A Home for the Holidays

by Twilight Nightmare

Rating: teen
Tags: Human, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Slice of Life
Length: 5834

A homless Sunset finds much more than she ever thought possible her first Christmas Eve after being cleansed by the Elements of harmony.

Sunset Shimmer is homeless and living in an old abandoned warehouse with no power and a leaky roof with almost nothing to her name, not even her favorite jacket after it was destroyed during the Fall Formal. With the school closed down for the holiday and her so called friends too caught up in their own holiday plans they don't realize Sunset not only doesn't have any...but she has no place to get food with the school closed.

Going to a close by community center Christmas Eve to get a hot meal they were giving the homeless and those down on their luck, Sunset runs into the family of the last person she expected to see there...

Published 2014-12-09 02:50:12 UTC
Last updated 2014-12-09 02:50:12 UTC

The Greatest Gift Of All

The snow was falling at a steady pace making for a beautiful, if very cold, night. It was a few short months since her defeat at the hands of Twilight Sparkle and her subsequent fall from grace as the school’s most popular girl…even if that title was more from the fear of the student body. After seeing how easy she was beaten down when she was at her strongest though showed just how weak and pathetic she really was making the fear that let her control her fellow students quickly crumble away to be replaced with hatred and resentment.

Of course she had the girls who claimed to be her friends, and at times she actually believed it, but a part of her wondered just how much their friendship was genuine and how much of it was just them keeping a promise to the pony princess who went back to Equestria. Of course she wanted their friendship to be real even if a part of her felt like she didn’t deserve it after all of the pain she caused them. Still, even after all the pain she caused, they tried their best to make her feel like she belonged with them…usually. With Christmas in the morning not one of the girls bothered inviting her to share the holiday with them despite knowing that there had to be at least one party…especially considering one of the girls was Pinkie Pie herself.

Not a one of them pushed very hard to learn much about her life away from them or where she lived. Not that she had much to show them if they ever did since the place she stayed was an old warehouse with a leaky roof and no source of heat. Normally she wouldn’t mind it so much since the walls blocked the worst of the wind from her and she could snuggle under several blankets she got from a church who gave clothing and blankets free to the less fortunate as well as her jacket. A jacket that was destroyed during the incident where Sunset became a raging she demon meaning that she had one last layer of protection against the cold.

Since she got the jacket from the church she couldn’t get another one since they only allowed one jacket per person per year. It was a rule made to make sure every person who needed one could get one, though it ended up being a bad thing if something happened that destroyed said jacket or someone stole it.

Now all she had was a long sleeve pink shirt with a short sleeve one covering it protecting her upper body as she stood in line just outside of the local community center. She was in line waiting to have Christmas Dinner with the other homeless and needy people in the area…the area being a little ways away from the larger community center in the middle of Canterlot where the girls volunteered sometimes. Christmas or not, she wouldn’t even be here because of the cold if this wasn’t the first meal she had in three days since not even hugging herself and rubbing her arms was helping her warm up.

As the line moved some Sunset almost cried out in relief when she was able to step inside of the building and feel the rush of heat wash over her from the vent overhead. The power of the blower messing her hair up even more, but she just didn’t care as she tried to stop shivering. The others around her in line was ignoring her, something she was used to when she had to come to a food kitchen for a free meal when school was closed for so long. She was so thankful for the free lunch program at school allowing her to get breakfast and lunch.

As the line slowly moved onward and she picked up her plastic spork and foam tray, she finally came to the volunteers behind the buffet setup. Looking up at the first person she couldn’t help wanting to hide behind her hair as she saw a man maybe in his early twenties with blue spiky hair. He was very good looking and she hated when attractive guys saw her doing this…or she used to. The vain streak that once ran through her blood that was ten miles wide had shattered and washed away with that rainbow colored tornado that banished most of her negative feelings. Still, she couldn’t help feeling a rush of embarrassment as he studied her.

