//------------------------------//
// Homesick Part 02 
// Story: The Shadowbolts Adventures 
// by DragonShadow 
//------------------------------//

A lot of people wouldn't consider the Happy Cat Diner to be the most dignified place to work. Sunset Shimmer didn't really mind it, though. Growing up as a pony in Equestria, she rarely wore clothes anyway, so she didn't mind wearing less of it here in the human world. If humans had an obsession with ogling her boobs they were free to, she was getting paid for it after all. Besides, the owners were actually quite considerate about it, and made sure they were well paid and taken care of.

So it was with a clear mind that she made her way to the lockers in the back room at the end of her shift, trailed close behind by Adagio Dazzle, the friend she had helped to get a job here after discovering her homeless in the street some time ago.

"Good work today, Adagio." Sunset turned toward her with a smile. "I think things went really smooth."

Adagio gave her a tired thumbs up as she trudged her way towards her own locker to pry it open and begin changing out of her jeans and cowboy hat. It had been a long day, but Sunset had had something on her mind for a while.

"So, Dagi..." Sunset approached her friend with her hands clasped in front of her. "You've been in the human world for a long time, right?" There was a moment of silence before Adagio moved the locker door out of the way so she could fix her with a droll glare. "Right, stupid question. A thousand years. Got you." Adagio nodded and turned back to her locker. "Anyway, I actually had plans this weekend to see Equestria again... I thought maybe you three would want to tag along. It has been a long time after all."

There was silence, as expected, while Adagio slipped on her plain white t-shirt and thick hoodie over her normal blue-jeans. The locker closed, and suddenly Adagio was fixing Sunset Shimmer with a long, intense stare, as if trying to search her soul for something. 

"I promise this isn't a prank or a joke. I just thought you might like to see the old stomping grounds again."

Adagio lifted her hand to her chin, narrowing her eyes as if in deep thought. Then she reached behind her to the small array of flags tucked into the back of her jean pockets. Do you want to come home with me? She took out an empty flag to scribble on it really quickly. We can discuss this with the others.

"Sure, I'll come along with you."

One quick wardrobe change and bus ride later, and the two working girls were approaching the homeless shelter at a quick, even pace. Past the lobby and down the hallway, they entered the room that Adagio was helping pay for. They found Aria Blaze lying on the bed staring at the ceiling, and Sonata Dusk sitting on the floor with a box of markers, trying to draw a picture of a flower on a blank sheet of paper.

Adagio snapped both of her fingers, which drew her Life Partners' attention to them. After that, she gestured to Sunset with a flourish and stepped out of her way.

"Oh, uh... thanks, I guess." Sunset giggled nervously at suddenly being the center of attention. "I was just wondering... I'm planning to go back to Equestria for the weekend. Would any of you like to go with me? I know it's been a long time."

Aria's face was blank, but Sonata placed a finger to her chin and stared at the ceiling as if in deep thought. After a couple of long moments she looked back down at her drawing, then held it up and pointed to it as she shook her head. "It's alright, you don't have to go. I know you have friends here now." Sunset assured her with a smile. "I just thought I would extend the offer."

Adagio let out a soft sigh as she walked across the room, shaking her own head and placing a gentle hand on Sonata's shoulder. Sonata seemed oblivious to the gesture as she resumed her coloring. Sunset flashed her an understanding smile and a thumbs up before turning back to Aria, who was still giving her a blank stare from her place on the bed.

"Aria? Do you want to go?" Sunset gave her the best smile she could muster, but Aria didn't respond. After a minute of staring Sunset finally brushed off the non-reaction. "Alright, it's no biggie. It's been a long time, I'm sure you've all built up quite an attachment to this world. It's a nice world." She turned back to the door and gripped the doorknob. "I'll make sure to swing by and say goodbye before I go." She turned the knob, but was stopped by a firm hand on her shoulder.

Aria Blaze was standing behind her, gripping her arm as she turned. She gave a slow nod as soon as she had Sunset's attention. "Oh, yeah? Great, that's cool." Sunset smiled in relief. "I could use some friendly company there. Do you think you can get to Canterlot High on Friday afternoon, after school lets out?" Aria released her arm with a curt nod. "Great. I'll see you there, then."

With that, Sunset left the three former-Sirens to their daily business as she made her own way back home with a slight bounce in her step. Going back to Equestria was going to be so strange... it was nice not to have to do it alone.