//------------------------------// // 40 – Bourbon and Wine // Story: Playing House // by Krickis //------------------------------// Chapter Forty Bourbon and Wine ⠀ ⠀ It shouldn’t have bothered her, but Sunset hated that Fluttershy had changed her voicemail. Not so much that she changed it, of course. Sunset wasn’t particularly attached to anything as small as a voicemail, no matter whose it was. But what she changed it to bothered her. “This is Fluttershy, band manager for Bitchette. If you need to reach me or the band, please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” There was a beep, and Sunset had to suppress a sigh, like she always did. “Hey, Shy, it’s me again. I… I know I’m calling too much, but please call me back. We really need to talk.” Sunset hung up the phone and let out the sigh from earlier. Everything about the voicemail bothered her, from the stupidity of hearing that dumb name in such a formal message to the idea that people would suddenly be calling for a band no one had even heard of. Of course, she knew it was mostly what the voicemail represented. A new stage in Fluttershy’s life, and one that didn’t involve Sunset. Sunset frowned and dropped her phone on the couch. It wasn’t too long ago that she was in this exact same position. Just when they were finally together again, they were apart again. It did give her a little hope for the future, but it also made her weary for it. Was this how things would go for them? Would they be one of those couples that broke up and got back together all the time? If that’s what they would be, then so be it. In all the relationships Sunset had been in, none of them mattered to her like Fluttershy did. She could wait out half a year without Fluttershy if she needed to, just so long as there was hope that they could make things work in the end. It was just a matter of how. It had been two weeks since Fluttershy had left, two weeks since Sunset had heard from her. Two weeks of filling her time while planning how she could turn things around. And by the looks of it, she had another day to do just that. As she was wondering what to do, she got an answer in the form of a vibration from her computer desk. If nothing else, talking to her Equestrian friends would help take her mind off things for a little while. Leaving her phone on the couch, she walked over to the desk and opened the journal. She idly wondered which of them she’d be talking to. It was kind of strange. Even now when she had so many mixed-up feelings towards her own Fluttershy, she barely thought twice about talking to the pony one. It had taken some getting used to for sure, but they really had become two completely separate individuals in her mind. ‘Just finished the book you lent me. I really enjoyed it! Reading human fiction is fascinating, and from what I’ve seen of your technology, I could see the things in this book becoming real one day.’ Ah, so it was Twilight. They’d done a book exchange, and for her part, Sunset had let Twilight borrow a science fiction book. She figured that the pony would be interested in reading something from a genre that was so different from one world to the other, and she was happy to see that she had been correct. Sunset reached for a pen and started writing. ‘Glad you like it, Twi. I’ve also been enjoying the book you lent me. It’s great to get a little window back into Equestria, and your mom is an amazing writer.’ ‘I’ll have to tell her you said that. She’ll love knowing one of her books is being enjoyed a whole world away!’ Sunset glanced at the book in question, which she was only a quarter of the way through. It really was a good read, but every time she tried to focus on it, thoughts of Fluttershy wormed their way into her thoughts. ‘So what’s new with you these days?’ Twilight wrote after a pause on Sunset’s end. Sunset shook her head to try and clear the thoughts of Fluttershy, but they wouldn’t leave. Well, if she wasn’t going to be able to focus on anything else, she might as well finally tell Twilight what had happened. ‘Things could be better around here, actually… Morning Breeze and I broke up again…’ Sunset winced as she wrote the fake name, but she wasn’t going to come clean now of all times. One big reveal at a time. ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry… And it sounded like everything was going so well for you two.’ It sounded that way because that was the way Sunset told it, of course. ‘I thought they were. I guess she thought otherwise.’ ‘Do you want to talk about it?’ On the one hand, Sunset did indeed want to talk about it or she wouldn’t have brought it up. On the other, there was absolutely nothing she wanted to talk about less. ‘I don’t know. I just wish I understood where this was coming from.’ ‘It does seem pretty sudden. Did she say why?’ ‘She said she needed some time apart. We just had months apart, so I don’t really understand… She won’t even answer when I call.’ ‘I see… I’m so sorry, Sunset. That sounds really unfair to you.’ Before Sunset could write her agreement, she was caught off guard by her phone ringing. More than the call itself, it was the ringtone that struck Sunset dumb. That upbeat folk song only played when one person called. Forgetting all about Twilight and the book, Sunset scrambled to her feet to get to her phone on the couch. Sure enough, she had an incoming call from Fluttershy. She swiped to answer it. “Hello, Fluttershy?” “Hi, Sunny.” Fluttershy sounded sad, but it was great to hear her voice all the same. “Shy… I’m so sorry. The last time we talked, I… Well, you were right, I should’ve supported you more.” “I’m sorry too. I know it was a lot to drop on you all at once like that. And… and I really did… really did want things to work out this time…” Fluttershy’s voice cut right through Sunset. She spoke about them with such finality. “So… are you going to be out of town until you leave for the tour?” “Yes. Sorry, I know I didn’t get to say a real goodbye.” “What if I come see you? You’re still in Riftonstone, right? I could drive out there, I don’t mind.” “Sunny, I… I don’t think that’s a good idea…” That hurt. Sunset found herself falling back onto the couch as if Fluttershy’s words had physically moved her. “Oh.” “I’m so sorry, Sunny… You deserve better than that, but I… I just can’t see you right now.” Sunset blinked and a tear escaped. She tried to keep it from her voice, however. “Yeah, no, it’s okay. I know you’re probably really busy. So what are you up to?” “We’re recording. Our contracts give us some studio time to make an official EP so we can sell it on the tour.” “That’s great!” Sunset put on a genuine smile despite everything. “I’m really happy for you. This sounds like an amazing opportunity.” “It is. I hope you understand that I wouldn’t leave like this if it wasn’t.” “I do. So… will I be able to come see you while you’re on tour?” “Of course.” Fluttershy couldn’t quite manage to keep the tears from her own voice. “I’ll get you backstage. It’ll be nice.” Sunset didn’t have to ask if she’d be seeing Fluttershy as a friend or girlfriend. She already knew the answer. “Yeah. I’m looking forward to it already.” There was a pause in which Sunset had to wipe her eyes and take a few calming breaths. She could imagine Fluttershy doing the same on the other end. “Shy…” Sunset said after a moment. “I… I want to change some things well you’re gone. I’m going to change some things.” “What do you mean?” “I’ll get sober. I’ll find a better job. I’ll even ditch the motorcycle to get a regular car. Six and a half months is plenty of time to clean up this mess of a life I’ve got.” “That sounds great, Sunny. I’m sure you can do it.” “I can. I promise.” Sunset bowed her head. “So… so maybe when you come back, I’ll be someone you want to try again with.” “Sunny…” “I’ll be better, Shy. I’ll support you a hundred percent. I’ll be the first one in the crowd at all your local shows, and when you’re off on tour, I’ll be keeping things ready for you to come home to. No more fighting, no more trying to make things go my way!” “I met someone.” Fluttershy might as well have struck Sunset. It would have hurt less. Sunset just sat with her mouth hanging open, and she knew this time, she couldn’t possibly keep the tears from her voice. “You… already?” “We… we aren’t official yet, but… she’s a roadie for one of the other bands on the tour. We met a few days after I left, and… and I think I really want to see where this goes.” “Shy, please… please don’t do this to me.” “I’m sorry, Sunny, I really am. But… But I need to try dating someone who isn’t you.” “That’s…” Sunset shook her head. “But… if things don’t work out, do you think…?” “Sunny, please… I can’t think like that. And I don’t want you waiting for me, either. We gave it two good runs, we really tried, and we just… we don’t work together. I love you, I’ll probably always love you, but… that’s just not enough.” Another call came through. Sunset ignored it. “I can’t just say goodbye to us, Shy. When we’re good, we’re the best, and I know I can make us that good again!” “We were only ever good for Sky.” “Don’t say that.” “I’m sorry, but it’s true. That’s when we were happy, the only time we were ever really good for each other. Sometimes… sometimes I wonder, if she had been born, if we still would’ve fallen apart in the end.” “Don’t say that!” Sunset clenched her eyes shut and it was all she could do to keep from sobbing. “I… I’m sorry… I should go.” “No, Shy… I’m sorry I snapped, I just…” “I understand. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. But… I really do need to go. I’m sorry, Sunny, I just… I wanted to tell you not to keep waiting for me is all. Go live your life and find someone who makes you happier than me.” “No one makes me happier than you.” “I’m sure you’ll find someone, someday.” “I love you, Shy.” “I… I love you too, Sunny. But please, promise you won’t wait for me.” Sunset didn’t say anything. Eventually Fluttershy sighed. “I see. I hope you change your mind. Goodbye, Sunny.” Sunset wanted to say something to keep Fluttershy on the phone. Anything, just so long as she could keep hearing that voice she couldn’t imagine living without. But nothing came to mind, so eventually she had to say the only thing left. “Goodbye.” She didn’t hang up. She couldn’t bring herself to. It didn’t matter, since Fluttershy hung up on her end, but Sunset couldn’t bring herself to be the one to do it. She sank back on the couch, no idea what to do now. Part of her knew she needed to distract herself with something. Find some way to keep busy until she could process what had happened. But what? What could possibly distract Sunset from this? Fluttershy had already found someone new. She was already moving on. In retrospect, Fluttershy had been moving on practically since they got back together. Was that all this second run was to her? A way to ease into letting go of Sunset completely? Give her someone to hold onto while she waited for another option? Sunset needed to be with someone else. But who? Applejack was the obvious answer, but then she’d have to explain what happened. Have to explain that Fluttershy had already moved on, that she was already in another relationship, or close to it. She couldn’t. If she did that, Applejack would be upset with Fluttershy, and even now Sunset couldn’t stand that thought. Every instinct she had was to keep Fluttershy protected when it came to their close friends, so Applejack and Pinkie were out of the question. She looked down at her phone to figure out who she might call and noticed the missed call from when she was on the phone with Fluttershy. It was from Sugar Breeze, which was strange; they had exchanged phone numbers, but never actually called one another. Sunset tapped to call her back and held the phone to her ear. Within a few rings, Sugar answered. “Sunset, thank God. I need a favor.” “Should I be worried?” “We’re really short-handed at work, could really use you right now.” Even though Sugar couldn’t see it, Sunset arched an eyebrow. “You called me from your cell for that?” “I figured it’d be a sure way to get through to you. Everyone I called from the store phone went to voicemail.” “Yeah, well, I’m not coming in.” Even if Sunset needed a distraction, she needed a better distraction than work. “Sorry.” “Come on, please? For me? I know you’re already at forty hours this week, but I’ll authorize the overtime.” “Look, I’d normally be all for that, but Fluttershy just called to tell me she found someone else and needs to try dating someone who isn’t me, so I’m gonna go get fucked up. To be honest, it’s amazing I’m still sober right now.” “Oh shit.” “Wow, Sugar, language,” Sunset said with a slight smirk. “You’re at work, remember?” “Alright, new plan. I’m leaving and Lucre can come down and work the register for all I care.” “Wait, why is my shitty life making you leave work?” “Because I’m not leaving you alone! Come to the store to meet me, then we’ll head out together.” “I don’t know…” “Trust me, you’ll want to be here. Then we can go back to my place and get wasted or something, I have some bourbon I’ve been looking for an excuse to crack open.” “Fine, I’ll be there. But why don’t you just text me your address and I’ll go straight to your house?” “Reasons. Just get here.” “Fine. See you soon.” “Bye.” At least it would give her something to do, even if she wasn’t sure what was going on. At the moment, though, Sunset didn’t care to think much about it. It was easier to just go along with it. She quickly grabbed her wallet and threw on her jacket. The temperature had finally started warming recently, so she had left her helmet out in the shed with her bike. She regretted that as she stepped outside, since the temperature had dropped again, but it was a short walk at least. At least the drive to work wasn’t as bad as it had been recently. Spring was coming up, the snow was melting, and the wind wasn’t quite so cutting. She still would’ve preferred to cut out the extra trip by going straight to Sugar’s house, but she didn’t mind too much. Usually riding her bike was a great distraction from her life – between the chill wind and the roar of the engine, she shouldn’t have been able to think of anything else. But this time, thoughts of how it felt to have Fluttershy holding onto her plagued her mind the whole way. It was enough to make her debate turning back around. What was the point if she just thought about Fluttershy anyway? But then, what would she accomplish by going back home? It was just a different flavor of misery as far as she could see, so she pressed on. Reaching the store did fill her with some trepidation. She hated that store, and tried to limit how often she went there if she wasn’t getting paid to. But Sugar had seemed positive that this would be worth it, and Sunset wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. She parked and locked up her bike, taking off her helmet and carrying it with her into the store. She looked around as she got in, and saw Sugar Breeze waiting near one of the registers. Sunset waved, and Sugar smiled and waved back. Although Sunset started to walk over to her, Sugar turned and walked away. Sunset stopped and watched her inquisitively. Sugar walked behind the customer service counter and picked up the phone. She pressed the page button and a beep played through the store. “Attention all employees and customers,” Sugar said over the intercom. “First off, I hope you’re having an amazing day so far, because for at least one of you, that’s about to change.” Sunset blinked and stared, and she wasn’t the only one. Everyone took notice of what Sugar was doing, and no one seemed to know how to react. Customers stopped shopping, cashiers stopped ringing people up, everyone gave their full attention to Sugar. “I just thought before anyone continues to shop here, they should know what kind of business they’re supporting. Specifically, I think you should all know a thing or two about store owner Golden Lucre.” Sunset went wide-eyed and a smile crept across her face. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her only regret was that she wasn’t the one to make the announcement herself. “Lucre is a family man, with a wife and two beautiful children. That hasn’t kept his eyes off his young manager, however. Or his hands. Yeah, asshole, don’t think I believe for a second all that ‘friendly’ touches weren’t something more. Not when you can’t keep your eyes off my tits!” Old ladies were covering their mouths in shock, and Sunset couldn’t tell if it was because of the accusations or because of the language. She didn’t care, she was loving every minute of it. Not that she wasn’t going to have her own fun too. She used the fact that everyone was distracted to make her way through the store unnoticed. “I mean, this guy’s like my dad’s age, not to mention my boss. And if that wasn’t gross enough, he also treats his employees like shit. He’s the kind of guy who would let an employee bust her ass for this store, then pass her up for promotion because he just doesn’t like her. I won’t name names, but I’m sure he knows who I’m talking about.” Aww, she was even going after him for Sunset. Granted, as Sunset grabbed a bottle of wine and tucked it into her motorcycle helmet, she wasn’t exactly acting like someone worthy of promotion, but that was neither here nor there. “But here we get to the biggest part of this. Because you see, I happen to know that Lucre routinely denies raises on the basis of being a ‘small’ store that can’t afford it, all while giving himself a six-figure salary. And how do I know this? He bragged to me about how he could take me on a private vacation, of course! God, how stupid does he think I am? Like I would – Oh shit, he’s coming!” The sound of the phone being slammed onto the receiver carried over the intercom before the store’s music playlist started again as if nothing had happened. Sunset looked and saw Lucre storming up to the customer service desk, but he was interrupted by customers who looked quite angry. As they bought Sugar time, she bolted out of the store. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Sunset followed as fast as she could without running. Not that it would likely matter if she did; everyone only had eyes for Lucre. Sunset made it out the door without issue and saw Sugar getting into her car. “Wait up!” Sunset called, finally breaking into a run. Without stopping to coordinate what they were doing, Sunset got into the passenger seat. That was as much as Sugar waited, quickly backing out of the parking spot then driving off. “That was amazing!” Sunset said. “Did you see what happened with Lucre? I was too freaked out to look back.” “Yeah, some customers stopped him for you. They looked pissed.” “Nice! God, I wish I could stick around to hear him defend himself.” “Me too, but fuck it. He’ll weasel out like always.” Sunset held up the wine. “Anyway, I grabbed this on the way out.” Sugar laughed. “Luckily for you, it’s safe to say I don’t work there anymore. As your manager, I’d have to report that.” “Lucky me. But god, this place is going to suck without you!” “Oh, like it didn’t suck already.” “Good point.” Still, whether she would admit it or not, there was no doubt that the store would suck more without Sugar. But god damn, what a good way to go. As much as anything now, that was a good motivator to get herself a better job so she might someday soon be able to do the same. Although that shouldn’t be why she was getting a new job. That was supposed to be for Fluttershy. Sunset sighed and sank into her seat. Sugar glanced over towards her. “Come on, it’s way too soon to be back to being mopey now.” Sunset smiled a little. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just… No, it’s nothing.” Sugar frowned. “I can’t believe she’s willing to give up someone who loves her so much.” “She said love isn’t enough.” “Tch. She’s losing out.” Sunset smiled at her. “You have to say that.” “Yeah, ‘cause it’s true!” Sunset rolled her eyes, though she was still smiling a little. They drove through a nicer part of town than what Sunset was used to, which wasn’t particularly surprising. Everything Sunset knew about Sugar’s home life could be summed up as ‘respectable’. She had gotten adopted by a nice middle-class family, and she had become a manager in her early twenties. Her house was similar to the others around it. Single story, but decently sized. Nice white paint job with a well-kept lawn. Sugar pulled into the driveway, and