Actions speaker louder than words

by Veebee

Rating: teen
Tags: Rainbow Dash, Suicide / Self Harm, Non-consensual, Equestria Girls, Sunset Shimmer, Profanity, Violence, Slice of Life, Human, Sad, Romance
Length: 11124

Sunset has been struggling with her mental health and bad desires lately. Although, strangely enough it was the right call for her to go to that roof that day.

It has been a month since the friendship games, a year since the fall formal. But still Sunset Shimmer struggles with her thoughts and feelings towards her past mistakes. Her bad thoughts only have gotten worse lately due to the fact that she is the one who had to catch Twilight up on everything…including things she would much rather forget. One day she decides to go somewhere she hadn’t gone in a long time, how could she ever had known that this day would change her life forever.

This story deals with some deep and dark themes so just a fair warning to anybody who has triggers.
Consists of topics like: Suicide, depression, SH, trauma, homophobia, transphobia, some violence. People kinda coming onto another character like forcibly. None of these topics go into graphic detail, only referenced and if there is a chapter that gets a little to descriptive I will put a warning in the authors note.

Published 2023-05-18 20:30:00 UTC
Last updated 2023-09-17 20:00:15 UTC

…hey

Author's Note

So…basically the whole point of this story is to convert everyone to Sundash shippers because I love them so much. This type of story has been in the back of my head for awhile now and I hope to improve my writing skills as time goes on. Shoutout and dedicated to my bestie, best friend forever KingLunes, and yeah that’s it. So please enjoy :raritystarry:

…hey

“Wow…I guess Rainbow Dash wasn’t lying when she said you were a uhm ‘She-Demon,’” Twilight sparkle said, putting her hands up in quotations as she was trying to lighten the mood. Sunset Shimmer could see what she was trying to do. Although she did appreciate her new friend’s efforts to cheer her up she still couldn’t help but wince at the thought of the last fall formal. The two girls sat there in silence for a bit, the nerd fidgeting with her glasses and hair before she cleared her throat ready to speak before she was interrupted.

“Look…it’s going to be hard, hard to move on from that. I still really…really struggle with my past mistakes to this day,” Sunset sighed out. A voice in the back of her head telling her to maybe let Twilight in, it’s gotten worse lately…a lot worse. Yet she just saved the school from Twilight- or rather Midnight. Still, this girl is still a stranger, she may look like the princess but she wasn’t her.

Twilight gave Sunset a look of concern before she gave a soft and reassuring smile. “I’m glad,” she said simply. The flame haired woman short circuited for a minute, looking up to the desk across from her where the bookworm was sitting.

“Come again?”

“I’m glad. Glad that I have someone like you, to help me through this. I-I still have so many questions about you and all the magic. But…” she started to say before standing up from her desk and putting a hand on her new friend’s shoulder. “I think I’ll be okay. And I think you will as well.”

I’m not so sure about that…Sunset said to herself on the inside but on the outside she gave the best fake smile she could give. “Thank you, and I’m glad too Twi.”

The nerd smiled back before she let out a tiny yelp, being startled by the sudden text from both her and Sunset’s phones. The former bully couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at both Twilight’s yelp and the annoyed glare she gave her before they both pulled out their messages to see who texted the group chat.

Egohead: Hey nerds, so I kinda got into a spat with my folks and they said they want me home ASAP so I don’t think I’ll make it to band practice today.

Pinkie: Awe!!!! But Dashiieeeee!

AJ: Wait so then what’s the plan now? Wasn’t Twilight supposed to like ‘audition’ for us today?

Sunset turned over to Twilight who just looked back at her and just shrugged. It’s almost been a month since the friendship games and Twilight had been watching their band practice for awhile before yesterday when she finally asked if she could join and sing. Of course all the girls were more than happy for her to join but they still needed to make sure she could sing.

Twilight(not princess): I mean there isn’t really a big rush there’s always tomorrow.

Three dots then appeared with Rainbow’s icon next to them before they disappeared for a good couple minutes. Causing all of the girls in the group confusion as they all messaged again to bring the athlete back online.

Rarity: Rainbow darling?

Flutters: Dashie? Where did you go?

Pinkie: DASHHIIEEE

A couple more texts popped up from each other the girls before Sunset finally texted a: “Dash?”

Egohead: Yeah, sorry…Was talking to a teacher. And to answer your question: Sunny can just do it. She is the second best vocalist in the group. After me of course.

Both Twilight and Sunset Shimmer rolled their eyes at the tomboy’s response before letting out a small chuckle.

Sunset: I mean I guess I could? But maybe it’s still best until we wait tomorrow.

AJ: I concur.

Pinkie: OOOO Fun! Also does anyine have a copy of the history homework I didnt get it today.

Rarity: Pinkie, please use correct grammar.

Egohead: Shut up, not everyone is all fancy schmancy like you Rare. Also I don’t think I’ll be at band practice tomorrow btw.

Sunset: Uhm, okay? Why not?

Egohead: I want to hit the gym, haven’t gone in a hot minute.

For some reason that felt like a lie, the flame haired girl was ready to type a protest before Fluttershy chimed in again.

Flutters: Well should we just skip practice all together today then? I have been meaning to spend more time at the shelter anyways.

AJ: Works for me. Guess I’ll see y’all tomorrow.

Pinkie: BOOOOO! But okay.

Sunset just shrugged, not really wanting to argue with her friend’s decisions. If band practice was canceled that just meant she had more time to…maybe that’s a bad thing. She loved band practice and it would always give her an escape from that mindset, but whatever.

“Well I guess that’s that then,” Twilight shrugged before the school bell rang out, releasing them from their study hall. Sunset gave a little smile before she packed her supplies away: her macbook, pencil case, a couple of notebooks and her math binder.

“I guess I’ll just see you tomorrow then?” She asked as the two began to walk out of the classroom.

“You don’t want to hang out or something? I mean, I do have work to do but it’s a little strange not going to band practice after school,” Twilight explained, as they exited the room.

The former unicorn nodded, giving a reassuring smile so her friend wouldn’t feel bad. “I know what you mean, but I have some stuff to do…ya know? Like stuff that’s better to do solo?” She said softly, trying not to offend the glasses wearing girl.

“No I get it, I guess that’s that then,” Twilight shrugged once they approached the school doors. “You coming?” She asked, after turning her head over as she was confused as to why Sunset wasn’t following.

“Yeah, I just have to ask one of my teachers a quick question. I’ll see you tomorrow Twi,” Sunset tried to reassure, pointing her thumb down the opposite direction. She wasn’t always the best at lying but she knew how to hide her emotions and Twilight wasn’t someone who knew her well enough yet to see her masking.

“Oh alright then,” the scientist shrugged before waving the amber girl off with a smile and exiting through the front doors. Sunset sighed out once Twilight was out of view and turned over to the girls bathroom, hiding in one of the stalls as she played a mobile game on her phone. She stood in there for what felt like hours but it had only been about 20 minutes when a text from her hotheaded friend popped up on her screen. She couldn’t help but smile a bit as she opened the message, expecting an insult or a snarky comment about how awesome she was but instead it caught her off guard for a second.

