Fallen Eagle

Chapter 33: What the Morning holds

Firstly, I would like to give an explanation for why this chapter took so long to get out. I HAD, repeat, HAD to finish my other story Long Live Rock 'N Roll. This story took more precedence and I put off the finale for my other story to get the confession chapter out for Fallen Eagle. I'm sorry if this one took too long to get out, but my other readers were VERY patient over the course of two months and they deserved a finale. Luckily, that's completed and out and I finally got this chapter out.

Now, before I get to replying to some reviews, I want to thank each and every one of you for the overwhelmingly positive response to the confession chapter. I'll be brutally honest, I was scared when I posted the chapter because I was unintentionally hyping it up every time I postponed it (which I hated doing to you guys) and that just made me stress out more and more the longer I kept writing it. And at 19,000+ words, it was the longest chapter I've ever written. But to hear things like it was the best "I love you" chapter you guys had ever read, that it was a real piece of literature or that some of you almost cried from it made me feel so accomplished that I was able to write something that good. I'm also glad you guys liked the songs I picked out to be sung in the chapter; I had those picked out around Chapter 3 or 4. Finally, Ivan's real name. A HUGE, HUGE, HUGE shoutout to Sassymouse for helping me choose his name because I couldn't figure one out that was cool or badass enough.

UpgraderIsAwesome489: I'm going to keep it up even when I move next week, I promise.

OBSERVER01: Yes she did. I wrote that in there to prove that even the one's you expect to never mess up that bad CAN mess up; no one is perfect.

Fetishguy83: Ah, you seem new here. Always happy to meet new readers! And it made you cry? Well that's an accomplishment for me, even if it's at your expense.

Sassymouse: Oh my God, my ears! JK :p. I can understand you're 'peevement' towards Twilight, but nopony is perfect (Not even Luna!) and this shows that anyone can mess up at any time because we're all human, or equine in this case. AJ's song came to my mind when I put my phone on shuffle way back when I started the story and made AJ Cougar's main love interest. I can't thank you enough though for helping with the name and for keeping my spirits up when I'm feeling negative about a chapter.

Caleb200888: Thank you, kind reader

megaemailman: Woah, now I think that may be a little far there, though I am flattered at the compliment. I cried for ten minutes after watching 'My Little Dashie.'

KillerWoW: Yes, what she did was messed up, but it's an important lesson that no one is perfect.

SquirtlePwn: I'm trying to get good at surprises and so far it's looking good! :) I knew that there had to be some musical numbers at some point to stay true to MLP, and I felt the confession chapter would be the perfect time. And I'm glad the wait was worth it; those two chapters really burnt me out.

theflammablefiredragon: Thank you, that really makes me smile even when I stress myself out over not updating in awhile, but I do believe in quality. Uh, for the last two chapters, those took about 2 weeks each. I can crank out a 1,000-4,000 word chapter in maybe two days, but anything above 10k words I purposely take at least a week to write.

Dixie Darlin: You 'Felt as nervous as they did'? Well, then I feel like I accomplished my goal. I wanted their love to grow NATURALLY and I wanted them to be nervous NATURALLY and I wanted them to confess NATURALLY. I didn't want anything rushed or anything too cheesy like in a fairy tale. I believe Character and Plot development are the two essential ingredients to make a good story. The readers have to grow with the characters in order to connect and make an impact. As for Twilight, well you'll have to wait until Chapter 34.

Uss71832: Of course Cougar is cooler; it's a Top Gun callsign! :p

StacheKing: Ah, the review I was anxious about the most. While I always love to hear positive feedback and get some pointers from other readers, I always like to hear constructive criticism like you've done a few times. Although while writing the confession chapter, my mind always raced back to how you thought it would be; thus I worked myself even harder every time I sat down to add another piece to the chapter. For that chapter to be called a piece of literature and that you actually cried a bit at the end nearly made me faint. Including that you actually listened to the songs while reading made me feel like I did something right. I'm glad I lived up to your expectations and I hope to hear from you often for help on improving my stories in any way possible.

typhoon chaos: Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

litestardt: I'd be more like, "Watch out AJ; he's Russian and he'll break you!

Random Guy: I don't normally give out hugs, so okay...And you're living on an Air Force base? Lucky! I would love to fall asleep to F-15s, F-16s and F-22s flying over my head every night.

killerman118: I fail to see how that could be taken negatively.

adhdluke: Completely understandable that you're pissed at Twilight. However, just wait till the end of this chapter and all of next chapter.

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(Applejack's Bedroom. Ivan's POV)

The bright light of Celestia's sun reflecting off the freshly fallen snow made my eyes flutter open. A quiet, yet powerful yawn made its way out of my mouth as my brain entered the first stage of awakening. Once my eyes adjusted to the light, I suddenly felt lost and confused. What I expected to see was the inside of my shack with nothing more than my cot, bookshelf and duffel bag as I had for the past seven months. However, I found myself surrounded by rodeo ribbons, trophies, lassos, a few tan colored stetsons, apple trinkets, pictures of Applejack and her family throughout the years and a real bed rather than my cot.

