//------------------------------// // Sunlight - "Release the Love" // Story: The Parenting Project // by frenettek314 //------------------------------// Sunset and Spike felt themselves awkwardly staring at Twilight's focused glaze - curiously poking and prodding the baby as they walked, her eyes squinted in deep concentration. "Uh... Twi? What are you doing?" Twilight, not taking her focus off the doll, proceeded to answer the question in what was commonly referred to as "the scientific explanation". "I'm studying the toy's basic components to understand its materialistic chemical balance - also regarding the technological mechanisms that allow said toy to imitate basic life functions." "So you're basically trying to understand how the baby works?" Sunset asked, her brow raised. "Precisely." Twilight gave a smile, continuing her 'research' on her latest specimen. "Don't worry," Spike quipped, walking between both ladies as he looked up towards Sunset. "She'd do the same thing with an actual baby too." The lavender girl instantly turned around with an embarrassed look on her face, only made worse by Sunset's desperate attempts to conceal her laughter. Needless to say, she was failing miserably. "Spike!" Twilight moaned, while the dog and the other girl next to him were openly chuckling. "What? You would." "No, I wouldn't!" she affirmatively huffed. "You absolutely would! You'd try to test and see if the baby could be taught mathematical equations as a newborn." Sunset added, only further embarrassing the girl. "You two are humiliating!" Twilight blushed, though not making any attempt at moving away from the group. As the talking dog and his owner began trading jabs back and forth, Sunset began reflecting on the pair of comrades accompanying her - specifically the geeky science girl that was Twilight Sparkle. Ever since she had met this universe's Twilight during the Friendship Games, it was like the two instantly formed a close-knit bond that she couldn't explain. At first, Sunset tried to reason that she liked this Twilight so much because she reminded her of a familiar Equestrian Princess, but after awhile of getting to know this specific entity more and more, she realized she liked this Twilight more so than the alicorn through the portal (no offense to her of course). She couldn't pinpoint exactly why the two were so close though - maybe it was their rather studious and geeky personalities (though Sunset hid hers slightly more often), maybe it was the fact that both could relate to feeling like an outcast in their original communities (even though some things differed and some of the things that should've differed were eerily similar), maybe it was for the way that they played off each others' snark and sarcasm; whatever the reason, one thing Sunset definitely knew was that the two teenagers hit it off with each other extremely well - a fact that Sunset wouldn't ever trade. Pretty soon she found Twilight coming over to her place - whether it be for homework sessions, magical theory seminars, simply escaping from her home near Crystal Prep, or even just to hang out - almost all the time. She thoroughly enjoyed having her for company - the two often able to talk for hours, cheer each other up on the worst days, and just simply feel comfortable around each other. Sunset loved all her friends at Canterlot High truly and dearly, but there was something about Twilight that was special... ...even though the other girl didn't seem to want to feel the same way for some reason. "You doing alright Sunset?" Spike asked, snapping the red-head out of her thoughts. Of course, Sunset loved Spike too. Who else could help her tease Twilight like he could? He also knew how to comfort her in the toughest moments - able to support her to the best of his ability. He was more than just a simple, magical-talking dog, he was like a little brother to her. A little brother the former isolated villain greatly appreciated. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking about what to do tonight." she calmly assured. Twilight, having seemed to brush off her earlier misfortune alongside Spike, looked at her with a puzzled look. "You sure it's alright if we spend the night?" Sunset merely quirked at her with a deadpan expression. "Twilight, my place is practically a second home for you two. If I don't mind all the other times you're over, I won't mind this time..." "...as long as you don't create more mutated corn zombies in my apartment..." Twilight scoffed, rolling her eyes with a slight darkened blush. "That was one time." "One time too many." shuddered Spike. "...and as long as Spike doesn't track mud in the house." "Oh sure, blame that on the dog!" he playfully scowled. Twilight quickly smiled, turning towards her friend. "We won't. We promise." Spike rolled his eyes as they continued walking. "She wouldn't kick us out anyways. She loves us too much to do that and she knows it." As funny as Twilight being humiliated was, Sunset often realized that karma always seemed