The Road I Travel.

by Thebaconpiggybank

Rating: everyone
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Other, Sunset Shimmer, Slice of Life
Length: 6920

Because of Anon-A-Miss Sunset's life has been ruined. Now she just wants to start anew, so after she pawns off everything she owns, she takes to the streets to travel and find a family of her own.

Because of Anon-A-Miss Sunset's life has been ruined. Now she just wants to start anew. After she pawns off everything she owns, she takes to the streets to travel and find a family that actually cares about her.

This story is meant to be something to get me back into writing. I will use this to practice and relax. That means that there won't be a steady update schedule. Still, ill try. Sorta. No promises though.

Oh, and I won't be getting a proofreader for this one. I want to see how well I can do without personal help.

Published 2018-03-19 16:10:06 UTC
Last updated 2020-03-03 02:15:57 UTC

I don't have a name for it.

It's me. Sunset Shimmer. I hope you aren't mad at me. I know you haven't replied and there's probably a reason for that but hey, don't worry. I'll wait a bit longer. Well, try to at least. I might move somewhere within the week. Don't worry though! I'm keeping the book. I plan on pawning everything else off though. There isn't a need for it and I need moving money.

Since I don't have a phone anymore I plan on starting over and since the girls won't talk to me, I think I'll just be writing to you. Funny huh? Anyways, I hope everything is alright on your end. Write to me when you can!

~Sunny

The book closed as Sunset finished reading the last of the words, only to put it in her bag. She had written that how long ago? A week? Two? She shook her head and dismissed the thought. She didn't know but it didn't matter. What mattered was trying to get warm. Her fingers were beginning to feel numb and to say the least, she was tired of walking. She could probably take a nap in a nearby store and warm up. It wouldn't be the first time and part of her felt that it wouldn't be the last.

A heavy sigh came from her lips and with it came a gust of her frosty breath. She smiled a bit at the sight and just for kicks, exhaled again to watch it once more. That had been her main entertainment for her hiking trip. Just watching the misty smoke like whatever it was being exhaled from her mouth was enough for her it seemed.

'Heh... My standards on fun really must have dropped.' She thought with a sad smile as she walked.

She was nearing the highway now. After doing a quick check on supplies and making sure she had enough water, she veered off and began to head to a nearby gas station. After several minutes of walking, she neared the building and pulled out a ten dollar bill as she looked around. If you played your cards right, ten bucks could keep you going for awhile, and that's the amount of money she had limited herself to for each day. Ten bucks. She had nine hundred and twenty-seven dollars left thankfully, but she didn't want to chance anything.

When she opened the door and stepped inside, the person behind the counter greeted her with a wave and smile. She, of course, returned it, albeit somewhat forcefully. Small exchanges weren't things that she welcomed anymore but that didn't stop her from trying to be nice. Yes, there was a chance of somebody getting close so they could hurt her and yes she was worried about it but she didn't let it control her. She was better than that.

She grabbed a basket and began to look around as she held the money in her grasp. She needed some energy drinks, hand warmers, and trail mix. Preferably multiple of those things... Without bothering to look at the brand names of each item, she simply picked them up and put them in the small basket she grabbed. She went up to the counter and set everything down, laying it out for the person behind it which they seemed a bit thankful for.

"Alright miss. That'll be eight dollars and twenty-three cents." They said with a smile. She could tell it was forced.

"Alright. Here ya go... And can I get something else?" She asked. She got a nod in reply and they stepped aside.

She looked past them and then saw something... Cigarettes. Sunset knew they were bad but she also knew that they could relieve stress. Maybe she could just... No. No, she couldn't even let herself try it. She would be worse off later on. It was better to endure the pain she felt now so she could become stronger later.

She shook her head and looked to the side after a moment and saw some donuts. Deciding to just go with it, she went over and picked out the largest looking strawberry one and the largest looking cream filled ones she saw without much thought. She walked up to the counter and set them down. After the person rung them up, she looked at the price and visibly frowned.

"Alright. That'll be eleven dollars and twenty-one cents." They said.

