When Sunset runs around helping her friends and the other townsponies, she continuously refuses help, creating more problems than she was fixing.
All of Sunset's friends know Sunset is a bit stubborn and set in her ways. When Sunset starts offering to help her friends with their business and other townponies, she accidently gets in over her head with her own paperwork. Sunset is forced to admit she needs help and learns that asking for help isn't always a bad thing.
Sunset levitated a scroll with a lists of tasks she had to do as she trotted down the street, narrowly avoiding a few ponies.
“Let’s see, help Roseluck and her sisters with harvesting their flowers all week, help Pinkie make muffins for Sugarcube Corner, help Derpy by watching Dinky and Sparkler, help Silverspeed with sparring, go visit Screw Loose with Shoeshine and practice tricks with Trixie and Raindrops,” Sunset read aloud as she rolled up the scroll and placed it in her saddlebags. “No biggie, I’ve dealt with worse after all. I am Celestia’s prized pupil after all! I got this!”
Roseluck yawned as she trimmed another flower as Daisy set two glasses of lemonade next to her and Lily before trotting to her own patch of the garden.
While the trio had an normal sized house, they owned a large space for their flowers with greenhouses in the back and a small garden out front of flowers they strictly displayed and didn’t sell.
“Do you girls feel that?” Lily asked suddenly as the other two paused.
“No,” Roseluck said finally and shook her head. “What do you feel?”
“The ground shaking,” Lily answered as she caught her glass of lemonade as Daisy frowned.
“Okay, now that I felt and saw,” Daisy said as she looked out down the street as her frown deepened before her eyes widened. “Sweet Celestia! Rabbits!”
“Gah!” Roseluck yelped as the ground started shaking more and the rabbits got closer. “No, the flowers! Lily, get the hose.”
Lily nodded as she galloped to the curled up hose and unwrapped it as she flung it to Roseluck as Lily turned it on.
“Come any closer and you’ll get it!” Roseluck threatened as the rabbits froze and ran to the front of the house. “Oh buck!”
“Buck me!” Daisy cursed as Lily hastily shut the water off and the three mares galloped to the front where the rabbits were eating the flowers. “Damn Fluttershy and her damn rabbits!”
The three fell on the sides as Sunset rounded the corner and her eyes widened as she increased her speed.
“What happened here?” Sunset asked as Daisy continued crying and pointed a hoof.
“T-them!” Daisy wailed as Sunset looked at the rabbits. “It was awful!”
“The horror! The horror!” Lily and Roseluck shouted in unison.
“I’ll just teleport them back to where they came,” Sunset said as her horn flashed and the rabbits disappeared and the flowers turned back to how they were originally as the three mares stared in stunned silence. “Learned a new spell about time travel for items like flowers or burnt books. Really handy actually.”
“Oh thank you!” Daisy hugged Sunset as Sunset froze before hugging her back hesitantly. She hadn’t ever been hugged by the mare before even after knowing her for a few months, but it did feel a bit nice. What surprised her more was even Lily was giving her a grateful smile.
“You’re welcome,” Sunset blushed as Daisy squeezed her and Sunset gasped for air. “Air, Daisy, air!”
“Sorry,” Daisy said sheepishly as she let Sunset go. “Seriously, thank you. Our flowers are our only real source of income.”
“It was nothing really,” Sunset rubbed the back of her head.
“I could honestly kiss you right now,” Roseluck admitted as Lily snickered.
“Uh please don’t. I love you but not like that,” Sunset said as she turned red. “Cheek is fine but uh not on the lips please.”
“Okay. Where did you send those rabbits anyway?” Roseluck asked as Sunset gave a sly grin.
Blueblood gave an unimpressed look as he looked around his office at the hundreds of bunnies munching on his bedsheets and paper.
“With love, Sunset Shimmer,” Blueblood read aloud as he glared angrily at the paper. “Damn you Sunset! You’re not even family!”
“You don’t wanna know,” Sunset said finally with a large smirk. “Now let’s get to work, shall we?”
“Yes finally,” Lily grumbled as the four made their way to the backyard as Roseluck paused and rubbed her chin with a hoof.
“We should totally do something for Sunset. She does a lot for us,” Roseluck mused before following her sisters and friend. “Like a big thank you or something.”
“What was that?” Daisy asked as she hoofed Sunset a pair of shears and showed her where to cut.
“Nothing!”
“So girls I was thinking,” Roseluck began as she and the others with the exception of Sunset sat around their usual table at Sugarcube Corner.
“So that’s why I smelled smoke,” Shoeshine quipped with a smirk and Roseluck rolled her eyes.
“Haha very funny. That’s only when Trixie thinks.”
“Hey!”
The four laughed as Trixie gave them a flat look.
“Just kidding. Anyway, Sunset does a lot to help us, right?”
“Buck yeah,” Trixie commented as she shrugged. “She always is down to help Trixie with whatever she needs.”
“Exactly,” Roseluck pointed a hoof as she nodded. “So what I was thinking is we should totally do something for her!”
“Good luck with that,” Silverspeed snorted as she set down her bagel. “Sunset doesn’t really do well with receiving help. Makes her feel inadequate or something I think she said.”
“She’s right. Silverspeed lives with her, she ultimately would technically know her best,” Derpy frowned slightly. “It’s just who Sunset is. What did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know, maybe a trophy or something. Something like that,” Roseluck explained as she looked at them one by one. “Maybe have the Mayor set up something? Have Sparkler help too. She likes organizing stuff around town.”
“Not very well,” Trixie muttered and Derpy gave her an unimpressed look as Trixie looked away with a sheepish. “Sorry that was uh rude.”
“It was. Sparkler does her best. And Sparkler would probably like to help, gotta ask her first. But where would you get a trophy at?”
“I make my own horseshoes,” Shoeshine commented as she stirred her tea. “I could hypothetically make one. Just tell me what metals you want, what shape you want and I’ll make it. It’ll take a few days but I can do it with help.”
“I’m down,” Silverspeed shrugged. “Never done any metal working but I can learn I suppose. I got some sparring with Sunset to do the next few days so I will sneak away after to come help out.”
“Sounds good. Surprised you’re getting physical with Sunset. She has caught eye of quite a lot of stallions and mares alike in town. Cloudkicker and Cloudchaser were quite explicit in what they would do with her,” Trixie commented as she gave Silverspeed a smirk. She had kept her promise and not told anypony about their accidental night during the Gala. Trixie may be a braggert but knew to keep some things quiet.
“Shush you. So what do we do now?”
“For now, we keep this between us. Derpy is the best at convincing others to help us so she should visit the mayor and talk to her while we work quietly to set this up. And I mean quietly Trixie. No smoke bombs or anything like,” Roseluck said as she shot the mare a look and Derpy nodded.
