//------------------------------//
// Say You Hate Because You Assume Things About Others 
// Story: Take My Heart, But Not My Studded Bracelets 
// by Xutiepops 
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Sunset Shimmer was the head cheerleader. Which meant, she was one of the prettiest girls in school by default. And it was true, boys and girls alike adored her. She practically drowned in the fame with a smirk that said anything but modesty. 
And as in every cheerleader trope, she was the insensitive one with a lot of money. Which was true. And also as in every cheerleader trope, she had a girl much uglier than her trying to prove her wrong and point out her evil ways. By Sunset's belief, that was Ditzy Doo. 
Ditzy wasn't ugly. She was actually as adorable as Sunset was gorgeous. Of course, making her another school favorite. And her dumb girl attitude added to it. Sunset didn't care, she despised the girl because Flash Sentry, her crush, had the feels for the girl. 
Of course, Sunset wasn't going to let that happen. She couldn't give up the boy of her entire future for someone so much lower than her. At least she'd graduate college and get a job to help support their loving family. 
She growled as she walked towards the gymnasium. Ditzy wouldn't shut up about the love note she found in her locker. Well, that was how Sunset interpreted it. She really tried to keep it hidden, but some other girl discovered it and started the chatter. 
Sunset gritted her teeth and balled her fists as they talked. "Oh Ditzy! Who do you think it is?" A girl exclaimed. Ditzy was obviously nervous, but all Sunset saw was pride and power. 
"Yeah Ditzy! It's gotta be obvious which guy's got a huge crush on you!" Another squealed. Sunset's short heels dug into the floor with every step. 
Ditzy smiled weakly and tapped her fingers together. "W-well, I-I don't know who'd want to be with me..." the girl spoke in-between questions. Sunset rolled her eyes. She thought that Ditzy knew too well which boy gave her the note. Of course, Ditzy was too self-conscious to think anyone would do it for real. 
The second they got to the doors to the gymnasium, Sunset turned to the girls and they all shut up at the sight of her. She eyed the note in Ditzy's hands and put on a bored expression. Ditzy smiled, "You wanna read it? Sorry I didn't ask you before..." She extended the note. Sunset just looked confused. 
"Why? Don't you want to keep it personal or something like that?" Sunset asked, pointing at the note with the other hand on the hip. Ditzy shook her head and smiled.
Her smile shone bright with purity and innocence. Sunset saw malice as she attempted to take the letter as nicely as possible. Ditzy spoke as she read, "I don't think it's real." Gasps of the girls around her shot at once. Sunset's hands tore into the paper as her eyes burned holes. 
'Dear Ditzy, you're so gorgeous and nice. I'd love to take you to the dance, if you figure out who I am. But, it doesn't matter, I'll ask you the night before the dance anyways. So be prepared. For some reason, I just like you, I know you won't really believe it, but just try to. I think you're smile would be a lot prettier if it was just confident and happy,' the note read. 
Sunset's mind ran with things to do. It was obviously Flash who gave her this, but why? Why not Sunset? Sunset was so much prettier, and what guy didn't like a powerful girl? Did Flash really want a teddy bear over passion? If he did, Sunset might question her attraction. Actually, never mind. She tends to end up a teddy bear around guys anyways. 
"Ditzy," Sunset tried to talk in the calmest and sweetest tone she could manage. Though, it didn't exactly work on her face, and it was even more obvious as the letter was starting to tear at the impact of her nails. She saw Ditzy's worried expression towards it and hesitantly softened her grip. 
"Yeah Sunset?" Ditzy asked happily. She wanted to hear what Sunset thought on the matter. Sunset had definitely dealt with boys before, right? She would know what was a joke and what was the truth. She couldn't wait to hear the encouragement from the brute. 
Sunset's eyes shot fear to each of the girls. The green pierced each of them and most backed away from Ditzy. All the while, Ditzy was even more terrified than them. Her legs started to shake as her hands folded behind her back. A nervous smile pulled on her face. 
Sunset didn't speak for a long time. She often looked down at the letter and back up. Suddenly, she crumpled the letter. And finally, she spoke at the sight of Ditzy's horror, "I think you should forget about boys, darling. I mean, you're going to be next head cheerleader after this year. Can't have boys distracting you, can we?" 
Shock spread across the girls. Every girl knew Sunset was giving up being a cheerleader after sophomore year, but she never said who she thought would fit best as next head cheerleader. And now that she announced it was Ditzy, the girls were so shocked and ashamed they thought her mean. 
"I mean," she continued abruptly, pulling the attention back to her. She flashed her green eyes, "Unless you would rather have a boy over leading the cheer team." Sunset played the innocent role, as she suspected from herself. 
