Children of the Star-Another Sunset

by Grey Ghost


She's My Cherry Pie

Moon Dancer was riding in the back of Star’s car with Sunset beside her. “So what was that thing you guys had under the sheet?” Dancer asked, looking between the two.

“Can't tell ya yet.” Sunset smirked. “It's a secret~”

“Aww, please?” Moon begged, giving her sister a pleading look. “I won’t tell anyone before you show it off.”

“You’ll just have to wait and see, Moon.” Sunset shook her head.

“Fine,” Moon pouted, crossing her arms as she looked out the window. Sunset chuckled, ruffling Moon’s hair.

“I’m glad to hear you’re so excited about what we’ve prepared,” Star commented from the front seat. “By the way, how’s your laptop treating you, Moon?”

“Oh it's great dad.” Moon smiled. “We bought a desk for it and everything.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” He smiled. “Just try not to get addicted to it like a certain someone.” He gave Sunset a teasing look through the rearview mirror.

“I'm not addicted to the computer,” Sunset protested with a frown.

“You’re right,” he conceded. “You can easily pull yourself away from the computer for one of your RPG’s.”

“Should I bring up the time you didn't shower for two weeks?” Sunset threatened.

“It wasn’t two weeks,” Star protested. “It was a week and a half. June already chewed my head off for that one. And I at least own up to my addictions.”

“Uh huh, sure ya do.” Moon looked between the two and giggled to herself.

“Is this how you guys always act?” Moon asked.

“Yup.” Sunset nodded. “Dad’s basically just an oversized kid.”

“Maturity and acting like an adult just seemed so boring that I just never bothered with it,” Star added.

“See? Dad's a kid, he’s just tall.” Sunset beamed. Everyone in the car shared a laugh over that.

“Just remember Sunny, you’re my daughter. You’ll be the same way when you’re my age,” he told her with a grin.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“I was including forgetting to take showers in favor of crazy inventions in that,” he added.

“What? No way! I'm not as forgetful as you.”

“Give it time,” he teased. “Pretty soon you’ll need a June Bug of your own to remind you of your basic needs. Like food and hygiene.”

“Mrs. June is really nice.” Moon smiled, trying to come to Sunset’s aid.

“True,” Star replied. “Just one of many reasons that I married her.”

“You should have seen the look on her face when I started calling her mom.” Sunset smiled, bringing up the image in her mind.

“I was almost worried she cracked your ribs from that hug,” he said, remembering the moment as well.

“I wouldn't have minded. Much.” The rest of the trip was spent with some mild chit-chat amongst the three before they pulled into Crystal Academy’s parking lot. Star parked the car and took the sheet covered device out of the trunk.

“Nice place.” Sunset looked around, her eyes widening as she spotted a familiar family. “Hey Lemon Zest!”

“Sunset!” Lemon cheered as she rushed over to hug her. “It’s so good to see you!”

“It's great to see you too.” Sunset returned her hug, beaming.

“Nice to see you again Lemon,” Star greeted.

“Nice to see you too Mr. Dust. And hey to you too, Moonie,” Lemon greeted.

“H-hi Lemon.” Moon waved.

“It's alright Moon, Lemon’s family,” Sunset assured with an easy smile.

“Yeah, Sunset’s my sister, which makes us sisters too.” Lemon wrapped an arm around Moon’s shoulder. “She told me all about you in our emails.” Moon hesitated a little before hugging Lemon back. “So, you got something cool planned for this?” Lemon turned to Sunset. “You were all hush, hush in your messages.”

“You know it L, we’re gonna knock everyone's socks off.” Sunset smirked. “What about you? You got anything to show off?”

“You kidding? The folks are gonna be showing off some custom amps we cooked up.” She jabbed a thumb over her shoulder as her parents wheeled over equipment on carts.

“A pleasure seeing you both again.” Star walked over, getting into an animated conversation with the two.

