Downtime
Chapter 97: Downtime
(CHS)
Flash couldn’t really believe it. But for some reason he was actually glad to be back in school. After all the hectic shenanigans he’s gone through, the familiar sounds of his fellow classmates was a welcome change of pace.
Don’t get him wrong. He loved the adventure he had with Twilight and the girls. But he wouldn’t mind taking a little reprieve before he went off to his next magical battle.
No one here seemed to be aware of the danger they were in a few days ago. Everyone here seemed to think that what happened in the park was some kind of accident of some sort. Only the most hard core conspiracy theorists on the internet seemed to think that it was some kind of alien landing party, or even a leprechaun.
Regardless. As long as no one was pointing fingers at him or his friend, they were in the clear. Though he can’t really say the same for Vice Principal Luna. She was pretty livid when she last visited the gang.
Sunset said that he should acclimate himself back to the world of school. And maybe get back home to show his dad that he was still kicking. Not that he mind. She said that the place was getting too crowded now that Sunburst and Starlight appear to be staying for a while. And there was that crazy looking fellow, Discord, who seemed to have a few… if not many… screws loose.
Not that he mind. He was still hurt bad, so he could chalk this up as a resting period.
Besides… there was a favor that he’s been holding off for a while now. And from the looks of things, it seems like he picked the perfect time to nip it.
“Hey Adagio.” He greeted the lone girl who snapped from her locker, giving a hint of surprise before returning back to its normal bored expression. A rough guess would say that she didn’t expect anyone to approach her.
Which wasn’t much of a brainer seeing how everyone here seems to avoid her like the plague. Even as she delved into her locker, students and faculty alike gave her a wide berth. You could easily notice folks averting their gaze while some took the long way around school just to not come to path with her presence. Apparently the reputation of a Siren doesn’t wane that fast.
“Oh… it’s you. What do you want?” She replied with the boorish attitude, which seemed to be the norm these days.
Yeesh… talk about getting the cold shoulder. Flash wasn’t sure if she was just acting natural or he did something to vex her. Back then she’d be kinda cheerful whenever he was around… or… as cheerful as Adagio could get. Nowadays she treated him like he was a bug… or maybe even less.
“What’s the matter? Can’t I stop by and say hi to my favorite Siren?” Her head tilted sideway in a ‘Are you joking?’ manner.
“You’re kidding… right? Since when did you have a favorite Siren?”
“About the same time I saved you and your sisters from those wolf monsters.” He cockily responded expecting some kind of reaction. But instead her expression remained as boorish as before. “Yikes. Talk about a tough crowd. And here I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“Have you ever seen me happy?”
Happy? Maybe. Excited? Most definitely.
“Well, you did have this cute smile when we were at Hoity Toity’s fashion show. And you did it all for me.”
She smacked her locker door shut and hissed. “That was for the mission. I don’t smile for people. Especially not for someone as boring as you.” Ouch. Boring? Me? The Flash Sentry?
“Well someone’s in a bad mood.”
“This is my default mood.” Somehow he can imagine that. “What do you want? I have human history class in fifteen minutes.”
“We just call that ‘History’ class around here.” He corrected cheesily which did not help her attitude. “And I was wondering if you were free later after school.”
“Why? So you can invite me to one of your friendly get-together? You know I don’t hang out with your ‘Girls’ because I like it.”
“No no. No one else. Just you and me.” There was a brief reaction with her eyes actually lighting up with interest. Though she hid it very well. Her expression changed to that of suspicion, looking at him as if analyzing for any discernable hint. “I figured with everything that’s been happening I could use those extra ‘Lessons’ that you’ve been teaching me. And I can see that you’ve been in a sour mood, I think I can hit two birds with one stone.”
There was a moment of pause. And it looked like she was interested, though she remained guarded.
“What are you up to?”
“Nothing!” He protested a little too loudly. “I thought I could take you out for one evening, and maybe get an extra lesson in life. No hidden agenda whatsoever.”
