Chapters She walked down the hallway, letting out a yawn and a stretch. A satisfying pop sounded from her joints. She was thankful it was finally the end of the day. Over the years, bedtime had become her favorite time of the day. It meant quiet; it meant calm; it meant that time. Just one last visit.
She knocked on the bedroom door. “Even?” She opened the door. Instantly, the noise of muffled music hit her ears. She entered the room and marched to the occupant in the bed. “Even!” she tapped his knee, rousing the boy. “Come on, mister,” she pointed to her ear, “bedtime.”
Sulkily, the headphones were relinquished.
“The player, too.”
A sigh, and that was handed over as well. “Come on, mom. It's summer. Why do I still have to go to bed early?”
“Because I'm your mother and I know what's best for you.”
Even released a snort.
She smirked and ruffled his hair, much to his displeasure. “Come on,” she leaned in, “give me a kiss.” With a “Good night” and an “I love you”, she turned off the light and left for her own room.
Another yawn came as she entered the master bedroom. It caught the attention of her wife, who was already in the bed.
“Kids all tucked in?”
Sunset nodded. “Finally.” She laid Even's MP3 player and headphones on her dresser. “Rose was quick, as usual. Stardust tried to play politician. Honey wanted to be read Good Night, Sun and Moon (again). Then, Even...” She gestured to the music player.
Wallflower chuckled. “So, a typical bedtime.”
Sunset shrugged as she dressed for bed. “I suppose.”
Her night routine done, she climbed into bed and snuggled next to her wife. “Tell you what, though, I've been looking forward to my bedtime.” She leaned up to kiss her wife. She got her usual nightly peck, but nothing more. Sunset frowned. She'd been waiting all day for "more", and made her disappointment known.
“Not tonight, Sunny” Wallflower shuffled between her papers and laptop. “I need to go over these reports for tomorrow.”
Sunset gave a slight huff. “You said that about last night as well. And the night before that.” She walked her fingers up Wallflower's stomach. “And, you know what they say about all work and no play.”
“You also know what they say when you can't pay your bills.”
“But, you've been working on this straight for nearly a month.”
“That was another presentation we made to the clients. This one is for the investors.”
Sunset's face fell. “Oh... Well, in that case, just throw together some clip art and fancy words. Not like they would know the difference. They're all business illiterate anyway.”
“I wish!” Wallflower laughed, “But, this will set the plan for the rest of the year. It needs to be highly detailed and accurate.” She stopped when she heard a sigh. A sigh was never good.
“Sunny,” she placed a gentle hand on her wife, “what is it?”
Another sigh. “I dunno... I guess we thought, with this promotion, that you'd have more time with to spend with the family. Yet, it seems that we see you less. The kids all ask why you don't tuck them in anymore. Well, except for Even. He wonders why I've suddenly become the Bedtime Police.
“I guess, with Even entering CHS in the fall, and Honey starting preschool, I worried that you're missing out on our kids growing up.”
Wallflower felt the urge to say something, but waited to hear Sunset out.
“And, I've been missing you. Yeah, we're here, but I'm not with you. Every night, I have to share you with a laptop and printouts. I get it that this is all for your work, and you don't want me to feel alone. But, this is our bed. There shouldn't be a wall of paperwork between us.”
Wallflower pursed her lips for a moment, before closing her laptop and setting her work aside. “I guess I really haven't been here. Both for you, or the kids. I'll admit: becoming part of the head office has really taken more of my time than I thought it would.
“Seems this adjustment hasn't been going as smoothly as I thought. I never meant for you to feel like this.” Her face lit up as an idea hit her.
“Sunny, why don't we go some place?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, it's evident we need to do something as a family, and I have some vacation time coming up. I know we always try to stay local, but what if we went somewhere that was equally less draining on the bank?”
“Where did you have in mind?”
“Equestria!”
“What?”
“We've been wanting to go for years. And we should teach more about your heritage. You know the kids want to know.
“Besides, it would be the ultimate getaway.”
Sunset gave the thought ponder.
“Also,” Wallflower gave a mischievous smirk as she slid beneath the sheets. She wrapped her arms around Sunset's hips, pulling them closer to hers. The sudden movement elicited a jagged breath from Sunset. Wallflower took pleasure in it. She loved it when she caught her lover off guard. She kissed her tenderly. “You don't think I've forgotten what's coming up, do you?”
It took a moment for Sunset to process the situation. Not that she had forgotten, but, in the moment, it all slipped her mind. She returned the kiss. “Fifteen years. That's a milestone, isn't it?”
Wallflower smiled, taking her wife's hand and comparing her wedding band to Sunset's. “It sure is.”
Sunset reviewed the lists again. Traveling to an alternate world was much different than to the next town over. Specifically, and something she was grateful for, was that she didn't have to worry about clothes beyond what they would wear entering and exiting the portal. An aspect she appreciated all the more when her three-year-old approached her, buck naked.
“I pooped!” he proclaimed triumphantly.
Sunset's fears were quickly alleviated when she saw he was clean. “Very good, Honey!” she smiled, “Now, where are your clothes?”
The toddler pointed in the direction from whence he came.
“Okay,” she took his little hand, “let's see about getting them back on you.”
On the walk to the bathroom, she glimpsed of another streaker. “Stardust Glitter! Put your clothes back on!”
The six-year-old stood in her bedroom doorway, arms crossed, a pout on her face. “No fair!” she protested, pointing to her younger brother, “How come he gets to run around naked?”
“Honey doesn't get to run around naked” Sunset explained, “We're on our way to put his clothes on right now, and I suggest you do the same.” She sighed inwardly. She was in for a time explaining to this one how was appropriate to be without clothes in Equestria, but not in this world.
“Told you.” The older sister rolled her eyes as she turned a page of her book.
“Rose, are you all set?”
Without looking up from her book, Rose pointed to the small backpack at the foot of her bed. “All right there.”
“Good. Where's your other brother?”
“In his room. Where else?”
“Right...”
With her youngest looking a little less like a wild-man, Sunset went off to see about her oldest.
“Even,” she knocked on his door. Silence. “Even!” Sunset entered the bedroom. Amidst the mess, she found the young teen on his bed, headphones on, air-drumming to his tunes. He jumped when he noticed his mother's presence.
Sunset folded her arms. “I trust you're ready to go?”
“Kinda” he replied, “I have my bag packed.”
“What about this place?” she gestured to the room, “I asked you to tidy it up.” There was, at least, one corner of the room which was clean: the one where he kept all his instruments.
“Why?” the boy asked, “It's not like I share it with anybody.”
“You'll be sharing it with insects and rodents, if you're not careful.”
“Then we'll just make a call to Auntie Fluttershy. Really, mom, s'not that big of a deal.”
“It will be a big deal if you don't have any clean socks or underwear.”
He smirked. “Commando is always an option.”
“Not when you don't have any pants.” That seemed to have stumped the teen. Sunset eyed Even's empty laundry basket. “Clean up. We'll do laundry when we get back.”
Even sighed. “Okay.”
Sunset turned to return to her lists. “Make it quick. We're leaving as soon as Mom gets home. Also,” she pointed to the MP3 player on the bed, “that stays here.”
Wallflower entered the residence with joyful announcement. Instantly, the sound of little feet came galloping down the hall and into her arms. She wrapped herself around them and generously bestowed her love upon her two youngest.
“All set to go?” she greeted Sunset.
“Just about. A few last-minute things. Plus, you need to change. Your clothes are on the bed.”
“Yeah, Mommy,” Honey said, tugging at Wallflower's suite jacket, “this is a family trip, not a business trip!”
“I hear you, I hear you!” Wallflower teased, kissing his little nose. “Just give mommy a few minutes. Okay?” Rising to her feet, she gave her wife a proper kiss, much to the disgust of the young ones.
As Wallflower locked up, Sunset waited in the minivan with the kids. With her wife in and seat belt on, she backed out of the driveway.
Wallflower turned to her brood in the back seats. “You kids all excited to go to Equestria?”
“Yeah!” Stardust and Honey cheered, much to the discomfort of their older siblings.
“Are we really gonna be ponies?” Stardust asked.
“Yep” Sunset replied, glancing into the rear view mirror, “Everypony there is one.”
“But, there're other creatures there too, right?” asked Even, “Not everybody is a pony.”
“True. But, I'm a pony, your mom's a pony. All humans here are ponies over there.”
Even folded his arms in a huff. “I'd rather be a dragon.”
“Dragons are cool!” yelled Honey.
“There are more to just those ponies than meets the eye” Rose schooled her brothers. “You have the three tribes: Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasi. Three different groups living and working together in harmony.
“But, Mommy Flower was born in this world. While Mommy Sunny was born in Equestria. Same with Even.”
“How come I wasn't born in Equestria?” Stardust asked.
“By the time the rest of you all came along, we had already moved to Canterlot City” Wallflower explained.
Stardust turned to her brother. “Do you remember living there?”
Even shook his head.
Sunset checked the road before turning. “He was only two when we moved. While we're there, we'll show you the house we lived in.”
“And everyone here has a pony double in Equestria” Honey said.
“Yes” Sunset chuckled.
“Do you think we'll see Mommy Flower's double?” Stardust asked.
“Possible” Wallflower shrugged. “Though, probably as likely as seeing Mommy Sunny's double here.”
Even leaned forward. “Do you think we'll come across our doubles?”
“Highly doubt it” Sunset chuckled, “You kids are one of a kind.”
“Are we gonna see Grandma while we're there?” asked Rose.
Sunset's shoulders dropped slightly. “I hope so. I told her we were coming. But, with our visit coinciding with the Annual Princess Summit, it's hard to make it work. However, if we can't see her this trip, she said she'll come over here once it's done.”
