//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Seasons of Life // by SoulFyre //------------------------------// Sunset Shimmer sat down on the steps leading to Canterlot High and set her duffel to the side. She let out a sigh of relief. Camp Everfree hadn’t been quite the fun experience she had expected. She felt like she spent the whole time stressing over the strangeness than anything else. It was kind of cool to be able to use magic again, she thought. Limited as it may be. She raised her right hand to her face. Her power was a bit more invasive than she’d have liked and much less useful in a dangerous situation like dealing with Gaea Everfree. “Contemplating your magic, I take it?” Sunset jumped a little and looked up. Rarity was standing over her with a sweet smile. “Mind if I sit?” Sunset chuckled and lowered her hand. “You really don’t need to ask, Rare.” Rarity sat on Sunset’s left and stretched out her legs. “Of course, I do.” She placed her hands on the stairs. “It costs nothing to be polite, Darling.” Sunset nodded. “True enough.” They sat there for a moment in silence before Rarity spoke. “Enjoy camp?” Sunset couldn’t help but laugh loudly. She calmed down after a minute before looking at the slightly smirking Rarity. “I did enjoy the dance,” she said. “My dress? Amazing. Kudos to the lovely designer.” Rarity blushed. “Oh, you are such a flatterer.” Sunset shrugged. “Only when it’s deserved.” “I liked the spring air, personally,” said Rarity. “Spring is such a lovely season. Bright colors, feelings of rebirth, the air like I mentioned.” Rarity sighed. “It is a great time for creativity.” Sunset smiled. “I’m an autumn girl myself. And yes, it’s autumn. Fall sounds so boring.” Rarity giggled. “I can agree with that.” “Back to spring,” said Sunset. “I’m glad it inspires you.” She elbowed Rarity. “I mean, you’re planning to make our Spring Fling dresses, aren’t you? It’s just a week away after all.” Rarity groaned. “Oh yikes, I forgot.” Sunset smirked. “You? Groaning over making dresses? Who are you?” Rarity looked at Sunset out of the corner of her eyes with a smirk of her own. “A very tired fashionista.” Sunset placed a hand on Rarity’s shoulder. “You don’t have to, you know?” Rarity scoffed. “Of course I don’t have to. It’s just in my generous nature.” She brought the back of her hand to her forehead. “Oh, how that nature can be so vexing.” The shared a laugh. “You going with someone?” said Sunset. Rarity froze with that. Sunset raised a brow and poked Rarity in the ribs. “Earth to Rare.” Rarity shook her head and then cleared her throat. “I do apologize. I just haven’t really… well I have thought of it, but I don’t believe I will.” “No one interested?” said Sunset. “Can’t believe that. So why not?” Rarity cocked a brow. “Why can’t you believe that.” Sunset looked unamused. “Seriously?” Rarity looked almost offended. “Yes, seriously.” Sunset smirked. “You are like the most gorgeous girl in school. There is no way that guys haven’t been going after you constantly.” Rarity blushed. “You think I’m gorgeous?” It was Sunset’s turn to blush and she rubbed the back of her head. “Well, yeah. You can’t not know that.” Rarity smiled. “Well I do know that I’m attractive, but gorgeous might be a step too far.” Sunset scoffed. “You’re insane, but whatever you say.” Rarity giggled. “No one’s asked you though?” said Sunset. “Oh, they absolutely have,” Rarity placed a finger on her chin and looked up. “I’d say near a dozen, at least.” “That makes a lot more sense,” said Sunset. Rarity looked at Sunset. “Have you been asked?” Sunset looked down. “Not really.” “Now it’s my turn to express my disbelief,” said Rarity. “If anyone in school could be considered gorgeous, it’s you. I absolutely can’t picture you not beating boys off with a stick.” Sunset snorted. “Thanks, but I think the whole ‘Queen Bitch of Canterlot’ thing I had going has intimidated people too much. Besides, guys? Not interested.” Rarity looked at her quizzically. “Really?” Sunset smiled. “Yes, really. And before you say anything, Flash was a pawn that I had no interest in.” Sunset scowled. “God, I was a bitch.” “I’m surprised,” said Rarity. Sunset shot her a look and Rarity brought her hands up. “Not a bad surprise. No no no. I mean that I’m surprised that another one of us is gay. Not in a bad way.” “Another?” said Sunset. “Well yes,” said Rarity. “Rainbow is and frankly I’m not sure about the others.” She brought a hand to her chest. “I am for sure, so there’s that.” “You’re gay? Miss Prince Charming is gay?” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Who’d you hear that from? I haven’t said something like that since middle school. At the latest. I’ve been absolutely sure since freshman year.” Sunset smiled. “Whole life for me. Never once found a colt attractive. Filly girl absolutely. And definitely a girl girl now.” “Ah yes,” said Rarity. “I have been curious about your,” she coughed, “preferences to other species given your prior form.” Sunset chuckled. “Not a horse lover, Rare. Love boobs far too much,” she finished with a smirk. “And now it’s become vulgar,” said an unamused Rarity. “You asked,” said Sunset. “That I did,” Rarity said with a smile. They sat there for a moment in companionable silence and just watched their fellows crowd around the side of the bus for their bags. Sunset tapped her fingers on her leg and contemplated her next words. She was about to take a risk, though a bit less of one than it seemed just a few minutes ago. Sunset stopped tapping her fingers and let out a breath. Now or never. “So, about the Fling,” said Sunset. “Yes?” Rarity cocked a brow. “Well,” Sunset started. She looked up and away from Rarity. “You’re not going with anyone and I’m sure not so…” “Why Sunset,” said Rarity. “It sounds like you may be asking me out.” Sunset blushed. “Maybe,” she set her left hand next to Rarity’s in the small gap between them. Their pinkies were lightly touching. Rarity moved her hand on top of Sunset’s. “Sounds lovely. If you’re asking, that is.” Sunset looked at Rarity out of the corner of her eye. “You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t you?” “Say what?” Rarity said with a look of feigned innocence. Sunset rolled her eyes, but turned to look Rarity in the eyes. “Rarity, will you‒—" Before Sunset could finish, one Rainbow Dash plopped down on her other side. “How’s it hanging?” The girls quickly moved their hands apart. Sunset cursed Rainbow’s name, but at least she felt a bit better about things. Rarity basically said ‘yes’, now she just needed to properly ask when they were alone. Her dress fitting would probably be the best time. Sunset smiled. * “Sunset!” Rarity whined. “Where are we going?” Sunset stopped, looked back with a smirk, and wagged her finger. “Ah ah ah. Surprise, remember?” Rarity crossed her arms and huffed. “Very well.” Sunset chuckled. Rarity was so cute when she pouted. She could stay there all night in the halls of CHS just basking in her date’s presence, but she had plans that would be far more worthwhile. So, she led on toward and up the stairs. It didn’t take long for them to ascend two sets of stairs and make it to the roof access. Sunset produced a key, a favor from Principal Celestia, and opened the door. She held it open for Rarity and followed her out into the cool air. Rarity breathed deeply. “I must say, this is nice after all that dancing.” She placed a hand on her hip and turned to Sunset. “I don’t know about you, but the heat was starting to get uncomfortable.” Sunset crossed her arms. “Yep. Part of the reason we’re up here.” She tilted her head away from Rarity and looked at her from the corner of her eye. “More romantic up here too.” Rarity giggled. “So, what’s the surprise?” Sunset nodded toward the glass dome at the center of CHS’s roof and started toward it with Rarity close behind. Propped up against the dome were a pair of small speakers with a music player docked between them. “Borrowed it from Vinyl,” said Sunset. “Had the player and the music, but kind of useless for what I want without the speakers.” Sunset crouched down and messed with the player until a soft song started to play. She stood up and took Rarity’s hand in her own. She guided her date a short way from the player. Sunset stopped and turned to Rarity, now holding both of her hands. “I thought we could have our slow dance in a more private setting. Packed room doesn’t have much intimacy.” “Oh Sunset,” Rarity said with a smile. “This is so sweet.” Sunset returned the smile. “May I have this dance, milady?” Rarity nodded. “You may.” And so they danced. A dress of blues and one of yellows and reds spun around to the slow beat of the song. Sunset’s arms were around Rarity’s waist and Rarity’s were wrapped around Sunset’s neck. They gazed into each other’s eyes with big smiles on their face. “How long?” said Rarity. “Around the Friendship Games,” said Sunset. “I mean, I’ve always found you attractive, but whenever I felt down about things, well, you were there and I sort of started to crush on you. How about you?” “The