“Hey there kiddo, having a good holiday?” The man asked as he held out his hand waiting for her to hand over the tray in her own hands. After shaking her head she shoved the foam tray into his hand a little more forcibly than she meant to making him chuckle a little.

“As good as can be expected I guess.” Sunset sighed as he scooped up some turkey and gravy putting it on her tray. “Do…do you come her often?”

“My family always volunteers here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My name’s Shining Armor, what’s yours?” He said handing the tray to the person next to him.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset squeaked out before being pushed forward by the man behind her.

“If you want to flirt, do it on your own time.” The man grumbled.

“Maybe I’ll see you later.” Shining said as Sunset swallowed nervously before looking up in the amused eyes of a girl about the same age as Shining, a girl that looked so familiar.

“Are you here with your family?” The pink, purple and white haired girl asked sounding concerned.

“I…don’t have a family.” Sunset found herself admitting to this strangely familiar woman who made Sunset feel as if she could openly trust her.

“So you live with a foster family?” The woman asked, her expression growing sadder as Sunset slowly shook her head no.

“I…live on my own…” Sunset sighed not wanting to admit that she only had an abandoned warehouse with no power and no heat as well as no food. She wished that she could get a job, but she didn’t have any paperwork showing who she was. She was lucky she managed to forge papers for school and that her lie about her old school burning down matching up with an actual school that really did burn down destroying all records that they had.

“This isn’t a social dinner.” The same man from behind Sunset growled out as he pushed her forward again to the next person who was finishing loading Sunset’s tray with food. At first she wanted to cry out in surprise to see Twilight Sparkle standing there with a sad smile as she handed the tray over the counter to Sunset as well as a foam cup of water.

“I hope you…I hope that you manage to have a Merry Christmas.” Twilight said nervously as Sunset shakily took her food.

“Thanks…you to.” Sunset managed to mumble out before hurrying off to find an empty seat. A part of her wanted to run away seeing how Twilight was here, but she quickly realized it wasn’t the pony princess, but this world’s version of her. There was just so many differences in this Twilight from the pony turned human such as the glasses and her hair just didn’t seem as shiny nor did it had as much volume.

Sunset hunched over the table trying to avoid the eyes of any of the others, something she learned a long time ago. While most people that came her was nice, sometimes they could get defensive if she met their eyes. Other times they would…make suggestions and offers…ones that made her queasy and feel dirty. It was better to just keep to herself as much as possible in this situation.

After finishing half of her meal she noticed how the table was almost empty making her look around. She realized that she must have lost herself in her thoughts as the people that was dishing out food was helping an older couple clean off the tables that were now empty. Taking a bite of stuffing she noticed that it was now kind of cold while it was actually still steaming when she got her tray.

“You okay?” Twilight asked sitting in front of her. What was the girl looking for, platitudes that everything was super-duper? Well nothing was looking very good at the moment, and for the first time Sunset was starting to realize just how lonely she was. This was a holiday for friends and family to be together…and she was feeling like she didn’t have any friends while she knew she didn’t have any family. “Hey…please don’t cry, I’m really sorry!”

“I’m not crying.” Sunset protested as she shoved a spork full of mashed potatoes in her mouth. She couldn’t help feeling the wet feeling trailing down her cheeks as Twilight looked on sadly.

“Why don’t you come home with us for now dear.” The older woman who was cleaning asked as she sat down next to Sunset and rubbed the younger girl’s shoulder.

“Wha…why? You don’t even know me.” Sunset asked, shaking a little. Why was this woman inviting her into their home? Why…why was the kind gesture effecting Sunset so much as she couldn’t stop shaking.

“Well, if you come with us we can get to know you.” Twilight said flashing a smile at Sunset making the flame haired girl collapse into sobs as the older woman pulled her into a hug rubbing her back.

She wasn’t sure how long she was there being comforted by the older woman, but she eventually pulled back looking up. She wanted to say yes, she really did, but Sunset just couldn’t bring herself to accept the offer. She knew she didn’t deserve the kindness and she deserved to be suffering after causing so much to others. This was her punishment for her wrong doings…

“We aren’t going to take no for an answer sweetie, so you might as well say yes.” The pink, purple and white haired girl said coming over and resting a hand on Sunset’s shoulder.

