> If You Say That You Are Mine...
>  by IgnitedSage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> If You Say That You Are Mine...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There are things about people that one has to understand: It is that they come and they go. They never can stay for too long.

Wallflower understood that for the majority of her life.

Father abandoned the family when she was eight. Mother passed away ten years after that. Her sisters and brother went their separate ways once they were able to and most of her high school friends just simply forgot about her after graduation. Didn’t help that she sort of used forbidden memory magic on her fellow students. A mistake she hopes to never repeat again. Still, it feels like everyone else dropped off from the face of the world and never got in contact with her after they entered adulthood. 

All in all, it left Wallflower a feeling of being alone. The feeling that she is missing companionship. That she is missing a friend. Not just any friend. But one who would be here for her. One that would travel with her to the ends of the Earth. One who would take care of her when she was sick and one that she can do the same for if the situation was reversed. A soulmate if you will. But the past few years have given Wallflower the impression that these things don’t exist. That it was hopelessly naive for her to think she would find someone who would see her as a shining beacon rather than a passing shadow in the background. As time wore on, Wallflower was getting convinced that she would be forever alone. That there was no one out there she could meet and be a vital piece in their lives. It was what Wallflower truly thought she had in her life. Nothing would change. 

That was until one fateful night when Wallflower dared to go out.

It started with a location and a need. When Wallflower left high school and entered the dreaded real world,  she was left with very few options on a place to stay. Her parents were gone, her siblings vanished, and most of her friends were seeking greener pastures that were away from the big city. Wallflower couldn’t really blame most of her friends. Life happens. They all had to stagger into adulthood one way or another. Wallflower herself had to move out of her old neighborhood once her siblings bounced. It took some time and adjustment but after living in a couple of hellholes and inadequate places, Wallflower managed to find an apartment she could be comfortable with. Great location. Easy to get to by being next to a bus line. Great organic store down the street. Sure, it was in the city. It was loud sometimes and there was no place to have her own private garden. But it was better than the crumbling infrastructure and the rodent-infested house she was at before. The only true caveat was that rent was high enough that it requires another person to help pay for it. 

It wasn’t a problem in the beginning. Wallflower found this place when Fluttershy posted that she too was looking for an apartment to share. Together, they pool their resources and were able to snag this apartment before anyone else could. Those were the good days. Wallflower had her garden. Fluttershy had her animals. They talked about different recipes, their friends, and what was the best anime. Sure, they were problems living with Fluttershy. She didn’t speak up when things were important and between the two of them, there was a lot of miscommunication. But, overall it was nice having Fluttershy as her roommate. They had an understanding and were able to keep their friendship peaceful. 

Things changed however when Fluttershy was offered a job at a veterinary clinic at the edge of Canterlot City. Like Wallflower, Fluttershy didn’t have her vehicle (Winter took her last one away with a vengeance and black ice) and relied on the public bus for transport. Unfortunately, this meant Fluttershy had to move out to be closer to work. Fluttershy tried to apologize and figure a way to stay longer but Wallflower would have none of that. She knew this was Fluttershy’s dream job. She would hate it if her friend just gave up on it. She told Fluttershy she would find another roommate soon enough.

And eventually, she did. Soon it was Sonata that came to live with her. Then six months after that fiasco, she left, and then Sugarcoat became her roommate. Every six months and her old roommate would leave and another would take their place. Each renewal of the lease had another new co-signer. Gloriosa Daisy. Spitfire. Apple Bloom. Flash Sentry. Adagio Dazzling. All of them have lived with her and then left. It was almost like this place was cursed. Or, Wallflower reminded herself, she was most likely cursed.  Cursed and forgotten.

After Adagio left about a month before the lease renewal, Wallflower was once again left without a roommate in a nearly empty apartment. No roommate meant no half of the rent. No help with the bills. No other person to help make dinners. No one to talk to. Just her facing the entire world. All alone. In some ways, Wallflower likes the quiet. She likes the stillness of her empty apartment and the peaceful sanctuary that her dwelling became. But soon it will be time to face the music. She will have to find a roommate eventually. Another person who would slowly transform this apartment into their own space and have Wallflower take up a forgotten corner where she would reside until the inevitable happens and the roommate moves out of the place for one reason or another. Thus, the cycle repeats. 

She hopes that maybe things will be different this time around. 

