A Search For Something More

By HAKDurbin

Part 2: A Hope Reignited

It's been a couple of weeks since I dropped off the present and finals came and went the following week with students still feeling bad over the Anon-a-Miss scenario. My grades turned up as just passable as always with the exception of history with Ms. Harshwinny that was a solid B+ thanks to all the studying with Octavia.

Octavia.

There's still was no word from her since our breakup, and Vinyl, and the other members of the E.M.R. have pretty much shunned me. As much as I miss hanging out with them, though, I feel bitter towards Vinyl for the way she kicked me, Soarin and Caramel out of the group, and even then, I still don't miss Lyra, Bon Bon, Doc or Derpy even half as much as I miss Octavia.

I've been staying at home most days after finals week ended. On occasion, Soarin and Caramel managed to get me out of the house to go to the movies or the arcade to try to cheer me up, but as much as I enjoy our time hanging out and appreciate everything they're trying to do, deep down I'm still depressed. Eventually, however, they left with their families to celebrate the holidays out of town, so that just left me by myself and my grief again, doing nothing but playing video games on my laptop.

Today is New Year's Eve and my parents have already left to celebrate the new year with some friends. They wanted me to come with them, but they respected my wishes for me to be alone while I'm still depressed from the breakup. I decided to spend the rest of the day playing Star Wars: The Old Republic to pass the time until this year finally ends, but even with the game to entertain me, a part of me wishes I had something better to do than either this or going with my parents. As horrible as this year was, it was also the year where I made real friends and got my first girlfriend and so I would have liked to have spent the new years with them, but as it is, Octavia dumped me, her friends abandoned me, and my best friends are out of town.

Suddenly, right as I am thinking about this, I hear a knock on my window that makes me jump. I turn around to see Sonata smiling and waving through my second-story window. My mouth drops in surprise as I close my laptop, get off of my bed, and open the window to let Sonata in.

"Hiya, Rough Draft," she greets bubbly.

"What in the world were you doing on my roof, Sonata?!" I exclaim.

"I came to see you," she answers plainly.

"Well, I can see that, but what's wrong with ringing the doorbell or sending a text that you were coming?"

"I don't have a phone, and I did ring your doorbell, but you didn't answer," she says.

"So, you climbed up to my room?" I ridicule.

"Well, I knew you were home and figured you were focused on some video game or something," she answers, shrugging. "I learned a few things about climbing houses and breaking in back when I was a siren, so here I am."

"Sonata, you know you can get in trouble again breaking into someone's house," I say worryingly.

"I know, but I figured it's fine since it's one of my friends," She says innocently.

I sigh before I say, "Okay yeah it's fine, but please don't do it again. I really don't want you to get arrested again."

"Okay, okay, no more break-ins ever again," she says reluctantly.

"Thank you," I say appreciatively. "Now why did you want to see me?"

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot," Sonata says bubbly. "I was wondering what you're doing for New Years."

I give her a eyes half-closed expression before I answer, "I'm pretty much staying here. I'm just gonna play video games for the rest of the day."

"Oh," Sonata says worryingly. "Cause I was wondering if you'd like to spend New Years with me and the Apples and the Rainbooms. Granny Smith said I could invite some of my other friends over and...well out of everyone at the E.M.R.; you're pretty much the only person I can ask."

"Sonata, I'm not part of the E.M.R. anymore," I say.

"I know but I still kinda see you as part of it," she says. "After all you and Tavi were the members of the group who rescued me from Adagio and Aria. Besides, Tavi and Vinyl are all the way in Prance, Derpy is babysitting, Doc is probably doing his own thing and when I tried Lyra and Bon Bon, they already left to celebrate New Years together with their families. That pretty much leaves me with you which is honestly okay because you're the one person from the group I feel the most comfortable with apart from Soarin, Caramel, and Tavi."

A small smile enters my face before I frown.

"I really appreciate that, Sonata, but honestly, I'm still in my want-to-be-alone phase," I say kindly.

"But I'm desperate," She whines.

