Walking into the school they were immediately hit with a barrier of sound and heat. Compared to the chilled winter air, the body heated building was welcoming. Sunset rubbed her bare arms and let out a sigh of contentment. Many of the students were already there and it fed into the excitement they all felt. When Rarity spotted the others they all convened near the entrance to the gymnasium.
“I’m just so nervicited!!!” Pinkie latched onto Fluttershy’s arm and bounced up and down. “I can’t wait to shake what Mama Pie gave me!”
They all giggled and made their way inside the giant decorated room. Streamers and balloons filled the ceiling while jumbled feet filled the floor. A large buffet table was placed on the far end of the room and the DJ near the stage. The girls began to make their way to the dance floor, not wasting any time.
Twilight halted in her steps. Applejack turned around and walked back.
“You alright, sugarcube?”
Twilight nodded as the others made their way towards her as well. “I really hadn’t figured I would be dancing, is all.” She gave a weak smile.
Pinkie looked astounded. “What?? No dancing?!” She picked Twilight up slightly in her arms. “What kind of party would it be without dancing??”
The others nodded and laughed at her antics.
As Pinkie let go, Sunset could see how nervous Twilight was becoming. She knew how it was to be thrust into a friend group when you were used to isolation. It had taken Sunset a while to get use to the girls actually caring about her, even without her saying anything. But just the fact that they all cared that much about one another made Sunset smile.
She decided to link her arm with Twilight, putting a comforting hand on her lower arm. She figured part of the nerves came from the prude students at her previous school. Sunset knew they weren't as caring and speculated they most likely squelched any creative movement done by her friend, thus resulting in the same reasoning for not wanting to attend in the first place.
Sunset looked over at Twilight and smiled. “It’s not all that bad.”
She saw the uncertainty in Twilight’s eyes.
“Come on Twilight,” They looked to Applejack as she smiled. “All you gotta do is move your feet!”
The rest of the girls nodded and tried to convince their new friend to dance with them.
Twilight hesitated, pushing her glasses against the bridge of her nose. “I’ve never been one for much dancing, really it’s fine.” The other girls gave her skeptical looks. “I’ll just stand and watch.”
Twilight made to walk away, reluctantly moving her arm out of Sunset’s grip but her arm was again tugged on by Pinkie Pie.
“Oh no you don’t! You are going to have fun tonight!!” She began to bounce up and down. “And what’s more fun than dancing with friends?!”
Fluttershy spoke up. “I know how you feel Twilight. Everyone around you could be staring and watching.” She looked around nervously. “But it’s not so bad once you start moving to the beat.”
Sunset smiled motioning to her shyer friend. “See, even Fluttershy likes to dance.”
Rainbow Dash laughed. “It’s not like we’d make fun of you anyway, if you end up sucking at dancing.”
Applejack elbowed her in the arm, “Rainbow.”
She put her hands up in defense. “What?? I’m just saying.”
Twilight looked at the reassuring smile on her friend’s faces. “Alright, I guess it wouldn’t hurt for one song.” The others smiled even bigger as they made their way into the crowd.
Sunset noticed that slowly and surely Twilight began to get into the music. She wiggled her arms and slowly moved her feet to the beat.
Beside her she heard Rainbow Dash snicker quietly. “If she dances anything like Princess Twilight, this should be interesting”
Sunset turned in her direction with question, a small blush on her cheeks. “Why, how does she dance?”
“Oh that’s right,” Rarity stepped in “You weren’t there for the actual dance of the Fall Formal.”
Sunset grimaced “Yeah, I was a bit busy at the time.”
The others snickered.
Sunset brought her eyes to Twilight who had begun to get into the music more. A lot more. She was flailing her arms around and added a few kicks for good measure. Everyone around her paused, one of the guys near them backed away slowly with his hands up, as to not get hit by a swinging arm.
Sunset could feel a blush creep in as she noticed Twilight had her tongue peeking out.
Behind her she heard Pinkie shout “Alright Twilight!! Dance it!!”
Laughter bubbling to the surface, Sunset doubled over with her face in her hands. When she brought her face back up it was red, the others assumed from the laughter of Twilight’s dancing.
They were right about one thing, she had become red from the dancing but not for the reasons they thought. Twilight’s dancing was just simply, adorable. Sunset hadn’t seen anything like it and it made her blush profusely. Feeling giddy she joined in and danced just a little harder than she had been before.