Egohead: Hey, uh Sunset? Do you want to take my role as band leader?

Sunset short-circuited for a minute, blinking hard and waiting for a second message from Dash saying that it was just a joke. But after ten minutes of staring, another message finally popped up.

Egohead: Sunny?

Sunset: I uh…I’m sorry?

Egohead: Do you. Want to be. Band leader?

Again the flame haired girl was shocked, music was Rainbow’s passion, her calling in life. It’s what she loved and she loved being the quote, unquote: “leader.”

Sunset: Are…are you okay Rainbow?

Egohead: What do you mean?

Sunset: Did something happen? You just basically said you want to quit the band! The band you started!

Egohead: I NEVER SAID I WANTED TO QUIT!

Sunset: Well that’s what it looks like to me!

Egohead: Look…I just think I need to devote my time into sports and soccer more. That’s all. I still love the band and such, I just don’t think I can devote time into it as much anymore…ya know?

Sunset’s finger’s floated above her keyboard as she read and reread her rainbow haired friend’s message. Something didn't feel right, but she didn’t want to antagonize her friend more. With a deep sigh she finally typed a response.

Sunset: Of course. If it helps get some stress and such off you, ofc I will :)

Egohead: Thanks Sunset! You’re the best!

Sunset: No, that's you.

Egohead: I will not argue with that!

The flame haired girl let out a small snicker at that before she checked the time again and saw that it had been an hour since school got out. She was in the clear, with a deep sigh she lifted her bag and exited out of the bathroom down towards the hallway. She finally got to the hall she was targeting, the hall full of things like: the teacher’s lounge, janitor’s closets and the flights of stairs leading to the rooftop. With another deep sigh she took out a bobby pin from her hair and picked the lock, opening the door. She couldn’t help but shiver a bit as her eyes welled up, but she persisted and entered the stairwell, clicking the door behind her. She walked up the steps tentatively, staring down at each gray brick as her foot lifted her up them. Something wasn’t sitting right with her, sure she had gone up here many times before but she always came down. But today something felt off, it felt like she wouldn’t be going down them, that message she sent Dash was probably the last one she would have ever sent. Before she knew it Sunset had bumped her head against the door that opened to the terrace, letting out a little grumble as she rubbed her head she grabbed the door handle aggressively. Again, she felt that same feeling, it was so strange and so…scary at the same time. But she stopped her debat and tried to trust herself and hoped her depressing thoughts wouldn’t win today. She took another shaky breath before opening the door to the rooftop and sighing out as she couldn’t help but form a smile at the warm breeze. It was so calming, sure she was a bit biased, but sunset had always been her favorite time of day. The birds chirping as they turn in for the evening, the perfect view of the sun in the horizon, the sky lighting up with beautiful warm colors, the warmth of said sun and the coolness of the breeze. Nothing was more calming than a sunset in October. Unfortunately the flame haired woman’s relaxation was cut off when she saw that she wasn’t alone, someone was here already. About to do what she had fought to do almost every day, the person had a black hoodie and long sweat pants on. Sunset couldn’t see who it was but she did know that no one deserved to die…except maybe Sunset herself.

Without another moment she launched herself to the person. “Hey! Wait!” She called out, grabbing onto their torso and pulling them onto the ground, collapsing into her just in time. Sunset let out a sigh of relief, catching her breath before she loosened her grip on the person, which she could now tell was a girl, given the size of her chest. “H-hey are you okay?” She asked softly, pulling back further to make eye contact with the girl. But once she did her whole world shattered, her heart stopped as her eyes widened at the familiar pair of magenta orabs.

“…hey,” Rainbow Dash squeaked out softly, her voice cracking a bit as she tried her best to sniff back her tears.

Silence

Silence…that’s all there was for what felt forever, the two friends staring into each other’s disheveled eyes. Sunset couldn’t fathom what had just happened, she just went up to the rooftop to see on of her best friends attempting…suicide…Rainbow Dash just almost killed herself. Why? This, this doesn't make any sense at all. Why would Rainbow do this? Sh-she is always so happy and full of joy and excitement… She pondered to herself as she continued to stare at the athlete who was now curled up into a little ball, looking at Sunset’s shoes. Sunset continued to wrack her brain around what she just witnessed, she knew that all her friends struggled with things and this would be more believable with any one them. Applejack: Her parents died when she was very young and had to take over an entire business at age twelve and basically raise her little sister. Rarity’s family was so rich but they put so much pressure onto her to stay rich, marry rich and make the family look good, they would much rather have her starve then be what could be classified as “fat.” Fluttershy? Well…she had always been tormented by people her whole life, it isn’t at all surprising to think that she would want to end it all. And even Pinkie, she masks a lot. Sunset knew that because that’s something she and her hyper friend had in common, hiding their emotions behind their smile. Though Pinkie definitely struggled more. Even Twilight, the burden of getting possessed by dark magic took a large toll on both mental and physical health. Sunset sighed out as she winced a bit thinking of her back scars that still hurt today from that night…but still…Rainbow Dash? She was the very last person Sunset would think to do this. She was perfect, her life was perfect. She was the captain of all the sports teams at CHS, she was the top athlete and was more ripped than over half of the senior male jocks. Rainbow was dating Sorin, and he was a good guy for her, they both loved sports so much and he was still very sweet and kinda geeky like her (though Rainbow would never admit that aload). Sure, she didn’t have the greatest grades in the world but it was only junior year and she had plenty of time to improve them; she had everything going good for her. Yet, here she is, or there she was…about to jump…before Sunset saved her just in time.

“R-rainbow…” Sunset finally stuttered out, sheepishly as she clutched her jacket around her tightly. “D-do you wanna tal-”

“No!” The blue skinned teen whimpered out, interrupting Sunset mid sentence.

“O-okay…”

Silence again. This drove the former unicorn crazy, her mind racing a million miles a minute, so many questions popping up. Is this why Dash asked me to now be in charge of the band? It must be her last dying wish or something…well that failed. I saved her, I saved her from killing herself…God, oh god. I would have never thought…oh Dashie… She thought to herself before she couldn’t help up but let out a couple of whimpers as her eyes grew puffy, misting a bit.

Rainbow Dash let out a small gasp at the sound and looked up to meet Sunset’s crying eyes as she let out a few hiccups and aggressively wiped her tears away but more kept flowing down her cheek.

“N-no, p-please Sunset. Don’t cry, don’t cry,” Rainbow pleaded softly, putting her hands on her friend’s shoulders. Shit…I didn’t want any of them to find me… I wanted them to just find me when I was gone. The tomboy thought to herself as her guilt was eating away at her, she didn’t want her friends to see her like this: depressed, vulnerable, and suicidal.

