1. Party

Dearest Of Desires, Chapter 1
By, Serenityx

"This is a huge mistake," she claimed, worried.

One of her friends shook their head. "You'll be fine, Twilight. It's not everyday we get to go to a party, you know."

Twilight sighed. "I should've just stayed at home..."

"Nonsense!" Rarity cried out, looking up from her pocket mirror. "This is to get you out of your house. It's a Friday night, you should be living it up."

"I should be studying for a unexpected pop quiz," Twilight responded.

"Ouch! Fluttershy, cut it out!"

Twilight blinked and turned to look at her friend Applejack, who was sitting on Rarity's bed, legs thrown over the edge.

"Sorry, sorry. You just have so many tangles..." Fluttershy apologized, trying to brush Aj's hair.

Twilight turned back to Rarity who was currently giggling a little bit at their country friend.

"Come, Twilight. Let's do your concealer," Rarity mentioned, taking the concealer off the vanity.

Twilight just frowned.

"Darling, even Fluttershy and Applejack are coming. To a party! Fluttershy hates the uncomfortable atmosphere, and Applejack hates getting dressed up. What's your excuse? Oh yeah, study for a quiz that we are most likely not going to have," Rarity said.

"It's just... I haven't really gone out since..." Twilight started to say.

"Even more the better reason to go out," Rarity concluded. "Twilight, this is your chance to start fresh! Maybe even meet someone new?"

Twilight snorted. "Doubt it. If you really want me to come—"

"I really do! It won't be the same if you don't come. I want all of my bff's to be there," Rarity smiled.

Twilight thought about it; seconds just passing by.

"Okay, i'll go," she finally agreed.

"Yes!" Rarity cheered. "Come on, makeover!"

Twilight nodded and took a seat in one of Rarity's fuzzy white chairs.

"Is this alright?" Fluttershy said, getting off the bed.

She reached to the bedside table, took the hand mirror, and handed it to Applejack.

"I suppose..." Applejack halfly agreed, looking at her reflection.

Rarity examined Twilight's face, being the perfectionist she is. "Voilà. It's perfect," she handed her the mirror.

"It's great, Rarity. Thanks," Twilight said.

Rarity waved her hand. "Oh you don't have to thank me, darling. I'm happy to do this," she smiled. Rarity dusted herself up and got up out of her seat. "Everyone ready?"

"Yes," Fluttershy nodded, twirling in her knee-high blue-green dress.

"I put on a skirt, be happy," Applejack told Rarity.

"It'll have to do," Rarity replied.

Twilight reviewed her look in the body-view mirror. She wore a small tight navy blue dress that tied together in the back. Simple, but pretty. Perfect for a simple house party.

Rarity took her small purse from her bed. "Let's go! The night is still young!"

With that, the girls left Rarity's room and made there way out the house to her car.

"Ooo, this is so exciting. I simply love it when Vinyl throws parties," Rarity exclaimed, starting up her vehicle.

"Promise we'll stick together?" Fluttershy mentioned in the backseat, getting a bit nervous.

Applejack put a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder. "Don't worry, sugarcube. It'll be fine."

In the front seat, Twilight put her head into her right hand as she stared out the window.

Twilight didn't like going out. Well, she preferred not to go out. The only time she would if it was to the mall or something with her friends. Though, to actually go out and party, she hasn't done that since she broke up with her past boyfriend. No, it wasn't mutual, or a simple break up. Her ex could be... abusive. Not in a physical way, but he would get obsessive and picky. Half of the time, Twilight was his everything. The other half, Twilight was boring and he didn't care.

Other than that, Twilight just wasn't feeling anything for him anymore. She didn't even have the slightest clue, why.

Twilight stayed quiet for the rest of the car ride; her friends had the basic conversations. Before you know it, they were pulling into Vinyl Scratch's driveway.

"Ah, about time," Rarity said, undoing her seatbelt.

The rest followed suit, unbuckling and getting out the car.

As soon as Twilight's side door opened, the echo of loud music slapped her in the face. She could see rays of colorful light beaconing through the house's windows. When she glanced over, Rarity gleamed with excitement and Applejack was already nodding her head to the music. Fluttershy looked a little uncomfortable, yet, it wasn't the first time she's been dragged into something the rest of her friends were doing.

Rarity took Twilight by the hand and dragged her down the entryway. Fluttershy clinged to Applejack as they walked inside.

It was exactly how Twilight predicted. Crowds of people, tables full of snacks, loud pumping music, decorations messily put up, and dancing. Twilight did not dance, and she wasn't planning on it.

"Welcome to the party-life ladies!" Rarity introduced, taking in the scenery.

Applejack glanced around. "Ya sure there ain't any alcohol at this shindig?" she noticed some people grinding on the dance floor.

"Pfft! It's called having fun, darling!" Rarity retorted.

"What's going on over t-there?" Fluttershy weakly pointed to one of the corners.

"If my eyes aren't fooling me, those two gals are feeling each other up," Applejack said with a tip of her hat.

"All sexulaties are welcome," Rarity said.

Fluttershy nodded and Twilight shrugged.

"Rarity!"

Rarity turned around to put a face to the voice that had called her out. She smiled when she saw the person.

"Coco!" Rarity exclaimed, going up to the girl.

Coco Pommel wrapped her friend in a hug. "It's been forever! How you've been?"

"Fabulous! Ah, we just need to catch up," Rarity suggested. She faced her friends. "You don't mind do you, girls?"

"Go have fun, sugarcube," Applejack told her.

"Yeah, sure," Fluttershy answered.

Twilight however, hated the fact that the anchor of her group was leaving. "Well I uh—"

"Thanks! I'll meet up with you later," said Rarity. "Toodles!" she waved.

Rarity and her friend Coco were now making their way into the crowd.

Twilight gave a fake smile as she slowly waved goodbye. When she let down her hand, she inner sighed but managed to turn to her other friends.

"So, what's next?" Fluttershy asked, trying to break their silence.

Applejack shrugged. "I dunno 'bout yall, but Imma go try me some treats over there," she pointed to the buffet table. "Wanna come?"

Fluttershy raised her hand quickly, not wanting to be left alone. Twilight smiled but shook her head.

"I'm going to find the bathroom," Twilight told them. "I'll join you in a minute."

"Alright, don't get lost," Applejack mentioned.

"This house isn't that big. I'm pretty sure I won't," Twilight answered.

"Okay, see you," Applejack said. She and Fluttershy began to walk to the other side of the room.

Twilight turned behind her but suddenly collapsed to the floor.

"Watch where you're going," someone snapped at her.

"S-Sorry..." Twilight apologized.

"Whatever," the girl flipped her pink and blue hair. She started to leave and was about to step on Twilight's hand, but Twilight quickly jerked it away before she had the chance.

"Hmph, rude," Twilight retorted as she stood up.

She took in the atmosphere once more. Afterall, wasn't much to do when she was alone. Twilight sighed and started to find her way to the bathroom. A few excuse me's and shoves later, she about had enough. It's like she seemed to be going in circles. The colorful lights made sure she couldn't see anything, the music was starting to give her a headache, and—

Twilight squeaked. Right in front of her, stood that girl that tripped her earlier. She paid Twilight no mind however, as she was too busy dancing. Twilight took her glasses and rubbed the lenses with her shirt. When she put them back on, she noticed the girl was dancing on no other than her... ex boyfriend...

Twilight's mouth was now agape. She couldn't believe it. What was her ex doing at Vinyl's party? Not that she was jealous or anything; she despised the man. Though, who knew he was such a perv? Wow, no wonder he got bored of Twilight. Heat grew in Twilight's cheeks. He never loved her, not a single bit! Oh and now he had the nerve to grind upon some stuck-up candyfloss girl?

Her ex suddenly faced front, but continued to dance with the girl. He noticed Twilight and smirked for a quick second before turning his attention fully back to his dancing.

Twilight growled. Two can play at this game.

"This feels so awesome! We haven't went to a party in ages!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, dancing her hiney off.

Her friend nodded her head excitedly. "I know what you mean, Dashie. This music sure is banging!"

The last girl let out a small chuckle. "Well what did you expect at a party thrown by Vinyl, Pinkie?"

"This is exactly what I imagined!" Pinkie yelled back. She threw herself on the floor, doing the best air guitar she could do. "Oh yeah!"

Rainbow laughed. "Why is that such a me move?"

"Because it is," she gestured towards Pinkie.

"Oh come on Shim, show off some of your wicked dance moves," Rainbow pleaded.

"You're just trying to embarrass me aren't you?" Sunset asked.

Rainbow shrugged. "Not gonna lie."

Pinkie got up off the ground and took Sunset by the hand. "Let's p-p-party!"

"Woah!" Sunset yelped out, being dragged.

Rainbow made a cone around her mouth with her hands. "This is why you're our best friend Shimmer!"

"I'm still wondering how it ended up like that!" Sunset yelled back.

Pinkie let go of Sunset hand and spun her around. "Where she stops... nobody knows!"

When Sunset stopped spinning, she clutched her forehead. "Ooo I shouldn't have drank so much punch."

Pinkie laughed. "Isn't this fun, Sunny?"

Sunset crossed her arms. "Fine, you wanna dance? Let's dance," she smirked.

Sunset took Pinkie by her hands and started cha cha-ing with her. Throwing in a couple of spins and random moves into the mix. Rainbow watched from the distance, mostly laughing. Sunset was truly the highlight of their little group. She wouldn't know what to do if Sunset stopped hanging out with them.

Sunset was glad she had friends like Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash as well. They were honestly the wildest friends you could ask for. She wouldn't trade them for anyone or anything. They had their small fights sometimes, yes, though you couldn't break the bond! They had been friends since sophomore year of high school, and they were already in their first year of college.

Unlike Sunset, Rainbow and Pinkie never called one another by their actually names. Rainbow called Sunset, Shimmer or sometimes Shim while Pinkie stuck with Sunny. For themselves, it was Dash and Pinks. They were odd, but that's why Sunset liked them.

Rainbow walked over to her friends to join in on the fun. "Feeling tired yet Pinks?" she asked, already knowing the true answer.

"Nope!" Pinkie lied. She was, in fact, a little tired.

"Oh? You're ready for a throw then?" Sunset raised her eyebrow.

Pinkie pursed her lips. "I- Uh..."

"Great!" Sunset teased.

"Brace yourself!" Rainbow laughed.

"Wait! I changed my mind!" Pinkie finally admitted.

Sunset picked her friend of the ground and started spinning her round and round. Pinkie to Sunset was apparently light, or more like Sunset was pretty strong.

"S-S-Sunny-y-y," Pinkie dragged, feeling dizzy. This was apparently her karma.

"Here it comes!" Sunset beamed. She threw Pinkie Pie in the air.

Pinkie Pie screamed. This was it, she thought. When she felt a impact, she slowly opened her eyes. She was in a cradle position in her friends arms. Sunset just stared at her with a big grin on her face.

Pinkie bursted out laughing. "Haha! That was the best experience of my life! Haha, oh Sunny! I didn't know you had it in ya!"

Sunset giggled herself, setting Pinkie back on her feet. Pinkie finished her laughing fit and wobbled on the ground.

"If you'll excuse me though," Pinkie raised a finger, then made her way towards the exit.

Sunset blinked and faced Rainbow Dash.

"She's right ya know," Rainbow smirked.

Sunset laughed behind her hand. "About time I got my revenge."

Rainbow playfully gasped. "Shimmer, you devil!"

Sunset punched Rainbow in the arm and winked. "The one and only, Rainbow."

"Ah you crack me up, Shim. Come on, I'm starving for one of those cupcakes," she pointed to one of the buffet tables.

Sunset nodded and happily agreed. Dancing with Pinkie Pie sure did lower her energy. When they reached the table, Rainbow unwrapped a chocolate and took a bite. Sunset took one of the vanilia and started to eat off the frosting.

"Ugh, I still can't believe you're one of those people," Rainbow said.

Sunset tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Rainbow pointed to Sunset's cupcake. "You eat the frosting off the cupcake first. Do you eat the filling out of oreo's first too?"

"Ohh," Sunset realized. "What can I say? I'm a frosting girl."

Rainbow laughed the best she could with cupcake in her mouth. When she stopped, she raised her treat and stuffed the rest in her mouth, slowly chewing.

"Oh my god, you didn't," Sunset stared at her.

Rainbow just gave her a thumbs up in response.

Sunset shook her head and paid attention back to her cupcake. Just then, Pinkie Pie came back inside looking normal again. Pinkie Pie normal that is. She looked around until she spotted her friends at the buffet table. She walked over and frowned.

"Aw, you started the cupcake eating without me? You guys are rascals," Pinkie commented, picking up one herself.

Rainbow swallowed. "Not our fault you danced to hard."

"Speaking of," she turned to Sunset. "I'll get you Sunny; just wait!"

"Oh no, I'm so scared," Sunset raised her hands.

Pinkie snickered.

"I'll be back girls, gotta go to the bathroom," Sunset told them.

"Don't be long!"

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle's ex seemed to be done with his dancing with that girl. The girl obviously was done as well, as some of her friends were calling her over. She blew him a kiss and sashayed over to her posse. Twilight just rolled her eyes. Although, now that her ex's dance was over, she had nothing to focus her attention on to. She was highly considering on trying to make her way around the house again hoping to run into Rarity.

She shook that thought away. It was obvious Rarity wanted to spend time with Coco. Then again, even if she didn't, Twilight was almost 100% certain she would get lost like before. This is why she didn't come to parties!

Twilight sighed. Why'd I agree to this?

Twilight faced front. Her eyes went large, they probably looked even larger because of her glasses. Her ex was walking in her direction. Could the day get any worse!? He probably wanted to gloat. Yet, like Twilight told herself, two could play at that game.

Twilight urgently looked around her. Her brain screamed help but her heart screamed abort. Like always, she listened to her brain. Suddenly, Twilight got a light bulb.

Quick! Find a date!

Fortunately, someone was currently walked in her direction from her right. When she got close, Twilight grabbed the person by the arm and planted them by her side. The young woman yelped as she got pulled.

"Hey!" Twilight blurted out to her newfound date. Her pupils shrunk. She grabbed a girl.

Why!?!? Twilight's mind screamed.

"...Hello?" the girl replied confused.

"Uh..." Twilight stuttered. "Sorry to bother you, this will only be a quick second. What's your name?"

"Sunset; but what are you talking ab—" she stopped talking, and soon got her answer.

When Twilight's ex was about a foot and some in front of her, he crossed his arms and looked Twilight up and down.

"Twilight Sparkle," he finally said.

Twilight lip quivered. "T-Timber Spruce."

Sunset frowned at the man that stood in front of them. He was obviously trying to get something out of this Twilight girl that had pulled her aside.

"So, how's life hm?" Timber asked.

"My life is fine thank you!" Twilight snapped back.

Timber put up his two hands in defeat. "Hey, sorry, It was just a question."

"Yeah right," Twilight glared. "What do you want, Timber?"

Realization hit Sunset. Ah, this was obviously some ex boyfriend Twilight hadn't gotten over. Wait a second, why was she witnessing this again?

"Just checking in is all. So, who's your hot friend?" Timber pointed out.

Sunset blinked. Should she be offended?

Twilight finally got a chance to look over her "date". Oh stars above, this girl was gorgeous! Not only did she have to pretend and lie to Timber that she was bi, she had to prepare herself for whatever outcome comes with using... Sunset. It was obvious that Sunset came here with a date of her own, and Twilight was not ready to face whoever it was if they found out she was using Sunset for her own selfish desires. However, with every bit of confidence she had, she took Sunset by the hand and gulped.

She looked Timber straight in the eyes and said, "This is Sunset. My girlfriend."

What the heck is going on!? Sunset screamed in her head.

Twilight started to sweat. Would Sunset understand what she was trying to do, or would she come to the conclusion that she was a complete psycho?

When Sunset looked at the man, she saw that Timber suddenly looked like he got hit by bus. Oh, now she understood. She was pretending to be this Twilight's "date". Obviously she didn't like this Timber of hers, so she was trying to make him jealous.

Well, might as well roll with it.

"Really, now?" Timber finally managed to spit out. "Why, Twilight, I never thought you'd be so devastated without me you would decide to turn to girls. Did I really leave you that messed up?"

Twilight stared at her feet, eyes watering. She was over Timber. Really!

Sunset Shimmer was peeved. She may not know Twilight, but no guy talks to a woman like that. Oh hell no.

"I'd think twice before insulting my girlfriend," Sunset crossed her arms. She's got the comeback out of the way, now time for the exaggeration. "Twilight is the most beautiful, kindest, and smartest girl I have ever come across. It's a shame you would throw away such a woman."

Yes!

Twilight was relieved her "date" caught on to what she was trying to do. Otherwise, it would have been completely awkward. Furthermore, she couldn't help but blush at Sunset's words.

Timber stood there and raised an eyebrow.

"Speechless? You should be. Next time, I won't be so nice. So stay away from her, you hear?" Sunset told him.

"Please, what can you do?" Timber asked.

Twilight fiddled her thumbs. This girl was good.

"More than that small brain of yours can come up with. No wonder nobody wants to commit to you," Sunset commented.

"Ha, a lot of girls line up to be with me," Timber snarked.

"Only because they want you up their skirts. Maybe if you listened to your heart instead of the bulge in your pants, you could keep a girlfriend," Sunset glared.

Okay! Time to cut in!

"Sunset..." Twilight whispered.

Sunset looked beside her and saw that the girl looked a little nervous. Time to turn it down she supposed.

"I- well- ugh, whatever," Timber sputtered out. "It's not like you're any better. With that attitude of yours, why would she ever date you?"

"Because I love her!" Twilight yelled at him.

Twilight not thinking, grabbed the girl by her teal tank top and forced her lips on hers. Sunset jumped a little, but decided to close her eyes so it didn't look like she was faking it. It was only about a four second kiss, but when Twilight pulled away, she felt like it lasted an eternity.

Dang it... Twilight thought. She let her anger for Timber out on Sunset. In kiss version! I bet she feels so uncomfortable now. Nice going, Twilight.

Timber couldn't process it fast enough. So instead, he muttered under his breath and walked away with his arms crossed.

Sunset blinked into the abyss. Or what felt like the abyss. Just what did she get dragged into?

Twilight gulped and tapped Sunset. "Hey... uh, I'm sorry about all that..."

Sunset snapped out of her glance and faced the flustered girl. "N-No problem. Honestly, I was a bit weirded out at first, but I caught on to why you pulled me over."

"Thank you so much for helping me! It was kind of just a spur in the moment thing," Twilight admitted.

Sunset nodded. "I get it. Glad I could help."

Twilight smiled. Sunset was so nice! She couldn't have picked a better person to be her "date". Wait, what!? She kissed a girl! Oh my gosh she kissed a girl! Twilight freaked out inside.

"So, I take it that was your ex?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, we broke up a few months ago," Twilight said.

"And you're not over him?" Sunset questioned.

"Huh? Oh no! I am over him. He just makes me so mad. He was grinding up on some other woman earlier and it really ticked me off. I wanted to make him jealous and, well, like I said it was kind of a spur in the moment thing," Twilight explained.

"I see," Sunset said.

"So uh, do you have some kind of boyfriend that's going to kill me over this...?" Twilight shyly asked.

Sunset slightly laughed. "Boyfriend? Oh, you don't have to worry about that. I'm single. Besides, guys aren't really my type anyway," she shrugged.

Twilight blinked. Not only was this girl actually a lesbian, but she was single too! So no couple drama!

"Thank the heavens!" Twilight breathed. "No offense, but that was not something I wanted to deal with."

Sunset nodded and gave her a smile. "So is this the part where we start a friendship and go dance, or do you have somewhere else to be?"

Twilight blushed. "I uh, I would love to but I should be getting back to my friends."

"It's cool. I should too now that you mention it. I guess I'll see you around, Twilight," Sunset winked.

Sunset waved at the girl then disappeared into the crowd.

Twilight smiled. "Y-Yeah. Bye, Sunset," she said to no one.

Twilight couldn't believe it. She just possibly made a new friend. Her mind wandered back to that kiss. She wondered if she would ever live that down. Sunset was a beautiful young woman, honest truth, and she doesn't have a boy— girlfriend? Wow, then maybe Twilight had a chance.

Did I really just think that? Twilight asked herself.

Twilight didn't know if she was actually into girls. Although, It would make sense as to why Twilight felt so off when she was with Timber. Even when they kissed, it wasn't as breathtaking as the one she had with Sunset today. Just who was this Sunset really that made Twilight feel so? Then to think, Sunset helped Twilight simply because she wanted to. It was obvious that Sunset was a really generous person. Kind of like Rarity to be honest.

"Rarity! I better text her," Twilight realized and took out her phone.

Then, she realized she had made the biggest mistake should have ever possibly made...

She didn't get Sunset Shimmer's number.

2. Truth

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 2
By, Serenityx

"What took you so long? What exactly were you doing in that bathroom?" Rainbow cocked an eyebrow at Sunset as she walked up.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Nothing. I never even made it to the bathroom."

"You didn't!?" Pinkie exclaimed, then her mouth formed an "O".

"I got distracted," Sunset shrugged.

"When you mean distracted," Rainbow made air quotations. "Do you mean Pinkie Pie distracted or you possibly almost got laid distracted?"

Sunset let out a highly embarrassing cough. "Rainbow Dash!" You really had to be careful about you say around that girl.