Sunset took note that there were no other cars. “So do you live alone?” “Yeah, for now. When I move up north I’ll be staying with a friend.” “That’s cool. Kinda always expected you to be living with your parents still, for some reason.” Sugar shot her a look as she got out of the car. “What? Why?” Sunset shrugged as she followed. “I don’t know. I guess because living alone kinda sucks sometimes. If I had parents, I might still live with them.” “I don’t know, I like living alone.” Sugar led them into the house. Sunset chuckled. “I guess I’m just a mess. Hey, you have a cat!” An all black cat was staring at Sunset as they entered. Sugar walked over and picked her up. “Guess I don’t live completely alone. This is Morpheus, she’s my baby.” “Hi, Morpheus.” Sunset scratched her head, although she seemed somewhat hesitant around the unknown person. “She’s a little skittish, but she’s a good girl.” “Maybe I should get a pet,” Sunset said. It was a nice thought, but then she frowned. She wondered if Fluttershy would’ve been happier with a pet. “You definitely should. I swear, Morphy keeps me sane.” Morpheus was much more receptive to Sugar petting her, rubbing against her owner’s hand as she scratched her ears. “Here, you two get better acquainted while I grab us that bourbon.” Sugar set Morpheus down, so Sunset bent down to pet her. Slowly, she accepted that Sunset just wanted to give her attention and let Sunset pet her. At least until she tried to pick her up, then she squirmed her way free and ran off. She stopped only to give Sunset a look for having the audacity to think she would be allowed to hold her, then ran off to another part of the house. ‘Maybe I should get a dog,’ Sunset thought. Without the cat for company, Sunset took a look around the house. It was nice, especially for someone their age. Not a lot of expensive looking stuff, but it was well furnished and moderately sized. There were framed pictures of more people than Sunset would have expected. It seemed Sugar had gotten adopted into a big family. Sunset thought she recognized one couple as her parents, although she couldn’t be sure. Sunset had only seen them once when they came to the orphanage, and that had been years ago. “Morphy run off?” Sugar said as she came back. “Yeah. All these pictures of your family?” “Mostly.” Sugar pointed out the pictures in turn. “Parents, aunt and uncle, cousins, high school friends.” “Must be nice. Thought I recognized your parents.” Sugar smirked and took a seat on the couch, so Sunset followed suit. She set down two shot glasses and filled them. “Wonder what they would say if they knew the girl who tried to steal from Mom’s purse was here.” Sunset facepalmed. “Oh god, they still remember that?” Sugar laughed. “You did make a bit of an impression. Mom talked about how good it was you did it though, otherwise they might’ve adopted you and who knows what would’ve happened.” Sunset took her shot glass once Sugar had filled it. “Yeah, imagine that.” She downed it in one gulp, the whiskey burning on the way down. “And now you’ve got me making public announcements to defame my boss.” Sugar took her own shot and grimaced. “You really must be a bad influence.” “Says the girl who invited me over for shots,” Sunset said with a smirk. “Are you even old enough to drink?” “Yeah, by a couple months. This was a gift for my twenty-first birthday.” Sugar looked at the bottle. “I’ve never actually had bourbon before. Not sure I’m a fan.” Sunset laughed. “Yeah, it takes some getting used to. This is pretty good stuff, though.” “Really? Well, my uncle raved about it, so I guess that makes sense.” Sunset chuckled. “You know, we can have the wine instead. Goes down much smoother.” “I guess. Should I get some ice then?” Sunset quirked her head. “Why?” Sugar looked equally perplexed. “Because it’s warm?” Sunset’s eye twitched. “You don’t put ice in wine. You can drink it cold or room temp, or you can be a fancy bitch and put frozen grapes in it, but ice in wine turns it gross.” “Well, damn. Guess someone knows her stuff. I’ll go get some glasses though. Will you be offended if they’re not wine glasses?” Sunset smirked. “Nah, I don’t give a shit about that.” Sugar Breeze disappeared while Sunset helped herself to another shot. Tonight wasn’t really a wine night, but she didn’t want to torment the newbie. Sugar came back a moment later with two glasses. “Come to think of it, you’re not old enough to drink, are you?” “Nope. Doesn’t really stop me.” “You seem to know a lot about this stuff.” Sunset shrugged. “I’ve been drinking a long time.” Sugar poured them each a glass of wine and took a sip from hers. “Ah, much better. So how long have you been drinking? Can’t be too long if you’re only, what, twenty?” “Nineteen,” Sunset said as she sipped on her own. “But I’ve been drinking for like a decade or so.” Sugar gave her an incredulous look. “You’re kidding.” Sunset shrugged. “You knew me as a kid. Don’t tell me you’re surprised.” Sugar’s look shifted into one of concern. “Sunset… Are you gonna be okay?” Sunset arched an eyebrow. “You’ve had one shot and a couple sips of wine. You can not be getting into the drunken worry already.” “No, this is just regular worry. It’s just… god, your life is kinda sad, you know? And without Fluttershy, I guess I just worry about you.