From the Ashesby RC2101_CopeyChapters1 - Out in the rain2 - New Digs3 - Restless4 - First Morning6 - Week's End7 - Wrong Ideas8 - Little Details9 - Cost of Living5 - Adult Concerns1 - Out in the rainThunder roared in the distance, echoing off the hills around Canterlot City’s streets. The rain hammered down, pelting the ground and anyone silly enough to be out in it. As the rain streaked down her cheeks, it mixed indistinguishable from the tears that flowed from her eyes, before running down and being washed away. The fire had been put out, and the emergency services had recently departed, but there remained patches of ground and rouble still warm enough to turn the rain to steam, a chorus of light hisses releasing bursts of mist. Sunset stood, her eyes glued to the pile of bricks and twisted metal, the only remains of what had, for the last four years, been her home. Not only had the fire claimed the roof over her head, but it had taken everything with it. Her head twitched as another sound entered the fray - rain striking upon plastic. Well, maybe not everything. The tell tale splash of a few footsteps later, and Sunset found the source of the sound now directly overhead, the rain no longer hitting her. “Oh my goodness! Darling, are you okay?” Turning her head, Sunset found Rarity standing next to her, dressed to the nines in fashionable wet weather gear. “Yes Rares, I’m not hurt. I wasn’t in there when the lightning struck or when the fire started.” Rarity threw her free arm around her, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. When we got your message, we were so worried.” More splashes drew her attention, and she soon spotted the rest of her friends making their way over. Applejack stopped short, and she cast her eyes over the remains of the building. “Gosh darnit...Sunset. That there was yer house wasn’t it?” Sunset nodded mutely, her face void of emotion. “That entire complex has been condemned for years! What in tarnation possessed you to live here?” Cold eyes bore into Applejack for a moment, and cold words followed. “When I first came to this world, I had nothing. I did what I could, and I found myself here. At first it was just a means to an end, somewhere to store my things, but as time went on I came to like it, then love it.” Applejack's face dropped, realisation hitting her like a ton of bricks. She had never thought about the hardships Sunset had been forced to endure, alone in an alien world. Thus, part of her now felt bad; she had never even considered thinking about where Sunset lived, and it left her feeling as if she had failed as a friend. She watched as Sunset finally returned Rarity’s hug. “And now I know how Twilight felt when her tree was destroyed.” Rainbow and Fluttershy had been quiet, neither knowing what to say, but they could feel the emotion in the air. Rainbow retrieved Pinkie, who had been jumping in puddles, and together the girls surrounded Sunset in a group hug. “Thanks girls.” The genuine warmth they could all hear let them know she was still in there. “But what am I going to do? Where am I going to live now?” “Hey,” Rainbow poked her shoulder, “I’m pretty sure one of us could put you up for a while. Isn’t that right girls?” A chorus of nods and yeses flowed around the group. Sunset sniffed, and wiped a fresh tear from her eye. “Really, thank you. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone, though.” “Aww shucks, Sunset, you’d never be.” Applejack put a hand on her shoulder. Pinkie bounced around the group, a smile on her face. “Lets all go to SugarCube Corner, and discuss where Sunset can stay over a round of hot cocoa; this rain is starting to chill me to the bone. Brrrrrrrr.” Shaking off the rain like a dog, Pinkie bounced away from the group and headed towards Applejack’s truck, seemingly hitting every puddle on the way there, but never once causing a splash. Rather than question it, the rest of the girls smiled and shook their heads, before following after her. A hot steaming mug of cocoa slid it's way across the table and into awaiting hands. “Thanks.” Sunset said as she accepted the beverage. She held it in her hands, the heat feeling glorious on her cold palms. She sat sandwiched between AppleJack and Fluttershy, a towel draped around her shoulders. Feeling cozy, she lifted the mug to her lips and took a deep draft, smiling as the warmth spread throughout her core. Joining them at last, Pinkie slipped in on the opposite bench to Sunset. “I’m real sorry about what happened Sunset,” she gave a rueful smile, “do you have anyone you can stay with?” The amber girl deflated, slumping down between her friends. “You know I don’t. I came through the portal alone.” “Then why not go back?” Pinkie replied, tilting her head in confusion, one Sunset returned full force. “I think she means,” Fluttershy spoke up quietly, “that maybe you could go back to Equestria, stay with your family, or even Twilight. Couldn’t you?” “Well, I mean… I guess I could. But what about my life here? What about school? And you guys - I’d hate to disappear, even for a little while.” “What about what I suggested earlier, girls? Could one of us take her in for a while? I know my dad would be cool with it, it’s more an issue with space at my place.” “Me and mine would gladly welcome in anyone in need, especially a friend.” Applejack thumped the table for emphasis. “Sure we ain’t got a room made up right now, but give it a day or two, and our couch aint bad till then.” Sunset smiled, her friends could always work out a solution. She was about to thank her farm girl friend when a white arm shot out over the table. “The couch? Oh no no no, that simply won’t do.” Rarity pulled her arm back, “I quite often find myself looking after my sister at the drop of a hat, so my spare room is already made up, just incase. Sunset, you can stay with me as long as you need to.” Or they could just do even better. “Thank you, Rarity, really. If you are sure I won't be a nuisance?” “Pish posh Darling, you could never be. Though, if you are about ready to go, we can swing by my boutique on the way; something tells me you need to pick up a new wardrobe.” She saw Sunset begin to deflate again. “Now Darling, you know I didn’t mean to remind you of things you have lost, but perhaps you can look at this a new way.” She was met with 5 sets of confused eyes. “Since coming here, you have changed - you are a new you. And now, everything from your old life is behind you, and you can, from the ashes, rise anew like a phoenix.” Across the table, Rainbow lifted up her mug. “To the phoenix!” “To the phoenix!” six mugs clinked together. 2 - New Digs“Are your clothes still damp, Darling?” Rarity called from the back of her shop. Sunset glanced towards the door to the staff only section, and quickly patted herself down. The hemline of her top was still damp, and the lower half of her pants were definitely still wet. “Yeah,” she called back. “Then go ahead and pick something to wear now, and pick a couple of shoes too.” Her voice sounded even further away this time. “Rarity, I can’t. This is too much.” “Now now, I won’t take no for an answer. You’re one of my best friends, and someone in need. I think that qualifies you for more than my normal amount of generosity, wouldn’t you say?” Rarity had been getting louder, and as she finished she leaned around the door to give Sunset a pointed look. “Now finish picking enough clothes to last you a week, I’ve got a few items at home I just know will work with your colours.” Rarity began to look Sunset up and down with a critical eye, and for some reason it made Sunset blush, and she had to fight the urge to turn away. Luckily for her, it was over quickly, and Rarity seemed none the wiser. Sunset quickly busied herself amongst the racks, picking out a few choice outfits. Rarity soon arrived with a suitcase full of the materials of her craft, and took Sunsets selection, putting them in alongside her items. “Now, while I am often prepared for Sweetie Belle visiting, my selection of food is rather limited. I have child ready meals in for her, so I plan to order in tonight, unless you want to pick something up specially?” “Order in sounds lovely right now,” Sunset nodded. “I’m good with just about anything.” “Excellent. Here,” she handed Sunset the keys to her car, “you pack this in the trunk, and I’ll re-close the shop.” Sunset took the keys, and both women went about their task. The rain was still lashing at the ground as Rarity pulled up outside of her house. Looking over at her passenger, she found Sunset looking down at her feet, and completely spaced out. Reaching over, Rarity placed a hand on Sunset’s shoulder, and gave her a gentle nudge. “Hey, you still with me Darling?” Sunset jumped in her seat, her head snapping up. “Huh.” “We’re here.” She pulled her hand back, and as Sunset looked out through the car window, Rarity noticed that the corners of her eyes were wet. “Come on now, let's get inside as quick as we can; I don't fancy being caught in this rain a second time today, and I'm pretty sure you don't either." Sunset agreed with that sentiment, but she found herself looking at her friends townhouse, that was sandwiched between two others in a row about ten long. It suddenly struck her that in all the time she had been friends with the Rainbooms, she had only ever visited the homes of two of them - Pinkie's house and AJ's farm. Taking a better look at the front of Rarity's, she couldn't help but note the general look of the place was something far below what she had expected from the fashionista. "Erm, Rarity?" The purple haired girl stopped short of opening her door, and looked back at Sunset, "How come your house is so..." She motioned with her hands, unable to pick any words that wouldn’t offend her host. “Run down? Shabby? Old?" Rarity supplied, causing her friend to turn away ashamed. "Don't feel bad for thinking it Darling, I am well aware of the state of my home." She sighed, looking reflectful. "When I first moved out from my parents house, my clothing business was still a fledgling dream, but the way I saw it was a need to stretch my wings and fly. So I picked somewhere I could comfortably afford, a planned short stay before moving somewhere better once my store opened. But ever since then, almost all of my spare income has gone into either the store, or research." She slapped her knees, bring an end to that train of thought. "More importantly, it does exactly what I need it to do, and you are welcome to stay as long as you want to." With a click and a slam, Rarity slipped out of the car and into the rain, leaving Sunset in thought. She looked up at the building, her brows furrowed and her mind running, 'This could work.' As the front door shut, the noise of the rain was finally silenced, and the two young women stood in the hallway, dripping water onto the hardwood floor. "When you said the door sticks, I didn't think you meant it would take a good few minutes to un-jam." Choosing not to respond, Rarity reached out and flicked the light switch. Nothing happened. With an annoyed grunt, she hit the wall above the switch, and the bulb above them flicked to life. “Like I said, what I could afford at the time. Everything here works, just… not always first time. Now, I’ll give you the full tour later, but I’ll show you to your room first.” The stairs creaked as the pair ascended. “And here you are. You can get yourself out of those wet clothes, and I’ll make sure the water is hot enough for a shower.” “Thank you Rarity, really. I should be used to it by now, but you always do too much.” “And by now you should also know my feelings on that too, Darling.” The usually reserved woman stuck her tongue out at Sunset, and the two shared a quick but needed laugh. “The bathroom is the door opposite yours, so chop chop, I want a shower too when you’re done.” Sunset let out a contented sigh as she felt herself sinking into the couch. Her stomach was full, she felt clean after her shower, and she was in serious danger of succumbing to a food coma. Everything was perfect, until she felt a nasty chill across her legs. “Bbbrrrrrrr.” A blanket dropped onto her lap. “I’m sorry Sunset, that’s one more thing about this house. The back door lets in a terrible draft. It’s funny really; I’ve gotten so used to this house that these things have become commonplace.” Accepting the blanket, Sunset covered herself up, and snuggled against the arm of the coach. “Don’t worry so much about it Rarity. The building you just learnt I lived in was worse than this, it hadn’t been used in twenty something years. Compared, this place is a palace.” “I guess you’re right.” She chuckled, before picking up the TV remote. “Now what say you to a little drama before bed?” A quick word of agreement later, and Sunset found herself watching one of Rarity’s favourite soap operas, but it didn’t take long before she had zoned out, the program merely background noise and flashing lights. Her thoughts drifted to the earlier events of today, and the image of smouldering rubble dominated the forefront. She was saved from more brooding as she registered a sudden silence. Blinking, the room came back into focus, and she found that the TV had been switched off. “Well Darling I am dead on my feet. And, a lady must have her beauty sleep after all. I grabbed a set of nightwear from the shop that should fit you; you’ll find it on your bed. Good night Sunset.” Rarity began heading up the stairs, light creaking accompanying each step. “Good night Rarity.” Sunset waved at her host, who disappeared from sight in a few more creaks. With a heavy sigh, she pushed herself up from the coach, and the blanket fell free to her feet. The cold draft bit at her immediately. With that for motivation, she quickly followed Rarity’s example and head upstairs. The room she had been provided with had white wall paper, accented with pink and purple stripes. Each room in the house had been given a token makeover, but the focus had clearly been the bedrooms, evidence by the Sweetie Belle colour scheme around her. Wanting nothing more than this day to be over, she quickly changed, and slipped herself into the awaiting bed. I would be lying to myself if I said I’d take my old beat up mattress over this. Even super comfortable, her mind could not find peace, and Sunset settled in for a long night. 3 - Restless‘01:00’. The clock stared back at Sunset as hard as she stared at it. She had gone to bed at eleven, but after tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable, she could have sworn it had been longer than two hours. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she settled down and tried to sleep once more. Sunset went through another bout of squirming for what felt a quarter of an hour. Facing the clock, it mocked her once more; ‘01:02’. With a groan, she threw the covers off and sat up. Rarity’s house was, for all it’s faults, very good at keeping in the heat. Having spent the last three years in a condemned apartment block, she had grown used to sleeping in a colder environment. With sleep currently denied, it left her brain free to wander, inevitably back to her recent loss. Up until a year ago, her sole drive had been to take over the school, and then Equestria. So throughout those first few, the building had just been a means to an end, a place to sleep, and keep her inconsequential things. But ever since, it had become far more. It was her quiet place, the place where she could think about the happy times she had spent with her new friends, where she could plan for the future. Sunset’s frown changed into quivering lips as her mind continued to flash images of her home. It had also been a place to keep her personal things. All of her momentos had been there, her guitar had been hanging up on the wall, surrounded by photos from all of the girl’s get togethers and trips. “Oh no.” Sunset cried, as the mental images once more panned her room. Her journal, the last gift she had received from her mentor, and closest thing she ever had to a mother figure, normally lived on her bedside table. Tears began to flow. It wasn’t just the loss of something so important to her, but the memories it brought with it. ‘This isn’t the first home I’ve lost, is it?’ New images floated in her mind’s eye; white marble walls, tall, rich tapestries emblazoned with the sun, and views across a nation. The only home she had truly known, for almost fifteen years, and one that she had lost just as quickly as her last one. Memories she had been suppressing came flooding back, and the damn broke. Sunset began crying in earnest, unable to hold anything back as the world blurred around her. From an early age, Rarity knew she loved her sister, and she had made sure to be there for her whenever she could. With their parent’s frequent holidays, she was often left in charge, tending for her sister for two to three days at a time. A byproduct of this was that Rarity, while normally a heavy sleeper, had developed the ability to hear certain sounds and wake up, should her sister need her. After saying goodnight to Sunset, she had quickly fallen to sleep, blissfully unaware of the troubles her guest was experiencing. That was, until now. It started with the twitching of her ear, then spread, and she scrunched her nose at the sound, before suddenly sitting bolt upright. “Sweetie Belle!” she cried out. “Wait, Sweetie isn’t here. Then who… Sunset!” Throwing her duvet across the room, Rarity launched herself from the bed and to her door, before her mind caught up with her, and she slowed down. ‘I can’t just go barging in there. Sweetie Belle is one thing, I have to be respectful.’ Now treading carefully, Rarity approached the door slowly, leaning her head close to the frame. "Sunset?" She called lightly. The only response she received was more wailing cries, now much louder the closer she was. Worried, she rapped her knuckles on the door, "Sunset, may I come in?" After another few seconds of nothing, she had made up her mind. "Sunset I am coming in." One deep breath later, she grabbed the doorknob, twisted it, and opened the door wide... to find Sunset not even looking her way. The amber girl was sitting on the far side of the bed from the door, legs over the edge, and facing away. She was bent over forward, her face in her hands, still bawling her eyes out. Just the very image of one of her closest friends in such pain caused Rarity's heart to break. Rushing over, decorum all but forgotten, Rarity leapt onto the bed, landing behind Sunset, and pulled her into a light but firm hug. Her breath hitching at first, Sunset managed to allow her body to relax, and slumped backwards into the warm embrace, her own hands coming up to find the arms around her. For almost ten minutes, she clung to her friend like a sailor to a life ring. With her breathing becoming steady, the tears had slowed from a torrent, to a small trickle, and she finally found the ability to speak. "Thank you." "There is no need for that," Rarity lightly accosted her. "You need never thank me." She pulled back from the hug, still behind Sunset, and used her hands to rub her friend's shoulders. "Do you want to talk about it?" The amber girl grumbled. “Pardon darling?” “I said you’d think it was silly.” Sunset whispered “Oh contraire. Anything that brings on the state I just witnessed, no matter how big or some, could never be ‘silly’. So…?” Rarity prodded. “I realised that I’ve lost my journal, the one my mo...mentor gave me, and let’s me talk with Princess Twilight.” She sniffed heavily, the tears threatening to come back. “Oh Sunset.” Rarity hugged her from behind again, before a thought struck her. “I don’t want to raise false hope…,” Sunset turned her head slightly, signalling for her to go on, “but are you sure it was in your room? I’ve seen you either keep it on you, or occasionally leave it in your locker at Canterlot High.” Her guest perked up immediately. “You could be onto something.” But she slumped back down again. “It would mean the world to me if I got it back, but that wasn’t the whole reason I was upset. It’s more what it reminded me of.” “And what was that, darling?” “Home. Or at least, Equestria and the palace I mean, and how I lost both my home and my mo...mentor all in one go. It brought back old feelings.” Rarity’s arms pulled Sunset deeper into the one sided hug, and she found herself looking down at them. In a whisper that barely slipped out, “And your coat colour is almost as beautiful as hers…” ‘What in Tartarus was that?!’ Her conscious mind suddenly screamed at her subconscious one. “What was that, darling, I missed it.” Rarity questioned. “Err… I said we should probably try to go back to bed. We have school in the morning.” She lied. “You raise a good point.” Rarity agreed, whilst Sunset let out a quiet ‘phew’. “Oh my, it’s already past three,” Rarity turned from the clock, and back to Sunset. “We should try right way.” She unhooked her arms from around the girl infront of her, and slipped them away until she felt hands grab hold of them. “Sunset?” Rarity cocked wearing a lite frown. “Please don’t leave.” The frown melted into an understanding smile. “Okay.” She wormed free of Sunset’s hands and slid backwards up the bed. “The bed is big enough for two with room to spare. Just don’t tell anyone at school about this; the rumors would be scandalous!” A real smile formed on Sunset’s face, eliciting a few chuckles of laughter, and she completely missed how red Rarity’s face had become. By the time she turned around, it was gone, and she crawled back up the bed as well. Rarity had erected a small wall of throw pillows down the center, but stayed close enough that Sunset could reach her should she need to. Reaching down to her feet, she grabbed the covers, and pulled them back up. Rarity took her corner, and they quickly settled in, facing away from each other. “Goodnight, Rarity.” “Goodnight, darling.” 4 - First MorningSunset's eyes cracked open, revealing the alabaster white ceiling above her. At first she panicked; this was not the sight she had grown used to seeing when she awoke - it was definitely not discoloured wood. As quickly as the panic had come, it left, as she remembered where she was. As her heart rate slowed, she settled back into the plush comforter, and unlike last night her body had no trouble being lulled back towards sleep. At that point she recalled that she had not gone to sleep alone, and a quick glance left alerted her to the fact she now was. Blinking, she slowly let her senses wake up, and she soon heard the distinct sound of running water through the wall. ‘Rarity must be in the shower,’ she thought, before her face turned scarlet at the implication. 'Rainbow must never find out about last night or I'll never hear the end of it.' Looking at the dreaded clock, it read ten past six in the morning; Rarity really was an early riser. Not Sunset though, she enjoyed the warmth of her situation, and lulled in her half awake state until she was roused by a knock at the door. She noted the water had also stopped running. “Sunset, darling, are you up?" Rarity asked through the door. "Yeah, I guess,” she replied, muttering the last bit. "The shower is free and I have laid out some towels. Use whatever products you need, and we can pick up what I don't have later." Sunset made to reply, but Rarity never gave her a chance. "And do hurry please, breakfast will go cold quickly." And with the creaking that followed, it was clear Rarity was already downstairs and out of earshot. The amber girl lay there, torn between getting up far earlier than normal, or stealing a few more minutes of sleep, but the decision was made for her as her stomach grumbled loudly. "Traitor," she whispered, before she forced herself to get up. Rarity's bathroom was a curious mix, containing both the key features of the rest of the house. Like the bedrooms, the room had seen a fair amount of attention and made to look really nice and tasteful - not really a surprise given how much time Rarity probably spent in here, highlighted by the huge range of beauty products lined up around the sink. But the room also shared the feature of 'functional at best'. The faucets were stiff, the toilet seat moved, and when Sunset finally got around to taking a shower, she found that it dripped from places it shouldn't, leading to occasional drops in pressure. But she couldn't complain about how warm it was. Now fully awake, she took to the task of deciphering what half of Rarity's available products did. Twenty bottles later and she still wasn’t entirely sure, but found one that smelt nice, and went with that. Shortly thereafter found her dry, dressed, and ready to face the day. She descended the stairs quickly, but even being as light footed as possible, she still creaked on every step. She found her host in front of the cooker. "Good timing." Rarity greeted her, as she spun around holding a frying pan full of something yellow. "Scrambled egg on toast, or porridge?" Sunset's stomach rumbled again. "Both?" She asked cheekily, looking abashed. Rarity stopped for a split second before carrying on as if nothing had happened. "Of course. I figured after everything you'll be needing your energy today." Sunset smiled as Rarity emptied half of the contents of the pan onto her plate. "Bowls are up there," the white girl pointed to the left most wall cupboard, "and the porridge is with breakfast cereals in the one below it." Nodding, Sunset gathered what she needed before joining Rarity at the table. "I think our first port of call should be principal Celestia. If we explain to her what has happened, she can probably provide spare textbooks, as well as get you excused from missing homework." Sunset cringed at the reminder of everything she had lost. "I just really hope my journal is in my locker." Rarity reached over and took a hold of one of Sunset's hands. "We're all still here for you, and the portal isn't going away. Whatever the outcome, you'll be fine." Rarity squeezed her hand, and gave her friend her warmest smile. But Sunset couldn't muster anything more than a quick, half hearted one in return.The rest of breakfast was eaten in silence, and once finished, they placed their used dishes in the sink, and cleaned up. Once the kitchen was clean, Rarity let out a contented sigh; it seemed Sunset was better at cleaning than she thought, and she could swear the room was actually now cleaner than it had started. "I hope you don't mind, but I was hoping we could set off early today. I wanted to run via my store first, and then get you to principal Celestia before school starts." "Yeah, okay." Sunset didn’t sound enthusiastic, but she didn’t sound annoyed either. "Thank you, darling. Do you need to grab anything?" Sunset answered her with a shrug, and a shake of her head. "Then let's be off." The girls moved through to the hallway, and Rarity unlocked the door, before standing back. She took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders, and gave the door an almighty yank. It moved about an inch. She repeated the process a few more times, and on the fifth, the door swung free. "I don't remember it being that bad." Sunset mused. "It's worse after a night of heavy rain. I keep meaning to get it seen to." The girls exited, and Sunset copied Rarity, but in reverse, pulling the door fully shut on the fourth try. Their morning work out over, they were soon driving through the outskirts of the Canterlot area. Sunset had been here for the better part of five years, but she was still unsure of the way around this side of town; and something told her she would need to learn it quickly. They continued driving, and it wasn't much longer before Sunset actually began to recognise some of the buildings they were passing, and she realised that they had reached the neighbourhood of Rarity's boutique. Her guess correct, Sunset spotted the shop in question as Rarity drove around a corner, pulling to a halt out front. “I’ll only be a few minutes, darling.” “Sure you don’t want some help in there?” “Oh no no, I’m just swapping out the window models; five minutes, tops. Tonight is one of the three nights a week I open, so I want my new stock to be visible.” Rarity smiled as she slide out of the car, the pride in her own work shining through. So Sunset sat in the passenger seat, staring out the car window. The boutique itself was a reflection of it’s owner: a whitewashed front, decorated with tasteful patterns in shades of purple, and altogether eye pleasing - or at least she thought so. The only reservation Sunset had was the location. The area was nice, Canterlot wasn’t known for any rough spots, but nor did it shout about being a centre of fashion, and this quiet suburb shopping row doubtfully attracted high numbers of shoppers. True to her word, Sunset saw Rarity switch the lights off after no more than four minutes, and she had soon locked up, and jumped back in the car. “That should save me time later.” Rarity said to herself before she started the engine. “Rarity?” Sunset ventured. “Yes, Sunset?” “You said you only open three nights a week. How come? I would’ve thought you opened more.” Her face matched her confused tone. “Oh, that’s simple. I’d love to be able to open up more often, but I can’t. Some nights are taken up with our school work, and the others are when I make my clothing; I can’t run the store, and be in the back working on designs.” “Oh. Makes sense, I guess.” Sunset agreed, bringing the matter to a close. Buildings flew by as she returned to staring out the window, and a companionable silence prevailed until they reached their destination. Rarity parked her car in the student lot, and they both disembarked. They were greeted with an eerie feeling; they were early enough that CHS was still a ghost town, the staff already inside, and the students yet to arrive. “BBrrr. Let’s get out of this cold.” Rarity shivered, the wind only adding to the atmosphere. Sunset agreed, but as she drew closer to the building a feeling of dread settled in her stomach, and she couldn’t place as to why. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, and pushed on into the building, closely behind her friend. 6 - Week's EndSunset found herself staring at the board, and she was vaguely aware that the teacher had been filling it with notes, but nothing registered. After the emotions of the last day, she was left feeling somewhat numb. Rarity had been kind enough to explain to their teacher about things, so she wasn’t likely to get in trouble for her lack of attention. Actually, Rarity had been really kind lately, and it warmed her through the otherwise cold feeling she had. The lessons past by in a blur, and she would need to borrow someone's notes later. Leaving the classroom at first break, her stomach suddenly fell, the realisation that she now had a chance to check her locker. She gulped loudly, and her skin paled. Almost instinctively, Rarity nudged her shoulder with her own. “Come on. I’m here whether you find it or not.” Courage resurgent, Sunset made her way to the corridor housing her and the girl’s lockers. She strode up to her locker, and took a hold of the combination lock. With a calming breath, she exhaled slowly and spun the tumblers round until all four clicked into place. With a final click, the lock popped open. Sunset stayed there with her had on the lock, unmoving, until a nudge from her friend prompted her to actually pull the door open. Nothing, except a few sheets of paper and a couple of pens. The book wasn’t there. Sunset felt her knees go weak and her vision go blurry, but Rarity caught her before she fell, and pulled her into a hug. As she began to cry her friend reached behind her and shut the locker; there was nothing in it worth locking right now. Once Sunset had control of her breathing again, they released each other, and Rarity gave her a packet of tissues. “Thanks.” Rarity smiled and led her outside. They quickly found the rest of their friends, and each one took a turn to give Sunset a hug, and a few words of encouragement. A light smile crossed her face; she might have lost connection to her old world, but this one had far from ended. And with the friends around her now she knew she would be fine, even if it did take a while. So as the girls sat and talked, she couldn’t help but glance at the one who had stepped up to help her the most, and ideas to return the favor were already in the works. Rarity had dropped Sunset off at her house after work, before having to apologize multiple times. It wasn’t until after the third one that Sunset pushed her out the door, telling her she would be fine. Still not happy with herself, Rarity had jumped back in her car and driven to her boutique. Today was one of her three open days, and