“Are you sure?” Sunset asked meekly, cursing herself for being so weak. Sure she hurt from all the nasty looks the students at CHS shot her, but it never affected her to this degree. Was it just because of Christmas and feeling the loneliness that never really bothered her before during the holiday really causing the emotional roller coaster?

“Of course we’re sure honey.” The older man said coming up to them giving Sunset an encouraging smile. “We would love to have you over tonight and it would be great to have someone my daughter’s age over for Christmas dinner…she really needs a friend.”

“Daddy!” Twilight whined as she blushed, looking away in embarrassment.

“Well…I guess I don’t exactly have any other plans.” Sunset said in an attempt to get control over her emotions, but knew it was a stupid gesture anyways. This family had already seen her breaking down.

“I’d love to join you guys tonight, but I have a few things I have to do. I’ll come by in the morning with Shiny.” The pink, purple and white haired girl said.

“That would be great Cadence. You both take care and we’ll see you in the morning.” The older woman said.

“See you in the morning Mom.” Shining said coming over to kiss the older woman on the cheek before patting Sunset on the head. “Don’t worry kiddo, my Mom will take great care of you.”

“See you tomorrow BBBFF.” Twilight beamed up at the man who smiled back.

“See you in the morning LSBFF.” Shining said as the older man came up and hugged Shining, whispering something in his ear to have a reply whispered back.

“Make sure to come by early, you two.” The older man said.

“We will Dad, good night.” Shining said as he and…Cadence? Walked out hand in hand making Sunset feel disappointed for some reason.

“So dear, your name is Sunset Shimmer?” The older woman asked as the man sat down across from them next to Twilight.

“That name sounds a little familiar.” The man said softly which would have made Sunset panic if not for the realization that her picture was in the paper several times when winning the multiple princess of the dances that she had.

“Y-Yeah, I’m Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset managed to say as she saw the three around her studying her. It wasn’t in a bad way, they jest seemed really interested in getting to know her. A part of her was a little freaked out over it while another part couldn’t help feeling a little happy that someone was interested in her like this.

“Well, I’m Twilight Velvet and this is my husband Night Light and our daughter Twilight Sparkle.” Velvet said. “You can call me Velvet and my husband Night.”

“My friends call me Twily.” Twilight supplied.

“That was our son Shining Armor and his girlfriend Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadence for short.” Velvet explained as she stood up. “Let’s say we get out of here and head home.”

The house was rather large compared to what Sunset had in mind, the structure being two stories tall with an attached garage that the spacious SUV that Velvet drove parked in so they didn’t have to walk through the snow that was falling mush heavier now. It looked almost gaudy with all of the Christmas decorations, yet at the same time, Sunset couldn’t stop admiring the beauty of them as the multi colored lights both outside and inside. The alternating blinking of the lights throwing off soothing shades or red, blue and green.

“So, how do you like it?” Velvet asked, “The boys went through a lot of work hanging the lights outside.”

“I put up the Santa and reindeer!” Twilight huffed in mock indignation, a small smile threatening to form as her lips twitched as the group hung up their coats and removed their shoes. Sure they came in from the attached garage, but they still got snow on their feet getting into the vehicle.

“And you did a very good job.” Sunset smirked patting Twilight’s shoulder as she walked by, following Velvet into the kitchen while Night headed to the television in the family room followed by his daughter.

“Why don’t you join them while I call in for some delivery. Tomorrow we will have our traditional Christmas spread.” Velvet said as she picked up the phone off the cradle on the counter and looked at the sheet of paper hanging on the fridge. “By the way, what do you like on your pizza?”

“Pepperoni.” Sunset said softly, used to the meat by now and actually having a strange addiction to it. Of course if she changed back to being a pony she doubted she would be able to eat it as she blamed her current body for it’s cravings for meat despite what her mind said when she first arrived in this world.