My hand tried to raise itself so as to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating or drunk, but something weighed my arm down. Something that was heavy, furry, soft and warm. The bed creaked and groaned as I turned my head to find Applejack sleeping soundly and peacefully on top of my arm. Her left foreleg rested comfortably across my chest and her head snuggled up against my neck while a smile was painted on her face. Her lips smacked while she continued to sleep, fidgeting just a bit as a cute snort emitted from her nose.

Since my hand was still free, I was busy stroking Applejack's neck, softly petting and scratching at it lovingly. I had no clue if I had done that all night or once I realized the position we were in, yet I didn't care. The clock on the wall read 7:36 A.M., "Just about time to wake up and get the regular chores done," I said softly to myself as I enjoyed Applejack's company. I recalled what had transpired the night before, but I could barely remember how I ended up in Applejack's bed; we did go to bed pretty late. However, I did know that nothing else happened between us other than, our kiss. My cheeks warmed up when the memory of my first kiss with Applejack resurfaced. The softness of her lips was something I'll probably never forget, and how her mouth tasted like, well, apples and hay.

"Mmmm," Applejack stirred, shifting around a bit, but she still remained asleep. The last words we had spoken to each other made me remember that today was not only Christmas, but Hearth's Warming as well. And we were putting on a big Brunch for the occasion with all of our friends (Including, Celestia, Luna, Glock and Checkered Flag) at 11:00. No matter how hard I tried, my gaze could not be pulled from the pony that I had admitted my love for, but I knew this moment had to end before somepony burst in and got the wrong idea.

"Hey, AJ, time to get up," I said softly, tapping on the end of her nose. The mare's nose scrunched up, but her eyes stayed close as her foreleg lifted itself off my chest and rubbed the end of her muzzle before resting back on my chest. 'She's cute when she does that,' I thought, but how could I awaken her? I would try the classic cold water trick, yet she would murder me for one, and she pretty much had me trapped on the bed. The faint sound of cooking and ponies talking downstairs alerted me that it wouldn't take long for someone to come and check on AJ since she never slept in this late. "Come on AJ," I played with her ear a bit, trying to maybe tickle her awake. "We've got chores to do," I said directly into her ear, lightly shaking her shoulder.

"Ah told Applebloom ta get her homework done, Big Mac," the mare mumbled, trying to swat my hand away with her hoof. Mentally growling because my newest tactic didn't work, I only had one idea left in the tank that might work, though it also might earn me a shiner. Ever so gently, like I was trying to maneuver my hand through laser trip wires, I put my thumb and index finger from my right hand onto her nostrils and pinched, but not too hard. Soon, AJ couldn't breathe and she began to sputter, removing her foreleg from my chest for good. "Huh, what?" her eyes blinked several times as she was freed from her dreamscape.

"Looks like you slept good," I teased, taking my finger and thumb away from her nose and began to rub her cheek. Applejack then rubbed her eyes, getting them adjusted to the light of the day before she settled her emerald orbs on my blue ones.

"Mornin' Coug- Ivan," she corrected herself. "That's gonna take some gettin' used ta," she giggled, copying what I was doing and began to caress my cheek. "Ya know, Ah've never shared my bed with anypony before," she added, turning her smile in a smirk.

"W-was that my idea, or your idea?" I asked, feeling the heat returning to my cheeks. "All I remember is being angry at Twilight, talking to Luna, telling you how I feel and, well, kissing you," I explained.

"It was my idea, Sugarcube," she replied, nuzzling under my chin, "Ah thought ya'd like a real bed instead 'o that cot, 'n somepony ta share it with," she said. "Just as long as there wasn't any funny business; Ah ain't ready fer that just yet," she added sheepishly.

"Me either," I quickly agreed, not wanting to sound like I was only in this for one thing. "Didn't know you were into cuddling though," I chuckled, beginning to play with her hair, even though I knew we had to get up and moving, but I really wanted to stay like this forever.

"Remember in the 'ol abandoned castle?" She reminded me, sitting up on her haunches.

"Well yeah, but that was for warmth," I explained, mirroring her motions mainly to get some blood flowing back into my arm. I suddenly found two orange and furry forelegs wrapped around my torso.

"Ah'm so happy though, Ivan," she cuddled her head against my stomach.

"So am I, AJ," I scratched her back. "It felt good to get both of those secrets off of my shoulders, and I'm even happier you return my feelings," I added, "even if I'm not even a pony or at least a dragon," I grinned.

