> Sunset Side Stories: Snuggle Struggle
>  by Filet Mignon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Get Off of Me!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leaning up against the seat cushions of the couch, I wrapped my arms around my boyfriend, pulling him close. He hummed contentedly, looking up to peck me on the cheek. I giggled, pulling the blanket from the couch and throwing the blanket over the two of us as we returned our focus to the movie from the carpet floor. The television depicted a group of teenagers attempting to liberate a camp that had been occupied by soldiers donning red armor. A boy with a tattoo on his head pleaded with the camp's inhabitants to fight back whilst using some sort of magic to move air with his body. His friend, a girl wearing blue, had a similar magical ability, albeit with water, while the soldiers were able to move fire.
The camera panned to a group men performing a synchronized move, stomping their feet and moving their arms in rigid but quick motions. Finally, a small rock flew past the screen, eliciting a chuckle from the man in front of me, though it was eventually revealed to be another magic user responsible for it. However, it did raise the question of what the other group was doing, but we dismissed it, attributing it to terrible directing.
It was Friday - the second Friday of the month to be exact - meaning it was the first time I got to be the "big spoon" for the night. Originally, my boyfriend had been apprehensive about it, noting that he had a much larger frame than me, especially in the height department. He also mentioned that he had never been the "small spoon" before.
Without missing a beat, I had countered that he had never been a spoon, period, and that shut him up real quick.
After another unbearable hour of letting my boyfriend pick apart the movie, we switched to cable, hoping to find a live broadcast worth jumping into. While scrolling, he landed on an obscure romance show. I recognized the name from a conversation with Rarity, so I asked him to stay on the channel for a bit.
It was nearing the end of the episode, likely past the narrative climax as it showed a couple in a similar position to us, woman spooning her huskier male partner. Beaming, I tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention, but he only gave an annoyed huff.
"See? Not that weird," I murmured into his ear.
"Maybe we're just both weird," he called back without facing me.
"I doubt it."
"Whatever." He folded his arms, leaning further back into me. "Only way I'll ever start enjoying this is if you strap me down to the bed and force me to be small spoon for, like, a week straight."
I cocked an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge?"
He whipped his head back to me, bewildered. Mouth agape, he pondered my words before frowning.
"Don't even think about it." Pushing the blanket off us, he stood up, sliding a hand through his hair before entering the bathroom.
Unfortunately for him, it was too late to forget about it.



"You said you need to see me?"
My boyfriend stood by the front door, leaning up against the doorframe with a smirk. Rising from the couch, I walked across the apartment to him, giving him an affectionate kiss.
"I do." I held a hand out. "Follow me."
Taking my hand, he followed me up the loft stairs to my bed. To his dismay, we were met with a set of rope, chains, bungee cords, and various handcuffs and padlocks beside the mattress. It had been quite the hassle to requisition, taking the whole afternoon and much of the evening, but being friends with tons of people at Canterlot High had its perks. Walking over to the pile, I held up the coil of rope with a smile, but looking over to my boyfriend, he appeared mortified.
"Is there a wild animal you want to lock up or something?"
I shook my head. "You know what for."
The possibilities bounced around his head until his eyes widened.
"No. No! We're not doing this, Sunny!"
Taking advantage of his pause, I tackled him to the ground, quickly uncoiling the rope around his torso. "I know! You're the one doing it!" He struggled underneath me, but this wasn't like our previous wrestling bouts. I put all my strength into this, equaling if not overpowering him.
"Get off of me!"
I had no lover; I was a predator with prey in my grasp, and I was hungry - hungry for a snuggle.
I connected the two ends of the rope, tying the knot as Applejack had taught me, leaving just enough room for my boyfriend to remain comfortable. Sliding my hands into his armpits, I pulled him by the shoulders up onto my bed, giggling as he rolled around on the mattress. Eventually, I adjusted him to an optimal position before hopping onto the bed beside him. Panic setting in, he tried to roll over to face me as a bead of sweat trailed down his temple.
"Sunny, we don't have to do this!" He gave a weak smile. "Just... just let me out and let's talk about this, okay?"
Ignoring his distress, I slid an arm under his body. Resting my head against his chest, I inhaled deeply, intoxicated by the familiar scent of his body wash. "We can talk like this," I sighed. He went silent for a bit, mulling over what remaining options he had. The bed shifted as I felt his head whip around, eyes darting for any means of escape.
It was useless; I "escape-proofed" the entire apartment before calling him over.
"Sunset, babe..." he took a ragged breath, "you know I love you, right?"
Like many times before, my heart raced at the word, but now wasn't a time to cave in. "I suppose."
"You know I wouldn't lie to you, right?"
"I suppose."
"I swear I won't escape."
For a second, a part of my body wanted to reach over and untie the knot, but I steeled myself.
"I know you won't." Draping my other arm as well as a leg over him, I pulled him close. "You'll never want to leave ever again." I closed my eyes, ignoring the audible shudder from beside me.



Wrenching my eyes open, I was met with morning rays that illuminated the apartment. The tiny window above us let the smallest shaft of light in, resting upon my boyfriend's sleeping frame. Delighted that he hadn't escaped, I spooned him once more, rubbing my face against his back before humming in satisfaction. Feeling my movement, the man beside me also stirred, groaning as the cobwebs of last night returned to him. With a jolt, he darted his head around, realizing he was still trapped with me and sighing dejectedly.
"I can't believe you did this to me."
"Good morning to you, too."
Silence. I tugged him into a tighter embrace. After a couple minutes of cuddling with him, he groaned again.
"I can't lie. This feels nice, and I hate it."
"I'm glad." Sighing happily, I climbed over his body and kissed him on the cheek. Seeing a smile starting to form on his face, I gave him another peck, widening the grin.
"Keep this up, and maybe I'll like this a bit more."
I giggled. "Gladly."
"Deal." He wiggled under the rope. "Now can you let me out? Class starts in an hour, and I can't be late to first period again."
I tapped my chin. However, instead of reaching for the knot, I shifted my body further over him, draping my entire figure over his. Burying my head into the crook of his neck, I shook it slightly.
"Five more..."
"Fine."
"... days."
His jaw dropped, and the shock of realization froze him for what felt like an eternity. Snapping my fingers at his face, though, he eventually came to.
"WHAT?!" Reinvigorated with fear, he attempted rolling off the bed again, but with my entire weight on him, it proved fruitless.
"I love you, too," I cooed, snuggling up against my boyfriend.