At one point during the night Pinkie had started bumping hips with everyone, bouncing like a pinball between each girl. Sunset joined in, purposely bumping up next to Twilight. The girls smiled at one another and continued their close dancing, even after Pinkie had stopped her hip bumps.
Sunset looked to her friend and saw a genuine smile on her lips. She looked like she was really enjoying herself, paying no mind to what others thought of her erratic dancing. Sunset blushed when Twilight spotted her staring, but she didn’t falter her gaze. If it wasn’t for Rainbow’s loud shout, she might have gotten lost in Twilight's warm eyes.
Turning her head, she saw Rainbow Dash pumping her fists and rocking out to an air guitar. Sunset laughed and realized what song was playing. She also fist pumped and shouted as well. “Sweet, I love this song!!” Joining Rainbow in her air guitar playing, she hopped on one foot, kicking the other in the air.
While singing the song, she chanced a glance at Twilight who seemed to be entranced by her performance. Sunset beamed and became high on confidence as she took Twilight’s hand and twirled her around to the song. The song had personal meaning for Sunset, though she tried to play it off as just enjoyment. However, she beamed as she danced with the girl the song would always remind her of. She couldn’t help but think of how perfect it fit and her red cheeks lit up with delight.
Spinning Twilight around she pulled her towards her body and at the end of the song Twilight ended up wrapped in Sunset’s arms. They both breathed heavily, staring at one another, not daring to part. Sunset was thankful the room was loud enough she hoped Twilight couldn’t hear her pounding heart. She felt it in her ears and wanting nothing more than to stay close to Twilight’s warm body.
Their gaze was broken by the sound of people cheering for the next song, an obvious favorite. Sunset let go of Twilight quickly and coughed into her hand, seeing the other blush before Twilight looked away, straightening herself out. Thankful she wasn’t the only one to be caught in the moment. Figuring it had been the adrenaline of dancing, she pushed away other thoughts of why Twilight would have been captivated as she was.
Looking to the side Sunset saw the other girl's head towards the food table. She smiled and motioned to join them.
“Looks like ya’ll were having fun.” Applejack commented, smiling at Sunset.
“See!” Pinkie beamed. “Just think, you could have missed out on some great fun by skipping out on dancing!!” She picked up several cookies, eating them whole.
Rarity chuckled. “Darling, I must say, you two make excellent dancers!” Her smile widened as she saw the pair blush simultaneously.
“I-I’m not that great.” Twilight spoke up, looking to Sunset. “Sunset was the one who dragged me in, to dance with her.”
Sunset burned on the spot. “You looked like you could use a dance partner.” She flipped her hair out of her face. “Plus, I love that song.”
Rainbow Dash laughed in agreement and threw up her hand for a high five.
While the other girls separated briefly to mingle, Sunset and Twilight stayed together. Twilight didn’t know many of the students just yet and Sunset, while most of them accepted her, had never been able to get close to any of them like she did with her friends. Twilight never seemed to leave her side during the night, if only for food and drink and it reminded her of the Christmas Party Pinkie had thrown.
She shivered as the memory of kissing Twilight hit her full blast. She hadn't thought about it in weeks.
Looking around she saw Twilight at the punch table grabbing them a couple glasses. She was talking to a giggling Rainbow Dash and it seemed she had already downed her own cup and was filling another.
She mused on her chest warming thoughts again. While under that blessed mistletoe Sunset had kissed her so deeply and with such intensity. It was a mystery as to why. However, the more she thought about it, the clearer it was. Sunset thought it might be her only chance to ever kiss Twilight and with the other girls egging her on, she couldn’t contain her frustration. Both towards the girls and to the thought of her platonic relationship with Twilight staying just that. It was almost if her subconscious was trying to show Twilight what she would be missing.
Sunset jumped as she felt Twilight’s warm hand on her arm. She muttered an apology and took the drink from her friend’s hand.
“Thanks, how’s it taste?”
Twilight beamed at her. “Oh, it’s got quite a peculiar taste but very much satisfying!” She finished off another cup and looked down at the bottom. “Oh dear. It seems this glass just can’t stay full.” She looked back at Sunset and laughed. “Pardon me, I’ll return in one moment.” And with that she was gone again.