she quickly set about restocking the shelves and setting up the displays before flipping her signs to ‘open’ at six. There was a steady amount of customers like usual. A few made purchases, but the most taxing work came from the ladies whom wanted custom works or alterations. Even though her turnout would be considered small by most, it kept her busy, moving from the front of the shop, through to the back or the fitting room. By the time Ten rolled around it was a struggle to not drag her feet - a lady must always keep her form. Flipping the signs to closed, she secured the windows and doors, and put away her work materials. Her pile of orders was as big as it was when she arrived, even though she was sure she had completed three outfits. Sighing to herself, she flicked off the lights and headed out, locking the rear door after herself. Famished, she wondered if her guest had eaten anything yet, so she pulled out her phone and rang her landline. “I’m not sure what I fancy tonight, I hope Sunset has some ideas,” Ring Ring, Beep Beep, “engaged? She’s probably just talking to one of the others. Oh well.” She put her phone away, and climbed into her car. The short drive home was punctuated with another fight with her front door. As she finally forced it open, she caught the tail end of a conversation; “...it now yeah, that bad. So I’ll see you Saturday. Thanks Brick, bye.” With a beep the conversation ended, and Sunset walked out into the hallway. “Welcome back.” She smiled. Not quite sure what she had just heard, Rarity forced a smile. “It’s good to be home, yes. Have you eaten?” Sunset nodded. “I have, sorry I couldn’t wait. But I’ve done enough for you; it’s in the oven on low.” Her fake smile was replaced with a genuine one. “Thank you, Darling.” She unloaded herself of her coat and bags, and shuffled through to the kitchen. She retrieved her food and joined Sunset, who had relocated to the couch. She slipped her lower half under the blanket immediately, the chilly draft already biting at her legs. The last hours of the day were spent watching silly television dramas, the pair laughing at the unlikely and awkward scenarios the character found themselves in. As the clock flashed eleven at night, Rarity yawned and stood up. “I’m afraid I need to get my beauty sleep now darling. Will you be alright tonight?” Sunset blinked, then realised what she meant. “Yes, thanks,” she smiled to her friend, “I’ll be ok, I just need to finish something before I head up. Goodnight Rarity.” “Goodnight.” Rarity gave her a little wave, before heading out of the room and up the stairs. The creaks prevented her from moving slowly, or she would have attracted attention, but she did manage to catch a glimpse of Sunset working on a piece of paper. It looked like a list of some kind. A list; and someone called Brick - Rarity’s curiosity was piqued, but she would have to investigate later. The weekend came mercifully fast, allowing the girls a respite from school for two days. The two friends bid farewell to the rest of their group in the car park, and not long after they arrived back at Rarity’s. One door fight later, and they had flopped on the couch. “I love seeing everyone and I enjoy most of our classes, but there is just something draining about being at school.” “Oh I know Darling, I’m glad the weekend is here too. Still, I plan to get my homework done tonight, and I’m running my boutique tomorrow. I think Pinkie wants to host something on Sunday so that should be fun.” “Oh,” Sunset blurted out, “Do you know when? I’m busy most of Sunday.” “You are?” Rarity asked, her curiosity back in force. She left it hanging for a few seconds, but continued when no answer seemed forthcoming. “I think it was late afternoon, maybe four or five o’clock.” After a few seconds internal calculations, Sunset replied, “I think I can make that work. So, a quick snack and then make a start on our homework?” It was an obvious change of subject, but when her stomach grumbled Rarity let it drop, and moved to help her friend in the kitchen. Author's Note Sorry for the delay folks. I lost my writing partner earlier this year, and with it the drive to write. But hopefully, that ends now! 7 - Wrong Ideas“And that was the first time she didn’t show.” Rarity groused, shifting gear as they drew closer to her house. “In the last three weeks, she has been late to everything our little group has set up, and not shown up on two more occasions.” She slowed down, indicated, and made a left turn, “And she keeps dodging questions about it.” Sweetie Belle hummed in thought. “What do you think she’s been doing?” Rarity passed her sister a few of the lighter bags, before picking up the heavier ones. “I’m not sure, but I’ve caught her on the phone to a ‘Brick’ person quite a few times. And she always turns up worn out.” “I’m sure it’s nothing bad.” Sweetie said with surprising confidence. “I hope not…” Rarity let the topic run off. “Thank you for suggesting I spend the long weekend with you and our parents. It’s been so long since we did anything as a family, and I really enjoyed this weekend. I’m still not sure why you were so insistent to come back to mine for the night. You do realise with Sunset staying, you’ll have to sleep on the futon downstairs, with the draft?” Had Rarity turned to look, she would have seen the smile that crossed her sister’s face. “I’m sure I’ll be ok.” They made the last turn of their journey, onto the road Rarity’s house was on, and Sweetie saw her sister flinch hard. “What is it?” “Oh no she DIDN’T!” Confused and worried, Sweetie looked to where her sister’s eyes were; looking straight at her house front, and straight at Sunset hugging an older man. By the time they had made the rest of the way down the road the man had made it to his car and left, leaving Sunset on the front, smiling at them. But Rarity wasn’t smiling back. Tires screeching, they pulled up, and before Sweetie could even undo her belt, Rarity was flying out the door and storming over to Sunset. “How dare you?! HOW DARE YOU?!” Sunset’s face fell, now sad and confused. “How dare I what? “Oh don’t play coy with me. It’s bad enough that you’ve been blowing us all off for the past few weeks, and don’t get me started on the fact he looks old enough to be your father. But to invite him round MY house while I was away for the weekend? I… I can’t even begin to describe how mad I am right now.” “But Rarity, it isn’t what…” “Ba ba bab!” Rarity interrupted her, “I don’t want to hear it.” She brushed past Sunset, and reached out for the door handle. “Just wait until the others find out.” She shoulder barged the door, and three things happened. The door flew open, and smacked into the wall. There was a large chorus of ‘Surprise’. Rarity met the floor. There was another chorus, this time of ‘ooohs’ and sharp intakes of breaths. “Wow,” Pinkie piped up, “They really fixed that door.” When Rarity came too, she found herself on her back, on something soft. Opening her eyes revealed that she was lying down on her couch, but something looked off about her ceiling. Fluttershy’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts, “Girls, she’s waking up.” Suddenly her vision was full of her friends faces, each one looking relieved. All apart from Sunset, who looked more than anxious. Rarity felt a throbbing feeling on her forehead, and using her hand she quickly found a painful lump next to her right temple. Wincing, she quickly withdrew her hand. “What happened?” Twilight settled onto the floor next to her seat. “You fell and hit your head. What do you remember?” Blinking, Rarity did her best to recall her memories. “I was driving home while talking with Sweetie Belle, and then…” Her eyes narrowed, and she turned to Sunset, “You!” “Land sakes girl, just stop.” interjected Applejack, causing heads to snap towards her. “Ah heard what you wer’ hollerin’ about outside, an’ I know you love drama and scandals, but this ain’t that. Give ‘er a chance to explain what actually happened.” Eyes still narrowed, Rarity crossed her arms. “Fine,” she grumbled, turning to Sunset, “who was he?” Sunset flashed her apple farmer friend a smile of gratitude before she pulled out her phone. Handing the device over to Rarity, it showed a photo of both Sunset and the man from outside. They were both dressed in work scruffs, and both filthy enough to make Rarity’s skin crawl at the mere sight. “His name is Brick Lay, and he is a building contractor.” Intrigued, Rarity said nothing so that Sunset could continue. “After the whole ‘demon’ thing, part of my punishment was that I had to rebuild the damage I‘d done to the school. Of course, I knew next to nothing about construction or plumbing or any of that kinda thing.” She scrolled through a few more photo’s, showing her working on the front of Canterlot High. “Brick was hired to do it, and I was to assist him. As it turns out, I’m actually pretty handy at the work, and we both had fun. Enough so that he offered for me to work with him if I needed cash.” Realisation began to dawn on the purple haired girl. “So that is what you have been doing most weekends?” Sunset nodded, but Rarity’s face dropped again to a sour expression. “That doesn’t explain what he was doing here.” “Oh for the love of…” Rainbow Dash grabbed Rarity, and pulled her to her feet. “I’m with Applejack on this. I guess you’ll have to see to stop.” Confused, the group followed as Rainbow dragged Rarity back to the hallway. “Watch.” Dash grabbed the door, turned the latch, and pulled with the barest of effort. She swung the door open, then closed. For her part, Rarity’s fish impression was spot on, and she stood there mouth opening and closing in disbelief. After a few moments she tried the door herself, astounded. “How?” “Brick,” Sunset answered. “That’s why he was round. I’ve been working with him; rather than be paid, he came round to help me with a few things here.” Confusion was still written across Rarity’s face. “But you’ve been working with him for a month, weekends and some evenings. How much should you have earned, just to get my door fixed?” A snort pulled her attention to Pinkie. “It isn’t just the door silly.” It wasn’t until this point that Rarity actually calmed down and took stock of her surroundings. The door didn’t jam anymore. The walls looked cleaner; taking a sniff she detected the faintest whiff of something. “Fresh paint?” This time Twilight nodded. “Walls and ceilings,” she smiled, “but you should really try upstairs.” Looking upstairs with concern, still slightly off put by the idea of a man she didn’t know being in her house, she turning and began the climb. Only to stop half way. Up a step. Nothing. Down two. Still nothing. Jumping in place. Nothing. The creak was gone. Looking down at the girls again, they all motioned for her to go up. So she did. The landing on the top floor had also been freshly painted, and the carpet looked as fluffy as the day it was made. Going in the first door on her left she entered the bathroom, and she was almost blinded. The place was spotless, and shining in the light from the window. Overwhelmed, Rarity sunk to the floor. “Sunset, what else did you do?” The girl in question joined Rarity on the floor, sitting facing her. “Well, there was the front door. The back door seals now, the paint and plaster work on both floors, the stairs, this room and the plumbing behind it.” Sunset had been lost in thought while she had been running off the work they had been doing, and had failed to see that Rarity had begun to cry. When she finally noticed, she flinched. “What’s wrong?” Concern laced her voice. Her only reply was for the white girl to lunge forward and wrap her in a tight hug. Only caught off guard for a split second, she quickly returned the hug, a warm feeling coursing through her. After a moment, she also realised that her friends were suspiciously absent now. “Sunset, why? This must have cost a small fortune.” She squeezed her friend tighter. “You gave me a home when I had nothing. I still feel I owe you more.” Rarity sniffed, and pulled out of the hug. Sunset felt something… sad?...that it had ended. “You owed me nothing, and you still don’t. But this”... she waved around the room, “I can’t even begin to form words that express what this means to me.” Words, no, but I have an idea what I can do for her. 8 - Little Details. . The assembled group of friends made the most of the party supplies Pinkie had brought, and they spent the remainder of the day having fun. Sweetie Belle had invited the other crusaders over, and together they made the most of the free evening. As the day drew to a close, each of the friends left in patches, with Pinkie the last to leave, dragging a weird hoover like machine. Rather than ask how it had made the house spotless, Rarity and Sunset kept their lips sealed as they waved goodbye to her. Stepping back into the house, Rarity made herself jump as the now fixed door closed quicker than she was expecting. Once she had recovered she smiled to herself, the reason now walking into the living room. Rarity stood there for a moment watching her friend meander through the room. Sunset, unaware of her friends gaze, slowly made her way across to the couch, dropping down with a muffled thump. “I’m done,” she announced to the room, “two days of D.I.Y and a Pinkie party.” Laughing, Rarity quickly joined her on the couch, reaching out for both the TV remote and the trusted blanket. She pointed the control at the screen but hesitated, her lips fidgeting nervously. “Sunset, I need to apologise for my outburst earlier. I live my life trying to be generous, and yet I struggle horribly with jealousy. I jumped to the worst conclusions I could today, even though I know you better than to assume such things. So I’m sorry, deeply, and I hope you can forgive me.” “Rarity, for what it’s worth, I can see the twisted logic behind your reaction. But it’s alright. I forgive you.” The amber girl smiled at her friend, before her look turned puzzled. “Wait… Did you say jealousy? Were you jealous about the amount of time I was spending with someone else?” Suddenly the television sparked to life, loudly interrupting her. “Ooh, Darling, isn’t this that program you wanted to catch?” Noticing the red hue to the normally white cheeks, Sunset let it drop for now, instead lifting up the blanket and sliding under, next to her friend. From the corner of her eye she could see that the blush had only grown now, causing her to smirk. “It was, yeah.” Sunset blinked herself awake. The world still somewhat blurry, she was able to note that she was still on the couch, and that Rarity no longer was. A wave of disappointment swept through her before more of her environment kicked in. The TV was off, and there was the sound of periodic scribbling, and muttering in low volume, coming from the kitchen. As her eyes began to focus, the clock on the wall kindly informed her that it was almost eleven at night, and she remembered they both had school tomorrow. Rising with a stretch, Sunset made her way towards the room divider, quietly so as not to disturb her friend. Poking her head around the partition,she got a good look at something she had seen before, outside of fashion week. Rarity had a look of deepest concentration, lost to the world around her, while the table before her was littered. There was a ledger, open pages full of red and black words and numbers, sat next to a calculator, and the whole setup surrounded by a halo of paper scraps and receipts. Rarity mumbled something, reading the piece of paper in her hand, before punching buttons on the calculator, and writing something in the book, in red. Rather than barge in, Sunset knocked on the divide, which caused Rarity to jump slightly. “Oh, Sunset Darling, I didn’t hear you get up.” She smiled, “You’d fallen asleep by the end of your show, and I didn’t have the heart to wake you. That being said, we should both be off to bed about now.” “Yeah…” Sunset agreed, a yawn punctuating her sentence. “What’s all this though?” She pointed at the table. Rarity blanched visibly, closing the ledger infront of her. “All this? Why, pretending I’m an adult before I am, I guess you could say. How many other high-schoolers do you know that run a business and own their own place, hmm?” She gave a smug smile. “Money management, Darling. Don’t worry about it, lest it ruin your sleep.” Rarity giggled. Sunset couldn’t help but feel something was off about her response, but her brain wasn’t up to the challenge right now. Instead, she bid her friend goodnight. For the first time in what felt life forever, Sunset enjoyed her morning routine. A hot, steady shower and gleaming surroundings. Having caught Rarity already awake and downstairs , she was able to take her time, and really enjoy the fruits of her labor. When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, the smells of breakfast hit her full force. Dressing quickly, she all but skipped down the stairs in anticipation of the breakfast she guessed would be waiting for her. “Rarity, you didn’t have you.” Sunset claimed, even as her eyes drank in the spread that had been prepared for her. “I did, Darling. Consider this another part of my apology for my behavior yesterday. I really messed up, and with everything you've done I don't think I could…” Sunset cut her off. “And I think after everything, you giving me a home, that I just scratched being even. So drop it, alright?” She gave her a kind smile, “and in your own way, you were only worried for me, so water under the bridge.” She pulled out a chair and sat down. “Now let's eat this before it gets cold. Thank you, though.” Part way through the comfortable silence around breakfast, Sunset realised that Rarity had gone to bed after her, and was up early enough to have been making food as Sunset herself woke. That meant that she had gotten six hours sleep, at best. Taking carefully hidden looks, she studied Rarity's face. At a glance she look the pristine image of beauty she always did, but looking a bit harder and Sunset could see the signs. Her makeup wasn't one hundred percent even, her mascara wiggled ever wondered slightly. Little things that most people would brush off; but she knew Rarity better. Anything less than perfection wasn't enough, and yet, here she was. But she also knew Rarity would tell her what was wrong, in her own time, so she left it alone. “I'm running the store tonight, with the loss of the weekend I really need to, so I won't be able to give you a lift home later. I put your helmet in the trunk incase you choose to get a ride back on Dashie’s bike.” Sunset smiled. Rarity really was too good to her. “Thank you.” But the smile fell slightly as Rarity left the room. I shouldn't, but that gives me a chance to find out what's up. Author's Note No, it's not dead XD Insert generic apology here I am sorry though, really. Hopefully I'm back in the swing of things. Next chapter soonTM. 9 - Cost of LivingThe school day passed with relative ease, and Sunset soon found herself waiting out by now less busy main road. She swapped the helmet in her hand from one to the other, using her now free hand to retrieve her cell phone. Rainbow was almost half an hour late. ‘Vrrrrrmmm’. Speak of the rainbow haired devil. “Sorry about that Sunset…” Rainbow pulled her visor after coming to a halt next to her. “I kinda got held back fifteen minutes last period.” she admitted somewhat abash. Cocking an eyebrow at her friend, Sunset guessed why. “Didn’t do your homework again?” The helmeted head turned away from her slightly to block her gaze, but nodded quickly after. With a playful chuckle and a roll of her eyes, Sunset closed the distance and settled onto the rear seat of the bike. “It’s alright. You’ll still get me home faster than if I’d walked.” Dash shifted to make their seating more comfortable. “Why didn’t you get a lift of Rarity again?” “She’s running the store tonight, remember?” she said as she slipped her helmet on. Dash’s head tilted up slightly in realisation. “Oh yeah. All that money stuff. Okay. You ready?” “Yeah.” Sunset replied, looping her arms around Dash, before a thought struck her. “What do you mean ’all that stuff’?” ‘VVVRRRROOOOOOMMMMM’ “Rainbow I’m not moving.” Sunset proclaimed, currently blocking the front of the bike from moving. “You ignored my question on the entire trip over here. What did you mean?” Dash shook her head. “Can we pretend I didn’t say anything?” “Can we pretend I agreed to help you with your math this weekend?” With a defeated sigh, Rainbow’s head drooped. “Fine. It was in English class earlier. Rarity was talking to AJ and said something about notices from the bank or something. Stuff outstanding? She wasn’t talking to me.” Sunset felt a pit forming in her stomach. “Oh, okay.” She feigned a smile. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Thanks for the ride Rainbow.” With a curt wave, Dash pulled her visor closed and was quickly gone down the street. With her friend gone, Sunset let the worry show on her face, and she was already arguing with herself. Something was going on that Rarity hadn’t told her? Entering the house, she decided she needed something cold to drink, and moved through to the kitchen. Pulling a glass out of the cupboard, she placed it on the counter and reached for the fridge, but stopped. Rather than the normal clinking sound, the glass made a dull thump. Looking down she found she’d placed it on a grey ledger. The ledger Rarity had closed when she’d seen it, surrounded by receipts. Sentence fragments and images started to swirl around in Sunset’s mind. ‘Money management’, ‘bank notices’, ‘stuff outstanding’, they all came together with the mental image on the open ledger, more red ink than black. “How many other high-schoolers do you know that run a business and own their own place, hmm?” Sunset glanced around, another thought striking her; ’Yeah, she owned her own place - but it was falling apart, wasn’t it?’ Finding herself unsteady, she dropped into one of the chairs by the table, talking to herself. “Rarity must have been scraping by for months, and then she took me in. I’m… I’m not doing her out of house and home, am I?” Her eyes flicked to the ledger. That could tell her easy enough. But she couldn’t, could she? Break Rarity’s trust like? “I'm running the store tonight, with the loss of the weekend I need to…” She paled, Rarity’s words from this morning coming back to her, followed by the image of a ‘less than perfect’ looking girl at breakfast. Was Sunset a burden? A screech of the chair legs followed as she all but lunged for the offending item, throwing it open to a random page. Checking the date told her that this page was from almost a year ago. Scanning through the page, it covered everything Rarity earnt money for, or spent money on. Bills for the house, rent and materials for the shop and her income in return. Everything was neatly written and color coded. Sunset blanched when she saw how much everything cost Rarity each month. She reached the bottom of them page, and when everything totalled up she was pleasantly surprised to see her friend had made a little money that month. Flipping the page revealed that she had the following month, but not quite as much. Again, the next month was positive but less, so she decided to keep on flipping. Positive. Positive. Barely positive. Broke even. Broke even. Small loss. Small loss. By this point Sunset was about to reach the page for the first month she had been living there. She slowly flipped the page and… She slammed the book closed. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she had to think rationally. Okay, yes, that month Rarity made a… comparatively bigger loss than before, but that wasn’t down to her, was it? No, she needed to look at the numbers. They would absolve her. Reopening to the page she had abruptly left on, she began comparing numbers between that month and the one before. Finding the section on house bills, the numbers didn’t lie. Since she had moved in, the numbers had almost double, and that was not to mention the amount she must have added to the food intake. She closed the ledger again, slumping in her chair. It really was her fault. 5 - Adult ConcernsThe halls were quiet, a far cry from their normally loud and bustling hub of activity. The most important thing though was the warmth that instantly greeted them, Rarity almost cooing as the pleasant sensation flooded her being. “Now that’s more like it. Come on Darling,” she tugged on Sunset’s elbow, “We’ve not got much time before other students start showing up, and Principal Celestia might not have much free time.” Following reluctantly, Sunset did as she was bid. By the time they had reached the corridor of staff offices, the only other soul they had met had been the janitor. The feeling in Sunset’s gut had not abated; if anything, it had gotten worse. Before she knew it, Rarity had already knocked on the door. “Come in.” And there it was, the voice that brought back so many memories, both good and bad, and she felt overcome with a range of emotions. Until she felt a hand on hers. Looking over at her friend, she was met by a concerned smile. “I can see on your face that you’re worried, but you have no reason to be. She’s a very kind and understanding women, you should know that by now.” Rarity explained, completely misreading Sunset’s actual issue. With a squeeze of Sunsets hand, Rarity turned the handle and pushed open the door. This revealed to them an unexpectedly messy office. The desk was piled high with papers, intermingled with foam coffee cups, the contents at varying levels of finished. But the woman behind the desk was the complete opposite. Where the room was chaos, she was order. Smart yet casual clothes, proper posture, and well groomed. Sunset found it hard to believe that she could have been here five minutes, let alone the hour she knew she had been. "I'm sorry for the mess. The review board is due next week, so I'm triple checking all of the school’s current records." The girls nodded in understanding. "Now what can I help you two with?" A warm motherly smile settled on her face, looking between the two. "Principal Celestia, I brought Sunset to see you because she suffered an unfortunate accid..." "My home burnt down last night." The amber girl blurted out, interrupting her friend. "Sorry." Sunset looked down sheepishly. “Oh my dear, please sit, both you you.” Principal Celestia pointed at the chairs opposite hers, and the two girls willingly obliged. “Please, tell me what happened.” Letting out a breath, Sunset composed herself. “You recall that huge thunderstorm yesterday?” Celestia nodded. “Well, lightning struck the building I had been staying in.” The teacher’s eyes flew open, and Sunset quickly raised her hands, “No I wasn’t in it at the time; I was at Sugarcube Corner all afternoon, and I found out when I went home.” “I’m so sorry to hear that Sunset. I can’t begin to imagine what you must have lost.” “That’s actually why we’re here,” Rarity interjected, “We were hoping you could lend Sunset a temporary set of textbooks.” She looked over at Sunset, who didn’t even have a bag with her, “Amongst other school things.” The smile returned to the older woman’s face. “Of course.” Rifling through her pocket, she produced a set of keys, and handed them to Rarity. “Here,” she held out a specific key, “Go to the staff room, and fetch Sunset and yourself a drink from the vending machine in there, please.” Taking the keys, Rarity smiled her thanks. “Would you like anything while I’m there?” “No, thank you.” Celestia replied, smiling to Rarity as she slipped out of the office. Turning back to the amber girl still with her, she noticed the look of unease that rippled off of her. “Sunset, please, you have no need to worry; you did nothing wrong, and I’m glad you came to me. Still, I am somewhat surprised that an apartment building burning down wasn’t covered in the morning paper.” Searching around her desk, she released an ‘ah ha’ and pulled something from one of the piles. Unfolding it revealed its nature to Sunset - The Canterlot Daily morning edition. Sunset gulped loudly. “The only mention of a fire in here is abandoned texture… mill on the ...edge of town...” The paper was folded, and dropped onto the desk. It landed with a little ‘thwap’, but to the teenager sinking into the chair, it sounded like a judge’s gavel. Celestia pinched the bridge of her nose, and spoken in an exhausted tone, “The mill. That was your home, wasn’t it?” The room remained silent, no answer telling her everything she needed to know. “I’m not mad Sunset, just … disappointed.” Across from her, Sunset was holding back tears. Her principal had no idea of knowing how badly those last few words haunted her, especially in that voice. “Ignoring the fact that as an educator I am legally required to look after the wellbeing of my chargers… I actually care about my students, all of them, and I want to see everyone happy and successful.” She got up from here seat, looped around the desk, and took the seat Rarity had vacated. “I can guess, but I want to hear it, just incase. Why did you never tell anyone?” Sunset stayed silent at first, her head down, and her eyes locked upon the floor. Celestia was about to let it go when she finally started. “Back then, when I was the old me that is, it never really mattered. It was just a place to keep my things, and wait for my next chance to corrupt the students here.” She sniffed loudly. “It wasn’t anyone’s business, and I liked it that way.” The principal took a moment to think about the response; it had actually surprised her. “At first I thought it was because you might have been embarrassed. But, I guess I can actually see the twisted logic behind the old you’s thinking.” Sunset looked up to her suddenly. “Yes, I definitely don’t think you are the same person anymore, you don’t have to worry about that.” A smile tried to break out on the younger woman’s face, the corners of her mouth revealing how relieving that comment was to hear. “But what about since; did you tell your friends? I can’t see them letting it continue if they had known.” Sunset looked at the floor again. “You’re right, they couldn’t. That’s why I never told them. I didn’t want to be a burden. And yes, I was too ashamed to tell them.” “So they know now?” “Yeah. I rang them when I found out. I didn’t really have a choice at that point.” She smiled wistfully. “And of course, they immediately rallied around me, and started working out where I was going to stay.” Celestia tilted her head quizzically, her ears darting to the office door. “Yeah, I’m staying with Rarity; she was the only one with a spare room already at hand.” An earnest grin split Celestia’s face. “That girl always has been extremely generous.” But her face soured slightly, “But I also know that she lives a delicate balancing act of a life, juggling school, work and finances. I don’t want her to suffer for her kindness.” Sunset was caught off guard, not entirely sure what Celestia was implying, but she didn’t like how it sounded. “I don’t intend to mooch off of her,” she replied, slightly indignant. “I often get Saturday work, so I intend to pay my own way.” “I sorry, that was not how I intended that to sound,” the older woman raised her hands defensively, “but it is good to hear that you are going to help out.” The door handle clicked, sounding as if someone on the other side was struggling to open it. “More on this later.” Celestia stood, and walked to the door, turning the handle revealing not one, but two people. Rarity had return with the hot drinks, but she was also carrying a stack of books. Behind her was Vice Principal Luna, also with a stack of books. “Sister,” Luna nodded, “I found miss Rarity in the staff room. When she explained the situation, I took it upon myself to collect what I could. I hope you don’t mind.” “Not at all. If anything, this makes it quicker.” “Good.” Luna turned to appraise Sunset. “And to you miss Shimmer, you have my sympathies.” “Thank you.” Two ‘thuds’ reverberated around the room as Rarity and Luna deposited the books in the corner of the room. “Obviously, you can not carry these around all day, so they can wait till you go finish later. As for now, I found this backpack in the lost and found. It should serve you for today, and the books you need.” “Thank you, really.” Sunset sat, looking up at Luna, gratitude plain as day. “This was way more, and way faster than I could have hoped for.” Celestia placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder, a silent thanks crossing between them. All four jumped, as the first bell of the day rang out through the school. Recovering quickly, Rarity picked up the drinks. “I guess these are ‘to go’, then.”
