Two weeks have passed since Valentine's Day, and things have been going pretty well. Applejack has started to become more accepting of Fluttershy and Big Macintosh's relationship, Pinkie Pie had to say bye to Cheese Sandwich as he had to travel again, but still keeps a cheery attitude knowing that he'll be back someday, and Sunset Shimmer and I have started to become close friends. In fact, every now and then, after finishing the school day with English class, we get into a conversation where I ask more about her world, Equestria, which I am fascinated with. It's still odd that she's a unicorn from another world, but the nerd in me finds it fascinating to learn about minotaurs, griffons, hydras, dragons, phoenixes, and alternate versions of some of the towns and cities in our world like Manehatten, Baltamare, Las Peagas and even Crystal City with their unique history in her world.
"So, this Crystal Empire contains a race of crystal ponies that you guys forgot about?" I ask Sunset Shimmer as we walk down the halls to the exit after just finishing school for the day.
"Basically," Sunset Shimmer answers. "From what Twilight has told me, King Sombra cursed the place to disappear for over a thousand years until it reappeared, and he tried to use the empire to rule Equestria only to be defeated by Spike and Princess Candance."
"Heh, not to sound nitpicky, but I'm starting to see a pattern with all the things that keep happening both here and in Equestria of late," I say. "Seems like every threat either worlds come across that isn't from you or this changeling queen is just some force of evil that was temporarily defeated for exactly a thousand years. King Sombra, Discord, Sonata, and her sisters, Tierek, and Moon of Nightmares or whatever Vice-Principal Luna is called in your world."
Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes before giving me her signature smirk.
"It's Nightmare Moon, you big goof," she says while playfully nudging me in the arm. "But you do have a point. A lot of things happened to the ponies of Equestria before it was just Princess Celestia who ruled the country."
"And yet Vice-Principal Luna turning into an evil force of darkness is the only thing that became a known legend," I say skeptically. "And everyone has a counterpart in this world, right?"
Sunset Shimmer hesitates before she answers.
"So far," She says. "I haven't traveled very far from this world's version of Canterlot because CHS was considered the key place for my plans for world domination, so there are a few ponies in Equestria whose counterparts I haven't met yet like Princess Twilight."
"Interesting," I say as we exit the building. "So, do you think your counterpart is out here somewhere?"
Sunset Shimmer stares blankly at my question. I stop walking as I notice she looks a little troubled.
"Something wrong?" I ask.
Sunset Shimmer snaps out of her frozen state and answers calmly.
"I honestly never thought about that," she says. "It is possible that my counterpart is out there somewhere, but I don't know if I would want to see her."
"Why not?" I ask. "It could be interesting to see how you two might be similar or different from each other like a lot of things from both of our worlds."
"I know, but I don't feel comfortable with thinking about the fact that there's another Sunset Shimmer out there," she says. "Every time I think about it, I wonder whether or not I'm living a life that's supposed to belong to the other Sunset Shimmer in this world instead of me. I'm a little worried that because of some moral reason, I will have to go back to Equestria even though my life and the people I care about are here."
I frown at the thought before I nudge her in the arm with my elbow playfully.
"Hey, I'm sure that won't happen," I say encouragingly. "Besides, if your life here was supposed to belong to the other Sunset Shimmer's, then she would already be here. Plus, you said yourself that traveling to other worlds is a little too new for anything specific like that to be considered right or wrong, especially with two worlds so similar yet different like our world and Equestria."
Sunset Shimmer gives me an appreciative smile and says, "I guess you're right."
We start walking again until we see Caramel waiting for us at the CHS statue.
"Hey, Caramel. Where's Soarin at?" Sunset Shimmer asks.
"Ah, he and Rainbow Dash had soccer practice all of a sudden," Caramel says. "Guess Rainbow Dash is growing more determined to keep the team in shape with playoffs coming closer."
"That sounds about right," I say. "I do recall Soarin saying that she really wants to make it to the nationals this year."
"Well, it is our senior year, so she has to make it count," Sunset Shimmer points out. "I probably better see how she's doing. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Okay, bye," I say as she leaves, heading to the soccer field before I turn to Caramel. "So, what do you want to do?"
"I don't know," Caramel says with a shrug. "We could just play some video games at my place."
"Yeah, I'm down for that," I say as we start to walk to his house.
We walk for a few minutes before Caramel decides to speak.
"Hey, Rough Draft, can I ask you something?" He asks.
"Sure," I answer.
Caramel hesitates how to say his question before he asks, "Do you have a thing for Sunset Shimmer again?"
