>You sit up in your bed, sweat just rolling down your body.

>It was that dream again. You could never really recall what it was after a while of being awake, but damn did it haunt you.

>All that you could remember was chasing after Sunset as she turned her back to you and faded into the darkness.

>No matter how hard you tried, no matter how fast you ran, you could never catch her.

>But why were you having these dreams? What did they mean?

>Looking over at your clock, it as barely 5AM.

>You groan softly as your hand makes contact with your face.

>Trying to get back to sleep was pointless, even if didn't have much else to do at the time.

>You roll onto your good arm, looking at a velvet box next to your bed.

>Just seeing the box reminded you of all the things that happened during the past week and a half.

>Yeah, it's been a week and a half since the incident with Brad and Sunset.

>You were released from the hospital a few days ago on good behavior, and good recovery.

>Although those stitches would be implanted in your shoulder for a good while longer, you still had to carry that damn cast around.

>Bulk really must have fucked up those bones hard.

>A soft mumble comes from behind you, down closer to the floor.

>You look over to see a Sunset Shimmer laying on an inflatable mattress.

>She always did look adorable when she slept. Though, she was hard-headed when it came to taking care of you.

>The actual only reason that you got out of the magical asylum of injured people is because of her.

>She managed to somehow coax the doctors into discharging you, but only into her custody.

>She helped you do everything. Homework, getting that damned shirt on, making food, and making sure you had everything you needed.

>She even offered to let you sleep in her bed while she took the floor...

>You told her that you didn't mind sharing with her, given that you both slept together not once, but twice.

>She was a stubborn one...

>>2016121420161214

>Sitting up, you gently reach over and stroke her hair.

>This entices a mid-sleep smile from her.

>She seemed to like it when you did that.

>You just wish you could make it up to her somehow.

>Heaving a sigh, you get up out of bed.

>Seeing as how it was the Spring time, you needed to only sleep in a t-shirt and shorts.

>Quietly, you make your way out of the room and into the kitchen.

"I really don't know how this happened, but at least it isn't all that bad."

>You begin to make yourself some coffee.

>Coffee, the one friend you had in the morning when you awoke from your suffering and nightmares.

>Unfortunately, today was a Thursday.

>That meant you still had two days of school left before the weekend.

>You heave another sigh as your coffee pours out.

>Sunset stirred in her sleep, rolling over onto one side.

>She wasn't actually asleep. She was only pretending to sleep so that you wouldn't worry about her.

>Sunset actually had a hard time sleeping last night. She kept hearing you as you were locked into your nightmare.

>"Oh Anon... I really hope you're okay."

>Sunset tried to sleep now that you were awake, but gave up after the scent of coffee wafted into the room.

>She gets up and puts a house robe on before walking out to the kitchen and holding you from behind.

>"Good morning, Anon..."

>That cutesy, tired voice of hers.

>You take your coffee away from the machine and sip it lightly.

"Good morning, Sunshine. Did you sleep well?"

>She seemed hesitant to speak, but nodded slowly.

>She looks up at you as you turn around to face her.

>"What are you doing up so early today? You know that you get cranky when you don't have enough sleep..."

>You sigh softly, but try to avoid mentioning the dreams.

"I just couldn't sleep, that's all. My uh.. Arm was hurting a bit."

>She gave a weak, sleepy smile.

>"Do you at least want some breakfast?"

>You were a little hungry.

"Yes, please."

>She lets go of you as she goes to the stove to start cooking some food.

>>2016150820161508 (You)

>You walk out onto the front porch, coffee in hand.

>It's a crisp, cool morning outside. Sun is barely coming up over the hills.

>Most people would consider this to be a good day. Though that dream kept bothering you.

>You take another drink of your coffee.

>Damn Anon, something must be really fucking with you.

>You shake your head softly.

"I can only imagine what will go on today."

>You take note to what the announcement said earlier this week.

>There was a school-wide assembly going to happen today. Apparently something big was going to happen soon.

>Your gut twisted and wrenched at the thought.

>Sunset hummed to herself quietly as she swayed her hips from side to side, flipping pancakes.

>She tried to act as if she wasn't watching you out on the porch, but she often did look up at you.