“Okay.”
“Now let’s get to work,” Roseluck said as the others nodded.
Shoeshine shot Mr. Cake a dirty look before turning back to her friends.
“Sparkler!” Derpy shouted as she shut the front off of her house and paused in the doorway. “Where are you, I need you.”
“Over here!” Sparkler called back as she crossed her hindlegs on the couch and set her book down. “What’s up mom?”
“I need a favor. I need you to write up like a speech for Sunset. If you don’t mind of course,” Derpy said as Sparkler swung herself up and shrugged.
“I think I can get something together. Why does Sunset need a speech?”
“Sunset won’t be reading it. It’s for her,” Derpy explained as she sat down next to the unicorn. “I have to convince the mayor to let us do something with town hall but everypony has a hobby and the mayor is big into cameras and collecting old ones.”
“I can get something together while Sunset is watching me and Dinky,” Sparkler said as she levitated a quill and notebook over to her.
“But keep a surprise. We’re waiting for it to be all set up before we tell Sunset,” Derpy said as Sparkler nodded.
“I think we can do that. I’ll get a rough draft up and show you later tonight.”
“Sounds good. We owe you big time for this.”
Sparkler gave a nod as she went back to writing.
“Take Dinky straight to Sunset’s. She might be a bit busy because it’s that time of year where all the town representatives are running around busy with paperwork but she said she could look after you two,” Derpy said as she stretched her wings. “And stay out of trouble!”
“I never get in trouble.”
Derpy shoved open the doors to the mayor’s office as she paused before trotting in fully.
“What can I do for you Derpy?” Mayor Mare asked as she looked up, gesturing at a chair. “Sit. Not often I get an appointment with you.”
“So I need your permission to use town hall,” Derpy said as she sat down on the chair and tucked her forelegs under her.
“What reason?”
“Uh to recognize Sunset for all she does for the town?” Derpy offered as Mayor Mare gave her a smile.
“You should have started with that. Sunset helps out quite a bit here even though she does have an uncanny ability of getting on my nerves, she does work hard and is very helpful. What day do you need it?”
“Uh I’ll have to check with Shoeshine. She is making a trophy like thing for Sunset I believe she said,” Derpy answered as Mayor Mare nodded. “I’ll drop by when I find out. But most likely next few days. And there’s some more cameras at that flea market in Rainbow Falls I reserved for you after I dropped an package off there.”
“Ooh thank you!” Mayor Mare clapped her hooves together excitedly before inhaling. “I’ll just mark the town hall as being reserved all week. Will everypony be there?”
“I didn’t think of that. Potentially,” Derpy admitted as Mayor Mare nodded. “Thank you. I gotta get to work, my shift starts soon.”
“Okay! Fly.....” Mayor Mare started as Derpy slammed into the door frame. “Safe.”
Dinky, Silver Spoon and Sparkler sat on the floor as Sunset ran around the room in frenzy that Dinky would describe of a shark in the ocean as Sunset flung open various filing cabinets.
“Do you want help?” Sparkler asked finally as she looked up from her writing.
“No focus on your schoolwork. I don’t need help anyway, I got this. Where in Equestria did I put my calendar with all the meeting I have on it? Silverspeed, have you seen my calendar? Silverspeed!”
The grey pegasus shoved her head as she stared at the messy room with papers and quills everywhere with wide eyes.
“Looks like a tornado went through here. What’s up Sunset?”
“I have a sh-” Sunset started and paused as she looked at the two fillies. “A lot of paperwork and stuff to do, got these two to look after-”
“I’m a well behaved filly!” Dinky protested and scrunched up her muzzle in a failed attempt to look angry as Silverspeed and Sunset both looked at her.
“-I was going to say they’re well behaved as is your sister but that was a failed attempt at appearing. You just looked adorable,” Sunset grinned as she rubbed Dinky’s mane.
“Sparky is the one who misbehaves!”
“I do not!” Sparkler said as she gave Dinky a flat look. “I’m a well behaved teenage mare!”
“You snuck out last night to spend time with Minnie and Sea Swirl,” Dinky pointed out as Silver Spoon snickered into a hoof. “Why is she even here, her friend hates us.”
“Because Silverspeed is making me,” Silver Spoon answered as she twirled her ponytail around a hoof. “And just because Diamond Tiara is a bully doesn’t mean I am one.”
“Follow her every move,” Sparkler snarked as she narrowed her eyes. “And I don’t see you stopping her. Dinky does come home crying sometimes and I promised to rip the coat off of anypony who hurt her. Don’t even get me started on Liza and Scootaloo.”
“Well, she is a chicken,” Silver Spoon muttered as Silverspeed gave her an unimpressed look.
“We’re gonna talk about your friends later in private Spoon. Now what did you need help with Sunset?”
“Have you seen my calendar?” Sunset asked as she reclaimed her spot in her office chair.
“Here,” Sparkler levitated a calendar full for red marks on it onto Sunset’s desk. “You have a full schedule. Who does it for you?”
“I do it myself,” Sunset answered as she sighed in relief. “Thanks.”
“You want me to take some of your work load?” Silverspeed offered. “I’d be more than happy to help you.”
“No thanks. I appreciate the offer but I’m used to a lot of work. It’s just how life is,” Sunset shrugged as she stood up. “I’m gonna busy like this till I quit I suppose but that’s easily decades from now.”
“Uh I don’t think that’s healthy,” Silverspeed scratched the back of her head with a hoof. “You’re one mare and you have a week full of helping me and the others, your normal workload and the stuff the mayor has given you.”
“Look, do you trust me?”
“With my life,” Silverspeed said instantly as the other three in the room heads swiveled to watch them go back and forth.
“I can do this. Now let’s go have our weekly sparring practice.”
Sunset and Silverspeed stood on an empty field near the Everfree as Sparkler, Dinky, Silver Spoon and Raindrops watched Silverspeed pick up a wooden sword.
Raindrops had opted to take her break and watch the two practice once she had seen them a few months back during her shifts.
“I thought swords were made of metal,” Silver Spoon as Silverspeed smirked.
“They are. These are training ones. They used to use real swords hundreds of years ago for practice some guards often got hurt or killed so they switched to these. Cheaper too,” Silverspeed said as Sunset swung hers experimentally with her magic. “Hooves only.”
“Fine fine,” Sunset rolled her eyes as she caught her sword with her hoof and stood on her hind legs.
“Wow,” Raindrops muttered as Silverspeed copied Sunset. Standing on their hindlegs for ponies was a skill not many had. Raindrops could do it for a while but not as well as these two.
“I can do that!” Dinky said as she shakily stood on her hindlegs. “See?”
“Nice work kid,” Raindrops chuckled as Sunset and Silverspeed’s swords connected with a loud thunk. “Money is on Sunset.”
