A Ray of Sunlight

by BChunter426


Thanksgiving

It was almost Thanksgiving, and Twilight could barely contain her excitement. Sunset would be joining her family in the festivities, her brother was going to be there, and he was bringing a surprise guest. She made her excitement known as soon as she saw Sunset on Wednesday by running up to her and planting a kiss on her lips.
     "Good morning to you too." Sunset said with a chuckle.
     "Good morning!" Twilight responded while holding Sunset's hand. "Sorry, I'm just so excited for Tomorrow! I can't wait for you to meet my brother. I'm sure you and Shining Armor will get along great."
     "I hope so. I hope he approves of me dating his little sister and doesn't immediately dislike me for it." She chuckled, half joking.
     Twilight laughed. "I'm sure you won't need to worry about that." She kissed Sunset's cheek. "Now let's meet up with the others!"
     They met at the usual spot, talking about their Thanksgiving plans.
     "Rainbow and her parents are comin' over to our house this year. Grannysmith insisted on it." Applejack told them. 
     "Oh Rainbow, are you nervous?" Fluttershy asked.
     "Well a little, but I think it will be fine." She said, though her grip on AJ's hand tightened.
     "I wish I could spend the holidays with Fluttershy," Rarity said, holding Fluttershy's arm. "but alas my parents and I are going to my grandparents house out of town."
     "Don't worry Rarity, we'll get to see each other when you get back." She hugged Rarity.
     "My family is going to have a big dinner and go on our Thanksgiving hike." Pinkie said with glee.
     "Thanksgiving hike?" Sunset asked.
     "Yeah, we dress in old timey clothes and walk a trail behind our landscaping property. While we hike my dad tells us stories about the pioneers and our family history." She explained.
     "That sounds like a great tradition!" Twilight said.
     "Yeah, we do it every year!" Pinkie agreed. "What are your plans Twilight?"
     "Sunset's coming over to celebrate with my family. She's going to get to meet my brother Shining Armor too!" Twilight said excitedly.
     "I'm pretty excited. It's been a while since I've had a big Thanksgiving dinner, and Twilight keeps talking up her mom's cooking so I've got high expectations." She said playfully.
     "You won't be disappointed." Twilight responded.
     The rest of the day was very subdued since it was a half day and the day before Thanksgiving break. Teachers either watched movies in class or let students visit amongst themselves. Quite a few students just stayed home for the day, three of which were Sunset's old friends, which she was just fine with. Their bullying had been ramping up recently and she was more than happy to have a break from it. 
     Twilight and Sunset hugged their friends before going to Sunset's car. Twilight was practically vibrating with excitement. Sunset couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. After dropping Twilight off, Sunset went home and started trying to put together an outfit for the next day. After she had it all picked out her phone pinged with an alert.
     "Hey Sunset, would you mind coming over early to help prepare dinner?" The text read.
     "Of course." She responded.
     "Great! I'll see you around 1.
     "I can't wait. See you tomorrow ;)"
     Sunset decided to call it a night early and went to bed after catching up on some of her tv shows and playing video games for a few hours. 
She woke up hours before she had to leave so she leisurely got ready for the day, and even tried her hand at making a pumpkin pie. It did not go well. So she opted to stop at the store to get one. When it was time to go, Sunset put on her skirt and plaid button up shirt before picking up her pie at the grocery store.
     As she exited her car, the smells of Thanksgiving hit her, causing her mouth to water. She knocked and let herself in.
     "Hello, Sparkles! I come with pie!" She said cheerfully.
     "Oh good, Sunset you're here." Said a slightly frantic Velvet. "Could you start chopping vegetables for the veggie platter!"
     "Oh, sure. Where should I put this?" Sunset asked.
     "Just set it on the counter for now. By the way did you invite your uncle?" She asked.
     "Yes, he said thank you, but he won't be able to make it." She said, while chopping celery.
      Velvet pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to be so frantic. I had to take Nightlight to some faculty meeting for the science department that apparently couldn't wait until tomorrow. So I'm behind on my preparation and a little frazzled. So I apologize. How are you, and thank you for the pie, that was very sweet."
     Sunset chuckled lightly. "I'm good, and you're welcome. I'm sorry they called your husband away, that's super annoying. I'm glad I could help you out."
     "Alright girls we can do this. Sunset after you get the platter set up would you mind washing and peeling potatoes?" Velvet asked.
     "Yes ma'am!" Sunset saluted.
     "Twilight, if you could get a pot ready for after Sunset is finished we can get the potatoes done a bit faster. Then grab the stuffing from the pantry and get that started. I'll start on the whip cream."
     "You guys make your own whipped cream?" Sunset asked.
     "Yep! We use my Grandma's recipe. There's just something about fresh whipped cream." Twilight said while rummaging in the pantry. After a moment she stopped. "Okay, don't freak out."
     Velvet tensed. "What is it?" 
     "The stuffing went bad a week ago." She informed her mother.
     Velvet closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. After checking the time she said. "This could work. I think I can make it to the store to get more stuffing and some frozen rolls, then I can pick up your dad. Would you mind finishing the cream? All the ingredients are in the mixer, I just need you to keep an eye on it until it finishes. Then if you wouldn't mind getting the potatoes ready to boil and set the table we should be back on track."
     "We've got this Mom." Twilight said while hugging her.
     Moments later Twilight and Sunset were alone in the house. They had been alone before at Sunset's apartment, but there was something different about it being Twilight's house. 
     Sunset was peeling the last of the potatoes before transferring them to the pot. Twilight was grabbing the plates from the cupboard above her. After setting the pot on the stove Sunset wrapped her arms around Twilight's waist, holding her close.
     "Hello there." Twilight said as she turned to face Sunset. "How's it going?"
     In response Sunset kissed her. Softly at first, but the kiss gradually grew more passionate. Twilight was the one to break the kiss. 
     "I've got to check the whipped cream." She said after she caught her breath.
     "Can I taste it?" Sunset asked after Twilight confirmed it was finished.
     "Sure, just wash your hands." She responded.
     After doing so she dipped a finger into the fluffy cream. It was delicious, much better than any store bought whipped cream she'd had. She helped Twilight get the mixing bowl off the mixer and into the fridge. She scooped Twilight into an embrace and moved to kiss her again. 
     "We still need to set the table." Twilight said playfully right before their lips met.
     "How about we do that after some more kissing." Sunset offered moving closer.
     "That will be your prize after we finish." With that Twilight escaped the embrace and went to the cupboard to grab more plates.
     Sunset tickled Twilight's sides. "Tease."
     The two laid the table cloth down and set the six place settings for dinner. Twilight turned around after placing the last fork to see Sunset sitting on the counter with her arms spread, waiting to bring Twilight in. She approached her girlfriend, and kept walking to the potatoes on the stove. She glanced sideways as she passed Sunset, a playful smile on her lips. She checked the time and added water to the pot. She walked back in Sunset's direction and stood in front of her, an inquisitive look on her face.
      "I feel like you're trying to tell me something." She winked.
     "What was your first clue?" Sunset played along.
     "You know I'm not sure. There's just something about your body language." She said stepping closer. 
     As she did Sunset wrapped her lags around Twilight's waist and pulled her to her. Their lips met, Twilight rested a hand on Sunset's cheek, pulling her deeper into the kiss.
      Several minutes later Twilight broke the kiss again. "My parents could be back any minute."
     "I know, it adds a sense of danger." Sunset said flirtatiously. She kissed Twilight again.
     "Yes, but I don't think us making out is the best way for them to find out I'm gay." Twilight said.
     After one more kiss Sunset responded. "Fine, I guess you have a point." She hopped down off the counter. "So we've finished what your mom asked us to do. Wanna watch some tv til they get home?"
     "Sure." Twilight said, leading Sunset by the hand to the couch.
     They sat on the couch watching a sitcom, holding hands until Twilight moved Sunset's arm around her shoulder and they cuddled. They stayed that way until they heard a car pull into the driveway. They separated, making it look as though they were just hanging out. As the door knob turned Twilight leaned over and gave Sunset one more kiss on the lips.
     "I'm just so happy you're home. How is school going?" Velvet was saying as she entered the house.
     "It's going great! My professors are really nice and helpful." Said a voice Sunset had never heard before.
     As soon as Shining Armor walked in Twilight wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. 
     Laughing he greeted his sister. "Hey Twily! I'm happy to see you too!"
     "Welcome home Shining Armor!" Twilight cried cheerfully.
     "I hope I can get one of those hugs." Came a voice from behind Twilight's father.
     "Cadence!?" Twilight practically shoved Shining Armor out of the way before giving a spinning hug to the young woman who had just entered the house.