It tools a few moments to reply and when she did she couldn't keep the hint of shame out of her voice.

"Is it alright if I take one of them off?"

"If you would like. How much do you have?" They asked in a gentle tone.

She set the bill on the counter

"Alright. I can cover thi-"

"I'll pay for it. Don't worry." Interrupted a gruff voice.

She tensed up and shut her eyes. Of course, somebody had to offer her pity. The sound of footsteps approached the counter and she kept her eyes shut.

"Here..."

Sunset heard the cash register open and then a small beep. Then she felt her hand be gently lifted and opened up by a calloused hand. She opened her eyes when she felt the weight of paper and coins within her hand and what she saw made her smile a bit.

"Keep the change miss. If you need anything else then let me know. I'll be getting some gas so you have until then. I trust you'll make the right decision."

She took the money and put it in her wallet. After that, she sighed and put the items in her bag. There wasn't a line so there wasn't a rush. Once that was done she put the basket down and looked outside to the loud truck that was getting gas. She had some money left for her day because of him... Maybe she could give some of it back. She couldn't give it back to him without a reason though since he looked like he would make her keep it. Then she got an idea.

The gas station door opened with the ring of a bell and she could hear the employee bid her farewell. To be kind, she waved to them as she left. Then she approached the truck and heard the door shut loudly as the man got adjusted in his seat. She knocked on the window across from his. He turned to her and smiled then leaned over and rolled the window down.

"Um... Hey, could I get a ride? I can pay for gas money." The man seemed to smile at this and she found it contagious.

"Hop on in, kid. Oh, and roll the window up, will you?" He asked as he pulled the lock up.

She smiled and opened the door, only to get inside. She tried to shut the door but ended up not getting it all the way. She opened it again and then slammed it shut with a bit more force than intended. It seemed to do the trick though. Once she looked down at the crank for the window, she leaned down and began to roll it up and boy, was that annoying. After some struggle, she finally got it and turned to the man.

"So, where are ya headed?" She asked with a smile. The man looked down and moved the stick of the truck then turned to her.

"Away from here by the looks of it. Tell me, where do you wanna go?"

Author's Note

I hope this is good. I wrote this at one am. Personally though, I'm proud of this.

If there are any errors then let me know. And if you have any ideas then let me know those as well. Whether they are simple store name ideas or a massive plot. I'll listen.

And as one final note, if you dislike this story, please give me a reason as to why so I can improve.

Truck Rides, Small Talk, and a Subway

Sunset stared out the window and looked out at the passing fields of green. They had been driving for a while and although the truck's engine was loud, there was some sort of calming rhythm to it that lulled her into a state of relaxation and soon enough, she found herself drifting off... Maybe she could lean back and relax. Sleep didn't sound bad at all really. She was about to lean back until she stopped herself.

She didn't know this person and there was no telling what they would do. She sighed and reached down to her bag which rested in between her legs. After she unzipped it, she pulled out one of the energy drinks and looked at its name. "Pegasus". She smiled a bit as she thought back to her time in Equestria. She always admired the pegasi for their wings. They were beautiful... The smile slowly shifted to one of sadness though as she realized that she couldn't go back.

Deciding to move meant that she wouldn't be able to go back... There wasn't anything there for her though so she pushed herself away from the sadness. Besides, Twilight most likely heard of what happened and believed the girls so Equestria was out of the question anyway.

"Hey, you doing alright? You've been staring at that drink for a long time."

The sudden voice made her jump and she turned to the bald driver.

"Oh, me? Yeah. I'm alright. Just thinking."

"Alright. Well if you need to talk to somebody then let me know." He said. His hand fell back to the stick as he drove and he seemed to relax a bit.

Sunset nodded in reply and then looked back to the drink. As she opened it, the crack was heard and a hiss escaped the can. She brought it to her lips and slurped a bit up. She had agreed to just go where he was going and that she would tell him when she wanted to get out. Strangely enough, the man agreed.

