//------------------------------// // 1. Probably nothing important, but I just can't get it out of my mind... // Story: Oh, Ma'am, just one more thing... // by the frank //------------------------------// Sunset Shimmer stretched out her hand for another sip from her large cup of melted mocha latte. It was a bit too sweet and definitely on the unhealthy side, yet she had purchased it without any hesitation whatsoever. Heck, she was originally a pony and they ate sugar almost constantly, so really it was nothing new for her! Besides, she’d already decided that this was a perfect day for a sugary treat. She was going to meet Rarity after all and as much as she loved the girl as a friend, spending time with her could be taxing for... Reasons. So, she’d need that extra jolt of caffeine and sugar. In fact, she deserved it! Thinking of the woman in question, and their upcoming meeting, Sunset took a glance at her watch and saw it was 1:05 pm, causing the girl to sigh through her drink. “Fashionably late again I see. How sterotypical.”   For all of Rarity’s skills, being punctual was never one of them. And to make matters worse, Sunset was already down two thirds of her drink. At this point, it was now more whipped cream than coffee. Almost undrinkable...unless you are Pinkie Pie... or her kids. Moving away from the coffee/dessert, Sunset brought her phone from her pocket, opened one of her games and stared at it for a while. If she hoped for a distraction she was disappointed. She put the phone back and started to stare around the room, searching for something to see... But nothing of interest showed up, since every Moonbucks shop looked like the other. More or less.  There were the generic photos of happy people harvesting, the stupid quotes from people that tried to sound intelligent and a blueprint of a coffee grinder. She had seen it all before, but this time she stared at them as if it was the first time she saw them. Like she didn’t want to be caught sitting doing nothing. Or perhaps like she didn't want her mind to wander in unpleasant direction. She shook her head and took another sip from her cup, trying to look like yes, she was supposed to eat all that whipped cream.  She was an adult, Faust damn it! She could have coffee with lots of cream if she wanted to! And she was waiting for a friend! One of her best friends! She was not having any uneasy feelings and she was NOT trying to drown them in sugar! She put the now definitely empty cup down. Best friends… Yes, best friends! Even if the years had passed since the days at Canterlot High, and she’d since met many great people, the main seven gang was still her tightest social circle.  Sure, it was mostly on MyStable and not that much irl… but their private little message group was still buzzing with activities. And she had conversations open with all of her friends! Bad science jokes, vegan recipes, Rainbow's shows… Pinkie Pie was still the worst of course. Never forgot a birthday, or half-birthdays, holidays or any day that had the slightest piece of importance to someone. Unfortunately, this included many less-than-pleasant memories, like the the Anon-a-Miss debacle, or when Sunset turned into a she-demon. Not to mention graduation... *Beep-bop* *Beep-bop*; *Beep-bop* *Beep-bop* The message alert thankfully kept her from being reminded of her biggest misstep and she turned her attention to her phone. Two messages, one from Rarity, and one from “TroubleAndStrife”, a.k.a. her wife, Starlight Glimmer. She smiled dryly and opened Rarity's message first. "Prepare yourself everypony, here comes the excuse", she muttered to herself. For some reason, the tension in her shoulder she hadn’t been aware off dropped. And immediately returned, when she read the message. Went to the wrong Café and sat there for ten minutes. Silly me. Be there soon darling. Ta ta! /R. She put her phone down and absentmindedly began to massage her neck. So, Rarity was coming.  Of course she was coming! Why shouldn’t she! She was her friend! By Faust, even if they didn’t see each other as much as they used to, they still made time for each other! Like… Like her own wedding! Twi and Trix's wedding, Rarity’s wedding, where she had been one of the maids of honors and toastmaster along with Rainbow! Not to mention Fluttershy's independence day, the wedding of Princess Twilight, endless B&Ws with Rares, Coco, Sassy, herself and Starlight when she visited Canterlot... She looked down at her hands, just to have something to look at. “But never just her and me. Right?" But...We've been meeting her alone! Lot’s of time! What about all the times when she visits Manehattan? Always coffee and gossip at Moonbucks! "But always with Starlight joining us. Or Flutters. Or Jack, when he comes along. Never just her and me. Never.” Never…? “Never.” No. No! Of course they had spent time together just the two of them! For example, she had visited the Acres many times and spent time with Jack, Rares and their kids! “But it’s not like