1 - Out in the rainThunder roared in the distance, echoing off the hills around Canterlot City’s streets. The rain hammered down, pelting the ground and anyone silly enough to be out in it. As the rain streaked down her cheeks, it mixed indistinguishable from the tears that flowed from her eyes, before running down and being washed away. The fire had been put out, and the emergency services had recently departed, but there remained patches of ground and rouble still warm enough to turn the rain to steam, a chorus of light hisses releasing bursts of mist. Sunset stood, her eyes glued to the pile of bricks and twisted metal, the only remains of what had, for the last four years, been her home. Not only had the fire claimed the roof over her head, but it had taken everything with it. Her head twitched as another sound entered the fray - rain striking upon plastic. Well, maybe not everything. The tell tale splash of a few footsteps later, and Sunset found the source of the sound now directly overhead, the rain no longer hitting her. “Oh my goodness! Darling, are you okay?” Turning her head, Sunset found Rarity standing next to her, dressed to the nines in fashionable wet weather gear. “Yes Rares, I’m not hurt. I wasn’t in there when the lightning struck or when the fire started.” Rarity threw her free arm around her, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. When we got your message, we were so worried.” More splashes drew her attention, and she soon spotted the rest of her friends making their way over. Applejack stopped short, and she cast her eyes over the remains of the building. “Gosh darnit...Sunset. That there was yer house wasn’t it?” Sunset nodded mutely, her face void of emotion. “That entire complex has been condemned for years! What in tarnation possessed you to live here?” Cold eyes bore into Applejack for a moment, and cold words followed. “When I first came to this world, I had nothing. I did what I could, and I found myself here. At first it was just a means to an end, somewhere to store my things, but as time went on I came to like it, then love it.” Applejack's face dropped, realisation hitting her like a ton of bricks. She had never thought about the hardships Sunset had been forced to endure, alone in an alien world. Thus, part of her now felt bad; she had never even considered thinking about where Sunset lived, and it left her feeling as if she had failed as a friend. She watched as Sunset finally returned Rarity’s hug. “And now I know how Twilight felt when her tree was destroyed.” Rainbow and Fluttershy had been quiet, neither knowing what to say, but they could feel the emotion in the air. Rainbow retrieved Pinkie, who had been jumping in puddles, and together the girls surrounded Sunset in a group hug. “Thanks girls.” The genuine warmth they could all hear let them know she was still in there. “But what am I going to do? Where am I going to live now?” “Hey,” Rainbow poked her shoulder, “I’m pretty sure one of us could put you up for a while. Isn’t that right girls?” A chorus of nods and yeses flowed around the group. Sunset sniffed, and wiped a fresh tear from her eye. “Really, thank you. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone, though.” “Aww shucks, Sunset, you’d never be.” Applejack put a hand on her shoulder. Pinkie bounced around the group, a smile on her face. “Lets all go to SugarCube Corner, and discuss where Sunset can stay over a round of hot cocoa; this rain is starting to chill me to the bone. Brrrrrrrr.” Shaking off the rain like a dog, Pinkie bounced away from the group and headed towards Applejack’s truck, seemingly hitting every puddle on the way there, but never once causing a splash. Rather than question it, the rest of the girls smiled and shook their heads, before following after her. A hot steaming mug of cocoa slid it's way across the table and into awaiting hands. “Thanks.” Sunset said as she accepted the beverage. She held it in her hands, the heat feeling glorious on her cold palms. She sat sandwiched between AppleJack and Fluttershy, a towel draped around her shoulders. Feeling cozy, she lifted the mug to her lips and took a deep draft, smiling as the warmth spread throughout her core. Joining them at last, Pinkie slipped in on the opposite bench to Sunset. “I’m real sorry about what happened Sunset,” she gave a rueful smile, “do you have anyone you can stay with?” The amber girl deflated, slumping down between her friends. “You know I don’t. I came through the portal alone.” “Then why not go back?” Pinkie replied, tilting her head in confusion, one Sunset returned full force. “I think she means,” Fluttershy spoke up quietly, “that maybe you could go back to Equestria, stay with your family, or even Twilight. Couldn’t you?” “Well, I mean… I guess I could. But what about my life here? What about school? And you guys - I’d hate to disappear, even for a little while.” “What about what I suggested earlier, girls? Could one of us take her in for a while? I know my dad would be cool with it, it’s more an issue with space at my place.” “Me and mine would gladly welcome in anyone in need, especially a friend.” Applejack thumped the table for emphasis. “Sure we ain’t got a room made up right now, but give it a day or two, and our couch aint bad till then.” Sunset smiled, her friends could always work out a solution. She was about to thank her farm girl friend when a white arm shot out over the table. “The couch? Oh no no no, that simply won’t do.” Rarity pulled her arm back, “I quite often find myself looking after my sister at the drop of a hat, so my spare room is already made up, just incase. Sunset, you can stay with me as long as you need to.” Or they could just do even better. “Thank you, Rarity, really. If you are sure I won't be a nuisance?” “Pish posh Darling, you could never be. Though, if you are about ready to go, we can swing by my boutique on the way; something tells me you need to pick up a new wardrobe.” She saw Sunset begin to deflate again. “Now Darling, you know I didn’t mean to remind you of things you have lost, but perhaps you can look at this a new way.” She was met with 5 sets of confused eyes. “Since coming here, you have changed - you are a new you. And now, everything from your old life is behind you, and you can, from the ashes, rise anew like a phoenix.” Across the table, Rainbow lifted up her mug. “To the phoenix!” “To the phoenix!” six mugs clinked together.
2 - New Digs“Are your clothes still damp, Darling?” Rarity called from the back of her shop. Sunset glanced towards the door to the staff only section, and quickly patted herself down. The hemline of her top was still damp, and the lower half of her pants were definitely still wet. “Yeah,” she called back. “Then go ahead and pick something to wear now, and pick a couple of shoes too.” Her voice sounded even further away this time. “Rarity, I can’t. This is too much.” “Now now, I won’t take no for an answer. You’re one of my best friends, and someone in need. I think that qualifies you for more than my normal amount of generosity, wouldn’t you say?” Rarity had been getting louder, and as she finished she leaned around the door to give Sunset a pointed look. “Now finish picking enough clothes to last you a week, I’ve got a few items at home I just know will work with your colours.” Rarity began to look Sunset up and down with a critical eye, and for some reason it made Sunset blush, and she had to fight the urge to turn away. Luckily for her, it was over quickly, and Rarity seemed none the wiser. Sunset quickly busied herself amongst the racks, picking out a few choice outfits. Rarity soon arrived with a suitcase full of the materials of her craft, and took Sunsets selection, putting them in alongside her items. “Now, while I am often prepared for Sweetie Belle visiting, my selection of food is rather limited. I have child ready meals in for her, so I plan to order in tonight, unless you want to pick something up specially?” “Order in sounds lovely right now,” Sunset nodded. “I’m good with just about anything.” “Excellent. Here,” she handed Sunset the keys to her car, “you pack this in the trunk, and I’ll re-close the shop.” Sunset took the keys, and both women went about their task. The rain was still lashing at the ground as Rarity pulled up outside of her house. Looking over at her passenger, she found Sunset looking down at her feet, and completely spaced out. Reaching over, Rarity placed a hand on Sunset’s shoulder, and gave her a gentle nudge. “Hey, you still with me Darling?” Sunset jumped in her seat, her head snapping up. “Huh.” “We’re here.” She pulled her hand back, and as Sunset looked out through the car window, Rarity noticed that the corners of her eyes were wet. “Come on now, let's get inside as quick as we can; I don't fancy being caught in this rain a second time today, and I'm pretty sure you don't either." Sunset agreed with that sentiment, but she found herself looking at her friends townhouse, that was sandwiched between two others in a row about ten long. It suddenly struck her that in all the time she had been friends with the Rainbooms, she had only ever visited the homes of two of them - Pinkie's house and AJ's farm. Taking a better look at the front of Rarity's, she couldn't help but note the general look of the place was something far below what she had expected from the fashionista. "Erm, Rarity?" The purple haired girl stopped short of opening her door, and looked back at Sunset, "How come your house is so..." She motioned with her hands, unable to pick any words that wouldn’t offend her host. “Run down? Shabby? Old?" Rarity supplied, causing her friend to turn away ashamed. "Don't feel bad for thinking it Darling, I am well aware of the state of my home." She sighed, looking reflectful. "When I first moved out from my parents house, my clothing business was still a fledgling dream, but the way I saw it was a need to stretch my wings and fly. So I picked somewhere I could comfortably afford, a planned short stay before moving somewhere better once my store opened. But ever since then, almost all of my spare income has gone into either the store, or research." She slapped her knees, bring an end to that train of thought. "More importantly, it does exactly what I need it to do, and you are welcome to stay as long as you want to." With a click and a slam, Rarity slipped out of the car and into the rain, leaving Sunset in thought. She looked up at the building, her brows furrowed and her mind running, 'This could work.' As the front door shut, the noise of the rain was finally silenced, and the two young women stood in the hallway, dripping water onto the hardwood floor. "When you said the door sticks, I didn't think you meant it would take a good few minutes to un-jam." Choosing not to respond, Rarity reached out and flicked the light switch. Nothing happened. With an annoyed grunt, she hit the wall above the switch, and the bulb above them flicked to life. “Like I said, what I could afford at the time. Everything here works, just… not always first time. Now, I’ll give you the full tour later, but I’ll show you to your room first.” The stairs creaked as the pair ascended. “And here you are. You can get yourself out of those wet clothes, and I’ll make sure the water is hot enough for a shower.” “Thank you Rarity, really. I should be used to it by now, but you always do too much.” “And by now you should also know my feelings on that too, Darling.” The usually reserved woman stuck her tongue out at Sunset, and the two shared a quick but needed laugh. “The bathroom is the door opposite yours, so chop chop, I want a shower too when you’re done.” Sunset let out a contented sigh as she felt herself sinking into the couch. Her stomach was full, she felt clean after her shower, and she was in serious danger of succumbing to a food coma. Everything was perfect, until she felt a nasty chill across her legs. “Bbbrrrrrrr.” A blanket dropped onto her lap. “I’m sorry Sunset, that’s one more thing about this house. The back door lets in a terrible draft. It’s funny really; I’ve gotten so used to this house that these things have become commonplace.” Accepting the blanket, Sunset covered herself up, and snuggled against the arm of the coach. “Don’t worry so much about it Rarity. The building you just learnt I lived in was worse than this, it hadn’t been used in twenty something years. Compared, this place is a palace.” “I guess you’re right.” She chuckled, before picking up the TV remote. “Now what say you to a little drama before bed?” A quick word of agreement later, and Sunset found herself watching one of Rarity’s favourite soap operas, but it didn’t take long before she had zoned out, the program merely background noise and flashing lights. Her thoughts drifted to the earlier events of today, and the image of smouldering rubble dominated the forefront. She was saved from more brooding as she registered a sudden silence. Blinking, the room came back into focus, and she found that the TV had been switched off. “Well Darling I am dead on my feet. And, a lady must have her beauty sleep after all. I grabbed a set of nightwear from the shop that should fit you; you’ll find it on your bed. Good night Sunset.” Rarity began heading up the stairs, light creaking accompanying each step. “Good night Rarity.” Sunset waved at her host, who disappeared from sight in a few more creaks. With a heavy sigh, she pushed herself up from the coach, and the blanket fell free to her feet. The cold draft bit at her immediately. With that for motivation, she quickly followed Rarity’s example and head upstairs. The room she had been provided with had white wall paper, accented with pink and purple stripes. Each room in the house had been given a token makeover, but the focus had clearly been the bedrooms, evidence by the Sweetie Belle colour scheme around her. Wanting nothing more than this day to be over, she quickly changed, and slipped herself into the awaiting bed. I would be lying to myself if I said I’d take my old beat up mattress over this. Even super comfortable, her mind could not find peace, and Sunset settled in for a long night.
