Many years ago...
The big day had finally come; White and Silver were getting married. Everypony in Dodge Junction was in attendance. Big Red had been chosen to be the best stallion, and he stood beside White, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Big Red couldn't help but notice that White was practically sweating bullets.
"Nervous?" He teased his old friend.
"Maybe a little." White trembled.
"That's perfectly natural, pardner." Big Red smiled. "It's a big step yer takin' today, inta a whole new world."
"Yeah, it is." White agreed. "But deep down, I know it's the right thing to do."
"Darn tootin'." Big Red nodded.
"Speaking of which, when are you and Cherry going to get together?" White smirked.
"Wha- Ah... huh?" Big Red spluttered. "Ah don't know what yer talkin' about!"
"Sure you don't." White snickered. As he laughed, Big Red, instantly regaining poise, soon began laughing with him.
However, it was short-lived, as White's laugh died into a sad sigh. "...You know... I only wish Black could be here..."
"White..." Big Red frowned.
"I know, I know, I shouldn't think such sad thoughts." White shook his head, "But I can't help but wonder what Black would've done on this day. He had his faults, but he was a pretty good brothers. If things hadn't gone the way they did..."
"Ah'm sure he'd a' done his best to honor yer special day." Big Red smiled.
"Yeah..." White nodded. "At the very least, he would've put together one heck of a bachelor party..."
"No doubt." Big Red snickered.
At that moment, Silver entered the chapel, looking resplendent in her wedding dress.
"Wow..." White sighed.
"Lucky you." Big Red nudged him.
Silver shared a smile with White as she reached him. Lone Starr, who had agreed to officiate the ceremony, began to speak.
"Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to join these two ponies in holy matrimony." He declared. "Now, I believe you've written your own vows."
"Silver, you are easily the most amazing mare I've ever met." White admitted. "I honestly don't know what I'd do without you. You complete me. Becoming my wife is the greatest gift you could ever give me."
"White, when we first meet, I was in a rut, no money, no hope, nothing." Silver smiled. "You changed all that. You gave me a new home, a new purpose, and a new love. I can't ever thank you enough for that. I'll be proud to call you my husband."
"The rings, please." Lone asked.
Big Red handed White the hoof ring. White slipped it on Silver, while she slipped hers on him.
"By the power vested in me by this fine town, I now pronounce you stallion and wife." Lone smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
White and Silver embraced in a deep, loving kiss.
"Way ta go, pardner." Big Red whispered. "Ya roped yerself a fine one there."
The newlyweds posed for a photo. Marshall, who fancied himself an amateur photographer held up the camera.
"Smile!" He instructed.
"Cheese!" The newlyweds grinned.
One flash later, the photo came out.
"Look at us." Silver smiled. "What a perfect picture."
"And I think I know the perfect place to put it." White smiled, holding up his locket. "I'll put it right in here, so no matter where I go, I'll always have the memory of this day with me."
"Oh, White." Silver nuzzled him. "You're the best."
"So you keep saying." White said humbly.
"Looks like I'll have to whip up a couple of copies." Marshall declared. "You don't want just one reminder, you know."
"Thanks, Marsh." White smiled.
"Anything for an old pal." Marshall grinned.
The reception soon got under way.
"Congrats ta the both a' ya." Big Red told the newlyweds.
"Thanks, Red." White grinned.
"So, how does it feel ta be Mrs Paladin?" Big Red asked Silver.
"Pretty great." Silver smiled sweetly at her new husband. At that moment, the band started up. "Oh, I love this song! Come on, White!"
"Sure, sweetie." White chuckled as his wife dragged him onto the dance floor. "You might wanna ask Cherry to dance, Red. Looks like Marshall's looking to make a move on her."
"Ah told, Ah-" Big Red started.
"Just do it!" White called.
Rolling his eyes, Big Red walked over to Cherry.
"Would ya care ta dance, Cherry?" He asked.
"I'd love to." Cherry beamed.
Big Red and Cherry joined the others on the dance floor, leaving Marshall in the lurch.
"Seriously?" Marshall frowned. "This again?"
"Isn't it wonderful how those how White finally found love?" Cherry asked, as she and Red moved in time to the beat.
"Darn tootin'." Big Red nodded. "Ah couldn't be prouder."
