Look Before You Sleep

by TheKing2001

Chapters

Stupid storm
Sunset's sake
Drunk makeovers
Drunken pillow fight
Stupid weather

Stupid storm

Sunset sat on her couch, tossing logs into her fire as Silverspeed fluttered around, ignoring the rain starting to paint the windows with a few small droplets.

“Alright, everything is locked up and good. Are you sure you’re gonna be okay here by yourself?” Silverspeed shot Sunset a worried look. “Raindrops said this storm was gonna be a big one to help the farmers out because of a lack of rain. I can stay and keep you company?”

“I love your company and all, but go home Silverspeed. I’ll be fine. And besides, Silver Spoon will need her big sister. She’s a little kid after all and she’s probably gonna be scared out of her mind when the storm really starts.” Sunset was projecting a little there. More than a little, actually.

She was terrified of storms like this and would have killed to have Silverspeed stay here with her, but Sunset also knew that Silverspeed had a sister to look after. Silverspeed spent most of her time with Sunset. The pegasus deserved a well earned break in Sunset’s eyes.

“If you’re certain. Thanks!” Silverspeed shot Sunset a warm smile that made Sunset feel weird inside. The good kind of weird, like she felt warm everywhere. “Stay safe. And thanks for letting me sleep with you last month.”

Sunset hide a blush as she started poking the fire with a metal poker.

“Anytime. You’d do it for me if I was having a bad dream. Now go, have a day off. You deserve to relax Silvie.”

Silverspeed smiled slightly at the nickname as she gazed at Sunset before nodding.

“Thanks Sunny. You have a good night.”

“Yeah, you too,” Sunset waved a hoof dismissively without turning around as listened to the front door open and shut as she sighed. “I really hate being alone in storms. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I wish Princess Celestia was here.”

Celestia had always stayed up late with Sunset or let the filly sleep with her when it was raining. Sunset would never admit this out loud to anypony as long as she lived, but she missed those times. Sunset wished she could have gone back to Canterlot for just tonight but the stupid train wasn’t in service tonight. Something about the rail like being blocked by a dozen downed trees that the crews were trying to clear but that wouldn’t be done till at least Thursday morning was the estimated time.

Which was almost two days from now. Sunset always hated traveling by train, especially when stuff like delays could happen or the train could derail. Sunset heard all about that as a kid. It took Celestia and Raven forcing her onto a train to make her semi okay with them.

With a sigh, Sunset wrapped a blanket around herself and stared forlornly outside.

Shoeshine tackled a rogue tree branch and growled in frustration at it as she started to tie it up with the rest of the branches she had fought to get.

“Where in Equestria’s name is Trixie?” Shoeshine grumbled as the wind started to blow her mane all around. “Fuck. Trixie!”

The unicorn bounded over with a grin, tossing some sticks in her magic around as she glanced up at Shoeshine hanging upside down from the tree and Trixie burst out laughing. She and Shoeshine had been tasked secure all loose tree branches and other various items around town. Well, Shoeshine was. Trixie was practicing her magic with the stuff they find.

“Ha!” Trixie pointed a hoof at Shoeshine and wiped some tears out of her eyes with the other. “You remind Trixie of a tied up pig at Applejacks farm!”

“Are you calling me fat?” Shoeshine growled angrily and glared at her before quickly glancing at her flanks. “I’m not fat, I just have bigger flanks than you. Us earth ponies have nicer asses than you unicorns and you’re just jealous.”

Trixie stopped laughing and rolling on the muddy ground as she glared at Shoeshine, pushing herself up.

“Trixie has a perfectly nice great and powerful ass. She doesn’t care about your admittedly nice flanks,” Trixie scoffed as she untangled Shoeshine with her magic and dropped her on her hooves.

“Enough about our asses,” Shoeshine turned pink and Trixie chuckled. “Can you take this seriously at least? The mayor wants us to tie these tree branches down so they don’t damage anything in the storm. I normally love your jokes and shit but not now.”

Trixie looked around her as she and Shoeshine each felt raindrops starting to rain harder on them, making the ground more muddier than before.

“Fuck! Raindrops said we had another hour till she and Cloudkicker started the rain storm!” Trixie cried and shook a hoof angrily at the sky. “Curse you, world! Curse you!”

“She said that an hour ago,” Shoeshine snorted flatly with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh.”

Shoeshine rolled her eyes in frustration and the two jumped at the loud booming thunder. Shoeshine and Trixie each screamed as some lightning arced across the sky.

“We should find somewhere to bunk down until this passes,” Shoeshine muttered as she and Trixie hugged under the tree they stood next to. “My house is too far from here and your wagon is definitely a no.”

Trixie pushed down the urge to defend her wagon to her dying breath as the pair shivered slightly, both freezing and manes flattened against their heads.