I stop walking and turn to my friend, surprised at his question.
"Why are you asking me this?" I ask.
"Well, it's just that out of all the girls, you seem to be hanging out with her the most ever since we got you out of your depression." Caramel answers. "It's clear that you guys are getting close, and you did give her a rose on Valentine's Day, so I just gotta know, are you starting to have feelings for her?"
I think for a moment before I reply.
"Well, the answer is no," I say bluntly. "I don't have a thing or a crush or anything like that with Sunset Shimmer."
Caramel frowns at my answer.
"Are you sure about that?" he asks. "That was something special to give a girl like her on Valentine's Day."
"I know, but the truth is I want to keep my relationship with Sunset Shimmer platonic," I say. "We're still mending wounds and everything, and I just don't want to try anything like that with her, especially since the idea of still having feelings for her is part of what cost my relationship with Octavia."
"But does that really matter?" Caramel asks, concerned. "I mean, you're over Octavia, right?"
I hesitate and sigh before I reluctantly answer.
"Yes and no," I say. "I guess you could say I'm about as over her as you are with the idea of dating Applejack. I accept that she's moved on, and I'm glad that you guys helped me to do the same in the long run, but part of me still wants her back. There's still a hole inside where Octavia's love was that might never be filled, and I guess there's a part of me that would feel guilty if Sunset Shimmer and I did try something. Like ironically, Octavia was right to dump me all along. All the love I had to give her, and yet deep down, I still have a thing for Sunset Shimmer? That just isn't right."
Caramel frowns skeptically at my words.
"If that happened, Tavi would have no one to blame but herself." He says. "I know part of your breakup was a bad coincidence and everything, but it was still her choice to dump you, probably ignore your gifts when you dropped them off at her house and started dating another guy. In fact, why don't you answer me this, will you take her back if she ever realizes her mistake and wants you back?"
"I don't know," I answer. "Sometimes I still imagine her running over to me, wearing the necklace I bought for her and begging to get back together, but at the same time, she's already taking too long to realize her mistake. She would have a lot to do to prove that our relationship is something worth salvaging."
"That's for sure," Caramel says, nodding. "But back to my question, how do you know you're not gonna fall in love with Sunset all over again?"
"Because I don't think of her that way," I claim. "I understand why you're thinking this, Caramel, but I don't see Sunset Shimmer and me becoming a couple. I don't see us having a first kiss or going on a fancy date, getting married, and having kids, heck, I don't see her as someone who wants kids someday, whereas I do. If anything, I imagine that she's going to find someone who is much smarter than I am like her."
"How do you know that?" Caramel challenges. "Remember, she's not the same person she was before, so her heart might be interested in someone different."
"Perhaps," I admit, "But, I think there are better chances of Applejack deciding to date you than Sunset Shimmer taking that kind of interest in me."
Caramel gives me an unamused look.
"Oh gee, thanks," he says sarcastically. "That really gets my hopes up."
"You're welcome," I say, half-jokingly. "All teasing aside, though, you and Applejack are starting to become close friends too."
A small smile forms on Caramel's face and he says, "Well, you're not wrong. In fact, she asked me to stop by her farm after school tomorrow. There's a big project they're going to start, and her family needs some additional help, so I volunteered."
"Oh, that's cool," I say. "Sounds like Applejack is warming up to you even if it's just in friendship."
"Yeah, I'm kind of excited and nervous," Caramel says. "I want to prove my worth with helping her and her family with her farm, but I'm nervous that I'm gonna screw up. I'm not as skilled with farming as they are, so I'm afraid that I will do something that will ruin what they're doing, and she's going to hate me."
I roll my eyes before I smile at my friend before patting him on the back.
"She's not gonna hate you," I say encouragingly. "She's probably not going to ask you to do something you're incapable of doing. You of all guys know how much she's a nice, caring, honest girl."
Caramel sighs, still looking nervous.
"Yeah, you're right. Applejack is very considerate of others, that's one of the reasons why I've been crushing on her for so long," he admits. "Still, though, I would like to be more confident that I'm not going to make a mistake."
We continue walking on that note before we make it to Caramel's front porch. I'm about to enter before Caramel suddenly steps in front of me.
"I got an idea," he begins excitedly. "Why don't you go with me?"
"What?" I ask, startled. "Are you serious?"
"Why not?" He asks. "Applejack did say that her family needs all the help they can get, Soarin's going to be too busy getting ready for playoffs, and who knows better when to help me not screw up than one of my best friends?"
