The job as a part-time florist was harder than he initially thought it would be at first. Thinking it would just be watering some plants and selling one or two to random customers was far from what Sunset ended up doing the first week. Moving tables, getting rid of weeds and pests, moving potted plants even some small saplings located in the back. Not to mention keeping the floor clean of dirt and learning all the names of the flora for sale.
"You did all this by yourself? At your age?" Sunset asked wiping the sweat trickling down only to leave a smudge of dirt on his cheek.
"Yes, its the main reason I'm glad to have hired you. I'll ignore that bit about my age by the way." Samantha said as she handed him a cloth to wipe the dirt off.
"Sorry."
Sunset wiped the dirt and stuffed the cloth into one of the pockets of the apron that was part of the uniform. He took a swig of water from the bottle in another pocket before letting out a sigh and lifting another large pot filled with dirt. Times like this he appreciated the increased muscular strength but loathed the fact it came with a heavier workload.
"Definitely miss having magic when its times like this." he muttered before putting down another large pot.
In the days following his hiring Sunset would not hear from Bonnie at all. Both of them being stubborn with things such as this it would be a while for them to actually feign running into each other though last time it happened it went on for three months of no contact. Well, more like stares of frustration and spite but that was no more than the usual in terms of their relationship.
However, lately it seemed vastly different than all the other times. Sunset hadn't seen hide or hair of Bonnie the past week, usually he would catch her at least sweeping the front lobby but that job was taken by one of the kids from the building in hopes of some pocket money. In fact, the job that he had originally banked on as the handyman had filled quickly towards the end of the week by a rather heavyset man that looked experienced with the work.
"Shes serious about this isn't she?" he muttered as he drank some water in the heat of the greenhouse as the heat of the afternoon Sun was focusing on the place with no clouds to block the way.
The days helping the shop left him with a lot of time to think about what he exactly had happened and in all it just led back to one harsh truth that made his anger flare instantly and just as quickly evaporate to a bout of depression.
"I'm such a fucking idiot."
Saying it out loud made it seem a lot more real than just thinking it. When all was said and done Sunset had never truly taken the time to think about his actions. All his plans were mainly on revenge and how to get what he wanted. Though he did think of the consequences should he fail said plans, it never really dawned on him that he would be stuck in a situation much like the one he was in now. Then again, Sunset doubted anyone could guess that a blast from a magical rainbow caused by an otherworldly colorful horse turned human would switch another colorful horse turned human's gender.
Even then now that he had the time to really focus on the situation it really just boiled down to him being an obvious hotheaded jerk as to why he was stuck doing manual labor and getting a weird tan in the process. It at least helped in saving some money for the eventual bill for the front of Canterlot High came in the mail or through the call.
"Shit, I forgot about the call. Knowing that woman she probably already told VP Luna everything that happened though I'm not exactly sure why I haven't gotten a call from her. I thought the school at least had my number on file."
As he rung up another bouquet of flowers for the last customer in the shop he waved to preoccupied owner signalling a break. Getting a nod back he went straight to the greenhouse and sat on a metal chair located in a small corner behind some palms. It was something even her boss allowed since it made for a nice view of the flowers when needed a moment.
Letting out a sigh of relief from getting of his feet Sunset leaned back only to have the sun glare into his eyes. He closed them for moment and decided to keep them that way enjoying the warmth and smell of the place. It was a nostalgic feeling of being surrounded by nature despite the concrete and metal. Sitting there with the smell of flowers and the silence of some bugs and no cars passing by it really helped to clear his head.
"I might have made a huge mistake just walking out like that but even then I don't want to apologize for it. It was definitely a set up for that Dean to stick me with her of all people but its my fault for blowing up and walking out."
He sighed once more and put an arm over his eyes to shield his face for a moment and wipe the sweat dripping down.
"Why can't I ever catch a break?"
"Its really that bad for you buddy?" a voice came breaking the silence and breaking Sunset's short respite.
Sunset rubbed his eyes a bit and blinked to get used to the shade before getting a good look at guy much his age. His hair was tied in a bun and he was wearing shorts with a buttoned shirt hanging loosely. He was drinking some bottled water and shifting his sandals due to some dirt that might have snuck in.