“Shoeshine, Trixie!”

“Was that Sunset?” Trixie asked and Shoeshine nodded as she glanced back behind her as Sunset waving from her door. “Trixie doesn’t know about you, but she is going inside. Hopefully she let’s Trixie get a bath. She is covered mane to hoof in mud.”

“Agreed,” Shoeshine nodded as the two galloped the waiting Sunset who was dancing anxiously on her hooves.

“I’ve been calling for you guys for almost five minutes. Come on inside. You’re both shaking and Trixie needs a bath,” Sunset ushered them both inside and shutting her door. “Thank fuck somepony is here.”

“Isn’t Silverspeed around?” Shoeshine asked as she looked around the living room.

“Nah. Sent her home to be with Silver Spoon.”

Sunset levitated a towel around Shoeshine and nudged Trixie forward to the bathroom.

“Go, shower. The hot water is fucking amazing. Handle kinda sticks, tho.” Trixie nodded as Sunset turned to go to the kitchen.

“I’ll go make some hot chocolate. This is gonna be fun!” Sunset clapped her hooves and gave a rare giggle as Shoeshine gawked at her. She and everypony heard Sunset laugh often. Pretty damn often once she came out of her shell and Sunset admittedly had a great sense of humor, albeit a bit awkward at times.

“Fun?” Shoeshine asked as she snuggled into the towel and Sunset nodded happily swishing her tail.

“Mhm! It’s gonna be like... what’s it called where you have friends hang out and do fun stuff? Like you watch movies, play games, do your girls makeup, drink hot chocolate and stuff?”

“A sleep over?” Shoeshine asked and Sunset nodded enthusiastically. “Hold up. You’ve never had a sleep over?”

“Well, no,” Sunset admittedly sadly and shook her head, staring down at her hooves as Shoeshine gave her a regretful look and her heart went out to her friend at the expression she wore. “I never had friends before you five. Remember, I was an orphan till Celestia found me at the castle. I never had a family to tell me there was some better way than being a jerk to everypony I met. So no, Shoeshine, I’ve never had a sleep over before except maybe the time Celestia let me sleep with her in her room and she did my make up when I was a filly. I was five or so? I felt genuinely pretty for the first time in my life.”

Shoeshine stared with wide eyes as Sunset gave a sniff and wiped her eyes as Sunset gazed at her.

“So indulge me or not, there’s the door. I’m not gonna force you or Trixie to stay here with me because of my messy childhood fucking me up as an adult.” Shoeshine cleared her throat and Sunset continued to stare at her.

“I think I’ll take a cup of that hot chocolate, if it’s still on the table,” Shoeshine grinned and flung her towel into a laundry basket nearby before settling down on the couch.

Sunset gave her the biggest smile ever Shoeshine had seen in her entire life.

Sunset's sake

Shoeshine blew on her hot chocolate before wrapping her hooves around the mug, glancing at Sunset laying lazily on her side with a book next to the fire, occasionally taking sips from her own mug.

“So. Whatcha reading?” Shoeshine asked and Sunset slid the book to her. “Daring Do: Secret of the lost Stone. You read Daring Do?”

“Well, duh. I’ve met the author and got a signed book. She’s a bit of an asshole if I’m being completely honest,” Sunset gave an eye roll. “Wanna read it together?”

“Sure.”

Sunset stretched out her hind legs before trotting over and dropping on her stomach followed by the book in front of them.

“I always did enjoy reading,” Sunset muttered as she rested her tail on Shoeshine’s back as their eyes scanned the page in front of them. “Not as much as two of my classmates, mind you, but enough to get kicked out of the library in Canterlot more than once for staying after closing.”

Shoeshine gave a faint chuckle as she turned the page. She never really got into reading as a filly. But she occasionally did open a book when bored. She just needed the right setting in her opinion and that was usually at a beach at sunset.

“Trixie is taking awhile,” Shoeshine noted after a few moments of silence and Sunset nodded.

“The hot water here is really nice. There’s something about hot showers or baths that are freaking amazing. Way better than that,” Sunset flung a hoof at the window as more rain pounded the glass. “Anything is better than that.”

Shoeshine raised an eyebrow as Sunset shivered with a weird expression. Shoeshine never saw Sunset act anything other than well, herself is the best way to put. Shoeshine could count only one two she had seen Sunset afraid in the brief time she’s known her.

“I’m gonna go get Trixie. Her hot chocolate is getting cold, after all,” Shoeshine suggested and Sunset nodded slowly as she flicked her tail off of Shoeshine.

“First door up the stairs on the left,” Sunset instructed and Shoeshine nodded gratefully. Shoeshine trotted up the stairs and knocked on the door, pushing it open enough to poke her head through.

“Trixie, hurry the buck up!” Shoeshine hissed and Trixie peeked around the curtain. “Get out here.”