"Well!?" Rainbow didn't seem to get the hint.

Sunset glared at her. "No. No I did not almost get laid."

"Lame!" Rainbow splurted.

Sunset stayed silent. Out of all the possibilities—

Pinkie walked closer to Sunset and pinched her right cheek. "You look a bit pink, Sunset."

"Maybe because your pinching me?" she lied.

"Pfft," Pinkie let go. "I meant you've looked a bit pink."

Sunset rubbed her arm shyly. "Well I did run into someone."

"Aha!" Rainbow pointed at Sunset. "Shim here has got another one of her crushes."

Pinkie clapped her hands. "Ooo I love it when this happens!"

"What? No, Rainbow, please let me finish before you assume things," Sunset told her.

Yes, it's safe to say that Sunset has had crushes on woman before. I mean, it's not like it's intentional. Not that she goes up to them particularly. More like they go up to her. However, you could never find Sunset complaining.

Rainbow just rolled her eyes in response. Pinkie Pie stared at their friend intrigued.

"This girl, her name's Twilight,—"

"As long as she doesn't break your heart, I'm cool," Rainbow said. Meaning every word at that.

"—She pulled me over and I helped her with a tiny ex boyfriend issue. That's all," she explained.

"You helped a stranger?" Pinkie asked, almost proud.

Sunset rubbed the back of her head. "Uh, it was just a spur in the moment kind of thing," she tried to mimic Twilight's words.

"What happened then?" Rainbow asked, wanting to know more.

"Apparently she wanted to make her ex jealous," Sunset answered.

"Ohh so it was one of those 'I moved on, haha loser' moments," Rainbow ended with a nod of her head.

"Uhh, yeah let's go with that," Sunset agreed.

"Okay but that doesn't explain the flustered color on your amber cheeks a moment ago," Pinkie brought up.

One truly did have to explain everything to that girl. "Her ex made some rude comment so she kissed me to prove a point," said Sunset.

She squealed. "Aw! This is the start of a romance!" Pinkie chippered.

"Did you not hear me? She had a boyfriend," Sunset emphasised. Obviously Pinkie Pie didn't get the message that Twilight was straight.

Twilight was an undeniable cutie. Strangely, that was mainly the reason she didn't give Twilight her number. Even though Twilight seemed like fun, Sunset could never run into her again. If she did, there was always a chance she could start to like her. From the looks of it, the girl was completely straight sans the kiss they had. There was no point of hanging out if she wasn't going to get anything from it.

Then again, why did Sunset offer her a dance in the first place? Well, she did only say they would start a friendship. It's not like she was flirting or anything.

"Yeah, but she grabbed a girl," Rainbow mentioned. "Besides, she could float your way. You never know."

Sunset shrugged. "I don't know." Inside, she knew.

"I think it's cute that Sunny has found someone new that she likes!" Pinkie exclaimed.

Sunset blinked. "It takes more than a fake kiss to make me like her you know."

"Do you find her appealing though? Can you see yourself with her?" Pinkie asked, trying to get more out of Sunset.

Sunset sighed and shook her head. Her friends would always do this when a new 'crush' popped up. "Look, it's getting late. Let's head home and save this conversation for later. Besides, I most likely won't see her again."

"...Fine, have it your way," Rainbow gave in.

The three started to leave the party. On the drive back to the apartments, Sunset couldn't help but think of Twilight some more. If they did somehow manage to meet again, Sunset wouldn't be the type to turn her away. Afterall, it had been awhile since Sunset has been with someone or even talked with someone besides her friends.

Meanwhile, Twilight eventually caught up with her friends Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Apparently they were just about to come look for her when Twilight texted.

"Twilight thank goodness," Rarity breathed.

"We were wondering where ya went! Me and Fluttershy expected you to meet us at the buffet table after you went to the bathroom," Applejack told her.

Twilight fiddled her thumbs. "Yeah, sorry about that."

Fluttershy smiled, not knowing what else to say to their returned friend.

"What happened exactly?" Rarity asked.

Twilight grew into a frown. "Timber is here."

"What!?" came from Rarity and Applejack.

"Timber as in," Fluttershy raised her hand to the right side of her lips to block noise. "your ex boyfriend?" she whispered.

"The one and only," Twilight nodded. "I was not expecting that. At all."

"So, you talked to him?" Rarity continued to ask questions.

"More like he talked to me. Well, he tried to come up and talk to me alone. I freaked out however," Twilight sighed. "I've been doing that a lot lately," she scratched her head.

Applejack crossed her arms. "Whatcha do this time, Twi?"

"Hey! Don't look at me like that!" Twilight blurted at her.

Applejack blinked.

"I don't know what it is, but you always bring out the worst in me Applejack. I guess you should take that as a compliment," Twilight said. Knowing she really never had a bad side. Mostly she said that metaphorically though. "Anyways... I pretended I was seeing someone."

Rarity gasped. "You lied!?"

"It was a spur of the moment kind of thing!" Twilight watered the fire, still using that same excuse. "That's not all. I pretended I was seeing... a girl..."

"Oh my!" Fluttershy covered her slightly pink cheeks.

"Well ah'll be! Twilight, I didn't know that was your thing!" Applejack praised.

"It isn't," Rarity pointed out for Twilight. She then looked Twilight straight in the eyes and frowned. "At least, I don't think it was. You would have told me about this, wouldn't you?"

"I would've! You're my best friend Rarity and you're right. I'm almost positive," Twilight said.

"Almost positive?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Twi, with you, something is either certain or not."

Twilight sighed. "I know... but what else could've have been that drew me away from Timber? It's obvious we weren't feeling anything towards each other. I know what his reason is, I'm not fond of it; it's not even a reason. He's a typical player, that's all," she shrugged. "It's just, at the beginning, he was so sweet and charming in every way. Yet, I couldn't find myself falling for him. So what else could it be?"

"Pfft! That happens in a lot of scenarios darling. You simply saw him as a friend and nothing more," Rarity explained.

Twilight shook her head not knowing what to think. "But with the girl—"

"Wait, are you saying you actually snatched up a 'date'?" Rarity asked amazed.

"To impress Timber?" added Fluttershy.

"Yes, I know it was stupid. I panicked! I didn't want it to look like I was..."

"Weak? Heartbroken? Lonely?" Applejack listed.

"Yeah," Twilight hung her head.

Rarity nodded. "Who was she?"

"Sunset," Twilight perked up a little. "She was... the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!"

"Someone's smitten, guess who," Rarity teased.

"Who is that?" Fluttershy wondered. Applejack nodded wanting to know the same thing.

"I dunno. I don't even know her last name. Like I said, It was—"

"A spur of the moment kind of thing. Yes, Twilight," Rarity finished. "I don't believe I've met anyone with that name before though. What did she look like?"

Twilight put a finger to her chin trying to remember every single detail she could about her. "She had amber skin, and her hair was a mixture of blonde and red. Like gold and rubies, or fire, or—"

"Bacon?" Applejack chuckled a bit.

"...Huh... I guess so?" Twilight partially agreed. She never thought of that. "She was wearing a teal, maybe cyan tank top with a pocket on the side and blue jeans. Uh, I think a black bra as well? Oh and ankle boots I think."

"Wow. Now I want to meet her," Rarity chirped.

"Same here," Applejack raised her hand. Fluttershy's hand went straight up as well.

"You can't," Twilight said.

"Why the heavens not?" asked Rarity, sinking her shoulders a bit.

"Um hello. I don't even know her full name. I especially don't have her phone number. Is she even in college!? I don't know a single thing about this Sunset girl," Twilight complained.

"Awe that's unfortunate. It would've been nice," Rarity replied in equal sorrow.

"What happened when ya pulled her aside?" Applejack wanted to know the rest of the story.

"She stuck up for me. I was in such a rush and she didn't even question what I was trying to do. I didn't even give her my name. She found about because Timber said it! The two of them starting talking, and apparently he said some things that ticked Sunset off. I couldn't tell at first, but it seemed as if Timber actually offended her in some way. So I managed to but in before it got any worse," Twilight shared.

Applejack spoke,"Offend her? What did he actually say?"

"It was something along the lines of, I never thought you would be so devastated without me you would decide to turn to girls. Did I leave you that messed up?" Twilight mimicked. "It hurt, but apparently it hurt her more even though she didn't even know me!"

"Oh dear!" Rarity put a hand on her chest.

"I think I understand," Fluttershy spoke, giving her first opinion. However, instead of explaining, she wanted Twilight to continue. "What happened next?"

"Then he lit my own kindle with another comment, and uh," Twilight blushed. "I kind of acted disasterly and... kissed her."

If Applejack was drinking punch, she would of spit it out at the moment. "You kissed her? Twi, that's a stranger!"

"You didn't," was all Rarity managed to say.

"I know! I know! I couldn't help myself. Timber acted like I could never date or love anybody else, ever. I had to do something! I wasn't going to go through all that and have him have the last laugh," Twilight huffed.

"W-What did Sunset do?" Fluttershy was shy to ask.

"She just stood there, letting it happen before Timber had enough and just left. I halfly apologized and then she offered me a dance as friends, but I declined. She left to head back to her friends I suppose, and that's when I realized I never got her number. I'm pretty sure she left already, and I don't think she goes to our college. If she does, I haven't seen her," Twilight finished the story.

Rarity sighed. "That's quite a story. If it's destiny, I'm pretty sure you'll run into one another again. Just you wait, Twilight."

"What if I don't want to wait?" Twilight said, which confused her friends. "It's not that she isn't nice or anything. I would love to friend Sunset, but I already declined her earlier. I don't think she would really want to see me again. Then again, I don't know if I want to see her again. It would just be... weird..."

"Well that's the start of having a crush, darling!" Rarity exclaimed. Fluttershy nodded.

"Besides, I don't think Sunset would not want to be your friend after all that," Applejack confirmed.

Twilight just rubbed her head in annoyance and bashfulness.

"IDEA!" Rarity squealed.

Twilight face planted in her hands, Fluttershy sighed, and Applejack rolled her eyes. Every time Rarity said she had an 'idea', it either lead to scheming, a bunch of drama, or a new outfit. Yes, the last one too. Rarity could be... dramatic.

The last time she went full on sleuth mode, it was last year in High School when some of the ladies hand mirrors were disappearing. Rarity wouldn't stop until she got to the bottom of it claiming that it was huge tragedy she just had to solve. Turns out, Trixie Lulamoon took them for some light show that she was debuying in her upcoming magic show.

"Rarity, thanks for the offer, but—"

Rarity hushed Twilight with her finger. "Bah ba ba. None of the negativity."

Twilight huffed. Couldn't Rarity, oh I dunno, be a little less generous?

"So, what are we doing this time Rarity?" Applejack asked. Might as well get to the point.

"Simple," she raised a finger. "We investigate! We'll find this Sunset online; I'm very good at internet searching, that will be my job. Once we do that, we'll find out what college she goes to. Twilight, that's where you will take over, since your um tech-y. Next, will be the confirmation. Applejack, you and Shy will go to meet Sunset in person. While Applejack is conversing with her, that's when Fluttershy will snap the picture and send it to Twilight."

Fluttershy opened her mouth to speak, but Rarity continued on.

"If the picture is confirmed by Twilight, we have won. Applejack and Fluttershy will give Sunset their numbers and ask her to 'hang out' with them and a couple more of their friends (me and Twilight). They'll set up the date, Applejack, Fluttershy, and me will intentionally cancel, and voilà! Twilight and Sunset are instant friends soon to be a couple."

"Woah woah woah. If anything, I'm only befriending Sunset. I didn't say anything about starting anything more," Twilight mentioned.

"Pish posh, whatever you say," Rarity replied.

"Rarity, this is stalking," Applejack pointed out.

"Also, we can't just take a picture of someone without their permission," Fluttershy said.

"So not only do I have to search every college in the state, I have to break in and find their attendance roster?" Twilight asked and adjusted her glasses. "That involves computer coding, that's not really my strong point."

"Twilight, I believe in you!" Rarity praised, setting her hands on her friends shoulders. "Are you in?"

Twilight frowned. Applejack was right, this was stalking. She didn't need to meet Sunset that badly. However, it did seem like fun. It had been awhile she she indulged in something that was actually fun for her. She put a finger on her chin and hummed. She looked over to AJ who just gave a blank expression and Shy who was shaking her head.

She came to a decision. She blinked and let her shoulders slump. "Let's do it."

Rarity jumped a little. "Yes! You'll see, it will be totally worth it Twi." Rarity led Twilight out of the party room and to the front door.

Her friends followed but Applejack and Fluttershy gave each other a look, one that screamed, what did we get ourselves into?

3. Discovery

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 3
By, Serenityx

Rarity was up late that night. She took a sip of her sweet iced tea, making sure she was refreshed. She sighed to herself as she took a hair tie from the desk drawer. She reached up and slowly tied her hair into a high ponytail. When finished, she stared at her computer screen. The light from it was the only thing illuminating the room. She narrowed her eyes at the google image that was displayed and wiggled her fingers.

"Okay, Sunset. Let's find out who you are," she spoke to no one.

It was internet searching time, and if Rarity was good at anything besides clothes making, it was being a friend. She wouldn't really call what she was doing all that friendship-y. Though, she loved a challenge. This was it. This was going to be one of the most generous things she has done according to her.

Rarity began on the first social media sight. She was no Pinkie Pie (not that she knew her), but she had her ways of following almost every girl in her school. Or they would follow her that is. If anybody she knew, knew this girl, it would be easy. On instagram, she went to her friends list and started checking if there was anybody named Sunset through it.

No luck, so that meant Rarity didn't know her personally. Then, she began searching through some of her friends instagram's. She then recalled what Twilight told her. Amber skin, red and blonde hair. Why did Rarity think that was familiar?

When a big load of nothing struck again, it was hours later. She looked down to the corner of the screen. The time read 1:23am. Great, she's been scrolling through her friends insta list's for almost two hours. That's when Rarity decided to move on. Snapgab, MyStable, Discord, nothing.

"Argh!" Rarity groaned, slamming her head on the table. It was even more hours later at this point.

Ding

Rarity lifted her head up frowning as she reached for her phone.

YOUTUBE Rainxtreme: New Video - High Fly Sic Skateboarding

Rarity rolled her eyes at the notification. Who posts a video at three in the morning? Why was she still following her old friend Rainbow Dash? Especially on youtube for heaven's sake. Deciding to take a break, she went to youtube on her computer and clicked on the new video. Even though she wouldn't try it in a million years, seeing her old friend skateboard was quite thrilling. Rainbow was quite the dangerous stunter.

She clicked play.

"What's up everyone? Rainbow Dash here with another awesome sic-tastic video. Today I'm going to showing off another move I've been working on! You guys are gonna be totally soaked when you see this."

Rainbow clicked on her helmet. "Always safety first!"

She walked over to one of the skatepark ramps that had a railing at the end of it.

"Alright! Who's ready for rain extreme skating? Here's the gist," Rainbow pointed to the top of the ramp. "Starting at the top, skate down, onto railing, onto the other ramp, kick flip at the top, one foot down."

Rarity gawked at the screen.

"Let's get started. So, first things— uh hey, Sunset up here."

"Huh?" Another voice called out from behind the camera. "Oh sorry." The camera was instantly fixed so that Rainbow was in view at the top of the ramp.

Wait a second. That name! Rarity perked up. Before getting too excited, she reversed the video to see if she wasn't imagining things. When she did, she clarified that Rainbow actually said Sunset.

Rarity took a deep breath. "Rarity, you have a lead," she talked to herself.

Of course, there was still a possibility that the Sunset her old friend had mentioned wasn't the one Twilight met, but Rarity was too certain that it was. It wasn't exactly a popular name afterall. Well, neither was Rarity, but she wasn't calling herself out on that.

Rarity clicked out of the video and went to Rainxtreme's subscription list. She scrolled and scrolled until—

"Bingo," she praised herself.

A profile picture was in the middle of the screen. She looked exactly as Twilight described. Sunset was beautiful. The channel name listed beside it was Shimmer Code. She clicked on the channel, a video trailer popped up, videos were listed, and the subscriber count was through the roof.

Rarity exclaimed, "Oh my stars, she has more followers than Rainbow! She's literally famous."

Rarity smiled to herself. She finally found her. Cautiously, she clicked the about section on the channel and found social media sites along with her usernames. She clicked the instagram link. Instant fiery photos were displayed. Ones with her friends, ones of her posing, ones even off guard.

Rarity looked to the side at the bio.

Sunset Shimmer
~19~
Youtuber/Gamer/Amazing Friend
Proudly Bi & Single
💚💛

Rarity pushed her chair away from the desk and threw her arms up in relief.

"Ah! I did it! Finally!" she celebrated.

She grinned brightly to herself. Twilight was going to be so happy. Now, it was just time for her to take over. It also looked like Twilight's job might get a little bit easier as well.

Rarity scanned the biography again. The hearts were the colors green and yellow. That meant, going with she admitted she was nineteen, Sunset Shimmer went to a college with those spirit colors. It obviously didn't look like they related to her. This girl didn't have a speck of green on her. Besides the fact that her eyes looked a bit cyan.

Realizing her job was officially done. She got up out of her chair, walked out of her room, and into the hallway.

"Twilight, I found her!"

When nothing but a groan came in response, Rarity remembered just how late it was.

"Heh... nevermind! Talk to you in the morning; goodnight!"

The next day, Sunset Shimmer was making a grilled cheese. She buttered the two slices of bread, set one in the pan, threw the cheese and tomatoes on top, and set the other slice of bread on top.

"No pickles this time?"

Sunset didn't even flinch. She turned around to face her friend who entered the living room. "No pickles this time," she shook her head in agreement.

The three lived in a small apartment. It wasn't that small, the living space was still fairly large. Along with two full size bathrooms and three bedrooms. The living room led to the kitchen however, so you could cook while watching someone watch TV.

"Huh," Rainbow shrugged, then flopped onto the couch. She took the near remote and turned on the TV to flip through the channels.

While Sunset's sandwich fried, she decided to bring up a happy subject. "How's the recent video going?"

Rainbow smiled at her. "Great! One and three thousand views already!"

Sunset gave Rainbow a thumbs up. "Nice, champ."

That's when a pink figure entered view. "Hey ya'll! Sunny, hurry up in the kitchen, I need it to film my recent video."

"Alright alright, I'm almost done," Sunset answered, flipping her sandwich to the other side.

Rainbow finally settled on a channel. "Oh? Whatcha baking this time, Pinks?"

Pinkie threw her mini tablet in Rainbow Dash's face. "Mermaid palooza cake!"

Rainbow stared at the screen trying to take in the purple and blue colors and tail formed at the top. "That's specific; is that a new order?" Rainbow asked.

She nodded. "Uh huh, a little girl is having a birthdayyy partyyy," she sang.

"Good luck," Rainbow wished.

"Thanks, Dashie," Pinkie smiled.

In the group of friends, each had a youtube channel. Three different people, three different topics.

"Finished," Sunset said and set her grilled cheese on a plate. "Just don't make too much of a mess." It wasn't official or anything, and Sunset was almost just as wild as her friends, but she owned the title of mom.

"Puh lease," Pinkie giggled. "I always clean it up afterwards anywho." She skipped to the kitchen just as Sunset left.

Sunset took a bite of her lunch as she walked through the living room.

"Where ya off to?" Rainbow raised an eyebrow.

"Homework," Sunset bluntly replied.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Nerd."

Sunset was already out the room when she spoke, "You know it!"

When she made it to her room, she set her plate on the nightstand and grabbed her laptop. She settled comfortable on her bed and was just about to start her homework when—

Ring Ring

Sunset sighed and grabbed her phone.

Unknown Number

It could be a fan call from someone who somehow found her number, a call from an old friend she deleted from her contacts, a realtor, an ad, a prank call, or some straight up stranger. Not really paying attention to the fact, she pressed accept and held the device to her ear.

"Hello? Sunset Shimmer," she spoke.

"Sunset! My favorite freshman!"

None of those listed apparently. Sunset went over the voice and statement of the phrase in her head.

"Mr Letrotski, what a surprise," Sunset said. Just what was her AP english teacher, Jeff Letrotski, calling her for?

"Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt anything you're doing," he apologized.

"Oh, nothing. It's just your homework," she half joked.

He did one of those small bulky laughs of his. "I see."

Sunset still felt uncomfortable. "Is there anything you need...?"

"Oh! Yes, you're one of my best students, Sunset—"

"One of?" Sunset interrupted.

"— You are my best student. So, do you think you can do me a favor in tutoring an honors student of mine for a few weeks?"

Sunset didn't answer right away. "Why?" She didn't want to be so directly rude to a teacher, but if she was being honest, tutoring was way out of her league.

He coughed. "Do you know, Minuette?"

"I do actually, not personally. She went to my high school," Sunset answered.

"Great! She needs some assistance. She supposedly gets what we're doing, but she's having some trouble with the depths of the topic? I thought you might be some good help for her," he explained.

Sunset innerly sighed. "I would love to help, but I'm kind of busy sir. My job, my channel, not to mention my own school work."

"Please, Sunset. I'll count it as this week's homework."

Sunset didn't answer. Instead, she reached over and took a bite of her sandwich.

"This month's homework," he tried.

She swallowed. "Fine, when do I start?"

Mr. Letrotski happily sighed. "Thank you! Sundays and Wednesdays, three o'clock. Doesn't matter where, though I suggest the first be at the library."

