You okay? I didn't see you at school today. Please tell me you didn't get in any trouble before getting there. That would be a new accomplishment even for you.

PaintDrop

Is something wrong with me? I mean, we've been friends since forever and if there is something that's terribly wrong you'd tell me, right? Right?

RRBB

?!? Where did that come from? There's nothing wrong with you. Why would you even think that? And, of course, if there was I'd tell you, just like I did during the school election.

Did you get in a fight with you-know-who again? That would explain why she was all quite and mopey today. What did you do? Threaten reprisals? Say you'd get her kicked out of school?

PaintDrop

She was sad?

RRBB

Definitely. She even asked me about you once, but after your fight a few days ago, I said I had no idea. This really isn't healthy for you, you know. You can't keep getting into fights. I've told you before. Heck half the site has told you. What will it take for you to get it through your thick skull, you mule?

PaintDrop

We didn't fight, okay? Things are complicated.

RRBB

Complicated how?

PaintDrop

Complicated as in I like fillies!

RRBB

Well, I didn't see that coming. All this time I thought you hated that sort of thing. Although it's not like your behavior wasn't all over the place last few years. That love-hate cycle you went through with you-know-who makes a bit of sense now. Although, I should be mad at you for not telling me earlier. I'm your best friend, RRBB, and that doesn't mean just bringing you cake at parties.

PaintDrop

As if I'd share anything as disgusting as that with anypony!

Look, I know you're my friend...or were until I told you this, but I just couldn't tell you. I'm sorry! I was so disgusted with myself and afraid you'd never talk to me again. I tried so hard to keep this under control, but... well, look what happened!

Don't bother picking me up tomorrow. I won't be going to the meetup. Instead I'll be here, trying to figure out what to do with the shambles of my life.

RRBB

I won't pretend I understand what's going on, but I'm certainly not leaving you here! I'll drag you by the mane if I have to, but you're going to the meetup! And you'll have a great time whether you want to or not!

RRBB, you've seen the things I draw. Don't you think I'd at least have researched the topic? I, not some airhead, you know.

PaintDrop

And you aren't afraid I'd ravishe you? My hooves sliding through your mane, as you lay beneath me...helpless, gasping for air, as my lips touch yours.

RRBB

1) You've written steamier things than that
2) I've drawn wilder things than that
3) That's the method you always use when you want to deflect a topic.

I wish you would have trusted me with this. I'd have known how to react, at least. Tell me you didn't tell her? That would be the stupidest things you've done if true.

PaintDrop

I'm stupid.

RRBB

Filly! Why? There was no way that could play out well.

PaintDrop

Can we talk about something else, please?

RRBB

Sure. What do you want to talk about? Brush and my brother? Though, please try to act surprised when the "announcement" is made.

PaintDrop

Not that it was wasn't completely obvious. I mean, really? What did they expect?

RRBB

I'm just glad that my brother stopped acting like a wound up melancholic. Mom's pleased as well, although she'll never ever admit it. I guess part of her still mourns the loss of her sweet little angel, stolen by the vile Brush. I really hope Mom doesn't have a site account. That would be awkward in more ways than one.

Hang in there, you heard? Remember what you used to tell me? When life gets difficult buck it in the face.

PaintDrop

You're a good friend, Paint. Sometimes I really don't know what I did to deserve you. If only you were my type... things would have been so much easier.

RRBB

Well, sorry for not being sexy enough for you to hit on me. Like, this is such a level of abstracted absurdity, I, not even sure kid it's a good or bad thing.

PaintDrop

And now this is you deflecting,

RRBB

Well, of course it is! I learned minutes ago that my best friend is gay! And from an aethernet message at that! You thought I wouldn't freak out? And no, I don't hate you. I'm just mad at you for not telling me sooner.

PaintDrop

So, what do we do with her? I don't want to see or talk to her right now. Maybe I won't want to see or talk to her ever again. Tartarus knows once was enough.

RRBB

Want me to talk to her? Now that I have a grip on the situation, I might be able to fix your mess as I usually do. No guarantees this time. I'm not gonna lie, this is even weirder than my brother dating my writing idol.

PaintDrop

I'd like that. Thanks, Paint.

RRBB

And in the meantime, you get some sleep, okay? We have to look our best for the meetup. You wouldn't want somepony else steal the show, right?

PaintDrop

I'll try, but tears get in the way...

It's like I'm in this magical mansion made of everything I desire, only to find out that the mansion is smack in the center of a field of shit. One step outside and I feel I'll never be able to get back.

RRBB

Sleep! I'll pick you up tomorrow!

PaintDrop

To sleep, perchance to dream... of love, and joy, and happiness...

RRBB

Author's Notes:

Hi, all!

Just a quick update! The companion fic is coming along nicely. Hopefully will be done and posted the next few days. (At least one person gas read the desert so far :P)