It was finally Saturday and it was a cloudy summer day in Canterlot. Luna was driving Sunset up to the mall. She was as nervous as her daughter for her first day of work. Sunset knew some of what to expect but was still nervous.
“You okay honey?” Luna asked, sensing her daughter’s uneasiness.
“I’m nervous, but it will be a five hour training shift. The only thing that worries me is the rude customers.” Sunset remarked.
“They are few and far between my little sun.” Luna reassured her.
“My little sun? I’m your daughter, not your son.” Sunset shot back.
I meant S-U-N not S-O-N.” Luna said sternly. Luna decided to relax after that as Sunset was just acting up out of nervousness.
After parking her vehicle Luna walked into the mall with Sunset. After stopping at the food court Luna hugged Sunset goodbye.
“O.K. Sunset, have a good day. Best of luck on your first day.” Luna said, smiling.
“Mom, why are you smiling?” Sunset asked.
“My little baby girl has grown up.” Luna gushed.
“Bye mom see you in five hours, thanks for the lift. "Sunset said as she and Luna side-hugged this time.
Sunset walked up to the curtain that was in front of the restaurant. There was a rope in front of it. Sunset was confused by this and looked back at Luna who nodded as if to say go on.
“Um Hello?” Sunset called inside.
An Oriental looking woman came out and said “Konnichiwa.”
“Ummm. okay My name is Sunset Shimmer and…”Sunset began
“Ah yes Miss Shimmer we have been expecting you. Let's take you back and get you punched in and begin your training. My name is Mrs. Chen, and my husband and I run this establishment.” She told Sunset as she dropped the rope and took her back.
Luna couldn’t help but let a tear fall as she watched her once lost, scared, and traumatized little girl start her first job. Luna decided to walk around the mall and try to take her mind off the moment she just saw.
Wandering through the food court she saw some of Sunset’s friends. She saw Applejack at the smoothie place. She walked over to the smoothie place and decided that getting a smoothie sounded great.
Applejack was kind of surprised to see Luna but served her up a smoothie as she would anyone else. Luna saw Applejack was acting a little different.
“Ms. Applejack Is there something wrong?” Asked Luna.
“ It’s just, Ah didn’t think I was going to have my Vice Principal as one of my first customers.” Applejack told her a little uneasy.
“Just think of me as Sunset’s mom. You were at my apartment on New Year’s Eve.” Luna replied.
“Well it's still a lil’ uneasy.” Applejack said.
“You guys can stop by and see Sunset once in a while, it’s ok.” Luna said.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Applejack replied.
“I will let you get back to work and I’m going to enjoy my smoothie and walk the mall.” Luna replied.
“See ya Ms. Luna.” Applejack said.
“Maybe I should stop by and see Sunset sometime.” Applejack thought as she went back to her prep work.
Luna walked the length of the mall and saw Rainbow Dash at the sporting good store, and Fluttershy at the pet shop. Rarity was working at the clothing store.
As she walked Luna noticed a magic shop that sold all kinds of trick cards and weird stuff like fake crystal balls and magic wands, she didn’t go in but noticed Trixie was working there.
“How fitting, Trixie working in a magic shop.” Luna thought
Finally Luna walked into the electronics store and ran into Twilight. Luna was looking at the DVD’s. Twilight walked over to the woman looking at the DVD’s and did her best line.
“Hi Ma'am, is there anything I can help you with?’ Twilight asked.
“No I’m just…oh Hi Twilight” Luna said as she turned around.
“Oh Ms. Luna hi.” Twilight said as she realized it was Luna.
“Hello Twilight, I hate to say it, you look exhausted.” Luna observed.
“I didn’t sleep well last night. I got a lot on my mind with Timber Spruce and all.” Twilight said sadly.
“Twilight let me give you nickels worth of free advice on relationships. With a relationship you have to feel your way through it and put the pieces together as you go.” Luna said.
“Trust my gut?” Twilight asked.
“Exactly.” Luna said, picking up a few DVD’s.
“Here I’ll ring you up.” Twilight said, walking to the register.
“I dropped Sunset off for her first day of work today.” Luna said wanting to see Twilight’s response.
“Really?! The Sushi place, right?” Twilight said, perking up some.
“Yeah she’s about an hour into her five hour training shift.” Luna responded.
“I'll get lunch soon; I’ll have to go get sushi today. Just no eight limbed mollusks.” Twilight said.
“Huh?” Luna replied.
“Calamari, you know octopus.” Twilight said.
“Like I said, follow your gut.” Luna said as she left.
Twilight looked around only to see two other customers in the store. This gave her a moment to think. Luna had said follow her gut. Her gut feeling was to tell Timber Spruce it was over.
