Jason stepped out of the orphanage with Nightshine a couple of hours later, glad that he’d signed out of the hotel that morning. The sun was already beginning to set, leaving them with only a few hours left of daylight. Serenity had informed Jason that a representative from the orphanage would be down in a month, give or take a few days, to inspect their home, giving him more than enough time to get everything sorted.
Nightshine smiled as she closed her eyes, standing on the front steps of the orphanage. She took a deep breath and tilted her head back, then let it out as she opened her eyes. The sun at her back and Jason at her side, she felt like nothing in the world could hold her back anymore.
“You coming?” Jason stood at the bottom of the steps and looked back at Nightshine. “Surely you want to get to your new home as quickly as possible, hm? Come on, maybe we can catch the next train home!” He beckoned for her to follow him.
“Okay!” Nightshine trotted to keep up with Jason, a noticeable pep in her step.
Jason grinned as he looked down at her. She beamed with a radiance that he’d never seen before, and he hoped that he could replicate that in the future. So many ideas of what they could do together swirled around in his mind, but as much as he would have liked to keep fantasizing, he forced them back so that he could focus on the task at hand: getting them home.
Eyeing the open sky above her, Nightshine fluffed her wings as the urge to soar through the clouds popped into her mind. “Hey... can I fly real quick? It’s been way too long since I’ve had any fun.”
Jason felt a rather strong breeze come from behind, helping him make up his mind. “You know... I’d rather wait until we got back to m—our house.” He saw Nightshine’s shoulders slump in disappointment. “However, if you’re still up for it when we get back home, I’ll take you to the biggest field we can find and let you fly as much as you want, okay?”
“Okay!” Nightshine perked up at that.
“And if you want, I can get you flying lessons. I just so happen to know a certain pony who claims to be the fastest flier in all of Equestria, so maybe we can have her show you some pointers? How’s that sound?”
“That sounds awesome!”
As they made their way down the streets, Nightshine’s stomach grumbled. She’d missed lunch because she had been adamant in staying at Jason’s side all throughout the finalization of her adoption. She didn’t regret her decision in the slightest, but as they passed a bakery that had the most delectable of scents wafting out, Nightshine paused.
Jason didn’t notice that she’d stopped until he was four paces ahead of her. He saw her gazing into the bakery, biting her lower lip. With a chuckle, he asked, “Hungry?”
Nightshine glanced between Jason and the bakery a couple of times, then walked back to his side, her head hung low. She didn’t want to upset him minutes after getting adopted, so she pushed her hunger pangs out of her mind and threw on a fake smile. “N-no, I’m fine, sir. I, uh... I heard something strange, that’s all.”
Jason stepped up to her and kneeled down. Nightshine sat down and held his gaze, and even though she had said that she was fine, Jason saw the longing in her eyes. “Really?” He heard Nightshine’s stomach grumble, making him grin in realization. “Aww, you heard your stomach grumble, eh? Come on, let’s get something to eat.” Jason lifted Nightshine up and cradled her in her in his arms just like how he had caught her. “Before we do, though, I just want to make a couple of things clear...”
Nightshine curled her forelegs up to her chest and flicked her tail once, wriggling to get more comfortable. “W-what?” she asked rather meekly.
“You can just call me Jason, or, uh... Dad, if you want to, I guess.” Jason walked up to the bakery’s entrance and crossed through the threshold. As he made his way up to the counter, he threw on the most reassuring smile he could and told her, “And you don’t have to lie to me. If you need something, or if you need to talk about something, you can always come to me. Okay? I promise I won’t get angry.”
Nightshine relaxed in Jason’s grasp. “Okay. I’m sorry about lying to you, Jason, but... I just really want you to like me...”
“Haha, I already do! I think you’re as cute as a button, and...” He dropped his voice down to a whisper. “I liked you more than everyone else at the orphanage.” Jason angled his left hand so that he could scratch her behind her ears, knowing that she’d like that.
“Thanks...” Nightshine nuzzled Jason’s chest, then noticed that they were already at the counter. The mare working in the back saw them and started trotting up to them.
“So whatcha want? It looks like they have muffins, cookies, and a bunch of other yummy-looking stuff.” Jason let go of her hind legs and wrapped his free arm under her forelegs, letting her see all that the display case had to offer as she dangled in his grasp.
“Oh, they have chocolate chip muffins?” Nightshine’s eyes went wide as she spotted her favorite treat. “Can I have one? Pretty please? I haven’t had one in years!” She pointed at the treat with a hoof as she looked up at him.
“Of course!” Jason lowered Nightshine down to the ground. “Wait, years? How often do they take you guys outside of the orphanage?”
“Um, maybe twice a year? But it’s always for dumb stuff like old dusty art museums.”
