It has been over a week since the encounter with Eternal War.

Princess Twilight briefly went back to Equestria to report what happened to Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadance before all four of them came to our world. After the Princesses adjusted to their human bodies, they met up with the Rainbooms and the former E.M.R. to discuss what happened and what to do with Eternal War himself. Throughout the past weekend, they worked together to create a device used to slowly drain the magic from the black demon without breaking the statue and freeing him and taking that energy to Equestria for safekeeping. Afterward, Doc got some help from a few friends in Gallophrey to take Eternal War out of the country and drop him into the ocean where the demon is lost in the depths. They even scanned the area to make sure that no one would ever find him and that there was no special energy that Eternal War could use in any way to free himself from his prison so that he will never be seen again.

Canterlot High School has been livelier than ever even though we had finals the week after the battle. Friends new and old, whether they were fighting for the E.M.R. or the Rainbooms, were coming together in unity as we all took our finals one by one over the entire week. The yearbooks started to come out, and people were signing each other's copies expressing how the seniors will be missed, and everyone else is looking forward to seeing each other next year. On the last day of school, Pinkie Pie threw a party during all three lunch periods as a heartfelt way of saying tearful goodbyes to all of our friends.

As for me, I've been very quiet.

I've taken part in all the celebrations and the goodbyes as I took my finals and prepared for graduation, but even then, I've been a little distant. I never hang out with anyone after any of the finals, and I never really talked to anyone. I just stay at home after school and think about certain things.

It probably isn't a surprise that all of my friends noticed my sudden demeanor. Soarin and Caramel tried to talk to me during our last days of science, history, and P.E., but my mind has been too distant to talk to them whether it is over our finals or not. All of my other friends have been trying to talk to me, but I haven't been paying attention, and yet I know they understand because deep in their minds, they know what I'm thinking about.

Octavia and Sunset.

The three of us haven't spoken to each other since the battle. We’re not angry with each other or anything like that, but we have a lot to think about after learning so much about how our relationships were part of an evil scheme.

It's currently the Tuesday after finals have ended. I, Octavia, Sunset, Soarin, Caramel, Sonata, Vinyl, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Derpy, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Lyra, Bon Bon, Twilight and all the other seniors are going to graduate in three days. Doc has already graduated from Gallophrey High, and we all came to cheer him on as he received the highest marks in his class.

Apart from that, I have been staying at home ever since finals ended. My gown and cap have already arrived, and I've been staring at it for the past couple of hours. It's hard to believe that after so many years of school, I am finally going to graduate and go to college. Even with my parents showing their excitement that their little boy is growing up and all of my friends are excited yet sad to leave CHS, I still can't believe this is happening.

But at the same time, knowing that I'm about to graduate makes me feel worse. Over the week, I made a decision about my feelings for Octavia and Sunset, and I'm worried about how they are going to react when I tell them. Even though no one has said anything, it feels like everyone knows that graduation day may as well be the due date to make my final choice. I can feel it in my heart that both of the girls I love are just as worried as I am about what I'm going to say.

Suddenly, I hear a knock on my bedroom door. I stare at it curiously before I calmly say, "Come in."

The door opens to reveal Sonata entering my room. She gives me a small smile as she walks over to me.

"Hey, buddy," she says quietly. "Your mom said I could come in. I hope you don't mind."

I give my blue friend a smile and gesture her to sit next to me on my bed.

"Not at all, Sonny," I say.

Sonata sits on my bed, and for a couple of seconds, we don't say anything to each other.

"So," I say.

"So," she says back.

"How's everyone doing at Sweet Apple Acres?" I ask.

"They're doing alright," Sonata says. "Granny has been a little crazy over the fact that two of her three granddaughters started a war at our school that could have doomed the universe, but I guess that's to be expected when she's one of the few staff members/family members who know about magic. Big Mac has been worrying about Fluttershy's safety even though she's assuring him everything is alright. I'm still having trouble getting used to both him and Granny worrying about whether or not I'm okay."

I smile and say, "Well, you're five months away from becoming their new granddaughter/sister."

Sonata blushes and giggles cutely at that.

"I still can't believe I'm gonna be adopted," she says. "It feels like a dream coming true."

"Believe it, Sonny," I say. "You deserve it after everything you've been through for the last thousand years. You'll be harvesting apples and celebrating birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings, and all the other holidays like a true Apple before you know it."