we were alone in a house full of kids…” She sighed again. Two families lived at the Acres. Other than Jack and Rares, Red and Sugar also lived there, meaning there were A LOT of kids at Sweet Apple Acres. “I’ve never been alone with her… Just her... have I?” She sat in silence for a while until she sighed again. “No. Not since… High school.” High school. Nope. Not going there. She crossed her arms and looked sternly at the coffee grinder, her mind scanning through her collective memories for something, anything else, to think about... Nothing came up. The tension from her shoulders began to spread, from her back all the way down to her stomach. She reached out for another sip, only to find that it had gone cold, leading to coughing fit after the bitter taste assaulted her tongue. To distract herself, she took up her phone again and read the message from Starlight as she wiped off her mouth with a napkin. Hi babe! I’m really sorry I couldn’t come, I would rather been with you and Rares than at this OH HOLY SAINT MEGAN Boring conference. The lecturers are THE driest  people I have ever met,. It wouldn’t surprise me if they would spontaneously catch fire if they didn't smell so much off sweat… Even a visit to the “Consolidation” turned into a drag. Well, here’s a few kisses nd hugs and a few more kisses on… you know where… Don’t wanna loose you babe, not when your off to meet your ex without me. ;) XOXO, Starlight. For a short moment, her wife’s message warmed her up (in spite of the misspellings; you are a headmistress, Starlight, LEARN to SPELL!) in more ways that one as she blushed at the thought of those kisses. But then.... Her ex. Oh yeah. That was it wasn’t it. Her ex. Not one of her best friends. Not an old friend from school. Not someone who she had hung out with more than a hundred times… At this moment, all the things Rarity was had been reduced to her being Sunset ́s ex. She immediately felt sick, but why? It hadn’t even been that much of a...Okay, it had.  It hadn't lasted for very long, just the last semester before graduation. And yet, it had been one heck of a crazy time. Her first relationship after Flash and Rarity’s third with a girl. And it included all the emotions and hormones that came with the late teenage years.   Sunset was a bit embarrassed when she thought back to that point in time… Even if it had its moments.  But mostly, it was just two teenagers trying to be more mature than they actually were. We were not together, we were having a relationship. Oh sweet Faust… Complete with a messy br… aaaand no, not thinking about that.  She quickly took another sip, and the whipped cream with the last drop of coffee erased any bad feelings with sugar.  Besides, they had reconciled when Rarity had returned from Prance, hadn’t they? Sunset paused as she wiped her mouth and chin clean.  Yes they had. They WERE friends. But when Sunset broke up with her... No, she didn't want to think about that and she especially didn't want Rarity to talk about that! So, why did she have to meet her just by herself? Why did this have to happen NOW!  And in that exact moment... “Sunset, there you are! Let me just put these here and I’ll go get myself something? You want anything? Your usual? Splendid! BRB!” And then she was gone from Sunset’s line of vision as quick as she had appeared. ...Okay, not “gone” gone. She was at the counter, ordering. A Chai Latte Vanilla, soy milk and a tiiiny hint of cinnamon, and Sunset’s usual, whatever that was. Rarity always bought her different things.  Sunset, now having a mini panic attack, tried to concentrate on her breathing and collect her still disjointed thoughts.  "Calm down Sunset. This will be fine. Fine. It's a casual get together with Rarity. Stupid Rarity... No! Why did I..." Sunset tried to think about other things, but it all spun back to the thought of Rarity. To at least try to regain some self-control she began to give Rarity's appearance a scrutinizing look.  Focus on details, forget the big picture. It always worked for Twilight, so…  The Barista was a pretty tall girl, and even wearing her standard high heels, Rarity had to look up to talk to her. She had always been the shortest, second to Rainbow. But she also had the most “womanly figure” of the whole gang, which might explain why she had the barista's full attention. Or as Rarity once put it, Just tell it like it is, a big fat round butt and huge boobs that makes people miss my eyes, that’s what THAT means!  Well, Rarity did her best to get staredlooked at. She really wanted every piece of her outfit to be noticed, which Sunset was regrettably able to do in full detail.  Her outfit was impeccable as always. A dark purple skirt suit, white polo, black high heels, skin-coloured stockings and a grey/blue-isch scarf. It probably had a fancy name, but Celestia help her if she could remember it. She even noticed the contours of Rarity’s underwear as she leaned forward to get the mugs, but that was probably not worth mentioning, visible pantyline was a crime against fashion. A minor one, but still. She didn’t wear a hat as she normally did; instead a pair green sunglasses covered her eyes, which worked surprisingly well with her overall appearance and dark skin.  