"Well, I'm not," I remark.

"I know you're not, but you're going to do it anyway, right?" She asks pleadingly.

"Um...no, I'm not going to agree just like that," I say.

Sonata looks down and frowns as if she's given up, but then suddenly her face lits up and she gives me a smug look.

"You know, Rough Draft, Pinkie Pie has been teaching me how to use that pouty face technique she and Tavi used on you." She says.

My eyes widen at this.

"Are you threatening me?" I ask concerningly.

"Well, I'd rather not do it since you're my buddy, but if I have to use that pout to hurt your heart, that will make me really sad," She says, giving and innocent sad face. "And if I get sad for real instead of faking, your heart will hurt much more, and in the end, we'll both regret it."

I wince at her logic.

"That's blackmail!" I exclaim.

"It's a fact," She says. "I really don't want things to go down that way, but if I don't get what I want, you'll leave me no choice. Besides, we both know you're not helping anyone much less yourself by being all alone."

I try to think of a way to convince her to see things my way, but the words die in my throat. Her confident smug look grows as she says, "You know you want to."

I frown at her before I sigh and accept that she's right. I was thinking about how I wish I were celebrating new years with other people, and I guess I have to get out of my brooding phase sooner or later.

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

By the time Sonata and I start walking to Sweet Apple Acres, the sky is already getting dark as we begin to make our way to the house. As we make it to the front porch, Sonata steps in front of me with a pleading look.

"Now remember, Rough Draft, I know I forced you into this, but I want this to be your chance to stop letting your break up with Tavi bring you down so much, so please give it your all to have fun," she begs.

I sigh as I reluctantly say, "I'll try my best for you, Sonata."

Her pout turns into a cheerful look as she suddenly hugs me.

"That's all I can ask for, buddy," She says bubbly, making me chuckle.

She breaks the hug, and we walk inside. As soon as the door is open, I can already hear music and laughter coming from the living room. I get a little uncomfortable, feeling unsure about joining in the fun as Sonata is technically the only person I'm close to.

"Granny, I'm home!" Sonata calls out.

I look to my right as I hear Granny Smith walking towards us.

"There you are, Sonny," She says with a loving smile as if Sonata is one of her grandchildren. "About time too. I was starting to worry about ya."

"Oh, Granny," Sonata says, smiling, feeling loved from Granny Smith's words. "I'm fine. It just took a little longer than I hoped to get this guy to say yes."

Suddenly, Granny Smith turns to me, and her smile falters. I get uneasy as she walks over to me.

"So you're the poor boy that Sandalwood started that fight over in my cafeteria," She says.

"Uh, yes, ma'am," I say. "Sorry about all that."

Granny Smith looks at me perplexed before she pats me on the back.

"Oh, I ain't mad at you for it, son," she says. "I know it wasn't your fault, and you were just framed like a whole bunch of kids over that whole Internet nonsense my granddaughter, and her friends caused. If anything, I'm sorry that you and your friends were being ganged up on. Why,, if I was only fifty years younger and Big Mac wasn't sick that day, we'd rough up those kids like a herd of pigs throwing a tantrum. Course Ms. Luna wouldn't be too pleased, but I would've loved to have done it, mark my words. There's only so much putting kids in a classroom for an extra hour can do, in my opinion. Still, call horse dung with Ms. Luna giving you and your friends detention."

"Uh, thank you, ma'am," I say politely.

"Oh no need to be so polite, son, just call me Granny like everyone else," she says.

"Okay... Granny."

"That's better," She says pleased. "Now you two better get going and join the party. The apple fritters will be ready in about ten minutes."

"Oh boy, apple fritters!" Sonata says excitedly like a little child that makes me and Granny Smith chuckle. "Come on, Rough Draft, let's go!"