“My sister will beat Sunset,” Silver Spoon snapped as she glared at the older mare.
“Shut up and watch,” Sparkler grunted as the two fell silent.
“Nice move,” Sunset said as Silverspeed sidestepped Sunset swinging down at her.
“Thanks,” Silverspeed said as she blocked Sunset’s attack. “That was a good parry, I’m impressed.”
“Thanks,” Sunset said as the two continued their fighting.
“Your hoof work has gotten better,” Silverspeed noted as she barely avoided Sunset’s sword.
“Practice makes perfect,” Sunset teased as Silverspeed’s eyes widened slightly as Sunset started pushing her back as she applied more force and speed to her swings, Silverspeed barely blocking them.
“You should probably give up,” Sunset panted as Silverspeed swung low and knocked Sunset off of her hooves as her eyes widened and her sword fell to the ground. Silverspeed kicked her friends sword aside and pointing hers at her throat. “Oof!”
“Nice work,” Silverspeed smirked as she dropped her own sword and helped Sunset up. “You almost had me there with your attacks all at once. You’re good at keeping me on my hooves like that.”
“I try,” Sunset panted as Silverspeed tossed her a water bottle and Sunset gave her a grateful nod.
“You would be good in the guard,” Silverspeed said as she and Sunset finished drinking. “Maybe you have a future there.”
“I like where I’m at. Thanks though,” Sunset said as she wiped the liquid on her jaw with a hoof. “Going again or are we going hoof to hoof?”
“Hoof to hoof. You’re probably gonna beat me though. You usually do,” Silverspeed said as the two circled each other. Sunset was usually faster on her hooves barely but Silverspeed could fly and had the high ground technically so she had an advantage Sunset didn’t.
“I wonder if anypony ever gets worried about them practicing up here,” Sparkler muttered as the four watched Sunset swing a hoof at Silverspeed’s chest.
“Who knows?” Raindrops said as she watched the two go rolling after Silverspeed tackled the unicorn. “But I can say one thing that after watching them practice for a good while, I wouldn’t try to intervene if they were actually fighting. Especially since they could easily kill each other.”
“They could?” Dinky asked nervously as Sunset kicked Silverspeed off her.
“Well yeah. Silverspeed is a Royal Guard. They’re trained to kill if they have to and Sunset is Princess Celestia’s daughter. Pretty sure she’s told me she knows enough spells to cause physical harm and defend herself.”
Sparkler could agree with that. She saw Sunset first hoof hurt somepony who tried fighting her once. And it wasn’t necessarily a memory Sparkler liked to remember. Seeing a grown stallion get beat up by a mare and have his bone sticking out of his leg was enough to give anypony around a sick stomach.
Sparkler quickly shook the memory from her mind and went back to watching her friends as Sunset wrapped a foreleg around Silverspeed’s throat with her hindlegs around the pegasus’ waist.
“Darn,” Silver Spoon muttered as Silverspeed hastily tapped the ground and Sunset released her and helped her up.
“Nice work,” Silverspeed said as she and Sunset shook hooves. “Wanna get lunch now? It’s late and I’m pretty hungry after all this.”
“Me too. Cherry’s?”
“Cherry’s,” Silverspeed agreed instantly as the two trotted down the hill laughing about something.
“Let’s go home. Mom should be getting home soon,” Sparkler said as she levitated Dinky onto her back and Raindrops picked up Silver Spoon. “See you around?”
“You bet.”
The four waved as Sparkler galloped off with Dinky holding on for dear life as Sparkler gave a faint smile.
Not only did she get to skip cleaning her room, Sparkler also got her work done her mom had asked for.
Shoeshine sighed as she stood in her smelting shop in the back part of her horse shoe business as she tapped a hoof impatiently on the ground, turning her furnace on.
“Sorry I’m late,” Silverspeed said as she trotted in and looked around curiously at the equipment Shoeshine had. “Woah. Is this how my horse shoes are made?”
“Among other things. Size eight by the way,” Shoeshine said as she glanced quickly at Silverspeed’s hooves.
“I’m sorry?”
“Your horseshoe size. It’s a silver size eight,” Shoeshine answered as she tossed a welding mask to the pegasus. “Protect your eyes. There’s a lot of sparks back here when I start working.”
“Do I want to know why you know my shoe size by just looking at my hooves?” Silverspeed asked with a raised eyebrow as she put her mask on.
“I’ve done this for a while. I automatically know just by looking at hooves. Plus, it’s my cutie mark,” Shoeshine said as she jabbed a hoof at her flank. “I learned to do all this at a young age so come on. It’s a bit difficult but follow my instructions to the letter and we will be good.”
“Yes ma’am!” Silverspeed tossed a mock salute and Shoeshine snorted.
“At ease or whatever it is they say.”
“At ease, yeah. So what is that?” Silverspeed asked as she pointed at a lathe.
“It’s a lathe. It rotates sheets of metal at high speeds. Once we heat up the sheets, we’re gonna shape them to the desired shapes to hold up the top. We’re gonna be working on the base first,” Shoeshine explained as she pointed at the large furnace.
“That is one big furnace,” Silverspeed whistled as Shoeshine nodded smugly. “How hot is it?”
“One thousand degrees. I’ve spent a lot of bits on my work shop. Screw Loose usually helps out back here with bringing me metal or tools I need but today you’re gonna be her while she is with her friends. Once we get the metal heated and shaped, we’re gonna dunk it in water to cool it. Then we will be done for the day.”
“Do you just use your hooves or?” Silverspeed asked as Shoeshine shook her head, picking up some mitts with her hooves and putting thems on.
“Mitts. I may be strong but I’m not burn proof though I wish I was. That would be pretty helpful,” Shoeshine muttered as she tossed the gloves onto her table and picked up a sheet of metal. “Open the hatch for me please and be careful, don’t burn yourself.”
Silverspeed nodded and carefully opened it as Shoeshine shoved the sheet metal in.
“We will leave that there for about thirty minutes to an hour. It’s gotta be red hot. Normally I’d use gold or sterling silver for this but I don’t have any on hoof,” Shoeshine said as she and Silverspeed stepped back. “We can sit around and talk while it heats up. It’s gotta be red hot. It’s gonna get hot in here.”
Silverspeed sat down on a nearby table as Shoeshine yawned, propping her head up with a hoof.
“So what’s your issue with the Cakes?” Silverspeed asked curiously as Shoeshine shrugged.
“Mrs. Cake is fine. Her husband is a bit annoying though. He’s the main issue. I don’t like the ponies he hangs out with, they made jokes about Carrot Top and Screw Loose once. Sure, he didn’t make any but still. Guilty by association,” Shoeshine answered as she sat down across from her pegasus friend.
