We had good company for the remainder of the evening. Granny Smith pleased us with tales of her time and small Applejack. She even proudly displayed to everyone old pictures of AJ wearing her scout outfit. No one was aware that AppleJack was a scout; discussing this with friends must have been awkward.

Applejack turned as red as her apples, groaning. “Granny, come on, not these, dont show them those!”

The rest of us, however, couldn't help but giggle especially at a particularly cute photo of AJ back then attempting to wrestle a huge sack of apples that was taller than her. The warmth of the occasion made the farm feel like a second home. Laughing about nothing with those who are important to you was enjoyable.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were the first to depart as the sun was going down, saying they would see AJ again soon and thanking him for the wonderful time. Soon after, Pinkie and Rarity came along, leaving Sunset and myself alone.

With a smile, I turned to face Applejack. “Thanks for letting us hang out here. It was... really nice to just feel normal for a bit, y’know?”

Applejack tipped her hat with a grin. “Anytime, sugarcube. Y’all are welcome here whenever, just when my grandma is willing to talk about my childhood then.. refuse okey?”

"haha maybe.. i'll think about that"

Before I could complete the app's login process, Sunset nudged me as I took out my phone to place a taxi order. “Hey, i live near you you forgot? I can give you a ride back.” Her words instantly brought back a clear memory of our earlier ride her, us speeding, almost escaping a collision, and me frantically gripping her jacket as I yelled at her to slow down.

Nevertheless, she appeared to be quite at ease when I gazed at her. Perhaps she had taken offense at my fear at the time. Or perhaps I was simply too hopeful. In any case, I smiled slightly crookedly at her. . “I’ll take a chance, but this time please dont drive like a psycho, my heart can't handle your driving”

Sunset grinned and tossed me a helmet. “Hop on, ill try to drive a little slower than usual”

As I climbed onto the motorcycle behind her, I couldn’t help but mutter under my breath, “If this goes south, tell my dad I loved him.”

Sunset laughed, the sound warm and confident. “Relax. I will drive responsibly, i promise”

A wave of nausea hit me as soon as the bike stopped in front of my apartment. Sunset winced as my fingernails dug so deeply into her clothing while my arms remained firmly wrapped around her.

“Ouch. You can let go now. I wasn’t even speeding, it was the slowest drive i had in ages.”

Wasn’t speeding? She had swerved through the streets like she was in an action film, easily exceeding the speed limit twice.

Peeling my hands off her jacket, I stumbled off the bike with reluctance. Before returning the helmet, I took a moment to regain my balance because my legs felt like jelly. The world appeared to be spinning to me.

"Thanks,"

“No problem,” Sunset replied with a playful smirk. “See? Told you, you've got here in one piece.”

Before I could answer, I saw someone moving in the darkness close to the structure. On the steps in front of my flat, there was a person sitting. I froze as they moved in the faint streetlight.

It was my father.

With his shoulders slumped as though he were bearing the weight of the entire world, his head was bent. However, his head flew up at the sight of me, and his eyes instantly filled with relief, something I hadn't seen in him for a long time. He was on his feet in a second, closing the gap between us faster than I could comprehend. Then all of a sudden I was in the warmest, tightest hug of my life. Both his and my heart were pounding.

“I’m sorry, kid,” he choked out, his voice trembling. “I’m so sorry.”

I felt his tears soak into my shoulder as he clung to me like he was afraid I’d vanish if he let go. For a moment, I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. I just stood there, stunned, feeling the raw emotion pouring out of him.

“I…” His voice broke, and he tried again, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I should’ve told you everything sooner. I should’ve been there for you, you deserved to know the truth, and I failed you. Please, please forgive me, i shouldn't hide it that long”

Tears stung my own eyes as I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him back just as tightly. “I already did dad"

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his face streaked with tears but filled with so much love that it made my chest ache. “You’re my son, and im proud of that no matter what—human, hybrid, whatever—you’re mine, and I’ll always be mine beloved son.”

My throat tightened, and I couldn’t speak, so I just nodded, letting the tears fall freely.