Sunset raised her eyebrow. “Well, ok. That was weird.”
Looking down at her cup she sipped at it. Almost immediately spitting it back out. “Oh no.”
Sunset looked over and saw Twilight talking to Rainbow and again, sipping at her cup. Quickly making her way over, Sunset shouted Rainbow’s name as she tossed her cup in the trash.
Seeing the flamed haired girl fast approaching, Rainbow decided her time was better spent elsewhere.
Sunset shook her head as she dashed off before she made it to the table. Twilight smiled and waved a goodbye, a half empty cup in her hand.
“By the way, Sunset.” Twilight said, turning to face her as she sipped her punch. “Your skin is so soft.” She reached up and slowly dragged her palm over Sunset’s shoulder. “So, beautiful.” Twilight’s eyes were fixed on Sunset’s shoulder as she mumbled into her cup.
Sunset shivered slightly and tried to pull the cup away from Twilight’s face, only now noticing how red it had become.
“Twilight stop drinking that.”
A small pout was given.
Sunset sighed almost afraid to ask. “How- How much punch have you had?”
Twilight removed her eyes from Sunset’s bare skin and to her face, smiling. “Just a couple I suppose, why?” She lifted her drink to her mouth only to have it pulled from her hand, a frustrated sigh escaping Sunset’s lips.
“Because.” Sunset paused looking at the cup with disgust. “I’m pretty sure this punch has been spiked.”
Twilight widened her eyes. “Ohhhh you mean like they do at high school parties?? I read that it’s a tradition.” She clapped her hands excitedly.
Twilight then followed Sunset as she went to throw the incriminating cup in the trash.
“Sunset!!” Realization hitting her. “Oh my gosh, we’re AT a high school party!!”
Sunset smirked. “Yes, that we are, Twilight.”
Turning to the purple girl she raised a hand to her forehead. “You feel warm. I think I should look at you in better lighting.”
Twilight reached up and put her hand over Sunset’s and hummed, clearly not listing.
“Twilight, I’m worried.” She ushered her towards the restrooms. “I saw you drink at least three already.”
Twilight giggled and held on to Sunset’s hand, much to Sunset’s embarrassment. “Assuming you’re not evening counting the ones I had while talking with Rainbow Dash.” Sunset groaned.
Upon entering the poorly cleaned bathroom Sunset shook her hand from Twilight’s and looked her in the face.
“I’m serious Twilight, I’m worried.”
Twilight seemed to sober up and nodded as Sunset began checking her over.
She saw Twilight smile slightly. “Isn’t it interesting that events like these have such silly traditions in the first place?”
Sunset paused her checking as Twilight continued.
“I mean, if we’re at a social gathering like this, isn’t it proper to take part in the traditions?”
Sunset groaned and stood up straight, looking her in the eye. “Twilight, consuming alcohol isn’t the only way to have fun at a party.”
She mumbled to herself that some people thought it the only way to have fun and it frustrated her that Twilight seemed to want to conform to that. Though when she thought about it, Twilight was most likely just being curious to new social customs. It was interesting and odd to her that the younger generation of humans thought it acceptable to break rules set up by elders. Though she had to admit, it wasn’t all that different from her rebellious feelings against Princess Celestia. She sighed through her nose.
Looking back at Twilight, Sunset couldn't ignore the stare she was giving her. It was almost as if she was looking at a book she had to have. It was a longing look and Sunset couldn't tell if she enjoyed it so she resumed looking over her inebriated friend.
“You know,” Twilight said, after a long silence had settled. “There’s another high school tradition we’ve yet to partake in.”
Sunset hummed, only half listening. She had to get Twilight some water or maybe coffee to help sober her up, though it was getting late in the night.
Suddenly she took in a breath, looking at her hands.
Twilight had sloppily grabbed them, turning them over in her own, purple flesh on yellow. Hesitantly Twilight looked into Sunset's eyes and Sunset could feel her breath hitch. The look Twilight was giving her made Sunset’s heart skip a beat and she had a troubled feeling.
She watched Twilight’s eyes flutter shut bringing their hands to her lips, ghosting over her yellow ones. Sunset cleared her throat.
"Twilight, what are you doing?"
