But, even when angry, she had a voice that would put finches in their place and lull them to silence.
S.D. Lawendowski

“Sunset!” Flash’s father picked her up in a tight squeeze. He had always been enthusiastic to see her. He was the reason why Pinkies hugs never surprised her.

“Dad let her go. She can't paint like that.” Flash said, his cheeks a bit pink from his father's crazy antics.

“All right all right.”, he said as he put her down gently.

“It’s nice to see you again too Thunder Flash. It’s fine and I missed you too. Glad to be back.”, Sunset said with a smile. It was more than fine, it was nice to be shown affection from a father figure of sorts.

“I knew you would come to your senses.” Thunder beamed happily at them.

“Honey, what have we talked about?” A female voice rang out as Sunset saw a woman come out of the hall. She recognized her as Jade Whisper, Flash’s mother and her self-defense teacher. She then put a hand on her husbands arm warningly.

“Not to interfere or comment about our sons love life.”, he said sadly.

For such a large and imposing man, Thunder Flash reminded Sunet of a big puppy sometimes. He was such a lovely sweet guy, one would almost forget he was ex military.

Thunder then cleared his throat awkwardly before turning back to Sunset. “Well Sunset are you ready to start painting? Your first order is a rather large one. Luckily they provided a sketch of what they wanted.”, he handed over piece of paper with the sketch and Sunset was shocked at what was on it. She could feel heat bloom across her face. She was painting two different pictures on both sides of the van, but what had her so embarrassed was what exactly it was that she was gonna be painting.

The first was clearly an over-sexualized version of her demon form. Instead of the dress it was a tight black corset with red ties that barely covered her breasts and a small back bikini bottom. She was also riding a lion with a mane of fire, with a giant sword held aloft. She couldn't believe she had to paint this, but it would be worth it for her motorcycle.

On the other side was Adagio, who was wearing a skimpy-looking bikini that looked like it was made out of seaweed and had the same wings she had during the finals of the battle of the bands. She was riding a giant snake with a staff in one hand and what looked like a song/spellbook in the other. She would definitely be telling them about the sketch on monday. She was sure they would be amused. Clearly the customer, whoever it was, had some very eccentric tastes in art. They clearly went to Canterlot high, but who it was exactly Sunset hadn't the faintest idea. Even if she hated the person she wouldn't sabotage someone else's business. Like she told Twilight before turning into a she-demon, she wasn't a monster.

Flash peeked over her shoulder at the paper. “Wow that's quite the sword you got there.” Flash said laughing.

“Shut up.”, Sunset mildly scolded him.

“Your in luck, dad has a truck for me to work on so we can chat and listen to our old work playlist. Dad also kept your overalls, I’ll met you in the garage.”, Flash told her.

“Okay, sounds good. I remembered to bring a guitar for later.”, Sunset headed to the bathroom to get changed. Thankfully, she remembered where it was and was able to emerge ready for work in a short time. She quickly headed to garage as she figured the sooner she finished that crazy order, the better. When she got there, Flash had already put on some music and stated to work on a blue truck.

Sunset gathered up her supplies and got started on the outline for the painting. She had never worked on such a large project before, except for the subject matter, and she was really excited about it. If it went well, she would have to do similarly large projects. She lost herself in the music and in the art as everything else faded away. She felt at peace, no schemes, no plans, nothing but the paint, the sounds of Flash working and The Pretty Reckless playing in background. All of which allowed her mind to remain clear and free as she continued working.
A couple hours later, Sunset felt Flash tap her on the shoulder. “Lunch is ready. Were not slave drivers so you get at least two meals. “

“Hope your mom didn't cook.”, She joked with him. “‘Cause that might be worse than no meals.”

Flash laughed. “Nope we're in luck dad picked a pizza no strange concoctions this time around. Be grateful you weren't here when she tried making fish with bacon, mustard, and lentils. No idea what she was thinking.”

“Wow I’m definitely glad I missed that one. That sounds horrible.” ,Sunset said disgusted. As wonderful as Jade was, she apparently could not cook.

“Yeah we lucked out this time. Dinner on the other hand, not so much as mom will be home by then.” , Flash said with a grimace.

“You know if we leave early, I have leftovers in my fridge. My neighbours give me their leftovers a lot. I’m sure it’ll be better than your moms cooking.”, Flash would be the first person she invited over.

“That's really nice of them and you to invite me over. “

“They're all a lot older and used to cooking for more than one person but their families all have their own lives now.”, Sunset told him as she cleaned up her area before they headed towards the kitchen following the smell of pizza.

Flash lifted the lid to the box. “Half meat lovers and half mushroom, ham and green pepper, can you grab the paper plates and a Dr. Pepper for me and what whatever you want for yourself?”

“Got it. “,Sunset grabbed the plates and pop and followed flash back to the garage so they could continue to work after they were done eating.

“So I never asked but is the fact that you’re a pony the reason you don't eat beef?”, Flash asked grabbing a couple slices from his half.