"Ah don't care what ya are, Ivan," she lifted her head from my stomach, "Ah love the good inside yer heart; what creature ya are doesn't matter ta me one bit," she looked deep into my eyes, causing the sparks to fire off once again in my chest. Our eyes stayed locked as we tilted our heads and leaned our lips close to each other.

"The feelings, mutual," I whispered right before we kissed again. The same fireworks that I felt last night returned with a vengeance. Although it wasn't a fiery and passionate kiss, a small, loving and rather clumsy morning kiss was good enough for us. Applejack's hoof reached up and rested upon my shoulder, making me hold back a chuckle as her fur tickled me.

Creak

Something else in the room stirred, but I assumed it was just the bed settling due to our combined weight shifting around. "Hey big sis, Granny Smith wanted me ta-" Applejack and I froze, opening our eyes with our lips still connected, and peered over to see Applebloom standing in the doorway. AJ's lips and mine disconnected as we pulled apart and I scooted off the bed and onto my feet at attention. My shirt and pants were a little wrinkled and were sticking to my skin a little from sweat, making me a little more uncomfortable than I was.

"M-mornin' Applebloom," Applejack stuttered as she too ejected from the bed and smoothed out the covers. The yellow filly's face was stuck in that of complete awe and shock, as if she had just seen the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, an alien and a T-Rex playing poker together. "Is Granny Smith already workin' on brunch?" the orange mare tried to take ahold of the conversation.

"Y-y," Applebloom choked out, "ya both were kissin'! Ah saw it," she pointed an accusing hoof in our direction, though she wasn't mad or anything, just shocked, however. I could only guess that not only were AJ and I were kissing, but that I had suddenly reappeared was the reason for her shock.

"Now Applebloom," I began, hoping she wouldn't spazz out and draw the attention of the three ponies downstairs below, which she practically did.

"You were kissin' my sister, yer datin'!" She exclaimed happily and began to dance around. Applejack and I were going to try and keep her from making anymore noise until the filly stopped on her own with a now confused stare on her face. "'N just where did ya go last night, Cougar?" She asked, "we were all worried that ya might've run off fer good or somethin'," she said sadly. "At least Ah was," she corrected. My fear that she would wake up the dead with her celebration had evaporated as I picked her up in my arms and held her close, causing Applejack to gush.

"I'm sorry Bloom," I kissed the top of her head, "I just needed some alone time to think; luckily Princess Luna found me to get me thinking in the right direction," I explained as I cradled the filly against my chest. She rested her head on my shoulder and hugged me back.

"It's okay, Cougar," she pulled away with her usual smile, "it's Hearth's Warmin', perfect time fer families 'n friends to help each other, am Ah right?" She asked as I set her back down onto the wooden floor.

"'N fer some honesty ta come out," AJ added, quickly nuzzling my arm. The youngest member of the Apple family then looked back at me with a scowl on her face. I wanted to ask her what was wrong before she bopped me on my head!

"Ah told ya that's what would happen if ya ran out on us like that without lettin' us help ya," she scolded me as I rubbed the top of my head.

"I guess I deserve that," I chuckled, playing with Applebloom's hair bow. The filly's scowl was quickly replaced with a smile that she used to hug me again before a curious look spread across her face.

"So, when are ya two gettin' hitched?" Applebloom asked giddily, biting her lower lip. I couldn't answer that; the thought of rushing from a first kiss to being united under Celestia forever almost made me pass right out in front of the two sisters. Thankfully, my girlfriend took the spot and chuckled, wrapping her foreleg around her little sister's neck.

"Hehe, we only just started datin', Applebloom," Applejack explained, "Ah don't think either 'o us are thinkin' that far ahead," she winked at me. The yellow filly looked between us a few times before blurting out the most embarrassing question she could think of, even worse than the question about us getting married.

"Is he a good kisser, AJ?" Applebloom questioned, sounding too much like a gossip-hungry Rarity for the briefest of moments. Applejack gave me a look of pity and apology as I ran my hand through my hair, trying to keep my face from catching on fire.

"Uhh," was the only noise my mouth could produce.

"He's just fine, little sis," Applejack laughed and squeezed her a little harder to get her to shut up which she thankfully did. "Now, what'd exactly did Granny Smith want?" it was Applejack's turn to ask the questions. I had removed my hands from my face, the flushing in my cheeks finally died away and I felt more calm than before. Applebloom looked down at the floor and swung her front leg a few times.

"Huh? Oh yeah," she remembered, "Granny Smith wants-" she began before Big Mac's booming voice came through the floor from down below.

"Applebloom! How hard is it ta wake up yer sister?!" He bellowed, "ya got two minutes' 'fore Ah come up there myself!" he warned as the clopping of his giant hooves took over for his voice.

"We better head down then," I suggested, "I don't want either of you to get in trouble on Hearth's Warming," I delineated, stretching a bit more to loosen up. However, Applebloom wasn't done talking about the big news, far from it in fact.