“So are you really gonna leave your sisters in the dark on this thing you’re showing off?” Lemon asked Sunset with an easy smile.

“Hey, my lips are sealed, especially with you two.” Sunset rolled her eyes. ”Can't risk it leaking out before the reveal.”

“You’re cold, Sunny,” Lemon teased. “Come on, I’ll show you where this is all going down.” She turned and led the two into the building.

“Are you two friends?” Sunset asked, looking between her sisters.

“We don’t have that many classes together, but ever since you told me she was your sister, I’ve been having lunch with her to get to know her better,” Lemon answered.

“Looking after her, I hope?”

“You know it!” Lemon beamed. “Zests always look out for family.”

“Lemon’s really nice...” Moon added, pushing her glasses back up her nose.

“I gotta treat my family right,” Lemon replied, patting Moon on the shoulder. Moon smiled, relaxing a little.

“Are there any really bad bullies at this school?” Sunset asked. “You never really talked about that in our messages.”

“I mean, the whole school is competition obsessed.” Lemon frowned. “It can get real bad during events.”

“Yeah, it’s especially bad at Crystal Prep when the Friendship Games roll around,” Moon added.

“Friendship Games?” Sunset asked curiously

“It’s an event that happens every few years between Crystal Prep and Canterlot High School,” Lemon explained. “It’s an athletic and academic competition.”

“Huh.” Sunset blinked. “Fenrir High doesn't have anything like that.”

“We’re not quite sure why they do it,” Moon said. “It was started a long time ago.”

“Well, I'll make sure to catch yours.” Sunset smiled, pulling them both into a hug.

“Thanks Sunset,” Moon said. “Though we may not participate in it. Only a select group called the Shadowbolts take part in it.”

“Shadowbolts huh? I know the two of you will make the cut.”

“Thanks Sunset, though I don’t know if I wanna make the cut,” Moon said. “I’ve heard rumors that the principal at Crystal Prep takes the games way too seriously.”

“I heard the principal before her was even worse.” Lemon shivered.

“Yeah, I heard he slipped his students performance enhancing drugs,” Moon said. “Crystal Prep was supposedly sued over it.”

“My friend Sugarcoat told me he used to be married to CHS’s vice principal.”

“I’m guessing if that’s true then she probably divorced him after hearing about slipping illegal drugs to students without their knowledge,” Sunset guessed.

“What's more is, he got custody of their son.” Lemon made a face. “I'd hate to be that kid.”

“Man, I feel sorry for him,” Sunset said with a frown. “I mean, his dad and mine couldn’t be more different.”

“Yeah, your dad is pretty cool.” Lemon smirked. “Not as cool as mine though.”

“My dad owns a house full of secret passages,” Sunset retorted with a smirk.

“Oh yeah? My dad used to be in a famous band,” Lemon shot back.

“My dad is currently the foremost scientist in his field,” Sunset retorted.

“Yeah, but I bet he doesn't have people asking for his autograph.”

“He totally has,” Sunset said.

“No way!” Lemon scoffed, “Your dad’s a turbo nerd.”

“Turbo nerds have fans too, Lemon,” Sunset said.

“You two really are like sisters,” Moon Dancer piped up as they reached the doors to the auditorium.

“You should’ve seen it when we lived together,” Sunset said as they walked in. “Lemon hogged all the hot water because she wouldn’t stop singing in the shower.”

“I had to practice.” Lemon stuck her tongue out, walking inside. The place was packed with people, with families setting up their presentations.

“Wow, looks like a lot of families are going all out for this,” Sunset commented.

“I told you it got competitive.” Lemon nodded. “My family’s by the side door. Let's find your booth.” Sunset and Moon nodded and eventually found Star putting the last touches on the booth towards the center of the auditorium.

“Hi girls, did you have fun catching up?” he asked.

“Totally.” Sunset nodded. “You get everything set up?”