“Twilight’s favorite to, I’ll make sure to order extra incase you girls stay up all night and decide you want a snack.” Velvet said dialing the number as Sunset took a seat at a stool against the island as she watched Velvet a little. She couldn’t help feeling a little envious of Twilight having a mother like this, a mother that even now Sunset pined for even if she refused to admit it out loud. Maybe if Celestia was more of a mother figure near the end instead of the strict, somewhat standoffish teacher she was becoming while telling Sunset to make friends then perhaps none of this would have happened. If Celestia actually held her, told her she was loved and supported her then Sunset would have stayed on the right path instead of burying herself in her studies and search for power…after all if no pony loved her she would make them love her…not that it exactly worked out in the end.

“What’s wrong sweetie?” Velvet asked sitting down next to Sunset, covering the younger girl’s hand on the smooth cool surface of the counter breaking Sunset from her thoughts and memories.

“N-Nothing.” Sunset lied, hanging her head so her bangs would cover her eyes a little as she could feel the sting of tears trying to escape. What was with her and this stupid holiday making her so emotional? She wanted to scream out but knew that would be pointless to do.

“You know, you don’t have to be alone.” Velvet said softly, “I’m sure there are plenty of families out there who would jump at the chance to take a sweet girl like you in and give you a home.”

“Name one.” Sunset snorted, “After all I’ve done…I wouldn’t deserve it anyways.”

“What have you done?” Velvet asked as she got up and pulled a covered bowl from the couther space near the fridge and grabbed a couple glasses and a gallon of milk from the fridge before returning to her seat next to Sunset giving both of them a glass and pouring them full of milk and pulling the lid off the bowl revealing a pile of homemade cookies. Both chocolate chip and peanut butter filled the bowl making Sunset drool at the sight of them. “If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine…but I’m here if you want to get it off your chest and cookies help everything.”

“Well…I was a total bitch.” Sunset sighed taking a cookie from a bowl, sighing when she saw the reproachful look on the woman’s face.

“Please keep your language clean in this house dear. I know that you may have been through a lot, but please try and keep the more colorful language to a minimum.” Velvet said.

“I’m sorry.” Sunset said meekly, a little surprised at herself for truly meaning it. She had never truthfully meant any apologies because of her language and yet this woman made her regret saying that in front of her.

“Its okay sweetie, I know things couldn’t have been easy for you.” Velvet said leaning forward and kissing Sunset’s head making the girl smile softly while the older woman momentarily wrinkled her nose as she smelled that the girl may not have had a chance to shower for a few days. She quickly hid her expression not wanting to upset the girl but made sure to make a mental note to let the girl shower and get her some clean clothes…actually that brought a thought up.

“Well, like I said…I was like that. I can’t really think of a better word as I treated everyone around me like garbage and actually went through great lengths to hurt others that were happy.” Sunset admitted, waiting a few moments for the woman to kick her out only to receive an encouraging no to go on. “I…I used to live with someone a long time ago who I looked up to as a mother and at first she acted like one. Then…she started being more strict and encouraged me to make more friends while she herself was avoiding me. I admit…I know she was busy now, but at the time it really hurt and I refused to make friends…if she didn’t want me, who would? When I ran away I refused to let anyone close to me again and I took all the pain and anger I felt out on others.”

Of course that was only the key points of her past as there was no way she could tell this woman everything. She could see herself locked in a padded room if she told this woman she was once a unicorn and felt that her old teacher not only neglected her, but refused to give her what Sunset felt she deserved because of misunderstanding about their relationship. Then again maybe it was all Sunset’s fault that their relationship fell apart as she new realized what kind of brat she was back then. No wonder Princess Celestia started avoiding her…

“Not the best way to deal with your pain dear, but I completely understand.” Velvet sighed as Sunset finished off a third cookie while the older woman slowly sipped on her cup of milk. “Do you…still take things out on people around you?”

