//------------------------------//
// Another bonding 
// Story: The Trial Concludes 
// by Zerocool7785 
//------------------------------//

Luna walked into Sunset’s room and gave her a gentle shake. Sunset rolled over and mumbled something. Luna was getting tired of this ever since taking Sunset into her life getting her some morning was a battle.
Now Luna had a few options so she would try the nice one. If that didn’t work head downstairs to the kitchen for plan B. Time to employ her tactics. Luna just shook Sunset a little bit.
“Come on honey, one more week of school you got two finals-two today you’ll be done just before lunch. You get to see your friends.” Luna cooed. Sunset didn’t move. It was time for plan B.
“IF YOU DON’T GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED RIGHT NOW, I WILL GO DOWNSTAIRS AND GET THE BOWL OF FROZEN MARBLES.” Luna yelled.
Sunset was up in a flash. She knew it was finals week. Then after the weekend the seniors would get their scores and then it was graduation. The last week of school was a joke. Most kids didn’t go as nothing was taught. 
Sunset would go on the first day and usually get her test scores and clean out her locker then go home for the summer. Which usually meant storing stuff in a storage locker for the summer. This time she could actually bring it home.
That made Sunset smile as she finished her shower and was getting dressed. The best part about the first final was taking it in Science with Applejack.
The finals were usually 8 a.m. and the second one at 10 a.m.. Sunset had two today and two tomorrow. Wednesday she had one but at 10. Thursday was the best one at 8 then free for summer.   
Luna and Celestia had to be there for the last week as the graduation ceremony was that Friday. Sunset knew Big Mac, Maude Pie and Flash Sentry were all graduating this year. 
Sunset finally came downstairs and Luna and Celestia looked up. They both knew Sunset had a busy week ahead of her. Final exams and then Friday-Monday going with Apple Cinnamon.
Luna was excited about that. Sunset was very uneasy about it but was trying to keep an open mind about it. She had spent the weekend with Chrysalis and Celestia but they were girls. Apple Cinnamon was a guy, that fact unnerved her. 
But she wanted to find out what he had planned for the weekend. She had to know what to prepare for. The idea still made Sunset extremely uneasy. Worse than any final she had this year.
“Mom, what does Apple Cinnamon want to do this weekend?” Sunset asked nervously, fidgeting.
“He was asking me that question. I told it’s best to ask you directly, so he's coming for dinner tonight. So I’m serving my specialty.” Luna said.
“Burnt food or ordering out?” Sunset asked jokingly. Even Celestia had to laugh at that one. 
“Don’t encourage her sister.” Luna said as she stared at Celestia.
“I was going to do vegetable lasagna. I know it’s one of your favorites Sunset.” Luna said.
Just as Sunset was finishing her breakfast Luna got up and grabbed her purse as did Celestia. That was the cue to Sunset to begin the day. Putting her bowl and spoon in the dishwasher she ran to the front door where her mom was holding her back pack. Sunset had to turn in her books after finals today. 
On the way to school Sunset was looking over her notes cross-referencing with her books. This would be her routine for the next three days after this. Arriving at school Luna headed over to her office and Sunset to the music room. Walking in it was as quiet as at tomb girls (some in pairs others, by themselves) were all studying.
 Sunset sat down with Applejack and began reviewing for science class. After a while Sunset reviewed for her second final. This was a process that repeated itself all week.
The time came for everyone to split all the girls wishing each other good luck and headed out for their respective classes. Sunset and Applejack headed to science, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Twilight headed for history. Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Trixie headed to the gym.
“Can you believe we have a final in gym?” Scootaloo asked.
“Squirt it’s one side of one page on basic rules of basic activities we did. It’s gonna be easy, especially if you paid attention this year.” Rainbow replied.
The gym final was easy, especially for Rainbow Dash. As she was the first one finished with everything and gave her time to cram for some subjects that were not a synch. 
Eventually the finals for a day came to an end and the girls had turned in the textbooks. Sunset went to Luna’s office and Luna tossed Sunset the house keys. Before Sunset left Luna stopped her.
“Sunset make sure your room is clean, and you can goof off in the basement some, but do some studying for your finals tomorrow. Got it?” Luna asked.
“Yes mom and I want to tell you something I don’t know if going with Apple Cinnamon all weekend is a good idea.” Sunset said.
“Well I thought about that too and texted him earlier and he agreed so he suggested he take you out for a few hours. I don’t know what he was thinking. He suggested taking you out for Ice cream and going to a movie.” Luna finished.
“Nothing wrong with that. Why would that make you question what he was thinking?”  Sunset asked.
“He was going to take you to an animated movie.” Luna replied.
“Mom I usually would have no problem going to an animated movie. Except right now the only animated movie that is out is based off that Discovery Family channel show about talking ponies. Too much like where I used to live.” Sunset said.
“I know, we will discuss it at dinner. Do you have a way home?” Luna asked.