She pulled into the Canterlot High School back parking lot and found a spot to park the van in the shade.
As the pack jumped out the vehicle, Sunset took a moment to glance at the wooded area behind the school. She smiled as she felt an arm snake around her own.
“Funny how this is were it all started, huh?” Wallflower asked.
“Yeah,” Sunset sighed, “seems like so long ago.”
“We've come a long way, haven't we?”
Sunset smiled, interlacing their fingers. “Yep.”
They marched their way around the building. Along their journey, they came upon the Alumni Garden. Here, again, Sunset stopped for a brief moment.
“This is the garden you helped design,” Rose said, “right, Mom?”
“I worked with the designer” Wallflower clarified. She smiled, pulling Sunset closer. “It's also the garden that brought us back together.”
Stardust thought she'd gag as she watched her parents share a kiss. “Enough with the mushy stuff! Let's. Go. Get. Ponified!”
“Pony-fried!” echoed Honey.
He paced the platform; every so often, glancing at the station clock, then to his own watch. He hailed a passing porter.
“Yes, sir?” the porter said.
“Your clock” he pointed to the majestic clock tower presiding over the grand station, “It's two minutes slow.”
“I, uh, beg your pardon, sir?”
He slowed his speech: “Your clock is two minutes slow.”
“Is that a problem, sir?”
“Well,” the pegasus huffed, “it most certainly is! Suppose I wanted to catch the eleven-fifty-six train to Tall Tale. Well, if I trusted your clock, and arrived at the platform at eleven-fifty-four, I'd have missed my train.
“Now, my fine fellow, suppose I was coming in on the eleven-fifty-two train from Seaward Shoals. Again, if I tursted your clock, I would think my train arrived early, and that I had six minutes to make my connection, instead of four. So, I relax my gait, and miss my train!”
“Sir, couldn't it just be that your watch is a little fast?”
“My watch is never wrong!”
“Uhm... so, what do you like me to do?”
The pegasus jumped, wings and legs flailing, “Why, fix it, my dear colt!”
The porter gulped. “Y-yes, sir!” he saluted, before galloping as quickly as he could in the opposite direction.
Alone again, the pegasus checked his watch, grumbling softly. Soon, he heard the whistle of a train entering the station. Looking up, the long-awaited engine came into view. He stepped back a few paces as the seven-eighteen train from Ponyville pulled into the station.
As ponies shuffled out of their cars, he hovered above, trying to spot out his assignments. Finding them, he swooped in.
“Good evening, Sunset Shimmer” he bowed, “I trust your ride was comfortable?”
“Hi, Gallet” Sunset smiled, ignoring his prim salutation.
Thrown off-script, Gallet cleared his throat before continuing. “A house has been set up for your time here. I shall see you there.”
Sunset nodded. “Lead on.”
Gallet guided the family to the front of the station. A chariot awaited them at the bottom of the stairs.
“A royal chariot?” Stardust exclaimed. She surveyed the vehicle and guards pulling it. “Awesome!”
“No doubt, my mother's doing” Sunset sighed. She turned to their guide. “Is my mother still in town?”
“No” he replied, helping Rose into her seat, “She and Princess Luna departed this morning.”
As the carriage wound its way through the streets of Canterlot, there was too much excitement to be contained. Every second, a new thing caught the children's eyes. Unlike in Ponyville, where they had to move quickly in order to catch the train, they had more time to intake the atmosphere. They would gaze and marvel at every new sight. New noises and smells filled the air, far more than they could behold.
Wallflower and Sunset watched with merry amusement.
“Do you remember when I first brought you to Equestria?”
A smile crossed Wallflower's lips. “Of course! Who could forget the rabid turnip incident?”
“Okay,” Sunset rephrased, “do you remember when I first brought you to visit?
“...Besides, you were the only plant expert I knew.”
“I was in an intro class.”
“Well, who else was majoring in horticulture?”
A chuckle escaped Wallflower's lips. She gently rubbed her muzzle into her wife's neck, tickling her slightly. “Yes, I do” she said, “It was the best night of my life. But, little did I know, there were so many more to come.”
Sunset touched her nose to Wallflower's. “And more still coming.”
The chariot stopped before a large house in the upper, older part of town. Gallet led up to the front door, which he opened.
Almost instantly, Stardust zoomed in. She flew throughout the rooms and halls, getting a layout of the residence. “Woah!” she marveled, returning to the foyer, “This place is even bigger than our house!”
“Your rooms have each been specially prepared. Please, follow me.” He went up the stairs and made a turn to a long hall. He placed the children first, in order of birth.
“Master Evenstar,” He opened the first door.
Even walked in and examined his accommodations. At first glance, it seemed a bit sparse. A small bed with nightstands. A small dresser. A large rug in the center. French doors led to a shared balcony. However, one corner caught his eye. “Score!” He yelled, running over to inspect the large wooden bookshelf filled with vinyl records. A player was nearby.
“Your grandmother tells me you're something of a music lover. I hope you can find something here to you liking.”
“Oh, I'm sure he'll find something” Wallflower chuckled. She smiled as Even found a record he wanted to try.
“How do you work this thing?” he asked, fumbling with the machine.
“I'll show you in a bit” Sunset grinned.
“Miss Primrose,” Gallet continued, crossing the hall, “you're over here.”
Rose trotted in and surveyed the room. It was much like her brother's with the exception of shelves full of books. Similarly, she had been told not to bring any books on the trip. So, this was a real treat.
Stardust looked a bit concerned. “There's only one bed. Where do I sleep?”
“Down the hall” He pointed to the next door over. “Your room is over there.”
The filly's eyes grew wide as the stallion revealed the next bedroom. “You mean I get my own room? Oh, yeah! Woot!”
Her special corner was filled with puzzles and small games. There was also a small chest with various outfits. Stardust had just hit the mother load.
Gallet couldn't help but laugh at the filly's outbursts. He turned to Sunset and Wallflower, who were gently rocking Honey. All the excitement had finally taken its toll on the toddler. Somewhere between the front door and the top of the stairs, he had fallen asleep.
“Master Honeysuckle's room is over here, next to Master Evenstar's.” He opened the door for the mothers to place the little one in his bed.
“Now, then,” he smiled, “if you ladies will follow me.” He walked down to the other side of the landing. There, was a sole double door. He opened it and ushered the couple into the master bedroom.
Wallflower glanced around the elegant room. It was far more decadent than the other rooms. Two sets if French doors butted in the corner to create a grand opening to a patio. All the curtains were drawn back. As the evening sun filtered in, the whole room seemed bright and ethereal. However, some special items had caught her eye. Particular things to make for many a sensual evening. She raised an eyebrow.
“More of your mother's doing?”
Sunset coughed. “I may have had a hand, er, hoof, in it...”
Wallflower gave a sly grin as she placed her lips against Sunset's. “You really are a rascal.”
Her wife released a laugh. “You're just finding this out now?” She moved to deepen their kiss, but was gently pushed away. Only then was she reminded that they were not alone. With a clearing of her throat, she recomposed herself. “Sorry, Gallet.”
The pegasus was ever understanding. “Oh, please, don't mind me. If all is to your satisfaction, I shall be leaving.”
“Everything looks just wonderful.” Wallflower smiled. “Thank-you.”
“My pleasure, madam” he bowed.
“I take it you've already taken care of dinner, Gallet?” Sunset asked.
“Yes, the palace chefs will be around in an hour and forty-two mintutes to serve you.”
“Good. Well, I better go help Even with that record player.” She was quickly stopped by Gallet's hoof.
“I see that you are tired.” he smiled, “Rest. I will assist Master Evenstar and see that the others are properly settled in.”
Alone at last, Sunset laid upon the bed and turned to her mate with a devilish grin. “Now then, my little temptress,” she smirked. It became wider as a blush come through Wallflower's coat. “While we wait for dinner, why don't you come over here, and I'll give you a little sampler?”
Even analyzed his food, cautiously licking a stuffed mushroom. “Should we really be eating this?”
His younger siblings shared his uneasiness. Each viewed their plates with confused wonder.
It seemed like normal food. However, there were little hints to suggest that it wasn't. Most notably: flowers in the salad.
At first, Stardust thought it was a joke since she was told it was a “garden salad”.
Cuisine differences aside, there was also the matter that the children needed to relearn how to eat. Having only mastered the rudimental concepts of using their hooves, it was working with smaller, finer objects that they had problems with. In light of the potential struggles, their mothers had relaxed the table etiquette.
That, however, did not mean that mishaps and other misfortunes did not occur. Through it all, their parents watched with hidden amusement, remembering their own, similar, experiences.
Rose avoided the issue entirely, having mastered levitation rather quickly. She skillfully stabbed her fork into every bit of food and happily enjoyed herself.
Stardust and Even seemed to be having the worst possible times with silverware. Stardust eventually gave up and resided to face-plant into her plate.
Even, if only not to showed up by Rose, tried to preserve some air of decency and pursued on in his quest. However, upon losing his seventeenth fork to the floor, he released an exasperated sigh.
Though, none adapted more quickly as Honey who, having still not mastered eating utensils at home, took to using his hooves faster than anticipated. He stuffed hoof-fulls of food into his mouth, taking joy in his older siblings' struggles.
Wallflower leaned towards Sunset. “Do you remember our first dinner in Equestria?”
“I remember it being just as messy as this one.” She set down a napkin, having wiped Honey's muzzle and hooves.
“As I recall, it was very romantic. We laid on the floor, a bowl of soup between us.”
“Because you'd spilled yours all over the table.”
“You tenderly fed me.”
“Well, couldn't let you starve...”
“Then, afterwards, you gently wiped and brushed down my coat.”
“You had soup all in it.”
“We shared that bubble bath.”