“Trixie is already done. She’s just relaxing. What’s up?” Trixie asked as she stepped out onto the bathroom tiles. Shoeshine glanced behind her down the steps and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her. “Oh?”

“Don’t get your hopes up, Trix. We really gotta make tonight perfect, for Sunset’s sake. We were talking while you were showering. Can you believe she has never had a sleep over once in her life?”

“For real?”

“For real,” Shoeshine echoed sagely with a nod. “Do you have any ideas of games we can play? It’s been years since I’ve last done something like this.”

“Oh, Trixie has got some ideas. We need bottles of alcohol, makeup, movies and popcorn. Raid Sunset’s kitchen while yours truly goes to work,” Trixie grinned wickedly followed by a wink and Shoeshine gave her a look. “Wink!”

“Trixie.....don’t ruin this for her. If you don’t, I’ll be mad. She deserves a decent night of fun with her friends, at least. She’s acting kinda funny too.”

“Funny as in haha or funny as in weird?” Trixie inquired and Shoeshine tapped a hoof against her chin in thought.

“The second one. She actually talked about her childhood. And you know how rare that is as well as I do. We have to make sure she has a good time tonight and maybe find out why she’s acting differently,” Shoeshine explained and leaned closer to Trixie. “You game?”

Trixie inhaled before nodding confidently.

“I’m game.”

Trixie dropped on the couch next to Sunset and the amber coated mare jumped slightly as Trixie snickered, resting a foreleg around her neck.

“So Sunset,” Trixie started with a smirk. “Tell Trixie how your day has been going.”

“It’s been going okay I think. You?”

“Meh,” Trixie waved her other foreleg in the air dismissively before glaring at Shoeshine across the room. “It’s been bearable.”

Shoeshine returned the glare before her eyes flicked to Sunset and Trixie stifled a groan.

“So Trixie has thought of some games. Trixie admittedy has only had two sleepovers, this being her third so bear with her. We could play spin the bottle but-”

“What are we, children?” Shoeshine cut in with a smirk.

“Then let’s up the stakes, shall we?” Trixie said with a grin. “In addition to doing whatever the pony says who spun the bottle, we take a shot!” Trixie shakily levitated several bottles of alcohol and Sunset stared with wide eyes.

“Where did you find my stash?” Sunset demanded and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“You have it unlocked in a cupboard in your office. Everypony in town knows this, especially us, your friends. We’ve been in there countless times,” Trixie answered and set the bottles down on Sunset’s coffee table. “Where’s the projector at? We have a lot of movies to watch.”

“Up in my closet,” Sunset answered and Trixie shot up the stairs in a blue blur. “Wow. She’s fast suddenly.”

“Yeah.”

A loud crashing sound made them both cringe and Trixie bounced down the stairs with a projector in her pink magical aura.

“Ow,” Trixie moaned and rubbed at her horn. “Trixie is okay!”

“That’s good,” Shoeshine chuckled and Trixie gave Sunset a grin that made the mare feel uncomfortable.

“Sooo,” Trixie drew the word out as she sat back down on the couch. “Why does your bed sheets and room smell like a certain gray royal guard pegasus we all know?”

Shoeshine’s jaw dropped as Sunset turned a bright pink color and Trixie grinned triumphantly.

“I-huh?” Sunset stammered and Shoeshine smiled widely at her.

“So, you and Silverspeed, huh?” Shoeshine nudged Sunset. “Gotta say, I saw that coming a mile away. Happy for ya both. You two deserve some happiness in your lives.”

“Silverspeed and I aren’t dating!” Sunset shouted and the other two glanced at each other. “It’s just well, I really shouldn’t say but she’s had nightmares off and on after the Summer Sun Celebration. More accurately, when she killed another living being so she asked me to sleep with her a few times. Said it makes her feel safer.”

The smiles disappeared as they both looked in shock at Sunset. Sunset decided to keep that fact that she genuinely enjoyed sleeping next to Silverspeed a secret only she knew.

“Silverspeed never said anything about that to us,” Trixie mused and Shoeshine was compelled to agree with her fellow blue mare.

“I couldn’t tell you why she told me instead. But don’t tell her I told you. Only, me, you two and Princess Luna know that she has nightmares,” Sunset scowled at them. “Promise me.”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Trixie and Shoeshine chanted in unison and they both followed through the motions of a Pinkie Promise.

“Anyway, now that we are through that,” Sunset stated and started to search through her shelves full of movies and random books. “What movie we wanna watch first? I got some horror, some comedy, action.”

“Anything action or comedy,” Shoeshine said immediately and Trixie nodded her agreement.

“Comedy it is!” Sunset announced and held up a random movie.

“Mare Cop,” Shoeshine read aloud and snickered. “Oh, this is gonna be freaking great. Love this movie. Took Screw Loose to see it when it first came out.”