She could feel a smile on her fingers and the girl in question opened her eyes. Sunset’s breath became shallow and she could almost feel her pupils dilate as Twilight’s smile widened. She dipped her head down to their fingers again, this time pressing more firmly.
Sunset’s heart was racing and her body grew warm. Just the sensation of Twilight kissing her fingers set her skin on fire. She knew none of this was sober actions but she couldn't move.
Even with several cups of alcohol, she never would think Twilight would be willingly kissing her like she was currently. Sunset’s body had become numb the further up Twilight caressed and she became aware of Twilight speaking.
“After that kiss the other night,” Twilight kissed her hands gently, flipping them over in her own. “I became so curious about how it felt. About why it felt that way.”
Sunset realized she was referencing the mistletoe kiss that had transpired between them.
Twilight had felt something, other than embarrassment. A flutter of confusion and hope bloomed in her chest but was quickly overpowered by a shiver as Twilight’s lips moved up her wrist and tenderly rubbed against her pulse.
It was driving Sunset’s mind crazy, keeping her in place, breath frozen. She knew it was wrong to want her friend to continue but she felt no willpower to stop her.
Twilight’s hands slid up her arms and landed on her shoulders and Sunset could hear her mumbling while her lips were busy with the crook of her elbows, switching between them, equally sharing her tenderness. All she could make out was “smooth skin” and “goddess” and “deserve tenderness”.
"Twilight" Sunset shakily breathed out. It’s all she could muster.
Ignoring or just deaf to her pleas, she couldn't tell which, Twilight continued up her arms towards her face. Gripping her shoulders, almost fondling the bare skin, Twilight looked her in the eyes.
“I realized I wanted more.”
She then dipped her head close and sensually ran her bottom lip across Sunset’s neck. Her breath ghosted across the tender flesh making Sunset protest with a shiver, this time with even less voice.
“And seeing you tonight,” She both heard and felt her mumble into her skin, “With so much skin exposed,”
Suddenly she felt a warm wetness glide up her neck and there was no stifling the moan that protruded from her throat. Sunset slapped a hand over her mouth for a moment and closed her eyes.
The already pink tinge was deepening on the purple skin at the sound beneath her lips. It reverberated against her and Twilight moved closer, pressing her body against the stunned girl in her arms, pushing them both against the bathroom wall. Sunset instantly got chills down her back from both the cold and the demeanor of her friend.
She felt Twilight’s hot skin against her own and she gripped at her arms, her own knees giving way.
“Wha- what are you doing, Twilight?”
Twilight breathed in the scent of her friend, cradling her head beside Sunset’s. A mixture of hairspray, shampoo, and a leathery unique smell that could have only come from her.
“I’m not 100% certain.” She answered, breath tingling in Sunset’s ear sending more shivers down her body. Twilight pulled back with dilated pupils. “Instinct, I think.”
Her heart racing and mind muddled, Sunset could see Twilight’s breath becoming slightly shallow as she straddled Sunset’s leg and tried rubbing against it. Sunset blushed profusely, and let out a frustrated moan.
Twilight giggled and took a breath. “I read that in a book once.”
Sunset would have laughed at the obvious Twilight comment if under different circumstances.
Sunset both loved and hated the fact that the dresses they wore provided difficulty in properly completing the task, to which Twilight let out a frustrated huff. She smiled though and Sunset could see the blush on her face.
“Since this is a school dance,”
Sunset weakly tried to push Twilight away and only ended up adding the drive for Twilight to continue.
“We have to take part in one of the most treasured high school prom traditions.”
“Sweet Celestia.”
Sunset could feel her body heat up with the pleasurable insinuation. If this didn’t stop soon she knew she would have no willpower to stop Twilight, her own want was too great.
Sunset swallowed and let out a shaky breath. “Twilight, please.”
Twilight moved in closer, their lips ghosting over one another and Sunset felt her eyes flutter closed when a loud gasp was heard followed by a chuckle.
The girls turned, Sunset thankful for the unknown savior.
“Pardon me, ya’ll.”
It was Applejack and she politely tipped her hat. “I didn’t mean to interrupt,” She began backing out when Sunset let out a breathy yelp.
“No, Applejack!” She pushed Twilight off her with more strength than before. “Thank you.”
Twilight let out an obvious pout and crossed her arms. “No fair.”
