Their hoofsteps echoed in the darkness of the cave, narrow tunnels meshed into large chambers perfectly, and yet, abnormally.

The pitch black was staved off by the light of Sunset’s horn, and the lantern of Maud’s belt. The Unicorn took the lead, her armor clanging quietly in the silence of the cave.

“Thank you for helping me with this, by the way.” Maud said calmly, sniffing the air, observing the walls.

“Don’t mention it. This might sound weird, but I prefer things like this to candlelit dinners.” Sunset Shrugged, her eyes shifting through different sections of the cave, and the darkness beyond.

“It doesn’t sound weird.” Maud blinked, scraped a wall with a hoof, feeling the textures, threading waters.

“So what’s your deal, Maud Pie?” The Paladin asked absentmindedly, inspecting the darkness thoroughly. “Why did you accept it when your sister offered to set you up with me?”

“It was more of a ‘I didn’t refuse’ situation.” She shrugged lightly, leaning closer to a small hole she was making. “I’ve learned to just go with her ideas. Pinkie can be very persuasive. ”

“Haven’t known her for long, but I’ve definitely noticed that.” She smirked, huffing, keeping her eyes on the ceiling. “Do you do this kind of thing often?”

“It’s my full time job. Collecting, researching, selling if I need to.” She dug a bit more, and quickly took a glance at the Paladin. “It’s my passion. Going anywhere in Equestria, seeing the deepest, darkest cave… And finding treasures where no other pony would even try to look.” With one more stroke in the wall, she unveiled a beautiful unpolished jade. “Bingo.” She spoke, deadpan.

“Not bad at all!” Sunset nodded, looking closer. “But my question wasn’t about this– It was; Do you often go on dates in the depths of previously unexplored caves?”

“Oh.” Maud took a pause from examining the jade, with an almost indecipherably embarrassed glance towards her date. “...No. I don’t often go on dates at all.”

“Huh. I see Pinkie macking on a different mare or stallion every week– Is it not the same for the rest of the Pie sisterhood?”

“Not exactly. You might have noticed Pinkie is a bit ‘eccentric’.” Maud understated plainly.

“I sure have.” Sunset suppressed laughter.

“And well, you’ve met me.” Maud looked back at the jade. “All my sisters have their own unique quirks. Limestone is the only other that tried the dating thing– She can’t exactly maintain anything, though.”

“I guess I'll see why when I meet her, heh.” She chuckled lightly, reveling in the strangeness of what she had accepted.

“Pinkie is just the ‘lucky’ one, I guess.” That word was highlighted in a slight different tone, and Sunset picked up on it. “My family isn’t bad. But there’s a reason I choose a job that takes me anywhere but home, you know?”

“Four sisters, and two parents. Must get overwhelming.” Sunset had absolutely no idea how it felt.

“Hm.” With a hum of affirmation, Maud began chiseling the wall, to remove the jade.

Smirking, Sunset caught onto something. “So Pinkie is the ‘lucky’ one, huh?” She tilted her head, analytically.

“That was a joke.” The slightest, most narrow grin appeared in the Earth Pony’s face. “I don’t envy the spotlight my sister has– neither of my sisters do. And I’m not really interested in the whole love thing.” With one final chisel, she removed that beautiful unpolished green stone, and observed it analytically.

“Really? Why’s that?” No matter how monotone, the subject in question was fascinating, Sunset was beginning to find it an captivating game to decipher what Maud was thinking.

A moment of silence passed, while the Earth Pony pondered her answer, looking at the darkness of the cave. “...If you’ve never had something before, it's difficult to crave it. So why would I care about love?”

“Heh. A mare after my own heart.” Sunset grinned, shrugging. “C’mon, we should move.”

“Hold on, there’s a vein of jade here. I want to–”

“--There’s also a couple dozen dormant giant leeches on the ceiling. I’d rather not start a big fight in a narrow tunnel, especially not set anything on fire in an enclosed space.” Sunset pointed up, to the hidden monsters in the dark. “You better trust me on this. If I increase my light, it might wake them up.” She spoke softer, sternly.

Maud blinked twice, looking up. “Okay. Let’s move.”

“Don’t worry. They live in very small hives. The next section of the cave system should be pretty safe.” Sunset spoke affirmatively, calmly, almost gently. “Right, or left?”

“Left.”

She followed the command of the experienced caver thoroughly.

“...So how about you, Sunset Shimmer?” Maud asked while following closely. “I can see you’re good at what you do. And you look good doing it too. Aren’t you working for the new Princess?”