She grabs my hand and drags me down the hall until we make it to the living room. It looks very cozy and friendly with its cabin-like walls that are covered with Apple-designed quilts and family pictures. Applejack's older brother, Big Mac, is trying to start a fire while Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo sit on a couple of chairs watching him anticipatedly. On the couch, Rarity and Fluttershy are talking to each other while Rainbow Dash is drinking some apple cider next to them, not listening to their conversation. At the dining table, Pinkie Pie is playing a board game with Applejack and Sunset Shimmer while helping herself to a large bowl of snacks.

"Hey guys," Sonata calls out. "Look who's here."

I'm instantly uncomfortable as everyone turns to me. Rarity gives me an evil glare that makes Fluttershy nervous. Rainbow Dash nods her head up as a way of saying, "Wassup?" before going back to her drink. Big Macintosh gives a little wave before going back to start a fire. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle look at me with sad faces, likely because of posting the video of Sunset Shimmer and me. Applejack greets me with a "Howdy, Rough Draft," and Sunset Shimmer just gives me a friendly smile.

Pinkie Pie, on the other hand, gasps in excitement before she runs over to me in a flash and gives me a bear crushing hug.

"I'm sooooooooooo happy to see you, Rough Draft!" She exclaims. "It warms my heart, knowing that you're out of your brooding phase!"

"Pinkie Pie!" Applejack ridicules.

"It's alright, Applejack," I say quietly. "I guess I have been going at it for a while."

"Not long enough if you ask me," Rarity mumbles.

"Rarity, that's not okay," Sunset Shimmer rebukes.

"So sorry, Sunset, but I am still much too peeved at that boy," Rarity says with her back turned to us on her seat. "I'm hardly in the mood for such festivities with a dress killer."

I wince at her words. It's hardly a good insult, but the venom in her voice made it sting all the same.

"It's alright girls, I have it coming," I say politely.

Sunset Shimmer frowns a little and is about to say something before Pinkie Pie interrupts her.

"Hey, why are we standing around talking about who deserves what?" Pinkie Pie asks. "The old year is ending, and there's still partying that needs doing before the new one comes, so let's party!"

Rarity keeps her back facing me while everyone else makes comments of agreement. Sonata takes my hand and drags me to the table where Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Sunset Shimmer are playing their board game.

"Here, Rough Draft, Sonata, you guys can join us for the next game," Pinkie Pie suggests.

"Sounds good to me," Sonata says happily, and I politely nod in agreement.

"Okay, Applejack, it's your turn, " Pinkie Pie announces.

"Alright then," Applejack says as she rolls the dice and moves her piece. "So, Rough Draft, how was your Christmas?"

"Uh, it was fine," I say plainly. "I just celebrated with my parents and got a couple of comics and games that are fun, not much apart from that."

"Oh? What about Caramel?" She asks curiously. "Is he doing alright?"

I look at Applejack curiously.

"Uh, he's fine last I checked," I answer. "Though why aren't you asking him? Don't you have his number?"

Applejack looks a little flustered as she scratches the back of her head.

"Uh, yeah, I guess I do," she says sheepishly. "I guess I uh... focus on the contacts I frequently use like my close friends and my family that I sometimes forget that I got other people on my contact list."

I raise an eyebrow at her explanation but decide to leave it.

"Okay, well, he's having a good break with his family last we spoke, so he's good," I say.

"Well, um, that's good," Applejack says with a small smile before she turns back to the game.

I turn my head to Sonata and Pinkie Pie, who are sitting on my left side. I give them a smug as a way of saying, "What's up with Applejack?" to which they snicker. Applejack turns her head towards us with a suspicious look.

"What are y' all snickering about?" She asks.

"Oh nothing, you had to see it for yourself," I answer before quickly changing the subject. "Anyway, how was your Christmas, Sonata?"

Sonata's face lights up like a candle before she replies excitedly.

"Oh my goodness, it was the best Christmas ever! Let's see; I got the hoodie and scarf that you and Tavi got me, then I got this cute sweater from Granny Smith, a little musical box from Apple Bloom and Applejack and a big comfy blanket from Big Mac that he made. Then we just stayed at home and had turkey and-"

"Wait, hold on a moment, Sonata," I interrupt. "Big Mac made a blanket?"