Applejack continued to stare in confusion. “Mind telling me what’s going on, then?”
Sunset nodded and brushed her dress off.
It was decided that Applejack would drive the pair to Twilight’s place and drop them off early. Twilight was obviously in no state to continue the dance and the others understood.
During the ride home, Twilight decided to cling herself to Sunset, still texturally fixated with her skin and body warmth. It was a lot more welcome than what had happened in the bathroom but it gave way for an awkward tension between the girls.
Applejack hadn’t asked too many questions so far, and she was thankful. But she could see the looks passed to her as they road to Twilight’s house.
After arriving, the two girls left Twilight standing near her garage as they moved to the back of Applejack’s truck.
“Sugarcube,” Applejack said quietly. “Are you doing alright?”
Sunset gave a short nod but didn’t make eye contact.
Applejack continued. “Know what you’re gonna do about what went on at school?”
Sunset looked up and sighed. So much for no questions. She was glad to have such caring friends but sometimes they seemed to care too much.
“AJ-” She began to warn but was cut off.
“Now, I don’t want to take sides or nothing.” She put her hands up defensively. “But I know what I saw. It seemed like ya’ll were both enjoying yourselves.”
She gave Sunset a small smile. Again, Sunset sighed, frustrated.
“I know what it looked like but, Applejack,” She looked over her shoulder at Twilight, making sure she was at a safe distance. “She was drunk. And honestly, I don’t think she’ll remember any of it tomorrow. Let alone have wanted it to happen in the first place.”
The pair jumped onto the bed of the truck and Sunset continued.
“Just, please, don’t mention any of this to the girls.” Before Applejack could respond she gestured behind her. “I mean about what you saw. They know the drunk part, and frankly, it’s Rainbow’s fault in the first place.”
Sunset huffed as her and Applejack pulled her bike from the back of the truck.
“But I don’t want to worry them or get their hopes up for nothing.”
Applejack nodded and looked at Twilight before sighing. She laid a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “Just, be careful. I don’t want either of my friends breaking each other's hearts.”
Sunset gave a short laugh but nodded.
“Thanks.” She said sincerely, moving to prop her bike up. “I’ll make sure she gets in safely and then head home.”
Applejack nodded and waved the two goodbyes before heading back to school. Sunset turned towards Twilight and saw a sad expression on her face, hands clasped behind her back and eyes cast downward.
Before she could say anything, Twilight mumbled an apology. She looked up at Sunset.
“I’m sorry I ruined the night for you.”
Sunset’s featured softened. She ushered her friend inside. “You’re fine, Twilight. I had a nice time.”
Twilight looked over and saw the true expression on her friend’s face. Her demeanor quickly escalated as they entered the house.
Walking around trying to see if anyone was home, Sunset smiled at the warm comforting feeling the large house gave off. It was a lot more than she was used to but she felt welcomed and comfortable here.
Sunset walked towards Twilight’s room. “I think I’m gonna head out, if you think you can manage-”
As she stepped into the bedroom she found Twilight already half undressed. Sunset spun on her heels covering her blushing face and mumbled an apology.
Didn’t she know she was still in the house. Why would she immediately start changing. The clothes they wore were admittedly quite uncomfortable.
She quickly moved to leave but heard Twilight giggle before feeling warm hands on her back. Fire raged on her skin and in her mind as she felt her bare hand on her back.
“Twilight,” She warned.
She hoped their mishap in the bathroom wouldn’t continue in Twilight’s bedroom. While they were alone. With no one to help Sunset’s resolve.
Unfortunately, or perhaps not so unfortunate, she felt Twilight's warm hands begin to pull Sunset’s zipper down and felt Twilight press herself against Sunset’s back. A fire she hadn’t even know was there bloomed in her chest and poured itself across her back, burning every limb down to her toes.
With a shuttering yelp, she ran out of the room and closed the door. Yelling through the barrier “Twilight! Get dressed!!” She heard giggling.
“So, we’re not going to partake in, by social standards, the most popular prom tradition?”
Sunset groaned and let out a curse.
Thankfully she heard the rustle of clothing. Soon Twilight let out a sound that it was alright to enter. Cautiously Sunset opened the door and found Twilight climbing into her bed, fully clothed.
She let out a breath. This whole night was becoming tiresome but she smiled as she watched Twilight pull herself under the covers.