"Me too." Cherry nodded.
After the reception, White and Silver made to depart for their honeymoon.
"Have fun, you two." Big Red snickered.
"Oh, we will." White smiled.
"Bet on it." Silver grinned.
The guests waved the pair off as they departed.
"What a magical day this has been." Cherry sighed. "Makes a gal want to get married herself... What do you think, Red?"
"Well, Ah, uh..." Big Red said flustered. "Maybe, Ah guess..."
"Maybe you just need to find the right mare." Cherry declared.
"Yeah, kinda..." Big Red shrugged.
"Maybe one day, you." Cherry nudged him playfully. "'Night, Red."
"G'night, Cherry." Big Red smiled, before sighing "One day..."
The present...
About a week after the Lunard incident, the boys got up for breakfast, then decided to go out and play. As they opened the door, they found several ponies rushing around the homestead. A lot of chairs and an altar were being set up on an open space.
"What's going on?" Globe asked.
"Something big, I'm guessing." Huckleberry mused.
"But what?" Eclipse took a step back, a little wary around such large numbers of strangers.
At that moment, Big Red walked by, having finished instructing a trio of stallions on something.
"Mornin', boys." He smiled.
"What's all this, Red?" Eclipse asked.
"Oh, did Ah ferget ta mention?" Big Red frowned. "We're hostin' a weddin'!"
"A wedding?" Globe mused. "Looks like a pretty big one."
"Darn tootin'." Big Red nodded. "We got all sorts of ponies coming, from far and wide. Oughta be here soon. Ah can't wait ta see Shine and Mist again..."
"Mist?" Huckleberry gaped. "The hot mare from that pic? She's coming?"
"Well, a' course she's coming." Big Red chuckled. "After all, she is the-"
"Gotta go!" Huckleberry dashed inside. "Gotta look good for the mare of my dreams!"
"Shoulda let me finish." Big Red sighed.
"Why?" Globe asked. "What's up?"
"Mist is the one gettin' married, that's what's up." Big Red chuckled. "Ah really oughta let 'im know."
"Why spoil the surprise?" Eclipse grinned wickedly. "Let him find out for himself."
"Sure, why not?" Big Red smirked. "It'll be good fer 'im ta be knocked down a peg or two."
Inside, Cherry was preparing some food for the reception. Globe walked into the kitchen.
"Need some help, mom?" He asked.
"I'd love some, dear." Cherry grinned. "And I'd never say no to my favorite baking assistant."
Globe happily joined Cherry in her baking.
"I've never been to a wedding before." He confessed. "What are they like?"
"Oh, they're wonderful occasions." Cherry smiled. "And I should know. I've been to a few in my time. I even attended Shine and Celestia's wedding. Now that was a grand affair..."
Meanwhile, Eclipse sat in the boys' room, lost in thought. Huckleberry had locked himself in the bathroom, doing everything he could to make himself look "perfect".
Big Red came into the room.
"Hey, Eek." He smiled. "How ya holdin' up?"
"Okay, I guess." Eclipse shrugged. "I'm a little worried about being among all those ponies."
"Don'tcha worry none." Big Red declared. "They're all good folk. Plus, Ah know Shine and Mist'll be happy ta meet ya. Heck, yer practically family!"
"Family." Eclipse smiled. "I like the sound of that. Just hope they like me and the the others"
"Trust me, they're gonna love ya." Big Red smiled.
A couple of hours later, the guests started arriving, along with the happy couple themselves, Blue Blazes and Mist. Mist emerged from their carriage first, struggling a little due to her ten-month pregnant belly.
"Howdy!" Big Red ran out to greet them.
"Hi, Big Red!" Mist hugged him. "It's so good to see you!"
"Right back atchya, kiddo." Big Red chuckled. "It's been way too long, Mist!"
Huckleberry suddenly burst out of the front door.
"Did somepony say 'Mist'?" He smirked. "Better let her know today's her lucky da-"
Huckleberry stopped cold as he laid eyes on the heavily pregnant mare right in front of him. His jaw dropped in disbelief.
"Looks like my reputation precedes me." Mist joked. "Hi there."
Huckleberry pulled out the picture of Mist from the family album, rapidly glancing between it and her.
