Making Family

by Cirrus Sky


Pater

“What are the ground rules again?” Celestia asked, fixing the pair before her with a stern but amused glare.

“No entry to Luna's room or the basement.” Discord said with a sing-song voice. He was shuffling his feet like a naughty schoolboy.

“No explosives or fires.” Sunset added, she was smiling and loving the joke.

“Homework is to be completed before goofing off.” Discord nudged Sunset and waggled his eyebrows, getting a giggle from the girl.

“No sharing embarrassing stories about you.” Sunset smirked at that. Celestia chose to ignore it.

“I would like to request you both have some form of healthy meal at least once a day.”

“Sure Mom.” Sunset replied, leaning in to embrace her mother. “We'll be fine. I still don't get why I need an adult here.”

“You're seventeen Sunset and Discord hardly counts as an adult.” Celestia sighed. “It gives me peace of mind while Luna and I are away.” Celestia felt the hug tighten. Truly, this was the first time she was going to be away from Sunset since adopting the girl. Leaving her alone was not an option considering how long Sunset had lived alone before.

“I know, this should be fun.” Sunset actually was looking forward to spending more with the man, he was officially dating Celestia again. She was also aware that they had stayed the night at his apartment and here at the house. She would be seeing him more often and it was making her Mom really happy. Sunset wanted to get to know him better.

Celestia and Luna having to go to some teacher conference for three days made a good excuse to have Sunset and Discord together in the same house for a while. “You and Luna have as good a time as you can at the conference.” Sunset looked up and smiled.

“I'm sure we will.” Celestia stood back and dropped a kiss to Sunset's head. Discord gave a puppy-dog look and with a light laugh, Celestia moved to him to share a kiss.

“COME ON TIA! TIME TO GET GOING!” Luna yelled from the drive, just as the couple parted.

“You two have to behave.” Celestia warned and left to calls of goodbye. Discord and Sunset waved them off. When the car was out of sight the pair left behind looked to each other.

“So, what are we going to do for three days?” Discord said, mischief in his tone. “She didn't say to behave well. Just to behave.” Sunset laughed at that.

“I don't aim to get into trouble you know.” Sunset shoulder checked him. “I was hoping to maybe watch movies? I have a huge gap when it comes to that. Way too much goes over my head.”

“I know just where to start.” Discord grinned and bounded away. Sunset followed behind, catching up in time to see the man reach one of the cabinets in the lounge. “Ta-daa!” he gestured with a flourish to the shelf of DVD and Blu-Ray discs.

“Disney?” Sunset knew of some films, from what the girls had put on in the background at sleepovers and a there had been one or two produced by the company that were the girl's favourites. “I never knew Mom and aunty Luna had such an extensive collection.”

“Are you kidding?” Discord grinned, “Your Mom is nuts for this stuff, I took her to theatres for dates to see some of these films.” Discord pulled out a disc. “We'll start at the beginning. Then, you let me know if there are any you'd want to watch most.”

“There are loads to watch, I'd love to. I'm not really into the whole Princess fantasy any more though...” Sunset trailed off, unsure how to end that thought.

“Of course, but the more modern princess films aren't exactly your classical fairy tale.” Discord had heard some of Celestia's concerns for Sunset, mentions of a Princess and an unhappy past. So if she'd rather watch the others it was no issue for him.

“I'll think on it.” Sunset didn't want to explain her soul consuming ambition to become a princess, not just yet anyway. Dumping all her crazy on the man might scare him off from dating her Mom.“So, watch films and wing it?”

“Yes, but we are going to start with the first film. It is only a little bit princessey.” Discord handed over the case for Sunset to look at.

“Snow White.” Sunset read the case, there was a tale of the same name in Equestria, probably another parallel. “Alright then.” She sat on the sofa as Discord set up the TV.

-*-

It was late now and they had watched a lot of films. While it wasn't the whole back catalogue; Discord had skipped a few that he wasn't overly fond of, or in release order as Sunset had chosen the films she wanted to watch, they had been enjoying themselves.

However right now Sunset was something of a tearful mess. Pressed into Discord's side, she sniffed and wiped at tears. For his part, a slightly gingerly placed arm was attempting to comfort her. “I think we'll stop here.” He said, concerned for the girl. “I didn't intend for it to upset you so.” Discord was at a loss on what to do now.