“Ah. Makes sense,” Silverspeed commented as she placed her hooves on the surface.
“Now it’s my turn for a question,” Shoeshine grinned as Silverspeed internally groaned. “So how long you live in Ponyville?”
“Well since I was eight technically since my sister was born an earth pony. Can’t live in the clouds then. Then I left at seventeen to be a Royal Guard and here we are. I got assigned to Ponyville shortly before Sunset got here. Kinda weird how that happened. Fate I suppose.”
“Who assigned you to this area?” Shoeshine asked curiously as Silverspeed paused.
“It came from the very top. Princess Celestia herself sent me the letter and to my superior officer to be assigned here. I technically work for Sunset and do whatever she needs. Not that she really asks for help much unless it’s where something is, where somepony lives or to buy more alcohol which she gives me the bits.”
“That is weird how that worked out. Ironic how all the elements were in one town when they were needed,” Shoeshine mused as she brushed her mane out of her eyes. “Kinda wonder what else is gonna need the Elements.”
“Hopefully nothing. But knowing Trixie, she is probably hoping we fight a hydra or something crazy like that,” Silverspeed commented as the pair laughed.
“Probably knowing her. Trixie does love adventure after all.”
The two sat quietly as they watched the metal in the furnace as Shoeshine grabbed the rod with a mitt and flipped it over. Silverspeed had to admit, she never really cared much to learn about how her armor or other metal items were made but it was a bit interesting to see how expertly Shoeshine made it all seem so easy.
“So this is how all of our horseshoes are made too?” Silverspeed asked as Shoeshine nodded as she prepared a large tub of water.
“It’s how I make them at least. Every farrier has different ways of doing them. I prefer to melt down my metals and pour them into various molds of hooves I own. Filly, colt, mare, stallion. Foals don’t usually get horseshoes so those are special orders I sometimes do. I install them everything. When was the last time you got yours replaced?”
“Uh three months ago?” Silverspeed guessed as Shoeshine gave her a look.
“Well, I can replace them for you. You’re supposed to do so every eight weeks. After we get the metal cooled off, I’ll give you my sales magazine and you can pick whatever you like. Since you’re a pegasus and a guard, I’d suggest something light for flying but strong enough for combat,” Shoeshine explained as Silverspeed nodded slowly. “Now come over here and I’ll show you how to take the sheet out properly without hurting yourself or anypony else.”
Sunset stifled a yawn as she trotted down the road of the town with her coffee held in her magic, occasionally taking long sips from the cup.
Sunset had been going the last three days with little sleep, opting to focus on getting everything she needed done in time along with honoring her promises to help her friends and the town as well as spent time with Derpy. She still had to visit Screw Loose tomorrow afternoon with Shoeshine and Carrot Top.
“Pinkie?” Sunset called out as she entered Sugarcube Corner, her cyan eyes scanning the bakery. “Are you here? I can come back later if needed?”
“Hi!”
“Gaah!” Sunset screamed and failed backwards as Pinkie hung from the ceiling upside down before dropping onto her hooves. “What the hay, Pinkie? Don’t ever scare me like that again!”
“Sorry. Here to start baking bestie?” Pinkie asked eagerly as she pressed her forehead against Sunset’s.
“Yes hence me being here. Got anymore coffee?” Sunset asked as she levitated a mop and bucket to clean up the coffee she had thrown when Pinkie startled her.
“Yepperoni!”
Sunset rolled her eyes and smiled faintly as she levitated a wet floor sign over where she had mopped, pushing the mop bucket back to it’s spot in the corner.
“So what are we baking today?” Sunset asked as she joined Pinkie in the kitchen and took a slow sip from her new coffee.
“Muffins! Everypony loves a good muffin!” Pinkie proclaimed as she started pulling out bowls, flour and other various baking items. “And besides, I’m bored and we’ve practically gone through my entire book!”
“Pinkie, you have damn near ninety baking books,” Sunset pointed out flatly as she yawned again.
“I know! We’ve only done one book though and have eighty nine more to go!” Pinkie answered as she smirked. “You need a nap, you look exhausted Sunny.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m used to this. So what’s first Pinkie?” Sunset smirked back as she rested her hooves on the table. “And yes, I’ve washed my hooves before I got here so don’t worry.”
“Good. Three cups of flower,” Pinkie instructed as Sunset levitated the cup into the bag before dumping it in the bowl. “Alright perfect. Uh baking soda it says.”
Sunset paused and gave her a confused look, tilting her head before shrugging.
“Kinda weird to put pop in muffins but she’s the expert,” Sunset muttered to herself as she levitated a glass bottle over and yanked the top off, pouring it in the bowl and tossing the bottle into the trash as she stirred.
“Blueberries!”
Sunset chuckled dryly as she dumped a container of blueberries in before popping one in her mouth. Blueberries were easily one of her favorite fruits in general up there with strawberries.
“Chocolate chips!” Pinkie said as she poured an entire bag in and Sunset choked on her blueberry.
“Wow that’s a lot of chocolate chips Pinkie. What else do you want in there?”
“Recipe calls for wheatgerm,” Pinkie said as she turned away to read the bag as Sunset stared.
“Uh okay?” Sunset said as she trotted outside. “Who in Equestria is feeding the muffins to that they want freaking worms inside it?”
Sunset scuffed the dirt with her hooves as she gagged at the worms wiggling out of the ground as she levitated them in the air and ignored the weird looks she received.
“I’m really sorry about this,” Sunset told the worms as she threw them in bowl and stirred them in.
“I bet it looks great!” Pinkie said as she continued reading. Sunset turned green as she looked at the concoction she had created and gagged into a hoof.
“If you say so.”
“And while the muffins are cooking, I made us banana bread earlier! It’s your favorite after all!”
Daisy groaned as she laid on the hospital bed next to a half eaten muffin. A dozen other ponies including some of the weather team like Dizzy Twister, Parasol and Derpy laid in beds around her groaning.
“Ughhh,” Bon Bon moaned as she rolled onto her side, Sea Swirl and Flitter sharing her sentiment.
“What happened?” Roseluck asked as she and Lily stood next to Daisy bent over a bucket.
“Baked goods,” Redheart said simply as she trotted past with a sick looking colt.
“Baked bads!” Pinkie called out from a bed in the corner. “Not baked goods!”
“Bleugh!” Daisy vomited into the bucket as Lily scrunched up her muzzle in disgust and looked away, patting her on the back as Roseluck gagged.
“Who in Equestria did Pinkie have help her?” Lily asked as she glanced over at Sassaflash washing some vomit out of Sea Swirl’s mane gently.
“No idea,” Tenderheart said as the blue earth pony looked up from her desk. “Maybe Sunset knows? She knows everything that goes on in the town.”
“Oh we will talk,” Roseluck said as she narrowed her eyes. “I’ll be back girls. Feel better Daisy. Trixie is going go to pick up Dinky from school for Derpy.”
Daisy vomited again as Lily sat next to her and Roseluck galloped away.
Roseluck trotted into Sunset’s office, idly noting Silverspeed wasn’t there to greet her. Shoeshine had mentioned that the pegasus was spending more time helping her with her work after Sunset gave her permission to leave.
Roseluck stared at Sunset slumped over her desk snoring loudly with a large stack of papers next to her as Roseluck cleared her throat.
“Sunset?”
Sunset snorted in her sleep as she smiled, wrapping her forelegs around the book under her head and nuzzled it as Roseluck resisted the urge to aw.
Roseluck trotted around the desk and gently shook Sunset with a smirk.
“Hmm Roseluck?” Sunset muttered as she opened her eyes. “What’s can I do for you? Wait, what day is it?”
“Thursday Sunny. I know you were there baking with Pinkie this afternoon. Daisy and half of the town is currently at Ponyville General sick from eating some baked goods. What in Equestria happened?” Roseluck asked as she wrapped a foreleg around Sunset’s shoulder.
“She fed those to ponies?” Sunset demanded as her eyes widened. “She had me put worms and other gross shit in there! I was just following what she said.”
“Are you sure maybe you didn’t mishear her?” Roseluck asked curiously. “I saw you this morning and I had to repeat a few words.”
“Maybe?” Sunset offered weakly as Roseluck hugged her properly. “I didn’t mean to get anypony sick. Honest.”
“I know,” Roseluck said as Sunset hugged her back. “Maybe take a day off?”
“Can’t. I’m busy,” Sunset answered as she stifled a yawn. “My work comes first before myself, you know that.”
“And it matters if you do it wrong,” Roseluck retorted. “Your career would be over and we both know that. We all respect how hard you work and how much you do for us. And the town so please sleep.”
Roseluck waited for a reply as Sunset snored and Roseluck groaned.
“That was a damn good speech,” Roseluck sighed as she let go of the sleeping unicorn mare and moved to lift Sunset on her back, grunting as she took a step. “Wish she was awake to hear it. Let’s get you to bed.”
Roseluck smiled slightly as Sunset shoved her face into her mane and snored before trotting to the bedroom.
“You really need to slow down,” Roseluck muttered as she shoved Sunset onto her bed. “I could use a nap myself.”
With a shrug, Roseluck fell onto the bed and flung a foreleg over Sunset. Roseluck yawned as she closed her eyes.
“Goodnight.”
Roseluck yawned again and fell asleep next to her friend.
Sunset rolled onto her flank as she sighed contently at her soft mattress as she felt the soft body of the pony behind her and froze. She didn’t entirely remember going go to bed let alone have another pony in the house. Silverspeed had said she had an important errand to run and would be gone all afternoon yesterday.
Sunset slowly opened her eyes and stared at Roseluck sleeping with a smile as their muzzles practically touched, the sun shining through the blinds as Sunset inched back slowly.
“What in Equestria?” Sunset muttered to herself as Roseluck squeezed Sunset like a stuffed animal in her sleep. “Roseluck. Wake up.”
“I’m going to ignore you Daisy and go back to sleep,” Roseluck answered with her eyes still closed.
“It’s Sunset. Daisy is at the hospital sick remember with food poisoning, remember?”
“Oh yeah.”
“So are you going to tell me why the heck you are in my bed?” Sunset asked finally as Roseluck openes her eyes stared at her.
“I was tired and meant to take a nap. What time even is it?” Roseluck asked as she stretched and Sunset looked outside.
“Ten in the morning. Oh fuck it’s ten in the morning!” Sunset said as she jumped up and Roseluck rolled off onto the floor with a groan. “Oh Celestia, sorry about that. First aid kit in the bathroom if you’re wounded.”
“Only my pride,” Roseluck commented as she winced and rubbed her flank. “You’re pretty soft by the way. Practically a freaking pillow.”
“We didn’t ya know?” Sunset asked as Roseluck turned red.
“No we didn’t do that if you’re asking. And besides, I’m straight.”
“So is spaghetti until it gets wet,” Sunset quipped with a smirk and Roseluck rolled her eyes.
“That is such a Trixie joke.”
“I have to go, fuck me. I promised to help Trixie in ten minutes with some trick and a tight rope I think? Something about flying.”
“Oh sweet Celestia,” Roseluck muttered under her breath. She had wondered why she had only seen Trixie in passing for a few seconds this week, the mare usually running past her with various items in her magic. “Oh, I need you Monday at town hall. There’s uh something I need your help with.”
“Name the time and I’ll be there,” Sunset answered as she cracked her neck. “I’d love to stay and talk but I really gotta get going. I’ll see you Monday.”
Sunset galloped out of the room as Roseluck shrugged, climbing back into the bed and going back to bed.
Sunset stared up at Trixie tying a rope between two houses along with the home owners Thunderlane and Cheerilee.
“So what in Equestria is she doing now?” Thunderlane asked as Sunset raised an eyebrow.
“I have no clue honestly. All I know is she needed my help and here I am. Something about her next magic show,” Sunset answered as Trixie stood on Cheerilee’s room, examining the rope and giving it an experimental tug.
“Happy to offer my house,” Cheerilee started as she crossed her forelegs nervously. “But uh, no damage will come to either of our houses right? Trixie is good with the fillies and colts I teach but this is a big favor to ask from her.”
“Nothing should happen,” Trixie reassured the two as she jumped onto some crates she used to climb up on the roof before jumping to the ground. “Alright Sunset, so what Trixie needs is for you to keep the rope taut for Trixie to walk on, get to the other end and in the actual show, it’ll be covered up by smoke and the darkness.”
“Uh Trixie? I’m not so sure this is safe,” Sunset pointed out nervously as Cheerilee nodded. Thunderlane on the other hoof was an entirely different story. Thunderlane examined the mare closer before nodding.
“I’m all for it,” Thunderlane proclaimed with a smirk. “I want to be a wonderbolt so I’m all for risky tricks. Show me what you got Trixie.”
Trixie nodded as Sunset held the rope with her magic. Trixie was a bit more nervous now than she was before, especially since somepony is just as daring if not more than her was watching
Trixie climbed back on the roof and took a shaky step on to the rope as Sunset and Cheerilee held their breath. Trixie stood on her hind legs, placing one in front of the other as she started walking.
“Sunset the rope,” Cheerilee whispered and pointed as another strand snapped.
“Trixie get down,” Sunset snapped as she gulped and watched it snap again as Trixie eyes went wide.
“Waaaah!” Trixie screamed as the rope finally broke in two and Trixie went flying through the air.
