The Hidden Truth

"So that's what happened." Sunset finished as she looked out at the water.

Sugarcoat didn't say anything as she processed what she was told. A bit stupid if you asked her. Canterlot High was so quick to jump at the first chance they got in saying Sunset hadn't changed to whatever her old ways were back then. She scoffed when she had heard how they didn't listen to Sunset's side of the story.

The Crystal Prep student slowly moved her eyes to Sunset. "A bit stupid to think its you."

Sunset sighed as she leaned on the railing and ran a hand through her hair as her old friends' words rang throughout her mind once more. "Yeah, but I can understand why they think its me due to my history, but they should ask for my side."

Sugarcoat groaned as she rolled her eyes. "They don't sound like friends to me if they didn't."

The older girl's eyes moved her and arched an eyebrow as she watched Sugarcoat look out onto the rushing waters below. Had this girl not stopped her, then Sunset would be dead by now. But yet, here she was, speaking with the very one who saved her life. Her heart warmed as she realized Sugarcoat believed her; someone believed her!

Sunset shifted nervously as she felt the cold catching on. "To be honest, they were only my friends because they were told to show me the 'magic of friendship' and I know for a fact if they weren't, they wouldn't be friends with me."

Sugarcoat folded her arms. "They were never to being with." she stated and Sunset gave her a look.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Sunset as she turned to face the girl.

The younger girl shrugged as she looked away. "You say they bringing up your past mistakes, adding 'no offense' to the end, that doesn't sound like friends. If they were, then they wouldn't bring up your mistakes. They would move past that. Plus, how quick they were to jump on the chance to accuse you."

Sunset rubbed her arm. "They were the only ones I had..."

Sugarcoat groaned as she rolled her eyes. It seemed like Sunset wouldn't understand at all. Friends didn't bring up the past mistakes, friends didn't turn on each other so suddenly; they would need proof to turn on each other. The way Sunset had told her how they became friends in the first place...

No.

They weren't friends at all.

"Let's go to Sugarcube Corner." Sugarcoat stated as she grabbed Sunset's cold hand. The older girl flushed as she realized how warm Sugarcoat's hand was. "You need to warm up. I'll buy you some hot chocolate."

"Thanks." Sunset whispered as she was tugged along to the store. She prayed to any God that would listen that the Rainbooms wouldn't turn up.

The Hidden Truth

Sunset visibly paled when she saw the Rainbooms in their usual seats, drinking away as they entered the shop. She had tried to hide by staying close to Sugarcoat's side as she went up to the counter, but it seemed like even that couldn't be done peacefully when Rainbow Dash saw them.

Rainbow growled as she slammed her hands down on the table. "Do you have to be everywhere?" she hissed. "I thought we made it clear that you're not welcome!"

Sugarcoat snapped her head around, ignoring Mrs. Cake as she held her hand over the cash resister. Sunset winced and shrank back, failing to see the look of sadness from one of the owners.

"Last time I checked, this was a public place." Sugarcoat replied, deadpan, as she turned to hid Sunset. "You're making a scene by making a fool out of yourself."

Rainbow's jaw dropped as she saw the younger girl. "Oh, so now you're with a Shadowbolt?" she growled.

Applejack interrupted before Rainbow could go any further with any insults. "Pardon me, sugar cube." she said, placing a hand on Rainbow's shoulder. "Yer just gonna waste yer time with this secret-stealer. She ain't nothing but trouble."

Sugarcoat took their words and knew she was right. They weren't friends. They wouldn't be going left and right accusing without hearing Sunset's side. The way they tried to make her see how Sunset would ruin her life, it was plain idiotic and frankly wouldn't work. Had they seen what she had seen, they wouldn't be doing this. They'd be begging for forgiveness from Sunset.

"You labeled her that." Sugarcoat replied with an emotionless tone. "Just because you label her that, doesn't mean she truly is. Have any of you actually took the time to see if she truly was what you say? Or are you just the type to assume without evidence?"

Rarity took a deep breath before continuing her friends' side. "We're trying to save you!"

Sugarcoat frowned. "From what?" she questioned. "Answer; nothing. There's nothing to save me from. I'm saving someone who's been pushed aside from so called 'friends' that wouldn't even be her friends if you weren't told to show her some stupid 'magic of friendship' because of her past mistakes. Which you repeatedly kept bringing up. I may not know the old her, but the one I know... she's broken. And its all because of you."

Without another word, Sugarcoat moved to take Sunset's hand but a cough from Mrs. Cake stopped her and the two smiled softly as Mrs. Cake placed two cups of hot chocolate on the counter. A small smile said it was on the house. They took the cups with a grateful smile, and left without another word.

Mrs. Cake turned to the Rainbooms. "Now, I don't know what happened, but if I see another fight here, then all of you will no longer be welcomed back until you learn to forgive and forget! Those words were uncalled for."

"But... but... but...!" Rainbow tried but a glare made her shrink back.

"Uncalled for!" snapped Mrs. Cake.

The group shrank back as they nodded and Mrs. Cake sighed heavily before turning and taking the next order. She hoped Sunset would be okay, and she hoped Sugarcoat would look after her. It would be nice to see Sunset smile once more, and maybe come in with new friends at her side.