May 11

Sunset rolls over and fumbles for her glasses on the night stand. After putting them on she bolts for the bathroom and throws up in the toilet. Moon walks over and kneels next to Sunset.

“Umm... do you want anything? What should I do? What should i do? I want to comfort you.”

Between wheezes Sunset sputters “water.” Moon gets up to go fill Sunset’s request.

An hour later Moon finishes eating breakfast at the same time Sunset walks in after finishing her shower.

“Are you feeling better?” Moon asks.

“A little bit.”

“That must have been morning sickness.”

Sunset nods then rolls her shoulders and her towel slips a little. “Woops!” blushing slightly, she grabs the towel and covers herself.

Moon rises an eyebrow. “What’s with the modesty today? Normally you don’t mind showing mer your curves!”

Sunset turns redder “Umm. I just didn't think now was the time?”

“Yeah I just wanted to tease you.”

“Really? You are usually the more Asexual one between us.”

“Yeah well... I’m ovulating today so…” Moon blushes and looks away.

“That explains it. You are always horny at this time of the month.”

“Yeah… so what is our plan for the day? My teacher emailed me back with the today’s lecture notes so I’m good to do whatever.” Moon changes the subject.

“Well I have to be at the doctor's office at eleven. We can do whatever we want before then.”

“I kind of want to go window shopping down town. What do you think?”

“Sure! I’ll go get dressed.” Sunset turns towards their bedroom and starts to walk when she turns back and asks, “ Do you know what the weather is like today?”

“It’s overcast but not too chilly. My weather app says it will burn off later.”

“Sounds great.”

Moon and Sunset walk along main street past a smoke show towards a bagelry. Sunset is wearing a white polo shirt and sweatpants and Moon is waning a navy blue blouse and long black skirt.

“You know I am finally starting to get a little hungry.” says Sunset, “do you mind if we stop?”

“Not at all!”

“So where do you want to go next?” Sunset asks Moon as the two of them walk about of the bagelry. Sunset takes a bite of her warm bagel.

“I feel like we should walk down Railroad Avenue so we can pass by the arts and crafts store and the thrift store we like.”

“Okay.”

After a while of walking along the sidewalk of Railroad Avenue Sunset spots a pet shop. “Hay they have baby chickens!”

“Not so young thought looks they are molting.

“True.”

“You know before this baby thing came up I was considering asking you if you wanted a pet.”

“Really? What kind of pet do you want?”

“I was going to ask you that!”

“I asked you first!”

“Fine… a cat? I’d be cool with a bird too. What about you?” Moon turns to look at Sunset.

“I’ve always wanted an iguana or a gecko.” Sunset stops and looks through the pet shop window for a moment before continuing to walk.

“Really? I didn’t peg you as a reptile enthusiast. I mean you are always eager to greet dogs and pet cats when you can.”

“I have just always loved seeing people carrying around their gecko or whatever. I don’t know. It’s just so cool!”

“Okay."
Moon stops at the sight of a used kids stuff store. Sunset stops too. They looks at each other.

“Should we go in?” Moon asks after a long silence.

“Sure.” Sunsets says in an awkward tone.

“Welcome ladies can I help you with find anything?” the woman behind the counter asks.

“Uhh we are just looking around right now.”

“I think we should check out the baby section.”

“The baby section is too you're right!” the woman says pointing toward several tracts of very small clothing.

Sunsets gulps slightly “sure let's check it out. What do you want to look at first?”

“Let's look at cloths and see what else they have!”

“Gee Moon I haven’t seen you this excited since you got accepted into the university's graduate program!” Sunset teases.

“Well why shouldn’t I be!?”

Moon began examining the racks of clothes for four month old.

“Can I help you find anything?” an employee asks as she walk up to Moon. “Are you picking out for a friends little one?”

Moon freezes with a looks of confusion on her face. She slowly turns, cocks her head and looks at the employee. “No...”

“I’m sorry I shouldn't have guessed. I just… you are a little young… never mind! I just. Do you need any help?” the employee rambles slightly.

“It’s okay ma’am. Were are just looking right now. We’ll call if we need you.” Sunset says with a cold voice. She steps in and takes Moons arm “let's go over to the infant section.” Moon nods and the two walk over to an isle of even smaller clothing.

“Do you think the baby is a boy of a girl?” asks moon as she start perusing the top rack of onsies.

“Does it matter at this point?”

“Well no… I was just asking.”

