Stopped

58

POV SUNSET

A few minutes of film were enough for the situation to be under control. The atmosphere was calm, the only existing noise was the dialogue of the film. Applejack struggled with sleep, but the effect of alcohol seemed to have passed, at least for the most part. Rainbow Dash played alone, pointing to the ceiling and counting the partitions. Fluttershy watched the girl lying next to him with a slight singing smile.

Pinkie had always been a fan of comedy movies, analyzed the scenes with her eyes almost jumping out of the orbits. It was to be expected that she would be the most excited about the movie, she liked anything that made people laugh, or at least give a little smile. Pinkie sat cross-legged and leaned her hands on her knees, reminded me of a child watching her favorite cartoon.

I remained seated, I anchored myself with my pillow positioned behind my back. As much as I had suggested the comedy movie, I preferred action and adventure movies. However, I imagined that a film of such a genre would not be so interesting for the rest of the group.

I heard movements coming from my right. When I turned my face, my lips bent into a weak smile. Rarity tried to keep her composure after Applejack fell asleep and leaned his head on his shoulder. Calmly, the one with purplish hair was adjusting its own body and that of Applejack, so that both were in a comfortable position.

Pinkie had a low laugh with a funny line from one of the characters. Twilight, who was previously silent next to me, also had a brief laugh. I admired her face a little and saw her yawn, putting her hand subtly over her mouth.

- Sleep? - I asked in the form of a whisper. Twilight looked away from the television.

- A little - he admitted - I wanted to see the rest of the movie, but I don't know how much longer I can take it.

- I also don't know if I can stand it for a long time - I twisted my lips - I think I'll try to sleep.

I fixed my pillow, stuck myself further under the covers and lay down, ready to sleep. Twilight did the same as me, lying in front of me and taking part of the blanket for herself. I tried to cover it better, giving up more of my bed linen.

Even ready to sleep, our eyes were not closed. We exchanged tender looks and sweet smiles. My hand passed through his bangs and ran through the longer threads that were indebbling to fall down his face. I put a lock of hair behind your ear and stroked your cheek again with my thumb. I looked at her face, appreciating the way she reacted to affection: her eyes closed involuntarily with each caress and her breathing relaxed.

I took a brief look at the rest of the girls. Rarity still seemed to be worried about Applejack and looking for a way to better adjust her posture. Rainbow Dash, apparently, had stopped playing with the ceiling, I wasn't sure if she was sleeping or not, much less Fluttershy, who had her back to me, so I didn't know if she had her eyes open or not.

Pinkie, finally leaving the film aside, looked at the other end of the pile of mattresses.

Are you going to sleep already? - he asked me with a shake of his head, I confirmed in the same way - all right, good night.

I gave a silent good night to Pinkie who just smiled and paid attention to the movie again - all the sugar she ingested certainly affected her sleep. I drowned on the mattress again and Twilight was still awake, but almost asleep. Her eyes were tired, she was clearly exhausted.

I pulled her closer, trying my best to keep her comfortable. Twilight could not resist, on the contrary, she approached me and sank her face below my chin, resting her head between the curve of my neck and my shoulder. I wrapped your body with my arms and, as a good night, I gave a chaste kiss on your forehead. After a few seconds, I could feel her breathing slow down and get more rhythmic, she had slept.

~*~

It was dawn when I woke up with a dry mouth. Twilight still slept like an angel next to me. I got out of your body cautiously to go to the kitchen to have a glass of water. Fortunately, I didn't wake her up. When I got up, I could see that the kitchen light was on and one of the mattresses was empty. It wasn't just me who was thirsty in the middle of the night.

Going to the kitchen, I found Rarity, leaning on the counter, drinking water slowly, immersed in her own thoughts. He got a little scared when he saw me sneaking into the room. His hand went to his chest, but gently went down when he realized that it was me who had entered the kitchen.

- Was it also thirsty? - I asked while I was going to the fridge.

- You can say yes - she smiled crooked - I came to drink water and found myself reflecting a little.

- How are you? - I worried. I closed the refrigerator and opened one of the water bottles that were stored there.

- Everything is great - she smiled - I mean, I couldn't be happier where I am now, you know? Tonight was amazing.

- It was a really good day - my look hunted Twilight in the room - but what made you so thoughtful?

Rarity bit his lip, an insecure countenance took over his face. I softened my espresso, indicating to her that I was all ears for what she had to say. We didn't know each other enough to say we were friends, but it all started somewhere, and trust was the first step.

- It's a strange, good, but strange feeling - she smiled crooked - I don't know if she told you, but we're getting along well.

- She said yes - she smiles, it was obvious that Rarity was talking about Applejack - I'm happy for that.

- Me too - your lips opened a sincere smile - I don't think I've ever felt that way, so sure of what I'm doing. It seems that things are finally lining up, you know?

I squeezed my water bottle more and looked affectionately at the group that was sleeping in the living room. I had my usual friends there, plus Fluttershy and Rarity who talked to me there in the kitchen. And yet, there was Twilight, one of the reasons I smiled so much in the last few weeks.

- I understand what you mean - squeaped smile - I can say that I share the same feeling as you, and I can't imagine that it's just us, I think the rest of the girls can feel the same, maybe.

- Still, it's good to know that I'm not the only one - Rarity put a hand on my shoulder - I'm glad I can talk about it with you. I hope we can be friends, and not just talk because I'm friends with the girl you like.

- I would like that too - I had a low laugh, controlling the volume so that I wouldn't wake up the others.

Rarity and I gave warm and friendly smiles to each other. From the corner of my eye, I saw Twilight move on the mattress. It was time for me to go back to bed.

- I think I'd better go back, before I lose sleep or wake someone up - I put my empty bottle on the kitchen counter.

- All right, I'll go in a little while too, even if I doubt that Applejack will wake up - Rarity laughed softly - good night, Sunset.

- Good night Rarity.