“I... see.” Jason looked up to see the mare working the bakery waiting patiently with a smile on her face. “Hey, how’s it going?” he asked, returning her smile.
“Very well, thank you! What can I get ya?” The baker was a light-cream unicorn with a pink mane that just barely reached her shoulders. She looked rather young, though she was easily old enough to hold a job.
Jason looked down at Nightshine. “Hey, what else do you like? You can have anything you want.”
Nightshine stared at Jason in shock. “R-really?” Jason nodded. “Well... I do like chocolate chip and sugar cookies, too.”
Perfect! My favorites... Jason looked back at the mare and said, “We’ll take six of those big chocolate chip muffins, a dozen chocolate chip cookies, and a dozen sugar cookies!”
“Alrighty then! Give me a couple of minutes, and I’ll have them all ready for you! Will this order be for here or to go?” The baker turned and paused as she waited for his answer.
“Um... can we have the two dozen cookies and four of the muffins to go, please? The little one here is pretty hungry.”
“Of course! Your total is twenty-seven bits, by the way.”
“Cool...” Jason shoved his hand in his right pocket to grab the bag of bits, but stopped when he felt Nightshine tug on his pants. “What’s wrong?” he asked, noticing the look of regret on her face.
“That’s way too much money, Jason... I just, um... I just wanted a muffin.” Nightshine grimaced as she looked at his feet.
“Hey... it’s all right.” Jason kneeled down so that they could see eye-to-eye better. “I like to treat myself from time to time. Besides...” He placed a finger on the bottom of Nightshine’s chin and gently lifted her head up. “You’re worth it.”
Nightshine stared into Jason’s eyes before she closed her eyes and nuzzled into his hand. She felt the beginnings of tears form up in the corners of her eyes, but she forced herself to keep herself from breaking down. She smiled as the urge to hug him overcame her. “Th-thank you...” Nightshine had not known what to expect, but being showered in love and affection just minutes from leaving the orphanage made her heart warm, even if it was in the shape of expensive treats.
“No problem, sweetie.” Jason tousled her mane before he stood up to pay.
Nightshine shifted closer to him until only an inch separated them. He had a way of making all of her fears and shortcomings simply fade away into nothingness, a sensation she had never felt before. She felt the beginning of a bond form between them as she started to trust him, letting her drop her guard even more.
“Twenty-seven bits, right?” Jason asked as he counted the bits out.
“Yup!” The baker nodded as she pushed three boxes tied shut with a soft-pink ribbon. She took Jason’s bits and put them in the cash register, then smiled at them. “Thanks for your business! See you two next time!”
“Yea—” A train whistle cut Jason off. “Uh-oh...”
“You two getting on the last train of the day?” The baker asked. “If you go through the alley just outside and to the right, you should make it! You have about a couple minutes before they leave.” She took the two chocolate chip muffins that she hadn’t packed and put them into a separate bag.
“Thanks!” Jason tossed a couple of extra bits down to show his gratitude, grabbed the baked goods, then jogged outside, Nightshine hot on his heels.
“Are we gonna make it?” Nightshine asked with a hint of worry in her tone.
“I hope so!” Jason broke out into a run as the train station came into view around the corner. Nightshine had to gallop to keep up with him, and as the buildings flew past them, the thought to fly popped into her mind. She opened her wings to take flight, but Jason’s words from before popped into her mind, making her fold them back to her side.
The two of them hopped onto the train just as it was leaving the station. Jason collapsed into the closest seat in the nearly-empty train car and placed the boxes of goods on the empty seat in front of him. Nightshine hopped up next to him, picking the seat by the window.
“Hey, don’t we have to pay for tickets? I don’t want us to get thrown off...” Nightshine frowned as she saw the conductor punch a pony’s ticket further up the train car.
“Yeah, but we can just buy the tickets from the conductor. Don’t worry, I’ve done it before.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out his bag of bits, then when the conductor asked for their tickets, he simply handed him eight bits for the two of them.
Nightshine stared out of the window as the last few buildings of Canterlot passed them by. They went through the final wall of the city, then a vast amount of space opened up. Her eyes went wide as she stood up to get a better view. “Woah... I never knew there was so much space...”
“Well, you guys were up on the side of a mountain.” Jason reached for the bag containing the two muffins and opened it up.
“Yeah, but... I’ve never been outside Canterlot before...” Nightshine sat back and fluffed her wings, itching to go and take flight.
“Here.” Jason held out one of the muffins for Nightshine, already free of the wrapper. “So I take it you haven’t travelled much?”
