> Can It Be Us?
>  by King_Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> I~Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prologue

"I thought pets weren't allowed," Someone said loudly and Twilight froze. "Don't worry, I won't tell. I knew someone who brought pets on school grounds before. I don't think she ever stopped. So, it's cool, I'll keep your dog a secret."

Twilight hugged Spike close to her chest, a bit tight but didn't speak.

"I'm Sunset," The girl held out her hand. "Sunset Shimmer."

"Twilight," Twilight replied, using on her hand to push her glasses up so they wouldn't fall. "Twilight Sparkle."

"Nice to meet you," Sunset smiled happily. "Look, be careful with your dog, Twilight. You don't want him being found, do you?" Twilight shook her head. "Well, see you later."

As she walked away, giving  Twilight one last smile, she didn't even notice the girl's faintest, but red, blush on her cheeks.

Twilight had never felt like this way before. She had always distanced herself away from the other students of Crystal Prep simply because the work was too easy and she knew none of them liked her. Cinch had been kind enough to give her an unused lab to work on whatever she wanted in there, and no one was thrilled by the idea because it got them envious but it got them away from her. A win-win for the last one.

Then all of a sudden, this girl shows up and shows her actual kindness by saying she wouldn't tell Principal Cinch, who was highly allergic to dogs, about Spike. Twilight never thought someone would actually do that for her besides Dean Cadance, her sister-in-law. 

But then again, Sunset could've been lying.

No. She wouldn't be lying because she sounded so honest and truthful. It was better to trust the girl despite only just meeting her. To Twilight, she looked like an honest girl who would keep a secret to help her out. Plus, she was the first one to show her kindness here.

It might be dumb to think it, but Twilight actually thought that maybe, just maybe, they could be friends. It would be odd trying to make friends with her, maybe even awkward, but it wouldn't hurt to try. After all, Cadance had always told her to at least try to make friends with her classmates. So, perhaps she could start with Sunset. It didn't seem like a bad idea, no, actually sounded like a good one to her.

She wouldn't try to map it out, instead, she'd would just talk with her. Twilight was sure they would have to have some classes together. Maybe like gym or... English. Instead of shielding herself away like normal, she'd go to her regular classes and see if Sunset was there. Simple! If she was, they'd talk. 

At this point, for the first time, she couldn't wait to head into her classes again.

But then there was a doubting thought. What if Sunset rejected her because she didn't want to be friends? What if it was an act and she really was going to tell Cinch about Spike?

Her mind threw out a more positive thought. If Sunset didn't want to be friends, and would just tell Principal Cinch, then why did she sound so honest? Why did she tell her her name? It made no sense if Sunset didn't want to be friends with her. If she didn't, then she wouldn't have given her name. Besides, what could trying do anyways? It wouldn't hurt. It would just help their possible friendship along, that's all.

Spike's bark broke her train of thoughts and she giggled before patting and rubbing his head happily.

Twilight walked back into her lab, shut the door, and began packing up her things. She would've done it before if Spike hadn't ran off like that.

A knock at the door made her jump, and Spike jumped into her bag. When the door opened, Shining Armor stood there happily with his coaching bag swung across his shoulder. 

"Hey there, kiddo," Shining Armor beamed. "Ready to go?"

Twilight nodded in reply, "Yup." 

"Good. C'mon, Cadance is waiting for us in the truck."

Shining had always driven her to work along with Cadance. When he turned seventeen, their father had gotten him a truck, it wasn't much but Shining loved it anyways. It was better than nothing for sure.

Outside, Twilight could see Cadance sitting in the front seat, and she waved happily at the siblings before opening up the truck's door and opening up the back door. The front door had to be opened for the back door to open up. Twilight didn't really mind sitting in the back, she rarely liked being in the front anyways.

"How was school?" Cadance asked, shutting the door once they were inside the truck. "Quiet, like always?"

"Yeah," Twilight replied, "Just how I like it."

Shining Armor sighed heavily as he pulled out of the staff parking lot. "I wish you'd try to make some friends, Twily. I don't want you to be so lonely all the time. Nor do I like you being in that stuffy lab all day along." 

"I'm fine on my own, Shiny," Twilight said. 

"But we would like it if you tried," Cadance backed up her husband. 

Twilight shifted in her seat, "Well... there is this one girl I think I might try to be friends with." Shining and Cadance's eyes shined brightly. Their mouths forming a smile. "Her name is Sunset Shimmer."

"Oh! I know her. She's new here. I'm happy to know you'll try and be friends with her!"

Shining Armor nodded. "Does this mean you'll go to your classes instead of that dark lab you've got, Twily?" He asked.

"Yes, I'll actually go to my classes," Twilight smiled. "She must be in at least one of them. Maybe I'll speak with her at lunch too if I can find her."

"Man, will mom and dad be happy to hear you'll be making friends with this girl. They'll be so happy! Never thought my little sis would get out of her shell," Shining Armor beamed happily, his smile wider than before. "Let me know how it goes, okay, Twily?"

Twilight and Cadance laughed.

"Now, Shiny, don't get too excited by this," Cadance patted his shoulder. "She hasn't made an attempt yet. She'll let us know tomorrow after school. Right, Twilight?" She asked, gazing in the mirror at Twilight, who nodded.

"I will."

Shining Armor wouldn't stop talking happily about this, and Twilight just rolled her eyes, even as they pulled into the driveway. Her brother was truly being happy about this, yes, but it also got a bit annoying.

As they got into the house, Shining Armor grinned widely and winked at his sister, signaling he was going to shout for them, and she tried to stop him before he yelled out their names. In a flash, their parents were before them, and Shining Armor told them the news.

Night Light's jaw dropped, "Really?" He asked. "You're going to make friends with her?"

"I always known you for liking your space," smiled Velvet.  "I'm so happy for you!"

"I am," Twilight nodded. "I don't know why it's such a surprise."

Shining Armor patted his sister's shoulder. "We're surprised because it seemed like you just wanted your own space, and be by yourself, which it's not bad, but... this is a huge step! We thought you wouldn't dare try to make friends with your classmates!"

"I had friends before."

"We know, Twily, but they moved away," Cadance smiled sadly at the thought of her sister's old friends. That was one event that she didn't want to remember. "We're just happy you're making new friends."

"We do keep in touch," Twilight pouted, "But I see what you mean."

Shining Armor grinned as he placed his bag down, despite his mother's glare. "Let's go out to eat!" He declared. "We haven't done that in a while, have we? I also have this craving for burgers, with french fries and moyo."

"You always liked the weirdest things with fries," Cadance laughed, along with her parents-in-law and sister. "Remember the radish phase?"

"We agreed never to talk about it."

So, they did go out to dinner, Shining's choice for a restaurant because Twilight was good with whatever he chose, Cadance didn't really care, and their parents didn't mind him choosing. 

When they got home, having full stomachs, Twilight headed upstairs, and changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and cleaned her face before slipping peacefully into bed. Her mind flashing Sunset's face and she blushed a little. The girl was cute, and well, would make a good friend.

Tomorrow, she would speak with Sunset again, and try to become friends.

It all came down to trying after all, and she silently promised she would try. Try to be friends with the girl.  She hoped to god she would be able to be friends with Sunset.
> II~Can We Be Friends?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can We Be Friends?

The next day, Twilight had almost ran into the school with a wide smile. She had gotten a few looks from her fellow students, but it was nothing she had seen before. During her time here, she had gotten used to the weird looks she earned without trying.

She stopped by her lab, putting her bag on the chair. She had came to school without Spike as she didn't want him being found out. Grabbing her books and binder, Twilight shut the door and walked towards the first class of the day, and she sighed heavily. She would have to put up with the classes until she found Sunset. Then, her day would brighten up. 

When class started, there was no sign of Sunset in her first class. The entire class wasn't very happy to see her and groaned, sitting away from her. Twilight really didn't mind. She wasn't even paying attention to them anymore. At break, she tried looking for Sunset while she walked to her next class, and there was no sign of Sunset either.

Twilight sighed heavily until she saw the familiar fiery hair and brightened. However, it fell when she saw the ones who she considered popular girls at Crystal Prep. With Sunset, there was Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, and Sunny Flare. The only ones missing from the group was Sour Sweet and Lemon Zest. 

There was no way she'd be going up to Sunset with them around. They were mainly the ones to tease her about her smartness and what have you. They, along with everyone else, bullied her.

She couldn't help but listen onto the conversation as they sat pretty much next to her, but didn't even notice her. 

"What do you guys wanna do after school?" Indigo asked, yawning a bit. 

"It doesn't matter to me," Sunset smiled. "Really."

Sugarcoat nodded, "It doesn't matter to me as well."

"As long as it's not stupid," Sunny pointed out. "Okay? Nothing dumb." 

Indigo waved her hand and scoffed, "I know. It wasn't my idea, okay? It was all Lemon's."

"Sure, Indigo," Sugarcoat rolled her eyes. "We believe you."

Twilight bite her lip. She wasn't so sure about this anymore. Sunset was friends with them. And they hated her. It wouldn't work out so well if she tried speaking with Sunset only to have her friends yell at her, well, not exactly yell but would tell her nicely to go away. Twilight was sure Sunset wasn't an idiot to another way of saying hit the bricks.

But she still wanted to be friends with her.

At lunch, Twilight sighed as she watched the group head out. She didn't know why it was so hard trying to speak with Sunset. She could easily ignore the Shadowbolts' comments, but she had known them for so long where she knew they didn't want her around them. After all, she had been said to be the attacker of everyone's reputation. If they were seen speaking with her--friendly--then they would be teased the next day or during their classes.

Everything was hell for her here.

But with Sunset around, she felt like she could be okay to stay here. That everything would be fine. All she really wanted was to be friends with the fiery haired girl.

Was that so hard?

Too caught up in her thoughts, Twilight didn't realize she had been walking straight into Sunset's back. The two fell to the floor, Sunset catching herself while Twilight fell down. A few laughs echoed around the halls and Twilight flushed with embarrassment. Sunset's friends stopped to see who it was and groaned heavily when they saw Twilight. Sunset, however, helped the girl up.

"You okay?" She asked. 

"I'm sorry," Twilight apologized. "I didn't realize where I was going! I didn't mean to bump into you."

Sunset gave her a smile. "Hey, no worries. Just... watch where you're going next time, okay, Twilight?" 

"Y-Yeah," Twilight replied.

Sour rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, Sunny giving off a smirk. "Can we please get going? I don't want to be late." Sour said, almost in a lying tone to what they were really up to, and Sunset understood perfectly.

"Oh, right, yeah," Sunset nodded. 

"Late for what?" Twilight asked shyly.

Sunset gave another friendly smile. "Oh, it's nothing. They're just... showing me around. Still a bit confused, ya know?" Twilight nodded. "Well, bye, Twilight."

"Bye..."

A cough broke the silence when the girls left. Twilight flushed up once more, rubbing her neck before quickly leaving towards her lab so she could be alone for lunch. Her heart was pounding. She did it! She spoke to Sunset! Even if it was by accident. It was still nice to hear her voice again.

With Sunset and her friends, they hadn't really talked much about Twilight. Instead, Indigo took it upon herself to make sure they didn't land on the subject. They weren't going to question their friend so soon about it. They weren't showing Sunset around, having to do that before school when they arrived early, they were actually just going to the music room as Sunset and Indigo made a bet to see who was the better guitar player.

The music room had stairs leading downwards. Sunset's jaw dropped when she saw how big it was. A desk for the teacher along with a whiteboard at front, stairs leading upwards to set aside the band students' instruments. A piano sat just a few steps away from the entrance way. The rest of the space was for the kids to sit down in chairs, which were now folded up and placed to the side, and an exit way just on the right.

It was much more bigger than Canterlot High's music room, that was for sure.

"Wow," Sunset gasped. "This place is huge."

Lemon laughed. "You act like you haven't seen a music room this big before."

"I haven't," Sunset explained, "CHS' music room is smaller than this. But this... is wow... Hell, I think those guys would be jealous if they got a tour of this place for sure."

"Well, we are the best," Sour smiled proudly, "And those guys fucking suck!"

Indigo chuckled before taking two guitars, "Here," she said, passing one to Sunset. "We'll see who's better. Then, whoever wins, is up against Lemon."

"Oooh," Sunny smirked, "Lemon can't be beaten. This is her forte."

"That's right!" Lemon laughed. "Let's get this started!"

"I also play guitar."