Sunset had selected Lilo and Stitch to watch and the effect had been more than she'd anticipated. “He was created to be bad but he still found a f-f-family...” She hiccuped out. “He didn't even know it was what he needed, but he found it.”

Discord had an idea of the issue, Celestia had shared a story about an ambitious and angry girl who'd striven for goals without realising that friends and family would fill the void. “You have us now.” Discord said, “So chin up Sunset, your mother will worry if you sound too upset on the phone. Celestia is going to be checking up soon.” On cue, Sunset's phone rang out, Mom on the caller ID.

“Hi Mom.” Sunset greeted, only the slightest hint of sadness in her tone. “Yes, we ate a meal.” Microwaved leftovers were totally a meal. “We watched films.” Sunset said, a query from her mother had her rolling her eyes to Discord. “Disney films Mom. I'll pass you to Discord, just let me get out of the room before the sweet nothings begin.” Sunset handed her phone to the man and hurried out. Partially to avoid intruding. Mostly to escape any of Discord's over the top platitudes of love. They deserved privacy. She went to the kitchen to get a glass of water and ice, her throat was a little sore from the emotional moment and she needed to take her meds soon.

It was then that she realised what Discord had said. “You have us now.” He was already counting himself as someone she could rely on, as family. He'd not ignored her tears or avoided them. The comforting pat on her back, the warm (but bony) side that she'd been allowed to press into, he was letting her know that he was family.

Sunset had never had a father in her life, Sunshimmer had been alone and Sunset didn't count her foster father in the smiling, but slightly neglectful, foster family she had been a part of. The mare and stallion who had decided to foster so their foal had company while they attempted to live the Canterlot high life. Sugar Smiles and Constellation had so badly wanted to break into the elite circles and Puzzle Box hadn't really liked Sunset at all, the colt not wanting a sibling. So far as she knew, being taken on as Princess Celestia's personal student had been the leg-up they needed. The pair had signed her over to the Princess the moment she'd moved to the palace.

Putting aside the sour thoughts, she sipped at her water. “I am to bring a goodnight.” Discord said, interrupting her thoughts further. He gave her phone back with the call still active. Sunset took it and smiled.

“Goodnight Mom, love you.” Sunset received one in turn. The call ended, “Thanks for passing her over to me.” Sunset looked to Discord.

“It was no problem. But I did promise this was bed time. Okay? I don't intend to test her during this little slumber party.” He scratched the back of his head, still unsure of his authority here.

“No worries.” Sunset grinned. “I'll go to my room now and get the lights out by midnight.” She didn't want to say it, but there was the slightest hint of an inkling that this was her Mom's way of seeing if she was ready to have a 'Dad' in the house and if the man was prepared to be a 'Dad'.

“Most excellent.” Discord gestured to the stairs and they made their way up. Exchanging good nights and parting, Sunset for her room and Discord for the guest room.

-*-

It was Saturday, Sunset hadn't bothered getting up particularly early. But the scent of cooking pancakes had woken her and she'd made her way to the kitchen pretty quickly after that. Discord was at the stove, a pot of coffee was brewing and a stack of pancakes sat on the kitchen island.

“Good morning Sunset.” Discord turned and Sunset couldn't help but laugh, he was wearing the spare apron over his clothes. A pink frilled number bought by Luna as a joke.

“Good morning Discord.” Sunset took a seat at the kitchen island and eyed the pancakes. “Um.”

“Dig in.” Discord had turned back to the stove. “The coffee should be good to go by now too.” He flipped the pancake he was cooking with no problems.

“I never thought you would be a cook.” Sunset said, pouring a coffee and taking a sip. A little late to realise how harsh her words could sound. “I mean, you are a judge right? I thought that was all coffee shop mornings and eating out in the evening.” She poured syrup over her discs of battery wonder (as Luna liked to call them).

“I do enjoy the fact that somewhat chaotic forces come together to create something delicious.” Discord said, putting the cooked pancake from pan to the stack on the counter next to the stove. “That, and everyone has a hobby.”

“Cool.” Sunset said around a mouthful of pancakes. Discord joined her at the kitchen island, his own plate of pancakes and poured a coffee into a waiting mug.

He drowned his pancakes in chocolate syrup and began to eat. When they had both demolished a fair few he stopped. “Do you have any plans today?”

Sunset took a few more bites of pancake, finishing up her portion. “I was going to meet the girls at the mall and hang out for a while. Then we were probably going to go back to one of their houses.” Sunset shrugged and drained her cup of coffee. “You got plans?”

“Just the usual weekend rituals for me.” Discord said, a touch mysterious. Albeit slightly ruined by the pancake filled fork in his hand. “Will you need a ride to the mall?”

“That would be great thanks! I mean, if it isn't too much trouble.” Sunset said smiling.

“It is never too much trouble Sunset.” Discord had finished his pancakes and coffee also, he took the plates to the dishwasher and loaded it. “Let me know when you want to go.”

“Sure thing. Thanks.” Sunset wasn't quite sure of how to react to that, so she bumped her shoulder against his arm, something affectionate she had seen between Rainbow and her dad. Like a hug but not as “sappy”. After that, she went to her room to freshen up.

-*-

True to his word, Discord had dropped Sunset off at the mall. She was second to arrive though, Twilight was always punctual to a fault. “Hi Twilight.” She smiled and waved to her friend.

“Hey Sunset.” Twilight waved back, she'd been playing a game on her phone when Sunset called over but the new lives alert was easy to ignore now her friend was here. “Having fun with the house to yourself?” She knew that the Principal and Vice-Principal were at a conference.

“Not to myself. Mom decided I needed someone there so I didn't blow anything up or set the house on fire.” Sunset shrugged. “Though Discord is more likely to help me make a bigger fire or the best explosion.” Laughing she and Twilight talked while waiting for their friends.

Later, when they stopped for lunch, Sunset was surprised to discover an envelope in her bag, inside it a hundred dollars and a note reading “Enjoy your day”.

“Wow, your Mom's boyfriend gave you that kind of money?” Rainbow looked on.

“That is crazy.” Sunset had his number on her phone now, she messaged him quickly. “I didn't ask for anything more than a ride here and maybe home.”

“Perhaps he wishes to make a good impression darling.” Rarity said. A reply arrived on Sunset's phone.

“He just said to have fun and not to worry about it.” Sunset said, reading the message. “So, uh, anyone got any ideas? My treat?” A gang of grins faced her.

-*-

After spending time at the mall, enjoying themselves with the unexpected windfall, the seven girls all went back to the farm. The barn there had plenty of space to play as a band and the surroundings were always nice to spend time in.

When the evening drew in, it was time to be getting back. One by one the girls were leaving. Sunset spotted her ride coming up the drive. Discord was driving a rat-rod built from what had to be an early car. The styling was deliberately run-down but the engine growled with power. Sunset got an envious look from Rainbow and Applejack as she jumped into the car. “You had a sedan earlier.” Sunset commented as Discord pulled away. The car was impressive and it certainly matched the unusual man.

“Yes, but I do like to spend the weekends making this car purr. I want to keep her in tip-top shape for the Bootlegger Rally.” Discord patted the steering wheel. “I love the cars of the old days and this beauty was sitting in a storage shed at the old family home.”

“You restored this?” Sunset was loving the drive home, the open roof car was fun.

“With help to be honest. But it is my weekend project.” Discord shifted gears. “Lets have a run around town eh?” He smiled at Sunset's enthusiastic agreement,

“Can I drive?” She asked with a winning smile.

“Not on your life Sunset.” Discord revved and put on a little more speed. “Your mom would string me up.”

-*-

After a fun ride around town, taking the long way home, Discord and Sunset had returned for an evening meal. They had eaten barbecue skewers, Discord had Sunset help prepare them. It had been enjoyable cutting vegetables into chunks and spearing them on the skewers, grilling them on the barbecue and choosing sauces and dips to have with them. Maybe she'd be able to surprise her Mom by making a meal.

Now they were sat out on the deck, looking at the garden. “How did you meet Mom?” Sunset asked, she'd wanted to ask and hadn't figured a good way. So the direct way had to be it.

“In college.” Discord replied. “We both went to the same school. I went for pre-law, she went for teaching.”

“I know you met in college. Mom said that already. I meant the actual meeting part.”

“It was in Psychology 101.” Discord said, reminiscing. “In my second year I had decided to take a few more classes to fill out credits I had missed and learn something new. It seemed interesting and I thought it could help towards my goals.” He grinned. “I sat in that class at the back, as always and people watched. Apart from someone I had a passing acquaintance with, the class was all strangers. First year students mostly. And in walked a vision of beauty.”