"Alright. I'll be there. Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you again, Sunset. Enjoy your evening."

"You too!" she happily but unhappily answered, then hung up the phone.

"Yay! More stuff added to my weeks. Great!" Sunset complained.

Not having to do her AP homework, she gently tossed her computer to the side and laid on her pillow.

"Hm," she closed her eyes.

I wonder what Twilight is doing right now...

Then there was a noise followed by a scream.

"Pinkie Pie!"

One thing went through Sunset Shimmer's head. Full name; uh oh.

Sunset threw herself off the bed and ran into the kitchen. "What's going on?" she took in the view, sighed, and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Pinkie, why is there purple and blue splattered in my kitchen?"

Pinkie gave her friends an innocent look and waved her frosting covered wooden spoon in the air. "Uh, you see..."

Rainbow Dash walked over to the camera stand and stopped her recording.

"Hey! This would've made a great blooper!" Pinkie complained.

Sunset crossed her arms, still expecting an answer to her previous question. "What. Happened?"

Rainbow stood at one of the blenders licking some frosting off her finger. "Looks like she forgot to put the lid on the blender again."

"You don't make icing in a blender!"

Pinkie Pie frowned. "Frosting, Sunny. Frosting."

"I don't care!"

"It's still pretty good frosting," Rainbow shrugged.

Sunset didn't have the energy to be angry anymore. She slumped her shoulders and spoke, "Whatever. Let's just clean this up."

Luckily, she didn't have homework to do anymore.

The girls each got a washcloth and started to wipe down the countertops and walls. At least it wasn't as bad as the carrot cake incident last fall. When all the frosting was clear, Sunset took the blender to the sink for a wash. Rainbow started gathering up paper towels, napkins, and a piece of tin foil to ball up and throw in the trash.

"So, when is this order due anyway? You still have time to make another batch of frosting right?" Rainbow asked.

Pinkie stared at Rainbow, mouth agape, and eyes starting to water.

"Pinks!? Hey, what's wrong? We can just buy some more ingredients!" Rainbow tried to tell her.

"Y-You..."

Sunset turned around and turned off the faucet. "Pinkie, you okay?"

Pinkie shoved pass Rainbow Dash and towards the trash. She bent down, grabbed ahold of something and pulled it out. When she turned back around to face her friends, her eyes were more angry than sad.

"What's the problem, Pinks?"

"Is that tin foil?" Sunset pointed out the obvious.

"No! It's not tin foil! Or, it wasn't tin foil. Dash, you ruined my mold!" she yelled at her.

"Mold?" Rainbow tilted her head a bit.

"Ugh! My mold for my mermaid tail! It took me almost two hours to make it perfectly perfect. I had to get each fin directly symmetrical and undo any creases on the inside," Pinkie explained, then stared at the now un perfectly perfect ball of foil. "You idiot!"

"Hey!" Sunset tried to ease her down. "Pinkie, Rainbow most likely didn't know; and I'm positive she's sorry about it."

Rainbow slowly nodded. "I'm sorry Pinks... Shimmer is right, I was so caught up in trying to help you clean up I guess I wasn't paying attention."

Pinkie sniffed.

"I'll help you make a new one!" she walked over and placed her hands on Pinkie's shoulders. "It will be twenty percent cooler than the last one, I promise!" Rainbow exclaimed.

Sunset raised her hand. "I will too, if you want."

Pinkie wiped her eyes and weakly smiled at the two. "Aw, thanks you guys. You're the best."

Rainbow and Sunset gave each other a quick glance. "We know."

Sunset took Pinkie by the hand and started walking out the kitchen. "Come on, we'll go over to Mare-Mart and pick up some more supplies okay?

"Great! Can I get some more sprinkles too?"

Sunset gave a relieving sigh. "Yes, Pinkie. We can get sprinkles too."

"Yay."

Flashback To This Morning

Instead of an apartment, Twilight and her friends shared large dorms on campus. The dorms each had two small bedrooms and a tiny living space/kitchen. A decent bathroom as well. Rarity with Twilight, and Fluttershy with Applejack. Though, they spent time in one another's dorms constantly.

Twilight was always a early riser. So, she stood in the bathroom brushing her teeth waiting for Rarity to wake up. When she was finished, she checked the time that read, 8:46am.

Shrugging, she made her way to the kitchen and poured herself some cinnamon toast crunch for breakfast. Not the most healthiest option, but it was Saturday. She made her bowl, sat the small table and scrolled through her phone as she ate.

Still no Rarity.

Twilight finished her yummy breakfast, washed her dish, and decided to water the plants around the dorm. She took the mini watering can from the counter and filled it up with water. One by one, she walked around the dorm watering each plant she had. Plants always made places feel more homey, Twilight thought.

When finished, and still no Rarity, Twilight dried the watering can and went into the living space. She turned on the small TV and decided to catch up on the news. She flopped down onto the couch and paid attention to the lady in the violet tailleur.

"Twiiiliiight!" someone sang.

"Rarity," Twilight responded. "Good morning."

"Yes yes good morning, darling." Rarity joined her friend on the couch, still in her pajamas as well. "I found her!"

Twilight's eyes lit up. "You did? Let me see."

Rarity showed Twilight Sunset's instagram page she found last night on her phone.

"Sunset Shimmer..." Twilight breathed, finally taking in her full name.

"Now, when Applejack and Fluttershy do their part, they just have to send you the confirmation," Rarity told her.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Just how many Sunset Shimmer's do you think there are?"

"One never knows. Twins?"

"Who names their twins the same name?"

"Someone else with red and blonde hair?"

"That's a rare color combination."

"Alternate dimension?"

Twilight blinked. "Not possible."

Rarity laughed a bit. "Here's the bio, look," Rarity handed her the phone.

"She's a gamer? Huh, wasn't expecting that."

"I bet so. She has a whole youtube channel and everything! More than five hundred thousand subscribers!"

"What!? No way."

"Yes way; and look, she's nineteen."

Twilight smiled at that. "What a coincidence," she handed her back the phone.

Rarity took it. "More like luck," she gave her eyebrows.

Maybe this whole plan wasn't as bad as Twilight thought it was going to be.

"I can't believe it. I shouldn't believe it! Why are we doing this again?"

Or not, maybe she really was stupid.

"It's your love life Twi, not mine," Rarity mentioned.

Nah, not stupid. Twilight confirmed.

"Now check out some of these photos," she started pointing some out on the page.

Twilight was definitely interested to see those photos, and didn't even correct Rarity on the 'love life' comment.

4. College

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 4
By, Serenityx

Rarity had found Sunset Shimmer online, much to Twilight's pleasure. All Sparkle had to do now, was figure out what college Sunset went to. She was only going to check the state colleges because Sunset went to Vinyl's party. It would only make sense that way; she hoped.

Like Rarity last night, Twilight was up on her computer. This time however, Rarity joined her in her room. She was sprawled out on Twilight's bed doodling in some notebook. Most likely fashion designing.

"You should check CU's roster first. Maybe she does go to our college," Rarity mentioned.

Twilight shrugged and went to Canterlot University's website. "Okay."

Twilight began hacking the system, cautiously though, so she wouldn't get caught. It wasn't anything advanced she was doing, just accessing some files from the school that wasn't listed on the site itself. It was still dangerous. She made sure to private her coding so nobody could trace or follow the trail to her IP address.

If Sunset finds out about this, she will never want to be my friend.

Meanwhile, there was a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" Rarity told her, walking out of their bedroom.

Twilight didn't answer, as she finally got access to the attendance roster. She did a word search typing: Sunset Shimmer. A long rectangle box appeared with another rectangle of green filling it up by percentage.

"Look who came to visit, darling," Rarity said entering again. Behind her, followed Applejack and Fluttershy.

"Hi, Twilight," Fluttershy waved.

"Howdy y'all," Applejack smiled and tilted her hat.

Twilight turned her head a tad, but still looked at her computer. "Oh, hello girls." Then turned her head back.

Rarity hopped back onto the bed and smiled. "Twi is doing her part of the plan."

"Oh? How many colleges has she looked at already?" Applejack asked.

"One," Twilight said before Rarity got to answer. Her word search was finished and then the results came up. "And Sunset Shimmer doesn't go to Canterlot University," she frowned.

"Aw," Fluttershy reacted and sat on the edge of the bed.

Rarity twirled her pencil. "Aw indeed. Check GSU."

Twilight exited out of her code box and went to Griffinstone University's website.

"Is this really necessary?" Applejack brought up.

"It really is! We'd do the same if you were in Twilight's shoes, Applejack," Rarity told her.

"Oh no you wouldn't," Applejack glared at her.

"You have a crush too?" Fluttershy asked.

"Sunset is not my crush!" Twilight yelled out, starting the code to find the roster.

Applejack crossed her arms. "I do not have a crush. Rarity is just over exaggerating again."

"Hey! I'm just trying to help our friend," Rarity concluded.

Twilight rolled her eyes at the argument her two friends were having. She started the word search for Sunset, and patiently waited. There were only three more colleges close by, any of the others you're looking to drive a bit before arriving there. Hopefully Sunset went to one of the three.

The green filled up the rectangle bar. Twilight scanned the results and slumped in her chair.

"Sunset doesn't go to Griffinstone," she said.

"Good riddens. Nobody really interested much in education go there," Rarity affirmed, and started a new drawing.

Fluttershy walked up to Twilight and her computer desk. "Try EFA. That's a good school."

"Great Idea, Shy," Twilight smiled and typed Everfree Academy.

"I'm still surprised you chose to go to CU, Twilight. Clearly you have the GPA to go to EFA. Maybe even one of those fancy schools out there," said Applejack.

Twilight sighed. "Yeah... but Canterlot University is still a good school. A degree from here isn't bad at all. Besides, I wanted to stay with you girls. I don't think I would fit in at Everfree anyways."

"You are so sweet, Twilight," Fluttershy nodded.

Twilight gave Fluttershy her thanks and started her word search again. She crossed her fingers hoping this would be the last school she would have to check. The green bar filled up, and the results came through. Her friends heard the computer ding, but Twilight wasn't talking.

"Well?" Applejack broke the silence.

"Argh!" Twilight slammed a hand on her desk. "Ow..."

"So, Sunset doesn't go to EFA?" Fluttershy asked the obvious.

"...No..." Twilight answered.

Rarity blinked and looked up from her notebook. "Of course not. Everfree Academy's colors are green and purple, not green and yellow," she laughed.

Twilight turned around quickly and looked Rarity in the eyes. "What do you mean green and yellow?"

"Oh, you didn't notice? Sunset likely put the colors of her college on her instagram page. Two hearts, green and yellow," Rarity educated.

"Why didn't you tell me this before!?" Twilight yelled.

"Rare, didn't you think this was some information we could've used before Twilight hacked her way into school's attendance rosters?" Applejack pointed out.

Fluttershy just frowned.

"Oh... um... I forgot?" was all Rarity said. The three girls gave her annoyed looks. "Don't look at me like that! I was just so excited to move on, it slipped my mind!"

Twilight pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "It's fine, at least I know what college she goes to now. Although, I'm still gonna check."

Fluttershy clapped her hands. "That's great!"

Rarity tilted her head. "What college has green and yellow as spirit colors?"

"GNU, of course," Twilight replied.

"Well I'll be!" Applejack exclaimed.

Twilight smiled, feeling hopefully again. She typed in the website and coded for the roster. When it was supplied, she began another word search. Twilight then closed her eyes and crossed her fingers.

This was it. If Twilight was right, it meant Sunset went to a nearby college. They could actually have a chance to meet. Fluttershy and Applejack could do their part and well... just like Rarity said, volia! However, there was only one thing Twilight made clear in her mind. Don't let Sunset know about their plan.

It was going to be perfect. As long as Sunset agreed to hang out. What if Sunset didn't agree to hang out? That would ruin everything! No, good thoughts. It was going to pull through.

Twilight's computer dinged. Her friends crowded her computer and they each gave out their own reaction. Twilight took a deep breath, uncrossed her fingers, and slowly opened her eyes. When her vision cleared, she gawked at the screen.

One Result For: Sunset Shimmer

Twilight squealed.

Sunset went to Green Neigh University.

The next day, Sunset was her way to campus. The school had a library on its grounds, and it was where she was meeting Minuette for their first study lesson. She carried her satchel bag which had her sun birthmark stitched on it which contained papers and book for their lesson.

Why is it so important for me to tutor her? She's an honors student, not an AP.

Some students who lived on campus were roaming around as well. A few waved at Sunset and she smiled back. Okay, so she had a status. So what?

Sunset found herself in front the library building. She opened the glass doors and searched for Minuette. She didn't have to wonder long before—

"Sunset Shimmer!" Minuette waved her hand fiercely with a big grin on her face.

One of the librarian's in the distance gave her an annoyed shush. Minuette's ears flushed and she slowly sat in her seat.

Sunset covered her mouth with a hand and silently giggled. She walked over to the table Minuette sat at. When Minuette noticed her again, she smiled. She seemed happy. Maybe a little too happy.

Sunset innerly shrugged and took the seat from across. "Afternoon, Minuette."

"Afternoon!" Minuette greeted back.

Sunset gave a nod and opened her bag as she continued to talk. "So, Mr Letroski told me you're struggling a tad with english."

"Heh..." Minuette rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, kind of."

"I brought some stuff," Sunset placed a book and a few folders on the table.

Minuette blinked and stared at the materials. "Oh uh, you sure did."

"Something wrong?" Sunset tilted her head.

"Huh?" Minuette looked back up at her. She waved her hands. "No no, nothing."

"Alright," Sunset said. She folded her hands in her lap. "What is it exactly you need help with?"

Minuette just stared at her.

"...Minuette?"

"..."

Sunset rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers in front of Minuette's face. That eventually brought her back to life.

"Essays!" she yelped out her answer.

That wasn't what Sunset was expecting. "Essays...?"

Minuette nodded. "Yeah, essays. For sure for sure."

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "I heard that you were having trouble on Mr Letroski's newest unit."

"...He must've gotten that wrong then," Minuette told her.

Sunset wanted to question Minuette's strange behavior, but it was probably best she continued on with the tutoring.

"Okay, so essays. You know of the MLA format?" Sunset asked.

"Say what?" Minuette's mind blanked. She knew what it was, she was just so nervous.

"Introductions, conclusions, five paragraphs," Sunset clarified.

"Oh pfft, totally," Minuette said.

"Okay, what's best in a great hook is some kind of propaganda," Sunset started. She took a piece of paper from her folder. "Let's start with an easy topic. Have any in mind?"

"Weather," Minuette said immediately. "Snow, wind, sunlight... sunset's..."

Sunset scratched her forehead. "Not all of those are particularly weather, and well that's not what I had in mind. But sure, why not. Do you have a preferable propaganda you like?" she picked up a pencil.

"P-Propaganda..." Minuette whispered. What was that again?

Sunset sighed and dropped her utensil. "Alright Minuette. What gives? You're in honors english."

Minuette frowned. "I know! I'm sorry..."

"Why are apologizing? You tell me something completely different than what our teacher told me. You're acting like you're bad at english, which I know you're not. And you can't remember what MLA and propaganda are?" Sunset narrowed her eyes.

"I do know what they are! Honest!"

"...Prove it."

Minuette cleared her throat. "Propaganda: Bandwagon, Card Stacking, Plain Folks, Testimonial, Glittering Generalities, Name Calling, and Transfer. All used for the spreading of information in support of a cause."

Sunset smiled. "There you go! This is high school stuff! Ninth grade even..." Sunset placed a hand on top of hers. "Are you feeling okay, Minuette?"

Minuette bit her lip. "I like you..."

Sunset's eyes widened for a second, as she pulled her hand away. "What..."

"I like you," Minuette said clearly this time.

Sunset blushed a bit out of flattery. "I-I don't know what to say..."

"You don't have to say anything. I know it's stupid; this was a mistake. I'm so sorry I wasted your time, Sunset. I'll just... go," Minuette stood up out of her chair.

"Don't go," Sunset said.

"Okay," Minuette sat back down.

"I'm confused. We hardly interact with each other. Why?" she asked.

"B-Because... well... you're you. How can someone not like you? You're literally the whole package. Smart, pretty, funny, adventurous, brave, I mean really."

Not that there was anything wrong with Minuette. But Sunset didn't seem interested in her at all. Did that make her a selfish person? A pretty girl was right there, admitting her feelings to Sunset. Sunset had been a good while with no romantic partner, so why couldn't she say what her brain wanted her to say?

Brain? That wasn't right. That's why she was silent, because it wasn't what her heart was saying.

"I can't believe it. You're not interested in girls anymore are you?" Minuette frowned.

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, I am," Sunset affirmed. "I just..."

"So I'm guessing you don't want to go out with me?" Minuette asked her.

Sunset looked down at the table. "It's not you..."

Minuette sighed. "I see... that's what it is then. You have your eyes on someone else. Am I right?"

"What! No, not at all!" Sunset exclaimed, putting her fists to her chest looking at her.

Minuette shook her head. "I can tell you're lying. See? I told you this was a mistake."

Sunset decided she should carry on, instead of denying something she partially knew was true. She let a single tear fall. "You're brave, Minuette."

Minuette smiled. "Thanks," she replied and stood up. She turned to leave, but said one more thing. "Sunset, there's no time..."

Sunset wiped her face. "Huh? What about, time?"

"Time is what I'm all about. To be more specific, there's never enough time," Minuette concluded. She then turned for real and walked out the library.

Sunset just sat there, staring at the empty seat.

There's never enough time.

Sunset shook her head. Enough time for what?

She sighed to herself and stood from her seat. She gathered up her materials and placed them in her bag once more.

Guess there won't be any more tutoring lessons.

Taking out her phone, she sent a quick text to her friends/roommates telling them she was coming home early. She pushed in her seat and walked herself out of the library.

I need some fun in my life.

5. Confirmation

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 5
By, Serenityx

"Come on, you slow pokes!" Pinkie called from the door, waving her hand.

Rainbow chuckled. "It's just school."

"Yeah, but it's the first warm day of spring! Say goodbye to tights," Pinkie exclaimed, showing off her legs. She wore a baby blue skirt with a pink t-shirt, with matching pink half inched heels.

Rainbow looked down at herself. She wore light denim jeans and a black shirt with some random quote on it. Then, her signature rainbow-like sneakers. "Meh."

"Don't worry Dashie, I'll make sure you wear the most attractive sporty looking outfit tomorrow," Pinkie smiled.

"Thanks, Pinks," Rainbow replied. Not really knowing how else to answer.

Pinkie glanced down at her watch. "We're are gonna be late! Sunny!"

"Hold your horses, I'm coming," Sunset said buckling her boots.

Pinkie gave Sunset a deadpan stare. "Sunset Shimmer, the only girl that wears boots in spring."

"Hey! They're comfortable! Besides, they're ankled," Sunset retorted. Along with her boots, Sunset wore magenta shorts and an orange halter top.

Pinkie giggled. "Alright, grab your bags and let's get a move on."

"I've got mine, we're just waiting for Shimmer."

Sunset stood up and brushed down her clothes. "Right. One sec."

Sunset speed walked back to her bedroom and grabbed her book bag. She put her cell phone into it and was about to leave the room. However, she went to her desk and took out her journal. She would never leave her diary at home. She put in into her bag as well and walked out the room.

They girls would normally just walk to campus, as Sunset did yesterday to meet Minuette. But because they were already late, Sunset grabbed her car keys and joined her friends in her car.

Rainbow turned on some tunes and started browsing her phone. Pinkie hummed to the music and Sunset tapped the steering wheel as she drove. It was no lie that the three loved music. Actually, music was the thing that drove them together in the first place.

When they reached campus, Sunset parked the car and they all exited the car and started making their ways into the main building.

"When do y'all's classes end today?" Rainbow asked them.

"I've got a test last period, which means another fifteen minute extension," Pinkie answered. "Also, full blocks for all of my others."

Rainbow nodded. "Okay, no problem. Same as always for me. SunShim?"

Sunset put a finger to her chin. "Just four periods today. I get out early."

Pinkie tilted her head and frowned at that.

"Oh don't worry," Sunset shook her head. "I can just go to the cafe'. Might as well get in some extra studying."

"Alrighty! Bye girls!" Pinkie exclaimed, then started walking to her first class.

"Later," said Rainbow, as she started to walk to class as well.

Sunset just waved, then made her way to the stairwell. Since her first class was on the second floor.

Twilight joined her friends in breakfast that morning. Since they lived in dorms, they could easily get early access to the supplied breakfast the school gave out.

Twilight sat her tray, which included some apple juice and a banana nut muffin, down on the table. "Hi, girls."

"Good morning, Twilight," Fluttershy smiled, then brought her milk to her mouth.

"Top of the mornin' to ya, Twi," Applejack greeted.

Rarity waved as she ate a strawberry out of her fruit cup.

"So, uh, today's the day huh?" Twilight brought up.

"Oh, yes. I suppose so..." Fluttershy answered her, but still feeling a bit nervous. "Are you excited?" she wanted to know her friends opinion.

"Not excited that is. To be honest, I'm thinking of just backing out," Twilight said.

Rarity almost choked on a grape. "Back out? Heavens no. We've worked too hard for this moment."

"So, if you don't mind me asking, how exactly are we gonna meet Sunset Shimmer?" Applejack asked.