“Okay,” Sunset smiled, “that was kinda nice.”
Despite keeping their voices low, Stardust still got an ear-full of the conversation. She alerted them of the fact with a “Blech!”
Even wiped his hooves on a napkin. “Never thought I'd ever say this, but, I miss fingers... and thumbs...”
Sunset smiled sympatheticly. “You can imagine my shock and surprise when I first got them.” '...Twice.'
“Didn't you say that you had once forgotten how to use your hooves?” asked Rose.
“I'm afraid it was a little worse than that” Sunset laughed, “I had forgotten I had magic. Poor Starlight! She felt so awkward!”
Even slumped. “I suppose, after years without it, you kinda forget about it.”
As dinner came to an end, the family moved to the parlor where they huddled together on a large rug.
Honey had found a book in his nursery he wanted read. Seeing it was a collection of short Equestrian rhymes and stories, Sunset thought to bring the older children in on it as well. Seated around a small platter of cookies, she and Wallflower took turns reading from the book.
The foals listened intently to the tales of grand monsters and beasts. Their eyes grew wide as they heard of mystical mages, high-flying aces and ponies of immense strength. It further fueled their imagination to think that, unlike the fairy tales in their world, all these could be true.
With bedtime approaching, the couple herded their foals upstairs.
The first to get ready, Even kissed his mothers good night before retreating into his room.
"Don't stay up too late listening to music" Sunset said.
"Actually," the colt replied, "it helps me go to sleep. Gotta say, these record things are pretty cool. Too bad we don't have them back home." He frowned at his mothers' laughter.
"You have a talk to Grandpa when we get back" Wallflower said. She went into Rose's room, where the filly was already snuggled up with a book. "Same with you, missy" she smiled, "No reading for more than an hour."
"That's fine" Rose nodded, as her mother adjusted her covers, "I'll finish the book in that time."
Wallflower kissed her daughter's head. "What're you reading?"
"The Mystery of Despair Diamond."
"Oh, sounds scary."
"Not really. It's just a kids' book after all."
"Oh, is it?" Sunset laughed, kissing the filly good-night.
With two down, the mothers turned their attention to the younger two.
"Bath time" Sunset said. She was met with instant rebuttal.
Wallflower pointed out: "There's food all in your fur. You can't go to bed like that."
Stardust tried to flee, but there was no escaping Mommy Sunny's magical grasp. In a short while, both she and Honey were enjoying a warm bubble bath. She especially liked the fact she could splash her brother with her wings.
Coat shining, Stardust crawled into her bed, grasping a stuffed animal left for her. Exhausted, she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Seeing that the filly was properly tucked in, Wallflower mused how someone with so much energy could fall asleep so quickly.
In the nursery, Honey held onto the book from earlier. There was a story he wanted read again. Sunset relaxed on the floor, smiling as she watched Wallflower read.
Sunset had a smile on her face as she and Wallflower entered their bedroom.
“Now,” she teased, “wasn't that, like, the best thing in the world?”
“Best things ever” Wallflower grinned with a sigh, “I sure have missed it.” She closed her eyes as Sunset drew close.
“Well, I'm glad you could do it tonight.”
She smiled “Me, too.” She looked to her wife and the smile became more devious. “But, I still have one last pony to put to bed.”
Sunset placed a stack of steaming pancakes on the table. “Okay, everybody eat up. We've got a big day ahead of us.”
“Where're we going?” Even asked.
“Well,” Sunset took a seat, “we're gonna start at the palace. Then, we're going to visit Grandma's school.”
Rose's ears perked up. “The magic school you and Princess Twilight went to?”
“The very same.”
Gallet greeted the family at the castle gates. “Good morning!” he smiled. He hoofed Sunset the passes for the palace tour.
“Wait,” Rose turned to Sunset, “you're not gonna show us around?”
Her mother smiled. “Believe me, the tour guides are far more knowledgeable of this place than me. Plus, there's also a lot of Equestian history that I know very little about. Consider this an overview. I'll give you the in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour once we're done.”
They waited a short while in the courtyard for the full group to be assembled. With the addition of four more tourists, they were ready to begin.
Once again, Wallflower and Sunset strayed to the rear. The foals, however, stuck as closely to the guides as possible, listening to all they had to say. Sunset watched with pride as they absorbed the history and culture.
She felt a nudge from her wife. “Just look at our little scholars. Historians in the making!”
Sunset gave a light laugh, followed by a saddened sigh. “I just want them to know where they came from. Even if I can't answer their questions about my ancestry, I can tell them where their roots lie.”
“Well,” Wallflower nuzzled, “I think this is a great start.”
The two shared a quiet moment together before Wallflower poked her wife. “Hey, remember the prank we used to play?”
Sunset smirked. “Do I ever! I can still recall their confusion. The thought that they'd lost two ponies somewhere in the palace!”
“It was so cruel! Surprised we got away with it.”
“I told the captain of the guard beforehand. Otherwise, we really would have gotten into trouble. Besides, I know you enjoyed the excitement.”
“Only because I knew you did. Just hiding by itself would have been fine. But, join a group just to disappear a few minutes later?”
Sunset leaned closer. “Oh, but what we did...”
Wallflower chuckled. “You did know all the best spots.”
“When you grow up here, you learn all the best spots. Though, you're the only one I ever took to them.”
“I'm sure you've said that to all your lovers.”
“Well, yes. Because you are all of them.”
Wallflower stopped with a frown. “I didn't know that. How is it I don't know that?”
Sunset shrugged. “Probably because we never talked about it. Not nice to talk about your exes when your dating someone else. And, once you're married, they don't matter anymore.”
“But, what about Flash Sentry?”
Sunset winced as old, painful memories flooded in. “Flash doesn't really count. Yeah, we 'dated', but we both later agreed it wasn't love. Looking back, who knows what we were. We barely even made it to first base.
“Besides,” she nuzzled, “I never brought Flash to Equestria.”
Wallflower blushed as she resumed her walk. “You're, um, all my lovers, too.”
Their tour concluded, Sunset guided her family through the castle's private wing. She showed them her old bedroom, which was now a guest room. However, her study remained the same.
Filled with wonder, Rose browsed through her mother's book and artifact collections. She squealed with glee as she surveyed the various charts and maps. “Where did you get all this?” she asked.
“I was more a hooves-on student” her mother smiled, “I traveled throughout Equestria to perfect my magic. What you see here are some things I picked up on my adventures.”
“You think I could go on such adventures one day?”
Sunset froze, remembering the dangers she faced. Though fun for her at the time, now, as a parent, she wouldn't dream of sending her daughter on such missions. She knew her wife shared the apprehension. “Maybe, one day, when your older.”
“Much older” Wallflower quickly added.
Wallflower had suggested it would be nice to have a picnic lunch at the park. It was a bit of a walk, especially with three little ones, but was well-worth it.
They rested by a small playground at the end of the park. Stardust and Honey were elated to run around and release some pent-up energy. Rose, however, quietly resided herself to one of the swings.
With Wallflower settling back to watch the foals, Sunset took Even to help her procure some food.
Much to Canterlot's surprise, and dismay, Pony Joe's Donut Shop had evolved from coffee and breakfast pastries, now providing soups and sandwiches for later-dining crowds.
With sandwiches for lunch, and donuts for dessert, Sunset and Even rejoined the family.
The foals seemed to be having an easier time eating sandwiches than their dinner. In result, less food was lost to the ground.
“Did you come to this park, mommy?” Stardust sipped her drink.
Sunset nodded. “Almost every day.”
“Was the playground here then?”
“There was a playground, though not this particular one. However, I would come here to study, not play. Actually, I spent many a time reading at a picnic table, just like this one.”
Stardust had a realization. “Woah...We could be sitting at one of the tables you sat on!”
Full, Stardust and Honey wanted to play some more, and quickly ran back to the playground. Seeing their younger siblings have fun, the older two decided to join in, and soon, all four were having a wonderful time.
Sunset threw the trash away as Wallflower curled up under the shade of a nearby tree. She laid down next to her, pushing her as she stretched out. She chuckled lightly as Wallflower pushed back.
“Well?” a nose pushed into her mane, “Isn't this what you always wanted?”
Sunset looked up to see the children running and jumping on wood and metal ramps, bridges, and slides. “It's not grass, but I suppose it'll do.”
Sunset led the way to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
As they approached the steps to the prestigious school, Rose could barely contain her excitement. This had been a dream come true. Ever since her mother had told her about Equestria and the different pony tribes, she had always imagined herself as a unicorn; wielding the magic of the land, learning from the most powerful and wisest mages.
Upon entering the school, they went to the main office where they were greeted by one of the senior professors.
“Moondancer!” the children smiled, happy to recognize a familiar face. They ran up to the bespectacled unicorn.
Professor Moondancer greeted the children, glancing a smile up to the adults as they approached. “It's been a long while. How are you all doing? Enjoying your time here in Equestria?”
“It's a really strange place” Stardust said.
Moondancer laughed. “I could say the same about world!”
Straightening up, she handed a carded string to each of the family members. “These are your visitor passes. Just a reminder, classes are still in session. As for this little bird,” She gently grabbed Stardust with her magic and pulled the hovering pegasus down to the adults' eye level. “Keep to about this level in the hallways, and no flying is allowed in the classrooms and lecture halls.”
“Yes, ma'am” the filly nodded.
“Speaking of lectures,” Moondancer continued, “there's a transfiguration demonstration scheduled for this afternoon. It's meant for the fourth years, but all are welcome to join. It starts in about an hour.”
“Large lecture hall?” Sunset asked. It was where such events were usually held, but she wanted to be sure.
Since the hall was on the other side of campus, it was decided to go there first before exploring the rest of the school. As they made their trek, Sunset glanced around at the buildings.