>"Anon, I really wish you would come and talk to me about what the problem is..."

>She knew of your restlessness the last few nights. Not just tonight.

>Sighing, she begins to take some things out of the fridge, letting the pancakes sit to cook on their own for a bit.

>"I'm really worried about you, Anon."

>You look down into your mug.

>The coffee was almost completely drained.

>This caused you to sigh, as you'd need to make more.

>A sudden scent of pancakes wafted by your nose, enticing you to look toward the kitchen with a soft smile.

>Sunset always did know how to make some damn good pancakes.

>Going back inside, you see Sunset dancing around the kitchen like a little girl would.

>You would join her... But your arm was still bound up.

>You opt to take a seat instead. She didn't seem to notice you came back inside.

>You had to admit, even though your arm was still fucked, you enjoyed being able to spend more time with Sunset.

>Still, that announcement had you really deep in thought. Almost as if something was going to go down.

>>2016219220162192 (You)

>Sunset spun around, facing you before turning red.

>"Oh, Anon! Uh... When did you get there? ...How much did you see?"

>You merely smile.

"Enough."

>Sunset covers her face with one hand. She must have felt very embarrassed.

>You shake your head softly as you watch her finish up cooking.

"So, any ideas on what's going to happen today?"

>Sunset put some pancakes onto a plate before looking at you.

>"Oh, you mean the assembly? I... Actually don't know. I haven't heard anything of it since... Monday."

>You look at the stack of pancakes. They looked perfectly cooked.

>Not burnt anywhere, and you could just see the soft, chewy goodness it would contain.

"I'm worried about that. What if they are about to drop a bombshell on us and like..."

>You stop to think of something.

"Just randomly say we all have to go to boot camp or something?"

>Sunset brought you over your food with a giggle before lightly kissing your forehead.

>"I'm sure it isn't that bad, Anon. Probably just some.. Awards ceremony or something dumb like that."

>Yeah, she was probably right. Just some goofy ceremony that no one would pay attention to.

>Sunset sat across from you with her own food. She even had the gall to get some Maple Syrup for the pancakes.

>You chuckle softly.

>"What are you waiting for, Anon? Dig in."

>You two ate in relative silence. This was quite uncommon for you, given that you'd always been discussing something.

>You decided not to question it.

>It was a long morning, but somehow you managed to drag yourself to school.

>As usual, you and Sunset met up with the other girls on the way there. It seemed like everyone was getting along finally.

>You all walked and talked together, trying to share information about various things.

>"So does ANYONE know what's going on today?"

>Everyone shook their heads.

>Rainbow seemed to be getting fed up.

>"MAN! I wish that they would just TELL us these things, instead of making us wait!"

>Applejack laughed softly.

>>2016274320162743 (You)

>"Well, whatever it is, ah'm sure it's gotta be big."

>You all nod.

>Rarity takes a hold of your bad arm.

>Instinctively, you jump back, bumping sunset a bit.

>"Woah there nelly."

>"Calm down Anon."

>Rarity digs through her purse before taking out some colored sharpie markers. One color for each of them.

"What do you plan on doing with those?"

>She gave a soft giggle.

>"Why, we're going to sign your cast, dear! If you're going to wear such an atrocious thing, we might as well spice it up a bit!"

>You never did have a cast on before, but you always saw others running around with signed casts.

>Ah, fuck it. You might as well let them sign it. They ARE your friends after all

>One by one they sign it, each in a different place. You swear that they wrote it purposely to look dissimilar to a rainbow.

>"Yeah, now that's one AWESOME cast, Anon!"

>"There, now you'll have a little piece of us where ever you go."

>You stare it for a moment before the school's bell rings.

>"Oh, that's the bell. We'd better get moving!"

>Today was a slow day for you. Like.. Exceptionally slow.

>Half of the class you just sat there and doodled. It was the only thing you could do most of the time because of your fucked up arm... And it was the arm you normally wrote with too.

>The only interesting class you had was your mid-day study hall. You were able to freely roam during it, and decided to visit Rarity and Fluttershy in the Theatre Arts class.

>"Oh, no no. That won't work at all.."