“I don’t think we should get anything just yet”

“But this one is so cute!” Moon protest in a fake way holding up a yellow onesie with a blue soccer ball on it,

Sunset chuckles quietly. “I just want to get the doctor’s confirmation that the baby is healthy and will survive before i make any real investment.”

Moon sighs “that’s fair.” moon continues to look at onesies and Sunset joins her. Occasionally they draw each other's attention to one’s they find entertaining.

Eventually sunset checks her watch and notes that they need to head back to the car. “Moon it’s time to roll.”

“Sunset can we get this. Please?” Moon holds up a navy blue hat with the constellation of Ursa Major in silver thread.

Sunset looks at it and several emotions flash in her eyes before she says “Sure.”

Moon approaches the counter and gets her wallet out. Sunset trails behind her slightly.

“Did you find everything you wanted?” the woman behind counter asks.

“Yes. We did.”

“Just the hat then?”

“Yeah.”

“So you have an account you want to buy this under?”

“No.” Moon turns to Sunset, “I think we should make one.”

“Are there any fees?” asks Sunset.

“There is a start fee and a renewal fee every two years.”

“Let’s just get the hat for now and we can come by some other time and set up an account. We don’t have a lot of time today.”

“Sounds great! This hat is super cute! Do you two have a new baby in the family? Or circle of friends?” the woman asks.

“Not yet.” Moon answers glancing at Sunset’s stomach.

“Well congratulations! Here is your receipt.”

Sunset and Moon are patiently waiting in the waiting room when the nurse calls for Sunset. Both of them get up and walk over.

“Who are you?” the nurse asks.

“This is my girlfriend.” Sunset says calmly.

“I can only allow family into the exam rooms.”

“She is my partner.”

“I’m only supposed to allow family in the back.”

Sunset impulsively flexes sever muscles. Moon nods and walks back to a seat in the waiting room. Sunset walks in an exam room with a nurse.

After the initial data collecting with the nurse and a short wait in the private room, Doctor Blossom walks in.

“Good morning Sunset. How are you feeling today?”

“I’m doing good although I did have a bout of morning sickness earlier.”

“So you are here to discuss your ultrasound?” Blossom says flipping through her notes.

“Yes.”

“And last time you wanted your partner here for discussions and decisions?”

“Umm… yes.”

“Should we wait a moment? Are they in the bathroom?”

“No she is in the waiting room.”

“How come?”

“The nurse said she wasn’t allowed in because we aren’t family.” Sunset sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose.

“Right… that policy. I understand why they have it, it is a nice idea to block people the patient doesn't want around but i think it fails in every way.” Blossom says in an exasperated tone.

“Yeah. me and Moon, my partner, have had to deal with it a lot.”

“Hold on a moment I’ll go get them.” Blossom gets up and starts for the door.

“Her.” Blossom turns and smiles.

“Her”

Moon and Blossom walk in and take their seats: Blossom opens the computer she was carrying.

After some typing Blossom says “the radiologist says everything looks normal and that the baby is healthy!” Blossom smiles.

“That’s a relief.” Moon says smiling.

“Yeah.” ads sunset smiling slightly.

“So have you two made any big decisions yet? Do you know if you are keeping it or aborting it?”

Moon and Sunset look at each other. After an intense moment of eye contact Moon gestures to Sunset to speak.

“We are keeping them.” Sunset says simply.

Moon and Sunset walk out of the doctor's office with lots of new papers and pamphlets folded and neatly packed into Moon’s brown hand bag. The walk to their car and sit in it.

“So now what?” asks Moon.

“I don’t know. I’m still processing all the new information from Blossom.” Sunset and Moon sit in the car in silence for several minutes.

“How are you doing?” Moon asks.

“What do you mean?”

“What is going through your mind? How are you feeling.”

“Overwhelmed.”

“Me too. What are you fixating on?”

“Bills. I am going to have to take some time off and you need to stay in school. Money is going to get tight again.” Sunset puts a finger on the bridge of her nose as if adjusting a pair of glasses. After another silence she asks “What are you thinking about?”

“Legal issues.”

“What kind of legal issues?”

“The fact we aren’t technically family so there fore I can’t be with you in the hospital. What if they won’t let me be with you while you give birth? Will they really separate us at such a time? What about afterward? Will I have custody? I just feel like these legal problems will interfere with us being a real normal family.” Moon finishes in a hyper tone.

“Calm down Moon." Sunset sighs, "I see your point. It would be very helpful if we were legally family, but I don't know how that would work.” Both women stare at the windshield of the car in silence.

