A Ray of Sunlight

Time Together

The phone call with her mom went about how she thought it would. She told her everything about the bullying and the awful notes. Tears were shed on both ends and apologies were made. Sunset wound up telling her mother about running away in the end. She didn't feel right about keeping it from her after everything that had happened. After a healthy helping of parental guilt Dawn asked a question that took Sunset by surprise.
     "How are things with you and Twilight? Did you make up? You'd better buy her flowers."
    "Whoa whoa Mom, that's it? A little guilt trip after I nearly ran away, never to be seen again?"
     "Of course. Listen, you know what you did was the wrong way to handle the situation, I talked to you and you listened and understood what I, and everyone else was saying. I don't know that there's much more to say on the subject. Besides, I ran away when I was your age too. Though my reasons were far less justifiable."
     "Wait, you did? Why did you run away? How long were you gone?"
     "I went to my boyfriend's house after a fight with my dad about one thing or another. I was gone for two whole days before I got homesick. And it turns out she knew the whole time because his mom told her. None of that matters though, because you still haven't told me how you and Twilight are."
     "We're fine Mom." She laughed. "She really is amazing, and I'm so lucky to be with her."
     "I'm so glad you realize that and you were able to work things out. So other than what you've already told me, how is school going? Keeping your grades up?"
     "Well, some of them have taken a hit, but I'm going to meet with all my teachers to see what I can do to bring them back up. What about you?"
     "My grades are fantastic, I only have one 'C'! The internship is going well too! I've made a few friends and I'm learning a lot."
     "That's great Mom! I'm so proud of you for chasing your dream job. You're going to be so great."
     "I feel like our roles have been reversed. Aren't I supposed to say that to you?"
     The two of them laughed heartily. They talked for a while longer before Sunset yawned heavily.
     "Sounds like someone needs to go to bed." Dawn smiled.
     "It has been a long day." She said, rubbing her eyes.
     "Get some sleep Sunnybuns. And don't forget to buy those flowers."
    "I'll remember Mom." She chuckled. "Goodnight Mom, love you."
     "I love you too Sunset. Sleep well."
     The call ended and Sunset went about with her nightly routine. After her shower she looked around her disheveled room and to her nearly empty bookshelf. She sighed, threw on some sweats and a hoodie and quickly made her way downstairs to grab her hastily packed bags. She knew if she didn't do it now it would be a couple days before she mustered up the energy to clean.
     The frigid air of the parking garage stung her still wet hair.
     "Cold, cold, cold, cold! Why didn't I at least put on sandals!" She yelped as she skip-ran toward her car on the cold cement ground.
     She quickly gathered her things and returned to the warmth of her room as quick as humanly possible. She slipped into a pair of well-worn slippers for her cold feet before setting about to put her room back together. It was slow going at first and several times she debated leaving it for tomorrow, especially when she looked at her bed which looked so inviting. She pushed through those thoughts each time, however, and had her bookshelf and closet organized in no time. She looked around her hotel room with satisfaction and something else.
     She tidied up the last of the mess and crawled between the sheets. As sleep began to overtake her exhausted body she couldn't help but reflect on the day she had. As the events made their way through her mind she smiled as a happy tear dropped to her pillow.

Sunset awoke the next morning in higher spirits than she had felt in some time, she got ready to work her usual Saturday shift at the hotel. After her shower she checked her phone and saw a few text messages from Twilight.
     The first message read, "Good morning Sunset! I hope you slept well. Just wanted to say I love you."
     Then a few minutes later. "Do you want to do something tonight or tomorrow? My treat. I feel like it's been a while since we've been on a date."
     She was right, it had been a while since they'd been on a proper date. She'd been so caught up with her troubles that she'd neglected their relationship. She'd even stopped hanging out with her as frequently.
     "Sounds great! I get off at 5 so I'll pick you up around 5;30."
     Twilight sent a picture of herself blowing a kiss at the screen with the caption, "See you then."
     She chuckled and put on her uniform, ready to attack the day. The hotel wasn't too busy this time of year as winter was drawing to a close, so there weren't many rooms to clean up. All the same, she deep cleaned the newly empty rooms and refreshed others.
     The shift moved along pretty quickly and when five o'clock rolled around Sunset quickly took a shower to rinse off the work sweat and changed into more comfortable clothes. She let Twilight know she was on her way and eagerly drove toward the Sparkle house, making a quick stop to buy a bouquet of flowers. When she knocked on the door she was greeted by Velvet who immediately scooped her into a warm hug.
     "It's so good to see you again Sunset, we've missed having you around." She released her after a final squeeze.
     "Yeah, sorry about that." She rubbed the back of her neck. "I missed you too."