"You, er, look a little different than I've been told." He admitted.
"Well, that's what happens when you're pregnant." Mist shrugged.
"P-p-p-pregnant?!" Huckleberry wheezed.
At that point, Blue emerged from the carriage, carrying all the luggage.
"Everything's accounted for, babe." He told Mist, giving her a small nuzzle on the cheek.
"Babe?" Huckleberry deflated further.
"Yeah, didn't Ah mention?" Big Red smirked. "Mist an' Blue here are the ones gettin' married."
"That would've been some good information to have... about five minutes ago!" Huckleberry yelled.
"Hello, sir." Blue said nervously, still a little wary of Big Red following the time the burly stallion had chased him around his bar.
"What are ya doin' over there? Get in here!" Big Red pulled him into the hug.
"Nice to see you too." Blue choked, his air supply cut off by Big Red's hoof around his neck.
At that point, Cherry exited the house, accompanied by Eclipse and Globe.
"Welcome back, Mist!" Cherry smiled. "Oh, look at you! You're practically glowing!"
"Thanks, Cherry." Mist beamed.
There was suddenly a lot of commotion as some royal carriages descended, carrying Twilight, Celestia, Shine and Miracle.
"Oh, wow." Globe gaped, bowing down. "It's actual royalty."
"Get up!" Eclipse hissed. "You're embarrassing me!"
"Greetings, young ones." Celestia smiled.
Staring up at the Princess of the Sun, Eclipse couldn't help but bow also.
"Who's embarrassing who now?" Globe whispered.
"Glad you could make it, Twilight." Mist smiled, as her mentor came to greet her.
"Like I'd miss my student's big day." Twilight chuckled.
Shine walked over to Big Red and the boys.
"So, these are the little troublemakers I've heard so much about?" He asked.
"That'd be us." Huckleberry said cockily. "I'm Huckleberry."
"I'm Globe." Globe added.
"Eclipse." Eclipse said curtly.
"Pleased to meet you, fellas." Shine smiled. "I'm Shine Paladin, but I'm sure you already knew that."
"Oh, yeah." Huckleberry nodded. "Big Red's told us a lot about you."
"I'll bet." Shine chuckled. "Guess that makes us even."
"So... exactly how much have you heard about us?" Eclipse inquired.
"Oh, just about everything." Shine smirked. "Big Red really kept me in the loop this following week."
"So you know... everything?" Globe asked.
"You mean like you helping Cherry win the bake-off? Of course." Shine grinned.
"So you don't feel... put off, or anything, by Big Red taking us in?" Huckleberry asked.
"Not at all." Shine smiled. "Big Red's always had a knack for taking in kids in need of a home. You couldn't be in better hooves. Besides, I always wanted some little brothers."
"Does this mean they're all my uncles now?" Miracle asked.
"Well, I wouldn't put it quite like that." Eclipse frowned. "Big Red became your dad and aunt's legal guardian, and he hasn't actually adopted us yet..."
"Oh, don't be such a spoilsport." Mist rolled her eyes.
"Look at me, I've got a griffon for an uncle." Mist smiled. "How cool is that?"
"...I am pretty cool, aren't I?" Eclipse boasted.
"'Uncle Eek'." Globe declared. "Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"One thing's for sure, this is one marvelous extended family we share." Celestia chuckled.
"Okay folks, enough jawin'." Big Red grinned, as the last of the guests arrived. "We got us a wedding ta perform!"
More guests arrived in droves. Among them were Blue's parents, Spitfire and Soarin', and their WonderBolts teammate, Fleetfoot.
"This is it." Spitfire smiled. "Our boy's big day."
"The day he becomes a real stallion." Soarin' nodded.
"Maybe he could give you some pointers, Soarin'." Fleetfoot joked.
"Real funny." Soarin' snorted.
Meanwhile, Huckleberry trotted over to Blue.
"So, you're marrying that gorgeous gal?" He asked. "Lucky guy."
"Don't I know it." Blue smirked.
"Would I be right in guessing her foal's yours?" Huckleberry asked.
"Sure is." Blue said proudly.
"Congrats, pal." Huckleberry smiled. "Really, I mean that. You really hit the jackpot."
"Thanks, kid." Blue grinned. "Don't I know it."