There wasn’t much she could do once she put the notice up for a new roommate on the various websites and social media platforms she could think of. So Wallflower, in hopes to get her mind off the disastrous situation she found herself in, turns to stare at her trusty laptop in a trying attempt to get inspiration. However, it was becoming more apparent that nothing was going to happen tonight. She has been staring at the computer screen for hours and yet nothing is coming to her. It didn’t help that she check her email every so often to see if there were any hits. No luck so far. 

It was a hot evening that barely even cooled down after the sun went down. Rumbling clouds were peaking above the treeline near Wallflower’s room. A late spring storm was brewing, making way for a muggy, summer night. Of course in her situation, she couldn’t afford to be running her central air, so Wallflower had all the windows of her room wide open. The breeze was nice and brought the room to a pleasant temperature. Unfortunately, that had the side effect of allowing the noises from the street to be carried into the room without any fitter or means to muffle the sound waves. 

Wallflower glanced down at the activity occurring below. The patrons of the local scene were out in full force as nearly fifty people were congregating in front of the three bars, the restaurant, the ice cream parlor, the cafe, the drug store, and the local theater that made up the block that was cornerwise from the apartment. It was the weekend after the term had ended and the crowd down there was mostly made of college students celebrating that they had just conquered (or survived) another school semester. Wallflower could even recognize some of the students down below. And knowing her fellow colleagues, they were going to have fun to the utmost extreme. It seems that this little shindig was going to be happening all night.

Wallflower let out a stressful sigh. Between the heat and the noises outside, it wasn’t like she was going to get her work completed anytime soon. Might as well just do something else. Wallflower closed her laptop and got up from her desk, stretching her hand above her head. The air outside humid with a hint of rain nearby. But just in case, Wallflower grabbed her watering can from the hallway. She did a little hum as she began to water her flowers outside. Her amaryllis and lilies were blooming nice. The clematis was coming in nicely. Bees were loving her coneflower. After all, her garden was her pride and joy even with the little space she had for it.

Once that was done, Wallflower took another look down below. By now the crowds were getting rowdy and energetic. Several have broken off into the sidewalks and alleyways to play several games such as sack toss and horseshoes. Most were just chatting, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Wallflower felt a strange emotion of confusion and envy blending together. She couldn’t understand why. It wasn’t like the local crowds and their establishments down below were, as others bluntly put it, ‘her scene’ and she certainly prefers to spend her weekend in a peaceful setting rather than somewhere with a lot of noise and activity. The last few times she went out for drinks weren’t nearly as fun as she expected. And yet there was an allure that was drawing Wallflower to go down there and just get out of the dreary apartment for a few hours. To be outside with people. It took a few moments for Wallflower to think it over. She had to let it mull around in her brain. And yet the decision was somehow easy.

Wallflower went to the bathroom first. She cleaned her hair, face, and hands. Got to make sure there was no leftover dirt under her fingernails or on her cheeks. After that, she changed her top from her old, brown shirt to a white undershirt with a small blue blouse to complete it. Finally, she moved on to the last step and it was something she was dreading. Taking a deep breath, she took a brush to attempt to tame her wild, green locks of hair until it at least looks somewhat decent. After many painful knots are undone and curls somewhat straighten, Wallflower declared that it was mission accomplished. She gave herself a look over and found that it was a better look. Not a perfect beautiful goddess of love look but better than her usual crawling out bed style that she usually does.

Whatever Wallflower thought to herself. It wasn’t like she was looking for a date tonight.     

Exiting into the hallway, down two flights of stairs, and out through the lobby, Wallflower stepped into the outside world, a place she avoids for the most part. As it is a nice evening and the fading day was giving itself to the night, Wallflower breathing in the lingering air of late spring. No, it wasn’t as pleasant as the smell of her garden or even the local community garden, but there was something delightful in the air that evening. Not even the smell of the city could conceal the blooming flowers on the trees and bushes. It was putting a smile on her face. When was it the last time she went out and had fun? Surely, it must have been ages. 

Wallflower walked across the street, blending in with a crowd of excited party-goers that were heading in the same direction. Here there were a set of three establishments that all cater to the local young adults in various ways. One was the Bull’s Tavern, a local sports bar that was currently playing a baseball game on four different screens with all the jocks and tailgaters standing in a stupor watching it. Next to it was The Dragon’s Den, or as the locals simply called it The Den, the place where bands from all over the area played on the underground stage located in the basement. Various gigs were hosted here every weekend. Indeed, Flash and his band used to play there all the time, especially when he was living with Wallflower last year. You could even hear the music from Wallflower’s room. It was the party scene. The last one on the right was the Gilded Cage. It was an eatery with a bar on the side. Like the Bull’s Tavern, it was playing the sports on a couple of big screens, although the rest of the TV screens were playing a movie from about a decade or two ago. Wallflower usually goes here for an easy dinner when she doesn't have time to prep food and isn't worried about the calories or the heartburn that follows.