Sunset winced when she remembered how she was finally accepted into the Rainbooms' band at the end of the Battle of the Bands. Her former friends were shocked to see how well she played and didn't think twice before allowing her to join. She took a deep breath while her friends and girlfriend sat down to watch her and Indigo. She smiled proudly at her talent and it gave her confidence she was going to win.

Who the hell cares what was in the past? 

She had these guys now, and she was happy with them. She didn't care about CHS anymore. Right now, she had to win a bet, and beat Lemon right after. 

"You ready?" Indigo asked, breaking Sunset out of her thoughts. "Cause I am!"

"You're on," Sunset smirked, narrowing her eyes. "You're going to lose, Indigo."

"Confident, eh?"

Sunset laughed, "You know it."

It ended as you expected it would. Indigo had lost, and was too shocked to even think about playing after Sunset had countered her. The other Shadowbolts remained shocked as well and Lemon didn't think about challenging her, saying she'd let this win slide for now, and Sunset laughed. The faces didn't really match up of the surprised faces of the Rainbooms, but she preferred the faces of the Shadowbolts.

Then Sunset saw Sour mumbling and placing twenty bucks into Sunny's hand.

"You two took a bet on us?" Sunset asked. "I'm not mad, but I'm surprised."

"We didn't think you could do it," Sunny explained. "But to make it interesting, we betted anyways. Glad to say I took the side of you."

Sour grumbled, "Shut up, Flare."

"I'm going to get something to drink," Sunset said moving towards the entrance. "Want anything?" They shook their heads, Sunset nodded and looked at her girlfriend. "Sugar? Want anything, honey?"

Sugarcoat flushed at the nickname, and cleared her throat. "Water would be nice."

Sunset nodded and left the room, laughing when she heard the others teasing Sugarcoat at the nickname. In truth, she just wanted to see Sugarcoat flush up. It was cute whenever the blunt girl blushed brightly and it was even more fun to tease her about it.

When she arrived at the cafeteria, proud to say she found it on her own, she got her drink and Sugarcoat's drink, having enough to pay and took her leave... only to bump into someone again, and thankfully they didn't fall down this time. And luckily the two drinks were alright, having to be in a bottle and can. Sunset sighed with relief and was about to say sorry when she noticed it was again Twilight.

Twilight began stuttering once more, and Sunset laughed, leading her away so they wouldn't disturbed.

"You know, we've got to meeting like this," Sunset smiled. 

Twilight adjust her glasses. "I'm sorry. I, again, wasn't paying attention and didn't realize where I was going."

"No worries, we're cool," Sunset replied, setting down the cold drinks on the steps to sit down, Twilight followed suit. "How... your day going?"

"Fine," Twilight smiled. "I was hoping to talk with you again. I wanted to say thanks for not ratting me out to Principal Cinch... she's allergic to dogs."

Sunset rose an eyebrow. "Then... why do you have him with you?"

"I don't like leaving him alone at home, even though he's got mom and dad. They're usually working around this time, and... he gets lonely, you know?" 

"I think I do. Hard to leave a pet by his or herself huh?" Twilight nodded in agreement. "Never is easy, but just be careful if you have him with you."

Twilight gave a light smile in respond, "I will."

After a couple of moments of talking, Sunset stood up saying she needed to get back to her friends, and Twilight nodded, getting up as well. Before Sunset could walk away fully, Twilight gulped and asked, 

"Can we be friends?" 

Sunset turned to her, "Yeah... I'd like that. Want my number?"

"Really?" Twilight asked, jaw dropping. "It's okay?"

"I mean... you'd want to text, right?" 

"Y-Yeah... of course."

Sunset nodded, putting the drinks down on the window seal that was next to her and took out her phone, getting and giving both her number and Twilight's number. After that, she said goodbye and walked off.

Twilight had a huge grin on her face.
> III~Just The Two Of Us
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just The Two Of Us

That night, Twilight sat on her bed, gazing at her phone. She was in her contacts and she kept gazing at Sunset's number. Her heart was pounding loudly as she thought about texting her newfound friend. Her parents were thrilled when they found out, Shining did a happy dance, and Cadance clapped her hands before happily saying how proud she was. But now remained the question, if she texted Sunset, would she text back?

She sat there for nearly half and hour before sucking a deep breath in and realising it out. Now or never. She clicked Sunset's name and then clicked the text button, in a moment's time, she was on a texting screen with Sunset. Twilight's eyes floated to the icon for Sunset's number and tilted her head when she saw Sugarcoat with her in the picture. It was odd, but Twilight didn't think anything of it.

Twilight's fingers still when they moved to the keyboard. Should she actually do this? Maybe Sunset was busy didn't have the time to talk with her? No, she shook her head. She could do this.

She would do this. 

In a minute top, Twilight sent the message off to her new friend and hoped she would respond. Her heart was pounding when she kept her eyes on the screen.

{ Hi, Sunset, it's Twilight from school...

A reply shortly came and Twilight beamed widely, she could hardly keep her giggles from escaping her mouth out of pure happiness. She was happy her parents were downstairs and not coming up to see her right now. Even more happy to know Shining Armor and Cadance were out on a date.

Hey, Twilight! I didn't expect you to text me so soon! }

Twilight bite her lip. She did interrupt anything? God, she hoped not.

{ Oh, did I interrupt anything?

Na, I was meaning to take a break from my game anyways. Indigo's a real fucking pain in the ass when you play online with her. As well as other people. }

{ What game are you playing?

 GTA 5 online. It's fun! Have you played it before? }

{ No, I haven't.

The conversation went back and forth, each time Sunset mentioned one of her friends, Twilight felt a tug in her heart. Sunset was new, but she could make friends real fast. She didn't think Sunset would be able to make friends with the popular girls so quickly. But either way, she was happy she could text Sunset without worrying too much over being found out. 

The entire time they were texting, it really felt like it was just the two of them. No one else mattered in this time. For once, maybe it felt like she could finally have an actual conversation with one of her friends in peace without being made fun of by everyone else.

Moondancer was one of her closest friends until she moved away to another state, saying how they would always keep in touch, and they did, but... after awhile, Moondancer stopped texting her back, stopping answering calls, and by that point Twilight didn't try anymore. There was a few texts, maybe two calls, but that was all.

At least Sunset seemed happy to talk with her.

"Hey, kiddo, time for bed," Night Light said while he walked into his daughter's room. "Put the phone away, kiddo."

"Okay, dad," Twilight replied, sending off a quick goodnight text to Sunset before her phone down on her dresser, charging it before kissing her dad on the cheek. "Night, dad."

"Goodnight, sweetheart."

Tomorrow would be great. She could speak with Sunset at school, and everything would turn out great. Just like she hoped it would.





The next day, Twilight arrived to see Sunset with her friends, and gulped. She wouldn't dare to approach them. As she walked by, she noted how Sunset didn't wave to her, too caught up with speaking. However the one thing she didn't catch was how Sunset was holding Sugarcoat's hand, and kissed her on the cheek when they began moving away from the set of lockers towards their first class of the day.

They didn't have a class together first block, and it was a huge test which was fine considering how Twilight managed to finish first out of everyone else. The teacher didn't say anything, fitting since they never did to them when they finished a test or handed things in.

Seeing how no one would look, Twilight pulled out her phone and clicked on Sunset's name to start texting her again, and she smiled widely.

{ Hi, Sunset, what class are you in?

It only took a minute for Sunset to reply.

Math, just finished this surprise test, luckily I've done the unit before in my old school. Nothing new, last unit before I transfered. Teacher was really surprised to see the new kid finish up before the smartass of the class. }

{ Good to hear :)
{ How did you find the test anyways?

Alright, I guess. It's different from the other tests I've taken back at that other school, but it's a refresher }

Twilight quickly put down her phone when she saw the teacher walking around to collect the finished tests. She knew for a fact none of the teachers liked students going on their phones during tests or class, despite some saying they would need their phones for research. 

When the teacher picked up her test and walked by, Twilight looked at her phone and quickly typed up her reply before putting it back in her pocket and taking out a book she signed out from the school's library. Nothing new, but it was good enough to mask up her eagerness for Sunset's reply to her text.

She didn't feel her phone buz in her pocket at all, not even when the bell rang and she headed to her next class. Twilight sighed heavily. Sunset probably wouldn't reply until she managed to get a second.

The nerd didn't mind, but still it would be nice if her friend replied.

At lunch, Twilight's eyes brightened behind her glasses when she saw Sunset alone at her locker, and no one was around. This could be a perfect moment to speak with her in person again! It would be much better than speaking over text and she happily moved towards her friend. 

"Sunset!" Twilight happily called and her friend gave her a small smile. "What class did you come from?"

"Oh, I just came from a double block of math," Sunset replied. "Sorry I didn't respond, I saw the text though. Teacher was pretty serious about the next unit." 

Twilight nodded in understanding. "I know the feeling." 

"Listen," Sunset cleared her throat, "Do you know any good places to go to after school...?"

"I do, why?" 

Sunset looked like she was blushing and she rubbed her neck a little nervous. "Well, I wanted to see if there was a place good enough to... ya know... visit." She recovered from the blush fairly quick. "After school place to eat, something along those lines."

"Oh, well, there's this place by the mall," Twilight said. "I don't remember the name, but I know it has good food. It's not like Sugarcube Corner or anything..."

Sunset smiled. "That's fine. Sugarcube Corner is mostly for dessert anyways." 

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Twilight, a bit shy.

"No, it's okay," Sunset shook her head. "I'm sure you have friends waiting for you. Everyone else does, I wouldn't want to keep you from them."

Twilight laughed nervously. "Well, uh, they're all busy. I don't have anyone waiting for me expect for my brother and Dean Cadance."

"Wait," Sunset rose an eyebrow, "Dean Cadance waits for you? Who's your brother?"

"Shining Armor, one of the sport coaches," Twilight explained and Sunset gave a realizing expression, "Yeah, he teaches football. Anyways, he and Dean Cadance are married."

"Does your brother give you a ride?" 

"Yeah, me and Cadance."

The two talked for a bit longer until Sunset's phone went off with Sugarcoat's name written on the screen and Sunset beamed happily before raising a finger for Twilight to excuse her for a moment.

"What's up, Sugar?" Sunset asked happily, leaning against the locker. "Oh, shoot! I totally forgot! I know, I'll be right there! Tell 'em I'm sorry. My mind was somewhere else. Where? Hehe... it's, uh, a surprise!" 

Twilight rose an eyebrow while Sunset finished up her phone call with Sugarcoat.

"Did you forget to meet them?" Twilight asked when Sunset lowered her phone. 

"Yeah," Sunset sighed. "Slipped my mind."

Twilight smiled. "I don't want to keep you from them. I'll see you later, Sunset."

"You too, Twilight."

Twilight couldn't keep the smile off of her face as she walked away from Sunset.
> IV~Date
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date

Sunset held her stomach as she and Sugarcoat left the cafe. "Uh," She groaned heavily, "Last time I'll come here. Their food is way too heavy for me."

"That's because you ate so much without chewing," Sugarcoat replied, putting on her jacket. "If you had chewed you wouldn't be feeling so sick."

"Hey! It was good!" Sunset protested. "Wait... how can it be heavy and good at the same...?" She smacked herself on the head while Sugarcoat gave out a laugh at her girlfriend. "Ignore me, hun. I don't know what I'm saying right now. Too sick in the head to even think right now."

"At least you finished your food."

Sunset nodded in agreement as they held hands tightly as they walked towards Sugarcoat's car. "But... how did you like it? Was it too much? Too less? Would you be interested in coming back here?" 

"I think I might, it was good, though the waitering was terrible," Sugarcoat replied as she got into the driver seat. Sunset could agree on that.

"Thirteen fucking minutes," Sunset grumbled. "The place was practically empty! How could they be slow?"

Sugarcoat shrugged. "I have no idea. I would not like to go back there for a date."

"Noted. And agreed."

The drive to Sunset's apartment was a fairly good length away from the cafe, and they talked about places where they could have dates in the future, anything place without slow waitering, even if it was only a few couple of days when they were like that. It just didn't fit them. Plus, the many people who were in there did become angry and couldn't handle the wait and left before their food even got to them.

When they arrived, Sunset gave her a kiss, deepening it to make it last much longer than their usual ones. At the breaking point, she pulled away and both were breathing heavily. Sunset gave her another kiss, a quick kiss, and pulled away with a smile.

"Shit, you still look cute," Sunset beamed widely. Sugarcoat flushed up bright red. "Er... do you want to sleepover tonight? That is, if you don't have anything to do! And don't worry, nothing will happen. We can order in or I can cook us something. What do you say?"

"If it means I don't have to go home to two annoying brothers, I'm in," Sugarcoat nodded. "Just let me call my father, okay? He'll let my mom know."

After Sugarcoat finished her phone call, the two of them moved into the apartment, and Sunset hung her girlfriend's jacket up in the closet along her own jacket and placed her bag down in her room, placing Sugarcoat's right next to her own. There wasn't much to do, but it would be nice to have Sugarcoat over with her.

Surely Indigo could understand why she couldn't play with her online today, given how Indigo used to date Sugarcoat and knew pretty much what she liked, and if she didn't, Sunset would wing it. Usually, Sunset went to Indigo for date ideas, and presents for her girlfriend, thinking Indigo might have good ideas on what Sugarcoat might like.

It would save her the trouble of trying to figure out what to get her.

Saving the trouble of cooking, Sunset just ordered in a pizza instead, also getting dessert from the same place to say trouble. When the pizza and dessert arrived, they just laid down on the couch, cuddling while watching movies. Every so often when a scary part would raise up, Sugarcoat would jump and hide her face in Sunset's chest, mumbling how to never tell this to the others.

Each time it happened, Sunset would just kiss her head and agree never to tell them, but secretly promised to text it to them on a private group chat. 

"C'mon, you're too cute, how can I keep it a secret?" Sunset asked as she held Sugarcoat in her embrace. "I'm sure everyone would like to know about it."

"You tell them and you're dead to me." Sugarcoat blunty replied. 

Sunset laughed. "Okay, okay, I won't tell them... maybe." She winked.

"Sunset!"

Again, the fiery haired girl laughed.

"I'm kidding! I won't tell a soul," Sunset grinned. "I'll keep it between us, like you want. But, hey, this is a cute part of you. Are you always like this with scary movies? Even though Bride of Chucky isn't so bad?"

Sugarcoat gulped. "I hate dolls." She explained. "I can't stand them, and they're so fucking terrifying. They just stare at you with dead eyes and no emotions. They always have the same emotional happy smile on their face, and it creeps me out! Especially killer dolls who used to be human."

"It's just a movie, hun," Sunset cooed, stroking her hair. "Like Chucky will come for the both of us. He's not real."

"Tell it to the writers of the many sequels," Sugarcoat mumbled under her breath.

"And I'll protect you if he is real," Sunset replied. "I promise."

The rest of the movie was spent whispering to each other, eating their dessert, drinking the pop they ordered as well, and cuddling under a blanket while on a roll with Chucky movies. The best kind of horror in Sunset's opinion and the nightmarish type in Sugarcoat's opinion. 

At least they were having fun together.

At one point, Sunset saw her phone light up with a text from Twilight. She knew she should answer. Sugarcoat was trying to keep her eyes from closing, and it would be a good chance to text her new friend saying she was busy, but Sunset was too comfortable to move for her phone.

She would have to text Twilight later saying why she didn't answer.

Twilight will understand.





Twilight bite her lip as she looked up from her work. Her phone hadn't light up with a reply from Sunset, which was odd considering how Sunset found the time to reply to her for the last two times they texted.  She knew she shouldn't be worried, Sunset just might be busy is all. She would get a reply later.

But what if she didn't?

What if Sunset didn't want to text her anymore? What if it was all a lie when she said they could be friends? Her mind began to work up all these different types of situations that she didn't realize her brother came into her room with some ice cream in her hand.

Shining Armor tried to fight back a smile when he realized his baby sister was gazing at her phone, probably wanting to see a text come up with her new friend's name. It warmed his heart to know his little Twily had found a friend in Crystal Prep after all of this time.

"Hey, Twily," Shining Armor called out, breaking Twilight out of her thoughts. "I brought some ice cream for ya."

"Thanks BBBFF," Twilight replied, taking the dessert out of his hand. 

Shining Armor nodded and sat down on her bed, "Watcha doing? You looked deep in thought."

"Oh..." Twilight rubbed her neck. "I was just... waiting for a reply from Sunset."

"Your friend, yeah?" Shining asked and she nodded. "How well are you two getting along, Twily? I never seen you so happy so far."

Twilight shifted in her spot as she stole a quick glance down at her phone before she looked back at her big brother. She smiled happily at him. "We're getting along great! I mean, yeah, we don't really talk in class. But we talked in the halls a bit, and we text too."

"Hmm, you should have her over for dinner some time," Shining Armor suggested. "I bet mom and dad would love to meet her."

"I don't know," Twilight tugged on her collar. "I never really had a friend over since Moondancer moved..."

Shining Armor sighed heavily and patted her shoulder, "C'mon, Twily! We really want to meet her. You talk nonstop about her during dinner whenever Cadance asks. I bet she'd love to get to know her more."

"I would." 

Twilight nearly jumped when she heard Cadance's voice, and saw the Dean of Crystal Prep coming into her room to give Shining a kiss on the cheek. Instead of wearing her usual work clothes, she was in something more comfortable. Twilight gave her a grin.

"Hi, Cadance," Twilight greeted her old babysitter. "I didn't know you were over."

"That's because you were so caught up in getting the reply from your friend," Shining Armor laughed. "I brought Cadance with me for the night. You know, mom's main rule of moving out. Always spend a night or two at the house every three or four weeks."

"I know," Twilight nodded. "It's stupid."

Cadance giggled. "She just wants to know you two are okay."

"Anyways, you should really consider asking your friend if she can come over for dinner one night. It'll be fun meeting her for the first time," Shining Armor said. "I could see if I could hook her up with the football team if she's interested. Always nice to have some girls join up football. That's for sure."

"Okay, I'll see."

Cadance beamed widely and took her husband's hand. "Great! We'll see you tomorrow morning."

As they walked out, Twilight glanced down and sighed. 

Still no reply.

What was taking Sunset so long to answer?
> V~You're In Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

You're In Love

Several weeks later, and she couldn't be happier with her friendship with Sunset. She had learned Sunset had been too busy to answer her phone's text and said she was sorry. Twilight didn't mind. She knew Sunset had to be busy with her job and keeping up with the work Crystal Prep was giving them, so she understood perfectly. She didn't bother to ask what she was busy for anyways, she trusted Sunset enough.

As for the dinner her parents wanted to have with Sunset, when Twilight asked her about it, Sunset replied she would check if she was free one night, and Twilight happily agreed. 

So, they held the dinner on a saturday night, Sunset had finished up with work early, took a shower, a nap, and got dressed for the dinner. Sunset pulled out her old outfit from Canterlot High and sighed heavily before picking a new outfit to wear, however, she only kept the leather jacket. A blue shirt, some jeans, boots, and her jacket. A perfect look. She quickly texted Sugarcoat saying she couldn't wait to meet up tomorrow and sent a kiss emoji before putting the phone into her pocket and heading out.

It wasn't' hard to find Twilight's place. Sunset found it with a bit of ease and she sucked in a deep breath, only having to gone to her friends' houses before, but she knew their parents a bit, but she hadn't heard anything from Twilight about her parents, so it made her feel a bit nervous.

Oh well, first time for everything.

In all honesty, Twilight's parents weren't bad. They were nice people. Night Light could crack a joke, Twilight Velete was acting like her own mother, institing she had something to drink. Twilight's older brother introduce himself, not like how he usually would in Crystal Prep, but as a regular family member like Sugarcoat's brothers and Sour's brother had done.

Then there was Dean Cadance, who told her to just call her Cadance. She was Shining's wife, which Sunset had already knew from Twilight, and she smiled happily at the Dean.

It was nice to know two staff members without being at Crystal Prep.

During dinner, Shining looked the girl up and down, smiling away at his little sister's friend. He couldn't believe his sister had scored a friendship with her. 

"You know, I never would've thought Twily could score a good friendship like yours," He said. "It's nice to see her finally make friends again."

"What do you mean 'again'?" Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

"She hasn't left that little lab since she got it," Shining Armor explained, swallowing some of his food, "When you two met, she finally got out of here and tended her classes again. I was surprised. Ever since she was in there, she hadn't made a friend since."

"Really?" Sunset asked. "Wow."

Twilight rubbed her neck. "I would've. But, uh... I got too caught up." 

"Doing what?"

"Work. My own work."

Sunset nodded, giving her friend a smirk. "Oh, okay. Sure, work."

"I like this friend of yours, Twily!" Shining laughed. "She should come around more often, don't ya think, Cadance?"

Cadance gave her agreement through a nod, having to be chewing food at the time, so she couldn't answer with words. When she swallowed, she gave a smile. "I agree. You should come around more."

Sunset smiled weakly at them. "Thanks for the offer, I'll think about it."

"Now, don't feel pressured into doing so," Night Light chuckled, "My son is just so happy his sister has a friend once more, and so are we. Just do what you feel is right on these type of things."

For the rest of the dinner was spent just talking about whatever they could think about. It was mostly about what school Sunset went to before, who her parents were(which Sunset had of course told them the truth about not having any), and if she had proper living space when she revealed she didn't have parents. 

So, Sunset told them about her apartment she kept up with the rent by having a job, and how her life was. She was doing okay and they could see it by the way she managed her life fine without parents, and how her friends' parents were mostly like her parents with the way they knew about the current way her life was.

Velete smiled happily. "It seems like your friends' parents know how to handle this."

"A bit too much," Sunset replied with a laugh, "Once Sour's mother called to ask how I was and if I had breakfast. I heard her father give a bitter remark about how I wasn't their kid, but went all concerned when he spoke to me."

Cadance laughed, "So that's where Miss Sweet gets it from. Her parents."

"Suddenly sweet one moment, and the next sour? Yeah, probably," Sunset nodded.

When Sunset left, Twilight bid her goodbye and moved back into the house to help clean up. Shining wouldn't stop smiling away at her, which rose a few questions, Cadance was whispering to her mother, probably about Sunset. Night Light whistled the usual song while he cleaned up, nothing weird about him there.

Twilight didn't understand what was wrong with her brother and didn't ask until they were sitting the living room, their parents upstairs getting for work tomorrow, and she was left alone with her brother and sister-in-law. That's when she couldn't take it anymore, and turned to look at Shining, who was still smiling away at her.

"What?" Twilight asked, narrowing her eyes. "Why are you still smiling away like an idiot?"

"Because you're not fooling me." Shining laughed. "Anyone with eyes could see you can't fool anyone with your feelings, Twily."

"What?!"

Cadance whacked her husband on the arm before gazing at his sister. "Twilight, he's just teasing you about Sunset." She noticed how Twilight's face went bright red at the mere thought. "Don't take it too personally."

"What... feelings?" Twilight replied slowly to her brother. "What are you talking about?"

"C'mon!" Shining sighed, throwing up his arms. "Twily, you know what I said to you when I first figured out I was in love with Cadance? Do you remember?"

Twilight nodded, "I do."

"Well, replace my feelings for Cadance for your feelings for Sunset," Shining Armor explained. "There you go! Those type of feelings. The 'in love' feelings. Everyone gets them, Twily."

"I'm not in love with her!"

"Are you sure? You look really disappointed when she doesn't reply to your text, and you easily forgive her when you find out why. Not to mention you can't stop talking about when we ask how she's doing. Sounds a lot like love to me, sis. So, I ask again, are you sure?"

Cadance sighed and backed her husband up, "There's a lot of signs you're showing for love too. You have a certain look in your eyes when she's mentioned, even when she was over, you had this look on your face. I never seen that look on your face before."

Twilight rubbed her arm, "I'm not... in love..."

"Twilight," Shining sighed, "You are."

"Okay! So, maybe, I am," Twilight finally gave in. "What chance do I even have with her anyways? She's friends with the most popular girls at Crystal Prep, and I'm in the background! She has a better chance with... I don't know, say, Sugarcoat! Or maybe even Indigo Zap or Sour Sweet! Heck! Maybe even Sunny Flare! Anyone who isn't me. Besides, how do I even know she swings that way?"

Shining Armor shrugged and sipped his beer lightly before putting it down on the table beside him.

"Could always ask," he suggested. "It's not hard."

"She wouldn't go for me..." Twilight whispered. "I know she wouldn't. I'm fine with being her friend if it means she's happy."

"But you could always take the risk!" Shining Armor pushed gently. "I thought the same thing about Cadance, and what did you tell me? To take the risk! It paid off, Twily. What makes you think this would be any different?"

Twilight bite her lip as she thought about her brother's words. Was she really in love with Sunset? How could she be? They were just friends, after all!

But then, she thought all about their time together and found her heart pounded when she thought of her friend, and she almost lost her breath. She gulped. Shining and Cadance were right, she was in love with Sunset. She barely heard Cadance declare she was in love to her parents when they came down and asked what they were talking about.

All she could think about, over her parents' joy, was how she loved Sunset.

...But there was a nagging feeling, poking at her mind with one heavy question;

Would Sunset return the feelings?
> VI~Another Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another Day

"That's not at all what I'm saying!" 

Sugarcoat looked up from her book to see Sunset pinching her nose while she walked back and forth in the hall. Their friends had gone off to grab their marked tests, and somewhere along the lines of waiting, Sunset had gotten a call from her boss. Which to an fight right this very moment. 

"No," Sunset sighed heavily shaking her head, "I don't want to quit. You pay well. Yeah, I know... look, school's a bitch, okay? I know I should be more awake, but c'mon! There's tests twenty four seven while I'm here! Hell, I could be doing a test in my sleep for all I care and know."

Sugarcoat held back a laugh as the fight slowly eased into an agreement between the two, bonding over the unfairness of school. She placed her book down, marking her page and watched as Sunset agreed with whatever it was her boss wanted, and when the call was over, Sunset gave a loud sigh before gazing at her with tiredness.

"He wants me to work more hours," Sunset replied, sitting down and placing her head on Sugarcoat's shoulder. "It's fucking stupid, and overworking. I'm in school, doesn't he know he can't do that to me? I'm barely having enough free time as it is!" 

"Take some time off," Sugarcoat told her. "Give yourself a break. That might help you."

"He'll call me to say I need to come in and work this person's shift," Sunset grumbled, "Like always."

"Sunset," Sugarcoat sighed heavily, "--you need to take a break, I'm serious. As much as I don't think everyone should when they could keep going, I know you're at your limit. Take a break, darling."

Sunset chuckled. "Is that what you're calling me now? Darling?"

"You gave me a nickname."

"I did," Sunset kissed her cheek. "And it's cute for you. It fits you, hun."

Sugarcoat flushed up brightly and looked away from her girlfriend, who just chuckled and kissed her cheek once more, before leaning up right and seeing their friends coming towards them, happily saying they passed like always, and Sunset nodded with a smile.

It was always nice to see her friends happy, and she hoped they could always be happy around her. She didn't want them sad, it didn't fit them.

"We should go out after school," Sunset announced. "Just to ya know, give us all a break before we head back home and have to study away for another test."

"Yes!" Lemon cheered. "We should totally do that!"

"I could go for a drink," Sunny nodded. "Maybe a milkshake."

Sour smiled sweetly, "I could too."

As they all agreed on a place, Sunset's phone rang again and she groaned heavily before excusing herself, thinking it was her boss again, and they nodded, feeling her pain of their own bosses calling them up. But when Sunset answered, far enough away so she wouldn't bother her friends, it wasn't her boss but it was Twilight.

Which made Sunset surprised. 

The two girls didn't call each other, despite the many hints from Cadance and Shining Armor, Sunset found herself too busy to do so. This made her happy, it was certainly better than hearing her boss's voice again for what seemed like the thousandth time.

"Oh, hey, I wasn't expecting you to call," Sunset beamed widely, placing a hand on her hip. "Watcha callin' me for?"

"I wanted to talk," Twilight replied. 

Sunset rose an eyebrow. "Are you in that lab again?" 

"...Maybe..." Twilight answered and Sunset sighed heavily. "I can barely get around without people looking at me strangely, Sunset. It's better if I stay in here and let everyone think I'm not at school. I'll be in my classes, I promise."

"You better," Sunset chuckled, "You promised your parents you'd get out of there, as well as your brother and Cadance too. You wouldn't want to disappoint them."

"No, I wouldn't."

"Anyways," Sunset said, changing the subject. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay, and don't worry, I left Spike at home. My mom had the day off, having to called in sick," Twilight replied, and Sunset nodded, walking around a bit. "What are you doing after school?"

"Oh, well, I'm going out with my friends, what about you?"

"Probably studying for an upcoming test." Twilight lied.

Sunset understood the feeling of the need to study way too well by now. "I probably should do it too, but, Sugar told me I should take a break. My boss called me saying he needed someone to take up a shift, and I shot him down. I just can't. I needed some time off."

"You shouldn't overwork yourself. Sugarcoat is right, you do need a break."

"Very much so."

Twilight shifted where she was, sound coming from the background, probably paper. "Call me when you're home, okay?"

"Yeah, okay."

When the call ended, she went back to her friends.





Twilight sighed as she placed down her phone on the desk and leaned back in her chair. She had wanted to see if Sunset could meet up with her so she could take the risk like Shining suggested she do, but that didn't go as plan. Sunset was busy with her friends and wanted time off. 

Great.

She sat there, not even thinking about the time, and she nearly jumped when the final bell rang loudly in her ears. Twilight blinked, and her jaw dropped when she saw what time it was. She had been there for three hours, staring at nothing but a screen for three hours. She hadn't gone to class, which was fine, she could always catch up. 

How would Shining Armor take it when he found out?

Probably wouldn't care as she would always go to tomorrow's classes, but her heart was pounding when she was on a phone call with Sunset. If only Sunset had been able to meet her so she could take the big risk of her lifetime, maybe they could've had a happy ending like she hoped for.

"Twily! Ready to go?" Shining Armor called, opening the door. "Hey! Did she agree to meet you?"

"No, she was busy," Twilight replied. "I never thought confessing was this hard."

Shining leaned against the wall. "I know, it was hard for me to confess to, and if you think it's hard, trying proposing to the love of your life. Even harder!"

"We're not going that far!" Twilight flushed up. "We haven't even dated, much less I haven't confessed at all. Don't go into the marriage territory, please, Shining!"

"Alright, I'm just teasing ya," Shining patted her head. "C'mon, there's always tomorrow."

"I almost wish she would've said she had nothing to do," Twilight sighed. "It would get my nerves to calm down."

"Don't worry, she'll totally return the feelings."

"How do you know?"

Shining Armor smiled brightly and kissed her head, "Because you would make a great girlfriend, and you're cute. Anyone with eyes could see how you would be a good girlfriend. That's how I know." 

"Is that what you told Cadance when you asked her out?"

"Not in those... words."

Twilight smiled weakly as they left the building. 

At home, she stayed in her room, staring at her phone, waiting for Sunset to call. She never did, and she wondered if Sunset had forgotten to call her. Her heart twinged with worry but held back on pushing the call button. She had to trust Sunset was okay, and she had to trust everything.

Tomorrow, she would confess when she got the chance, and everything would be alright. Sunset would return the feelings, and they would be dating happily.

She could finally be happy in Crystal Prep without thinking twice about it. Even more so than getting into the college she wanted!

"She's okay," Twilight whispered as she placed her phone down onto the bedside table and laid down on her bed. "She'll meet you where you want, and she'll return the feelings when you confess. Everything will be alright, Twilight. Nothing to worry about!"

Oh how thoughts could run one happy scenario in the person's mind but leave them blinded for what was plainly in front of yourself.

And one blinded thing was if the person you loved was taken... like how Twilight was to Sunset dating Sugarcoat.
> VII~Confession Gone...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Confession Gone...

When she walked into the school, Twilight sucked in a breath as she saw Sunset at her locker, leaning against the steel as she looked at Sugarcoat and her friends. She could do this. Walk up to Sunset, ignore her friends, and ask if she could meet her at the park. There, she would tell Sunset about her feelings and everything would be okay, tomorrow they would be dating and everything settle down. Yeah, it would be okay. Sucking in a sharp breath, Twilight moved towards the locker, ignoring how everyone stopped to look at her, raising an eyebrow at her before shaking their heads and walking away to their own locker or to their friends.

Sunset didn't see how Twilight was walking towards her, as she was too caught up in discussing things were her friends. She tried hard to not tell about the scary movie night she and Sugarcoat had where Sugarcoat buried her face into her chest whenever she got scared, but she knew her girlfriend would have her head if that happened. But she couldn't help it and whispered how she would tell them later in Sour's ear to which she nodded with a laugh.

Sugarcoat just stared at them and rose an eyebrow at them, making them all stop laughing.

"Don't worry," Sunset cooed, "It's nothing bad."

"I highly doubt that," Sugarcoat replied rolling her eyes. "You're lucky I love you."

Sunset smiled brightly. "Aww, I love you too, hun." 

"Don't call me that in front of them," Sugarcoat mumbled.

Indigo laughed along with Lemon before putting her arm around Sugarcoat, "You didn't say she couldn't call you that ever! Which means, you like the nickname, Sugar!"

"Shut up, Indigo."

Sour groaned loudly, causing the mood shift from happy to annoyance, which Sunset rose an eyebrow. "I hate to ruin the mood," Sour sweetly said before turning mad, "But we have someone interrupting us!" She pointed to a nervously shifting Twilight to which everyone but Sunset rolled their eyes.

"Twilight?" Sunset asked slowly, stepping in front of her friends, and everyone looked. To them, this looked like it was going to go down fast and they couldn't wait. "What are you doing here?" 

"More importantly, what do you want?" Sunny Flare growled. "We're kinda busy here."

Twilight gulped, and smiled weakly, "Well, uh... I, uh... wanted to ask Sunset something..."

"Make it quick," Indigo sighed. 

Sunset shook her head at her friend's comment before pulling Twilight away with a slight scowl on her face, and everyone laughed, thinking this would be a moment where Twilight would understand to stay away from the well known group of girls in Crystal Prep. 

When they were alone, Sunset gazed at her friend.

"What did you need?" Sunset asked, crossing her arms. 

"I was wondering if you could meet me at the park after school," Twilight stuttered out.

Sunset's expression softened. "Oh, well, I can do that. Look, I'm sorry for their behavior. I know they don't like you and all, but that doesn't give them the right to, you know, be mean to you."

"I'm used to it."

"It still doesn't mean it's right, Twilight. I'll speak to them about it, don't worry," Sunset promised. "I'll see you at the park, alright?"

Twilight nodded happily as she watched Sunset return to her friends and she couldn't believe it! She could finally confess her feelings! This was going to be the best day of her life! What could go wrong? Nothing. This was going to turn out fine, she knew it. She just had to keep hope on it.





When Sunset returned to her friends, they all seemed happy when she returned without the nerd, and Sunset gave Sugarcoat a kiss on the cheek before taking her hand, listening to her friends talk about whatever they could think of. Sunset didn't mention the way they treated Twilight yet, she would save that for later.

Today there was nothing going on, and when lunch rolled around, Sunset had her arm wrapped around Sugarcoat, and she rested her head on Sunset's shoulder while Lemon and Indigo battled it out with their guitars, trying to prove who was better.

Sunny and Sour weren't paying much attention, fighting like they usually did about their current topic of a project they had been paired up for. It seemed like there was two events going on, Sunset watched the guitar players and Sugarcoat watched Sour and Sunny.

Finally, Sunset spoke up.

"Can I ask you all something?" She asked, the others stopped and nodded. "Um, about the way you treat Twilight... why do you do that anyways? What did she even do you?"

"We don't have anything against her," Lemon mumbled, fidgeting with her guitar. 

"Then why treat her like an outcast?"

Indigo bite her lip as she rubbed her neck. "Geez, well, I mean... okay, I have no fucking idea." She admitted. "But we're not the only ones doing it, Sunset. Everyone does it. Ask anyone, and they'll probably give you answers like she's awkward, a total smartass, Principal Cinch's prize student, and a lot of other things too."

"So, if you have nothing against her, why don't you treat her like a friend?" Sunset asked. "You know, forget what everyone would think?"

"Sure! We'll treat her like a friend," Sour Sweet smiled happily before frowning. "And totally destroy our reputation!"

"You won't be doing that."

Sunny rose an eyebrow and played with her fingers nervously, biting her lip a little bit. "How do you know that?" she asked, unsure. 

"Because, I came from a place where you didn't run on reputation usually, but I did at one point, and I fell down hard. But, hey, I came back from that! I proved myself to them all I wasn't going back to the old reputation," Sunset replied, narrowing her eyes at the memories, "Even if they didn't trust me until after I saved them, I proved myself. But, I mean, c'mon! I was an outcast when I fell, but I changed to no longer an outcast. What makes you think you can't rebuild yourself another reputation?"

Lemon shifted. "We spent so long building our current one," She sighed. "We'll have to start from square all over again."

"But it'll be worth it before you leave this place for good."