"Maybe someday, I'll have what you have." Huckleberry mused. "Here's hopin'."
"That's the spirit, pal." Blue declared.
One of the last guests to arrive was Marshall. Big Red stepped out to greet him.
"Howdy, Marsh." He smiled. "Glad you could make it."
"No problem." Marshall grinned. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
Once all the guests had been seated, and everypony had changed into their proper attire, the wedding began. Big Red led Mist up the aisle, ready to give her away. Her wedding dress had been specially made (by Rarity, of course) to accommodate her large belly. As far as anypony was concerned, that stomach just made her look more beautiful.
Celestia took her position, having volunteered to officiate.
"Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to join these two ponies in holy matrimony." She announced. "Their love is pure, strong and true. That much cannot be denied."
Blue and Mist smiled lovingly at each other.
"The rings, please." Celestia urged.
Soarin' provided the ring for Mist, while Cherry, as best mare, gave Mist the ring for Blue. The two slipped the rings upon each other.
"Do you, Blue Blazes, take Mist to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, 'til death do you part?" Celestia inquired.
"I do." Blue grinned.
"Do you, Mist, take Blue Blazes to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, 'til death do you part?" Celestia asked.
"I do." Mist nodded.
"Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you stallion and wife." Celestia smiled. "You may kiss the bride."
The guests cheered as the newlyweds did just that.
A tear slid out of Eclipse's eye, to his surprise.
"Dude, are you... crying?" Huckleberry snorted.
"No!" Eclipse denied. "I just got something in my eye!"
"Yeah, tears." Globe sniggered. "It's okay to let your sensitive side out, Eek."
"It would if I had one... which I don't." Eclipse pouted.
"Whatever you say, bro." Huckleberry smirked.
At the reception, there was dancing and eating of wedding cake (Huckleberry doing copious amounts of the former, and Globe the latter).
Mist took a break from dancing and joined Shine as they talked with the boys.
"Having fun?" Mist asked.
"Kinda." Eclipse shrugged. "We don't do well with big crowds."
"And yet, you came anyway." Shine smiled.
"We wouldn't want to let Red down." Globe declared. "He's done so much for us."
"No kidding." Huckleberry agreed. "He took us in when we were down on our luck. Gave us a home, and a family."
"Now that sounds familiar." Shine chuckled. "He did the same for us. Isn't he the greatest?"
"He's something special, alright." Eclipse nodded.
"I guess there's nothing left to say but 'welcome to the family'." Mist smiled.
"Thanks, Mist." Globe smiled back.
Blue suddenly sidled up to Mist.
"There you are." He purred. "Come on, we have more dancing to do."
"Right behind you." Mist chuckled.
Meanwhile, Big Red walked over to Marshall, who was watching from the sidelines.
"So, how've ya been, pardner?" Big Red asked.
"Pretty good, actually." Marshall grinned. "Mr. Ulysses and the ponies over in Canterlot were so pleased with me apprehending Lunard that they asked me to come over to accept a medal."
"That's wonderful, Marshall!" Big Red smiled, "Ya certainly deserve it!"
"Thanks, Red." Marshall nodded, "I tell ya, this past week had given me a chance to think over a lot of things. But I should let you know that I finally got over Cherry."
"Is that a fact?" Big Red asked. "Well done! Ah know it probably ain't easy ta get over a lifelong crush..."
"Yeah." Marshall nodded. "My dad was right. I had to move on, and find somepony else." He then smirked. "And as luck would have it, I had already found somepony."
"No foolin'?" Big Red asked. "Who's the lucky gal?"
"Ms. Harshwhinny." Marshall declared.
"Ms. Harshwinny?" Big Red gaped. "As in the hardnose Equestria Games Inspector? That Ms Harshwhinny?"
"The very same." Marshall nodded.
"How the heck did that happen?" Big Red asked.
"Funny story." Marshall smirked. "You remember when Ms. Harshwhinny came to inspect Dodge Junction for the Equestria Games?"
Several months earlier...
The year of the Equestria Games had come once again, as Ms. Harshwhinny was sent out into Equestria once more to find a city or town eligible enough to host this year's Games. She had come to see Marshall due to her belief that the sheriff of Dodge Junction would know the town best. What followed was a long, precise interview regarding almost everything about the town.
