think about what they're saying, and a small smile forms on my face.
"That's true," I admit. "It was nice to have been friends with Doc and Derpy and Vinyl and even Lyra and Bon Bon, and they have a noble cause given the things that we went through earlier this school year. But maybe it's for the best that we're no longer in a group that's on mixed terms with the Rainbooms. It was a good group for having people to relate to in terms of how to feel about magic and stuff, but it feels better to be friends with people who represent something more positive like friendship."
Soarin rolls his eyes.
"You're starting to sound as corny as Sunset or Twilight Sparkle," he says. "But I admit that we're hanging out with the Rainbooms if for no other reason than to not having to worry about keeping secrets from Rainbow Dash just because Vinyl says so for the sake of the cause."
I chuckle a little before a thought enters my mind.
"Speaking of Rainbow Dash, are you two planning anything for today?" I ask.
Soarin scoffs and says, "Not a thing. Rainbow Dash made it clear years ago that she likes Valentine's Day like she likes a disease. I haven't even asked her if she wants to do something today for fear of her going ballistic.'"
"Huh, you'd think she would be leaving towards being okay with it by now since she did kiss you a couple of months ago," I comment.
"Yeah, well, we can't all have been as lucky to be making out since day one of dating as you did with Tavi," Caramel points out.
I can't help but chuckle before I say, "Can't argue with that. What about you, Caramel? You planning to try anything subtle for Applejack."
Caramel chuckles nervously before the answers.
"Not exactly," He says. "I know we should keep things just friendly between us, as Soarin suggested, but I thought I'd get something for all of the girls so that I don't look like I'm focused on just Applejack to wish a happy Valentine's Day. So, I decided to give Valentine's Day cards to all of the Rainbooms and Sonata at lunch so that Applejack doesn't suspect anything."
I raise an eyebrow at this information as I suspiciously ask, "How do I know you aren't giving Applejack a special card compared to the other girls?"
Caramel hesitates before he reluctantly says, "I may have a caramel apple lollipop taped inside hers."
Soarin and I give each other smug looks as if to say, "That's more like it," making Caramel chuckle nervously.
"Well that little factor aside, that's not a bad idea," I say. "In fact, I wish I thought of that for at least Sonata. She would probably appreciate it more than any girl in the school after all those years with her sisters."
"Hey, what about Sunset?" Soarin asks. "She only just started to have real friends over the past few months too."
I think for a moment and chuckle at my error.
"You're right," I admit. "She should get some attention too. But how can we do something special for either of them? I don't suppose you have any spare cards, Caramel?"
Caramel shakes his head, and I sigh in defeat before Soarin snaps his fingers.
"Why don't we all do something together as a group?" he suggests. "I mean between the three of us, Sonata and the Rainbooms, only me and Rainbow Dash are in a relationship and odds are we're not even going to be doing anything special, so why don't we all do something as just a group of friends?"
"Hey, yeah. That's not a bad idea," Caramel says. "All seven of those girls are more about friendship than anything else anyway, so why not do something where it's just ten friends hanging out together on Valentine's Day?"
"Yeah, you're right," I say. "Why don't we bring this up with them at lunch, and we can decide something for us to do after school."
"I think we have a plan then," Soarin says as we enter the classroom to our first class before the school bell rings.
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For the next five periods, I pretend to pay attention when I'm really looking forward to lunch period. As soon as my fifth class ends, I race out of the classroom and start making my way to the cafeteria. It becomes a little hard to run through the halls, as the gift-giving among couples and admirers is beginning to get a little out of hand. Some girls are given bigger bouquets or chocolates, and even one poor girl struggles with carrying a giant white teddy bear that's almost as big as her. Photo Finish has also been racing through the halls with her team taking pictures of the various exchanges of Valentine's Day gifts trying to capture "the magic of love."
Someone needs to get that girl under control with her picture taking.
Suddenly, as I watch Photo Finish snap pictures at an unsuspecting couple, I get a tap on my shoulder and turn around to see Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie standing next to me.
"Oh, hey guys, happy Valentine's Day," I greet.
Sunset Shimmer gives me her signature smirk as she replies, "Happy Valentine's Day, Rough Draft. I see you're admiring all the love in the air."
"Heh, admiring is a strong word," I reply. "More like fascinated how students are getting carried away with how they celebrate the holiday."
"Aw, come on, Rough Draft, it's sweet," Pinkie Pie says. "Nothing is wrong with showing bigger ways to celebrate love. Besides, you would probably be acting like all these other guys who are giving these big, fun gifts if you and Octavia were still together."
My smile falters a little when she mentions that name. Sunset Shimmer glares at Pinkie Pie before Pinkie Pie chuckles nervously.
"My bad," she says sheepishly.
"It's okay, Pinkie," I say calmly. "In your defense, I probably would at least try to get something for Octavia if we were still together. Although, I probably would try to think of something a little more original than chocolates or teddy bears."
Sunset Shimmer looks at me concerned, probably not liking that we're bringing up Octavia again, while Pinkie Pie is invested in what I'm saying.
"Ooh, what do you think you'd do for her on Valentine's Day, lover boy?" She asks teasingly.
I stutter for a minute, unsure of how to answer her question when suddenly I notice something behind the girls.
"Uh, guys," I say as I point past Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer.
They turn around and look confused as we see a giant, yellow balloon slowly floating towards us. Students move away from the balloon awkwardly, trying to get away from its path. Sunset Shimmer and I look at each other, trying to figure out what's going on until we hear Pinkie Pie gasp loudly in excitement.
"Could it be?" She asks.
"Could it be what?" I ask.
Suddenly, the balloon bursts with a loud pop, and in its place, a bunch of streamers come flying all over the place, and a tall guy with curly brown hair, light, gamboge skin, a yellow shirt, brown pants, and black shoes stands just a couple feet in front of us, holding a bouquet with a giant grin. Sunset Shimmer and I stare at the guy, trying to process how he came out of a balloon while Pinkie Pie squeals in excitement.
"CHEESIE!" She screams in joy, and she runs over to the guy and jumps into his arms before the two of them smash their lips together in a deep, passionate kiss. When they part, they stare into each other's eyes lovingly.
"You made it," Pinkie Pie says happily.
"Did you doubt I would, cupcake?" The guy replies. "Speaking of which..."