3 - Restless‘01:00’. The clock stared back at Sunset as hard as she stared at it. She had gone to bed at eleven, but after tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable, she could have sworn it had been longer than two hours. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she settled down and tried to sleep once more. Sunset went through another bout of squirming for what felt a quarter of an hour. Facing the clock, it mocked her once more; ‘01:02’. With a groan, she threw the covers off and sat up. Rarity’s house was, for all it’s faults, very good at keeping in the heat. Having spent the last three years in a condemned apartment block, she had grown used to sleeping in a colder environment. With sleep currently denied, it left her brain free to wander, inevitably back to her recent loss. Up until a year ago, her sole drive had been to take over the school, and then Equestria. So throughout those first few, the building had just been a means to an end, a place to sleep, and keep her inconsequential things. But ever since, it had become far more. It was her quiet place, the place where she could think about the happy times she had spent with her new friends, where she could plan for the future. Sunset’s frown changed into quivering lips as her mind continued to flash images of her home. It had also been a place to keep her personal things. All of her momentos had been there, her guitar had been hanging up on the wall, surrounded by photos from all of the girl’s get togethers and trips. “Oh no.” Sunset cried, as the mental images once more panned her room. Her journal, the last gift she had received from her mentor, and closest thing she ever had to a mother figure, normally lived on her bedside table. Tears began to flow. It wasn’t just the loss of something so important to her, but the memories it brought with it. ‘This isn’t the first home I’ve lost, is it?’ New images floated in her mind’s eye; white marble walls, tall, rich tapestries emblazoned with the sun, and views across a nation. The only home she had truly known, for almost fifteen years, and one that she had lost just as quickly as her last one. Memories she had been suppressing came flooding back, and the damn broke. Sunset began crying in earnest, unable to hold anything back as the world blurred around her. From an early age, Rarity knew she loved her sister, and she had made sure to be there for her whenever she could. With their parent’s frequent holidays, she was often left in charge, tending for her sister for two to three days at a time. A byproduct of this was that Rarity, while normally a heavy sleeper, had developed the ability to hear certain sounds and wake up, should her sister need her. After saying goodnight to Sunset, she had quickly fallen to sleep, blissfully unaware of the troubles her guest was experiencing. That was, until now. It started with the twitching of her ear, then spread, and she scrunched her nose at the sound, before suddenly sitting bolt upright. “Sweetie Belle!” she cried out. “Wait, Sweetie isn’t here. Then who… Sunset!” Throwing her duvet across the room, Rarity launched herself from the bed and to her door, before her mind caught up with her, and she slowed down. ‘I can’t just go barging in there. Sweetie Belle is one thing, I have to be respectful.’ Now treading carefully, Rarity approached the door slowly, leaning her head close to the frame. "Sunset?" She called lightly. The only response she received was more wailing cries, now much louder the closer she was. Worried, she rapped her knuckles on the door, "Sunset, may I come in?" After another few seconds of nothing, she had made up her mind. "Sunset I am coming in." One deep breath later, she grabbed the doorknob, twisted it, and opened the door wide... to find Sunset not even looking her way. The amber girl was sitting on the far side of the bed from the door, legs over the edge, and facing away. She was bent over forward, her face in her hands, still bawling her eyes out. Just the very image of one of her closest friends in such pain caused Rarity's heart to break. Rushing over, decorum all but forgotten, Rarity leapt onto the bed, landing behind Sunset, and pulled her into a light but firm hug. Her breath hitching at first, Sunset managed to allow her body to relax, and slumped backwards into the warm embrace, her own hands coming up to find the arms around her. For almost ten minutes, she clung to her friend like a sailor to a life ring. With her breathing becoming steady, the tears had slowed from a torrent, to a small trickle, and she finally found the ability to speak. "Thank you." "There is no need for that," Rarity lightly accosted her. "You need never thank me." She pulled back from the hug, still behind Sunset, and used her hands to rub her friend's shoulders. "Do you want to talk about it?" The amber girl grumbled. “Pardon darling?” “I said you’d think it was silly.” Sunset whispered “Oh contraire. Anything that brings on the state I just witnessed, no matter how big or some, could never be ‘silly’. So…?” Rarity prodded. “I realised that I’ve lost my journal, the one my mo...mentor gave me, and let’s me talk with Princess Twilight.” She sniffed heavily, the tears threatening to come back. “Oh Sunset.” Rarity hugged her from behind again, before a thought struck her. “I don’t want to raise false hope…,” Sunset turned her head slightly, signalling for her to go on, “but are you sure it was in your room? I’ve seen you either keep it on you, or occasionally leave it in your locker at Canterlot High.” Her guest perked up immediately. “You could be onto something.” But she slumped back down again. “It would mean the world to me if I got it back, but that wasn’t the whole reason I was upset. It’s more what it reminded me of.” “And what was that, darling?” “Home. Or at least, Equestria and the palace I mean, and how I lost both my home and my mo...mentor all in one go. It brought back old feelings.” Rarity’s arms pulled Sunset deeper into the one sided hug, and she found herself looking down at them. In a whisper that barely slipped out, “And your coat colour is almost as beautiful as hers…” ‘What in Tartarus was that?!’ Her conscious mind suddenly screamed at her subconscious one. “What was that, darling, I missed it.” Rarity questioned. “Err… I said we should probably try to go back to bed. We have school in the morning.” She lied. “You raise a good point.” Rarity agreed, whilst Sunset let out a quiet ‘phew’. “Oh my, it’s already past three,” Rarity turned from the clock, and back to Sunset. “We should try right way.” She unhooked her arms from around the girl infront of her, and slipped them away until she felt hands grab hold of them. “Sunset?” Rarity cocked wearing a lite frown. “Please don’t leave.” The frown melted into an understanding smile. “Okay.” She wormed free of Sunset’s hands and slid backwards up the bed. “The bed is big enough for two with room to spare. Just don’t tell anyone at school about this; the rumors would be scandalous!” A real smile formed on Sunset’s face, eliciting a few chuckles of laughter, and she completely missed how red Rarity’s face had become. By the time she turned around, it was gone, and she crawled back up the bed as well. Rarity had erected a small wall of throw pillows down the center, but stayed close enough that Sunset could reach her should she need to. Reaching down to her feet, she grabbed the covers, and pulled them back up. Rarity took her corner, and they quickly settled in, facing away from each other. “Goodnight, Rarity.” “Goodnight, darling.”
4 - First MorningSunset's eyes cracked open, revealing the alabaster white ceiling above her. At first she panicked; this was not the sight she had grown used to seeing when she awoke - it was definitely not discoloured wood. As quickly as the panic had come, it left, as she remembered where she was. As her heart rate slowed, she settled back into the plush comforter, and unlike last night her body had no trouble being lulled back towards sleep. At that point she recalled that she had not gone to sleep alone, and a quick glance left alerted her to the fact she now was. Blinking, she slowly let her senses wake up, and she soon heard the distinct sound of running water through the wall. ‘Rarity must be in the shower,’ she thought, before her face turned scarlet at the implication. 'Rainbow must never find out about last night or I'll never hear the end of it.' Looking at the dreaded clock, it read ten past six in the morning; Rarity really was an early riser. Not Sunset though, she enjoyed the warmth of her situation, and lulled in her half awake state until she was roused by a knock at the door. She noted the water had also stopped running. “Sunset, darling, are you up?" Rarity asked through the door. "Yeah, I guess,” she replied, muttering the last bit. "The shower is free and I have laid out some towels. Use whatever products you need, and we can pick up what I don't have later." Sunset made to reply, but Rarity never gave her a chance. "And do hurry please, breakfast will go cold quickly." And with the creaking that followed, it was clear Rarity was already downstairs and out of earshot. The amber girl lay there, torn between getting up far earlier than normal, or stealing a few more minutes of sleep, but the decision was made for her as her stomach grumbled loudly. "Traitor," she whispered, before she forced herself to get up. Rarity's bathroom was a curious mix, containing both the key features of the rest of the house. Like the bedrooms, the room had seen a fair amount of attention and made to look really nice and tasteful - not really a surprise given how much time Rarity probably spent in here, highlighted by the huge range of beauty products lined up around the sink. But the room also shared the feature of 'functional at best'. The faucets were stiff, the toilet seat moved, and when Sunset finally got around to taking a shower, she found that it dripped from places it shouldn't, leading to occasional drops in pressure. But she couldn't complain about how warm it was. Now fully awake, she took to the task of deciphering what half of Rarity's available products did. Twenty bottles later and she still wasn’t entirely sure, but found one that smelt nice, and went with that. Shortly thereafter found her dry, dressed, and ready to face the day. She descended the stairs quickly, but even being as light footed as possible, she still creaked on every step. She found her host in front of the cooker. "Good timing." Rarity greeted her, as she spun around holding a frying pan full of something yellow. "Scrambled egg on toast, or porridge?" Sunset's stomach rumbled again. "Both?" She asked cheekily, looking abashed. Rarity stopped for a split second before carrying on as if nothing had happened. "Of course. I figured after everything you'll be needing your energy today." Sunset smiled as Rarity emptied half of the contents of the pan onto her plate. "Bowls are up there," the white girl pointed to the left most wall cupboard, "and the porridge is with breakfast cereals in the one below it." Nodding, Sunset gathered what she needed before joining Rarity at the table. "I think our first port of call should be principal Celestia. If we explain to her what has happened, she can probably provide spare textbooks, as well as get you excused from missing homework." Sunset cringed at the reminder of everything she had lost. "I just really hope my journal is in my locker." Rarity reached over and took a hold of one of Sunset's hands. "We're all still here for you, and the portal isn't going away. Whatever the outcome, you'll be fine." Rarity squeezed her hand, and gave her friend her warmest smile. But Sunset couldn't muster anything more than a quick, half hearted one in return.The rest of breakfast was eaten in silence, and once finished, they placed their used dishes in the sink, and cleaned up. Once the kitchen was clean, Rarity let out a contented sigh; it seemed Sunset was better at cleaning than she thought, and she could swear the room was actually now cleaner than it had started. "I hope you don't mind, but I was hoping we could set off early today. I wanted to run via my store first, and then get you to principal Celestia before school starts." "Yeah, okay." Sunset didn’t sound enthusiastic, but she didn’t sound annoyed either. "Thank you, darling. Do you need to grab anything?" Sunset answered her with a shrug, and a shake of her head. "Then let's be off." The girls moved through to the hallway, and Rarity unlocked the door, before standing back. She took a deep breath, rolled her shoulders, and gave the door an almighty yank. It moved about an inch. She repeated the process a few more times, and on the fifth, the door swung free. "I don't remember it being that bad." Sunset mused. "It's worse after a night of heavy rain. I keep meaning to get it seen to." The girls exited, and Sunset copied Rarity, but in reverse, pulling the door fully shut on the fourth try. Their morning work out over, they were soon driving through the outskirts of the Canterlot area. Sunset had been here for the better part of five years, but she was still unsure of the way around this side of town; and something told her she would need to learn it quickly. They continued driving, and it wasn't much longer before Sunset actually began to recognise some of the buildings they were passing, and she realised that they had reached the neighbourhood of Rarity's boutique. Her guess correct, Sunset spotted the shop in question as Rarity drove around a corner, pulling to a halt out front. “I’ll only be a few minutes, darling.” “Sure you don’t want some help in there?” “Oh no no, I’m just swapping out the window models; five minutes, tops. Tonight is one of the three nights a week I open, so I want my new stock to be visible.” Rarity smiled as she slide out of the car, the pride in her own work shining through. So Sunset sat in the passenger seat, staring out the car window. The boutique itself was a reflection of it’s owner: a whitewashed front, decorated with tasteful patterns in shades of purple, and altogether eye pleasing - or at least she thought so. The only reservation Sunset had was the location. The area was nice, Canterlot wasn’t known for any rough spots, but nor did it shout about being a centre of fashion, and this quiet suburb shopping row doubtfully attracted high numbers of shoppers. True to her word, Sunset saw Rarity switch the lights off after no more than four minutes, and she had soon locked up, and jumped back in the car. “That should save me time later.” Rarity said to herself before she started the engine. “Rarity?” Sunset ventured. “Yes, Sunset?” “You said you only open three nights a week. How come? I would’ve thought you opened more.” Her face matched her confused tone. “Oh, that’s simple. I’d love to be able to open up more often, but I can’t. Some nights are taken up with our school work, and the others are when I make my clothing; I can’t run the store, and be in the back working on designs.” “Oh. Makes sense, I guess.” Sunset agreed, bringing the matter to a close. Buildings flew by as she returned to staring out the window, and a companionable silence prevailed until they reached their destination. Rarity parked her car in the student lot, and they both disembarked. They were greeted with an eerie feeling; they were early enough that CHS was still a ghost town, the staff already inside, and the students yet to arrive. “BBrrr. Let’s get out of this cold.” Rarity shivered, the wind only adding to the atmosphere. Sunset agreed, but as she drew closer to the building a feeling of dread settled in her stomach, and she couldn’t place as to why. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, and pushed on into the building, closely behind her friend.