“Yup, it’s all good to go,” he said with a thumbs up.

“Sweet.” Sunset grinned, only to blink as Lemon poked her side.

“Sunny, that cop is totally eyeballing you.” She pointed to a booth not too far away, where a blue skinned cop was helping a purple girl set something up.

“Whoa, that’s the guy who picked me up at that restaurant all those years ago,” Sunset said.

“Wait, really?” Star asked, following their gaze. “Do you want to go over, Sunny?”

“I guess we should,” Sunset replied, starting to walk up to him. She stopped at the booth, clearing her throat. “Uh... hello sir.”

“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again,” the officer said, adjusting his hat. “Hello Sunset.”

“It's good to see you again too sir.” She nodded, shifting on her feet a little. “I'm sorry but, I can’t quite remember your name.”

“It’s Night Light,” he replied with a chuckle. “So what are you doing here?”

“Oh well, my little sister asked my dad and I to come with her today.” Sunset beamed, gesturing to her family's booth.

“And where do you go to school?” Night Light asked. “If I remember correctly you should be about thirteen so you should be a middle schooler too.”

“Actually, I'm in my third year at Fenrir High,” Sunset corrected with a hint of pride in her voice.

“Seriously?” The purple girl by Nightlight gasped. “Fenrir high is like… the top high school in the state.”

“Sleipnir Academy said I was just too smart for them,” Sunset joked. “Is this your daughter?” Sunset asked, looking at Night Light.

“Yup, say hello to Twilight Sparkle,” he said, patting his daughter on the head. “She’s got her mother’s good looks and love of books.”

“It's nice to meet you, Twilight.” Sunset smiled, holding her hand out. “Your dad helped save my life you know.”

“Yeah, I think I remember him telling me about you when I was little,” Twilight replied, shaking her hand. “He came home and hugged me for a long time.”

“Yeah, it was pretty sad,” Sunset agreed, “Anyway, I heard you've been giving my little sister a hard time in the brains department.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, gulping. “I-I try to stay out of people’s way.”

“Relax, I was joking,” Sunset assured her.

“So, you found your dad?” Night asked, smiling at her. “I remember you saying you didn’t have one.”

“Yeah.” Sunset beamed. “His name is Star Dust. He’s amazing.”

“Your dad is Star Dust!?” Twilight gasped, her sparkling. “As in the famous astrophysicist?!”

“The one and only.” Sunset nodded. “I could introduce you if you want.”

“C-could I get his autograph too?” Twilight asked with a sheepish smile. “He’s one of my heroes.”

“You're not the first to ask that,” Sunset chuckled, “I know he won't have any problems with it.”

“Thank you.” Twilight smiled and let Sunset lead her over to Star.

“Hey Dad, I found you a groupie,” Sunset joked, getting their attention.

“So you found another budding scientist that likes my work?” Star asked with a grin, looking down at Twilight.

“H-hello sir...” Twilight stuttered, looking at her shoes.

“You don’t have to call me sir,” Star said with a soft smile. “Just Star Dust will do.”

“I'm Twilight Sparkle...”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Twilight,” Star said. “I always love to see young people taking interest in my work.”

“She would like to know if she could have your autograph,” Sunset explained.

“Of course you can,” Star stated. “Is there anything specific you’d like me to sign?” Twilight nodded, holding out a small book, a copy of one of his own.

“That’s my first book,” he noted, taking it and pulling out a pen. “I believe there’s a section with my doctorate research on black holes.” He signed it, leaving a message for her.

“I’ve read it at least a dozen times, it's all so fascinating!” Twilight grinned, hugging the book to her chest.

“That’s why I study space in the first place,” Star said. “The motion of stars and galaxies, the effects that black holes have on the light of surrounding stars, I want to study it all.”

“Sometimes, he gets so into it, he forgets to shower,” Sunset whispered, getting a giggle out of the younger girl.

