//------------------------------// // Thirteen Drabbles: Set Alpha // Story: Bits, Pieces and other Scrapped Ideas // by FoolAmongTheStars //------------------------------// i. Forgetfulness When he opened his front door that morning, he didn’t recognize her at first. Sunburst wasn’t one to dwell on the past, his own history at least, he spent hours reading and researching and collecting pieces of others' pasts; but his own? He wished he could pack it neatly in a box and throw it out on the curb. And yet there she was, a living, breathing part of his story that he couldn’t get rid of, asking if he remembered her, waiting for an answer. In all honesty, he had almost forgotten about her, his childhood friend, Starlight Glimmer. ii. Running Away “Starlight dear! Could I have a minute?” Starlight stopped and looked confusedly at her friend, who only shrugged and shook his head. Stellar Flare had stopped on the sidewalk and was waving Starlight over, since it was too late to feign ignorance, she obeyed the older mare and Sunburst walked ahead. “Is something the matter?” “No dear, I need to ask you something and I want you to answer me honestly,” Stellar Flare said and her expression turned serious, and Starlight’s nervousness increased tenfold. “What, exactly, are your intentions with my son?” Now she really wished she could run away! iii. Sunsets/Sunrises The sun was barely rising when Sunburst made it home. The door to his house creaked as he pushed it open and stepped inside. He walked inside and set his heavy suitcase against the wall and moved past the living room. Sunburst paused at the entryway, doing a double-take when he saw something on the couch, a familiar figure that he expected to find his bed. Instead, Starlight was sleeping soundly on his couch. A warm feeling flooded his tired body, and he instantly forgoes his bed in favor of resting next to the mare that held his heart. iv. Make Believe Sometimes, when Starlight went out with Sunburst, she liked to imagine that they were a couple. Hey, a girl was allowed to dream, right? She and Sunburst hang out whenever they could, when their schedules allowed it, and she treasured each and every moment—though of course, she secretly wished for more. It was too easy to forget when it was just the two of them, but regardless of her wishes, she couldn’t ignore the boundaries of their friendship. But as time passed and circumstances changed, Starlight didn’t have to pretend anymore. Not when her deepest desire became a reality. v. Blind “Hey Sunburst, how do I look?” Sunburst looked up, squinting at the purple blob that was his best friend. “I don’t know, I can’t see.” He said unsmiling. “Geez, I knew your eyesight was bad, but not that bad!” Starlight sighed and returned his glasses. “Have you ever considered contact lenses?” “No way! I rather not stick strange things in my eyeballs.” He retorted as he pushed his spectacles up his muzzle. “Besides, how else are you going to tease me if you don’t have glasses to steal from me?” Sunburst grinned and his friend rolled her eyes, blushing slightly. vi. Old Sayings Act one: one slow and lasting kiss that left them both breathless. Act two: he leaves slow, lingering touches down her cheek, her neck, and then furtively delving under the satin of her dress. Act three: touching her in the intimate way that only he could. Act four: joining their bodies together, becoming one as their hearts beat in synchrony. They say that the bed is the poor pony’s opera. And even though Sunburst couldn’t buy her expensive gifts, she never asks for any of those things. All Starlight ever wants is him, and he’s more than happy to oblige. vii. Weird “Hmm Cadance,” Shining Armor said lowly, “don’t you think Sunburst is acting a little weird?” Cadance glanced at where her husband was pointing. The orange unicorn was reading a book, or at least trying to, he was currently distracted by a patch of light lavender crystal flowers growing by the window sill; he plucked one and gently twirled it in his magic, letting out a sigh that the Princess of Love knew all too well. “I don’t see what you mean,” the Princess said casually with a knowing smile. “He’s acting just as he always does when Starlight goes away.” viii. Undone It was only when they were alone, after she walked closer and pressed her face against his cloak that she came undone. Starlight didn’t scream or wail as he expected, she was much too proud for that, but Sunburst felt the tears seeping into his skin, the tremble of her shoulders as he drew her closer, the strength of her grip when she returned the gesture. In the quietness of the room, he was able to hear her gasping breaths. “It’s alright,” he pressed a kiss to her temple, meaning every word he said. “It’s going to be okay.” ix. Song The soft notes of a piano, accompanying a strong but beautiful voice, was what drew Sunburst closer to the room, the song and voice familiar somehow. The door was wide open and he stopped by the door's frame, watching and listening. The light came from a nearby window, illuminating the room and the singer in soft sunlight. Starlight hadn’t noticed him, devoted to the song she was playing and singing, and he loathed the idea of interrupting her. Starlight finished her song all too soon and she looked up, her eyes widening when she realized who her audience had been. x. Crowds Starlight would forget just how crowded a small town like Ponyville could get, and she would be reminded each and every time Trixie put up a show. She glanced nervously from behind the curtain, looking for a familiar head of vermilion. “Trixie, I don’t think this is a good idea.” “Relax Starlight! With that outfit, he won’t be able to take his eyes off you!” “That’s what I’m afraid of,” Starlight grumbled, tugging at the sparkly and skimpy dress. “Maybe I should change—” “It’s showtime! Let’s go!” Trixie said and shoved her best friend onto the stage. xi. Done Away With A fire was blazing in Twilight’s fireplace. Starlight sat in front of it, in her hooves a memento of a past she carried with shame. The Staff of Sameness was only a piece of wood she found in the desert, but it was more than that now. She had ironically given it some power over her, for every time she looked at it, she felt shame and disgust at herself. Staring at the fire blazing in front of her, she broke the staff in two and threw the pieces into the fire. She sighed; she was finally free. xii. Wars Sunburst narrowed his eyes. “Starlight…” he said in a low tone he rarely used. “I’m warning you: I’m not going to go easy on you.” “What a coincidence,” she said nonchalantly. “Neither am I.” They stared the other down for a few long moments, and then Starlight made her move. She disappeared in a flash of turquoise, he waited and when he heard her appearing from behind him, the stallion turned as fast as he could and managed to catch her, much to her surprise. He started to tickle her relentlessly and they fall to the ground with undignified giggles. xiii. You and Me For Starlight Glimmer there was nothing better than this. Just her, Sunburst, and the night sky over them. No responsibilities and no end of the world crisis, just a tranquil moment in her tumultuous life, an oasis of peace that she never wants to part from. She sighs and snuggles closer to him. “I don’t want this night to end,” she confesses in a hushed tone. Sunburst's cloak lifts slightly to cover her better, he lays his chin over her neck, a comfortable weight, and she feels the baritones of his voice as he answers just as quietly: “Me neither.”