“I-I…” Sunset tried but she couldn’t get it out, here she was: sobbing. She didn’t necessarily know what type of tears and emotions she was feeling. She wasn’t alone in this, she wasn’t the only one struggling and that made her feel better. But she also hated the idea of Rainbow suffering, she didn’t know why she was suffering either and that made it hurt more. She wanted to be let in, but she also knew she couldn’t force the athlete to tell her though. But on the other hand she felt closer to Rainbow Dash, she already had a lot in common with the soccer player. They were both gamers, competitive people, guitarists, and had anger issues and now well…they both want to die sometimes…

“Sunny. Hey, hey, hey,” Rainbow consulted softly, lifting Sunset by the chin. “Look at me, shh. I’m here, I’m here,” she repeated softly. “Shh,” she whispered again.

Sunset’s breath hitched a bit as she gulped deeply and closed her eyes, trying to focus on Rainbow’s whispers. She let out a small whimper when she felt her friend’s forehead gently make contact with her’s.

“Shhh…” the athlete repeated again in a soft voice. Moving her hand from Sunset’s chin to her cheek, gently rubbing her thumb back and forth a bit. “I’m here…I got you…”

The flame haired woman’s breathing slowed down as her sobs began to turn into small cries and hiccups. Rainbow’s soothing touch and gentle voice helped calm her anxiety, some people might’ve found the sporty girl’s voice to be too loud or raspy that it came off ‘too annoying’ or ‘too boyish.’ Most people would have preferred a calm soft voice like Fluttershy’s, but to Sunset? Somehow the raspy undertone to Dash’s voice made the flame haired girl feel so safe…and by hearing her voice Sunset also knew that Dash was safe. She…she’s so gentle, and being so kind to me. Why? Okay, well she is my friend, of course she is being caring. But it feels different, Dash’s way of comfort is to beat up whoever hurt her friend. I mean I like both ways…especially this way right now…

“I-I know…I-” Sunset started before Rainbow cut her off.

“Shh…just breathe…just breathe,” she repeated again, even rubbing her forehead back and forth a bit against Sunset’s gently. This only helped to relax the flame haired teen more, she let out a small breath as the silence returned once more. This silence was better though, it was soothing and the two girls could hear their breaths on each other’s faces, the only sounds being the silent bird chirps as the sun finally began to set in the distance. The light of the bright orange shining in between the space of the two friends as both of them couldn’t help but smile. It lasted like this for several minutes before the stars finally started to show in the night sky. Sunset's tears had stopped but her head was still leaned against Dash’s as she would continue shushing and whispering gently to her.

“…h-hey?” Sunset asked softly, finally opening her eyes again to see Rainbow’s closed eyelids before they slowly opened and her scarlet pupils met Sunset’s cyan ones.

The tomboy gave a soft smile before gently pulling back a bit and taking her hand off Sunset’s cheek gently. “Hm?”

Sunset had to admit she felt a little hurt by the lack of contact but it was quickly resolved; she felt Dash’s hand lay atop of her’s as she continued to give a smile.

“I…” the former unicorn started but stopped for a minute, gulping deeply as she felt a shiver go down her spine. Was she really about to tell Dash about her own suicidal tendencies? I mean it only felt fair. But was she doing this just to be fair? No, she wanted to tell her so she did. “I-I just want you to know…you don’t have to talk about what’s going on your mind. But I want you to know that you’re not alone…” She whispered out, stuttering and fumbling her way through her words as she breathed heavily, waiting for a response from her friend. It didn’t come though. Rainbow just tilted her head to the side she still had on a dorky and gentle smile, she raised an eyebrow, asking for Sunset to go on if she wanted. “I-I came up here t-to possibly…” Sunset started before she was cut off by the athlete.

“It’s okay, I think…I think I understand.”

“I understand as well…” Sunset responded, she couldn’t help but smile back at her friend’s goofy face. “And I won’t tell the rest of our friends… okay?”

Rainow let out a small gasp at that before her eyes misted a bit but she quickly whipped them away. “I-I won’t either…” she chuckled out in between a couple of sniffles. “I uhm…we don’t have to-”

“Talk about it?”

The tomboy nodded softly, her smile disappearing into just her regular expression though it was clear she felt much better now.

“No, we don’t. Until we are ready let’s just…stay silent and be there for each other?” She suggested softly.

“That works for me,” Dash nodded, her smile returning as she lifted her hand up to fist bump Sunset. The former bully happily obliged, fist bumping her friend back as she giggled a bit, the rainbow haired jock couldn’t help but return the laugh before both girls looked out to the horizon. Silence again.

Author's Note

So like as you just read Sorin and Dash are dating at this point in the fic. Now I do not ship these two but I do respect that lots of people do and this isn’t like a “hating Sorindash” ship story. I needed Rainbow to be dating a guy and Sorin was the one I thought of. So please don’t take offense, this is literally a Sundash story so yeah. Anyway I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! :derpyderp1:

Touch her again, you’re dead

Author's Note

So, this chapter took longer than it was supposed to. So I am very sorry about that, and just a fair warning to those who are sensitive this chapter does include mentions of Dash getting hit on. Like without consent and such, again not detailed or anything but just a fair warning. Also Sunset kinda goes apeshit in this chapter as well lol. Again Sorindash shippers please don’t kill me lmao. The next chapter is probably also going to be delayed for a bit so I apologize in advance. Enjoy the chapter :pinkiesmile:

Touch her again, you’re dead

Two weeks into this endeavor and it still hadn’t dawned on both girls that the other knew their suicidal thoughts. It became a normal routine…as if this was something that was just another task to do on a day-to-day basis. The girls all go to band practice after school, they work on songs and write new ones together and perfect older ones. Once it becomes 4:30 all the girls leave and Sunset and Dash stay to work on their guitar duet. They practice till 5:00 and then leave the music room, somedays Sunset would be the one to turn down the hall to the rooftop, sometimes Dash, sometimes both. They never had to say anything to each other if one wanted to go up the other would follow to make sure she came back down. The two gamers would sit together on the edge of the roof, their feet dangling down as they look out into the distance. Sometimes there would be tears, sometimes there would be hugs and embraces, lots of times it was just the two of them, sitting there doing nothing. Absolutely nothing at all but watching the sunset.

“Pinkie Pie!” Applejack shouted out, brushing off the big glob of mashed potatoes off her face. Her cousin just let out a sheepish and nervous chuckle as she slumped down in her seat, the only thing poking out now were her two sky blue eyes and her big poofy magenta tuft of hair. The five girls all let out loud laughs at that, as Fluttershy grabbed her napkin and leaned over the table to clean the farmer’s face off though she was letting out small giggles under her breath. “Th-thanks Sugarcube…” the farmer said, lowering her volume back to her normal tone before she glared at Sunset who was still snickering but her smug and knowing grin was clear.