6 - Week's EndSunset found herself staring at the board, and she was vaguely aware that the teacher had been filling it with notes, but nothing registered. After the emotions of the last day, she was left feeling somewhat numb. Rarity had been kind enough to explain to their teacher about things, so she wasn’t likely to get in trouble for her lack of attention. Actually, Rarity had been really kind lately, and it warmed her through the otherwise cold feeling she had. The lessons past by in a blur, and she would need to borrow someone's notes later. Leaving the classroom at first break, her stomach suddenly fell, the realisation that she now had a chance to check her locker. She gulped loudly, and her skin paled. Almost instinctively, Rarity nudged her shoulder with her own. “Come on. I’m here whether you find it or not.” Courage resurgent, Sunset made her way to the corridor housing her and the girl’s lockers. She strode up to her locker, and took a hold of the combination lock. With a calming breath, she exhaled slowly and spun the tumblers round until all four clicked into place. With a final click, the lock popped open. Sunset stayed there with her had on the lock, unmoving, until a nudge from her friend prompted her to actually pull the door open. Nothing, except a few sheets of paper and a couple of pens. The book wasn’t there. Sunset felt her knees go weak and her vision go blurry, but Rarity caught her before she fell, and pulled her into a hug. As she began to cry her friend reached behind her and shut the locker; there was nothing in it worth locking right now. Once Sunset had control of her breathing again, they released each other, and Rarity gave her a packet of tissues. “Thanks.” Rarity smiled and led her outside. They quickly found the rest of their friends, and each one took a turn to give Sunset a hug, and a few words of encouragement. A light smile crossed her face; she might have lost connection to her old world, but this one had far from ended. And with the friends around her now she knew she would be fine, even if it did take a while. So as the girls sat and talked, she couldn’t help but glance at the one who had stepped up to help her the most, and ideas to return the favor were already in the works. Rarity had dropped Sunset off at her house after work, before having to apologize multiple times. It wasn’t until after the third one that Sunset pushed her out the door, telling her she would be fine. Still not happy with herself, Rarity had jumped back in her car and driven to her boutique. Today was one of her three open days, and she quickly set about restocking the shelves and setting up the displays before flipping her signs to ‘open’ at six. There was a steady amount of customers like usual. A few made purchases, but the most taxing work came from the ladies whom wanted custom works or alterations. Even though her turnout would be considered small by most, it kept her busy, moving from the front of the shop, through to the back or the fitting room. By the time Ten rolled around it was a struggle to not drag her feet - a lady must always keep her form. Flipping the signs to closed, she secured the windows and doors, and put away her work materials. Her pile of orders was as big as it was when she arrived, even though she was sure she had completed three outfits. Sighing to herself, she flicked off the lights and headed out, locking the rear door after herself. Famished, she wondered if her guest had eaten anything yet, so she pulled out her phone and rang her landline. “I’m not sure what I fancy tonight, I hope Sunset has some ideas,” Ring Ring, Beep Beep, “engaged? She’s probably just talking to one of the others. Oh well.” She put her phone away, and climbed into her car. The short drive home was punctuated with another fight with her front door. As she finally forced it open, she caught the tail end of a conversation; “...it now yeah, that bad. So I’ll see you Saturday. Thanks Brick, bye.” With a beep the conversation ended, and Sunset walked out into the hallway. “Welcome back.” She smiled. Not quite sure what she had just heard, Rarity forced a smile. “It’s good to be home, yes. Have you eaten?” Sunset nodded. “I have, sorry I couldn’t wait. But I’ve done enough for you; it’s in the oven on low.” Her fake smile was replaced with a genuine one. “Thank you, Darling.” She unloaded herself of her coat and bags, and shuffled through to the kitchen. She retrieved her food and joined Sunset, who had relocated to the couch. She slipped her lower half under the blanket immediately, the chilly draft already biting at her legs. The last hours of the day were spent watching silly television dramas, the pair laughing at the unlikely and awkward scenarios the character found themselves in. As the clock flashed eleven at night, Rarity yawned and stood up. “I’m afraid I need to get my beauty sleep now darling. Will you be alright tonight?” Sunset blinked, then realised what she meant. “Yes, thanks,” she smiled to her friend, “I’ll be ok, I just need to finish something before I head up. Goodnight Rarity.” “Goodnight.” Rarity gave her a little wave, before heading out of the room and up the stairs. The creaks prevented her from moving slowly, or she would have attracted attention, but she did manage to catch a glimpse of Sunset working on a piece of paper. It looked like a list of some kind. A list; and someone called Brick - Rarity’s curiosity was piqued, but she would have to investigate later. The weekend came mercifully fast, allowing the girls a respite from school for two days. The two friends bid farewell to the rest of their group in the car park, and not long after they arrived back at Rarity’s. One door fight later, and they had flopped on the couch. “I love seeing everyone and I enjoy most of our classes, but there is just something draining about being at school.” “Oh I know Darling, I’m glad the weekend is here too. Still, I plan to get my homework done tonight, and I’m running my boutique tomorrow. I think Pinkie wants to host something on Sunday so that should be fun.” “Oh,” Sunset blurted out, “Do you know when? I’m busy most of Sunday.” “You are?” Rarity asked, her curiosity back in force. She left it hanging for a few seconds, but continued when no answer seemed forthcoming. “I think it was late afternoon, maybe four or five o’clock.” After a few seconds internal calculations, Sunset replied, “I think I can make that work. So, a quick snack and then make a start on our homework?” It was an obvious change of subject, but when her stomach grumbled Rarity let it drop, and moved to help her friend in the kitchen. Author's Note Sorry for the delay folks. I lost my writing partner earlier this year, and with it the drive to write. But hopefully, that ends now!
7 - Wrong Ideas“And that was the first time she didn’t show.” Rarity groused, shifting gear as they drew closer to her house. “In the last three weeks, she has been late to everything our little group has set up, and not shown up on two more occasions.” She slowed down, indicated, and made a left turn, “And she keeps dodging questions about it.” Sweetie Belle hummed in thought. “What do you think she’s been doing?” Rarity passed her sister a few of the lighter bags, before picking up the heavier ones. “I’m not sure, but I’ve caught her on the phone to a ‘Brick’ person quite a few times. And she always turns up worn out.” “I’m sure it’s nothing bad.” Sweetie said with surprising confidence. “I hope not…” Rarity let the topic run off. “Thank you for suggesting I spend the long weekend with you and our parents. It’s been so long since we did anything as a family, and I really enjoyed this weekend. I’m still not sure why you were so insistent to come back to mine for the night. You do realise with Sunset staying, you’ll have to sleep on the futon downstairs, with the draft?” Had Rarity turned to look, she would have seen the smile that crossed her sister’s face. “I’m sure I’ll be ok.” They made the last turn of their journey, onto the road Rarity’s house was on, and Sweetie saw her sister flinch hard. “What is it?” “Oh no she DIDN’T!” Confused and worried, Sweetie looked to where her sister’s eyes were; looking straight at her house front, and straight at Sunset hugging an older man. By the time they had made the rest of the way down the road the man had made it to his car and left, leaving Sunset on the front, smiling at them. But Rarity wasn’t smiling back. Tires screeching, they pulled up, and before Sweetie could even undo her belt, Rarity was flying out the door and storming over to Sunset. “How dare you?! HOW DARE YOU?!” Sunset’s face fell, now sad and confused. “How dare I what? “Oh don’t play coy with me. It’s bad enough that you’ve been blowing us all off for the past few weeks, and don’t get me started on the fact he looks old enough to be your father. But to invite him round MY house while I was away for the weekend? I… I can’t even begin to describe how mad I am right now.” “But Rarity, it isn’t what…” “Ba ba bab!” Rarity interrupted her, “I don’t want to hear it.” She brushed past Sunset, and reached out for the door handle. “Just wait until the others find out.” She shoulder barged the door, and three things happened. The door flew open, and smacked into the wall. There was a large chorus of ‘Surprise’. Rarity met the floor. There was another chorus, this time of ‘ooohs’ and sharp intakes of breaths. “Wow,” Pinkie piped up, “They really fixed that door.” When Rarity came too, she found herself on her back, on something soft. Opening her eyes revealed that she was lying down on her couch, but something looked off about her ceiling. Fluttershy’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts, “Girls, she’s waking up.” Suddenly her vision was full of her friends faces, each one looking relieved. All apart from Sunset, who looked more than anxious. Rarity felt a throbbing feeling on her forehead, and using her hand she quickly found a painful lump next to her right temple. Wincing, she quickly withdrew her hand. “What happened?” Twilight settled onto the floor next to her seat. “You fell and hit your head. What do you remember?” Blinking, Rarity did her best to recall her memories. “I was driving home while talking with Sweetie Belle, and then…” Her eyes narrowed, and she turned to Sunset, “You!” “Land sakes girl, just stop.” interjected Applejack, causing heads to snap towards her. “Ah heard what you wer’ hollerin’ about outside, an’ I know you love drama and scandals, but this ain’t that. Give ‘er a chance to explain what actually happened.” Eyes still narrowed, Rarity crossed her arms. “Fine,” she grumbled, turning to Sunset, “who was he?” Sunset flashed her apple farmer friend a smile of gratitude before she pulled out her phone. Handing the device over to Rarity, it showed a photo of both Sunset and the man from outside. They were both dressed in work scruffs, and both filthy enough to make Rarity’s skin crawl at the mere sight. “His name is Brick Lay, and he is a building contractor.” Intrigued, Rarity said nothing so that Sunset could continue. “After the whole ‘demon’ thing, part of my punishment was that I had to rebuild the damage I‘d done to the school. Of course, I knew next to nothing about construction or plumbing or any of that kinda thing.” She scrolled through a few more photo’s, showing her working on the front of Canterlot High. “Brick was hired to do it, and I was to assist him. As it turns out, I’m actually pretty handy at the work, and we both had fun. Enough so that he offered for me to work with him if I needed cash.” Realisation began to dawn on the purple haired girl. “So that is what you have been doing most weekends?” Sunset nodded, but Rarity’s face dropped again to a sour expression. “That doesn’t explain what he was doing here.” “Oh for the love of…” Rainbow Dash grabbed Rarity, and pulled her to her feet. “I’m with Applejack on this. I guess you’ll have to see to stop.” Confused, the group followed as Rainbow dragged Rarity back to the hallway. “Watch.” Dash grabbed the door, turned the latch, and pulled with the barest of effort. She swung the door open, then closed. For her part, Rarity’s fish impression was spot on, and she stood there mouth opening and closing in disbelief. After a few moments she tried the door herself, astounded. “How?” “Brick,” Sunset answered. “That’s why he was round. I’ve been working with him; rather than be paid, he came round to help me with a few things here.” Confusion was still written across Rarity’s face. “But you’ve been working with him for a month, weekends and some evenings. How much should you have earned, just to get my door fixed?” A snort pulled her attention to Pinkie. “It isn’t just the door silly.” It wasn’t until this point that Rarity actually calmed down and took stock of her surroundings. The door didn’t jam anymore. The walls looked cleaner; taking a sniff she detected the faintest whiff of something. “Fresh paint?” This time Twilight nodded. “Walls and ceilings,” she smiled, “but you should really try upstairs.” Looking upstairs with concern, still slightly off put by the idea of a man she didn’t know being in her house, she turning and began the climb. Only to stop half way. Up a step. Nothing. Down two. Still nothing. Jumping in place. Nothing. The creak was gone. Looking down at the girls again, they all motioned for her to go up. So she did. The landing on the top floor had also been freshly painted, and the carpet looked as fluffy as the day it was made. Going in the first door on her left she entered the bathroom, and she was almost blinded. The place was spotless, and shining in the light from the window. Overwhelmed, Rarity sunk to the floor. “Sunset, what else did you do?” The girl in question joined Rarity on the floor, sitting facing her. “Well, there was the front door. The back door seals now, the paint and plaster work on both floors, the stairs, this room and the plumbing behind it.” Sunset had been lost in thought while she had been running off the work they had been doing, and had failed to see that Rarity had begun to cry. When she finally noticed, she flinched. “What’s wrong?” Concern laced her voice. Her only reply was for the white girl to lunge forward and wrap her in a tight hug. Only caught off guard for a split second, she quickly returned the hug, a warm feeling coursing through her. After a moment, she also realised that her friends were suspiciously absent now. “Sunset, why? This must have cost a small fortune.” She squeezed her friend tighter. “You gave me a home when I had nothing. I still feel I owe you more.” Rarity sniffed, and pulled out of the hug. Sunset felt something… sad?...that it had ended. “You owed me nothing, and you still don’t. But this”... she waved around the room, “I can’t even begin to form words that express what this means to me.” Words, no, but I have an idea what I can do for her.
8 - Little Details. . The assembled group of friends made the most of the party supplies Pinkie had brought, and they spent the remainder of the day having fun. Sweetie Belle had invited the other crusaders over, and together they made the most of the free evening. As the day drew to a close, each of the friends left in patches, with Pinkie the last to leave, dragging a weird hoover like machine. Rather than ask how it had made the house spotless, Rarity and Sunset kept their lips sealed as they waved goodbye to her. Stepping back into the house, Rarity made herself jump as the now fixed door closed quicker than she was expecting. Once she had recovered she smiled to herself, the reason now walking into the living room. Rarity stood there for a moment watching her friend meander through the room. Sunset, unaware of her friends gaze, slowly made her way across to the couch, dropping down with a muffled thump. “I’m done,” she announced to the room, “two days of D.I.Y and a Pinkie party.” Laughing, Rarity quickly joined her on the couch, reaching out for both the TV remote and the trusted blanket. She pointed the control at the screen but hesitated, her lips fidgeting nervously. “Sunset, I need to apologise for my outburst earlier. I live my life trying to be generous, and yet I struggle horribly with jealousy. I jumped to the worst conclusions I could today, even though I know you better than to assume such things. So I’m sorry, deeply, and I hope you can forgive me.” “Rarity, for what it’s worth, I can see the twisted logic behind your reaction. But it’s alright. I forgive you.” The amber girl smiled at her friend, before her look turned puzzled. “Wait… Did you say jealousy? Were you jealous about the amount of time I was spending with someone else?” Suddenly the television sparked to life, loudly interrupting her. “Ooh, Darling, isn’t this that program you wanted to catch?” Noticing the red hue to the normally white cheeks, Sunset let it drop for now, instead lifting up the blanket and sliding under, next to her friend. From the corner of her eye she could see that the blush had only grown now, causing her to smirk. “It was, yeah.” Sunset blinked herself awake. The world still somewhat blurry, she was able to note that she was still on the couch, and that Rarity no longer was. A wave of disappointment swept through her before more of her environment kicked in. The TV was off, and there was the sound of periodic scribbling, and muttering in low volume, coming from the kitchen. As her eyes began to focus, the clock on the wall kindly informed her that it was almost eleven at night, and she remembered they both had school tomorrow. Rising with a stretch, Sunset made her way towards the room divider, quietly so as not to disturb her friend. Poking her head around the partition,she got a good look at something she had seen before, outside of fashion week. Rarity had a look of deepest concentration, lost to the world around her, while the table before her was littered. There was a ledger, open pages full of red and black words and numbers, sat next to a calculator, and the whole setup surrounded by a halo of paper scraps and receipts. Rarity mumbled something, reading the piece of paper in her hand, before punching buttons on the calculator, and writing something in the book, in red. Rather than barge in, Sunset knocked on the divide, which caused Rarity to jump slightly. “Oh, Sunset Darling, I didn’t hear you get up.” She smiled, “You’d fallen asleep by the end of your show, and I didn’t have the heart to wake you. That being said, we should both be off to bed about now.” “Yeah…” Sunset agreed, a yawn punctuating her sentence. “What’s all this though?” She pointed at the table. Rarity blanched visibly, closing the ledger infront of her. “All this? Why, pretending I’m an adult before I am, I guess you could say. How many other high-schoolers do you know that run a business and own their own place, hmm?” She gave a smug smile. “Money management, Darling. Don’t worry about it, lest it ruin your sleep.” Rarity giggled. Sunset couldn’t help but feel something was off about her response, but her brain wasn’t up to the challenge right now. Instead, she bid her friend goodnight. For the first time in what felt life forever, Sunset enjoyed her morning routine. A hot, steady shower and gleaming surroundings. Having caught Rarity already awake and downstairs , she was able to take her time, and really enjoy the fruits of her labor. When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, the smells of breakfast hit her full force. Dressing quickly, she all but skipped down the stairs in anticipation of the breakfast she guessed would be waiting for her. “Rarity, you didn’t have you.” Sunset claimed, even as her eyes drank in the spread that had been prepared for her. “I did, Darling. Consider this another part of my apology for my behavior yesterday. I really messed up, and with everything you've done I don't think I could…” Sunset cut her off. “And I think after everything, you giving me a home, that I just scratched being even. So drop it, alright?” She gave her a kind smile, “and in your own way, you were only worried for me, so water under the bridge.” She pulled out a chair and sat down. “Now let's eat this before it gets cold. Thank you, though.” Part way through the comfortable silence around breakfast, Sunset realised that Rarity had gone to bed after her, and was up early enough to have been making food as Sunset herself woke. That meant that she had gotten six hours sleep, at best. Taking carefully hidden looks, she studied Rarity's face. At a glance she look the pristine image of beauty she always did, but looking a bit harder and Sunset could see the signs. Her makeup wasn't one hundred percent even, her mascara wiggled ever wondered slightly. Little things that most people would brush off; but she knew Rarity better. Anything less than perfection wasn't enough, and yet, here she was. But she also knew Rarity would tell her what was wrong, in her own time, so she left it alone. “I'm running the store tonight, with the loss of the weekend I really need to, so I won't be able to give you a lift home later. I put your helmet in the trunk incase you choose to get a ride back on Dashie’s bike.” Sunset smiled. Rarity really was too good to her. “Thank you.” But the smile fell slightly as Rarity left the room. I shouldn't, but that gives me a chance to find out what's up. Author's Note No, it's not dead XD Insert generic apology here I am sorry though, really. Hopefully I'm back in the swing of things. Next chapter soonTM.
