//------------------------------// // 16 ~ Foiled pt. 2 // Story: Well ... Je Ne Sais Pas ;~; // by Alwaysthatoneguy //------------------------------// Sleep did nothing to help Shimmer discern specifics about what she could do. Morning was passed in a fruitless attempt to boil a cup of coffee (she didn't generally drink coffee but decided the occasion called for it) with a confused glare and continual pacing during which she walked in a circle in her room -- not getting anywhere repeating the same questions. Be nice? How do you even do that? What's the code? Old platitudes she'd heard from a younger age became useless in the scenario. 'Treating others how I want to be treated'? How's that going to affect how other people act toward somebody else? Bah! Changing scenery from her room to the library didn't help either; she just went on and on until her crazy interrogation with herself finally brought her somewhere somewhat beneficial. Rarity was nice. What did she do? Ground finally got covered. Of course! It's so easy; you just need to offer her things and support her no matter how others act. One qualifier made itself known very soon. Well, don't be a door mat but ... be nice? "Ugh!" she whined and recognized that, after two hours of talking to herself, she still had nine hours to pass before the evening's events would take place, so she found Aerick and received a menial task which she'd forgotten the purpose of only ten minutes after beginning: breaking a half-frozen clay mound with a shovel and hauling much of it from one point to another with a wheel barrow. Four hours in, the cold bite of two degree C air didn't matter, her hands ached but she didn't care, and her stomach demanded she take a break. Perhaps it had to do with her obsession to find something that she really cared about, but all that performing actions seemed to do for her was pass time; her mind still looped with manic queries about how to proceed despite attempts to focus herself otherwise. When the clock struck five in the evening, she quit what she was doing, showered, dressed in her facade, and went to retrieve her bike; she decided she was going to leave early to ease her mind. "'S it a costume party? I'm guessin' I don't have to tell you those colors're awful with your hair?" Shimmer hardly registered the comment as she got her bike from the workshop, but rolled her eyes and explained, "There's a wig that goes with it but it would be stuffy to wear it on the bike. Anyway, I'll see you when I get back?" "Aye." Riding to Canterlot was something she did slowly -- both because of nonsensical anxiety and leaving early. The air was clear, dry, and cold, but some urgency to accomplish something warmed her in tandem with the bike's engine. No reason to be nervous. It's just a simple gathering ... of a bunch of people. Sharp noise to one side startled her and brought her to a halt just between Canterlot and deep wilderness. Curiosity caused her to examine until she saw a faded sign where only the word 'Mill' could be read. None of my business. Just keep on, Shimmer. You have your own stuff to attend to. You can do this. Alas, her reassurances didn't stop her from drumming on her handlebars. Ugh! Why do you have to be such a wreck all the time! Despite nerves, she arrived at the school at 6:52, equipped her wig, and walked to a sole, gray side door she found inelegant on the building's Eastern wall where she was meant to be granted access. One text was all it took for Fluttershy to open and appear in the entrance. "I see Rarity helped you just fine!" she greeted Shimmer with a soft grin. "The girl is passionate about fashion." Shimmer repeated the quiet girl's statement with first-hand knowledge and pushed passed her into greater warmth. That was rude. Apologize you numbskull. "Sorry, I didn't think; it's just so cold -- it's like winter is coming or something." Fluttershy laughed, "No worries! I didn't want to stand here with the door open anyway. Come on!" and urged Shimmer down a long hall, through auditorium doors, and into a beautifully-decorated atrium. Chairs and tables were situated to the sides, a stage with large curtains of black and white obfuscated a back stage, and winter-based decorations were hung or pinned all over; Shimmer's favorite were these sparkling snowflakes dangling off a glow-in-the-dark, star-studded ceiling. The muted black scheme of things was poignant and captured the essence of a clear, winter's night. One call was all it took to garner attention from the decor. "Hey! Over here!" came the chipper tune of Pinkie promulgating the friend group's location. Of course, Shimmer got a few remarks, upon reaching them, about her disguise from the others, but she was quick to brush them off as she wanted to discuss other things. Applejack extended courtesy first, though. "Would ye like any cider or punch?" she asked while pointing away from the group -- in a corner -- to a central part of the auditorium where a table with large, liquid-filled bowls rested. Disregarding the temptation for