“Trixie!” Sunset shouted with wide eyes.
“I got her,” Thunderlane said as he took off after the flying mare and Trixie slammed onto a balcony of a house, startling a golden filly.
“Augh,” Trixie moaned as she fell off the balcony and Thunderlane caught her. “Trixie thanks you.”
“Anytime,” Thunderlane smirked as he settled onto the ground and the filly peered over the edge curiously before walking away.
“Sweet Celestia,” Sunset said as she galloped up panting with Cheerilee behind her. “Are you okay?”
“Hospital?” Cheerilee suggested as Sunset examined the bruise on Trixie’s back.
“Trixie is fine, no hospital. She is used to being hurt after her tricks going but uh tell nopony about this. It will ruin the show for other ponies,” Trixie said as she sheepishly let go of Thunderlane and dropped onto her hooves. “Where is Trixie’s hat?”
“Uh somewhere over here I think I saw it fall. You still have your cape at least,” Sunset noted as she looked around them.
“That hat is important to Trixie. We must find it before it gets damaged,” Trixie said adamantly and slammed a hoof onto the ground hard enough to crack the ground. “Trixie will not sleep, she will not eat, she will not use the bathroom, she will not shower, she won’t even masturbate or have sex till she finds that bucking hat!”
“I really could have done without last tidbit,” Cheerilee muttered as the three blushed and Trixie rolled her eyes with a snort.
“You’re a grown mare and the word sex makes your uncomfortable? Grow up,” Trixie grumbled as she took a step past Cheerilee.
“That mare is frustrating at times,” Cheerilee muttered under her breath as Thunderlane, Sunset and Trixie spread out.
Daisy grumbled a curse word under her breath as she flung herself on her couch. Never again would she ever eat muffins with worms in them.
“You okay?” Lily asked as she joined her sister, placing a bag of frozen peas on her head.
“Do I look fine?” Daisy snapped as she shoved the peas onto the coffee. “I don’t need a frozen bag of peas on my forehead Lily. I’d prefer if I could go to bed where I can vomit in peace.”
“Fine. Walk up there then,” Lily said as Daisy gave her a look of disbelief. “What? I’m the weak one remember? One who can’t do anything around here? Walk your own ass up them stairs.”
“Fine. And you’re not the weak one but okay,” Daisy said as she stood up. Lily gritted her teeth as she helped Daisy to the stairs.
“I won’t be carrying you because you’ll crush me to death but I will help you up them I suppose,” Lily grumbled as the pair started climbing.
“You’re grouchy today,” Daisy noted as Lily and her finally stepped over the last step. “What’s with you?”
“Woke up on the wrong side of the bed with a migraine. Where’s Rosie at by the way?” Lily asked as she shoved the door with three daisies on it open. The oldert sister had the largest room naturally which Lily still called bullshit primarily because Daisy had her own shower and bathroom in her room. Lily had to share with Roseluck.
“Visiting Trixie. They’ve got some big things planned in a few days but Sunset doesn’t know.”
“Bet that will go so well,” Lily commented sarcastically as she pushed Daisy onto the bed. “Now sleep. I’m going to go read.”
“Is this your definition of bedside manner?” Daisy asked as she laid on her back and crossed her forelegs.
“Well, I don’t know what else to do. You got food poisoning so just throw up or something I guess. I’m a flower mare Daisy same as you. I don’t know much about medicine like Redheart or Rose,” Lily said as she started for the door and paused to look back as her expression softened. “Feel better soon Daisy.”
“Anypony here?” A slurred voice downstairs called as Lily sighed.
“No you stay,” Lily insisted as she pushed Daisy back on her back. “I’ll uh handle it.”
“Are you sure?” Daisy asked as Lily nodded. “You’re not the most friendly of ponies.”
“Gee thanks for the reminder,” Lily snapped as she rolled her eyes.
“I didn’t mean it like that-” Daisy started as Lily slammed the door shut behind her. “Buck.”
Lily gritted her teeth in the hallway, letting out a breath as she forced a smile and trotted down the stairs.
“Hi,” Lily said calmly as possible to the pegasus with a bow in her mane and a pegasus colt at her door. “What’s up?”
“We were looking to buy some flowers for a snack. Got any tulips?” The pegasus asked. “What do you want Rumble?”
“An orchid Flitter please.”
Lily sighed and gestured them forward as she trotted past them. Flitter and Rumble shared a look as they shrugged and followed the earth pony mare.
“Twelve bits,” Lily said as she led them to the greenhouse and opened the door to reveal rows and rows of flowers. “I’ll meet you at the register once I pick out the best flowers we have.”
Flitter nodded as Lily trotted to the orchids and tulips, musing as she examined them all and picked two of them each.
“Just two each?” Lily called out as she dropped them in a bag.
“Yes ma’am,” Rumble called out as Lily smiled faintly. While she didn’t really like most ponies, she did like a respectful colt or fillies.
Flitter dropped some bits in front of Lily at the register and Lily counted them out before nodding in satisfaction, hoofing the flowers to Rumble.
“Enjoy your flowers,” Lily told Rumble as he stared at her.
“You know, a lot of ponies talk about you,” Rumble said as Lily raised an eyebrow.
“And what do they say?” Lily asked idly as she pushed the bits into the register already knowing his answer.
“That you’re a scaredy cat, a rude mare, mean, pissa- pess-”
“Pessimistic,” Lily corrected helpfully as she narrowed her eyes.
“Yeah that. Oh and a jerk,” Rumble said as Lily felt her good mood disappear. “But you’re actually kinda nice.”
“You actually think so?” Lily asked as she took a surprised step back. “Normally most ponies like Roseluck, the popular one.”
“Wonder why,” Flitter muttered under her breath. The first time Flitter had ever met Lily was the earth pony talking about how pointless life was if everything dies and how Lily hated half of the town. Flitter only hated a few ponies, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy but that was about it. Oh and the Apples especially after Apple Bloom shot an apple through her house window that one day.
“Well uh thanks Rumble, was it?” Lily asked as she blushed and rubbed the back of her head. “It’s uh nice to hear that even despite the competition, I’m still liked. Must be nice to be Roseluck and Daisy, everything comes easy to them.”
“We really gotta get moving. Thanks for the flowers,” Flitter interjected before she was stuck here for hours listening to Lily talk. “Come on Rumble.”
“Bye,” Rumble waved as Flitter dragged him out as Lily sighed and her ears flattened against her head.
“Bye,” Lily muttered and gave a lazy wave.
“Hey,” Roseluck said as she leaned against the doorframe. “He seemed nice.”
“Yeah well he’s not here now is he?” Lily snapped as Roseluck gave her a look. “What?”
“I heard everything. I’m only popular because I’m not shy and hide inside our house.”
