A Search For Something More

Chapter 50: So It Begins

The next day, I talk to Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Sonata, Caramel, and Soarin about the events of last night, excluding the E.M.R.'s discovery about this unknown person with magic. Obviously, they became uneasy when I confirmed that they gained new members thanks to their popularity, but they are also glad to hear that I convinced Vinyl and the others to have a private chat to reforge the alliance between both sides.

Eventually, however, I announce that I'm going to meet Octavia at Sugarcube Corner for milkshakes and to have our talk after school today. Clearly still wishing I was still with Sunset Shimmer, they gave me forced smiles and said they support what I'm doing when they actually don't. I frown in disappointment that while Sonata seems happy to hear this, not even Caramel and Soarin would encourage me with her.

After school ends for the day, I bump into Caramel and Soarin as I exited the building. They both gave me concerning glances as I approach them.

"So when are you going to meet Octavia?" Caramel asks.

"I'm on my way to meet her right now," I say. "Please don't tell me you two are thinking of finding a way to stop me or something."

Both of them wince at my accusations and sigh before Soarin speaks.

"We aren't going to stop you, Rough Draft," he says. "But we want to ask if this is what you really want."

"Of course, it is. Why wouldn't it be?" I ask.

"It's just that as much as we give Tavi credit for regretting her mistakes, we're also worried about whether or not this is the right thing for you," Caramel says. "You just got out of another huge relationship, and it sounds like you're thinking about jumping back into another serious relationship now that she knows the truth. We don't doubt that Octavia loves you again and all, but maybe you shouldn't rush into that."

"I'm not," I insist. "Octavia and I both know we can't be together again on the fly. Even if this talk goes as smooth as we hope, it'll be only one step towards giving our relationship another try. Just because I want to try again too does not mean I'm going to be making out and cuddling with her by the end of the day."

"But you hope too," Soarin says. "You're already thinking about stuff like that with her again, aren't you."

I hesitate before I give him a reluctant answer.

"Okay, I do a little," I admit. "As much as I should wait, part of me doesn't want to. And you're right, Caramel, I did just get out of another relationship, and I have spent a lot of time apart from Octavia devoting myself to that relationship. That's why I want us to take it slow. Like Sunset before her, Octavia and I would have to take time to fix things while a part of me still wishes Sunset would come back. She knows how much Sunset meant to me, and she's willing to wait."

"Still, we want you to be careful with what you're doing," Soarin says. "In fact, answer me this; if Sunset came back and wanted to get back together with you, who would you choose between her and Octavia?"

I frown at this question.

"Doesn't matter, Sunset Shimmer is gone,"

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After that unpleasant talk, Soarin and Caramel say their goodbyes, and I am finally able to continue walking to Sugarcube Corner.

As much as I hate to admit it, Soarin's words ring through my ear. Who would I choose if Sunset came back and wanted to get back together with me just as much as Octavia? The more I thought about it, the less of an answer I had.