A/N: I suddenly got inspired, what can I say? It's May, but I had inspiration. Anyway, this one is probably going to be "serious" and not total crud. Critique helpful

The small sleigh comes to a slow stop along the runway as the team's practice comes to a close. Dasher calls out to his team, praising them on a flawless practice. Christmas was still months away, but one must keep in tip-top shape to prepare. The reindeer slide out of their harnesses, working together to put back the dummy sled with the help of the elves around them.

"That boy of yours just keeps getting better," Cupid grins at Blitzen, gesturing toward Rudolph as he helps Prancer straighten the harnesses on their hooks, low enough for them to reach. Blitzen beams proudly.

"I'm so glad he's doing so well on the team, even when his nose isn't needed, but it does make our navigation easier."

"Rudolph?" Blitzen's ears perk as he notices Zoey trot her way over to his son. When Rudolph takes notice he grins as well.

"Hey, Zoey," it's been a year or two since they became mates, but the excitement still hasn't worn off. He meets her half way, gently kissing her cheek.

"Rudolph, you should come home." Rudolph looks confused as Zoey has a slight look of worry on her face. "Holly skipped school again." Rudolph sighed and shook his head.

"I'll talk to her…" He quickly gives her a nuzzle before starting off home. Holly was Rudolph's daughter, A headstrong yearling going through a rebellious phase. The other fawns poked fun at her for not having a glowing nose like her father- how the tables have turned.

As he arrived at the house, he approached his young doe calmly. She sat still on her haunches, starring at the wall begrudgingly, her ears back with discontent. She didn't hear her father walk in.

"I heard you skipped out today…" his voice was level, his eyes, soft. Holly didn't move. "You know, When I was your age, I didn't like it much at school either."

"That was before." Holly grunted. "And now I'm expected to be like you." Rudolph sighs and approaches her side.

"Holly-"

"Dad, They are telling me I can never be as successful as you! I'm too boring! I'm the daughter of the most famous reindeer of all time, and yet I have nothing to show for it!" she stands and stomps over to the other side of the house, her father calmly following her. "I'm useless!"

"No you're not." Rudolph stated. "I thought I was useless too. I wanted to be like you and your mother, normal. It was my greatest wish, but I learned it was a misunderstood gift." Rudolph walked his daughter before a mirror. "You're not useless. You are beautiful and smart. You may not know your talent yet, but I know one day you'll be great." he nuzzles Holly's cheek. She stared back at her reflection, she had a cream colored pelt and soft brown eyes. She was pretty, but she'd be even prettier if she smiled once in a while. She looked at her father's reflection and sighed, seeing her big red reminder on his face. "You have plenty of time to make your mark. Don't get hung up on it now." Zoey walks into the house and sees Rudolph and Holly. She smiles a bit before approaching them.

"Dad… can I go for a walk…? I want some time alone…"

"Only if you promise to go to school tomorrow and stay there." Holly's eyes drift to the floor, "Look me in the eye and say you will." Holly looks up at her father and sighs.

"Okay, dad… I will…" She walks out the door, dragging her hooves a little.

"Be back before dark!" Zoey called after her, shaking her head. "Rudolph, why did you let her off?" Rudolph watched Holly walk off into the snow before he replied.

"I gave her advice, I just think it would do her good to think it over."