The Dying Rays

Sunset Shimmer, in every sense of the word, was exhausted.

She'd not had a good day already, having woken up about 2 hours early, unable to get back to sleep. This had been followed by a very long-feeling day of school, and she didn't even get to see her friends because of some extra activity the school wanted her help with. And to top it all off, she'd just had what felt like the longest work shift of her life. And she still hadn't done any of her homework. Sunset took a deep breath, feeling the stress start to get to her.

However; there were positives. There was a sleepover tonight - at Rarity's. She'd still get to see her friends. Plus, if she'd done enough tonight, she was looking at a promotion, or a raise at least. That would be nice.

But she just couldn't shake off a lingering feeling, that the stress was going to be just too much. Sunset knew she was prone to imploding on a stressful day. If someone pushed her just a bit too far, it could quickly turn into a one-sided shouting match as Sunset let her frustrations free. And she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

And that was if she was lucky.

Otherwise she'd have a massive panic attack before passing out on the floor where she stood.

She sighed as she pulled on her trademark leather jacket, slipping her phone from her back pocket and beginning to scroll through the list of notifications.

An email from a teacher, an invite to some party next week, a few news notifications, a couple interesting social media posts, a message from Twilight Sparkle...

Wait.

A message from Twilight?

Sunset's heart skipped a beat as she thought of the other girl, and she shook herself, opening the message.

[16:04] T: Looking forward to seeing you tonight! Sorry we didn't get to talk earlier.
[16:07] T: You are coming, right?
[16:07] T: Rarity said you seemed a bit stressed earlier.

Sunset groaned inwardly. She was going to have to make a decision now. It was already 10:00, her boss having let Sunset clock out an hour early for this sleepover. Some part of her knew going could turn into a big mistake, but the thought of disappointing her friends, disappointing Twilight, overruled her hesitations. She sighed to herself.

[22:05] S: Sorry, was at work. I'll be there, just gotta freshen up first. See you soon! :)

Sunset pushed open the side door with her shoulder, stepping out into the cool autumn breeze. The parking lot was mostly empty here, and she took a chance to walk slowly and admire the scenery. Or, what scenery there was. When she reached her motorcycle, she leaned against it, looking up to the heavens and the stars that glittered in them.

She loved autumn. There was no point in denying it. The weather was often cool, but not too much. The sunset was earlier, allowing her to comfortably watch it from her apartment window. There was more rain, sure, but honestly? She didn't mind rain that much. Hell, sometimes it could be nice. And for another bonus? The leaves went the same colour as her hair.

Score.

She sighed again before slipping her helmet out of it's bag and pulling it on, cursing the skirt and short socks she had to wear for her work uniform. At least she had her jacket. Sunset brought the engine to life before taking one last look at the stars.

Is this a mistake? Is this going to backfire?

Sunset shook her head, dismissing the doubtful thoughts swirling around her head, and pulled away from her parking space.

It was nearing half 11 when Sunset finally killed the motorcycle's engine, gliding the last few feet to stop alongside Applejack's pickup. She flicked down the kickstand and stepped off, quickly rubbing her hands together to try and warm them up.

As much as she lived for the autumn, riding in it was like being stabbed by icicles.

Very sharp, very cold icicles.

She traded the helmet for a small cardboard box and her lighter in the bike bag. She hesitated for a second, but then pulled a cigarette from the box anyway, balancing it between her lips before lighting it. Sunset took a long drag, feeling herself relax as she leaned on the pickup. She felt a little guilty, as she had promised to quit. And for a while she had, but after the whole memory stone situation, she found herself falling back on the quick stress relief more and more often.

"Well, well, well."

Shit.

"If it isn't Sun-set Shimmer, smoking in my front yard. Darling, we told you to quit."

Sunset chuckled nervously, turning to face the girl, who wore a bright white dress with purple gemstones around the base, matching her hair.

"Eheh, heyy, Rarityy, I- uh-"

"No no no, don't try and give me any excuses Sunset. Come on, put it out."

Sunset obliged slowly, taking another drag before flicking the cig to the floor and grinding it out with her boot heel.

"Good. Now give me the packet."

Sunset looked up in shock.

"Don't you think that's a little far-"

"Sunset. Packet. Now."

Sunset grumbled to herself, slipping on her backpack and surrendering the small packet at the door.

"Thank you. I don't even know how you keep managing to get your hands on these."

Sunset only shrugged, not willing to provide an answer. Rarity sighed in response, before pulling the taller girl into a hug.

"It is good to see you again. It may have only been a day but it feels longer. Now come on, we need to sort you out."

"I don't need-"

"You do. You smell of smoke."

Sunset sighed, again.

"Fine, you win."

"House always wins, darling," she replied, sing-song voice in full swing.

She rummaged briefly in a drawer before pulling out a small pink bottle.

"Hold still, now."

The fashionista sprayed a few bursts over Sunset's jacket before moving in to check. She then stood back, hesitating for a moment. Then she sighed.

"Alright Sunset. I don't know how long you've been smoking for again, and I don't want to deprive you of one should you need it. However, it will only be if you need it."

She paused.

"And if I found out you played me for a cigarette when you didn't need one, even Applejack won't be able to stop me from burning that jacket."

Sunset nodded in acceptance. That seemed reasonable.

"Now come on. The others are in the living room."

"Rarity?"

"Yes?"

"...Thank you."

The girl smiled.

"Pizza will be about 10 minutes. Tops 20."