“I’m glad I got you home safe.”
A small silence settled between them. Sunset had intended on leaving right away. Twilight was knowingly safe in her bed, she seemed sober enough to be left alone.
As the worry for her safety began to subside, the heated events of the night began to flood back into her memory. The night had actually been a lot of fun, but was ending worlds differently than she could have imagined.
Sunset sighed. “I better go, Twilight. I’ll see you on monday.”
To her surprise Twilight let out a small sound and clutched the covers beneath her.
“Stay?”
Sunset could feel her heart beating fast again. That resolve that had settled itself on the ride home was slowly melting as the time passed.
“Twilight, I-I can’t just sleep here.” She saw her friend look downward. “I think I’ve already overstayed my welcome.” She gave her a small smile. “Plus, I can’t just sleep in my formal dress.” Gesturing to her attire.
Twilight perked up a bit. “You don’t have to wear your dress.”
Sunset’s eyes widened as held back an audible groan. She blushed and sighed, closing her eyes to rub her temples.
“I’m not going to sleep here with no clothes on.”
Twilight looked down at her hands. “Well you could just wear some of my clothes.”
Sunset looked up. On one hand staying would insure Twilight wouldn’t hurt herself while intoxicated. On the other, it may give way to more questionable choices, and by the way her own resolve was dissolving, on both ends.
“Twilight…”
“Can I have some water please?”
Sunset shook her head at the offhand question. “What?”
Twilight looked to the side. “My head is starting to hurt and a glass of water should be good for me in this state of my inebriation.”
Pausing at the sobriety of her words Sunset smiled. “Sure, I’ll be right back.”
Cursing herself for not being able to deny her friend, she walked into the kitchen and while getting Twilight something, helped herself to her own glass of water.
She had begun to be familiar with Twilight’s house over the past few months since they always hung out with one another. What had started as a blooming friendship had developed into so much more for Sunset.
Her friend’s antics that night were confusing and frustrating, for she wanted them more than anything. But not in this way, not because Twilight’s inhibitions had dissipated.
She sighed, grabbing a couple of aspirins and made her way back to Twilight’s room.
If she stayed, and Twilight, she shivered pleasantly and uncomfortably at the thought, made a move on her, she knew she would have no willpower to stop her. Her own desire she felt was too great.
Sitting next to Twilight on her bed she handed her the glass of water she had requested. Holding the pills up she grimaced.
“These are for tomorrow morning.” Sunset set them on Twilight’s nightstand. “You’re going to have an even worse headache tomorrow.”
Twilight nodded as she sipped her cooling drink. A comfortable silence settled between the two. Both drank their water and Sunset spared a glance to her side. Twilight was looking down at the cup in her hands.
“Please,” Twilight hesitated, breaking the silence. “M-my parents and brother are gone.”
Sunset stilled, not wanting to hear more temptation's that she was quickly having difficulty denying. She blamed it on her tiredness.
“I don’t want to be alone.”
Sunset paused at this, looking over at the now small frail girl.
“After tonight, I know you might hate me.”
Sunset started to protest but was cut short.
“But I can’t stand being alone, especially after such a trying night.”
Sunset huffed. Twilight had little room to talk about trying. Though she realized that the dance in itself was tiresome for such a socially anxious person. Plus, even though it caused a lot of trouble on her end, alcohol was a completely new experience for Twilight. Being alone to experience her first hangover didn’t sound appealing at all.
Sunset knew what it was to be lonely. Ever since she had left Equestria she had been alone. Even with her previous enemies showing her a kindness she had never known. Sunset was still the only person here from Equestria, and she had no one she lived with, so her loneliness ate away at her more then she would care to admit.
Twilight’s last plea seemed to have broken through to her. She softened her gaze and put a hand on Twilight’s. “Sure.”
Twilight looked up, tears glistened in her eyes but hope was replacing them.
“W-what?”
Sunset smiled. “I said sure, I’ll stay.” She removed her hand and cradled her own cup, looking away. “The last thing I’d want is for you to feel alone.” Sunset looked back at Twilight. “And I’m far from hating you.”
Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes.
“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Sunset bumped shoulders and let out a chuckle as she stood up.
“So,” She looked around. “Where are these spare clothes you were talking about?”