Sugarcoat sighed heavily as she looked at her girlfriend, trying to figure out the motive behind this all. Why was Sunset about Twilight and how she was treated around CPA anyways? Her mind shot out the worst possible thing; did Sunset love Twilight?

Her heart twisted.

"Sunset..." Sugarcoat painfully began, "Do... do you like Twilight?"

"What!?" Sunset yelped, looking at her girlfriend, "Sugar! Hey! Look at me, it's not like that! I love you, and only you." She kissed her on the lips before pulling back. "Don't you ever think like that again, you hear me? You're important to me, and too important to lose. I owe you everything. If you hadn't come into my life when you did, I would be dead right now. I fell for you because you cared, listened to me, and showed me everything that was turned away from me back in Canterlot High, understand?"

Sugarcoat nodded. "I promise. I love you too."

Sour rubbed her neck, clearly disliking the thought of Sunset being dead, and nearly winced when that part came up. Geez, maybe they should rethink everything. "What could it do us to try anyways?" Sour asked slowly, either sweet or sour, just plainly curious. "We could always rebuild what we have..."

"But it took so long," Sunny sighed, "We'll be bombed with questions."

"I could always tell Colt Crush we need his help," Lemon piped up, mentioning her good friend. "He'll stop rumors and save our asses."

Indigo scowled, "I hate Colt though."

"Who's Colt Crush?" Sunset asked, tilting her head.

"A boy who crushed on Sugarcoat," Sour laughed and watched as jealousy went over Sunset's face. "Used to crush on Sugarcoat! He stopped his little crush when he heard about you dating Sugarcoat. It was the first time he backed down."

Sunset's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"

"Yup. And he doesn't back down easily," Lemon added.

"Wow..."





After school ended, Twilight made her way to the park, giving her things to Shining Armor before heading off. Her nerves started to play up as she doubted this choice of hers, but Shining and Cadance told her to go with it. She took a few deep breaths as she sat down and waited for her friend to show up.

A few minutes later and she saw Sunset coming up and quickly stood up, waving to her friend and Sunset smiled while she waved. This was it.

Time for the biggest moment of her entire life.

"Hey, Twilight," Sunset smiled happily. "What did you want to talk about?"

Twilight gulped, and smiled. "Well, I just wanted to know about what the others said if you talked about the way they treated me... you know?"

"Right! Yeah! I was going to tell you," She snapped her fingers. "They told me why, which they don't know why, they don't have anything really against you... after a while, I think they might start treating you like a friend rather than an outcast." 

"Really?" Twilight whispered, amazed. "Wow..."

"Yup," Sunset nodded. "Anyways, what were you going to tell me? You look like you have another thing on your mind."

Twilight took a deep breath. This was it. This was the moment she wanted to have for so long, even without knowing it. After this, they could be dating if the feelings were returned, and she hoped to god it would be. She closed her eyes before reopening them.

She opened her mouth, and took the shot.

"Sunset... I..." Twilight nervously said, shifting a bit, Sunset just waited patiently. She could sense this would take some time, and she wouldn't mind waiting. "I, uh... screw it," Twilight mumbled before shooting forward and Sunset froze up still.

It took Sunset exactly three seconds to realize what was happening.

Twilight was kissing her.

Sunset pulled away, gazing with shock, and she saw Twilight smiling softly, and she gulped. How could she have missed it all? The way Twilight shifted nervously, the way she wanted to speak privately, how she was asked to meet her at the park after school, and the way she was asked if she was doing anything yesterday.

"Twilight... I..." Sunset began...
> VIII~Wrong, So Very Wrong
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wrong, So Very Wrong

Twilight was kissing her.

Sunset pulled away, gazing with shock, and she saw Twilight smiling softly, and she gulped. How could she have missed it all? The way Twilight shifted nervously, the way she wanted to speak privately, how she was asked to meet her at the park after school, and the way she was asked if she was doing anything yesterday.

"Twilight... I..." Sunset began...

"What the fuck."

The two girls jumped and Sunset's jaw dropped when she saw her friends, but her heart twisted when she saw Sugarcoat standing there looking with an expression mixed with hurt, anger, and sadness. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth was shut tightly in a firm line. No. 

This wasn't happening! 

Luckily it had been Indigo who stepped up and sided with Sunset on this one, telling them to remember it wasn't Sunset who started the kiss but Twilight. Sunset felt this gave them a reason to hate Twilight now. Forget what they said they would do, no, this gave them hate.

What would happen now? Who was going to break the silence that came after Indigo's words? Sunset felt her throat dry up and she moved towards Sugarcoat before stopping herself. Her eyes showed fear and worry that this would end their relationship to the point where the Shadowbolts felt bad for Sunset, being placed into this awkward situation.

But it wasn't like Sunset had put herself into this, no. It had been Twilight's choice to kiss the girl.

Sugarcoat moved towards Sunset and saw the girl was ready for a slap on the face, ready for shouts of anger, and the declaration of the relationship to be over. Instead, however, Sugarcoat just stood there, gulping.

"Sugar... I..." Sunset weakly mumbled.

"I know," Sugarcoat replied, "You had nothing to do with it."

Indigo growled and folded her arms, "It's all her. Which by the fucking way, would you mind explaining to us what you were doing with her in the first place? I mean, yeah, we all saw the kiss, but still!"

"She wanted to tell me something," Sunset replied. "Which now meant confessing."

Sour smiled sweetly at the nervous girl. "Well, sweetie, you now see Sunset is taken!" She growled darkly. "Which was a total fucking dick move on your part to kiss her! In front of her girlfriend," Here she pointed at Sugarcoat. "Great job, Twilight Sparkle."

"I'm sorry," Twilight weakly mumbled, looking down at the ground, "I didn't know..."

"Of course you didn't," Sugarcoat snapped. "You never asked, and I don't know why you even talk with her in the first place. It was stupid and you're really bad at seeing the signs of a relationship."

"She never told me..."

"Because you never asked!" Sunset groaned, throwing her hands up in the arm. "Yeah, I mean, sure anyone would've done that in your place, but at least they could do was ask before going out of their way to try and date them! It might've been if I hadn't meet Sugarcoat and fallen in love with her, but I wouldn't trade her for the world!"

Twilight gulped and back away slowly. This was going down fast, and she didn't think it would go like this. She honestly thought it was going to be smoother and more happy towards her. She thought Sunset would return the feelings, but instead, she had a girlfriend and Twilight had no idea. 

Only because she hadn't asked and this was all her fault. She'd be lucky if Sunset ever forgave her for this.

"You fucked up, Sparkle," Lemon hissed out, placing her hand on Sunset's shoulder while she tried to calm down. Her eyes blazed with what looked to be fire. "You could've asked if she was single."

"I... I thought..." Twilight tried once more before stopping herself. "I guess I thought she was single."

"Well she isn't!" snapped Sour Sweet.

Sunset watched as her friends tore Twilight to pieces with their words, and all she could do was hold onto Sugarcoat while watching. She wanted to stop them. She wanted to tell Twilight it was okay, and it was just a misunderstanding but she knew it wasn't. 

How could this be called a misunderstanding? 

Sugarcoat didn't open her mouth, only stared at the girl who looked like she might cry. Tears pricked at Twilight's eyes, and she felt bad. She knew Twilight didn't know about them being together, but the nagging feeling of anger at her was overwhelming, and that's all she could sense at the moment.

"You should've asked," Sugarcoat finally  said, narrowing her eyes. "Maybe you would've known them you don't stand a chance."

Sunny frowned heavily. "Sunset, dearie, if you thought we were going to be friends with her, you can think again. Why would we want to be friends with someone like that? Who tries to rip apart a relationship!"

"I didn't know!" Twilight shot back, wiping her eyes. "If I had known, I wouldn't have done it!"

"Twilight," Sunset suddenly spoke up, and her friends went quiet for her to talk, "You shouldn't talk to me for a while now. Not until I can figure out if I can forgive you."

Twilight didn't respond, even as they walked away from her. She sniffed before slowly pulling out her phone and checked the time. Maybe if she walked home slowly, then her parents would be making dinner so they didn't have to see her red shot eyes.

And wouldn't have to ask her about Sunset until dinner arrived.





That night during dinner, Twilight didn't speak, she only spoke when they asked her how she was doing. Shining Armor and Cadance weren't there, having to gone to their house to have date night. Her parents didn't know she planned on asking Sunset out, they only knew she met with her at the park. Shining had dropped her bag off at the house before heading home himself.

It was awkwardly silenced throughout dinner, and right after, she placed her dish in the sink before sprinting off to her room, and sat down at her desk before rubbing her eyes. Her mind kept playing the horrible event over and over again, not even Spike could break her out of the thought.

She didn't bother doing her homework she ended up getting, she just got her pamjas on and went to bed, and sniffed. This was a horrible day.

The next day, Twilight didn't feel any better, but she put on her uniform, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door. Her parents were at work, like always on a Thursday, and when she reached Crystal Prep, Twilight sighed heavily before pushing open the doors and she was met with whispers.

A few looks towards her, and then they turned to whisper to each other. Twilight gulped, suddenly feeling nervous. This hadn't happened before. Yeah, they whispered about her, but the air felt... changed somehow. 

One whisper caught her ears.

"Hey, did you hear what happened yesterday?" One student whispered to his friend. "Rumor has it Sunset was kissed by another girl."

"Shit, what did Sugarcoat do about it?" His friend whispered back.

"Saw it happen, she ain't blaming Sunset but the one who did it. Sunset didn't start the kiss, nor did she return it," The student chuckled. "A pretty loyal girlfriend to have, yeah?"

Twilight felt her feet speed up towards her lab and shut the door tightly, she slide down and sighed heavily. How did everyone else find out about it? Did one of Sunset's friends go around and tell everyone? Was it Lemon Zest? Sunny Flare? Sour Sweet? Indigo Zap? Perhaps Sunset or Sugarcoat themselves?

Her heart twisted. 

"This isn't how I thought it would go..."





"Are you doing okay?" Sunset looked up to see a black haired student gazing at her. Colt Crush. "I heard what happened yesterday."

"How does everyone know?" Sunset asked, raising an eyebrow.

Colt shrugged, "Word gets around easily here."

"Geez," Sunset sighed, "Yeah, I guess I'm okay. I... I just don't know how I missed the signs. I could've told her straight up I wasn't single, but I didn't."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because I didn't think she would fall for me!"

Colt sighed heavily and patted her shoulder. He could totally understand. There had been so many times when his sister had been put through this. So seeing it happen to Sugar's girlfriend wasn't helping the feeling. He felt bad for the girl, and he hoped she could make it past this.

"Look," Colt began, "I know what you're going through. My sis went through this too. You're feeling toren. Just... go with your heart, okay? Even if you decide to forgive the girl, you need to keep it straight you can only be friends with each other."

"All I heard about you was you used to crush on Sugar, but now, you're helping me," laughed Sunset. "What changed?"

"A lot of things," Colt beamed brightly. "You'll be fine, okay? Sugar loves you, and you love her. All you need to do is figure out what you're doing now. Forgive her or never forgive her."

Sunset took a moment before shaking hands with Colt. "Thanks, Colt..."

"No problem."

Sunset didn't know what to do. Not anymore. She didn't want to give up her friendship with Twilight, but it just seemed like it was heading in that direction. 

Good god, what was she going to do?
> IX~Shining and Cadance's View
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shining and Cadance's View

"Twily, c'mon, open up!"

"No. Please, just, go away for now. I'll come out when I'm ready."

Shining Armor sighed as he walked down the stairs. This had to be one of the most confusing moments of his life right now. Twilight hadn't spoken a word during the ride home and bolted it up to her room when he was about to ask how confessing went. Cadance didn't know what happened either so asking her was out of the window. He mentally slapped himself for not knowing how to get his sister to open her door up.

When he reached the living room, he shared a concerned look with Cadance before sitting down and sighing heavily. They wanted to know what was going on with Twilight. They just didn't know to approach this kind of thing was all. She always told them things, why couldn't she tell them whatever was happening? They wouldn't make fun of her for it. It wasn't like them to do so.

So why couldn't she tell them? 

"I'm worried," Shining Armor sighed heavily as he sank down on the couch. "Cadance, I don't think she's ever done this before. She might've when I went off to college, but she's... like a different person." 

"I know," Cadance agreed. "I'll go try to see if I can get her to open up."

"Let me know how it goes."

Cadance took a deep breath and walked up the steps. She bite her lip before knocking softly on Twilight's door before opening it slightly to see her on the bed, hugging a pillow tightly to her chest, and her heart twisted at the sight of her little sister-in-law being like this. 

