//------------------------------//
// Start New 
// Story: Amagami FiM 
// by TheAnimerican 
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Story Rich, like most of the students, sat there pretending to pay attention to the teacher. Time was always slow as he and his fellow students waited for the bell to ring for lunch. Thankfully, he was one of the lucky students to have his desk next to the window. The view from there was nice since his class was on the top floor and overlooked the courtyard. Although the courtyard wasn't too special it was best known for the large cherry blossom tree in the center. 

Sadly, the tree did not have any cherry blossoms as it was wintertime. Just looking at the tree reminded Story Rich of that night...


*** 2 Years Ago, Middle School ***




Behind the gym, there was Story Rich and a fellow student. The fellow student being a girl he has had a crush on since the start of Freshman year. Despite the day being cloudy and cold, the moment between them was enough to provide him warmth. He was hoping that she felt the same way.

"Uh... Hi... Thanks for meeting me here. So umm, I was hoping that maybe... We can spend some time together on the night of Hearth's Warming Eve?" Story nervously asked.

She tilted her head and gave a light smile. "Are you asking me out on a date?" she asked, but it was obvious she was teasing him.

The question made him blush even harder than before. "Umm... Yeah. I suppose I am," he replied with regret. "'You suppose you do?' Ugh, you are such an idiot. What kind of answer was that?" he thought to himself. "I mean yes," he corrected himself, "Yes. It is a date."

She giggled, "How bold and romantic of you. Hmm..." As she thought to herself, Story couldn't help but think of the things he liked about her. She had a playful personality and was not afraid to take on life. He also found her short red hair and brown eyes to be very attractive. Story hoped that she would say "yes." If she rejected him, he hoped he could take it. 

"Sure." Her voice broke the silence. At least, that was what he thought had happened. He questioned himself if he heard her right. 

"Yeah?" he had to ask.

"S-U-R-E. Sure," she spelled with a smile.

All the weight he was carrying was suddenly lifted off of him. He felt light on his feet and couldn't break the smile from his face. "That's great!" he cheered, "When can we hang out?"

"Well, I would like to spend a little time with my family first. So it would have to be later at night. What do you have planned for our date?" she asked.

A date. He was so happy to hear that and confident in that being what it was. It was a date with his crush! "Sure of course. Umm... Oh! You know that park, up the hill, that overlooks the town? You want to meet there at 7?"

"Hmm..." She thought to herself, "That should be just fine." She gave a thumbs up for approval. She then ran around him toward the front gate. She turned around and waved, "Have a nice winter break! See you Hearth's Warming Eve!"

Story returned the wave, but she turned away before she could see him. It didn't matter to him though since the date was a few days away. He believed that that night was going to be the most memorable night of his life. Unfortunately for him, it was.

For on that night, he waited at the park just as planned. It was nearly 7:00 p.m., the snow was falling lightly, and he held his present for her as he waited on a park bench. He held the present tight, eagerly waiting for her to arrive. It didn't take long for the clock to strike 7... then 7:15... then 7:30... 8:03... "She will be here soon. She will..." he tried to tell himself. He tried to convince himself that she had a hard time leaving the house or that perhaps she was in trouble. He wanted to contact her, but he forgot to get her number before she ran. So he waited.

Finally, it was close to 8:30 p.m. His clothes were wet, he was freezing, and still hasn't shown up. It was then he stood up, dropped the present, and said, "She isn't coming..." Feeling weak and heavy, he began his long trip back home.


*** Present Day ***


After the break, it was found out that she transferred schools. However, at that point, he didn't care about that. It was because of that night, he had to spend the rest of his winter break with a fever and a broken heart. Since then, he hasn't had feelings for another girl and Hearth's Warming was no longer a reminder of happy occasions. 

"Story hey!" a voice interrupted his daydreaming. He then felt an arm wrap around his neck. "What's up? It's lunch and you are not eating?" Story was so lost in thought, he completely missed the bell for lunchtime. 

"Oh. Hey Backbone. Sorry, I was lost in thought," said Story. 

"Lost in thought? Story, it isn't about HER again, is it? It has been two years bud. You have to move on and let it go," Backbone said with sympathy.

"That is easy for you to say. I doubt a girl you liked stood you up like that. You, on the other hand, get most of the girls anyway. Being a valuable player on the football team is a big plus. Seriously though, I actually thought I had a chance with not just any girl, but my crush. With the one question always on my mind. 'Why?'" And again, slowly the pain started to pour back into him. Before he said something he would regret, he began to search for his lunchbox. Once retrieved, he stuffed his mouth with an apple as an extra precaution.

Feeling guilty, Backbone backed off a little. He then repositioned himself in front of Story by taking the empty desk. "You're right man. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you like that, but you see what I mean? I worry about you every year because of that and it isn't healthy. I think of you as my brother now and I want to help."