“If it weren’t for my puppy, I’d probably forget to go to sleep some nights,” Twilight admitted with a chuckle.

“You got a puppy?” Sunset asked, letting her father get back to whatever he was doing.

“Uh huh,” Twilight nodded, “his name is Spike. He’s a tiny, little purple dog. I love him.”

“How'd he get a name like Spike?” Lemon asked, squeezing into the conversation.

“Oh um… I kinda liked the irony of such a cute, little dog having a name like that,” Twilight said with a weak smile.

“Heh, you're pretty funny, Purple Smart.” Lemon smiled. “How about Moonie and I hang out with ya at lunch?”

“Sure,” Twilight nodded, “I usually just read by myself after I finish my food.”

“Sweet!” Lemon grabbing Twilight, pulling the poor girl into a group hug with herself and Moon Dancer.

“Ack!” Twilight squeaked, squirming slightly. Sunset just shook her head, moving over to her father.

“Ready to unveil it?” Sunset asked, looking at their hidden invention.

“Ah yes, I do believe it’s time. Come on Sunny, we’re doing this together.” Star and Sunset grabbed the sheet and yanked it away from the device, revealing it to everyone.

“What is that?” Lemon asked, releasing her captives.

“It's a digital scent generator.” Star Dust grinned. “Care to try it?”

“Sure,” Lemon nodded, “just tell me what I gotta do.”

“Alright put your nose here.” He pointed to an upward-facing screen that was currently displaying a rose. She did as she said and took a deep breath through her nose.

“Whoa, that smells just like a rose!” Lemon said, backing away from the device.

“And June said this was pointless.” Star grinned. “Looks like we proved her wrong.”

“I don’t think it working proves that this thing isn’t pointless,” Sunset said, scratching her cheek. She pressed a button on the device, the image changing to a bar of chocolate.

“Bah!” He brushed her off with a dismissive wave.

“Anyway, who wants to try this next?” Sunset asked, rolling her eyes at her father’s behavior. Twilight stepped up eagerly, giving Sunset a smile. “Okay Twilight, just do the same thing that Lemon did.”

Twilight took in a deep breath, letting out a delighted hum. “That smells like the real thing!”

“That’s perfect,” Star said. “So far, we’ve got a little over 357 different scents programmed into the device.”

“I can't believe you got smells to do that.” Moon leaned in close, examining the machine.

“I got inspired from a sci-fi parody,” Star said, patting the device.

“Don't listen to him,” Sunset argued, “He totally made smell-o-vision.”,

“We’re still workshopping that name, but it is apt,” Star said with a shrug. “Anyway, who wants to try it now? Just name a smell and see if we nailed it.”

A small crowd gathered around, each person calling out a different smell.
“Let’s start with you,” Sunset said, pointing to a pale yellow girl with blue hair. “What do you want to smell?”

“Hot dogs.” Star pressed a few buttons on the side of the machine and the image of a hot dog appeared on the screen. She took a long whiff, licking her lips.

“Seems we have another success on our hands. Who wants to try it next?” Star asked with a grin. A few more people went up, the crowd growing.

“I think it’s safe to say we’ve outdone Twilight,” Sunset whispered to Moon. Moon was beside herself, pulling her into a hug. “Glad to see you like our display,” Sunset said, returning the hug.

“It's amazing, Sunset!” Moon smiled, her glasses sliding down her nose.

“We had to go all out for you,” Sunset replied, fixing her sister’s glasses.

“Love you Sunny.”

“Love you too, Moonie,” Sunset replied, squeezing her little sister.


“Thanks for helping me move into the dorm, Mom.” Sunset smiled as they set her dresser down.

“As if I wouldn’t help you move into your dorm room,” June replied with a smile of her own. “And at Jormungand University. I couldn’t be more proud.”

“I owe it all to you and Dad.” Sunset stood up, wiping some sweat off her forehead. “Dad did say I could get into college before I was sixteen.”