     Velvet let her inside and offered her a mug of hot cider. "Twilight and I just made it. Now, it is our first batch ever so i hope you don't mind being our guinea pig."
     Sunset chuckled as Twilight came around the corner with her father, each with two steaming mugs of the hot beverage. Twilight handed a mug to Sunset, who clasped it in both hands, the warm ceramic driving away the cold. The drink smelled deliciously of apple and cinnamon and filled her with thoughts of cuddling next to a fire. The four of them clinked mugs and drank. They each let out a satisfied sigh as the beverage warmed their stomachs.
     "Great work you two." Nightlight beamed.
     "Yeah, this is delicious!" Sunset praised and gave Twilight a kiss on her cheek. "Also, these are for you."
     "Oh, Sunset they're beautiful!" She inhaled the floral aroma. "What's the occasion?"
     "A wise woman told me that a great way to apologize to someone you love is a bouquet of flowers, and I have a lot to apologize for. So expect at least a few more."
     Twilight kissed Sunset again. "I won't object."
     She smiled and left to place her flowers in a vase. When she returned Velvet motioned toward the living room where they all took a seat. After some light conversation Sunset decided to get the Sparkles caught up on everything that happened in her own words. They had protested, not wanting her to feel like she had to relive it all again.
     "No, it's ok. I wanted to tell you, because you're important to me and you've been so good to me so you deserve the whole story."
     Velvet rose and hugged her tightly. She was touched that she thought so highly of them and she realized then that she would do anything for this girl that had become another member of the family. Velvet returned to her spot and asked what their plan was for their date.
     "I think we decided on going bowling." Sunset smiled. "Something fun and light."
     "Any dinner plans?" Nightlight asked.
     "Probably really bad for us bowling alley food that we will almost surely regret eating later." Twilight joked.
     "You can't beat those messy nachos though." Sunset said wistfully.
     Twilight playfully rolled her eyes. "We'll probably come back here and watch a movie afterwards."
     "Sounds like you two have a good evening ahead of you." Nightlight smiled. "We'll see you when you get back."
     They wished the young couple well and sent them on their way. Twilight didn't let go of Sunset's hand the whole drive. She held it lovingly and absentmindedly traced their interlocked fingers as Sunset drove. She suddenly leaned across the center column and wrapped her arms around Sunset's non-busy arm, leaning on her shoulder.
     Sunset leaned over and kissed Twilight's head. "What's that for?"
     "I'm just happy to have you back." She blushed.
     "You might not think so pretty soon. Not to brag or anything, but I'm pretty okay at bowling."
     "Pretty okay huh? Well I'm going to be giving you a run for your money with my acceptably adequate bowling skills." Twilight retorted.
     "We are going to put on quite the average show for the other bowlers."
     They arrived at Spare Time, Canterlot's most popular bowling alley-indoor miniature golf combo. Twilight paid for the game and shoe rental and after they set their stuff down at their lane they went to the concession stand to get some food.
     "Hi, what can I get for you today?" The girl at the register asked.
     "Could we get a pepperoni pizza, two large drinks and a pitcher to refill them. Anything else?" Twilight asked.
     "I'll get myself a nacho." She offered.
     "Add a nacho as well please." Twilight smiled.
     "Babe, I said I'd get it." Sunset protested.
     "And I told you that tonight was my treat. I've got this."
     The girl gave them the total and as Twilight was handing over her card Sunset thrust her own forward. Since Twilight was expecting this she grabbed Sunset's arm and almost threw her card at the poor confused cashier. Before she could take the card, Sunset was wrapped around Twilight's waist and trying to pull her down while inching closer with her arm outstretched. Twilight lost her balance and fell on top of Sunset. Taking advantage of the situation she grabbed Sunset's card and slapped her own onto the counter.
     "Hurry and swipe it! I've got her trapped!" Twilight cried out through her laughing.
     "Woman! Let me pay for something!" Sunset kicked her feet like a toddler under Twilight.
     "You always pay, it's my turn!"
     The cashier smiled and shook her head as she finished the transaction and slid the card to the edge of the counter. "What lane are you on?"
     "We're on lane fifteen." Twilight answered, straightening her glasses.
     "Have a good night, we'll bring your food to your lane when it's ready." She chuckled.
     Twilight thanked her and helped Sunset to her feet. She kissed her lips and smiled victoriously at her girlfriend. Sunset resisted the urge to smile and kiss her back, determined to hold her exaggerated pout. Twilight saw her efforts and knew just how to counter.
      "Aww Sunset don't be mad." She clasped her hands in front of herself and jutted out her bottom lip. "Pwease fowgive me."