to come back around; her face immediately turned a shade of red as she picked up her head to focus on the opposite direction, away from the knowing smirks of the other two. "Alright... so maybe I do..." she admitted. Twilight giggled into her hand before another giggling form in her grasp regained her attention. "What do we do about Sunlight?" Spike pondered. Twilight turned to him with a slight blush on her cheeks. "We're not seriously calling the doll that are we?" The dog merely shrugged - well as much as a dog could anyways. "The others seemed to keep their names, what's the big deal?" Twilight felt her blush darken, turning back to look at the baby. "I don't know... it just feels weird..." Unbeknownst to her, Sunset's head - still in the opposite direction from earlier - winced at the rejection that seemed to carry on in her friend's tone. "Why is it weird? She seems to feel something for me too, I see her blush. Why does she keep trying to hide it though?" Meanwhile, Spike could easily pick up the tension carried by both girls as they rounded near Sunset's apartment. He desperately wanted to break the ice and dissolve the walls the two - specifically Twilight - seemed to be building around themselves, but he wanted them to figure it out for themselves - even though the pain they slowly started to bury themselves in hurt to watch. But for now, Spike reasoned it was best to remain silent. "I'm not sure why you keep hiding Twi, but I know you. I know you want this, so why keep denying it?" For the time being, the trio and doll made it successfully back to Sunset's place, the orange girl snapping out of her funk as she opened the door to welcome them in. "Right this way - the coolest hang out this side of Canterlot. Just please don't touch the chocolate cake in the fridge." "Chocolate Cake?! Sure, I could eat!" Spike happily exclaimed, running his tiny body towards the kitchen. Twilight was soon to follow him, handing the baby to Sunset as she chased after him with panic stricken on her face. "Spike! You know you can't eat chocolate!" Sunset merely watched the two's antics with a fond smile on her face. She loved these two goofballs and the wacky shenanigans that came with them. Though as she watched Twilight, her smile fell, giving off a bitter sigh. "If only we could be more." Then her glance fell down on the baby in her hold, remembering the name that had caused her friend's flustered demeanor in the first place. "Why can't we be more?" After their initial arrival, the trio soon found themselves in a relaxed rhythm. Twilight was in the dining room, working on some of her homework -... that was due a month from now - while she took careful watch over the infant, thankful that the doll only needed a "diaper change" once. Sunset and Spike meanwhile were in the kitchen, getting dinner prepared for the three of them. Sunset busily scrounged through her tiny kitchen as she compiled ingredients and spices to concoct a warm, thick soup with a growing heavenly aroma. Spike (who had washed his paws before he jumped onto the counter), watched the girl's natural handiwork with the food preparation in awe. "Wow, Sunset! I'm always impressed with your cooking skills. Where'd you even learn this stuff?" In response, she soon glanced over at Spike, stirring the recipe together in a giant pot. Her face contorted into a small, knowing smile. "When you go to a different world and live by yourself for as long as I have, you tend to pick up a few things." Spike's impressed face fell into a slight form of regret, not intending to bring up such a cold, hard truth of Sunset's life. "Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." his ears drooped before he felt a warm hand rub his head. "Don't worry about it." she assured him, "I developed a liking to cooking; it tastes better than fast food all the time anyways." she smirked, causing the dog to return a grin. "Besides, with friends constantly coming over and a certain someone having become like my resident, I'm never really alone." Twilight's head perked up, realizing the emphasis in the phrase was meant for her. "I'm not over all the time." she pushed her glasses to the bridge of her nose in a huff. Sunset rolled her eyes. "Uh-huh. I think you spend more time here than at your house." Spike snickered, agreeing with Sunset's jab. They did often find themselves over here - whether it be for a few hours or even over night. They had to admit they've become accustomed to the quaint, yet inviting apartment. "Is that such a bad thing?" the lavender girl retorted, glancing over her shoulder from her book to spot the kitchen. "Never said it was. You know you're always welcome." Sunset smiled, turning back to her stove. Twilight's mouth seemed to pause mid-comeback, finding herself taken back at the shift from snarkiness to sincerity. "Th-thank you." she finally stumbled, propping herself back into her reading before a set of wails made themselves known. "Even the baby was moved by my sentiments." Sunset sagely noted, moving