Twilight went into the backroom where the employees took their break and where stock was kept. Twilight then asked her manager if she could go down to the food court as she heard the sushi place delivers.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that I love Sushi too. I would say no not on your shift. Go place your order. Hopefully they will finally get a delivery person.” Her manager said.
“Well I heard a new girl started today so hopefully she will be able to.” Twilight said.
On her way down to the Sushi restaurant Twilight texted Timber Spruce. This was going to be hard but it was a crush, sure they had good dates: The Zoo, Ice Cream Sundays, Pirate-Alligator Mini Golf. The Planetarium show was a disaster but Fluttershy’s lightning bugs saved the day.
Still it was time to end it. She had strong feelings for Sunset and it was time to tell her. She could only hope Sunset felt that way too. Well better place the order first as she was arriving at the restaurant.
Mrs. Chen saw Twilight standing at the podium leading into the restaurant. Twilight scanned the restaurant and didn’t see Sunset but figured she might be in the back training.
Mrs. Chen saw Twilight and walked up to the podium.
“Konnichiwa.” Mrs. Chen greeted her.
“Konnichiwa.” Twilight replied, knowing a little Japanese. Twilight ordered two Sushi trays to be delivered up to the Electronics store: Gadgets and Gizmos.
“No Problem, “As soon as we assemble them we send them up. We have a new delivery girl/waitress and she will bring them up to you.” Mrs. Chen said.
“I hope she will.” Twilight thought hopefully.
* * *
Sunset had a morning of training. Sunset knew most of her training was going to come from actual experience working but she was given a dark blue kimono. It was not a full length one it came to just before her knees. Around the neck and shoulders the kimono was a lighter blue and white striped. Then she was told to tie up her hair as it couldn’t be longer than shoulder length.
Then she was given an apron with a green octopus on the right side of it. She found it a little embarrassing but every restaurant has their mascot so to speak. She was instructed on how to wiat and bus tables and being 16 that every four hours she must take a half hour break. Her first mission after getting her sandals was to make two deliveries in the mall. One was a vegetable tray to the pet store and then two lunch trays to the Electronics store.
Sunset took the bags and headed out navigating the busy mall and a few stares as to what she was doing. After everything Sunset went through this past year that was nothing.
Sunset headed up the escalator and walked over to the pet store. Walking in the entrance she was greeted by Fluttershy who was working the register. Luckily for Sunset she arrived as she was not working with any customers.
“Here you go Fluttershy one vegetable sushi tray.” Sunset said, handing her the bag.
“Thanks Sunset. Oh real quick, are you enjoying your first day?” She asked.
“It’s different. Oh tell me you didn’t bring your animals here like you did at school?” Sunset asked back.
“No, I couldn't get away with that here. Well we better both get back to work.” Fluttershy replied.
“I know I got to make a delivery to Gadgets and Gizmos.” Sunset said.
“Oh really? Say hi to Twilight for me.” Fluttershy stated.
“So that’s where Twilight works.” Sunset said as she headed off a little more spring in her step.
Sunset arrived at Gadgets & Gizmos real fast, she couldn’t wait to see Twilight. Walking in and seeing her at the register made her heart skip a beat. She was sure Twilight was the one she really wanted.
“Hiya Sunset.” Twilight greeted her.
“Hi Twilight you have been?” Sunset asked as she got the sushi tins out of her bag.
As she handed them over Twilight had to ask “Sunset when are you off?”
“Tuesday is my first day why?” Sunset asked.
“You wanna get together and hang out. I have the early 9-1 shift as we can’t work more than 4 hours at a time being minors and all.” Twilight explained.
“Well we can work eight but after four hours we have to get a break. But enough about labor laws. Yes I can and would love to hang out.” Sunset replied.
“Awesome see you then.” Sunset said wishing it was Tuesday.
* * *
Finally Sunset’s first shift ended. She found Luna sitting in the food court waiting for her.
“Hi honey, how was your first day?” Luna asked.
“Pretty Good, I even got to do some deliveries one was to the pet store to Fluttershy and then to Gadgets and Gizmos. Twilight wants to hang out Tuesday after she gets off work.” Sunset said.
“Really?” Luna said, trying not to smile hoping her plan worked.
“Yeah, mom, until I get my license this is gonna be hard on you.” Sunset just realized Luna was gonna have to drive her to work.
“Well you need to take your test maybe Tuesday morning while you're waiting for Twilight.” Luna told Sunset.
“I hope I pass this time.” Sunset said as they left the mall.
“Me too.” Luna said.
The next two days went as normal, all the girls started working their jobs.
Pinkie Pie had her bake sale to help pay for repairs to Camp Everfree. She didn’t bring in as much money as she thought she would. She was hoping the Doggie Day care and car wash would make enough.
Applejack and Rarity were waiting to see if they would get hired at Equestria World. So neither one of them had come up with a fundraiser to help Camp Everfree yet.