"Sorry, I'm on break. If you want help, the owner is somewhere inside the main building." Sunset frowned before putting on a fake half smile and remained seated.
"Ah, no I don't need help. I'm her son and I'm just here deliver her lunch. I just came out here because I heard she got some new help and was curious."
Sunset looked at him once more and could tell by the way he carried himself that this guy didn't take much seriously. In the way he looked at Sunset once more before taking out his phone and just flicking through whatever else could catch his interest. It didn't help it seemed like he had enough free time to just come and drop something off but not help the shop run by his mom. It all just rubbed him the wrong way.
"I'm not some exhibit for you to come and look at. If you don't need help then I'd appreciate you don't bother me on my break."
The young man stopped scrolling on his phone and looked up in surprise only to smile and then laugh in an annoying guffaw. He raised his phone again and the sound of the camera went off.
"You're a riot. Listen, I was just curious and wasn't really expecting much but you seem like a fun guy. The names Zephyr be sure to remember it because I'll famous some day." he wiped a hand on his shirt and stuck it out in front of Sunset.
Sunset just looked at it and walked past since his break was practically over leaving Zephyr a bit shocked to be ignored only to smile and turn as the other, rather angry, young man walked past and put his arm around his shoulder.
"Don't be like that. Who knows, if you play your cards right maybe I'll let you be part of my entourage."
The act caught Sunset off guard and just before his fists finished forming a gentle voice interrupted the scene of a future murder.
"Zephyr, I'd appreciate if you didn't bother the new hire. I don't want to lose him just when I found help. If you really want to stick around then maybe you can help with the afternoon pruning." Samantha said in a huff as she walked into the greenhouse with an extra pair of gloves in her hand.
The two boys stopped in their tracks and as Sunset felt his anger dissipate slowly he watched as Zephyr apologize to his mother and make up an excuse before walking out as he got a call. Samantha stuffed the gloves into her apron pocket and let out a sigh in frustration before turning back to Sunset.
"Try not to put my boy in the hospital if you don't mind. I know he can be rather... intrusive but he has a lot on his plate as well." the small woman sighed once more and had a slightly sad look on her face that quickly disappeared as her smile returned. " You can go ahead and take an extended lunch to make up for the ruined break."
Sunset took a minute to breath and shook his head. Wiping the sweat off once more and retying his hair, he took out his gloves and pruning clippers.
"It's fine. I'd rather just get back to it since I'd rather not think about anything for now. Sorry, I almost decked your son."
The two shared a look and chuckled before heading towards the back of the greenhouse to start the work for the afternoon.
Luna looked at the file once again as she did the past few days. As the sounds of the students out in the field were muffled by the walls in her office she struggled to think of her next step. Days ago she had gotten a call from Cadence about the incident at Crystal prep and felt a rather tremendous sense of guilt. While she did think that sticking Sunset with Twilight was a bad plan, Cadance had reassured her that she'd do everything possible to make it work. Though after that call she had once again questioned the young woman's experience and her rather unique approach on things.
"I shouldn't have agreed to it so easily. I should have talked to Sunset about Twilight before the transfer."
This were the thoughts her mind had on repeat as she kept looking at the file. The bell rung as she held the file again which caused her to jump a bit and let it drop. The papers inside slipped out and as she collected them she took another look at the photo of the then young girl. The photo of Sunset was very typical of the delinquent Luna had gottan to know. A scowl on her face and looking away from the camera. Angry at everything and everyone around her for no particular reason other than what would be usual teen behavior.
Though looking closely even Luna could see the signs of something more underneath it all. Though it being an evil plot to take control of the school and brainwash teens into an army of sorts to take over another world was certainly not the first thing that came to mind.
"Still, with all the things she had done, we should have done something about her. We should have helped her in some way."
Luna left the paper on top and noticing the emergency contact which held a rather familiar number. She paused for a moment before something clicked and picked up her phone to make a call. The ringing lasted a while before the line connected and a greeting was given.
"Hello Bonnie. We need to talk about Sunset."