back towards the refrigerator. "I highly doubt that was the reason." Twilight countered, picking up the doll and cradling it ever so gently. "She's probably hungry." Spike suggested, prompting the girl at the table to retrieve the pretend bottle she found in the blanket earlier. After a few moments of "drinking", Twilight proceeded to pat the baby on the back, eliciting a small burp. She then gently placed it back down in front of her nonchalantly, earning some shocked looks from the other two. Twilight noticed something was amiss, turning around to view the gaping reactions aimed at her. "What?" she innocently prodded. "I didn't know you could do that." Spike reasoned, Sunset nodding in agreement. "What? I know enough about babies." The duo's shock vanished, replaced by deadpan expressions. "You were observing it like it was a mutated experiment earlier." Sunset dryly pointed out. "...Ok... so maybe I picked up some baby books at the library by accident one time." she sheepishly blushed. "That sounds more believable." Sunset grinned. "Still though, who knew you had it in you? Maybe you could be a mom one day?" Spike complimented. The girl only shook her head rapidly. "I don't think I really want kids. I like them occasionally, but I'd rather not have a little one or several running around." "Same here. I can babysit, but that's as far as I'll go." Sunset agreed. Twilight gave a soft laugh, until she felt a sentence come pouring out of her mouth. "Who knows if I'll even have a husband one day." Sunset's happy aura instantly petered out, replaced by a more longing, distant look instead. Twilight immediately stopped laughing, realizing what she had said as she quickly turned around, suddenly not interested in viewing Sunset's expression. The dog nervously glanced back and forth between the two humans worriedly, his paws trying to reach out to Sunset. "Sunset...?" he began before a sudden timer on the counter-top interrupted them. Sunset immediately took back to the stove, realizing that the timer indicated dinner was nearly complete, all it needed now was for the stove to be turned off and the soup to be given a few minutes to cool. "Soup's almost ready." Sunset called out, though not with the same gusto she usually carried as she stared at the stove, not taking the chance to look back behind her. Twilight meanwhile silently cleared her books and belongings from the table, her own eyes cast downwards, placing the baby and its cradle on the couch. Spike meanwhile witnessed all of this with a pitiful expression. "Twilight didn't mean that, I know she feels differently." He then glanced back around at the other girl, seeing her mindlessly stirring the soup as she placed it off the stove top. "But if she keeps hiding things, they're only going to distance themselves more. She's going to hurt Sunset." The canine began contemplating what he should do before a loud gurgling from his stomach had made itself apparent. Reluctantly pushing away the dilemma at hand for now, he surrendered to the hunger that overcame him. "Alright, food first. I just hope this 'parenting project' doesn't permanently change things..." "So much for not changing things..." Spike muttered, watching Sunset take care of the dishes while Twilight was making sure the baby was taken care of. His mind shifted back to the meal that they all shared together; while the three were no strangers to eating together, in fact dare he say they did it frequently, tonight's dinner had been anything but the typical affair - and he didn't like it one bit. Whereas the dining room would usually be filled with hearty discussions and humorous anecdotes exchanged back and forth, a void filled with dreaded silence enraptured them instead. In place of the loud clatter of utensils coinciding with bouts of laughter, there was the meek clanging of their spoons to the bowls of soup, silently slurping the meal as neither girl dared look at each other. He felt like he was being tortured watching the depressing evening meal unfold, though he knew the two main occupants were suffering much worse. Both teenagers quietly ate away, not willing to risk a conversation, much less eye contact. The tension in that room was so thick you could cut it with a knife - though Spike supposed since the girls were eating soup, a spoon would have to suffice. He sighed to himself as he ate away at the tiny portion of soup left in his dog bowl. "Forget trying to work through everything right this moment, I just need to return this apartment to a shred of normalcy." That's when he perked up, realizing there was an activity the three always participated in - one they couldn't refuse. It wasn't a permanent solution by any means, but if it meant restoring some of the happiness and conversation between them, it would work for now. "Hey guys, how about a movie?" Soon enough, Spike allowed himself an inward grin as his temporary fix seemed to be working. As he laid his head on Twilight's lap, he allowed himself to see that both girls were now