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” “I didn’t mean it like that! It’s just, like, you at least have other friends and stuff to watch out for you, right? ‘Cause I swear, if I need to, I’ll drag your ass up north with me.” Sunset laughed. “Considering we were still at each other’s throats a couple months ago, that makes me worry about you more than me. But yeah, I’ve got friends. Really good ones. That’s the whole reason I’m not the total bitch who you knew back in New Horizons.” “You weren’t always a bitch,” Sugar insisted with another drink of wine. “Sometimes you were downright nice towards the end. What was up with that, anyway?” In truth, it was because Sunset was finally breaking and her belief in Equestria had faltered. She had become closer with Sugar Breeze because she started to believe she herself was actually a kid, so she started viewing Sugar as a peer. That was too much to lay on her all at once, though. “I was just lonely, but too dumb to own up to being lonely. I wasn’t a very good friend, though, if we can even say we were friends.” “I guess that makes sense. And anyway, you’re a much better friend now.” Sunset smiled. “Thanks, Sugar. I’m glad we made up.” Sugar laughed. “Okay okay. I’m not nearly drunk enough to get this sappy though.” Sunset laughed as well, then raised her glass. “Fair enough. Cheers.” Sugar clinked her glass against Sunset’s. “Cheers.” “Okay okay, but what if you didn’t try to steal from my mom, and they adopted both of us!” Sugar said excitedly. “We could be like… we could be sisters by now!” Sunset laughed. “Thankfully for you, that didn’t happen. You would not have wanted to live with me back then.” Sugar nudged her. “I didn’t want to live with you back when I lived with you. But hey, maybe if you got adopted, you would’ve turned out different.” Sunset shrugged. “Maybe.” They had made it through the bottle of wine, which Sunset had drunk more of than Sugar had. Even so, Sugar was the far more drunk of the two, due to her lower tolerance for alcohol. “Hey, I always wondered though. Why did you try to steal from her? You never really did shit like that before.” Sunset looked at her empty glass. “That is a question for a much more drunk Sunset, and we’re out of wine.” “Come on! I’m drunk enough for both of us, okay? So you can tell me!” Sugar spoke with all the authority of someone who was well and truly drunk, which did make Sunset laugh. ‘What the hell, she won’t remember in the morning anyway,’ she decided. “Because they weren’t going to adopt both of us. It was me or you.” “Okay? So why wouldn’t you play it safe then?” “I did. I made sure they picked you.” Sugar sat up straight and gave Sunset a sober look as the realization sunk in. Then she gave Sunset a drunken one as she shook her head and tried to make sense of it. “Wait… you really did that for me?” “Yeah. I got caught on purpose so they wouldn’t pick me, that way you’d get to have a home.” “Holy shit, Sunset…” Sunset shrugged. “Look, I don’t need your gratitude or anything. I just thought that would work out for the best.” “That’s so stupid of you!” “Wait, what?” “You could’ve had a nice home with a nice family! What the hell!?” “Are you complaining?” “No, it’s just… everything about your life makes me think you needed this.” “No, you think that because you needed this. I had Rose Petal, which was who I really wanted anyway.” “I guess… You and Miss Rose were always close.” Sugar looked down. “It must’ve been hard for you.” “I guess. But then… that was when I was with Fluttershy, and we were doing really good back then. I had her to help me through it.” Sugar nodded slowly. “You should try to find someone else.” “Yeah, no. Not interested.” “What, why not? You said Fluttershy already moved on, right?” “Sugar…” “No, listen! Listen. I’m basically your older sister now so you gotta listen to me. What Fluttershy did? It’s bullshit. You worked your ass off for her and then she just leaves you for someone else?” “She didn’t leave me for someone else,” Sunset said irritably. “She left me then found someone else.” “Come on, you’re too smart for that shit. Look, it’s been what, a week since you two broke up?” “Two.” “Whatever. She didn’t find someone else, she had someone else and finally told you.” “Careful, Sugar. I may not be as bad as I was, but you’re still treading some thin ice here.” “Hey, it’s called tough love for a reason. And I’m sorry, but you need to face the facts. Fluttershy fucking played you, and you deserve better!” “No. You don’t know her like I know her.” “Okay, but I know you. And I know you’re too good to mope around like this! Go out there and find someone new! You owe it to yourself!” “I don’t know…” “And then adopt a fucking cat because you owe it to cats to love them.” Oh, right. Sugar was drunk and rambling. “Yeah, okay. But what if I date someone with a cat?” Sugar lit up as if Sunset had just shared the secrets of the universe with her. “You could have