She never liked it when people suddenly shut themselves away from anyone they loved, and wouldn't speak a word. They were just a shell of their former selves. How could it suddenly happen to Twilight?

Cadance sat down on the bed once the door was shut and gently rubbed Twilight's back, humming softly before sucking in a sharp breath.

"What's wrong?" She asked softly, gently pushing. "You aren't normally like this."

"I don't want to talk about it," Twilight mumbled. "Leave me alone."

Cadance frowned. "If you keep it bottled up, you might do something you'll regret. What's going on? I don't like this. I don't like seeing you this way, Twilight. It's not you, and it'll never be you."

"Fine."

"So, what happened?"

Twilight took a huge breath and showed her eyes to Cadance, barely looking at her sister-in-law before shaking quietly at the memory. "You know how I went to the park to meet up with Sunset?"

"Oh, yes!" Cadance smiled fondly at the girl's name, clearly not seeing how Twilight winced when she said the name. "How did it go? You were going to confess, right?" Twilight nodded. "And?"

"W-Well, I kinda took a big, risky, move without thinking..."

"So, you kissed her, alright."

Twilight shook more and nodded painfully slowly, remembering how Sugarcoat appeared shortly after the kiss and how she saw the whole thing. Lemon, Indigo, Sunny, and Sour's words echoed next through her mind. Then Sunset's words of staying away from each other until she could forgive her.

More so flinching at how the entire school knew the next day.

"A-Anyways," Twilight gulped. "She broke away and--"

"She returned the feelings?" Shining Armor's voice broke through and the two girls jumped. He chuckled and held up his hands. "I couldn't help it. Look, Twily, I'm sorry for pushing you so hard, but I'm worried. And I wanna help you. So, what happened?" 

"And, well, Sugarcoat shows up with her friends." Twilight added, and she watched as her brother and Cadance shared a worried look before gazing back. "It's silence for a few moments, but then..." 

Twilight then told them everything. How she found out Sunset and Sugarcoat had been dating the entire time, and yes, she knew Sunset had been sticking around the Shadowbolts like glue and shared classes with Sugarcoat but she only thought that was because she was new and was friends with them, nothing else.

When she was finished, Shining Armor remained silent while Cadance hugged Twilight, who was silently crying at this point. He knew he shouldn't feel mad at Sunset, but he couldn't help it. How could she have lead Twilight on like that? She could've told her flat out! But no, she lead his little sister on!

He would be having a word with her.

"Don't be mad at her," Twilight whispered to him. "She didn't know."

"But she--!"

"Had nothing to do with this. I lead her to believe there was nothing but friendship when I was wanting more. She's happy with Sugarcoat, and wouldn't trade her."

Shining grumbled and crossed his arms, "She should've told you though!"

"Shining," Cadance coughed. "Enough." 

He couldn't help but feel more angrier than ever, but he would let it go for her.





The next day, Cadance saw Sunset holding hands with Sugarcoat, but she looked unhappy. Sugarcoat looked pissed, and wouldn't respond to Sunset whenever the girl tried. Then, when they reached the lockers, they parted ways. Cadance sucked in a breath. 

Was the relationship strained now?

Instead of walking up to Sunset and asking, she stayed silent and watched. It carried on until one day, she couldn't watch anymore and asked if she could talk with Sunset during one of her classes, she lied and said it was about next year's courses and if she could make her way around now.

Outside of the class, Cadance placed a hand on Sunset's shoulder.

"Is everything alright with Sugarcoat?" Cadance asked flat out. "I notice you two aren't really talking."

"We're... having trouble, yeah," Sunset sighed. "She thinks... I might leave her, and won't listen to what I try to to tell her. She's scared, and I know it. We'll be... fine, I know it."

"Sunset, I know what happened. Twilight told me."

Sunset paled quickly. "Oh great, someone else knows. What? Do you think I hurt her too like Coach Shining Armor? He thinks I hurt her, and won't let me join the football team, not like I wanted too, but he said he wouldn't allow me even if I wanted too. A punishment or something." She was nearly growling by the end of it.

"I don't blame you," Cadance smiled. "From what I thought of it, you did nothing wrong. Neither did Twilight. Both of you thought differently about where you two were. She thought you could be something more with her, and you wanted to be friends only."

"But... I can't even look at her! Much less talk with her! She... she sent me a text, and I didn't even look. I'm so focused on fixing things with Sugar right now." 

"Sunset..."

"I don't want to be alone again!" Sunset sniffed, wiping her eyes. "But that's where it's leading! I'm going to be all alone again, just like in Canterlot High! Why am I such a fuck up!?"

Cadance frowned sternly. "You aren't." She stated. "You're a human who makes mistakes, like everyone else. You're a human who learns from all the mistakes, and you become better. You won't be alone."

"Then why do I always end up alone...?" asked Sunset quietly, voice barely above whisper. "Why does everyone end up hating me in the end...?"

"No one hates you!" Cadance said, pulling her in for a hug. "You have friends, you aren't alone! No one here hates you, Sunset. You're safe here. No one is ever going to leave you alone for anything, you'll have people you can count on. Stop saying you have no one. Stop saying you'll always end up alone."

Sunset shook her head. "I'm always going to be though... Nobody sticks around forever."

Cadance tried to reply but the student thanked for the time before heading back into class, and Cadance just stared at the door before sighing deeply. 

As she walked back to her room, she couldn't help but wonder why Sunset's words had struck her heart.

Nobody sticks around forever.
> X~No More Words
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No More Words

"If you could just--!"

"Why should I?"

"Because I want to explain--!"

"There isn't anything  to explain! I saw it happen! Why shouldn't I be angry?" 

Sunset shook lightly, she could see flashes of the event playing over and over again. Then, all she could see was Sugarcoat's angry face and winced hard. She didn't want to lose her, she wanted to keep the relationship going. This wasn't going anywhere they could be happy. Couldn't Sugarcoat see how much she was worrying her with no words but yells being exchange?

But at the moment, there wasn't any signs of this getting back to a happier place for them. Deep inside, she hoped it didn't come to the point where they had to call it quits. 

"Sugarcoat," Sunset said, stepping forward and grabbed her hand by a few seconds. "Listen to me! I didn't know! A-And if you want to leave this, you can! I won't stop you! Just... I don't want to lose you too! I lost everyone I ever knew and could consider someone which might not leave me for once..."

Sugarcoat shook her head. "I don't want to break up with you either. This is.... just something I need to get through myself, Sunset. None of it is your fault."

"Then why are we fighting like this?" Sunset asked. "Why are we straying away from each other like we want to stop the relationship? We can't even look at each other the same way anymore! I don't get it."

"I don't either..." Sugarcoat sighed heavily. "I don't want to end it, I'll tell you that."

Sunset couldn't help but picture another image where Sugarcoat did end things and left her in the dust all because of a kiss she didn't want in the first place. She began shaking slightly when Sugarcoat moved to leave her alone and she frowned before grabbing Sugarcoat's hand and pulled her into a hug. She buried her head into Sugarcoat's neck, and her girlfriend slowly rubbed her back.

Placing down her head on Sunset's shoulder, biting her lip while looking unsure. This wasn't how she pictured anything going. She was still mad and she was taking it out on Sunset. The wrong way to let her anger out. Sunset didn't know, and she didn't need to be ignored.

Not if she wanted Sunset to try to jump again.

"We'll be okay," Sugarcoat whispered. "I know we'll be okay."

"But how?" asked Sunset, biting her lip. "We barely look at each other."

Sugarcoat bite her lip and softly kissed Sunset on the lips before pulled away, and she sighed heavily before glancing away from her girlfriend. "We'll overcome this. It's just... a minor problem."

"Minor? It's much more than minor." 

"If we keep suggesting more things, the worse the image in our heads become!" Sugarcoat spat out, becoming a bit more angry than before. "Please, Sunset, let me figure this out."

"But how long do you need?" asked Sunset, her voice barely a whisper.

Sugarcoat shrugged. "I don't know," She replied truthfully. "I just need time to figure out what I'm really feeling here. It's a mixture of anger, sadness, and total confusion."

Sunset just stared as Sugarcoat walked away, nearly hanging her head down. Her heart twisted and turned. Sunset finally let loose her tears and walked away into the bathroom to clean her face up. She didn't notice Twilight stopping in her tracks mid-action. 

Twilight gulped before shifting nervously before sprinting away and slammed her lab's door shut loudly. She had planned on going to apologizing to Sunset when she learned what happened between her brother and... could she say friend again? Shining reacted out of character and when Cadance brought it up last night, he went pale.

They all went pale when Cadance repeated Sunset's words about herself and how she was fated to be alone forever. But the ones that left a mark was her defeated words.

Nobody sticks around forever...

How could she possibly make things better?





At lunch, Sunset sighed heavily as they were in the usual room, but they didn't speak. It was total silence as Sugarcoat wasn't with them right now. Sunny didn't know what to say, Indigo felt awkward, and Lemon just shared looks with Sour. They all knew this was about the accident of the confession.

They just didn't know how to approach the two of them anymore.

"So, uh..." Indigo began, tapping her fingers together. "You two talking?"

"No," Sunset shook her head. "She said she needed time to think it over before she wanted to talk with me."

Sunny bite her lip. "Does this mean you'll break up?"

"I hope not." Sunset sighed. "She said she doesn't want to..."

"Then she won't," Lemon tried making her feel better. "This is just another... bump in the road you need to get over. You'll be fine! You'll see!" 

Sunset sighed and looked over at the doorway, hoping Sugarcoat would walk through and was ready to talk it over. But she knew it wouldn't happen. She groaned heavily. Why did Sugarcoat, of all people, have to see the kiss she didn't want in the first place? She wished she could go back in time and fix her mistake. 

There was no way Sugarcoat would forgive her.

"I just hope she doesn't break up with me," Sunset whimpered. "Who knows what she'll decide?" 

"Whatever she deicides, it won't be to end things." Indigo stated. "She loves you, and you love her! What makes you think she'll leave you?"

"Maybe if she convinces herself that I like Twilight?"

Sour made a face and shook her head. "No. You even said how you would only ever love her. Besides, when we saw it happen, she knew you had nothing to do with it. Why would she convince herself of that?"

Sunset sighed heavily and looked down at her feet before back up at Sour.

"Because one way or another, everyone leaves in the end, and they won't stay forever."





Sugarcoat sighed and walked towards her locker, and placed her hand on the metal before closing her eyes. She didn't show up in the music room mainly because she couldn't face her girlfriend just yet. Her emotions just couldn't stay in control around her knowing she had kissed another girl, even if it wasn't wanted.

It still happened and it nothing would change it.

"Sugarcoat?" 

She wiped her head around and saw Twilight standing there, rubbing her arm unsurely and Sugarcoat growled lowly. What made her think she could come up and actually talk to her after what she had done?

"What do you want?" Sugarcoat asked, angry.

Twilight shifted nervously. "I just wanted to say sorry."

"It's going to take a lot more than a sorry to fix what you did," Sugarcoat stated. 

"I swear I didn't know!" Twilight sniffed. "If I had known, I wouldn't have done what I did. Please! I never meant to do this... I..."

Sugarcoat frowned and crossed her arms. "I don't want to hear it. In fact, don't talk to me ever." 

"Sugarcoat..."

"No!" Sugarcoat shouted, walking away from her, trying to keep her tears from escaping her eyes. "You're the reason why I'm not talking to Sunset. You're the reason why I'm doubting everything now. You're the reason why I don't know if it's worth it anymore.."

Twilight gulped.  What did she mean?

"What do you mean? What isn't worth it anymore? What are you doubting?" She asked slowly.

Sugarcoat sighed and gazed down at the ground.

"The relationship."
> XI~Choices & Choices
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Choices & Choices

"What you did was a dick move, Shining Armor!" Cadance snapped as soon as she saw her husband, and Shining's jaw dropped at the words before giving her a confused look. "Getting upset at Sunset who did nothing? Look at our choices! We didn't tell Twilight to make sure Sunset was single, we just urged her to attempt it because it was her first crush. We're much at fault with this and you can't go getting all mad at Sunset."

Shining gulped. "Cadance, I... I didn't..."

"Look at me," She stated. "I know you're upset that Twilight was hurt, and I am too. But if you looked at it from Sunset's view, you'd see she's hurting as much as Twilight is and her relationship is at stake now. She isn't speaking with her girlfriend. And she's scared this is signaling the end of the relationship."