“No problem Applejack,” Fluttershy replied genuinely, whipping one last piece of gravy off the farmer’s nose before sitting back in her chair. AJ had stared blankly at Fluttershy for a couple of moments, internally appreciating her well kept long locks of pink hair. Only Rarity had ever had the pleasure of brushing her fingers through that soft hair, to braid or put it up in a ponytail at a sleepover. That thought made the farmer somewhat jealous of her fashionable friend, she wanted to touch it to, she wanted to play with it and untangle it with her fingers. Applejack’s cheeks went a small touch of red as she realized she was staring for a bit before she shook her head back and forth and turned her gaze back to her food, but the image of her shy friend was still on her mind. Almost all the girls knew about AJ’s feelings towards Fluttershy except her and the farmer herself; she didn’t know what it was like to have a crush. Lucky for her all of the girls kept their teasing to a minimum except for the obvious one: Rainbow Dash. She was the one in the know, she was Fluttershy’s best friend and the one who Applejack would ask multiple questions to, about Fluttershy’s likes and dislikes, would she go out with a girl, and if AJ should go for it? Regardless of how many times the tomboy would tease her though, she would always reassure her and say to go for it even if the father wasn't ready yet, she would be there to lend a hand when the day would come.

“So anyway,” Rarity cleared her throat out, to catch the attention of all her friends. “Sunset, I was wondering if I could ask a quick question?” She asked, turning over to the former unicorn beside her.

“Hm? What is it Rare?” Sunset asked, tilting her head as she lifted a big, plumped red apple off from her plate and chomped into it. The fashionista tried her hardest not to cringe or make a face of disgust at the fruit’s juice sprinkling out in an “unladylike” manner. She couldn’t help but scoff a bit as she readjusted her light blue blouse and indigo mini skirt, whipping the juice Sunset had gotten on them with her handkerchief.

“Darling I insist that you please be careful, these handkerchiefs are silk you know,” she sighed out before facepalming.

“Then just use a napkin like the rest of us,” Applejack snorted out, elbowing her cousin who was also giggling a bit.

“Sorry Rarity…” Sunset apologized sheepishly though she did let out a small snicker.

“It’s quite alright dear,” Rarity reassured her otherworldly friend before clearing her throat yet again. “Now back to my querary.” Sunset just whipped her face off with her napkin as she nodded and gave her full attention to the fashionista. “So as you all know it is the fall season and well…I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind modeling some outfits from my new fall line?”

“M-me?” Sunset asked, a little shocked and a little flustered before she shook her head and smiled. “Yes, I would love to.”

“That is amazing, thank you Sunset!” Rarity exclaimed, a bright smile on her face. “I promise you’ll look absolutely fabulous, your complexion works very well with warm and fall based colors.”

Sunset smiled and nodded at that, seeing where her friend was coming from. She didn’t really mind, she was excited about this anyway, her favorite season was fall and she got to wear cute clothes and help out her friend? It was a win-win situation. The girls continued to talk and laugh back and forth together, Pinkie Pie kept stealing her cousin’s hat as Fluttershy kept giving it back to her. Whilst Twilight read a history book though she would get shoved to the side by the shy girl on accident every now and again.

“What are you reading Twi?” Fluttershy asked, peaking her eyes over the nerd’s shoulder.

Twilight gave a nervous and soft chuckle, scooting the book closer to infront of Fluttershy’s face before answering. “It’s a novel about a young woman who did extraordinary things.”

“Like what?” Her nature loving friend asked, tilting her head and looking at the book curiously.

“Lots of things actually,” Twilight began, chuckling and feeling chipper that someone was taking an interest in what she likes. “She graduated high school at only age seventeen, she helped organize so many peace protests for things like lgbt rights, women's rights, education for all children. Not to mention she also graduated college at twenty one! She got married at twenty six, is now pregnant with a child and still she volunteered at multiple local orphanages and-” she continued to rant before she was cut off by a loud slamming of a tray on the girl’s table followed by a grumbling girl who slumped down in a chair next to Fluttershy. She shoved her food away, adjusting some of her loose articles of clothing and pulling her hoodie’s strings to cover her face.

“Uhm…Dashie?” She asked softly, reaching her hand to pull the tomboy’s hood off that was covering most of her face. Rainbow tried to shake her off but it was too late and all the girls made eye contact with her red, puffy and misty eyes. Everyone’s expressions turned to concern as most of them were confused to see their normally fearless friend like this.

“Dash, what happened?” Applejack asked, reaching out to touch her friend’s hand comfortingly before Rainbow slid her hands under the table and turned away.

“Not talking about it,” she grumbled back, her voice cracking a bit as she turned her head away from all her friends.

“D-don’t you sit with Sorin on Thursday’s?” Twilight asked a bit tentatively, feeling like it wasn’t exactly her place but her curiosity got the better of her.

“So!?” Rainbow snapped, whipping her head back to make eye contact with Twilight who had cowered a bit at the sudden yell. “…I’m sorry Twi…” she apologized quickly before her eyes let out a couple of leaky tears again as she tried to whip them away aggressively. Sunset’s protective defenses immediately hit her, as she pushed her chair back from the table and walked over to her sporty friend, crouching down next to her and placing her hands on Dash’s.

“Please…tell us what happened?” She pleaded softly, looking up into her friend’s magenta pupils and giving her a very empathetic and reassuring look. Rainbow let out a small gasp followed by a small whimper before shutting her eyes tightly and then sighing as they reopened and she nodded softly. Everyone at the table set aside all distractions as they gave their full attention to their hurt friend, Sunset squeezing her hands tightly to calm and reassure her.

“Really dude? I still can’t get over how you scored such a hot chick!” Cloud Chaser laughed out as he and the rest of the athletic guys shoved against each other and roughhoused.

“I still say Rainbows is in love with me. She just doesn’t know how to react to all of this,” Zephyr pouted before giving a smug look on his face as she brushed his fingers through his hair. All the guys just let out a loud groans before Sorin facepalmed.

“Rainbow isn’t some ‘hot chick’ that I dig. She is my girlfriend who I would appreciate you guys stop trying to hit on or make jokes about us,” he grumbled out as he shoved Cloud Chaser’s arm off his shoulders. All the guys just laughed out at that as they all took turns punching and ruffling Sorin’s hair. He couldn’t help but laugh at that as he playfully punched them back, chuckling.

“Okay, okay. We get it, we’ll back off,” Thunder Lane surrendered, lifting his hands up as he slumped back into his chair.

“Maybe,” Cloud Chaser added, chuckling again. “But just so you know when she dumps your ass I’m swooping in and taking her.” All the guys except Sorin laughed out at that before it was cut off by a loud bang on the edge of the table. Everyone at the table immediately trembled when they met the pair of furious cyan eyes that used to dominate all of the school.

“S-sunset, h-hey. Uhm, can we help you?” Sorin asked a little tentatively, swallowing as he smiled sheepishly.

