//------------------------------// // Resolution // Story: Cheer You On // by Artistkun //------------------------------// The room was filled with awkward tension as Aria and Timber continued to stare at each other, while Twilight was staring a hole through Timber's head as she was not in a pleasant mood with him. Wow, I didn't expect to see him so soon after his attack on me earlier, but we do need to clear up everything that happened between us. He's still my best friend in the whole world and I'm not ready to lose him over a huge misunderstanding... I just hope Sonata and Adagio won't kill him when they find out about this. Aria thought to herself as she tried to find the right words to ease the tension. Before she can say anything however, Twilight walked over to her and clung onto her arm as if her life depended on it as she looked like she was trying to kill Timber by just staring at him. "Uhhh Twi? What are you doing?" Aria asked as she felt uncomfortable with Twilight's tight hold. "I can't stand being so close to him after what he did to you, so until I feel he accepts full responsibility for his actions and gives you a more proper apology. I'm not going to stand even a foot near him." Twilight started as she turned her head away in disgust. Aria chuckled nervously while Timber felt that he was struck by an arrow because of Twilight still looking cute when she's mad, but he was upset as well. This will take time from getting used to Timber takes a deep breath as he tries to compose himself after hearing Twilight's negative towards him. 'Twilight, please, don't be like this. I understand what I did was wrong, but I was just trying to be a good boyfriend and protect you!" "And that makes it okay to quickly turn on your friend and beat her to a pulp!? Without giving her a chance to defend herself, especially after she tried to make peace, only for you to take a cheap shot when you are hugging her!?" Twilight yelled as loud as she could. "No! Of course not! I was just caught in the moment! It's just.... Look, it's not my story to tell, but I will say that Aria was different before me and she became friends..." Aria felt heartbroken at Timber's words as he took another deep breath to try to compose again. "Ari... I'm not trying to bring up your old past, that's not what we're here about that. I was just so scared when I was minding my own business and I saw Twilight sending me frantic text messages about you. I... I thought you went back to your old ways... I didn't want to fight you, I really didn't..." Timber paused for a moment as guilt began to feel his body as Twilight and Aria quietly listen with frowns on their faces. "I should have listened when you have your guard down or just even looked at my phone to see that the situation between the two of you had changed, but I didn't! I let fear and anger take over me, make me say things I should never have said and..." Timber paused again as he fell to his hands and knees, his head down in shame as tears began to roll down his eyes. Aria Blaze sadly looks at Timber and past Twilight's head, meaning that she needed her arms for this. Twilight hesitated at first but soon removed her grip. Aria got down on her knees and ruffled Timber's hair. "I understand Timber. This was my fault in the first place. When I discovered that Twilight used to be my best friend's ex, I was shocked as like the day that I learned where babies are made. Then I got really peeved when she said horrible things about Sunset and thought she came to my school to play with Sunset's feelings. I became my siren again and I hurt her badly. Thankfully Sunset stopped me and she revealed everything about her and Twilight. I felt better knowing that she was okay and had moved on. I felt bad about what I did, but as you can see, Twilight and I became friends after that.... But I don't have an excuse from my actions, because I still try to hurt someone you love..." Aria said as she pulled Timber into a warm hug. "Timber.... I know you're hurting because of the guilt, I just want to let you know that I forgive you... You are one of my first friends I made after I turned over a new leaf. You are one of the only people brave enough to stand by my side, when everyone else still saw the old me and let their fear get the better of them. So there's no way I can lose you as a friend after everything that's happened." Twilight and Timber was shocked at Aria's willingness to forgive and forget as Aria helped Timber to his feet. "Really? Just like that!? You're willing to forgive me just like nothing ever happened? Aria, I put you in a hospital bed! Twilight told me you had a heart attack because of me! I can't accept your forgiveness so easily, I broke my vow, my promise, my oath to you, Sonata, and Adagio!" Timbers shouted with passion and regret as Aria was heartbroken at how much Timber was hurting. "Vow?" The two best friends turn to see a sad but confused Twilight as she wiped some tears off her face. "What vow are you talking about?" Aria looked back at Timber, only for him to have his head back down, not wanting to tell the story behind it as she took a deep breath and turned her attention back to Twilight. "Well, there's a story behind that. A story of a great time at the beach about loyalty and friends..." 