"What?" Shining asked slowly. "You're kidding."

"No, I'm not. I spoke with Sunset, and you know what she said. 'Nobody sticks around forever.' Shining, those words have a big meaning behind them!" Cadance exclaimed. "Much more than we can know."

Shining sighed heavily as he thought about his wife's words. She was right. He didn't know Sunset's side, and he shouldn't be going after her when they didn't tell Twilight to find out if she was single or not. He was too wrapped up with Twilight's first ever crush and he was excited to be blinded by the obvious question.

Was she single or taken?

But hearing how Sunset's relationship was hanging by a string was making him nervous. He didn't know the whole story to Sunset, but something told him he didn't want to know because something dark would pop up. Everyone's story had a dark hour.

A dark area.

He finally broke out of his thoughts when Cadance left without another word and his eyes fell down onto his desk, filled with papers. Grades needed to be finished and submitted to Principal Cinch. He could worry about them some other time. He needed to say sorry to Sunset and tell her he was at fault as he urged Twilight into confessing without thinking at all. But would she want to talk with him?

Probably not.

Did he know where to find her? Nope. Would he work up the courage to actually find her, say sorry, and then tell her to go save her relationship? Yeah, he would. 

He walked around the school for what seemed like hours and finally found Sunset just staring at her locker with blank eyes. She looked like she had been crying forever. His heart sank.

Did he do this?

"Sunset," He called and she jumped when she heard his voice. "I have to tell you something important, and I want you to listen to me."

"Okay," She replied, her voice cracking slightly.

"I'm sorry," Shining responded. "I wasn't thinking when I got angry at you. I was just feeling protective over Twilight and wasn't thinking. I'm the one who urged her to confess without finding out if you were single. Everything bad that may happen, you can blame all on me! Don't blame Cadance, or Twilight!"

"Dean Cadance?" Sunset slowly said. "Did she urge Twilight too?"

He nodded without question. "Yeah, because we were so thrilled about Twily's first crush that we weren't thinking..."

"Can I ask you something, coach?" 

"Anything."

Sunset took a deep breath and looked up at the football coach, looking like she was afraid to know the answer. When Shining thought she couldn't ask, he was about to say when she felt better she could ask but she ended up speaking when he opened his mouth.

"What do I do?" She asked softly. "I'm scared Sugar will leave me."

"She won't," Shining stated. "I know she won't. I went through the same thing with Cadance, and she stayed. What you do is you have faith in everything will work out, and it will be. You'll see."

"She's growing more distance though," Sunset sniffed. "She doesn't talk with me as much anymore. It's always one word answers via text, and she isn't really speaking to any of us minus Sour Sweet."

Shining bite his lip. It sounded really bad.

"I don't know," He sighed heavily. "Everyone's different. But... just have faith, okay?"

"Okay..."

He watched her move away with a slight sadness to her walk and he sucked in another sharp breath. Shit. This was really getting to her now. He didn't know what she might do, but whatever it was, he hoped it wasn't going to lead to cutting and suicide. 

He just hated the thought of people killing themselves.

"Twily?" He called as he opened the door to Twilight's lab and found her looking at her computer. "Hey, Twily!"

Twilight jumped a little before gazing over her shoulder to see her brother. "Yes?"

"I just spoke with your friend," Shining said nervously. "I apologized for my behavior. Look, don't give up on being friends with her, okay? You can be friends with her, right?"

"She doesn't want to talk with me," Twilight whispered.

"But you can make an effort to fix the friendship!" Shining pushed. "Forget the crush! Forget the accident! Just focus on the friendship and make it clear, you'll stay away from her relationship. You won't go past the friendship line."

"Are you sure?"

Shining nodded. "Positive. Look, she needs someone to talk too. The relationship is on edge, and if it keeps up like this, it'll drop. Let her know she has someone to turn to! Text her! Call her! Go up to her and tell her you're here for me as a friend and nothing more."

"I'll try..." Twilight said, nodding slowly.

"Good," Shining smiled, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Just don't leave her alone, don't give up on your friendship with her. Don't let her go down a dark path."

Twilight nodded, thinking over his words very carefully.





Sunset didn't meet up with her friends after school, she didn't even see Sugarcoat with them. Her mind was solely on trying to fix her relationship without allowing it to crush downwards to the ground. Sugarcoat meant everything to her, and if they broke up, she didn't know what she would do. Her friends would probably have to pick sides, and she would hate it. She didn't want them to pick sides, she wanted them all to remain friends without anything coming between them.

Now that she thought of it, it sounded like Anon-A-Miss.

The way they would probably have to pick sides, like the Rainbooms had done without thought. How she wanted them to remain friends, and how the Rainbooms didn't want to be friends with her anymore and dropped her the moment they thought it was her. The results coming out of the possible break up might lead to the loneliness Anon-A-Miss brought her.

Anon-A-Miss...

It had been a well since she thought of that area, and she wondered how her old friends were doing. How Canterlot High was doing, but why should she care? They brought her leave upon themselves, they brought the unfixable friendship mess on themselves.

Twilight Sparkle, the one from her world, tried to help her. She sought out the Rainbooms, probably tore into them, and actually listened to her side of the story when she visited the human world.

But it wasn't enough to keep her at the school.

Yet, two good things came out of the mess. Sugarcoat and her friends. Sugarcoat was the very first person she thought would actually be her friend, and she turned into something more. The Shadowbolts were her friends. They could've been this world's Twilight's friends too but when they were close to try it out, Twilight kissed her and ruined the chance the moment the Shadowbolts saw her.

Everything was hurting now. 

Why was her life so fucked up and hard to live?

"Sunset!" 

Sunset winced she heard the familiar voice and she saw Twilight running towards her. She allowed the girl to catch her breath, and she didn't walk away. She might as well listen to her to see what would become of this, and if it did lead to another confession, she'd end the on edge friendship.

"Yeah, Twilight?" She asked.

"Look, I just wanted to say I'm sorry," Twilight answered, sounding very honest and sad at the same time. "I should've asked, but I was caught up in the first friendship I ever had in Crystal Prep that I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry for how Shining Armor acted towards you and I'm happy he apologized. But, I don't have anymore intentions for confessing anymore. I just want to be friends and I'm here for you."

Sunset smiled softly. "It's okay, Twilight." She said. "We're okay, and yeah, it'll be awkward for a while for us. But, hey, we'll recover from the whole thing. It's in the past."

"And Sunset?" Twilight added. "If you ever want to talk about what's going on between you and Sugarcoat, you can always talk with me. I'll be here for you as a friend. I'm not stepping over that line."

"Thanks." Sunset smiled before going nervously. "Hey, uh, do... do you mind staying here for a moment while I make a phone call? I just... need someone to talk to after I make it."

Twilight nodded, "Of course."

Sunset took a few deep breaths before pulling out her phone and going into her contacts. She winced when she saw Sugarcoat's name but didn't click on it. She was giving her space and she was going to keep her word, but instead, she clicked another name.

It rang for a few moments before the other line was picked up.

"Hello?" The other person said.

Sunset managed to obtain a small, small, smile on her lips. 

"Hi, Rarity..."
> XII~Advice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Advice

"I'm surprised, darling, I didn't think you would ever want to talk with me or any of us again," Rarity chuckled nervously as she sat down across from Sunset in Sugarcube Corner. "Might I ask what this is about?"

"My relationship," Sunset replied. "I need advice on what to do."

Rarity held back a gasp. "Oh my, is everything alright?"

"We're on edge," Sunset mumbled. "She isn't speaking to me and I'm on the verge of yelling out at her for her to make up her mind and decide right now. But if I do that, she'll end it, I'm sure."

Rarity nodded, taking in Sunset's words before humming slightly. "I see."

"What should I do?"

"Well, I would say give her time, but I think you heard that from anyone you've asked. So, I'd say... keep trying to make an effort to keep the relationship going," Rarity explained, giving a slight smile. "It's clear you love her, so fight for it. Fight for the two of you, and make it known to her, you aren't going to back down from the relationship until you are defeated by her best efforts. You decide on what her best efforts are."

Sunset nodded slowly and bite her lip, thinking about how Sugarcoat acted. So distant, and barely talking. She could tell Sugar's heart was hurting much more than she thought possible, and she hoped to god Sugar would be able to see she only loved one person and it was her. 

"How are things at CHS?" Sunset asked, picking up her drink.

"Oh, well, things are fine," Rarity replied. "We're all doing okay, still recovering from you know what." Sunset nodded, glad she wasn't saying the name. "I can tell you all three of them are paying for their crime by a long list of punishments. We're slowly recovering, many of them ask us if we know where you are so they can apologize, but we don't say. We'd figured that was best so you could recover."

"Thank you," Sunset smiled. "Hey, look, you were the only one who actually started to believe me. So, I guess we can retry the friendship we once had. But, you don't tell anyone because I don't want to be bombed with private messages on Mystable about if I can try other friendships. Okay?"

Rarity nodded. "Of course, darling! I understand."

"Now, how... are they?"

Rarity froze up. She didn't think Sunset would even want to talk about the other Rainbooms. For all she knew, Sunset would've still wished death upon them, if she had wished for that, but she asked it so casually with a bit of unsure to her voice. But still, she was wanting to know. Why would she say no to telling her?

"Oh, well, they're okay," Rarity shrugged. "We've been writing new songs, Fluttershy mostly..."

"And Rainbow?"

"She's been... off," Rarity admitted. "She can't stop thinking about what happened. How she set that little thing up... turns out, she paid Gilda to do it and now, owes her a lot of money, which she doesn't have."

"You're kidding," Sunset mumbled. "Rainbow actually owes money?"

Rarity nodded. "She does."

Sunset smiled a little while speaking with her old friend. Yeah, so, she wasn't sure if it was the best choice, but she felt like out of everyone, Rarity deserved the second chance the most. She was the first person to believe she was innocent, and all, but she really thought Rarity might be able to help her as she was the one who had the most relationships out of them all.

Perhaps bringing Rarity back into her life would help her out, giving her an insight on what to do with Sugarcoat. But she felt like even that would backfire on her.

"Rarity, do you think I'm fated to be alone?" Sunset suddenly asked.

"What!?" Rarity gasped. "Why would you think that? Why would you even ask that?"

Sunset shrugged and held the cup tight. "Because it seems like no matter where I go, I'm always alone. Canterlot High left me alone in the end, Equestira left me all alone when despite me leaving on my own choice, but now... it seems like Crystal Prep is going to leave me alone."

"But you aren't alone, darling," Rarity replied. "You have your friends at Crystal Prep, who have been much better friends than we have been, and you have Sugarcoat!"

"But for how much longer?" Sunset closed her eyes. "I know what she'll do. Anyone with eyes can see."

Rarity shook her head. "How can you be sure? For atll you know, she's just clearing her mind up." 

"Somehow, I think I already know her answer."





Twilight didn't think Sunset would meet up with someone from her past that she hated. From what Sunset had told her before she met up with her was Rarity had been involved with something known as Anon-A-Miss but was the first one to believe Sunset was innocent and revealed the truth behind Anon-A-Miss. Firstly, Twilight had thought it was risky meeting up with someone from the past but Sunset seemed so sure of it.

So when the meeting was done, Sunset had texted her how it went and she was surprised to know Sunset was going to retry the friendship with Rarity. Of course, Twilight didn't know how to reply, so naturally she texted back saying she'd be there if something went wrong.

At least Sunset was aware of how it could go.

"Hey, Twily!" Shining grinned as he walked into the house. "How's it going, kiddo?"

"Alright, I guess," Twilight shrugged. "Me and Sunset are retrying our friendship."

"That's great!"

Twilight nodded before gazing down at her phone, and bite her lip. "She met up with someone from her past to get advice about what to do with Sugarcoat."

"Oh?" Shining said, sitting down on her bed. "Who's that?"

"Someone named Rarity," Twilight explained. "Sunset said something about her being in a few relationships, and wanted to see if something like this ever happened before. If it had, then, she could get advice on what to do. But, uh, I don't think what she says will make Sunset know what to do." 

Shining Armor nodded. "I know, kiddo. Not everyone understands what happens in relationships. It's really scary when your partner suddenly stops talking with you, and needs some time to think things through."

"Is it?"

"Oh yeah, truly," Shining replied. "I know you don't know, but what you went through after the confession, scared for the friendship is kinda what it's like but way worse. It's like, losing your best friend, someone who truly understood you, and who you depended on and could get through anything with. During the time they won't speak with you, you start to feel alone and... think no one sees you. You're, like, forgotten."