Sunset fidgets. She glances quickly at Moon. The silence immediately becomes akward for Sunset. Moon remains oblivious for several minutes. Eventually Moon glances at Sunset and finally picks up the awkward atmosphere.

“Umm…” Moon looks at Sunset and Sunset looks away.

After another pause Sunset finally says, “there is one way I can think of for us to become legally family but…” Sunset tails off.

“How?” Moon asks.

“We could get married.” Sunset looks at moon.

Several emotions flash across Moon's face: shock, fear, panic, anger, concern and finally confusion. Sunset tried to process everything and come up with a way to reassure her girlfriend.

“We don’t have to. I just said… it’s all I can think of. I am happy to take suggestions!” Sunset says quickly.

Moon looks away to think for a moment. Sunset sits in worry and anticipation. Finally Moon turns back and says “let's do it.”

“Do what?”

“Get married.”

“Gees Moon! Don’t you want to think about this more? Just feel like we should prepare some? You don’t even have a ring and you’re already proposing?”

“Aren’t we in this situation because of bad luck and hasty decisions? I don’t think it will kill us to make another.”

“It’s times like this that I remember how young we are…” Sunset sighs. “Okay let's go to the courthouse.” she starts the car.

“Wow there Rai! I didn’t mean today! THIS is sudden!” Moon says in alarm.

“When else are we going to do this!? It’s not like we have a lot of time on weekdays to do stuff like this. Let’s at least go to court and see what happens. I was think should try for a paper wedding. We can plan a ceremony for another time. If we want the benefits of a legal union for this pregnancy and child Ii think the sooner the better is the way to go.” Sunset says glancing at Moon then looking back at the road.

“Fine.”

Six hours Later Moon and Sunset walk out of the court house a newly wedded couple.

“I can’t believe we just did that.” Moon says.

“I know. It feels like a dream.” The two women walk outside to a tumultuous downpour of rain.

“We are getting soaked!” Sunset comments.

“Surprisingly I don’t care.” Moons says laughing. Moon and sunset lean in and kiss on the courthouse steps in the rain. Moon is on a higher step making them the same height.

After a moment of kissing Sunset jumps and pulls back almost falling backwards.

“Are you okay!?” Moon asks in alarm. Sunset takes Moon’s hand and places it over her upper stomach.

“Do you feel that? The baby’s kicking. This is the first time it have felt it move.” Sunset says with teas forming in her eyes. “I think it’s a sign.”

“I can feel it.” she sniffs and wipes her eyes with her free hand. “Our baby approves and so do I” moon leans in again and the two kiss again, sharing the moment with their still moving baby.

When the two finally put apart Moon notices how exposed Sunset’s breasts are though her now see through shirt. She she leans in and hugs Sunset. “I think we should go home, take a shower together and then cuddle.”

“What about telling your parents or dinner?”

“Fair enough. Do we have any spare clothes in the car?”

“I think we have something.” The two start walking down the steps.

“Do you think before we go eat we can go get each other rings?” Sunset asks.

“Can we afford them?”

“I was thinking we would limit ourselves to a price range. I really want to get one for you and put it on your hand tonight at dinner.”

“Okay but only if it’s a surprise. I want us to pick them out separately and not show each other until tonight.”

“Fine. but I’m going first.”

Moons rolls her eyes and says “like I was going to try.” Sunset laughs.

They walk back to their car holding hands and singing Wild Mountain Thyme. They each find a coat and socks and change. Moon calls her parents to tell them to come to dinner with them. She also calls her sister and tells her the news.

Sunset drives them to a local jeweler and they walk in together to talk to the owner. After that Sunset waits in the car for Moon when then waits for Sunset. After that excursion the two set off again. Sunset drives the two of them to the restaurant they chose.

Not long after getting situated in the restaurant Moon’s parents walk in. They order and get situated.

"Aren't you two going to take of your coats?" Asks Sea Skater.

"Nope!" Moon says as Sunset laughs. "We aren't really wearing much under our coats on account of us getting soaked."

“What is it with you and your surprise get together with big news!” Night Star says leaning forward.

“Yeah what ever your surprise is it can’t be more shocking than last time!” Sea Skater laughs to herself but stops seeing the looks on Moon and Sunset’s faces. “What did you two go and do.” she glares at the both of them.

The two look at each other and laugh.

“You aren’t going to like our answer.” Moons says. Sunset tries to hide her giggles.