3 YEARS AGO... "I got this!" "That's my sister's line!" Aria Blaze spoke the ball and Adagio immediately used the emergency kick so that Aria's team wouldn't have a point. Timber Spruce sets the ball and Adagio Dazzle spikes it really hard. Sonata dives in the sand and hits the ball with her wrist, which hurts a lot but she teases the pain for a while. Aria quickly jumps and spikes the ball, earning a point for her team. “Alright!" Aria turned to Sonata as both of the high five each other in the victory, while Adagio and Timber began to take down the net. “That was a great game you two, but next time we'll take home the victory.” Timber said as they all headed back to the spot. Aria gave Timber a cocky smile, knowing how competitive he can be at times. “Well, why don’t we put that net back up and we can go for Round two, plus why don’t we raise the stakes while we’re at it?” “Oh, I love a good wager! We can do losing team buys lunch or winning team picks what movies to watch on movie night!” Sonata jumped up and down with excitement as her friends were laughing at how silly she was being. “We can play another game later Sonata, but right now I’m going to rest and relax after that intense game. Although, I do accept those terms and conditions.” Adagio said with a sly smile as she laid down on her towel, as Aria did the same, while stretching out her legs. “Alrighty then! I’m going to go cool off in the water. Gotta wash off the sweat, I worked up. Wanna join me, Timber or are you relaxing in the shade too?” Sonata asked as she slowly walked backwards to the ocean. “Nah, you go ahead and take a dip. I gonna get some sodas before we all die of thirst. Have fun!” Timber responded as he began to walk away to the nearest convenience store. “Okay, make mine an orange cream!" Sonata yelled as she sprinted towards the water at full speed. “Don’t swim out too far, Sonata! I don’t want to repeat of last time!” Adagio shouted as Sonata jumped into the water. After a few seconds, Sonata’s arm popped out of the water as she gave Adagio a thumbs up, then dragged it back down in the water. "Ari, dear? Care to tell me the progress that you're working with Moondancer". Adagio smirked while Aria checked on the hot dog she was eating. "Yo - You're asking me this now? We-Well I.... We were hanging out in the library as always and well, I suddenly blurted a corny pick up line and she told me that I was being cute". Aria blushed as Adagio started squealing like a little girl receiving a candy. "Seriously, Dagi? Can you stop doing that everytime we talk about this topic?" Aria asked deciding to sit up as Adagio realized that she was being watched by the people that were near her and this made her blush. "So-Sorry". Aria shook her head as she chuckled at how easily Adagio gets embarrassed. “I swear, you’re more of a child than Sonata when it comes to all this love stuff.” “I am not! I’m just passionate for the art of romance!” Adagio defended herself as she blushed even harder. “You’re the first one out of the four of us to potentially find your soulmate, therefore I won’t stop until you and Moondancer are a couple!” “Dagi, two things about your statement. One, people staring at you and two, Me and Moon are just good friends right now and as much as I have feelings her, I don’t know if I’m ready to give her my heart.” Aria said sadly as Adagio pulled her into a hug. "Oh Ari, I know it must be difficult for you to experience love for the first time, but if you don't tell her how you feel, the pain and fear that you're going through will get worse. Trust me, I've been there. This isn't the best advice I have, but the sooner you find a way to express your heart to her the better it will be for you, regardless if she accepts it or turns it away." Adagio said in a comfortable tone as she gently stroked Aria's hair. Adagio Dazzle looked like a mother comforting her crying child, which was cute to other people's perspective. Aria was looking like she wanted to cry but she was trying to keep her tears inside because she is the toughest gal in the group. "Yeah... You're right, Dagi. I'll try soon and thanks for that hug, I needed it." Aria said she gave her friend a loving smile as the two separated and laid back on their towel to relax and enjoy the sun. However, something blocked their view in front of them as they look up to see two men, smirking and ready to do something really bad with lust in their eyes. "Hey pretty ladies. You seem lonely". "Hey, leave us alone and bug someone else! Whatever you want, we're not interested!" Aria yelled as she immediately knelt on the towel to hide her body from the men. "Feisty ~ I like that kind of girl. I'm Chip and this is my brother Chuck, you look like you needed some company". Aria was disgusted by the attitude these guys were giving her and