The guy puts his hand behind his back, and somehow when he takes it out, he's holding a giant plate of heart-shaped cupcakes. Pinkie Pie squeals in joy as she takes the plate of cupcakes and swallows all of them in one gulp."
"Mmmmm, delicious," she says as she turns back to the boy and puts her hand behind her back. "And as for you..."
"Pinkie, what in the world is going on?" Sunset Shimmer shouts. "Who is this guy?"
Pinkie Pie and the gamboge-skinned boy break out of their moment and turn to Sunset Shimmer and me.
"Oh, that's right, you two haven't been introduced," Pinkie Pie says bubbly. "Sunset, Rough Draft, this is my boyfriend, Cheese Sandwich. He's a traveling party planner with his parents, and he came just in time to surprise me for Valentine's Day!"
Sunset Shimmer and I look at each other in disbelief.
"You have a boyfriend?!" I exclaim. "Since when?"
Pinkie Pie giggles at my query before she answers, "Since, like middle school."
"Middle school?! How have I not heard about this Cheese Sandwich?" Sunset Shimmer demands. "I've been going to school with you since freshman year, and I've never heard of him!"
"Oh Sunset, you've heard me talk about him plenty of times," Pinkie Pie says. "Remember, during band practice, when I brought up how Cheese is so funny?"
Sunset Shimmer stutters at the question.
"I thought you were talking about cheese as in the food," she says.
"Nope, I was talking about my Cheesie here," Pinkie Pie says. "Anyway..."
With an excited grin, Pinkie Pie puts her hand behind her back, and when she takes it out, she holds out a big blue horn and blows it right in front of Cheese Sandwich's face. Cheese gasps in joy as he takes the horn and stares at it like a little child who just got the toy he wanted for Christmas.
"A fluegelhorn, from Crystal City!" He exclaims. "How did you know?"
"Oh, that's easy," Pinkie Pie replies. "My Pinkie Sense told me with a twitchy eye, a wobbly leg, my hair moving up and down twice, and my nose twitching exactly eight times in two seconds flat."
Sunset Shimmer and I stare at the two of them, unable to process what Pinkie Pie just said.
"Aw, that's awesome!" Cheese Sandwich says before he wraps his arms around Pinkie Pie and lovingly says. "I love you."
Pinkie Pie giggles cheerfully and says, "I love you more."
Cheese chuckles as if she said a joke and says, "No, I love you more."
Pinkie Pie glares at him before she says, "I love you more."
Cheese suddenly acts frustrated and claims, "I love you more."
"I LOVE YOU MORE!" Pinkie Pie screams in front of his face.
I don't know what to do in this situation, but before I try to say anything, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich give each other deathly glares as they start to walk a few steps away from each other. I turn to Sunset Shimmer, and she gives me a concerned look as the hyper couple stops until they're only several feet apart. The other students watch what they're doing in fear, leaving Sunset Shimmer and me all the more confused.
"What's going on?" Sunset Shimmer asks.
But before one of the other students can answer, both Pinkie and Cheese Sandwich shout out, "PRESENT WAR!!!!"
Immediately, all the students except for Sunset Shimmer and me scream and get down on the ground. The next thing I know, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich are throwing random things at each other that are popping up entirely out of nowhere. Pinkie Pie throws cheese sandwiches, horns, whistles, bowling ball pins, drums, and rubber chickens at Cheese. Cheese retaliates by throwing candy, marshmallow pillows, cupcakes, balloons, harmonicas, trombones, alligator plushies, and even Pinkie Pie's oldest sister, Maud Pie.
"Let's get out of here!" One of the students shouts as everyone besides me and Sunset Shimmer start crawling away from the battlefield, dodging pies and pineapples as they leave. I turn to Sunset Shimmer, who is having trouble processing what is going on.
"Should we do something about this?" I ask.
Sunset Shimmer hesitates before she says, "I don't think there's anything we can do. No one can handle Pinkie Pie by herself, and now Cheese Sandwich practically makes two of her. I think we should head to lunch and let them have their 'war.'"
"Yeah, that sounds good to me," I say. "We better get out of the way before -"
*SPLAT*
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"Uh, Rough Draft, you got some banana cream pie on your face," Applejack says.
"I know," I grumble as Sunset Shimmer, and I sit down with our lunches with Soarin, Caramel, Applejack, Sonata, and Rainbow Dash drawing at me.
"What happened?" Sonata asks.
"Well, apparently, Pinkie Pie has a boyfriend named Cheese Sandwich and -" Sunset Shimmer begins before she's interrupted by Applejack and Rainbow Dash shouting, "Oh!"
"Well that figures," says Rainbow Dash. "Did they have another present war?"
"You know about that?" I ask.
"Everyone in school knows about that," Rainbow Dash says.
"Oh yeah, now I remember Cheese Sandwich," Soarin says before scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "It's been so long since his last visit that I forgot that he and Pinkie are an item."
"Yeah, same here," Caramel says.
"Well, we never heard of him," Sunset Shimmer says.
"Well, you were probably too focused on your popularity to have heard of him before the Fall Formal, Sunset," Applejack explains. "And the last time he was here was likely before you transferred, Rough Draft."
"Well, that explains it," I say. "Do they do this every Valentine's day?"
"Yeah, more or less," Applejack says with a chuckle. "If we're lucky, they'll be done before dinner time."
Heh, well, that leaves Pinkie Pie out of the idea, I guess. Oh yeah, we were planning to talk to the girls about it.
"That reminds me, did you guys already bring up the idea to the girls?" I ask Caramel and Soarin.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about it," Soarin says before he turns to Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, and Sonata. "We were talking about what to do for Valentine's day earlier, and we thought that since Rainbow Dash and I are the only couple in our group, minus Pinkie Pie and Cheese, why don't we all just do something together as friends after school?"
"Hey, what the heck? You didn't plan something just for us?" Rainbow Dash asks with a glare.
"Uh, well, I didn't know you wanted to," Soarin says with a nervous chuckle. "I mean, everyone knows how much you hate this holiday."
"Of course, I hate this holiday," Rainbow Dash says. "Doesn't mean I'd don't want to do something with my boyfriend so long as it has nothing to do with flowers or chocolates or any of that corny stuff."
Soarin chuckles nervously while Rainbow Dash still glares at him.
