>9 years
>9 years since you were last in Canterlot
>Has it really been that long? How things have changed
>Canterlot mall, everything has changed since you remember it back in highschool
>Of course, you meant to come back sooner, but without her there was no reason to come back
>Except for the memories
>The fond memories you have
>The good times, the friends, memories of your youth, and all the ones that remind you of her
>You are Anon, and currently you're walking around Canterlot Mall
>Actually, more like frantically pacing
>You're in a panic, your 9 year old daughter Daydream, has run off in the few minutes you were caught up in your memories of how things used to be
>You're trying to keep calm, not letting the panic set in
>Not wanting to shout out her name for fear of everyone pointing their attention at you
>"Where'd she go?" 
>In your hand was Lizzy; Daydream's favourite teddy
>A cute little lizard her mother had made for her years ago 
>Daydream often asked you to hold Lizzy's hand while she held the other
>She said Lizzy liked to pretend she was your baby while Daydream was her mommy
>You're sweating as your pacing almost turns into a full run as you look everywhere trying to find her
>Left, right, around corners, ducking into stores, you can't find her
>You run back towards the food court, that's where she asked you to hold Lizzy's hand
>In your mind a thousand scenarios are overlapping each other
>Every single one a parents' worst nightmare
>'Did she get abducted?'
>'Is she crying now?' 
>'Where is she?' 
>Kids have a tendency to wander around looking for their parents if they get separated
>But Daydream wasn't like that
>She had never let go of your hand ever, not without telling you first
>That's what makes this situation worse for you, something must've happened for her to let go
 
>Tears are starting to well in your eyes
>Your heart is racing, pumping faster at both your exertion from running, as well as the fear that you may never see her again takes hold
>You push that thought aside as a tear runs down your cheek
>You keep ducking into stores, calling her name
>Loud enough for people nearby to hear, but not quite a loud shout
>You're shaking and scared, but you push through it
>You know Daydream is feeling a hundred times worse, and you've got to find her
 
~~~ 3 minutes earlier~~~
>The girls and yourself have just finished lunch, and are ready to check out the mall
>You are Sunset Shimmer and you just threw the wrapper your lunch came in into the bin and are now jogging to catch up to the other girls
>Hanging out with the girls, you love coming here, spending time with the girls and looking around 
>You love everything this mall, and by extension, this world has to offer
>Such things like the music that plays quietly throughout the mall, pockets of groups of people chatting and laughing, the laughter and voices of kids from the play area right next to the food court
>'Did you get the dress?' you hear someone say as you pass them
>'Check this out dude!' a guy says pointing his phone to his friend as you pass
>'Mommy!' you hear somewhere behind you as you catch up to Twilight and the others
>"So girls, where to first?"
>"I wanna check out the book store" Twilight says with a gleam in her eye
>"BOOOOORIIIING" replies Rainbow
>Twilight shooting her the stink eye, which everyone except Rainbow notices
>"Darling, I wouldn't mind coming with you to the bookstore, I need some new inspiration" Rarity says as she puts a hand on Twilight's shoulder
>"Afterwards, I can visit the fabric store next door" Rarity says to the group
"What about you Fluttershy? Anything you want to check out?" as you turn to Fluttershy, you can hear a faint "mommy!" again but it's drowned out by Pinkie Pies' loud enthusiam
>"I need a new recipe book!" Pinkie shouts as confetti rains down
>"Ah reckon it wouldn't hurt to have a lookit some farmen' magazines mahself" Applejack says with a nod
>"Fine" Rainbow says blowing a stray hair out of her eyes
>Her annoyed expression turns to happiness when she mentions she wants to see if the newest Daring Do book is out
>"The book store it is!" you say
>Everyone turns to you with smiles on their faces as you hear tapping on the ground behind you
>Everyone's faces changes as you hear "Mommy!" louder and right behind you
>Time seems to slow as you begin to turn around to see the source of the cries
>As you turn, you can see the change in the girls faces as Rarity and Twilight both raise hands to their mouths, 
>Rainbow closes her eyes and grits her teeth as if she were bracing for an impact
>Fluttershy's hands have already covered her face
>Applejack just stares with mouth agape, and Pinkie stands with her trademark grin 
 
>THUMP
 
>You've turned around around just in time to be knocked down onto your butt
>The others took a step back at the moment of impact so you wouldn't knock any of them over
>"Oooow" you say with a slight scowl in your voice
>Looking behind you at where you landed, and rubbing your butt, 
>Your face has turned red, and your anger rising like the embarrassment you're feeling at being the centre of attention in the crowded mall
>"HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GO....ing"
>The anger fizzles out of your words as you realise that a little girl has wrapped her short arms around you locking them behind your back
>Quiet and sobbing with the occasional "Mommy"
>That's all that you hear for a few seconds as you look to the other girls
>Their eyes are all on you and your pint-sized assaulter
>You try to push her off gently, but she tightens her grip on you everytime you try get up
>You feel your shirt getting wet as she cries louder and starts to repeat 'Mommy" over and over
 
>Realising that you're not getting up, you give the little girl a gentle hug back
>Looking down at her, you see she has beautiful hair, like yours
>Actually, it's exactly like yours
>Red with streaks of yellow, long and luscious
>Soft to the touch and even smells like your favourite shampoo too
>"Uhh.... a little help girls?" you say, not breaking your eyes from the little pile of hair currently on your lap
>"Oh right" Applejack says as the girls crowd around you to help you up
>All the while this little girl keeps burying her face deeper into your stomach and tightening her grip around you
>Finally both you and the little girl are standing, but she hasn't loosened her grip one bit
>"Hey, are you hurt?" you say placing your hand on her head, trying to coax her face from your belly
>"MOMMY!" she yells with pain and happiness evident in her voice
>"You came back!"