"Stop it!" Sonata says bashfully. "You're giving me goosebumps!"

I chuckle at her demeanor before I remember something.

"So have you thought about whether or not you're going to college?" I ask.

"Yeah, I'm not doing that," Sonata says plainly. "Both AJ and I are going to stay at home and continue working on the farm. Besides, I don't think I'm smart enough to handle something as challenging as college."

"Oh, don't beat yourself up," I say encouragingly. "I think you're smarter than you or even Adagio and Aria realized."

"Yeah, right," Sonata scoffs.

"I'm serious, Sonata," I say sincerely. "I think for as long as we've known each other, you've proven to be a little more observant than you think. You noticed how Octavia feels about me when we came to visit you, I couldn't convince you that I wasn't going to get her a present, heck, Princess Twilight, and the others told me how you were the one who came up with the idea of how to defeat Eternal War. I bet my entire Star Wars action figure collection that Adagio and Aria would be amazed if they saw how you've become more than you appear to be."

Sonata gives me a cute, thankful look and says, "Maybe, but I don't know if that would be enough for something like college. Besides, Sweet Apple Acres is my home, and I don't ever want to leave it again for anything."

I smile at my friend before she frowns and asks, "Speaking of Octavia, though ..."

I frown back, knowing full well what she's getting at.

"You're worried about what's gonna happen between the three of us," I state.

"Everyone is, buddy," Sonata says. "Word has spread how you haven't said a word to them since the fight, even though you still had English class with Sunset. It's like your love life is the only dilemma that remains unanswered out of everything that's happened all year."

"Dilemma?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

Sonata shrugs and says, "Well, isn't that what you would call it? I mean, you have to make a decision soon. Are you going to get back together with Tavi or Sunset? Haven't you been thinking about it at all since we stopped Eternal War?"

I sigh heavily before I firmly answer, "Every. Single. Day, Sonata. And it just so happens that I have reached a decision, but I just hope both of them will agree with it."

Sonata looks at me surprised and asks, "Oh my gosh, you have? Who did you choose?"

I bite my lip and say, "It's not quite a simple as that."

"It's not?" Sonata asks, confused.

I sigh again and tell her exactly what I'm going to say to Octavia and Sunset. Sonata looks at me completely shocked at my explanation, and when I finish, she frowns sadly.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do, buddy?" She asks.

"It's not about what I want, Sonata," I answer. "If where up to me, I'd have a more direct answer just like that, but I don't have one any more than I did before our entire school practically went to war over my love life of all things. Until we're in a better spot, this is the best way to handle our problem."

Sonata looks at me sadly.

"Well, I hope they will understand what you're doing, buddy," she says.

"Me too, Sonny," I say sadly. "Me too."

******************************************************************************************

A couple of days later, graduation day arrives, and I leave home early to meet with my class outside of the Canterlot Pavilion. As I walk to the pavilion wearing black pants, a white buttoned shirt, a blue tie, and carrying my blue and yellow graduation gown and cap. I take a look around the city and admire the places I've been to. It's sad that my parents and I have only lived here for a little more than a year since Canterlot has been a better home for us, especially me, than Applelosa ever was. I'm gonna miss it.

"Yo, Draft!"

I turn around to see Vinyl running over to me with her own black pants and buttoned shirt and carrying her gown with her left hand.

"Hey, Vinyl," I greet. "Thought you'd be taking the Wub mobile to the pavilion."

"Yeah, I thought about it and decided to take a walk instead," she answers with a shrug. "My folks and I are taking a loooooooong vacation after today, so I figure I'd give this town a good last look before I see the world and stuff."

I chuckle with my mouth closed as we begin to walk together in silence for a few minutes.

"So," I begin to strike a conversation. "How do you feel after disbanding the E.M.R?"

Vinyl sighs as we walk before she answers, "Honestly, Rough Draft, I feel better than ever. It's like there was a weight on my chest that was getting heavier and heavier ever since we started the group. I'll probably make another cannon that will be used just for jams and not for fighting people, but honestly, I've never felt so free after destroying my third one and letting out everything I felt after we defeated Eternal War. I feel more like myself. I even have brand new ideas for songs I plan to write while I'm traveling with my folks. Maybe I'll make enough to make a whole album."