“This place has grown so much since I was a student. We used to have just the one building, plus dorms. Now, it's nearly double.”
A couple students had already congregated in the seminar room. Many of them appeared to be younger students, anxious to see what laid in store for them in upcoming years.
Not wanting to be a disturbance, the family took their seats near the back of the hall.
Even looked around with interest at the groups of students. “Flare is a student here too, right?”
“One of our top students” replied a stallion, approaching the group.
Sunset's face lit up. “Professor Magnus! Kids, this is an old professor of mine.”
The senior pony snorted. “Oh, come now, Miss Shimmer,” he playfully pouted, “No need to be so harsh.” He quickly returned with a smile. “What brings you all here?”
“Oh, just showing off my old stomping grounds.” She was taken aback when the professor laughed.
“I remember the last time you did that, you had this lovely filly on your arm.” He took Wallflower's hoof, like a proper gentlecolt. “How've you been, my dear? Seems like I haven't seen you since you reined my wildest student.”
“Well, you know,” she glanced slyly to Sunset, “gotta keep her in her place.”
“Indeed, you two are coming up on what now? Twelve years?”
“Fifteen” Sunset corrected.
Magnus was shocked. “Has it really been that many? It seems like yesterday I was celebrating your wedding!” He looked to their foals. “Well, certainly seems you two have made quite a good business for yourselves. But, don't tell me this is little Evenstar.”
“Even” the colt replied, raising an eyebrow. “You know me?”
The professor let out a light laugh. “Practically since day one! Such a tiny, little thing you were!”
Even blushed as his siblings giggled.
“I take it you're doing the demonstration?” Wallflower asked.
Magnus nodded. “Every year. Which reminds me,” he checked the clock on the back wall, “I'd better go finish preparing. It was great seeing you!”
The presentation started late, something Sunset joked was the usual of Professor Magnus. The old teacher quickly garnered the foals' attention. They marveled and awed with each transfiguration. Rose, especially, paid special heed to the instructor's every word.
Wallflower smiled, making a quick glance to the children. It made her happy to see them so interested. They knew so much about her world, it joyed her to see them learn something of Sunset's. She suppressed a giggle as her ear was tugged.
“You remember when you used to sneak me into your lectures?”
“I remember you attended so many they thought you were a student.”
“If I remember, I was pretty good one.”
“One of their best.” Another laugh suppressed. “The looks on their faces when the realized the truth!”
“Brought me back to my early days at CHS. Good times.”
“Until it almost got you banned from campus.” She playfully gabbed her wife's side, “You're lucky they let you attend my graduation.”
“Well, after all I did, least they could have done is give me an honorable mention.”
“You just have to have everything, don't you?” A muzzle brushed against hers.
“Not true. I have you.”
It was late when the family returned to the house. Spending the rest of the afternoon walking around the school, and the subsequent walk home, had worked up quite the appetite. Along the way, they picked up takeout from The Tasty Treat.
Wallflower and the kids laid out dinner while Sunset put an exhausted Honey to bed.
Even took in a spoonful of curry. “Food still all seems weird.”
“You'll find the same thing back in our world” Wallflower smiled, “Different places make the same foods differently.”
“We really have to leave tomorrow morning?” Stardust asked.
“Not too early” Sunset replied, “We're catching the eleven o'clock train. We'll have brunch here before heading out.”
“I'm excited to go to Neighagra Falls” smiled Rose, “I've been looking at pictures of it and it looks absolutely stunning!”
“I wanna go over the falls!” the younger sister yelled.
“Not a chance” Wallflower quickly vocalized.
“There are many restrictions” Sunset said, “You'll need to grow a bit before they'll let you go anywhere near the platform.” She smiled as her wife whispered into her ear:
“I still don't know how you got me to do it.”
With the morning came Gallet. With him, came boxes of morning pastries. With delight, the foals sat around the breakfast table, happily enjoying the baked sweets.
Gallet checked his watch. “The chariot will be here at ten-thirty-two to take you to the station. Your reservations at the resort are all made and dinner is set for seven-nineteen.”
Sunset suppressed a chuckle. As annoying, and aggravating, Gallet might be at times, he sure did have a way of making everything run like clockwork.
With great excitement, the children jumped off the train in Neighagra Falls. Almost instantly, they could hear the faint roar of thousands of gallons of water.
With still a few hours before they could check into their room, the family set out to explore the surrounding area. Of course, the first thing the children wanted to see were the falls.
If they thought it sounded loud from the train station, they had no idea what it was like up close. The loud, thunderous noise upset little Honey, who put his hooves over his ears.
“Woah!” Stardust yelled, “Who turned the faucet on?”
Sunset had to shout, herself, to be heard. “Nobody did! All this is a river. It connects two large lakes together.” She took a quick glance to the two older children, who stood in awestruck wonder.
Honey, however, wasn't taken by the spectacle.
“Why is it so angry?” he cried, hugging Wallflower tighter.
“It's not angry” she consoled him, “It's very happy. Just very loud.”
Honey remained unconvinced.
Thankfully, there were other things in the area besides the falls. A little ways down, there was a giant hill on which there had been much development. They strolled up and down, eyeing its many shops and amusements.
Finally, their tour ended at the hotel. Once up at their suite, everyone was ready to relax in the common area.
Even stretched out on the couch.“So, what's the plan?”
“That's all up to you” replied Wallflower, “We can continue exploring, or rest now and walk around a bit more after dinner.”
“I want to stay here” said Stardust, as Rose materialized a board game, much to Sunset's astonishment. “This was in the living room in Ponyville. Can we play it? Pweeeaaase?”
Wallflower looked at the box. “Dragon Pit?”
“Heard of it?” asked Rose.
“I've played it a few times” replied Sunset while Wallflower shook her head, “It's Starlight's favorite game. Never quite caught on with me. Anyone else want to play?”
Even shrugged, viewing the box's graphics. “Sure. Sounds like fun.”
Though Honey began playing the game, his lack of a nap made him a bit fussy. However, he persevered, and eventually fell asleep beside the board.
Wallflower finished her turn. “How have you kids been enjoying Equestria so far?”
“Been really cool” Even smiled. “Just wish we would have been able to visit before.”
“We've tried” replied Sunset, “Even if it was just a short stay in Ponyville. The problem always was getting away. It's easier for one or two to travel through, rather than a whole group.
“Also, since not many people know about the portal, it's getting the timing just right to be sure that no one is around.”
“Then, there are all the dangers.”
Sunset rolled her eyes at Wallflower's remark. “Not that Equestria is dangerous, per-se, but certainly more things to be aware of than back home.”
Rose thoughtfully hummed, moving her piece. “I guess it'd pose more a threat to those who didn't grow up with it.”
“The same is said about the reverse.”
Honey awoke just in time to head out again. He yawned rubbed his eyes. “I'm hungry” he mumbled.
Having skipped lunch because of a late breakfast, they were all hungry. Wallflower smiled as she nudged the little one out the door. “I know, Hon. We're gonna eat something soon.”
The hotel restaurant overlooked the falls. The children gasped in awe as they settled into their window-side table. The sun began to set behind the hotel and slowly the natural wonder and its surrounds was becoming illuminated with various night lights.
As their parents ordered up drinks and appetizers, the young ponies watched the day turned into night. With the rise of the moon, ponies slowly disappeared from the streets, presumably in pursuit their own suppers.
In their place, a new population appeared. These were ponies who were out for the nightlife. Unlike the day ponies, who seemed to be parts of families, or large groups, these seemed to be individuals, or smaller groups. Each excited for the new reign of the moon and a new season of fun.
Bread and salad arrived just as the light show over the falls began.
“They do this every night?” Stardust asked.
“Yep” Wallflower replied, “Sometimes, fireworks as well.”
“Are we going to see fireworks tonight?”
“Probably not” said Sunset, “they generally save those for special occasions, holidays, and celebrations. Neither of which are happening today.” She felt her wife lean in close.
“They did fireworks for our wedding” Wallflower whispered, frowning slightly when Sunset tensed. “What? You didn't enjoy the show?”
Sunset took a sip of her wine. “I enjoyed it. Didn't like the attention. If I remember, you weren't too keen on it either.”
“True... But, your mom wanted to celebrate. It was a big occasion. The marriage of a daughter of the princess?”
“Step-daughter” Sunset clarified.
“Even so, you're still considered royalty” she gestured to their foals excitedly watching the show, “...And so are they.”
“You know that's a life I never wanted for them.” Her tone was a bit more stern than she had wanted.
“Look,” Wallflower said gently, “at some point, everything will need to be explained to them. You may not have embraced the royal lifestyle (and you will have to explain why). But, this is part of their inheritance, whether or not they choose accept it, it will be their own decision.
“And, so far, I'd say we're doing a good job at guiding them.”
Sunset gave a slight smile just as the main courses arrived.
Even and Rose shook themselves off as they walked into the hotel lobby. Despite being quite a bit away, it still surprised them how much mist came off the falls. Their after-dinner stroll, had left them all soaked. Sunset, Wallflower, and Honey were still sopped when they entered their room. Stardust, however, was a little fluff-ball with wings, having flown around the town at high speed.
Her flying, however, garnered some unwanted attention from the local air traffic patrol, who stopped the little pegasus for flying over the nightly speed limit. Though, luckily, she was released with a warning.
Rose passed out towels for everyone to finish drying off. “What's the plan for tomorrow?” she asked.
“We have something a little different planned for tomorrow” Sunset said, wrapping Honey into a bundle, “You, Even, and Stardust are going to a day-camp the CMC's are holding. Honey will spend the day in daycare and,” she wrapped a foreleg around Wallflower, “Mommy and I have some things to do.”
