Sunset Shimmer smiled as she gazed down at her cup of hot chocolate. The heavenly smell making her mouth water. Outside snow began to fall once again, seemingly fogging up the cafe window. Though, Sunset didn't really care. After all that's happened this year, it felt good to just relax and let her mind wonder without worry.
"What would you like to order, miss?" Mrs. Cake asked with a cheery grin.
"The usual please." Sunset replied.
Mrs. Cake nodded before leaving, her pastel yellow shoes clicking against the tile floor. Once she fully disappeared behind the kitchen door, Sunset took a sip of her hot chocolate. The silky texture making her taste buds leap for joy.
Using a napkin to wipe the remaining chocolate from her lips, Sunset then took a quick peek out of the window. It was almost completely fogged up, but she could still make out some familiar faces. There was this world's Twilight for instance, who was helping Rarity carry what Sunset could only assume would be eventual Christmas gifts. They soon stopped by a white car in which Rarity helped Twilight set the bags inside the trunk before getting into the front. The engine started to life and Sunset's friends sped away.
I should probably start thinking about what to get my friends as well. Sunset thought while taking another sip from her drink. Christmas here use to just be another day for Sunset. However, now that she finally has some friends, Sunset wanted to give her friends something to show how much she loves and cares about them. I'll write to Princess Twilight later. Maybe she can give me some ideas.
Suddenly, the door opened, sending a current of frigid air Sunset's way. Her body shook from the unexpected cold and she wrapped her fingers tighter around the lime green mug for warmth. Sunset looked to see who would dare allow the arctic cold inside, only to smile and roll her eyes.
"Hiya Mr. Cake!" Pinkie Pie greeted with a wide grin.
"Hello Pinkie." Mr. Cake gave a smile in return. "What can I get you?"
Sunset was about to wave Pinkie Pie over but thought better of it. Today was a day just for herself to relax and unwind. Sure Pinkie was her friend, but knowing her she'll make this day anything but peaceful. Besides, Sunset could always see her tomorrow.
So Sunset watched as Mr. Cake opened the display case and scooped out several cupcakes and put them in a dark pink box. Sunset's stomach growled softly once she realized what type of cupcakes those were. Pumpkin Spice! Sunset's mouth began to water once again as Pinkie Pie paid for her treats and left, her frazzled hair collecting snowflakes as she went her way. Sunset Shimmer was about to take another sip of her drink, when she heard a soft tapping on the window. Turning around, she was surprised to see Pinkie waving to her, a box balancing on her other hand. Sunset gave a wave back and chuckled when Pinkie Pie continued on her way, with a slightly peppier step.
Wonder what she's going to do with those Pumpkin Spice cupcakes. Sunset thought. Suddenly, an image of Pinkie Pie shoving cupcakes in her face made Sunset chuckle a little louder.
"One of those days she's going to get a cavity." Mrs. Cake commented, making Sunset shake her head.
"Yeah, I'm still amazed she never had a cavity in her life." Sunset replied while moving her hot chocolate a little to the left to make room for her food.
"Well, that's Pinkie Pie for you." Mrs. Cake smiled while setting a plate in front of Sunset. A slice of vanilla cake sat on top with thick white frosting dotted with specks of vanilla.
"Thank you." Sunset said before digging into her food, leaving Mrs. Cake to smile once more before heading off to check on another table.
As Sunset ate and drank, she couldn't help but look around the cafe. Only a few people were around, usually they were graveyard workers popping in for a quick bite before heading off to work. However, what caught Sunset's eyes was at a table in the far back. There she saw Applejack cradling a white mug while listening to Fluttershy. Bags were under both of their eyes and a few times she saw them almost falling asleep before quickly waking back up.
AJ and Fluttershy must've taken another graveyard shift. Sunset thought to herself, her lips curling into a small frown.
She was about to go and check up on them, when Applejack looked in her direction. AJ quickly sat up straighter and flashed Sunset a small smile. Fluttershy looked to see what her friend was smiling at when she too saw Sunset. With a small smile, Fluttershy gave Sunset a small wave. Sunset returned the gesture, not sure of what else to do.
That's when AJ quickly downed her drink, placed some money of the table, and stood up. Fluttershy following suit. Then the two walked over to Sunset's booth.
"Howdy, didn't expect ta see ya here tis late." Applejack piped up.
"I got done with work a few hours ago and decided to unwind for a little bit." Sunset explained.
"Yeah, we're just taking a break." Fluttershy yawned.
"How much longer do you two have to work?" Sunset asked.
"Till one o'clock in the morning." AJ and Fluttershy replied in union.
Sunset did a double take. "That late!?"
"Don't worry, our boss said our schedules should return to normal tomorrow." Fluttershy explained.
AJ gazed at the clock above the kitchen door and frowned. "We better git going, breaks almost up."
"Stay safe." Sunset piped up, causing her friends to smile.
"Don't worry, we will." AJ replied before Fluttershy and her left.
Once the door closed, Sunset finished off her cake and took one last sip of her hot chocolate. With a sigh, she waved Mrs. Cake over.
"How was everything?" She asked while clearing the plate and cup away.
"Delicious." Sunset grinned.
Mrs. Cake smiled before taking a small black folder from a pocket on her apron and handed it to Sunset. "Have a goodnight."
"You too." Sunset replied while Mrs. Cake left. Then, she opened her purse and fished out a ten dollar bill and placed it in the folder.
Sunset stood up and, with a yawn, left the cafe's warmth and entered the frigid outside. She quickly shoved her hands into her coat pockets and exhaled, smiling slightly as she saw her breath twirl around with the falling snowflakes.
Sunset slowly walked down the sidewalk. Her boots crunching against the frozen snow.