     Sunset's face broke into a smile when she couldn't contain her laughter. "Ew stop that! You know baby talk creeps me out."
     Twilight followed Sunset to their lane, continuing her baby talk the whole time. "Sowwy Sunset, I cant hewp mysewf, I don't want you to be mad at m-"
     Her words were cut short as Sunset planted a kiss on her. "I'm not mad anymore. Now please stop." She pleaded.
     "Okay! Now let's see who is more mediocre at bowling!"
     The two found bowling balls they liked and set up the board. After each bowl the one waiting would give an encouraging cheer and a hug regardless of whether or not pins were knocked over. Sunset noticed a few annoyed looks shot their way but ignored them. Around frame four their food was brought out to them in all its greasy glory.
     "Oh, we are definitely going to regret this." Sunset said before taking a big bite from her slice of pizza.
     Twilight couldn't help but laugh as she dabbed her pizza with a napkin.
     They continued their game, dancing and cheering each other on. When the food was eaten and the game finished, they decided to play a quick game of mini golf. Sunset resisted the urge to argue over who paid for the game and was rewarded with a kiss.
     "I know how hard that was for you." Twilight teased her.
     Sunset collected the clubs and neon colored golf balls. "So difficult. I think I should get something else since I didn't say a word."
     "Oh, is that so?" She smirked. "And what is it you'd like?"
     Sunset made a show of pondering her prize. "Hmm... surprise me."
     "Alright, now come on I've got to whoop your butt at mini golf."
     Twilight extended her hand and took Sunsets. They walked toward the course and as they drew closer Twilight pulled Sunset closer and slid her girlfriend's hand into her back pocket. It took Sunset a moment to realize where her hand was, and when she did she glanced at Twilight who was staring headlong with a deep blush on her face. She smiled at her adorable concentrated expression and put Twilight's hand in her own p back pocket. This seemed to put her at ease. She smiled sheepishly at Sunset who gave her a playful wink. They walked together into the black light lit mini golf course, hands on each other's backsides.
     Twilight set up her ball on the first hole and prepared to take the shot.
     "I can feel you staring at my butt." She teased.
     "It can't be helped, I have been given a glimpse of something wonderful." Sunset responded.
     Twilight laughed and her ball ricocheted off the bumpers, failing to get anywhere near the hole. She frowned and shrugged before making room for Sunset to set up. Sunset was eyeing the path she wanted to hit her ball when she heard rapid steps approaching her and just before her club connected with the ball Twilight smacked her butt. The ball arched up and over the designated green, bounced twice and rolled into the corner of the room.
     "Hey, I call cheating!" Sunset protested.
     "Let's ask the judges." Twilight looked around the empty area. "They say everything looks good."
     Sunset retrieved her ball. "So that's how we're gonna play it?"
     Twilight winked and stuck out her tongue. "I guess so."
     "Let's do this."
     The two found new and creative ways to distract each other at first. Their tactics ranged from loud fake coughs to strange little dances in the path of the ball. The game eventually devolved into them trying to hit the balls into each other. They had been keeping score and laughed at how not once did they get under par on any hole. After Twilight's ball sent Sunset's to bounce off the snout of the tiger statue guarding the current hole Sunset called a time out.
     "Alright, this is getting nowhere fast." Sunset laughed. "How about we call a truce?"
     Twilight eyed Sunset suspiciously. "Okay, but no funny business."
     The two clasped hands and Sunset kicked Twilight's ball. "All the funny business! Never trust your enemy!" Sunset yelled theatrically.
     The ball left the course and bounced off the wall toward the next hole. It hit the Alligator, ricocheting into the bumper and rolling into the hole.
     Twilight doubled over in laughter as Sunset let her club fall to the ground in disbelief.
     "How! How does that even happen? I mean seriously, what are the odds?" Sunset threw her arms up.
     Through fits of laughter Twilight answered. "I could give you a statistic, but I just want to take in this victory."
     "Victory? What are you talking about?"
     "The hole in one you just gave me. Thanks for that by the way." She gave Sunset a peck on the cheek.
     "I would argue that I get the points since I was the one who did the kicking."
     "My ball, my points." Twilight crossed her arms and smirked. "I can't help it if you didn't decide to kick your own ball."
     "Yeah, cuz I could have totally predicted that that was going to happen." She argued.
     "Not my problem." She shrugged.
     Sunset wrapped her arms around Twilight's waist and rested her chin on her shoulder. "You're such a brat. I think my attitude is rubbing off on you."
     Twilight placed her arms over Sunset's and leaned into her. "Maybe, but seeing as this will never get resolved with just us I vote we take it to our panel of judges."