“I think I've seen posters for this camp” said Even, reading a brochure he had picked up on their walk. He showed it to his younger sisters. “It's basically a playground for big kids. It's all about teaching kids about cutie marks.”
“It also gives you a chance to interact with foals your own age” said Wallflower, “I'm sure you kids have had enough of hanging out with us old mares all day.”
Stardust shrugged. “Hasn't been all that bad.”
The morning began as it had for the past few days. Wallflower and Sunset sipped their coffee as the children cheered on the rising sun.
“You know the funny thing” Sunset lightly chuckled, “I used to do the same thing when I was their age.”
“What happened?”
“One morning I lost my voice.”
“Well,” Wallflower smirked, “you've always been a little horse.”
They headed out after a light breakfast. Honey was the first to be dropped off. He seemed a bit hesitant to be away from his parents. However, after spying a few other foals, he was soon galloping and prancing to his delight.
It was a bit of a longer walk to the CMC's day-camp.
“Don't they have a campground of their own?” asked Even.
Sunset nodded. “That's a camp they have year-round and is based near Ponyville. This is a special summer camp they do primarily for foals who can't travel. Last year, they were in Apple Loosa.”
As they approached the park, they started seeing banners and signs for the camp. Eventually, they came up to the sign-in table.
A yellow earth pony with a giant bow in her mane scrolled down her list. “Ah!” she smiled, “Here yer are!” She pushed forward names tags for them to fill out and marked their names on the list. “Yer a little early. Sit yerselves down a spell and relax while we wait fer the others ta arrive.
“Moms, yer welcome ta join them.”
“Is it just me,” Rose said, sitting at a picnic table, “or did that mare seem strangely familiar?”
“She should be” nodded Sunset, “That's Applejack's little sister.”
The three foals quickly turned again to see the pony.
“Okay,” Even said, “that's really weird. And also really cool.”
“Does that mean Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are here, too?” Stardust asked.
“Yes” Wallflower said, “But, try not to let on that you know alternate versions of them. If anyone asks, you're all from Canterlot.”
Stardust looked a little uneasy. “What if they ask more questions?”
“Just answer as you normally would” Sunset said, “Just leave out the part that you're from another world.”
Even's body dropped slightly. “Like you have to?” It brought him no pleasure to see the hurt in his mother's eyes. But, it was something he felt had to be said.
Wallflower gently nuzzled her wife as they walked away from the camp. “You know Even didn't mean to hurt you.”
“And, yet, he's right.” Sunset let out a sigh. “I'm sure he's not the only one who sees it. How I have to lie all the time.”
“Not all the time.”
“Most the time.”
“You're not the only one, you know.”
“You shouldn't have to.”
“And, yet, I do. Because I love you.” She pressed her muzzle into Sunset's neck. “Come on, it's just you and me, and I want a little fun.”
Wallflower released a strained squee, grabbing Sunset tightly. Heights had always made her feel a bit squeamish. She began to wonder why she asked Sunset onto the ride. Though, there was nothing to fear. Unlike other Ferris wheels, this had a completely enclosed gondola. There was no way of falling out, even if one tried.
Still, there was the matter of why she so enthusiastically pulled her wife into the ride queue. Perhaps, it was because it seemed much smaller from far away. Perhaps, it was a new attraction, and one neither had been on. Perhaps, it was just for the thrill of it all.
Whatever the motive, Wallflower was regretting it. Her wife, on the other hand, was quite enjoying it.
Back on terra firma, Wallflower never felt happier. On wobbly legs, she turned to Sunset with great delight. “Let's go again!”
Sunset laughed, nuzzling her wife. “It's a good thing you're not a pegasus.
“Maybe we'll come back later with the kids. Right now, there are a few other things I want to see.”
They strolled back to the falls. Though it was still morning, a large crowd had already gathered to watch the falling water. However, it wasn't so crowded that the two mares couldn't get a spot by the guardrail. Sunset embraced her wife, kissing her cheek.
“Remember all the times I used to bring you here?”
“I remember it was always for something special.”
“That's because I wanted this place to remain special. Too many mundane things in life. It's nice to have something that's special.”
Wallflower rested her head on Sunset. “To me, you'll always be special.”
Sunset stood still for a moment. The roar of the water drowned out all other noise. The rising mist clouded the area. For a moment, nothing else existed. They were alone. A feeling arose within her chest. She knew it well. She'd experience it so many years before. As it did then, it became so intense, she couldn't ignore it. She had to do it.
Firmly grabbing Wallflower, she pressed their lips firmly together.
At first, Wallflower jolted, surprised by the impromptu kiss. However, it didn't take her long to melt into it and reciprocate.
The only thing that could break the moment, and it did, was the cry of some poor soul who dared to venture the falls via its famous barrel ride.
A short while later, another followed.
The mares looked over as, one by one, a new barrel crested the falls and plummeted into the pool below.
Sunset turned to Wallflower. Smiling, she repeated words from years ago. “Will you take the plunge?” She received a peck on the cheek.
“Last time you asked that,” She giggled, “it ended with a ring on my finger. But, okay!”
The line for the barrel jump wasn't long, but, as usual, it was also very quick. After filling out the required paperwork, and getting all geared up, the two stood on the wooden deck, anxiously awaiting their turns.
As before, Sunset had elected to go first. Climbing into the barrel, she blew one last kiss to her wife before being sealed in.
Wallflower looked on in anticipation as the old mountain goat kicked the barrel containing her beloved off the dock and into the river. Heart pounding, she watched the wooden casket bob up and down, till it was lost to the mist.
Swallowing down her own fear, Wallflower prepared to enter her own barrel. The attendants were very courteous and gently helped her in. Firmly sealed in, Wallflower only had to wait in the dark for the initial jolt—which seemed to take forever coming.
Then it came.
Wallflower had forgotten how much it hurt to be kicked. Barrel or not, it still hurt. A lot.
The ride down river was quite pleasant. Very much as she had remembered. However, she also remembered the burning anxiety building up as she neared the edge. She couldn't recall how long it took to reach the falls. Whenever she thought it was near, and had steeled herself, it proved to be a false alarm.
When it finally happened, she was completely unprepared. It wasn't so much the ride to the edge, or the plunge into the pool that she disliked. It was all the time spent in free-fall.
Finally, she splashed down. Once again, it was a nice ride down the river till she was fished out. Wallflower grunted as she and the barrel were roughly thrown onto a conveyor which took them back to the top.
At last, the ordeal over, the barrel was opened and she was relieved to finally see light again.
Looking around, she found a feeling of de-ja vous. Sunset was kneeling on the deck, small box held in her magic. Wallflower exited her barrel. Her breath stuck in her throat as walked to her wife. Her heart pounded, tears filled her eyes. Soon, she stood before Sunset.
“Wallflower Shimmer-Blush,” Sunset smiled, “will you take the plunge?” She opened the box. In place of a diamond ring, was a diamond necklace. “Another fifteen years, another road of triumphs and hardships, heck,” she chuckled, “even another four kids, I want to be yours. Will you do me the pleasure, and honor, of continuing to be yours truly? And only?”
Wallflower let her tears fall as she nodded. She wrapped her hooves around her wife before pulling her in for a deep kiss. “Yes” she whispered, going in for another, “When you first asked me, today, in fifteen years, and forever, you know my answer will always be 'yes'.
“Though, maybe, let's not go over the falls next time.”
Sunset laughed. “You wanna know the funny part?”
“What?”
“That was never part of the plan.”
In the silence, Wallflower snuggled closely to her wife, gently nibbling an ear. “The kids are still asleep.”
“Are they now?”
“I really enjoyed last night.”
“The feeling's mutual.”
“I was wondering what you had in mind for breakfast.”
“Something light. I've been feeling very full as of late.”
“Not exactly what I meant...”
Sunset turned over, a sly smile on her lips. “Whoever said that's what I meant?”
“Okay, guys,” Wallflower woke the kids, brushing the tangles from her mane, “we're leaving for the station in two hours. Mommy's ordered up room service..”
Even yawned. “Can't believe how tired we all were.”
“Well,” Rose leaned on her brother, “there was a lot of stuff to do at camp. I don't think we ever took a break.”
“At any rate” Stardust stretched, “it was fun.”
“You got that right” Even smiled, “Maybe we can sleep more on the train. Mom said it would take nearly the whole day to ride up there.”
“I don't know if I could sleep” said Stardust, “I'm too excited!”
The older siblings looked at each other. “She'll sleep.”
Once settled in the rail car, the younger children quickly nodded off to sleep. Even, however, had found new energy and settled himself off to the side to watch the landscape roll by.
The next row over, Wallflower and Sunset huddled together, enjoying a fresh pot of coffee.
Wallflower fiddled with the new chain which adorned her neck. “I don't know why, but I always feel uneasy meeting your mother.”
Sunset gave a smirk. “I hope it has nothing to do with her being a millennia-old being with enough power to move the sun.”
“Well, if you put it that way... No, though that is impressive, I mean, that she's your mother, and mothers want what's best for their children. And...” She stopped when a muzzle pressed into her.
“Stop that” Sunset gently scolded, “You never have had to fear what my mother would say. Yes, she has always taught me to go for the best. And I found it.
“Besides, you can't be nearly as nervous as I was first facing your parents.”
Wallflower laughed. “They did calm down... eventually...”
“That was after we told them we were engaged. And then we told them about Equestria.”
“Okay, maybe they didn't take that bit of news quite as well...”
After a long and relaxing train ride, the conductor yelled out their stop.
The foals were wide awake and energized as the train entered the station. Almost immediately, they noticed it full of royal guards.
“What's going on?” Wallflower asked, pulling the littler foals close as they exited the train.