"Thank you!" Applejack exclaims. "See? I ain't the only one who finds that hard to believe."

"Okay, you really need to let that go, Applejack," Sunset Shimmer says calmly. "I don't see what the big deal is. So Big Mac made a blanket. Shouldn't you be happy that he did that for Sonata?"

"Sure I'm happy, but Big Mac is always working his hiney off these days either at the farm or helping Granny Smith at the school cafeteria ever since he graduated last year," Applejack explains. "He usually doesn't have the time to learn how to sew - or even have the interest to sew for that matter."

"Oh Applejack, honestly you're acting silly," Rarity calls out from the couch. "Have you ever considered that maybe Big Mac can find time to do other things while we're at school? Besides, the blanket he made for Sonata is lovely. Isn't that right, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy squeals and hides her face with her hair.

"Um...yes?" She whispers quietly.

Applejack rolls her eyes in annoyance.

"Alright, alright, but I still find the idea a little funny," she says.

Sonata makes a smug grin and whispers in my ear, "Yeah, funny like her being 'just curious' about Caramel," to which I chuckle a little.

"Kids," Granny Smith calls out from the kitchen. "Fritters are ready!"

Suddenly everyone around me disappears in a poof of smoke. I sit there baffled as I see myself alone except for Big Mac who is still working on the fire.

"Uh...I guess everyone really loves your Granny's apple fritters, huh?" I say.

"Eeyup," Big Mac says not looking at me.

"I take it I should catch up if I want any?"

"Mmm...yup."

"Okay then," I say awkwardly as I get off my seat and walk out to catch up with the others.

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

About a couple of hours passed and the festivities continue. We play more board games and eat more food and talk about how our Christmases were. Rarity doesn't stop giving me the evil eye which is making me uncomfortable. Eventually, the clock goes to only fifteen minutes left until the new year and everyone is huddling up with new year hats and noisemakers and sitting in front of the TV, waiting for the ball to drop on top of the main building in Manehatten. But I stay out of the circle, sitting on the couch watching everyone show their excitement.

"Hey, Rough Draft?"

I turn my head to see Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo standing in front of me with glum looks on their faces. I frown, knowing exactly why they approached me.

"Listen, we uh...just wanted to apologize for what happened to you and Octavia Melody," Scootaloo says.

I don't say a word to her apology but stare at them intently while Apple Bloom rubs the back of her arm nervously.

"We didn't mean for it to go that far," she says. "We just wanted Sunset Shimmer to look bad before people started sending secrets to us."

"But you still sent those secrets never minding the consequences of who gets hurt," I say.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo wince at my words. Sweetie Belle, on the other hand, has tears in her eyes and kneels in front of me in a begging position.

"Oh, please forgive us, Rough Draft!" She cries. "We didn't mean to. I especially am devastated that you and Octavia broke up!"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

Sweetie Belle sniffles and lift's her head up to look at me.

"I had a music class with her," she whimpers. "She liked to talk about you to me a lot when we had free time during class. It was clear that she really fell in love with you even before she realized it herself during the beginning of your relationship. But she hasn't been herself since she dumped you, and it's been heartbreaking to see knowing that I'm responsible!"

I stare at Sweetie Belle, surprised. As crestfallen as my heart is, it also leaped a little hearing that Octavia used to talk about me so much.

"Did she really do that?" I ask.

Sweetie Belle nods in response.

A smile enters my face. Octavia would talk about me outside of our friends in the E.M.R. It feels kind of uplifting that she loved me that much. But my frown returns shortly after knowing that the Crusaders still posted a video that leads to Octavia dumping me and for Vinyl and supposedly all of our friends in that group to hate me over something that does not exist. I know these girls didn't mean to,, and it's clear that Sweetie Belle in particular regrets what they've done, but the fact remains that they still caused it along with the fight in the cafeteria and everything else that happened because of that horrible account.

I let out a sigh before I answer.