Nightshine shook her head as she took the muffin from Jason’s hand. “Thanks. And no, Miss Serenity never took us out of the city. I think it was because there were just too many of us.” She bit into the muffin with gusto, making crumbs fly all over the place. It only took her a few seconds to devour the entire thing, and that was no small feat, for the muffin was bigger than her hoof. “That was so good...” she said with a satisfied sigh.
“Dang, you’re already done?” Jason hadn’t even taken the first bite out of his own muffin. He chuckled and grabbed the box of chocolate chip cookies and placed it down between them. “Here, have as many as you want!”
Nightshine ate to her heart’s content, cramming so many cookies into her mouth that both of her cheeks bulged out. After swallowing what was in her mouth, she eyed the last cookie like a predator would look at their prey. She had just devoured the first eleven without taking a moment to think about Jason. As guilt made her shrink in her seat, she guiltily offered the last cookie to Jason, holding up the box for him with an apologetic smile on her face. “Want the last one? Sorry I ate the rest...” Her ears flicked back as she waited for him to be disappointed with her.
“Nah, you can have it.” Jason propped his legs up on the seat across from him, the other box of cookies on his lap. “Thanks though.”
“Y-you sure?” Nightshine asked, unable to keep a bit of hopefulness out of her tone. She really wanted that last cookie, for they simply melted in her mouth in the best of ways.
“Of course! I bought these for you, remember?”
Nightshine smiled her thanks and set the box down, then took the last cookie. She looked at Jason, then at the cookie, then back at Jason. Then, Nightshine split the cookie in half and offered the left half to him. “Would you at least share it with me? I don’t feel good eating an entire box of cookies that you bought.”
“Yeah, sure, but only if you help me eat this sugar cookie.” Jason split a cookie of his own in half and held it out for her. They exchanged their halves and promptly ate both halves at the same time. “Woah... that’s pretty good, right?”
Nightshine nodded with a large grin on her face. “Yeah, that really was good! Too bad we don’t have anymore of those awesome chocolate chip cookies left...”
“Hm... well, we could bake some when we get back home! I love cooking, and I’d be happy to teach ya if you want.”
“Okay.” With a full tummy, Nightshine pushed the empty cookie box onto the floor. The sun was beginning to set off in the distance, and after years of being made to go to bed nearly immediately after sundown, Nightshine felt herself become sleepy. As a yawn forced itself past her lips, she curled up into a ball on her seat and laid her head on her hooves.
“Getting sleepy?” Jason rubbed her back with his hand, scratching her between her wings as she nodded. “Probably would be a good idea. We’ve got at least another three hours before we get back to Ponyville...”
Nightshine cracked her eyes open and looked up at him. “Oh, really?” As she felt Jason’s hand travel up her neck, she laid her head on his right leg and gently nuzzled his belly. She curled her forelegs up and shifted so that she could sleep on her side. Her ears occasionally flicked as she felt his fingers massage each one.
Jason smiled down at her as she shifted again, this time flicking her tail around her flank. “I can’t wait to show you your new home, Nightshine... I don’t have your new bedroom set up yet, but the first thing on the list, after getting breakfast at one of the best little restaurants in Ponyville, is to go to the furniture store. I’m gonna let you pick out whatever you want.” He heard her hum in satisfaction. “You can get a desk, as big a bed as you want... anything. And believe it or not, but I heard that you can buy a mattress made out of clouds! Wouldn’t that be awesome?”
Nightshine nodded again as she felt sleep starting to tug at her weary mind. She snuggled a bit closer to Jason, then sighed happily as she felt him rest his hand on her side, right next to her wing. The swaying of the train car mixed with Jason’s warmth lulled her into the world of dreams a few moments later, leaving her with a small smile on her face.
adorable
Aww sweet dreams Nightshine! Such a sweet chapter, nice to them going to Ponyville. I guess tomorrow for will be very interesting and full of fun!
Why am I now thinking she's gonna meet Fluttershy and want a pet? Oh... OH... OH!!! Idea!!!
Maybe.
I'm seriously going to have an heart attack from the amount of cute radiating off from this story.
Her new life just started, and already she's getting spoiled for looking so freakin' adorable!
An entire box of cookies and she's not even a little hyper? These fillies are made from sterner stuff than human children apparently.
When they get to a park, maybe then she can work off that excess energy? Might even attract the attention of a certain pegasi too? Not that Nightshine can ever be as cool but, you know, cooler than any other thestral. Hopefully Jason warns her about the CMC. They're a good bunch, and their heart is in the right place, it's just all going to end in tree sap... I just know it.
Speaking of diabetus, this story is killing me with the adorbs. More!
This is sweet and all, but I sense an unresolved conflict over Miss Serenity. Why was she so hostile?
So adorable, and I can't blame him one bit I would easily be just as big a pushover.