Story slowly chewed his food as he stared at his lunch box. He then looked at his friend and gave a smirk. "I'm sorry too Backbone. It's just a pretty touchy subject. You're right. I do need to get over it, but I am not sure how to go on about it."

"Well I never said it would be easy," said Backbone. "We have to take baby steps."

Story nodded in agreement, "Okay. What's the first step?"

"That's just it. Some people start on the left foot and some start on the right. In other words, there is no correct first step. It is based on the individual on where you go and how you get there," stated Backbone.

"... Okay, where the heck did you get that? From some book?" questioned Story.

"Hehe. Okay, you got me. You are close. I was reading a SPORTS magazine and there was a small article on 'Road to Recovery.' I forgot who by. So anyway, the point is, we need to find out what your first step should be."

Story shrugged his shoulders, "If you say so. It would have to be under 20 min. though since that's when lunch is over."

"Right right. By the way, are  you going to eat that?" Backbone then grabbed half of Story's tuna sandwich and took a bite.

"Not anymore," he replied and playfully smacked Backbone on the head. As the two sat together, Story continued to enjoy his apple. While Backbone enjoyed his friend's sandwich, he stared out the window and observed the courtyard. On one side, he saw a couple laughing in the window of another school building. Near the tree, he spotted another couple holding hands as they walked together. He thought to himself that it was nice to have that special someone. "If only Story hadn't got hurt that night, he might just be as happy as they are... That's it!"

"Ah!" Backbone cried in pain from biting his tongue.

Startled, Story dropped his apple, "Backbone? You okay?"

"Better than okay, I know what should be your first step to recovery."

Story raised an eyebrow at this, "Oh, have you? Then please, don't keep me in suspense any longer. What is the first step?" he asked sarcastically.

"First of all, cut the sarcasm. Second of all, we need to get you a girl!" Backbone suggested.

There was nothing but silence between the two. Story stared at his supposed friend with his jaw dropped. With the fact, he announced that to the students present in the room and to suggest to get something that caused the pain in the first place. 

"I am going to pretend you didn't just say that. With that, please go back to your original room while I finish my lunch," he asked politely while controlling his inner rage.

"Wait wait wait. Just hear me out on this. Look, this whole thing started because the girl you liked stood you up, right?"

"Keep it up Backbone. You are getting warmer, but the grave you are digging is getting deeper and colder," Story said with some malice.

"No, I am serious. You just wanted that one shot right? With a girl of your dreams. Well, now I say the time is right to find a new girl. There are plenty of girls here in this school for you. What do you say?"

Suddenly, any evil thoughts toward Backbone left Story's mind. He thought to himself, "Try again? Another girl? Can I really...?" Story looked down to his food and said one word, "No."

"What?" Backbone asked.

"No," Story repeated. He shook his head and made eye contact with his friend again, "I can't go through that again. Besides, what girl would like me? I haven't really talked to any girl for a while now. The only time I ever did was when it was school-related or necessary."

"Oh come on. There must be someone out there. Well, what about her? I see you two talking all the time," Backbone pointed behind Story. 

Story turned around and spotted a tall blond girl, slightly tanned, wearing a brown sweater, and a skirt with apple accessories. He turned back to his friend, "Applejack? We have been friends since middle school yeah, but she isn't interested in me."

"How do you know that? Maybe it's time to take that friendship to the next level," Backbone suggested.

"I don't know. I never really thought of her like that."

"Well, that's fine I guess.  But you should at least think about it. Oh, what about those two with her?" Again, Backbone pointed behind Story and again he was forced to turn around. He then saw Applejack with two other girls by the door. One was very beautiful with curly purple hair, with a gem-shaped hair clip, and bright blue eyes to match them. The other girl wasn't as well-groomed. She had her shirt untucked, wore a loose tie, and her hair was a rainbow mess. However, he had to admit, the rainbow girl had a nice body and she was not hard on the eyes either. 

He turned back to Backbone, "I don't recognize them. I don't know about that rainbow girl, but that purple-haired one is beautiful. She seems to care about her image."

"Oh, I can fill you in on the two easily. The stylish one's name is Rarity. If it wasn't obvious, she is a bit of a fashionista and designs clothes as a hobby. I heard she works on actual projects for clients, but that's hush-hush. As for the rainbow one, that is actually her name, Rainbow Dash. She is the most athletic person I have ever seen. She is captain on the girl's baseball and track team. She tried to do more, but the school didn't allow it due to her grades. Actually, I heard if she doesn't pick them up, then she would be forced to drop one of the teams."

"Backbone, how do you know all this?" Story asked.

"When you are part of the football team, you get around."