Finally Tuesday rolled around Sunset took her driver’s test for a second time.
“Well Miss Shimmer, you did better but you still failed by 2 points. You got to stop slamming the petals so hard but you did a lot better.” Crankee Doodle said.
“Damn it.” Sunset muttered as she laid her head on the steering wheel.
“Miss Shimmer, a nickel's worth of free advice before you take your next driver’s test…. Crankee Doodle began “...Relax when you get in the car.” He finished.
“O.K.” A sad dejected Sunset replied.
She got out of the car and headed over to Luna. Luna saw she looked upset. Luna feared the worst.
“Didn’t pass?” Luna asked.
“No I didn’t. Missed it by two points. "Sunset replied.
“I’m sorry my little sun.” Luna said, hugging Sunset.
The ride home was quiet and Luna told Sunset at least she got to hang out with
Twilight today and that was a good thing. Sunset was more embarrassed because she had to ask for a ride still. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity and now Rainbow Dash didn’t need to bum rides anymore but she did.
When they arrived home Sunset just went up in her room and Luna heard the door slam. Celestia came out of the kitchen and walked through the dining room. She came to the entrance of the living room and saw Luna looking upset.
“Did Sunset fail her test again, or was that an actual sonic boom I heard?” Celestia asked.
“Crankee said she missed it by two points. She always feels like she’s getting left behind. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity and now Rainbow Dash all have licenses. Most of her friends have boyfriends as well. Sunset is single and can’t drive.” Luna said.
“Not just friends but so does her mom and her aunt has a girlfriend. Maybe now With Equestria Land opening soon and the Starswirl Music festival she’ll feel better.” Luna said.
“You got tickets to the Starswirl Music festival. How?” Celestia asked.
“Easy, you need the right connections.” Luna replied.
“How do you get those connections?” Celestia asked.
“You got to get in good with the Apple family. Who helps supply some of the food at the event. I just happen to have those connections.” Luna said, flashing her promise ring.
Sunset had texted Twilight about her latest failure. After sending her text She started thinking about how she felt like the odd one out. No license, no boyfriend. She just wanted what everyone else had. She realized how envious she was.
“Well at least maybe the cats will like me. I should be an old cat lady. I struck out with Trixie and Flash Twilight’s dating someone else. Mom and Aunt Chrysalis have someone. But I don't.” Sunset thought.
She soon fell asleep.
Sunset woke up to Luna stroking her hair. She looked up at Luna.
“Hi mom.” Sunset said stretching.
“it's a little after one.” Luna said.
“Oh damn I was supposed to call Twilight to make plans…”Sunset started.
“Relax my little worry bug. Twilight is already here.” She came to cheer you up. I’ll leave you two alone.” Luna said stepping aside
Twilight walked in and sat down by Sunset. She could tell Sunset was depressed.
“Sunset I got some news to tell you. Timber Spruce and I called it quits. We decided it would be better as friends and he still wants to hang out. Just not going to be dating.
“Sorry Twilight.” Sunset said, sitting up and hugging her.
“You’re not alone, in fact I want to tell you something. I have figured out that I am bi as well. The person I have feelings for: is you.” Twilight told her.
Sunset sat up like a lightning bolt and she couldn’t believe her ears. Was fate playing a cruel trick on her? Did she not hear or misunderstand Twilight? Did the girl she had been crushing on since the early spring say what she thought?”
Twilight wasn’t sure how to read the situation. Was Sunset angry, worried, disappointed, or disgusted? Twilight couldn’t read her emotions.
“Oh no I might have just destroyed our friendship!” Twilight thought.
Sunset was still in shock. The girl of her dreams just said she had feelings for her.
“Sunset I’m sorry, I hope this doesn’t affect our friendship.” Twilight said as she went to leave the door.
Sunset got up and followed her and stopped her at the top of the stairs. She grabbed Twilight by the arm and spun her around and looked in her eyes. She could see the hurt and the pain in Twilight’s eyes and face. No, she had to do this.
“Twilight, do you want to know something? You didn’t ruin our friendship at all. I have had a crush on you ever since the night I held you after the Friendship Games.” Sunset told her.
At this point Luna who had been talking to her friend Cadence (who had dropped Twilight off) both came to the bottom of the stairs to see what was going on. They arrived in time to see Sunset take Twilight’s hand and both of them looked each other in the eyes.
“Um Twilight do you wanna…you know.” Sunset stammered.
Twilight launched into Sunset with a passionate kiss. Both girls locked in each other’s arms and both of them realized now that they liked the other one all the time.
“Does that answer your question?” Twilight asked after breaking apart.
Luna and Cadence both smiled.
“All I can say is…”Luna began.
“... it’s about damn time.” Cadence finished.
By this time time Celestia walked and saw the girls in each other’s arms blushing madly.
“Finally.” She said and walked away.