“No…I don’t really want to talk about what happened…but it made me realize the monster I became. I don’t want to act like that ever again…but…” Sunset said, her voice growing into a soft whisper as she debated if she should say it. It was something that had been weighing on her for awhile, something she had never told anyone. Now though she had someone who was truly willing to listen and actually cared about her…should she finally let it out? “I was already getting so tired…since it happened I…I’ve been beyond tired and some days it’s hard finding the strength to even bother anymore.”

“Oh honey.” Velvet sniffed pulling Sunset into a tight hug, rubbing her back as she cried. There was no sobs this time, just quiet tears as Sunset shook in the woman’s loving arms.

Sunset laid in the bed she was given to sleep in, looking around the room while enjoying the clean nice smelling sheets on the soft plush mattress and pillows. She was clad in an extra pair of pajamas with a dark purple robe laying on the chair and an extra pair of bunny slippers by the bedside. The family and Sunset had watched television for awhile, seeing a movie called Frosty the Snowman for the first time. It may have been a cartoon, but it still showed off the humans’ infatuation with magic…and even though Sunset had an intimate knowledge of real magic the show had still awed her.

She had to admit this was the best night she had enjoyed for such a long time with a nice hot bath and clean clothes to sleep in and a real bed with no leaking roof. It was so perfect and should have made it easy to fall asleep, yet she just couldn’t do it. The conversation she had with Velvet was still bothering her, and she was afraid that the woman may tell her family despite promising not to. She didn’t want all of them looking at her in pity…and she didn’t want them worrying because she had told the truth. She was having a harder time finding the motivation to get up in the mornings.

Looking at the angry red blinking of the digital clock she saw that it was almost one in the morning. Heaving a sigh she climbed out of bed, slid the slippers on and pulled the robe on. Slowly she made her was down the hall to the bathroom seeing that she had drunk too much milk, water, Pepsi…okay she just drunk too much seeing that this was the first time in several days she could freely drink. On the way back though she could see the glow of a light down the stairs and stopped hearing some talking.

“Are you sure honey, we want to do this but we want your input as well.” Night’s voice came drifting up from below, his voice a little hard to make out forcing Sunset to strain her ears trying to hear everything.

“Of course I’m sure Daddy, I think it would be great.” Twilight said, a little excitement in her voice.

“Shhh you two, keep it down. We don’t want to wake Sunset up…she deserves to be able to get a good nights sleep.” Velvet said, the conversation getting harder to hear after making Sunset sigh in frustration. Slowly she trudged back to bed in a vain attempt to get some sleep, something she doubted to get.

“Come on, wake up sleepyhead!” Twilight said with excitement making Sunset rub her eyes as she sat up to see the girl sitting on the edge of the bed shaking her shoulder. A familiar looking dog sitting on the floor by Twilight’s feet. Sunset couldn’t hold back a groan as she noticed that it was 5:59 in the morning. Apparently she did manage to get some sleep though she was still so tired. “Come on silly, we’re going to open presents before breakfast.”

“I’m coming.” Sunset sighed as Twilight squealed happily and danced out of the room followed closely by her dog. Sighing, Sunset couldn’t help realizing she had been doing that a lot the last two days, she climbed from the bed and wrapped herself in the robe again and slid her feet into the slippers. She didn’t know why Twilight wanted her to come, it wasn’t like she was going to be opening anything and she knew she didn’t have money to get any of them anything. She debated if she should go back to sleep, but had a feeling twilight would only come back and drag her downstairs.

“YOU!” Two voices rang out as soon as Sunset reached the family room with the tree with a lot of presents under. One of the voices belonged to Sunset herself, the other belonging to her principal as they stared at each other in shock while pointing at each other.

“Yes, and I’m me.” Cadence giggled, “Come on, Auntie, Sunset, let’s get a settled.”

“But…how…she…how?” Celestia mumbled, her eyes droopy as it appeared she was just as sleep deprived as Sunset herself.