"I guess I forgive you," I say reluctantly. "But I have to honestly say it's going to be a long time before I look at either of you the same way again after all the damage you caused. You may not have meant to do all of this, but you still hurt a lot of people in the process of making Sunset Shimmer look bad. I appreciate that you're apologizing to me personally, but even though you are forgiven, you are not excused if that makes any sense."

The three girls frown at my words but nod in acknowledgment.

"We understand, Rough Draft," Apple Bloom says.

"Just tell me this, though," I say. "If you three didn't record that video, can you at least tell me who did and sent it to you?"

The Crusaders frown again before Scootaloo answers.

"Sorry we don't. We usually didn't pay attention to who posted what after a while, and there's no way we can find out now. We were so ashamed of what we did that we deleted the account and the email address we created to make Anon-a-Miss for good measure. We have no idea who recorded that video of you and Sunset Shimmer anymore than we know why they did it. I'm sorry."

I sigh defeated by this information.

"You know what, it's fine," I say with a shrug. "I mean it isn't, but it's possible that knowing who did it probably won't change what happened between Octavia and me. It was still her choice, no matter what."

The three girls gave me sad smiles at my response.

"I hope you and Octavia will makeup, Rough Draft," Apple Bloom says sincerely before she, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo leave to join everyone at the front of the TV.

"So do I, Apple Bloom," I say quietly even though they already walked away.

I'm left alone on the couch again, watching the Crusaders, the Rainbooms, Big Mac, Sonata, and Granny watch the clock counting down on the TV. As I watch them, I start to wonder what might have been if Octavia and I didn't break up and we were celebrating new years with the rest of the E.M.R. Vinyl would be playing a lot of music so that we could be dancing while we wait for the ball to drop. Bon Bon would have a lot of treats that she made herself while Derpy would bring at least two baskets of muffins. Octavia and I could have been spending the whole party looking forward to having our very first New Years kiss together and talking about what the rest of our senior year will be like which would lead to talking about our future. I smile at the thought before a voice speaks right next to me.

"Mind if I join you?"

I look up to see Sunset Shimmer standing next to me with a small smile on her face. I wave my hand as if to say, "Sure, go ahead," and she sits next to me. For a few seconds, we don't say anything until Sunset Shimmer looks at me with a raised eyebrow.

"You know you haven't spoken to me since you got here," she says.

I frown at this and reluctantly admit, "No, I have not. Uh, sorry about that, I guess the others have had me so focused on the festivities that I haven't had the chance to talk to you."

"Oh excuses, excuses," She says. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you switched back to being venomous towards me."

I wince at her words as I realize that she's right; I have been looking that way all night even if I haven't realized it.

"Well, I'm not," I claim. "I'm sorry about that. Can we start over again?"

Sunset Shimmer smirks at me in response.

"I don't know," she says, half teasingly. "You're starting to push your luck, Mr. Draft."

"Well, then I should make this count then," I say sincerely. "Habits like this gotta die for good some time, right?"

Sunset Shimmer's signature smirk turns into a genuine smile as she responds.

"That's true," she says. "So let's start over again, and this time make it count."

"Very well," I say before I clear my throat and talk as if I just saw her for the first time today. "Hello, Sunset, how are you?"

She chuckles at my approach before she plays along.

"Oh hi, Rough Draft. I'm doing fine, thank you."

"Well, that's dandy," I say in a silly tone that makes both of us giggle. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was very nice," she answers. "I mostly stayed at home, but on Christmas eve I hung out with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity, and we exchanged gifts which was wonderful."

"Oh yeah, did they all like what we got them?" I ask.

"They sure did," she says. "Though I took all the credit for them because I don't think Rarity would be pleased to know you helped with her gift."

"Eh, that's fair," I say with an uneasy shrug. "I feel like she's going to hate my guts no matter what I do. Heck, is this what it was like to be you with my grudge?"

Sunset Shimmer smirks at me.

"No, I would say I had it worse," She answers. "After all, you've been going back and forth on where you stand with me. At least Rarity sticks to how she feels."

"Heh, that's a good point," I say before a thought enters my mind. "You know, while we're still on the subject, I think we should come up with a system or an agreement to make this attempt at being friends work."