I smile at her enthusiasm.

"Glad to hear you're sounding more like your crazy, music-obsessed self," I say sincerely. "But what if we have more magic problems in our world?"

"Ah, those pony princesses assured me that there isn't someone as dangerous as Eternal War to worry about according to their history and myths and all that stuff," Vinyl says with a wave of her hand. "Besides, I've heard that Doc made some deal with the princesses that involves him studying more about magic on the condition that he uses it to search for more people with magic in our world. They want to make sure whether or not there are any more beings with magic besides Sunset Shimmer, the Dazzlings, and Eternal War, and they think Doc would be the best person in our world for that as he studies abroad for science and stuff like that."

"Well, at least we'll have someone to look out for that possibility while we go our separate ways," I say with a small smile.

"You said it, bro," Vinyl agrees. "Speaking of which, have you been thinking about how you're gonna handle your love problem with Tavi and Shimmer."

I frown a little.

"I'm gonna have that question asked a lot today, aren't I?" I say.

"It probably goes without saying," Vinyl says sympathetically.

I nod in agreement before I say, "I do have a decision, but I want to mostly be a secret until I talk to Sunset and Octavia later."

"Mostly?" Vinyl asks.

"I already told Sonata," I answer.

"What? You're gonna tell her, but you ain't gonna tell me?" Vinyl shouts hysterically.

I chuckle again before I say, "It's nothing personal, Vinyl, but she's still the only person who is neutral about the whole thing and you're Octavia's best friend. I'll probably tell Soarin and Caramel too since they're my best friends as long as they promise not to tell the Rainbooms, but that's it."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Vinyl says, defeated. "Are you worried about it?"

"Terrified," I answer honestly. "I almost would rather go one on one against Eternal War again. Keyword being almost."

"That kind of decision, huh?" Vinyl asks. "You can always back out of it."

"I know, but I won't," I say. "I think it's the right choice to make."

Vinyl sighs sadly.

"Well, good luck with that, bro," Vinyl says. "Know that you have people who got your back if necessary."

"I appreciate that, Vinyl," I say.

We continue to walk in silence until we make it to the Canterlot Pavilion. Already our entire class is there in their graduation gowns and taking pictures or talking about what they're going to do over the summer. Vinyl and I look at each other and put on our gowns before Vinyl runs over to Derpy, Lyra and Bon Bon who are waiting for her. I notice that Octavia with them yet, but I feel like I shouldn't see her or Sunset too much before the big party at Vinyl's.

"Rough Draft!"

I turn around to see Soarin and Caramel running over to me. I smile brightly as Soarin lifts me off the ground in a hug before he puts me down, and Caramel hugs me too.

"Can you believe it, man? Just a couple of hours and we will be done with high school forever," Soarin says excitedly.

"I know, it's crazy," I say in agreement.

"It's a shame that we didn't hang out during all four years," Caramel says with a sad smile.

"Yeah, gets you to wonder what might have been if I moved to Canterlot sooner," I say, sadly smiling back.

"Well, that doesn't mean we can't hang out anymore, though, right?" Soarin says. "We still have the whole summer before we all gotta go our separate ways, right?"

I bite my lips in unease, and Soarin and Caramel are quick to notice.

"You are gonna be around for the summer, right, Rough Draft?" Soarin asks.

I sigh, knowing that I can't think of a way out of lying out of this.

"Okay, what I'm saying is supposed to be a secret, so not a word to anyone," I say before I explain everyone my plan. They look at me in shock when I finish.

"When are you going to tell them?" Soarin asks.

"Tonight," I say bluntly. "I figure that the party is good of time and place as any to find a place where we can be alone."

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Caramel asks.

"I am," I say plainly. "I just hope they will understand."

My best friends look at me in worry before Soarin says with a supportive smile, "I'm sure they will. They are two of the smartest and most reasonable people you know."

"I know," I say with a small smile. "That's part of why I fell in love with both of them."

Suddenly, Ms. Cheerilee comes over and tells us all to start making lines, announcing that the ceremony is about to start and we all line up and get ready. I look at Soarin and Caramel, and we all take deep breaths as we hear the school band begin playing the graduation music. It takes a while before we start walking from the top of the stairs down until we are at our assigned seats at the front of the stage.