“Come on Auntie, I have coffee ready.” Cadence giggled leading a confused Celestia over to an easy chair where the older woman sat in as her niece pushed a mug of steaming coffee in her hands.

“Thanks.” Celestia mumbled as Twilight and Sunset settled into the couch as Velvet sat mugs of hot cocoa topped with whip cream on the coffee table in front of the teens as Cadence and Shining took a recliner, the former sitting in the later’s lap. Velvet was standing off to the side near the tree where…Night Light dressed as Santa Clause, obviously fake beard and all.

“So, you know Auntie Celestia?” Twilight whispered to Sunset as the flame haired girl kept glancing at her principal nervously as the older woman was obviously perking up…and sending occasional glares toward her.

“She’s my principal.” Sunset sighed.

“Merry Christmas everyone, I’m so happy everyone could be here including our guest of honor.” Velvet said loudly making Sunset blush as the others, even Celestia herself, giggled and chuckled softly at her embarrassment.

“Merry Christmas.” Everyone called back, even Sunset joining in the chorus of voices a little late with a little reluctance in her voice. So far it wasn’t looking very merry seeing how she was going to be stuck watching everyone opening their Christmas presents.

“Sadly Luna can’t be here this morning, but she will be here in time for lunch.” Celestia said after taking a slow sip of coffee. “She said she had a few things to take care of, I just wasn’t expecting it to be about…”

“About something important.” Velvet interrupted. “Let’s say we get to presents…but I was thinking we should switch it up a bit. Why don’t you kids exchange presents first then us old timers will pass out ours.”

“That sounds like a plan.” Night Light said as he dug under the tree pulling out some multi colored wrapped packages handing them out to everyone. “These are from Twilight.”

A chorus of thank yous to the smiling teen next to teen next to Sunset echoed through the room until Night held out a small package towards the fire haired girl who looked in shock at the package in her hands. It really had a tag with her name on it and saying it was from Twilight.

“You…you got me something? But I…I mean…last night…” Sunset stammered trying to say something. “I didn’t get anything from you.”

“None of us expects anything from you, but you deserve to share in this with us.” Twilight said softly.

“Thank you.” Sunset whispered wiping at her eyes.

“Go on sweetie, open it.” Velvet urged as the others opened their own gifts from Twilight.

Slowly, almost fearfully Sunset tore open the package until the contents were revealed. Her eyes widened in shock before giving way to excitement only to melt into disappointment. It was an iPod…one of the newest ones which was cool and really thoughtful, not to mention expensive. It was an awesome gift, but how was she supposed to use it with no home computer and no power?

“Do you like it?” Twilight asked softly as Sunset hugged it to her. She may not be able to use it, but it was the thought hat counts and she would cherish it.

“Y-yeah, thank you so much.” Sunset said reaching over and hugging Twilight.

“You’re very welcome.” Twilight said returning the hug.

“Okay, ours next.” Cadence said giddily as Night Light once again passed out gifts while giving off a hearty Santa laugh making everyone laugh including a teary eyed Sunset as she once again received presents with everyone else.

“Thank you Shining…Cadence.” Sunset said softly as the pair watched everyone open their presents. Sunset noticed that Twilight received some old books that seemed about to fall apart, yet the look in the girl’s eyes showed just how much she loved them. She also received a new iPad with a gift card for iTunes on it.

“Go ahead and open yours, Sunset.” Cadence urged smiling brightly at the girl. Once again Sunset felt the same emotions as before when she found a new laptop computer which once again she would cherish for the thoughtfulness of the gift despite it’s uselessness to her. What was confusing was the second gift from them, two gift cards…one to a furniture store and another to a paint store.

“I picked those Sunset, I thought it would be nice to be able to decorate your room and I’ll help you paint it.” Shining said as Sunset gave him a confused look. He wanted her to paint the warehouse and furnish it? The stuff would either get stolen or ruined and she doubted he would want to trespass in an abandoned warehouse.

“Thank you both.” Sunset sniffed.

“Your very welcome kiddo.” Shining said grinning at her.