>Rarity seemed fairly preoccupied with her work on the clothes.

>You take a seat next to Fluttershy, who was hanging up some outfits.

>"Oh, Anon. What are you doing here?"

"I have a free class. Decided to come here before lunch."

>Fluttershy smiled a bit.

"What's going on in here?"

>Fluttershy thought for a moment.

>"We're working on a school play. I.. don't really pay attention to what they're doing, Rarity and I are here to help with the clothing."

>>2016297520162975 (You)

>While idly chatting away with Fluttershy, you looked around the large room at all the various students there.

>Actors, actresses, sound board techies, light board techies, stage decorators, costume designers... They had it all.

>Maybe you'd take this class next year. Seems easy enough.

>"So, why didn't you go visit Sunset in her class?"

"Sunset is in Mathematics. And you know how that teacher can be..."

>You both sighed at the same time.

>"Yeah, that teacher can be really bad sometimes."

>A little bit before that period was going to end, the P.A. came on.

>"Attention all students of C.H.S. Today's school assembly will take place after lunch, during fourth period. Oh, and would the owner of the blue sports vehicle out front please move your car? That is all."

>You look at Fluttershy as she shrugs back at you.

"Must be Brad's."

>Lunch time. Finally time to just stuff your face and get some energy into your body.

>You sit down with the girls. All of you were there but Sunset.

>You seemed a bit quiet, and even slow with your eating.

>"Are you okay, darling?"

>You look at Rarity.

"Anyone seen Sunset? She's normally here well before this."

>Most of the group shrugged.

>Rainbow snapped her fingers.

>"Oh, I remember now, she said that she had to go meet someone to talk about something. I dunno, she didn't tell me the finer details."

>You all looked at her.

>"What? We were stuck int hat boring math class. You know how that teacher is with students who talk a lot..."

>You all mumble in agreement.

>As you poke and prod your fries with a fork, something just didn't feel right. You suspected something was up.

>You stand up and decide to go look for her.

>Sunset walked down a hall nervously. Looking around, she made sure that none of her friends were around.

>She walked outside of the school and over to Brad's car. She knocked on the window as he rolled it down.

>"Oh, hey sunset. What can I do for ya?"

>She looked uneasy.

>"We need to talk. It's about Anon."

>>2016332020163320 (You)

>You make your way outside.

>You searched most of the halls, but was unable to find her.

>You were very worried about her now, you needed to make sure that Sunset wasn't hurt.

>Looking over toward the student parking lot, you see Brad's car parked by the curb.

"Now, what's that doing here? Normally he's out for lunch..."

>You walk toward the car, beams of sunlight shimmering off of the shininess of its gloss.

>Getting closer to the car, you notice something red just beyond the closed door, with its dark tinted window.

>It couldn't be her... Could it?

>The girls sat at their lunch table. They had already finished eating, and were just making some idle banter among each other.

>As usual, Rarity was messing with her make-up.

>"Is anyone else worried that something happened between those two?"

>They looked at each other with an air of uncertainty.

>"I mean, surely having to spend so much time together can't be good for them... Can it?"

>Applejack fiddled with her hat a bit.

>"Ah... don't quite know, really. But should we go lookin for 'em just in case?"

>They nodded.

>"Oh, yes. Otherwise, who knows what will happen to Anon? Oh, I just hope that mean people from before are back.."

>You open the car door without warning, just to see Sunset and Brad talking to each other.

>You instantly jump to conclusions.

"Brad, you son of a bitch!"

>Sunset looked shocked to see you.

>"Anon, wait!"

>You pull Sunset out of the car in a fit of rage.

"I thought you weren't after her anymore! I thought you were my friend, Brad!"

>"Woah there, Anon. Hold on, hat are you talking about?"

"I know what you're up to Brad..."

>You stare him down.

>"If you think I'm trying to take Sunset back, you're wrong! She came to me!"

"Bull fucking shit she did!"

>The group of girls ran outside to find the commotion.

>Sunset stood next to the car, staring down at the ground guiltily.

>>2016367120163671 (You)

>You start trying to fight with Brad using only your good arm.

"I thought you got the idea to stop playing that game, Brad! I don't play like that!"