refreshment due to a handful of students gathering around the table, Shimmer declined, "I'm more interested in how exactly this is all supposed to work; like, where's Sunset? When do ... things happen?" Maybe something really going down will help me focus on other things. Rainbow was the one to explain, "Sunset won't come in 'til 7:25 -- right in the middle of things." Dash's face fell as she went on. You find how they treat Sunset just as awful as I do. Don't you? "About that time, actually a bit before, Applejack and I will head out the doors beyond the stage and set up to see if we can't catch Gilda being ... Gilda on camera." She paused while pointing to each friend besides Applejack or Shimmer. "Everyone else will be on the inside and ready to bring the teachers out as soon as we say Gilda's going too far. Do you wanna be inside or out?" I mean, that seems like a sensible plan. Another thought contradicted this but Shimmer dismissed it. Much as I'll hate the cold ... "I'd rather be outside to see things myself." she answered. Events set in motion, Shimmer watched as a handful of students (people arriving early or with privileges regarding entrance) became hundreds. All of her was so, so happy to be in the corner at that moment; in fact, she unconsciously moved closer to the wall. Not only did it alleviate her discomfort, but she could still observe the goings on of the crowd with good resolution. Doors inside closed at 7:00 and people behaved as anyone might expect high schoolers to; disregarding teachers walking onto the stage and urging quiet, kids chatted and laughed, some respected, and some displayed bouncing demeanor like they were ecstatic. Of course, some stared at phones or papers -- unfocused -- as if they cared more about their own projects or proceeds and were present for some other reason. Cutting over any parties' conversations came the ear-splitting, speedy bzz! of a microphone being activated too near to its audio processor. I bet that was on purpose. Soon after, many students hushed and a tall, formally-dressed lady with a gradient of hair similar to Rainbow's -- but sporting different colors and a slight shine -- walked through the stage curtains, microphone in hand, and looked over the amassed youth. "CHS students!" she addressed with an upbeat tone, "As I know you're all aware: Deep Freeze Fest is on the way and, with it, our annual Ice Skating Competition!" Cheers interrupted in the crowd but she bid them to die down with a raising-and-lowering hand and continued, "Now, it is my pleasure to give the stage to last year's champion to announce categories for participation, students to surpass, and rules for each bracket!" That said, the stage curtains began drawing back and Shimmer jumped from a squeal. "I did the streamers!" Pinkie didn't keep her voice down. Are you this uppity all the- Shimmer bore witness to a scene which inspired appreciation and awe for all the work that must have been employed to create something so beauteous; light shone upon a painted background -- spanning the stage's berth -- of a valley lake situated between a few snow-covered mountains with snow monsters and snow-topped evergreens contrasting the white on a cloudless day, streamers of pink, blue, gold, and white flicking from point to point like the brush strokes, and glistening, twirling ice skates suspended by strings which only showed themselves at some junctions akin to spiderwebs on a sunny, spring day. Expressions awe full were received by students all around the auditorium. Someone unknown to Shimmer was given the microphone and introduced themselves by a name irrelevant to her. While they talked about the upcoming competition, Shimmer glanced again and again at her phone -- only wracking her nerves more -- to discover the time was 7:06. "So, can someone point out Gilda to me?" she asked to distract herself. Dash answered, "Right now I don't see her, who knows what she's cooking, but she's hard to miss; she's really tall, has almost-white-blonde hair, wears these Japanese pants for martial something, and often wears this brown-leather jacket over everything." Just as Shimmer thought she heard it all, Dash added something hard to forget. "Oh! And she has these really bright, gold eyes, and she'll be the first to start something." Sounds like somebody I would seriously avoid. Happy to be watching rather than interacting, Shimmer absentmindedly watched the stage while the minutes ticked by with students cheering and the speaker calling off names and schedules. However, just as prior ordained, Rarity called at 7:22, "Sunset's here. Time to let her in." Fluttershy and Rarity vacated to do just that, Pinkie went to join another group so eyes would be present should she disappear, and Shimmer took a few deep breaths before being ushered to join Applejack and Rainbow along the student-comprised crowd's outskirts toward a small stairway (away from central view) leading behind and to the stage's side. "Come on, Shimmer, the door's just back here." Dash urged as Shimmer stopped just