“Sorry, I didn’t know until too late that you were going to be here Sunset. All I was told early this morning after someone literally rolled me out of bed,” Celestia said giving a now nervous Cadence a stern look, “Was that there was another person going to be here. If they told me last night when they went shopping I could have gotten something to.”

“Sorry Auntie Celestia.” Cadence said meekly, only for Celestia to roll her eyes a few moments later and smile at her niece. She pulled out some money from her purse and leaned over to give it to Sunset.

“I don’t need anything, I’m okay.” Sunset protested only for Celestia to force it in her hands as the other opened their gifts from her.

“Take it, maybe you can buy some music for your new music player…or get some stuff for school.” Celestia said softly as Sunset nodded slowly and leaned back. Her eyes widened when she noticed there were two one hundred dollar bills.

“Th-this is too much.” Sunset squeaked out.

“No it isn’t, now take it.” Celestia said refusing to take the money back.

“Th-Thank you.” Sunset mumbled.

“Okay, now for the last set of gifts which is from us. Luna said she will bring her gifts when she comes.” Night said passing out the last set of gifts. Once again Sunset was very shocked to once again receive presents…though this time they seemed to be more than the others.

“Are you sure these are fo…” Sunset started to ask before noticing the ‘From:’ label on the tags. They all said the same thing, ‘Mom and Dad.’ She didn’t understand, she didn’t have a Mom and Dad…maybe Velvet and Night messed up when writing the tags. Maybe during last minute gift wrapping they put that on the tags.

“Of course they are for you.” Night smiled patting her head. Slowly Sunset opened the packages to find warm looking winter clothes, at least two outfits and a black leather jacket similar to her old one that was ruined.

“Thank you all so much.” Sunset said, tears streaming as she hugged the jacket to her, noticing the gift card to a popular clothing store fall from the jacket’s pocket. “I…I don’t know what to say…I don’t have anything to give you all.”

“Actually…you do, dear.” Velvet said sitting down on the arm of the couch next to Sunset as she put her hand on the fire haired girl’s shoulder. “You…can give us yourself.”

“Wh-what?” Sunset asked, her heart rate shooting through the roof as fear of what this woman could mean began flooding through her.

“What my wife means is…Sunset…we want to adopt you.” Night Light said smiling.

“You hardly know me.” Sunset gasped out, unsure if they were being serious.

“So…I’ve always wanted a sister and I think you would make an awesome one.” Twilight said hugging her.

“And with my son no longer living here it can get a little lonely when Twilight ends up spending all night at the library.” Velvet said earning an indignant protest from Twilight making Sunset giggle a little despite the freely falling tears.

“Sunset…while I wasn’t sure at first, I think…no, I know you should accept their offer.” Celestia said softly giving Sunset an encouraging smile.

“I don’t know what to say…” Sunset choked out trying uselessly to wipe away the tears.

“Say yes.” Night Light said softly, “I know this is sudden, but Luna is getting the paperwork needed to get this started.”

“H-How, it’s Christmas Day?” Sunset asked looking up at Night in confusion and a little bit of hope.

“My sister is kind of dating the head of social services and the person who oversees approving adoptions.” Celestia replied softly, seeming a little jealous at the statement.

“The greatest gift you can give us sweetie is becoming our daughter.” Velvet said as Sunset threw her arms around Velvet sobbing into her.

“Yes…please…I want to be…I want a family!” Sunset sobbed loudly as she realized that none of the gifts that she was given could hold a candle to the biggest present of her life…a family.

“Family is the greatest gift of all…and you are part of ours now.” Night Light said hugging them, Twilight joining in. It didn’t take long before everyone in the room was giving Sunset a group hug. For the first time in so long her tears weren’t from pain and sadness, but from the happiness these people had given her.

“Thank you.” Sunset cried happily for once throwing herself into the group embrace whole heartedly.

Author's Note

An early Christmas Special. hope every pony enjoys...btw...Merry Christmas every pony!!!:twilightsmile: