//------------------------------// // Roses // Story: Making Family // by Cirrus Sky //------------------------------// Breakfast was cooking when Sunset stumbled down the stairs. She was never fond of mornings but coffee always made it better. Given their plans the night before, she wasn't surprised to find Discord sat with her Mom in the kitchen. Luna was certainly not home either. “G'morning. Had a good time last night?” “Good morning sweetheart.” Celestia greeted, she was beaming smiles and Sunset could see a spring in her step. “We had a lovely time thanks.” “Hello Sunset.” Discord sipped his coffee, he looked cheerful too. “It was very enjoyable. Did you have a good evening?” “I ate Chinese Food and watched eleven episodes of Brotherhood.” Sunset shrugged. “I'm living someone's dream.” “There is plenty of time for you.” Celestia said, she had not heard the full extent of Sunset's trials in love but knew her daughter wasn't dating right now. “What would you like for breakfast?” “Toast please.” Sunset took a seat and gratefully accepted a cup of coffee. Celestia placed a plate of toast for her and Discord pushed over the toppings. Her Mom sat down close to Discord and they carried on with their breakfast. Nearly finished eating and with coffee top-ups Sunset became aware that her Mom and Discord were focused on her. “Is everything okay?” She looked at the pair uncertainly. “We have some news for you.” Celestia started, across at Sunset and then to Discord. “Last night we had a little discussion. Discord and I.” “Yes?” Sunset looked to the pair of them, wondering what they were leading to. “Your mother had a suggestion for me. I found it quite a good one but I would like to run it by you too.” Discord said, he was holding Celestia's hand and it looked quite sweet. “She asked if I would like to move in, here.” He smiled. “Do you mind if I do?” “You would live here and be part of the family?” Sunset asked, looking at him. Thinking about how happy her Mom would be. How would she feel? They had spent a long weekend and he had been nice company, he had listened and been sincere about Sunset's past. “Yes I would, I would bring my things over here from my apartment, change the address on anything for my mail.” Discord smiled at Celestia. “Have this beautiful woman beside me when we fall asleep and when we wake.” “You should, you know, move in.” Sunset said quickly. She was ready for someone else to be in the family. She wanted to see her Mom this happy all the time. “Are we running it by Luna too?” Celestia cleared her throat, she'd had a message the night before but it was up to her sister to share her news. “Luna has something to tell you too. But she is quite happy with arrangements for the future.” “This is great!” Sunset jumped up and went around to their side of the table, hugging them both. “I have to get ready for school Mom.” “As do I.” Celestia kissed Sunset's cheek. “Thank you.” When the teen left them she paused in the door to smile at them both again. “That went well.” Discord said, he drained his coffee. He had work to get to also, unfortunately. “Indeed. I just hope she takes Luna's as happily. They do get on so well together.” The family were all ready to leave and cheerfully bade farewell as they parted for the school and the courthouse. Sunset smiled to think that they would all be returning home tonight. Her family was growing and it was great. -*- Today at school Sunset had a mission. However it took until fourth period study hall to get a chance. When she reached her locker she spotted her target. “Rarity.” She called out to her friend. “Sunset darling, hello.” Rarity smiled warmly and joined her friend. “How are you dear?” “Fine, it has been an okay day so far.” Sunset smiled, small talk before her real question. “What are you doing for study hall?” They walked down the halls of the school together. “Off to the library to study for me.” Rarity said, “Would you like to join me?” “Yes.” Sunset grinned. “I have a few questions for you.” “Really?” Rarity looked to Sunset. “Whatever kind of questions?” She stepped ahead and turned to face Sunset, a knowing smile on her features. “Three roses Rarity, and you wrote them all.” Sunset advanced on her friend, playful menace in her features. “Can you tell me who sent them?” “I cannot tell a soul!” Rarity declared. “I swore to not reveal any names and I shall keep the secret!” She giggled and waved a finger to emphasise her point. “You forget, I can see memories.” Sunset said, holding to her geode and reaching out. It was a telegraphed move, one Rarity saw through and danced away from easily. “Oh my, such abuse of power!” Rarity laughed and continued to dancingly dodge Sunset's reach as they carried on down the hall. The amber toned girl moved faster, determined to catch her friend in this new game. Her hand reached out as Rarity span. A thumb and forefinger brushed a white cheek, gently, almost tender. Sunset had not truly intended to read her friend's memories and this touch had been accidental. She saw something though. Rarity looking pleased with herself as she wrote the notes for the flowers, placing them at the bottom of the basket. Though the last one was placed with care and a smile. Feelings of affection surrounded the memory. “I am so sorry.” Sunset gasped when the contact ended. She was mortified at invading her friend's memories. “I shouldn't have been messing around and that was a total invasion of privacy...” A finger to her lips quieted her. “You only really saw the one I wrote for you Darling.” Rarity replied, she was blushing lightly but did not look angered or even cross. “So I shall admit it. I sent you a Valentine Rose.” “Rarity?” Sunset wasn't sure what to make of this. She had seen the memory, felt the affection. “You are very dear to me Sunset, truly you are a good friend. I sought to give you a smile for the day.” The girl tapped Sunset's shoulder. “You did something very kind for me and I am very grateful for it.” “I- Thank you Rarity.” Sunset smiled and caught her friend in a hug. “Thought I would still love to know where the other two came from.” “Ah ah ha!” Rarity laughed. “Secret!” -*- At the end of the school day Sunset was putting some books in her locker and taking some out that she needed for homework. She wasn't sure who would be giving her a ride home today, so she wanted to be at the staff lot soon. Though she didn't need to worry, as Luna met her quite close to her locker. “Do you mind coming with me this evening?” “Sure!” Sunset smiled to her aunt. “Where are we going?” The way her aunt had spoken it sounded like they would not be going home. “I was thinking that the Diner would be a good place. My treat.” Luna chucked Sunset on the shoulder and smiled. They both enjoyed eating out and the diner had fast become the teen's favourite. “Awesome!” Sunset cheered. There was often an occasion to go to the diner, she wondered what Luna had to celebrate. Her wondering didn't last too long. They were at the diner and had ordered when Luna gave Sunset an unsure smile. “So, uh. You know I had a big date with Chrys last night?” “Yeah, she said it was a gig night at one of those bars you like.” Sunset was a little bit frustrated that she was underage and couldn't go to the gigs her Aunt did. “Did you have a good time?” “I had a great time.” Luna grinned, she still had the hand-stamp, only lightly faded. “We had a really good time and then made a decision.” She paused a beat. “She asked me to move in with her and, I said yes.” She smiled softly and brushed some hair from her eye. “We'll work it all out soon, but when 'Tia told me she as going to ask Discord to move in, I thought I had to make this leap.” Sunset clasped her hands under her chin and smiled in an approximation of Fluttershy around kittens. “That is fantastic Aunty Luna! You two are so good together.” Their food was served then and they stopped a moment to thank the server and arrange the plates. Settled again, Luna looked to Sunset again. “You're okay with me leaving?” “I love you being in the house and spending time with you.” Sunset said, mixing some seasoning around her fries. “But you'll still be there for me even if you are living with Chrys.” She shrugged. “She's cool too, so I can just crash you two if I need you.” “Thank you Sunset.” Luna gave a sigh of relief. “I was worried that an upheaval could be harmful.” “I might miss you a bit, but you do what you need to. What you want to.” Sunset grinned. “Can I dibs the basement?” Luna laughed aloud. “Terror! See what your Mom says!” The pair spent their meal laughing and joking. Sunset was very happy for her family. Sure, there was going to be changes, there was going to be upheaval, but her family was getting bigger and Sunset was loving it.