sitting on the couch, smiling in comfort and relaxation as they gazed at the screen in front of them. "I'm surprised you chose 'Frozen' though." Twilight finally commented, turning her head towards Sunset in slight bewilderment. Sunset merely shrugged with a grin as she continued watching, "Meh. I don't just watch horror and action, you know." Her grin grew even wider as she peered at a certain princess on the screen. "Besides, Elsa is hot." Spike cocked his head over to the girl in somewhat of a snarky fascination. "You think everyone is hot." Sunset only gazed back at him, a wry grin enveloping her features. "You are not wrong." Twilight though felt an increasing blush circulate around her, trying to focus harder on the movie than on a certain other female in the room. Small idle chatter flicked on and off between them, continuing to watch the movie in relative interest. After a while though, it was nearing the end of the movie. (*Certain events that I won't spoil*) had just occurred as the story was entering its final reprise. The trio gave a content sigh as each of them found themselves thoroughly enjoying the film. "Now I know why this is so popular." Twilight commented. "Yeah. Pinkie and Rarity have both been begging me to watch it. Now I know why." she leaned her head back on the cushion of the sofa as she sighed. As Spike smiled though, he suddenly felt his inner thoughts get the better of him. "They're comfortable now. Here's your chance to slowly nudge them - just a little subtle poke though." He bounced back and forth with the idea for a minute until he realized that these two were not going to fix things themselves - on the contrary, they'd probably make it worse until it exploded in their faces. Steeling himself slightly, he took his shot. "You know - this movie kind of reminds me of us." Both girls turned to address him curiously, their heads slightly tilted. "How so?" Sunset asked. "I mean - Anna and Elsa both had issues with each other in their little family, but they came out stronger than ever after seeing the love they have for one another." "Spike, they're sisters." Twilight slightly scoffed, not seeing the point to her companion's claim. Sunset meanwhile seemed to widen her eyes in growing realization. "I know," he defended, "But I'm sure this lesson can also apply to anyone outside of a sibling dynamic. About not hiding or concealing things and letting true selves shine." "I mean after all, we are kind of like a family." Spike concluded hopefully, grinning as he glanced back and forth between the two. Twilight felt herself pause for a second, stunned into silence for a moment of clarity before she turned away from the others, staring longingly at the arm of the couch. "Spike... we can't be a family." In a scary set of circumstances that painted the scene much more dramatic, the television finally turned to static - having gone through the credits - as Sunset effortlessly hopped up from her seated position, silently walking away from the duo on the couch, her hair perfectly concealed her eyes from their viewing distance. Both girl and dog looked up at the third with worried looks in their eyes. "Sunset...?" Twilight weakly muttered, her hand reaching out. "You're right. I guess we can't. All that time we spent together - it just meant we're friends." As Sunset began slowly making her way out of the living room, Spike felt his heart begin to quake. He couldn't take this anymore. He couldn't dare watch two girls he cared deeply for just keep pushing themselves through the confinements of pain they placed themselves in. "EVERYBODY STOP!" he harshly yelled, stopping her in her tracks as both she and Twilight gaped at him with concern and a dose of fear. He never normally yelled or got this upset. "This has to stop!" he lowered an octave, "You two can't just keep pushing yourselves away like this! I and most likely all of our other friends know that you two really like each other but you both keep shying away from it and it's clearly not working!" Twilight tried her best to replicate her normal, slightly annoyed tone - glancing down at the dog. "Spike, that's ridiculous! I don't..." "BULLSHIT!" he harshly interrupted her, effectively halting any arguments. If the two girls weren't drawn to attention before, they certainly were now. They could hardly remember a time where he swore. "Twilight, that is the biggest lie ever and we both know it! Every time you two get really close to each other, I see how you blush and try to brush everything off. If anyone ever mentions a relationship to you, I see how you skittishly look at her. And ever since earlier when you got pulled into this 'baby assignment', you've gotten super defensive whenever anyone mentions you two together - as parents, a family, or any other format!" "You keep trying to push your feelings down, but you're only hurting yourself the longer you deny it! Worst of all, every time you do, you make Sunset upset! She tries to hide it, but I know how hurt she is when you recoil at the