Twilight blinked. Applejack had made a point. They haven't ever discussed how they were going to meet Sunset in the first place. Could they just show up at the college and not get in trouble? When would they even go? Lunch period isn't that long of a period to go to another school and come back.

"We need an excuse, that's all," Rarity answered simply. "What's you two's classes after lunch?"

"Our electives, meaning our major classes," Applejack said.

Rarity pondered for a moment. "Huh..."

"Sick."

Rarity faced Twilight perplexed. "Sick...?"

"Applejack and Fluttershy get sick. Not literally, but if we can get their teacher to believe they're sick, they can get sent home. We can pretend they went to a restaurant last night and somehow got food poisoning. Once they are dismissed to go, they can head over to GNU with ease," Twilight explained proudly.

"What if we get caught?" Fluttershy asked. "We're obviously not 'sick'."

"Yes..." Rarity tapped the table thinking.

"Just be careful. GNU allows visitors. As long as you don't do anything to cause attention, they won't ask for your ID's," Twilight said.

"Then where does Sunset come into play? She could be in class for all we know," Applejack mentioned.

"Oh no she won't!" Rarity hummed. She then took a piece of folded up paper from her purse and handed it to Applejack. "Twilight managed to get her schedule. Sunset gets out early today. If you two manage to get to her college just as she's leaving, it would make things way easier."

Applejack skimmed the schedule hesitantly. She sighed to herself and stuffed the paper into her back pocket. "Fine."

Fluttershy squeaked. Rarity cheered to Twilight as if it was her idea to find Sunset in the first place. Twilight gave off a smile smile in return.

This is going to end so badly...

"Miss Shy, are you alright?"

Fluttershy coughed. "I'm sorry..."

"Are you feeling sick?"

"My stomach is aching ma'am. I don't feel all that well..."

Someone else in the room started a coughing fit.

The teacher blinked, and looked over. "Miss Apple?"

Applejack covered her mouth with her hand. "C-Can I be dismissed?"

"Yes! Yes, of course!"

Fluttershy raised her hand. "Me and Applejack went out with some friends last night. I think the food must've gave us food poisoning..." she coughed again.

The teacher started to sweat. "P-Please, leave you two. I'll let attendance know you went home sick, just get out of here."

Applejack said thank you to the teacher, not trying to add more onto the lie, and left. She's always been a bad liar anyways. Fluttershy grabbed ahold of her stuff and left fourth block with her friend.

The teacher let out a sigh of relief and continued to teach the rest of the class, who also looked disturbed by the two girls' sickness.

When Applejack and Fluttershy made it out the building, they gave each other a proud high five.

"That went... better than I expected," Fluttershy smiled.

"Heh... I guess so. Come on," Applejack replied and led Fluttershy to her old car.

They drove for maybe about ten minutes before they reached Green Neigh University. The school looked amazing; individual buildings, big glass windows, greens and yellows, mustang mascots. The school was truly, only a tad bigger than Canterlot U, but it looked mighty bigger from Applejack and Fluttershy's standards.

Applejack parked in one of the available parking spaces. Some students that were walking around campus gave them odd looks, but only for a matter of seconds before returning to whatever they were doing.

When they exited the car, each girl took in the view.

"Wow," Applejack gawked.

"It's amazing," Fluttershy added.

Applejack snorted. "Yeah. Say, we should be looking for Sunset."

Fluttershy nodded. "You're right. Why don't we ask around?" With that, she started to walk off.

"I dunno, Shy. That would possibly draw attention— Fluttershy?" Applejack looked around. She sighed when she spotted her walking up to some lilac girl with star earrings coming out the main building. "Fluttershy!" She started to chase after her.

Fluttershy apparently didn't hear her friend. "E-Excuse me, do you have a minute?"

The girl stopped and eyed Fluttershy confused. "Uh sure. What's up?"

"Oh, well I was just wondering—"

"Fluttershy!"

She stopped her answer and faced Applejack. "Huh?"

"You can't just run off! Remember what Twilight said? We can't draw attention to ourselves."

The girl Fluttershy was talking to blinked. "What are you talking about?"

Instead of responding to that question with another lie, Applejack asked her one instead. "And just who might you be?"

The girl pointed to herself. "Starlight Glimmer. Who are you?"

"Applejack. Sorry about my friend, we're just trying to find someone."

Fluttershy rubbed her arm. "Sorry, Applejack." Odd; Fluttershy wasn't one to walk up to people spontaneously.

That's when they heard another voice and several footsteps. Even Starlight, being curious, glanced up.

"Who are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

Applejack's and Fluttershy's mouths were now agape, as Starlight just smiled.

"Oh hey," Starlight waved at the upcomer.

"Hey, Starlight. Who are your friends?" Sunset walked down the steps to ground level with them.

"Uh, I think their names are Applejack and Fluttershy. And they're not my friends. I told you, I don't make friends," Starlight answered coldy.

"No friends huh? What do you call me then?" Sunset smirked.

"Uh..." Starlight pursed her lips. "An acquaintance, uh... study buddy, and um... a lab partner. Nothing more!"

Sunset laughed. "Whatever you say." Sunset looked over to the other two girls. "Are you two okay?"

"Peachy," Applejack was first to answer. She glared at Fluttershy who was still staring and nudge her shoulder.

"Yes! I'm fine! Thanks, Sunset Shimmer," Fluttershy finally said.

Sunset smiled but raised an eyebrow. "You know my name?"

"...Yes. I- I mean we, watch your videos on youtube!" Fluttershy blurted.

"Ah I see," Sunset nodded.

Thinking the introductions were over, Starlight was next to speak up. "So, who are you looking for again?"

"Actually, we already found her," Applejack pointed at Sunset.

Sunset blinked. Then, finally realized what she meant. "Me!? Wow, I didn't expect this," Sunset put a hand to her chest. She then went over to Applejack and shook her hand. "It's always nice to meet fans!"

Applejack stared at her shaking hand, then back up at Sunset. "Fans...?"

Starlight just rolled her eyes at this exchangement.

"Of course!" Sunset exclaimed, then released her hand. "So, do you have any interest yourself in gaming? Do you own any gaming consoles? What's about your favorite—"

As Sunset continued to bury Applejack with questions, this was when Fluttershy decided to take out her phone. Starlight wasn't paying no mind to Fluttershy, instead curious with what Applejack's answers were going to be.

Fluttershy carefully opened her camera, turned the flash off, and slowly raised it so that Sunset was in view. When not her hands or face were moving, Fluttershy snapped the photo and quickly pocketed her device.

Thankfully, Applejack was already putting the game conversation to an end.

"That's mighty kind of ya, Sunset. But I don't own any of those... systems. How about we just hang out in person instead?" Applejack offered.

Sunset looked over at Fluttershy who gave a nod of agreement. Then Starlight who gave her a look that screamed 'why are you even talking to them?'

"Why not," Sunset shrugged.

"Yay," Fluttershy shyly cheered.

"Wait what?" Applejack was stunned.

Fluttershy kicked Applejack's shin. "We should totally plan something. Our other friends would probably like to come along too."

Applejack bit her lip. Though not in suspense, but in pain of her throbbing shin.

"Cool. I could ask my friends if they'd like to join as well," Sunset mentioned.

"Oh uh, you don't have to..." Applejack said.

"Don't worry, they're friendly. Wild, but friendly," Sunset told them.

"I'm right here ya know," Starlight glared.

Sunset looked back at Starlight. "Oh, didn't mean to include you. We aren't friends, remember?"

"Okay, now you're just mocking me," said Starlight.

Sunset just laughed.

"Anywho, gotta run. I'm now late for my study date with Moondancer," Starlight mentioned.

Sunset put a finger to her chin. "Date, huh?"

Starlight's ears started to go red. "I really hate you, Sunset," she said, trying to keep a smile off her face. "Gotta go!" Starlight gently shoved Sunset with her hand and walked off.

"But you love me!" Sunset screamed towards her. Starlight's only response was a finger Sunset only ever saw from her.

Sunset chuckled, but calmed herself as she faced the two girls again. "Anyway, sorry about that. So, this actually seems like fun. Should we exchange numbers?"

"For sure," Fluttershy smiled and gave Sunset her phone. Applejack followed suit and gave Sunset her phone as well. Sunset happily accepted both and began entering her number into their devices. When done, she gave each phone back. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," replied Sunset.

Applejack glanced down at her phone. "Oh, look at that. Shy, we should really be going."

Fluttershy cocked her eyebrows for a moment. "Oh! Right!"

"It was nice meeting you," Sunset commented. "I should be heading out too. I promised myself I'd get some studying in."

Studying? Her and Twilight are actually perfect for each other. Applejack thought.

"We wouldn't want to keep you. We'll text you, Sunset," Applejack told her.

"And I'll answer," Sunset smiled. "See you."

"Goodbye," Fluttershy waved.

Applejack and Fluttershy began to walk back to their car. Sunset stared for awhile before deciding to finally head over to the library.

Huh. Sunset shrugged. I guess I really am famous.

6. You

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 6
By, Serenityx

"No. No, no, no, no, no!" Twilight panicked, circling her room like crazy.

"Twilight?" Rarity opened the door to Twilight's room hastily. "Is everything okay? What happened?"

Twilight just flopped onto her bed and buried her face into her hands.

"Darling...?" Rarity tried again, starting to walk over. That's when she noticed Twilight's phone turned onto Fluttershy's recent message. She gasped. "Was the confirmation wrong? Was it not the Sunset you met at the party?"

"Huh? No," Twilight looked back up. Rarity joined her on the bed. "It's Sunset alright. She even agreed for the meeting."

"Well that's great! See? I told you we could do it!" Rarity exclaimed.

"She's bringing her friends," Twilight said.

Rarity's shoulders slumped. "What?"

"Fluttershy said when her and Applejack mentioned us, Sunset had gotten the idea to bring her friends along as well," Twilight explained sadly.

"I see..." Rarity sighed. "It'll be okay, Twilight."

Twilight blinked. "How? It's not going to be the extravagant date you've mentioned a thousand time before."

"Well... Sunset wouldn't have thought of it like a date in the first place. She'd probably think, well, she would've got stood up. Besides, you two aren't even friends yet," Rarity blankly spoke.

"You're just realizing this now? That's what I've been trying to get through to you for days!"

"I tend to act before I think."

"I've noticed."

Rarity turned her body towards her friend and placed a hand onto her shoulder. "Stick with the plan. It's going to be just as I said. I promise."

"...No it's not. I told you—"

"Trust me," Rarity firmly said.

Although confused, Twilight looked Rarity straight in the eyes and weakly smiled.

Rarity currently spoke on the phone, "I'm serious Applejack."

"What exactly do you want me to say!" Applejack cried to her.

"Make something up!" Rarity cried back.

"Me and Fluttershy are already canceling. Why would I tell her to call off her friends as well? Wouldn't that be suspicious?"

"Maybe. Just, tell her that Twilight is shy or something, and can only deal with one friend at once," Rarity suggested. "Without saying that it's Twilight of course."

Applejack just sighed. Loudly.

"Please, Applejack! I promised Twilight their meeting would be perfect," Rarity pleaded. She knew she was asking for her friends to constantly lie, but it was for a good reason! No harm was being caused.

"...Fine. I'll call her. But you owe me!"

"Anything!"

"I'll hold you to that!"

With that, a call ended.

"Come on, come on, come on! Let's gooo!" Rainbow tapped her foot impatiently from the inside.

Sunset and Pinkie took their time walking in. Well, Pinkie's was more of a casual skip.

"Without snacks? I think not!" Pinkie retorted.

"We don't have time for snacks! The movie starts in ten minutes!"

Sunset glanced over at the movie concessions and their decent line. "We'll be fine. If anything, we'll only miss the opening ads."

"We can't take any chances," Rainbow still argued. "Pinkie's likely to get soda. Which means getting up in the middle of the movie so she can pee. But oh no, not this time!"

Sunset laughed. "I'll go with her if she needs to, don't worry. Besides, I want some soda too."

"Are you girls coming or not!?" Pinkie shouted. She stood already in line.

Sunset looked at Pinkie, then back at Rainbow. "Looks like you lose this one, Rainbow. Now let's join her. I know you want your gummy bears." Sunset walked to join Pinkie in line.

"Fine. But I'm only doing it for the gummy bears!"

When snacks were finally paid for, the young adults walked towards their theater. Sunset got a pepsi and a small bag of popcorn. Rainbow got a slushie and her gummy bears. And Pinkie gotten a twix ice cream bar, cheesy nachos, popcorn, coke, and a package of skittles.

Rainbow mentally slapped herself. She didn't know what she was more terrified for. Pinkie's sugar high comotion, or the relapse...

Sunset wasn't complaining. They manage to stop Pinkie from buying a jumbo pixie stick, and that's all that mattered.

Ring Ring!

Sunset almost dropped her popcorn. "Shoot."

The three were now outside theater eight, but stopped from going inside because of the loud ringing from Sunset's pocket.

"Ignore it! We gotta head inside," Rainbow gestured towards the door.

Pinkie ate a nacho.

Sunset tucked the soda under her arm and held the popcorn in her left. She took her phone out of her back pocket and checked the ID.

"I should answer this..." Sunset said.

"What! No!" Rainbow pouted.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Here," she gave Rainbow her snacks. "You and Pinkie head inside. I'll catch up."

Rainbow accepted the food, but hesitated. "You'll miss the beginning..."

"I'll be fine. I've read the books. Just go," Sunset told her.

"Come on, Dashie! I wanna see Daring Dooo!" Pinkie cried.

"Okay okay. See you inside, Sunset," Rainbow waved and entered with Pinkie.

Sunset quickly pressed the accept button and walked over to a walk. "Hey. Sorry for the long ring. Had to deal with something."

"Oh! I'm so sorry, Sunset. Did I interrupt something?" Applejack asked.

"Don't worry about it. You're good."

"Alright then. Say, remember that thing we agreed to yesterday?"

"Our hang-out? Yeah," Sunset answered. "Are we still on for Friday?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to ya about," Applejack started. "Me and Fluttershy won't be able to make it..."

Sunset slightly gasped. "Oh no. Did something happen?"

"No no! Nothing like that. Stuff just... came up."

"That's too bad..."

"However! Our friend is still willing to meet ya!" Applejack told her.

Sunset smiled. "Really? That's great. A little awkward since you two won't be there, but I suppose we can still have fun. I still have to see if my friends are willing to come."

"No!"

"..."

"I mean, you see, our friend is a bit... shy. We only told her about you, so that's what's she's only comfortable with," Applejack explained.

"Oh uh, no problem. We can all hang out another time then," Sunset suggested.

"That's a great idea! For now though, do you mind just it being you two?"

"I guess not," Sunset answered.

"You'll like her. She's smart, and cute as a button," Applejack flattered.

There was silence for a moment.

"...Are you setting me up?"

"Yes," Applejack said. "Wait, no!" she tried to lie.

Sunset laughed. "Just messing with you. I'll hang out with your friend Saturday. She seems nice."

"Thank you, Sunset! She's a big fan of yours," Applejack told her.

"Oh! Another one?"

"Well, she's not that kind of fan..."

"What do you mean?" Sunset replied.

"Forget what I said. I'm talking nonsense."

"So... what's her name?" Sunset asked, changing the topic. "It's gotta be as cute as her right?"

".........Uhhhhh........."

Silence.

"Applejack?"

Nothing.

"Hey, Applejack you there?"

"Skkss, sorry, tskk, you're breaking up, skssk, I'm losing ya!"

"Applejack!"

Beeeeep

Sunset pulled the phone from her ear. "Great," she sighed.

Sunset stuffed the phone back in her pocket and joined her best friends in the theater.

Meanwhile...

Applejack wiped sweat from her forehead.

"I really hate lying."

"Today's the day, Twilight!"

"Gosh darn it, get up!"

"Twilight...?"

Twilight sat in the corner of Rarity's room, balled up, and head in knees.

"I'm meeting, Sunset. I'm meeting, Sunset. I'm meeting—"

"Twilight Star Sparkle!"

"Gah!" Twilight shot her head up. Her friends grimaced at the view. Twilight's hair was frazzled, her eyes looked tired, and her lips were dry from repeating herself. "Oh... hi girls."

"What are you doing?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, me?" Twilight said the obvious. "Just freaking out. Now, if you don't mind, I'd really like to continue."

Applejack bit the inside of her cheek. "Er..."

Twilight gave a small smile. "Thank you," she said. Twilight buried her head back into her knees. "I'm meeting, Sunset. I'm meeting—"

"Oh no you don't!" Rarity yelled, taking Twilight by the arm and yanking her up.

"Hey!" Twilight glared at her. When she was steady on the ground, she rubbed her arm from Rarity's strangely strong grip.

"Do you know how many strings we had to pull just to get you this meet-and-greet?" Applejack informed her.

Rarity dramatically fanned herself. "Why, yes. You can't back out now."

"I'm not necessarily... backing out..." stuttered Twilight.

"Then why were you on the ground like that?" Fluttershy asked.

"Everybody freaks out when they're about to do something terrifying. Staring in a play, meeting parents, giving a speech, going in a store by yourself, babysit, heck— weddings. And most importantly: blind dates," Twilight finished off her babble with a nod.

"But... it's not a date?" Fluttershy told her.

"You gotta get to know her first," Applejack mentioned.

"Oh puh lease. They're perfect for each other, I just know it!" Rarity squealed.

Applejack raised an eyebrow at Rarity. "Have you even met the girl?"

"Well... no. Yet, I'm still sure of it!"

Twilight sighed. "So, what time am I suppose to meet her?"

Fluttershy put a finger to her chin. "Two o'clock."

"And what time is it now?"

Fluttershy took out her phone. "One eleven."

"Goodness! That's barely any time!" Rarity gasped. Then started rummaging through her drawer for her curling iron.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Where are we meeting?"

Rarity stopped what she was doing and looked at Twilight. "Oh, right. Girls?" she looked at Applejack and Fluttershy.

Fluttershy blinked and shrugged her shoulders.

Applejack rubbed the head. "I dunno for sure. Sunset picked the place. She sent me the address a few days ago, but I never got a chance to see where it was to."

"Hopefully it's somewhere pleasant," Rarity commented, plugging up her iron. "Come, Twilight. I'll curl your hair."

Twilight obliged and took a seat at the edge of the bed. "Search it up in Maps, Applejack."

"Alright, one sec," Applejack agreed, copying and pasting the address.

"I'll paint your nails, Twi!" Fluttershy exclaimed.

Twilight smiled, but also confused at the recent excitement. "Okay, Fluttershy..."

Fluttershy went over to the vanity and picked out a nice silvery color nail polish. She figured it a nice simple color to compliment her friends skin. She then brought it over to the bed along with a stool to start painting Twilight's nails. Rarity continued to take strands of Twilight's hair and curl them.

Twilight was actually starting to feel a less nervous. The makeover was making her feel more confident. Then again... did Sunset like girls all dolled-up? Although, Sunset didn't seem like a girl who cared about how other people displayed themselves.

Here I go, scaring myself again. Twilight innerly sighed.

"E-Quest."

Twilight didn't move her head, not wanting to get burned by the curling iron. "Say what?"

"E-Quest," Applejack said again. "It's an arcade."

"An arcade!" Rarity nearly choked on her words. "Definitely not what I was expecting."

Fluttershy moved over to Twilight's over hand. "Seems like fun."

"Not very romantic if you ask me," Rarity pointed out.

"It's not a date," Fluttershy informed again.

Applejack shrugged. "I guess I should've thought twice about letting Sunset decide. It can still be a blast though."

"It can work," Twilight finally spoke. "I don't mind. I'm hoping to become friends with Sunset Shimmer. No need for a relationship yet."

"Yet," Rarity emphasised. She then set the iron down on a towel and observed her work. "Perfect. Simple loose curls really work for you, Twilight. Now, I'll just put it up in a high ponytail."

Another three minutes later, Fluttershy began blowing on Twilight's finger tips. "Not bad."

Twilight looked at her nails. "They're so cute! Thanks, Shy."

Fluttershy smiled and nodded.

"Well since we know it's an arcade, we can finally get you dressed, Twi," Applejack added.

"Oo yes," Rarity agreed, finishing up Twilight's curly ponytail. "Hair's all done."

Twilight stood herself up and looked into the body-length mirror. "I love it! Thank you."

"It's what I do," Rarity replied, then walked over to the closet. "Now then, some dark jeans would look nice. The blouse is where it's at though."

"What about her blue frilly top?" Fluttershy suggested.

Rarity snapped her fingers. "Good thinking," she agreed and went looking for the top.

Applejack went ahead and sent the arcade address to Twilight's phone. "Since we canceled, you'll have to go there on your own, Twi." She went and put a hand on her shoulder. "You'll do amazing."

Twilight weakly smiled. "Thanks, Aj."

Rarity all of sudden had the whole outfit put together on her bed. "Now, hurry and get dressed, Twilight. We'll meet you downstairs."

"Okay," Twilight spoke as her three friends left the room. When they were gone, she glanced at the outfit and took a deep breath. Everything was going to be perfect. Outfit included. "I can do this."

"Pinkie Pie, get off my leg!"

"Never!" she frowned.

Rainbow just stood there, arms crossed, and laughing.

Sunset gave Rainbow a deadpan stare. "It's not funny."

"It totally is," Rainbow chuckled again.