Sunset looked around. “Looks like they've heightened security because of the summit.”
“Sunset Shimmer!” came a familiar voice.
“Shining Armor!” she smiled, “Good to see you again. See you have your hooves full.”
“Yeah, well,” the prince laughed, “Cant' really take any chances. And I could say the same for you.
"Anyway, let's get all of you to the castle. Everypony is excited to see you.”
Along with Shining, a small group of guards escorted them out of the station. In the city, they were once again free to wander. And wander the children did. Like in Canterlot, everywhere they looked, they were met with new sights, sounds, and smells.
“Earth ponies!” Honey cried out, pointing to the inhabitants.
“Crystal ponies” Wallflower corrected. “They're like earth ponies, though.”
“We can come out and explore more later” Sunset ushered the foals. “Right now, let's get to the palace, otherwise, Grandma may come looking for us.”
“Doubtful” Shining laughed, “She and the other princesses have been in meetings all day. Barely have had time for anything else.”
Sunset sighed. Where had she heard that before?
Once at the castle, Shining left the family to the care of the staff, who showed them to their rooms.
Free of their saddlebags, the children set out to explore the castle. Sunset and Wallflower, however, resided themselves to on the parlors, where a fresh brew of tea was steeping.
“You sure they won't get lost?” Wallflower asked.
“I've told you” Sunset smiled, “there's a tracker spell on this whole castle.” She lit her horn and floor plans lit up in mid-air. In a corner, were four little, blue dots. “See? Here they are.” She pointed to another set of dots not so far away, and here's where we are.”
“What about your mom?”
“For security reasons, I can't track her, or anyone else. Shining only gave me what I needed to locate the kids.” She took a sip of tea, “With any luck, though, they'll come across Mom before we do.”
“Oh, I highly doubt that.”
Sunset nearly dropped her tea in fright. “Mom! Please stop doing that!”
“I'll try, dear” Celestia said, nuzzling her daughters. “Sorry for not greeting you at the door. Our meeting ran a little longer than anticipated.”
“Let me guess:” Sunset smirked, “Twilight?”
“Who else?” her mother laughed.
“Grandma!” shouted a chorus of little voices.
Before Celestia could react, four little bodies descended upon her. Giggling, she embraced her grandfoals. “Now then,” she said, after kisses were exchanged, “let me see you, my little ponies.”
The children took a few steps back to allow their grandmother to see them in their pony forms. Similarly, they looked just as curiously at her.
Stardust's eyes went wide. “Woah... You're huge!”
Celestia let out a boisterous laugh while Sunset hid her face.
Unfortunately, Celestia's time was short. The children walked her back to the meeting room.
“I'm sorry I can't stay for much longer” she said, “but, I've cleared out my schedule so I can spend all day tomorrow with you foals.”
Even nuzzled his grandmother. “We're just happy we got a chance to see you while we were here.”
“Me too” she nuzzled back, “Now, get some rest because we're starting first thing in the morning.”
Wallflower and Sunset were the last ones to breakfast. As they walked in, everyone was enjoying cute, fruity pancakes, courtesy of Princess Celestia.
“Morning, sleepy heads” Princess Twilight teased, “You two sleep well?”
Sunset yawned while Wallflower silently took her seat. Pancakes appeared before them.
“That's Mommy-speak for 'where's the coffee?'” Honey translated.
Celestia frowned. “We'll have none of that vile liquid here.” She quickly set cups of tea before her daughters, who took it without a second thought.
“The kids were just telling us of all the things you've been doing” said Flurry Heart, “From it all, doesn't sound like you've gotten much sleep.”
“Surprised they got any sleep at all” added Stardust, “the way there were tossing and turning for most of the night.” She turned to her parents, who were now a bright shade of red: “You can sleep in my bed, if you want. It's very comfortable.”
The other adults tried to hide their amusement.
“Well, anyway” Celestia turned to her grandfoals, “Think it's about time we headed out.”
“Yeah!” Stardust cheered, “Grandma time!”
“What are you going to do?” Sunset finally spoke. Her mother gave her a side glance.
“That's for me and the little ones only. You two just enjoy your day alone. And, by the way, happy anniversary.”
Sunset stretched as they entered their room. “You know, I completely forgot what day it was.”
“Well,” Wallflower nuzzled her, “we have kinda lost track. Besides, we've been celebrating this whole time.”
“I guess that's true... So, then,” she grinned, “since we've, so graciously, been left alone, what did you have planned?” She was slightly startled when her lips locked with Wallflower's. More surprising was the forcefulness of her wife as she was pushed towards the bed.
“I thought you'd never ask.”
Sunset was still glowing when they stepped out into the city streets. Wallflower noticed and basked in its light, proud of her handiwork. She pressed against her wife, tenderly nipping and nudging. Each touch and stroke elicited new shades from her love; and she reveled in it.
“Look at you” she teased, “I've got you giddy as a schoolgirl.”
“If only we were schoolgirls again...” blushed Sunset. Another gentle nudge.
“Later, my darling.”
“So, where're we going?”
Another tease. “You mean you don't know?”
“Well,” Sunset shrugged, “considering I planned this whole trip, I thought I knew everything...”
“...But, you left today to me.”
“That, I did.”
Wallflower gave a kiss. “Then trust me.” She pranced slightly head to the main part of the city, past the various shops and vendors. Finally, stopping before a door she waited for Sunset to catch up.
The other mare had a lovely reddish tint beneath her coat, which caused her to radiate like the empire. It's beauty only made Wallflower's heart beat faster. She gave her wife a sly smile.
Sunset looked up at the building. It looked familiar, but she couldn't remember why. The name painted on the sign, however, she recognized. “Is this...?”
“Yep!” Wallflower smiled.
“Looks like they did some remodeling.”
“But, that's all they've changed.” She opened the door.
“Wow,” Sunset breathed, examining the interior, “how many years has it been?”
“Well, last time we were here, Even was still very little.”
Sunset stood back while Wallflower spoke with the maitre d'. Soon, they were nestled together and enjoying a bottle of the house's wine.
Sunset took a sip of her drink. “I had almost forgotten about this place.”
“How could you forget the place? You first brought me here for a very special date. Did you also forget what happened after?”
“No,” Sunset blushed, “I remember very well what happened after.” She glanced through her menu.
“What are you in the mood for?” Wallflower asked.
“I think you know.”
Despite having breakfast, neither of them realized how hungry they were until the giant dish was placed before them.
Sunset's stomach rumbled as she gazed upon the sauteed veggies smothered in a wine sauce, all on a bed of noodles. Her mouth watered as she watched the freshly grated cheese coat and melt into the food.
Wallflower smirked as she stabbed a fork into the middle of the plate. She spun it around a couple times, pulling out a huge bundle of vegetable, pasta, and cheese. Letting the loose particles fall back to the plate, she positioned the laden fork before Sunset. She watched with mirth as her wife slowly engulfed the food in her mouth, slightly tugging at the utensil as she pulled the food off it.
Removing the fork, Wallflower examined her work. The bite had been a little too big for Sunset to handle. A few pieces of pasta hung from her mouth, and some of the sauce had dribbled onto her chin. Unable to find a napkin, she leaned in, licking Sunset's fur clean before nibbling off the excess noddle.
In the closeness, she could feel the heat radiating from her wife. She felt the pounding of her heart, the increase in her breathing.
When she pulled away, Sunset swallowed hard. “It's a good thing we're in private dining.”
They leaned against each other as they sauntered through the city, silently glancing into the numerous shops.
Sunset nuzzled into Wallflower's mane. “That was as good as it's ever been.”
Wallflower nodded. “It's good to know that some things never change.”
“Though change can be good. I mean, look at us. We're different ponies walking out of that restaurant now than what we were last time. Or, even the first time.”
Wallflower let out a sigh. “Just thinking, though, of all we went through just to get that change.”
“We've had our rough patches. Thankfully, they've been less than most. But, still, we've made it through.
“I can say one thing for it all.”
“What?”
“It sure has been an adventure.”
The children entertained around the dinner table, recounting their adventures with Grandma.
“...and then,” continued Stardust, “we got into a hot-air balloon and went really up high. And we could see the whole empire.”
“And then, we walked on clouds!” Honey gleefully added.
Sunset looked curiously at her two non-pegasi children.
“Grandma put a spell on us so we could do it too” Rose explained.
“Even didn't like it very much” Stardust teased.
The colt sulked. “Just all too weird, and unnatural.”
“Did you do any flying at the CMC's camp?” Wallflower asked.
“Some.”
“You did a little bit today” added Celestia.
Twilight looked understandingly at the pegasus. “You're just too used to being on the ground. Give it some time. Soon, your instincts will kick in and you'll be soaring like the rest of them.”
Even thoughtfully stared at his food.
“If it helps,” Luna offered, “I can tutor you tonight. Dreaming may help alleviate any weird feelings.”
Stardust resumed the narrative: “Then Flurry joined us and we went shopping.”
“Get anything interesting?” asked Shining.
The table erupted with a series of answers ranging from souvenirs, to books, to toys. Even had found an instrument he was most anxious to try.
“Oh, dear,” Wallflower said, “I hope you didn't use all of Grandma's Bits.”
“Don't be silly” her mother-in-law replied, “Bits are meant to squandered on grandfoals.”
“I found some rather nice clothes at Rarity's new boutique” said Flurry.
“What?” Twilight yelped, “It's open?”
Cadence nodded. “Has been for about, what, two moons now?” She jumped when her sister-in-law shouted again.
“Two moons?” She released a groan, “I told Rarity I'd visit as soon as I got here. How did I miss it?”
“Because you've been planning the summit” Sunset deadpanned. Receiving a glare from the Princess of Friendship, she continued, “Starlight and Flare told me. You've missed a couple things. Like Flare telling you the boutique was open.”
