Sunset didn't say a word to Sonata the first class period. She kept her focus dead ahead during class, ignoring the girl next to her.
The next time that class rolled around, Sunset was on alert, looking for her former friend. She waited anxiously as her classmates filed in, filling in every seat but the one next to her. She waited for the inevitable as Sonata walked in just before the bell rang.
Sonata gave Sunset a shy, tentative wave. Sunset scowled and leaned forward on her desk. She cursed internally as Sonata set her things down. The tension was palpable around them. Sonata fidgeted uncomfortably before clearing her throat.
"H-hey Suns-"
"Class is starting." She hissed sharply.
Sonata hunched her shoulders and focused her attention on the teacher. During the rest of the class period Sunset noticed Sonata attempt, several times, to talk to her before closing her mouth. She took notes and did her best to ignore the girl next to her.
The bell rang to end the day.
Sunset quickly gathered her things and slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Hey Sunset can we talk?" Sonata asked before she realized Sunset was already walking away.
Sunset briskly walked out the door, pretending she hadn't heard Sonata's question.
Whatever. She thought as she made her way toward her locker. I can deal with her if I have to, but for now, I have a date to get ready for.
She went alone to her locker and collected the day's bunch of notes. It had become an expected part of her day, but it didn't take away the sting from the words held within.
Sunset noticed that the sheer amount of notes had been increasing. She frustratedly slammed her locker and discarded the cruel slips of paper in the nearest trash can. This, plus having a class with Sonata had put her in a foul mood. She stomped down the hall trying to figure out who could be leaving the notes for her. Other than a couple outliers, none of the handwriting matched each other.
"How do they even know where my locker is?" She muttered under her breath.
Sunset was so lost in thought that she nearly bumped right into Rarity who was trying to get her attention. She stopped just in time and apologized.
"It's quite alright, darling. I was wondering, could you help me with something?"
"Well, I'm kind of on my way somewhere."
"Oh please it will only take a moment."
"Sure." She sighed.
"I was wondering which outfit you thought I should wear for the interview. They're going to take a picture and I want to look my best."
Sunset looked between the two pictures on Rarity's phone. She didn't know anything about fashion so she was slightly confused as to why Rarity came to her.
"Wouldn't Fluttershy have been better to ask? She knows this stuff better than I do."
"I did ask her, but she just said I'd look beautiful in either one. Which is sweet but hardly helpful." She joked.
Sunset looked over the pictures once more and chose the one she thought she might wear herself.
"Thank you darling, you have impeccable taste."
"If you say so." She shrugged.
"Is everything alright dear?"
"Yeah. I'm just ready to go home." She said pointedly.
"Well I won't keep you any longer." She said with a look of hurt. "Thank you for your help."
Sunset pinched the bridge of her nose, mentally kicking herself for snapping at her friend. "I'm sorry. I'm having an off day. Walk with me."
"It's quite alright, I don't want to keep you from where you were going."
Sunset hooked an arm through Rarity's. "I insist." She smiled. "So how was your day?"
Rarity smiled at the change in Sunset's mood. "Oh it was lovely. I had my sewing class today and I cannot wait to get on the machines!"
"Sewing? Aren't you like, already great at it?"
"I don't know about great, but I believe I'm pretty good. Really though, it's just a prerequisite for the AP design class I want to take."
"Oh, cool! And this class will be really easy since you already know how to sew."
"That's the plan." Rarity said with a wink.
The two continued on their way when Rarity rushed ahead. "I'll be right back dear, I just need to speak with Photo Finish."
Sunset smiled and followed her at a walking speed. She watched the two fashionistas with a wry smile which faded when she saw Rarity's shoulders slump. Photo Finish looked her way and put a comforting hand on Rarity's shoulder. Her friend nodded sadly and walked back the way she came. She put on as convincing a smile as she could when she saw the look on Sunset's face.
"What happened?" Sunset asked.
"It's nothing. Photo Finish just informed me that the paper is going to interview Suri Polomare instead." She said through gritted teeth.
"Why? That's so unfair!" She said indignantly.