>"So, who is she hmm?" Dash says shooting you a perverted grin, to which Applejack nudges her in the ribs with her elbow
>"Poor darling must be lost" Rarity says as she squats down to the little girls level
"Hello Darling, I'm Rarity, what's your name?" placing a calming hand on the girls' shoulder
>The little girl turns her face a bit to look at Rarity, and sobbingly whispers "Daydream" before quickly burying it again into your stomach
>Fluttershy takes her backpack off her back as she kneels down on the other side and in her most calming voice says to the little girl "Hi, I'm Fluttershy, and this is Angel" pulling the rabbit from her backpack
>Daydream turns to Fluttershy and politely says "Hello" before looking at Angel
>"It's OK if you want to pet him. He won't bite, right Angel?" The bunny nods a few times as she finishes her sentence
>"Can I touch the bunny mommy?" Daydream says looking up at you with teary eyes
 
 
>You're running and you're getting dizzy from looking in every direction at lightning speed
>"Where are you sweetheart?" you say to yourself as mall goers step aside to let you pass
>You've just passed the food court and are about to turn a corner down another part of the shopping centre when a loud shout breaks your thoughts
>"HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GO" coming from the food court
>You grab the corner of the wall to stop your momentum, and turn back around to the food court
>You begin power walking towards it as the running and dizziness have caught up with your eyes, making your vision blurry and cloudy
>You rub your eyes
>You feel like you want to throw up, like this is a bad dream you want to wake up from
>"Please, please be my little baby" you whisper to yourself as you brush the tears out of your eyes
 
>Daydream has stopped crying, and loosened one of her hands to pet the rabbit offered to her, however the other hand, now tugging at the front of your shirt, has tightened in strength
>Like this girl doesn't want to ever let you go
>"Are you lost Daydream? Where're your parents?" you say after looking at the other girls and shrugging your shoulders in reply to Dash's earlier remark
>"You're my mommy, mommy" she says without looking away from Angel, who is enjoying being scratched behind the ears
>Not wanting to make her cry any more by saying you're not her mommy, you instead say "But where's your family? Your dad? How did you get here?"
>She freezes mid-pet and her eyes go wide, realising her dad is no where around
>Daydream pulls her hand back from Angel as she begins to look around frantically
>Looking up to you and the other girls, fresh tears start welling in the corners of her eyes 
>"Daddy?!" she yells in a panic choking back tears and probably another scream
>Pinkie bounces up next to her, kneels down and out of nowhere she pulls out a balloon and starts to make a dog
>"Here you go cutie! My names Pinkie Pie! Don't worry, we'll stay with you until we find your dad"
 
>Daydream takes the balloon animal and lets out a little giggle and smiles as she says thank you to Pinkie
>Pinkie in turn hugs the little girl for a second before she stands up and offers her hand out to the little girl, who cautiously takes it.
>Daydream has let go of you and is now holding Pinkie's hand while her other has gone back to petting Angel
>You brush your shirt to get all the wrinkles out of it
>Kneeling down, you say "Don't worry Daydream, we'll stay with you until we find your daddy"
>She looks at you, and wipes her tears away and says "The angels brought you back mommy! We'll be a family again! I'm so happy!" before she gives you a big hug followed by a kiss on your cheek
>It makes your face turn red and elicits an 'awwww' from all the girls
>She ends the hug and looks up at all the girls before saying "Are they your angel friends mommy?"