"I can't wait ta tell Sweetie Belle 'n Scootaloo," she said before gasping, "BABS! She's gonna love this family update in my next letter," she began to plot out to basically tell the whole damned country of Equestria. "AJ, do ya wanna tell Braeburn or can Ah do it?" she questioned, taking out some of Applejack's stationary supplies. "Ah know ya'll will probably wanna tell yer regular friends," she tacked on, preparing to dip AJ's pen in some ink. This time, I decided it was my turn to explain how this'll work instead of Applejack.

"Bloom, now your sister and I haven't discussed it yet, but we're only going to tell Granny Smith, Big Mac and Cheerilee when we get downstairs," I explained. "Just don't say anything to anypony else when they get here," I said.

"B-but why? Ah'm happy fer ya two 'n so will everypony else," she asked, confused as hell.

"He's right, lil sis," Applejack agreed with me, standing closer, "this is our business; we want it ta be a special present ta everypony," she revealed which I was really content with, "plus, Cougar's gonna have some explainin' ta do ta Granny 'n big brother, do ya understand?" she asked. Applebloom crossed her forelegs over her chest and grumbled.

"Always ruinin' my fun," she said in a grouchy tone. "Fine, Ah promise ta keep this ta myself 'till ya tell everypony else," she swore, holding one of her hooves in the air like someone swearing on a bible in a court.

"Alright, let's head down then," I scratched behind Applebloom's ear, perking her personality right back up. The filly then took the lead from both me and Applejack and trotted out of the door. "Hang on, AJ," I requested when the mare tried to leave as well.

"Is everythin' okay there, Ivan?" She asked me with both genuine concern and curiosity.

"Just a couple things, I promise," I took her hat from the end of her bed post and set it on her head. "Why did you still call me 'Cougar' in front of Applebloom? I'm fine with everyone else knowing my real name now," I asked.

"Since ya had the guts ta tell me last night, Ah figure ya can do the same fer everypony else," she explained, adjusting her stetson a bit. I nodded in agreement, understand that it wasn't only her opinion that I should tell everyone, but it would be the right thing to do since I told her. "Now, what else were ya wantin' ta tell me?" She asked as I held the door open for her.

"I was hoping we could do what you planned: Tell only Granny Smith, Big Mac and Cheerilee about us dating, but keep that fact and my name secret from them until after Brunch when everyone is here?" I requested. "It's Christmas and Hearth's Warming; I think that would make a nice little memory for us all," I explained. Applejack smiled warmly again and hopped onto her hind legs to give me a peck on the cheek.

"Ah think that's a wonderful idea, Ivan. Ah spent seven months without kissin' ya 'n callin' ya 'Cougar,' Ah think Ah can manage a few more hours," she winked at me. The mare settled back down on all fours and headed for the door once again, but another question plagued my mind.

"So, would you be my girlfriend or marefriend? And what exactly does that make me?" I asked, lifting up an eyebrow. She squinted her eyes and tapped on the floor with her hoof, trying to come up with an answer. Meanwhile, the aromas of home cooking began to waft upstairs, making not only my mouth water, but I remembered we still had to go down and help.

"If it makes it easier on ya, Ah don't mind if ya call me yer girlfriend," she decided, "'n Ah'll just call ya my coltfriend, unless that bothers ya 'o course," Applejack and I started to walk towards the landing of the stairs.

"That doesn't bother me one bit, Applejack," I gave her a quick hug before we began our quick descent down the stairs to join her family and Cheerilee in cooking for brunch. I could hear the classic sounds of pots and pans banging around and orders being shouted when we reached downstairs in the living room. Applebloom was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, concluding her explanation for where Applejack was.

"AJ'll be right down big brother," she explained just as I allowed Applejack to take the lead since I was a little nervous about everyone's reaction. Understanding, Applejack trotted through the doorway to the kitchen as if it were just a normal day, complete with a pep in her step and a little bounce in her trot.

"Mornin' everypony!" She declared just as I stopped short of the doorway, still uncertain about the reaction from the Apple family. "Y'all sleep good?" She asked while I could hear her jostling around a cup, presumably getting a cup of coffee together.

"Are ya feelin' better there, youngin'?" Granny Smith replied. From what I could hear, the elderly pony stopped her cooking to give her granddaughter a hug. "Ya seemed more down than our barn after them parasprites went nuts," she added. I did feel bad that I sent Applejack there by herself when we had decided to tell everyone about us together, but she seemed to be holding together pretty well.

"'O course Ah am Granny," Applejack laughed, "nothin' a little sleep can't fix," she added before pausing, probably taking a swig of her coffee. There was some more shuffling coming from the kitchen as I heard some chairs being moved out of the way and comforting words from everyone else. I peeked my eyes around the corner of the doorframe to see Applebloom, Big Mac, Cheerilee and Granny Smith bombarding AJ with a group hug. Her eyes moved over to me and she motioned her head back towards the kitchen.

My hand gripped the wooden frame tightly as I gulped, gathering up the strength to go in there and explain why I abandoned them all last night. Apparently, I had waited a little too long and AJ shot me a look that said, 'Get over here NOW.' So I did, and along the way I somehow managed to hit every creak and squeak of the floor, alerting the other residents of the room that I had entered.

Their eyes popped open and stared in awe, following my every move from the living room doorway to the kitchen table where I placed my hands on top and held myself up. I thought sitting down would be too casual and rude considering that they had expected me to still be gone. "H-Hey," I mustered up the courage to say. Three of the four ponies surrounding Applejack dropped back onto four legs, never blinking once. Applebloom held onto her sister, completely aware of what was going on yet thankfully decided not to say anything. "Do you guys need any help?" I offered, still bracing myself against the tabletop.

"When did you get back, Cougar?" Cheerilee asked, whisking over to me and placing her hoof on my shoulder.

"A better question is: Where did ya go after stormin' out 'o Princess Twilight's castle like that?" Big Mac asked, still standing next to Applejack. Granny Smith cleared her throat, wanting to ask her own question apparently.

"Are ya feelin' better there, Cougar?" She asked in her sweet Grandmother-like voice. "Ah know how mighty steamed ya were," she added, pulling up a chair and sitting next to me. I was prepared for a bombardment of questions, or at least one from everypony here, but I hadn't thought of which question to answer first. It was easy enough to be ready for questions, but deciding which one was more important or the easiest felt like an extremely difficult choice.

"Why don't ya start with where ya went ta, Cougar?" Applebloom suggested, smiling at me and letting me know that she had my back. If anything, that option did start my journey of last night in chronological order. However, Granny Smith's question was a simple yes or no answer, and not to mention Applejack and I were saving our little secret for last.

"Well first off," I softened my body and sat down in one of the chairs that Cheerilee offered, "yes Granny Smith, I am feeling better thank you for asking," I replied, grinning at the green earth pony. "Last night I was pretty upset at Twilight for what she tried to do," I began before Big Mac cut me off.

"Ah'd say mighty pissed," he corrected me, looking around at everypony, "ya done flung a punch bowl at a wall 'n shattered it," he explained. The red stallion shut up when Cheerilee glared at him and shook her head, telling him to shut his mouth.

"Or we could go with that," I said with a little laugh, legitimately finding that amusing. "Anyway, I just wanted some time alone to reflect on some things, and I walked blindly to the lake where I found a tree and climbed to the tallest branch overlooking the lake," I spoke. "I sat in the tree for maybe fifteen or twenty minutes in silence until Princess Luna found me," I stopped, wondering what else to add.

"What did Luna do for you, Cougar?" Cheerilee asked, "did she help you calm down and then let you stay in her castle overnight?" she pressed further.

"Yes, she helped me calm down, but she didn't have me stay at her castle, Cheerilee. Instead, she actually got me to open up a bit and realize that I was mentally beating myself up over nothing and that I had a right to be angry and scared, but that I was angry and scared for the wrong reasons," I explained. "I was scared that if Twilight's plan had gone through, I would've blurted out something about my species that would've frightened all of you and you'd kick me out and exile me to Tartarus," I added before another question could be asked.

"Did ya honestly believe we'd blame ya fer what other members 'o yer species did?" Granny Smith asked after a brief moment of silence as some food sizzled on the stove.

"Yes, and it was stupid of me I know, but I just didn't know what you would think of me, so I chickened out and left," I replied. "And for ditching you guys like that, I sincerely apologize," I folded my arms across my chest on top of the table, looking up all of the ponies.

"Aw, it's okay, Cougar," Cheerilee soothed me, "I've seen many students before leave the classroom just to sit outside with their thoughts; it's perfectly normal," she placed her hoof on my hand. "Even if you expressed your anger the way you did before you left," she added. Granny Smith and Big Mac nodded in concurrence while Applebloom leaned closer to listen and Applejack still sipped her coffee, allowing me to continue my story.

"And then thanks to Luna, I also accepted a fact that I've kept hidden for a long time now and retreated back here," I proceeded. "I had one goal in mind and I reached it, although it was under different circumstances than I had originally envisioned," I added. Now, a look of bewilderment met my gaze from Granny Smith, Big Mac, Cheerilee and Applebloom. Having told them that, I had expected the next question to be something about my goal or what Luna helped me to accept.

"So, ya've been here all night 'n didn't tell us or anythin'?" The red stallion in the room questioned, sounding a tad angry for making Applejack concerned for my safety for basically nothing. "Sure it was late, but you could've woken up Granny or myself," he instructed me and shook his head in disappointment. Just as I was about to correct him and say that Applejack knew I had returned, the mare I was going to talk about garnered her brother's attention.