After everyone is seated, Principal Celestia begins to say a long speech about how proud she is of all of us and how we will all be missed. She goes on talking about how it won't be the same with Pinkie Pie and her parties, Vinyl, with her music, Rainbow Dash handling every sports team, Fluttershy taking care of the animal shelter, and so on. Then Twilight comes in as Valid Victorian and talks about how she's made so many memories with us even though she's only been in CHS for the last couple of months. After she finishes her speech, students start getting in line while Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna start calling out names, and students come on stage and receive their diplomas. While waiting, we start cheering for Derpy, Lyra, Bon Bon, Fluttershy, Rarity, Sandalwood, and his hippie friends. Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac cheer louder than anyone else when Sonata is called out for her diploma.

Eventually, it is Soarin, Caramel, and my group's turn to get ready. I feel goosebumps as we come closer and closer to have Vice-Principal Luna call out our names. Suddenly, Principal Celestia calls out, "Octavia Philharmonica Melody!" And Octavia comes on stage and receives her diploma. I shout and cheer with all my heart as she happily shakes hands with Principal Celestia and even blushes a little when everyone notices Tempo clapping and cheering louder than she needs to. As Octavia starts to exit from the opposite side of the stage, she sees me in line and stops walking. Our eyes meet lovingly as she smiles at me sweetly, and I smile fondly in return. We keep our gaze until the person behind her tells her to keep moving, and I sigh sadly, thinking of what is in store the next time we see each other later tonight.

"Soarin Nicholas Rogers!"

Caramel and I cheer as Soarin walks over to the stage and receives his diploma from Vice-Principal Luna. Caramel starts to shake, clearly nervous about being next, which makes me chuckle.

"Sunset Nicole Shimmer!"

My amusement turns into excitement as I see Sunset entering the stage and receiving her diploma and a hug from Principal Celestia. I cheer as loudly as I can as everyone cheers for the reformed girl. Even Princess Twilight, who came here from Equestria to watch us, is cheering her heart out. And just like with Octavia, my eyes and Sunset's meet with love as she walks past Caramel and me, and we keep staring until the person behind her tells her to move. My heart feels even heavier as she rejoins the rest of her group.

"Caramel Jack Toffee!"

Once again, I snap out of my state as Caramel walks on stage, and Vice-Principal Luna gives him his diploma. Applejack whistles loudly to cheer for her boyfriend, which makes Caramel feel very bashful as he walks off stage, making everyone chuckle.

Suddenly, I feel goosebumps rise all over my skin, and my insides turn as I realize that I'm next. My heart beats rapidly, and I breathe heavily while Principal Celestia calls out, "Flash Jeremy Sentry!" and Flash Sentry receives his diploma. I take one last deep breath as Vice-Principal Luna takes out the next card and says three words that free me from the world of high school.

"Rough Muriel Draft!"

My heart leaps as those words ring in my ear. I practically hear the entire pavilion cheering for me as I enter the stage and walk over to Vice-Principal Luna. She smiles and shakes my hand as she hands me my high school diploma, and I smile back before I walk off stage to sit back down with Soarin and Caramel. I can't stop myself from smiling as I open my diploma and see it reads, "High School Diploma: Rough Muriel Draft."

The ceremony continues with Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal Luna calling out the rest of the names, including Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Vinyl. Once everyone got their diplomas, Principal Celestia says a few final words before she finally says, "Graduates, you may now turn your tassels from the right side to the left." We all excitedly turned out tassels before she finally said, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you this year's graduates of Canterlot High School!"

We all cheer joyously as we take our caps and raise them into the air. As I pick up my cap from the ground, Soarin wraps his arms around Caramel and me in a group hug as we laugh happily.

"We did it, boys!" Soarin shouts out loud. "We're high school graduates!"

"Oh man, I'm hearing it, and I still can't believe it!" Caramel says after Soarin puts him and me down.

"Me neither," I say in agreement. "But it feels so good to say it."

"You got that right, pal," Soarin says enthusiastically. "Now we just need to take pics with our families, and then we'll have just one order of business left to take care of: PARTY AT VINYL'S!!!"