She put a reassuring hand on Ditzy's shoulder. "Just know, I support you in whatever you pick. But I'd rather see the girls I've led in cheer stay just as strong with you. I don't want you to lose this one-time opportunity, especially when a million boys'll show their faces to you." 
Ditzy looked at the ground. Worry and indecisiveness spread across her face. Her face turned red as she wanted to cry. She balled up her fists, "B-b-but... if it's the boy I think it is... then I don't want another one." A spread of 'awww's shot lovingly from the crowd behind them. Sunset sighed. 
"You don't have to make the decision now, you have until the end of the year to secure your place as next head cheerleader anyways," Sunset said comfortingly. Ditzy smiled at her weakly. For some reason, the pure ones could never see the malice behind the smirks or the glistening eyes. They never saw the flame that was fueled in the witches heart through their demise. 
And somehow, she was lucky. Sunset always thought she was really stupid. But they did say bliss was happiness. Until that bliss screws you over, which is exactly what Sunset was going to do, high-school-girl-trope-style. 
The group walked into the gym and started heading to the locker room made specifically for them. Sunset smirked and blew a kiss to the captain of the volley ball team. So, Ditzy walked up to her to ask her something, having a feeling they were friends. 
"Uh, hey, Sunset... are you... uh," Ditzy tried to get it out without sounding offensive. Of course, Sunset got the hint. 
She rolled her eyes, "Ew, no. It's repulsive." Ditzy was more than shocked. 
"But," Ditzy fidgeted. "Isn't Applejack... you know... why are you friends with her if you don't like that?" Sunset wanted to sock the girl then and there and eliminate her as a rival.
She swallowed a groan. "Applejack's lesbian tendencies, " -she just had to smirk at that- "don't affect why she's my friend. I like her person, just not that part of her. Besides, I don't necessarily like the idea of me being gay, I don't really give a shit if others are." 
Ditzy cowered at the curse word. Sunset itched to yell and bully her. But as in every high school trope, you either befriend them to use them, or hate them entirely. And since Ditzy had her future husband, the only path was to befriend to use.
And befriend to use she would. Now that Ditzy's mentioned it, she wondered what Applejack was doing.



Applejack was bored as all hell. She was sat on the bleachers as the soccer team practiced. She was waiting for Crash, the two were going to waste all their money on cheap arcade games because they want the high score and they're too stubborn. Then, they were going to follow Sunset around as she shopped.
The two lackeys were confused when Crash prompted the idea earlier in the day. She had always been the recluse one while Sunset and Applejack did their own thing as friends. But, neither questioned it. 
Applejack expected Sunset to just go with the flow on this one. Besides, following Crash meant she was automatically one of the girls with respect in the school. No one was allowed to mess with her if she followed Crash around. Applejack was sure Sunset had no care for the athlete.
But Applejack always felt bad for the girl. She had no friends, just obvious lackeys. She had power over everyone in school, but what did that matter to the greater scheme of life? Power in high school gets you no where, at least with friends you have arms to fall back on if you trip.
So, Applejack gladly agreed when the question presented itself. It was as if Crash wanted to be friends with them, she was really happy to see it. Of course, she made Sunset agree. Even if Sunset didn't like Crash now, she certainly would in the future. 
Applejack had no idea why she liked the idea of being friends with Rainbow Crash so much. She knew it wasn't because she liked her. Applejack's type was clearly girly girls. Something Crash definitely was not. 
And she knew it wasn't because they had a childhood friendship and grew apart. The most she knew about Crash's childhood was that she grew up with Fluttershy in Cloudsdale. But whenever she asked, Crash gave her a cold stare and she shut up. 
She watched as Crash played perfectly, even if it was just practice. She knew the coach was mad at her before, but now he just wore a proud smile. It reminded her of her dad, or her Grandpa Pear. She didn't really remember her dad. She remembered her mom though. But her dad wasn't around that much. She assumed he just worked hard, he did have a stay-at-home wife and two kids to support. It was understandable. 
And she didn't worry about it too much. She loved her Granny Smith, and she loved her independence. But, she always remembered questioning why she was the one that it happened too. But then she'd look at Crash and remember she didn't have it the worse. 
She knew kids liked talking about their parents. Even Sunset did and she hates revealing her personal life. But Sunset adored her mother and used her father for cash. She would spend whole lunch periods just talking about how much fun her mom is. 
And Applejack always loved reminiscing about her parents. And everyone she had talked to more than once brought up their parents every now and then. But Crash never did, she never said one word about her parents. So, Applejack expected something was going on, even if she had no proof. 