As Rarity turned around and walked towards Sunset, carrying the two mugs, she could see her reflection in the glasses. She looked a bit like an alien... “There! Finally, I can get myself something worth drinking! And for you love, a double espresso macchiato, along with a little chocolaty treat for both of us !”  Rarity paused to look at Sunset. “Sunset, DARLING, black jeans are SO you, and you look so relaxed and CASUAL in that Indian yellow button-up! And don’t say anything, I am allowed ONE darling a day. Alright, maybe two. SO, HOW have you been?” A smile. That glistering, perfectly white smile she knew she used to feel in her left pocket. Sunset fought back the feeling of spitting out The ‘ell you mean with CASUAL? Instead she smiled back and began to talk. Neutral ground, safe subject. Work. Thatchroof Uni was a good place, the latest budget cuts had left her without an assistant, but Bloom had already begun her internship at Rich industries anyway.  Probably her wife that wanted something more posh or she would choke, I suppose.  The coffee machine in the teachers lounge was down again, which meant they had to buy their coffee at the café on the other side of the road and everyone with faith prayed it would be a month before it was fixed up Ha ha ha! Oh Sunny...you’re the worst! Starlight was so sorry she had to go to Baltimare. Of course of course. What is a headmistress life other than conferences? Celestia is always complaining about that! They had finally got to fix up the bathroom and kitchen and they now had a bathtub large enough for two. Oh but that is wonderful! Let me tell you, we had to install TWO separate bathtubs! The kids ALWAYS demanded to bathe with me and Jack! But with one large jacuzzi and a smaller one life is SO much better. ‘Wink wink.’  Sunset rolled her eyes. Then there was a pause. A much longer pause than what really was comfortable. Rarity looked at Sunset, then out of the window before she took a sip from her cup. DAMN that was strong. And probably what she needed.  Sunset did her best not to look at Rarity, trying instead to focus on what was written on that blueprint.  Fig A. Crowbar industries. Patent number… number… whatever.  Losing interest, she took a sip from her drink, leaving the pair silent for another full minute, though it wouldn’t last as Sunset had a strange feeling in her gut that had started to branch out into her legs.  She had to say something, didn’t matter what, she just had to get something out. Before Rarity could ask anything she didn’t want to talk about, Sunset blurted out, louder than necessary, “SO, HOW are YOU then?” Rarity looked surprised at the outburst, but her smile quickly returned before she spoke in a stream of words, her regular fashion. Well, Fashion was as it always had been, I won’t bore you with dready details darling, but she was doing quite well, and her latest shop in Las Pegasus has proven to be a solid, even if not impressively strong source of income and she was probably able to open another in Trottingham next year. Oh, Fleur and Flutters promised to make a special appearance, JUST for her grand opening.  -Are people STILL waiting for her comeback?  Oh yes indeed, she has some really persistent fans! She made an appearance at Fashion Week a few years back, there was THOUSANDS there just for her! The children were a riot and she loved them but they had no respect for work ethics it's mom play with me or ma Ah’m hungry and she had told them over and over that was not the language of a lady but do they ever listen oh no and even if they had decided that two kids was quite enough it had still left her body in ruins but she was proud to say that her designer genius has managed to cover most of it. But I did get myself a boob job as a gift for my 35th birthday, yes I said it out loud, no reason to look shocked! -I wasn’t s… Rarity didn't seem to pay her reply any attention so Sunset leaned back a and just listened, as she took another sip from her drink. All while Rarity continued to rattle on without a care in the world.  Until... “But speaking of kids, how are you and Starlight doing? If you’re thinking of having children then you’d better be prepared to lose that rather fetching figure of yours. My body was in a wreck when I had our first and even my poor hard working Jack has gotten a bit of a belly after the birth of our Honeyjack." Relations. Shit. No no no, she had to focus, had to answer, and she had to be honest. This was her FRIEND, and even so, Rarity could always smell bullshit. But what to say? We need a bigger apartment. In Manehattan. Wanna help with THAT, Rares? No, that was unfair...We’re not sure about who shall be the one staying home… No, she will only say things will work out…”And which of you should be the bearer?” Well, we just need to see if my uterus survived that blow from graduation! Waste thousands of bits only to find out I am USELESS, that sounds like fun doesn’t it! ...I can’t say that… it’s so unfair to… Sunset didn't feel well, but still she opened her mouth. “It’s… complicated. You...know how things are.” Sunset bit her lip. Rarity put her hand on Sunset’s. She looked like she’d been able to peer right into her friend's thoughts. “Ah yes. I’m sorry Sunset, please forget I said anything.” Stupid Rarity. Always the compassionate one.   “Nah. It’s okay.” Silence. Rarity looked at Sunset, and when she didn’t say anything, Rarity cleared her throat and spoke. “Well, how are Flash and Sunburst?” Yes! A Safe subject! “I don’t have that much contact with them nowadays, but I see their pictures online from time to time. They adopted a few years back and they seem to be happy.” “Wasn’t Flash playing in Rainbow's band a few years back?” “He was, and technically still is I assume. He was my replacement, remember?” “Oh yes… of course. But he has stepped down to be with his family?” “Well yeah, but they’re all taking a break. Rainbow WAS pretty close to a burnout.” “Mhm…Yes she was. Though, that’s hardly anything new for her. Always running herself into the ground.” Silence. “If you don’t mind me saying, Sunset, I think you should decide on what to do soon. Bottling those issues up might lead to a big mess and end up in divorce. Just as it did with Twilight and Trixie.” Divorce! Red flag! Red flag! “I kind of do mind you saying, but yeah, I know. They’re still not on speaking terms, right? “I’m afraid not. And both of them are on the rebound. Big time. Trixie is engaged to one of her assistants. The MALE one, just to hurt Twi. And Twi… Oh that poor dear. They were drowning themselves with work until that new laboratory assistant showed up. And you must have seen how they have been showering MyStable with cute couple pictures! It’s pretty ugly.” “Yeah I have." Beat. "Breakups usually are.” Aaand she had said it. Sunset bit her lip again at her fumble. Her eyes immediately hit the table, unwilling to look Rarity in the eye, leading to a long silence. The bitter feeling in her gut was strong now and Sunset was wondering if it was rude to spit on a friend and then make a run for the escalators. “Well Sunset… At least our breakup was one of the better ones. Though, when I broke up with you, you…”  Sunset had put her cup down on the table with a loud bang and was now staring at Rarity. Rarity gave Sunset an uncomfortable look and uttered, “I’m sorry Da...Sunset?” Sunset was still silently staring at Rarity. “Sunset?” “YOU didn’t… No no NO! YOU didn’t break up with me! -I- broke up with YOU!” Sunset had raised her voice and pointed at Rarity. Rarity smiled, her trying-to-look-like-one-but-not-a-very-friendly-smile. “Sunset Shimmer. I am terribly to persist an uncomfortable view on things, but that is not what happened between us. It was I that broke up with you, I assure you. I remember it all too well. It was the day before I was going to leave for Prance and…” Now Sunset was visibly upset. “OH TARTAROS NO! I BROKE UP WITH YOU! AND I KNOW THAT! Because that is the reason why I never wanted to be alone with you! That is why this entire situation is as uncomfortable and itching like a pair of frilly underwear two sizes too small!"  Rarity, along with a few other patrons stared at the fiery girl’s rather specific analogy, almost as if hoping for clarification.  “Don't. Ask. That’s why I always have made sure that someone else is with us in case you should finally tell me that you...you…” Pause. “Di...did I say that out loud?” “Yes darling. You did.” Rarity looked more taken aback than angry, but Sunset was devastated. Sure, she had been slightly hostile and unfriendly, but she didn’t want Rarity to KNOW that! “Oh...shit. Shit. Rares… Rares I’m so sorry I’m so…” Rarity lifted a finger.  “Please be quiet dear. Just for a moment. Let me finish my tea.” Rarity slowly drank up the last content of her cup as Sunset got more and more red. She felt frozen in her seat, taking the occasional glance at the other people, some watching the exchange with curiosity.  I said it. I finally said it. She stared at her half-empty mug. Stupid mouth! STUPID! Here it comes. It happens now. The… the… What...What’s supposed to happen now? Sunset looked at Rarity, waiting for her to make a move. Rarity looked back at her, slightly taken aback. Then she took a deep breath and rose. “Darling. Dearie. Sunset Shimmer.” “Mmmm…” “As much as I enjoy our little get togethers at these humble cafés... “ Why do you call them cafés...it’s silly. Just go. Leave me… “...I think it’s safe to say that we both need something stronger. You still keep your little collection of liquor at your place? Especially those seventeen bottles of Scot Whiskey?" “...Y-yes?” “Off we go then. This needs to be cleared out and for that, we need a glass of an at least 30 year old Loch Lomond! Allons-y!”