Sunset glanced down at her right leg. Pinkie sat on the floor, arms wrapped around Sunset's leg, and she had a big frown on her face. Sunset did not like to be held down.

"You are acting like a child," Sunset told her.

Pinkie Pie shrugged, but still refusing to let go. "Technically I am. My birthday is on leap year."

"Hey, I don't want Sunset to leave either. But I'm not being all bodyguard about it," Rainbow commented.

Sunset raised her hands. "What is up with you two!?" she tried to move her leg again. Pinkie surprisingly had a strong grip.

"Don't leave, Sunny," Pinkie requested.

Sunset groaned. "I'm just meeting a friend. I'm not joining the army."

"Yeah, without us. You can't just get up and leave without telling us where you're going and with who," Rainbow crossed her arms.

"Why does it matter? I've gone out before," Sunset reminded them.

"With people you've introduced us to. You're going to meet some random someone," Rainbow pointed out.

"She's not a random someone. She's a friend of a friend," Sunset informed.

"Of someone you just met on Monday. Do you even know what you're getting yourself into?" Rainbow mentioned, being the loyal person she is.

"Relax! I'll be fine," Sunset tried to ease. "Let go of me, Pinkie!"

"B-But Sunny..."

"Now," Sunset glared at her.

Pinkie whimpered, but finally let her friend go.

Sunset sighed of relief and shaked out her leg. "Thank you. Now, I really gotta get going."

"...Wearing that?" Rainbow looked her over.

Sunset looked herself over, cocked an eyebrow, and looked back up at Rainbow Dash. "Shorts and an off-the-shoulder top...?"

"Yes. Go back in your room and change. Your light blue jeans and maybe one of those white t-shirts," Rainbow finished with a nod.

Sunset just looked at her like she was crazy. She glanced over at Pinkie who only displayed a straight face. "You girls are being ridiculous! You're acting like you're my moms or something."

Pinkie walked over and patted Sunset's head. "We are family, Sunny."

Sunset smiled but gently pushed her away. "Thanks, but I'm not a baby." She pointed to her clothes. "I've worn this to the supermarket."

"We're just looking out for you, Shimmer."

Sunset sighed. "Fine, if it really makes you feel better, I'll change." Sunset walked over to her bedroom.

When she returned, she had on her light blue ripped jeans, and a plain magenta t-shirt. "Better?"

Pinkie gave a thumbs up.

Rainbow did the same. "Totally."

"Good. I'll be leaving now. I'll call you when I'm on the way back," spoke Sunset.

As Sunset put on her boots, Rainbow walked over to her. "Look, have fun Sunset. And I mean it too."

Sunset glanced up and Rainbow and gave a small smile. "Thanks. I'll tell you all about it." She finished her buckles, and stood up. "Come here you guys," she said and held her arms out.

Pinkie Pie happily obliged and walked over to embrace Sunset in a hug.

"I don't do hugs," Rainbow looked them up and down.

"Yes you do. Now come and join us."

Rainbow playfully rolled her eyes, but did as she was told and joined in on the hug.

"No matter what happens, you girls always come first. I promise, okay?" Sunset told Pinkie and Rainbow.

"For real?" Pinkie released and looked into her eyes.

"Yes, for real," Sunset giggled.

"Yeah yeah," Rainbow smirked and released as well.

Sunset tucked her phone into her back pocket and grabbed her car keys.

Rainbow took the car keys out of Sunset's hand.

"Now what?" Sunset asked her annoyed.

"Relax, SunShim. Take your motorcycle," Rainbow suggested.

"Dash!" Pinkie gasped.

Rainbow and Pinkie hardly ever let Sunset ride the motorcycle she had bought senior year. They claimed it was 'unsafe' or something like that. Which didn't make any sense, considering Rainbow did dangerous skateboarding stunts.

Sunset blinked. Hard. "I thought you didn't like me riding it?"

"Things change. Now go, take the motorcycle, and impress this friend or whatever," Rainbow twirled the keys in her hand.

Sunset looked at her surprised for a moment. "Okay then..." she went back into her room and grabbed her helmet. She returned with a dusty helmet that she was gently wiping down. "See you later," she said, opening the door.

"Bye!" Pinkie waved. "Have a great time!"

"Later," said Rainbow.

Twilight drove to the arcade where she was meeting Sunset.

Traffic felt like it was taking years, but at the same time, it felt as if it was going as fast as lightning. Twilight couldn't decide which one it truly was.

"I'm going to meet, Sunset. I'm going to meet, Sunset. I'm going to meet, Sunset."

...And she was doing it again.

Get it together, Twilight. She told herself.

Fun location, pretty look, nice girl. Perfect hang-out.

Except for the fact that Sunset's going to show up expecting to see a complete stranger, and not me!

Twilight seriously needed to get it together. Her friends were right. They worked hard, planned hard, and lied hard, just to get Twilight this date.

It's not a date. She remembered Fluttershy's words.

She was not going to screw it up now!

She was ready! She was prepared! She could do this!

Speaking of which, Twilight found herself at E-Quest arcade.

Is it too late to back out now? Twilight panicked.

However, she could practically hear her friends yelling 'no' at her foolish question.

Putting that worry aside, Twilight found a free space and began parking her car.

I wonder if she's here yet...

Twilight of course knew who she was meeting, but Sunset surely didn't. Maybe she already went inside.

Twilight sighed to herself, and with shaking hands, she unbuckled her seat belt. She took a deep breath, grabbed her phone, and walked out of the car.

She took in the view, then slowly walked towards the door. Then all of a sudden, a noise from a distance started to become louder and louder. Twilight's pony tail started to blow in the wind, which annoyed her.

Twilight curious, hovered her hand over her eyes so she could block out the sun, and looked at the upcomer.

A motorcycle?

A motorcycle was making its way in the parking space right in front of where Twilight stood. Nobody else was around, but Twilight and the person on the bike.

No... It- It couldn't be...

The motorcycle's engine dialed down, and the person set it into park. Twilight looked at the gloveless hands. Amber skin; awfully familiar.

The person began to stand up, and Twilight gulped. The rider slowly lifted the helmet off her head, letting red and blonde wavy hair fall from beneath. Obviously it was a girl. The girl shook her head to get her hair out of her face. When she finally stopped moving, more of of the face came into view and Twilight's purple eyes were then met with cyan.

Twilight sucked in a breath. "...Sunset."

The other girl looked Twilight up and down. Her face showing mixed emotions of surprise, confusion, and glee.

"...Twilight Sparkle?"

7. Arcade

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 7
By, Serenityx

Twilight sucked in a breath. "...Sunset."

The other girl looked Twilight up and down. Her face showing mixed emotions of surprise, confusion, and glee.

"...Twilight Sparkle?"

Twilight didn't respond with any words, but instead gave off a small smile. Sunset supposedly didn't know what to say, as she just stood there blinking.

You idiot! Act surprised! Twilight internally smacked herself.

"W-What are you doing here?" Twilight finally spoke up and asked.

Sunset didn't respond, and instead, continued to stare at Twilight.

She... she looks...

"S-Sunset?" Twilight tried again.

Sunset suddenly realized she was ignoring what Twilight was saying, and snapped back into reality. "Sorry. What did you say?"

"I said, what are you doing here?" Twilight asked more confidently this time.

"Oh, uh, I'm meeting someone," Sunset answered. She then brought her helmet to her bike and attached it to one of the handle bars. When secure, she turned back to Twilight. "You?"

Twilight hummed. "Same..."

Sunset nodded. "Out of all the places, I didn't expect to see you here."

Twilight rubbed the back of her head. "Heh... yeah."

Sunset smiled at her.

Ah! She's smiling at me! Ugh, calm down Twilight.

They stood in silence for what seemed like forever!

"Say..." Twilight started. "The someone you're meeting... are they a friend of, oh I dunno, Applejack?"

"Yes, actually. How did you—" Sunset suddenly stopped. Could Twilight be the someone she was meeting. "Are you...?"

Twilight tried to smile and act innocent at the same time.

"Oh stars, what a coincidence," Sunset commented. She then walked off the street and up onto the concrete. Sunset then held her hand out to Twilight. "It's nice seeing you again."

Twilight locked her hands with Sunset's. "You as well..."

Sunset suddenly dropped her hand and her eyes went wide for a second. "I'm so sorry. Would you like to go somewhere else? I don't expect arcades to be your thing; no offense."

Twilight shook her head. "None taken. Though, I don't see why we can't go inside. It could be fun."

"Really?" Sunset's spirit brightened up. "Cool. We shouldn't waste the day. Come on." She began to walk towards the door.

Twilight breathed with relief. Sunset wasn't onto her. They could actually have fun!

With Twilight calm again, she followed Sunset inside. Not to her surprise, the arcade and a bunch of games displayed. Virtual reality, driving, stick games, hands on, ones where you could win prizes, and some small carnival games like skee ball.

Maybe their hang-out wouldn't be so bad. Sunset was worth it anyways.

Sunset was still surprised at the fact that Twilight was the one who ended up being at the Arcade. Not that she wasn't glad she was here, she's actually been wanting to see Twilight again. It was like fate they ended up seeing each other again. Well, maybe she shouldn't go that far.

"Should we pay for our entry?" Twilight asked.

"Uh huh," Sunset nodded, took out her wallet, and headed over to commission desk.

Twilight followed, and started taking out her wallet as well. Sunset noticed this and shook her head. "I've got it. I was the one who suggested this place after all."

Twilight knew that Sunset promised Applejack she would be on her best behavior, but this was being extra generous.

"Oh no, don't worry. You wouldn't do that for just anyone would you? Anybody could have showed up here," Twilight informed.

"I trusted your friends. I don't know why, but I did. Besides, you're not just anyone are you?" Sunset told her with a small smile.

That made Twilight blush a little. Well that settled it. Twilight was totally bisexual. ....Lesbian even?

"T-Thanks..."

Sunset put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Don't mention it." She then took out her card, gave it to the commissioner, and payed for two entry fees.

When both of them were paid for, Sunset took the receipt and stuffed it into her pocket. The commissioner then gave each girl a small bucket of tokens. When in held, Sunset gestured for Twilight to follow and started walking deeper into the arcade.

"So, what would you like to do first?" Sunset asked her.

Twilight twiddled her thumbs. "I uh, thought you would know. I've never been here, afterall."

Sunset looked around. "What about coin-op? Simple, but rewarding."

"Okay," Twilight answered, just agreeing to whatever her companion was picking.

When they arrived at the game, Twilight looked at it curiously.

Sunset pointed to the box machine. "It's a prize game. You use a token to get a certain number of chips put into the shooter there. You use the shooter to shoot chips at the tokens inside the game. There's little prizes inside you can win if your chip manages to knock some out of the slot."

Twilight listened to the explanation carefully, so she wouldn't embarrass herself trying to play. When Sunset was finished, she slowly tilted her head. "So, you use a token just to get more tokens? That seems like a waste. Especially if you end up getting nothing."

"That's what makes the game thrilling!" Sunset grinned. "You could use one token and end up getting two in return. Or maybe a whole load. Even a prize if you're lucky."

Twilight laughed a little. "Okay," she shrugged. "Let's give it a go." Twilight took a token from her bucket and slipped it into the game slot. Colors flashed inside the box machine knowing she now had a full turn.

There was four different sides to the game. Meaning multiple people could play at once. Sunset took advantage and went to the left of Twilight and slipped a token of her own in.

"Good luck!" Sunset wished to her.

Meanwhile, following the game's instructions, Twilight started playing the game. To her disappointment, she barely got a single token out of the slot. Those chips seemed to go by very fast, and Twilight was getting frustrated.

"How can anyone play something like this!?"

Twilight only heard soft chuckling as a response. She playfully rolled her eyes and noticed she had only one chip left. Carefully, she aimed the shooter in the right middle and shot the chip out. To her surprise, it bounced back and some tokens fell out of the slot.

"Yes!" Twilight cheered and reached down to claim her prizes. In the pile of tokens, there sat a key chain with a plastic diamond attached to it.

"Aw, cute."

Twilight looked up and saw Sunset approaching.

"I didn't win anything like that, but I did get about fifteen of these," Sunset opened her fist to reveal her tokens.

"That's great!" Twilight praised.. "I didn't expect to actually gain anything myself."

"Don't put yourself down, Twilight. Arcade games could be your secret talent," Sunset teased.

Twilight laughed a little. "Doubt it, but thank you." Twilight started looking around at some more games, until she found one that caught her interest. "Oh— look!" she started to pull Sunset across the room.

"Woah, hey where are we going?" Sunset tried to tell her.

When she noticed Sunset trying to slow her down, Twilight lowered her pace, but still continued to hold onto Sunset's hand when walking. "I used to play it all the time with my brother. I just can't believe it's here."

Sunset nodded, and then glanced down at there clasped hands. It made Sunset blush before arriving at their destination. They were finally stopped, and Sunset glanced at just what Twilight dragged her to. "Connect four?"

"It's a giant connect four! I've never seen it so... big!" Twilight eyes were like saucers looking at the game. Twilight noticed her excitement and started twirling her hair.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's play," said Sunset and put a token in the slot. Twilight did the same.

They played a total of three rounds, since nobody else came around to play the game. Sunset won the first two, and Twilight the third. In which Twilight blamed Sunset for letting her win —which was totally denied by Sunset. Though, deciding to just accept her win, Twilight cheered for herself and got a giggle from Sunset. However, did Twilight win the game on her own, or did Sunset let her? She would never know.

After that, they played some ski puck —which Sunset was obviously good at— and then a classic fish bowl game. Twilight kept missing the fish bowl. However even with multiple losses, Twilight was determined to get the ping ball into the fish bowl. Sunset knowing if she let her keep going, they would use up all their tokens. Gratefully, Sunset managed to lead Twilight to another game where she could test her skill.

Sunset was just happy that Twilight was having the funniest time of her life. She was worried Twilight would be pretty bored.

After Twilight won a round of food ninja slice, Sunset led her to a basketball shooting game. And unlike most of the games, it wasn't virtual. It was a actual hands on basketball and a hole in a wall as a basket. Twilight gulped; she was terribly bad at sports...

"Oh wow. Basketball," Twilight tried to show excitement.

Sunset however, could spot Twilight's nervousness before she even opened her mouth. "It's not as hard as it looks. Quite simple actually. If you manage to shoot in a straight direction, it's pretty hard to miss. But we can totally skip this one if you like. There are plenty more games to—"

"No!" Twilight interrupted hastily. Sunset gave her a confused stare. "I mean, pfft, I can shoot a basketball." She didn't want to be a wimp; not that Sunset would ever call her one. She did lie, she could never play b-ball. But she could try to shoot a basketball into a large hole that was three and so feet away.

Sunset didn't respond right away, but there was no harm in playing a simple arcade game."If you're sure," Sunset said. She then slipped a token into the machine and basketballs were released for grabs.

Twilight picked one up and stared at it.

What am I doing?

Twilight was going to shoot the ball. She just didn't want to get humiliated. By Sunset to be the most specific. She looked up and saw the board. Lights were glowing, and she then noticed there was exactly three holes. Biggest, smallest, and in between. The smaller the hole, the more the points. Twilight decided to go for the middle hole.

Am I trying to impress Sunset?

Twilight raised the ball. No knees bent, no figure, no finger position, nothing. And she shot. Twilight apparently had her eyes closed, because when her vision became clear. The ball was gone. Did she actually manage to get in the hole?

"Ow!!!"

Nope. Twilight missed so badly, the ball ended up having to much force and bounced out of the game, across the arcade, and onto some little girl's head.

Sunset slightly gasped as she ran over to the now crying child. Twilight turned around to see Sunset running, and she slowly gulped before chasing after her.

The mother was furious.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous that was? My child could've been seriously hurt!" the lady yelled.

Sunset couched down to the child and started rubbing her head. "We're so sorry ma'am," she apologized. She then raised the little girl's chin. "Are you alright? Do you feel dizzy?"

The girl hesitated, but answered, "No, it just hurts."

Sunset nodded but innerly sighed. Hopefully she didn't have a concussion.

"What are you doing?" The mother asked fearfully at the young woman near her daughter.

"Just checking her out for any head injury. I'm no doctor, sure, but I've taken a few nursing classes," Sunset told her.

Twilight tried to remain calm, but she felt terribly sorry for what she had caused. The girl was still crying, and suddenly, she got an idea.

Twilight crouched down as well and held out her small cup of remaining tokens. "Here, take them. As a sorry. This was all my fault."

The girl blinked, making the few last tears fall, but ended up taking the cup. "Thanks..."

Twilight smiled. "You're welcome," she said and stood up.

Sunset stood up as well. She pulled out her wallet and took out two dollar bills. "Take these," she handed them to the mom. "Get her a cup of ice. Her head could start to throb. If she seems to feel anything out of the ordinary, I'd recommend taking her to the doctor."

"Thank you, I certainly will," she replied coldly and took the bills. "Come on, Tangerine."

Tangerine, the little girl, took her mother's hand and wiped her eyes with the other. She waved at Sunset and Twilight before letting herself be pulled by her mother's grasp.

"I'm so sorry, Sunset! I didn't know what I was thinking...!" Twilight cried to her.

"It's alright, Twilight. No one can blame you. I bet it happens all the time."

"Nope," someone added in the distance.

Sunset didn't even bother to turn around. "The mistakes don't matter. It's what you do about them. You showed sympathy to the girl you hurt, and she was grateful for it."

Twilight frowned. "I still shouldn't have been so foolish. Speaking of, I should pay you back for those tokens."

Sunset shook her head. "Don't. That was very generous of you. I wouldn't have it any other way."

Twilight sighed and looked down at her feet sadly.

I screwed up...

All of a sudden, Twilight was being pulled in the direction they came from. "What's going on?"

Sunset released Twilight at the same basketball game as before.

"Oh no. I'm not finishing my turn. No way," Twilight gave it a death glare.

"Just trust me," Sunset informed. She then took a basketball and set it in Twilight's hands. "I'm going to help you."

Twilight looked at the ball. "This is pointless. I'm gonna miss—"

"No you're not." Sunset got behind Twilight and placed her hands over Twilight's which were holding the ball.

Twilight pursed her lips. "W-What..."

"Relax," Sunset told her. "You're holding the ball to firm, let it loose a bit."

Twilight was nervous, and not just by the game anymore. The closeness; the relationship was going too fast and they haven't even started anything yet.

However, Twilight listened clearly and relaxed her shoulders and grip.

"Great!" Sunset praised. "Now, what you need to do is bend your knees."

"...Bend my knees? Are you calling me tall?" Twilight asked.

Sunset chuckled. "Not at all. Players bend their knees to get more momentum and a better aim."

Twilight nodded and bent her knees a little.

"Perfect," Sunset said. She then raised Twilight's hands along with the ball upwards so that she was in a great position to shoot from. "Don't hold the ball on its sides. Try making a triangle shape with your thumbs and pointer fingers on the side facing you."

"Alright," Twilight replied and did just that. "It feels so much better!"

"See?" Sunset happily agreed. "So, eyes on the net- er hole. When I count to three, we're going to throw it. Not upwards, not downwards, but straight towards the hole. Got it?"

Twilight could swear she was sweating. "Crystal."

"One... two... three," Sunset announced. Twilight was going to close her eyes again, but didn't with the comfort of Sunset. She shot the ball in aim just like Sunset mentioned.

The ball flew and swooped right into the middle hole. The game's light's blinked and five points appeared on the scoreboard.

Sunset stepped away and put a hand on her hip.

"Yes!" Twilight cheered. "We did it! I did it! Did you see that?"

Sunset smiled proudly. "Sure did. Amazing job, Twi."

Twilight stopped her ruckus a little and blushed at the cute nickname. "Thanks, Sunset."

"Anytime," Sunset replied.

"Do you play basketball?" Twilight asked her curious.

"Me? Basketball? No. It's not my kind of thing," Sunset answered.

"B-But you're so good!" Twilight commented, surprised.

"Which only means I never slacked off in gym class when we were forced to play it," Sunset smirked playfully.

Twilight laughed, and Sunset joined in a second later. "You're full of surprises, Sunset Shimmer..."

Sunset didn't say anything after that. She blinked a few times, like she was trying to remember something. However, that quickly passed and she just gave Twilight a smile.

The rest of the afternoon at the arcade went about the same as before. They played multiple games, ones even Sunset couldn't master, and cashed in their tickets for prizes. Yet, since they couldn't find anything interesting, they had their points put on a card which they could cash in another time.

The two young women left the arcade happy as can be.

"Would you like some ice cream?" Sunset asked her once they got outside.

"I would love some. Is there a parlor nearby?" Twilight answered.

Sunset pointed a few building down. "Just a block."

"Cool!" Twilight exclaimed. "Wanna walk?"

"Don't see why not," Sunset agreed.

On the way to the ice cream parlor, they walked incredibly close to one another. Twilight could swear their shoulders would bump any second. Well, her shoulder into her arm. Sunset was about an inch or two taller than her.

They walked in silence. And when they finally reached the parlor, Twilight released a breath she hadn't known she was holding.

Sunset opened the door and gestured for Twilight to go in first.

"Chivalrous, are we?" Twilight joked.

Sunset suppressed a giggle. "Certainly."

Twilight gave a single nod and walked inside with Sunset right behind her.

"So, what's your flavour?" Sunset wondered, curious.

Twilight rubbed her hand. "Vanilia..."