“It’s pretty good.”

“Trixie has never seen this movie.”

“Oh you’re gonna have a great time,” Sunset grinned at her friend and patted the cushion next to her.

Trixie only hoped to some higher being that she was right.

Drunk makeovers

Sunset had been right, Trixie realized as she finished off her hot chocolate and bowl of popcorn.

“That was amazing!” Trixie exclaimed and Sunset gave a smug grin as she took a swig of her whiskey glass, the ice rattling against the glass as she and the other two savored the burning sensation of alcohol going down their throats.

“Damn right,” Sunset agreed and filled her glass again. “So what do we do now?”

“I asked Rarity one time what she did when she chaperoned a sleepover for Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. She said something about them doing makeovers or something?”

“Drunk makeovers, woo!” Trixie cheered and pumped a hoof in the air. “Trixie isn’t really an expert at make up. She wears the basics. You know, eyeliner and lipstick on an occasion. Shoeshine obviously isn’t gonna know shit because she wears no makeup.”

“I own makeup!” Shoeshine snapped and Trixie raised an eyebrow. “Just because I’m not a stereotypical mare who’s all into dresses and shit doesn’t mean I don’t like to look nice.”

“Uh huh.”

“At least I could afford make up growing up,” Shoeshine shot back and her eyes widened as Trixie recoiled. “Trixie, I didn’t mean that.”

“Yes, you did,” Trixie muttered and hid her hurt expression as Sunset watched in stunned silence. “You meant every word that came out of your mouth. You’re right, I never had a lot of toys growing up or money, but daddy did his best to take care of me and feed me. He went nights without food some times to make sure Mom and I had enough. But you can’t relate to that, can you?”

“Trixie, calm down. She knows she made a mistake and is sorry,” Sunset cut in and shot looks at the two. “You’re friends.”

“Shoeshine, if you ever had to fight for anything in your perfect little life, would you?”

“I’ve fought for more than you would ever know,” Shoeshine sneered and Trixie glared back. “Enough of this. I said I’m sorry, okay? I don’t get kicks going around hurting ponies for my own entertainment. That’s not who I am.”

“Whatever. Come on.”

Trixie ignored Shoeshine and trotted up the stairs with Sunset behind her.

“I’m such a fucking idiot,” Shoeshine slammed her head hard against the wall and blinked back tears. “So fucking stupid.”

Trixie stood in front of a mirror on swaying hooves as she resisted the urge to vomit into the toilet that Sunset was currently bent over, vomiting.

“Are you done yet?” Shoeshine asked as she pulled herself into the bathroom and internally hated how Trixie refused to look at her. She never liked making ponies mad or getting drunk. She always seemed to say things she didn’t mean when she had some shots in her.

“Yeah,” Sunset moaned and wiped her mouth with a foreleg. “Anypony got more alcohol?”

Trixie shoved a beer into her hooves and Sunset bit the cap off, taking a long sip before setting it down.

“You. Here,” Trixie ordered and pointed at Shoeshine. “Now and don’t move until I say.”

Shoeshine stood still and stared into Trixie’s eyes awkwardly as Shoeshine felt something forcing her eyes closed and something being placed on her eyelids.

“What are you-?”

“Don’t fucking move,” Trixie growled and Shoeshine bit her lip nervously but complied as she felt Trixie open her eyes. Sunset stood next to her and was apparently doing her own makeup. “Almost done.”

Shoeshine wasn’t entirely fond of this whole thing. She didn’t like other ponies getting up and close with her face like Trixie was. The last pony who got anywhere close to her face was Sunset months ago.

“Done. You can look now,” Trixie spun her around and Shoeshine international prepared for herself to look awful as some sort of revenge on Trixie’s part for the comment Shoeshine made earlier. Shoeshine quickly realized how mistaken she was.

“Woah,” Shoeshine whispered and stared at her reflection in the mirror. In her self musings, Trixie had gone all out on Shoeshine. “I actually look pretty?”

“Mhm.”

Shoeshine hesitantly pressed a hoof against the mirror and opened and closed her jaw repeatedly.

“I don’t look ugly,” Shoeshine said mostly to herself but the other two mares heard her. “I’m not used to looking this beautiful or well, pretty in general. I was always the single one in high school. Heh, guess the same thing is happening to me as an adult, eh?”

Shoeshine tilted her head slightly to continue examination before finally closing her jaw.

“I thought you would have intentionally made me look bad as revenge for earlier,” Shoeshine looked at Trixie who scoffed in response.

“Trixie did briefly entertain the idea. Very briefly, mind you, but no Trixie wasn’t going to mess you up with looks. She usually berates ponies verbally and laughs at their misfortune if she dislikes them enough.”