like… so many cats…” Sunset laughed. “What?” “Get a cat, and then date someone with a cat, and then… kittens!” “Kittens?” “Little itty bitty baby kitty cats! Lots of them!” “I think I’d rather have a dog.” Sugar glared at her. “You disgust me.” Sunset laughed and patted Sugar on the back. “Okay, I think it’s time to get you to bed.” “No way, what about you? I’m supposed to be helping you not think about things.” “Yeah, well, reminding me about those things isn’t exactly helping.” Sunset stood up and guided Sugar to do the same. “Besides, I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.” “Fine, but tomorrow we’re hanging out some more.” “Maybe for a bit, but some of us still have jobs.” “Oh yeah… Well, after you get off work then.” “Sounds good to me.” Sugar tried to take a step and fell back on the couch, then laughed. “Maybe I should just sleep here and let you have the bed.” “Nah, I’m cool on the couch. Come on, I’ll help.” Sunset helped Sugar up again, this time keeping an arm around her. “Where’s your bedroom?” “Down the hall here.” Sunset helped Sugar get to her bedroom and into her bed. She collapsed onto it contently as soon as she was close enough. “I’m gonna sleep like a log.” “Yeah, and wake up feeling like shit.” “That’s a problem for future me.” “And future me, if I have to take care of your hungover ass.” “Hey, I’m your big sister, you should be nice to me.” Sunset laughed. “Okay, you’re not my sister. But we’ll see what happens in the morning. Get yourself some sleep.” “Alright. Night, Sunset.” “Good night, Sugar.” Sunset left the room, turning off the light as she went. She went back into the living room and took a seat on the couch. It was barely ten o’clock, which was much sooner than she liked to be in bed. Unfortunately, being at someone else’s house left her without many options as for what to do, so she pulled out her phone to waste some time. ‘Shit, I left Twilight hanging earlier…’ Sunset realized as she checked her social media accounts. It would be nice to have someone like Twilight to talk to right about now. But as she was looking around social media, she noticed Flash had just made a post. Sure, he wasn’t as close with Sunset as Twilight was, but he was still a friend. She opened her texting app and sent him a message. ‘Hey, you up? Got some shitty news but I got a bottle of bourbon to try and fix that. Be nice to have some company if you wanna join me though.’ Apparently deciding to speed things up from texting, Flash called Sunset within a few moments of texting him. She kept her voice down as she answered, though she doubted Sugar would mind much. “Hey, Flash.” “Hey, Sunset. What’s this news?” Straight to the point. “It’s Fluttershy. We broke up again.” “Oh fuck… Are you okay?” “That’s not even it, though.” Sunset shook her head. “That was like two weeks ago and she already has a new girlfriend.” “What the hell? That’s so unlike her.” “I know, right? She just told me today, said they met a few days after we broke up. Now I’m just sitting here like… what are the odds, you know? It’s not always easy to find a girl into other girls, and she meets one less than two weeks after we break up? And they’re already comfortable enough to start something?” “I… I see what you mean, but this is still Fluttershy. I’m sure if she says that’s what happened, then that’s what happened.” “Yeah, well, even if it is, it’s still shitty.” Sunset picked up the bottle of bourbon. She hoped Sugar wouldn’t mind her taking it, but she could always replace it if she did. “So anyway, I’m looking to wake up hungover. Feel like joining me?” “Sure. Your place or mine?” Sunset’s house still felt too much like Fluttershy’s house too. “Let’s go to yours, but I’m at a friend’s house without my bike, so I’ll need a ride if that’s okay.” “Yeah, I can do that. Just text me the address.” “Will do. See you soon.” “See you.” Sunset hung up the phone and realized she had no idea what the address was. So she got her shoes and jacket back on and stepped outside to check. She had to walk down to the end of the street to figure out which street it was, which left her shivering. She texted Flash back and made her way back into the house to wait. She walked into Sugar’s bedroom to tell her she was leaving and to ask if she could take the bourbon, but Sugar was already snoring away. Deciding it was better to ask forgiveness than permission in this case, Sunset went back into the living room and sent her a text as well, explaining what was going on and offering to pay for the booze. While she waited, she poured herself another shot. Sugar and Flash lived fairly close, so she wasn’t waiting for too long. Twenty minutes after texting him the address, Sunset got a text saying he was outside. She grabbed her bike helmet and the whiskey, then made her way outside. Flash had the heat cranked up when she entered the car, providing instant relief from the cold outside. “Thanks for coming to get me.” “No problem. We all set?” “Yeah, let’s go.” Flash pulled out, and knew better than to talk about Fluttershy on the drive. That was one good thing about Flash, he knew a lost cause when he