“You’re being too modest.” June chuckled. “You worked so hard for this.”

“Yeah but you guys helped a lot,” Sunset argued.

“How about we split the credit 50/50 then?” June asked, extending her hand. Sunset smirked, shaking her hand.

“Agreed.” June smiled and pulled out a camera, snapping a quick photo.

“Alright, I’d better get going. Your father’s probably halfway through a tub of rocky road by now and crying. Have fun at your orientation, Sunny.”

“Give Herc a big hug for me will ya?” Sunset asked, walking her to the door.

“Of course,” June replied, “he’s gonna miss his big sister like crazy. Expect a ton of texts from him.”

“I'll make sure to come back for holidays,” Sunset assured with a smile.

“Oh, you don’t have a choice in that,” June said with a cheeky grin. “We’d drag you back against your will if we had to.”

“Have a safe trip, Mom.”

“And you learn a lot,” June said, giving Sunset a hug before leaving the dorm. Sunset waved her off before shutting her door.

“Now what?” she asked, looking around her newly furnished dorm. “I guess I could walk around the campus a bit. And I think there’s a place to grab a drink and snacks.” Sunset grabbed her wallet, left the dorm and started going for a walk.

She smirked at the odd looks she got, waving at the gawkers.

“Guess no one heard anything about me,” she said to herself, walking past a courtyard with a fountain. It was a rather nice day, the only person near her was a slightly older grey skinned boy with long white hair. He was absorbed in a book, not really paying attention. Sunset stopped to look at a flower bed, breathing in the fresh air before feeling something bump into her. “Gah!” She toppled over, luckily catching herself with her hands.

“Oh geez, are you alright?” The boy asked, looking down at her.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, getting up and brushing herself off. “I’ve been through worse than a little fall.”

“Still, I should have been watching where I was going.” He rubbed his neck. “I'm sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it,” she waved off. “I’ve been totally absorbed in a book before too.”

“I'm Grey Ghost.” He smiled weakly, holding his hand out.

“I’m Sunset Shimmer, nice to meet you,” she replied, shaking his hand.

“It's nice to meet you too.” He smiled, looking her over. “You got family on campus?”

“Nope, I made sure not to attend the college where my grandpa teaches,” she replied.

Grey blinked for a few moments before what she said registered. “Oh! You’re that child prodigy everyone's going on about.”

“I mean, more like a teenage prodigy at this point,” Sunset replied with a chuckle. “I mean, I’m nearly sixteen.”

“What made you pick this place? The way people talk about you, you could have gone anywhere in the country.”

“I liked the place,” she answered. “And I mean, my grades weren’t that good. You get a little over a 4.0 in your GPA and people start flipping out.”

“Uh huh, right.” He nodded in disbelief. “Anyway, were you headed anywhere? I could show you around if you'd like.”

“I was just walking around,” Sunset said. “But I wouldn’t say no to the company. You can even buy me a snack or something to make up for knocking me over.” She smirked, poking him in the chest.

“Alright, alright.” He put his hands up to placate her. “Got anything in mind?”

“I dunno, I’ll tell ya when we get there,” she replied. “But I hope you have deep pockets.” Her smirk grew and she started walking.

“I can't ever get a break.” He hung his head, leading her to the on campus cafe. Sunset took a deep breath, taking in all the exotic smells.

“Mmm, I can tell this place is gonna be a pretty common place for me to go to,” she said. “And it looks like they have good pastries too.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty good.” He gave her a smile. “So Sunset, whaddya want?”

“I think I’ll go with a cup of coffee and a chocolate donut,” she answered. “What about you?”

“You drink coffee?” he asked, raising his eyebrow.

“Yeah, I drink it all the time. Especially when my dad and I get on a roll working on an invention,” Sunset explained.

“You're nuts,” he joked, getting in line.

“Maybe a little,” she admitted with a giggle. “I mean, I was raised by two crazy people.”