Tonight shouldn’t be too much of a break from tradition, so Wallflower decided to hang out at her favorite joint and went to the Gilded Cage. She was just going to have a couple of drinks and as the famous term in high school puts it: chillax. The atmosphere was much more relaxing than the other two locations. Sure, it was still loud because of the numerous crowds. But there was no loud music playing or the sound of cheering whenever a score was made, or the cracking of pool balls when the attendees are up for a game of billiards. And the place had fantastic lighting that made the tables and counters glow brightly, making the entire establishment feel like a warm, friendly atmosphere, compared to the sour, sweaty mood of the Bull’s Tavern or the cool, dark tense mood of The Den. 

Wallflower found a perfect spot for her to sit, not in the middle of the counter but at the corner at the end. She ordered a hard lemonade and a small shot of whiskey. She took the whiskey first, gulping the fiery liquid in one swig. She let the burning taste linger in her throat, coughing a bit. Already she felt her body relaxing. It was a kick to her head. No worrying about the future or the lack of a roommate right now. Just her lingering in the corner by herself and unwinding for a bit. No more anxiety or pessimistic thoughts plagued her mind for the rest of the night. For now, she was going to sit here and enjoy the company of people, laughter, and food.

As she was nursing the lemonade Wallflower was looking up at one of the television screens, sort of watching one of the films being played on there. It was like this for nearly an hour when she heard a familiar voice. Two familiar voices she hasn’t heard from in a while. Two familiar voices talking to a third, unrecognizable voice coming from down the bar.

Wallflower peered down from her spot, leaning off from her stool. Down a couple of seats from her were the recognizable forms of Applejack and Sunset Shimmer. Two people she rarely saw after high school. They were talking to another person who, judging from the friendliness of the chatter, was one of their new friends. Or at least she was a friend that wasn’t part of the Main 7 that Wallflower was familiar with.         

This person was in a light green shirt with a light vest on top. Upon her legs were tight leggings with a set of tears on certain places and black platform shoes with neon purple lacings. On her head, she was wearing a starry beanie that sat on top of a cascade of straight, purple, and turquoise hair. Wallflower felt herself admire yet grew envious of this stranger’s hair already. Then again, anyone with straight, controllable hair was something that Wallflower would always notice and sometimes wished she could have.

Wallflower sat from afar, watching the three for her spot. In the usual fashion, they did not notice her. Although, she didn’t really put the effort in getting their attention, and Applejack was engaged in an energetic conversation with the strange. Despite sitting about six people away, Wallflower was starting to eavesdrop on what the two were saying.

“-Y’all didn’t think that through,” Applejack was saying to the stranger in a friendly yet heated tone. Like she was restraining herself from yelling out of politeness. “I’d thought you ponies were smart. Not that I could’ve done the same mistake, but still,” Applejack picked her drink and took a sip. “I didn’t think it was something like that was possible for your side. But then, magic is really powerful and dangerous-”

“There is a reason why most ponies don’t allow spells like that out in the open.” the stranger quickly told Applejack. “It comes with the territory of being the Headmistress-”

“Oh, you were talking about teaching magic?” Sunset jumped into the conversation as she picked up a rum mixture. “I always wonder if I were to ever return to Equestria would Princess Twilight give me a teaching job. I could do that, you know. I could be able to teach kids about friendship and magic. Seems like my luck sucks here, so why not try to do better back home, eh? Anyway, here’s to us.”

Sunset raised her glass. The other two did the same.

“To shitty days!” Sunset told them.

The three of them clink their glass together. Wallflower did so too from afar. She watched as the three of them continued their conversation. Judging from the context clues, the stranger was from that pony world called Equestria. Knowing that there is a mirror universe where everyone was a pony didn’t phase Wallflower that much. She filed it under the fourth weirdness thing she has come across. Right under that magic is real and above that, the government once tried to kill a foreign leader with a seashell. Never mind the fact that Sunset herself was from this magical place before she came to live here. 