"O-okay, my mistake," he stutters. "The hang out with friends doesn't have to be the rest of the day. We can catch a game or something afterward."
"That's better," Rainbow Dash says, keeping her glare for a moment before she smiles. "Anyway, I think a little something with friends sounds like an awesome idea."
"Agreed," Applejack says. "I don't care about romance, but I can't say no to a get together with my friends. What do you say, Sunset? Sonata?"
Sonata squeals in excitement before she responds.
"Oh boy, how can I refuse?" She says. "My first Valentine's Day hang out. I'm so excited!"
Sunset Shimmer chuckles at Sonata's excitement before she concurs.
"Yeah, I'm with Sonata and AJ. I don't think much of romance even when I was dating Flash Sentry, and I'd rather be with my friends than try to seek out romance on a day like this."
I smile at Sonata and Sunset Shimmer's response. But for a moment, I notice that as soon as Sunset Shimmer's smirk begins to falter. She looks down, facing the table, trying to keep her positive demeanor to no avail. I look at the others who don't notice this sudden change and wonder what's gotten into her.
Suddenly, a lunch tray slams on the table, and we all turn to see a weary Rarity sitting down next to me. Rose petals and what melted chocolate cover her long, messy hair as she eats her lunch without looking at us.
"Uh, hey, Rares. What's up?" Applejack asks.
Rarity sighs before she answers.
"Oh, Applejack, why does this happen to me every year?" She asks in an over-dramatic manner. "I have no boyfriend to celebrate this romantic time of the year, and yet I have so many suitors that pic this day to try to win my affections. I'm tagged in three dozen videos on MyStable, where someone sings a song about me, and only The Lord knows how many roses and boxes of chocolates were shoved into my locker."
"Is that why your hair is ... a little off?" Caramel asks, trying not to say anything that would offend the fashionista.
"Unfortunately," Rarity replies. "Seems a lot of boys have figured out my combination and hid their Valentine's Day gifts inside my locker. When I opened the door, all these roses and sweets just burst out of my locker. It's going to take hours to fix my hair with all the petals and melted chocolates that got into it."
Applejack and Rainbow Dash roll their eyes at their friend's attitude.
"Rarity, why don't you just give one of these guys a shot or something?" Rainbow Dash asks. "At least you'll have fewer stalkers that way."
"That's just it, darling," Rarity protests. "I know every boy who has done this, and none of them are what I am looking for. I want someone sensitive and charming and considerate, and after what Rough Draft told me about Blueblood, it's become official that none of these boys from here to Manehattan fit that bill. At this point, Spike would make a better candidate than anyone in this world!"
For a few seconds, nothing is said or heard apart from the conversations coming from the students around us. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Soarin, Caramel, Sonata, Sunset Shimmer, and I stare at Rarity, bewildered at what she just said. It takes a couple of seconds before Rarity realizes what she just said, and her face goes from white to pink as she awkwardly continues eating her food, pretending we didn't hear what she just said.
"Isn't Spike Twilight Sparkle's talking dog?" I whisper to Sunset Shimmer.
"Well, he's a dragon back in Equestria," Sunset Shimmer reminds me before she finishes hesitantly. "But yeah, he's the talking dog in this world."
"Is the idea of... interaction between a pony and a dragon in Equestria just as messed up as a human and a dog here?" I ask uneasily.
"Uh, that's up for debate," Sunset Shimmer answers. "Ponies rarely interact with dragons since they're pretty dangerous, but Spike is a super rare exception because Princess Twilight raised him. He actually has a crush on the pony version of Rarity."
I stare at her dumbfounded in this information.
"So Spike has a thing for pony Rarity, and our Rarity just said he'd make a better boyfriend than any guy here even though he's a dog when he's in our world?" I ask.
Sunset Shimmer chuckles nervously before she says, "Yeah, that about sums it up."
We look away from each other, processing the moment before Rarity looks away from her food and says, "Could we please never speak of what I just said again?"
"Believe us, Rares, we're gonna be as silent as Fluttershy about it," Rainbow Dash answers.
"Speaking of Fluttershy, has anybody seen her?" Applejack asks. "It's not like her not to be here at lunch. I know she's here today because I saw her between second and third period."
"Oh, I'm sure she's doing fine, Applejack," Rarity says confidently with a wave of her hand.
"Oh, really? You sound pretty sure of that," Sonata says curiously. "Have you seen her since second and third period?"
Rarity stutters, taken aback at Sonata's sudden observation. She tries to say something, but the words are not coming out of her mouth. We all look at her curiously as she struggles to speak.
"Ooo, are you hiding something from us?" Sonata asks ignorantly, just realizing what everyone else is thinking.
"No! No, I'm not," Rarity spits out.
"Come on, Rarity, what's the big deal?" Soarin asks. "You can tell us."
"I can't, I Pinkie Pie Promised!" Rarity protests.
"Ooo, a Pinkie Pie Promise to hide something on Valentine's Day? Now, this must be good," Rainbow Dash observes with a mischievous grin. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say our bashful Fluttershy has a date for the holiday."
"No, she doesn't," Rarity demands.
"Your attitude says otherwise," Sunset Shimmer says, smirking. "Looks like our Fluttershy has found a certain special somepony - er, someone."
"Well, ain't that sweet? Our Fluttershy is growing up." Applejack says, smiling. "Are you sure you can't break your promise just this once, Rarity? I'm sure we'll be okay with who it is as long as this person makes her happy."
"No!" Rarity shrieks. "A Pinkie Pie Promise is a Pinkie Pie Promise, and I plan to keep it, especially from you!"
Applejack looks at Rarity taken aback while Rarity quickly squeaks in shock and covers her mouth.
"What's that supposed to mean, Rarity?" Applejack asks suspiciously.
"I said too much," Rarity whimpers.
"Why me particularly, Rarity?" Applejack demands, but Rarity shakes her head.
"Wow, this is interesting," Sonata says absent-mindedly. "First Granny Smith told us not to go say hi to Big Mac because he's busy working in the cafeteria's pantry and now Fluttershy is missing because she's secretly dating someone. Hey, I wonder if Big Mac is secretly dating someone too."
We all turn to Sonata, who notices all of us staring at her.
"What? What did I say?" She asks, ignorantly.