“Nothing's crazier than my dad,” Grey argued, “Trust me.”

“My dad is currently trying to build a robot,” Sunset challenged with a grin.

“A robot?” he shot back with an incredulous look.

“I’m dead serious,” she said, holding a hand up. “I’ve even seen the plans.”

“Okay, that's totally got mine beat,” he conceded with a bow.

“Yeah, lucky for me my dad’s the good crazy. He’s helped me play a lot of awesome games that never make it stateside.” Sunset smiled.

“Lucky girl.” He grinned. “A gamer and a genius, great combo.”

“Are you into games too?” Sunset asked.

“Guilty as charged.”

“Then I should show you my gaming setup some time,” she offered.

“I'd like that.” He smiled. “We could nerd out together.”

“Nice, so what are you studying, Grey?” she asked.

“Me? I'm trying to get into physics. What about you?”

“Astrophysics,” she replied. “Seems we can nerd out over something else together.”

“Fun times.” He stepped up to the counter, placing their orders.

“Was that sarcasm, Mr. Ghost?” Sunset asked with a smirk as she took her coffee and donut.

“What? No way.” He waved her off, walking over to an empty table. He had gotten himself some hot chocolate and an eclair.

“Alright, so since you’re into games, what’s your favorite one?” Sunset questioned, putting cream and sugar in her coffee.

“What, don't believe my cred?” He asked, sipping at his drink.

“Nope, just want to make sure you’re worthy of being in the presence of the teen prodigy,” she joked, sipping her own.

“Well, if it’s that important to you, my favorite game of all time is Final Fantasy 9.”

“I don’t know if this friendship will work out.” Sunset sighed. “Mine’s Final Fantasy 6.”

“I know, you don’t even like 3D games,” he teased. “You’re such a luddite.”

“Hold on, I like plenty of 3D games,” Sunset protested with a pout. “6 just happens to be the best Final Fantasy.”

“Uh huh, sure ya do, and I'm king of the campus.”

“Better polish your crown because I love RE4,” she retorted with a smirk.

“I bet you're one of those people who suck at tank controls,” Grey retorted.

“Oh, you did not just say that.” Sunset narrowed her eyes at him. “No one knocks my abilities, not even as a joke.”

“Gonna do something about it, shorty?” he challenged, taking a bite out of his eclair.

“Alright, gaming contest back in my room?” she retorted with a smirk. “Unless of course you can’t put your money where your mouth is.”

“Like I'm gonna be scared of an uppity junior high kid. You’re on.”

“You’re gonna need that confidence,” Sunset said, quickly finishing her donut. “But what you’ll really need is skill.” She got up and started walking, motioning with a finger for him to follow. Grey chuckled, rising out of his seat and following after her. Sunset led him back to her room and showed off the game collection she brought with her. “Alright, since I feel like being nice, I’ll let you pick the game.”

“You got a pretty good selection here.” Grey nodded, looking over the cases. “Maybe you’re not such a luddite.”

“I told you, my top ten of games, while mostly containing RPG’s, does have a mix of 2D and 3D games,” she replied, taking a seat and kicking off her shoes.

“How's about... Soul Calibur?”

“Ooh, a good choice.” Sunset smiled. “Unlucky for you though, my Yoshimitsu game is top notch.”

“Like I’m scared.” he sat down next to her, passing her the game case.

“You will be,” she replied in an impression of Yoda as she set the game up. “You will be.” He rolled his eyes, grabbing a controller. She grabbed her own and went to the character select screen. She picked Yoshimitsu. He picked Talim. “Huh, I didn’t peg you for a Talim guy.”

“Were you expecting me to pick Ivy? Or wait, Nightmare perhaps?”

“Nope, Voldo,” she teased, nudging him.

“No way, he’s too weird for me.” Grey shook his head.

“Coulda fooled me,” she teased again, giggling.

“I'm gonna knock your ass back to high school,” he taunted.