"Forgotten?" Twilight echoed.

"Forgotten, yes. Your mind starts pulling tricks, placing these awful scenarios with you until you're just stuck with them," Shining sighed heavily, rubbing his neck. "It almost seems like you've given up on the world of living. Remember when Cadance did something similar to me?"

"Yeah, you weren't yourself," Twilight nodded. "Is that what Sunset is going through?"

"Yup, she is," Shining gulped. "But I think it's much worse than we know. We have no idea about her past, and I bet only her close friends do." 

"I hope they can help her when I can," Twilight mumbled. "I don't want to see her losing any will."

Shining patted her head before standing up. "Neither do I, kiddo." 

When Shining left, it took about three or four minutes before her phone began to ring, and Twilight was quick to pick up once she saw Sunset's name spelled across the screen. 

"Sunset! What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

Sunset took a deep breath and sounded worried. "Sugarcoat texted me. She wants to meet up. Says she's ready to talk with me about everything."

Oh boy...
> XIII~Answer Of the Big Question
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer Of the Big Question

Sunset was beyond nervous when Sugarcoat texted her saying it was time for them to talk. She called up Twilight and told her everything, and Twilight had answered with a 'good luck' and left it at that. Probably the best idea so far. Have good luck and faith in everything she ever knew. Sugarcoat had told her they should meet at the park, that way their friends couldn't see them, and they would alone the best they could be. Worriedly, she agreed and here she was.

She sat on the bench, waiting for Sugarcoat to show up, and when she did, Sunset felt her heart turn over and over again and wondered what Sugarcoat had decided on. But she could tell from a mile away, this was it. The huge break up everyone was waiting on. At least Sugarcoat wouldn't have the guts to do it over text like Flash had done with their break up. But she never thought she would actually feel nervous about meeting with her partner.

"S-Sugarcoat," Sunset greeted. 

"Sunset." Sugarcoat replied.

Sunset bite her lip before shaking her head. "Just do it." She stated.

"What?" Sugarcoat asked, looking confused. "Do what?"

"At least you don't have the guts to do it over text like my last romantic partner," Sunset chuckled weakly and Sugarcoat's eyes went wide. "Bastard that he was, and I thought he could be the one person I could trust, and yeah, so I used him to get popular, but still..."

Sugarcoat rubbed her arm. "Sunset, look..."

"Just get it over with!" Sunset cried, and Sugarcoat took a step back. "You obviously want to break up with me. Why else would you send me a text with little detail, only saying how it was time for us to talk?"

"Why is your mind so wrapped up in the idea of ending things?" Sugarcoat asked slowly.

"Because it's what you're going to do!" Sunset shouted, standing up. "Isn't it?"

Sugarcoat smiled and gave her a kiss on the lips, making Sunset freeze up before returning it. When they pulled away, Sunset stared at her. Did that mean they wouldn't be breaking up? Or was that the last ever kiss they would share? She was shaking and she was ready to hear what her girlfriend had to say now.

"Sugarcoat..." Sunset mumbled. "Just get it over with..."

"You need to get your mind out of there," scoffed Sugarcoat crossing her arms. "I kissed you, and that's how you react?"

"O-Only because I don't know if you did it before..."

Sugarcoat shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Please, if I wanted to break up with you, I would've done it already and wouldn't have kissed you."

"Wait- so that means..." Sunset trailed off and Sugarcoat nodded. "You aren't breaking up with me?"

"No," Sugarcoat shook her head, kissing Sunset once more, "Look, I thought long and hard about it. The more I did, the more it hurt, but I could tell how hard you were hurting by just looking at you from the corner of my eye. Then, I kept thinking what would happen if I did break up with you. Would you try to jump again? Would you do everything you did when you lost your way before Crystal Prep."

Sunset smiled softly and nuzzled into Sugarcoat's neck, and pulled her in tightly. "I was so scared, and I don't know what would've happened if you did."

"Which is why I'm not, and because I know I need to trust you," Sugarcoat mumbled. "You didn't start the kiss, she did. You didn't return it, you pulled away."

"I wouldn't dream of pushing everything away for someone I just met," Sunset explained, pulling away. "We've been through a lot, and for me to just throw it away? Unheard. Anyone who thinks they could do better than I did, would do such a thing but I'm not them. You're the only one for me!"

Sugarcoat smiled, and kissed her cheek. "If we hadn't met, would you go for her?"

Sunset froze at the question. "Is this to test my loyalty?" She smirked, and Sugarcoat shrugged innocently.

"Maybe."

"No, I wouldn't," Sunset smiled. "Only you." 

Sugarcoat rolled her eyes and smiled, "Now that's settled, what did you do about your... friendship with her?"

"We're trying again," Sunset replied truthfully. "She promised me there would be no line crossing at all. If there is, I promise you, I wouldn't let it go. I would drop her and tell her you crossed the line, and there's no accepting with it. I'll do everything I can to show you, I'm only for you!"

Sugarcoat chuckled but then looked at Sunset more deeply. There was something she wasn't telling her, and perhaps maybe she shouldn't ask, but she couldn't help it. 

"Is there anything you're not telling me?" Sugarcoat asked, bluntly. 

"Oh, right, yeah..." Sunset nodded, rubbing her neck. She hadn't told her about Rarity. "So, uh, before you said you wanted to talk, I called up someone... and let me finish okay?" Sugarcoat nodded. "I was walking with Twilight after she caught up to me after school to agree we'd try it out again, and I told her to stay because I wanted someone to speak with in case it went wrong. So, I picked up my phone and called someone I didn't think I would again."

"Who did you call?"

"Rarity."

Sugarcoat froze up. Sunset called Rarity? She thought from the way it ended, she wouldn't ever call her again. But when she heard about it all, she suddenly didn't care what happened. Sunset called Rarity for advice about their relationship because she was scared and knew Rarity could have something to help and she agreed to retry another friendship.

But was it a good idea to suddenly try again with Rarity?

"Are you sure you're ready to try again with Rarity?" Sugarcoat asked, raising an eyebrow.

Sunset nodded. "I made her promise to never let the Rainbooms about it, because I know they'll be sending me private messages to try their friendship again. I know what I'm doing, hun."

"I don't want you hurt again," Sugarcoat mumbled, flushing up. "Especially by them."

"It's cute you're worried about me, and I get it, you saw me at my weakest point," Sunset smiled weakly, nuzzling her, and pulled her in closer, "--but let's be honest, Rarity thought I was innocent out of everyone, but it was too late. She realized it too late, and yes, she revealed her sister and her friends, but still... I want to give her another chance, and who knows? Maybe it'll be worth it."

"Worth it?" Sugarcoat echoed. "What would make it worth it?"

Sunset sighed. "To see if she can show me that she wasn't just being my friend because Princess Twilight wanted her to be. To show me how friendship was magic! No! I wanted real friends! I got them through you and the others, and I even got someone to love." She smiled sweetly at her. "What else could I need from Crystal Prep?"

"I..." Sugarcoat stopped herself from speaking. "Are you really going to... try it again?"

"I am," Sunset nodded. "Just, give her another chance. We'll get together as friends, and you'll see. But, it'll wait until it's later in the newfound friendship. If she doesn't look like she'll do me good, tell me, and I'll do my best to make sure I'm not hurt from her, okay?"

Sugarcoat took a deep breath and nodded, unsure a bit. "Okay, I'll trust you on this."

"Good," Sunset smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too."

But how Sunset remain sure she wouldn't get hurt from one of the very people who hurt her to the brink of suicide?
> XIV~Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Epilogue

Sunset just couldn't believe how her first year at Crystal Prep went. She had met the other Twilight, managed to be kissed by her, almost had her relationship ended until Sugarcoat pulled the best answer she could think of on her and didn't break her heart. It was amazing to know the relationship didn't end. She had also given Rarity another chance, who was making it seem like a wonderful idea, and even Sugarcoat agreed the friendship would remain. Sunny Flare, Lemon Zest, Indigo Zap, and Sour Sweet didn't really like the idea but gave Rarity the chance, as well as the other Twilight. 

Yeah, they were unsure about Twilight's sudden join to their group of friends, but they didn't really mind after. It was good to know nothing would be pulled unless Twilight was dumb enough to try again, but it turns out, she wouldn't. Sunset had explained how there would be no line crossing, and they seemed sure of her words. 

Sunset even had them meet up with Rarity, who laughed nervously while answering all sorts of questions by the Shadowbolts. Of course, they were careful not to mention Anon-A-Miss because that was in the past, and no one needed to be reminded of it. Plus, Sunset really hated speaking about it.

She kept up her sessions with Sugarcoat's father, explaining everything she felt inside during the fight, and how it affected her clearly. He nodded and started to speak more often with her during the sessions, keeping his sentences limited as he didn't want her uncomfortable. It was like she finally made something to help her keep her stress down, and she thanked him many times when she was over and he just smiled and patted her shoulder before moving to make dinner or to let them have alone time.

By the second year of Crystal Prep, Sunset could safely say her friendship with Rarity was alright and that maybe, just maybe, they could hang out again and start texting. But she wasn't so sure. What if the other Rainbooms saw them? What if Pinkie got the sense Rarity was hiding something from them? 

She was always good at telling when something was up after all.

Out of fear she told Rarity about her worries. Her friend agreed and said something about Pinkie already suscepting something was up as she normally wouldn't talk about anything which involved apologizing to her on what they had done, and how they didn't deserve the Elements of Harmony. Sunset just sighed. 

It would be a matter of time before she heard Pinkie's voice again.

Fluttershy's usual soft voice, Applejack's accent, Pinkie's hyper voice that could make anyone laugh, and... Rainbow. Out of the entire group, Rainbow was the one she couldn't forgive so easily. Fluttershy? Perhaps. Applejack? Okay, so... there was a a slim, slim, chance. Pinkie? Let's be honest, anyone could forgive her when she went sad as it wasn't the usual thing you'd see when you saw her.

But Rainbow Dash? Hell no.

No way in Luna's mane would Sunset forgive her for the deeds she had done. The biggest one was the ambush. She wouldn't lie if you asked her if she a felt rush of satisfaction when she learned of Rainbow's huge debt, and how she was struggling to earn the money to pay back Gilda. By the Gods above, she felt truly felt like Rainbow would know the stress of what she felt. 

Maybe not the same type of stress, but it was still stress after all.

One day, while they were all out, with Rarity, Sunset couldn't help it. She wanted to know how Rainbow's debt was coming along, and Indigo laughed loudly when she heard about it. Sugarcoat giggled. This was all too good for them.

"Rainbow's in debt!?" Indigo laughed. "What a shocker!"

"How much?" Sugarcoat asked.

Rarity couldn't help but giggle along. It was funny to finally see Rainbow in debt. "Hmm... she paid Gilda about... 200 bucks? Maybe more. Honestly, I have no idea. It was a large amount."

"Aww, she's going broke?" Sour commented before chuckling darkly. "Serves her right, the bitch!"

Sunny patted her friend's shoulder. "You can say that again."

"So, how much more does she have to pay off?" Sunset asked, looking at Rarity.

"Actually, darling, I think she has a few more weeks until it's done," Rarity smiled. "We're all having a wonderful time watching her like this. We've been through our share of karma, now it's on her."

"Geez," Sunset mumbled. "How bad was your karma?"

Rarity smiled. "Not so bad. Only about a few days of no customers in the shop." Sunset blinked. That would've made Rarity insane. "I managed to keep myself sane, but the moment a customer walked in, I was just so happy I let them take anything for free, and yes, it surprised me, but I was just too happy."

"I see," Sunset nodded.

At least it wasn't too heavy on Rarity's part, but she wasn't so sure about the others, and she could honestly care less than how she did right now. She was at her lowest point of caring, and somehow she could go even lower than before.

A few days later, Sunset was working at her job when it happened. She had finished up her shift, changed into her usual clothes Rarity had made for her for a late Christmas gift, and she had planned on meeting up with Sugarcoat. But just before she could text her girlfriend on saying she was done work and would be over in fifteen, she felt her blood run cold at the one voice she never wanted to hear again.

And everything came crashing down onto her all at once. Her anger she managed to keep down thanks to her girlfriend's dad suddenly came rushing up, and broke down what he carefully helped her build to keep herself calm in anything that could remind her of the past.

"There you are! We were looking for you! We... were hoping we could apologize. You know, because it sucked on what we did 'n all."

When she turned, all she saw was Rarity's guilty expression.