After a long week of school, the main ten agreed that it was overdue for some time to unwind. Just one day at least would be amazing after all the chaos they’ve been going through. To that effect, Pinkie invited everyone to come over for a slumber party. A chance to relax with good friends, and have some fun while they’re at it.

Nobody was really in the mood for anything spectacular tonight. Simply a night of relaxation and friends was all they wanted. That didn’t stop Pinkie from going all out with decorations, though. Many colors of streamers and balloons painted the room, along with a big cake for everyone to enjoy. But for the most part, everyone was content with sitting in the living room and chatting amongst each other.

And of course, Smokestack took this as an opportunity to hold Sunset in his arms. Everyone chatted with each other, but Smokestack found himself getting lost in Sunset’s beautiful turquoise eyes.

“About time we get some time to unwind,” Rainbow said.

“No kiddin’,” Applejack agreed.

“How are you doing, Smokie?” Sunset asked.

Smokestack smiled and nuzzled Sunset's cheek.

“I’m doing great,” Smokestack said. “I somehow cheated death, I have my friends back, I can help against Crystal Prep, and most importantly... Shimmercakes is mine, now.”

Sunset giggled as Smokie kissed her cheek. “Smokie...”

Sunset blushed harshly when all her friends started giggling.

“What did you end up doing with the artifact?” Twilight asked.

“Sunset gave it back to Princess Twilight,” Smokestack replied.

“Did you have to hide in the bushes when Sunset was giving it back to Princess Twilight?” Applejack asked.

Smokestack looked at Applejack with an unamused expression, “Yes.”

“But why?”

“I don’t think they’d like to know that someone who demolished half their city is still alive,” Smokestack said. “Best to remain incognito with them.”

“You know they probably aren’t going to press charges against you for that, right?” Twilight asked.

“I’d rather not test that theory, Twilight,” Smoke said with a nervous look.

“But why would you want to get rid of such a powerful artifact anyway?” Coppermane asked.

Smokestack bit his lip. “Well, there’s something about it that I wish I had known before.”

“Like what?” Coppermane asked.

“Apparently, the more you use it, the more it corrupts you. You are powerful, and you feel powerful. It’s a deadly combination that feeds on your zeal, positive or negative. I got carried away and… well… I almost killed Indigo Zap under my anger and desire for power because of that thing.”

Fluttershy nodded. “That was pretty scary…”

“Yeah,” Smokestack shrugged. “Such great power always comes with its consequences. Word of advice, thoroughly research relics you’re about to steal,” he said, taking a drink.

“Wait, you stole it?” Flash asked.

Smokestack almost choked on his drink.

“Um…”

“Smokie… you stole it?” Sunset asked. “Why?”

He looked down, covering his face in shame. Sunset’s disappointed eyes were like daggers aimed right at his heart. He looked up, and saw everyone else sharing a similar expression to Sunset’s.

“Okay, yes I did, but please hear me out,” Smokestack said. He waited a moment to see if they would ask him to leave or start scolding him, but thankfully they didn’t.

“We’re listening, darling,” Rarity said.

Smokestack took a deep breath. “During one of my trips back to Equestria, I had a map with me that had locations of Equestrian artifacts. I was basically a relic hunter, and so I went hunting for anything I could use with me back in Equestria. You have to understand, though, that this was way back when I was younger. I didn’t know any better. My only means of income were stealing bits, metal, and ancient relics back in Equestria. I’m not proud of it, but what choice did I have?” He looked at Sunset, and immediately filled with cold shame. “I’m sorry, Shimmercakes.”

Sunset didn’t push him away like he expected, or anything of the sort. She gave him a warm smile instead.

“Smokie, we all make mistakes. Remember how awful I used to be? But I’ve moved past that. Old Sunset Shimmer is in the past, and now there’s me. We all know you’ve changed, Smokie. The important thing is the present and future. You’re redeeming yourself, and that’s truly admirable.”

Smokestack felt his face heat up, “So… you’re still with me?”

Sunset smiled, kissing him on the cheek. “Of course I am.”

Smokestack couldn’t help but smile. He interlaced his fingers with hers as he leaned in for a kiss. It was just a peck, but every kiss from Sunset was pure heaven. He squeezed her in his arms, making her giggle… and everyone else too, apparently.

“You two are so adorable!” Pinkie squealed.

Smokestack gave a light chuckle and blushed, “Thanks Pinkie. All of you. One more thing while we have a moment, how are we going to deal with Crystal Prep for the time being? I don’t want them bothering us while we’re trying to get some time off.”

