Sunset couldn't believe what she had just heard.
W-What? Sunset thought, her cheeks flaring up. WHAT? She quickly turned to stare at Beef (who was staring back), and then to their hands and intertwined fingers. The sight of their entwined hands erupted a flurry of emotions within her: embarrassment, confusion, anxiousness, and...joy?
Is..is this real? she asked herself, glancing back at Beef. Or is this...fantasy? They both said nothing, staring deep into each other's eyes. But Sunset soon found out that it was getting more and more difficult to look at him. She immediately dropped her gaze, choosing to stare at the table instead. She made no effort to pull away her hand, however.
His hand...is so warm. Sunset thought, sneaking a peek at her surroundings. Rarity had her mouth covered with both her hands, staring at Beef with a mix of shock and admiration in her eyes. Sunset could also hear some of the customers whistling and cheering in their direction. If her cheeks could get any more hotter than this, they'd be on fire.
"How bold!" Rarity squealed suddenly, causing Sunset to look up. "Such a daring confession!"---Rarity clapped her hands---"Not only did you confessed with such confidence, you did it publicly." Rarity looked at Sunset. "Isn't this wonderful, Sunset?" she asked her friend, blinking her eyes.
Yes it is... Sunset thought, a small smile forming on her lips. It feels s---WAIT! What am I thinking? she shook her head like a mad woman. Calm down, Sunny! Didn't Beef say he was in love with Rarity? Sunset gave a swift glance in Beef's direction. But...what if...what if it was just a lie? What if...he really---
Beef rubbed his thumb against Sunset's hand, hoping to catch her attention. Not that he needed more, anyway. But he wanted to make sure Sunset knew what was going on. He hoped that Sunset realizes that the confession was just a façade. Beef wasn't really intending to confess to Sunset. He just needed a quick solution, and a fake confession was the first thing that popped into his mind.
Sunset gave a small jump. The feeling of Beef's thumb rubbing against her skin made her all giddy inside.
He...he really does love me! she thought excitedly. Sunset covered her mouth with her free hand, wanting to block out the huge grin that has made it's way onto her lips. But her puny hand was no match for her ginormous grin. It was like comparing an apple with a watermelon.
"Sunset?" Beef asked, tilting his head to one side. "Is everything alright?"
Sunset suddenly stood up. "I-I need to use the l-little girl's room." she mumbled, grabbing her bag and pulling herself free from Beef's grip. "B-Be back in a minute!" and with that said, she dashed towards the restroom, leaving Beef and Rarity at the table.
"Ooh, isn't she simply adorable?" Rarity asked, watching Sunset entering the restroom. "The poor dear probably needs some time to digest your sudden declaration of love to her." she giggled. "Never had I dreamed the day where I would be able to see Sunset fall in love, and be loved in return."
Beef glanced at Rarity. "W-what do you mean?" he asked.
Rarity smiled at him, picking up her fork. "Isn't it obvious, darling? Sunset's madly in love with you." she said, poking her fork into her slice of pie.
* * * * * *
Her heart was still wildly pounding against her chest even after entering the restroom. Sunset stopped at one of the wash basins, giving her hands a rinse under the cool water. She splashed some of the liquid onto her face, and stared at the mirror in front of her.
I can't believe it. Sunset told herself, staring at her reflection. Beef, he... Is his feelings for me real?
Sunset shook her head and splashed more of the cool water onto her face. I can't believe this is happening. Sunset thought, What do I tell him? How should I respond? What am I going to do?
All questions, but no answers. Sunset would love nothing more than to ask Rarity or the rest of the Rainbooms for help. But she can't. Rarity is out there with him, and Sunset needed help now.
If not Rarity, then who? Maybe she could text one of her friends? Or maybe, call them? Sunset gave her bag a quick search.
Her cellphone wasn't inside...
Pony feathers! Sunset swore, smacking her forehead with her hand. It's at the table with Rarity! Sunset let out a groan. Of all the times I could've forgot about my cellphone, it just had to be today.
She gave her bag another check. Still no cellphone. But there was something else inside that could help her.
"Twilight." Sunset muttered.
Sunset entered an empty stall and sat down on the white toilet cover. She took a few deep breaths, before opening her bag and pulling out a brown book with a picture of a burning sun in the middle.
She should be free, right? she asked herself, placing the book on her lap. It's not like she'll be busy with anything important...right?
Sunset opened the book, flipping through most of the already filled pages. Her fingers stopped at a fresh page. This was what she wanted, an empty page. Blank, and unused. Yet.
She dug out a pencil from one of her bag's pockets, and scribbled onto the page.