“Good luck with that,” she replied, starting the first round. They both put their all into it, with Grey winning the first found. “Huh, so you’re not just all talk,” she said, grinning up at him.

“I could say the same to you.” He smirked.

“I never say something that I can’t back up,” she replied, her grin growing.

“Lets see how true that is ya?”

“You’re on!” She beamed and started the next round. The game was even fiercer this time around, and Sunset narrowly won.

“You're pretty good,” Grey complimented.

“I’ve had a lot of practice,” she replied. “Wanna make this next round interesting with a wager?”

“What kinda wager?” He asked, his interest piqued.

“Well, for starters, this round will be winner takes all,” she answered. “And, the winner can make the loser do one thing, no matter how embarrassing. You in, or are you scared of a little girl?”

“I already told you I wasn't scared of you.” He rolled his eyes. “Fine, I accept your challenge.”

“Alright then.” Sunset started the third and final round. The two fought on, neither of them letting up. The match was close, both of them furrowing their brows in utter concentration. Eventually, Grey landed a lucky combo and knocked Sunset out of the ring.

“Looks like I win, shorty,” Grey said rather smugly.

“You got lucky with that cheap ring-out,” Sunset grumbled. “But a win’s a win, so what do I have to do?”

“Simple, be my cheer squad.” He smirked. “I think I can scrounge up a uniform that’d fit you.”

“And what exactly would being your cheer squad entail?” Sunset asked cautiously.

“I dunno, cheering behind me while I’m walking around campus for an afternoon or something?” He frowned, scratching his cheek.

“Okay, one of my best friends is, or I guess was, a cheerleader, so I think I can repeat some of her moves,” Sunset said with a nod.

“I didn't expect you to be such a good sport,” he admitted with a soft smile.

“Yeah, I might like to talk smack, but I know how to lose with grace. I mean, games are supposed to be fun, right?”

“Admit it, you thought I was gonna get weird on you, didn't you?” he asked, poking her arm.

She shook her head. “Nah, you don’t seem like that kind of guy. I mean, you haven’t tried anything weird despite us being alone in my room.”

“You can thank my mom.” Grey leaned back a little. “She made sure I wasn't an idiot.”

“I’ll be sure to thank her if I meet her,” she replied with a smile. “So, wanna play a different game?”

“Sure, though, how about we hold off on the wagers?” He asked, sitting back up.

“Ugh, take all the fun out of it why don’t you?” she teased as she looked through her collection.

“It's my way to spare you from any more humiliation,” he offered with a grin.

“Oh now you’ve earned yourself a beatdown, mister.” Sunset glared at him and pulled out a game. “Just for that, I’m breaking out my sister’s favorite, Puzzle Fighter.”

“I’ll beat you in that too.” He grinned, cracking his knuckles.

“I’d love to see you try,” she retorted, putting the game in.


“Ready?” Grey asked as he stood at Sunset's door, smirking at her.

“Did you have to get the shortest skirt on the planet?” Sunset blushed, holding her pom poms in the front and back of the skirt.

“It's the only thing I could find. That's why I gave you those shorts.” He gave her a flat look. “Please tell me you're wearing the shorts.”

She didn’t say anything, ducked back into her room and came back out wearing the black, tight shorts.

“...why weren't you wearing those to begin with...?”

“Can we stop with the interrogation so I can uphold my end of the bet?” she asked, shaking her pom poms slightly.

“Yes, yes.” He nodded. “Let the cheer squad begin.” He smirked, starting to walk away.

“I hope you enjoy this while it lasts, jerk,” Sunset said, following after him and shaking her pom poms. “Because next time it’s your ass in this get up.”

“I love the curses, just makes you seem more like a kid,” he teased, making his way to the main campus.

“It’s kinda scary how much you enjoy my discomfort,” she replied, starting a cheer.

“What? Come on, you know that's not true.” He looked back at her, frowning.