     "Do you still remember the rhyme?" She asked Twilight.
    "Of course I do!" She cheered.
     "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hands and do a little shake!" They said together with actions that went along with it.
     It dawned on Twilight that Sunset had seen that whole display. She turned around, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. It took all of Sunset's willpower to not shower Twilight with affection for being so adorable. 
     "We'll let you all catch up. Dinner should be ready in about an hour." Velvet announced.
     "You must be Sunset Shimmer. Twiliy's told me a lot about you." He said.
     "Good things I hope." She responded, shaking his hand.
     "Mostly." He joked. "Well I can't wait to get to know you better. You seem to be an important part of my sister's life."
     "She's become pretty important to me too." Sunset said.
     As Sunset and Shining Armor were getting acquainted, Twilight and Cadence were catching up.
     "Good job Twilight, she's cute." Cadence said quietly with a wink.
     "Thanks," she blushed. "We've been together for a little over a month now. I'm really happy.” She raised her voice to a normal level. “So how long have you and Shining Armor been going out? He didn't say anything about you two."
     Shining Armor and Sunset joined their partners on the couch.
     "We reconnected shortly after the semester started. We had classes in the same hallway and bumped into each other after class let out. We both had a free hour until our next class so we decided to get lunch together." She smiled fondly. "It was like no time had passed between us, we talked just as easily as we used to before my family moved. After a few weeks of meeting between classes for lunch we finally made plans for our first date."
     "Who did the asking?" Twilight asked.
     "I asked him. I could tell he wanted to ask me out, but he would get all nervous and flustered, so I finally took charge." She chuckled. "The look of relief on his face was adorable."
     “Hey, I would have gotten around to it.”
     “Of course you would have babe.” Cadence kissed his cheek.
     Twilight giggled. "Well I'm happy to see you again."
     “So am I.” She smiled. “I’ve missed you guys!
     "Shall we move to the backyard until dinner?" Shining Armor asked.
     They all agreed and went to the back porch. Cadence and Shining Armor took the porch swing while Sunset and Twilight sat on cushioned lawn chairs. Spike was running around chasing a butterfly, yipping happily.
     "So Sunset, tell me a bit more about yourself. Twily mentioned you live by yourself?" Shining Armor asked.
     "Yeah. My home life was pretty messy, so I moved out into a room at my uncle's hotel. I knew I had to keep up my education so I'm still going to school." She began.
     Cadence and Shining Armor listened  intently as Sunset told her story. She didn't spare her past as a bully, wanting to be truthful with them. She told them everything up to when she met Twilight. By the end of it cadence was wiping away a tear that had formed in her eye. Shining Armor was quiet for several moments before he spoke. 
     "You've been dealt a tough hand, but you haven't let that keep you down. I'm glad Twily is in such good hands." He said with a smile. "As long as you treat her right, you're okay in my book."
     "Thank you. You don't need to worry, I plan on only treating her kindly." She kissed Twilight’s cheek.
     "Aww, you two are so cute!" Cadence squeeled.
     They all laughed at that. Then Shining Armor became more serious.
     "So I understand you haven't told Mom and Dad yet right?" He said addressing Twilight.
     "Not yet." She said quietly.
     "That's fine," he said. "can I give you fifty cents worth of free advice?"
     "Sure." She smiled.
     "It'll probably be easier for them to take if they hear it from you rather than someone else. So I would maybe think about when you want to tell them." 
     "I know, it's just scary." She admitted.
     Shining Armor stood and hugged his sister. "I know, but at least you know you have us in your corner."
     They talked and laughed with each other, Sunset was even comfortable enough to make playful jabs at Shining Armor which got a good laugh out of the others. Velvet came out to call them all in for dinner a short time later.
     The spread was incredible, the turkey had been cooked to perfection. The meat was deliciously tender, the potatoes were light and fluffy, complimented perfectly by Nightlight's homemade turkey gravy. Even the rolls were perfect. 
     After they had eaten their fill, Velvet retrieved the pumpkin pie Sunset had brought along with a chocolate pie and a banana cream pie from the fridge. It was the perfect end to a perfect dinner. After the dishes were cleared and the food comas started to set in Nightlight and Shining sat down to watch the game. Cadence and Velvet were catching up in the kitchen over cups of tea.
     "Sunset and I are gonna go play some video games in my room." Twilight announced.