before the stairs so she could turn to the crowd and the auditorium's entrance. "Hang on. I just wanna see something." Most of the students had happiness on their faces in droves. Then, everything changed when Sunset attacked the room by bashing through the doors. Heads turned -- starting from the crowd's rear and developing toward the front -- and gloom usurped prior jovial tones. Everybody, including the student happily announcing things pertaining to upcoming festivities, got quieter. In fact, it became so quiet that Shimmer could hear some students' murmurs. "What's she doing here?" "Isn't she banned from this kind of thing?" "I sure as hell signed that petition." "Ugh ... bitch ruins everything." Through it all, Sunset stomped forward as the crowd parted to let her pass -- like nobody wanted to wipe their hands or something -- with clenched fists and stoic features. She's ready for anything. Dash saying, "Something came up; we need to step out. It's really important," was a mutter of no consequence (talking to a staff member wondering what they were doing) compared to an angry hiss emanating from a source previously described to Shimmer. "Sunset Shimmer! You are not supposed to be here!" True to Rainbow's prediction, after Gilda grabbed attention, she threw something at Sunset which Shimmer didn't recognize until it collided with its target; it was the classic expression for contempt of one's presence: a tomato. People became bolder once Gilda prompted it; they closed in around Sunset, smacked, shoved down, and picked her up so they could repeat. While some teachers failed to stop things -- there are more students after all -- some stood on the sidelines without lifting a finger. Of course, Shimmer only needed look away from Sunset for a few moments to realize the majority's disposition. Rarity and Fluttershy were two of a handful of people who watched in horror, and they were only watching (clearly forced) to know what was going on and be able to relay it. Liquid was being dumped over Sunset's head when Shimmer turned back. I can't watch this. Shimmer marched away, pushing Rainbow and Applejack onward, and pleaded more than stated, "Okay, let's go." Neither the athlete nor farmer objected. Perhaps it was frigid, but Shimmer welcomed outside when they exited the building and found herself warm via something within: anger, disgust, ambition to act ... sensations indescribable with mere vapid letters; one would have to see the emotions throughout to even begin understanding. Applejack led the trio toward the school's Northeast corner to a relatively hidden spot not far away. Moments later, Rainbow's phone vibrated and she announced while pointing to whence they came, "That's where they're kicking Sunset out." Well, it wouldn't make much sense for them to take her to a door more out of the way ... unless they wanted to keep assaulting her. Shimmer shook her head -- choosing to focus on the cold rather than ... possibilities. Less than a minute later, the doors opened again, Sunset was pushed out onto the ground, and they were slammed closed. Sunset was alone while she stood, clutched either side, shivered enough for it to be noticeable from a great distance, and began pacing in circles. After that, you're still collected enough to go through with this? I would've stormed off crying by now. Soon enough, Sunset became stationary, facing away from the observing trio, and Gilda's taller form became apparent -- approaching from the corner opposite the stakeout crew. First, Gilda offered the wet, probably-freezing Sunset her jacket. However, the cold girl only grabbed it to throw on the ground, dig her heel into it, point, and shout something Shimmer couldn't make out. That's a way to show anger. Shimmer realized that both Applejack and Rainbow were recording, so -- if anything -- it looked like Sunset was attacking Gilda, but the provocation made sense in both a pragmatic and anger-based way. "Uh, Dash?" Applejack swallowed. "I see them. I- woah that's a few people. We might have to get a better angle." Shimmer shook at the statement but paled as ten or more students -- a slight ways from Gilda and Sunset -- joined the tall girl like a mob preparing for something. Heaving a sigh, Dash began only to be interrupted, "Don't stop recording Apple-" "What're we looking at?" Each girl whirled to see an unexpected face: a girl's with almost-silver, and blue hair somewhat concealed by a star-spangled hat. Circumstances were stressed and Shimmer's 'new people' reflex kicked into overdrive. Fortunately there were others to speak in her place. "Trixie," Applejack addressed. Rainbow followed with, "Lulamoon." "Farmer Jack," Trixie returned with hands clasped behind her back and a jubilant, too-big-to-seem-real smile, "Soccer Scruff. Uh ... " She paused when she looked at Shimmer. "Have we met before?" Looking away to find relief in seeing Sunset and Gilda still standing by the doors, Shimmer said nothing for fear of giving herself away. Again, Applejack was there to draw attention. "She's none