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said. “Indigo and the others talked to us this week. To pay us back for standing up for them and getting CHS to be friendlier to them, they said they’ll take care of Crystal Prep while we just focus on schoolwork.”

“So I can focus on keeping myself healthy and relaxing for a little while,” Smokestack said. “Thank goodness. That means time for us, Shimmercakes.”

Sunset giggled, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

And so, everyone continued to chat the night away.

Everyone stayed up for as long as they possibly could, until everyone’s collective yawning gave them a hint that they should call it quits for the night.

The girls were in Pinkie Pie’s room, and the boys were in the guest room down the hall. Everyone was sound asleep, but a sound in the hallway stirred Smokestack out of his slumber. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he listened closely. It sounded like footsteps, and listening even more intently, it sounded like sniffles as well.

Smokestack couldn’t help himself. He had to investigate. Quietly, he snuck out of the guest room to the stairwell. At the top of the stairs, he heard more than sniffles. The sniffles were accompanied by whimpering. And what’s more, the voice sounded familiar. Familiar enough to tug on his heartstrings more than any other sound.

Slowly but surely, he made his way down the stairs. Peering around the corner, a certain fiery hairdo made his heart skip a beat. She appeared to be at the sink, splashing water in her face. She also appeared to be breathing rather heavily, leaning over the water basin.

“Shimmercakes?”

Sunset flinched, freezing stiff and staying turned away. “S-Smokie?”

“Hi, Shimmercakes,” Smokestack said. “Are you okay?”

Sunset wiped her face, and turned around, revealing her reddened face and tattered hair.

“What are you doing up so late?” Smokestack asked.

“Um… just getting a drink,” Sunset said. “Woke up, and was a little parched. That’s all.”

Smoke rose an eyebrow. “Sunset, talk to me. Your eyes look pretty bloodshot.”

Sunset bit her lip. “S-Smokie… I-I’m fine…”

“Shimmercakes, c’mon. I can see some excess mascara running down your cheek.”

Sunset took a finger and rubbed her cheek, wiping off some excess black powder.

Smokestack grabbed Sunset’s shoulders. “Sunset, you can talk to me about anything. Nothing is too silly or too outrageous that you can’t discuss it with me. I’m here for you. Now…” He lifted her chin with his hand. “...look me in the eye and answer me. Are you okay?”

Smokestack waited, and watched as Sunset’s lips frowned, her eyes losing their light as a tear fell out.

“N-No…” Sunset whimpered, crumbling into tears.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa… it’s okay, Sunset,” he said, giving her a big hug as she cried on his shoulder. “Shh… it’s okay. I’ve got you.”

He held Sunset tightly as she soaked his shoulder with her tears. It took a few minutes, but she eventually began to calm down.

“Here, let’s go over to the couch,” Smokestack said. Sunset didn’t say anything, still whimpering and crying, but she gave him a nod instead in response.

Smokestack slowly led Sunset over to the couch, sitting down next to each other. Sunset leaned on Smokestack's shoulder as he held her.

“Now talk to me, babe,” Smokestack said. “What’s making that pretty face so sad?”

Sunset stayed quiet for a moment before letting out a long, shaky sigh.

“I… I’m worried,” Sunset said.

“Worried? About what?”

Sunset sighed. “Gosh… I’m not usually like this,” she said, wiping more tears off her cheeks.

“It’s okay, Shimmercakes,” Smokestack said. “What are you so worried about?”

Sunset looked up at Smokestack and placed her hand on his heart. “I’ve been thinking about what Neon and his friends did to you in the past. I… I’m just scared it’ll happen again... but worse. The ambush on Monday… it was just too close. I can’t bear the thought of them harming you, or any of our friends. It… it’s just too much…”

Sunset began to bawl, breaking down and lying on his legs.

“Oh no, Sunset. Please, don’t cry,” Smokestack pleaded, wrapping his arms around her. “C’mere… it’s okay. I’m here for you.”

“Smokestack… I’ve lost you once… I can’t lose you again,” Sunset cried.

“Don’t think about that, Shimmercakes,” Smokestack said. “Shh… shh… it’s alright…”

Sunset cried for a good few minutes, unrelenting. He stayed right by her side, holding her tight and rubbing her back. He never saw Sunset so distressed before.

When she started calming down, she pulled away, rubbing her cheeks. Her face was red and tear-stained, and her hair was ragged.

“I-I’m sorry, Smokestack. I’m usually not like this,” Sunset said. “Gosh, my hair’s a mess.”