     "Alright sweetie, don't forget about the movie later." Her dad said from his spot on the couch.
     "We won't." She responded, heading up the stairs.
     As soon as the door was shut behind them Sunset flopped onto Twilight's bed.
     "I don't think I've ever been this full." Sunset said from her spot.
     Twilight chuckled. "Yeah, that tends to happen at our house. So what game should we play?" Twilight asked.
     "How about 'cuddle time two: the snuggling'." Sunset joked.
     "I don't think I have that one." Twilight said looking through her collection.
     "Babe, it's not a video game." Sunset said smiling at her girlfriend.
     "Is it a board game?" She asked, while turning to face Sunset. "How do you- oh."
     "How you play is you join me on the bed, and we spoon. It's great for all players." She smiled.
     Twilight hesitated. "What if my parents walk in?" 
     "We'll just lay together for ten minutes, promise." Sunset positioned herself, arms waiting to accept Twilight into their embrace.
     "You must have rolled high in charisma." She said, laying down with her back to Sunset who pulled her close to her body.
     "That may be the nerdiest compliment I've ever received. Maybe we can run a campaign sometime." Sunset said stifling a yawn.
     "That'd be fun." Twilight said entwining her fingers with Sunset's. "We'll have to talk to the others but I think we could convince them. I'd actually love to do this if you're serious."
     Light snores and steady breathing came as a response. Twilight smiled, feeling her own eyelids grow heavy. 
     I should set an alarm. She thought to herself before sleep overtook her.

"I should probably let twilight and Sunset know that we're leaving for the movie soon." Velvet said after rinsing out her and Cadence's teacups.
     "Don't worry, I can get them." Cadence said, wanting to make sure Velvet didn't walk in on any surprises.
     Cadence knocked lightly on the door before walking in. What she saw made her involuntarily squeal with delight. Twilight was the little spoon and was holding Sunset's hand placed between her cheek and the pillow. Sunset was nuzzled into Twilight's neck. Both were snoring lightly. 
     Cadence snapped a quick picture on her phone before waking them up.
     "Hey girls. We're heading out soon so get ready to go." She said, causing them to stir.
     Hearing Cadence's voice allowed Twilight to wake without a start.
     "Thanks for waking us up Cadence.” She said, then mouthed. “Seriously."
     "You're welcome." Cadence winked and left the room.
      Twilight turned her head toward Sunset and they shared a quick kiss before getting up.
     "So that was a bit longer than ten minutes." Sunset said while stretching. "Sorry."
     "Don't be, it was worth it." She kissed Sunset again before holding her in her arms.
     After a minute, Sunset said. "We should probably join your family. Let's go." She released Twilight's hand before they entered the hall.

The movie was very enjoyable, it had been the newest animated movie from Pixar. The six of them came home to make leftover turkey sandwiches and play board games. Sunset really felt accepted as part of the family and got along with all of them. After the games it was getting late so Sunset got ready to head home since she had work the next morning. 
     "Oh, don't forget your leftovers." Velvet said, handing her containers and sandwich bags of food.
     "Are you sure you want to give me so much? I wouldn't want you all to go without." She protested.
     "Don't you worry, we have plenty for us, Nightlight got a huge bird this year." She insisted. "Just get the containers back to me when you can." 
     "Thank you, I will." She smiled. "Thank you all so much for letting me spend today with you. It really meant a lot to me." 
     "We were happy to have you" Nightlight said. "You're always welcome."
     "It was wonderful meeting you Cadence and Shining Armor." 
     "It was, hopefully we'll see you again sooner than later." Cadence said, giving her a hug.
     "Hey Twilight, could you give me a hand?" Sunset asked.
     "Of course!" She said, already putting on her jacket.
     The two walked together to Sunset's car. They walked to the drivers side back door to put the food down so they could have some privacy.
     "Thank you so much for inviting me Twilight." She said holding Twilight's hands. "I had such a good day"
     "I'm so happy you could make it." She kissed  Sunset gently. "Oh, look at the picture Cadence took of us."
     She showed Sunset the picture of them asleep.
     "She says we're adorable." Twilight chuckled.
     "I'd have to agree with her." She hesitated before asking. "Could you send that to me?"
     "I just did." She said as Sunset's phone buzzed.
     They embraced and kissed each other one more time before making plans to go out again before school started back up. Twilight watched Sunset's tail lights recede in the distance before walking back to the house, happier than she ever had been.