a yer business, but to answer yer question: it's lookin' like somethin' real fishy's about to happen yonder." Listening-but-not-looking Shimmer continued to watch Sunset and Gilda argue. Trixie was supported in a way which could only intimate corroboration when she next spoke -- with long, drawn-out words -- by Gilda yanking Sunset into a half hug. "What? Something between Gilda and Sunset? Nonsense! They're the best of friends!" "'Best friends'?" Applejack's eye roll was audible in her voice. "That right there smells like a pretty massive pile o' manure after deep rain if ye ask me." At this, Trixie laughed; it was a pretentious, hard-on-the-ears, vile chortle which Shimmer found her stomach churning at. "Well Farmer Jack, let's not ask you then, shall we? Let's ask them." Rainbow groaned as Trixie moved toward the school doors without waiting for a response, "Ugh, we don't have much choice; she's gonna point us out one way or the other." Fear crept into Shimmer's heart, but she figured she had to see this through. If not for me, then to support Sunset. Courage, Shimmer, you have it ... somewhere, right? Conversation continued and Shimmer found she would soon be pressed to make a choice. "Will you stay here and try to have things ready in case things get ... ugly, AJ?" the athlete asked her friend. "You don't have to come either, Shimmer." Applejack responded before Shimmer found words, "Can do, Dash. You have more hist'ry with those two than I do anyway. Just be careful, and I'll do what I can from here -- hopefully get 'Shy 'n them to be ready 'n send help if you need." Shimmer cut in before more words could be exchanged, " I'll see things up close." Dash nodded, started after Trixie with Shimmer in hesitant tow behind, and called back to Applejack, "And watch your back okay!" "Eeyup!" None of Shimmer's attempts to calm herself slowed her heart -- which beat faster and louder every step toward the commotion. You can do this, she told herself. The beat became louder. You don't even have to say anything. Her hands began shaking. It's going to be alright. Another series of steps came from Trixie, Dash, and herself, and the beat became a noise drowning out others in her ears. Still, she tried to remain calm. Freaking out won't help anyone. Louder, louder, louder her heart sounded still! Then, with the group's arrival at the crowd, Shimmer looked to the model of defiance and disregard for others with any semblance of power; Sunset's face was twisted in hostility and Shimmer could see her resisting elbowing behind herself by squeezing Gilda's forearm around her neck. Anyone could see Sunset's seething desire to maim the person holding her. Seeing this somehow soothed Shimmer's imminent panic attack and her heart sounded no more. "Well if it isn't Dewdrop!" Gilda spoke with a psychotic smile Shimmer refused to look at. "You're a little late if you've come to apologize and get back together! I'm sorry it took so long for you to come to your senses and realize what you were missing." Not going to read into that. Rainbow's response was swift and sharp as a knife fresh from a working forge going through a stick of butter in a south-facing window on a summer day. "My senses came to me years ago and still tell me that you're a rat trying to wiggle your way, gladly, into last week's garbage; anyone with old socks up their nose could smell it from miles away." Emotionless, Gilda stared for a moment before laughing. She was going to retort but Trixie cut in. "Gilda, these misunderstanding girls-" Trixie paused to gesture behind her. " ... the one back there who's spying, too, seem to think there's something untoward going on between you and Sunset." Gold eyes comported a wide, pretending-to-be-appalled performance. "Wha-" Gilda exaggerated a quivering lip. "That is so far off! Sunny Bunches and I would never -- not in public anyway! People need to mind their own business; we're getting along swimmingly! You know, right Tricks?" Sunny Bunches? "Of course! That's what I told them but they didn't believe me!" Sunset grumbled something unintelligible which Shimmer guessed was a curse and prompted an eye roll from Rainbow. The athlete crossed her arms and directed to Sunset the question, "Why don't you tell me what you think about your relationship?" As one might expect by Sunset's contorted-in-rage expression, her answer was not happy or in any way agreeable. "For fuck's sake, we are not, have not been, nor ever shall be -- in any way, shape, or form -- anything close to friends!" Gilda's mouth went agape and she looked to Trixie; the Lulamoon shrugged before saying anything. "Looks like your girl's mad at you Gilda." Sunset's jaw was tensed in such a way to show how much she was avoiding letting out how much what was being said was getting to her. Of course, it only grit more when Gilda squeezed a little tighter and ruffled her hair with a gentle-but-fast palm. "I dunno why! I walk her to class, we talk at every opportunity, and I'm always letting her know how I feel!" You literally threw a