Sunset's view of Starlight's past plight faded as she gently broke the link with her geode. Briefly, she wondered why the geode had deigned to show things in color this time. Perhaps it had something to do with using it to interact with a natively Equestrian life form? Maybe, like the Elements of Harmony, their geodes really did have minds of their own, answering only to the universal force of friendship?
She tabled the question for later—she had far more pressing things to worry about. She was almost afraid to open her eyes to look at Starlight, but she did anyway. Sunset was greeted with the exact expression on Starlight's face that was expected: distraught, crestfallen, and just a little bit like Starlight could crack at any second.
No words were shared, because none were needed. Their faces and motions did the speaking for them.
Starlight's eyes, wide and unblinking, as she slowly pulled her hand back across the table. You got everything, didn't you?
A small nod from Sunset. I did.
A slight huff as Starlight looked down and away. Sorry. Guess I really didn't know how to put it into words.
Sunset gently tapping the table, then shaking her head when Starlight looked back towards her. No apologies. Never for this. She stood up, and walked over to Starlight's side of the booth. And we shouldn't be this far from each other right now.
Starlight looked up to Sunset, who hoped she got that last message. As Starlight moved back towards the wall to make room, Sunset gave an inward sigh of relief.
She could still help.
Sunset sat beside Starlight in the booth, facing her, and brought out her arms. Starlight leaned in, and, gently, she welcomed Starlight into her embrace. There were no screams from Starlight. No cries, no whimpers. Just quiet sniffles, quiet shakes. Sunset pulled her in closer, and Starlight buried her head in Sunset's shoulder.
It wasn't long before Zecora came back with a small tray, holding the drinks the two had ordered. Sunset put her finger to her lips, then pointed to Starlight with one hand. Zecora looked over, nodded, then left, taking the drinks with her.
A few thoughts entered her mind, inspired by Zecora's appearance. With her still-free hand, Sunset grabbed her phone from across the table, and sent a few hasty text messages to a few contacts. She'd follow up on them later, of course, but right now, just letting them know they were needed was the best course of action she could think of.
After sending one final message—this time to Zecora herself—Sunset put her phone down, and turned her attention back to Starlight, who had stopped shaking, and was now resting peacefully. Deciding Starlight had the right idea, Sunset reaffirmed her hug and closed her eyes, resting back into her friend.
And that was how they remained for the next thirty minutes.
===
With a groan, Starlight broke Sunset out of the limbo between consciousness. "I think," were her first words, "That I'm actually more hungry than thirsty. Also a little tired."
Sunset fluttered awake with a small smile and a yawn. "What a coincidence. Me too." She slid out of the booth seat, holding Starlight's hand in a gentle request for her to follow suit. "Come on."
"Where are we going?" Starlight asked, as Sunset led them around the wooden corner and out of the VIP booth proper.
Sunset's reply was immediate and confident. "Up to my room."