Applejack turns to Rarity as the pieces start to come together in her mind. Rarity looks at Applejack in fear as she realizes the damage was done.
"Applejack..." Rarity says calmly before Applejack stands up and storms to the kitchen.
"APPLEJACK!" Rarity screams as she gets up and races to catch up with Applejack. The rest of us look at each other for a second before we all get up and follow them, with Sonata following behind us, shouting, "Hey, where are you guys going?"
We catch up just in time to see Applejack pass the service counter, ignoring Granny Smith telling her to get out of her kitchen. She marches over to the door of the pantry before Rarity steps in front of her, covering the entrance with her body.
"Rarity, get out of my way now!" Applejack commands.
"No! Please leave them be!" Rarity begs.
"Rarity, I'm strong enough to carry something three times your weight. Move, or you will be moved," Applejack threatens.
"Applejack, I think whatever is in there was kept a secret for a reason," Sunset Shimmer suggests calmly as the rest of us catch up with them.
"Well, if what I think is happening is happening, I'm gonna find out one way or another," says Applejack. "So either the truth gets revealed now, or later. What's it going to be, Rarity?"
Rarity tries to think of something to counter Applejack's words, but her voice fails her. She turns her head to me, Sunset Shimmer, Sonata, Soarin, Caramel, and Rainbow Dash, giving us a plea for help, but none of us say a word. She sighs reluctantly before giving Applejack a begging look.
"Please don't disturb them," She requests calmly.
Applejack keeps glaring as she says, "I make no promises."
Rarity's mouth quivers as she closes her eyes and slowly moves away from the pantry door. Applejack approaches the door and sighs before she slowly opens it. We all huddle behind her to peek in, and we are amazed to see what's happening inside.
The first thing I notice is a phone plugged into a stereo on one of the pantry shelves playing a quiet, romantic song and a box of chocolates and a small bouquet of roses lying next to it. At the center of the room stands Fluttershy and Big Macintosh slow dancing. Fluttershy has her head snuggled into Big Mac's chest, and her arms are wrapped tightly around Big Mac's torso with all her might. Her eyes are closed, and she has a peaceful and loving smile on her face as she hums the song playing on the stereo. Big Mac also has his eyes closed, and he has a serene smile on his face as he hugs Fluttershy carefully yet affectionately like he's holding the most precious but fragile thing in the universe. I find myself smiling at this, and I turn to Sunset Shimmer, who looks at me with a smile. I notice everyone else looking at each other touched by this moment.
Everyone except Applejack.
"Fluttershy! Big Mac!" She shouts.
Immediately, Fluttershy and Big Macintosh's eyes fly wide open, and they turn their heads to see all of us looking at them. Fluttershy screams in panic and hides behind Big Mac while Big Mac chuckles nervously as he sees Applejack walking toward them.
"Afternoon, AJ, what's up, sis?" he says, trying to sound innocent.
"Don't play innocent with me, Big Mac, I saw what you were doing," she growls. "I cannot believe this. One of my best friends and my brother are dating behind my back. How could you two do this to me?"
"Fluttershy, I'm so sorry about this," Rarity calls out. "I tried to stop them, but they found out on their own by accident."
"You stay out of this, Rarity," Applejack snaps before turning back to Fluttershy and Big Mac. "What do you two have to say for yourself."
"We don't have to say anything," Big Mac defends. "We don't care if -"
"It's okay, Mackie Bear."
We all turn to Fluttershy, who slowly peaks from behind Big Mac. Big Mac turns to her, surprised as she slowly steps in front of him. Fluttershy takes a deep breath before nervously looking at Applejack and speaks up, trying to put up a brave face.
"It's true, Applejack," she says bravely. "Big Mac and I are dating."
Applejack's glare doesn't leave her face as Fluttershy says those words.
"How long?" She asks.
Fluttershy hides behind her hair and whispers: "Um, about two years."
"Two years!?!" Applejack shouts." You've been dating behind my back for two years!?!"
Fluttershy squeaks in fear and hides behind Big Mac again at Applejack's outburst.
"How could you two do this?" Applejack demands. "We've been friends for so long, and you hide this from me for two years? Why, Fluttershy? Why?"
"Because you stopped being friends," Big Mac finally says.
Applejack is taken aback at these words. The rest of us, except for Rarity, look at each other in confusion.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Applejack asks.
Suddenly, Rarity clears her throat and walks over to stand between Applejack and Fluttershy and Big Mac.
"I think I can explain better," she says. "You see, Applejack, if you remember, you, me, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash stopped being friends after Sunset Shimmer tricked us into hating each other."
I frown and turn to Sunset Shimmer, who looks at the floor with guilt covering her face.
"Yeah, I remember," Applejack says.
"Well, despite what happened, Fluttershy and I managed to stay friends and would hang out together on occasion," Rarity explains. "One day, we were walking down the street after spending the day at the salon, and we happened to have bumped into Big Mac, who was carrying a load of apple products. I politely said hi to him, and he just nodded before he went on his way, but when I turned back to Fluttershy, I saw that she was hiding her face with her hair bashfully. I was confused for a moment before I realized that she had a crush on him. I called her out on it, and being our darling Fluttershy, she was scared to admit it, so I decided to put it upon myself to help her gain the courage to make a move on Big Mac. Of course, Fluttershy was scared to death at the idea of trying because she was so worried about what you would do if you found out given how we ended things with you on bad terms, but I refused to let that get in the way of her feelings. We spent a couple of weeks after school training her to be brave enough to ask Big Mac out, and we picked a time and place where Big Mac was making a delivery without you. Remarkably, when Fluttershy was right about to make a move, Big Mac beat her to it. He asked her out to join him at an opening to this restaurant, and she immediately said yes, and they hit it off from there. After a few more dates, they decided to be a couple, and the three of us made a Pinkie Pie Promise not to tell anyone of their relationship for fear of how you were going to react since our friendship was over."
"But that's all in the past now," Applejack points out. "We've all been friends again ever since the Fall Formal, so why keep it a secret?"
Fluttershy looks away nervously before she decides to speak.
"Um, well, Mackie Bear and I liked having it being just Rarity who knew because it kept our relationship private," she says quietly. "That and we figured we were still bound to the Pinkie Pie Promise, and we didn't want to find out what would happen if we broke it."