“Tell us now please don’t leave us hanging!” Nigh Stare exclaims.

“We got married!” Moon says excitedly.

“What!?” Her two parents demand.

“We went to the courthouse and had a paper wedding this afternoon.” sunset says with a somewhat smug look.

“Young ladies do we need to have another talk about how fast you two are moving thought this? We were together for seven years before we got married and then another four years before we adopted you and your sister!” Sea Skater says.

“No. no we do not. We have already heard this and don’t care. We made our choice and we are happy.” Sunset says simply.

Sea Skater rounds on her daughter. “I a disappointed in you. I thought you have more control over your life than this! I can’t believe you would do this us. First a child and now a marriage? Are you two going to ditch us and run away? After everything we have done for you!” Sea Skater fights to control her anger.

Moon’s face immediately changes at her mother's words. She leaves the table crying running straight for the bathroom.

“Sweet heart I think you are being a little judgemental and extreme. I understand where you are coming from and I can’t say i disagree. I do think they are rushing it.” Night Star takes Sea Skater’s hands in his and looks her in the eyes. “This is their big night, their first one anyway. I think we own it to them to try to be a supportive and happy for them as we can.”

“I don’t get it though. Is Moon trying to spite me? Is this her rebelling?”

“Were we rebelling when we started dating? I believe them when they say they love each other. You should probably try to apologize to Moon and go along with this. You remember how you felt when your parents refused to accept me? That probably how Moon is feeling now.” Sea Skater nods and Night Star turns to Sunset. “Go be their for you wife. Make sure she’s okay.”

Sunset leaves to find Moon. She finds her in the bathroom drying her eyes in front of the mirror.

“How are you doing?”

“I feel rejected.”

“It’s going to be okay. I talked to your parents and they want to make this our night. They are willing to put aside their feeling about me and us and our decisions so that we can have the best dinner together that we can.”

“Are you sure? My mom seemed pretty mad at me.”

“She was just reacting in the moment. Your mom has always been a little impulsive.” Sunset hugs Moon. “let's go and try to have a good time. If things get bad again we can just leave. I’ll take you home and we can make out like you wanted. The night it still young.” Sunset gives Moon a reassuring smile.

“Okay”

The two women walk back to their table. The appetizers have arrived and Moon’s father is eating. Sunset and Moon join him.

After they finish, Night Star starts up a conversation.

“So give us some details please! What made you two decide to tie the knot? How was it at the courthouse? Did you two do anything special?”

“Legal reasons pushed us to have a paper wedding. Partly for medical reasons and custody reasons but also because we love each other and wanted to at some point.” Moon explains.

“Also this is our special dinner. We haven’t really done much yet. Well beside a very nice kiss on the courthouse steps.” Sunset smiles at Moon.

“Very nice!”

“Do you two plan on a honeymoon?” Night Star asks.

Moon and Sunset look at each other. “Honestly we didn’t talk about that. What do you think?” Moon says

“I have two weeks off in the end of June. I think we should go camping then. As for a more formal honeymoon where we stay in a resort or travel... I feel like that should wait until after this one is born and we have had our ceremony.” Says Sunset.

A waiter walks up to them and starts setting down their food.

“Where’s Mom?” Moon asks.

“She’ll be right back.” Night Star smiles.

“Should we wait?” Sunset asks.

“Ah sure. She should be here soon.”

“Okay. So how was your day dad.”

“My day was great. Work went well. I read lots of memos and then attended some meetings… Standard stuff.”

“Cool.”

Sea Skater walks in with a wrapped box and a colorful gift bag in her hands.

“So presents of food first?” Night Star asks.

“Presents.” “Food!” Sunset and Moon answer at the same time. The two look at each other intensely for a moment and then Moon switches sides.

“Presents.”

Sea Skater hands the Box to Moon and the bag to Sunset. They each accept them noticing the weight of the large packages.

Moon and Sunset both look at each other before tarring into their presents.

“What the…” Moon’s face turns pink as she pull out a beautiful glass model of a nurse shark. “You didn’t! Why!” She stammers.

“Just to remember you of the good times we’ve had.” Nights star said between laughs.

“What are you talking about?” Sunset asks.

Moon’s face gets even redder as Sea Skater explains. “When Moon was ten and we were vacationing in Mexico we when to a center where we got to see sharks in captivity. There was one set up where people could reach in and pet a nurse shark who was in a tank with handler. Moon was very eager to meet the shark and in her haste overbalanced and fell in. You should have seen the look on her face when the shark swam over to say hi!” Sea Skater and Night Star laugh as Moon buries her face in her hands. Sunset laughs too.