The practice was still going on and she groaned. She wanted to at least be awake for the trip to the mall! She groaned again and got up, starting off of the bleachers to go see what Sunset Shimmer was doing. 
She simply walked, she didn't feel like rushing anything. And she really didn't feel like seeing the cheerleaders preform. And she utterly despised Sunset in a cheer outfit. Though Sunset looked so much happier as a cheerleader, yet it was obviously forced. The few times it wasn't forced, Applejack didn't see. 
So, she finally got to one of the side doors to the school and pushed it open. She was surprised it wasn't locked, saying as no one would use it, but she didn't question it. 
She started down the teachers wing of classrooms. She wasn't surprised to not see them there so far in the afternoon on a Friday. She peeked into Mrs. Cheerilee's classroom to see what the teacher was doing. For some reason, the teacher didn't leave until afterschool activities were over. No one questioned her. 
She saw the teacher groan as her fingers dug into her hair and her brow furrowed. Applejack almost felt guilty, so, she took a step forwards and knocked on the doorframe. Mrs. Cheerilee's head shot up and her eyes stood fixed on Applejack. 
"Applejack? Don't you always go home with your brother?" Mrs. Cheerilee asked. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled with glee, "Wait! Did you join an club? Or the girls volleyball team?" The teacher looked so happy. Applejack felt even more guilty as she shook her head. The teacher hung hers as she looked at the papers on her desk. 
"As much as ah would love doin' all that," she started. The teachers head perked up with a smile again. Applejack sighed. "Ah got so many chores to do on the farm. I had to do even more when Apple Bloom joined the gardening club at her middle school." 
Mrs. Cheerilee smiled and then chuckled. "I'm sorry, Applejack. I guess I forgot you live on a farm." The teacher smiled motherly and clasped her hands together. "So, what can I do for you?" 
Applejack looked at the room in the lowering sun outside. It was still high and sunny outside, but it was different then getting in the class before noon. "Ah well... ah saw you looked kinda frustrated and thought you might need some help." 
Mrs. Cheerilee's eyes sparkled as confusion etched into her face. "Huh? Oh! It's fine, just go along and do what you need," the teacher made a shooing motion with her hand. 
"Well, what're ya doin? Gradin' papers?" Applejack asked, wrapping her hand around the other arm. She shifted her balance to a different leg. Mrs. Cheerilee smiled sadly. 
"Say, Applejack... are you going to get a tutor? I know your teachers recommended it to help your grades," Mrs. Cheerilee asked happily. Applejack already saw where this was heading. She nodded anyways.
"Yeah... well... ah was more just gonna get Granny ta help me more than anythin' else," she said. She was almost scared Mrs. Cheerilee would make her get a real tutor and not some old historian of the apple family. But the smile melted it away. 
Mrs. Cheerilee smiled, "That's nice, though I'm always here if she suddenly becomes unavailable." Applejack smiled, until the question was prompted. "Do you know if Rainbow Dash will get one?" She cringed at the use of Rainbow's real name. Though, she expected it from adults. Rainbow lost her privilege to a nickname the second her disobedience was noticed by the teachers. 
Applejack sighed without Cheerilee's notice. "Ah don't think she is, but she might change her mind. She ain't that stupid," Applejack stated. Mrs. Cheerilee stared at the girl, expecting her to continue into some meaningful thing about her friend. So, Applejack did what the teacher didn't want. She leaned on one foot, put her hands in her pockets and deadpanned, "Actually... ah don't know." 
She really didn't. She didn't know how far Crash's stubbornness would go before admitting defeat. And saying as if everything was as stereotypical as they could get, then Crash already gave up a while ago. She'll hide behind a strong face and let out her sorrow to herself and only herself. As Applejack thought about it, Crash did fit the edgy type. 
Mrs. Cheerilee ignored the obvious attempt to annoy her. She smiled and made another shooing motion with her hand. "Well, go on. I'm sure there's something more interesting than talking to a teacher," the teacher smiled. 
Applejack took a step forward to object. But, she moved back to her place and turned, taking her way out of the classroom.
She walked through the halls, starting to head to the other side of the school towards the gymnasium. Or what she thought was the gym. She had gym her first year and honestly forgot where it was. She skipped pep rallies and had no reason to go to the gym. So of course, she was heading to the wrong destination. 
She walked past the foyer of the school, taking in the school she was honestly indifferent about. She didn't hate it and she didn't love it. But after a familiar voice rang from the front steps of the school, she froze. 
"Honestly darling! You should really become better friends with Twilight! She's a doll!" She heard the familiar feminine voice that clashed with deep class. She turned to the front steps of the school and saw the back on two bodies. 