*********************************************************************************************

Dubstep music plays loud and proud inside Vinyl's house. The entire senior class, as well as a few extra students such as the Crusaders, laugh, dance, talk, eat and drink the night away. The house is covered with streamers, balloons, snack tables, and other party equipment that more than likely came out of Pinkie Pie's party cannons while a big banner that says, "CONGRATULATIONS CANTERLOT WONDERCOLTS!!!" hangs above Vinyl's DJ booth. Pinkie Pie stands next to Vinyl and sings along to the music while teens dance energetically on the entryway and living room.

Standing next to the doorway that connects to the dining room and the entryway is me, Soarin, and Caramel. We stand and watch everyone have a great time while we drink our sodas and eat our snacks. Suddenly, I start to chuckle, which Soarin and Caramel quickly notice.

"What's so funny?" Caramel asks.

"Don't you see, guys?" I ask. "The three of us watching our fellow peers dancing like crazy while Vinyl and Pinkie are performing on stage? This is just like Pinkie's party. We've practically gone a full circle."

It takes a moment before my best friends realize what I'm saying and chuckle with me.

"That's true,' Soarin says. "Man, it feels like it was years ago that we tried to get you on the dance floor to impress some ladies while I got together with Rainbow Dash and Caramel, well, at least tried with AJ."

Caramel glares at Soarin before he shrugs and nods in agreement.

"The three of us have come a long way since that night," he says. "We started going out with the girls of our dreams, joined in two big groups of friends, defended ourselves against an angry mob, and came across some more demons."

"Don't forget me getting kidnapped and shot," I say as I roll up my sleeve and proudly show both of my scars from the bullet. "This might disturb Octavia and Sunset, but I think my scars look pretty manly all things considered."

My best friends nod in agreement before they notice Sonata walking over to us.

"Yo, Sonny, how does it feel to be a high school graduate?" Soarin asks.

"Uh, pretty great, Soarin," Sonata says, taken aback before she turns to me. It doesn't take long before the three of us guys begin to figure out why Sonata is here.

"Hey, buddy," Sonata says to me.

"Hey, Sonny," I say back.

Sonata clears her throat and takes out a small note from her pocket and hands it to me.

"I think you know who this is from," she says.

I sigh sadly and say, "Yeah, I do," as I open the note.

Rough Draft (Darling/babe)

Please meet us in the basement at your earliest convenience. We have much to discuss.

Love,

Octavia and Sunset (Your love and sunshine)

I sigh again as I turn to my friends.

"Well, it looks like it's time to face the music," I say.

"Are you worried that they will be angry with you, Rough Draft?" Sonata asks.

I think about her question before I answer, "No. They probably will dislike what I have to say at first, but I think they will accept my decision."

The three of them frown, and Soarin pats me in the back as a way of wishing me luck as I make my way through the dancing crowd and come down the hall and enter the basement.

The music from upstairs dies down the further down I go. I can feel my heart being jittery yet sad for what I have to do. Finally, I make it to the bottom steps and enter the main basement hall with the loves of my life waiting for me.

"Hi," I say, awkwardly.

"Hey," Sunset says with a smirk.

"Greetings," Octavia says with a small smile.

I stand in front of them awkwardly while Octavia walks over to me and kisses me softly on the lips before Sunset walks over to kiss me as well. Despite what is to come, I don't hesitate to kiss both of them back as if this might be the last time I will ever feel their lips again.

"Would you like to sit down?" Octavia asks as she hand gestures to the couches.

"Uh, yeah, that sounds good," I say before the three of us take our seats on the couches with me on one couch and both of my exes sitting on the one facing mine.

Nothing is said for a couple of moments.

"So," I begin.

"So," Octavia and Sunset say simultaneously.

"How are you two holding up from the whole thing with Eternal War?" I ask.

Both of them smile appreciatively of me asking before Sunset answers, "I still feel a little sore in some areas, and it is a shock to learn that legend from Equestria exists and used me to try to destroy the universe, but otherwise I'm okay."

I nod before I turn to Octavia.

"I feel about the same, except I'm hoping the cut on my side doesn't become a scar," she says. "It's a little rough trying to process how a horrible being like Eternal War was behind so many things that happened to us and our friends. I've been having a lot of time to think about what was true and what wasn't."

"Me too," Sunset asks.

I nod in understanding before I bite my lip.

"Speaking of what was true and what wasn't, I think I shouldn't beat around the bush," I say honestly before I ask. "Do both of you still love me?"