"Oh? What do you have in mind?" Sunset Shimmer asks.

"Well..." I say while scratching my chin. "Did you ever see the last movie for The Hunger Games?"

She nods in response.

"Well, you know that part where the main characters, Peeta and Katniss, play that 'real or not real' game as he was trying to get his real memory back?"

"Oh, I see," Sunset says, smiling. "You want to do something like that?"

"Yeah, more or less," I say. "I may have finally accepted that you're good, but as I said at the mall, I still have yet to know the real you completely. By playing this game, you can at least clear me with what is a lie and what is true from back when you were pretending to be my friend."

Sunset Shimmer's smile grows at this idea.

"That sounds great," she says. "Why don't we try that now while we're still waiting for the ball to drop."

"Alright," I agree as I scratch my chin again in thought before I start my first question. "You actually like Star Wars, real or not real?"

Sunset Shimmer smiles in response.

"Real," she says. "I'm nowhere near as obsessed as you, Caramel and Soarin, but even as someone who lived in a world with magic and creatures that are mythical to the people in this world, I do enjoy how creative and endearing they made the world of Star Wars with sets and music and special effects and no magic, particularly A New Hope."

I smile back.

"Well, that puts you off to a good start," I say pleased. "And yes, even I admit a lot of those effects still stand out today."

I scratch my chin again before I think of my next question.

"Apple cider disgusts you, real or not real? I know we had some when you asked me to help you with the Spring Fling, but after that, you acted like a single bottle is worse than a disease."

Sunset Shimmer chuckles again and thinks a little hard before she answers.

"Real and not real in that order," she says. "Even when we were hanging out, I had a prejudice against anything related to apples as a way of expressing how I was 'superior' to everyone, including the Apples family, so I only pretended to drink when I took you to that hill. But when I changed and started hanging out with Applejack and her family, I realized that I have been missing out on things like apple cider."

I nod before I think of a good question.

"You never really had a friend before me or the Rainbooms, real or not real?"

Sunset Shimmer's smile falters. She looks away from me for a moment before she responds.

"Real," She says. "I use to hang out with other kids when I was just a fil- when I was little, but I was there because my parents made me, and even then, I was a bit of an outcast. I mostly just watched other kids play while I waited patiently to go home and do other things. I never really felt close to anyone until my teacher accepted me to be her student, but even then I never felt like I was a friend to anyone around my age until I started spending time with you and eventually the Rainbooms after the Spring Fling."

"But there were other people you manipulated over long periods before and after me," I state. "Mystery Mint, Cloud Kicker, - heck, you had Snips and Snails as your henchmen for a while and dated Flash Sentry. I'm not saying I don't believe you per se, but what makes pretty much everyone in this room apart from Granny Smith, Sonata, and Big Mac so special?"

Sunset Shimmer frowns at my question. I start to think I overstepped my bounds before she responds sadly.

"Yes, I tricked a lot of people into thinking I cared about them before using them. Mystery Mint thought I was the most devoted person in the school newspaper, Cloud Kicker practically idolized how much spirit she thought I had for sports before Rainbow Dash took over as captain of every sport in the school, Snips and Snails thought they were becoming part of the popular crowd by doing things for me, and Flash Sentry thought I was a sweet girl who admired his passion for music. But all of those were pure lies. As for how you are special from them... it's a little harder to explain. I know with Mystery Mint and Cloud Kicker, I enjoyed Journaling and sports to some degree, but I never let myself go too far into interacting with them apart from that. Snips and Snails had somewhat similar goals as I did, but they hardly related to me since they were okay with being nothing more than lackeys to get what they wanted, and I didn't. And Flash...well he's a nice guy, but he gets a little...too devoted to his music sometimes, and it kind of gets annoying."

"Okay, and for me?" I ask.

Sunset Shimmer sighs before she answers.