she clenched her fist angrily, she was ready to knock this guy's lights out. Adagio, however, stood up from her spot and slowly began to walk around the men as she slowly looked at both of them up and down with Predator-like eyes, ready to strike at her prey. "So you boys seemed very interested in us, concerned that they were clearly a bit too young for you. Tell me, are you aware of how easily the two of us can shout very loudly to gain the attention of everyone?" Adagio said in a cold and quiet tone as the men looked a bit uncomfortable by her statement. Another thing about Adagio to know is that she can be lethal with her words rather than her fist, as she's known to put fear into people's hearts when needed or threatened. Aria sat up with a smirk as she knew the jerks were in for it, as Adagio turned on her mama bear mode as she began to make the men take a few steps back, while invading their personal space. Adagio was always lethal with her words and always knew what to say to make people fear her when she needed to. "Men like you, don't deserve to be called that. There are seven names I can call you, instead that describe you and each of them is worse than the last." Adagio continued as she got them a few feet away from her and Aria's spot as one of the men bumped back first, one of the volleyball posts. Adagio smirked as she enjoyed the look of fear on their faces as she decided to go for the kill. "Awwww, look at you two cowering away from little old me. What happened to all that cocky and eagerness to desire my attention? I guess that was all talk but no bark. The both of you disgust me, why don't you tuck your tail between your legs and find a woman that has even lesser standards than you?" Adagio let out a laugh as she began to make her way back to Aria, who was smiling ear-to-ear. "Let's go man! That chick is crazy!!" Chuck said while tugging his friend's shirt. "Tsk! No way! Nobody, especially a little diva brat like her, is going to call me out like that and get away with it!" The Chip said as he lunged Adagio as he threw his fist to strike the back of her head. However, before the punch could connect with the back of Adagio's skull, Aria had quickly rushed to her friend's rescue and caught it with a tight grip as Adagio was in disbelief that she was just mere seconds away from being assaulted. "Oh pal, you just made the biggest mistake of your life!" Aria said as she threw a punch of her own, only for Chip to dodge it and pull her into a tight hug. She was struggling to escape while the man was laughing like a maniac. "Like I said earlier girl, I like the feisty types." Said Chip with a smirk as he leans in to give Aria a kiss. Adagio tried to intervene to save her friend, only for her to be blocked by the Chuck, who had a sick smirk of his own as he gripped her tightly by the shoulders. Aria led away as far as she could from her lips touching the creep, as she was too stubborn to call out for help. Just before the lips touched her own, she was suddenly dropped to the floor, when a fist connected to his face. Aria looks to her savior, revealing to be Timber as he quickly rushes to Adagio's aid next. "Stay away from her!" Timber shouted as he threw another punch, only for Adagio's attacker to catch it, knocking Timber down with a devastating punch of his own. Aria Blaze rushes her friends and kicks Chuck's face. The two brothers quickly tried to get back up while trying to nurse the pain on their faces, only to be met with a sinister glare from Adagio, who had one of the volleyball posts tightly gripped in our hands as both she and Aria slowly advanced towards them. "C-Chuck, I think we better skedaddle." Chip said as both he and his brother turned to run away, only to be stopped there in the tracks by another sinister glare none other than Sonata, who had returned from her swim as she tightly held a sharp rocking her. The brothers coward in fear as the girls slowly step closer to them, preparing to give these bullies the beating of their life. "You said your names were Chip and Chuck right?" The brothers nodded profusely at Aria's question as she slowly leaned into their faces. "Good... We'll be sure to tell the Undertaker that he puts your name on your tombstones." Aria said with an evil smile as beachgoers suddenly heard the screams of girly men fill the air. "Are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital, Timber? You took quite the beating and I don't like how swollen your eye looks." A concern Adagio asked Timber as she just finished treating him for his injuries as best she could. "I'm fine, I promise. It's just a couple of bruises and a black eye, I'll be fine in no ti-Owww! Dang it Sonata, stop poking my ribs!" Timber yells as he tries to get away from Sonata's finger. "Sorry Timber, but you know who I am when I see a big bruise. I have to poke in to see what the pain tolerance is." Sonata said innocently as she tried to go in for another poke. She let out a yelp as Aria smacked her upside the head. "Knock it off, Sonata. He's clearly in pain, he doesn't