"Lemme take over, Cougar," she sighed contently after finishing her morning drink. "Family 'n Ms. Cheerilee," Applejack announced, "last night Ah couldn't sleep, so Ah decided ta take a lil stroll around the farm ta help get me sleepy, but soon enough Ah wandered ta Cougar's shack without realizin' it 'n waited up fer him ta come back so he could have some company if he wanted ta chat," she explained. 'N when he did, Ah was there ta comfort him 'n let him know how much he meant ta our family." Applebloom, Granny Smith and Big MacIntosh all agreed with this statement by looking at each other and giving one nod. "We got ta talkin' more 'fore we comprehended that we had the same goal in mind. 'N Ah guess actions speak louder than words, am Ah right, Ms. Cheerilee?" the orange mare asked the maroon pony.

"Um, sure I guess, but what are you talking about?" The educator was completely caught off guard by being put on the spot. Oh shit, I knew what was going to happen now, and my stomach began to knot itself together. Sure, I knew that Applebloom was on our side and possibly Granny Smith, but what if Big Mac only wanted me to be Applejack's friend? He was a protective yet great big brother who just wanted his sister to be safe, something I could understand and respect.

Applejack walked over to my chair and placed a foreleg around my neck before nuzzling my cheek. Applebloom was practically gushing rainbows at seeing us getting ready to kiss again whilst Big Mac and Cheerilee were practically cemented in place, eyes as big as race tires. My girlfriend then softly turned my head so I was looking at her and she leaned in, making our lips touch for the third time this morning. Nearly all of my fears washed away as we expressed our love as much as we felt was necessary. Her leg wrapped around me tighter as we kind of got into it, forgetting that anyone else was in the room.

"Ahem, Ah believe we get the point ya two," Granny Smith forced a cough out of her mouth.

"S-sorry," I apologized, "I didn't think we'd get that into it," I said, exhaling and slowing my thoughts down from the kiss. "Can't complain about it though," I joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Ah'm not complainin' either," Applejack smirked, still standing close to me.

"Awww, you two are so sweet together!" Applebloom flushed her cheeks at us. Big Mac and Cheerilee blinked hard and shook their heads, holding them with their hooves. I was preparing for Big Mac to shove me away from AJ and give me the whole cliche'd spiel about treating Applejack right and that if I hurt her in anyway, he'd snap me like a toothpick and bury me in the ground.

"Cougar," Big Mac started. His voice was a little shaky, understandable due to the surprise Applejack and I had given. "Is this what yer goal was?" He asked me, sitting down in his own chair to unscramble his head. I nodded in response, just looking at the stallion out of the corner of my eye, uncertain of what his real reaction would be.

"You're not mad, are you Big Mac?" Cheerilee asked as she began to rub his shoulders and cuddled her cheek against his dirty blonde mane.

"N-no, Ah just had a feelin' that somethin' like this'd happen," he replied. The stallion grabbed the entire pot of coffee instead of a cup and drank half of it to help get his thoughts synchronized. "My little sister is datin' our farmhand. Are ya sure about this, Applejack? It's not gonna get in the way 'o work is it?" He asked. AJ shook her head in amusement and removed her hoof from my shoulder and placed it on Big Mac's hoof.

"Ah'm 100% positive 'bout this big brother," she nuzzled up to her brother. "'N Ah know work is top priority 'round here right next ta family health, but Ah don't see yer relationship with Cheerilee affectin' yer work," she pointed out, "so Ah don't think my relationship should affect farm work," she concluded. Big Mac set down the coffee pot and looked between Cheerilee and myself.

"She's right, honey," the maroon mare shrugged in agreement with Applejack. The stallion exhaled through his nose and pushed himself back up from his seat. He licked his upper lip clean of coffee residue before looking at me square in the eyes.

"Ah'm happy, fer both 'o ya," he admitted. "'N Ah've a good feelin' yer gonna take good care 'o her, right Cougar?" He asked, putting pressure onto my shoulder with his hoof. I shook his hoof off, adjusting my chair so I could move just a bit further from him.

"I've always tried to take care of her for letting me live on your farm, Big Mac," I said truthfully, though I doubted he knew I wasn't lying. "And I have no use for changing that now," I added. "I do love her; I'm just happy she feels the same," my eyes drifted over to said mare who looked honored to be talked about in such a way by me. Big Mac moved to let me get up to help with the tasks at hand before everyone began arriving, but right as I sat up, Granny Smith blocked my path, practically forcing me to sit back down in the chair.

"Ya just hold on right there, youngin'," she ordered sternly. The only other time I've seen her act this harsh was when she was yelling at jars for Zapp-Apple season or whatever a few months ago. Her attitude caught even Applejack off guard whom looked from Big Mac to Applebloom, wondering what was going on. The elderly pony paced around in front of me a few times, only furthering my curiosity and nervousness with every hoof step. "Ah wanna let ya two know that Ah approve 'o this," were the first words of her speech.