>Standing up next to Daydream, you turn towards the girls
>"They're just my friends"
>"That's Twilight" Twilight gives a little wave and 'hi',
>"Applejack" who tilts her hat with a 'howdy', 
>"And Rainbow Dash" who tries strikes a pose to look cool but instead makes Daydream giggle
 
>"Daddy?!" you hear as you approach the otherside of the food court that you had passed before in your rush
>You stop when you hear Daydreams' voice, and relief washes over you 
>About 20 metres ahead of you is a group of girls and you can see Daydream in the middle of them
>You can't see what's going on, but parental instinct tells you that she's safe
>You exhale the breath you were holding
>Slowly you step towards the girls, occasionally losing sight due to all the people walking between you and their group
>You're about 12 metres away from them now and notice that one wearing a black jacket has her back to you, but her hair grabs your attention 
>You stop dead in your tracks and just watch
>Mesmorised by the flame coloured hair before you
>"No....it can't be..." as Lizzy slips from your grip and lands on the floor
 
>"What in the hay is going on?" you say, looking to Rainbow dash beside you
>"Beats me" Rainbow answers you
>You look to your other side and Twilight has her hand on her chin and the other propping her elbow up
>"Seems Daydream here thinks you're her mother Sunset'
>"Thanks Captain Obvious" Rainbow blurts out
>"Sure does look like you too, Sugarcube" you say looking at Daydream, then to Sunset
>"Yes, darling. Daydream has your hair, eyes, dare I say, your entire beautiful face" Rarity chimes in circling Sunset
>Daydream is now cuddling Angel and is too distracted to pay attention to your conversation
>"D'ya think it's some kinda magic?" you whisper to the girls
>"Nope. She's real!" Pinkie takes a step towards you and Fluttershy stands up too, joining your little group hustle
>"No doubt she's real Pinkie! I think AJ meant is Equestrian magic at work here?" Rainbow whispers as she nudges Pinkie, causing Pinkie to smile and stick her tongue out
>"Fact remains, we gotta find her pa" you say to the group
>All the girls nod in agreement
>Sunset turns around to face Daydream before kneeling down to her
>You start to look around for a security guard or information booth 
>Amongst the blurred faces your eyes pass over a man standing a bit of a way away
>You don't notice him
>"That weird guys been watching us for a little while" Fluttershy quietly says to your group 
>"What sick weirdo 'Shy?" Rainbow says while cracking her knuckles and looking around
>>Doing a second take, you now notice he hasn't moved and is just looking at your group
>"He's wearing a suit, must be a security guard" you say to the girls
>"I don't know, he's just stood there for the last 2 minutes and 26 seconds" Twilight says, looking down at her watch
>"You don't think...." Rarity gasps 
>"If he's one ah them kiddy fiddlers, we'll give him what for" you assure Rarity and the others
>There's silence for a few seconds as you and the girls keep your eyes on the man, none of you moving
 
>Twilight breaks the silence as she steps forward, “He could be her dad, don’t you think?” asking no one in particular
>”I dunno, he looks too young to be a dad.” Rainbow says as she crosses her arms 
>”Um…maybe he’s her brother?” Fluttershy whispers 
>”Ah’d believe that. He’s awfully young lookin’” Applejack remarks as a slight shade of red glosses her cheeks
>’Mhmm’ resounds from the other girls as they nod in agreement
 
~~~Anon~~~
>You just saw Daydream hug and kiss this girl
>You haven’t seen her face yet, because someone passed infront of you as she stood up
>Staring at the back of this girl with the exact same hair color as Daydream has frozen you in your tracks
>All you can do is stare at her, waiting for her to turn around
>You just want to see her face
>That will assuage all your concerns
>‘There’s no way… She just has the same hair color. Kids these days love dying their hair’ 
>The voice in your head tries to convince you this is just a case mistaken identity
>You finally get your chance when she turns around and kneels down in front of your daughter
>For a split second, you catch a glimpse of her face
>There’s no doubt left in your mind now
>Your heart skips a beat and fresh tears start to form in your eyes
>You are taken back to one of your memories
>It was the first time you saw her
>Exactly the same beautiful face
>Those deep cyan eyes that you’d often get lost in
>Right down to her fiery hair that she told you she hated, until you convinced her you love every strand
>It were as if someone pulled her from your memories into reality
>So you raise your hand and slap yourself in the face
>But you don’t wake up
>Yep, this is real, and it’s happening
 
~~~Sunset~~~
>‘She really does look a LOT like me. At least I know I’m cute!’ you think to yourself
>You are Sunset now and a smile starts to curve in your lips
>Rarity’s remark about this girl looking exactly like you now has now replaced those thoughts with questions
>Many questions
>Thoughts of what questions to ask her takes your mind to dark places
>Questions that you’re not sure you really want to have the answers to
>However you know you have to be very careful about what kind of questions you ask her
>The last thing you want is for her to freak out and run away or start crying again
>After a second to compile your thoughts, you begin to turn around and kneel down to Daydream
>“What’s your last name Daydream?”