"Yup!" Big Mac says immediately with a hint of fear in his voice.
For a minute, Applejack doesn't say anything. The rest of the group and I look at each other, worried about how she's going to respond.
"One last thing," Applejack says. "Why are you calling my brother 'Mackie Bear?'"
Fluttershy blushes and hides her face with her hair again before she answers, "Um, because he's tall and cuddly like a big teddy bear."
Applejack's eye twitches at hearing someone describe her big brother like that. Rainbow Dash gags at the explanation while Sonata lets out an, "Aw!" which earns a glare from Applejack. The rest of us smile at the nickname except for Sunset Shimmer, who I notice is still looking down. Finally, Applejack turns to Big Mac and gives him an interrogating look.
"So you two like each other, huh?" she asks suspiciously.
Big Mac looks at his sister as calmly as possible before he bluntly answers, "Eenope."
Sonata gasps in surprise while Rainbow Dash and Soarin look at each other shocked, Caramel has his mouth agape, I look at Big Mac confused, Applejack raises her eyebrow, even Sunset Shimmer looks up, unable to believe what she just heard. The only people who are not surprised at his response are Rarity and Fluttershy, who wraps her arms around Big Mac, and he, in turn, puts his arm around her before he speaks again.
"I love her, AJ," he says firmly. "Even before we were together and you two stopped being friends, I knew I was in love with her. She's kind, gentle, caring, has the most beautiful singing voice, is passionate about her love of music and animals, and the only person I relate to in terms of being shy. Having the nerve to ask her out despite what happened between you two was the best choice I ever made. It led me to have her in my life, and I will not let anything stop us from being happy. Not even you."
I stand there, amazed at his words. I don't know what surprises me more, the fact that Big Mac loves Fluttershy that much or that this is the most I've ever heard him speak. I turn to the others, and they have the same reactions. Applejack, however, remains unfazed as she looks at Fluttershy who holds on to Big Mac tightly as if she's afraid he'll disappear.
"I'm really, really sorry that we kept this from you," she says apologetically. "But it's true; I love him too. Please don't try to take him from me."
All eyes are on Applejack, wondering what she's going to do. She keeps her glare on Fluttershy and Big Mac as the two of them hold each other, unsure of what she's going to do. Thankfully, after a moment, Applejack's glare melts away into a bright smile.
"Now, why in tarnation would I try to take him away when you two are in love?" She says.
Immediately, everyone lets out a deep breath that we didn't know that they were holding, and Fluttershy runs over and gives Applejack a big hug.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Applejack!" she says. "You don't know how happy this makes me."
"Uh, it's all good, Fluttershy," Applejack says, taken aback at her appreciation before she realizes something. "Hey, wait a minute, does this mean it was you that made Sonny's blanket?"
Fluttershy giggles at Applejack's query.
"No. Big Mac made it. I simply taught him how to sew," she says proudly.
"Aw, you guys," Sonata coos. "My blankie was made with the help of love? Now I love it even more!"
Fluttershy and Big Mac smile at Sonata's appreciation when suddenly the school bell rings, announcing that lunch is over.
"Aw man," Soarin says. "I barely even touched my lunch."
"Aw, quit your whining, Soarin," Rainbow Dash ridicules. "We can go to some restaurant for the after school hang out.
"Oh, yeah, that reminds me," I say, turning to Rarity, Fluttershy, and Big Mac. "We're thinking of doing a Valentine's day get together after school. You guys can come if you'd like."
"Oh my, what a wonderful idea," Rarity says excitedly. "I would be delighted to join you all."
"Oh, that sounds lovely, but Mackie Bear and I have plans later," Fluttershy says kindly.
"Hey, that's no problem. You two go ahead enjoy your Valentine's Day together." Caramel says, and I nod in agreement as the rest of us begin to depart for our next classes.
Before I leave, however, I turn around and look at Fluttershy and Big Macintosh just as they are saying their goodbyes. Big Mac leans down to give Fluttershy a soft but tender kiss, and she wraps her arms around his head to deepen it. When they part, their eyes are glued to each other, wishing that they don't have to leave each other. I can't help but smile at this moment before I start to remember when Octavia and I would always have deep and meaningful kisses, especially when we had to part for the day. My smile turns into a small frown when I start to wish that I remembered how it felt when we had our last kiss before she ended our relationship. If only I had known that it would be our last as opposed to kissing, thinking that it's only our last until the next day.
I shake my head to get these thoughts out of my mind as I walk out of the kitchen and head to my next class. As I exit the cafeteria, however, I notice the Sunset Shimmer is heading to her class with the same sad look that she had before. I run over to catch up with her.
"Hey, are you okay?" I ask.
She snaps out of her mood and turns to me with a forced smile.
"Oh, I'm fine, Rough Draft. I just didn't get to eat much of lunch," She lies. "I'll see you at English, okay?"
"Sure, I'll see you there," I reply as I suspiciously watch her walk away.
*********************************************************************************************
Sunset Shimmer's sad demeanor stays in my mind during the rest of my classes. I pretend to be into it in gym with Mr. Iron Will, but in reality, I am perplexed with how she was acting and how she was hiding it from our friends. When I come into the classroom for seventh period, Sunset Shimmer gave me a small smile as I sit next to her, but didn't say anything. Throughout the whole class period, she pretends to be paying attention to Ms. Cheerilee, but I can see in her eyes that there's something else in her mind. I consider asking her through a text, but I get the feeling that I'm not going to get a full answer while we're in class.
When the final bell of the day rings, Sunset Shimmer immediately grabs her stuff and walks out the door. I collect my stuff and run after her as fast as I can and manage to catch up with her just as she exits the building and starts walking to the parking lot.
"Sunset Shimmer," I call out.
She turns her head to look at me and gives me another fake smile.
"What's up, Rough Draft?" she asks.
"I should be asking you the same question," I say. "What's the matter?"
"Matter? Why would anything be the matter?" she asks, trying to act innocent.
I give her a sad look.
"Come on, Sunset Shimmer, I know something is troubling you," I say. "You've been looking down in the dumps since lunch."
Sunset Shimmer's innocent look fades away back to her sad face.
"Have I been that obvious?" she asks.
"Obvious enough that I wonder why no one else noticed," I answer.