If there is anything Wallflower learned in the past twenty-three years, it is weird and unexpected things that happened in this city and they usually involved Sunset. Lest we forget that Sunset was involved with mind-controlling the students, fighting mythical sirens, and fighting powerful, magical plants that tried to kill teenagers. Twice. Of course, it didn’t help that Sunset began this whole mayhem bent on taking over her old world by using a magical artifact that she had no idea on how to control and it transformed her into a demon. 

It wasn’t like Wallflower was innocent though. She once used a magical memory stone to help make things easier in her high school life. It was used to get rid of the awkwardness and embarrassment that Wallflower constantly felt in her teenage life. It was only used on small things. But that is the thing with magical artifacts. The more you rely on them, the more addicting they can become. It didn’t come to a head until after Wallflower got jealous of Sunset. To her, Sunset had a perfect life back then. She made huge mistakes and yet was able to have best friends. She was the center of attention even when she hurt people. It drove Wallflower crazy. So much so that she used a dangerous amount of memory magic to get back at Sunset. Little did she know, she almost ruined Sunset’s life by nearly making it permanent. It wasn’t until Sunset’s friends fought back and destroyed the memory stone did Wallflower see the errors of her ways.      

After that, she vowed not to mess with any magic of any kind. Of course, she didn’t think what she did that year was magic in the first place. She made unsounded arguments and fraudulent reasons to herself to justify that what she was doing had no base in the mythical ways. But that was before she knew better. Before she realized that yes it was wrong to retaliate at a person who seems to have it better than you. Then again, that is Wallflower’s fatal vice. Envy. It’s what she feels even now in this crowded room. 

Wallflower gave a glance at the alcoholic drink. She wanted to blame the chemical for making her feel this melancholic mood right now. But the truth is that she always had these thoughts in the back of her mind. Her past mistakes are always nagging in the back of her mind. She would have these thoughts back home. What was with her? Thinking about high school memories. It doesn’t matter because she is unlikely to speak to them again. She even bet that she wouldn’t get the attention of Sunset over there.

Speaking of which, Wallflower looked up to the energetic figure that was Sunset. She was laughing, chatting with her two friends. A look of ease was across her face. Wallflower couldn’t help but notice how different Sunset was from back in high school. She wasn’t that skinny anymore. She was fit. Had muscles on her arms and thighs. Her figure wasn’t that scrambly, gawky built that she had when she was eighteen but rather a mature, confident body now. One that could knock even the tough guys down. Part of Wallflower wants to at least say hi to Sunset. However, she was afraid that she would just mess it up. Of all the friends that Wallflower made, Sunset would be the most forgiving and understand mistakes. Wallflower however didn’t want to suffer the embarrassment of speaking to someone she hasn’t seen in a few years. Even if it would be nice to talk to someone else. Still, it is best she probably headed home instead of wallowing in self-pity. 

She made her way to get off the stool but was stopped by a voice. 

“Howdy there, Wallflower! Long time, no see!”

Wallflower glanced up to see an orange hand coming out of nowhere and grabbing her unoccupied hand, shaking it vigorously. Wallflower felt her entire arm go numb.

“A-A-A-Applejack” Wallflower stammered, recognizing that arm strength

“Whatcha been up to?” Applejack sat next to her. “Haven’t seen you since that vampire bat incident a few years back.”

“Well..I..” Wallflower was starting to say but then Applejack continued to speak.

“Heard my sister move in with y’all last year.” Applejack rambled.  “It was nice for you to offer her a chance to live in the big city. She and her friends are a bit of a handful. Thought living in the big city and getting a job might help her settle down for a bit. Best thing for a kid her age. Get to know what city life is like. Take on some responsibility.”

“Yeah, that’s what-” Wallflower tried to tell Applejack but was again stopped by her continuing about her life.

“Yeah, Rarity was telling me about finding a cheap house that we can buy. Flip it around and make a profit. But she also wants to expand on her business. I keep telling her that now is not the time-”

Wallflower didn’t really want to hear this rambling on but was thankfully saved when another voice interrupted.

“Hey, Applejack. Sunset wants to talk to you.”

Wallflower looked around Applejack to see the stranger approaching them. Applejack turned around and spoke to the stranger.

“Just a sec, Starlight! I’m talking to Wallflower over here.” Applejack informed her before resuming her story. 