“Actually, yeah,” the flame haired girl chuckled out in her fake sweetened voice. Clenching her hands around the edge of the table as she dug her fingers into the wood, trying her hardest not to punch the guys right then and there. Calm down Sunset, calm down. She repeated to herself before taking a deep breath and turning to glare right at Cloud Chaser and Open Skies. “Do I even need to say anything or will you allow me to punch you now,” she growled deeply, putting her arms into a crossing position. All the rest of the boys turned to the two in question, giving confused glances and tilting their heads. Sunset’s glare sent shivers down both boy’s spines as they even shook a bit.

“I-I have no idea what you are talk-” Open Skies started but was cut off by Sunset shouting.

“You won’t fess up!? Fine, then I will!” She huffed, slamming her fist on the table, clattering all the utensils. She then turned to Sorin, her dark glare still clear on her face. “Your little friends here, basically assaulted Dash!” She explained, still not being able to keep her anger down as she turned back to the two cowering athletes. “She said she was going to meet up with you after gym outside the lockers like usual but was stopped by these two. She said they started to flirt with her and grabbing her by the wrist and saying…gross things to her!”

“I-Is this true?” Sorin asked, as he turned to his friends.

“Oh come on, she’s being dramatic,” Cloud Chaser rolled his eyes as he sent his own glare to Sunset. “She had it coming, she’s hot and our friend’s girlfriend. So I see nothing wrong here. Also your girlfriend wears boxers Sorin,” he laughed out, playfully punching Open Skies who was way more weary about Sunset’s glare towards them.

That comment made the former unicorn snap, her glare hardening as she made her way over to Cloud Chaser and shoved him off his seat.
“You dickhead!”

The light blue haired boy grumbled out, he couldn’t deny that Sunset was definitely strong and could give him a good beating. But that didn’t stop him from saying his next words. “Damn, what the hell dude!” As he stood up from the ground he collapsed on, getting all up in Sunset’s face. “You’re being so dramatic, so what if we crossed a line? We won't do it again!”

“Well apparently to her you’ve said similar things to her before, and today was just the breaking point!” The amber girl clapped back, shouting so loud that some silvia escaped from her mouth.

“So what? Any girl here can be taken down, even you. It was her fault for playing hard to get!” Open Skies finally spoke out, also getting up from his seat. Sunset was at her breaking point, trying her hardest not to retort back to her old ways of punching her way through. As she clenched her eyes shut and grit her teeth she was finally able to reach back to a calm level, that was fairly short-lived though.

“So go be the perfect angel you are, we all know you won’t fight. You’ve come way too far from your old bullying ways. So go back to your table, and tell Rainbow Dash to get breast implants with how flat she is.” Cloud Chaser laughed out before he was cut off by a large hard orange fist pounding him on his temple.

All of the guy’s eyes winded as their friend fell hard on the tiled floor, coughing out drops of red liquid as he was shaking in fear from Sunset towering over him. She reared her arm, ready to throw another one before she felt her arm being pulled back, she quickly shot her head to the side to see who dared to stop her.

“H-hey Sunset, there’s no need to get so worked up,” Zephyr tried to reassure nervously, using all his strength to hold her back.

The former unicorn just grinned maliciously as she let out a dark chuckle. “You’re lucky you’re Fluttershy’s brother or I would have beaten you up a long, long time ago for harassing Dash. You have no right to stop me with how many times she has repeatedly told you to stop flirting with her!” She growled out, shoving Zephyr off of her, almost knocking him down as well. “Now back off or you’ll be next,” she warned, snarling her teeth a bit as her old bully senses kicked back in. Zephyr immediately backed away, crashing into the back of one light green pillar. Sunset sent a little thankful smile before she turned back to Open Skies and glared at him before landing a punch on him, knocking him to the ground next to Cloud Chaser. At this point the entire cafeteria was silent as they watched the show-down.

“You psycho!” Cloud Chaser yelled out, rushing up from the ground and punching Sunset in the gut. She had whimpered out a bit at that as she held onto her stomach, wincing out before snarling again.

“Oh you’ll regret that, you creep!” She retorted back, launching herself towards the light blue haired boy but she was held back by strong orange arms.

“Sunset, stop it,” Applejack demanded, her voice low as she gripped onto her friend tightly.

“No! They hurt Dash! I’ll make them bleed, bleed until they pass out!” Sunset screeched out, trying to pull away from the farmer’s hold. She’s already hurting enough.

Her words shook almost the entire school to their core, people knew she was protective over her friends but this was different. She wasn’t acting like the Sunset Shimmer that saved them at the friendship games, she was acting like the Sunset who was voted biggest meanie freshman year. “Let me go! They’ll pay! I-Urgh, AJ!” She yelled out, kicking her legs and flaring her arms in the air.

“Sunset Shimmer!” A deep voice asked, causing the entire cafeteria to turn back to their food and act as if nothing had happened. The flame haired girl let out a small whine as the cowgirl finally released her and they both turned to meet their vice principal’s dark glare with a sheepish Twilight next to her, adjusting her glasses nervously. Sunset was ready to shout at Twilight for she clearly was the one who brought the vice principal here but she was cut off by the blue woman. “My office, now!” She demanded in a deep voice, turning her way to exit the cafeteria not even bothering to see if she would follow. Sunset just grumbled, shoving past AJ and sending a glare to Twilight as she walked by her, trailing behind Luna.

She turned her head to look towards Sorin before speaking. “You're lucky to have someone as amazing as Dash here, I insist you treat her better before you see the old me again,” she said in a deep tone before flipping him off and turning to Cloud Chaser and Open Skies one last time. “Touch her again and you’re dead, like actually dead!” Before slamming the door behind her and Luna, echoing it through the cafeteria.

Rainbow Dash was in the corner of the room, her back leaning against a piano leg. She was fiddling with her guitar strings, playing a couple of notes that echoed throughout the silent music room. All of the rest of the girls were also holding their instruments in utter silence, Pinkie at the drum kit tapping her foot on the floor a bit. Rarity and Fluttershy were back to back sitting on the steps whilst AJ was leaning against the wall. Everyone kept taking glances over towards the flame haired girl who was sitting next to Dash, aggressively writing in her journal. Their nerdy friend hadn't shown up yet and it was already 30 minutes into rehearsal and they were all getting concerned as each of them would send a text to her every few minutes. It was unbearably awkward, everybody was thinking the exact same thing. But nobody had the guts to say it, so they all continued to sit in silence except for the small strungs coming from the athlete and her guitar.

“So…are we goin’ adress the elephant in the room,” Applejack finally spoke up after another 30 minutes had passed. There was no response from anybody as they all turned to look straight at Sunset, waiting for her to speak up.

“What!?” She grumbled out, shutting her journal and setting it in her lap as she crossed her arms.

“Uhm…lunch,” Fluttershy whispered out, cowering a bit behind Rarity.

“What of it!?”

“Sunny…” Rainbow whispered out, gently placing a hand on her other worldly friend’s shoulder. “Can you please tell us what happened back there?” She asked softly, a pleading look in her scarlet eyes.