For a moment, it was just us, father and son, holding onto each other like we could put together all the broken pieces of the past through sheer will.

Then he noticed Sunset standing a few feet away. She had been quietly watching, her expression was soft.. like she was proud of us?

Dad wiped his eyes quickly, composing himself as he turned to her. He stepped forward, extending his hand.

“Hey,” he said, his voice a little hoarse but kind. “My name’s Sombra. Are you Sunset—the girl my son spend night with?”

Sunset was obviously taken by surprise. I could see the recognition in her eyes as she looked at me. Sombra was a name she recognized. It was their first meeting, so I'm not sure how.

But she took his hand, shaking it firmly. “Yeah I’m Sunset, we weren't doing anything if you want to know just talked i swear”

“That doesnt matter right now, thank you sunset for everything. For looking out for him when I couldn’t, i know you helped him more that night that i ever could, im so happy that he found friends like you.”

Sunset’s eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she looked like she didn’t know what to say. But then she smiled. “No problem Mr.Sombra i just did what friends should do.”

“Im really gratefull. Do you want to come inside and have some tea, get a little warmer? The ride was chilli right? It’d be my pleasure.”

“Dad, she’s probably—” I started to say, unsure if she’d want to stay after the whirlwind of emotions we’d just experienced.

“If that’s not a problem, then of course,” Sunset interrupted with a polite smile, cutting me off before I could finish.

“Excellent! Come Come i will make us some tea, follow me” his tone chipper as he motioned toward the door, taking the lead and heading inside.

Why i'm allways cutted off? Everyone have some sort of pact? I raised an eyebrow at Sunset. She gave me a sly smile, obviously pleased with herself for accepting the invitation so quickly. The way her eyes glittered, as if she knew she just threw me off balance and was enjoying it. Haha funny

The three of us walked into the apartment, and Sunset immediately let out a low whistle. “Wow, this place is even bigger from the inside!” Her voice was full of sincere amazement . The expansive view from the enormous windows, the slick modern furnishings, and the high ceilings all caught her attention.

“You’re rich, aren’t you, why didn't you say sonner i would order us something better than pizza, people like you like something better than just plain pizza with peperoni.”

“My dad’s a politician. We’re not poor, just we have enough money to live freely, also i eat the same thing as you” I couldn’t help but puff up a little, standing a bit taller.

She gave me a small laugh , but then her expression changed. She paused for a second, and something about her posture altered. There was a shadow of uneasiness behind her eyes as she glanced around once more.

“You know…” she started, her tone more cautious now. “Your dad’s counterpart in Equestria is pretty well-known too.”

“Really? He’s someone important there too?”

Sunset’s lips quirked into an uneasy smile, and she hesitated again, as if choosing her words carefully. “Not exactly in good way tho.”

“What do you mean in not good way?”

Her voice lowered slightly as she explained, “In Equestria, Sombra isn’t… uh… known for being a politician or anything like that. He’s more… infamous.”

“Infamous?" Hm im not dumb but what does this word even mean?

“Yeah. King Sombra that is his title in Equestria but he was a… tyrant. He ruled the Crystal Empire with an iron hoof and enslaved its citizens. It took the combined efforts of Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and later, Princess Twilight and her friends to defeat him.”

The room suddenly felt colder, and I could hear the blood rushing in my ears. Sunset must’ve noticed the look on my face because she quickly added, “HEYYY , that’s just your dad’s counterpart in Equestria. It doesn’t mean anything about him here! He's completly diffrent person!”

“Right, you right” My eyes strayed to the kitchen, where my father was preparing glasses and a teapot while singing quietly. He looked so normal, so... human. How someone like him could rule with iron hand?

Before I could get too far into my thoughts, my father returned to the living room, bearing a tray of tea and biscuits. “Here ya go!” he said cheerfully, setting it down on the coffee table.

“Oh thanks, Mr. Sombra,” she said politely, taking a seat on the couch.

“Just Sombra is fine, I’ve never been one for formalities its note like we are on some meeting haha.”