"Well, that makes sense, but I have a little experience with farming as you do," I point out.
"I know, but maybe with two nerds trying to carry out the project we're given, we should be okay," Caramel says. "Please, Rough Draft? You know how much of a doofus I am trying to do things by myself, especially when AJ is involved."
I hesitate at this idea. I don't want to spend a day trying to carry heavy equipment or whatever the Apples will have me do if I go, but at the same time, Caramel's right about his bad luck and probably needs supervision.
"Okay, I'll go," I say. "But if you so much as think of making another move on Applejack even though she has no interest in dating, you're on your own. I don't need Octavia chewing me out again to know that I am incapable of giving you good advice."
"That is totally fair," Caramel says with a grin plastered on his face. "Thanks, buddy, you're the best."
"Yeah, I guess I am," I say half-jokingly. "What does Applejack and her family need help with anyway?
"Well, to make a long story cut short," Caramel begins. "Sweet Apple Acres is..."
*********************************************************************************************
"...completely short-handed with pruning our trees this year." Applejack announces to me, Caramel, Sunset Shimmer, Sonata, Big Mac and Fluttershy at Sweet Apple Acres the next day. "The harvest has made a terrific turnout, but with some of our field hands getting sick recently, we might not be able to prune as many trees as we need to in time. So, we need your help with pruning as much as we can."
"We're gonna split you kids up into teams of two," Granny Smith says, standing next to Applejack. "Each team will prune specific sections of the orchard. Big Mac and Fluttershy will take care of the north orchard, I'll be at the south orchard with Sonata, Caramel, and Rough Draft will take care of the west orchard, and that leaves Applejack and Sunset with the east orchard. You're not gonna be able to prune all of the trees in your section, so all we ask is that you do the best ya can. So come over to me to collect your tools, and we can get started."
We all collect our cutters, saws, and ladders before we head to our respective sides of the orchard. Before Caramel and I head out, however, Applejack and Sunset Shimmer approach us.
"Now, do you remember which branches to take off, Caramel?" Applejack asks.
"Only the weak ones and the ones that have diseases," Caramel answers. "I have the pictures you sent on my phone if I have to double-check."
"Good," Applejack says pleased. "And you two should be okay since the west orchard is the easiest one to prune in terms of finding the good and bad branches, so we don't have to check you."
"Really? Are you sure you don't need someone to check on us?" I ask, concerned. "I imagine at least Apple Bloom would be ideal for supervising us or something."
"Normally we would, but Apple Bloom still has detention till this evening with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, after causing the Anon-a-Miss incident," Applejack says. "But I know you too will be fine since the diseased branches won't be hard to find in the west orchard. Besides, you two nerds look like you could build some muscle with some hard work."
I raise my eyebrow, unconvinced, and I notice Sunset Shimmer has the same look but decides not to question Applejack.
"Well, I guess I shouldn't question the expert," I say reluctantly.
"Of course not," Caramel says confidently. "Applejack guided me through the process ahead of time so that I know what we need to do."
"Right, now get going, you two, we're burning daylight," Applejack commands as she and Sunset Shimmer leave to the east orchard.
"Good luck, guys," Sunset Shimmer calls out to us as they leave.
"Yeah, you too, Sunset," Caramel calls out before he turns to me. "Come on, Rough Draft, there's branch cutting that needs doing."
I sigh as I reluctantly pick up our ladder and follow Caramel to the west orchard.
To quote every Star Wars movie that isn't Solo, I have a bad feeling about this.
********************************************************************************************
We've been pruning for an hour and a half, and so far, I'm finding little reason to worry. Caramel and I decided to take turns on who holds the ladder while the other cuts off the branches off whatever tree we're working on, and we're getting the hang of it quick. It also helps that Applejack is right about how easy it is to spot the diseased branches. They mostly are very weak looking or are covered in this white disgusting moss, though some of them have this deep blue kind of blisters.
"What's with the blisters on some of those branches," I ask Caramel as I hold the ladder while he is cutting off a branch.
"Oh yeah, Applejack told me about those," he says while keeping his eye on the branch. "This place got infested with these fruit bats a year or two ago, and they left behind a disease. I guess some of it is still there."
I look at my friend with a smirk on my face.
"You and Applejack have been talking a lot about apple trees and stuff, huh?" I ask.
"Yup," Caramel says, still focused on the branch. "She wanted to make sure I knew enough so we can prune properly."
"And you're positive you're not doing this to try to impress her because...?" I ask.