“Oh here we go,” Lily muttered to herself. “You’re just as much of a scaredy cat as I am, same with Daisy so don’t try to act all high and mighty because you saved the world. Which you didn’t even really have to do, might I add.”
“Uh what? Yes I did. Nightmare Moon took my sisters and friends, of course I had to help. I’m the only pony of the group who knows medicine,” Roseluck shot back as she dropped back down to her hooves.
“There could have been a million other ponies who could have helped out. Maybe even Rarity or Rainbow Dash,” Lily commented idly as she sighed. “You may be younger but I’m more experienced in life.”
“How?” Roseluck demanded as she glared. “You lock yourself inside every day after work!”
“Yeah well you steal husband’s so at least I don’t- ow!” Lily shouted and rubbed her cheek where Roseluck had slapped her. “You hit me.”
“What in Celestia’s name on in here?” Daisy said as she stood in the doorway. “I hear shouting and Roseluck hitting you.”
“She opened her mouth, blaming me for being more liked,” Roseluck said as she stared at the ground. “I’m sorry.”
“So you hit her?” Daisy demanded angrily. “What the buck? I come out here to apologize and I have to deal with this.”
“She called me a husband stealer!” Roseluck flung a hoof at Lily accusingly. “I already apologized a million times to Derpy for that.”
“Look, you’re sisters,” Daisy sighed as she sat down. “You’re stuck with each other just as much as I’m stuck with you two chaos starters. Own up to your shit, apologize and move on.”
“I said sorry.”
“Fine,” Lily groaned and rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry too. Can I go to bed now like you are supposed to be Daisy?”
“Yeah go,” Daisy sighed as Lily watched Roseluck warily and stepped past her slowly. “You too Roseluck before I lock both of you in a room together. Honestly half tempted till you two get along more.”
“We get along fine!” Lily shouted from the house door. “Sisters fight!”
“Goodnight,” Roseluck said as she stepped around Daisy and the pink mare groaned.
“Those two are gonna be the death of me one day,” Daisy said to herself.
Daisy shook her head and sighed as she followed her sister.
Silverspeed and Derpy trotted back and forth across the stage at town hall impatiently as Roseluck, Daisy and Carrot Top finishing setting up flowers matching Sunset’s eyes and mane.
“Where in Equestria is Shoeshine?” Carrot Top finally asked as Trixie and Raindrops trotted up.
“She was placing the gold finish to the trophy is what she told me,” Derpy said as she glanced at the sky. “She will be in soon. I trust Shoeshine and she always tells the truth.”
“I hope so,” Silverspeed said quietly as she watched more and more town ponies along with her sister started appearing.
“Here! I’m here!” Shoeshine called out as she galloped up with a large golden trophy on her back as she grunted.
“Hey there,” Trixie said as she and Sparkler levitated it off of her back and placed it on the stage. “Cutting it a bit close, eh Shoeshine?”
“Sorry about that. Got caught up with Screw Loose chasing a squirrel,” Shoeshine said apologetically as she looked around. “Wow, that’s a lot of ponies. Are they all seriously here for Sunset?”
“A lot of ponies know her,” Daisy said as Sparkler nodded. “Especially since the princess’ daughter lives here. It really brought a lot of light and attention to Ponyville.”
“True that,” Raindrops said as she stretched her wings. “You really wrote down a whole speech?”
“Well duh. She’s my friend too,” Sparkler shot back with a shrug. “Welcome, everypony! Today we are here to honor a pony we can always count on to help in matters great and small. A pony whose contributions to—”
“You all should see Sunset’s fighting moves,” Silverspeed cut in with a large grin as Sparkler glared at her. “I mean, that mare is fast as lightning! She’s skilled with a sword, her hooves, all forms of magic it’s incredible. She’d be a dang good royal guard.”
“Yes, yes Sunset is amazing. As I was saying-”
“She also is coming with me to visit my sister at the hospital,” Shoeshine pushed Silverspeed aside gently. “She’s like, the best. Sunset had definitely made me a better friend. We both teach each other something new.”
“Oh-kay, that’s great. Now if I could just make a point without being inter—” Sparkler started again as she narrowed her eyes more.
“Sparkler?” Derpy asked as Sparkler sighed.
“Rupted.”
“It’s just that Sunset saved my daughters too and I owe her everything,” Derpy said with a faint smile.
“Trixie too!” Trixie called out from the sidelines with Roseluck grinning as they all watched Sunset stumbling up as they all gave her worried looks.
“Anypony else? Anypony? No? Well then, as I was trying to say... Urgh! Never mind!” Sparkler shouted as she threw up her flash cards and stepped back next to a chuckling Dinky.
“Has she been staying up all night again?” Roseluck asked and facehoofed as Silverspeed nodded. “Oh my Celestia.”
“Oh thanks girls,” Sunset said as she stared with wide eyes at. “For this uh shiny metal thingy. Very shiny. Woo, woo, woo.”
“She must have some crazy hangover,” Berry Punch whispered to Minuette as Pinkie joined Sunset.
“Woo, woo, woo,” the two continued as Sunset’s friends gave her concerned looks.
“I gotta get on home and file taxes for everypony in town, I’ll be around if anypony needs anything,” Sunset said as she gently bit the trophy and started dragging it off the stage.
“Uh Sunset?” Derpy said after a moment. “You have magic.”
“Oh right. Funny how I forgot that right?” Sunset laughed as she received more confused looks as she dragged it off.
“You think we should check up on her?” Dinky asked as Sparkler sighed.
“I have a feeling yes.”
“Why are you coming with?” Roseluck asked Lily as her older sister rolled her eyes.
“Oh right because I’m not allowed to be around your friends,” Lily snarked as the other rolled their eyes and Daisy inhaled.
“Enough you two,” Derpy sighed as she gave them unimpressed looks. “Can it girls before-”
“Before Trixie shoves her hoof up your both of your asses if you don’t work your shit out,” Trixie snapped as Derpy glared at her. “What?”
“There are children,” Derpy hissed quietly and pointed a hoof at Dinky and Sparkler. “My hoof will be going up there if it happens again, capiche?”
“Yes mother.”
“Sunset?” Derpy called out as the group walked inside and looked around. “Is it just me or is this place worse than I saw it last?”
“Sweet Celestia,” Trixie whistled as she stepped over a bottle of whiskey. “That’s a dang good brand too.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Sparkler warned with a glance. “Sunset is serious about her whiskey. She’ll know it’s missing.”
“Sunset!” Shoeshine called out as she sighed. “Alright, spread out everypony. Dinky, Sparkler and I will search upstairs. Roseluck and Lily, search out back. Derpy, Trixie, Daisy, search down here. Silverspeed, fly around town and look.”
