//------------------------------// // Summer Emotions // Story: Natural Emotions // by MetalJrock //------------------------------// Ever since I came home, I've been thinking about Sunset more often than I'd like to admit. And I couldn't figure out why that was. I didn't think this was something I could talk to Twilight about. Well, not yet anyway. Not until I figured out exactly what it was I was feeling everytime I thought about Sunset. It was strange to say the least. I had no idea what was happening until Sunset was on summer vacation, and she had more spare time to relax. With Twilight, the girls and Spike away on another friendship mission and Trixie still touring Equestria, I thought to plan another visit to pass the time until they returned from wherever they went this time. Season 2: Summer Emotions The warmth of the Summer made Starlight a little uncomfortable, she admitted. The blistering heat of the day worn her out greatly, moreso than usual. Luckily, the sun was going down and she could feel a light breeze coming with the inevitable rise of the moon. The rest of the girls had returned home, leaving Sunset to see Starlight off to return back to Equestria. "So, the seasons and day change naturally in this world?" Starlight asked curiously, discussing the differences of both worlds. "I didn't think it could work like that." Sunset nodded, "Yeah, threw me for a loop too when I first arrived here. But you get used to it after a bit, I think. When you think about it, nature also works on a schedule and it changes at certain times of the year as well, we just don't do anything about it. And can't for that matter. I heard they call it 'Mother Nature'." Starlight pursed her lips, "Huh. Think magic could change things up a little?" she teased. A laugh escaped Sunset, "I'd rather not find out. Magic in this world is still a little unstable still, and I tried to figure it out. Me and Twilight actually. It usually leads to... less than pleasant results." she admitted, rubbing the back of her neck. "I can understand that." Starlight chuckled at that. Sunset said, "Anyway, enough of about that. It's Summer in Equestria as well, right? How's it been?" Starlight replied, "Pretty good. Things have been lightening up in terms of crazyness thankfully. But the girls still go out to solve friendship missions whenever they're needed. Sorry about not visiting sooner though, things do tend to pop up and I'm not sure how busy you are over here anyway to make plans like this." she apologized. Sunset held Starlight's hand reassuringly and smiled, making the purple-skinned girl's heart skip a beat, confusing her even more than usual, "It's fine, Starlight. No need to apologize for that. You got friends in Equestria and I have mine here, so there's need reason to feel neglectful." she paused to collect her thoughts, "At least we can keep each other company now." she shrugged off jokingly. "Heh, yeah." Starlight grinned back as Sunset released her palm, her soft fingers grazing skin, "I just felt I should mention that." "Well, you're always welcome in our little group. Remember that." Sunset replied, patting her friend's shoulder reassuringly. "And who knows? Maybe I'll pop into Equestria every now and then to say hello to you and Princess Twilight. How does that sound?" Starlight smiled, "That sounds... g-great!" she tried to hold back her sudden excitement. And when Sunset giggled at her enthusiasm she resisted the urge to smack herself in the face, again pondering her sudden attitude shift. The two walked a little further until they reached the statue, where they looked at each other. The orange sky was setting the mood for what was about to become a beautiful night. Not a cloud in to be seen. And Starlight Glimmer noticed something as she looked at her new friend. Something she hadn't really noticed until this moment. It was the setting sun, something about it's dimming light behind Sunset made her look beautiful and radient. The way it made her eyes sparkle and smile noticable as the orange light faded. If Starlight didn't know any better, she'd have thought a choir was singing for her sudden beauty. Then again, she'd assume that Pinkie would've done something like that anyway. But Sunset turned around to watch it, leaving Starlight to look at her yellow and red hair with a stunned gaze, "It's beautiful right? Seeing something like this happen naturally?" she asked her friend, snapping Starlight out of her thoughts once again once she realized she was being spoken to. "Y-Yeah..." she trailed off, her throat feeling dry all of a sudden and now at a loss of words. The fiery-haired girl turned back around to face Starlight once she was done looking, "You okay, Starlight? You look a little... lost." she wondered with some concern. Starlight smiled sheepishly, "N-No, I'm fine! Perfectly, totally fine! Just a little tired from this heat is all!" she lied as fast as she could, hoping her friend wouldn't catch on to whatever was wrong with her. Because honestly, she couldn'f anwer that herself at the moment. And it was driving her crazy. "...If you say so." replied Sunset awkwardly, "So, I guess this is it for now?" she asked. Starlight looked to where the portal was, "F-For now anyway." she answered with a finger raise, "I-If you want, you're always welcome a-at the castle to hang out. And you can always call for me with the journal..." she paused for a brief moment, "...o-or Twilight!" she corrected herself loudly at the last second. Sunset chuckled and replied, "Alright then, I'll keep that in mind then." Then, Sunset embraced Starlight in a friendly hug before she left. The action made the purple-skinned girl's face heat up, and it wasn't from the weather she noticed immediately. It felt... different than when Twilight or Trixie hugs her. And it sent tingles down her spine before she returned the brief embrace. She didn't want it to stop. She didn't want Sunset to let go now. The two unicorns let go and both looked to the portal. Starlight and Sunset waved to each other as the former walked in to Equestria, leaving Sunset to think about something, rubbing her wrist for a moment while musing about her powers. "I wonder what she's worrying about." she muttered, deciding not to pry until her friend felt ready to explain. Once she returned to Equestria, Starlight groaned, holding her head as her mind was beginning to drive her crazy, "Okay, I seriously have to figure this out now!" she told herself, marching to the library to finally seek answers to her recent behavior.