Battle,” said Rarity. “Like you, I was attracted to you before then, but seeing you stand up to the sirens and getting back some of your confidence, in a good way, it just… I was enraptured.” “Glad I could be so amazing,” Sunset said with a smirk. They lapsed into silence until the song ended. They stood, pressed together, under the stars and shared a look of longing. They leaned toward each other, the rest of the world unimportant. And they kissed. *** Sunset sat in the dark of the apartment’s dining room. Dining room might’ve been generous, but a table and a couple chairs fit in the small place next to the kitchen so dining room enough it was. The table was set for two with two melted and extinguished candles flanking a covered dish at the table’s center. Sunset had tears in her eyes. All the plans and the work shut down by a text. The sound of a key in the door brought Sunset out of her depressed state, though only for a moment. She heard the door open and someone let out a tired sigh. “Sunset,” Rarity called out. “I’m home.” The light in the living room flicked on. “Why were all the lights out?” said Rarity as she neared the dining area. Rarity peeked in and brought a hand to her mouth. “Oh no.” Sunset looked up at her girlfriend with her reddened eyes. She let out a small squeak and looked back down. Rarity quickly made her way to Sunset’s side and wrapped her arms around her girl. Sunset leaned into the embrace and nuzzled into Rarity’s chest. “I am so sorry, Darling,” said Rarity. “I didn’t know you were planning something. I would’ve told Sassy to take care of things herself if I did.” “S’kay,” mumbled Sunset. “No, it’s not,” said Rarity. She looked down at the black dress Sunset wore. “You even dressed up for me. Oh, I feel just awful.” Rarity stroked Sunset’s hair and whispered apologies and sweet nothings in her ear. Sunset found herself smiling. Rarity could always make her feel better, even if the perfect night was a bit ruined. After a few minutes of comfort, Rarity stood up. “Love, I’ll get something started. You just get comfortable.” “Rare…” Sunset started before Rarity put a finger on her lips. “I will not accept objections,” said Rarity as she removed her finger from Sunset. “Now shoo.” Sunset nodded and stood up. “Love you, Rare.” “And I you,” said Rarity before she slipped into the kitchen. * Sunset plopped down on their couch and stretched out some kinks. She’d cleaned her face up and dressed into her around-the-house clothes; a loose shirt and sweats. “Ah, Sunset.” The girl in question looked toward the direction of the kitchen and saw Rarity slip into the living room. “Mind watching the oven, Love? I’d like to get comfortable myself.” Sunset nodded. “Absolutely. I’ll finish things up, you just relax.” Rarity sighed. “Thank you. Today has been rough.” Rarity moved down the hall to their bedroom and Sunset moved to the kitchen. After several minutes Sunset left the kitchen with their dinner. A simple frozen pizza, slightly overdone. She set it down on the coffee table in front of the couch and went back for drinks. As she came back with a couple of sodas, Rarity was just sitting down. Rarity’s around-the-house clothes were a tank top and a pair of athletic shorts that Sunset just loved. They showed off her sexy girl’s nice legs. Sunset sat next to Rarity and they shared a quick kiss. Sunset picked up the TV remote from the table and flicked on something to provide background noise. She tossed the remote to the side on the couch and settled in. Sunset picked up a slice of pizza. “So how was your day, Rare?” “Ugh, busy, and the summer heat was god awful,” she said before wolfing down a slice. “So hungry, skipped lunch.” Sunset ate her slice slower, it was a bizarre reversal of how they normally ate. “If I may ask,” said Rarity. “What was the special dinner for? It’s not an important date that I’m aware of. Our ten-year anniversary is the closest I can think of and that was a few months ago.” Sunset nervously moved a hand to the pocket on the side away from Rarity. “No big reason. You’ve just been so busy lately that I thought it’d be nice.” She sighed. “I put a lot of work into it and was kind of crushed that you couldn’t make it.” Rarity rested her head on Sunset’s shoulder. “I feel horrible.” Sunset waved her off. “Don’t be. It wasn’t that big of a deal. The boutique requires a lot of work and I should’ve been more aware that something could come up.” They focused on eating for the next little while. The occasional bit of small talk passed between them. They finished and cuddled together to watch some TV. “This is nice,” said Rarity. “Yeah,” said Sunset. And it was. This was what Sunset loved most. That she could just snuggle with her girl on the couch after eating some crappy pizza and feel that all was right with the world was just incredible. It was perfect. It really was. Sunset reluctantly removed herself from Rarity. She slipped a hand in her pocket and wrapped it around the object inside. She’d been keeping it with a friend and wasn’t sure where she could hide it at home, but she wouldn’t have to. “What’s wrong?” said Rarity. Sunset took her other hand and rubbed the back of her head. “I kind of lied a little about dinner.” “Oh?” Sunset’s brought her hand down and held one of Rarity’s. “I made your favorite food, I set the mood, got us some champagne, the works,” said Sunset. “And… I had a good reason.” “Yes?” “It was going to be perfect,” said Sunset. “But you know what. This, right now is perfect. This, is what I want life to be like. You and me eating whatever, watching TV, and just being together.” Sunset slipped the object out of her pocket, but kept it from Rarity’s gaze. Rarity raised a brow, but said nothing. “What I’m getting at, Rare,” said Sunset, “is…” She brought her hand out and in it was a small black box. Rarity gasped and her hand gripped Sunset’s other one like a vice. Sunset flipped open the box with her thumb and revealed a magnificent diamond ring. “Will you marry me?” * Sunset fell back on their bed while panting heavily. She took a moment to gather herself before sitting up. She reached out to her bedside table and grabbed a waiting bottle of water. She twisted the cap off and proceeded to chug the whole thing. She tossed the now empty bottle and its cap to the side and fell back again. She’d clean it up later. The sound of another empty bottle hitting a wall told her that Rarity had done the same. Sunset hadn’t even fully settled down when Rarity slipped on top of her and pressed her lips forcefully against Sunset’s. They broke apart and Sunset took a few deep breaths. She brought up her hands and made a T-shape. “Time out, Rare.” Rarity largely ignored her and started kissing along her lover’s neck. Sunset would normally appreciate the attention, but a look at the alarm clock on her bedside table made her feel even more drained. “It’s been… holy crap,” she said. “Six hours. Six hours, Rare. I just can’t do anymore.” Rarity stopped her kisses and looked Sunset in the eye. “You’re no fun.” Sunset gave her a lazy smile. “Trust me. You have no idea how much I’d like to keep going, but I’m spent. I can’t even feel my body.” Rarity ignored her again and started to suck at the crook of Sunset’s neck. Sunset let out a strangled moan. She was practically dead on her… back, but damn if Rarity wasn’t pumping some life into her. “Look, Rarity,” said Sunset. “This has been awesome. I mean really. And I just want to know, please don’t get mad or jump to conclusions. But I just want to know that if I take the ring back, and please hear me out. If I take the ring back and propose to you again in like…” she took a moment to think, “maybe a week when I recover, could we do this again?” Rarity looked up at Sunset. “You are absolutely never getting this ring back. But I will rock your world again when you’re up to it.” She said with a wink. Sunset let her head fall back. “Cool now maybe let me rest a…” A light snore made Sunset chuckle. Rarity had fallen asleep on her, quite literally. And in a second too. Sunset wrapped her arms around her girlfr… her fiancée and let herself drift off into sleep. *** Sunset leaned against her arm pressed on the window frame of the Canterlot U dorm room she found herself in. The view was picturesque and definitely the type one would find on a college brochure. The leaves were that beautiful mix of red, orange, yellow, and everything in between. Sunset absolutely loved autumn. It was just so beautiful. “Now don’t forget that I’m just a phone call and a short drive away,” Sunset heard her wife say. “I’ll be fine, Mother. Hey Mom,” the new voice directed at Sunset, “could you please get Mother off my back.” Sunset chuckled before turning around and leaning back against the window. “Leave me out of this. If your mother doesn’t fret over you then just what kind of nest leaving is this.” She pushed off from the window and stepped over to her two favorite girls. Rarity, her beautiful wife, and the pale red-haired and off-white young woman next to her. “Besides, you just have to have dinner with us once a week,” she pointed a thumb at herself, “I have to sleep next to her.” “At least once a week,” said Rarity. Their daughter rolled her eyes. “I know Mother. I plan to see you guys a lot.” Rarity started speaking again, but Sunset tuned things out for a bit. She looked wistfully at the few boxes on the bottom of the room’s bunk bed. Their baby girl was all grown up now and off to college. “Shimmy?” Sunset looked up. “Hmm?” “Time to go Mom,” said their daughter with a smirk. “Right, yeah,” she said. “Totally paying attention and knew that.” Sunset moved next to her wife and wrapped an arm around her. “Better get your poor old mother home before the waterworks start.” Rarity crossed her arms, “I’m not old.” Sunset smirked. “Fine. Better get your poor middle-aged mother home.” She looked to Rarity. “Better?” Rarity shot her a look. “I’m going to miss you guys,” their daughter said. “Really. You might embarrass the crap out of me, but I still love you.” “We love you too, Jellybean,” said Sunset. Their daughter joined Rarity in giving Sunset a look. “I take it back. The kiddy pet name was a step too far.” The looks continued for a moment before the three burst out laughing. “Okay,” said Rarity. “We’ll… we’ll leave you to it.” Her eyes started to water. “Oh I can’t hold it in much longer.” Their daughter pulled them into a hug. “Love you guys.” “Love you too,” said the older women. They moved away from their daughter and went to leave when Sunset looked back. “I have some advice,” she said. “Find someone, boy or girl it doesn’t matter, just get out there and live life.” “Thanks Mom.” “And get laid,” Sunset said with a smirk. “And now it’s creepy,” said their daughter. Rarity took Sunset’s ear between her thumb and forefinger and pulled her from the room. “Not funny, Sunset.” “Ow ow ow, so worth it,” she said. Their daughter just rolled her eyes. * Sunset opened the door to a nice suburban house for her wife. Rarity rushed in turned into the living room while Sunset shut and locked the door. Before Sunset could even turn to follow, she started to hear sobbing. She smiled and shook her head. She knew it was coming. It was a surprise that Rarity had held it in throughout the move and especially the goodbye. Sunset moved to the living room and saw her wife with a tissue in her hand and tears flowing from her eyes. She sniffled and looked up at Sunset. “Our baby’s gone!” Sunset slipped next to Rarity and pulled her into a hug. Rarity buried her face into her wife’s chest and cried her eyes out. She would break up the cries and sniffles with the occasional ‘she’s gone’, ‘she doesn’t need us’, and Sunset’s favorite ‘we’ll never be whole again’. After the tears subsided a little Sunset spoke. “Want some ice cream?” Rarity nodded vigorously into Sunset’s chest. “I’ll go grab you some ice cream.” Sunset pried herself from Rarity’s iron grip and moved to the kitchen. She opened the freezer and pulled out one of the carton out of the few she bought in preparation. She brought it to Rarity along with the biggest spoon they had and her wife went to town on it, crying all the while. * Sunset returned from putting what was left of the carton back in the freezer to see Rarity looking miserable and rubbing her stomach. “I can’t eat ice cream like I used to,” she said. “I’ll get fat and then you’ll leave me too and then I’ll become some hideous cat lady writing poetry about how sad I am and…” Sunset sat next to Rarity and silenced her with a kiss. “I’d never leave you, Rare,” said Sunset. “Even if you weighed hundreds of pounds.” Rarity sniffled. “I know. Just let me be dramatic, my baby’s gone.” “You know what,” Sunset said as she popped back up. “I have an idea. Be right back.” Sunset, after rummaging through their closet, returned with a large album. Written in gold on the front were the words ‘Family Memories’. Sunset plopped down next to her wife and opened the book over both their laps. Rarity had calmed down and snuggled up next to Sunset. The first picture was of two exhausted looking women, Rarity in bed and Sunset bent over next to her. In Rarity’s arms was a blanket-wrapped newborn sleeping soundly. “She was so tiny and adorable,” said Rarity. “I could just hold and hug her forever.” “Yeah,” said Sunset. “I remember going with almost no sleep for a week, doing drills so that I could get us to the hospital as soon as possible.” Rarity smirked. “And then you tripped and concussed yourself when it came down to it and I had to call Adagio to come and get us.” “Eighteen years and she still annoys me with that,” Sunset grumbled. “And the other thing.” “You mean when you whined because I squeezed your wrist too hard while I was pushing a baby out of me?” “You totally broke my wrist,” said Sunset. “Sure,” said Rarity. “And what did Adagio, a trained medical doctor by the way, say about that?” Sunset sighed. “Don’t make me say it.” “Do it.” “Ugh,” Sunset groaned. “She said, ‘Your wrist is fine. You’re a bigger baby than your new daughter.’” Rarity nodded. “Mhmm.” Sunset shook her head and turned to another page. There were two pictures side-by-side, one of a toddler taking her first steps and the other of a young filly a few years older taking her first steps on four legs. “She loved Equestria,” said Sunset. “She didn’t want to leave,” said Rarity. “Remember when she spent a week with the ‘Best Aunt Ever?” “Twilight swore she’d never babysit that terror again. More trouble than Flurry Heart,” Rarity said with a giggle. “That lasted what, a few hours?” Sunset chuckled. “I think Twilight wanted her to stay more than she did.” They shared a laugh. The reminiscing continued for over an hour and Rarity felt so much better. “Thank you, Shimmy,” she said. “I needed to see that. Our little one will be just fine.” Sunset sniffled. Rarity looked up to see tears streaming from Sunset’s eyes. “Shimmy?” “Our baby’s gone, Rare! She’s gone!” Rarity couldn’t help but smile. “Cheesecake?” Sunset nodded vigorously. *** The snow had stopped falling earlier in the day and the whole neighborhood was covered in white. Sunset and Rarity had just said their goodbyes to the rest of the family before moving to the swinging bench on their porch. After she made sure that Rarity was seated nicely, Sunset slipped inside for a moment and returned with a heated blanket. She draped it over herself and Rarity and they snuggled together under it while slowly swinging. They had both aged fairly well and had few wrinkles. The yellow in Sunset’s hair had turned white and the red had faded. She looked like a candy cane and, given the day it was, it was more than appropriate. Rarity’s hair was closer to gray than purple these days but the purple was still tinged throughout. Sunset slowly rubbed her wife’s upper arm. “You remember when our grandkids wanted toys instead of electronics?” “They may have been three at the time,” said Rarity. “These days, heck even our days, the youngins were buried in their gadgets from birth.” “Ha,” laughed Sunset. “You know you’re ancient when you say ‘youngins’.” Rarity elbowed her. “Oh, hush you.” "Always fun messing with you, Rare," said Sunset. "One thing that hasn't changed with age." Rarity rested her head on Sunset's shoulder and sighed. "I do enjoy this time of year." Sunset nodded. "So do I. The lights, the snow, the Christmas specials, giving our grandkids whatever they want and seeing their faces light up." Sunset narrowed her eyes. "Granted the lighting up isn't like it used to be what with teenage angst and all that, but it's still there a little." "I've always liked the cuddling," said Rarity. "Cold outside, blankets and cocoa, just the perfect time to snuggle with my Shimmy." She nuzzled Sunset shoulder. "Definitely one of the best things to me," said Sunset. "You know what's coming up in a few months... well maybe one or two more than a few," said Rarity. Sunset chuckled. "I'm borderline senile, Rare, you're going to need to help." "You are not," said Rarity. "You're as sharp... almost as sharp as the day we got together." "I like to think I'm wiser," said Sunset. "Between bouts of senility." Rarity elbowed her and Sunset just laughed. "Anyway," said Rarity. "Speaking of the day we got together, what I mentioned before was that it'll be sixty years since the Spring Fling." "Wow," said Sunset. "I'm amazed you put up with me for one year, but sixty?" She laid her head on top of Rarity's. "I'm afraid that I'm going to have to question your sanity, young lady." Rarity giggled. "It may have been difficult, but it was oh so worth it." And they sat there together for a time, enjoying each other's presence. Sunset felt Rarity shiver. She sat up and rubbed her wife's arm. "We should probably head inside." Rarity nodded and sat up as well. Their eyes met and they shared a sweet kiss. Sunset stood and helped Rarity up. With her girl on one arm and a bunched up blanket under the other, she guided them inside to the inviting warmth. Seasons change and time passes by, but one things was certain for Sunset: Her love for Rarity was constant.