“Uh huh.” She rolled her eyes and went into another cheer, her cheeks coloring as she felt numerous eyes on her. Grey paused, looking at her.

“If you don't want to do this Sunset, you don't have to.”

“I agreed to the bet, so I’m gonna do this,” she replied, giving him a firm look.

“You're a tough kid, Sunny.” He smiled, continuing his walk.

“I have to be after everything I’ve been through,” she told him, doing another cheer. He waved at the gawkers, heading to his first class. “So, why did you want me to be your cheer squad?” she asked, doing a cartwheel.

“It was the first thing I came up with.” He shrugged, glancing back at her.

“The first thing thing that popped in your head was to put me in a revealing outfit?” she teased.

“You are pretty cute,” he offered. Sunset’s blush deepened, clearly caught off-guard by the comment.

“For a kid, right?” she asked, not looking at him.

“I mean... you're only like... three years younger than me?” he paused. “If I were a little younger or you were a little older, I’d have have asked you out already.” Sunset’s cheering faltered, her entire face matching the red in her hair.

“W-well, 17 is the age of consent,” she stated. “And I’m not far from being that age. What would you do then?”

“I think I'd ask you out,” he answered frankly. Sunset bit her lip, looking at him.

“And I think I might say yes if you did,” she said after a brief moment.

“Really?” he asked, sounding genuinely surprised.

“I mean, we do have a lot of fun together,” she said. “And you’re not half bad looking either.”

“Thanks...” he blushed with her, giving her a smile

“You’re welcome.” She returned his smile, and began another cheer, this one much more energetic than the others. He watched her for a moment before resuming his walk, a small spring to his step.


Sunset shut the door to her room and hopped onto her bed. She grabbed her phone and started tapping out a message.

“Sonata, I think I found a guy I really like!”

”Really? Give me the deets!”

”His name is Grey Ghost and he’s a ton of fun to be around. He likes a lot of the same stuff I do, he’s smart, and super cute!”

”Got a pic?” Sunset smiled and sent a pic she had taken with her phone.

”Whaddaya think?”

”I think that's the son of Crystal Prep’s last Principal. You know, the one that got in trouble?”

”So that’s what he meant when he said his dad was crazy. Do you think I should talk to him about this?”

”I mean, he didn't do anything wrong himself. Does it bother you he didn't tell you?”

”Not really. I mean, would you want to talk about your dad feeding steroids to kids?”

”Alright then. Now, gimme all the juicy deets gurl!”

”I met him on the first day when he literally bumped into me. I made him buy me a cup of coffee and a donut for that and we ended up going back to my room to play video games. I made a wager and lost to him and I ended up having to be his cheer squad today.”

”Oh Faust, did you have a uniform?”

”Pom poms and everything. Hold on, I’ll send you a pic.” Sunset got up and went to her bathroom to take a picture of her in the uniform. She then sent it to her friend.

”Wow, that's a short skirt.”

”He said that was the only one he could find in my size. Though I don’t buy it.”

”Well, that is an old Crystal Prep uniform. We played them a few times in the state championship.”

”Makes sense I guess. Anyway, do I look good in it?”

”Gurl you look great. Bet you had all the boys staring.

”Thanks, so how are things on your end?”

”Good, I got that teacher’s aid position!”

”I’m so happy for you, Sonny! I bet you’re gonna get so many love letters from the students.

”Thanks! I'm gonna be the best teacher ever!”

”I know you will! How are you and Alias doing by the way?”

”I think he might propose soon~”

“That sounds so great! Call me as soon as he does!”

”You got it Sunny.”

Sunset laid down on her bed and let out a happy hum. “I think things couldn’t be going any better right about now.” She peered into her mirror, smirking. “I totally look hot in this thing. And when I turn seventeen, Grey might just get to see what’s underneath it.”

She giggled to herself, shaking her head. “I got all the time in the world.”