tomato at her which has only washed away because somebody else threw a drink in her face. You must have a problem if that's your definition of a healthy relationship. Trixie turned to face Rainbow and Shimmer with a shrug and tried to divert them from the ordeal with a, "Just a lovers' quarrel, see? We really don't have any right to interfere." Sunset groaned but the Lulamoon continued, "Let's just go back inside, have some cider, and be merry okay? Really, this isn't a good place to be right now." Was that a suggestion or a threat? After looking at the amassed people behind Gilda -- who seemed still as statues -- Dash and Shimmer only shifted their weight to dig their feet into the ground more and the latter figuratively held her tongue to remain incognito. This is clearly one of those relationships where only one person is participating. Discourse halted for some time. Sunset growled, Gilda shook her head, Trixie frowned, the crowd stared -- some shivered -- but no one said a word; both sides just glared to express extreme disdain. Seconds became minutes and Sunset was the only one so much as moving, likely to stave off any damage inflicted by the cold, but she was also venting anger by wriggling in Gilda's grip. Finally, something cut through the standoff like a crack separating sheets of a frozen lake; it was a voice with searing power which could only belong to one person Shimmer knew of and all faces turned pallid under its tone. All faces but Sunset's, anyway. "Really, Principal Celestia," the call's beginning made the surrounding frigidity run somewhere warm. "You have no need to busy yourself with this! If it even is a fracas, I can handle it!" Gilda instantly released Sunset whilst the entire crowd turned toward where the tall girl initially came from. There, matching the power of the voice itself, was Octavia -- in a stance which challenged anyone to stand straighter -- with a palm over her mouth like she was trying to amplify her volume toward the commotion rather than beyond the corner where the same lady Shimmer saw begin the pep talk (Principal Celestia) soon marched around and for the gathering. During the approach, Sunset joined Dash's side and shivered. Would it be nice to offer your own jacket? Or would that just make her angrier? I don't know, dammit! Maybe ask? Shimmer thought but just bundled herself up more. "What is going on here?" the principal demanded toward Sunset, Gilda, and Trixie more than anyone else when she arrived, "Sunset, you're not even supposed to be here. I run to the office for two minutes ... Why did you come?" There was no answer from Sunset -- just an aversion of the eyes to one side. Celestia rolled her eyes and settled them on the Lulamoon. "And Trixie ... Why am I not surprised to find you here where trouble brews?" Trixie, in response, stepped back onto her right foot, tilted her head the same way with wide eyes, and used her left index finger to point to her chin as if to ask 'me?' which only got an irritated, "Mhmm." She replied so much like she was talking to a baby that it was an obvious lie, "This is all a misunderstanding; I assure you! See, I saw a crowd, it looked like there might be a fight, so I came to stop anything. Sure is relieving to see you and Octavia here, though!" That is absolutely not what you seemed to be doing when you approached us. Trixie continued, "Look, it doesn't seem like there's much of anything going on here. Sunset and Gilda were just having some kind of relationship argument and a crowd gathered. It's none of our business, though, so can we break it up?" Celestia shook her head but turned to Gilda and moved on, "Actually, I need to have a talk with you, Gilda, so whatever 'argument' you're having is going to have to wait." Shimmer saw Sunset's knuckles turn white around tight fists, and as Gilda leaned down to snatch her jacket it was obvious that Sunset was stepping backward to channel an urge to snap her foot forward. Disregarding or not seeing this interaction, the principal turned to herd the amassed students whence she came and continued, "Come on! Let's move on and go back inside!" With both hands, she sent the crowd away. Soon, Applejack was approaching and Trixie was the only one Shimmer knew nothing of who remained; the Lulamoon bowed to Sunset with full-on eye contact and enunciated to the shivering girl, "Ever Austere. It has been an honor to again find myself in thy wake." Shimmer found it said with a degree of snark she never thought possible, but Sunset didn't seem to care. "I should respondeth to thee only to realize lowest parlor tricksters deserve no such attention." What? Before taking leave, Trixie delivered another irritating chuckle and only the four girls, Applejack rejoined their side, remained. Applejack offered, "Well, that didn't work." Without much pause, an upset Sunset shouted, "I can fucking see that!" before grumbling something under her breath. Shimmer continued to hold her piece -- trying to process what just happened and figure out how to proceed -- while Rainbow