Sunset Shimmer takes a moment before she sighs in defeat and looks at me directly in the eyes.
"Can I ask you something before I answer?" she asks.
I nod politely and Sunset Shimmer takes a moment thinking about what she's going to say.
"If you and Octavia stayed together - say Anon-a-Miss never happened, you gave her your necklace in person, and she loved it, and you two are more in love than ever before or something, how would the two of you have spent Valentine's Day together?"
I stand still, surprised by her question. I think about it for a moment before I answer as honestly as I can.
"I don't know what we would have done," I say. "I imagine Octavia wouldn't want me to bother with getting her anything like I said before because of how guys like Blueblood treated her at Manehattan, and she would probably force me not to do it this time. Apart from that, maybe we would go out to dinner and then catch a movie, or have a movie date at home or something. Honestly, I don't think Octavia would have cared as long as we were together celebrating our relationship and looking forward to spending many more Valentine's days together in the future."
Sunset Shimmer looks down glumly and says, "I wish I knew what that's like. For twenty-five years, I thought the most realistic sense of love came from my self-absorbed parents who married for social and financial gain. All my life, I believed them when they taught me to think only about myself and to become the best, and whoever says otherwise is pathetic and foolish and I never realized how wrong they were until Twilight and the others put me in my place and showed me how valuable it is to be with others. It warms my heart to be with you and all of our friends, but now I'm starting to see more and more what it means to be a special kind of love with someone. Not pretend to be in love like my parents or how I was when I dated Flash Sentry, but something much, much greater, and..."
"You're starting to want that," I say, finishing her sentence.
"Yeah," Sunset Shimmer confirms. "I've teased the idea of being with someone very special, but after today and seeing Rainbow Dash demanding to spend time with Soarin, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich throwing presents at each other, and how Fluttershy and Big Mac were so at peace with each other before we interrupted them, I want to experience it for myself even more. But I know that's something that's not going to happen."
"Why would you say that?" I ask.
"Because of what I did," she answers. "Because of all the harm I caused."
"Oh, now, Sunset Shimmer, you shouldn't think like that," I say. "Why would any person not want to be with you? You're beautiful, smart, talented, devoted to your friends, have such a kind and caring heart -"
"And it took you months to accept those last two things," Sunset Shimmer interrupts. "Even though so many people accepted that before you, including the Rainbooms, they were quick to jump to the belief that I was cyberbullying. I thought I put all of my insecurities behind me after the Battle of the Bands, but then they came true when I was on the floor, hugging my legs while everyone was verbally harassing me. I may have put the past behind me, in the long run, but what chance do I have with finding more than friendship with someone?"
She looks down at the floor sadly, and my face turns grim. I sigh before I lift her head with her chin.
"You have a better chance than you think," I say. "Don't forget, I had a bad past that I thought would prevent me from love too. Even though Caramel and Soarin helped me forgive myself, I didn't think any girl would want to be with me after what happened at the Spring Fling. Even when I started dating Octavia, I tried to delay telling her the truth as long as possible for fear of what she would do, but it turned out after I told her what happened, she was understanding and willing to help me with my anger towards you. Even though it didn't end well in the end, just having one conversation with Octavia much less having her by my side with love for me in her eyes was a miracle I never expected to happen, and I thank God for all of it. For three months, I had hope that I never thought I would find, and I thought I didn't deserve it. If that happened to me, then I guarantee that it's possible for you."
"But how can you be sure?" Sunset Shimmer asks. "Even if it was that good for you two, is it worth it that you think about her even now?"
I look at her, surprised, and open my mouth to speak before she puts her hand in front of me.
"Don't try to deny it, Rough Draft. I saw the way you looked at Fluttershy and Big Mac when we were leaving the cafeteria," Sunset Shimmer says. "You still think about Octavia."
I try to think of something to say, but I eventually sigh, accepting that I would waste my breath trying to lie.
"It's still a little hard not to," I reluctantly admit. "Maybe there's always going to be a part of me that will miss her even if/when I have long found someone else to marry and have kids. But even if she's the only girl I will ever open my heart to and I die a lonely bachelor, I still will be thankful for the time that I was really in love with someone, and that person loved me back. Maybe you'll find someone, maybe you won't, but you won't go far if you don't try or at least let your friends help you like Soarin, Caramel, and Pinkie Pie did for me."
Sunset Shimmer thinks about what I said for a moment before she turns to me.
"Okay, I know this is for you, but I want to know," she begins. "If I wasn't deceiving you into thinking I had feelings for you, you really would have said yes to a relationship with me if I asked: real or not real?"
"Uh, I don't see how that's supposed to -" I begin before she gives me a pleading look in her eyes, and I sigh knowing what I have to say. "Real. If you said the word, I would have stayed by your side to whatever end."
She smiles at my answer as if it warmed her heart to hear me say that.
"That's good to know, for whatever it's worth," she says.
I smile before I add, "Seriously, though, could you imagine everyone seeing us together? They see me hate your guts for months, and then the next thing they know, we're holding hands and staring at each other as we're walking down the halls."
Sunset Shimmer smirks at the thought.
"Yeah, don't forget me making you blush regularly," she says. "I don't know about Octavia, but even when I was the cruel conniving queen bee of the school, I thought you looked pretty darn cute whenever you blushed."
I feel my cheeks warming up and I look away bashfully.
"Oh, great," I moan. "Octavia did pretty much feel the same about me blushing. Guess that's something that would be taken advantage of no matter who I date."
"Ain't nuthin wrong with that," Sunset Shimmer says as she nudges me in the arm teasingly. "In fact, I'm gonna make sure your next girlfriend makes you blush relentlessly."
She chuckles maniacally but playfully. I give an uneasy chuckle in return before she catches her breath, and her face goes from happy to sad again.
"Don't ever change, Rough Draft," Sunset Shimmer says. "Someday, you are going to find a girl who will stay by your side forever."
I smile and reply, "And I know you'll find a guy who will do the same."
Sunset Shimmer frowns again and says, "I wish I could believe that, but I'd like something more than your words to give me hope that a special will love me."
I open my mouth, attempting to comfort her again, but suddenly our phones vibrate, and we both take them out to read the same texts.
Soarin: Rainbow Dash and I decided that we should all meet at Sugarcube Corner for the Valentine's day hang out at about 3:45. That sound good to everyone?