Both girls are taken aback by my question as if I insulted them in the most foul way possible.

"Of course, I do," Octavia says as her eyes begin to water. "None of what Eternal War did changes how I feel about you, darling. I wanted you back since the day I ended our relationship, and I want you back more than ever now."

"Same here, babe," Sunset says as her eyes begin to water too. "I'll do anything to get you back."

I sigh sadly at their words, and yet I can't help but smile at the same time.

"That's what I thought," I say. "I guess I just wanted to hear it from your own voices that what you both want wasn't another trick from Eternal War, and I am happy to hear it."

Both girls smile with looks of hope in their eyes that makes me feel even more scared.

"But that also makes what I have to say even harder to do," I continue.

Their looks of hope turn to looks of fear. I can see in their eyes that their hearts are sinking as I take their hands and gather whatever courage I have left.

"Octavia, Sunset, I love you both," I begin. "No argument we've ever had, or any breakup, or war or manipulation from some crazy demon that had a high opinion of himself will ever change that. You have both made my life feel so beautiful after years of loneliness in Applelosa. Everything about both of you knows no bounds, and it has been a privilege to have been in either of your presences much less to have loved either of you much less to have earned your loves in return."

The two of them give me small smiles before Octavia asks, "But you still have to choose, darling. Who do you want to be with more? Is it me, or Sunset?"

Sunset nods in agreement and says, "We know it's going to be hard to patch things back up no matter who you choose, but we're both willing to face those challenges with you. We don't care if it takes longer than the entire summer before either of us can date you again, we're willing to wait."

"And I appreciate that more than I can put into words," I say with a sad smile. "But the fact is we will be waiting a lot longer than just the summer for any relationship to continue."

Sunset and Octavia look at me in shock as my words echo through their minds.

"Darling, what are you talking about?" Octavia asks worryingly.

I take another deep breath before I let it out.

"As blind as Eternal War was about the importance and endurance of love and friendship, he was right about one thing: we were wrong to treat the decision over our relationships as if everything important about our lives had to be made when we are only seventeen to eighteen years old," I say. "Our desires can't define what path we should take after we had just graduated from high school. We tried to do that before with the trial, and that just made the situation worse even without Eternal War. So for any relationship to continue, I think the three of us should go our separate ways and take a break from our relationships starting with me going to Fillydelphia University early for their summer program."

Both girls look at me with shock.

"Are you serious?!" Sunset asks angrily. "You're deciding to put both of your relationships on hold?"

"I am," I say sadly. "I know how it sounds, but even without that black demon, I couldn't trust myself with this decision, and I still can't trust myself even to this day. Because if that, I think we should take a break from love and let ourselves go our separate ways for a time before I make a final decision. We should grow and evolve on our own and learn more about ourselves before any real commitment is made. The three of us are still people who have little experience with love and friendship apart from this past year, so maybe we should take that time to take advantage of whatever possibilities may lie before all three of us in college."

The loves of my life look at me sadly as they process my words in their minds. They look at each other sadly before they turn back to me.

"Is this what you really want, Rough Draft?" Octavia asks.

I shake my head and say, "This has nothing to do with what I want. I want what you two are offering more than you know, but I think this is the best thing for everyone."

"But how do you know that you'll eventually make the right decision?" Sunset asks. "Things might no longer be the same by the time we've all gone to college and start our new lives."

"I know," I say. "I don't know where this could lead us any more than you do. But even so, I choose to believe that love will find a way in the end. After all, it found us the first time, so maybe it will again one way or the other."

Both girls remain silent, which makes me worry even more.

"If the two of you are infuriated with me, I understand completely," I say as I hang my head.

Neither of them says anything right away, but then Octavia sighs heavily and says, "Well, if you think it would be the best for both relationships for right now, then I trust you, darling. Just know that I will be waiting to whatever end to pick up where we left off."

I give her a small smile before I turn to Sunset, who also sighs and says, "Babe, you said it yourself that you would never leave me unless you had no other choice. If this is the case, I will respect your decision."

I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding and say, "Thank you. Both of you."

They both keep their small smiles before Octavia asks, "When do you leave for Fillydelphia?"

"Over the weekend," I say sadly, making both of them wince.

"So tonight is the last time we will see you before you leave?" Sunset asks.