Shoeshine rolled her eyes and took another sip of her beer, setting it down on the sink.

“How do I look?” Sunset asked and swayed on her hooves as Trixie held her up. The two froze and looked at her face. “Awful, right? Never do makeup and use magic drunk.”

Shoeshine and Trixie burst out laughing. Sunset glanced at the mirror and covered her mouth before she started laughing herself.

“Oh fuck,” Shoeshine breathed and hastily pushed her way to the toilet, vomiting inside as Trixie and Sunset both gagged in disgusting.

“Okay, I’m going back downstairs. This is gross,” Sunset groaned and turned green as Shoeshine made a coughing sound. “I’ll get some buckets and meds.”

“Thanks,” Shoeshine rested her head against the wall and she yawned. “Urghhhh.”

She reminded Trixie more of a zombie than a living pony with the sounds she was making.

“Yeah, I’m going too. Trixie needs more alcohol in her system.”

“If I hear that word one more time, I’m gonna hit something,” Shoeshine glared at Trixie and the unicorn snickered before stumbling into the wall. “I don’t think you need anymore of well, you know. The A word.”

“Trixie disagrees.”

Shoeshine rolled her eyes and instantly regretted it, idly hoping her other friends were having a better night than she currently was.

Derpy sat on her swing on her with her wings wrapped around Sparkler and Dinky. The two sat on either side of her as they watched the rain from the safety of their porch. The three always enjoyed watching the storms that came this time of year.

“Raindrops, Cloudkicker and Dizzy sure did a crazy job this time, didn’t they?” Derpy leaned down to nuzzled Dinky before switching to do the same to Sparkler.

“Mhm!” Dinky nodded enthusiastically as she pressed her smaller body against Derpy’s and yawned. “It’s super calming.”

“Got that right,” Sparkler agreed readily and watched some lightning in the sky. “Woah.”

“Pretty,” Derpy commented and tilted her head up. “I hope nopony is caught out in this.”

“I heard the trains are down. Something about a bunch of fallen trees and other debris on the tracks,” Sparkler shifted slightly and rested her head against Derpy’s as Dinky gave a quiet breathing sound. “Looks like Dinks is out.”

Derpy nodded and wrapped her wing tighter around the sleeping filly.

“Can we stay like this a bit longer?” Sparkler asked and Derpy nodded with a smile. Derpy kissed her forehead and her teen unicorn daughter blushed.

“Of course, muffin.”

Roseluck sat on the couch in the dark, tossing popcorn into her mouth as she and Daisy watched a sci fi movie.

“If you don’t do your job, I’ll kill you and do it myself!” The character on the screen shouted and Daisy sipped on her water lazily.

“Good movie. Where’s Lily?” Daisy asked and Roseluck rolled a hoof in the air. “Words, Rosie. Use em.”

“She’s out doing Celestia knows what. Think she went up the mountain again from last month or so. She’s been going up there a lot more now.”

“In this weather? I swear, that mare is gonna be the end of me. What even is so nice about up a mountain?” Daisy complained and Roseluck shrugged.

“She likes camping now. Says she mountain is pretty at sunset and sunrise. She’s gone for days on end with barely any words of warning. I’m happy for her that she has hobbies but damn, some time with Lily would be nice.”

“We can talk to her about this later. I just hope she’s safe in the downpour.”

“You and me both Daisy, you and me both.”

Silverspeed hummed happily to herself as she stirred the soup she and Silver Spoon were making, the spitting image of Silverspeed wearing a chefs hat peering into the pot.

“What other spices should we add?” Silver Spoon asked and the gray pegasus shook her head.

“I think we are good, Spoonie. Can you grab some bowls and glass please?” Silverspeed turned off the stove and stretched out her wings.

“Yeah sure Sis. Can we invite Diamond Tiara for dinner sometime?” Silver Spoon asked hopefully and Silverspeed grimaced.

Silverspeed wasn’t entirely fond of Diamond Tiara. She didn’t know anypony who was in town. That kid had an attitude issue and Silverspeed didn’t necessarily trust her relationship with Silver Spoon. Especially with Silver Spoon starting to act like Diamond Tiara, according to rumors she heard from Cotton Candy and Minty.

Silverspeed was half tempted to force Silver Spoon to go to a royal guard training as punishment. She knew a bunch of drill sergeant that would straighten her out quickly.

“No promises,” Silverspeed said finally and bit the handle of a spoon. “Bowl.” Silver Spoon nodded and complied, glancing outside at the dark clouds.

“Surprised you’re not at your girlfriends house,” Silver Spoon teased and Silverspeeds eyes went wide as she spit out her water.

“I don’t have a girlfriend. What in Tartarus are you talking about?” Silverspeed demanded and Silver Spoon gave her an innocent smirk.