The stranger named Starlight still approached. She seems to be uncomfortable not to have a familiar face nearby. Wallflower couldn’t blame her. Being in a loud room full of aliens must be stressful enough. Not to have any to talk to you, especially for a species like the ponies, would break them. Wallflower would gladly leave them but didn’t want to be rude or awkward. Stupid broken memory stone. 

“Hello!” The Starlight woman said awkwardly to Wallflower.

“Um hi.” Wallflower replied.

“Ah, shoot,” Applejack just realized the embarrassment of this meeting. “Where are my matters? Wallflower meet Starlight Glimmer. Starlight meet Wallflower Brush. Wallflower is from our high school class. She was the one who had the memory stone.”

Wallflower took the Starlight’s hand and shook it. Starlight was much more gentle than Applejack. Her hand felt warm and proper. As they were shaking hands, Starlight had a strange look on her face. It was like she was studying Wallflower for a moment. Wallflower just let it go. She didn’t mind if these alien ponies had an interest in her. After all, she did use one of their most dangerous artifacts as a memory erase button.

“Yo, Applejack come here! You said you want to do shots together.” Sunset yelled from her spot. 

“Coming!” Applejack said. She dashed over, leaving Wallflower with Starlight.

The two of them watched as Applejack and Sunset took on an ill-advised challenge.

“So..” Starlight was trying to break the ice. “That’s a nice shirt you have on. Looks good on you.”

“Thanks” Wallflower replied with an unconcern tone, her eyes set on the pair down from them.

“Well….. I want to ask you something. It may come as a shocker but-” Starlight began but Wallflower stopped her from continuing.

“You are a magical pony from that Equestria land and you are going to ask me something about the memory stone.” Wallflower guessed before Starlight had gotten to that point.

“Well,” Starlight stood there flabbergasted. “I guess it wasn’t that much of a shocker. Then again you are friends with Applejack and Sunset.”

“Yeah, friends,” Wallflower muttered sourly. “At any rate,” She looked up to Starlight. “I don’t remember how the stone works nor what happened to it or where to find the pieces.”

Starlight let out a laugh. “No,” she waved her hand dismissively. “It wasn’t about to ask that per se. Although, it might be dealing with that memory stone. I just notice that you have a weird aura going on. It seems to be out of sync with the background magic energy field. I only noticed this because of this buzz going on in my head. It really hit me when we were meeting. You seem to be repelling my magic sensory sense. It usually doesn’t do that unless the said person or object is cursed.”

“So?” Wallflower said.

“That means you might be cursed.” Starlight told her. “It could be dealing with the aftermath of using the memory stone. I’m getting a sense that you are invisible and people seem to be repelled by you. You can’t keep a friendship or any relationship for that matter. You are living at a distance from most other people. You don’t talk to them because you are afraid of commitment.”

“You really don’t know how to talk to regular people, do you?” Wallflower asked. 

“Whaaaaaat?” Starlight let out. “No, no, no, no, no.” 

Wallflower raised an eyebrow. 

“Okay, yeah” Starlight admitted. “Usually, I’m stuck up in my room and reading some magic theories and other things. Talking to our Twilight about different spells and magic.”

“Whatever” Wallflower felt her mood beginning to sour again. “I’m heading home.”

“Wait!” Starlight held her hand out to prevent Wallflower from leaving. “I've been trying to say that I could check to see if you are cursed. If you are, then I can break it!”

Wallflower thought for a moment. She has been thinking if there was a way for her to obtain what regular people call normalcy. Since she has accepted that magic exists, then there has to be a way for her to break this ‘curse’. That is if she was cursed. But Wallflower knows how to stick to her guns and her vow not to mess with magic. Still, if this stranger is committed to helping her, then what is the harm that could happen? Besides, it beats feeling sorry for herself.

“Alright,” Wallflower said. “What do I need to do?”

“Well,” Starlight hung on those words as she glanced at Applejack and Sunset who were finishing up. “I kind of, sort of, need you to be around, so I guess you can come with us. We are trying to get Sunset’s mind off of today and we've been celebrating sort of with Applejack. It is sort of complicated.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” Starlight put her hand behind her head. “Sunset couldn’t get into the school she wanted to get into. She was rejected this afternoon. Unfortunately, that doesn’t leave her with many options since your Twilight is going to be studying abroad next week, so that sort of leaves Sunset without a home. I-I don’t know. Your human laws and customs are confusing to me. Anyway, Applejack is celebrating because she managed to pay off her loan and can now use the extra money to invest in the farm now. I’m just here for the ride. Sunset invited me to come along since it has been a while since my last visit to this world.”