saw one. If there was a hope of patching things up with Fluttershy he would never let up on trying to get Sunset to do just that, but that ship had sailed. Instead, Sunset recounted the tale of Sugar Breeze and her announcement over the intercom. Even though Lucre was Flash’s uncle, he found it pretty funny. Said he wasn’t looking forward to hearing about it from Lucre himself, but found it funny nonetheless. After that, Flash told Sunset about what he had been up to lately. He was in college majoring in music theory, which was a perfect field for him. And as the one who taught Sunset how to play the guitar, music was always a big connection for the two. That conversation carried them to Flash’s apartment, where they quickly made their way inside. It was a nice enough place, even if it was small and sparsely decorated. Still, it was a standard place for a young adult and was in a nice neighborhood. Sunset took a seat on Flash’s couch while Flash got them some shot glasses. It was a point of guilt for Sunset that she was the reason Flash had started drinking, even if he always did it responsibly. But on the other hand, at least she knew he wouldn’t have a problem drinking whisky. “So anything else new?” Flash asked as he took a seat. “Not really. Just my shitty love life…” “I hear you there.” Sunset filled the shot glasses. “I’ll never understand how you don’t have a girlfriend. You’re a pretty great guy, you know?” Flash shrugged and downed the shot. “Girls just don’t like me like they like you.” Sunset smirked. She had been pretty popular with the ladies back in the day. “Yeah, well, girls are dumb. Who needs them?” Flash nudged her. “Speak for yourself, I want to find a girlfriend.” “Not me. Maybe I’ll go back to guys. Less drama.” “Like you haven’t had enough boyfriend drama too.” “Well… that is true.” Sunset refilled their shot glasses. “Anyway, more booze!” They drank for a while, talking about relationships and how much they sucked. It really did amaze Sunset that Flash couldn’t hold onto a girlfriend. He had dated a few people since breaking up with Sunset back in high school, but it never seemed to work. It wasn’t long until they’d lost count of how many shots they’d done. Between that and the wine Sunset had already drank, she was well and truly drunk, and Flash wasn’t far behind. “Okay, but for real,” Sunset said, “you need to get a new girl. You’re too damn cute to be single.” “Well, hey, if you know someone.” “Hmm… Applejack?” “Wait, is she interested?” Sunset laughed. “In you? No, I don’t think so. Doesn’t seem to be interested in anyone, but come on. She’s gotta date someone sometime, and you’re good enough that I could let you date her.” Flash laughed as well. “What the hell does that mean?” “It means that anyone who tries to date Applejack is asking for my foot in his ass if he doesn’t treat her right.” “That’s a little worrying, not gonna lie.” “Fine, then date Rainbow and pull the stick out of her ass for me.” “That sounds like a safer bet.” Sunset laughed and went to nudge Flash, then wound up leaning on him instead. “Whoever you date, she better treat you better than I did.” “Actually, I still have a lot of good memories of us. Not the end, of course, but everything up to that.” “Oh yeah?” Sunset decided since she was already there, she might as well nuzzle in a little closer. Flash followed suit and put his arm around her. “Yeah.” It felt nice to be held by someone again. That was one thing she had kind of missed being with Fluttershy; Sunset was usually the one doing the holding, she was the supportive one. With Flash, Sunset had never let on that she needed support, but he had always been happy to give it anyway. Maybe that was why. Maybe she was just drunk. Maybe she was too upset with Fluttershy to think straight. Maybe she just didn’t want to be upset anymore, and thought making things even would change that. For whatever the reason, Sunset sat back up and kissed Flash on the cheek. He smiled at her. “Hey, Flash…” “Yeah?” “What do you say we make the most of tonight? You know, for old time’s sake.” Flash looked at her in puzzlement. “What do you mean?” Sunset just grinned and climbed on top of him so she was straddling him. “You know what I mean…” “Sunset, I… I don’t know.” Sunset ran her hand down his chest. “Well… why not? I mean, we’re both single. It doesn’t have to be more than just tonight.” “I…” Sunset stopped. She may be drunk, but she had her limits. “I mean, if you don’t want to, that’s cool.” “I… I want to. But… are you sure about this? You’re pretty drunk…” Sunset laughed. “Look, it’s us. It’s not like you’re some random guy I met at a bar, you know?” Flash put his hands on Sunset’s sides. “Yeah… yeah, that makes sense.” Sunset grinned and leaned in to kiss him again, this time on the mouth. He only hesitated for a moment before kissing her back. Even then, she knew she might regret it. But she just didn’t care, because in that moment, Sunset didn’t hurt anymore. And as she let Flash take her shirt off, putting her arms around his neck while he undid her bra, she found the perfect thing to chase away all thoughts of love.