>He was easily able to block your flailing.

>"Hey man, lay off! You didn't even give me a chance to explain this!"

"I don't need to stupid explanation!"

>The girls ran over to the car. Applejack and Rainbow kept trying to pull you out of Brad's car, but lost their grip on your legs from your flailing.

>Rarity and Fluttershy stayed by Sunset and pulled her off to the side.

>"Why is he so angry, Sunset? What happened?"

>Sunset held her arms across her chest quietly.

>"It's my fault. I... I went to Brad for some help, and Anon must have thought that I was going things with Brad behind his back.."

>Rarity huffed softly.

>"Well, I can't say that I blame him... But whatever would you need to go to Brad for, and not us?"

>Sunset looked away. She seemed too nervous to speak of your nightmare problems.

>"It's just... It's something complicated, okay?"

>The other two girls looked at one another.

>Fluttershy put an arm around Sunset to comfort her.

>"It's Anon, isn't it?"

>Sunset nodded softly.

>It took quite a bit of effort, but Rainbow and AJ finally were able to separate you and Brad. Like little kids, they sit you down on opposite sides of the car, facing away from each other.

>"Now, y'all had better learn ta get along, or else ya will be sittin' here like this. A lot."

>Rainbow glared down at Brad.

>"Now, explain yourself. Loud and clear so we all can hear you."

>Brad sighed softly.

>"As I said, Sunset came to me. She said we needed to talk about Anon."

>You sat quietly and listened. Both Applejack and Pinkie watched over you.

>"She said something about him not being right... Like something was keeping them apart. She wanted my help because he wouldn't open up to her."

>He was right. You were hiding it from here, but to protect her, or yourself, you didn't know which.

>"And that's when Anon found us."

>>2016402120164021 (You)

>You sigh softly. You couldn't have caused this much damage, have you?

>Looking over at the trio on the steps, you sigh as you notice Sunset quivering.

>You could tell she was upset over this whole thing.

>Applejack stared down at you, hard.

>"Y'all got anythin' ta say fer yerself, Anon?"

>You simply shake your head quietly.

>The air grew tense. Even Pinkie was offset by it.

>Brad got up. "If you guys would excuse me, I have a lunch to go get."

>The girls helped you up off of the ground before Brad took off in his ride.

>You walk over to Sunset and the others quietly.

>Poor Sunset, she was sobbing again.

>You must have really fucked up this time, Anon.

>Ten minutes later, you and Sunset sat on opposing ends of a table, the rest of the girls sitting around you.

>They were all talking about ways to resolve the issue between you, Sunset, and Brad.

>They were right, fighting like this really couldn't go on.

>They thought of many ideas, but none of them sounded like any effective plans.

>Interventions, straight up honestly, that sort of deal.

>Rarity sat her phone down on the table.

>"I'd hate to admit it... But I think this might call for some.. Drastic measures."

>Fluttershy held a hand over her mouth.

>"You don't mean...?"

>The fashion girl nodded.

>"I do. We have no choice but to separate you both. It will pain us all to do, but in the long run, I'm sure it'll help you both out."

>Neither you nor Sunset liked the idea of having to be split apart.

>You weakly stare at one another before you both look down at the table in silence.

>"From here on out, you two shall not see each other, nor will you talk to each other. For however long it is, that will be decided when the time is right."

>An indefinite split. Lovely.

>You really bit the bullet on this one, asshole. You just couldn't keep yourself in check...

>"Well, wait a minute, now. If we're keepin' them away, then who'll take care of Anon?"

>>2016437520164375 (You)

>"Hey, that's right! Anon was discharged from the hospital into Sunset's care. Who will take him then?"

>They mingled among themselves to come to a conclusion.

>"Um... Guys?"

>They seemed to be too busy debating.

>"Guys?"

>Still nothing.

>"GIRLS!"

>That got everyone's attention. Including yours and Sunset's.

>You didn't think that Fluttershy could speak THAT loudly.

>"Um... Maybe I could do it? I mean, I take care of animals all the time, so taking care of Anon shouldn't be that hard."

>Ouch, you just got compared to an animal. That one stung.