Wallflower lightly sips her drink.

“Anyway,” Starlight clapped her hands together. “You want to come with?”

Wallflower looked at happy Sunset and Applejack and then to her position. She mulled it over but then realized she had already decided.    

“Fine, I’ll come along.” She finished the rest of her lemon drink and followed Starlight.

She didn’t make any sound, just stood behind Starlight when she returned to the group. Starlight taps on Sunset’s shoulders, getting her attention.

“Hey, Sunset” Starlight said to the blonde/redhead woman. “I think you know this person who I ran into and I have no other motivations to get you two to meet. No whatsoever!”

Sunset turned to see Wallflower. A smile lit her face.

“WALLFLOWER!” Sunset said in a high pitch squeal. “It’s been a while!”

Sunset glomps Wallflower in a tight hug. Wallflower was utterly unprepared for this. The sudden grip began to compress her lungs. She gasped as she was trying to breathe. 

“Yes, it’s me.” Wallflower managed to let out.

“Oh, yeah, Sunset I forgot to tell you that Wallflower is here.” Applejack piped up. 

Sunset let go, allowing Wallflower to catch her breath. Okay, there was no doubt about it. Sunset was stronger now. 

“How’ve you been?” Sunset asked. “Haven’t heard from you in a while.”

“Well, I’ve been here.” Wallflower answered. “Not here particularly. But I literally lived across the street.”

“Oh?” Sunset inquired. “You like it here?”

“Yeah, it has a great view and it is easy to get places.” 

Wallflower began to tell Sunset about what has happened since they last met. Sunset on her part seems to be paying attention despite being nearly drunk. She kept asking details and questions about her various roommates. Whatever it was, it was working to keep Wallflower from dipping into a depressive mood. And it seems to be keeping Sunset jubilated It seems like they were keeping their conversation going for nearly an hour. 

From what Wallflower could gather, Sunset and Twilight have been doing their own thing. Together. Sometimes. Often. Twilight has a really bad grip on social and relationship structures. Didn’t help that she was so consumed with work that she neglected everything. Her health. Her sleep. Her friends. Her sanity. Sunset realized that it was not going to work out and was looking to move onward. She planned to find the right school for her and move there so that she could have her future instead of relying on whatever Twilight decides. Unfortunately, every time she applies, another roadblock would appear. Meanwhile, Twilight was zooming through the studies and recently got accepted to a work-study program. That was out of the country. Wallflower felt sorry for Sunset when she broke the news. Now Sunset has no place to go. Her future is in a clutch. Her friend was leaving. She doesn’t have that many skills to help her in the workplace. She was up shit creek without a paddle.

But Sunset pretends that everything was okay. She was going at it with a smile.

“So, where to next, boss?” Applejack asked towards the end of Wallflower’s and Sunset’s conversation.

“Well, we could play pool at Bull’s Tavern,” Sunset said, grabbing her half-empty glass. “I’m ready to kick your ass again, Applejack.”

“Yeah right,” Applejack scoffed. “Rainbow Dash has been teaching me. She has shown me your tricks and moves. I’d reckon you not know who you’re challenging.” 

“Oh, it is on!” Sunset said as she gulped the last of her drink. “After all, Carpe Diem! Seize the day motherfuckers!”

Wallflower didn’t know what was going on. She took a hesitating step back but felt Sunset grabbed her hand and pulled her along for the ride. Wallflower to see Applejack and Starlight following them. Starlight seems to have a mischievous smile and gave Wallflower a small wink.

Turns out Sunset was quite good at playing billiard. She was easily able to navigate her way over the pool table and was able to nudge them at the right angle. She and Applejack were quite competitive. Wallflower and Starlight watched as the two tried to one-up each other. During this Wallflower asked Starlight numerous questions dealing with Equestria. The magic. The curses. The works. How she was going to find out if Wallflower was cursed. Starlight gave her reassuring answers and told her she would be working on it. Before Wallflower could ask further, Sunset managed to beat Applejack in a decisive victory.

“Woohoo!” Sunset said. “That was fun! Awesome! Hey! Do you guys want to do doubles?”

The question was lost on Wallflower and Starlight.
“Uh, what?” Starlight asked. 

“Two against two” Sunset explained. “Wallflower and me playing against you and Applejack. Come on, it would be easy. We’ll teach you.”