As she set the drink down in the pullout cup holder from the dashboard, she took a second to look at him. He wore a white t-shirt, worn jeans, and had some black sunglasses. He even had a greyish beard. Not a big one that fluffed out though. It was just a short one to look nice. Then there was the fact that he was a bit muscular, bald and had a bunch of tattoos on his arms. There was a spider web on his elbow and a bunch of other cool things that went to his knuckles too. He even had some barbed wire around his wrist. They looked great as well and it didn't look like they were trying to take up as much space as possible. It was like he was saving those spaces. Maybe she could ask where he got them and what they meant.

She pulled her head away after she realized that she had been staring and looked down at her bag. If he noticed then he didn't say anything which she was thankful for. Still, she wanted to play it cool.

"So..." She started, seemingly grasping for a subject "Any reason why you were all the way out there?"

He looked a bit surprised for a moment but smiled softly.

"I do stucco. This is my last job for the season so I'm headed back home." He answered.

"And where's that at?"

"Up in a snowy little place called Log Hill. Got my own little house up there. Its pretty nice as well. I'd show you some pictures but I'm drivin' and I don't want to crash into a tree."

Sunset smiled a bit from this. "You can tell me about it if you'd like. I'm all ears, mister... Uh... I never got your name."

"Buck. You?"

"Sunset Shimmer. And uh, Buck's a bit of a weird name don't you think?"

"Yep. It's a nickname but I've stuck with it. And you can refrain from the mister part. I don't really care for the formal stuff."

When Sunset heard this, she could but help bit smile. "Alright Buck, Im all ears..."

"So what your saying is that the landlord gave you the papers to your last place but that his brother got a hold of them when he died so he kicked you out?!" Sunset asked in disbelief.

The man just chuckled. "Yep. He wasn't the nicest fellow but I'm glad I managed to move. Besides, I like this place a lot better."

"I would hope so. And you don't have to worry about moving, right?" She asked as she looked at him.

"Dont have to worry about it at all."

"Good. Not having a place to live isn't fun. Trust me."

"Oh I know, don't worry. I don't plan on going homeless anytime soon. Besides, I can always find work most of the time."

With that settled, she smiled and leaned back into her seat with a sigh. She looked over at him again.

"What work do you even do in the winter?" She asked curiously. "Since you do construction and stucco in the summer, do you just take odd jobs during the winter ooor?"

Buck thought for a moment and shrugged. "It depends. Last season I just did odd jobs but over the summer managed to land a job at a local bar."

"Huh... Neat."

"Oh, and if your gonna tag along the whole way then I can let you crash at my place. Possibly drive up a bit further." He added.

Sunset seemed to smile a little more brightly from that. "Only if you'll allow it."

"In that case then, I will. I don't like it when people struggle. Now go ahead and get some sleep. You've been up as long as me and that's a feat in itself." He joked. It only got chuckle to keep her smile.

"Only if you'll sleep as well. Im not sure if I can trust some bald man who's on the verge of passing out while he drives."

"Fair point. I'll pull off when I can so I can get a hotel room..." He said with a straight face.

It took a second for Sunset to register what he said and when she did she smiled and expressed herself with a small laugh. "Hey! That's a bit selfish!"

The man just lets out a laugh that he had clearly been holding in and his joy made her happiness increase by what felt to be tenfold. He wasn't so intimidating anymore. Especially when he laughed so joyfully like that.

"I was wondering when you'd realize what id said!" Buck laughed. "The slow realization that was on your face! Phew! Hehe."

A happy sigh escaped the man and he laughed lightly before letting out a breath. Sunset ended up doing the same but he cut her off before she could speak by saying something she wanted to hear.

"Alright you, I'm pulling off right here. Wanna stop by a Subway or something?" He asked as he turned.

She cocked a brow. "Um... Sorry to say this but what's a Subway?"

She felt the truck stall for a second as the man's shock came to them. He looked at her as they slowed down at a stoplight.

"You... You're kidding, right?" He asked in disbelief.

She nervously shook her head

"You don't know what a Subway is?"