So I moved closer to Sunset and forced myself to ignore the odd realization. It didn't matter who my dad's counterpart was in another universe for the time being, I told myself. Just minutes before, the man sitting across from me had embraced me as if his life depended on it, and that was what mattered.

The mood of the room settled as we sat drinking tea. With his teacup in hand, my dad, who is always the epitome of poise and serenity, reclined back in his chair. He looked at Sunset as he took a contemplative sip. He instantly wore an expression as if he had just discovered the universe's secret, and his eyes glittered.

“Soooo Sunset? Did equestria change?” his voice was measured yet inquisitive.

Both Sunset and I flinched as if struck by an invisible jolt of electricity.

Sunset’s grip on her cup tightened, her expression was one full of confuson “H-how do you know im from Equestria?”

My dad put his cup down on the cup and clinked it lightly while he chuckled softly."Hmm, how could I tell you? Well…”

With his keen stare now focused on Sunset, he leaned forward a little. “I can feel it, in your presence, the magic radiating from you is the same as what I feel from my son. It’s… similiar.”

The weight of the words crushing down on us was palpable, and they hung in the air like a fallen pin. Sunset glanced at me, pale and wide-eyed, and then back at my father. I swallowed hard, setting my cup down before it could rattle in my trembling hands. “Dad. I told her… about Mom.”

“Oh, you did?” he asked, his voice carrying both surprise and something deeper—pride.

“And… I told her a little about him too.”

The room went silent. As he inhaled deeply and considered what I had just said, my dad's eyes grew softer. His voice was steady yet full of emotion when he eventually spoke.

“I’m proud of you, son, I know it's hard for you talk about him, even with someone you trust.”

“And Sunset,he doesn’t talk about him. Not even with me. The fact that he opened up to you, he trust you more than you think he does.” And then, suddenly, his face changed. His eyebrows rose in an all-too-familiar way, and his lips formed a cheeky smile. dad way. It was the kind of look that every child knows, he's gonna say something cringe.

“…Well, it must mean you’re more than just a good friend to him, perhaps… a girlfriend?”

" NO. DAD. STOP! No, no, no, no, no! Just—no!”

Sunset’s face was as red as mine, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to form words. “I—it’s not—” she stammered, clearly at a loss.

“I’m just saying,” he teased, “you two seem to have quite a bond. And Sunset here seems like a fine young woman—very responsible, very compassionate, but i don't wanna be a grandpa this early remember to-”

“DAD!” I groaned again, burying my face in my hands. “Can you not?!”

Sunset finally found her voice, though it was still shaky. “W-we’re just friends,really.”

“Of course, of course,” my dad replied with an exaggerated nod, though his grin didn’t fade. “Just friends. Absolutely, Friends spend night at the same hause, only talking, i do it all the time with mine friends”

Sunset, trying to regain some semblance of composure, crossed her arms and gave him a mock-serious look. “You know, Mr. Sombra, for a politician, you’re awfully good at teasing people.”

"It’s one of the perks of being a dad, embarrassing your kids is practically a job requirement.” He laughed, a rich and genuine sound that filled the room.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” I muttered.

Sunset let out a small laugh, finally relaxing a little. “Well, at least we know where you get your sense of humor from,” she said, elbowing me lightly.

“You’re not helping,”

But much though I was feeling embarrassed, I couldn't help but feel a little warm. Even though I wanted to melt into the cushions, I couldn't help but smile at how ridiculous the situation was.

“So,should I set an extra place at the table for Sunset from now on?”

“DAD!” I yelled, my voice echoing through the apartment.

"And as for your question, Mr. Sombra equestria is still a colorful, magical place when, at least it was when i left it, all types of ponies coexisted peacefully. Princess Celestia is in charge of it, and to me, she acted somewhat like a mother figure. Despite her tendency to keep things to herself, she is intelligent and compassionate."

“Princess Celestia, you say?” he asked, his voice quiet but intense.

“Yes. She’s been ruling for a long time. She was still ruling when I left Equestria. I think Princess Luna will return after her banishment to moon soon.”