thought of being more than friends. This needs to stop now, I don't care what happens, but you two need to work this out and get things out in the open!" He finished, slightly panting from his long-winded tirade as the two girls felt their eyes sparkle. No one spoke for the longest time - Twilight curling with her hair, while Sunset rocked back and forth anxiously on her heels - until at last, the lavender girl spoke. "You're right, Spike. I do have feelings for Sunset." The dog felt a small smile creep up while the orange girl behind them felt her heart beat ever so faster. What shocked them both however, was when Twilight then bowed her head downwards in shame. "But I can't." That beating heart in her chest now formed a crack as she felt a slight sting of tears come over her. "Why can't you?!" the dog barked incredulously, sick of hearing denials - and now excuses. "I..." she began, stuttering. "Twilight..." Sunset whispered. "BECAUSE IT'S WRONG OK?!" Just like that, time seemed to stop moving. The temperature in the room seemed to drop 20 degrees as all three beings merely stood in the frigid wasteland that their conversation had taken them to. Unfortunately, the silence was eventually broken as Sunset - heavy tears dripping down her face - quickly ran out the front door in a huff. "Sunset, wait! I-I didn't mean it like that..." but it was too late, for as soon as the sentence was uttered did the door forcibly slam behind the fleeing teenager, sending her in a weeping mess. "Sunset..." "Sunset..." Twilight cried out again dejectedly, immediately regretting her outburst. Her internal turmoil was short-lived however as a harsh paw slap to the cheek provided her with some external pain. "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" Spike scowled, sending his best friend daggers. "WHY WOULD YOU EVEN SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT?!" Twilight rubbed her eyes repeatedly, formulating her response. "Spike, I-I didn't mean to say that... it's just... you wouldn't understand..." "You're absolutely right! I don't understand how you can love someone and say something awful like that to them!" he bitterly growled, "If you don't feel that way, why would you say it?" "BECAUSE EVERYONE WOULDN'T APPROVE!" Spike felt his anger immediately vanish, looking up at his owner in bewilderment. "...what?" Twilight sniffed. "Mom, Dad, Shining Armor, our friends... they all want me to marry a guy some day. I know they're not homophobes or anything, but I know they want me in a straight relationship. You should've seen how happy everyone was when I was dating Timber Spruce - back at Camp Everfree." Twilight felt more tears rapidly falling. "At first, I thought he was cute; but after a while, I just wasn't interested in him. I didn't know why at first but as soon as I started looking at Sunset, I knew she was different. But she and all the others - they were so happy to see me with him - I didn't want to let everyone down." Spike now felt guilty for snapping at her. What she said was wrong, but he also didn't know this side of the story. "Twi..." She continued in a shaky voice. "I didn't want to hurt Sunset, but I thought if everyone saw us together, they'd grow angry at me. I just didn't want everyone to hate me..." Spike proceeded to rub himself against her weeping frame, consoling her for several long minutes until she had finally calmed down. With a light pat on her shoulder (which wasn't easy as he had to stand up on 2 paws), he looked back at her with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry I got so mad. You ready to hear why you were wrong though?" Twilight would've normally grown more flustered at the thought of being wrong, but in this situation she was glad she could be; plus she was also eager to hear what Spike had to say. Silently nodding her head, Spike continued. "Everyone wasn't excited because you were happy with him, they were excited because you were happy." "W-what?" her eyebrows rose. "You said it yourself - our friends and family aren't homophobes. They'd be happy no matter who you were with, so long as you're happy. Anyone who really cares about you just wants to know you're in a loving, healthy relationship, that's all." Twilight formed a shaky, quivering smile, glancing down at the dog. "You...you really think so?" "I know so." he iterated. "Who'd be upset if you were interested in women? Pinkie and Fluttershy - who are already a couple? Rarity - who's as progressive as can be? Applejack - who was the first to congratulate Pinkie? How about the girl with the rainbow hairdo? Shining and Cadance? Your parents?" Twilight went through the list of names - trying to process any argument to Spike's claims - before it hit her like a ton of bricks. There was no argument. If half of them weren't gay or bi, then the rest were supportive nonetheless. She may have been with a guy before but changing that wouldn't make others think any differently - at least the ones who properly cared about her. Her eyes widened as the