She recognized the dark purple locks as Rarity. But she had no idea who the white haired girl with the purple streak was. And the girl was covered in so many studded items it made her sick. But the feeling faded away as she heard Rarity laugh at a joke she herself didn't hear. 
She so badly wanted Rarity to laugh at her jokes and her mishaps. She balled her fists as she declared war on the brat next to Rarity. Of course, her jealousy and anger set in, as it usually did around Rarity. She knew she should've left so she could cool down. It wasn't doing her any good if she got used to handling situations through her anger. 
And if a little laugh triggered it, she was going down hill soon! She should've put up more of a resistance. How could a little laugh make her so jealous? How could she be so stupid? Why was she so stupid? She could never get with Rarity, the girl screamed straight anyways. 
Not even her depressive thoughts could cool Applejack down. So, she took an angry few steps towards the two. She cleared her throat, making the two look at her. The mystery girl looked at Applejack in awe while Rarity rolled her eyes. 
"Yes, what is it darling? We were having a nice conversation," Rarity said rudely. She crushed Applejack's anger once again. The rude tone coming from such a nice mouth. She couldn't imagine hate sliding through those pale lips of hers. So, she stood her ground. No matter how crushed she felt. 
Before she could say anything the other girl spoke. "Hey! That's not very nice, she didn't ruin anything." Applejack and Rarity were both appalled at what the girl had said. Applejack's horror turned to shame. 
Rarity rolled her eyes and sighed. "She's friends with that horrid Crash! How do we know she isn't playing a trick on us?" Rarity huffed and glared at Applejack who was now crushed under the largest diamond. How could such a nice person say such things? Especially about a person who adores her?
"Just because she follows Crash around doesn't make her a jerk! When has Applejack ever done anything mean?" The mystery girl spoke. Applejack wished their places were switched. She wished Rarity was the one defending her, and she felt so guilty for it. So much for personality matters, huh?
Rarity huffed again. "When has she done anything nice!? If someone wants to follow that brute around, it's guilty until proven innocent. Like a suspicious individual. That's all!" Rarity seemed so determined. Applejack just wished she wasn't the source of Rarity's hatred. 
"She is innocent!" The mystery girl shot to her feet. Applejack was appalled to see tears in the girls eyes. "How can you be so hateful to the things that just want to know you!? You did the same exact thing to me! Why is everything guilty until proven innocent to you!?" The girl yelled to the now mortified Rarity. The girl sniffled and turned away. 
Applejack didn't move. She stayed put, but she watched the girl leave. Before the girl entered a room she didn't know, she looked back at Applejack. Blush covered her face as she turned away and raced in. Applejack was just confused, but she felt bad. How could she lead this girl on? She liked Rarity, not this mystery girl. 
"Aren't you going to thank her?" Rarity asked as she sulked in her arms. Her body curled up onto a single step. Applejack wanted to hug the skin and bones as she sulked. She wondered why Rarity was so skinny, but she noticed the girl was just in really good shape like herself. 
"Uh," Applejack started and stepped out onto the steps. She looked back to the random door before she did and turned back, taking a seat on the same step Rarity was on. "I think she got her thanks already," she stated and glanced over at Rarity. 
Her face exploded into blush as she saw Rarity puff out her cheeks and pout. "I don't know how she could possibly defend you," Rarity said sadly. She buried her hands in her arms. Suddenly, she growled and whirled to Applejack. 
"You're tearing my friendship apart! She's one of my best friends!" Rarity yelled. She growled again. "Is this one of your plans?" She put on a face of disgust. "Destroy every relationship I have!?"
Applejack didn't even think. Her blood boiled as it usually did when she thought about Rarity. She couldn't even stop herself from yelling at the girl. "Ah ain't got no plans against y'all! Why would ah?! It ain't like you're a threat or anything!" 
She didn't even let Rarity get a word in. "You're a high school girl! And the biggest problem we have with you is how many guys like you over Shimmer! That's it! Nothing else! You don't matter!" She was taken aback by her own words. And by Rarity's face of sorrow. 
"I-I...? I don't matter?" Rarity asked sadly. She was so confused and sorrowful. 
"Ah didn't mea-" Applejack couldn't even finish what she was going to say. She couldn't fix this. 
Rarity shot to her feet and huffed. "Guess I have evidence for whenever Coloratura defends you! I'll keep her away from you, don't expect a follower anymore you ruffian!" Rarity growled as she stomped off. Applejack felt so defeated. 
She was so hurt. Why didn't she just listen to Crash? Why didn't she go and thank Coloratura? Why couldn't she like the one girl who defended her? 
She buried her head in her arms. "Why do ah like you so much?"