Sunset Shimmer was walking around, looking at the latest clothes the Kohles had out. While she still liked shopping in the Junior Miss section; she was glad that she would soon be graduating to the more adult clothes soon. Maybe. She had decided to stay in this world until graduation but had no idea where to go after that. Equestria was her home. And there were parts of it she missed dearly. But after over three years here; this was her home too. And after the two more years until graduation; it'll be even more her home. It was a tough choice to make; which is why she chose not to think about it.

She had just started shuffling through some tops when she heard some familiar voices. She looked over and saw Flash Sentry standing by the women's changing room door. What the heck was he doing here? She was more curious than anything else. Sure they had dated and he had dumped her, but as she had stated earlier; she was never really attracted to him in the first place, it was all a ploy to become more popular. She decided to go up to him and ask what he was doing.

"Hey Flash. Didn't expect . . . " Before Sunset could even finish; Twilight came out wearing a pastel purple lace cami (not far off her own skin color) and mid thigh jean shorts.

"So what do you think of this?" Twilight asked and then gasped. Sunset Shimmer was here! Oh crap, what does she do now. "Oh, hi Sunset," she said awkwardly.

The three of them just looked around not knowing what to say. Finally Sunset decided to break the tension. "Twilight. Um nice to see you here. Wasn't expecting that, but it explains what Flash was doing standing here." She then gave Twilight a quick look up and down and turned to Flash. "Lucky boy."

Flash coughed and did the back of his head, stroke thing and Twilight took a step back and did her hair twirl thing. Sunset just smiled slyly. "It's ok. I understand."

"Sunset, I can't say it's not what it looks like, because it is. Flash and I . . ." Twilight started to stammer but stopped when Sunset put her hand up.

"I know. Everyone knows. You two didn't exactly hide your feelings for each other well. Like I said; it's ok."

Twilight smiled. "Flash and I made a pact; that every Saturday, we'd spend the day together. I was planning on telling you guys, I was, honest. But we just wanted the first few dates to be about us."

"That's actually kind of cute. No problem. I'll keep my mouth shut." Sunset was actually a bit touched at how these two felt about each other. It was sweet and nice and was potentially disastrous. Just like all great romances.

"Sunset," Flash spoke softly, embarrassment still lingering in his voice, "Twilight will sometimes be spending the weekend here. She'll need a place to stay when she does. Also, if nothing else, she'll need a place to keep her stuff for when she's here. Can she stay with you?"

Sunset looked from Flash to Twilight. It wasn't an unreasonable request. In fact it made perfect sense in a way. But all things considered, it still struck Sunset as a somewhat blind intrusion upon her. But that was her headtrip. These were her friends, they were asking for help, so she had to woman up and do the right thing. "Sure," she said.

"Thank you," both Flash and Twilight said together.

"In fact, why don't you two come over tonight? I'll make dinner and we can make arrangements. Ok?"

"That sounds great Sunset. We'll be there. Where do you live?" Twilight was relieved that Sunset was being so understanding and helpful.

"Oh, Flash knows where it is." With that, Sunset turned around and walked off with a smile on her face. She might have to do the right thing, but she didn't have to be a complete pansy about it.

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They didn't see her, but she saw and heard them. Heard being the most important thing. After a week of disappointment and stagnation; things finally looked to be turning around. Yes, things were definitely looking up for her.

"Adagio, what are you . . ." Aria started to ask but Adagio cut her off. She couldn't risk the others from seeing them here.

She leaned over to Aria and whispered, "Look who's here."

Aria looked over where Adagio was pointing and saw Twilight and Flash. "It's her!" she whispered back.

"And to think we didn't want to come here with Trixie. Looks like I was right about that girl being an asset to us. Not in the way I originally imagined; but an asset none the less."

