Chapter 16 - Home

Bleary eyes blinked up at a barren ceiling, and a hand swatted at the obnoxious alarm that was blaring. Hot, humid air stagnated in the in room, aiding in the formation of sweat on Sunset’s brow. An unusually hot spell for April had surprised Canterlot, and nobody hated it more than Sunset Shimmer.

Groaning, the teen hefted her body up from the uncomfortable mattress and made her way to the bathroom. Upon moving into the factory when she first arrived in the human world, Sunset had quickly found that the poor insulation made cold days colder and hot days hotter. Every Winter and every Summer was suffer time for Sunset, quickly turning her love for warmer weather on its head.

The frigid water of the shower was a welcome relief from the boiling temperatures the day was already reaching. Sunset relished in the icy blast as she let her mind wander. Her thoughts drifted from school to her friends to her classes as she stood beneath the pounding water.

Eventually, her mind settled on her stay at the hospital, and the deal she made with Supernova. “I need to find a better place to stay,” the red-head thought, cleaning the sweat from her skin. “And fast. Supernova’s deadline is coming up in a few days.” Sighing, Sunset finished her shower and turned the water off, stepping out into the bathroom and getting dressed.

Jeans and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt were today’s outfit. Despite the blazing heat, Sunset was certainly not going to wear warm-weather oriented clothes; still afraid of the inevitable questions about her scars, Sunset would rather burn in the sun’s heat.

The girl tied her flaming hair up into a messy ponytail and grabbed her backpack. Mentally preparing herself for the day, Sunset descended the steps and let herself out into the daytime.

The walk to school was just as miserable as the sweating teen had expected, making the air-conditioned halls of the school feel heavenly. Sunset exchanged her books and closed her locker, leaning her forehead against the cool metal.

“Gods above, you look wretched,”

Sunset lifted her head at the sound of Trixie’s voice and let it plonk back down onto her locker with a groan. “Yeah, I feel worse,” she responded as Trixie leaned up against the locker next to her, the Dazzlings following her lead and moving to Sunset’s other side.

The four were all dressed in shorts and short-sleeves, barring Aria, who had her own scarred arms covered by a jacket. The punk met Sunset’s eyes and gave her a sympathetic look.

Sunset flipped around, leaning her back against the row of lockers as her friends started up their usual pre-class chatter. Sunset smiled and participated as best she could, but her mind was still focussed on Supernova’s deal regarding her home situation.

You need to find someplace to stay.

I can’t just do nothing.

You have one month.

A hand waved in front of Sunset’s face, snapping her out of her thoughts. Sonata retracted her hand and gave a small smile. “You doing okay, Sunny?” Sonata’s question was gentle, and the others looked at the red-head with worry evident on their faces.

Sunset opened her mouth to dismiss their concern, then closed it. She took a deep breath, calming the initial flare of anxiety that always appeared when her friends noticed something was wrong. She still felt generally uncomfortable asking for help, but it was getting a little easier.

“Eh, I’ve just been worried about my living situation,” Sunset admitted, averting her eyes. “I didn’t want to bring it up, but while I was in the hospital, Supernova said I had to find a real place to stay.” The girl cleared her throat. “I was given a month to find somewhere to go, and that month is almost up. I have a few more days to find a home and I have no idea what to do.”

The Dazzlings silently exchanged a glance. Trixie looked like she wanted to say something, but was cut off before she could speak up. “I know you want to offer to let me stay at your place, Trixie,” Sunset smiled. “Supernova offered too, but I don’t feel comfortable being a freeloader.”

Trixie pouted, but she knew better than to protest. Sunset needed somewhere permanent.

Sunset looked at her friends. “It’s okay, I’ll figure something out. Honestly, I feel a bit better just having talked about it.”

Sonata pull the five together into a group hug, earning a laugh from the red-head. “We’re here for you, Sunset,” she said, tightening the embrace. Various noises of agreement came from Adagio, Aria, and Trixie.

Sunset gave her friends a genuine smile as Sonata released them. “Anyways, I’m really happy with the results from Saturday, what do you think about-”

As Trixie and Sunset talked excitedly about magic and the group began walking towards Sunset’s first class, the three sisters once again met eyes, silently communicating in a way that only they could understand.

Adagio gave a slight nod at Sonata’s wide eyes and Aria’s scrunched eyebrows, a promise to continue the conversation later.

***

The next few days passed too quickly for Sunset’s liking, and soon it was Thursday; two days until the next magic lesson, yes, but also two days until Supernova’s deadline.

Sunset and Trixie conversed lightly as they ate their lunches, waiting for their other friends to arrive.

Trixie’s eyebrows scrunched together. “I wonder where the sisters are,” she said. “They’re usually here before us.”

Sunset hummed in agreement. “Yeah, it’s a little weird-”

The red-head was cut off as the library doors slammed open and Adagio, Aria, and Sonata rushed into the room. Cheerilee halfheartedly shushed the three upon their boisterous entrance, but they didn’t seem to notice as they took their seats across from Sunset and Trixie.

Trixie blinked in surprise. “Hey girls, where have you been?”

Sunset had never seen the trio so excited. Sonata beamed at them and looked to Adagio, who was smiling as well. Even Aria had a delighted grin on her face.

“You’re moving in with us!”