>”Silly mommy, it’s your last name!” she says as she nuzzles a content Angel with her chin
>“Daydream Shimmer? Was your mothers’ name…” You trail the question just enough so that automatically answers 
>”Sunset! Don’t you remember mommy?” she answers instantly
>“How old are you now?”
>”I’m 9 already! I’ve become a big girl like you said I would, when you promised!”
>“That’s why you came back!”
>You realize there’s more going on than you can understand with these questions, so you decide it’s best to try to find her dad
>“What’s your dad’s name?”
>With a frown she flatly mumbles: ”Did you really forget everything already? Daddy’s name is Anon.” 
>She perks right back up as she tells you “You’ve been married forever!”
>At the sound of the word marriage your cheeks show signs of reddening
>The sound of a slap draws your attention to a man standing in front of you 
>Looking at the man you start to stand up slowly
>She follows your eyes and turns around to see the man in the suit
 
~~~Anon~~~
>Your cheek hurts a little
>Oh shit she’s looking right at you
>She’s finally noticed you and is staring right at you
>She stands up quickly, not breaking her stare
>You break from your stare and notice the other girls
>They’re all watching you
>The purple haired girl with a pink haired one behind her, stares suspiciously at you
>Rainbow flag and Stetson look like they’re ready to hit you
>The one with glasses has her arm out holding back the sporty looking one
>And pink balloons has a creepy grin stretched on her face
>You look back down at Daydream and make eye contact with her just as she turns around
>As soon as she sees you her face lights up
>You begin to take slow steps towards her
>”DADDY!” 
 
~~~Applejack~~~
>He starts to approach you all 
>You see Sunset grab the girl by her shoulders 
>She moves slightly in front of her defensively
>”DADDY!” a loud yell breaks you all out of your impromptu staring contest with him
>She quickly breaks out of Sunset’s hold and runs towards him
>Before Sunset can even react, she has reached the man and has already hugged him
>“Shucks y’all.” You say as you start to feel warm and fuzzy
>Seeing him hugging her tightly back puts a big smile on your face, and your mind at ease
>”AWWWWWW” you can hear from Pinkie as her eyes light up with hearts in them
>”Enough with the sappy!” Dash rolls her eyes trying to suppress a smile
>Fluttershy has her hands together to her chest as she just smiles
>”Rainbow, darling, just enjoy the moment” 
>Rarity tells Dash as she dabs the corners of her eyes with her purple silk handkerchief
>”So…*gasp* Cute!” Twilight almost squeals, trying to control her breathing
>As you step toward to Sunset you see a tear in her eye and a slight smile forming 
>Placing a hand on her shoulder you ask her
>“That’s quite somethin’ ain’t it? You alright sugarcube?” 
>The only reply you get is Sunset putting her hand on top of yours 
>She pats it twice before she brings both her hands to her elbows to hug herself
>Her head sinks into her shoulders and she shrinks a little, turning her face away from you
>You’ve seen her do this a thousand times to know that something’s on her mind 
>Stepping back into the group, you don’t stop looking at Sunset
>‘What’s on your mind girl?’ you ponder to yourself
 
~~~Anon~~~
>Hugs
>Your daughter loves hugs
>She hates when they end
>You especially hate having to end them
>“Are you alright sweetie? Where did you go? You had me so worried!” 
>You gently ask her as you unwind your arms from around her
>Her mother’s eyes look up at you and then dart to the ground as she starts mumbling
>”I’m so sorry daddy, I didn’t mean to. I just… I saw… She…”
>Patting her head, you reassure her in your normal voice 
>“Sweetie, I’m not angry. Just really scared. I thought I’d lost you. You know better than to run off like that.” 