>"Fluttershy, darling. Are you sure? There is a lot of things you have to help him do, you know."

>She nodded vigorously.

>"Of course. I mean, it really shouldn't be that bad. If Sunset can do it, I can too."

>The majority of the group looked to you.

>"Is that okay with y'all, partner?"

>You shrug quietly.

>Honestly, you didn't really care right now. All that you cared about was the fact that you and Sunset were about to be forcefully split apart.

>"Then it's settled. Anon with live with Fluttershy until he's either healed up... Or until he and Sunset can be together again."

>You sit in your fourth period class.

>With your head resting on your good hand, you idly stare forward.

>You can't stop thinking about her. You know what you did to Brad was wrong... But..

>He deserved it.

>No brain, stop that. Sunset doesn't like it when you think like that.

>Brad was a no good friend stealer.

>Ugh, here we go again...

>The P.A. system rings. Everyone in the class gets up and follows the rest of the flood down to the gymnasium.

>Sunset sat in her class. She had some work out from earlier today that she was trying to finish.

>She idly chewed on her pencil. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't concentrate.

>Having to go about her life for the next little while without Anon?

>It was hard to think about without the tears welling up in her eyes.

>Applejack sat beside her, and put a hand onto Sunset's free hand.

>>2016459720164597 (You)

>"Look, ah know it's gunna be hard, Sunset... But this is fer yer own good. Anon's too. We'll be here fer ya every step of the way."

>Sunset looked looked unsure.

>"I don't know Applejack... I mean, what if Anon takes it badly? This could ruin our friendship."

>Applejack frowned a bit.

>"Yeah... But it'll be a test of each other's will. If Anon really cared, he'd stick it through to the end. Right now y'all just... Don't seem to be getting along all that well."

>Sunset looked down at her papers again.

>"Plus, ah think ya need the break. You look more tired than a Sloth off its tree branch."

>She did feel quite tired. Anon's dream flailing seemed to be taking a toll on her.

>The P.A. system rang. Their classmates all got up and left, leaving them to be the last two out.

>Everyone made their way to the auditorium.

>The entire school sat on the bleachers while the teacher stood on the sides.

>You sat at the top of one of the bleachers with Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy.

>On the other set, way on the far end sat Sunset, Rainbow, and Applejack.

>You could already feel the separation seeping into your mind.

>Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna stood on the center stage.

>They yakked on about various upcoming school events, and awards for last term.

>School play, boring. Fundraisers, boring. Nerdiness awards? Yawn.

>It felt like they were taking hours to go through this crap.

>You nearly fell asleep when the lights suddenly went dark.

>"Now, without further ado, we have one last final announcement."

>Both of them backed up to each side of the stage.

>A banner dropped down from the top of the stage before lights shone on it.

>"Canterlot High will be having its annual Spring Fling dance!"

>Most of the students cheered in excitement.

>Shit, a Spring Dance? Oh Jesus, could this day get any worse?

>"The Spring Dance will be held next Friday. Sign ups are starting tomorrow and will go until next Wednesday."

>>2016503620165036 (You)

>The assembly ended, and you sat in your class.

>Physics.

>You actually liked Physics, and studying ow motion worked and all these crazy mathematical formulas to figure out how object A moved from point B to point C and D time.

>However, today you simply just couldn't get into it.

>Normally, when asked by the teacher, you'd have the answer straight away. But today you just kept staring off into space.

>Even your teacher noticed this, but said nothing of it in front of the class.

>You still couldn't believe how Celestia and Luna just dropped that bombshell so hard on everyone.

>Sure, most people were excited, but you felt dreadful.

>The girls tried to console you, but it wasn't any good.

>You wanted to go to that dance. You wanted to take Sunset there, and you wanted to bring back that smile she used to have so long ago.

>Those were the only two things on your mind.

>Sunset looked out of her classroom window, and out toward the parking lot.

>Her last class of the day was Music. Something simple, relaxing.

>She even shared it with Pinkie, though Pinkie's drumming did tend to cause a lot of havoc and disturb the class.

>Pinkie Pie never did know when enough was enough.

>Sunset had a book open on her desk, when Pinkie jumped over toward her.

>She quickly covers the open book with a musical citation book.