“Twilight Sparkle, yes. I’m her bodyguard.” She spoke absentmindedly, surveying the path forward. “Speaking of which, I have work tomorrow, so we better be back on Canterlot before the sun rises.”

Following closer, Maud looked at her intently. “What’s she like, the Princess? I’ve only heard the tales Pinkie tells… Or sings.” She knew well her sister often blew stories out of proportions.

“She’s the smartest mare you’ll ever meet– Incredibly magically capable, too. She’s also infuriatingly humble.” Sunset quickly waved her horn, illuminating a large room they stepped onto, hiding her smile.

“What do you mean?”

“...You’d have to be there. She became an Alicorn, literally ascended… And just went back to business as usual. ‘Time to go study! Time to visit Ponyville! Time to attend a party!’ Heh.” After imitating Twilight’s voice, she couldn’t help but smile, shaking her head. “Despite her hesitations, fears and insecurities, she is incredibly capable.” Sunset hid her face, because she couldn’t help but smile warmly. “I honestly think she can find a solution to anything, if she has enough time for research… She is perfect for her job.” There was a bittersweetness in her tone, one she hid well.

“Good to know Equestria is in good hooves, I guess.” Maud let out an ironic smile. “I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t really care about politics.”

“Heh. The cave mare doesn’t care about politics? Color me surprised.” Sunset spoke in a joking tone, giving her a grin, and Maud reciprocated.

“You’re funny.” She spoke plainly, with a slight smile.

Silence, as Sunset shot glances at multiple directions.

Maud blinked twice, inspecting the frame of the Paladin as she surveyed the cave. “You asked my opinion on love and dating. What about you?”

Undefined grumbles came out from Sunset, as she shrugged. After a brief period of silence, she spoke, uninterested. “It’s like you said; If you’ve never had something before, it's difficult to crave it… Much less deserve it.” She looked away, into the dark, averting thinking of the question properly. “Celestia spent a thousand years ruling without even one romantic partner. So the whole ‘love’ thing must be overrated, then.”

Briefly, she remembered herself as a foal, proclaiming she would rule alone, for a thousand years.

“Hm. I definitely understand that.” Maud took a pause, looking at the darkness with her. “Pinkie always liked singing about adventures, legends and love stories. I never understood it.”

“Bah.” Sunset grumbled, almost snarling, frowning at the darkness, genuinely believing every word she spoke. “Rescuing damsels from towers. World saving adventures. True love. Happily ever after. Destiny. It’s all fairy tale bullshit.”

“Then why are you here?” Maud tilted her head, forcing eye contact.

Sunset came closer, reciprocating on the gaze, enough so they could feel each other's breaths, speaking quietly. “...I’m just trying to feel something good.”

“...Me too.” Maud agreed quietly, with a whisper.

Sunset grinned. Maybe most ponies couldn’t decipher Maud; That is why Pinkie had told her. But she was beginning to become easy to read. And she enjoyed the challenge. “Well then.” She turned around and kept moving forward, purposefully bumping the Earth Pony with her side. “This way looks promising.”

“Yes. It does.” Maud nearly stuttered, forcing herself to follow along. Clearing her throat, she tried continuing the conversation. “Well you know about me and my sisters. What about your family?”

“Don’t have one.” She spoke absentmindedly, eyes forward. “Raised in an orphanage. Took in by Celestia at the age of nine. No sisters, no parents.” She let out a quick chuckle, glancing back. “Look at us– You’re drowning, while I’ve got a drought.”

“That’s true… And funny.” Maud smiled quietly, then thought for a bit, and continued. “I’m sorry if talking about family upset you.”

“Nah.” Sunset shrugged, looking away. “Again, like you said; If you’ve never had something before–”

But she stopped, looking at nothing.

“Are you sure you want to put aside all of these duties, Queen Celestia?” Raven Inkwell asked dutifully, as she looked over a checklist diligently. “I understand your reasoning, but–”

“I am sure.” The Queen of the Sun spoke calmly, with a smile, walking forward in the halls of her castle. “Tonight is Sunset’s first nightmare night here in Canterlot– I don’t want her to miss a thing.”

“I hope it will be worth it, then…” Squinting, Raven crossed a few things off of her checklist. “We will be putting away a few dozen duties…”

“Duties will always be here, Raven.” She amused herself, shrugging. “But her childhood, she will only get once–”

Just then, they heard scurrying coming from the corridor before them, and just like that, the little filly ran towards them, turning a corner so hard she almost slipped, and ran towards Celestia all while giggling.