"Okay football star. Any other potential 'targets' you have in mind?"

"Oh come on. Don't think of these girls are targets. Simply as potential love interests. And as a matter-of-fact, I do have a few more girls in mind for you."

"Oh really? I am curious to hear. Who else?" Story leaned in to listen.

"Actually, you and I both know her very well. Why don't you try and ask out Pinkie Pie?"

Story was taken aback by the suggestion. "Pinkie Pie? She knows just about every student on campus and you mean to tell me she is still single?"

Backbone looked at his friend unamused. "Story, you and I both know that she is still single. You two have been friends since elementary. She is probably your best chance at romance. Just think, childhood friends, now all grown up, suddenly realizing their feelings for one another, and live happy lives together." Backbone said with confidence.

"Either that or perhaps you have read way too many romantic comic books," said Story.

Again, Backbone looks at him with that unamused expression, "Story, you know very well those aren't comic books. They are called manga and they are works of art."

Story pondered at the idea. He was right. Both he and Pinkie Pie have been friends since they were kids. However, she made just about everyone she met her friend and did her best to make them happy all the time. It was because of this he never really looked at her in a romantic sort of way. She just didn't seem like the type to him. Also, her personality can be overwhelming to some people. But that was her charm and he would actually hate to see her lose that. "I don't know. She might be a little too hyper for me right now."

"Hmm... fair enough I guess," his friend seemed to agree. "That's okay though. I still have a couple more in mind," he said proudly.

"Please don't," Story begged, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples. 

"Oh come on. Just one more. I swear you will like this one. She is a real cutie."

"Even if I said 'no' you were going to tell me anyway."

"And you are right my friend. Have you heard of a girl named Fluttershy?"

Story thought about all the girls he knew, but that name was unfamiliar to him. He shook his head, "Can't say that I have."

"Well, that isn't a surprise," said Backbone. "She is truly a natural beauty. She has long pink hair and green eyes. You know how rare that is?"

Story shrugged his shoulders in response.

"Rare. She is probably the nicest person you would ever meet and does a lot of volunteer work at the animal shelter."

"You seem really excited about this girl. I don't see why you don't just date her yourself."

"Ha! Oh, believe me, I have thought about it. Although, she does have this one drawback."

Now that caught Story's attention. A girl his friend took an interest in, with natural beauty, and who is very kind has a drawback? "What drawback?" he asked.

"Well... she is too quiet. You try to talk to her, she speaks almost in whispers and sometimes stutters. Also, she easily gets scared and worries too much. I'm sorry, but I couldn't handle that. You on the other hand just might be able to get her out of her shell," Backbone gave a wink.

"I doubt that. You can't even get me out of mine," Story said jokingly.

They both shared a laugh before a voice interrupted the two. "Umm... Excuse me you two." Both Backbone and Story Rich turned to the source. It was a female student with long purple hair, a short blue skirt, with star accessories. "Hello, Story Rich. I'm sorry to bother the two of you, but the class will be starting in a few minutes. I suggest your friend heads back to class before the bell."

"Oh. Time sure does fly with friends around. I didn't even get to finish my lunch. Thanks, Twilight," said Story. Twilight Sparkle was the class-representative. The two didn't talk much, but he knew her to be very reliable and popular with most of the students. It also helped that she had the best grades amongst the students. Some are jealous of her, while others admire her and hope to do just as well.

"Sorry, but I just want to have a couple more minutes with my buddy here," said Backbone.

"Of course," Twilight smiled, "I just thought I should give you two a heads up." With that, she returned to her own desk before class started.

"You know, she might be worth a shot too," Backbone whispered.

The suggestion nearly made Story jump out of his seat, "Are you crazy? There is no way I have a chance with her. You are comparing two different worlds. Sure she is the smartest girl in school, has the admiration of most of the students, and-."

"She is pretty cute?" Backbone interrupted.

"Yes she pretty cu-," Story once again smacked his friend upside the head. Backbone laughed.

"Don't sell yourself short buddy. You might be surprised by the guys I hang out with. Let me tell you, I was even more surprised to see how lucky they were to even have a girl. Look, it doesn't even have to be THESE girls per se. They are merely suggestions and pretty damn good ones if I do say so myself."

"Whatever you say Backbone, but you are going to regret those words," Story said with a grin.

"I will. Why?" he asked confused, but understood what his friend meant after hearing the bell ring.

"Those final words cost you the time to get back to class," Story chuckled.

"Ah crap! Just think about it," Backbone said as he bolted from the chair while trying not to knock over any students on the way out.

Story laughed at this and hoped his friend would make it back to class before his teacher did. While waiting for his own teacher to return, he was once again looking out the window to the tree. "Hmm... Try again huh? But can I really...?"