9 - Cost of LivingThe school day passed with relative ease, and Sunset soon found herself waiting out by now less busy main road. She swapped the helmet in her hand from one to the other, using her now free hand to retrieve her cell phone. Rainbow was almost half an hour late. ‘Vrrrrrmmm’. Speak of the rainbow haired devil. “Sorry about that Sunset…” Rainbow pulled her visor after coming to a halt next to her. “I kinda got held back fifteen minutes last period.” she admitted somewhat abash. Cocking an eyebrow at her friend, Sunset guessed why. “Didn’t do your homework again?” The helmeted head turned away from her slightly to block her gaze, but nodded quickly after. With a playful chuckle and a roll of her eyes, Sunset closed the distance and settled onto the rear seat of the bike. “It’s alright. You’ll still get me home faster than if I’d walked.” Dash shifted to make their seating more comfortable. “Why didn’t you get a lift of Rarity again?” “She’s running the store tonight, remember?” she said as she slipped her helmet on. Dash’s head tilted up slightly in realisation. “Oh yeah. All that money stuff. Okay. You ready?” “Yeah.” Sunset replied, looping her arms around Dash, before a thought struck her. “What do you mean ’all that stuff’?” ‘VVVRRRROOOOOOMMMMM’ “Rainbow I’m not moving.” Sunset proclaimed, currently blocking the front of the bike from moving. “You ignored my question on the entire trip over here. What did you mean?” Dash shook her head. “Can we pretend I didn’t say anything?” “Can we pretend I agreed to help you with your math this weekend?” With a defeated sigh, Rainbow’s head drooped. “Fine. It was in English class earlier. Rarity was talking to AJ and said something about notices from the bank or something. Stuff outstanding? She wasn’t talking to me.” Sunset felt a pit forming in her stomach. “Oh, okay.” She feigned a smile. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Thanks for the ride Rainbow.” With a curt wave, Dash pulled her visor closed and was quickly gone down the street. With her friend gone, Sunset let the worry show on her face, and she was already arguing with herself. Something was going on that Rarity hadn’t told her? Entering the house, she decided she needed something cold to drink, and moved through to the kitchen. Pulling a glass out of the cupboard, she placed it on the counter and reached for the fridge, but stopped. Rather than the normal clinking sound, the glass made a dull thump. Looking down she found she’d placed it on a grey ledger. The ledger Rarity had closed when she’d seen it, surrounded by receipts. Sentence fragments and images started to swirl around in Sunset’s mind. ‘Money management’, ‘bank notices’, ‘stuff outstanding’, they all came together with the mental image on the open ledger, more red ink than black. “How many other high-schoolers do you know that run a business and own their own place, hmm?” Sunset glanced around, another thought striking her; ’Yeah, she owned her own place - but it was falling apart, wasn’t it?’ Finding herself unsteady, she dropped into one of the chairs by the table, talking to herself. “Rarity must have been scraping by for months, and then she took me in. I’m… I’m not doing her out of house and home, am I?” Her eyes flicked to the ledger. That could tell her easy enough. But she couldn’t, could she? Break Rarity’s trust like? “I'm running the store tonight, with the loss of the weekend I need to…” She paled, Rarity’s words from this morning coming back to her, followed by the image of a ‘less than perfect’ looking girl at breakfast. Was Sunset a burden? A screech of the chair legs followed as she all but lunged for the offending item, throwing it open to a random page. Checking the date told her that this page was from almost a year ago. Scanning through the page, it covered everything Rarity earnt money for, or spent money on. Bills for the house, rent and materials for the shop and her income in return. Everything was neatly written and color coded. Sunset blanched when she saw how much everything cost Rarity each month. She reached the bottom of them page, and when everything totalled up she was pleasantly surprised to see her friend had made a little money that month. Flipping the page revealed that she had the following month, but not quite as much. Again, the next month was positive but less, so she decided to keep on flipping. Positive. Positive. Barely positive. Broke even. Broke even. Small loss. Small loss. By this point Sunset was about to reach the page for the first month she had been living there. She slowly flipped the page and… She slammed the book closed. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she had to think rationally. Okay, yes, that month Rarity made a… comparatively bigger loss than before, but that wasn’t down to her, was it? No, she needed to look at the numbers. They would absolve her. Reopening to the page she had abruptly left on, she began comparing numbers between that month and the one before. Finding the section on house bills, the numbers didn’t lie. Since she had moved in, the numbers had almost double, and that was not to mention the amount she must have added to the food intake. She closed the ledger again, slumping in her chair. It really was her fault.
5 - Adult ConcernsThe halls were quiet, a far cry from their normally loud and bustling hub of activity. The most important thing though was the warmth that instantly greeted them, Rarity almost cooing as the pleasant sensation flooded her being. “Now that’s more like it. Come on Darling,” she tugged on Sunset’s elbow, “We’ve not got much time before other students start showing up, and Principal Celestia might not have much free time.” Following reluctantly, Sunset did as she was bid. By the time they had reached the corridor of staff offices, the only other soul they had met had been the janitor. The feeling in Sunset’s gut had not abated; if anything, it had gotten worse. Before she knew it, Rarity had already knocked on the door. “Come in.” And there it was, the voice that brought back so many memories, both good and bad, and she felt overcome with a range of emotions. Until she felt a hand on hers. Looking over at her friend, she was met by a concerned smile. “I can see on your face that you’re worried, but you have no reason to be. She’s a very kind and understanding women, you should know that by now.” Rarity explained, completely misreading Sunset’s actual issue. With a squeeze of Sunsets hand, Rarity turned the handle and pushed open the door. This revealed to them an unexpectedly messy office. The desk was piled high with papers, intermingled with foam coffee cups, the contents at varying levels of finished. But the woman behind the desk was the complete opposite. Where the room was chaos, she was order. Smart yet casual clothes, proper posture, and well groomed. Sunset found it hard to believe that she could have been here five minutes, let alone the hour she knew she had been. "I'm sorry for the mess. The review board is due next week, so I'm triple checking all of the school’s current records." The girls nodded in understanding. "Now what can I help you two with?" A warm motherly smile settled on her face, looking between the two. "Principal Celestia, I brought Sunset to see you because she suffered an unfortunate accid..." "My home burnt down last night." The amber girl blurted out, interrupting her friend. "Sorry." Sunset looked down sheepishly. “Oh my dear, please sit, both you you.” Principal Celestia pointed at the chairs opposite hers, and the two girls willingly obliged. “Please, tell me what happened.” Letting out a breath, Sunset composed herself. “You recall that huge thunderstorm yesterday?” Celestia nodded. “Well, lightning struck the building I had been staying in.” The teacher’s eyes flew open, and Sunset quickly raised her hands, “No I wasn’t in it at the time; I was at Sugarcube Corner all afternoon, and I found out when I went home.” “I’m so sorry to hear that Sunset. I can’t begin to imagine what you must have lost.” “That’s actually why we’re here,” Rarity interjected, “We were hoping you could lend Sunset a temporary set of textbooks.” She looked over at Sunset, who didn’t even have a bag with her, “Amongst other school things.” The smile returned to the older woman’s face. “Of course.” Rifling through her pocket, she produced a set of keys, and handed them to Rarity. “Here,” she held out a specific key, “Go to the staff room, and fetch Sunset and yourself a drink from the vending machine in there, please.” Taking the keys, Rarity smiled her thanks. “Would you like anything while I’m there?” “No, thank you.” Celestia replied, smiling to Rarity as she slipped out of the office. Turning back to the amber girl still with her, she noticed the look of unease that rippled off of her. “Sunset, please, you have no need to worry; you did nothing wrong, and I’m glad you came to me. Still, I am somewhat surprised that an apartment building burning down wasn’t covered in the morning paper.” Searching around her desk, she released an ‘ah ha’ and pulled something from one of the piles. Unfolding it revealed its nature to Sunset - The Canterlot Daily morning edition. Sunset gulped loudly. “The only mention of a fire in here is abandoned texture… mill on the ...edge of town...” The paper was folded, and dropped onto the desk. It landed with a little ‘thwap’, but to the teenager sinking into the chair, it sounded like a judge’s gavel. Celestia pinched the bridge of her nose, and spoken in an exhausted tone, “The mill. That was your home, wasn’t it?” The room remained silent, no answer telling her everything she needed to know. “I’m not mad Sunset, just … disappointed.” Across from her, Sunset was holding back tears. Her principal had no idea of knowing how badly those last few words haunted her, especially in that voice. “Ignoring the fact that as an educator I am legally required to look after the wellbeing of my chargers… I actually care about my students, all of them, and I want to see everyone happy and successful.” She got up from here seat, looped around the desk, and took the seat Rarity had vacated. “I can guess, but I want to hear it, just incase. Why did you never tell anyone?” Sunset stayed silent at first, her head down, and her eyes locked upon the floor. Celestia was about to let it go when she finally started. “Back then, when I was the old me that is, it never really mattered. It was just a place to keep my things, and wait for my next chance to corrupt the students here.” She sniffed loudly. “It wasn’t anyone’s business, and I liked it that way.” The principal took a moment to think about the response; it had actually surprised her. “At first I thought it was because you might have been embarrassed. But, I guess I can actually see the twisted logic behind the old you’s thinking.” Sunset looked up to her suddenly. “Yes, I definitely don’t think you are the same person anymore, you don’t have to worry about that.” A smile tried to break out on the younger woman’s face, the corners of her mouth revealing how relieving that comment was to hear. “But what about since; did you tell your friends? I can’t see them letting it continue if they had known.” Sunset looked at the floor again. “You’re right, they couldn’t. That’s why I never told them. I didn’t want to be a burden. And yes, I was too ashamed to tell them.” “So they know now?” “Yeah. I rang them when I found out. I didn’t really have a choice at that point.” She smiled wistfully. “And of course, they immediately rallied around me, and started working out where I was going to stay.” Celestia tilted her head quizzically, her ears darting to the office door. “Yeah, I’m staying with Rarity; she was the only one with a spare room already at hand.” An earnest grin split Celestia’s face. “That girl always has been extremely generous.” But her face soured slightly, “But I also know that she lives a delicate balancing act of a life, juggling school, work and finances. I don’t want her to suffer for her kindness.” Sunset was caught off guard, not entirely sure what Celestia was implying, but she didn’t like how it sounded. “I don’t intend to mooch off of her,” she replied, slightly indignant. “I often get Saturday work, so I intend to pay my own way.” “I sorry, that was not how I intended that to sound,” the older woman raised her hands defensively, “but it is good to hear that you are going to help out.” The door handle clicked, sounding as if someone on the other side was struggling to open it. “More on this later.” Celestia stood, and walked to the door, turning the handle revealing not one, but two people. Rarity had return with the hot drinks, but she was also carrying a stack of books. Behind her was Vice Principal Luna, also with a stack of books. “Sister,” Luna nodded, “I found miss Rarity in the staff room. When she explained the situation, I took it upon myself to collect what I could. I hope you don’t mind.” “Not at all. If anything, this makes it quicker.” “Good.” Luna turned to appraise Sunset. “And to you miss Shimmer, you have my sympathies.” “Thank you.” Two ‘thuds’ reverberated around the room as Rarity and Luna deposited the books in the corner of the room. “Obviously, you can not carry these around all day, so they can wait till you go finish later. As for now, I found this backpack in the lost and found. It should serve you for today, and the books you need.” “Thank you, really.” Sunset sat, looking up at Luna, gratitude plain as day. “This was way more, and way faster than I could have hoped for.” Celestia placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder, a silent thanks crossing between them. All four jumped, as the first bell of the day rang out through the school. Recovering quickly, Rarity picked up the drinks. “I guess these are ‘to go’, then.”