“Oh you know, the daughter of Princess Celestia? I’ve seen the way you looked at her and I read your diary. You talk an awful lot about her cute she is for not having any feelings for her,” Silver Spoons grin grew wider. “You are a bad keeper of secrets.”

“I swear, I hate you some days,” Silverspeed glared angrily at her sister and narrowed her deep purple eyes. “Give me my diary. Now.”

This kid drives me fucking up the wall, Silverspeed thought to herself and angrily stabbed at some potatoes with a fork.

Drunken pillow fight

Shoeshine laid on the carpet and held a bucket in her hooves as Trixie and Sunset both sat at a table with a bottle of whiskey, each pouring each other shots.

“Damn bottle is empty,” Sunset muttered and shook the bottle with her magic. “So other than another drinking game, what now?”

“Spin the bottle,” Trixie waved a hoof and grinned as she placed another full bottle of whiskey down with a third shot glass. “Every time we don’t wanna do something or answer a question, take a shot. Instead of kissing one of us, we pick a pony to spin the bottle and whoever it’s pointed out asks them a question or tells them to do something.”

Shoeshine groaned as Sunset shot her a concerned look.

“I’m not so sure Shoeshine is up for that. She seems pretty sick and has been vomiting a lot of alcohol up. Maybe we should call it a night and do this another time?” Sunset suggested and Shoeshine nodded weakly. “I’m really sorry. We should have paced ourselves better.”

“We can play another game that doesn’t involve drinking,” Trixie commented and grinned. “Pillow fight?”

“Sure,” Shoeshine grunted and barely managed to pull her self to her hooves, knocking some empty beer bottles aside. “Where’s a pillow, damn it?”

A light gray pillow slammed into her face and Sunset smiled smugly at her.

“Right there,” Sunset teased and Shoeshine growled as she bit the pillow.

“Oh, it’s on,” Shoeshine grumbled and Sunset’s smile was quickly replaced with fear as Shoeshine slammed the pillow hard against her face and Sunset swore she saw stars for a brief second.

“Sweet Celestia!” Trixie whispered and stepped back as she levitated a few pillows from Sunset’s and launched them at Shoeshine.

“Oof!”

Sunset peered out from behind her couch as the other two glared at each other.

“This is war,” Trixie declared and Sunset’s eyes widened. Trixie laid down the beer bottles in a row between her and Shoeshine. “Do not cross this line.”

“How about you don’t cross it?” Shoeshine shot back as Sunset looked between the two.

“Girls?” Sunset tried to interject and ducked as a rogue pillow went sailing over head. “Woah!”

Trixie narrowly avoided a pillow and her expression hardened as she laid on her stomach.

“You’re going down for that,” Trixie grumbled and Shoeshine gave her a cocky drunken smirk.

“We will see,” Shoeshine shot back and a pillow slammed into her chest as Sunset levitated another up in the air. “Hey!”

“Never turn your back on a potential enemy,” Sunset shrugged and winked. “Celestia taught me a lot in self defense.”

Trixie and Shoeshine glanced at each other, having a silently conversation before nodding and they both turned to Sunset.

“H-hey wait!” Sunset exclaimed and started backpedaling as the two approached her. “Let’s talk about this.”

“I don’t believe in negotiations,” Trixie commented with a frown.

“Oh fuck me,” Sunset muttered as she was covered in pillows. Shoeshine and Trixie burst out laughing as Sunset’s head poked out with a pillow stuck on her horn. “I surrender?”

“Probably for the best!” Shoeshine snickered and leaned against Trixie, wiping some tears away. “Oh man, that was awesome. Team TrixShine for the win!”

“If Roseluck was here, she’d be making some comments about you combining your names,” Sunset commented casually and Shoeshine promptly turned red.

“I’m surprised Shoeshine actually had fun,” Trixie mused and received two confused looks. “I mean, she’s normally super stoic and well, boring is the easiest way to put it. She never goes out to bars despite me inviting her all the time, she never does pranks, she rarely laughs. She’s super serious and hates fun.”

“I like fun!” Shoeshine defended herself and sat down hard with a hurt expression as her ears flattened against her head. “Is-is that really how everypony sees me? Just a boring old mare who doesn’t like going out?”

“Of course not,” Sunset jumped over the couch and sat down next to the earth pony. “I don’t and none of our friends do. Trixie doesn’t either, she just misspoke, right Trixie?” Sunset shot Trixie a warning look that made her pale.

“Yeah! Absolutely,” Trixie agreed readily and Sunset relaxed her glare as she watched Trixie sit down on the other side of Shoeshine. “I just think you could use some time out. You’re just so fucking obsessed with your job and you go days without seeing any of us.”

“Derpy is serious about her job too, if not more so!” Shoeshine pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah but she always makes sure to visit her friends after her shift if she isn’t tired enough. You just stay inside or sleep,” Trixie countered and Sunset hated that she partially agreed. “It’s like we aren’t even your friends. We went through hell and back together.”