>Before she can apologize again, you silence her with a kiss to the forehead
>Whenever you kissed a forehead, it always meant everything was fine 
>A simple kiss, yet so full of meaning 
>No more words needed to be said, the matter was done
>Forgiven and forgotten
>Your wife knew things would be alright when you did this
>And like her mother, your little girl would reciprocate with her biggest smile
> Daydream steps past you to pick up Lizzy and hugs it to her chest
>Standing up now you take a deep breath to calm and compose yourself
>Suddenly you’re jerked forward, being led towards this group of girls
>”Look Daddy! It’s mommy!” Pointing to the girls
>“Don’t point sweetie, its rude”
>”Oopsies!” She puts her hand down
>”Mommy came back! Just like she promised! But I think she lost her memories.”
>You’ve stopped a few feet in front of this girl
>She hasn’t noticed you
>You take this chance to really look at her
>The distance from before gives way to sharp clarity
>There’s no mistake now
>Minus the braces, everything about this girl is exactly how you remember her back in high school
>It takes all of your will power to stop yourself from throwing your arms around her and embracing her
>So all you do is stand
 
~~~Sunset Shimmer~~~
>Applejack has just stepped back to the girls
>You didn’t want her to see your face
>Because you’re feeling exposed and vulnerable
>Hugging yourself tightly, you’re overcome with emotions
>That little kiss has done something to you
>Feelings of warmth, love, and happiness flood you
>It’s like nothing you can remember feeling before
>As Princess Celestia’s pupil, you felt loved
>When you were the most popular girl at school, you were happy
>When Twilight and the other girls helped you, warmth cuddled your soul
>This feeling, however, was completely different to all of those
>Never have you felt such pure warmth and such innocent love
>Not even when you farewelled your parents to attend Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns 
>This feeling is so new and so alien to you, that you don’t know what to do except hug yourself tighter
>A tugging on your jacket brings you back
>Daydream smiles up at you
>Your eyes rise from her hand at the bottom of your jacket
>Slowly up the white dress shirt framed by a charcoal jacket 
>He’s a foot taller than you, so you look up at him
>Warm is all you can feel as your face lights up like Rudolph’s nose
>Tall, medium build
>Average looking guy; clean shaven
>Crew cut inch long hair swept to the side
>Nothing really picks him out of a crowd 
>No, what grabs and hold your attention are his eyes
>And you are trapped in them
>His eyes are just so captivating
>The left one is a sapphire blue, while the other is an emerald green
>Heterochromia Iridum you would later discover
>A condition that doesn’t exist in Equestria, and very rare here
>For a genetic mutation, it enhances a persons’ beauty
>”Hi. I’m Anonymous Shimmer.” He says rubbing the back of his head
>Your heart stops
>Seemingly dumping all of your blood into your face
>‘Anonymous...Shimmer’ echoes through your ears 
>It takes a few seconds for you to break eye contact 
>Taking his hand and shaking it “S-Sunset Shimmer”
>”Pleasure. Thank you,” placing his hand on his daughters’ head “…and I apologize for my daughter Daydream”
>“I-it was nothing. S-she was a little angel” you’re stuttering, but you don’t know why
>“Oh! Daddy meet the angels too!” 
>“Excuse me for a second Ms. Shimmer” he says as he is pulled past you
>Raising your hands to your cheeks you question yourself “Am I blushing? Why am I blushing? What is this feeling?” 
>You fan your face to cool yourself down before you turn and join the girls again
 
~~~Applejack~~~
>“Hi. I’m Anonymous Shimmer. But Anon is fine”
>“Thank you all for finding my little girl. I’m sorry for any trouble she may have caused you”
>“Rainbow Dash. No biggie. She’s awesome.”
>“Glad we could help. Twilight Sparkle.”
>“Pinkie Pie. She’s such a CUTIE!”
>“I’m F-fluttershy, and i-it was no p-problem at all.”
>“Rarity, and please think nothing of it darling.”
>”Nice ta meet’cha. Applejack’s the name.” you introduce yourself tipping your hat
>”If you all ouldn’t mind, as a token of my appreciation, I’d like to thank you all by treating you all to a coffee”
>”…That is, if you’re not too busy”
>”Ooh ooh! I know a great little sweets shop!”
>”The bookshop can wait! This is way more interesting”
>”W-would that be alright with you girls?”
>“Why that sounds devine”
>”AWESOME! Free cake- Ow!” you nudge Rainbow in the arm
>Sunset approaches and she’s as red as a Sweet Apple Acres apple
>She’s also a little fidgety
>“That’d be mighty kind a’ya, Mister Ahnon.”
>Turning to Pinkie “Lead the way, sugarcube.”