“And your girlfriend won’t mind if you go out with someone like me?”
“Girlfriend?” Flash blinked confusingly.
“Nerdy? Glasses? Hangs out with the annoying team?” She gestured to the locker next to her that had an assortment of sciency looking stickers.
“Wait… you mean… Twilight?” He balked. “No no no. We’re… not together.”
Adagio looked taken aback, like this was some kind of new information. “Really? With the way you two hang out, I’d think you were all lovey dovey.”
Did people really perceive them as such? Damn. Rarity was right after all. With all they’ve done. No wonder folks would think they were dating. Timber’s overly exaggerated reaction didn’t seem that farfetched after all.
“We’re just good friends.” The boy let out a small chuckle, trying his best to keep a straight face. “We’ve just been through a lot together. With all this magical adventure going on, it’s only natural that we hang out more than usual. But I promise, we’re not together-together.” The Siren didn’t seem convinced. Though her overall gaze did soften up a bit. “Oh… and we might’ve been trapped together on the other side of the world for a couple of days. But no biggie.”
“You’re making that up.”
“Nope. Absolutely true. Ask anyone in the gang. We fought a giant snake shadow monster in some cave, and we nearly got crushed under castle. The next thing I know, we were trapped on the other side of the world living in a ranch with loud sheep.”
A smirk crossed her lips, which was definitely a big win. “Huh… sounds romantic.”
“Yeah… I mean no! We were trapped there living in a ranch. And I had a broken leg the whole time.”
“Even more romantic.”
“How is any of that, romantic?” He was starting to get annoyed. What was her deal? Back then she used to be so enamored when they were together. Nowadays she’s been all prickly and irritable. It’s almost as if she was trying to rile him up for no reason. Geez. She looks like Sunset before she turned over a new leaf.
…!
His eyes widened up when realization struck the boy like a brick. He was such a fool. How could he not have noticed? The angry demeanor, the cold shoulder, and that stinging tone. It was all so obvious even a child would’ve seen through it.
“Hold on a second. Adagio… are you… jealous?”
In a split moment, the Siren’s bricked defense came down. Heat crept up to her neck turning her cheeks to a slight shade of pink, almost red even. Her eyes shot up and her hand froze on her locker.
“Pfa! What!?” She replied a little too loudly, which earned her the glance of several students. She gave them a quick glare which sent them all running. “What… what what are you talking about? Me? Jealous? Ha! Ridiculous.”
It was such a reaction that Flash couldn’t help but giggle under that smile. “Oh… but I think you are.”
“You’re delusional if you think for a second that I would be bothered by you dating some…… will you stop grinning!?”
“I dunno. You sound really jealous when you thought that I was going out with someone else.”
“You need to get your ears checked.” She was turning redder. Almost like a tomato. And here he thought Fluttershy was adorable. “And your eyes as well. You’re kidding yourself if you think I would even go for such a lowly human.”
“Oh I disagree.” His grin widened. “I’m very good at reading people’s faces.”
She slammed her locker door, holding her knuckles out. “My fist is going to connect to your face, very soon!”
Flash recognized this pattern. The rage, the roar. Everything reminded him of Sunset – or at least when they first met. The absolute fury, combined with a hint of embarrassment, shyness, and pride. It was an emotional state that made the Siren very… very susceptible to his trademark lines.
All he needed was a little pressure.
Hook…
“I didn’t know you felt that way about me.”
“I don’t!”
Line…
“So why does it bother you so much, if I dated other people?”
“It doesn’t!” She spun around in huff, arms folded. “You can date whoever you want and I wouldn’t care.”
“So you’ll be fine if you and I went out tonight?”
“Absolutely.”
And sinker…
“Perfect. So I’ll see you after school?”
“Yes. And… don’t……” The Siren froze, suddenly realizing that she was caught in a scheme. “Wait a minute! I didn’t agree…” She was hushed when a finger pressed against her lips.