“We are friends,” Shoeshine answered after a moment. “I love you five more than life itself. I would give up my life in a heart beat for any of you if needed. I just, fuck man. I suck at expressing myself with words so I use actions, ya know? Gifts here and there, friendly gestures. I’m too blunt and honest at times for most ponies to ever truly like me.”

“Felt that,” Trixie muttered quietly and looked away. “Ponies don’t like me because of my ego or my stage persona. The Great and Powerful Trixie is just a stage thing. It’s meant to be loud and in your face. Off the stage, Trixie is just like everypony else.”

Sunset vaguely remembered reading some gossip paper about Trixie and her stage persona when she lived back in Canterlot. It didn’t really paint Trixie in a good light but nopony really read that paper anyway so it didn’t necessarily affect Trixie in the long run.

“I’m kinda surprised you don’t have a book about sleep overs or whatever,” Trixie glanced at Sunset and the mare snorted.

“You mean like fuckin Twilight Sparkle?” Sunset scoffed and laughed loudly as she pressed her face into Shoeshine’s mane. “That mare is crazy. You all met her and her marefriend Moondancer at the Gala.”

“The purple unicorn, purple highlights in her mane, other student of Celestia, kinda a bitch?” Trixie asked and Sunset nodded.

“That’s the one.”

“I remember her,” Shoeshine noted and Sunset nodded again. “She actually has a book on sleepovers? What the hell?”

“Yep. I remember seeing it when I broke into her room one day. We both lived in the castle so we unfortunately ran into each other a few times. She spent most of her time with Moondancer and the others from class. I forget the name of the book, but she had it on her shelf. I was trying to find evidence that she was trying to get me removed as Celestia’s student but I didn’t see anything unfortunately. Or if there was, I didn’t see any.”

“She’s weird. But enough about a weirdo, I’m getting tired,” Shoeshine looked around and Sunset nodded. “Want me to put out the fire in the fire place?”

“Yeah sure. And then we go sleep. I only got one spare room and that’s Silverspeeds room when she sleeps here so I hope you two don’t mind sharing a bed with me,” Sunset blushed slightly and Shoeshine tossed a bucket of water on the fire.

“Sunset, we’re drunk. I don’t think we care about where we sleep as long as it’s warm and has blankets,” Shoeshine pointed out and held Trixie up. “Upstairs, right?”

“Right.”

Author's Note

I'd like to remind everyone this universe has a group. Be sure to join https://www.fimfiction.net/group/217456/sunsetverse

I'm also currently working on a Redheart story that's not connected to this universe.

Stupid weather

Sunset faceplanted into her pillow as Shoeshine and Trixie followed quickly after on either side of her. Shoeshine curled under the sheets and yawned.

“Nice bed,” Trixie commented and fluffed a pillow. “Trixie is more used to sleeping in a hammock than an actual bed. Very soft.”

“I like my sleep so I spent way too much bits on my bed. I sleep most of the morning unless I have to visit any of you or I have government business I gotta do. I have a meeting with the mayor tomorrow for some budget thing,” Sunset rolled her eyes and rolled onto her back, stretching out her hindlegs.

“Sounds fun,” Shoeshine commented dryly and Sunset gave a snort. Trixie gave a yawn and nuzzled Sunset’s cheek as the amber unicorn blushed pink.

“She’s flirty as fuck drunk. I’m used to it,” Shoeshine waved a hoof in the air and Sunset nodded. Sunset yanked the curtains closed and jumped as she listened to the thunder. “What’s with you tonight? You’ve been acting off all night.”

“What are you talking about?” Sunset forced a nervous laugh and Shoeshine gave her a look. “I’ve been my normal self.”

“Not really. You’re more skittish than normal. Trixie commented on it too.”

“Fine. I’m well, afraid of weather like this. I’m okay with a light rain and all, but this is insane. I like having ponies here with me when it’s a crazy downpour. I only told Silverspeed to leave because she has a sister alone at home. I was happy to catch you and Trixie because it means I wouldn’t have to sleep alone tonight. I didn’t imagine it’d be in bed with me but hey, extra warmth and all. So thanks for that,” Sunset answered and Shoeshine kissed her on the nose and Sunset went cross eyed.

“That was for being my friend,” Shoeshine gave a drunken smile and Sunset blushed a brighter pink as Shoeshine kissed her nose again. “So thanks. I’d always be down to come spend the night. As a friend, obviously.”

“Obviously,” Sunset agreed and rested a hoof on Shoeshine’s foreleg. “We will never publically talk about that other night again.”