Flurry was amused by her aunt's distraught state. “It's okay Auntie Twilly,” she comforted, “we can go tomorrow. There's still so much more to see.”
Twilight only let out a stressed cry. Pulling out her itinerary, she scrambled through it. “But, we're so packed. I don't know if I can squeeze it in.”
“Here's where Gallet comes in handy” Sunset said, eliciting laughter from around the table.
“What did you do all day?” Rose turned to her parents.
“Sleep” said Wallflower, nonchalantly.
The kids' eyes grew wide.
“What?” Stardust cried, “The whole day?”
Sunset blushed. “Pretty much.”
“How come we never get to do that?”
“It's mostly something adults do” replied Cadence, with a twinkle in her eye. “That reminds me, didn't you kids also buy something else?”
Stardust did a “wait a minute” gesture before zipping from the dining hall. She returned with a small, white box. Lettering upon the lid denoted it had come from some bakery.
“Grandma said we needed to buy you this” the filly said, handing the box to her mothers.
Both mares looked a little confused as they pulled back the lid. That quickly turned to surprise when they peered in. With a laugh, Sunset levitated the miniature wedding cake from the box to the table.
“Really?” Wallflower chortled to her mother-in-law.
Celestia smirked into her drink. “It seemed fitting.”
“One more thing” Cadence placed a small tin next to the cake box. “A little something for dessert. ”
Sunset couldn't help but notice a special glint in her cousin's eye.
The small cake and tea proved not to be the only gifts. Seated in the parlor, Wallflower and Sunset were bestowed with little trinkets and mementos commemorating their fifteen years together.
“This is from Starlight” Twilight said, passing over another small package.
Wallflower took the box. “Shame she and Sunburst aren't here.”
“Yeah, but they've been really busy with me here. Flare can only do so much with her current schedule.”
“They must be really proud of her.”
“I hear her brothers are doing equally as well” said Celestia.
Sunset found some humor as she watched her wife fumble with the wrapping. “Need a little help, love?”
Wallflower growled lowly. “Hooves can be so troublesome sometimes...” She was revealed when a red aura surround the box and, soon, a frame remained in her hooves. She squinted, peering closely at the encased object. “Is that...?”
“It's a flower” Sunset said.
“No, it's... it's a shy pansy!”
“A what?” laughed Honey. His older siblings shared the sentiment.
“Is it really?” Sunset eyed the thing closely before leaning back. “I'll take your word for it.”
“Care to explain?” asked Flurry, being equally as confused as her cousins.
“It was the first magical incident we dealt with after our wedding” replied Sunset. “Starlight was a with us, and enjoyed pointing out all our 'firsts'.”
“I think having just had Sundancer may have had something to do with it” Wallflower mumbled. She continued aloud. “I wonder how she got a hold of one. It seems really well preserved.”
Twilight frowned. “I can have one guess...”
“Despite,” said Sunset, “that was a fun adventure.”
“Not nearly as fun as the raging rhododendrons.”
Sunset scrunched her nose at her wife. “You liked that one?”
Flurry piped up. “The fighting foxgloves one sounded like a blast.”
The couple glowered. “It wasn't!”
“We had Rose and Even with us” Wallflower explained.
“Wait!” Even jumped.
Rose joined him. “We got to go one one of these?”
Sunset slightly winced, “More like dragged into one. We couldn't find a sitter. "
"You know what it's like to deal with an out-of-control toddler and a newborn?" added Wallflower, "You can forget all about magical plants after that!”
Rose shook her head. “You guys have some weird plants here.”
“Yes, we do” Celestia said, “but, they're common place here. Not so much in your world.”
“...which was where all this was happening” finished Sunset.
“Well,” Twilight sat back, “I'm glad you finally managed, for the most part, to get all that rogue Equestrian magic under control.”
Wallflower was awoken not to the tender touch of her wife encased around her, nor was it to the heavenly music resounding through the castle—though, both were also the case—but it was to a panicked scream from down the hall.
She quickly sat up. “What was that?”
“It sounded like Even!” Sunset ignited her horn and was gone in a red flash.
Wallflower followed, galloping out the door. She came to a halt at the landing. A couple guards had already assembled, summoned by the cry. Above, floated Even, a bright light emanating from him. His younger siblings looked equally as scared.
“What's happening?” he cried.
Sunset tried to soothe her son. It didn't seem to be working.
"What ?" he yelped.
"It's okay, Even. It's completely natural. Just relax and let it happen.”
Though it felt against his instincts, Even knew he could trust his mother. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and let the feeling take him. Before he knew it, he was back on the floor and everything seemed returned to normal.
Even looked up to see his mothers brightly smiling. His siblings looked at him in wonder. Though, they seemed to be looking at a particular part of him. “W-what just happened?”
Sunset nuzzled him. “A beautiful and wondrous thing.”
Even followed is siblings' gazes, eliciting a gasp. “I have a butt-mark?” he pranced in excitement, “I have a butt-mark!”
“Probably shouldn't put it that way...” Wallflower winced.
“BUTT-MARK!”
Celestia viewed her eldest grandchild with pride.
“I got a butt-mark!” Even shouted, waving his rump under everyone's noses.
Wallflower stood off to the side with her wife, nudging her gently. “Whatcha thinking?”
Sunset sighed, shaking her head. “Seems like just yesterday he was this little bundle in our arms. Now, look at him.”
Wallflower looked on sadly. “They grow up quickly, don't they? What did you say his cutie mark meant?”
“That he's musically gifted.”
“Well," she laughed, "we knew that. I mean, look at his mom.”
“Yes, but he needed to know it. I guess in playing that yovidaphone, he figured it out.”
Celestia saw her family to the train station.
“Promise you'll come visit us soon?” Stardust pouted.
“I promise” the grandmother smiled, “Just a few more days here, then back to Canterlot to see how Blueblood is carrying on. Then, I'm off to spend some more time with you.”
“Yay!” Honey grabbed her tightly.
Sunset shared in the hug. “Thanks for everything, Mom.”
“No problem, sweetie” she nuzzled her daughter. “Now, you all enjoy the rest of your trip.”
Wallflower helped the children into the car. “We will.”
The children waved to their grandmother as the train pulled away from station. With the Crystal Empire soon far behind them, they settled in for the long trip.
“You've never been to Manehatten before?” Rose sounded shocked.
“It was years ago” Sunset explained, “I was just a small filly. Mom had brought me so I wouldn't be in the huge castle alone. I spent most all my time in the hotel. And, even though we went out, I have no memory of it.”
“So, we'll all be seeing the city for the first time” Even said.
“That's correct.”
Stardust sat up. “What're we gonna do there?”
“Well,” she laid out travel brochures, “the museums and historic sites are a definite must. Aside from that, it's whatever.
“We have a long ride ahead of us. Why don't you go through and see what you might want to do?”
The children happily pouring through the literature, the parents settled back and enjoyed the show.
Sunset smiled, spying the diamond necklace around Wallflower's neck. “You ready for this?”
“Another fifteen years?” Wallflower grinned, “Sure. Couldn't be nearly as bad as the first. As long as I've got you, might as well be a hundred.” Their noses pressed together.
“I'll remember to check back with you after a hundred years to see what you still think.” She started to lean in for a kiss, but a little ball of fur got in her way.
Honey held up a flier for the zoo. “I wanna see the animals!”
“That sounds like fun” Wallflower smiled, “What else did you find?”
Even showed a poster. “They're holding an open-air concert in the park.”
“The Wonderbolts are performing” jumped Stardust.
Rose flipped through a magazine. “I'd like to see a musical.”
“That all sounds very exciting!" Sunset turned to Wallflower, "What does mommy say?”
Wallflower took her wife's hoof, gently nuzzling her. “I love it all. Whatever we do, we'll make it an adventure.
Author's Note
Gah! This 15k limit killed me. But, I did it!
Though, my word processor counts words differently than FimFiction (it counts more).
Anyway, hope you had fun. Take care, y'all.
Sunset inspected the portal. Everything seemed to be working properly. She turned to her family. “Okay, I'll jump through first. That way, I can catch you just in case the portal decides to spit us out the other end.”
Wallflower leaned close to her children. “Now, watch how Mommy Sunny does it. You want to make sure you land on all fours once you're through.”
The children watched intently as their mother bent slightly forward and stepped into the rippling stone.
Wallflower waited a minute before instructing her older children through. Finally, with just her and Honey, she stepped through the portal.
Wallflower closed her eyes. The swirling tunnel of rainbow colors had always made her stomach sick. She stopped when two arms latched onto her. Opening her eyes, she found Sunset standing next to her, a proud look on her face as she watched their foals get acclimated to their new bodies.
Even opened and folded his wings, trying to flex his new muscles. He did few test flaps before putting them away. “Well, okay,” he smiled, “this is kinda cool.” Next, he gave walking a try. Seemed simple enough: step with one hoof, then follow with three more.
He gave himself a few practice strides up and down the room, eventually, going from a walk to a canter. “Okay,” he said confidently, “I can do this!” That was soon shattered when his sister whizzed over him with a resounding “Whee!”
Even dove to the floor to avoid being hit. “Not cool!”
“Mom!” Rose beamed, trotting up to Sunset, “I'm a unicorn! Just like you!
“Will you teach me magic?”
“I can show you some” Sunset smiled, “But, most of it you can very easily figure out on your own.”
Rose neighed with delight, only to quickly cover her mouth in shock.
“What was that?” Even teased.
Their mothers fought down a chuckle of their own.
“Slight, uh, side effect of being ponies” Sunset explained, “You tend to make horse noises. It's okay, though, everyone here makes them.”