 
~~~Anon~~~
>‘What the hell is going on?’ Thinking to yourself
>Looking around you’ve somehow gotten yourself into the middle of a group of seven teenaged girls
>To the front, the pink one is skipping along guiding the group towards a café
>Slightly in front and to your right is Daydream holding Sunset’s hand
>Skipping and humming, she hasn’t looked this happy in a long time
>And behind you are the rest of the girls
>Their laughter and gossiping is loud, but not loud enough to pick up on any of it
>They’re probably whispering about how they’ll take you to the cleaners since you offered to treat them
>None of these girls seem phased by the fact that, not ten minutes ago, you were just a stranger
>But the weirdest thing about all this?
>Her
>You steal a glance to your right
>Sunset Shimmer
>You haven’t heard that name in more than two years
>You had stopped thinking about her more than a year ago
>Done your damned best to move on a year ago
>Not just for your sake, but for Daydream’s as well
>All those nights you sat alone sobbing quiet tears
>It all hit you hard back then
>But none as hard as when Daydream came to you late one night 
>Hugging you, with tears in her own eyes 
>“Daddy, why do you always cry at night? It makes me cry too. Mommy promised we will see her again daddy, so just wait, OK?”
>That moment broke you
>You were supposed to be strong for her
>Your daughter needed you then more than ever
>You were supposed to soothe all her worries
>But she was the one that held you close
>She was the one that whispered, ‘I love you daddy’ over and over until she fell asleep
>Depressing thoughts that you were an unfit father haunted you
>You exhale a long sigh through your nose as you look down at the tiled floor
>A small squeeze on your hand breaks you from your thoughts as you see Daydream looking up at you
>“We’re a family again” 
>Looking over you see she’s holding Sunset’s hand as well
>A memory of the last time you and your wife held your daughters’ hands flashes briefly as you hear a collective “Awwwww” both from in front and from behind you
>Before you can react you hear a few camera shutter clicks 
 
~~~Applejack~~~
>Rarity fans herself with her hand, “Heavens! Did you see those eyes? I’ve never seen anything like it!”
>”D-do you think they’re contacts?” Fluttershy asks as she tilts her head
>”Heterochromia Iridum. It’s a genetic mutation that causes one iris to be a different color pigment to the other.” 
>“It doesn’t affect function at all. Pretty rare condition. But to be able to see it in person…” Twilight’s breathing increases, no doubt thinking about how she can find a way to study Mr. Anon
>”Down girl.” Rainbow Dash pats Twilight’s shoulder
>Everyone giggles
>“He is good on the eyes Ah’ll admit.” blush streaking across your face
>“Sure is! Did you see those arms when he hugged her? Oooph!” Rainbow nudges your arm, raising an eyebrow at you
>”My how it would feel to be wrapped in those arms of his!” Rarity fans herself faster
>“N-Now hold on a second! Sure he’s OK looking, but he’s a married man!” Twilight tries her best not to turn any more red
>“What about you ‘Shy?”
>”O-oh, I’m sure he’s quite gentle…” Not looking up from the floor
>”G-gentle-man-ly! Quite a g-gentle-m-man I mean!” Face turning red as she panics 
>Realizing how her words must’ve sounded
>Everyone is giggling now
>“Girls, Ah’m a little worried about Sunset. She’s barely said a word since we left the food court.” 
>Rarity places a hand on your shoulder, “Darling, I’m sure she’s trying to make sense of all this as well. Best give her some space.” 
>”Yeah! It’s not every day a kid that looks like you runs into you. Literally.” Rainbow says crossing her arms behind her head
>“Sunset will come to us when she needs to.” Twilight chimes in
>“Ah know she will. Ah jus’ can’t stop worrying about her. Remember what she said when we were at Rare’s sleepover?”
>Looking over you see the girls have all taken their phones out
 
~~~Sunset shimmer~~~
>While holding hands with Daydream you experience her memories
>You’ve done this hundreds of times since Camp Everfree
>Over the years you had learned to control its usage
>Yet this time it’s different; it is surreal
>It’s like a glimpse into your future
>To be able to see yourself, albeit older, in the memories of a child that looks just like you
>A child who is, biologically to a degree, technically yours
>Birthdays, walks, groceries shopping, running around the park and being nestled between parents on the couch watching a movie
>The things families do together that are so mundane and uninteresting that they become milestones and fond memories
>For some reason, the insecurities about who you are, and your place in this world come crashing back
>You haven’t felt like this since before the last Friendship Games, only a couples years ago
>A wave of sadness hits you as you want to see, but at the same time you don't want to know
>Snippets of a life you never had, and until recently; never wanted, flood your mind
>The future ~ YOUR future especially was something you wanted to make yourself
>You are reminded of a sleepover at Rarity’s house 6 months prior…
>A collective “Awwwww” followed by the sounds of mobile camera shutters brings you back
>*Click* click* click*
>You turn around and see Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity, and Twilight all with their phones pointed at the three of you
>Face flushed with embarrassment quickly turns into your simmering anger 
>With fists clenched you shoot the girls your glare
>’You’d better not spread that around’ is what your glare tells the other girls
>”Can I see!” Daydream runs over to the group 
>”Look daddy! It’s perfect!” 