     Sunset rolled her eyes but agreed. They drafted a group message to all their friends explaining what had happened. After a few more holes the responses started to come in.
     "I have to side with Sunset. She's the one who actually "made the shot"." Rainbow wrote.
     "I dunno, seems like it should go to the one that wasn't cheatin'." Applejack weighed in.
     "Apparently AJ and I have different ideas of cheating and creative gameplay ;P"
      A few minutes later they got texts from the others and the score was still split down the middle.
     "Well that didn't solve anything." Twilight chuckled.
     "I guess we'll never know who was right or wrong. Even though it was clearly me." She quickly muttered.
     "I suppose I agree with you. You were wrong."
     Twilight tried to walk ahead, but Sunset pulled her back. "You're not getting away that easily. I saw what you did there." She laughed.
     "Shucks, and I thought I'd be able to sneak it past you."
     Just then their phones buzzed. "So I've changed my stance. AJ used "creative gameplay" to beat me in a race in Mario Kart... sorry Sunset."
     "Traitor!" Sunset responded.
     "Do we even want to know?" Rarity joked.
     "She kissed me and kept an eye on the screen! I've never felt so betrayed!"
     Applejack simply sent an emoji with a big cheesy grin.
     Twilight shook her head. "Those two are too much."
     "Aren't they though?" Sunset grinned.
     "So it would seem that I won this debate." Twilight smirked.
     Sunset rolled her eyes with a smile. "Fine, I concede defeat to you m'lady." Sunset bowed dramatically.
     Playing along, Twilight tapped her club on the ground as though it were a scepter. "By royal decree I hereby sentence you to carry me as a knight would carry a fair maiden to the last two holes."
     There was an impatient cough from behind them. A lanky boy and his friends were looking at them.
     "Can we play this hole?" He sneered.
     Twilight blushed and began stammering a response. Sunset gathered their things and scooped her up in her arms.
     In a bad English accent she responded. "My sincerest apologies squire. M'lady and I shall galavant over yonder post haste!"
     The boy rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
     Twilight laughed as Sunset carried her the ten feet to the next hole.
     "Thank you my valiant knight." She held out her hand to be kissed like a proper fair maiden.
     Sunset bowed and gently kissed it. "'Twas nothing. Shall we continue this game of miniature golf?"
    "We shall." She curtsied.
     They finished up their game and returned the equipment. When they got situated in the car, Twilight leaned across the center column and kissed Sunset's cheek as she started the engine.
     "Thank you." Twilight smiled.
     "For what?"
     "For being my knight and rescuing me from that awkward situation."
     "Of course, I will always rescue you from awkwardness."
     "I mean it. It's a little thing but it meant a lot to me."
     Sunset took Twilight's hand and gave it a little kiss. "Of course m'lady."
     When they arrived back at Twilight's house, Nightlight was climbing out of his car with a Sugarcube Corner box and a large styrofoam cup.
     "Hey Girls! How was bowling?"
     "It was good, I won by five points." Twilight responded.
     "Good job Twilight. What was your final score?" Nightlight asked knowingly.
     "Sixty-five."
     "Oh good, you did better than last time." He chuckled.
     "Har har dad, it's hard to aim with those balls!"
     "How many games did you play?"'
     "Just one game of bowling and one round of mini golf." Sunset told him. "What's in the box?"
     "Oh, Velvet was craving sweets so I went out and got some donuts and a mint shake."
     "If some of those donuts go missing it wasn't me."
     Nightlight chuckled. "I've got my eye on you Sunset."
     The four of them split the donuts and drank cocoa as the young couple recounted their evening. Velvet and Nightlight bid them goodnight while they tried to figure out what movie to watch.
     "What about this one?" Sunset asked while holding out a movie that caught her eye.
     "Sure, I've caught bits and pieces when my parents are watching it. It looks pretty good."
     They set up the movie and got comfortable on the couch. Twilight grabbed a blanket and snuggled into Sunset. As the movie played they found their eyelids getting heavier. Twilight slid down lower until her head was in Sunset's lap and drifted off while Sunset stroked her hair. Sunset shifted so that they were spooning each other and soon followed Twilight's lead.
     After hearing the menu's music repeat for the twentieth time, Twilight's parents came down the stairs to check on them.
     "Mystery solved." Nightlight chuckled. "They're both sound asleep."
     He moved to wake them so Twilight could go to her room when Velvet placed a hand on his arm.
     "Let them sleep, they look so comfortable I'd hate to disturb them."
     They turned off the tv and repositioned the blanket to cover them both before they went to bed. After the living room light was flipped off Sunset pulled Twilight closer and snored softly.