“Fluttershy is going to give me a lift home.” Sunset said.
“I think after our trip to Camp Everfree we will let you take your driver’s test.” Luna said.
“Thanks, I would like that freedom.” Sunset said.
“Okay see you at home.” Luna said.
On the ride home Sunset told Fluttershy about her dinner and the weekend plans. She also voiced her concerns about being alone with a guy she didn’t know. 
“Sunset I think you're overreacting just see how dinner goes tonight and go from there.” Fluttershy told her.
“I guess.” Sunset replied as they pulled up to the house.
“Did you want to come in, no one is home, and you haven’t seen the new house yet.” Sunset asked and then piled on reasons as she thought of them.
“I saw the house once, well just your studio and the lounge. I walked through the dining room and kitchen to get to the basement.” Fluttershy said quietly.
The girls walked into the house and Sunset gave Fluttershy the full tour of the upstairs except Luna and Celestia’s rooms. They were off limits to most people except Sunset and her mom and aunt.
Then the girls headed downstairs and Sunset showed her the lounge, dining room, and kitchen, and headed downstairs to the basement, Sunset had her studio there. After that she showed her pool table, and the pinball machines and even motioned to the dart board. 
After the tour both girls had a soda and Fluttershy insisted on helping Sunset set the table. When Fluttershy left, Sunset went to study until dinner time. At one point sunset must have dozed off. She was awoken by Luna coming into the house and realized she had been asleep for the last 45 minutes.
“I hope you studied before your nap.” Luna said as she saw Sunset staring at her watch.
“I did. I dozed off for 45 minutes.” Sunset said.
“Dozed off? With the way you were snoring I’m surprised you didn’t inhale the drapes.” Luna said jokingly.
“Ha, ha.” Sunset deadpanned.
“Did you set the table?” Luna asked.
“Yes and even added an extra place as instructed.” Sunset said.
“O.K. I’m gonna put the meal in the oven and get changed.” Luna stated.
Luna got the lasagna cooking and changed into a T-shirt, jeans and socks. Soon after Celestia arrived home and took a shower and got changed into more casual clothes. 
Sunset was setting salt and pepper shakers as well as a hot plate on the table when the doorbell rang. Luna shot up from the couch as if she was on a spring and ran to answer the door. Taking a deep breath she opened the door with a wave other hand as to say come in.
Apple Cinnamon came in and wrapped Luna in a huge hug and gave her a passionate kiss. With her arm around Apple Cinnamon and his arm around her waist and his hand in her back pocket they walked towards the dining room.
“Hello, can I get you something to drink?” Sunset politely asked
“Hello Sunny, if you don’t mind being called that, what do you have?” Apple Cinnamon asked.
“Um, I have Soda, Wine Coolers, Water, Lemonade and I think…”Sunset started.
“I’ll just have a wine cooler, now what flavors do you have?” He asked.
“Why don’t we just go in the kitchen and look in the fridge.” Sunset chuckled.
After getting Apple Cinnamon an apple flavored wine cooler. Luna brought the lasagna out to the dining room table. Then Sunset had to ask about the seating arrangements. Celestia took her place at the head of the table as usual. On the right side was one chair. There was usually one chair on the left side tonight there were two.
“Do you two want to sit together or across from each other so you can play footsie?” Sunset asked.
“I’m going to sit on the right side. I want you and Apple Cinnamon to sit together tonight.” Luna said.
After everyone took their seats Celestia served everyone a helping of lasagna. Apple Cinnamon and Sunset seemed very uneasy at first. But after a while Apple Cinnamon started talking to Sunset about her past in Equestria and about how school was a living hell after the Formal. Also, how her friends helped her and how she gained a new one.
“Well Sunset I think that’s the first time in history two girls became friends by having a third party threaten to rip them limb from limb.” Apple Cinnamon joked.
“Yeah, probably. But Trixie and I have had a strained relationship, but it has gotten better. We even went out on a date. It didn’t end well.” Sunset said, looking down.
“Well did you two remain friends?” Apple Cinnamon asked.
“Yes we did.” Sunset said, smiling slightly. 
Luna was very happy to see Apple Cinnamon and Sunset interacting on a cordial or maybe even a friendly level. She was also happy to play footsie with him all night too. Celestia didn’t say much, just watched the interaction taking place.
After dinner was over and the table cleared everyone sat in the lounge for a little bit of talking. That was when Apple Cinnamon decided to approach the subject with Sunset.
“Sunset, how would you feel about me taking you for a weekend or even just a day?” Apple Cinnamon asked.
“A weekend? What would we do?” Asked Sunset.
“I don’t know if you're an outdoorsy girl we could go fishing and camping.” He suggested.
“Not really, besides I’ll be doing that in about two weeks at Camp Everfree. If we go fishing and camping, that should be with me and Luna the first time.” Sunset said.
“Well then what do you suggest?” Asked Apple Cinnamon.
“How about we just go out for lunch on Saturday and…” Sunset said trailing off.
“And what?” Apple Cinnamon prodded.
“I don’t know after that.” Sunset said.
“We can see where it goes from there. It’s a start.” Apple Cinnamon replied his hope building a little for the first time since him and Sunset met.