She nodded and a look of determination came to Bucks' face.

"Fine. We're going to a Subway." He said.

Her head raised and she was about to disagree, only to be interrupted and silenced with a "No no no, not a word until we get you to a Subway." From Buck.

After five minutes of driving and attempting to dismiss the entire Subway deal, Sunset finally lets herself admit defeat and looked out the window, slightly annoyed. Several more minutes later, Buck stopped at another stoplight and made a turn into a large parking lot. After he parked, he turned to her.

"So, what all do you like on your sandwich?" He asked as he pulled the key out. The loud vehicle went silent and it almost confused Sunset for a moment since she had grown so accustomed to it in the short amount of time.

"It depends. I don't really eat meat so I guess vegan stuff." She answered.

The man looked like he had been shot in the chest when she said that she didn't eat meat and she had to stop herself from laughing.

"Dont eat meat? My, y-you poor girl! I... I don't even know what to say in response! Still, if you're gonna avoid meat, I can't stop you as sad as that may be. Now lets head in. You can make it with whatever when you get in." With that said he opened the door.

Sunset followed his lead and stepped out. When she tried to shut the door she didn't slam it hard enough which caused her to groan as she looked at the sort of closed door. Buck just laughed a bit.

"You wanna just head on in while I shut it?"

"No, no I've got this. Just give me a sec." She reasoned as she went and opened it again.

After a second, she readied herself then slammed it shut and thankfully, it worked. With the annoying truck door settled with, she turned around and walked towards the restaurant with the man now following beside her. After only hearing their footsteps for a minute as they walked, Sunset opened the door and stepped in with Buck behind her. She went behind the line and looked ahead. While Buck just went in line, prompting her to awkwardly look around then follow him.

When Buck got to the front, Sunset began to watch so she could follow his lead.

"Hello sir, what is it you'd like?"

"Flatbread, everything on it, mayo and Mustard as well."

"Toasted or no?"

"Keep it as it is."

"Alright. And what about you miss?"

"Uh, flatbread as well i guess."

"Toasted?"

She nodded and they went and retrieved two things if flatbread then put one in the toaster. After five seconds or so, it was toasted much to her surprise and the woman put it on some paper then slid it down with Bucks. A guy was putting everything on it like Buck had asked and after putting on the condiments, they folded it, wrapped it, then slid it down.

Buck moved down with it and Sunset took his place.

"And what you like?"

"Um... Everything for a vegan?" She asked with an awkward shrug.

They simply nodded and proceeded to do just that.

"Any sauces?"

"No thanks."

Again, they nodded then folded it and slid it down like they did to Buck who was already paying. She decided not to say anything and just stood by him.

"Want a cookie?"

He asked casually. Sunset was a bit surprised then realized he was referring to the cookies in front of them. After a second, she found herself staring at the macadamia ones...

"No thanks." She told him as she looked back.

"Alright then." He turned to the person at the register. "Two macadamias and two peanut butter cookies."

"W-Wait, what? But I-"

"Dont want to be a bother so you aren't allowing yourself to indulge in a simple cookie?" He interrupted with a knowing smile.

"Maybe! It's not like i can't pay though." She retorted with a smile.

"Fine. I'll let you pay next time." He replied

"Promise?"

Buck grabbed the bag and she watched his left hand grab the bag. She probably should have been paying attention to his right though.

"Promise." He told her with his right-hand fingers crossed.

With that spoken, he began to walk out with the bag while Sunset followed him.

"We'll eat when we get to the hotel." He said as they approached the truck.

Sunset simply nodded and opened the door as he walked around. When he got in, she was shutting the door for the third time and failing. He wordlessly set down the bag, reached across, and slammed Sunsets door shut then went back into his seat. After that, he started the truck, reached into the Subway bag, and pulled out the cookies. He then tossed the mini macadamia cookie pouch into Sunsets lap, then grabbed a cookie from his own and put it in his mouth as he pulled out of the parking space.

"I thought you said we weren't eating until we got to the hotel?" She asked in a slightly confused tone

"Cookies dont apply to that rule." He mumbled through the cookie.