Sunset eyed Twilight for a second. "Huh," she said, then looked at the menu.

"...Huh? Huh, what?" Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing. It just makes sense, that's all," Sunset replied.

Twilight pouted. "You're calling me boring."

"What! No, of course not!" Sunset eyes widened and looked at Twilight again. "There is nothing wrong with Vanilia. I'm a classic Strawberry myself."

Twilight playfully rolled her eyes. "I'll try something different if you will."

"Deal."

With both of their unique ice creams paid for, both girls sat at a table in the corner. Sunset had gotten cheesecake, while Twilight chose oreos and cream. They weren't anything extremely wild; didn't even consist of any topics. But both were pretty happy with their choices.

Sunset ate the consisting ice cream off her spoon before speaking. "Oh stars, this is good."

Twilight giggled. "Good. Now when you order it, you'll think of me." Twilight then ate some of her ice cream. Her eyes widened as the spoon was in her mouth, telling Sunset she thought hers was tasty too.

"Speaking of you, tell me about yourself," Sunset brought up. "What's Twilight Sparkle's life like?"

Twilight set her spoon back in her cup. "Oh, there's nothing really special about me..."

"Now I know that's not true," Sunset tried to convince.

"I mean, I'm an ordinary college girl. I have three great friends who I wouldn't give up for anything," Twilight mentioned. "I love science, pretty much any of it. Learning is sort of a hobby of mine."

"Me too," Sunset told her. "What's better than picking up a book, am I right?"

Twilight smiled brightly at her. "R-Right." She picked up her spoon again. "So, what about you?"

"I have two friends who I would do anything for as well. We've been friends since high school," Sunset started. "I work, Tuesday's and Thursday's. I also... have a youtube channel. Gaming is also another hobby of mine."

Twilight didn't show any loath. It was bound to come up. "Fascinating. I don't know much about video games. Maybe you could show me sometime?"

"Sure," Sunset happily agreed.

A few more chats, and happy eating later, Sunset and Twilight were heading out the parlor. They started walking in the same direction they had came from.

"This was fun. I had a really great time," said Twilight. She wished the day didn't have to end.

"Same here. I loved hanging out with you," Sunset said back.

"Wanna... do this again?" Twilight hesitantly asked.

"I wouldn't want anything more," Sunset truthfully responded.

Twilight smiled with a small blush before they reached their vehicles in front of E-Quest.

"Let's take a photo!" Sunset exclaimed, pulling out her phone.

"Oh... okay!" Twilight answered with just as much excitement. She's never taken a photo with anybody but her friends and Timber before.

Sunset opened her camera and aimed her phone up for her and Twilight. They both smiled and held up peace signs to the camera. When still, Sunset snapped the photo and held it for Twilight to see.

"Oh wow," Twilight admired it. They actually looked...

"We look so cute!"

That.

"I'm totally posting it," Sunset mentioned and began scrolling on her phone.

Twilight gulped. Sunset didn't know, but Twilight had totally stalked her instagram. Which meant Twilight knew about the thousands of followers Sunset had. Oh dear...

When Sunset was done, she opened up her contacts. "I never got your number. Mind lending it?"

"Oh! For sure," Twilight spoke and took Sunset's phone. She typed her number in Sunset's phone and gave Sunset her phone as well. They finally had each others numbers. "Hey... Sunset, are we friends?"

Sunset gave Twilight an assuring look. "Weren't we already?"

Twilight remembered back at Vinyl's party, when Sunset had offered Twilight her friendship. Though, Twilight sadly declined.

"I don't think so..."

Sunset walked off the cirb, took her helmet, and sat on her motorcycle. "I don't know about you, Twilight. But I believe, one kiss totally makes us friends."

Twilight just stood there, staring at Sunset dumbfounded.

Sunset attached her helmet on and started up her bike. "I'll text you!" Sunset called over the noise.

Twilight smiled and held up a hand to wave. She didn't know if she was blushing or not because she was still in shock by Sunset's comment.

Dismissal was then over, and Sunset took off out of the parking lot and down the street.

Twilight breathed and took out her car keys as she walked to her car. Their hang-out went surprisingly well. And if Twilight wasn't stupid —which she wasn't— Sunset looked totally into her!

Oh, and that's right.

She finally got Sunset Shimmer's number.

Take that, universe.

8. Messages

View Online

Dearest Of Desires Chapter 8
By, Serenityx

"I wonder how she's doing..." Rarity paced around the room.

"Twilight's a big girl, she'll be fine," Applejack told her.

Fluttershy nodded with Applejack in agreement.

"I know but—"

"No buts, missy. Her and Sunset are probably waltzing this very minute," Applejack joked.

"...Waltzing?" Fluttershy raised an eyebrow. "Why would they be dancing at an arcade?"

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Ya know what I mean."

I really don't, Fluttershy wanted to say.

Rarity finally stopped her pacing and put a hand on her hip, looking at her two remaining friends. "I don't care about that, Applejack. But what if she starts..." she shivered. "Twilight-ing?"

"...She's a verb now?" Fluttershy asked.

"It felt right," Rarity shrugged.

"Well whatever the hay that's suppose to mean, I'm sure Sunset is keeping Twilight mighty busy," Applejack assured.

Rarity fiddled with her pointer fingers. "If you're so sure, then okay," she said. Rarity took a seat at her desk.

"Do you think they'll kiss again?" Fluttershy asked, and played with a strand of her hair.

Rarity's eyes glistened. "That would be—"

"Terrible," Applejack interrupted.

Rarity just frowned.

"It's too early for the lovey-dovey stuff," Applejack added.

"True love is never too early," Rarity commented.

"True... love..." Fluttershy whispered.

"Twilight only kissed Sunset to prove a point. Not because she liked her," Applejack reminded.

"But she likes her now," Rarity emphasised.

"This is the first time they're meeting up since Vinyl's party. Not intentionally either," Applejack informed. "Sunset voluntarily went to the arcade expecting to meet some stranger. I didn't even tell her what Twilight looked like!"

"It's the coincidence that makes it exciting! It's like destiny," said Rarity.

"If by destiny you mean 'set up', then yeah sure," Applejack lowered her eyelids.

"Sunset doesn't know that," Rarity mentioned.

"We're being selfish," Applejack groaned.

"Selfish! You did not just call me selfish," Rarity retorted and stood up.

Fluttershy pursed her lips.

"What we're doing is not fair to Sunset Shimmer at all," Applejack explained, trying to add more to what she said.

"This isn't about fairness, Applejack. It's about—"

"Setting up our friend with someone she's only met once —at a party, to angry her ex boyfriend— on a date," Applejack finished her sentence.

"It's not—" Fluttershy tried to say.

Not what Rarity was going for but, "Exactly."

"Selfish," Applejack said again.

Rarity fummed. "I'm selfish? I'm selfish!?"

"I didn't say that!" Applejack spoke.

"Girls..."

Rarity pointed a finger at Applejack. "I come up with this plan, I stayed up all night searching for Sunset, I support Twilight who almost had multiple mental breakdowns, and you have the nerve. Ugh! You know what? Fluttershy, give me your phone."

Fluttershy didn't move.

Rarity walked over to the bed and took Fluttershy's phone. She shoved it in her face to activate face ID.

Fluttershy blinked.

When unlocked, Rarity scrolled through her contacts list.

"Rarity? What are you doing...?" Applejack asked cautiously, then stood herself up.

"Texting, Sunset Shimmer," Rarity said bluntly.

"What!?" Applejack yelled.

Fluttershy's eyes went wide.

"Why in tarnation— Rarity, give me the phone." Applejack went over to her, then held her hand out.

"No! If you think we're being selfish, then I'll just text Sunset what we've been doing the whole time. That's what you want right?" Rarity raised an eyebrow.

"Rare, I think Applejack meant that even though Twilight's happy, it isn't fair to Sunset to think this is all some wonderful coincidence. When in reality, it was apart of our plan," Fluttershy tried to explain.

"Her plan," Applejack corrected Fluttershy. She then turned her attention back to Rarity. "I know what I said, Rarity. But you don't need to do that. Twilight was nervous enough as it is!"

Rarity was already typing on the keyboard.

Applejack let out a cry of annoyance, then grabbed the phone by force. Rarity didn't let go however, and fought Applejack over it. They were both pulling back and forth, while Fluttershy covered her eyes. They both struggled, until Rarity's hands began to start hurting from Applejack's strength. She let go of the phone which made Applejack fly backwards. The phone slipped out of Applejack's hands and landed on the floor.

Rarity huffed, as she rubbed her palm. Fluttershy uncovered her eyes and frowned at the sight. Applejack sighed, and went to take the phone again. Her eyes then widened.

"Uh... Fluttershy..." Applejack began.

Rarity finished rubbing, then looked down at Applejack.

"What?" Fluttershy wondered, with a tilt of her head.

Applejack stood up and handed Fluttershy back her phone. Applejack gulped as she waited for a response from the girl.

"AHHH!"

Sunset entered the house exhausted from her big day. She did not expect Twilight to be the girl she was meeting. Yet, you couldn't find her complaining.

She closed the door behind her and sat her helmet on the floor.

"Sunny!"

Sunset looked up just in time to be caught in a bone-crushing hug.

Sunset patted her friends back. "Hey, Pinkie Pie."

Pinkie pulled away and smiled. "Come on, we're watching The Avengers in Dash's room."

"Which one?"

"Er... I forgot," Pinkie shrugged.

Sunset snickered.

Pinkie sniffed. "Hey... wait a minute..."

Sunset eyed Pinkie confused. "Uh, what is it?"

Pinkie got up close in Sunset's face. Sunset started to feel uncomfortable as Pinkie got closer and closer to her lips. They never touched however, as Pinkie did one big sniff.

Sunset reacted by quickly pushing Pinkie gently away.

"You had cheesecake ice cream!" Pinkie put up a finger. She then narrowed her eyes. "You had ice cream."

"Yes..." Sunset affirmed.

Newer footsteps then started to approach. "What is taking so long, Pinks? I asked for my soda almost ten minutes ago!"

Pinkie didn't answer. Instead, Rainbow saw Sunset Shimmer waving at her with a cheeky smile.

"Oh, welcome back, Shim," Rainbow greeted.

Sunset opened her mouth to speak, but—

"Sunny had ice cream!" Pinkie pointed a finger at Sunset and looked at Rainbow with a serious look on her face.

Rainbow just gasped.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "What is such a big deal about ice cream? We eat it all the time."

Deciding not to answer such a obvious (well, in Rainbow and Pinkie's opinion) question, Rainbow took a seat on the couch. Sunset, not thinking anything of it, followed taking a seat next to her. Pinkie took a seat in the lounge chair.

"Tell us about it," Rainbow commanded.

Sunset looked at Pinkie who was drumming on her knees. She looked back at Rainbow. "Really?"

"Yes! Don't leave out anything," said Rainbow.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "So, do you two remember the situation at Vinyl's party I told y'all about?"

"Ooo! Me!" Pinkie raised her hand and waved it wildly. "How you lied about going to the bathroom—"

"I didn't lie."

"—and then got pulled by this girl—"

"Twilight."

"—to pretend to be on a date—"

"To pretend we were a couple."

"So she could make her boyfriend jealous—"

"Ex boyfriend."

"But he wasn't taking it seriously, so Twilight kissed you to prove a point?"

Other than the minor errors, Pinkie was spot on.

Sunset nodded.

"What about it?" Rainbow wanted to move on.

Sunset rubbed the back of her head. "So, yeah. Uhm, it turns out, the person I was meeting today..." Pinkie leaned forward in her seat eager. "The person who's friends' with Applejack and Fluttershy...was Twilight."

"Ohwhosht!"

Both friends reacted at the same time. Sunset couldn't quite catch it, but she figured it was a mix of 'oh my gosh' and 'what!?'

Beep

"One second." Sunset pulled out her phone.

She was met with the most flattering text of her life.

The sound of an unlocking door caught the girls attention. Well, two of the girls per-se.

"I'm back!"

Rarity joted up out of her chair. "Twilight!" she ran out the room.

Applejack started to follow Rarity, but took one last glance at the sweating and worried Fluttershy pacing around the room.

"B-But, Sunset...!"

Applejack chuckled quietly. Poor Fluttershy, freaking out about a few heart emojis. Applejack left the room to find Twilight being squished by Rarity.

"Now Rarity, give Twilight some room to breath," Applejack mentioned.

Rarity suddenly remembered that, and let go of Twilight who gave a few hacking coughs when realised.

"So sorry, darling," Rarity apologized.

One last cough before, "It's kay..." Twilight responded.

"So? How'd the date go?" Rarity asked her eagerly.

"It wasn't a date. But good," Twilight answered. Then bent down to start taking off her shoes. "...Really good."

Rarity's shoulders slumped. "I need details!"

"Rarity. She just got here," Applejack said bluntly.

"I know, but—"

"No buts. Let her get settled first," Applejack told her.

"Oh fine."

Twilight smiled. "Don't worry. I'll tell you all about it."

Twilight walked towards their small kitchen and took a seat at the table. Her friends followed, but there was a bird missing from the flock.

"Where's Shy?" Twilight asked them.

Applejack and Rarity exchanged a look. "Er... she's binge watching Little House On a Prairie," Rarity lied.

"Again?" Twilight didn't seem surprised.

"Yep. Heh..." Rarity confirmed.

"How much of the Ingalls family can she take?" Twilight asked herself. She shook her head. "Oh well. Anyway, the hang-out..."

Rarity leaned forward in her chair, and Applejack just placed her arms on the table.

"I get to E-Quest, and as soon as I'm about to go inside, this motorcycle pulls up. At first I thought it was some biker grandma or something. But the skin color, and the hair. It looked too familiar. The biker took off her helmet and it was Sunset!"

"Sunset rides a motorcycle!?" Applejack asked, shocked.

"Yes! Crazy right?" Twilight had a surprised expression herself.

"Twilight, if you don't date her. I will. And I'm not even lesbian," Rarity brought up.

"Not a chance," Twilight dismissed Rarity's proposition. "Anyways, I acted surprised to see her. She actually seemed quite happy when she found out it was me who she was meeting."

"Well of course! You're cute as a button!"

"We went into the arcade, and Sunset paid for my ticket. She also went around showing me how to play the games."

"That was nice of her," commented Applejack.

Twilight smiled in agreement. "She's actually really friendly."

Twilight continued to talk about her day to her friends. Rarity and Applejack would smirk at how Twilight's expression would lighten up at certain parts. Twilight didn't leave out any details. She told them how they played a few rounds of connect four, the accident with the basketball game, the successful lesson afterwards, the unique ice cream trip, their promise to play video games together, and even the selfie. Oh and the unintentional (or intentional?) flirting Sunset did.

It had been almost a hour before Twilight finished. About fifteen minutes in, Fluttershy joined them downstairs. She didn't say anything, but she took a seat and happily followed along in Twilight's explanation.

"Wow, it sounds like you had a lot of fun, Twilight," Fluttershy said to her.

"Yeah... I did," Twilight replied.

"See?" Rarity spoke a little loudly. "My plan worked. Easy as a dress."

Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Don't you mean easy as pie?"

"You make pies Applejack, not me," Rarity reminded.

Applejack sighed. She didn't have the strength for another argument.

"How's your marathon going, Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

Fluttershy looked at her confused. "What marathon?"

Rarity gulped. "Your Little House On a Prairie one. You were watching it upstairs. Right, Shy?"

Fluttershy looked at Rarity even more confused, but when Rarity gave daggers to her, she quickly caught on. "Oh, it's great! This is, what? My fourth time now..."

Twilight nodded.

The four friends chatted for awhile longer about random stuff before Applejack and Fluttershy eventually left to go back to their dorm. Rarity then said goodnight to Twilight before she helping herself to some white macadamia nut cookies and milk before she left to her bedroom.

Twilight however didn't want any sweets, because of her ice cream earlier. So, she helped herself to a bowl of grapes instead and headed to her room as well.

Though flattered, she was very confused.

Sunset stared at the message on her screen. From Fluttershy, she received about a dozen variety of heart emojis. Friends send each other heart emojis all the time. Yet, Fluttershy and Sunset hardly knew each other. Why would Fluttershy just send them randomly? And so many to add to that?

"Shim?" Rainbow called to her dazed friend.

Sunset looked up. "Huh? Sorry, got a text."

"I bet it's from Tw-i-light," Pinkie sang.

Sunset wasn't listening, and instead, pressed Fluttershy's contact and called her.

"Hey! I thought we were talking about your day!" Rainbow reminded her.

"Fluttershy? Hey," Sunset said to the phone. What came in response to that was some frantic yelling.

"Fluttershy!?" Rainbow and Pinkie Pie shouted at once.

Sunset shot her friends annoyed looks. She then got up off the couch and stepped outside.

Rainbow Dash pouted and crossed her arms. "Just how many new friends does Shimmer have?"

Meanwhile, outside...

"I am so sorry, Sunset! It's not what it looks like! I mean, it wasn't me!"

"Calm down, Fluttershy. I'm not upset. It's just a text," Sunset tried to calm her down.

"B-But!"

"It's just a text. Simple mistake," Sunset tried again. She could hear a sigh on the other end.

"O-Okay... thank you..."

"No worries. Happens all the time," said Sunset. "I'm curious though, who was it meant for?"

"No one! No one. Rarity and Applejack were fighting over my phone and they accidentally send you a text."

Sunset didn't know who Rarity was, but she didn't intend to ask. "Why were they fighting over your phone? Is yours a better model or something?" she let out a laugh.

"Uh... you could say that."

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "I was kidding. Seriously though, Fluttershy. If you were texting someone, I'm not going to judge."

"I wasn't! Honest!"

Sunset was still in doubt. "And you just happen to have all hearts as your recent emojis?"

"...Yep!" That in fact, wasn't a lie.

"Okay then. None of my business anyway." Sunset rebutled.

"You don't understand!"

"I believe you," Sunset affirmed.

"Thank you, Sunset."

Sunset smiled. "Again, no worries. I'll talk to you soon, okay?"

"Yeah."

"Tell Applejack I said hi," Sunset added.

"Sure. Bye."

Sunset hung up the phone. She shook her head with a giggle before heading back inside.

When she got back inside, her friends insisted that she finish the story. Just like Twilight, Sunset told them everything from coin-op, to the selfie. They all gave her cheeky smiles and happy comments for her new friendship. Afterwards, they ordered some pizza; half pepperoni, half vegetable for dinner.

Sunset took a slice when it arrived and went to her bedroom for some downtime before sleep. After taking the first bite of her pizza, a thought came to mind. She picked up her phone and went to her contacts.

Twilight had just finished brushing her teeth. She gargled with her bubblegum mouthwash before going back to her room. She took the recent book she was reading —some random fantasy— and her book light.

Every night before going to sleep, she would read. Not usually a nonfiction, but a fiction for fun. Thanks to her hang-out with Sunset, she knew that sometimes Sunset did the same thing.

With her book and light in hand, Twilight jumped onto her bed and got comfortable. Just as she attached the book light to her book, her phone went off. She reached over to her nightstand and took her phone off the top. She scanned the screen and smiled.

Goodnight, Twilight. Sweet dreams. -Sunset S

9. Friends

View Online

Dearest of Desires, Chapter 9
By, Serenityx

"Haha! He he..."

Rarity rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Twilight?" Rarity sat in a lounge chair, trying to paint her nails a turquoise color.

After a few more giggles, "Sorry," Twilight halfly apologized.

Rarity shook her head and smiled. "It's nice to see you so happy."

Twilight laid on the couch on her stomach, legs up in the air, and feet swinging back and forth. Exactly like that, she had her phone in her hands. Typing away, she said, "Thanks."

Rarity blew the tips of her left hand. "What are you two talking about that's got you so giddy?"

"Nothing in particular," Twilight answered. Rarity then gave her a 'I'm not stupid' look which Twilight realized her answer might be wrong. "She's just funny."

"Whatever you say." Rarity placed the nail brush in her left and started on her right hand.

Three days ago, the night they hung out, Twilight got her first goodnight text from Sunset Shimmer. So, when they each got the chance, they talked to one another through text.

It was Wednesday afternoon, and both Rarity and Twilight were relaxing after school. They both had finished their homework an hour ago, so they were each doing their own things in the living space.

About ten minutes later, Rarity began to apply the clear top coat to her nail polish. Twilight started to get uncomfortable laying on her stomach, so she sat up so she could turn over on her back. She was just about to lay down, but her phone went off again.

"Oh..."

Rarity finished her thumb before she said, "Oh, what?"

"Sunset just invited me to her apartment on Friday," Twilight told her, looking down at her phone screen.

"Wow! I mean, already? D-Did you two even kiss yet?"

Twilight released her phone which made it hit the couch and her face turned bright red. She quickly waved her hands at Rarity as she denied. "No! We hung out once. Once! A-Are you serious? No, just no!"

Rarity snickered and put a hand to her cheek as she acted all innocent. "My bad, darling. Of course, that's not what you meant."

Twilight could notice the high-pitch change in Rarity's voice. "Oh ha ha ha. Very funny, Rare."

Rarity whistled. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Twilight rolled her eyes and picked up her phone again. "Anyways, Sunset told me how she just got a tub of the cheesecake ice cream she ordered at the parlor on Saturday."

"I do enjoy some ice cream myself. But what does that have to do with inviting you over on Friday? She wants to share it with you?" Rarity asked giggling.