"So, what's the verdict?" Marshall asked. "Is Dodge Junction next Equestria Games material, or what?"
"I'm afraid 'or what' is the more suitable answer." Ms Harshwhinny sniffed.
"Say what?" Marshall gasped. "Why?"
"Dodge Junction is a geographically desirable location. And it does earn some points for being the birth-place of Princess Celestia's husband." Ms, Harshwhinny admitted. "But I've heard all sorts of rumors regarding the crime rate in this town of late."
"It's not that bad." Marshall retorted. "And besides, the criminals do get caught, by me! Just last week, I brought in the notorious Gourd family gang!"
"Perhaps." Ms Harshwhinny declared. "But I've heard other things, such as how the residents tend to get a little rowdy after some time at the bar."
"So what?" Marshall asked. "You think the Equestria Games don't get ponies rowdy?"
"No, but it rarely results in brawls in the street." Ms Harshwhinny frowned. "The Games have a reputation to maintain, you know, and I'm afraid the chances of riots breaking out are chances I'm not willing to take."
"Oh, and you think Dodge Junction is going to mar that spotless rep?" Marshall growled. "What, you think we're a bunch of violent, dimwitted lawbreaking hicks?"
"I didn't say that." Ms Harshwhinny growled.
"You were thinking it though, you stuck-up-" Marshall started.
"Mind your tongue, sheriff." Ms Harshwhinny snarled. "Unlike your town's crime rate, my patience isn't infinite."
"Oh, that is it!" Marshall yelled. "Listen here, you pompous, pencil-pushing micro-managing jerk! Nopony insults my town! Let alone some high and mighty hag!"
"How dare you!" Ms Harshwhinny yelled. "I have never been so insulted in my entire life?"
"Yeah?" Marshall sneered. "Well, you should count yourself lucky!"
"You... you... backwoods hick!" Ms Harshwhinny roared.
"Stuck-up snob!" Marshall shouted.
"Insolent pig!" Ms Harshwhinny retorted.
"Pompous cow!" Marshall yelled back.
Their faces were mere inches from each other, both steaming with intense rage... then they suddenly pressed their lips together. Overcome by sheer instinct, they descended to the floor...
One hour later...
Marshall and Ms Harshwhinny were lying on the floor in the middle of the office, with both their manes mussed up, and sweating a bit from their recent 'activity'. Harshwhinny had her jacket covering her.
"Well, that happened." Marshall stated, a shell-shocked look on his face.
"Yes, it certainly did." Ms. Harshwhinny gulped.
"It was... actually kinda nice." Marshall shrugged. "You're surprisingly gentle when you want to be."
"Thank you." Ms Harshwinny said awkwardly. "You weren't too bad yourself."
"So... about our town and the Games...?" Marshall asked.
"Look, I'm still on the fence about it..." Ms Harshwhinny admitted. "But I would be lying if I said you didn't make a very compelling case. Perhaps you could... persuade me... by taking me out to dinner sometime?"
"Well, I can't say I'm not tempted." Marshall admitted. "But there's this one mare I've had my eye on for a long time. She's married, but I can't bring myself to let go..."
"Here." Ms Harshwhinny handed him a business. "Drop me a line if you ever change your mind."
"I'll kept that in mind." Marshall nodded.
The two wer about to kiss again, when suddenly, the door opened, and Wrangler came in.
"Hey, Marshall, are you in..." Wrangler immediately went mute as he saw the sheriff and the Equestria Games Inspector on the floor together, their faces now fraught with horror.
"Um... it's exactly what it looks like." Marshall confessed.
The present...
"...Wow." Big Red gaped. "So you were the pony Ms. Harshwhinny was havin' relations with?"
"Yeah. I'm still not sure what happened back there." Marshall admitted, "But after I patched things up with my dad, I decided to finally give Harshwhinny a call, and she's coming down here next week."
"Well, however it happened, Ah'm jest glad ya found somepony." Big Red chuckled, "Ya deserved somepony."
"Yeah, about time, Marshy." A snarky voice agreed.
The voice belonged to Shooting Star, Marshall's sister. She looked a lot like her brother, save for a long blond mane, green eyes, and a shooting star Cutie Mark. She was a famous country music star, and had been persuaded by Marshall to perform at the reception.