Sunset blinked in surprise at Sonata’s joyful outburst. “W-what?”

Aria ruffled Sonata’s hair, pushing her slightly and looking at Sunset. “The three of us have talked it over and we’ve decided that you’re going to live with us,” she said, still smiling.

Adagio finally stepped in, holding up a hand as Sunset tried to object. “We have the space for another person, we’ve already cleared it with our landlord, and we aren’t taking ‘no’ for an answer.” The elder sister leaned forward, staring Sunset down. “You’re our friend, Sunset. This is a good solution, and we want to help you.”

Sonata reached across the table and took Sunset’s hand. “You won’t be a freeloader! You can help me clean and shop for groceries!”

Aria chimed in as well. “Seriously, Sunset. You’re a part of our family now, and family helps each other out.”

Sunset looked at the three with tears in her eyes. She turned to Trixie, who smiled encouragingly and nodded.

“I-” the red-head choked on her words. “Thank you,” she whispered, wiping the moisture from her eyes and giving her friends a watery smile.

Sonata squealed and jumped up, nearly tackling Sunset to the ground in a hug before yanking at her arm. “C’mon let’s go let’s go let’s go!”

Aria laughed at Sunset’s confused look. “We were late to lunch because we were talking with Celestia,” she snickered. “We got the five of us the rest of the day off to help you move in.”

Trixie grinned and stood from her seat. “Well then what are we waiting for?” She grabbed Sunset’s other arm and helped Sonata drag her towards the library doors, Aria and Adagio following close behind.

Sunset giggled as she and her friends exited the school. “I guess getting a little help here and there isn’t so bad, after all.”

***

Adagio unlocked the door to their apartment, holding it open as Sunset and Trixie walked in, each carrying an armful of Sunset’s possessions. Aria entered next, carrying Sunset’s laundry hamper, which contained all of Sunset’s clothing. Last came Sonata, who had Sunset’s backpack slung over her shoulder.

It had only taken the group one trip to the factory to get all of Sunset’s meager possessions. All she had were her clothes, school supplies, and various odds and ends from her desk and bathroom.

Sunset breathed in deeply, taking in the homely scent of the apartment. It smelled like spices and happiness, and Sunset immediately felt her nerves calm. She looked around, noting the nicely sized kitchen and dining area, which was connected to a cozy-looking den that held a couch, an ottoman chair, and a large T.V.

Adagio closed the door and move in front of Sunset, gesturing for her and the others to follow. “Your room is down here,” she said as the five walked down a hallway just off the main living area. The carpeted hall held two rooms on each side of the wall, and one room at the very end. Sunset’s room was the first door on the left. Adagio continued the mini-tour. “Across from your room is Aria, and next to you is the bathroom. Sonata’s room is next to Aria’s, and my room is the one at the end of the hall.”

Adagio opened up Sunset’s door, revealing a spacious area. A queen-sized bed took up the right wall, across from which was a desk. On the left wall, next to the desk, was a closet. A large window greeted the group on the wall across from the door, letting in the afternoon sunlight and washing the room with brightness.

Sunset felt her eyes grow wet again as she set down her stuff, the others following her in and doing the same. She turned to Adagio, giving her a look that said more than she could ever find the words to articulate. Adagio just smiled warmly.

The rest of the day was spent helping Sunset settle into her new living space. The group laughed and talked and joked, and Sunset had never felt more carefree and relaxed.

Sonata and Trixie prepared lunch for everyone, and the five sat down in the dining area for what, to Sunset, felt suspiciously like a family meal. As Adagio, Aria, and Trixie talked about the upcoming magic session, Sonata turned to Sunset, who was watching the scene with a content smile on her face.

“Welcome home, Sunny,” the former siren said, beaming at her friend.

***

Nighttime fell silently, and Sunset was out like a light. The combination of an active, emotional day, a full meal for dinner, and a comfortable bed to sleep on resulted in the red-head passing out pretty early.

Adagio, Aria, and Sonata sat in the living room, each sipping from a mug of tea. Trixie had gone home about an hour earlier, and the trio had been chatting ever since they found themselves alone.

“It’s taking them so long, ‘Dagi,” Sonata whined from her place on the couch, curled up into Aria’s side.

The punk nodded in agreement. “Seriously, I think it’s time we give them a little nudge in the right direction.”

“Hm...” Adagio took a sip from her drink, considering the predicament. Trixie and Sunset were taking forever to get together, and it was getting to be painful for the sister to just watch as they danced around their affection. “I think you’re right, we should do something. But what, and when is the perfect moment?”

Silence fell for a few minutes as the sisters lost themselves in thoughts and potential plans. Finally, Sonata sat up from her comfortable position on the couch. She smiled enthusiastically. “I think I have an idea,” she said.

Adagio’s smirk grew as the youngest sister explained her plan. Aria looked just as excited as Adagio felt.

“Perfect,” Adagio thought earnestly. “Those two have avoided their feelings long enough, it’s about damn time they get together.”

Author's Note

Hey everyone! Good news, Trixie and Sunset will have some romantic development in the next chapter! Thanks for being patient, I know it's taken a bit to get there.

A little fun fact for y'all; this story is now 122 pages in google docs

More gayness, magic, and mischievous Dazzlings next week!

~Bitty Bug