chose, for some reason, to poke at a beast which seemed ready to charge. "So," the athlete started and raised a brow to Sunset. "You and Gilda are ... " Any silence reigning prior was overthrown after this jab, as Sunset's voice became a near shriek. "No we are not! Do not ever even consider that possibility ever again!" There was a quick laugh which Shimmer did not appreciate before she raised a finger to Applejack and Dash to make a request. "Could you just give us one second?" she asked while tugging on Sunset's sleeve with a gentle, ready-to-pull-away-in-a-heartbeat grip. Of course, Sunset's reaction was the most sensible thing in the world. "Do I know you?" Shit. Shimmer forgot about her disguise but found herself reluctant to explain herself, for this was the first time that Sunset really looked at her like she was a person who existed; there was something Shimmer saw in those skeptical eyes which relayed a myriad of emotions: rigidity, pride, passion ... defiance ... anger ... but these all seemed like masks. Underneath them resided pain, depression, fear. Shimmer's heart had significantly calmed down since the ordeal occurred, but looking at Sunset caused it to slow even more; she could've looked into those oceans of feeling forever. Just what is it? Ignoring her unorthodox desire, Shimmer tore off her wig, shook her hair out of a self-taught bun of sorts, and said, "It's me." Those bottomless oceans became a layer of icy surprise, but soon ... disgust overtook as Sunset looked away. Is there something on my face? Why don't you just look at me? Shimmer thought but made another realization seconds after. I usually want people to look away when eye contact becomes a thing ... "Crud," Sunset pulled Shimmer from her musings by saying, "Those colors really don't work on m- I mean you. Please put the wig back on." To this, Shimmer obliged but stipulated, "Just ... talk with me for a sec?" Sunset Shrugged, more like shivered, and followed Shimmer a little ways from the other two girls before heaving a sigh. Just be nice. It's not hard. "Why didn't you tell me she was straight bullying you like that?" That didn't come out very nice, dammit! Sunset didn't care -- to Shimmer's relief -- as she gave a slow head tilt. "It didn't seem important. I mean, what would telling you have accomplished? She's still going to treat me like that every second she gets." Shimmer pinched her nose's bridge and groaned, "I dunno Sunset; it would've helped me understand the situation a little better -- realize what was going on and give some better advice maybe?" She almost added, 'Did you consider that?' but saw no reason to attack Sunset. Nice. "Well, do you have some better advice?" " ... " Stunned beyond words for a moment as her point seemed to have flown away, Shimmer shook her head. Are you- Wait, do I have better advice knowing that? "Ugh, no I- not right this second any- Wait a second, yes I do!" Before continuing, Shimmer breathed to check her volume and ignored the fact that she was about to start a screaming contest due to her frustration with Sunset critically massing. "Go to the principal, say you're being bullied, and they'll do everything they can for you and your friends to catch Gilda and be done with this." "It's not that easy." "What do you mean? Just give them the whole story. Be honest! What's so hard about that? Just tell them the- tell me the truth for cryin' out loud!" Sunset displayed that Shimmer, in fact, failed to prevent any contests by shouting, "You want the truth?" Shimmer instantly concluded that Sunset's raised voice was much scarier when directed at her. "The truth is that I can hardly tell the damn truth! I try and sometimes incoherent garble just oozes out uncontrollably! It always makes me feel like an idiot and I do not wanna be reminded of it! Especially not by you!" Okay, I was not expecting that. Despite effort, Shimmer didn't know what to say, so she pitched something idle in an attempt to calm things down and assure that she was trying to help. "You're not an idiot for ... that." It didn't work, as perceptible by Sunset throwing her hands in the air, turning away, and starting to walk off. "Just back off. Leave me alone! I'm going home." By yourself? Wait, that's a terrible idea! Turning a bit let Shimmer see Applejack and Rainbow moving to intercept Sunset. They realize that too. Alas, Shimmer was torn between letting Sunset go -- remembering reading, 'Never follow someone who's turned their back to you out of an argument.' -- and poking at the fire a little more. Damn it all. She might punch me but I'll live. Hence swallowing her fear, Shimmer ran after Sunset, called, "Wait!" and grabbed her counterpart by the wrist. First was a tangible tightening of muscle and visibility of hands curling into fists -- Shimmer prepared to jump back -- but Sunset stopped walking and did nothing. Shimmer used the moment to consider her next choice of words and note that Applejack and Dash stopped their movements. Just ... ignore that you're scared. "L-look," she trembled