“Ah ah. No take backs.” He leaned in to whisper. “It’ll be fun. I promise.”
“Wha…? No… wait. This is…”
“Great. Pick you up at four? Cool? Cool.” He gave her a finger bang salute as he slid away from her with a cute wink.
“I… I mean… that’s…” By the time the furious Siren was able to conjure a full sentence Flash was already blending into the hallway far-far away.
It must’ve taken a full minute before she finally came back to her senses. And by then her blank dopey expression was suddenly replaced with frustration, misplaced anger, and a little bit of excitement.
Whatever ungodly curses or insult she screamed at him, was overwhelmingly drowned by the sound of the school bell signaling the start of class.
Oh… how the apprentice becomes the master. The other Adagio would’ve been proud.
(Cafeteria)
Rarity took a deep breath as she flipped her phone up. Lunch time has rolled in and she was mentally psyching herself for a conversation of a lifetime.
She took up Rainbow Dash on her advice and decided to end this little love triangle before it becomes too big to handle. She wasn’t sure why she hadn’t thought of this herself. Perhaps all the magical adventures they’ve been having was taking most of her time.
Regardless. This dreadful secret that she’s been holding all to herself was going to come out into the light. And while she was more than certain that it’ll turn ugly. In the end, everyone will leave here better than before. Or at the very least, she will.
The fashionista glanced over her phone. The text messages she sent to Pinkie and Applejack were answered. And she was certain that it would only be them around this table.
Sunset and Twilight were off investigating their own leads while Rainbow Dash was catching up with all her sports clubs. Fluttershy would be by the animal reserves at the back of the school. So that only leaves her, and the two love struck friends of hers to get together.
This whole mess ends today, come hell or high water.
She only hopes that it wouldn’t get too messy.
“Hey ya Rarity.” And thus, her first challenge arrived. The country gal grabbing a seat on the corner of the table. “Got your text just now. Said you wanted to talk to me?”
“Yes, darling. I was hoping to catch you.” Deep breaths Rare. Deep breaths. You can do this. “You see. It has come to my attention that we have been so busy with all this magic fiasco, that we haven’t had time for ourselves.”
“Yeah. It has been kind of mess lately. Not to mention we got new powers to boot. I’m just glad I’m not turning cabbages into full grown forests with just a touch.” That was one heck of a day. “It’d be nice to finally kick back and relax.”
“Precisely. Which is why I decided that it was high time we talked about your recent fascination with Flash Sentry.” The topic was enough to make the cowgirl tense up and blush.
It was absolutely adorable.
“Oh geez. I dunno. I don’t think that’s something we should be…”
“Darling. The whole time we spent in Sunset’s place, you’ve been nothing but bashful and shy. Normally I would find that kind of behavior to be cute and cuddly. But it’s been going on for a while now, and honestly, I’ve grown bored of it.”
“Well it’s not like I can just churn out catchphrases or hook lines out of the blue. I’m still new to this whole love thing. And my family ain’t exactly providing lessons. Well… unless you wanna include Big Mac and Cheerilee and their pet names for one another.” The two of them shivered at the memory.
Smoochy doopy and… poofy pie.
Gods. Never ever again. Those two can take their lovey dovey nicknames and throw it off a cliff.
“Exactly.” Rarity went on, pressing passed that painful memory. “Which is why it would be best to have a thorough discussion about this whole… love problem that you’re having. You still want to go out with him… do you?” It would be so… soooooo~~ relieving if you actually said no.
“Yeah… I still do.” Dang it. So much for wishful thinking. “I mean… he is good looking and… charming, funny. Not to mention brave. I mean… who else do you know around here would be willing to go toe to toe with a werewolf?”
Rarity couldn’t help but discreetly roll her eyes. She was hoping that Applejack’s rose tinted glasses would clear up by now. But it seems like the boy’s heroic display the other night extended its warranty. And she couldn’t exactly deny it. Flash did look pretty dashing. He might even give movie stars a run for their money. And those new scars he earned from that last fight made him even manlier than before. It wasn’t hard to understand why anyone would fall for his charms.
