May 2, 2013, 6:00pm
As Sunrise looked up at the stars while lying on the roof, he still couldn't believe what he just did a few days ago. He had tried to kill Flash Sentry, one of his best friends, and had struck Sonata across the face. Not only that, but it all happened in front of the entire school. He hadn't been to any of his classes since then; he couldn't bear to show his face around the school after what happened. Fortunately, Celestia understood; she had posted him as "ill". She knew that he needed to figure things out on his own. As he looked at the setting sun, Starlight began to sing.
Alone in this house again tonight
I got the TV on, the sound turned down and a bottle of wine
There's pictures of you and I on the walls around me
The way that it was and could have been surrounds me
I'll never get over you walkin' away
I've never been the kind to ever let my feelings show
And I thought that bein' strong meant never losin' your self-control
But I'm just drunk enough to let go of my pain
To hell with my pride, let it fall like rain
From my eyes
Tonight I...wanna...
Before he could finish the chorus, however, Starlight covered his face in his hands to prevent anyone from seeing the tears.
"Hey," a voice close to called out, "mind if I join you?"
Sunrise whirled around and saw Sunset Shimmer leaning against the brick chimney. Normally, Sunrise would have told her to go away, but he felt like he needed to talk to someone right now, friend or foe. He patted down on the section of the roof that was next to him, indicating where she could sit. She obliged, and they sat in silence for five minutes. Finally, Sunrise decided to break the ice.
"You were right, Sunset," he stated quietly, "You were right these past three years. No matter how I try to make friends, I'll still be a bully that everyone fears. I can never change."
Sunset looked at him with a sad look and said, "Sunrise, when I said those things, I wasn't really the nicest person in the school. The truth is, I was jealous of you back then."
Sunrise turned to her with complete surprise etched on his face.
Sunset continued, "You looked like you belonged to a group that would accept you. You had friends with whom you could trust with your life. All I had for friends were Snips and Snails, and I didn't even consider them to be companions. You were having the time of your life while I was scheming to ruin it. I'm the one who should be sorry for instilling that thought in your head."
Sunrise couldn't find words to describe what he was hearing; Sunset Shimmer, his ex- and formally one of the meanest girls at school was apologizing.
"The truth is," Sunset said with a smile, "your friends are very lucky to have you in their group. And Sonata is a very lucky girl to know you. I'm sure they would be willing to accept you no matter who you are."
"Yeah," Sunrise replied, "if they'll forgive me for what I did on Wednesday."
Sunset looked toward him and said, "Well, you know there's only one way to find out."
Sunrise knew what she was saying; he would have to go back up on stage after the Battle of the Bands and address an entire apology to the entire school. Even though he wasn't great at public speaking, he could see no other option.
Sunrise then extended his arm out and beckoned Sunset to come closer. As he rested his arm on her shoulder, Sunrise felt warmth and relaxation from Sunset. It made him realize that even if the rest of the school would reject him, she would still be there to help him back up.
Smiling, Sunrise said "Sunset...thanks."
"You're welcome." she replied.