out. "You don't have to tell me anything -- just listen for a sec." Sunset's posture relaxed, her fists uncurled, and she brought Shimmer a very welcome sense of relief. Say what you feel calmly and clearly. It's not hard. "Whatever twisted, tortured world you're living right now ... it doesn't have to be that way forever. I get that you don't want to use people, and people don't want to be used -- you know that now -- but there are people who are willing to help you through this. I said as much yesterday; I'm willing to help you through this!" Sunset let out a shaky breath and her teeth chattered just loud enough to hear. Definitely listening. Shimmer released the wrist and watched it fall limp at Sunset's side before continuing, "If nothing else, no matter how angry you are at all the shit you're dealing with, you can't deny that Gilda or crew could well be waiting for you to be alone leaving school to make a move. You don't wanna give them exactly what they want, so let me -- or one of the others -- give you a ride home at least. Okay?" Nothing but trees, muffled noise from within the school, and distant urban activity spoke for a few seconds. Those seconds were some of the longest-lasting and most-uncertain of Shimmer's life, but Sunset ended them by grabbing her own, shaking elbows, huffing, and at last whispering, "Okay. Fine. Let's go." Watching Sunset shiver a moment more, Shimmer gestured toward the parking lot and said, "It'll be warmer on my bike. Come on." Whilst the pair moved toward the school's rear and Shimmer retrieved her keys, she glanced to see Rainbow giving a 'good job' speaking thumbs up. She returned it with a slight smile she tried to hold back; of course, she was super proud that she succeeded in speaking to someone (Sunset of all people) without feeling totally terrified -- in conflict no less! Easy. Upon reaching the vehicle, Shimmer noticed Sunset scanning things around to a paranoid degree; it was clear she was trying to catch anybody watching. Nobody should have to watch their backs like that. She was pulled from her head by Sunset commenting, "Skirts and bikes? Seems an off combination." One second was all Shimmer needed to dismiss the remark with the retort, "A lot cozier and 'safer' than you might think. Provided things are long and tight enough anyway." With this, Shimmer half vaulted onto the motorcycle and was immediately shaken to the fact that she wasn't thinking about her offer by the next thing Sunset asked. "So ... Am I actually supposed to hold on to your waist?" Shit. This is what you get for just blindly offering something in an attempt to 'be nice' you idiot! Think, how do you save this? Honesty. Honesty is the best policy. "I'm sorry, I didn't think. I could just ride really slow and you can walk if it's weird. I just don't want you to be alone." Another lapse of uncertainty accompanied another silence, but Sunset dispelled it much faster after a few seconds standing in the cold. " ... beats walking." she said before leaning into the space behind Shimmer on the bike. Sunset made the very rational -- for a few reasons -- choice to keep both her legs on one side of the vehicle. "Those colors don't work." she piped up again as Shimmer removed her wig. Of course, Shimmer was fast to explain, "Yeah, but it'll be God awful to wear this while driving." She added after a second, "I'm ready when you are." " ... " There were slight lips jutting out from either side of the vehicle's seats, but Shimmer had never had a passenger and hence never considered mentioning the possibility (they would've hurt to hold anyway as they weren't very broad). Regardless, after a slight period of hesitation, Sunset leaned toward Shimmer. It's not weird. It's not weird, the preparing-to-drive girl repeated to herself, but that thought was brutalized, decimated, and kicked down a cliff when two slender arms slowly, gently snaked around her waist as if Sunset was debating whether or not it was acceptable. However, the tender grip had a different quality of fear behind it; she's afraid of hurting me? Shimmer didn't have time to think about it since the proximity of the embrace forced Sunset to somewhat rest her head on Shimmer's back. Electricity jolted down the driver's spine, her face and -- of course -- neck heated up, and cognitive skills started slipping. No level of physical contact such as this had she ever achieved and she didn't know how to feel about it other than stunned; the warmth, the apprehension of the person behind her, the slow-yet-shaky breathing both against her and harmonizing with gentle expansions and contractions ... it was too much stimulation for Shimmer to handle and she needed something else, so she, without thinking, twisted her key in the ignition. Alas, this horribly failed to make things easier on her. Sunset clung tighter when the rumbling began and tensed everything closer. At least it provided some entrance for dull banter to distract Shimmer from ... things. "First time on a motorcycle?" "Mhm." "Don't worry. I won't go too fast. Just