>"Why aren't ya playing your guitar, silly?"

>Sunset looked up at her.

>"Oh, no reason. I just wanted to work on my music reading. That's all."

>Pinkie gave Sunset a suspicious squint.

>This caused Sunset to smile awkwardly.

>"..Okie dokie lokie..."

>Sunset let out a soft sigh as Pinkie walked away.

>In an instant, she was back, and Sunset froze up.

>"I'm watching you!"

>Pinkie backed off slowly, keeping her stare fixated on Sunset.

>This would be a hard week for Sunset.

>It was a bit before the last bell rang.

>Your Physics teacher was pretty boss, letting the class have some idle chat before the end of the day.

>He calls you over quietly.

>>2016544120165441 (You)

>You get out of your seat with your things and walk up to his desk.

>He was an interesting older fella. Had a small bear, almost like a goatee going on.

>Two different colored corneas, one for each eye.

>He even wore grey a lot.

"Yeah? What's up?"

>He looked at you solemnly, stroking that tiny chin-beard he had.

>"Are okay, Anon? You seem to be out of it today. Is your arm bothering you again?"

>You merely shake your head.

"No, sir. My arm is just fine. Well, as fine as it can be, with it being in a cast and all.."

>He chuckled deeply.

>That was one thing you really couldn't get a read on. He was definitely mysterious, but his deep voice just seemed to resonate and echo.

>"Well, something is bothering you. You can't hide things from me. And I think it has something to do with the dance."

>Your jaw drops open.

>"You're probably planning to take someone there, aren't you?"

>Jesus Christ, how did he know? That was almost spot on...

>It was almost like he was a mind reader.

>You keep yourself silent, as to not give anything away. You wanted to take care of this yourself.

>He closed his eyes in thought.

>"Well, if you plan on trying something like that... You should at least dress the part."

>The old Physics teacher turned his back to you to look at one of the problems on the board.

>"Something to just knock them dead. Not literally, of course."

>You just stood there and listened to him.

>The final bell rings and the class piles out of the room, leaving you two alone.

>He starts to write on the blackboard a bit.

>"Anon, you and I have had a good teacher-student relationship for some time now. You shouldn't hide things from me."

>He was right.

"Look, it... It's nothing, Professor. I'm just sleepy, that's all."

>"Nightmares?"

>Every damn time. How does he do that?

"Uh... Yeah. Look, I have to get going, so... I'll see you tomorrow, Professor."

>He merely chuckled again.

>>2016573920165739 (You)

>You decided to just take your leave. He always did kind of creep you out...

>"That's Professor Chaos, to you."

>You never really understood why he wanted to be called that.

>Outside of the school, Fluttershy stood by the statue, waiting for you.

>It looked like the others had already taken off.

>You didn't blame them, it was going to be hard to keep you two away from one another.

>Fluttershy smiled at you softly.

>"Are you ready to go, Anon?"

>You nod softly.

"Yeah, might as well get this over with."

>She could feel the pain from you.

>"Listen, I know it won't be easy to go about this... But at least let me try, okay? I'm your friend too."

>Fluttershy fiddled with her hair nervously.

>You sighed softly.

"Alright, alright.."

>You walk with Fluttershy through town.

>She lived on the outskirts, but you didn't mind the obscenely long walk. It gave you time to reflect.

>"You know Anon... Sunset seemed kind of disappointed when they announced the Spring Fling dance."

>You look at her.

"What was that?"

>Fluttershy grinned, she knew she had your attention.

>"Oh, yes. When she heard it, her mood just dropped."

>You suspected as such to happen. It wouldn't be easy for either of you.

>You and Fluttershy continued to hold small chat until you finally arrive at the small cottage.

>It had a large wooden fence around it, probably to keep all of her pets from running off.

>She invites you in politely.

>The inside of the house looked very... unique.

>It has some furniture, but it looked like it was made from logs, kind of like a log cabin, but more.. Hand made.

>Shaking your head, you lay down on the couch, putting your bag on the floor.

>"Is there anything I can get you, Anon?"

"Something to drink might be nice."

>Sunset sat at a large table. In front of her she had a bunch of papers and a large presentation board.