Caramel stops working on the branch and looks down at me with a raise of the eyebrow.
"Do you think I'm trying to impress AJ so that she might date me?" He asks.
"Buddy, you taped a lollipop into your Valentine's Day card for her," I state. "You're as obvious as C-3PO without his golden plating. Frankly, I'm surprised Applejack hasn't said anything about it to you. Aren't you two supposed to be just friends?"
Caramel stares at me for a moment before he sighs.
"Okay, yes, I'm trying to impress her a little," he says reluctantly. "Don't get me wrong, I'm content with us being just friends after so many years of admiring her from afar, but I guess I'm having just as hard of a time to move on from thinking of her that way as you were at getting over what Sunset Shimmer did to you."
I nod in acknowledgment before another thought enters my mind.
"You know, you've been as obvious about your feelings for her as Soarin's feelings for Rainbow Dash since the moment we became friends," I say. "And yet I don't think I've ever really asked you, what is it that you admire so much about her? Is it just because she's so honest and kind or...?"
Caramel looks away from me and takes a moment to think of how to answer my question.
"Before I answer, did I ever tell you that I was born in Baltamare?" He asks.
I stare at him, surprised at the question.
"No. You've mentioned that you have family there, but that's about it," I answer.
"That's what I thought," Caramel says. "I didn't interact with many kids there when I was growing up because my parents homeschooled me until I entered the third grade, and I instantly hated it. I was still plenty shy as it was, and a lot of the kids there were spoiled and stubborn because of their rich families, especially the girls. I hated being anywhere near those spoiled, selfish little brats like nobody's business. Then we moved to Canterlot about halfway through the school year, that's when things got better. The kids in Canterlot were more kind and friendly before Sunset Shimmer drove everyone apart years later, but it was nothing compared to the first time I met Applejack. It wasn't just that she was kind and honest, but she was so strong and free-spirited and had a knack for thinking more about people like her family than herself even at that very young age. All the girls in Baltimore wanted things their way without doing anything to earn what they want, but Applejack is the kind of girl who handles things herself and focuses on what needs to be done. I admire how she's so independent and hardworking, which made me even shyer because I never thought I deserved to be near someone like her even years later at Pinkie's party, and I still feel that way now."
"But you've been less shy towards her ever since she helped you out of your date with Lyra and Bon Bon," I point out.
"Yes, I know," he answers. "But I still don't feel like I'm someone who is supposed to be near l Applejack much less try to date her. She's so amazing, and I'm just nerdy, shy, and awkward."
"Hey, don't think like that, bro," I say. "Don't forget I felt that way all the time with Octavia and she was a girl of high-class and was popular as a cellist at her old school, yet she learned to love me in spite of who I am or what I did at the Spring Fling."
"That's different," Caramel says. "She was at least interested in you when you first met. Heck, you guys started kissing less than a week after that."
"Granted, but despite how inferior I was to her, she still took the time to notice me like that," I point out. "Sure, Applejack isn't thinking of you in that way, but she still wants to be your friend, and she did ask you to help with her farm."
Caramel thinks about this for a second, and a small smile forms on his face.
"She did, didn't she?" he says proudly. "And look at me now, working hard pruning her family apple trees. She even trusted me to handle it without any supervision and sent me pictures to make sure I get the right branches. I'm doing my best, and nothing can go- WAAAA!!!!"
Yup.
As Caramel was boasting, he took a misstep on the ladder and began to lose his balance. I held on to the ladder, trying to stop him from falling, but he fell on the pile of cut off branches. He groans in pain as I rush to his side.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Caramel groans. "Probably going to feel it in the morning, though."
I shake my head and give him an amused smile as I say, "You know Caramel, you're my best friend, but when are you going to learn not to jinx yourself like that?"
But I don't get a response. It takes a moment before I realize Caramel is beginning to wheeze, and his tan face is swelling and turning blue. My amused look falls into one of horror as I notice a cut on his left arm next to the pointed end of one of the diseased branches.
"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!!!" I call out as Caramel continues wheezing.
********************************************************************************************
Third person P.O.V.
*Five minutes earlier*
Sunset Shimmer wipes the sweat off her face after cutting down a branch. With a sigh of relief and her jacket tied around her waist, she climbs down the ladder while Applejack pats her in the back.
"Nice work, Sunset," Applejack compliments. "You're starting to be a real trooper at this."
"Thanks, Applejack," Sunset Shimmer says with a tired but appreciative smile. "I have to admit that was a stubborn branch."
Applejack chuckles at her comment.