Author's Note

Heya. I hope you guys enjoy this one. Im trying to keep it simple and such and to be honest, all of your support convinced me to keep working on it.

Thanks everyone.

The Ups and the Downs

Author's Note

Guess who's back! Me! I'll be writing again but I'm in the midst of a move so dont expect too much! Still, I hope you enjoy this. Happy New Year and stuff!

The Ups and the Downs

After that fateful encounter, things had... Improved to say the least. They had gone to a hotel and Buck was kind enough to buy her a separate room and then when she woke up it was straight back to driving. Still, it was the best sleep she had in ages and she would count it as a victory, no matter how small it may be.

So here she was in the old seat of a truck far beyond its prime. The old paint was somewhat chipped and the interior wasn't the best but she would be lying if she said she would mind driving this thing. She could just wake up, roll out of bed, watch some TV and then head out and drive... Just drive away. A small smile made itself known, her lips having quirked upwards as she let herself gaze out the window, the buildings whizzing by and the dark grey clouds remaining still as they blew overhead like an army in the midst of a march.

Then, there was a drip. Then a drop... A drip, a drop, a drop and a drip as thick fat raindrops fell from above and onto the windows. The thoughts of hers were not pushed aside though. Not as Buck muttered to himself about needing to get new windshield wipers and not when a stray bird cawed from above as the greenery passed us. For once Sunset felt as if she was at peace and nothing would change that.

Except for a sudden crack of lightning of course.

The unexpected sheer volume of it made her yelp in surprise and jump, the coffee in her lap falling down to where her feet were. Noticing this, she went to dive down, the seatbelt restraining her until she moved it back slightly then yanked it forward so she could go lower and grab the spilling drink.

As this happened though, she swore to herself, quickly apologising in a panic as she did everything possible to help.

The only response from Buck was a heavy sigh. In all honesty it made her feel horrible... Gah, she was so stupid! Now she would get kicked out and would have to walk without any sense of direction and-

"Ehem!" The voice of Buck yanked the former equine's thoughts back. "Sunset! Calm down girl, there's no need to cry over spilt coffee. Now take a breath and relax, 'kay? It can easily be cleaned an all that... Jesus girl."

He chuckled a bit and spoke up again as he kept driving ahead on the open road. "Now, go ahead and reach into the glovebox and grab the paper towels, okay? Just wipe it up and throw it out the window or in the GreenGoods bag."

It took a moment but she realised that the tattooed man was right so, after nodding blankly and taking a breath, she opened the box and went to grab the paper towels. There were only napkins... Not wanting to question it for now she simply grabbed them and set to work and soaking up the mess, careful not to let her self deprecating thoughts get to her. Once it was cleaned up she leaned back into the seat and let not a heavy sigh.

"Hey Buck..?" She began as she turned to the bald man. A grunt prompted to her to continue.

"I... Wow I can't even find a good topic..." She said after a moment.

She took note of Bucks small smile and couldn't help but relax into the seat. At least he wasn't judging her...

"But uh... Well how about this... Have you ever runaway before? From your problems i mean. Not that I'm a runaway from my parents of course! That would be silly. Me, and... Yeah... You aren't going to stop me are you?" She asked him.

He chuckled a bit and leaned back, a single hand on the steering wheel as he looked ahead as the black roads. "Nope. I know what you mean though. Rather well actually... Why'd ya ask though? Starting to question why you ran?"

She shook her head a bit. "No, no! I'm just... You said something about knowing what its like to not have a place to live, right? Do you mind if I ask about that?"

The response she got was unexpected. It was a pause... And then a solemn nod of his head. His smile had faded.

"I'll be honest Shimmer... I dont think I'd like to talk about it. We've still got a few long hours on us and... Getting emotional wouldn't work out all too well, ya know? Now... Lets lighten the mood, yeah? What music do you like..?" He reached for the a button in the dashboard and a cd came out of it.

"Oh, well I... Like a lot I suppose. Why dont we just listen to one of your songs?"