Celestia’s eyes widened with a smile, disregarding the negatives of the scene– Sunset was leaving a trail of paint with every step she took on her sprint, blue and green staining the gorgeous carpets of the castle.

And behind her, two guards pursued, clearly fatigued.

“Queen Celestia! Queen Celestia!!” Sunset shouted with a wide grin, immediately running in between Celestia’s tall legs, taking cover from the guards. “I’m ready for Nightmare Night!”

“Oh dear!” Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable sight she was seeing. Sunset wasn’t just carelessly covered in paint for no reason. It looked like she had tried to dye her short mane to be the same color as Celestia’s, with questionable success.

And of course, matching, she had clumsily, yet surprisingly efficiently, managed to decorate herself with cardboard cutouts of a crown on her head and a set of wings on her back.

The two guards stopped on their tracks, breathing haggardly, awkwardly. “M-my Queen! Sorry!! W-we tried catching her, but phew!”

“Y-yes, you see, your pupil has raided the royal garden shed for paint–” The other guard quickly tried adding, but with a simple motion of her hoof, Celestia silenced them.

Sunset blew raspberries at the guards, and muttered the word “Snitches!!”

“It is quite alright, you two.” Celestia spoke with a calm smile. “You are both dismissed. Me and my student have somewhere to be tonight, so I will promptly lecture her on her wrongdoings in the morning!”

Sunset, below her, muttered “Boooooo!!”

The two guards exchanged awkward, tired looks, gave the Queen a salute, and left without discussion, conversing among each other what a handful Celestia’s student was.

“This might stain…!” Raven inspected the carpets, with a concerned gaze. “Shall I inform the cleaning crew?”

“Not to worry, Raven. Now…” With her magic, she picked Sunset up, and leaned down gently, so they could be eye to eye. “Little one… I see you’ve decided to undertake costume making by yourself…!” Her eyes were filled with affection, seeing the adorable scene.

Sunset struck a pose, proudly displaying her work, wings, crown, and paint. “Go on! Go on! Guess who I’m dressed as!”

Giggling, Celestia played along adoringly. “How many tries do I have–”

“--The strongest Alicorn in Equestria!!” Sunset shouted out with a smile, unable to contain herself, hopping up and down. “I got wings and everything!! Don’t they look so cool?”

Sunset had poorly, yet distinctively decided to dress as none other than Celestia, a fact that was not lost on the Queen, who had the widest, warmest grin. “They most certainly do, little one.” With her magic, she brought Sunset to ride on her back, and the little filly got comfortable instantly. “Perhaps next year we will match, eh? Let us decide on the costuming together, next time. Raven, take note, please.”

Her aide immediately straightened her back, ready for it, taking out a clipboard. “First order of business. After me and my student are done with the festivities tonight, she will be punished for her transgressions through the simplest form: Bath time.”

The little filly immediately protested in despair, but Celestia continued smiling widely. “And tomorrow, at the earliest, she and I will be responsible for cleaning any and all carpets she has stained.”

The little filly’s protests grew even louder, as she flailed in contempt, all the while Celestia’s wings kept her locked firmly in place.

“But as for tonight…” Celestia turned to her student, and nuzzled her affectionately, calming her down. “Sunset Shimmer’s only duty is to enjoy her festivities on her first nightmare night in Canterlot, with me, provided she behaves.” The nuzzles prompted Sunset to giggle affectionately, and she nuzzled the Queen right back.

Even Raven couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “All noted, my Queen.”

“Well then!” Celestia smiled warmly, opening a window. “Let us not waste any more time, shall we, Sunset? And let us take the scenic route!”

“YES!! YAY!!” The little filly cheered, as she rode the Queen, who carefully and elegantly leapt out of the window, flying down to their city, with both of them intending to make the absolute best of this night.

It was worth it, and unforgettable.

“Sunset?” Maud tilted her head, looking at her intently.

“It’s… Nothing. It doesn’t matter.” She forced her eyes closed, with an exhale. “Let’s talk about something else.”

Letting out a short hum of affirmation, Maud pointed towards the direction of the large dark chamber they were in. “Judging by the structure and the wear in the ceiling, there might be a way out through here. I’m pretty satisfied with the haul from tonight– I wouldn’t mind going home if you don’t.”

“Yeah. It’s late. We should both go home.” She spoke absentmindedly, with a grimace over the suppressed memories, and any yearning that came from it.