“...and I can't wait to make you whinny” Wallflower whispered into her wife's ear.
“What am I, Mommy?” Honey asked. He walked around in circles, trying to see his tiny body.
“Seems you're an earth pony, Hon” Wallflower reached out a hoof to stop the tyke before he got dizzy, “Same as me.”
“This is so awesome!” Stardust cried out. She hovered in the air above her family. “You all look really tiny!” she giggled.
“Alright, Stardust” Sunset grabbed the filly in her magic, “That's enough of that.”
The little pegasus groaned as she was grounded.
“Oh! You've arrived. Hope the portal wasn't too rough of a trip.”
Even felt his wings perform an involuntary motion.
“No such thing as smooth with this crowd” Wallflower gestured to the young. “How've things been going, Flare?”
The newcomer chuckled as she shut down the portal. “Oh, about as normal as things go here. With the summit, things have gotten crazier. That's why Mom can't be here. She and Dad are off helping Princess Twilight.
“Anyway, if you're all good, I'll walk you out.”
She led the family through the crystal castle. She turned to the young ones. “I hope you guys enjoy your fist trip to Equestria.”
“This place rocks!” Stardust cried. She fluttered past the group, doing barrel rolls as she swerved round the corner.
Even was a bit more cool about it. “Yeah, it's been okay so far.”
“Pony ride!” Honey happily jumped up and down. “Come on! Giddy-up!”
“Easy!” the older brother snarled. It was one thing as his ride; another as his trampoline.
Rose strolled up next to Flare. “You know a lot about magic, right?”
“Yeah...? Kinda how I got my cutie mark.”
Rose glanced Flare's rear. She saw a whole bunch of small stars expanding out from a central point. Her mother had explained them to her and her siblings. How they were a special thing for ponies. She had seen both her mothers' cutie marks when they arrived. She also noticed that she and her siblings were “blank flanks”.
“Do you suppose, when we get back, you could show me some stuff?” she asked.
Flare flipped her bangs aside. “I'd be happy to give you some pointers. But, remember that magic is second nature us unicorns.”
“So Mommy says...” Rose looked back to see her parents gently nuzzling each other.
They walked behind their small herd; Wallflower's body pressed into Sunset's. “Just look at out little ones” she whispered.
“I know” Sunset smiled.
“Excited?”
“A little. Happy to be back?”
"A bit. So many memories." Wallflower gave a slight chuckle. “I remember how during our picnics, you would always talk about us, one day, nestled under a shade tree, looking on while our foals tumbled in the grass.”
“That was, if we raised them in Equestria.”
“I know it didn't turn out that way.” She pressed in deeper. “But, every decision we made was for their best interests.”
“Sometimes, I wonder: What about our best interests? Have we done so much for them, that we have forgotten about ourselves?”
Wallflower gently nuzzled her wife. “That's sorta why we're here, isn't it?”
As the castle doors opened, they got their first glimpses of the pony world.
Wallflower gawked in amazement. Ponyville was no longer the little, quaint town she and Sunset used to steal away to when tired of the city life, and, later, called home. It had grown quite a bit. She estimated it was nearly the size of the city she just came from.
Sunset felt the same. “You weren't kidding when you said they were making developments."
“Yeah,” Flare sighed, sadly, “it's almost doubled in size now.”
“Ponies!” Honey cried, jumping up and down, adding to his brother's torment.
“Yes, Honey” Wallflower picked up the tiny colt, sitting him on her back. “Ponies everywhere.”
Flare levitated a package to Sunset. “Here's what you asked for. The tickets are waiting for you at the station.”
Sunset made a quick inspection of the contents before putting it into her saddlebag. “Thanks, Flare. If we don't see you on our way back, good luck on your exams.”
“Thanks!” the younger unicorn smiled.
Once settled on the train, Sunset laid out a map of Equestria for everyone to see. She laid a hoof on Ponyville. “We're here now.” Tracing the rail line, she came to a large city. “And here's where we're going.”
Stardust tried to read the label. “Canterlot?”
“It's the capital” Rose said.
Sunset nodded. “And where I grew up. From there, we're going to Neighagra Falls, then on to the Crystal Empire. After that, it's the over to the coast with Manehattan, and, finally, back to Ponyville.”
Even glanced at the map. “What's this Las Pegasus? Kinda sounds like a fun place.” He was confused by his mothers' chuckles.
“You guys are a little too young to go there."
Bounce.
“Mommy!”
Bounce, bounce.
“Wake up!”
Bounce, bounce, bounce.
Sunset slowly opened her eyes. “What?” she mumbled, reaching for the alarm clock. “What time is it?”
“Grandma's about to raise the sun!” Stardust jumped excitedly.
Closing her eyes, Sunset groaned and turned over. Stretching out, she found the other half of the bed empty. “Where's mommy?”
“On the porch with everybody else. Or, is it everypony else...?”
“Either is acceptable.” A smile crossed her lips when she heard Wallflower's voice.
“Morning, my love. I have a nice pot of coffee with your name on it.”
“I knew there was a reason I married you.” Slowly, she pulled herself from the bed and followed her girls out onto the porch. As they stepped out, the faintest of rays light began peeking over the horizon.
“Come on, Grandma!” Stardust shouted, flying into the air, “You. Can. Do it!”
Honey joined in the cheer. “Go, Grandma!”
Sunset took a sip of her coffee. She may have seen it a thousand times, but it never failed to amaze her. She and Wallflower stood behind their foals. Her wife pressed against her. Sunset looked around. “We're missing something.”
“What?”
It took Sunset a moment before she charged up her horn. In a flash of red light, a sunflower appeared. Sunset placed it in Wallflower's mane. “Because you're my sun, Flower.”
“You're my Sunset. And hopeless.”
“It worked then...” She pouted into her coffee.
“And, sadly,” her lips met Sunset's, “it still works now.”
Applause arose from the children as the sun came into full view in the sky.
Their parents missed it.
They were experiencing a rise of their own.
Moans of release floated in the air. A new movement, a new noise expelled.
“You're very tense.”
“Both of you are.”
“It's been a while” Wallflower explained. She looked over to her partner, who had almost fallen asleep in euphoric bliss. “You look relaxed.”
She felt the same way. She laid her head back down, closing her eyes as the masseuse placed hot stones on her more troubled areas.
“Well,” he said, “you should try to do this more often.”
Wallflower only smiled as the warmth settled into her knotted muscles. 'You got that right.'
Sunset took in a deep breath of the moist air. After a massage, there was nothing better than a hot bath. She scooted over as she heard Wallflower come in after her. She felt a little peck on the cheek.
“Feeling better?”
“Much. The massage was good, too.” She laughed as she was lightly splashed.
Wallflower nestled close to her wife. “This was fun.”
“Yes, it was.”
“We should do more things like this. You know, going out. Just you and me.”
“There was that wine tour/tasting thing we did last year.”
“Well, yeah...”
“And the art exhibition the year before that.”
“I know, but we're talking one thing each year. I...I'd like to do more.”
“Kinda hard with four kids.”
“You know my parents will always take them.” Wallflower laid her head upon Sunset. “I guess I just never quite realized how much fun we used to have when it was just you and me.”
“So, you want more date nights. Is what you're saying?”
“Well, yeah.”
Sunset kissed the top of her wife's head. “I'd like that.”
Wallflower sat thoughtfully as Sunset brushed her coat. “Sunset,”
“Hm?”
“Do you remember our wedding?”
Sunset breathed in deeply, wrapping her forelegs around her wife. “I remember holding you in my arms, thinking of all the things I wanted to do with you. All I wanted to do for you. All that could be now that you were mine.
“Do you?”
Wallflower's ears fell. “Admittedly, no. In all the excitement, everything is a bit of a blur. I do remember your present, though.” She giggled lightly as her ear was nibbled.
“I have one more.”
Two ponies snuggled, tangled the sheets. Their love-making having reached it peak, they rode out its waves in each other's embrace.
“Wow...” Wallflower breathed.
Sunset nuzzled. “I know.”
“That was like...our first time...all over again...” She heard a snort from her wife.
“I hope not! That was horrible!”
“Well, we were inexperienced. But, I was speaking merely in terms of intensity and passion.”
“Okay” Sunset shrugged, “I'll give you that.”
“Besides, you seem to be forgetting the subsequents.”
“Now, those were good!”
A moment of silence passed between them as the last remnants left them.
“What about it?” Sunset asked at long last, adjusting her position.
“What about what?” Sunset's lips met with hers.
“Subsequents.”
Wallflower laid across Sunset's barrel. She heard and felt her lover's every movement and noise. Sunset rested soundly beneath her. If not for the slight movements, Wallflower would have thought her asleep.
She nuzzled Sunset's chest, absorbing and enjoying her lover.
“Sunset?” she said softly.
“Hm?”
“I've missed this.”
“Me, too.”
“How did we let this time escape us?”
“Kids. Kids ruin everything.”
Wallflower let out a chuckle. “Only means we need to be more sneaky.” She rubbed her wife's belly, “Which only makes these things all the more interesting.”
Sunset shrugged. “The element of possibly getting caught does add a certain degree of hotness.”
“I'm just sorry I let so many moments pass. I never meant for you to feel like I've been neglecting you.”
“It's not entirely your fault. I know you have a job to do.”
“But, it shouldn't come before you, or the kids. When we get back, I promise, I'll try to make time for all of you.” She pulled her wife closer. “Especially you.”
“And,” Sunset added, “we'll see about getting you a proper work area. That way, you'll be able to focus your work.”
Wallflower pouted. “But, what if I end up working all night? You'll be in that huge bed all alone.” She was comforted with Sunset's muzzle against hers.
“I can suffer some nights alone if I know that when I have you in bed, I have you in bed.”