Rarity: 3:45 would be lovely.
Applejack: Sonata and I are down for that.
Caramel: Sounds good to me.
Rough Draft: I'll be there.
Sunset Shimmer: Ditto.
After we finish sending our texts, Sunset Shimmer gives me a sad smile.
"Well, I'll see you in about an hour," She says as she starts walking to her motorcycle again.
"Yeah, see ya," I say.
I watch her put on her helmet and drive away as I think about what she said.
"I wish I could believe that, but I'd like something more than your words to give me hope that a special will love me."
I give her words since thought, wanting to do something to give her hope. After a minute, I remember that Caramel has Valentine's Day cards for the girls, and he did put something special in Applejack's card. Maybe I could do something similar with Sunset Shimmer. I take out my phone, and its clock says 2:51, so I have less than an hour to do what I have in mind before going to Sugarcube Corner.
*********************************************************************************************
I run as fast as I can to Sugarcube Corner with a couple minutes left until it's 3:45. Finding what I had in mind for all the girls excluding Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie took a little longer than I hoped. It was a challenge to find something for Sunset Shimmer and even something extra nice for Sonata too. As soon as I left the store, I quickly open the bag of Valentine's Day cards and start writing all the "to's" and "from's" in each one and then carefully put them and the other gifts in my backpack before I ran to the cafe, careful not to damage them.
Eventually, I make it to the front entrance of Sugarcube Corner, where Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Sonata, Applejack, Rarity, Caramel, and Sunset Shimmer are waiting for me.
"Glad to see you made it on time, Rough Draft." Rainbow Dash teases. "What kept you long enough that you had to run? The cafe isn't far from CHS."
"I know," I pant. "I had an errand to run that was on the other side of town."
"Heh, well, that's one way to be thirsty for shakes," Applejack says. "Anyway, we're all here, so let's get going, y'all."
Everyone nods in agreement as we enter the cafe. I notice Sunset Shimmer looking a little happier, but I can tell she's still a little down. I smile to myself, hoping that what I do will fix that. We all order our drinks at the counter and then sit at the tables outside while we wait for our orders. As we wait patiently, Caramel decides to clear his throat loudly.
"So Applejack, how are you feeling about Fluttershy and Big Mac being an item?" He asks.
Applejack frowns and says, "Well, I can't say I'm not still a little mad at both of them, but I am happy that they are in love. In hindsight, I guess they are kind of perfect for each other, given that they both are pretty shy."
"I'm glad you agree, Applejack," Rarity says. "They are adorable together, and I'm so happy to play a part in helping them become a couple. Honestly, I've never seen our Fluttershy so happy before she got together with Big Mac.".
"They do look pretty cute together," Sunset Shimmer agrees.
"Oh my goodness, yes," Sonata says. "I'm starting to be a little jealous of Fluttershy. I wish I had a boyfriend that would hold me close like that."
"Ah, I wouldn't worry about it, Sonata," Soarin says. "You're still young and have a cute personality, and there are a lot of guys who like that."
"Aw, thanks, Soarin," Sonata coos. "It's nice to have supporting friends on Valentine's Day."
"Oh, that reminds me," Caramel says as he quickly opens his backpack. "I meant to do this during lunch, but it slipped my mind after the whole thing with Fluttershy and Big Mac. I thought I'd give you girls some Valentine's day cards."
"Aw, that's sweet of you," Rarity says as Caramel starts handing out the cards. "Perhaps Spike isn't the only true gentleman after all."
Caramel blushes at the compliment, and the girls try not to laugh as he hands out the cards. He gives his last card to Applejack, who gives him a friendly nod of thanks before she opens it.
"Oh, you put a caramel apple lollipop in mine," she observes with a smile.
"Well, yeah," Caramel answers, trying not to sound nervous. "Just thought it would be funny since you're into apples, and my name does happen to be Caramel."
"Yeah, it's cute. Thank you, Caramel." She says a smile.
Caramel tries to smile back without blushing, and I take a moment before I decide it's my turn.
"Yeah, and this is what took me so long," I say. "I also got you girls cards to before heading over here. It sounded like a good idea when Caramel told me and Soarin what he was going to do, and I wanted to do it too."
"Aw, now you didn't have to do that, Rough Draft," Applejack says.
"I know, but I wanted to," I say. "After all, who doesn't miss exchanging cards like back in elementary school or middle school?"
"Well, that would be me," Sonata says sadly. "I've had this teenage body since I was banished, and Aria and Dagi were the attention grabbers when it came to boys anyway, so I don't know what that's like."
"Yeah, and we have a similar holiday back in Equestria, but I didn't care for any of it," Sunset Shimmer says.
"Okay, well, who wasn't an evil unicorn or a pony-fish hybrid in another world and misses it?" I ask.
"Well, I miss that a bit," Applejack says.
"Oh, I miss that a ton!" Rarity says passionately.
"Eh, it was alright, I guess," Rainbow Dash says with a shrug.
"Um, well whatever the case, here you go," I say with a shrug as I start handing cards. First Rainbow Dash, then Applejack, and then Rarity. Then when it's Sonata's turn, I sit next to her carrying my backpack.
"With you, Sonata, I decided to give you something different," I announce. "You've been the most supportive next to Sunset Shimmer, Caramel, and Soarin after my breakup with Octavia, to the point of trying to talk to her, Vinyl and the rest of the E.M.R. even though you didn't have to. So I thought I'd pay in kind with this."
I reach into my backpack and take out a bag of gummi taco candy. Sonata squeals in excitement before she crushes me in a hug.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" She screams. "I've always wanted to try these! How did you know?"
We all chuckle at her question as she probably forgot that she has mentioned her curiosity about this candy hundreds of times.
"Call it a hunch," I say, which she responds with a bubbly smile. I chuckle a little before I turn to Sunset Shimmer, who looks curious about what I'm going to do.
"Sunset Shimmer, I've probably been official friends with you in the least amount of time out of everyone here, and yet we've been through so much," I begin. "We've laughed, we've hung out, we've made mistakes, we've said things to each other that we wish were unsaid, and it hasn't been a year yet since we've known each other. We still have a long way to go, but I can honestly say things have been getting better since the Anon-a-Miss incident. I don't know what the future is going to be like, but I'm certain that what you wish will happen someday, and if you want something more than words to encourage you, then how about this?"