The look and the touch she gave her snapped Sunset out of her anger. Her once rageful expression faded as she let out a sigh and hung her head down. “I honestly don’t know,” she started, taking Dash’s hand off her shoulder and holding it in both of her’s. “I just…really, really don’t like it when you get hurt.” Rainbow let out a light gasp as she turned her body over to meet Sunset’s eyes better, she couldn’t help but give a soft smile at her friend’s care for her. “I don’t like it when any of you are hurt,” Sunset emphasized, turning her head to look at the other girls with a solemn look.

All the girls had smiled at this before each one made their way to the pino and crouched down next to the two gamers. Rarity was the first one to speak. “Darling…you know we love you as our friend. And I think I speak for all of us when I say we appreciate how protective you can be. However…”

“You shouldn’t go overboard like that,” Fluttershy finished for her, her voice very sheepish and fearful though. She wouldn’t admit it aloud but when she saw Sunset raging in the cafeteria she was reminded of who her flame haired friend used to be.

She didn’t need to say it though for Sunset to know exactly what she was thinking, it was so very clear in her facial expression and body language. “Why? You guys scared that I’m going to go back to being a bitch! You guys scared I’m going to become a demon again and terrorize you!” She snapped, trying her best to loom over her friends before Rainbow pulled her back to the ground.

“Sunset, enough!” The former unicorn couldn’t help but cower at her sporty friend’s yell, feelings of guilt, regret, and self-loathing started to fill her mind. “Please, just stop,” Rainbow emphasized again, facepalming with a sigh.

“Y-you…I-I’m sorry,” Sunset apologized quickly, her voice cracking as she scooted a good amount of distance from Rainbow Dash. Feeling unworthy of even being near her, she did mess up. She shouldn’t have used her hands, she was better than that. But she couldn’t help it…all the comments they made about her friend and how Sorin barely did anything to help Rainbow. He just sat there and didn’t go to her to comfort her, and apparently this has been going on for a long time? The flame haired girl couldn’t help but feel as if she wanted to slap Sorin for his ignorance and for being a terrible boyfriend, but she also didn’t want to hurt Dash in any way. That was the last thing she wanted, that’s what got her in this situation in the first place.

“Hey guys?” Rainbow began as she turned to all of the girls, who looked back with confusion. “Can you give us a sec?” She asked gently, waving her arm back and forth in the space between her and Sunset. All of their friends stared at Sunset with solemn and fearful looks before AJ silently whispered her reassurances in all of their ears and began to lead them out of the music room. She was the last to go and sent a small side smile to Rainbow followed by a nod, the former gave her own smile and nod back before the door latched shut. “Spill,” the tomboy demanded, reaching her hand over to Sunset’s chin and turning it to face her.

Sunset just lightly shoved her sporty friend’s hand away from her as she grumbled out under her breath. She averted her gaze away from Dash and back towards the ground, subconsciously counting each little title that lined against one another.

Rainbow let out a small whine as she pouted out her bottom lip, trying to get a reaction out of her painter friend. Well it worked, Sunset did move her gaze up to face Dash. It was brief, but just enough to satisfy the athlete to push further. “Come on Sunny,” she persisted in a sing-song voice, scooting right over to Sunset, even shoving a bit into her.

“Don’t ‘Sunny’ me,” the flame haired girl grumbled back, trying to shove the athlete away but it was pointless. Rainbow was stronger than her and she was too tired to fight back.

“Okay…so Shimmy,” Dash began again with a snort, scooting in a bit closer.

Sunset let out a groan, rolling her eyes but she couldn’t keep the giggle that came. “I seriously can’t with you.”

Rainbow just let out a holler and a snort at that comment before playfully punching Sunset. Who just turned to her with a deadpan before punching back with a giggle. “See…” Dash reaches her hand over to Sunset’s chin, lifting her head up a bit. “There’s that smile.”

Sunset couldn’t help but let out another giggle before it disappeared back into a frown. The athlete matching her expression as her hand left Sunset’s face and was placed in between the two. She tilted her head to the right, asking the former to explain. “It’s just…” Sunset began before sighing and burying her face in her hands. “The things they said about you…are they true?” She asked, her voice cracking a bit at that last sentence as she gave a look of sorrow and concern for her sporty friend. “They, they…they said that you wore boxers or something…I don’t know, do they touch you!?”

Rainbow fell silent at these questions, she turned to face the floor as she brought her knees to her chest, even rocking back and forth a bit. “That’s a hard question to answer…” She finally decided to go with, her tone more softer than usual and very reflective of her childhood friend’s voice.

“How the fuck is that hard to answer?!” Sunset snapped, huffing a bit towards the sporty teen. She felt bad and didn’t want to make her friend feel any more uncomfortable than she already was; but she also was getting impatient and was very worried for her wellbeing. “…Dashie? Do they touch you?” She asked again, her voice more softer than before, her eyes even watering a bit as she was terrified for the response.

The tomboy rocked herself back and forth again, a little faster then before as she also was shaking slightly. She took a deep breath before touching her forehead to her knees and answering. “They never have seen me topless…or pantless or anything like that…” Though that wasn’t necessarily true, she knew that they had eyed her up last time she went to the beach with her friends. She remembered the feeling she felt that day, she could feel their eyes on her body and that hurt. It hurt a lot whenever these guys would come up to her. She was Rainbow motherfucking Dash! And yet still…a part of her couldn’t deny the tremble she felt in their presence.

“L-look I-I…” the former unicorn begun, taking Dash’s hands in her own and forcing her to make eye contact. “I know that…w-when we go…like when we go up there,” she continued, looking straight into her friend’s scarlet eyes as she motioned her head upwards to give emphasis. “I know we don’t talk about why…why we are there but…but are they the reason?” She couldn’t help but ask, a tear finally escaping and dripping down her cheek.

“…I mean…no?” Rainbow mumbled out after around ten minutes of silent tension. “It’s complicated…I-I… you should know this,” she pointed out. Causing Sunset to tilt her head in confusion, giving her a look to elaborate. “Well I-I just mean…not one singular thing or person can cause someone to go spiraling, at least for me…” The tomboy tried to explain, stumbling her way through her explanation. “To answer…no not really.”

Sunset nodded softly before she began to think about Rainbow Dash’s words. She has multiple things that cause her dread or anxiety? That thought made yet another frown form on her face as she continued to stare at the floor before she met a pair of magenta orabs.

“Thank you by the way…” Rainbow began with a slight chuckle as she pulled away once she caught the former unicorn’s attention. “Thank you for teaching those dicks a lesson.”

Sunset couldn’t stop the smile that creeped onto her face as she let out a little giggle before leaning her head on Rainbow’s shoulder. “I’ll kick anyone’s ass who messes with my friend Rainbow Dash!”

“Oh fuck yeah you will!” Dash laughed out as she pulled the amber girl into a side hug before shouting out. “You girls can come back in now!”