“You got it,” Silverspeed tossed a lazy salute before she took off.
Shoeshine sighed as she and other two trotted upstairs where it was messier.
“You think something to her?” Sparkler asked as she levitated some glass bottles into a trash can.
“Or somepony happened to her,” Shoeshine said under her breath. “Then I’ll have to break some legs.”
“Dinky, watch out for glass and go check for balcony. Sunset sometimes likes to sit out there and watch the sun set over the lake.”
“Got it.”
Shoeshine sighed as she kicked open a bedroom door, stepping inside and blinking before her eyes adjusted to the darkness, focusing on the form on the bed next to a candle.
“Sunset?”
“Go away.”
Shoeshine rolled her eyes as she sat down on the bed and rolled Sunset over. Shoeshine scrunched her muzzle up in disgust at the smell of alcohol on Sunset’s coat and breath, taking the empty bottle.
“You look awful,” Shoeshine noted as she examined her matted mane. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Sunset grumbled as she rubbed an eye with her hoof.
“Tough. Now spill.”
“You’re not gonna let this go, are you?” Sunset asked as Shoeshine shook her head.
“Nah, I’m not. That’s not really my style ya know. Now what’s wrong?”
“You know me being abandoned on the castle door steps and all that fun stuff?” Sunset asked as Shoeshine grimaced.
“Not my definition of fun stuff but sure go on.”
“Today’s the day Princess Celestia found me. It’s always been a pretty rough week in general. Usually spend it drunk or always doing stuff alone. It’s always been me working alone because I always figured asking for help makes me weak. Being seen as weak in Celestia’s school as her prized student let alone her daughter would make me a target. I can’t ask for help.”
“That was then,” Shoeshine said finally as she sighed and hugged Sunset. “This is now. This ain’t Celestia’s school, this is Ponyville. Now keep going while you have my attention.”
“This is gonna sound stupid,” Sunset said as Shoeshine snorted. “But like, why wasn’t I good enough? Why just dump me on the doorsteps? Were my parents that selfish and rude to just throw a newborn aside?”
“Let’s entertain the idea that they were just being jerks-”
“They were damn it!” Sunset snapped as Shoeshine held up her hooves defensively.
“I agree one hundred percent. You could have died, they were jerks. But let’s entertain the faint possibility that I don’t believe happened. What if they knew they couldn’t care for you and took you to the one place they knew you would be looked after?” Shoeshine asked as Sunset scowled.
“Why the castle? Why not the royal guard station in Canterlot or the fire department? Why specifically the damn castle?”
“I’m not gonna pretend to know everything or all the answers Sunset but I do know you can ask us for anything and we’d be there in a heartbeat like you do for us. Even Lily was worried about you and she came to look for you. And we definitely won’t view you as weak. You’re one of the strongest ponies I know,” Shoeshine said with a faint smirk. “So what now?”
“I suppose now I ask my friends for help. I do got a lot of work but first,” Sunset said as shrugged as she hugged Shoeshine. “And Shoeshine?”
“Yeah?” Shoeshine asked as she hugged her friend back and the pair fell on the sides.
“Thanks for uh being my friend. And listening.”
“Anytime.”
Sunset kissed Shoeshine’s forehead as the earth pony kicked the door shut.
Sunset sat at her desk as she levitated a quill in the air, looking around at her friends trotting around with various papers or folders. To her left sat her trophy behind a locked glass she had been given by her friends that she prized, shining it every day.
“Where does this paperwork go?” Derpy asked as she held up some thick files. “It’s labeled Charity.”
“Green filing cabinet, third slot labeled C three. Thank you Derpy,” Sunset said as she started writing.
“Anytime.”
“Dear Princess Celestia,” Sunset said to herself under her breath. “This week, I learned that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It takes courage to ask for help and when you have as good friends as I do, they won’t judge you. Sometimes, you have to just trust that things will go okay. And maybe you’ll learn more about each other. Oh, Shoeshine wanted me to add that last bit in on her behalf. Been a pretty rough week as you know but it’s been easy with my friends help. Your faithful student, Sunset Shimmer.”
“It looks good,” Shoeshine said as Sunset jumped. Shoeshine patted Sunset on the back as the others continued working. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Your letter to the princess.”
“Oh thanks,” Sunset said as she tossed some quills in her desk drawer and stretched, cracking her neck. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. All of you.”
“Heh, we feel the same,” Roseluck said as she sat down on the floor. “You work a lot. You need a vacation.”
“I know,” Sunset yawned as she watched Trixie set down a plastic container. “If those are the muffins I threw away after I botched the recipe, I will throw you out.”
“It’s not,” Derpy promised. “Dinky made them.”
“Now that is an offer I can’t turn down,” Sunset smirked as she levitated one to each of her friends. “And thanks for helping out today. I’m pretty much ahead for the next six months at least.”
“We’re awesome like that,” Silverspeed commented with a grin as she bit into her muffin. “Happy to help. So now you aren’t gonna be so damn stubborn?”
“Nope,” Sunset said with a headshake. “If I need anything, you five will be the first I come to.”
“Good. Now I gotta go,” Derpy said as the others nodded and Sunset stood up. “Gotta get my daughter from school.”
“I’ll walk you all out,” Sunset answered as she followed her friends to the door except Silverspeed who flew to her room.
“Hey,” Shoeshine said as she crossed her forelegs as the others trotted away. “My door is always open if you need me or Carrot Top. You haven’t met Noi yet either.”
“Thanks Shoeshine,” Sunset said as Shoeshine kissed her cheek. “What was that for?”
“For that night we aren’t going to talk about,” Shoeshine said as the two blushed. “It was uh good. Really good. And I’m just uh glad we can still be friends after what we got up to.”
“Don’t sorry, I’ve had friends with benefits in the past. That was a one time thing between us and it won’t affect us. Just like Trixie and Silverspeed sleeping together during the Gala hasn’t affected them,” Sunset said casually as Shoeshine chuckled. “Trixie talks in her sleep. Keep it a secret for me.”
“I will,” Shoeshine promised as she looked around and kissed Sunset’s cheek again. “Last time, I promise. Love you best friend.”
“Love you too,” Sunset said as she covered her red cheeks and waved as Shoeshine trotted off. Sunset smirked slightly and turned to walk inside as she paused, looking at a lizard on her house. “Well hello there, what are you doing here?”
The lizard hung his tongue out and Sunset tapped her chin before levitating him up.
“You must be thirsty. Come on little guy,” Sunset said as she trotted inside her house, shutting the door. She turned the sink on and filled a small bowl, levitating it to her coffee table and set the lizard down. “Go ahead, drink.”
Sunset sat in her couch and watched hopefully as the lizard stuck a tongue out, drinking from the bowl as Sunset smiled.