“No. I mean your home.” Maud spoke plainly, following her.

Sunset’s ears twitched. “Oh? You don’t have anywhere to stay tonight?”

Maud stopped on her tracks. Sunset turned to her, watching her carefully.

“...No.” Maud spoke after a moment of eye contact, quietly.

“Wow. You, Maud Pie, are a bad liar.” Sunset amused herself, snickering. “I think I’ve got you figured out, now.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” The Earth pony remained deadpan, poker faced.

“Oh, but I do.” Tilting her head, she came closer. “But oh well. If you won’t say it, I guess it won’t happen. Shame!” Smiling, she turned and walked forward, leaving Maud behind.

“Shit.” Maud spoke quietly, quickly following along.

“Over here. I think I found something.” Demeanor changed back to Professional and wary, Sunset stood by. “This here. Is this what I think it is?”

Maud followed close, standing next to her, and observed it. It was a large, erratic yet circular hole on a wall, one they could easily step into, a dark, and deep sight they couldn’t see the end of.

“Hm. yes. I think it’s a mountain eel nest. We should–”

The next two seconds were frantic.

Sunset quickly yet firmly shoved Maud aside, away from the hole, and then the unicorn leapt high into the air, with a flip.

The giant mountain eel emerged from the hole at breakneck speeds, bringing its jaws locking down fiercely attempting to swallow them whole, but meeting only air, due to the unicorn being airborne.

With the same motion and with the help of gravity, Sunset lit her horn akin to a blade of light, and felled down on the beast with precision and deadliness in a single decisive and deadly motion.

Immediately after, the decapitated head of the giant eel rolled on the cave floor with squishy thuds, and both the ponies were splattered with its blood.

“That’s that.” Sunset let out a single short snarled exhale, having done all that in one breath. With her magic, she pulled the long snake-like decapitated corpse out of the hole fiercely, dropping it in the cave floor, so it wouldn’t be between her and Maud.

The Earth Pony laid on the floor, eyes widened, observing the Paladin approach her, both of them splattered in the blood of the beast.

Sunset extended a hoof. “Sorry for the push. You okay?”

“Holy shit.”Maud muttered quietly watching her.

Blinking twice, Sunset sighed, with a smile. “Sorry, heh... Bodyguard instincts took over.” She helped Maud up, who watched her intently.

Suddenly, they noticed a breeze, under her helmet, Sunset’s mane was wavering.

“Hey, douse your lantern.” She commanded, doing the same to the light of her own horn, beholding the previous-home of the now dead giant mountain eel.

Maud obeyed, and just like that, with their eyes adjusting to the dark, they could see it.

At the end of the hole, there was a light. A way out.

“How about that? Tricky little devil. C’mon, we’re almost out of here.” Sunset stepped into the hole, and Maud followed.

The light was easy to distinguish– it had long since become night outside, and the light belonged to the city of Canterlot, in all of its dazzling glory. Not that either of them minded, as they simply enjoyed the stroll.

“Well, that was one of the best dates I’ve been on.” The Paladin amused herself with a chuckle, speaking ironically, yet earnestly.

“Best one I’ve ever had.” Maud spoke quietly.

And with that, Sunset chuckled some more. “Hah, Pinkie did tell me you were funny– It’s your first, isn’t it? Victory by default, for me.”

“Yes.” She replied, but an ever so noticeable smile, observing Sunset.

“You know, your job, spelunking…” Sunset thought for a moment, letting her mind wander. “Going anywhere you want, not being bound by anything, as far as you want, with nopony holding you back, always alone– it’s good. I respect it.” She reminisced on the thought. “I’ve thought about running away a lot, in the past year. This wouldn’t be so bad.”

Leaving everything behind sounded both incredibly easy, and monumentally difficult.

“We prefer the term ‘caver’. It’s less silly.” Maud spoke, with that same smile. “And yes. I love every day I’m doing this. But it does get lonely.”

“Does it, now?”

“It does now.” Maud affirmed, keeping her eyes on Sunset, highlighting that last word.

And just like that, they were greeted by the soft breeze and the cold night air– A beautiful night, one where they had a perfect advantage viewpoint from, atop a mountain, seeing all of Canterlot as the city shined beautifully, bathed by stars and spotlights, with its castle piercing the sky with light.

Inhaling slowly, then exhaling, the Paladin turned to her date. “Well that was fun. C’mon, I’ll take you home.”

“Your home.” Maud spoke plainly, not budging from the spot.