Dumbass

Author's Note

Boo! :rainbowderp: I’m alive! I’m so sorry I’ve been kinda AWOL for awhile, been dealing with life and writers block…:applejackconfused: Buttttttt! I’m here and I’ve got a new awesome chapter for you I hope you enjoy it and hopefully the next one won’t take as long lol :twilightoops:

Dumbass

The file of their friends shuffled in after Rainbow had called out to them a couple of times. Each one of them entered one by one, but to the two gamer’s surprise a certain purple haired nerd had appeared behind Pinkie after the rest of the girls came through. She hesitantly made eye contact with Sunset before darting her eyes back to the floor and cowering a bit behind the pink party girl. The former bully let out a small sigh before gently pulling away from Rainbow Dash’s hold on her. All of the girls had shuffled out of the way as Sunset approached her sheepish friend.

Once coming face to face with Sunset, Twilight felt a wave of panic was over her. “I’m sorry Sunset! I shouldn’t have gotten Vice Principal Luna! I just was so worried you would get hurt, and I-I didn’t want a major fight to break out! I should-” she began to rant before she was cut off by the flame haired woman tightly but gently wrapping her arms around her.

“It’s okay Twi…I know you were just looking after me. It’s okay, I’m not mad,” she reassured her nerdy friend in a whisper. Twilight felt her eyes water a bit before she hugged Sunset back just as securely, sniffling up her tears as she let out a soft and watery chuckle.

“Y-you are really the best Sunset…” She sniffled, pulling back from the hug with a smile. “You all are. Thank you,” she added, turning to each one of the girls with a smile.

“Ah shucks Sugarcube,” Applejack chuckled, putting an arm around the scientist with her own smile. “We’re always there for each other.” The rest of the group nodded in agreement, all of them smiling but Fluttershy. The nature loving girl gently moved in between Rarity and Applejack so she could get to Sunset.

“I-I…I’m sorry…” She apologized in a soft tone, softer than usual. “We shouldn’t have…we all got scared of you. I was scared of you,” she admitted, bringing a hand to her chest.

Sunset couldn’t lie to herself, that hurt. It hurt really badly, what type of person does that? She had no regrets punching the boys. But snapping at her friends, and even scaring them? It felt like she was getting stabbed in the gut. But of course, she wasn’t going to show them that. “Boo,” she giggled, bringing her hands up in a claw-like position.

Fluttershy gave a weak chuckle before she sniffled and tilted her head to the side. “You forgive me?”

“Shy, of course I do. You girls had every right to be intimidated by me. It’s really okay you guys,” the flame haired girl tried to reassure. She put a hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. The rest of the girl’s faces all lit back up again, all except Rainbow who could see past Sunset’s fake smile. “Now come on, let’s practice!” The former unicorn cheered before making her way to her guitar and motioning the others to follow.

It was early in the morning, for once Dash had gotten to school on time. Even earlier, she only did it for Fluttershy though. Helping her hand out flyers for the animal shelter, like every Wednesday and it was nice. It gave the two childhood friends a chance to catch up one-on-one, although today Dash wasn’t exactly feeling as chipper. She had stayed awake most of the night, too many thoughts were running through her head. For once in her life she even thought about what she was going to wear to school today, not because she wanted to impress anybody; that was the opposite of what she wanted. She wore an oversized sage green hoodie with long black leggings that had little lightning bolt patterns on the ankles. A couple of people had approached the blue skinned girl and it took everything in her power to fight back her reflexes of slapping them. With what happened yesterday she was on high alert; not because she was scared of some hormonal teenage boys. Because of course she wasn’t! Not at all. Rainbow Dash doesn’t get scared over some stupid boys. She just was…shaken up a bit…that’s all…that’s all.

“Dashie?” A soft, familiar voice asked before the tomboy felt a hand on her shoulder. Dash flinched back at that, even letting out a light gasp before her gaze met her worried friend’s.

“Heh, sorry…” Rainbow chuckled a bit sheepishly before rubbing the back of her neck.

“It’s okay, you just seem…out of it,” her childhood friend pointed out. “Does this have to do with what happened yesterday at lunch?” She asked, tilting her head to the side as she let go of Dash’s shoulder.

“No,” Rainbow half lied, shaking her head and giving a smile. “I just didn’t get a good night's sleep last night…”

“How come?” Fluttershy asked after handing a flyer to one student walking by.

“….” Dash didn’t really know how to respond to that, she wasn’t AJ but lying wasn’t her favorite. Luckily for her another student came up to them and interrupted the conversation, not so lucky they interrupted it by planting a kiss on the tomboy’s lips. She immediately panicked, pulling herself away from the uncomfortable peck. “What the fuck!” She yelped, scowling at the culprit before it softened a bit.

“S-sorry,” Sorin apologized sheepishly, taking a step away from his girlfriend. Rainbow just averted her gaze from him before turning to Fluttershy and giving her a reassuring smile. She then took a step closer to Sorin before grabbing him by the wrist and dragging him away from the school statue and towards a corner of the building.

“Speak,” she grumbled, letting go of his wrist and bringing her arms to a crossing position.

“Look…I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop them,” Sorin began to apologize.

To which Rainbow just scoffed in return. “Really? That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you mean? What else do I have to say, I apologized,” her boyfriend countered back, starting to get a bit annoyed.

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Fine, what is it?” The navy blue haired boy asked, crossing his own arms and rolling his eyes.

“Did you tell them off, after what happened? Are you going to stop being friends with them?”

“What kind of a stupid question is that!? You don’t see me asking you to stop being friends with Sunset after what she did!” Sorin countered back, raising his voice and looming over Rainbow. She didn’t take this very well, the tomboy could feel herself cower back as her boyfriend stepped closer.

Her shoulders tensed up as she hung her head down in defeat, knowing he had a good point. “Y-you’re right…I’m sorry,” she murmured softly, turning to walk away. But before she could Sorin wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close to his chest. Dash couldn’t help it, she cringed. She wanted to pull back but that would have made it more awkward then it already was so she just wrapped her own arms around him, imagining he was somebody else. Someone a bit shorter, with longer hair, soft skin, and teal eyes. Her embraces with Sunset had felt more comfortable and natural as time had passed, with Sorin it felt fake. It was always fake. After a few more moments she finally pushed back from the hug, giving her boyfriend the best smile she could muster. To which he responded by kissing her on the lips, again she cringed.

“I gotta go now babe,” Sorin chuckled after pulling back and pecking her on the nose. “We should both go, don’t wanna be late for class.”

“Heh, yeah…” Dash tried to chuckle back before walking back towards the courtyard, her hand being held by Sorin’s. A sweaty, dry, clammy hand that she had never taken a liking to and she never will.

“Ow!” Dash yelped before she let out a painful groan. “Are you done yet,” she pouted, turning her head over her shoulder before she stopped herself. She had already gotten yelled at five times from moving, she wasn’t about to make it six. Now normally Rainbow Dash, Sunset, and maybe even AJ could be classified as the ‘badasses of their friend group.’ But something that the entire group agreed on: When Rarity is doing a fitting, do not antagonize her.