"Ah wasn't doubtin' that, Granny," AJ said, puzzled as to why Granny Smith would think we were worried she wouldn't approve.

"However," the pony continued, ignoring her grandchild, "a few things. Don't be surprised 'n don't be discouraged if some ponies or griffons or whatevers disagree with yer love," she instructed, "if ya two love each other, that's yer business 'n nopony can say boo about it. Second, nothin' too intense 'round young Applebloom; Ah'm sure Cheerilee hasn't taught her 'bout the fish 'n the frogs?" She checked over to the maroon earth pony.

"The-the what?" Cheerilee questioned with a confused squint in her eyes. Applejack and Big Mac shrugged, just as confused as the maroon mare.

"Ya know, when a mommy fish 'n a daddy frog love each other?" Granny Smith tried to explain.

"I think you mean the birds and the bees, right Granny?" I tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention back on me.

"Whatever it is, Ah just don't want ta come home from playin' bridge with the girls ta hear," she started before covering little Applebloom's ears with her hooves, "the both 'o ya makin' a pony with two backs," she ordered. I covered my face in complete embarrassment, unable to look at anyone right now. Through a crack in my fingers, I saw Applejack's face go beet red with her muzzle shrunk up and her eyes looking at the floor.

"Hey, Ah'm old enough ta hear what ya'll are sayin'!" Applebloom protested, wriggling free from Granny Smith just a bit too late. Applejack coughed a few times and fanned her face with her stetson in hoof.

"Uh, Granny," Applejack croaked out, "we just got together not eight hours ago," she continued to fan her face, "we ain't gonna do that right away. In fact, we ain't even discussed it, right?" she looked at me. 'Why did you just put me in the center of attention?' I mentally asked as everyone turned to look at me.

"I, uh, guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there?" I completely pulled that straight from thin air. Thankfully, the green mare smiled, buying my explanation and ruffled my hair with her hoof.

"Now that we got that out 'o the way, we've got a brunch's butt ta kick 'fore everypony else arrives. Applebloom, start dusting 'round the livin' room; the princesses will be here 'n they're gonna see the Apple house at its finest," she hoofed a dustpan and broom over to the yellow filly, as if the conversation never took place at all. "Applejack, Ah'm gonna need some more muffin mix from the pantry," she added, going back to mixing some batter.

"Ah've got the waffle iron heatin' up," Big Mac announced. The kitchen immediately transformed from calm and collected to just about hectic, but not Hell's Kitchen bad. Applejack tapped me on the shoulder and helped me to my feet before hugging me tightly.

"Ya did great," she complimented. "Except Ah was sure that nothin' bad would happen ta ya," she smiled and released her hug. "Well, 95% sure," she corrected herself before trotting over to the pantry.

"And the other 5%?" I questioned. Unfortunately, she didn't hear me as there was a loud knock at the kitchen door, followed by a particular cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane and another blue pegasus with a black mane.

"Good morning Apple family!" Rainbow Dash announced when I opened the door, "and Cougar! Hey, glad to see you after you owned that punch bowl," she nudged my hip with her hoof. Soarin waved to me with his wing and shook my hand with his hoof.

"Hey, we were pretty worried about you bro, is everything okay now?" He asked me as his eyes slowly scanned the room, searching for a certain dessert. Rainbow Dash trotted over to Applejack and stole a taste of raw muffin mix while the orange mare wasn't looking.

"Yeah, just had to clear my head a bit," I explained to the stallion before pulling out a spare pie from the fridge. "AJ always keeps these on standby for you, Soar," I winked at the pegasus who licked his lips with glee. "Hey Rainbow, where's Scoots?" I questioned the mare that had found a bottle of cider in the refrigerator. She wiped her mouth of foam before floating her way over to where I was.

"She's over hanging out with Sweetie Belle; she didn't want to get up this early, so I just dropped her off at Rarity's," she replied. "And before you take a crack at me waking up early, I'm always ready and alert for cider," she explained with a cocky wink.

"So, any idea when the others will show up?" I asked Applejack when Soarin went to munch on his pie at the table.

---

(Apple House. After the guests arrive. Ivan's POV)

"Granny Smith, I absolutely adore your home," Princess Celestia complimented as she and Glock cuddled on the Apple family couch. Soarin and Rainbow Dash had arrived extra early just for cider and pie, not very surprising. Soon after though, more and more guests had begun to arrive, making the humble household feel a little more, 'cozy.' Everyone seemed to enter the house and react the exact same way: They'd walk in looking a little down, and when they would see me, their expressions exploded as if they'd just won the billion dollar lotto, with the exception of the royal sisters from their help the previous night. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both jumped into my arms and had to be pried away by Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Unfortunately, Lyra had to inform me that Vinyl left for Manehattan at about 5:00 to visit one of her best friends, Neon Lights I think.

