*** 10 ***
“Okay, every pony!” announced Pint’s mother, Patches, as she turned on the radio. “Just five more minutes until Princess Luna gives her New Year’s welcoming!”
‘Hey, Every Pony! This is Silver Screen live in Manehattan where Princess Luna, our beloved mare of the night, will be heralding in the New Year!’
‘That’s right, Silver! I know every pony who could make it here is really enjoying all the festivities that Manehattan has put together for this evening.’
‘Most definitely, Gabby Anchor. There’s rumor that the one, and only, Rainbow Dash will perform the legendary Sonic Rainboom soon after the princess’ New Year’s announcement.’
‘And then we’ll have a lively performance by Equestrian pop star, Sapphire Shores!’
***
“Hey, Blissy!” exclaimed Patches. “That pop pony who wears those dolphin outfits you like is going to perform after Luna does her New Year’s thing!”
“Really?” Blissy, Pint’s father, exclaimed. “I can’t miss that!”
***
All the fillies and colts who were still awake were teetering and nodding as they struggled to stay awake until the New Year was officially announced.
“Mind if I lay against you?” asked Candy Cloud towards Fall as her eyes began to droop.
“Sure,” replied the little, brown Pegasus.
“Me, too…,” mumbled Pint as he found his way to Fall’s other side.
Bucky noticed how Pint and Candy were starting to drift off into sleep as they rested on each side of Fall.
“Come on, guys!” he bellowed. “It’s only two more minutes!”
“We’re with you, Bucky!” announced an older Unicorn. “I slept in today just so I could make it to midnight.”
“Me, to!” added a rather tall filly. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything!”
:Who wants hot cider?” asked Blissy as he came out into the living room.
“Me!” cried Bucky. “Hot cider with the New Year is the best!”
Blissy scanned the room to see how barely a handful of fillies and colts were still awake. So, he went about distributing warm drinks to those he knew wouldn’t spill them as they fell asleep. Fall and Bucky being two of them.
***
Fall was mesmerized by all she heard on the radio as the one known as Princess Luna gave a very inspirational speech about how a New Year meant many more suns and moons of opportunity for all the ponies in Equestria. There was then a loud ‘BOOM’ that the announcers said was Rainbow Dash doing the ‘Sonic Rainboom’ followed by a really catchy song starting as Blissy broke out into some sort of dance that made all the grown-ups laugh.
“Seems it’s just you and me,” stated Bucky as he noticed both Pint and Candy had fallen asleep against Fall. “What did you think?”
“It was great,” replied Fall with a smile. The warmth of her pajamas coupled with the added warmth of Pint and Candy laying upon her made for one of the most comforting sensations she had ever experienced.
“I should wake Pint up,” stated Bucky as he stared at his spotted friend who was curled up against Fall. “But…, I think I’ll start the New Year by letting him rest until I tell him tomorrow he missed the New Year by two minutes.”
“Okay,” said Blissy as he came out to collect the cups. “It’s bedtime.”
Bucky yawned while handing his empty glass to Blissy. “I did what I wanted to do.”
“Does that mean my little Buckwing had a very happy birthday?” asked his mother, Bright Skies.
“Most definitely,” he nodded while letting out a big yawn.
“Looks like Pint didn’t make it,” sighed Touchdown.
“Maybe next year,” Patches added encouragingly.
“Wow, Fall,” grinned Strawberry Cloud. “Do you mind if I get my camera to take a picture of my little Candy looking so sweet on you?”
“Go ahead,” smiled the tiny Pegasus. She liked the way Candy let out little whinnies as she breathed. It was very soothing.
***
As to not bother the children who had fallen asleep, the Unicorn parents used their magic to gently levitate the fillies and colts to their beds.
“Are you comfortable, Fall?” asked Strawberry Cloud as she allowed the little filly to crawl into the sleeping bag with her snoozing daughter.
“I’m wonderful,” grinned Fall. “Never better.”
“Well, then,” said Strawberry Cloud as she pulled the sleeping bag over Fall and her daughter. “You have a great night’s rest.”
KISS, KISS
Fall blushed as Strawberry Cloud kissed her gently on the cheek after kissing the snoozing Candy.
“Sweet dreams,” she whispered while heading back towards the kitchen.
***
As the lights were gradually turned off, Fall felt herself drifting off to sleep. However, before she did, she allowed herself the opportunity to observe how all the parents came by, wished their children a good night’s rest, and would do some sort of affectionate act before making sure they were comfortable before heading back to where all the other adults were gathering.
FWOP
Fall felt Candy roll over and hug her as if she was a plush toy.
“Good night,” she said softly in her sleep. “Sister.”
Fall felt a rush of joy that told her that she was where she was supposed to be. Where she belonged. So, without any hesitation, she rolled herself into her friend’s hug, snuggled against Candy’s barrel, and allowed herself the opportunity to listen to Candy’s soft whinnies to ease herself into the most restful sleep she had ever had.