“Oh? I’m not sure what you mean.” Sunset grinned.

“You. Me. Your home. Now.”

“Now we’re talking.”

Sunset’s horn alarm rang, notifying that Twilight Sparkle’s routine would begin in thirty minutes. Diligently, she immediately awoke, and stretched…

…Only to be met with the sight of Maud laying beside her, watching.

“Watching me sleep, huh?” Sunset smiled, as she continued to stretch and yawn.

“Only for a few minutes.” Maud forced herself to look away, almost shamefully. “Sorry if it’s weird.”

“It isn’t.” Sunset shrugged. “I’m a bodyguard and a paladin, remember? I’ve had to stay awake while Twilight sleeps in plenty of our previous travels. It is what it is.”

Maud didn’t respond, simply continued looking at the unicorn's sturdy frame as she stretched.

“C’mon, up you go, I’ve got to breakfast and work.” Sunset nudged her, finally prompting her to stand.

“Can I ask you a question?” Maud followed her to the kitchen, where Sunset was gathering ingredients for a fast breakfast.

“Shoot.” The Unicorn multitasked, moving curtains, setting the table, and managing baking, all at once with her magic.

“What caused the scars on your back?” Maud couldn’t help but look.

On Sunset’s upper back, there were two distinctive, large, unmistakable scars where her fur didn’t grow anymore, old, healed gashes, but impossible not to notice.

Silence. Sunset did not stop working, she didn’t make eye contact either.

After that brief quiet, where the unicorn focussed only on her task, she finally spoke, absentmindedly. “I’ve got scars all over. It is what it is.” It wasn’t a lie, she did have several battle scars in most of her body.

But those two were the largest ones, unmistakably so.

“They’re pretty big. Hard to miss.” Maud watched her work intently. “Something pretty bad must have happened to you.”

“Want honey or syrup for your pancakes?” Sunset deflected, continuing to work diligently.

“Honey. If you don’t want to tell me that’s okay. I was just curious.”

“Didn’t peg you for the nosy type, Maud.” Sunset couldn’t help but grin, shooting her a glance. “But I guess you’re Pinkie’s sister after all, heh.”

“I should have figured it’s personal. Sorry.” Maud shrugged, and began helping with the cooking.

“It's…” Sunset paused, shaking her head. With a sigh and a smile. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me. I’ve got time.”

“Sorry, but I don't.” Sunset gave her a genuine apologetic look. “I’ve got to be at work in less than thirty minutes, remember?”

Swiftly, Sunset served them both, placing the two plates on the awfully small table, and immediately began eating, used to an incredibly efficient routine.

They ate quietly, something they both appreciated. Sunset occasionally shot a glance to Canterlot castle, beyond her window, bathed by the light of the rising sun.

“Pinkie taught you to bake these, right?” Feeling the flavor and consistency’s familiarity, the Earth Pony couldn’t help but grin.

“Yep, heh.” Sunset shrugged. “I’m still getting the hang of it. Baking is weird. Definitely not as easy as combat.” Mulling over it, chewing, she smiled, looking away. “I can slay a Chimera in a single blow but I can’t get flour measurements right, heheh…”

“I think I owe her an apology.” Maud spoke absentmindedly, focussed on eating.

“Oh?” A slight smile appeared on Sunset’s lips.

“She was right. This is really good.” Maud affirmed, gesturing vaguely.

“The Pancakes?”

“Dating. Everything. …You.” Maud spoke, with a shrug. Looking away. “She was right.”

Suppressing a chuckle, Sunset nodded. “Glad to have been of service. Now c’mon, I’ve got to get going.”

With swift motions, she moved the dishes to the sink with her magic, and then adorned herself with her obsidian armor, which previously sat idly on her preferred armor stand.

Maud watched the entire time, Sunset’s fluid, rehearsed motions of adorning that armor, like it was her own secondary layer of skin.

As soon as Sunset opened the door, intent on them both leaving through it, Maud stopped her.

“You know. Caving is easier with another pony. I see that now.” Maud spoke quietly, looking at the horizon beyond Canterlot. “It’d be easier to do it with somepony watching my back.”

Coming a bit closer, Sunset grinned. “If you want something, you have to ask for it, Maud.”

“Come with me?” Her gaze went to the floor, and then to eye contact, almost with a plea. “You said it yourself. You always wanted to run away. This is your chance.”

Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea, with a happy exhale, looking in the distance. “Sorry. But I’ve got an oath to keep– She asked me to stay, so I'm staying.”