“Uh,” Wallflower looked at Starlight who shrugged. “I guess it would be alright,” Wallflower said as she approached the green table.

“Good,” Sunset said as she took Wallflower’s hand and pulled her forward.

“It is simple,” Sunset whispered into her ear and put the cue stick in Wallflower’s hand.

Wallflower felt Sunset brushed against her and leaned her forward as she explained the rules and gave her tips. Soon they were playing the double game. Although since Starlight and Wallflower were amateurs, it was once again a battle between Sunset and Applejack. Even without contributing that much, Wallflower managed to enjoy the game. She was starting to smile and laugh at the jokes Sunset was making.

Throughout the night, they continued to bar hop and find fun wherever they could. However, the night was winding down. Wallflower declined to drink that much and was feeling herself sobering up. The others however were getting intoxicated by the hour. That they want to have fun.  It was nearly one in the morning when the four of them were beginning to part ways. Applejack was in charge of taking care of Starlight. Which left Wallflower with Sunset. The two of them waited for a ride to come. But it seems all the ride services were strangely busy or completely empty. 

Sunset and Wallflower leaned against the wall outside the bars. Around them was a muted quiet. Nothing seems to be too distracting. Wallflower nursed her water. She looked at Sunset who seems to be starting to feel the effects of too much alcohol consumption. She was leaning her head into her hands. Trying to prevent the dizziness from affecting her.

Wallflower looked at her with a feeling of pity. She could see the sadness in her eyes. The loneliness that is wrapping around her. That despite having the support of her friends, she has no idea what to do. Her future hangs in the balance and she was lost in finding a way to escape. Wallflower wishes she could help. But then she knows what is going to happen. 

Above them was the apartment complex. It stood above them like a guardian giant, ready to help them in their time of need. Wallflower guessed that now was time to ask.

“So, Sunset, are you looking for a place to stay?” Wallflower tried to ask casually.

At this, Sunset began to cry. She tried to keep it small but it ended up evolving into huge sobs. Wallflower scooted over and hugged her. She gave Sunset comfort and patted her on the back. She told her the usual words of support and tried to make it as sincere as possible.

“Shhhh, it’s okay.” Wallflower said to her. “It will be alright. Everything will be alright.”

“No, no it won’t!” Sunset wailed. “I can’t believe I’m so stupid!”

“You’re not stupid.” Wallflower counter angrily. 

“I am!” Sunset said with tears streaming down her face. “I’m a failure. I can’t believe I didn’t plan for this. I should have seen this coming. W-W-Who even wants to be with me?”

“Well, I do,” Wallflower said offhandedly.

Sunset blinked. “You do?”

“Well, yeah.” Wallflower admitted. “I don’t think it would be so bad. You’re a cool person, Sunset. I don’t think you are a failure. A failure wouldn’t allow themselves to live in the moment like you do Sunset. You don’t allow your past to hold you back like some people I know. And besides, the future's still bright.”

“I-I-I don’t know w-what to s-sa” Sunset began but Wallflower spoke up.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Wallflower told her. “This is my offer. You need a place to stay and I need a roommate. I think it could work out. At any rate, I think it is best I take you to my place for tonight at least so you can sleep it off. Is that cool?”

Sunset responded by vomiting nearly all over Wallflower’s right shoulder. 

“Yeah, I think that is an answer” Wallflower said as she steadies the taller girl. “Come on, Sunset let’s rest.”

The next morning Wallflower was able to sleep in a little bit later and still get her morning chores done. She was careful not to wake Sunset who remained passed out on the couch. It was nearly noon when Sunset got up. Wallflower was watering her various plants when a pair of hands came out of nowhere and grabbed the jug of water from Wallflower’s grip. Wallflower watched as Sunset nearly drowned herself as she chugged the water down.

“Good morning, Sunset.” Wallflower said, undeterred by Sunset drinking her plant water. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, thank you,” Sunset replied, wiping her mouth.

Wallflower nodded in satisfaction. She turned to leave when a hand grabbed her shoulder. 

“Thank you, Wallflower,” Sunset told her.

“Uhh, you’re welcome?” Wallflower didn’t know why Sunset was saying thank you.

“I’m thanking you for listening to me last night. For caring for me. For helping me.”

“Well, of course,” Wallflower said as she headed to the kitchen. “What else was I going to do? Leave you behind?”