"I'm afraid so," I say.

They both frown at this news until Octavia says, "Well, I don't know about you, Ms. Shimmer, but if that's how much time I have left with my darling, then I better make the most of the time I have left with my favorite cuddling spot."

She walks over and sits next to me on my left side with a flirtatious look as she wraps her arms around my waist and lays her head on my left shoulder. Sunset grins at this action.

"You know what? I feel the same way with my spot, Ms. Melody," she says as she walks over to sit on my right side, wrap her arms around the other side of my waist, and snuggles her head on my right shoulder.

I blush furiously and yell, "You're ganging up on me!"

"You better believe it, mister, " Sunset says, giving me her signature smirk. "Now act like a guy who dated two beautiful ladies like us and put your arms around us."

My face is still bright red as I wrap my arms around my beloved exes. They both let out quiet sighs as I hold them as tight as I can, which makes me smile.

I wish this moment can last forever.

**************************************************************************************

A couple of hours later, Vinyl comes downstairs and tells us that everyone is starting to leave, and we better say our goodbyes. Octavia, Sunset, and I sigh sadly as we let each other go and follow Vinyl upstairs. By the time we get to the entrance hall, most of our fellow graduates have already left except for the Rainbooms and the former E.M.R. I say my goodbyes to Doc, Derpy, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Pinkie Pie before Sunset, Octavia, and I walk outside to see everybody heading off.

As everyone says goodbye to each other, Vinyl comes over to Octavia, and they hug each other tightly.

"I'm gonna miss you, Octavia," Vinyl says quietly.

"Me too, Vinyl," Octavia says sadly as they break the hug and she continues with a smirk, "I'd say don't be a stranger if you're ever in Manehattan, but with your personality that would be like telling a chicken to turn into an eagle."

Vinyl grins mischievously.

"I'm gonna be so strange that you and everyone else in Manehattan University will hear me coming from fifty miles away," she says boastfully, making Octavia chuckle.

"I'm looking forward to it," she says.

Vinyl chuckles back before she walks over to Sunset, who gives her a small smile. Vinyl scratches the back of her head nervously, trying to think of something to say.

"So," she says. "If uh, I'm ever around your school, and I have a gig, um, maybe you'd like to join and show off those cool wings? I'm sure flying around with those things while I'm playing some tunes would give my audience something to remember."

Sunset chuckles and shakes her head.

"I'll think about it," she says with her signature smirk before she changes it to a kind smile. "But you don't have to have a gig to come visit me, Vinyl. You can call or visit my dorm anytime you'd like."

Vinyl stares at Sunset touched before a small, heartfelt smile grows on her face.

"I'd like that, Sunset," she says. "I'd like that a lot."

Sunset's smile grows as she pulls Vinyl to a hug. Vinyl is taken aback before she smiles and hugs her back. Octavia and I look at each other and smile at the moment before Vinyl breaks the hug and clears her throat.

"Right then," she says before she turns to me with her best serious stare. "Rough Draft, you better work hard and become more famous than that J. something Token dude, you hear?"

I stare at her confused before I get what she's saying and chuckle as I shake my head.

"That's J.R.R. Tolkien, Vinyl," I say. "But I'll do my best."

Vinyl smirks at me before she pulls me into a hug.

"Seriously, though," she whispers in my ear. "Good luck to you."

I smile as I hug her back.

"You too," I say.

Octavia and Sunset smile as Vinyl and I break the hug, and she clears her throat.

"Alright, enough the mushy stuff," she says, trying to sound cool. "Say your goodbyes and then get off my lawn."

Octavia, Sunset, and I laugh out loud as Vinyl comes back inside her house. When we finish, we all sigh and turn to see everyone else that has exited the building and started saying their goodbyes all over the driveway and the sidewalk. Fluttershy and Rarity are hugging each other happily before Fluttershy hops into Big Mac's truck, and Rarity gets in her car with Sweetie Belle. Twilight and Spike start walking home after saying goodbye to a surprisingly worn out Pinkie Pie, making us chuckle. Lyra and Bon Bon say goodbye to Doc and Derpy before the two hyper girls start walking home, and Doc and Derpy start walking to his car. Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash and Soarin are making out goodbye while Caramel bashfully kisses Applejack's hand making her chuckle and say, "Oh, pucker up, sugarcube," before she grabs him by his shirt and pulls him into a firm kiss, making his tan face turn as red as a strawberry.