"Sure I guess... I hope you dont mind ACDC then. I've got a whole lot of albums and stuff."

"I... Don't I suppose. To be honest I've never heard of them."

As soon as she finished that sentence she jerked forward, her seatbelt saving her as the car jerked. The next time he spoke it's tone was much like that of when they spoke about the Subway.

"Jesus christ kid... I... Reach into the glovebox and get the album on the far left side past the napkins. It'll be black and white with red writing. I think its about time I showed you another thing you're missing out on."

She didn't smile this time by did as requested and, after some searching, she handed him the case which he took in his hand, set on his lap, and then opened rather fluidly. After an awkward motion of grabbing the disk from the CD player and replacing it with the new one, he pushed it in and hit play.

What came next was most certainly welcome because the coming hours were filled with music, intionally bad singing, laughter, and a few tears. The way Buck butchered the songs made her laugh and when they both tried to outperform each others silly attempts at singing, Sunset found herself enjoying each and every moment of it... Even if her voice was somewhat sore by the time they reached the next gas station.

Hours had passed since then and now was their second rest stop. To say the least Sunset couldn't be more thankful. She stepped out of the truck, slamming it shut again before she looked around. Ahead of her, shesaw a gas station, tall buildings all around it and a few people around the corner of the small dimly lit building. She took this as her cue to tense up with worry. It didn't feel right, like something could just leap out and pounce on her... She had pepper spray and a knife of things got bad though. She put her hands in her pockets, feeling for the blade then walked forward as she held the still hidden knife. The night air was unwelcome and as Sunset approached the gas station she felt even more tense. The only noises were that of passing cars. It was unnerving. Maybe there could be a bottle clattering to the ground or something to break this eerie spell? Please..?

But alas, nothing came. Sunset took a deep breath and stepped inside, the familiar electrical monotone bell ringing above her. There was no welcome greeting, nor was there any music. Just silence and sniffling. She stepped forward and began to walk down the isle, her posture tense but not enough so that it seemed like she was on guard and her footsteps seeming to echo when her feet met grimy tile. She quickly grabbed a few protien bars and drinks, putting them in her jacket before the bell rung once more, the generic low ding-dong playing and sending shivers up her spine. As she walked, she slowed her pace and looked around a bit before heading to the counter. There was somebody beside her and the storeclerk now and Buck was outside pumping gas. She just had to relax...

She approached the counter and laid out her items, the ten dollar bill being laid out as they scanned everything. She refused to flinch when they spoke and broke the silence.

"So... Whatca doin' out here at this time of night, eh?"

Their hair was pure blue and messy, their eyes maroon. Their skin was a the same shade of maroon as well as their eyes... They were wrong somehow. They were so wrong and it made her tense. So she looked indifferent. She didn't speak nor breath and just waited, counting the beeps of the scanner. She watched as they put the items in a white plastic bag and then as they handed it to her.

"A'ight, a'ight. Well you stay safe missy. These streets ain't too kind to pretty girls." They smiled as they spoke and that's what made it worse.

She grabbed the bag then stepped out into the open night and made her way to the car. She didn't hear the sound of footsteps approaching. She didn't hear the scuffling of somebody being tackled. She didn't even hear the noise of Buck shouting at her to get in the truck because... None of it happened. And yet she feared the worst.

She opened the door and stepped inside, slamming the door closed and cranking the window shut. Only then did she relax. She let out her breath and took her hand out of her pocket, the other setting the bag down. Then she sat there, still. The truck engine started up and Buck began to drive. It was only on the highway that she let her mask fall. Where she began to cry without warning and bawl into her hands. She didn't want this! She hated this! Each and every tense moment of walking around in the city and past. Each night where she slept in alleyways or on fire escapes. She just wanted her home...

She wanted her family now... So she cried. She cried for what felt like hours upon hours, not registering Buck as he rubbed circles into her back and let her cry. The darkness no longer comforted her anymore. It simply held monsters and demons.

She didn't want this fear at all.