“Pretty much. Since they can talk, pigs and chickens can't, goats sometimes can, deer, mules, donkeys, zebra, and buffalo all talk. So unless I dont have a choice like before i could afford more than school lunch I don't eat it any of that. Man the first time I tried eating flowers I was starving and mowed down on as many as i could fit in my mouth. It didn't end well. “

“Cool, didn't know that horses could eat flowers.”

“According to Applejack horses can't eat daisies or daffodils, but back in equestria we do so frequently. Along with chocolate, tea, and tomatoes. We also look different, more cute and all of those symbols people where like my yin yang sun are cutie marks. Kinda like tramp stamps with purpose.”, Sunset took a bite of her pizza, forcing the lump of food down her constricted throat determined to banish the feelings of homesickness.

“Sorry I made you homesick, I didn't mean to.”, Flash apologized. “It must be hard to be someone so different from your own home. I can't even imagine what it must be like.”

Sunset smiled at him. “Thanks, but I’m okay. It’s not your fault, I don't blame you for being so curious. But let's talk about something else. How's your band? Are you going to hit the road after college try and make it big? Get a record deal” she was done with being sad and asked multiple questions one after the other.

This sudden curiosity overwhelmed Flash, but he regained his composure before delivering his answer. “Actually no, I'm not going to pursue music. I'm going to join the military like my folks did. I want to help, to do something to change the world for the better, to protect others. I hope to pass the ASVAB and get in, but I haven't decided on which branch to join yet.”

“That’s great Flash. If you need help with your studies, let me know.”, Sunset winked as she took another bite of pizza.

Flash smirked teasing her. “Well with the smartest student at CHS as my own personal tutor I'm sure to ace all my tests. “

“Heh, that’s where you’re wrong. I’m no longer a CHS student. I’m a soon-to-be college student.”, Sunset said proudly with a hint of sadness.

“I know you'll do great, hope you stay close. I can't talk like this with my other friends. “

“Don't worry I plan on sticking around for now. After all someone needs to keep an eye on the portal.”

Flash finished off his last piece and folded his plate in half. He held out his hand for her plate. “Want another pop? “

Sunset handed him her plate “Nah I'm good. I'm just gonna get back to work.”, Sunset grabbed her supplies and resumed painting the van.

Later on, Flash taps her on the shoulder again. “Ready for some fun? I printed off the music for the song you sent. Good choice by the way. I'll let you get changed and meet you in the basement.”

Sunset smiled as she took the music from Flash and looked it over. “Great. Let’s get out a few instruments and start this jam session.” Sunset got out the guitar she had brought with her and Flash managed to find a percussion keyboard. “well aren’t you full of surprises. I never knew you could play keyboard.”

Flash laughed. “You know me: always full of surprises like you said, though I don't use it much as I prefer my guitar, besides Blitz Beat plays it and you can't have two keyboards in a rock band.”

Sunset smiled. “Fair enough. Now, we gonna do this or what?”

Flash nodded and the two started to play their instruments.

https://youtu.be/QdHG-gnVZPc

Love decay, love cast away
Words crumble into dust
Skin to skin
You're innocent
But who am I to trust?

[Pre-Chorus:]
I feel the blow to turn around
Make our love revive just one more time
Can we be creatures of the night?

[Chorus:]
I am bound to live forever
I'm alive enough to sense you
Why am I hiding?
Are we only dying?

[Verse:]
Your breath of life
I feel your burn like sunshine on a rock
Sin by sin
You're innocent
And who am I to trust?

[Pre-Chorus:]
I don't know how to turn this page
Make our life revive, some day it ends
Can we be lovers in the light?

[Chorus:]
I am bound to live forever
I'm alive enough to sense you
Why am I hiding?
Are we only dying?

[Chorus 2:]
I am cursed to love in darkness
I'm alive enough to touch you
Why am I breathing?
Am I only dying, to crumble into dust?

[Bridge:]
Why am I thriving?...
Why am I denying?...
Why am I longing?...

[Pre-Chorus:]
I feel the blow to turn around
Make our love revive just one more time
Can we be creatures of the night?

[Chorus 2:]
I am cursed to love in darkness
I'm alive enough to touch you
Why am I breathing?
Am I only dying, to crumble into dust?

[Outro:]
Are we only dying?
Crumble into dust
Love decay
Love decay

Part way through the song, Sunset could feel the magic gather around her. Her hair extended into a tail and hers shifted into cute pony ears that came out from the top of her hair. What was odd was the slight tingle she felt on her back before it stopped. Regardless, she keep on playing as she had missed ponying up while doing so, she felt open and connected to the world around her. She could almost feel Flash. His soul, his mind, his very core just out of reach. A bit further and she could just lightly brush against him. In a way it reminded her of back home when using magic, yet vastly different as instead of the focal point of her horn she could sense with all of her being. Flash's eyes widened in shock as he began to glow as well. Wings sprouted from his back and pony ears form the top his head, but no tail oddly enough. She had reached out towards him and he ponied up.

“Uh Sunset? Why did I just grow ears and wings?” Flash asked concerned.

Author's Note

Hopefully this chappter is better than the last one. Again a huge thanks to speculore for editing everything and ur input.