*				*				*

Sunset passed all her finals. Taking a big weight off of her. She also agreed to show new students around the school about a week before the new school year. She hoped it wasn’t like last time she showed girls around
She had a job waiting for her after camp as most of the girls did. Everyone of the girls passed their finals. A week after school was a week off. Seniors were practicing for graduation. Flash Sentry and Big Macintosh were among the graduating class.
Sunset was even invited to the graduation party for Big Macintosh. She said she would gladly attend. Being invited to a graduation party was a first for her. 
But first she had today to deal with just lunch and a long talk with her mom’s boyfriend. Apple Cinnamon. Apple Cinnamon arrived around 11:30 a.m. that Saturday morning.
Just before he got there Luna admonished Sunset again. “Now you were pretty good during dinner. Just be nice. I know you don’t like him or accept him but he’s trying Sunset.”  
“I’ll be on my best behavior, see the little halo above my head.” Sunset said, trying to act as innocent as possible.
“I also see it is held up by two little horns.” Luna replied.
Then the doorbell rang and Sunset went to open it. Sunset opened the door seeing it was Apple Cinnamon she invited him in. 
“Hey kiddo are you ready to go?” He asked.
“I am but are you ready to go?” Sunset replied.
“One second and I will be.” Apple Cinnamon said and went over and after a quick kiss with Luna he took his keys out.
“Now I am ready to go.” He replied.
“I thought so. "Sunset stated.
“You two have fun.” Luna said as they left. Both Sunset and Apple Cinnamon waved bye to her.
Apple Cinnamon opened the passenger door and helped Sunset into the truck. After he started the truck and began to pull out of the driveway. Apple Cinnamon asked the big question.
“Where would you like to go to lunch?”
“I know this great place called Nature’s table. There’s one at the mall, but there is one downtown. I think that one will be quieter, let's head there.” Sunset said.
“O.K. I don’t go downtown much, I hope there is a place to park.” Apple Cinnamon said starting the pick up truck.
“I don’t either so this will be an adventure for us both. There is plenty of parking near the restaurant.” Sunset said.
“Are you sure you and Luna aren’t biological mother and daughter? You are so much alike. "Apple Cinnamon.
“People have asked that question in the past.” Sunset replied. 
Apple Cinnamon was happy his girlfriend’s daughter was actually talking to him. Considering when he first asked Luna out she called him a homewrecker. She was actually being nice to him and talking to him.
“Wow I like this Sunset, you are being nice to me.” Apple Cinnamon said to her as they entered downtown.
“Mom said to be nice and give you a chance, spend time with you. I am giving you a chance, so far I have enjoyed it. I also know mom really loves you and you’re not going to hurt her.” Sunset replied.
“I love your mom, I really do. I just never thought your mom would give me a second look. That surprised me.” Apple Cinnamon remarked pulling into a parking lot next to the restaurant.
They headed in after Apple Cinnamon helped Sunset down from the truck. After ordering a salad and juice for her and a ham and cheese sandwich with a soda for him and some breadsticks that they shared.
Slowly Apple Cinnamon learned about Sunset’s past being homeless and living in shelters and surprisingly his cousin's tree house. Also he learned what Luna and Celestia told him was true she was from another land.
“So technically you're an alien then?” He whispered.
“Yes I am.” Sunset replied.
The rest of lunch was more lighthearted and pleasant conversation. Apple Cinnamon wanted desperately to learn about Equestria and even fully believe it. But that was for another time. Right now, spending time with Sunset was nice.
“You know Sunset I’m glad we're connecting. After all, when it comes to Luna I’m not just dating her, I’m dating her whole world.” Apple Cinnamon told her.
Sunset smiled and beamed at that comment.

*				*				*

Earlier at the warehouse meeting…	

“If it is so easy to kill these girls, why haven’t you done it?” Cinch asked leaning against the wall.
“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” Gilda replied.
“How much do you want?” Chancellor Jim asked leaning back in his chair.
“Half.” Gilda replied.
All the diamond dogs laughed, and Cinch even joined in.
“Why is everyone laughing?” Asked Sonata. Adagio just rolled her eyes at the question.
“You can’t just steal from us and walk away!!” Rover exclaimed.
“Yes I can. If you finance what this woman wants. We will have a repeat of the friendship games. Twilight Sparkle did not understand the magic that you made her use.” Gilda said pointing at Cinch.
“Well I…”Cinch began.
“Now you want to do it again, you want them to finance Twilight’s lab that she built her whole school career and stuff she got from second hand stores and everything like that. So she can make a device to trap magic.
 Then release it so she can become a she demon again? And to think they called me crazy. You’re as mad as they come.
When you want to take things more seriously and safely let me know.” Gilda said.

“ENOUGH!! Both of you are mad. If we kill these girls, how is that going to be safer for us?” Chancellor Jim asked.
Gilda smiled evilly. “I knew that someone here had half a brain. I will tell you how.” She said.,