A younger Sunset burst into the café, hair, and clothes drenched from being in the rain. Her eyes were red and her face was wet, from a mix of salty tears and rainwater. Slung over her shoulders was a backpack and a small suitcase of her things as well as a guitar case.
It had been a hell of a day for her and right now something sweet could really help her out.
She approached the counter and spoke her order.
“One large Mocha and a chocolate muffin.” She asked in a tired tone. The person behind the counter saw her things and rung up the till then went to prepare the order. Sunset looked slightly confused.
“Um…aren’t you going to charge me?” She asked.
“Nope. Runaways get meals free.” He explained.
“Really?’ Sunset spoke in a shocked tone. She didn’t see that on the shop window.
“Yep. I don’t announce that as I may get punks pretending to be runaways. You are the real deal.” He said as he started to froth the milk.
“Wow. Thanks.” She said in gratitude.
Soon, the barista spoke.
“You know, you’re not the only one that is a runaway you know.”
Sunset once again did a confused look.
“What do you mean?” She asked. The BArista stopped making the drink and pointed to a table. When Sunset turned, she saw who it was and was shocked.
It was an 11-year-old boy with drenched white hair, an orange raincoat, blue jeans and white sneakers. The kid was sipping a hot chocolate and looked rather miserable.
“Poor kid has been here for the past five days. I know he’s a runaway as he’s got the miserable look only a runaway can have but he never told me.”
Sunset was silent. There is no way an 11-year-old boy will be able to make it this far without anyone to help. WHat was he doing here?
“Hey, lady. I have your order ready.”
Sunset stopped looking and thanked the man for the order. She decided that the poor kid could use some company and went over to where he was.
When she sat down, he saw who was at his table.
“Can I help you?” He asked in a dead tone.
“Just figured you could use some company.” She said with a kind smile.
“Why?” He asked in skepticism
She just shrugged.
“Us runaways have to stick together.” She replied as she showed her bags.
The young boy's eyes widened. Those were a lot of bags.
“I’m Sunset Shimmer, by the way.” Sunset said as she held out a hand.
“Lincoln Loud.” The boy replied, returning the handshake.
“So how come you’re here in a place like this?” She asked.
“I could ask the same to you.” Lincoln replied.
Sunset just looked more somber.
“Let’s say, I had to get away from some toxic people I thought were my friends. They were victims of gossip and blamed it on me.” She said.
“I know how you feel. My family chased me out over some stupid superstition that I had the brilliant idea to roll with.” Lincoln replied.
“Really?”
“Yep.”
The two sat in awkward silence.
“So…wanna tell stories?” Lincoln asked.
“I’ll go first.” Sunset said with a sigh as she recounted the events that led to her runaway.
“That was one basic meeting.” Lincoln said.
“What did you expect? One of us running from some thugs and us battling it out? This isn’t an action film you know.” Sunset said with a smirk.
“Yeah. A hot drink is a good way for people to bond.” Lincoln agreed.
Soon, the two began munching on their take out.
“Still cannot believe you got thrown out over some stupid gossip,” Lincoln said.
“Well, to be fair, I did tell you about my days as a bitch.” Sunset added as she looked back and remembered the story she told her new brother.
And somewhere, ten hearts felt the same pain they had for years: A feeling of heartbreak.