Smokestack chuckled. “It’s perfect, babe.”

Sunset blushed, smiling for the first time tonight. “Don’t lie, Smokie. I look like a total wreck,” she said, feeling through her tattered hair.

“Shimmercakes, look at me,” he said, lifting Sunset’s chin. “I’m not lying. Your hair is perfect, just like everything else about you. No matter what, you will always be gorgeous to me, Sunset.”

Sunset’s face went as red as red velvet cake. And she was smiling. At this moment, Sunset’s smile was the most beautiful thing in the world to Smokestack. He lifted his hand and stroked her cheek, making her giggle. The way she leaned into his hand was adorable.

“And Sunset, I will never leave you again,” Smokestack said. “I finally have you, and not even Princess Celestia herself can make me let you go.” He took her hand. “You’re my Shimmercakes, and I’m your Smokie. Nothing will change that. I promise.”

Sunset gave Smokestack the warmest of smiles, mimicking the feeling in her heart. She leaned in and gave Smokestack a kiss on the cheek, followed by a big hug.

“Together… no matter what,” Sunset said.

“That’s right,” Smokestack said, giving Sunset a peck. “You’ll always be my beautiful Shimmercakes.”

Sunset giggled, her face as red as her hair. “Thanks, Smokie. I really needed this.”

“You’re very welcome,” Smokestack said, nuzzling her cheek. “I’m glad I could get some alone time with you.”

Sunset gave Smokestack a peck. “Me too.”

“Actually, I just remembered. I have something for you."

“What? Really?” Sunset said.

“Really,” Smokestack said. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay!” Sunset said.

Sunset waited patiently as Smokestack went upstairs. What did he have for her? Especially so late at night, and seemingly spur-of-the-moment. It didn’t take long for him to come back downstairs.

“I almost forgot about this with everything that’s been going on,” Smokestack said, returning with his hands behind his back. “So… soon after I returned and Coppermane helped me, we decided to hang out at the arcade. And the first thing I thought of was you.”

Sunset blushed. “Really?”

Smokestack nodded. “I wanted to give you something when we saw each other again. Even if it was small, I wanted to give you a present.”

Sunset smiled. “So… what is it?”

“Well, it’s not much, but after many rounds of skeeball, I was able to get you this,” Smokestack said, revealing what was behind his back.

Sunset gasped when she saw her present. A white teddy bear.

“Aww, Smokie!” Sunset squeaked.

Smokestack blushed. “You like it?”

“It’s adorable!” Sunset squealed, accepting it as he handed it to her. She gave it a big hug. “This is so thoughtful of you, Smokie!" She gave him a big kiss, followed by a hug. “Thank you so much!”

“You’re welcome, Shimmercakes,” he said, holding her. “I’m glad you like it.”

They shared another kiss, this one much more passionate than the rest. Sunset’s lips were somehow sweet and spicy at the same time. Such a wonderful sensation.

“Hopefully the teddy bear will help you sleep tonight,” Smoke said.

Sunset giggled. “You know what else would help me sleep?”

“What?”

Sunset gave him a flirty smile. “You.”

His eyes went wide. “Really?”

Sunset nodded. “Nothing would help me more to sleep than knowing you’re next to me.”

Smokestack smiled. “Of course, Shimmercakes.”

He leaned forward, giving Sunset a kiss before lying down on the couch. He scooted over to make room for Sunset, and pat the spot in front of him. Sunset blushed and laid down in front of him. She held her teddy bear like a hand pillow, and Smokestack wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close to keep her safe as she slept.

Smokestack gave Sunset a kiss on the cheek. “I’m right here for you, Shimmercakes. Sweet dreams, beautiful.”

Sunset looked behind her, using her hand to bring Smokestack in for a goodnight kiss.

“Thanks, Smokestack.” Sunset whispered. “Goodnight.”

Smokestack gave Sunset one more kiss on the cheek before she fell back asleep. He took a moment to just watch her sleep. It was perhaps the most adorable thing he’s ever seen. She looked so at peace. The sweet scent of her hair enraptured his senses. The moonlight shined through the window, contouring her perfect complexion and figure. It was like she was glowing, and she was beautiful. Then again, she always is.

“I’ll never let anyone hurt you, Shimmercakes,” Smokestack whispered. He kissed her cheek again. “Goodnight, my beautiful Sunset.”

Smoke relaxed, and eventually let the clutches of sleep take him, and Sunset’s body provided all the warmth he needed.

Some happy fluff for now!