“Thank Celestia. If word gets out about what we did last time I slept in a bed with you. It was well, fun to say the least,” Shoeshine admitted and Sunset nodded her agreement. Plus, Shoeshine had Silverspeed was apparently in love with Sunset or something. Shoeshine didn’t necessarily feel right crushing Silverspeeds dreams even if Shoeshine did find Sunset a bit attractive.

“Yeah, it was. Even so, I hope you find somepony worthy of you. Love doesn’t really seem to be in the cards for me. I never really dated to be honest except that one time with that Royal Guard in Canterlot. Forgot his name,” Sunset hugged Shoeshine and yawned.

“You’re warm,” Shoeshine whispered and Sunset chuckled as Trixie moved closer and hugged Sunset from behind. “Can we stay like this for a bit? Or the rest of the night? Drunk cuddles are my favorite, especially with my friends.”

“Yeah sure,” Sunset kissed her forehead before turning her head to do the same to Trixie. “I like them too. Silverspeed gives great hugs. Her feathers are nice around me. You should try it some time.”

“Heh, maybe. I’ve gotten a few from Derpy. Anytime you want, we can hang out. Carrot Top likes guests occasionally.”

Only occasionally. Carrot Top liked her peace and quiet, especially before Noi got home.

“I’m down. Celestia used to hug me when I was a filly. That changed once I became a teen and she wanted to be a bit more professional with me. She’s lucky I have patience otherwise I’d have done something bad.”

“Like what?” Shoeshine asked and Trixie gave a loud snore.

“Don’t know. Might have run away or something. Maybe if my ego had been much worse than it currently is and was, I’d probably have hurt her way more. She’s always been patient with me. Thank the gods for that. I always knew I was meant for things, just never knew what. I think there’s more going on here than we know and probably ever will know. Celestia is tight lipped with national secrets and shit like that. It’s frustrating at times.”

“She probably has her reasons. I’m not even sure I want to know half of Equestrias national secrets. Like, what if she doesn’t raise the sun and it’s just a bullshit thing for us to worship her? That’s obviously not true, but shit,” Shoeshine shook her head. “I like my somewhat simple life. Knowing everything secret under the sun is something I’m not interested in. I’m perfectly happy with being a simple element of harmony.”

“Wish my life was that simple,” Sunset grumbled and curled up closer to Shoeshine. “I really do. I wouldn’t give it up for anything though, to be honest. I got to met you all, make a difference in Equestria, you know? If I hadn’t been abandoned at the castle, I couldn’t have just been another case of a filly dumped in an orphanage till she was adopted or got kicked out once she turned eighteen. Thank fuck those cases are few.”

Shoeshine agreed with that as Sunset nuzzled her neck and yawned.

“Goodnight Sunny. We’re glad to know you too, especially me,” Shoeshine whispered into Sunset’s ear and smiled as the unicorn breathed evenly, significantly she was peacefully asleep. “Especially me.”

Shoeshine closed her eyes and pulled the other two mares closer as she fell asleep.

Silverspeed trotted up the small steps to Sunset’s house and pushed the door open to enter. Normally she would never enter another pony’s house like this, but Sunset’s house also doubled as Celestia’s Solar Residency for Ponyville and Silverspeeds post. The downstairs was only open to public at certain times of day and the upstairs was closed off to the public at all times.

The storm had ended sometime when Silverspeed had fallen asleep. The stupid weather had made the entire town muddy and Silverspeed made sure to wipe her hooves off before entering the Residency. She, Roseluck and Derpy had coffee this morning. All three had curiously noted Sunset, Trixie and Shoeshine weren’t there. Two out of the three were always on time. I’ll let you decide on who was always late.

“Sunset?” Silverspeeds soft voice echoed throughout the house as she trotted up the carpeted stairs, reaching a door with Sunset’s cutie mark engraved into it. She never would normally enter her room without permission but it technically was her job to keep Sunset safe. She could always spin it and say she heard the mare fall. “Woah.”

Silverspeed stared with a small amount of jealousy as she raised an eyebrow. Sunset was curled up in Shoeshine’s hooves as Trixie hugged her from behind and the three snored softly. The three shared the same happy smiles and Silverspeed sniffed the air for any signs that the three she gotten up to any crazier than just drunken sleeping. The amount of alcohol bottles she had found downstairs painted a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Don’t even get her started on the smell of alcohol and vomit in the air.

Internally, Silverspeed wished she was in Shoeshine and Trixie’s places instead. She quietly placed down a large bottle of advil and silently trotted out.

She didn’t think Sunset would be up for writing Celestia a letter but she still planned on leaving Sunset some quills and paper with an envelope down at her desk in her office.

Just in case, of course.

Author's Note

This is one of the shorter stories. Not much crazy happened because I wanted it to be more about them learning about each other, especially Trixie and Shoeshine learning to respect each other more for their past. Next one will be out in a few days.