lemme know when to turn and where." Gripping her own forearms for greater security, only causing Shimmer to straighten more, Sunset agreed with a hushed, "Okay." Of course, Sunset seemed to involuntarily cling more and more as Shimmer accelerated, and the road became the only thing which could save the driver from the surreal, new sensation; if there wasn't a task to accomplish, Shimmer couldn't imagine what she might be thinking. After cresting a neat-to-Shimmer hill she was directed to, which provided a pretty vantage, and beginning to descend, Sunset buried her face in Shimmer's back so she wouldn't have to watch. Anyone with working senses could tell Sunset was scared beyond reason, but Shimmer knew she would never admit it. Hence, the driver slowed and slowed until, finally, Sunset's grip loosened just a tad and she started watching the roads once more. This relaxation was something Shimmer was keen to maintain not just for Sunset's sake but because it was a truly pleasant addition to the otherwise lonesome experience of riding from point to point. In fact, Shimmer ended up leaning back into the embrace with a smile threatening to escape the confines of her face. There was a sense of bliss to the journey which had eluded Shimmer her entire life; it was peace, connection, harmony, and something else she couldn't define. She wished it would last forever. Unfortunately for her, Sunset took it all away with a few words and a single motion. "This is it: the complex on the left." she muttered. Once Shimmer drove into the building's parking lot, Sunset snapped her arms away and the extra, benevolence-inspiring weight behind her was gone in seconds. Something about this did more than depress her to the nth degree. Nothing save its return could possibly elevate Shimmer's emotional status again, but it did the opposite of return. "Thanks for the ride. Night." came as salt in a proverbial wound. "You're wel-" Shimmer started but paused when she turned to see Sunset's back receding at a most gloom-inducing speed. She was well out of earshot just moments later, but Shimmer nonetheless finished, "-come. Anytime." For real. Any. Time. "Ugh," she grimaced before placing a hand over her stomach and looking up to a clear sky dotted with a few stars hardly visible due to light pollution. Disregarding the sensation of raw deprivation, she rode out of the parking lot and began home; it turned out to be a vapid and dull experience as every meter traveled was a grim, stark reminder that she was alone. Arriving back at the workshop brought her a happiness to evacuate her bike's presence. Nobody greeted her in her reentry of the house at 8:45, but Shimmer was glad about this too as she deflated into a chair around the dining room table, placed a hand on her side, and planted her face on the table in a deflated slouch. One hour passed before a voice requested she pause her sulking. "You 'kay there, Shim?" Aerick's words registered but Shimmer gave no acknowledgement. "You sick?" Sure does feel like it, was what she thought. However, she vocalized, "No I just ... I'm tired." She stood and ambled toward her room but stopped as a question occurred to her. "What do I do if I really ticked somebody off without meaning to and I want to make things better?" she asked things in a roundabout manner without looking at the workaholic. "Oh," Aerick started like he understood perfectly. "Gifts, Shimmer, gifts. Not just any gift; if ye pay attention to someone, you're bound to no'ice they could really use something." "Hm, thanks," Shimmer considered the idea for a few moments as she made her way to bed, kicked off her boots, and lied down (face in her pillow) without caring to change out of the rest of her disguise. The outfit Rarity was working on came to mind. She doesn't seem to care about clothes, though. Obviously. For a while, she let the prospect go and ruminated about the evening in despair about the lack of what she'd experienced not even a blink -- on a cosmological scale -- before, but a particular conclusion came which she found solace in. It's just something new you're having a weird time processing; you'll probably not care so much by tomorrow. Her hopes weren't met. First, she dreamed about the ride repeating through the night until the pain of again and again having it end woke her at three in the morning. Next, she tossed and turned for hours as she yearned for more of that connected sensation. Again when she managed to sleep, the dreams continued and she woke up at 8:35 realizing: I'm not even thinking about getting Sunset to explain herself anymore. She was utterly horrified, was her main focus. How do I ever get her to let me give her a ride again? With this, something she hated asking popped into her head and she groaned, "Gahhh- God dammit!" What do I do? The question repeated for a few seconds before her eyes fell on her haphazardly-removed footwear and she remembered Aerick's suggestion. Rarity's outfit ... maybe not, but ... Suddenly, frustration was replaced by a childish, giddy grin.