Twilight shook her head but then carried on to explain. "No. At the parlor, we talked about ourselves, and she told me she has a gaming channel—"

"Which you already knew about."

"—and then I asked her if she could teach me how to play," Twilight said. "She just brought it up and asked if I was free on Friday."

Rarity finished applying her top coats to her nails. "That's wonderful, Twilight! You're gonna go right?"

"Well, yeah. I think so..." Twilight looked at her phone again. "I didn't give her an answer y—"

"Well say yes!" Rarity practically yelled at her.

"Okay, okay!" Twilight yelled back and began typing a reply.

Sure, that sounds fun. I'm free after school. What time should I come over?

Cool! Is 3:30 okay for you?

Sunset smiled as she typed her reply. That had been surprisingly easy. Of course, she had no exact plan for teaching Twilight. Usually for video games... you kind of just... played. She hoped everything would work out if she just winged it.

Yep. So, uh... where do you live?

Sunset chuckled and began to send Twilight her address. It was going to be fun. However, she still had to get through two full days of school.

"Shimmer, let's go!"

Sunset blinked and looked behind her. There standing with a hand on her hip, a skateboard in her left hand, and a helmet on her head, was Rainbow Dash.

"Uh... hi Dash?" Sunset greeted confused.

"Up up up! We got filming to do," Rainbow ordered her.

"What? Rainbow, it's Wednesday," Sunset said.

Rainbow sighed. "I know we usually film on Thursday's, but I think it's gonna rain."

"You think it's gonna rain?" Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Did you check the weather app? It says clear skies."

"Those things aren't always right. It's definitely gonna rain tomorrow," Rainbow told her again.

"...And you know this because...?" Sunset wasn't buying it at all.

"I-I had a feeling, alright?" Rainbow confessed.

Sunset stared at her oddly before bursting out into laughter.

"Hey! It's not funny. I'm serious!" Rainbow yelled annoyed. "Stop laughing!"

A few more giggles until, "Sorry but, your usually not one to make things up."

"I'm not making things up. I'm going with my gut. And I do a lot of that," Rainbow reminded. "I'm like, one of those people who start to get back pain when it's about to storm. Except, minus the pain and more of the hunch."

"I thought it was Pinkie who usually got the hunches around here."

"Well, yeah," Rainbow agreed. She couldn't think of anything to add though, so she just huffed. "Ugh, just grab your camera and let's go!"

"Alright, fine. We'll go," Sunset finally agreed.

Rainbow softly smiled at her. But when Sunset didn't move, "Well? Go put your shoes on."

"Right. Was totally gonna go do that," Sunset replied sheepishly, got up off the couch, and walked towards her room.

Sunset put on her usual boots and grabbed her camera from her nightstand. She put it around her neck and stuffed her phone in her back pocket. Settled, she joined Rainbow back in the living room and they both headed out the door.

Rainbow led Sunset to the skate park they usually filmed at. There was another one, but that one was newer and had more people. The one where she went to film was a bit old, the paint was faded, and there was hardly anyone there most of the time. Yet, it was still ninety five percent safe. Luckily, because it was Wednesday, no one was around.

When they arrived, Rainbow started to put on her elbow and knee pads along with her helmet. Sunset meanwhile, turned on her video camera and adjusted the settings for action shots.

"What is Rain Xtreme Dash going to perform this time?" Sunset asked Rainbow when she was done.

Rainbow just smirked, and walked off to behind one of the tall ramps. Sunset gained a confused look on her face as Rainbow disappeared behind the ramp. When Rainbow returned, she was dragging a large round blue inflatable pool.

Sunset blinked. "You've got to be kidding."

Rainbow moved it next to one of the small ramps where she was going to finish off her routine from. The pool jump was going to be the grand finale.

"Uh... Rainbow?"

Rainbow perfectly angled the pool and released it. She slapped her hands together. "All set." Rainbow looked at Sunset who was giving her a look of disbelief. "Hey! Be glad I left out the piranhas!" Rainbow reached down into the pool and grabbed a hose. "Now, hook this up would ya?"

Sunset let the camera fall onto her chest again and rolled her eyes. She walked over to Rainbow and took the hose from her. She walked over to the nearby water faucet and mumbled to herself as she plugged it in.

This is going to be a long afternoon.

"Ready?" She called over to Rainbow who was setting the hose into the pool.

"Yep!"

Sunset twisted the faucet to turn on the hose. The water should of been running through the hose and into the pool. Except, it wasn't.

"It's not working," Rainbow scratched her head.

Sunset looked at the faucet. "It's on." Sunset could see water dripping from the connecter piece the hose was on.

Rainbow took the hose from the pool. She tapped the sides and looked inside of it. Sunset didn't know what was wrong. There was no hole in the hose, and the faucet was turned on.

Is water suppose to be dripping from the connecter?

Curious, Sunset twisted the hose's connecter piece. Then, she could see a burst of water running through the hose.

"Ah ha! Fixed it!" she called out to Rainbow.

"Huh?" Rainbow didn't catch her sentence in time, and before she could put the hose back in the pool, it splashed her with a ton of water. "Gah!" The water got in her face and she couldn't see for a moment. The hose was flying in her arms and it ended up turning backwards and spraying Sunset who was a few feet away from her.

"Hey! Watch it!"

Rainbow held the hose with her left hand as she wiped her face with her right. Her vision cleared, and she saw Sunset getting sprayed. Rainbow then tried to regain control of the hose. "I'm t-trying!" But it just kept squirming in her arms.

Rainbow finally gave up and threw the hose into the pool. Thankfully, it made it inside and the pool started to fill with water. Rainbow sighed with relief, and looked over at her friend. Sunset was glaring at Rainbow as her hair was damp and her clothes were completely soaked.

"Sorry?"

"Rainbow Dash!"

Friday afternoon, Twilight was driving over to Sunset's house. Or condo, or apartment, or loft. Twilight didn't know, but she sure was having fun imagining it.

I wonder what it's like? Does she having a whole gaming room she films in?

Twilight couldn't help but snicker as she followed the GPS.

Probably not.

The one thing Twilight didn't stalk, was Sunset's address. I mean, that's just creepy. Not that everything else she did wasn't creepy...

At least she has someplace. Meanwhile, I'm living in a two person dorm.

Twilight loved Rarity, of course. Yet, she couldn't help but envy the kids her own age that had their own place.

She must make a fortune. An overstatement, but what did Twilight know?

Twilight glanced at her phone. A mile left, it read.

Well... not necessarily a fortune.

Twilight thought back to the comment Rarity made Wednesday, and the looks Rarity gave her before she left. Twilight began to blush a little. Sunset and her alone in her house. That was something she couldn't believe. Though, Sunset wouldn't try anything obviously. They were just going to play some video games.

...Right?

Come on, Twi. Get it together. Sunset isn't like that.

...Was she?

No. Stop being stupid, brain.

Twilight gulped. Maybe she should've brought something. Flowers, donuts, wine, anything. Well, scratch that last one, they were still under drinking age.

That last mile was then over when Twilight found herself pulling into Sunset's— er, the buildings driveway.

Totally an apartment. She didn't mind. Made more sense, actually.

Twilight parked the car and turned it off. She grabbed her purse and placed her keys inside. Once she braced herself, she got out of the car and made her way up the walkway. Her phone then vibrated, and she pulled it out to see another text from Sunset.

3B, by the way.

Twilight smiled and put her phone back. She entered the building and went on the elevator to the second floor. A quick ride up later, she walked to the left until she found apartment 3B.

"Should I text, or just knock..." Twilight whispered to herself.

Twilight shrugged and knocked three times on the door. Seconds later, she could hear footsteps approaching, and then a door knob unlocking. The door opened and she was greeted with... rainbow hair?

Ah shoot.

The rainbow haired girl looked Twilight up and down not saying a word. Twilight didn't say anything either. She must've had the wrong building. Or maybe Sunset texted her the wrong room number. Before she knew it, the girl with rainbow hair closed the door shut.

Twilight blinked. "Rude..."

She was about to retreat and call Sunset, but the door opened again. Only this time, she was met with pink poofy hair. Unlike the rainbow haired girl, the pink haired girl gasped loudly. But like the rainbow haired girl, she slammed the door but faster.

"...Uh," Twilight mumbled.

Twilight couldn't deal with whatever that was. She had to find Sunset's apartment. Yet, she couldn't help but stay when she heard shouting inside.

"The heck, Pinks?"

"What I do?"

"Someone's outside!"

"You shut the door first, ya know."

"What's going on?"

"A girls outside."

"And she had navy, purple, and pink hair!"

"What!?"

Twilight felt offended. Was something wrong with her hair color? Just then, the door flew open.

"Twilight! Oh sweet faust, come in!"

Twilight breathed with relief. Finally, Sunset. She was glad she stayed a while. "Thanks, Sunset."

Once Twilight was inside, Sunset closed and locked the door. "You're welcome. I'm so sorry about that. I swear those two act like children sometimes."

Twilight giggled at Sunset's comment.

Though, Sunset was glaring at her two friends who were standing next to each other across the room. She pointed to each of them as she talked. "That's Rainbow Dash, and that's Pinkie Pie." Sunset pointed to Twilight next. "Girls, this is Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight gave a weak smile as she waved at both of them. "Hey..."

"Oh. My. Gosh!" Pinkie ran over to Twilight and squeezed in her a tight hug. "It is so nice to meet Sunset's girlfriend! I bet we're gonna be the bestest of friends! I mean, Rainbow is cool and all, but her attitude is getting kinda old."

"I'm right here you know!" Rainbow growled.

Twilight's face was red. It was because of the fact that Pinkie called Twilight, Sunset's girlfriend. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because Pinkie was squeezing all the oxygen out of Twilight's body.

"O-Okay, first... your t-too tight," Twilight tried to say.

Pinkie automatically released Twilight from her big hug. "Oopsie."

"Second, it's nice to meet you too, Pinkie Pie."

"Just call me, Pinkie," she gleamed.

Twilight nodded. "And third..."

"Twilight's not my girlfriend, Pinkie. I've told you... this..." Sunset said through her teeth, looking embarrassed.

Pinkie Pie slowly blinked, but then shrugged. "Oki doki loki."

Rainbow then walked up to Twilight for her introduction next. She quickly held her hand out. "You can call me Rainbow. Or Dash. Up to you."

Twilight grabbed hold of Rainbow Dash's hand. To her surprise, Rainbow had a strong grip when she shook it. "Well, Rainbow. It's nice to meet you as well."

Rainbow smiled and let go of Twilight's hand.

"Great! We all know each other," Sunset blurted. Twilight looked at Sunset confused, but all Sunset gave her was an anxious smile.

Twilight broke the eye contact first, as she took a look back at Rainbow and Pinkie. Pinkie was rocking back and forth on her toes, while Rainbow looked elsewhere with a hand on her hip. When Rainbow's gaze finally made it back over to Twilight and Sunset, she could see Sunset giving her narrowed eyes. That's when Rainbow got the memo and nudged Pinkie Pie.

"We're leaving, Pinks," Rainbow told her after the nudge.

Pinkie faced Rainbow and raised her eyebrow. She took out her phone and opened the calendar app. "Nope. We have nowhere we need to be today."

"...Don't we need to do some shopping?"

"Nuh uh. We don't need another load of groceries until next week."

"...When was the last time we went to the gym?"

"Tuesday."

"...No last minute cake orders?"

"Not today."

Rainbow threw her arms up in the air. "Jesus freaking christ. Guess what? We're going skating!"

Pinkie eyes were saucers, and she squealed with joy. "Yes yes yes!" With that, she ran to her room to get ready.

Rainbow looked at Sunset Shimmer. Sunset mouthed a 'thank you,' which she accepted with a smile. A few minutes later, Pinkie skipped back into the living room dressed for the cavalier with a pair of white skates, blue laces, and pink wheels in her hand.

Rainbow groaned. But sucked it up for Sunset as she grabbed her wallet off the side table. Her and Pinkie said goodbye to Sunset and their new friend, Twilight, before heading out the door.

Sunset locked the door behind them, then faced Twilight. "Want something to drink?"

"Some water is fine, if that's okay," Twilight accepted the offer.

Sunset smiled. "Gotcha. One glass of ice water coming up," she said in a singing tone before going to the kitchen.

Twilight giggled at her. Ten seconds alone, and it was already going well.

I didn't know Sunset had roommates. They seem nice and sort of remind me of my own friends.

Twilight was about to follow Sunset in the kitchen, but stopped when she noticed the instruments planted on the wall by the TV. Two rhythm guitars; one royal blue, and one cyan.

Yeah, I'm definitely asking her about those later.

10. Games

View Online

Dearest of Desires Chapter 10
By, Serenityx

Sunset locked the door behind them, then faced Twilight. "Want something to drink?"

"Some water is fine, if that's okay," Twilight accepted the offer.

Sunset smiled. "Gotcha. One glass of ice water coming up," she said in a singing tone before going to the kitchen.

Twilight giggled at her. Ten seconds alone, and it was already going well.

I didn't know Sunset had roommates. They seem nice and sort of remind me of my own friends.

Twilight was about to follow Sunset in the kitchen, but stopped when she noticed the instruments planted on the wall by the TV. Two rhythm guitars; one royal blue, and one cyan.

Yeah, I'm definitely asking her about those later.

Twilight examined the instruments for a second.

I swear Sunset's eyes are cyan.

"Here's your water."

Twilight jumped. Her feet went a centimeter off the ground, her hands went up, and her eyes went big.

"Woah. I'm sorry, Twilight," Sunset apologized. "I didn't mean to scare you that badly."

Twilight got embarrassed of how much she had gotten frightened. It was like she forgot where she was, even though she knew where she was; via the guitars. She calmed down as she smoothed out her clothes.

"You're fine," Twilight said.

Sunset smiled and handed Twilight the glass. Twilight accepted it and said, "Thank you."

"No problem," Sunset replied. "Should we get started?"

"Oh, yeah!" Twilight automatically agreed. She was actually quite excited to have Sunset teach her something. Even though she knew she was going to be bad at video games.

Sunset nodded and walked towards the TV stand. She pulled out a plastic bin and searched through some discs. Before she could pick one out, she looked up at Twilight.

"Wii, Playstation, or Xbox?" Sunset asked her.

Twilight blinked. "Uhm..." Twilight tried to think of a game she actually had played before. It was with her cousins long ago and she hardly remembered any of it. "What's that game... with the colorful robot people?"

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "Colorful... robot people?"

"Yeah. Their dancing and you have to follow them or something."

Sunset laughed. "Just Dance?"

Twilight snapped her fingers. "That's it!" If Twilight Sparkle knew about any video game, it was Just Dance. Sunset continued to laugh, but harder that time. Twilight slowly frowned. "W-What?"

Sunset stopped her laughing fit and slowly shook her head. "Nothing. Just have you know, I can beat your butt at Just Dance any day."

Twilight snorted. "I bet you could beat my butt at literally anything."

Sunset waved her finger. "Not true. Anyway's, I have that for Wii. But let's start with something else. We'll do Playstation."

Twilight nodded, not really sure how to answer. Sunset rummaged through her games, thinking of the perfect game to begin her friend on. She owned a lot of different games. Call of Duty, Warframe, Fortnight, Grand Theft, Destiny, Minecraft, and even SIMs. But what she came across far in the back was perfect for Twilight.

Sunset took the disc out of the case and put it in the Playstation. She set her TV to the proper channel for her Playstation and grabbed two remotes. She joined Twilight back on the couch and handed her one.

Twilight was anxious to see what game Sunset had picked out for them. When the picture was displayed on the TV, it was not what she was expecting.

She read, "Super Mario...?"

"Yep," Sunset said.

Twilight's shoulders slumped. "B-But... where's all the cars, virtual reality, and uhm... guns?"

"Do you really think I'd have you play an intense game for your first time?"

"Well no..."

"Exactly. Mario, or no gaming."

"Fine."

Sunset scrolled down to Multiplayer. "Okay, first things first, the remote."

Twilight glanced down at her controller. "Why is there a square, triangle, circle, and an X as buttons? They're not even all shapes or all letters. Couldn't they at least stick with one?"

Sunset was about to answer, but Twilight continued.

"And why in the world do you have the same exact thing on the left side, but no symbols? Which one are you supposed to use? Were they just that lazy to put the symbols on the left as well?"

"Actually-"

"The controller literally looks like a boomerang. Isn't that a safety hazard or something?" Twilight asked.

"Er-"

"And what's up with the two giant buttons in the back? Doesn't this thing have enough buttons already!?"

"Twilight!" Sunset yelled. Twilight shut her mouth and looked at Sunset. "Stop questioning how the remote is made."

Twilight just sighed and rubbed her arm. "Sorry..."

Twilight's saddened voice made Sunset quickly regret her outburst. "No... don't. I didn't mean to yell at you like that. Of course you're curious."

Twilight gave a small smile.

"Alright. Most of the time, you'd only use the right buttons on the controller. The left is optional, but not needed," Sunset explained. "The buttons can be used for jumping, using tools, doing tricks, running faster, equipping, and etcetera."

Twilight listened as Sunset explained the controller to her.

"The green triangle refers to viewpoint. The pink square refers to a piece of paper; representing menus or documents. The red and blue circle and X represent ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for decision-making," Sunset informed.

"The two pegs here," Sunset pointed. "Are for moving; running, walking, flying, swimming, driving, rolling. You get the point."

Twilight nodded as she took in the information. When the information was all said, Sunset began to show her how to hold it properly and taught her to memorize the buttons on the controller. Sunset mentioned it was helpful for playing games so you wouldn't have to keep looking down at it.

Sunset tested Twilight, which she loved. All tests were fun for Twilight.

"L1."

Twilight didn't look down as she pressed the front button to the top of the controller on the left side. Sunset gave her a thumbs up.

"Square."

It went on until Twilight understood and memorized the whole remote. She was actually quite proud of herself that she learned it all.

Sunset was player one, since she knew how to work the game and all that. She pressed start and went to two-player mode.

"Alright, you're playing as Luigi, Twilight," Sunset told her.

"Okay then. Does each character have different abilities?" Twilight asked.

"Not for this version of Super Mario. There's a 3D land one, but that's for the Wii," Sunset answered.

Twilight didn't respond as she looked through the small list. She pointed to a character that was a small pink girl with braids.

"Toadette," Sunset giggled.

"Is that really her name?" Twilight asked. She looked back up at the character list.

"Yeah."

"Let me guess. That's Princess Orange."

Sunset shook her head. "Princess Daisy."

Twilight blinked. "You know what, I'm not even going to ask."

"I mean, the princess we're saving is named, Princess Peach."

"Oh so now there's a fruit name. But aren't peaches like a rusty orange color?" Twilight scratched her head.

"...True."

"Whoever created this game wasn't very logically accurate."

Sunset giggled again before selecting next and clicking on world one. All of the levels were completed, so she should skip around if she wanted to. However, she just selected the first one.

"The goal is, to avoid monsters, collect coins, and make it to the flag at the end," Sunset informed.

"I thought Mario was a plumber," Twilight said and cocked her head. "Why is he collected flags?"

"Technically he's not. We are. The flags are just to tell the players you've finished the level and can move on," said Sunset. "Mario is trying to make it to Bowser's-- the villain's-- castle to save the Princess."

"Oh! I get it," Twilight said. "Does Bowser have a crush on her or something?"

"Yeah... I think so."

"Let's play."

"They can shoot hammers now!?" Twilight yells to the screen. She violently pressed the jump button trying to avoid the Koopa Troopas.

"Yep," Sunset said.

"How in the world am I supposed to stomp on their heads now," Twilight sighed.

"Sometimes avoiding them is easier than trying to kill them all. It gives you more coins, yes. But our goal here is to make it to the end. We can go back and get coins later," Sunset told her.

Twilight hummed at Sunset's statement. "Makes sense."

"Oh, so there are tunnels in this game." Twilight figured it out when they transported down one of the green tubes.

"Mhm," Sunset nodded. She moved mario further down the path as Luigi, Twilight's character, followed. "We get introduced to a couple more monsters down here. Eating plants, and-"

The musical jingle that the game played when one died just went off. Twilight showed a cheeky smile

Sunset faced Twilight and raised her eyebrow. "You didn't let me finish."

"Oops."

"For the Koopa Troopa's underground, they aren't standing on their legs. And instead of throwing hammers, they have spikes on their backs. Therefore, you can't step on them," Sunset explained.

"Ohhh."

"I actually like this look better for Luigi," Twilight commented. "White and then green as the corresponding color looks cleaner than the green and yellow."

Sunset chuckled. "Don't get use to it. It stays like that as long as you still have the fire power."

"Does Mario Land normally give humans supernatural abilities?"

"I mean... I suppose so," Sunset answered unsure.

"They should keep these powers. It's more beneficial than trying to stop monsters just by stepping on them."

"Where's the fun in that?" Sunset asked.

"And honestly, if Princess Peach really got captured, then the castle doesn't seem all that safe. Shouldn't she have magically locking doors?" Twilight suggested.

"Mario Land only gives characters powers. Not objects," said Sunset. "And they only work for a certain amount of time."

"But shouldn't they be able to cast anything? Why just one specific power? That's like giving someone a necklace that comes with only one certain ability."

"...They're not unicorns, Twi."

"Why is the flag up that high? How am I even supposed to get up there..." Twilight wondered.