"Yup, strong and stubborn like the Apple family that raised it," she says proudly. "Keep it up, though, and you'll give all of the branches the what-for without breaking a sweat."
Sunset Shimmer smiles at her friend while she adjusts the ladder to the next sick branch. Applejack takes the saw and climbs up the ladder while Sunset Shimmer holds it. As Applejack begins to cut the branch, however, Sunset Shimmer frowns and turns her head to look over to where the west orchard is.
"AJ, are you sure it was a good idea to leave Rough Draft and Caramel by themselves?" she asks.
"Course I'm sure," Applejack answers as she's cutting the branch. "I wouldn't trust the two of them with my family trees if I wasn't sure."
Sunset Shimmer looks up to her friend and gives her an amused smirk.
"Both of them and not just Caramel?" She teases.
Applejack stops sawing and looks down at her friend with a raised eyebrow.
"What are you implying?" She asks.
"Oh nothing," Sunset Shimmer says with an innocent face before her smirk returns. "It's just that you've been taking notice of that boy for some time."
"Oh come now, that's just silly," Applejack ridicules.
"Is it?" Sunset Shimmer asks suspiciously. "You did look at him with curiosity when he was on that date with Lyra and Bon Bon, saved him from those two before Rough Draft and Octavia could, and took him home afterward. Rainbow Dash also told me that you were impressed that Caramel was standing up to defend Rough Draft during that fight. Heck, you specifically asked Rough Draft how Caramel was doing during the New Year's Eve party, and when he gave you a lollipop taped to your Valentine's Day card, you were pleased with the gesture."
"Well, of course, I did," Applejack claims. "He's a nice guy to be friends with."
Sunset Shimmer frowns at her friend's excuse.
"Applejack, I'm a pony from another world who spent most of her life isolated from others, and even I know that Caramel is still into you," she says. "Even though you two agreed to be just friends, he's been trying to win your favor even though you made it clear that you're not into dating, and what's raising an eyebrow is that you're letting him."
"Oh come on, you're jumping to conclusions, Sunset," Applejack claims. "Just because I like to talk about or hang out with a boy doesn't mean I like him like that. That's thinking like Rarity."
"Yes, but Rarity is upfront about how she feels about someone," Sunset Shimmer points out. "So why is it hard to admit that you might have the slightest hint of feelings for Caramel?"
"Because it's silly," Applejack says bluntly.
"What do you mean?" Sunset Shimmer asks, confused.
Applejack sighs before she answers.
"Listen, I'm glad that, that kind of love makes people happy," she begins. "I'm glad Rainbow Dash and Soarin got together, it's always a pleasure to see Pinkie Pie so ecstatic to see Cheese Sandwich whenever he's in town, and I hope for the best for you and Rough Draft. Having said that, I agree with Rainbow Dash that being all lovey-dovey with someone is just silly, and it makes you do ridiculous things. Think of all the things Rough Draft did back when he was dating Octavia, or what he was willing to do for you at the Spring Fling or all the things that Pinkie Pie and Cheese do to show their love, or how Caramel decided to ask those two girls on a date at the same time. Even with my parents, as heartwarming as it was that they loved each other, there was a part of me that found it silly how they went great lengths to make the other happy, Lord rest their souls. It doesn't sound like something that would ever interest me, and I think Caramel needs a girl who would go through incredible lengths to be with a sweet, caring guy like him."
Without another word, Applejack turns back to the tree branch and starts sawing away at it again. Sunset Shimmer quietly keeps the ladder steady as she takes in her friend's words. Suddenly, a thought enters her mind, and she looks at Applejack with a suspicious grin.
"So if you think Caramel should be with someone else who will make questionable decisions just to be near him and not you, why did you invite him to help you with your farm?" She asks.
Applejack stops cutting but doesn't say anything. Sunset Shimmer's grin grows as she knows she has Applejack where she wants her. But before Applejack can say anything, they hear a voice crying out over in the west orchard.
"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!!!!"
Both girls turn to realize that it's coming from the west orchard.
"That sounded like Rough Draft," Sunset Shimmer says worriedly.
"You don't think that -" Applejack says, concerned before Sunset Shimmer interrupts her.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," she says. "We better find out what happened first."
Applejack nods in agreement as the two of them run over to the west orchard.
*********************************************************************************************
Rough Draft's P.O.V.
Thankfully, it wasn't long before help came with Big Mac quickly carrying Caramel to the house and laying him on the family couch with everyone else following him.
"What happened?" Applejack demands.
