Hey everycreature! What's up!?

Finally at the last part of this short story! And after this one I'm finally going to do the short story I planned on doing first for this series!

Anyway… Lets finish this up!

Honorary Family Member Part 4

"YAY!" Rose's voice shouted out as she galloped down the stairs from her room, waking up Gallus who was peacefully asleep. "Hearth's Warming morning is finally here!"

"Slow down sis!" Pen called from above. "We have all day together."

And so it was the morning as the sun was rising above Canterlot, signaling the official Hearth's Warming day. Rose went right away to the tree and checked the presents with her name on it. As Gallus watched, the rest of the family joined in as Sword and Bluebell were the last, the stallion having a hoof over his wife as Pen and Tune joined in with their little sister to find their presents.

As the younger family members enjoyed opening up everything, Sword came to Gallus, who was standing back, not sure whether or not to join in.

"Aren't you going to join us Gallus?" Sword asked.

"Oh…" Gallus replied. "I'm not so sure, I'm not an official family member here…"

"Well that doesn't matter, Hearth's Warming also includes friends celebrating together and you are my daughter's friend are you not?" Sword pointed out.

"I guess so…" Gallus answered and joined in by sitting down next to Rose.

"Oh hi Gallus, slept well?" Rose asked, taking a break from her excitement.

"Yeah, pretty well actually, much better than the school's living quarters." Gallus replied.

"Well that's good to hear, glad we kept the fire going at night for you." Bluebell smiled as she was opening a present from her husband, which was a beautiful dress, most likely for the next grand galloping gala.

As the family went through the presents, with only a few left, Gallus, while not receiving any so far, felt included and was happy, never before had he enjoyed such intimacy of a family this close before. Only that would change as Rose picked up a present that didn't have any of the names of the family…

"Huh…" Rose said. "This one's for you Gallus." Rose said as she presented the griffon with a neatly wrapped up box.

"For me…" Gallus said in disbelief as he looked at the family with wide open eyes.

"Oh yeah, almost forgot." Sword remembered. "When my son wrote that Rose was bringing along a friend with her, my wife and I decided to get a gift for you."

"We didn't know what to get, so we just got this." Bluebell added as Gallus carefully undid the wrapping and then opened the box's top.

It was a mostly red and green scarf, the colors of the holiday, the cloth a very soft textile, but also very warm. Gallus stared at it as he felt the tears come out.

"Do you not like it Gallus?" Rose asked, a bit curious by the griffon's silence.

"No, I love it." Gallus letting a tear escape. "Thank you, I don't know what else to say, but you really didn't have to."

"Well, again Gallus, it's the holidays and we're glad you like it." Sword smiled.

For the rest of the morning, the family plus Gallus enjoyed their presents and after sang carols around the tree and enjoyed more cookies. By the time the day ended, Gallus felt like it was the best day ever, he wished the holiday would never end. However all holidays do end as a couple days passed before Pen, Rose, and Gallus needed to head back to Ponyville for either school or work. The family and Gallus went together to the train station, to say their goodbyes before the next train to Ponyville left.

"Oh I'm going to miss you son." Bluebell hugging Pen as Pen was blushing.

"Mom, stop you're embarrassing me." Pen said as he saw other ponies looking at them. "But love you too." Pen had to hug back so his mom would let go.

"And you bring back good grades sweetie." Sword rubbing Rose's mane with one of his hooves.

"Yes daddy." Rose replied as she chuckled lightly.

Gallus, with his new scarf wrapped around his neck, smiled as he was the next one of course.

"And I hope we can see you next year Gallus, you were a great guest to have over." Sword holding out his hoof for a shake.

"Thank you sir." Gallus replied as he met Sword's hoof with his claw.

"And I'll be sure to bake extra cookies when you do come over." Bluebell added with a soft laugh, which Gallus had to blush because he did eat a lot of cookies, they were that good.

Soon enough the next train to Ponyville arrived as it came to a stop at the station and the conductor announced…

"Next stop Ponyville!" The conductor shouted as the car doors opened with ponies either leaving or entering the train.

After final goodbyes and quick hugs, Pen, Rose, and Gallus boarded the train, the family still exchanging waves as a couple minutes alter the car doors closed again and the train started its trip to Ponyville.

Sitting down and relaxing, Rose talked with Gallus.

"So, did you have a great time Gallus?" Rose asked, making sure her friend enjoyed himself.

"Better than I expected." Gallus smiled. "I just wish we didn't have to go back to school."

"Well before you know it the holidays will come again." Rose smiled as Gallus smiled back before looking out the window, watching the majestic and decorated city of Canterlot, already looking froward to next Hearth's Warming and once again enjoying the holiday celebrations.

And that's a wrap on this short story!

Sorry the last part was a lot shorter than the other parts of this story! But I hope you all enjoyed it nevertheless and with that…

See everycreature later!