What a troublesome boy.
Cute. But oh so troublesome.
“Right. Of course.” She responded tiresomely. “And what have you done recently that would garner his affection?”
“Uh… well…”
“Exactly. We need to expedite this whole dry-spell. Which is why I’ve decided to bring out an expert to help.”
“An expert?”
And as luck would have it, the ‘Expert’ arrived, dropping a tray of treats on their table.
“And… Pinkie’s here!” Pinkie Pie announced herself, or perhaps ‘bounced’ onto her seat with the most oblivious smile in the world. Confetti and balloons appearing out of nowhere. “Got your text, Rarity. So where’s the party? What’s the theme? Is it someone’s birthday I don’t know? Is it for Bulk, or one of Fluttershy’s pets!? Tell me everything!”
“Now now, Pinkie. Let’s not get ahead.” Rarity cooed her hyperactive friend. “I invited you here for a little get-together advice. As for the party – well – you’re already here.”
“Huh?”
“I am?”
“Yes. I’ve decided to host this little gathering for our little dilemma.”
Pinkie deflated on the table. “So… just lunch? Meh. I can roll with that. I still got my party cannon if you want to liven things up. Oh! Can we invite the other tables? We can have a whole party right here with all the cafeteria food!”
Rarity felt Applejack’s elbow on her arm. “Please don’t tell me this is your ‘Expert’.”
“Don’t let her appearance fool you, dear. Despite what you may think. Both you and Pinkie are actually going through a similar phase.”
“We are?” Pinkie chimed. “I thought we were just having lunch.”
“It’s more than just lunch darling. I actually brought you here to help out with your little ‘Love’ problem. With that certain… boy? And seeing as you both have the same dilemma I figured I could strike two fashion shows with one runway.”
Pinkie’s hair dropped as the sudden realization crept in almost immediately. Her cheeks suddenly flared, while the party animal thing she had going came to an immediate halt.
“Uh… aheh. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Pinkie tried to play the ignorant card. Which sadly, she had no experience with.
“Now now Pinkie. You also have trouble with your… heart. Surely you’ll benefit from this little talk as you two have so much in common.”
“Oh yeah. You’re secret date last year.” Applejack suddenly recalled. “I totally forgot about it. We never got to talk about that whole rich guy that your folks set you up with.”
“Oh him? He was… no one special. Just some guy whose dad is friend with my parents. That’s all.” Her blushing cheeks, and the way her hands comb through her hair indicated otherwise. “Uh… why don’t we talk about something else? Oh gee. Look at the time. I have to go uh… set up the balloons at the event!” She rose up, but didn’t get far when Rarity’s magical shield boxed her in. “Oh come on! I thought no magic in school!?”
“I qualify this as an emergency. Now please, Pinkie.”
“Like… uh… oh hey Rarity. I love your new look. Did you do something to your hair?”
“Nice try, darling. But you’re not weaseling your way out of this one.”
“Booo…”
“Come on Pinkie.” Applejack reassured her. “You and me got a problem of the heart and Rarity’s volunteering to help. The least we can do is hear her out. What’s the worst that could happen?” A strange choice of words to be sure, AJ. Some might even call it, foreshadowing.
The party gal eyed them both, and contemplated for a bit. But in the end, she submitted. “Fine. But if this gets awkweird, I’m getting out of town and joining the circus.”
Good. This is good. Everything’s coming together nicely. Now they simply need to confess their darkest secret.
“Excellent! Now that we’re all on the same page. I think it’s time we speak of our – er – I mean you two’s little love.”
A pregnant pause went up between them. So much so that it was bound to burst. And thankfully Applejack went first.
“Well… there’s this guy I’ve been having my eye on for a while now. He’s… kind of a close one.”