"Apparently, the editor says it's because she doesn't have any unsavory frie-" she caught herself and averted her gaze. "fashion choices that will affect readership."
Sunset avoided clenching her fists. "I'm sorry Rarity. Maybe next time."
She nodded sadly. "Perhaps. I must be going. Fluttershy will be waiting for me."
Before Sunset could respond or protest, Rarity was off, leaving her to grapple with what she had just learned. She left the school tense and riled up, completely ignoring the students around her.
Her phone buzzed just before she got to her car.
"Can't wait for our date! I'll see you in a little while! Love you!"
Sunset smiled. "Love you too. I'll call you when I'm on my way."
The engine growled when she turned the key. She took a moment to choose one of the more aggressive bands that helped get out her frustrations when she was angry. The guitars screeched and the vocalist roared in an almost primal way that Sunset did her best to mimic as she drove to the hotel. By the time she pulled into a spot she was feeling calmer.
"Hey Sunset. How was school?" Silver Dollar asked when he saw her walk through the lobby.
"It was fine. I don't have time to talk right now though. I've gotta go get changed and meet Twilight for our date."
"Alright, be safe out there. It's supposed to storm so drive carefully please."
"I will!" She called as she hit the elevator call button.
After choosing an outfit and tidying her room up a bit Sunset hit the road once more to pick up her sweetheart. Snow was lightly falling as she entered Twilight's neighborhood. Night Light was out laying a fresh layer of ice melt when she pulled up to the curb.
"Hey Mr. Sparkle!"
"Hey there Sunset! Mind giving me a hand?" He tossed a second scoop in her direction.
"Sure!"
Nightlight straightened his back and groaned. "I tell you what, don't get old if you can avoid it."
She laughed and scooped a heap of ice melt. "Noted. So can you give me any indication as to what Twilight's got planned for us today?"
"Oh sure, I actually helped her put it together."
"Really? What's the plan?"
He dipped for another scoop. "I said I could, that doesn't mean I will."
She kicked some snow in his direction and scowled. Having quickly covered the driveway and path leading to the front door, they made their way inside. They entered and stomped the snow off their shoes. Velvet waved at them from the couch where she was wrapped in a blanket reading a book.
"Hello Sunset. Twilight should be down soon."
"Hey Velvet." She walked over and gave the comfortable matron a light hug.
"That oughta keep the walk way safe, don't want anyone to slip." Nightlight commented before walking into the kitchen to grab two mugs from the cupboard. "Cocoa?" He asked.
"Yes please." She smiled.
"Could you bring me some tea please?" Velvet called from her spot on the couch.
"Sure thing hon."
A minute later Night Light returned with three steaming mugs. The three chatted about how school was going. Sunset decided to focus on the positive aspects. She still hadn't told Twilight about Sonata so she was careful with her words when she talked about her foods class.
"I can't wait to actually get to preparing food!" She said before taking a sizable swig from her mug.
"If you ever want to help me with dinner I wouldn't turn down the extra set of hands." Velvet offered.
"I'd love to help." She grinned.
"So..." Velvet paused. "How have the other kids been since you started back up?"
Sunset's stomach dropped slightly. "Twilight told you, huh?"
"Yes, but please don't be upset with her. We could tell something was bothering her and we practically dragged it out of her."
"I'm not upset. I kinda figured she'd let you two know what happened. To answer your question it's been a little uncomfortable. Some dirty looks and stares now and then. Nothing I can't handle though."
"It's true, she's pretty amazing." Twilight said, coming down the stairs.
Sunset rose to greet her. "Hey babe, you ready to go?"
"Yep!" She gave her a quick peck. "We're meeting AJ and Rainbow at the park."
"The park? Are we doing a snowball fight?"
"Nope, you'll have to do better than that."
"I know this is a long shot, and bear with me, but you didn't happen to find a secret treasure map did you?"
"What? No, I would have told you as soon as I did if that was the case." She laughed.
"I thought as much, just figured I'd get that out of the way."
"Have fun you two, and be safe." Velvet said as they were closing the door.
"We will! Love you!" Twilight smiled.
"Shall we m'lady?" Sunset offered her arm to Twilight who took it happily.
"We shall.”