I reach into my backpack and carefully take out a single red rose. Sunset Shimmer gasps as she stares at the gift while the others look at us curiously.
"Consider this a promise that this is simply the first of many," I say. "An assurance from one friend looking for love to another. You're gonna find someone who will love you for who you are, and they will go out of their way to show it as Octavia did for me. If I could find someone that meant that much to me, so can you."
I hold my hand that carries the rose, and Sunset Shimmer slowly takes it, still surprised. She observes the flower, processing what was given to her. After a moment, a small tear starts runs down her face, and I begin to think I made her sad until she suddenly wraps her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Thank you," she whispers in my ear. "This means more to me than you know."
I smile at her response before I realize the last thing she said, but before I can ask what she means, Rainbow Dash interrupts the moment.
"What the hay?" she says. "We only get cards and candy, but she gets a rose?"
I turn to look at Rainbow Dash with a raised eyebrow.
"What do you care, Rainbow?" I ask. "You'd pound anyone who even thinks of giving you any flowers."
"Well, duh, of course, I would, but it's the principle of the thing," she counters.
"Well, I don't mind. I'm good with my two cards and lollipop," Applejack says, making Caramel smile.
"Indeed, and I've seen more roses than I want to see even in my wildest dreams," Rarity says with a shudder.
"And I just can't wait to try my candy," Sonata says.
"Still, though, that seems like much for just a friend," Soarin says.
"Oh, it's fine, Soarin," Sunset Shimmer counters. "Rough Draft is just being a good friend."
"NOOO!"
We all turn to see Cheese Sandwich running past us for his life. The next thing we know, a giant block of cheese is rolling towards him with Pinkie Pie on top of it, playing the accordion with a mischievous, evil grin on her face.
"Pinkie, that's not fair!" Cheese shouts. "You know how addicted I am to Wisconsin cheese!"
"Oh, I know, Cheesie, my darling, I know," Pinkie says before she screams in maniacal laughter.
When the couple is completely gone, we stare at where they were for a moment before Sunset Shimmer clears her throat.
"Please tell me you all saw that too," she says, and we all say that we did much to her relief.
"Excuse me," says a voice behind us.
We all turn to see Mr. Cake exit the building, holding our drinks with a couple of trays, and wearing a camera around his neck.
"Mrs. Cake and I are taking pictures of our customers celebrating Valentine's day so that they can hold on to their memories of the occasion," He says as he hands each of us our drinks. "If you'd like, I could take your picture."
"Now that sounds like a swell idea," Applejack says.
"Yeah, I'm in," Rainbow Dash says.
We all make comments of agreement and start huddling close together. Sonata sits on my left side, making the biggest smile she could muster while Sunset Shimmer sits on my right, holding her rose. She turns to me and gives me a happy smile before she turns to face the camera. I smile back even though she already turned away before I turn to face the camera just as Mr. Cake is about to take the picture.
*********************************************************************************************
After our shakes and Mr. Cake gives us each our own copies of the picture, we go our separate ways. Soarin and Rainbow Dash leave to spend time together as a couple. Rarity goes back home to spend the rest of the night watching romantic dramas for the night. Sonata goes home with Applejack, so that left me, Caramel, and Sunset Shimmer to walk home together since Sunset Shimmer's apartment is on the way to my and Caramel's respective homes. It was hard not to glance at Sunset Shimmer as I notice her admiring her rose.
"Clearly, I chose well with my little Valentine gift to you," I say half teasingly.
Sunset Shimmer broke out of her gaze and looked at me with a smile.
"Yes, you did," she agrees. "This is very sweet of you, Rough Draft. And that was a cute thing to put in Applejack's card, Caramel."
"Heh, well, I'm glad she liked it," Caramel says nervously. "I hope she saw it as a friendly gesture."
Sunset Shimmer raises her eyebrow while giving Caramel an amused smirk.
"Oh, I think she knew what you were really trying," she says. "But if we're being honest, you might want to stop there for a while."
"Yeah, you're probably right," Caramel says reluctantly. "Whatever the case, I did spend Valentine's Day with her, and I'm pretty happy with that for now."
"I'm glad to hear it," Sunset Shimmer says sincerely before turning to me. "So how are you going to spend the rest of Valentine's Day, Rough Draft?"
I smile a little before I answer, "Well, I did plan some romantic movies to watch tonight with some party pizzas and ice cream, so I'm thinking of pretty much just that. What about you?"
Sunset Shimmer smiles before she looks at the rose again as we walk.
"I think I'm just gonna find a vase for my rose and crash for the night," She says. "I know it's only 6:00, but I feel kinda worn out after milkshakes and all the shenanigans with Fluttershy and Big Mac and especially Pinkie and Cheese with their present war."
"Heh, yeah, I can imagine," I say before turning to Caramel. "Speaking of which, do you know how their present wars usually end?"
Caramel shrugs in response.
"Only rumors," he says. "Most people think that eventually there's a winner, and they just make out and cuddle for the rest of the day or something."
"Well, I guess we'll never know," Sunset Shimmer says. "I thought I knew everything there is to know about Pinkie Pie, but then Cheese Sandwich shows us another side of her. She is someone that will surprise you even if you've known her for years."
Caramel and I nod in agreement before we reach Sunset's two-story apartment.
"Well, this is my stop, boys," she says before she turns to me and gives me another hug. "Thank you again for the rose, Rough Draft. I will treasure it."
"You're welcome," I say. "Happy Valentine's Day, Sunset Shimmer."
"Happy Valentine's Day," She says before she walks to her apartment.
"Hey, what about me?" Caramel demands.
But instead of a response, Sunset Shimmer enters the building, having not heard him. Caramel sighs before we continue our walk to our homes.
"Ah, look on the bright side, buddy," I say. "You gave AJ your card, and she liked it just like you said. I'd say that makes this a pretty successful Valentine's Day for you."
Caramel smiles before he looks at the sky with dreamy eyes, obviously thinking about Applejack.
"Yeah," he admits. "Hanging out with Applejack and getting to give her a card personally is a dream come true. This is the best Valentine's day of my life, Rough Draft."
"That makes two of us, bro," I say, patting his back as continue to walk to our respective homes. "That makes two of us."