“Mine too.” Pinkie followed, looking almost as awkward as AJ. “He’s good looking, funny, and really…”
“Cool.” They laughed.
Good… very good. Go on now. A little light on the drama, but Rarity wasn’t complaining. We’re so close to ripping out the band-aid. Just get on with it!
“Applejack!” A young voice suddenly interjected followed by the appearance of the full CMC crew who took their seat behind the elder cowgirl. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Uh… hey there Apple Bloom.” AJ spoke, pushing her little sis away. “Sorry to be a bushwhacker. But me and my friends here are in a middle of something important.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here.” Apple Bloom added, taking a seat on their table and cuddling her sister’s arm. “I know you can act all tough. But there’s no need to keep it all in. I’m here to support you in your time of need.”
Time of what?
“Time of what?” Pinkie repeated her thoughts.
“Uh… what are you talking about?”
“Don’t be sad Applejack. We’re here for ya.” Scootaloo added, much to their confusion.
Sad? Why would she be sad?
“Anyone here know what she’s talking about?”
Before any of them could respond, another voice interceded making the gang flinch. “Don’t fret. She’s only looking out for you as a sister.”
“GAH! Maud! What are you doing here?”
“It’s lunch time. It’s natural that I come here like every other student.” She responded in her natural monotone voice. “And also. I came to see if you were ok. As your big sister, it’s my responsibility to oversee your wellbeing. And also to be with you when you need a shoulder to cry on.”
“Why would I need a shoulder to cry on?”
“It’s alright Pinkie. You can tell me anything.”
“Come on big sis, let it all out.”
“Yeah! Plenty of fish in the sea and what not.”
Before Rarity knew it, her little private meeting with her friends turned into a senate hearing, where folks said everything and nothing at the same time. Each and every voice drowned out her thoughts, leaving the previous conversation unfinished and undone.
WHAM!
In a last ditch effort to return order, the fashionista slammed her hands against the table silencing them all in an instant.
“Will you all be quiet for a minute!?” Apple Bloom ducked behind her sister, while Maud remained stoic but silent. “Now. Apple Bloom… Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle… and Maud. I understand that you all want to talk, but the three of us were having quite a serious discussion. Whatever it is you wish to discuss will have to wait.”
But Apple Bloom protested. “How can you ask me to sit idly by when my sister is going through her first ever heartbreak?” Her crew cheered behind her.
“Heartbreak? Sugar Cube, you’re making about as much sense as that goat riding on Betsy. Can you just say what you mean?”
“It’s your first ever crush, Flash Sentry.”
“Flash!?”
…
If Apple Bloom could read the mood, she certainly didn’t act on it. The moment that sentence left her mouth, the whole table went deathly silent. Rarity glanced over to Pinkie, whose eyes suddenly widened with realization. It was rare to see the bubbly gal freeze up, and rarer still to have her so… stumped.
“I… I uh… don’t know what you’re talking about.” Applejack tried to brush it off, but it was far too late. The shot was fired, and the smoking gun was visible to everyone on the table. “F… Flash and I aren’t… like that. Nothing happened between us.”
“Of course not.” The little apple continued, eyes rolling in sarcasm. “Because while you were out gallivanting around, Fluttershy scooped him up while no one was looking.”
“Fluttershy!?” The table echoed that name.
“Yeah. They’ve been dating for a while now.” Scootaloo explained, pulling out her phone revealing an adorable photo of the ‘Couple’, arms locked together with smiles to pass around. “It’s been all over the school website.”
“That’s impossible.” Maud countered holding her phone up too, revealing another photo of Flash smiling and holding onto another girl in his arms. “Rainbow Dash was the one who scooped him up first.”
“Rainbow Dash!?”
Rarity looked, and the memories began flooding back in like a tsunami. She had completely forgotten about those idiots! She thought that the situation with them were over. But clearly she was wrong.
And judging from those photos and the tens of thousands of comments below, it went… a tad bit… out of hand.