Dear Princess Twilight, how are you doing? I hope I am not disturbing you---
Sunset's hand paused, and she bit her lip. This was no time for formalities. She needed help, and she needs it fast. It won't be long before Rarity or someone else comes looking for her.
Dear Princess Twilight, how are you doing? I hope I am not disturbing you Twilight! Are you there? I really need your help on something! Something life-changing! Please respond! SS.
Sunset's legs fidgeted about on the tiled floor as she waited for her friend to write back. With any luck, Twilight will instantly write down a respond. If she doesn't...Sunset shuddered at the thought of what might happen.
Still, she couldn't believe the things that had just transpired. Just how long did Beef have this feelings for her? Why didn't he say anything until now? Not that it really mattered at the moment, but if he had said something sooner...maybe their relationship would be much different than they are now. They would be dating, for one thing.
Sunset blushed at the thought of them dating. She didn't realize her own true feelings for Beef until after the Battle of the Bands, and she remembered that day like it was only yesterday. The day when she found out that she was deeply in love with her best friend.
A smile escaped her lips, followed by a sigh, and a sudden buzzing that brought her back to her senses and feet.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, as the book fell to the floor. Sunset quickly snatched the book up and flipped through the pages, searching for Twilight's respond.
Is everything alright, Sunset? Are you hurt? Are you facing some sort of trouble? Are the rest of the girls alright? Do you want me to head over to CHS? Are you okay?
Sunset read through the message and couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, Twilight. You always do ask too many questions." Nevertheless, she was glad Twilight gave a quick respond. She grabbed her pencil that was on the floor and quickly scribbled down:
Me and the girls are fine, Twilight. Everything is alright---
But before Sunset could continue writing her sentence, more words suddenly appeared below hers.
I'm heading over there right now. I've just sent a letter to Princess Celestia informing her about my sudden departure. See you soon. TS.
Sunset's jaw dropped. "Pony feathers."
* * * * * *
Beef shook his head violently. "N-no...you...you're kidding me right?"
Rarity raised an eyebrow at him. "Why would I kid about such a thing, darling? Surely, you must've known?"
"I...I..." Beef was speechless. What was meant to be a fake confession had suddenly turned into something bigger than that.
Sunset Shimmer. Beef's best friend, was deeply in love with him.
And he had no freaking clue.
"But isn't this just perfect?" Rarity asked. "You both share the same mutual love for each other!"
"But...I...I don't really..."
"You don't what, dear?"
"She's my best friend."
"And soon-to-be girlfriend, I might add." Rarity said, smiling. "What more could you ask for a perfect relationship?"
Beef banged his head on the table, making Rarity jump. What have I done? he asked himself mentally.
"Are you feeling alright?"
Beef mumbled something unintelligible.
"B-Beef?" Rarity gently prodded Beef on the head with her finger. "Is something the matter?"
Beef looked up at Rarity. The sudden news had indeed caught him off guard. But he has not forgotten his original goal. If he doesn't clear up this misunderstanding soon, things will get a whole lot more complicated.
Taking a deep breath, Beef sat up, his eyes concentrated on Rarity. He needs to fix this. Now. He'll explain the rest to Sunset later.
Beef opened his mouth. "Rarity, listen. I've got something that I've been meaning to tell yo---"
"Rarity!"
Beef turned his head to the source of the sound and saw Sunset making her way towards them.
Bolts of nervousness suddenly sprang within Beef's body. His palm's started to sweat, and his throat went dry in an instant. A strange feeling was also bubbling slowly in his stomach. Feelings that had never been felt when around Sunset, was suddenly making itself known.
Rarity looked at Sunset and gave her a wave. "Sunset! You're back at last! Just how much longer are you going to keep Be---Woah!"
Sunset grabbed Rarity by the hand and pulled her up from her seat. "We have to leave now, Rarity! Twi is on her way here!"
Rarity's eyes widened, and an even wider smile spread across her lips. "Twilight's coming to visit? I must call the others at once!" Rarity said, pulling out her cellphone.
Beef watched as the two girls made their way towards the exit, leaving him alone at the small, round table. He was feeling confused, and a little angry.
Did I just get left behind?
His question was immediately answered, for Sunset suddenly came running back.
"Sunset, what's goin---"
"Something important came up!" Sunset panted, grabbing her cellphone on the table. "I'll tell you all about it tonight, or tomorrow, okay?" she spun around, ready to dash again for the exit.
"But what about---"
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Sunset skidded to a sudden halt and jogged back towards Beef. She bent down and planted a swift kiss on Beef's cheek, much to his surprise.
"I l-love you too, B-Beef." she whispered sheepishly in his ear. "I'll see you later, okay?" And with a cheery wave of her hand, Sunset went out the exit.