//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Reconciliations // by Soufriere //------------------------------// “I don’t know if I’m comfortable with this,” Sunset Shimmer said as she sat on the edge of her bed. For the first time in what felt like ages, she was wearing street clothes instead of her pyjamas – which had been forcibly removed by Rarity for washing at the coin laundry down the block. “Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet now,” Rarity replied as she turned back from inspecting the squalor that was Sunset’s bedroom. “After all, you’re the one who wanted to do it this way. And this really is the best week for it; the others are all busy at different times, so their ‘visiting hours’ with you won’t overlap.” “Yes, I know. It was my idea, but I’m still uncomfortable,” Sunset said quietly, tugging on one of her jacket’s sleeves. Rarity nodded in acknowledgement but levelled a stern look at her friend. “Uncomfortable it may be, but you cannot remain confined mostly to your room. You must face other people again. You won’t heal any more until you do. Also, even if I wanted to be your go-between forever, which I do not, I simply lack the time now.” Sunset sighed. “Yeah. You have exams and stuff.” “So do you… I think,” Rarity said, unsure, before putting it out of her mind for the moment and moving on. “I also have a job that I’ve been shirking for far too long, dear. Now, don’t get me wrong; you’re far more important to me than a paycheck, but I would like to keep earning it, for my own health, and so I’m no longer tempted to steal your scooter for transp— Will you quit messing with your jacket!” Sunset immediately placed her hands on her knees. “Sorry. It’s been a while since I’ve worn street clothes. And Rachel’s still kind of new; I’m not used to her yet.” “Rachel is the one with the inner lining, yes? Odd even by your standards that you would wear such a warm jacket when the weather outside is far from frightful.” Sunset shrugged. “Sasha needed a break,” she explained. “I will never not be amused at the fact you name your jackets,” Rarity said with a smirk. “The thought of doing that never even occurred to me.” “That’s because you have more clothes than you know what to do with,” replied Sunset. “By the way, I also named my scooter. And my guitar. And my—” Rarity chuckled as she rolled her eyes. “Of course. Listen, I have to go to work now. The first one of our friends should be here in about an hour. “Which one?” Sunset asked. Rarity puzzled for a second, then shrugged. “I can’t remember. But it really doesn’t matter. All of them really do care about you and only want to help.” “Yeah, I guess so.” “However,” Rarity continued, “Don’t be discouraged if they’re unable to understand what you’ve been going through at first. Their hearts are in the right place. Also, do remember if you get overwhelmed, that breathing technique I taught you. Good luck. I have faith in you.” Sunset harumphed, “All right. Just get going. The last thing I need on my conscience is for you to be fired because of me.” Rarity took Sunset’s hand in both of her own for a few seconds, squeezing slightly. For a brief moment, their eyes met. Sunset saw the look on Rarity’s face – concerned, but also reassuring. As quickly as she noticed it, it was gone, replaced by the standard business smile Rarity wore most of the time. Rarity nodded once, then turned around and left the apartment without a word, waving goodbye on the way out, her multiple bracelets jangling as she did so. After the apartment door closed. Sunset sat in the silence for a moment before verbalizing to break the quiet. “Well… here we go. I can do this. They’re good kids. I can do this.”