"Very funny, sis." Marshall snarked. "Don't you have a song to sing?"
"That I do." Shooting nodded.
"Thanks again fer singin' fer the wedding reception, Shoot." Big Red smiled, "Ah know yer a very busy mare nowadays."
"No worries, Red. I'm happy to do it for my brother's best friend." Shooting smirked. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an audience to entertain."
"Break a leg, Shoot." Marshall smiled.
Shooting got up on stage, which was set up for the wedding.
"I'd like to dedicate this number to the happy couple." She announced.
If you're feeling down or weak
You can always count on me
I will always pick you up
Nothings ever gonna change
Nothings gettin' in my way
I will always hold you up
All the couples took to the dance floor.
"You sure you're up for more dancing?" Blue asked Mist worriedly. "You've been on your hooves for a while now..."
"It's my wedding day, Blue." Mist smiled. "I think I can endure some swollen ankles. Especially when I have the best dance partner in the world..."
"Well, when you put it like that..." Blue chuckled.
"Ah, this brings back such good memories..." Celestia sighed, as she and Shine began to dance.
"I still remember our first dance so vividly..." Shine smiled. "One of the best moments of my entire life..."
"Shall we dance?" Big Red asked Cherry.
"With pleasure." Cherry smiled, taking his hoof.
Anything
Come what may
Don't look back
Forget yesterday
Forget yesterday
The boys looked on at the celebrations.
"So this is what it feels like to be part of a family." Eclipse mused. "Not bad."
"Better than being on our own, that's for sure." Huckleberry agreed.
"So true." Globe nodded. "That's our family, and this is our home."
"Well put, Globe." Eclipse nodded. "This is where we belong. Where we were meant to be."
"Speaking of 'meant to be'..." Huckleberry eyed the lovely mare Prairie. "Excuse me, fellas..."
Huckleberry wandered over to Prarie, and started dancing with her.
"I'm going to get some more cake." Globe declared. "Wanna come with?"
"I'm good, thanks." Eclipse smiled. "I think I'll just stay here, and drink it all in..."
"Suit yourself." Globe shrugged.
Eclipse stood in place, watching his new family in their celebrations. After everything he and his brothers had been through, it felt good to know they had finally found a true home.
Two weeks later...
Big Red, Cherry, and the boys were at Fine Print's office, the adoption procedure having been finalized at last.
"Here we are." Fine handed over the paperwork. "It's all official now."
"Congratulations, boys." Big Red smiled. "Y'all are full-fledged Barrel-Rolls now!"
"Awesome." Huckleberry grinned.
"We really are family now!" Globe hugged Cherry.
"Of course we're family." Cherry hugged him back. "We don't need a piece of paper to tell us that."
"Thanks, Red." Eclipse smiled. "For doing all this, just for us."
"Shucks, it were mah pleasure, kiddo." Big red chuckled.
Its not where you come from
Its where you belong
Nothing I would trade
I wouldn't have it any other way
Three weeks later...
Big Red stood at Black's grave, setting down a small bouquet of flowers.
"Thank you, Black." He whispered. "Thanks for... well everything. if it weren't for you, Ah don't know if Ah'd've been able ta make it through this. Rest in peace, pardner."
You're surrounded
By love and you're wanted
So never feel alone
You're are home with me
Right where you belong
Four weeks later...
Huckleberry was preparing to go on a date with Prairie.
"The love stallion is about to take off." He smirked.
"Ya'll remember what Ah told about treatin' mares right, ya hear?" Big Red urged.
"Of course." Huckleberry nodded. "You just wait. I'll put your teachings to good use."
"I know you will, Huck." Big Red grinned. "Good luck."
"Who needs luck when you're a babe magnet?" Huckleberry joked.
"Some things never change...." Big Red rolled his eyes.
I know sometimes you're feeling lost
It's hard to find your place in it all
But you don't have to fear
Even when you mess up
You always got my love
I'm always right here
Five weeks later...
Cherry had taken Globe to the Dodge Junction theatre, to watch a performance from Ponyrotti.
"This is incredible." Globe grinned. "I never thought I'd be here. Thanks, mom."
"My pleasure, dear." Cherry beamed, "I must say, I never took you for a fan of the opera."