need you to make it worse." "Humph! Party pooper." Sonata said with a pout as Aria rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Sonata". Aria replied. "Anyway, I'm glad that you were here to save us from those boys earlier, now that's what I call a man". Adagio said as she ruffles Timber's hair. "S-Stop it, Dagi! You're messing with my perfectly styled hair!" Timber laughed as he let his friend mess with his hair. "But it's so fluffy!" Adagio whined, ruffling his hair even more with delight, however Timber decided to end Adagio's fun as he pulled his head away and he gave the girls a sad, but serious look as he let out a sigh, "Sorry, but I feel like I need to say this. Despite saving you two of those creeps, I was the one that needed saving." Timber said in a depressing tone as the girls pull him in for a group hug. "Oh Timber, we're sorry that you feel like that, don't be ashamed of it. You still save me and Dagi from God knows what the dumb brothers want to do to us. We own big time for that, maybe even more!" Aria responded. "Even so, I still feel like I need to say this." Timber released himself from the hug as he took two steps back and placed his hand over his heart. "I, Timber Spruce promise-no, vow that I will learn how to fight and become stronger to protect you, when you can no longer fight as well as to fight by your side! I will never let anyone hurt you and harm you ever again!" The girls smiled as tears fell down their faces. They were touched by Timber's speech as they pulled in him for another hug, this one being tighter than the last. "We accept this vow, Timber... And thanks for being the best friend a group of pretty girls could ask for.... Also people were staring at you during your speech," Adagio said as the girls let out a laugh, while Timber blushed in embarrassment. As the pull away began to pack up for the day, Timber felt a hand on his shoulder as he looked to see Sonata smiling at him. "Yeah, Sonata, need something?" Sonata shook her head as her smile slowly disappeared. "No, it's just... What if something happens between the four of the guys to the point where they might each fight each other.... You hurt us, if we hurt you?" Timber was stunned by Sonata's question as Aria and Adagio as well. Timber stared at Sonata for a bit, before he took a deep breath and smiled. "Sonata, nothing like that will never happen to us. Beside..." Timber pauses as he looks towards the other girls as he places his hand back on his heart. "I would never do anything to hurt you there... I vow it..." PRESENT DAY... Aria had a small smile on her face, as she was happy, but sad at the same time to relive that memory of Timber's dedication and willingness to sacrifice himself to save her and Adagio from those freaks. Twilight, on the other hand, had more tears in her eyes as she was touched by the story, she was just told. "Wow, Timber. You are so brave to defend your friends like that and that vow you made was so beautiful, I now see why you were so protective of me whenever someone tried to hurt me.... But then..." "Then I broke the vow... All because I thought you were back to being her again.... I don't deserve your forgiveness, Ari". Timber sadly said as Aria was wiping his tears away. She sighed and pulled him into a hug, she started to cry as well, which made Twilight feel awkward because the two best friends were crying like babies. "This is really... sweet?" Twilight wasn't sure what to say at this point. The two best friends shared a laugh at the awkward nerd as they broke off the hug and stare deeply into their eyes. "Timber, you don't have to accept my forgiveness if you don't want to, but you have to promise me that you are at least trying to find it in your heart to move on from the mess. You've been through worse before, I know you can do it again with this one." Timber stood silent for a few seconds, before letting out a sigh as he placed his hand on his heart and took two steps back. "I vow to try my best to move on... for you Aria." Timber said with determination as he then turned to his girlfriend. "And to you, Twilight." Twilight smiled as she rushed towards him and gave him a quick hug as Aria looked on a smile. "But Aria..." Timber said as he broke off the hug from Twilight as he placed his hand on Aria's shoulder. "Can you at least let me try to make it up to you for everything I did? I know you forgive me and I know I just promised to move on from this, but I still need to do something for you for this mess I created. So please let me know if there's anything I can do for you." Aria thought for a moment, pondering on Timber's offer. Suddenly, a sly smirk appeared on her face as she stared back at Timber. "Well, there is one thing you could do for me right now, but it's up to you, if you'll let me do it." "Yes, I'll do it! I don't care what it is, as long as I do what I can to make it up to you!" Timber quickly responded as the smirk on Aria's face got even bigger. "Okay then... close your eyes, take a deep breath and count to three." Aria said as