The disappointment on the Earth pony’s face was palpable, no matter how neutral her expression tended to be. With a sigh, she smiled. “Oh well… Maybe in some other universe. You’re a strange mare, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Then I guess I’m in good company.” Swiftly, gently, the Unicorn gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now c’mon. I’ve got to get going, grab your things.”

Maud stopped her, holding her with a hoof, forcing eye contact. “Tonight was really good. We should do it again sometime.”

“Eh, I don’t know. It was more of a one-night stand sort of thing.” Sunset grinned, egging her on.

“We should do it again tomorrow.” Maud affirmed, in the same tone.

“Persuade me.” She came even closer, with the same smile.

“We’re doing it again tonight.”

“Now we’re talking.”

Twilight Sparkle, with a cute little yawn, awoke, feeling the shifting beneath her. “Hi Sunset…” She muttered, sleepy.

“Shoot. Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you…!” There was genuine regret in her voice, as she bit her own tongue.

“It’s okay…” She gave out cute another yawn, and clinged tighter.

Sunset was carrying Twilight on her back to her room diligently, through the halls of Canterlot castle– A motion that was quite familiar to both of them, at this point.

“You fell asleep studying again.” Sunset smiled, giving a brief glance back.

“Hihi… That much I could tell.” With another yawn, Twilight nuzzled Sunset’s neck, making the position even more comfortable. “What time is it…?”

Shooting a comical glance at one of the windows, Sunset gave out an ironic chuckle. “Way past a princess's bed time. Don’t worry, I’ll get you to your room.”

“Always…” Twilight’s voice trailed off, as her eyes narrowed. “I was reading such a good book– It was about the many degrees of fire magic… it reminded me of you…”

“Really? Tell me about it.” Sunset smiled warmly, looking forward, having done this song and dance dozens of times.

“Lots of elemental magic comes from emotion… Especially mastery over your own feelings…” She let out another adorable yawn, her voice getting sleepier and quieter by the second. “Fire magic comes from passion and anger… Tapping into those feelings is as easy as opening a bottle if you suppress them… But controlling them not to burn yourself and others is the hardest part… The stronger the emotions,the hotter the fire burns…” And just like that, like she was reciting an encyclopedia as a bedtime story, she put herself to sleep, still quietly, indistinctively muttering.

“There you go.” Sunset smiled, and quietly snickered to herself.

Gently and silently, she walked into the Princesses room, and made the most comfortable space on the bed possible.

Handling her like she was a butterfly wing, Sunset placed Twilight down, and covered her with a blanket.

“Goodnight, Princess.” She whispered with a smile, turning around.

“...Goodnight Sunset…” Twilight muttered involuntarily in her sleep.

Author's Note

You have no idea how hard it was to suppress having Maud say that it'd be hotter if the fucked in the cave. But to be fair sunset needs to go to work in the morning, so she'd refuse either way, lol.

Its good to write a fic with shorter chapters for once. less of a massive commitment, relaxing, and complete laser focus on character relations and interesting conversations of the chapters in question! Though I always fear that its only interesting to me lmao.

Specially because this Paladin Sunset is very stoic and broody and that can be boring to some as a protagonist. Not to me but still. This chapter, despite me loving writing it, I was wondering "Damn are people gonna think this is boring as fuck because there's a stoic broody character and also Maud is there?" But eh I don't regret it at all!

Rest assured that the Pie sisters are not the only ones that will be featured on this fic. It won't be a long fic in general, but I will definitely go beyond them. It's funny some people think this is a polyamory fic, that's funny, but no this isn't a Sunset harem fic, this is a "Sunset goes on dozens of one, two maybe three night stands to cope and it helps" fic

Also you have no idea how many baby Sunset flashbacks and mom Celestia flashbacks I'm holding back I am STRONGLY containing myself not to put a bunch of them in every chapter-- The story is not just about them after all, its about Sunset getting LAID.

Besides, it'd focus highly on those flashbacks in the forgotten friendship rewrite I'd do on this universe, bc it'd be worth making an entire first chapter reviewing Sunset's formative memories.

The undeniable doomed cuteness of Celestia getting to be a mom... Tragedy but so worth it. Endlessly entertaining. I have a billion ideas for them-- If there's one reason I wanted to jump on this fic after bouncing off of the Shimmerverse, is 'cause I get to write orphan Sunset which has insane potential writers here rarely tap onto fr fr.

Next chapter: Limestone Pie finds a positive output for her internalized anger.