“Do you want your dress to be done in time for the fall formal or not!” The fashionista huffed back, rolling her eyes before readjust her ruby red work glasses on her nose. She held a piece up to Dash’s side before grabbing a pin and poking it into place.

“Ow!” The tomboy whined again, pouting her bottom lip out as she looked to Rarity with puppy-dog eyes. “It hurrttsss.”

“Damn, who’s getting murdered?” A sarcastic voice commented with a chuckle from the costume room’s doorway.

“Ha, ha, ha,” Rainbow deadpanned, attempting to bring her hand up to flip Sunset off before Rarity held it in place.

“No movement,” their dressmaker friend warned, sending a glare that gave the athlete what could be known as: ‘The heebie-jeebies.’

“I see demon Rarity has come out to play,” Sunset snickered as she stepped into the room, her arms in a crossing position. “What’s with the get up?”

“It’s Rainbow Dash’s dress for the fall formal!” Rarity answered brightly, turning over to the former unicorn with a smile. “It’s still in the early stages but I’m think making it a bit shorter and adding layers,” she explained while stepping back to look at the athlete. Putting her fingers into two L’s, observing the dress in between them.

“So like, when can I go?” Rainbow pouted, her shoulders slumped and her arms hanging at her side.

“Don’t slouch!”

At that demand Dash immediately straightened herself, making Sunset laughed under her breath.

“I’m going to grab some fabric samples I have in my car,” the fashionista announced as she walked over to her purse, rummaging through it. “Sunset, make sure she doesn’t move?”

“On it boss,” the flame haired girl saluted as Dash groaned.

“Thank you,” Rarity sung out before grabbing her keys and skipping out the room.

Sunset turned to her sporty friend with a smirk, that classic smirk she always wore.

“Oh I hate you.”

She laughed in response. “I assume this isn’t your ideal way to spend a study hall?”

“She practically dragged me out of my seat!”

“You know how she gets,” Sunset rolled her eyes, she started to walk around the room a bit. Observing the organized mess her fashionable friend made; dress sketches, safety pins, measuring tapes and more scattered across the sewing desk.

“Yeah, I know. But like you said, I’d much rather be doing other things.”

“Like what?” She asked as she hopped onto the desk, her legs dangling as she faced Rainbow on the stand. “I know not homework.”

“Har, har,” Rainbow crossed her arms and stuck a tounge out. “You’re so funny.”

“I know I am,” Sunset flicked her hair behind her back with a giggle. “No, seriously. What’s up? I know dressing up isn’t your favorite, but you always like looking good.”

“Not if I don’t feel good…” the sporty teen said under her breath, so softly it almost sounded like Fluttershy.

“Come again?”

“Nothing…” Rainbow brushed off her friend’s concerns. “It’s nothing,” she turned away from her, facing the giant mirror behind her instead.

But Sunset wasn’t one to just let things slide, she slid off the table and made her way to the stand. Stepping up right next to her friend and looking into the mirror with her. She didn’t say anything, she didn’t need to either; she just simply smiled at Dash through the mirror.

To which, the rainbow haired girl couldn’t help but do it back; Sunset’s smile was just too contagious at this point. “I…” she sighed, the smile disappearing and the frown returning. “I don’t know what it is.”

“What, what is?” Sunset asked curiously with a head tilt, she placed a hand on Dash’s shoulder and gently spun her around to face her.

Rainbow flinched a bit at the sudden contact but relaxed after she remembered it was only Sunset. “I dunno, I’ve never been one for ‘girly stuff.’”

“Well yeah, we all know your style is more tomboyish. Rarity knows that and will take that into account.”

“But…it’s, it’s like I don’t want a dress at all. Does that make sense?” Dash asked a bit tentatively, she started to unconsciously fidget with her fingers. Intertwining them and pulling at each finger on her left hand with her right one.

Sunset gave a soft and reassuring smile, she placed her hands on Rainbow’s, she tilted her head down so that way she could meet her eyes. “It makes perfect sense.”

Her athletic friend smiled back, leaning her head over so that way her forehead touched Sunset’s. She hummed softly at the contact, closing her eyes and enjoying this soft, tender touch. “W-wait…” she popped one eye open after another.

“Hm?”

“Wh-what will I wear then?”

“I mean…it’s your choice obviously. But I imagine a suit of some kind?” She shrugged, her forehead still brushing slightly against Rainbow’s. Whose eyes just sparkled at that suggestion, letting out a giggle that was just music to the flame haired girl’s ears.

“B-but what will the girls say?” The tomboy stuttered a bit, she averted her eyes away from Sunset’s. “What will Sorin say…?”

Sunset just deadpanned, letting out a scoff and crossing her arms. “Fuck Sorin.”

“Wh-Sunset!” Dash shoved her with a laugh.

“You heard me! Fuck your boyfriend, he sucks ass!” She sang out and shoved her friend back. Dash let out more snorts at that, the smile returning yet again, a smile that only seemed to show up when Sunset was around. “I’m serious, wear what you feel most comfortable and confident in,” she cupped her chin gently. “You’re the most confident and fearless person I know. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

If only you knew… Rainbow thought to herself with a sigh before she nodded. “Thanks Sunny,
you’re well…you’re the best.”

“No you.”

“Nah, that’s you.”

“You,” Sunset poked Rainbow’s nose.

Dash let out an almost offended scoff before she matched Sunset, poking her nose. “You.”

“You.”

“You.”

“You!”

“You!”

“You!!”

“Sunny god dammit let me win!”

“You’re not the only competitive one here,” Sunset snarked back, lightly shoving into Dash.

She laughed and shoved Sunset back before sighing. “Fine, you win.”

“Oh finally she admits it,” the former unicorn snarked.

“I swear sometimes you’re just something else.”

Sunset put a hand on her chest with a fake offense gasp. “Wooowww. I see how it is.”

“It’s a compliment, dumbass,” Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue.

“You’re the dumbass,” Sunset flicked her friend’s forehead. The athlete let out a wince followed by a grumble but smiled, and Sunset smiled back. That seemed to be something they’d do a lot lately, smiling and staring into each other’s eyes. “I uh-” the former bully was the first one to snap out of it, stepping off the platform. “I should head back to class, bell’s gonna ring soon,” she pointed her thumb to the door.

“Y-yeah!” Rainbow stuttered a bit nervously, looking towards the clock and then to the door. “Yeah…”

“So uhm…you’ll tell Rare what you told me?” Sunset asked gently, trying to reassure her friend.

“Mhm.”

“Okay…see you after school?” The flame haired girl asked, both genuinely with a bit of concern.

“Yeah…” Dash nodded, a warm smile still present on her face. “But…just to enjoy the view today.”

Sunset nodded, glad that today wasn’t a bad day. Or at least not anymore, and how she helped to change that. “Catch you later Dash,” she waved, turning towards the exit of the costume room.

“Bye,” her friend waved back. Once Sunset was gone she turned back to the mirror, gazing upon herself for a moment or two before she flashed a cocky smirk and wink to herself.