Sunset pulls out a conch shell. “This is really pretty.”

“We thought you would like that. We wanted to remind you of the sea side town you were initially from.”

“Thanks guys.”

Moon rummages around the tissue paper in her box and finds a thick metal chain and pulls it out. Her eyes widen as she recognizes it. “It’s grandma necklace!”

Sunset looks at it carefully. “That was your grandmothers?”

“Yeah she was a dancer and this was the necklace she war at performances.”

“We notice that you used to stare at her pictures and so we thought you would like to have the necklace she was wearing in them.”

“Thanks.” Moon wipes tears from her eyes. She gets up and hugs her parents.

Sunset whips out her phone and takes a picture. After they are done she turns to her bag in her lap. She can feel something heavy inside.

After some careful maneuvering she pull out an old metal and wood carousel. Moon gasps and stares at it. Sunset sets in down carefully and studies it. The paint is fading but the detail on the wooden horses is incredible.

“This is really neat. Thanks.”

“There is a story behind that.” Night star says. Sunset meets his eyes and waits patiently. “When my great granduncle was eight he was stricken with leprosy. This kept him bedridden for the rest of his life. His biggest dream was to be able to go outside and play with the other boys. His brother, my great grandfather knew this and tried to to gloat about what he did outside but something's reached him. One of these stores was of the county fair and it’s carousel. My grand uncle wanted to go and see it. It was the only think at the fair that had colors and lights. My great grandfather worked with his father and uncle to make him a working model of the carousel so her could have one my his bedside. And it has been passed down in my family ever since as a symbol of our love and determination.”

Sunset was speechless for a moment. “What are you giving this to me!” she splutters.

“Because you are part of our family now. I wanted to give you a symbol of our best and our history.”

“Thank you. I am flattered that you find me-...” Sunset is cut off by a loud gurgling noise.

Everyone looks at Moon who blushes. “I’m really hungry!”

Sunset laughs “Let's eat then.”

During dinner Moon’s family tells Sunset family stories and they have a good laugh. Finally the plates are cleared way and desert is ordered.

“So,” Sunset gets everyone's’ attention “ I think it’s time.” Sunset clears her throat and pulls out a small black box. Moon hastily reaches for one too. “Moon Dancer Lumen Evans I love you. I love the way you can work any material into a work of art. Thread, fabric, wood, and metal, you can turn it into creative sculpture or useful blankets. I love the way you see the work and I love listening to you explain your perspective. You see everything so differently from me. Listening to you talk about the geometry of shutting a door or the physics behind falling snow… I could listen to you talk all about the insights you have because you have a unique mind. I can’t wait to see you use it to solve more problem learn even more. I am so happy that I will get to spend the rest of my life with you.” Sunset takes a deep breath. “Will you accept this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment and understand that I want to be in your life for as long as you will let me?” Sunset presents Moon with a silver ring with a blue gem stone cut in a triangular pattern.

“Yes!” Moon chokes out. She is says crying hard. She holds out her left hand and Sunset slides the ring on.

After a moment Moon calms down enough to speak again. “Sunset Ignis Shimmer Evans. From the moment I met you I looked up to you. You were the cool senior who I wanted to learn how to be. You were always good with people and you knew how to be funny in a way that made you look good. I was jealous and inspired. I just wanted to watch you and figure out how you did it. I honestly didn’t think you would pay too much tension but you did. You told me you wanted to be my friend and you taught me so much. Every day with you was a gift and it still is. I am still learning every day from you. You inspire me to be my best self and every day I count my blessings I always say that having you in my life is the most important one.” Moon pauses to wipe her eyes. “Sunset Will you accept this ring as a symbol of my love and compassion, understand that I will follow you to ends of the earth. I will share everything with you if you agree to be my partner.” Moon presents Sunset with a silver ring with an orange gem cut into a square pattern.

“I accept.” Sunset holds out her left. Moon has a hard time putting it on because her hands are shaking.

“We did it.” Moon says after she finished.

“We did.” Moon and Sunset kiss as desert shows up.

“Pardon my intrusion, but what is the occasion?” The family turns to see a waiter with their desert.

“A marriage.”

Author's Note

I wrote another chapter! oh this was cheesy.... In my defense I based this story off real things that happened to some of my friends. What do you think? Next chapter is smut.