>”It sure is! Wow this place looks good!” 
>You’ve arrived at the café
 
>Everyone is seated in a large round table at the back of the café 
>The waitress brings out the last order: your tea with a slice of chocolate mud cake
>Tea because it was already afternoon and you didn’t feel for the caffeine hit
>Chocolate mud cake because very occasionally you like to indulge yourself with chocolate
>Looking at everyone’s order tells you a little bit about them
>Starting clockwise, you try to match their names to their faces
>Rarity is gently dunking a tea bag in her cup and moves a plate with two macaroons closer to take a photo
>You notice she sneaks sideways glances at you
>Fluttershy has ordered herself a latte with a fruit salad that she… is sharing with a rabbit?
>Rainbow has gone with the sports drink and rainbow M&M’s cake slice combo
>Twilight is picking some of the fruit and nuts from her muffin, nibbling on them while her cappuccino sits untouched
>Applejack has an apple fritter with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, to be washed down with an apple cider
>Pinkie Pie has confirmed your earlier suspicions by ordering the special dessert
>It consists of layers of pancakes, ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate fudge sauce, strawberry jam, cornflakes, nuts, and god knows whatever else
>Also served with a large vanilla milkshake
>There’s enough sugar there to fuel your car for the 3 hour drive back to Cloudsdale
>‘Seriously’ you think to yourself: ‘She better eat it all, that costs $25’
>Moving onto Sunset you are surprised that she just has a ordered a black tea with a cinnamon scroll
>You smile as you remember how simple your wife used be when you went to cafes
>Cinnamon scrolls with honey and thickened cream, they were her favorite
>‘Well, at least she didn’t- aaaaaand there’s the cream.’ you mentally remark to yourself as Sunset pours thickened cream all over her scroll
>‘Ohhh kay…’ Keep it together Anon, you can’t freak now
>That’s just too coincidental to be luck
>And you don’t believe in coincidence, 
>You believe in fate; that everything happens for a reason, good or bad 
>Moving on to lucky last
>Daydream has herself a fruit juice box and some cookies
>She’s pretend-feeding Lizzy, like she always does when you eat outside
>As always, you cut a chunk of your cake and slip it onto her plate
>”Thank you daddy!” she says hugging your arm before showing it off to the Sunset
>Out of the corners of your eyes, you notice all of the girls constantly sneak glances at you when they think you’re not looking
>Swallowing a sip of tea, you exhale contentedly before speaking
>“So, everyone, thank you again for helping my little angel. I guess you’re all as confused as I am about what is going on here.” 
>A girl, who looks exactly like your wife did at her age, happens to have the exact same name and eyes, as well as tastes? 
>You are one more ‘coincident’ away from seriously freaking out
>It has taken all of your will power to stop your nerves from taking over
>”Not as much as you’d think.” the Rainbow one butts in
>”Pay no attention to her. Please continue.” Rarity says as her hand pats yours, her finger brushing over your wedding ring
>Reflex makes you withdraw your fingers, causing you to blush slightly
>Clearing your throat: “So, uh…Your friend Sunset Shimmer here, is… the spitting image of my wife. Heck, I know it’s not possible, but I can’t think of any other explanation. Everything about her reminds me of my wife.”
>Deafening silence
>“OK, I know that sounds creepy, but I can’t explain it any other way.” You say as you pull out a family photo from your wallet and pass it to Rarity
>”Oh yes, definitely. Right down to the face, yes.” Rarity leans into Fluttershy
>”Absolutely no mistake” as Fluttershy passes the photo to Rainbow Dash
>Rainbow Dash only looks at the photo and then glances to Sunset before passing it to Twilight
>Eyes up and down as Twilight makes a few passes between the photo and Sunset
>You steal a glance at Sunset from the corner of your eye and she’s giggling with Daydream, sharing their desserts
> Pinkie and Applejack are nodding to each other 
>Applejack rubs her chin as she chimes in with “Ain’t no mistake ‘bout it. Ah-dent-ee-call” 
>Sunset takes the photo and just stares at for a few seconds
>Seemingly lost in it before Daydream asks “Don’t you remember mommy? It was the last time we went to the beach together” rubbing Sunset’s arm
>“Sweetie, let’s call her Ms. Shimmer. I think she’s a little embarrassed to be called mommy in such a place.”