Sunset flashed a beautiful smile as Wallflower began to prepare them lunch.

“Anyway,” Sunset stood up. “Is that offer still up? Do you really want me to stay here with you? You know things with me can get a bit...hectic.”

Wallflower returned the smile. “Well, if you are interested…”





The landlord looked over the paper. He let out a grunt as he put the paper down on the pile and then pulled out another paper.

“Sign here” he grunted.

Wallflower did so. So did Sunset.
> ...I'll Be Here Until the End of Time.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

She sometimes wishes things like this could last forever.

They went on dates of course. They had fun together. Sunset got to show her Equestria. Took her dancing. They gradually progress into what couples start to do and eventually, they became one. Wallflower ignored the approaching deadline. The coming reminder that this couldn't last forever. And as the seasons began to change, Wallflower kept herself content. For the first time in a while, she was happy and content.

That was  

The sound of snoring awoken her. Wallflower stared groggery at the TV set still playing a fake fire in front of her. The windows outside were a dull mixture of blue and grey. An overcast dawn was approaching. Wallflower tried to adjust her body on the couch but found that she couldn’t move. She glanced to her right and saw that Sunset never left the couch. She fell asleep on top of Wallflower, her head resting on her hips. Wallflower didn’t think that this was comfortable but wouldn’t disturb the sleeping figure who was laying on top of her. Instead, Wallflower let out a breathy sigh and dug herself in comfort. Autumn was beginning and the mornings were quickly becoming cold.  

Wallflower continued to watch Sunset sleeping. These past few months have been the best moments in her life. She felt the familiar sinking feeling. Her chest started getting tighter. It felt like she was drowning. Sinking in the water of fear. Of the unknown. If only she learned not to drown.

Tears were stinging her eyes. Wallflower kept her misery silent. She didn’t dare to wake Sunset. Instead, for her comfort, Wallflower reached down and began to stroke Sunset’s hair. Different hues of yellow to red brushed against her fingertips. It was so peaceful and she was so beautiful. It was all she could hope for. For this moment to last forever.

As Wallflower continued to stroke her lover’s hair, a thought occurred to her. All the dates they went on in the past six months, all the time they had spent together, and yet this moment was the best moment she will probably ever have. Yes, the places they have been to together were nice and the moments they had shared were romantic. But this was a tranquility that Wallflower had sought after. A moment of joy that will forever be unique. Nothing before and nothing after could obtain this level of euphoric bliss. 

It may lean itself to the fact that soon they might part ways as all her roommates eventually do but Wallflower won’t let that taint this feeling. Thus far she has ignored the hints of Sunset’s near future, the out-of-town offers, and messages from her various friends. Wallflower knows that whatever happens next she will have to eventually face. Whether it is a curse or bad luck, the gnawing sensation of apprehension that in just a few more days the lease will be renewed and Sunset has to leave her sits in the back of Wallflower’s mind. She has ignored that too. She could also see the signs of weakness in their relationship. The cracks in the structure held them together. Wallflower knows she has flaws. She acknowledges that Sunset and she have issues they need to sort out. And perhaps it would be best if they were separated for a while. Like two flowers that needed their own soil and water so that they can both grow at a healthy rate. Wallflower, however, rather focuses on what is right in front of her. Because despite the problems that may creep up on her, for the first time in her life Wallflower felt like she was an important component of someone else's life. Not an invisible shadow that is unnoticeable but rather a virtual spectacle that brightens Sunset’s day. 

Wallflower wanted to keep this moment forever. She wants to remember it forever. A memory she will never tarnish or abandon. Who cares if they have a limited time together? Who cares if they don’t see each other again? Who cares if they were separated by fate? For as long as she lived, Wallflower would cherish these moments, these memories. She may never feel this way again but she knows now that she can be together with someone. To be complete.

What was it that Sunset said when they met in the bar months ago? Seize the day? Perhaps it is time for Wallflower to not worry about the past or fear the future. Start living in the now. Appreciate the present for what it is. For today, these past few months, they were a gift to her.  As long as she remembers it, she would cherish Sunset and the happiness she has given to her.  
And even if it ends all badly, who’s to say that this can’t happen again? She had escaped crushing loneliness once. She can do it again.

Wallflower grabbed the sleeping Sunset’s hand and squeezed it tight. A smile came upon her face.     

There are things about people that one has to understand: It is that they come and they go. They never can stay for too long. 

But, maybe just this once, this one can stay for a little longer.