“Excuse me for a second.”
xxxxxxxxxx
“Alright team. We got this! Ten more laps and we can call it a day.” Rainbow Dash shouted on her bullhorn as she whistled to her track team running around the field. They were at tip top shape, going beyond what she expected. Though a few did seem to lag behind. “Come on Bulk! Put those muscles of yours to good use! If you want to beat those clowns at Crystal Prep, you’re gonna have to go faster!”
“But I’m not even in the track team!”
“No excuses! Now march! Last one to finish will have to do pushups! Come on people. Let’s… Hey! What’s the big idea?”
She stopped mid-sentence when her bullhorn was snatched. But her annoyance quickly changed to terror when she saw the twitching face and demonic breathing of Rarity.
“You… me…” The lady said with barely restrained fury.
“Uh… Rare. We’re kinda in the middle of…” Her bullhorn was snapped in two.
“YOU… ME… NOW!”
Rainbow Dash gulped.
xxxxxxxxxx
“Hello my friends. Hope you’re all hungry, because I brought lunch.” Fluttershy sang blissfully as she brought a basket full of treats to her animal companions. It was a small treat. But one that she enjoyed doing. Like metal before a magnet, they were all drawn to her. Each of them eagerly gorging on her basket like carrions.
One might even say that she was a cartoon princess, always caring for those around her.
Gleefully she passed around sandwiches and crackers, with the larger animals digging in hungrily. Fluttershy giggled. Feeling a sense of fulfillment watching the little ones chow like there was no tomorrow.
But that joyful bliss faded when she noted her friends froze before making a mad dash back to their homes as if they just spotted a predator. Even her precious Angel suddenly looked frightened, bolting away from her shoulder to join the rest.
“Oh? What’s the matter, little one? Don’t you like it?” Fluttershy felt a hand grab her shoulder, gripping it like a metal clamp, yanking her face to face with a deathly-psychotic smile, from a very angry looking fashion designer.
“Fluttershy… darling~~~.” The purple lady hissed. “A word… if you would?”
“Eeeeeeeeeeppp!!!!!!!!!!!”
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Uh oh, now there's bound to be trouble. Looks like our five girls (I'm counting Rarity as well because she's just as guilty for not doing something about it sooner) have a lot of explaining to do.
When Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy explain their reasons for what they did, will Pinkie and AJ show relief that they're not trying to steal Flash? Or will they be angry at the two for pretty much using him for their own gain? And most importantly of all, how will Sunset and Twilight react to hearing about all this? Then again, should Twilight admit her own feelings for Flash, it'll just leave Sunset as the one to react most.
Oh Flash... just what are you gonna do when this all gets back to ya?
And somehow Sunset is still oblivious to the drama surrounding her friends. I am excited to see her reaction.
crushed u der a castle.*
You had it coming.
Must be her version of killing two birds with one stone.
I guess her plan didn't have Maud or the CMC involved.
We,p, it's gotten a whole lot worse now!!!!
It's obvious what's going to happen in the next chapter.
Adagio being jealous of Twilight is pretty hilarious, as is Flash teasing her over it and tricking her into agreeing to a date. "The apprentice has become the master" indeed.
And the love octagon, soon to be nonagon, finally explodes.
...
Wasn't expecting my previous comment to be fulfilled real quick.
Yeah I'll be over here from a safe distance, popcorn in hand as I witness Flash's life flash before his eyes.
Flash rolled a natural 20 on that persuasion check
How does one guy have so many girls interested in him? Seriously.
11808081
Either sheer luck, or he's just so good at spending time and bonding with them. Real question is... How's Flash going to react when he finds out the Mane 7 are all falling for him? At this point, he's still convinced they just see him as a real good friend. But once he finds out otherwise... oh boy.
11807597
He's learned quite well. Now we'll see if he can keep that charm in check, especially when he's got 7 other ladies to tend to.
11808081
He has 18 in charisma.
11808379
Sure it's not any higher than that?
Wonderful!
11807493
Mind if I join you