"Caramel fell off the ladder and landed on our pile of bad branches and then started wheezing, swelling and turning blue," I explain.
"Wait now. Was it one of those fruit bat diseased branches?" Granny Smith asks skeptically.
"I think it was," I answer. "Do you think that -"
"Big Mac, get the virus kit pronto!" Granny Smith orders.
Big Mac nods and immediately rushes to the kitchen with Fluttershy following behind him. Granny Smith turns to Applejack with a glare.
"Didn't you tell him what happens when you get cut by those branches without the vaccine?" she asks angrily.
Applejack stands there frozen and stutters, realizing the situation.
"I-i-i didn't mean..." she sputters. "I forgot that only we and the help are vaccinated. I didn't think -"
"Darn tootin' you didn't think," Granny Smith rebukes. "We're lucky we have spare shots for that boy, or things would've gotten much worse. I thought I taught you better than that."
Applejack tries to say something, but her mouth is tongue-tied. Granny Smith leaves to follow Fluttershy and Big Mac while Applejack lowers her head in shame and walks out the door. Sunset Shimmer and I look at each other before we follow Applejack, who is standing on the front porch with a guilty face. Sunset Shimmer pats her in the back, trying to comfort her, which Applejack responds with an appreciative smile before turning around and looks at me in shame.
"I'm awful sorry, Rough Draft," she says sadly. "I guess I didn't think things through as much as I thought I did."
"Well, I'll forgive you once we find out that Caramel's gonna be okay," I say worriedly.
"Of course he's gonna be okay," Applejack says, trying to sound confident. "As long as we still have our back up vaccines for the disease, he's gonna be fine."
"No offense, Applejack, but after what I've just seen over the last ten minutes, I'll believe it when I see it," I say.
"I-i understand," Applejack says, ashamed.
"Don't worry Rough Draft, if Applejack says Caramel's going to be okay, then he's going to be okay," Sunset Shimmer encourages. "She is the Element of Honesty in this world, after all."
I don't let my guard down until I look into Sunset Shimmer's eyes. I don't know how or why, but I feel relaxed as I stare at the easy she asks me to trust her friend through her stare.
"Okay, Sunset Shimmer," I say calmly. "I'll trust her."
Sunset Shimmer gives me an appreciative smile before Granny Smith calls out to her.
"Sunset, I need yer help with something!" she yells from the other side of the door.
"Be right there, Granny!" Sunset Shimmer calls out and rushes back inside, leaving Applejack and me alone.
We stand there awkwardly and silently as Caramel's wheezing starts to slowly die down, much to our relief.
"Sounds like the vaccine is taking effect." Applejack says, not looking at me. "Shouldn't be long before he's breathing normally."
"That's good to know," I say, not looking at her either.
We stay silent for a minute before Applejack clears her throat.
"Rough Draft, can I ask you a personal question?" She asks.
I turn my head to look at her nervous face, and I hesitate for a moment before I nod.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but I know that you did a lot of silly things back when you were datin' Octavia to be on her good graces, and...well...was it worth it?" She asks.
"What do you mean?" I ask suspiciously.
"Well, I know from talking to Sunset and Caramel that you asked her on a date just to talk about your stories even though you didn't want to, fell asleep during her concert, and lied to her just to get a Christmas gift even though she made it clear that she didn't want one," Applejack explains. "The last one is more or less what cost you your relationship with her, and you were miserable for it. So what I'm trying to ask is, can you honestly tell me that it's worth it to take risks like that for something like love in the romantic sense?"
I look at her, surprised to hear her ask a question like that. The way that Applejack is looking at me, it seems like she's asking because she's thinking about Caramel, and is hoping that I will say something that will talk her out of how she feels. Despite her wishes, however, I know what I have to say.
"Yes," I say honestly. "I know I made some dumb choices for the sake of love even before I first laid eyes on Octavia, and in the end, I was in worse emotional pain than I ever was after the Spring Fling, but never for one second do I regret all the good things that came from going out with her. Sometimes we had to work hard to get to those things, but that's all part of the journey. I can't guarantee how it would be if you gave Caramel a chance, but if I had the chance to do it all again with Octavia or with someone else, you can bet all the apples in your orchard that I'll take it. Of course, that might be too easy to say. After all, as Sunset Shimmer is so fond of reminding me, I am a hopeless romantic."
Applejack chuckles at that.
"Yeah, ain't that the truth," she says before she frowns again. "Though I doubt Caramel will think much of me after putting him in harm's way like this. He probably has had enough by now."