>As you kiss her on the head she chirps “Sure daddy.”
>Sunset slides the photo back to you, avoiding looking at you
>Taking a look at the photo, “This photo was taken a little over three and a half years ago. We were at the beach on the last day of summer.” Before you slip it back into your wallet
>”There are no beaches near here. Are you from around here?” Rainbow interrupts
>“We live in Cloudsdale actually. My wife and I grew up in Canterlot. Before Daydream was born, we moved to Cloudsdale for work.”
>All the girls are leaning in paying attention,
>“It’s been nine years since I’ve been back here, and plenty has changed.”
>Pinkie, with whipped cream on her nose asks, “What brings you Canterlot?”
>“I’m here for the weekend on work”, pointing at your nose while looking at Pinkie
>”Gosh, nine years is a long time. Didn’t you come back to visit family?” Fluttershy asks after putting her latte down
>“Daydream is all the family I have.” Confusion strikes all the girls’ faces as you give Daydream a quick pat on her head
>“You see, I grew up in the Griffstone West Orphanage. I moved around with a few foster families." 
>"I eventually ended up in Canterlot Orphanage. By that time I was already a teenager. They put me into a foster home for the remainder of my senior years in high school.”
>A few of the girls are now averting their eyes. 
>“It was understandable at the time. After all, I would be an adult in a few years.”
>“So, I had to learn to be independent. Once I turned eighteen, legally, no one was responsible for me anymore.” 
>You state nonchalantly before taking a sip of your tea again
>Bluntly, you conclude, “Suffice to say that if you weren’t adopted before your teen years, there was slim chance you’d ever be adopted at all.” 
>Some of the girls have their heads down, in thought about what you had just told them
>Rarity however, is dabbing at her tears, desperate to save her mascara from running
>”Don’t just tell the sad parts daddy!” As she reaches for a cookie
>“Right, right. So, I met my wife on the day I transferred. She looked exactly as Ms. Shimmer looks now, except with braces, and a bit of acne.” You’re grinning now
>The atmosphere lightens as the girls all giggle at the thought
>Rainbow looks like she’s about to burst into hysterics
>Sunset just shoots Rainbow a glare before taking a bite of her scroll
>“I was sat next to her in the first class. We quickly became good friends, bonding over how we both liked watching cartoons and playing Gameboy together.”
>”Wow! Gameboy that’s ancient! You ARE old!” Rainbow laughs to herself
>“Hey, thirty isn’t that old.” You blast Rainbow Dash
>You think some of the girls are looking at you differently now
>Rarity certainly is, she’s shuffled a little bit closer to you
>“Yeah, we became really close. After a year as friends, we started dating in eleventh grade.”
>Supressed ‘Aws’ coming from the girls
>“We finished high school thirteen years ago. Then together we both studied at Canterlot University.” Taking a forkful of chocolate cake
>“Shortly after graduating, we got married. We both found jobs in Cloudsdale so we moved. We started our new lives, and before we knew it, Daydream was born.”
>A short applause erupts from everyone, even Daydream
>”Jus’ a second there, what about Sunset’s- err, your wife’s family?” Applejack corrects herself
>“Well… she told me her parents died in a car accident about a year before I transferred here. She came to live here with her only blood relation - some distant aunty that was her grandmothers’ cousin or something along those lines.”
>“Things weren’t the best for either of us really.” you quietly whisper.
>”What do you mean?” Twilight asks before taking another bite from her muffin
>“We…were kind of the odd ones out at school… She had barely made any friends since she arrived, and often she was teased for her red hair and braces.”
>“I, on the other, hid my eyes behind long hair, but students soon found out I was an orphan and started calling me names." 
>"We were either teased, or just avoided by the other students.”
>”I know how that feels.” She replies, twirling a strand of hair around her finger
>“Maybe it was fate. Things happen for a reason. That’s what I believe. I wouldn’t have had her if it weren’t just the two of us”. You reassure the girls with a gentle smile
>”So…” All eyes shift to Sunset as she speaks up,”Uh, what kind of person was she like?”
 
 
**** UPDATE ****
Hi all, thank you for reading.
 
I've buggered this up on a few key plot points, so at the moment this story is dead.
 
But fear not, I will re-write it. 
I hope to have it started by the 2019 new year.
 
Thanks all.