"Now that looks like a good idea," Sunset says, smirking. "Why don't we give each other our own personal goodbyes before Rough Draft leaves."

Octavia smiles at this idea and turns to me, saying, "That would be wonderful if we could do that, Rough Draft."

I nod with a smile and say, "I think that would be great."

"Okay, you can go ahead and go first if you're ready, Octavia," Sunset says politely. "I'm gonna need a moment to prepare."

"Thank you, Sunset Shimmer," Octavia says appreciatively as Sunset goes back inside. Octavia and I both take a moment to prepare before tears fall down her face, and she pulls me into a near spine-crushing hug.

"I love you," she says as her tears fall on my shirt. "I love you with everything that I am. You hear?"

I smile as I squeeze her back tightly.

"I hear you, love, and I love you too," I say as I feel my own tears fall down my face. "I've always loved you."

"Good," Octavia says as she pulls back to face me. "Because I will get you back. I know it sounds pompous to say that, but I will. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me and I will wait for the day where we will write and play music for the rest of our days while we raise adorable, nerdy, musical children together. Do you understand?"

"I do," I say as I caress her cheek. "Until then, know that whatever happens, you have my love now and forever."

"Forever and ever," Octavia agrees with a loving smile before our lips meet. I don't know how long we kissed, but when we parted, we regretted it right away.

"Don't take too long, my darling," she says seriously.

"I won't, my love. I promise," I say before we reluctantly let go, and Octavia starts walking home. I watch as she walks to the end of the driveway and looks at me one more time before she walks down the street and disappears into the night.

I sigh again and turn around just in time to see Sunset exit from the front door. She gives me a sad smile before we hug each other. I can feel her tears falling on my shoulder, and I feel the urge to cry with her.

"You know when we get back together, we're gonna have a lot more time to make up for," she whispers in my ear while holding me tightly. "At this rate, we'll be catching up for the rest of our lives."

"I think that was going to be a challenge for us anyway," I whisper back with a small smile as I squeeze her. "We could live for a million years, and you wouldn't be satisfied just because of those extra eight months you want so badly."

She chuckles with her mouth closed before she pulls her head back to face me.

"Well, that's just how precious our time together is to me," Sunset says sweetly. "And it always will be no matter how long it takes for us to be together for good. Remember that, babe."

"I will, sunshine," I say before we kiss passionately. It feels like we've been kissing forever, just like with Octavia before we regretfully part.

"Goodbye, Rough Draft," Sunset says sadly. "I love you now and always."

"Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer. I will always love you too," I say as we reluctantly let go of each other, and she walks over to her motorcycle and drives away.

My face falls, and I sigh partly in relief, but also because I miss both girls already.

"You doing okay, man?"

I turn around to see Soarin walking over to me while Rainbow Dash is already leaving on her motorcycle. I give him a small smile while he pats me on the shoulder.

"Yeah, I guess I'm okay," I answer. "It's just going to be a long couple of years or so without either of them."

Soarin smiles at me sympathetically.

"You're doing the right thing by doing this," he says supportively.

"Yeah, I know," I say. "I guess only time will tell if either relationship survives in the end."

We keep smiling at each other until we hear a moan coming from Caramel, who is walking towards wobbly with a goofy grin. Soarin and I look at each other and chuckle.

"AJ got you good that time, eh, Caramel?" Soarin asks teasingly.

But instead of responding, Caramel merely mumbles incoherent words as he stares into the night sky in a blissful state.

"Have I ever acted like that with Octavia or Sunset?" I ask Soarin.

"In your own way, Rough Draft. In your own way," Soarin answers with a grin while shaking his head. "Come on. Let's get Han Solo here home before he passes out."

I chuckle as Soarin, and I walk over to Caramel, put his arms over our heads, and begin to carry him home. As we start our walk from Vinyl's house, I turn to my two best friends and smile. I know I'm going to miss them dearly when I'm at Philadelphia University as well as everyone else from the Rainbooms and the E.M.R., but I hope the day will not be far well I will know what's my destiny between Octavia and Sunset Shimmer.

If the Lord be willing, love will indeed find a way in the end.

JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO! Tune in for the final chapter first thing in the morning tomorrow!