"Don't be too sure," I say with a smirk. "Caramel is a shy guy, and he may want to respect your wishes with being just friends, but I think when it comes to his feelings, he's just as stubborn as you are."
Nothing is said right away, but after a few seconds, Applejack starts chuckling again.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," she says. "He is pretty headstrong in his own way. That's something we appear to have in common; we both know how to stick with what we value."
I smile at her before the door opens to reveal Big Mac walking over to us.
"How is he?" Applejack asks, looking worried again.
"He's gonna be fine, AJ," he answers calmly. "Vaccine did its job, but we're gonna have to keep an eye on him overnight. Granny's already calling his folks to let them know."
Applejack and I let out sighs of relief.
"Can I see him?" I ask.
"Go ahead," he says. "But he seems pretty out of it from all that wheezing, so if he dozes off, don't be surprised."
I nod in understanding before I go back inside and walk over to the living room where Caramel is laying down on the couch. He looks tired, but his breathing is better, and his face has returned to its original color. He turns to face me and gives a weak smile.
"Hey, buddy, how're you doing?" I ask with a smile.
"Been better," he answers. "You're fired as my wingman, by the way."
I give a confused look before he continues.
"You saw me act so confident, and you waited until after I fell off the ladder to tell me not to jinx it," he explains.
"Well, I thought it was better that you realize your mistake yourself," I say with a nervous chuckle. "Plus, Applejack wasn't there to see you fall, so technically I didn't fail my job."
"I went all blue in the face, dude," He counters.
"Hey!" Sonata shouts from the other side of the room.
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, Applejack feels like a bit of a fool herself," I say quietly.
Caramel's eyes widen and he asks, "R-really?"
"Oh yeah. Granny Smith chewed her out for forgetting that we aren't vaccinated from the disease," I say quietly so no one else can hear me. "She feels guilty and worries that you don't like her anymore for putting you in harm's way."
Caramel stares at me, surprised before he makes a goofy, blissful smile.
"She cares," he says dreamily.
I roll my eyes before I pat him on the shoulder.
"Alright, Han Solo, slow down. Don't forget how she feels about dating," I warn. "Anyway, you gonna be okay staying here tonight?"
"You kidding? I'm at my crush's house, and her family are the nicest people on the planet. I'm gonna be fine," Caramel replies.
"Okay, well, then take it easy and don't try making any moves while you're here," I say. "You'll have no one to blame but yourself if you do."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. See you later, man," Caramel says as he lays his head down.
"Later, dude," I say as I walk back outside to the front porch where I find Sunset Shimmer patting Applejack on the back again. She turns her head to face me and smiles kindly.
"If you'd like, I could walk you home, Rough Draft," she offers. "I didn't take my motorcycle, so you're welcome to walk home with me."
"Yeah, that sounds good," I say before turning to Applejack. "You gonna be okay, AJ?"
"Yeah, I'm feeling better," She answers. "Granny tells me he'll be healthier than a horse by morning."
I turn to Sunset Shimmer and give her a smug look over Applejack's choice of words. She rolls her eyes before she nudges me with a smile, saying, "Let's go, you big nerd."
"What? What did I say?" Applejack asks, clueless as we leave.
************************************************************************************************
The walk back to Sunset Shimmer's apartment starts off quietly. We don't say anything at first until we are about halfway to her apartment, and I clear my throat, deciding to start a conversation.
"Well, that was an interesting day," I say.
"You think so?" Sunset Shimmer asks curiously.
"Well, it may not have gone as well as we would have liked I'll grant you, but it resulted in an interesting talk about love with Applejack," I answer.
Sunset Shimmer raises her eyebrow and smiles.
"How interesting, because I also talked about love with Applejack," she says. "Care to share?"
"Sure, do you want to go first or should I?" I ask, intrigued.
"Maybe I'll go since I talked with her first," Sunset Shimmer suggests to which I gesture her to go ahead. "So I asked AJ what's going on with her because even though Caramel says he's okay with being just friends, he's been anything but subtle about still having feelings her."
"Of course, and?" I ask.
"Well, she thinks romantic love is just silly because it gets people to do stupid things just for that," Sunset Shimmer explains. "Which is funny because she's the one wanting to spend time with a boy that's head over heels in love with her even though she says she's not interested."
I grin at her words as I say, "And she was curiously asking me if doing 'silly' deeds for love are worth it to which I said yes and got her to admit that he's kind of as stubborn as she is in his own way."
"Hmmm, interesting," Sunset Shimmer says amused. "Our favorite cowgirl is becoming curious and has found something she has in common with Mr. Shy Guy. Seems like the tables are turning."
"You sound optimistic," I say. "I thought you want them to focus on being just friends. You warned him to back off after the lollipop after all."
Sunset Shimmer turns to me and gives me a heartfelt smile.
"Let's just say I'm learning to be more hopeful about love since then," she says. "Hope has become such a wonderful thing to have ever since the Battle of the Bands, Rough Draft. It got my friends back during the Anon-a-Miss thing, it's helped me let go of my past with my makeover, it eventually lead us to become good friends again finally, it helped out of your depressed state, and thanks to you I feel more hopeful of finding that special someone."
"You're starting to sound like Sonata when she tried to cheer me up after I dropped off Octavia's gifts on her front porch," I say.
"Good," Sunset Shimmer says without missing a beat. "If there's one thing Sonata and I have in common, it's that we've both learned to value all these things that we've lacked our whole lives, and I guess I'm at a point where I believe things are only going to get better."
"Well, I'm glad to hear you're looking at life with a positive attitude," I say before I remember something. "Speaking of getting together, I'm a little curious about something."
Sunset Shimmer looks at me immediately intrigued.
"Yes?" she asks.
"Well, Caramel and I were talking about dating yesterday," I begin. "And that got me wondering; what are you looking for in a guy?"
Sunset Shimmer looks at me, surprised at this question. She scratches her chin before she gives me a smug grin.
"Guess," she says.
I give her an unamused look and ask, "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Sunset Shimmer says. "I want to know what kind of guy you think I want."
I raise my eyebrow before I reluctantly scratch my chin.
"Well, let's see," I say. "I think you want a guy who's as smart as you."
Sunset Shimmer pretends to be deep in thought before she replies, "Not necessarily. It would be nice, but the guy I'm imagining doesn't have to be someone who's a star student or something."
I nod in understanding before I say, "Really handsome?"
"Nah," Sunset Shimmer says. "I'd settle for cute. Handsome guys are nice to look at, but I think cute guys are more precious to be around with."
"Interesting," I say while thinking of another guess. "Someone you can trust with knowing your past?"
"Absolutely," Sunset Shimmer says, beaming. "That would be hard to do if it's someone who doesn't know anything about Equestrian magic at CHS, but I want him to know everything about me; the human and the pony. If he loves me the same just like Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity, then he's definitely a keeper."
"So definitely someone sensitive," I assume.
"Oh yes," Sunset Shimmer says. "I won't take someone who's anything short of kind and caring, and even a little bit silly."
"I think you're describing what most girls want in a guy in a nutshell," I say.
"Yeah, but I also want a guy I can relate with even though one of us was once a pony and a she-demon."
"Yikes, you make the odds of finding someone like that slim," I say.
"True, but I like to think the fewer guys like that there are the more special mine is," Sunset Shimmer says optimistically.
I smile at the thought. In hindsight, that feels true to how things were between Octavia and me. Neither of us thought there would be someone like the other to make us happy, and that was part of what made our relationship special.
"Well, as I said before, I hope you find him, Sunset Shimmer," I say sincerely.
"Thanks, Rough Draft, but I'm more worried about whether or not he finds me," Sunset Shimmer says.
I stop walking and look at her in confusion.
"What does that mean?" I ask.
"Sorry, that's my secret," Sunset Shimmer says with a smirk. "And besides, we reached her apartment, and I need to sleep after a long day like today."
I turn my head to realize that we are indeed at her apartment. I sigh in disappointed before I turn to Sunset Shimmer and smile.
"Well, I guess I'll see you later then, Sunset," I say.
"Guess you will," Sunset says, opening her front door until she freezes halfway through. I look at her confused as she turns to me with a surprised look.
"What?" I ask.
"You called me Sunset," she says.
"So?" I ask.
Sunset pauses for a moment before she smiles.
"Just happy that you're comfortable enough to call me that again," she says. "Anyway, good night."
"Um, goodnight?" I reply as she closes the door.
Well, that walk ended on a couple of weird notes. Even so, though, today was an interesting, if not suspenseful day. Caramel got to help the girl of his dreams on her farm, then he almost died, and now he's staying at her place where her family and Sonata are taking care of him. Then I had that talk with AJ about love, and after comparing conversations with Sunset, it looks like things might turn to my best friend's favor. I know I shouldn't be too optimistic after everything that's happened, but maybe Sunset is right.
Maybe there's hope for love yet.