she took a step back. Timber was confused by this request, however he quickly shrugged it off as he did what was requested of him as his eyes were shot and took a deep breath. "Okay... One... Two... Thre-oof!!!" Timber felt a jolt of pain coming from below the belt as Aria delivered a swift kick. "Sorry Timber, but I did promise someone a little payback for what's needed. I hope you understand." Aria said, placing her hand on her pendant as Timber simply nodded while struggling to remain on his two feet. "Yeah, I under-stand," Timber said with a mild squeaky voice, reaching for the nearest chair to sit on as Twilight struggled not to laugh at the situation. As Timber covered his damaged goods, Aria began to ruffle his hair and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. "You're a great friend Timber and despite everything that's happened, I'm so lucky to have you in my life." Timber gave her a weak but proud smile as Twilight sat down with her boyfriend and began to rub his back. "Hey Aria, I think it's time for you to head back to your room. It's only a matter of time before a search party is looking for you. I'll stay here with Timber, till he's recovered." "Yeah, good point. No doubt everyone's freaking out, by now that I'm missing from my bed. I'll see you later, Twilight and Timber, say hi to Sonata and Adagio for me, okay?" Aria requested as Timber simply replied with a thumbs up. Twilight quickly got up from her chair to close the door, the moment Aria walked out back into the hallway. She took a deep breath as she made eye contact with Timber. "Timber... We still need to talk..." "Yeah.... I know and I'm going to take a guess, our relationship is over after what I did..." Timber responded with a sad tone in his voice. Twilight, however, shook her head as she sat back down. "At first, yes I was going to break up with you for your horrible actions... But I'm not... When Aria found me and we talked for a bit, followed by that story she told about you and your vow. I realize that breaking up with you would just be adding salt to the wounds after she offers you forgiveness... But I think it's best for both of us to put our relationship on hold." "On hold? What do you mean?" Timber said she was stunned and confused by Twilight's closing statement as she gave him a lovely smile. "It's simple, you can still text and call me whenever you want, however I probably won't be answering to them right away, due to how you didn't answer to any of my texts about me and Aria being on good terms." Twilight answer as Timber sheepishly scratches the back of his head. "I see... I'm assuming that it also means no more physical contact... Like, kissing?" Twilight simply nodded her head at Timber's question as he hung his head down in shame. After a few seconds of silence, Timber quickly sat up from his chair and gave Twilight a confident look. "Welp, if that's what's going to take for me to make it up to you, and I'll gladly put our relationship on hold, until you find it in your heart to forgive me." Twilight had a shocked look on her face as she couldn't believe how easily Timber basically agreed to her decision. "Really? Just like that, you're okay with us being apart for a while?" "Yeah, it's going to stink not having you by my side as my girlfriend for a while, but I did vow to move on from this whole mess. So I think this is a good way to start... especially after that kick." Timber said he still felt so slight pain below the belt. Twilight chuckled as she broke off the hug and began to head to the door. "Well, I'm glad you understand Timber and I promise you, once I move on from this as well, you and me will have a movie night, my treat." As Twilight was about to open the door, Timber gently grabbed her hand with both of his as they both made a deep eye contact with each other. "Before you leave, Twilight... Could I just have one last kiss? I want to savor your lips before we go our separate ways." Twilight blushed at the request as she thought to herself for a moment. After being quiet for a while, Twilight gently grabs Timbers face in leaning in for a deep kiss, though he quickly returns. The kiss lasted for a good minute, until Twilight ended it as she opened the door and gave Timber one last look. "Take care, Timber." "See ya, Twilight," Timber replied as Twilight walked out the door. Timber stood alone in the room, processing everything that has happened in the last couple of hours. Reliving his horrible mistake, he had done to Aria and nearly ruined everything between him, her, and now his temporary ex-girlfriend. He took a deep sigh as he pulled out his phone to send a text to Aria, unsure if she had it with her or not. Once finished with the text, he headed out the door and began to find the exit. I don't know how I'll fix this, but I'll do everything I can to earn both their forgiveness back the right way... Timber thought to himself with a determined smile as he took one last look at the text he just sent as it simply read. Take care of Twilight for me... I trust you the most...