Dad placed his tea down carefully, as though his thoughts were elsewhere. “Luna was banished? Celestia was ruling alone?”

“Yes?” She answeared a little confused. Dad knows pony celestia too?

“Hm thats a little weird. Celestia and Luna were inseparable. That's how your mother descirbed them.” He shook his head slowly, still staring at Sunset. “Your mother spoke only a little but she did, about Equestria about Celestia and Luna, she said they were the pillars of unity. She taught them everything they knew about ruling. When she went into hiding, they were still ruling side by side. At least… that’s what she told me.”

I listened, my chest tightening as his words sank in. “Dad why she didn’t tell me anything?"

"Son, it was a difficult topic. She believed she was keeping you safe. The less you know, the better, that's what she believed. She thought you should not have to carry the burden of her past as you grew up. I stayed silent because I believed I was doing the same. However, we have been mistaken."

“Your mom probably thought she was doing the right thing" Sunset broke the silence gently, her tone thoughtful.

Dad nodded, his expression softening. "She always carried the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she never let anyone see it.”

Sunset offered a reassuring smile. “She sounds like an amazing person, Mr. Sombra.”

Dad smiled faintly, his eyes distant as though lost in a memory. “She was extraordinary... She gave up so much to build a new life here. And even though she’s gone… I can see her in both of you.”

He looked at me then, his gaze filled with pride. “She believed in you, son. She saw your potential” Dad's expression relaxed, although he appeared to consider something for a time. He turned to face Sunset, his eyes tentative but interested. “Sunset? Can i ask you a question?. It’s something that’s always lingered in my mind since my wife told me about Equestria.”

Sunset raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, nodding for him to continue.

“She mentioned once—just in passing—that everyone has a counterpart in Equestria. You know, some version of themselves. I’ve always wondered…Did you ever come across mine? When you were still in equestria i mean, or did you hear anything about me?”

She looked down for a moment, collecting herself before meeting my dad’s eyes. “I do know,” she admitted softly, her tone careful. “But I’m not sure it’s the answer you’re hoping for.”

Dad leaned back slightly, his brow furrowing. “Why’s that? I can handle it Sunset.”

“Your counterpart in Equestria was… eh... King Sombra.” She let the name hang in the air, her voice weighted.

“King Sombra?” he repeated, the words slow and deliberate.

Sunset nodded. “He was the ruler of the Crystal Empire for a time… but he wasn’t a very kind ruler.... H-He was a tyrant. His reign was marked by fear, oppression, and it took everything Celestia and Luna had to stop him. He’s—he’s about as far from who you are as a person as anyone could imagine.”

“So, he’s my opposite in every way,” he murmured

“Yes,” Sunset said gently. “He’s nothing like you. And just to be clear, I don’t see any of him in you at all.”

My dad chuckled dryly, shaking his head. “It’s funny, isn’t it? To think that somewhere out there, in another world, I could have turned out so… dark. Thank you for being honest. I’ve wondered about this for years, and it’s good to finally have some closure.”

Sunset nodded reassuringly, but the conversation's weight hung heavy in the room. She paused, looked at her phone, and sighed slightly. “It’s getting late, thank you for your hospitality. It’s been… enlightening, to say the least hihi.”

“The pleasure is mine, Sunset. Thank you for sharing what you know and for being such a good friend to my son.”

I stood up to walk her to the door, but before we could leave the room, Dad added, “And Sunset?”

She turned back, tilting her head. “Yes?”

“You have a good heart,I don’t know what all you’ve been through, but I can tell you’ve come a long way. Keep going. You’re doing great.”

“Thank you, Mr. Sombra. That means a lot.” her cheeks were flushing slightly.

Together, we approached the door, and she turned to face me as I was ready to open it. She suddenly threw her arms around me and pulled me into a passionate hug. She reached over and kissed my cheek before I had time to comprehend. Her gentle lips were pressed against my cheeck. It felt... Awsome

“Thanks for everything,” she said softly, her eyes sparkling with gratitude—and mischief, she made sure that my dad saw that

“See you at school tomorrow,” she added with a cheeky smile as she stepped out the door.