6946399 She wanted Nightshine to get adopted as quickly as possible so she made it look like she was trying to keep Nightshine at the orphanage.
This filly is so freaking adorable it hurts! And he is sooo screwed when she gets older too. You've heard the saying 'fighting the colts off with a stick'? Well he's gonna need two with that bundle of cute when she gets older!
Adorable chapter!
well now let the sweetness flow like water, a perfect chapter to a perfect story.
6946379 I wonder if that's going to be a problem later on in the story.
The "d'awws" are strong with this one!
Pinkie is gonna have a new best friend
HNNNNNNGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't...hnsfggfbl 8im9jkn7uuj9mink,
Already over?
Oh this is just so... so... Argh! There aren't enough ways of saying 'Awwww'.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Very nice. The moment when she calls him 'Dad' needs to be big!
Now that he's the primary caregiver to a filly will that in turn make him more attractive to single mares ? Still wondering why he's single ...
“We’ll take six of those big chocolate chip muffins, a dozen chocolate chip cookies, and a dozen sugar cookies!”
“Alrighty then! Give me a couple of minutes, and I’ll have them all ready for you! Will this order be for here or to go?”
To go, plea-
ALL OF THEM. NOW.
6946508 can't hear you over the sound of my exploding (twice) heart!
Dammit Michael Bay!
My heart.. oh god Abyss what are you doing to me?
Aarrgh! I am a big strong military man! I am supposed to be immune to mushy emotional crap! Why am I affected by this cuteness!?
6946456
Yeah, so far it looks like he's going to spoil her, big time, that, tends to backfire.
In my country we have a saying that goes: "doing someone a bear's service."
Which means doing something for someone with the best intentions, but in the end it's actually a disservice.
6946428
I more got the impression that She considered the whole thing a sort of business, and tried to settle Jason with what she figured was the optimum deal.
She had already written Night off as a lost cause.
Oh my gosh! I loved it! I always say I love these stories, but it's true! Nightshine is adorable, and I appreciate you adding her concern for the amount of bits he spends, it adds a lot to her personality. Good job, The Abyss! I can't wait for the next chapter! Keep up the amazing work!
here i am, a 16 year old guy that has guttet birds during hunting............. and i am gushing over the cuteness level in this story... if my friends ever found out
So adorable.
...looking forward to when she's recruited by the CMC.
6946589
God...... The feels hurt
That was all really sweet. Hope she doesn't get a bad tummy ache from all the cookies. He should be careful about spoiling her. I can't wait to see how each of them has to deal with improper expectations.
I can't wait to see how she handles Ponyville and her first Pinkie Party. This just get me in the feels.
*squee*
Teach her how to defend herself! SELF DEFENCE IS IMPORTANT!
I Love this story it is so adorable and reminds me how I got my black lab puppy Luna
Awwwww, that was so adorable.
6946684 Twice!!!!
s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/fb/42/43/fb42430a7b2a6d426e96a3af2bfd9dcd.jpg
Awwww, the cutness!!
arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh i don't know why but i think twilight would be the perfect mother for nightshine
KERDISJIFAWAKWAM Well nice job yo.
I Love this story!!!!!!!!!!
I would adopt her to.
she is so adorable
ANOTHER CHAPTER?! WHY WAS I NOT INFORMED?!?!?!
It seems like our parent might not be the best parent. While night shines desire for him to like her will make up for it for the time being eventually it should catch up to them.
I'd really like to see Jason grow to be more responsible for both their sakes. It would be awful if the inspector or even twilight threatened to separate them if he didn't do better. As it is, night shine is already going to have quite the stomach ache when she gets to her new home. Jason won't have time to get her furniture like he told twilight either if it's as late in the day as it seems unless he already got her stuff and they were going to build it together.
It doesn't help that chocolate muffins my favorite as well.
I'm going into cardiac arrest because of the lethally high levels of cute in this chapter.
6947077 Don't you think that might be too harsh of an accusation this early on? I agree feeding her that many sweet treats may not have been the best choice but it was the very first day they spent together. I'm sure such treats will be given out more responsibly in the future as both of them were trying to make a good impression on the other at this stage. If in fact, our adorably dynamic duo don't get home in time to build or purchase a bed before night, I'm sure Jason will allow Nightshine to sleep in his bed with him or he would completely let her have it and sleep on the couch. He hasn't even been a parent for a full day yet, give him a bit more of a chance to prove himself. I know I'm ready to see more adorable moments between these two! It's a great story!
6947087 I'm going to get a seizure, and everyone around me will start doing the Harlem Shake...
Each Chapter keeps getting Better!!!! And The FEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suck it, Fluttershy! Nightshine is way cuter than you!
6947140 *filthy Frank intensifies*