Aria smiled. For her, it was a chance to follow Twilight back to the portal. But for Adagio it was so much more. From everything she had learned about Sunset Shimmer; she was a woman after her own dark heart. Whatever the others had done to turn her; she would try to undo. With Sunset by her side she would have a companion who was completely (well almost completely) her equal and she could leave Aria behind. She could leave them all behind. And considering that little "twist of the knife" Sunset did to Twilight; it shouldn't be that hard to turn her back.

Today was a good day after all.

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Trixie saw what had gone down between Twilight, Flash, and Sunset. She also saw Adagio and Aria as well; pointing and whispering. So this is when the backstabbing begins? Looks like I'm just going to have to get my knife out first, she thought to herself.

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"Wow Sunset, you really do have a nice place here," Twilight said as she walked through the door.

"Thanks. I like to think so," Sunset said with false modesty. She led them to the already prepared table. "Most dishes are mostly vegan, but I must say, after three years, I have developed a taste for meat; so I prepared some fish and chicken dishes as well. Feel free to eat what you want."

Flash pulled Twilight's chair out and pushed her in. Then he sat down beside her. "Sunset is a great cook. I think you'll enjoy it," he said.

Sunset looked at Flash and smiled. "Thank you Flash. That means a lot."

"Hey, our past is our past. You've done well Sunset. I can't hold a grudge and I hope you can't either."

Sunset looked at Twilight and said, "Lucky girl." Then she sat down herself. "Please eat."

The three made their plates and ate. Flash was right, Sunset was a great cook, Twilight thought to herself. She even found herself liking the meat dishes Sunset had made. Not something she would ever admit back home.

"Listen, about earlier, I'm sorry. That was uncalled for. I really am happy for you both. And I also want to say I'd be honored to have you stay with me anytime Twilight."

"Thank you Sunset. And, as you said, it's ok. It's an awkward situation. Your friend and your ex, so I don't want you to misunderstand how much this means to me and how much I respect you for doing this." Twilight spoke with true sincerity. She really did respect Sunset for what she was doing.

"So when is the first time you plan on staying here?"

"Well," Twilight looked at Flash and back to Sunset, " I was thinking maybe, tonight?"

"Oh!" Sunset sat straight up in her chair and looked at both of them. "Uh, yeah, sure. Um Flash, will you be staying . . ."

"No. It's not like that. I got to back home here shortly. My dad is cool, but not that cool. Especially if I want to borrow the car for tomorrow as well."

"Ok. Sure then," Sunset said.

The rest of the night went smoothly. The conversation became loser and more relaxed. By the end they were all laughing and telling stories. Sunset revealed her age was really 29, Flash asked about Equestria and the girls reminisced about it. Luckily Sunset never let it slip that they were both ponies back home. Eventually Flash had to leave. He kissed Twilight goodbye and gave Sunset a hug.

As soon as he had gone; Sunset said, "You two really are lucky. You make a great couple."

Twilight turned to Sunset. "And you really are a true friend."

Sunset looked down then back. "So what's the plan? I've heard of long distance relationships, but this takes the cake."

Twilight's face darkened. "I don't know. I just know right now I can't be without him. We'll see. How 'bout you? Are you going to stay here or move back?"

"I'm in the same boat as you there sister. This place grows on you. I hated it here, now, I don't know. But I'm not a princess back home. You got a lot of responsibility riding on you."

Twilight shook her head. "I know. It's not fair. But life isn't fair is it? I just have to wait and see where this goes."

"You're welcome to stay as often or as long as you like."

The meaning of Sunset's words were clear - if you want to move here because of him, it's ok. Twilight nodded her head. "And my castle has many bedrooms," she replied.

And with that, nothing else needed to be said.

Author's Notes:

The dinner scene was actually much longer and more in depth. But for the sake of time (mine and yours) I shortened it up and condensed most of it down to the one paragraph. Also, while the story takes place in chronological order, I will be shifting focus to other characters from time to time. So right now it's been Sonata's and Twilight's story, I do plan on bringing the other characters in. Sunset Shimmer first, but eventually each girl will get her due. Needless to say this is going to be a long ride. Hopefully you stay with me.

Peace