Where Buck Stands

Author's Note

WHOO BOY
It has been a super long time since I last updated this and a ton has happened in my life. let's just say depression is freaking horrendous and is way too uncool for my liking. Alas, I've been fighting it and I think I'm doing okay. I've been trying to learn more writing stuff too.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this! I threw this together in an attempt to alleviate my funk.

Where Buck Stands

“Shimmer…” It sounded near yet distant… the lower tone and gentle grip on her shoulder felt just the same but she was comfortable and her tired mind struggled to awaken from the soft hold and shake.

“Hey Shimmer, kiddo, are you gonna get up?” Getting up… She really didn't want to get up right now, now when the chair was so comfortable and she was having a decent dream of green fields and games yet the shaking became more firm which coaxed a groan from the golden and fiery-haired girl.

With exceptionally bad accuracy, she moved an arm out to push the figure near her away from her so she could return to sleep. Making out everything else that was said was difficult but the loud shutting of a door was obvious to her.

With an exasperated sigh, the figure that tried to awaken her looked through the rolled-up window with a small smile. “Alright kid.” They said to themselves. “I’ll let ya rest. God knows ya need it after whatever the hell you went through.”

Quietly, the person put the key into the keyhole and turned it to lock the door before they turned around to the large store where they had parked the old truck. The store's large grey bricks that were blended with brown ones were tall and the large blue board where the name of it hung affirmed their location when they began the trek across the asphalt and parked cars toward its automated glass doors.

This person--Buck--fumbled in their coats pockets as they came closer and quickly pulled out an old notebook and pen to double-check their grocery list and once he ascertained what all was needed, he put everything back and pulled a phone out of the pocket next. It wouldn't hurt to call one of the kids and see how they were as he shopped and he couldn't care any less about what anyone else may think about a random person talking on their phone in the store. A few button presses later and his phone began to ring as he stepped past the blowing fans at the stores front and he rose it to his ear.

The first words that the older man heard when their recipient answered melted their heart. “Hey, Dad!”

He chuckled warmly as he took in the voice of his youngest girl who he took in a few years ago, SeaBreeze. “Hey, munchkin. How's the fort?”

The cheery voice of the young girl rang clear through the device. “It's great! Fauna made pancakes today and Solstice played with me!”

“She did huh?” He asked rhetorically with a bigger smile. “And Solstice played with ya too, eh? What’d you play?”

“Legos!”

“And Connect Four!” Another slightly deeper voice--which could be assumed to belong to Solstice--called. “As well as Minecraft!”

“Yeah!”

“Do you want to send some photos of what you built today then?” Buck asked. “You're always playin’ that or--” he was cut off by the excited voice of the child.

“Yeah --yeah! Hold on!” On the other side, a child no older than twelve scrambled with a to in hand to turn on a game console and tried to boot it all up as quickly as she could. On Bucks end: he simply picked up a package of Lunarbucks Iced Coffees and loaded it in the cart before he continued on, mumbling something about getting peanut butter before the phone pinged a few times. “Sent!”

“I’ll be sure to look at ‘em when I can, kiddo.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.” He said honestly. “Now, if you don't mind, would you hand me over to aunt Fauna?”

“She’s not home right now.”

“She’s at work then, isn't she?”

“Yep! She’ll be home soon though!”

His smile quirked down a bit. “Munchkin, I’ll be leaving soon. Could you hand me over to your… brother so I can tell him to pass along a message please?” He asked with a hesitant attitude.

SeaBreeze was little and her ‘brother’ so to speak wasn't related to her in the littlest amount since he was also a stray. Then again, nobody was related to anyone in his family except for himself and his little sister Fauna.

He should really stop taking in random runaway children now that he thinks about it.

…

Nah. He loved them all.

“Alright, Dad!” The chipper voice chimed through.

He could still hear their infectious joy held within the tone. He didn't mind letting it affect him one bit to refill his lost happiness. “Thanks, kid. Love ya”

“Ahuh! Love you too!”