"Funny story." Globe smiled. "Once, when me and the other had stolen some food from a grocer, we hid out in an opera house. I heard all the singing coming from the stage. It was so beautiful, so incredible... like nothing I'd ever heard before. I always wanted to listen to full performance, and not from under the floorboards."
"Well, now your wish is granted." Cherry grinned.
"Thanks to you, mom." Globe hugged her.
"Anything for one of my boys." Cherry hugged him back.
Oh cause, anything
Come What may
Don't look back
Forget yesterday
Forget yesterday
Its not where you come from
Its where you belong
Six weeks later...
Big Red and Eclipse were sitting on a hilltop, watching the sunset.
"Now that's a view." Eclipse smiled.
"Yep." Big Red nodded. "Sometimes, the small things are what make life worth livin', especially if ya got somepony ta share 'em with. Y'know, you just being here makes this all the more special."
"Thanks... pa." Eclipse grinned.
"Well, Ah'll be." Big Red ruffled Eclipse's feathers. "Never thought Ah'd hear ya say that!"
"I figured, since it's official, I'd better get into the habit." Eclipse shrugged. "Better late than never, right?"
"Right." Big Red hugged him. "Ah'm right proud a' ya fer findin' the strength ta put the past behind ya. Well done... son."
"You gave me the strength." Eclipse grinned. "Among other things..."
"Guess we both gave each other sumthin'." Big Red chuckled.
"Isn't that what families do?" Eclipse asked.
"Sho'nuff." Big Red gave Eclipse another hug.
Nothing I would trade
I wouldn't have it any other way
You're surrounded
By love and you're wanted
So never feel alone
You're are home with me
Right where you belong
(Ooh, ooh)
Don't matter where you've been
(Ooh, ooh)
You're here for a reason
(Ooh, ooh)
The present...
As the song neared its end, everypony began to gather for the family photo.
"Family photo, everpony!" Big Red smiled.
"Mist, Blue, you come up front." Cherry instructed. "Shine, Celestia and Miracle on one side, and Spitfire and Soarin' on the other."
"Yes, ma'am." Spitfire nodded.
"Boys, yer by me an' Cherry." Big Red declared.
"You got it." Eclipse nodded, standing by Big Red. "Come on, guys."
"Coming!" Globe stood by Cherry.
"Make sure to get my good side." Huckleberry smirked, taking centre position.
"You get in here too, Marshall." Cherry urged.
"Me?" Marshall gaped. "But I'm not family."
"You are ta us." Big Red grinned. "C'mon over here!"
"If you say so." Marshall beamed standing opposite Big Red.
The photographer aimed his camera at them.
"Say cherry!" Cherry urged.
"Cherry!"
One flash later, and they had a photo commemorating the latest additions to their family. A family that was bigger and more loving than ever before.
Its not where you come from
Its where you belong
Nothing I would trade
I wouldn't have it any other way
You're surrounded
By love and you're wanted
So never feel alone
You're are home with me
Right where you belong
Not so many years ago...
Big Red and Cherry, freshly married, were on their way (via stagecoach) to their honeymoon destination.
"What a magical day this has been." Cherry sighed. "I don't think I've ever been happier."
"Me neither." Big Red agreed. "Ah've been dreaming of this day fer so long..."
"How long exactly"? Cherry asked.
"Well, ta be perfectly honest, Ah've had a crush on ya since we first met." Big Red admitted.
"Really?" Cherry gasped. "From way back then? I only really noticed when I started helping you with Shine and Mist."
"Ah'm jest glad Ah finally won yer heart." Big Red smiled. "An' Ah promise ya this: Ah may not be able to give ya kids, but Ah will be the best husband there ever wuz. Ah owe ya that much jest for you returnin' mah love."
"Oh, Red." Cherry sighed. "As long as I have you, I know our future will be bright."
"Darn tootin'." Big Red smiled. "That's the thing about life; Ya never know what's around the corner."
"So true." Cherry nodded. "And whatever may come around that corner, we'll face it together."
"Ah wouldn't have it any other way." Big Red kissed her.
"Me neither." Cherry purred.
As the stagecoach rolled onward, Big Red and Cherry snuggled together, unaware of what amazing things the future had in store for them.
The End.