light bulb went off in her head, a steady smile climbing as she wiped away the rest of the tears. "You're right Spike. I've been so stupid. I can't believe I would've thought..." "Hey hey. You're not stupid! Maybe what you said was dumb, but it's okay to have fears - even if they don't turn out to be true. Still, maybe not the best idea to push everything deep down and turn others away." he sagely offered, making the girl give out a light giggle. "Agreed. I may be an intellect when it comes to science and academia, but I know very little about social things like this." "Our friends are the best teachers." he replied, "And we'll always love you no matter what." Twilight gave off a radiant smile, hugging the dog tightly as the two snuggled into the embrace. "Thanks Spike. I'll always love you too." Though the moment was short lived as she realized something. "But how am I going to find Sunset and explain all this to her?" she worriedly began to panic, gently placing the dog down as the two began to think. "You don't have to." "You don't have to." a new voice called out, slowly walking inside to reveal... "S-Sunset?!" Twilight squeaked. "B-but... How...?" Spike babbled, failing to comprehend. Sunset ran a hand through her slightly red eyes, giving a soft smirk. "When I ran outside, I quickly realized I was running out of my own apartment..." she blushed, awkwardly rubbing the back of her head. "I was going to come back in until I heard you two talking through the door, so I decided to wait to make my presence known." Spike blinked in compliance. "Wait... so does that mean you heard...?" "Every word." she nodded with a small smile. Twilight quickly stood up, walking cautiously over to the other girl. She had heard her confession? She knew how she felt? "S-Sunset. I'm so sorry... I didn't mean to say..." "It's alright. I forgive you." she interrupted, a gentle hand reaching out to her. "I know how nervous you get and..." Surprisingly, Twilight leaned back from the hand as a determined spark ignited in her eyes. "No, please! I know you've heard what has already been said, but there's something else I have to tell you! Something important you deserve to know!" Sunset found herself mindlessly nodding, noticing the conviction in her eyes. Spike sat behind them in awe. "Even if you don't want to be together with me anymore - which I completely understand - what I said about us 'not being a family', that's not true! Ever since I met you, you've always had a special place in my heart. You're my best friend and you always will be! I love spending time with you - we just work well together for reasons even I don't understand sometimes." "Even if I held no attraction to you, I shouldn't have hidden from you and hurt your feelings in the process. What we have here - this is a family to me without a doubt and I took it for granted. No matter what happens next, I want to enjoy this family with you if you feel the same!" "No matter what, I'll always love you Sunset Shimmer." As soon as her heartfelt speech ended, she was soon tackled by a weeping Sunset, her arms grabbing her waist as she held onto her for dear life. "Tw- Twilight... I love you too." Twilight simply let a single tear fall as she hugged back with all her strength. Watching from the distance, Spike couldn't help but feel happy tears threatening to take control of him as well, blinking them away as best he could. After a tender moment of silence, Twilight was the first one to speak. "It was still wrong of me to act like I was a homophobe. I know you've been bi for a long time now." Sunset merely looked at the girl across from her, giving a light shrug. "I'll admit it did hurt, but that's why you're doing the cooking next time." "Don't punish yourself with burnt cereal!" Spike quipped from the distance, earning a friendly glare from Twilight while Sunset proceeded to clench her sides in laughter. "So wait... does this mean...?" Twilight began. Sunset, realizing what she was implying, leaned closer to her as she spoke in a soft, playful voice. "Does this answer your question?" And with that, Sunset's lips touched Twilight's as the two connected for a passionate kiss. While Twilight stood shell-shocked at first, it didn't take long for her to reciprocate the affection back, both finally achieving a goal they had been secretly waiting for for so long. Spike watched the two's romantic display, a feeling of pride surging through him. "There's my family." While the initial plan may have been for the caring of the doll known as Sunlight, a different form of Sunlight came to be that very evening. Like with parenting, sometimes it's hard to know what to do or how to feel in the moment, giving way to feelings of doubt and insecurity. Fear and worry are inevitable parts of life everyone must go through though - sometimes all it takes is a little push past our comfort zones to create the most magical moments of all. Indeed, new life was born in that apartment - in the hearts and souls of two - in Sunset and in Twilight.