“You are just too cheeseball.” Sunset teased.

“How else to describe her?” He grinned and waved. “I wanted to know her, but why would a girl who was so studious and cheerful want to spend time with the scruffy punk?” He laughed aloud. “I managed to swing things so that we had a shared project. Then I got to know her and I was pretty much falling for her.”

“Again, cheeseball.” Sunset threw a balled napkin at him. He batted it away easily.

“Anyway, a few visits to teashops and cafes later, it looked like I was deep into 'friend' territory so I up and asked her to date me.” Discord was animated in his retelling. “She giggled and told me she thought we were dating.”


“Mom told me that part.” Sunset laughed too. “You are just too sweet.”

“She also asked if this she meant she could kiss me, she'd wondered why I hadn't been trying.” He had a fond look on his face. “We had a great time you know, when we were in college.”

“It is why I told her she should try again.” Sunset said looking over. “Luna was all on board and we were worried she was holding back because of me. “

Discord shook his head. “I sometimes wonder if I should have been firmer and remained with her. She was quite adamant I should move on from her and I couldn't find an argument for staying that she would agree to. I am most glad that you convinced her now.”

“You're cool to have around.” Sunset turned back to grab her drink. “You make Mom happy.” Finishing what was left in the glass she put it down. “I think this is a test to see how well we got on too.”

“So did we pass?” Discord looked at the empty glass and the leftovers from their meal. Grumbling a little he stood to start tidying them away.

“I think so. I had fun, you had fun?” Sunset jumped up to help, Discord nodded in answer. “Nothing exploded or caught fire. I think we're good.”

“Celestia often forbade the fire, I'm guessing you're the explosion risk?” Discord had gathered the trash and the dirty dishes, Sunset had the rest.

“I did kind of level the front of the school.” Sunset laughed this time. “Has Mom told you the whole story?” They walked back into the house.

“Not as such.” Discord replied. “She said it was your place to share what you wished.”

“Right.” Sunset thought for a good point to start. “Okay, so I am not always human.”

-*-

Telling Discord everything had been more enjoyable than Sunset had thought it could be. The regret was still there of course and Sunset did feel remorseful but she wasn't being eaten by guilt as she had been before. Discord didn't judge her or express disgust, in fact he had been quite impressed at parts. “So that is everything. Mom taking me in has been the best thing to ever happen to me.”

“Colour me impressed.” Discord sat back on the couch, they had moved to the lounge after loading the dishwasher.

“Impressed? At what? I was awful.” Sunset shrugged as she sank in her seat.

“By the changes you made and how quickly you changed.” Discord said, sincerity clear. “I have sentenced career criminals time and time again, each time someone will claim they are going to change. They will say that they will turn it around.” He shrugged. “But again and again I see them as they are once again convicted of crimes they previously swore to never repeat.” He looked to Sunset. “But you're a different person from the girl you told me about.”

“Thanks.” Sunset ducked her head, embarrassed again.

They were silent a while, not awkward but not conversing.

“Want to watch another movie?” Discord asked. It was early enough and there were a lot to watch. He understood the issue with the “princess fantasy” now, but some of the modern ones should be okay. He wanted to avoid a lot of the films that focused too much on the character being an orphan (way too many movies, it turned out).

“That sounds like fun.” Sunset went to the cabinet. “Hm, this one looks cool.” She pulled a case out. “Atlantis. I read about that myth.”

“It is rather underrated but a good watch.” Discord agreed. “Popcorn?”

-*-

“Am I glad to be home.” Luna announced, coming through the front door and ditching her bag near her basement door. Celestia arrived behind her with a little more decorum.

“Hello you two, I am glad to see the house is still in one piece.” Celestia smiled and took Sunset in a hug while giving Discord a quick kiss, the pair of them having stood to greet her.

“The only fire was a barbecue.” Discord chuckled, reaching an arm around Celestia and Sunset.

“No embarrassing stories were shared.” Sunset added. Hugged by both of them, she was liking that. Her Mom and Discord together, with her.

“Snap snap.” Luna commented, phone in hand. “Mom is going to love this.” She was half teasing as she flicked around on her phone to send the photo to others.

“I love this.” Sunset said softly. The extra squeeze from both of them let her know they'd heard, but she didn't see the fond look pass between Discord and Celestia.

Sunset also wasn't aware that she'd let them both know that their plans could go ahead.