After a moment of being stunned, I carefully closed the door behind her. I turned around to see my dad smiling broadly as he leaned relaxedly against the wall.

“Do you have anything more to add?” I asked, my face heating up.

“No haha” his expression told a different story. “Just… looks like you are closer than you think son.”

With a sigh, I turned and headed up to my room, attempting to shake off the emotions that were building up inside. I had always found Sunset to be a mystery, someone I couldn't quite understand. However, everything felt... different today. Perhaps more realistic. I couldn't help but feel that something was gradually developing between us because she had supported me when I needed her. It also went beyond a simple peck on the cheek. It was the way she had been so sincere and encouraging to me. She did even though she didn't have to.

When I got to my room, I began to undress. Still engrossed in my thoughts about Sunset, I had only gone through the motions. The more time I spent with her, the more I understood that she was so different from everyone else and that I was beginning to care in a manner that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I reflected on the warmth and softness of the embrace she had given me at the entrance. I was unable to recall the last time I had felt this close to someone.

In an attempt to decompress, I went to take the shower and let the warm water run over me. However hard I tried to concentrate, my mind kept going back to Sunset at all times . Recalling the kiss at the entrance, I could only grinn to myself. Her unexpected peck on the cheek had taken me by surprise, but I wasn't angry about it. Simply said, it was unexpected, but in the greatest way possible.

After the shower, I quickly got dressed and changed into something more comfortable. I took a seat at my desk, and without thinking, I grabbed my phone to check the messages. The girls had sent a bunch of photos from earlier today—group shots, moments of laughter, all of us together. It was a rare moment of pure happiness, something I hadn’t even realized I’d been missing until now.

With my phone in hand, I crawled into bed, relaxing into the coziness of the sheets. But sleep appeared to be just out of reach, regardless of how exhausted I felt.

But then the sound of footsteps outside my door caught my attention. A light knock followed.

“Can I come in?” Dad’s voice came from the other side.

“Yeah,” I called out, sitting up in bed and adjusting my pillows behind me. The door creaked open, and Dad poked his head around the corner, a soft smile on his face.

“Hey, can't sleep after today?” he asked, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him.

“Yeah, just thinking about stuff. You know.”

Dad, who was seated on the edge of my bed, laughed quietly. “I get that. But I want you to know something.” He paused, looking me in the eyes. “I’m proud of you, kid. You’ve grown into someone I’m really proud of. Not just because of everything you’ve been through, but because of who you are now.”

I wasn't quite sure how to react to that. When my dad showed emotion, it affected me more than anything else, even though he wasn't always the best at it. In an attempt to stabilize my voice, I gulped. “Thanks, Dad....”

Dad sighed, leaning back slightly as if contemplating something. “And about Sunset…”

I looked at him, trying to figure out how to word my thoughts. “I don’t know what’s going on with her and me, if that is what you askin. But… I do know that I trust her. And she’s been there for me, It’s like… she gets it. She gets me.”

“ooh I can see that. And from what I’ve seen, she seems like a good girl."

“I know, Dad."

Dad gave me a small smile, a kind of reassuring, fatherly look. “Son, life’s full of uncertainty. But if you’re honest with yourself, and with her, things will work out."

“Thanks, Dad. That really means a lot.” He patted my shoulder gently before standing up, his usual teasing smile returning. “Just go with the flow, dont rush it.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “I won’t, I promise.”

“Good night, son. I love you,” he said, before heading for the door.

“I love you too, Dad,” I replied, watching him leave the room.

The burden of everything weighed down on me as I laid back in bed. I was happy for the time being, but there was still a lot to figure out. I had reliable friends that genuinely cared for me. And with Sunset, there might have been a possibility for something more.

I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the day wash over me, and eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Author's Note

A pretty short chapter, but i wanted to end this day in wholsome moment, the next will have a lot challanges for our fellow characters the first day of school after fall formal. How will sunset and oc do when whole school will be looking at them with disgust? Have fun reading!