"Jump and kick on the wall at the same time. It'll help you climb up the wall," Sunset showed her on the game. She then showed Twilight how she did it on the controller.

"Thanks."

"No problem," Sunset smiled.

Twilight followed the instructions and successfully catched up with Mario at the top. Mario jumped onto the flag first, and Luigi quickly followed. The musical gingle the game played when one wins went off.

"Woo!" Twilight cheered. She then placed the controller beside her. "That was a hard one."

"We haven't even made it to the castle yet," Sunset mentioned.

"Don't get yourself killed on me!"

Both young women were at the castle at the end of level one. They were at the boss match, and Sunset had four lives while Twilight had one.

"If we die, we'll have to start this over again," Twilight groaned.

Sunset was trying to make Twilight do all of the work. So far, they've died a total of four times because of it. Sunset didn't complain. It was her idea to have Twilight win the game for them. Twilight didn't know that however...

"Help me!" Twilight yelled to Sunset while she focused on the screen.

Sunset decided to have the boss chase her. So she made Mario shoot it once with some fire, and ran to the other side of the screen. Twilight had Luigi climb on a dead mystery box and shoot the monster with fire from up high. The monster quickly turned around, but Twilight held her character still as she kept shooting at it. The monster exploded into coins before it made it to it's enemy.

Twilight threw her controller down and shot up from the couch with her hands in the air. "Yes! Yes yes yes!"

Sunset giggled at Twilight's enjoyment.

Sunset and Twilight sat at the kitchen table, enjoying a nice snack. The big crunchy salted pretzels you get from the store. They weren't no soft ones like you get at the mall, but they were still tasty.

"Thanks for teaching me how to play, Sunset," Twilight said.

"Of course! It was fun. I haven't played Mario in awhile," Sunset responded.

Twilight bit a pretzel. "You actually seemed bored. I'm sorry if I held you back..."

"Huh?" Sunset wondered just what Twilight meant by that. "No, you didn't. I wasn't bored at all. I liked watching you play," Sunset explained. "I didn't mind a fact here and there either. You're very passionate when you talk in-depth about things."

Twilight looked embarrassed. Passionate was never a word she got called before. "You didn't think they were annoying?"

Sunset shook her head and took a pretzel. "Not at all."

Twilight blushed and fiddled her thumbs under the table. Sunset was the one person who's ever found her that interesting. She couldn't help but flush. When she looked back up at Sunset, she saw that she was staring at her.

When Sunset saw Twilight look back up, she smiled at her. "You're very cute, ya know." Twilight couldn't say anything, as her heart started to beat rapidly in her chest.

Instead, Twilight decided to get another pretzel. She reached into the bowl. But instead of grabbing a salty treat, her hand was placed on top of Sunset's. She quickly retracted her hand as Sunset giggled.

"Here; we can split it," Sunset suggested. She took the last pretzel and broke it in half. Both pieces looked like halves of a heart. Sunset gave Twilight her half, and they both started to munch.

"Sunset."

"Hm?" she looked up.

"I meant to ask you about those," Twilight pointed to the two guitars that were planted on the wall next to the TV.

Sunset Shimmer starred in the direction Twilight was pointing. "Ohh those? Long story." Sunset then checked the clock on her phone. "It's getting kind of late." Twilight frowned at that. She was having such a good time. "...You could stay over if you want."

Twilight did not expect that. She blinked, "What?"

"I wouldn't want you going out this late. Pinkie and Rainbow should be on their way. I'm sure they won't mind if you stay the night," Sunset said.

Twilight twirled a strand of her hair on her finger. "Oh... I don't know, Sunset."

Sunset tapped her fingers on the table. "It'll be fun."

Twilight thought about it for a minute. Staying over at her crush's house, on a Friday night. Sounds thrilling. In both the good and the bad way.

"Sure..."

"Great! I'll just text the girls," Sunset exclaimed, then pulled out her phone to text Rainbow.

Twilight weakly smiled. A thousand thoughts were running through her head. She was having a sleepover. A sleepover with someone who wasn't Rarity, Applejack, or Fluttershy. A sleepover with not just any someone, but with Sunset Shimmer.

Oh, boy.

11. Sleepover

View Online

Dearest of Desires, Chapter 11
By, Serenityx

I need to get a grip. No more freak outs, no more getting scared, and no more stuttering!

Twilight's internal monologue wasn't helping all that much. However, it calmed her down a little. At least so far she hadn't got a panic attack. That would be embarrassing.

Sunset's friends, Pinkie and Rainbow, offered to stay over at some of their friends house for the night. Pinkie decided to stay over at her friend Sonata Dusk's dorm room. Then, Rainbow went to stay with her friend Indigo Zap. Although, Rainbow didn't go voluntarily. When she would return the next day, Sunset had to buy her an extra large unlimited amount of toppings, pizza and a liter of coke.

Sunset agreed. Only because she knew Rainbow Dash wouldn't be able to eat the whole thing herself. So obviously, her and Pinkie would get the leftovers. Besides, a sleepover with Twilight was worth a few bucks.

Twilight watched Sunset return to the living room. She wore an orange off-the-shoulder large t-shirt and some sporty looking shorts. She carried in her hands a pair of pink pajamas.

"Sorry, I don't have much pajama wear. These are a pair of Pinkie Pie's. You look about the same size." Sunset handed the pajamas to Twilight. "I don't even sleep in shorts," she pointed to her bottoms. "Though, I think you'll feel more comfortable this way."

Twilight blushed a little. "Y-Yeah. Thanks..."

"No worries," Sunset told her. "I think the pink will suit you anyway." It would. After all, it matched her hair. If Sunset gave her something orange or red, it wouldn't compliment her at all.

Twilight smiled at Sunset's thoughtfulness. She got up off the couch and went towards the bathroom to change. The pajamas were indeed, pink. The tank top had a small pocket on the side (mostly for design) and the bottoms had blue polka dots on them. They were Pinkie Pie's after all.

Sunset looked up as soon as Twilight came out of the bathroom. "They look good, considering."

"Thanks." Twilight noticed Sunset was holding the cyan guitar that was once on the wall. She walked over and joined her friend on the couch again. "So?"

"It's silly, really. Back in sophomore year, when I met my friends, there was this talent show. The three of us immediately decided to enter, but we didn't know what we were getting into at the time," Sunset started.

"That sounds nice actually. It wasn't a competition or anything."

Sunset shrugged. "Try telling Rainbow Dash that. She went around telling other students how we were going to kick their butts at the talent show." Sunset slid a hand down her face. "It was so embarrassing."

"What did you girls decide to do?" Twilight asked.

"That's the thing. We had no idea. Rainbow talked everyone up at how awesome we were, and we hadn't even decided what we were going to do."

Twilight put a hand close to her mouth. "No."

"Yes. That's why the next day we met up at Pinkie's house the next day. When we finally sat down and got to think of ideas, none of us agreed with each other. We all kept throwing out different opinions and excuses not to do the other person's suggestion," Sunset sighed.

"Baking demonstration!"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Baking? On a stage?" Pinkie Pie frowned. "Besides, why waste a perfectly good opportunity to show the school baking techniques? We should do karate!"

Sunset flinched. "And injure ourselves trying to chop through a two inch thick board? No thanks."

Pinkie Pie picked up her phone and decided to look up some ideas.

Rainbow sighed heavily. "It wouldn't be that bad."

"That's your ego talking," said Sunset.

"It's better than the art show you suggested. I doubt the audience would want us to sit there and watch us paint a bunch of stupid scribbles," Rainbow retorted.

Sunset narrowed her eyes. "It's called abstract painting. And it's not stupid!"

Rainbow put a finger to her chin. "Yeah. It's more silly than stupid." Sunset growled at her friend.

"Whoa; cut it out girls!" Pinkie yelled. "We still have to pick an idea for the show!" Pinkie continued to scroll through her phone until her eyes lit up. "And I think I found one!" she turned her phone around for her friends to see.

Rainbow read the screen first. "That's awesome!"

"Cool," Sunset smiled

"That's when we found the 'play as a band' option. Surprisingly, we all liked that one. Me and Rainbow ended up buying two guitars and Pinkie wanted the drums. Not much of a variety... but we were pretty happy at the time. Once we got our instruments, we practice non-stop."

"So everything ended up okay?" Twilight wondered.

Sunset snickered. "Not at the slightest. The thing is, we all practiced alone. So when we finally got together to play a song, we sounded terrible!"

"Ouch," Twilight chuckled a bit too.

"It was pretty funny. Sure we ended up being pretty decent players on our own, but we had no idea how to song write. The limited amount of instruments didn't help with that either. Oh, and we didn't have a lead singer. Of course we could sing while playing, but it was difficult since we couldn't even figure out to play together," Sunset explained. "Rainbow tried to help by taking charge and writing a song, but it sounded so cringy that even she agreed it was bad."

Twilight frowned. "Oh no. So what happened? Did you still perform at the talent show?"

Sunset shook her head. "We unfortunately had to dropout. There was no way we were going to perfect our band in time. We didn't even have a name for ourselves. People laughed at us; mostly at Rainbow for her boosted ego from the very beginning."

"I'm so sorry, Sunset," Twilight sympathized.

"Really, don't be. It was a long time ago; we laugh about it now," Sunset smiled. "We decided to keep our instruments for memories. Plus, they were kind of expensive..."

Twilight nodded. "Do you still play yours?"

"Not much anymore. I just haven't had any time with school and Shimmer Code," Sunset said.

"Oh... well can you play something for me?" Twilight shyly asked her. It was probably a lot to ask. Though, she was really curious.

"Wait, seriously? I'm probably a little rusty." Sunset was surprised she asked that of her. Of course, she didn't really mind.

Twilight smiled. "Yeah." She crossed her legs on the couch facing Sunset. "I'd like to hear you play. I bet you're amazing."

It was finally Sunset's turn to blush that evening. "Y-You think so?"

"You're amazing at everything," Twilight told her. "Ever since I met you, you've been full of talents. Is there anything I don't know that you do?"

Sunset rubbed her arm. "I um... I can draw pretty well. I think...?"

Twilight giggled shortly. "See? You're incredible! You're the whole package, really. Confident, funny, talented, kind, and not to mention you're really pretty!"

Sunset's went big as the blush on her face grew.

Twilight realized all the compliments she gave Sunset and looked down as she twirled a strand of her hair. If Sunset wasn't onto her already, she certainly was now. She couldn't believe she just made Sunset lost for words. Where did all that even come from? It was like she got really confident of all a sudden.

"That's sweet of you, Twi. You're kind of amazing yourself," Sunset complimented back, but still infatuated. "And if I'm being honest, you're the pretty one. Not me."

Twilight smiled softly. "I'd have to disagree."

"You may, but that doesn't mean I'm going to take it back," Sunset gave her a smirk.

Twilight giggled at that. Sunset adjusted the guitar once more in her hands and plucked the strings a few times. She recalled everything she knew about playing the instrument, and started to play. Twilight listened intrigued. Sunset didn't sing, she just played; a beautiful soft tune. It made Twilight feel like she was on clouds.

Sunset's eyes fluttered closed while she continued. It was a short melody, but it felt as if it was going on forever. Sunset started using her brain, trying to recall all the notes. But once she got for comfortable, she began to play with more feeling and with her heart.

Twilight couldn't believe how well Sunset strummed the tune. She looked so angelic right then it was unbelievable. Once Sunset was finishing off, her head raised again and she opened her eyes. Twilight clapped at the petite performance.

"That was beautiful!" Twilight praised.

"Thank you, Twilight." Sunset placed the guitar down against the side of her couch. She was about to say more when Twilight's phone started to ring.

Twilight jumped but took her phone off the coffee table. She looked at the contact. How did I forget about Rarity? She sighed. "One second."

"No problem," said Sunset.

"Hey, Rare," Twilight spoke on the phone. "I'm still at Sunset's. I decided I was um... going to sleepover." Twilight then held the phone away from her ear as a very long and loud squeal came through the tiny speaker.

Sunset blinked at the noise.

"You probably just woke up the whole corridor," Twilight grumbled. "I'll be fine. Promise," Twilight's voice turned sincere. "I'll call you again in the morning. Alright; bye." Twilight hung up the phone and looked at Sunset. "Sorry. That was roommate and best friend, Rarity."

"Rarity?" Sunset asked with a tilt of her head.

"Yeah..." Twilight confirmed. "Y-You don't know her, do you?"

Sunset pointed to herself. "Me? No. I think Rainbow might." Twilight's look on her face showed she wanted more. "Don't ask me. All I remember is her name being mentioned in passing."

Twilight nodded. She never remembering Rarity mentioning a girl named Rainbow Dash. Maybe Rainbow just ordered a piece from her or something. Regardless, no matter in stressing herself about it now. She had enough on her plate as it is.

"I didn't really plan on you staying over, so I didn't get a chance to make us anything. Is mac and cheese okay?"

"Oh, sure. I don't mind," said Twilight. She was having such a good time with Sunset, she hadn't realized she might of been hungry.

"Great! I'll just get started on that now," Sunset told her. "And I promise, I'll make us something better next time."

Next time? Twilight went over that statement in her head.

Sunset dismissed herself and went into the kitchen to get started on their dinner. Twilight continued to mind wander while she sat on the couch. It was going really nice. Sunset was really nice. Twilight thought if she should just ask Sunset out already.

Where did that come from? Twilight internally sighed.

Probably not. It was still early. Or was it ever too early? Even if that didn't matter, Twilight assumed she didn't have the guts to do so. Would Sunset say yes though? That was the main question. Twilight was already sleeping over at her apartment. Was that weird? Were they going to be sharing the same bed!? It would be okay if Twilight didn't find Sunset oddly attractive and herself falling for her. Oh how she hoped they would share the same bed.

Back up.

"What is wrong with you, Twilight," she insulted herself, hoping Sunset didn't hear.

At least she was willing to wait. It took her this long to find Sunset Shimmer, she could wait a few more weeks. She didn't want to be more creepy than she already was.

Oh my god, I'm creepy. Sunset's going to think I'm creepy.

Twilight would never have a strong relationship with Sunset. As friends, or as a couple. Honesty, to steal from her friend Applejack, was an important factor in any bond. And Twilight was never going to be completely honest with Sunset, unless she told how they ended up meeting at the arcade.

No, Twilight. Everything is fine right now. Perfect in fact. I'm not going to mess it up now

"Hey! Are you getting hot? It feels a hundred degrees in here," Sunset yelled from the kitchen.

"That's because you're cooking noodles in boiling water!" Twilight yelled back with a laugh.

"...I figured. Mind turning up the air conditioning?"

"Sure," Twilight agreed. She stood up and walked over to the box on the wall that looked like the thermostat. She lowered the number ten times hoping it would get cooler sooner better than later. She decided she would join Sunset in the kitchen to see how things were going.

Twilight walked into the apartment kitchen. When she did, not only did she Sunset stirring noodles in a pot, she saw a lot of advanced of cooking/baking appliances. Obviously people had blenders and maybe a toaster oven here and there, but it was like Sunset had a career as a chef or something.

Can she cook too!? Twilight was just starting to wonder how many talents this girl really had.

"Hey," Twilight finally spoke up.

Sunset turned. "Hm, hi Twilight. It's almost done."

Twilight nodded and started to walk round to one of the counters. She observed what looked like a... funnel cake maker(?) "Sunset. What is all this?" she decided to ask.

Sunset looked at Twilight point to all the cooking "machines" around the kitchen. "Not mine. Pinkie Pie's."

Twilight blinked. Well... that made so much sense. It definitely answered her question. "Why does she have so many different appliances?"

Sunset started to drain some water from her noodles in the sink as she answered. "Pinkie Pie's actually a pastry chef. She doesn't have a full business yet, as she's still in college like the rest of us. Though, she has an online site where people locally request her desserts. She also posts her creations on YouTube from time to time."

Twilight was in awe. Sunset and her friends each have things going for them already in their freshman year at college. "So you do video games, Pinkie does baking, and Rainbow does sporting stunts?"

"Yeah. We're all pretty much YouTube video creators," Sunset said and took the instant cheese out of the package. "Obviously not forever. We can't make money off of making videos for the rest of our lives," she poured the cheese into the noodles and remaining water. "... How'd you know Rainbow did sports stunts?" Sunset asked curious.

Twilight gulped. She let something slip again. Why was she always letting things slip!? "Er... I..." Twilight couldn't come back from that one. She had to do something. "So you all make money off of it, huh? How does that work?"

Sunset stirred her noodles again. "It all depends on your view count."

"Fascinating! The average person can money on simply making video entertaining for the whole world to see."

"I wouldn't really say it like that," Sunset told her. She was already putting the mac and cheese into two separate bowls. "You never answered my question by the way."

"I-I just thought she looked familiar for some reason," Twilight tried.

"Didn't you mention you hardly spend any time on social media?"

"Saw it from a friend!"

Sunset still had her suspicions, but it wasn't that serious so she shrugged. "Okay." Sunset put two forks into the bowls and walked over to give one to her friend. "Here you go."

Twilight smiled with her teeth. "Thanks!"

"It's no problem."

Twilight and Sunset walked back to the living room with their warm mac and cheese (one of the only things Sunset knew how to make) and got seated on the couch. Sunset then turned on some movie Twilight couldn't remember the name of. She just kept thinking how badly she messed up.

Maybe... maybe it was time to let Sunset know the truth.

If Twilight wasn't right next to Sunset Shimmer in that moment, she would've slapped herself. She couldn't do that. She remembered what Rarity said. But then, she remembered what Applejack said. Then what Fluttershy said. Well, Fluttershy barely said anything. Going back, Rarity's side felt more drama-free. What benefit is there, for both of them, if Twilight told Sunset the truth? It wouldn't cause anything but misery.

But if Twilight was being honest, she wasn't feeling all that great knowing she was lying to her crush. Sunset was so good. She was so so good. Twilight would ruin that if she told her the truth. But it was eating her up! She should be honest with Sunset! Honesty is the best policy, right? How could Twilight sit there, centimeters apart from Sunset, eating mac and cheese that didn't even belong to her, giving nothing in return but a lie. That wasn't right. Twilight knew that.

After placing her dinner on the coffee table in front of her, Twilight fiddled her fingers before she spoke up. "S-Sun-"

"Are you cold? It is freezing in here," Sunset asked her, not even realizing Twilight has beginning to say something.

All Twilight's past thoughts vanished. "I thought it was just me."

Sunset snorted. "Definitely not. I'm getting goosebumps from just sitting here." Sunset looked over at Twilight's arms as well. "And it looks like I'm not the only one."

Twilight brought her arm up to her eyes. "Huh..." Guess they weren't from her nerves after all.

Sunset stood up and went over to the thermostat by the TV. "Sweet Faust! No wonder. Twi, you turned the temp down to sixty two degrees!"

"What!" Twilight stood up too. "I didn't realized. I mean, I did realize! I just wasn't... thinking at the time?" Twilight rubbed a hand down her face. "Ooh that sounds so bad coming from me."

Sunset turned it back up to seventy four. "It's alright; simple mistake. It'll warm up in a bit." She looked back at Twilight who still looked guilty as ever. "How about I get us blankets? We can still finish the movie, and at least we'll be warmer," Sunset softly suggested. Twilight weakly smiled at her with a small nod. "Cool. I'll be back," Sunset said before retreating to her bedroom.

Twilight bothered herself by getting comfy back on the couch. Nope, I'm not going to pity myself. I'm supposed to be having fun, remember? As she finished up with her mental speech, Sunset came back with two large fuzzy blankets. She plopped them down onto the couch.

"This should be good. Is it good?" she wanted to verify.

"Good," Twilight verified.

"Great," said Sunset. She sat herself back on the couch before passing Twilight one of the blankets. They were both fairly large however, so they each ended up with two blankets. Which meant they were both under the same blanket. Why was Twilight all of sudden feeling uncomfortable again?

Moving forward, Twilight managed to actually start paying attention to the film. Thank goodness. She was really starting to annoy herself. However, that sanctuary dissipated when she felt something hit her foot. She blinked at the screen, but didn't bother to look down. She ignored it, until she felt it a second time. Just what was going-

Oh. Ohh.

Was...? It was. It was Sunset playing footsie with her. Sunset Shimmer, was actually playing footsie with her! It took everything for Twilight to maintain herself. Bracing herself, Twilight built up the nerve to play with her back. She gently tapped her foot against Sunset's. She could feel Sunset tense up a bit on the couch. Did... she misread Sunset's earlier actions? Was Sunset aware what she was doing with Twilight?

Thankfully, after a bit, Twilight felt another tap on her foot.

Yes! Twilight cheered to herself. Wait... this isn't going to change up on me and result in a hot make-out session is it?

Ha! Course not.

Twilight continued to play footsie with Sunset until they each got more confident in their "game." Soon, they were wrapping their feet with each others and rubbing them against one another ankles. Yeah, Twilight definitely wasn't paying attention to the movie anymore. She guessed Sunset wasn't either.

Twilight just couldn't stop. She really liked Sunset. Although, she could feel herself starting to drift off and her foot wasn't moving much no more. Until soon, she was out completely with her foot resting on top of Sunset's. Sunset noticed this and looked over at her to find Twilight asleep. She smiled at how cute Twilight looked, then rested her head back.

Sunset was soon in slumber as well, and she knew, just what she was getting herself into. In other words, It was just the beginning.