"You were as easy to trick as Flash in your own way. Like him, all it took was acting interested in what you're passionate about to make you think I was falling for you, but what makes you different is that...well... we were on the same boat. Neither of us had any real friends before we met, we were both people who preferred to be alone whether for personal gain or for fear of being ridiculed, but when you thought I was the one person who cared about you, you treasured every moment we had right up to the moment we went to the Spring Fling together. That's something I never even considered to be important until Princess Twilight and the others took me under their wing and eventually made me an official part of their group. So I guess you're different because now, after being turned into a demon and eventually forgiven for my mistakes, I understand how much our friendship meant to you and thus how much we are alike. That's why I wanted us to start over more than anyone else I ever deceived; because you're the only other person who knows what it's like to be alone most of your life and has discovered how wonderful it is to have people in your life that truly matter."

Neither of us says anything right away.

"Well, um...that explains a lot," I manage to say. "Guess we are a little more alike than I thought."

Sunset Shimmer smiles.

"Plus, we have had some of the same experiences over this past year," she adds.

I raise my eyebrow and ask, "How do you figure?"

"Well let's see," she begins. "We both have been a part of doing some pretty nasty things for my gain that we really regret, we both were accepted into a group of friends before we got kicked out after being framed by Anon-a-Miss, we both have experienced heartbreak during the Anon-a-Miss scenario with the Rainbooms and Octavia, we both gained real friends who care about us - you with Soarin and Caramel and me again with the Rainbooms, and we've both had our first boyfriend/girlfriend only to have them eventually dump us."

I think about it for a second before I find myself chuckling.

"You're right," I say. "I guess when it's all said and done, both of us have had a pretty bittersweet year. Though at least you and the Rainbooms made up. I'm still hoping Octavia might take me back."

Sunset Shimmer frowns at this comment.

"Don't be too sure," she says. "Yes, I'm friends with Rainbow Dash and Applejack and the others again and I'm thrilled that we are, but it still hurts that they were quick to believe I haven't changed, and even if you eventually get back together with Octavia, you'll probably still feel hurt that she broke up with you like that too. Pain like that takes time to heal whether you makeup or not, and I know I'm not entirely over it yet, and you won't be either if/when you get her back."

I think about her words again before I sigh.

"I guess you're right," I say before I give her a hopeful smile. "Then I guess we're both gonna have to use this new year to heal together as friends again."

Sunset Shimmer gives me a kind smile.

"I'd like that," She says.

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie appears right in front of us, squealing in excitement.

"Hey you guys, what are you doing over there?" She asks. "The ball is going to drop in one minute!"

Sunset Shimmer and I look past Pinkie and see the timer on the news reading at fifty-four seconds and counting. We quickly get off the couch, and Pinkie Pie escorts us to join the groups while giving each of us new year hats and glasses and bottles of apple cider. By the time we entered the huddle, the timer was at twenty seconds, and Sonata is at the very front of the screen counting down excitedly with everyone else starting to follow. Finally, the countdown went down to zero as the ball drops on top of the tower at Manehattan, and we all shout, "Happy new year!" While Pinkie Pie fires steamers that cover the whole room while everyone else opens their bottles of cider and clinks each other's bottles before chugging them down.

I turn to Sunset Shimmer and she looks at me back as we smile and lift our bottles.

"To a less, bittersweet year," she says.

I nod in agreement as I say, "To a less, bittersweet year indeed," and we clink each other's bottles before we drink it all down.

Then suddenly, Pinkie Pie comes up from behind us, shouting, "group hug!" And wraps her arms around me and Sunset Shimmer tightly. Sonata's eyes light up, clearly, wanting to join in as she quickly runs over and hugs me. The next thing I know, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Granny Smith, Big Mac, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, and Rarity (albeit reluctantly on my part) join in on the hug, squeezing the air from my lungs. I look at Sunset Shimmer, who looks at me back with a nervous chuckle, clearly experiencing the same thing.

I can't help but smile at this moment. The year where I have finally made friends, gotten hypnotized twice, chased down a convict and fallen in love has ended, and it feels good to hope for a better one with a group of friends for the very first time in my life.