With the interaction done, he focused on finding the next aisle as the small child passed the phone on to Solstice.

A new voice breached the speaker and came through, now more clear than the distant shout from before. It was low but not incredibly; it belonged to Solstice and was slightly tense. “Yeah, Buck?”

Bucks smile turned into a fond grin. “Hey, other kid.” He greeted easily. “How’s it all goin’ over there? Everything okay?”

“Yeah yeah, why’d you ask?”

“Just wondering about ya. Wanna make sure you’re comfortable and stuff. Is school still working out for ya?”

The small topic of conversation was welcome to both. The recipient seemed to relax as conveyed by his more relaxed tone. “Mhm. I’m passing everything and your sister’s pretty patient with me.”

“What about you and that guitar?” He inquired.

Solstice let out a disappointed sigh. “I dropped the practice…” he admitted shamefully. “Sorry.”

Part of Buck was a bit sad but he couldn't blame him. Guitar was difficult to get into. “Oh no kid, you’re okay. It’s hard to learn without a teacher, and while Fauna may be a good listener and may be good at homeschooling, she’s pretty terrible at guitar.” he said to attempt to lighten the mood.

A titter came through this time and that sadness laced with worry went away with the exhale of his nose. “Yeah. You're basically total opposites.”

“That we are, but we do have some shared hobbies.” He reminded him.

“You mean that boxing thing you two do?”

“Yup. Ever since we were teenagers.” Buck told him.

“Huh… would you uh… Do you think you’d be down to give me some lessons when you get back then, Buck?”

“If it's what’d make ya happy then I don't mind at all kiddo.”

“Cool.” There was a brief pause and the other thought of what to say. “When’ll you be back by the way?”

On Bucks end, he shrugged. “Three days probably if I take it easy, but I could knock it down to two.” He answered. The crash of him loading a few more things into his cart echoed slightly. “Do ya want anything from the store, by the way, Solstice?”

“If you can find some pocky’s over there then I’d like some if it's cool.”

“I’ve got the money. What flavor? You like strawberry, right?”

“That I do. I'm surprised you remembered.” Solstice said.

Buck scoffed while he held the phone in his shoulder and fumbled with his notebook while writing it down. “I’m not that forgetful.” He said with a laugh.

“Sure you are, old man.”

Chuckling now, Buck shook his head and closed the notebook. “Yeah yeah, you’ll get old too.” He told him. “Anyway Solstice, I gotta git. You take care of SeaBreeze, ‘kay? You're doing great if what I heard today’s anythin’ to trust.”

“Thanks. I’ll be sure to. Take care and drive safe.”

“You too kid. See ya soon.”

A beep from his phone signified the end of the call and once his pocket was stuffed with his device, he realized something.

‘I'm a darn idiot…’ he thought, suddenly coming to a stop. ‘I said you too… not just take care. The kid can't even drive!’ Now it was his turn to groan as he facepalmed and let out an elongated sigh. “At least he’ll probably forget by the time I get there.” He mumbled as he resumed his quest.

Item after item was loaded into his cart and several pocky boxes were purchased by him for the kids. His sister liked them as well which is why he got a few extras, and, hell, if Shimmer enjoyed them then she could have one too. Speaking of the girl, he’d have to check up on her.

He quickened his pace and checked his list a few times as he walked and grabbed what was needed until he came to a self-checkout. As fast as he could, he scanned his items and paid then rolled the lettering cart onward across asphalt and back to the truck where he pocketed a few things and unloaded everything else into the back.

The slam of him shutting the door after getting inside rocked the vehicle from the force used to pull it shut, and the girl--who’s hair kind of looked like bacon--wasn’t disturbed at all. She was all wrapped up by herself and leaned back on the old seat.

‘Hopefully’ Buck thought as he started the truck. ‘Hopefully, you’ll feel safer here or wherever you're going.’ After watching her for a few more moments to assure that she was okay, he pushed the gear into reverse and turned around to reverse out of the parking lot. As he drove out, he reminded himself to look at his daughter's weird creations when they reached a stoplight.