>Absent-mindedly, she put the project together with Rarity and Applejack.

>None of them really said much to her.

>>2016616520166165 (You)

>Rarity sighed softly.

>"You know, dear, acting like this won't help. It will only make you feel worse."

>Sunset sat down, hugging herself again.

>"I just can't stop thinking about Anon... This is just... Really hard for me to get over."

>Applejack kept working while Rarity squatted down next to Sunset.

>"You really do like him, don't you?"

>Rarity gave Sunset a soft smile.

>Sunset sniffled softly and nodded slowly.

>Rarity pulled her into a hug.

>"Then tough it out, darling. Do it for Anon."

>"Yeah... I guess I'll try."

>You laid out on the couch at Fluttershy's. You stare at the roof, quietly sipping on some ice water.

>It wasn't that late, but you really wanted to sleep.

>Those nightmares must have been taking a bigger toll on you than you thought.

>Fluttershy sat in a chair nearby.

>"Are you okay Anon? You aren't very talkative.."

>She sounded hesitant. Probably from the lack of company at her own home.

>You just shrug a bit.

"I guess I'm fine. Just tired."

>Tired. That same old excuse again.

>When would you ever man up and just say something about it?

>"Well, if you want.. I can pull out the couch and set up the bed for you."

>Oh.. It was one of those pull-out couch-bed hybrids.

>You get off the couch.

"Yeah, that'd be nice."

>Fluttershy quickly readjusted the couch and made it into a bed. Blankets, pillows and all.

>Laying on it, it isn't the comfiest thing, but at least it was better than the floor.

>You didn't even bother to take your regular day clothing off.

>"Well um... Sleep well, Anon."

>You lay there quietly, thinking to yourself.

>It takes some time, but you eventually drift off.

>There, you see her. Sunset.

>She looks like she's having fun sitting in the flowers.

>She reaches out to you, giggling.

>"Come on, Anon! Catch me!"

>She begins to slip away into the darkness.

>No matter how fast you run, you cannot catch her.

"Sunset! Wait! Come back!"

>Suddenly Sunset's demon appeared before you.

>"You will never get her back!"

>>2016643720166437 (You)

>You flung yourself forward.

>Once again, you're in a cold sweat.

>You pant heavily, trying to stabilize your breathing.

>Fuck, it was that dream again. What did it mean?

>A light clicks on, and a robed Fluttershy stands in the doorway.

>She yawns softly.

>"Are you okay, Anon? You were talking in your sleep and you seemed to be very... Troubled."

>You didn't realize that you actually talked in your sleep during those nightmares.

>What if that is what was troubling Sunset..?

>You scoot backward, using the back of the couch as a support for yourself.

>You heave a heavy sigh.

"no, No... Things aren't okay."

>Fluttershy pulled up a chair beside you worriedly.

>"Do you want to talk about it?"

>You rub your head with hand slowly.

"It... It's kind of hard to explain."

>She puts a hand on your shoulder.

>"I know it's about Sunset.. Just start at the beginning."

>It took some time, but you eventually explained to her what you saw in your dreams.

>Everything felt so real in that dream...

>Fluttershy gently gave you a hug.

>The hug seemed to calm you down a little.

>"I don't know what it would mean... But it certainly sounds bad."

>She sits back in her chair, looking down at the floor.

>"But you must really care for her a lot if she comes up in your dreams like that."

>You say nothing.

>"I wish I could help you... Really. Maybe help take your mind away from it and her."

>She put a hand onto yours. Her grip was soft, but warm.

>You look at her hand, tempted to turn yours over to hold it.

>You decide against it.

"No... I couldn't. I need to figure this out."

>She kept her soft smile.

>"Well, you should try to sleep some more. It's only 3AM... And you'll need all the sleep you can get."

>You couldn't argue with that. It was hard enough trying to keep yourself awake yesterday... Today, it would be harder if you didn't sleep.

"Yeah... Yeah, I should."

>Fluttershy chuckled softly.

>"How about I keep you company for tonight? In place of Sunset?"

>"Yeah... Sure." Next Chapter: Sunset's Birthday - Day 4/5 Estimated time remaining: 53 Minutes