"Agreed, sister," Luna replied while sharing a cup of coffee and a doughnut with Checkered Flag on the center rug of the living room. "I enjoy the simplistic and rustic atmosphere within these walls."

"Ah appreciate yer kind words, yer highnesses," Granny Smith said from the kitchen. I took a small break from helping with some cucumber sandwiches to go talk to Luna and Celestia for a few minutes. Of course, I had to weave my way through a gaggle of multicolored fur before I could reach the two alicorns and their colt-friends. The four ponies gave me their full attention once I stopped right in front of them, waiting to speak.

"We'd just like to wish you a Merry Christmas, Cougar," Checkered was the first to talk to me as Luna took a bite of doughnut.

"Thanks, Checkered. And a Happy Hearth's Warming to you all," I replied with a smile. I was confused, however that Checkered still called me, Cougar; I was certain that Luna and Celestia heard me tell AJ my real name and they'd more than likely tell Glock and Checkered Flag. Perhaps they had not yet arrived to my shack when I had told AJ who I actually was?

"Your secret is under wraps with us until you and Applejack are ready to tell everypony else," Celestia bowed her head. "We respect other's privacy, for it is not our right to betray that confidentiality," she explained to me.

"Well, her family and Cheerilee already know, and AJ and I told them the same thing," I cracked my knuckles. "I was just heading over to ask you guys if you have any holiday duties to fulfill today?" I questioned curiously. The two sisters looked at each other, apparently expecting the other to tell me what they had planned for the day. They continued to gesture with their horns pointed at me until finally Glock cleared his throat.

"They are free until they must attend a royal banquet in Canterlot with all of the citizens invited," he read off. "The banquet is at four, so they have plenty of time to enjoy you and your friend's company for brunch," the pegasus guard concluded.

"Well put, sweetie," Celestia rubbed her cheek over his mane. "I trust you and Applejack will announce your courtship after brunch is consumed, correct?" the white alicorn wanted to make sure.

"You just want to hear it again, don't you?" I asked slyly, crossing my arms.

"I may be a princess, Cougar," Celestia giggled, "however, I am still a mare that enjoys seeing happy couples, and your case is a special one. Speaking of which, I do also wish you and Applejack many years of happiness," she made me blush.

"Years, Celestia?" I questioned. It hasn't even been twelve hours yet," I exclaimed.

"Well, yes I know that," she replied, "I just want your love for Applejack to blossom and grow," the alicorn explained.

"Okay, thank you," I sucked in a deep breath after my worry that everyone after Applebloom would begin to hint at marriage. Of course though, Bloom is just a kid and gets really excited about relationships according to what Cheerilee told me about the Hearth's Warming incident. Hoping to switch the subject around, my mind wandered to once again, the previous night, but not about myself or Applejack. I couldn't help but remember what Twilight did, and while that still irritated me, I realized that no one had said a thing about the purple alicorn. Come to think of it, Twilight and Spike hadn't shown up yet; I had expected them to arrive about after Rainbow Dash and Soarin. And while I did admit to Applejack that I didn't like her all that much, I knew Twilight was still a kind pony, and I felt sort of sad if she was all alone, even if she had her son with her, on Christmas. It sucked to have friends angry at you or shun you during the holidays.

"As you wish," Luna laced her foreleg over Checkered's back and pulled him closer.

"Hey Celestia, may I ask you a question?" I requested. The white alicorn nodded her head politely, granting me permission. "After I turned the punch bowl into crumbs, and you all yelled at her, what exactly happened to Twilight? Applejack didn't tell me much except that her and the rest of the Apples headed home," I asked and explained. The four equines seemed uncomfortable with the question, and they even looked a little guilty for whatever reason.

"Most of us shunned her," Glock admitted, "and the pink one called her a party ruiner. I think that's about it; all I know is Tia and Luna returned myself and Checkered Flag to the castle before going back to Ponyville to look for you," he concluded.

"Yep!" Pinkie Pie suddenly burst from behind the couch. "All of us were really steamed at Twilight, so we left. I made Gummy his very own batch of cupcakes, though he only ate one, but luckily I ate the rest!" She beamed and picked up her little alligator.

"Well, have any of you talked to her yet today?" I pressed on.

"No; we came here straight from Canterlot, Cougar," Checkered responded. "I mean, I felt a little bad for Twilight last night, but I figure with how much she's gone through with her friends that she'll be here with a heartfelt apology and we'll begin to rebuild the trust she lost," he explained.

"And would you guys be willing to forgive her so quickly?" I added. There was suddenly a loud crash that erupted from the kitchen, grinding my conversation with the four ponies to a halt. "Uh-oh, I think I know what that means," I grimaced, making way to the kitchen as Celestia, Luna, Glock and Checkered Flag hopped to their hooves.

"Applebloom," AJ shook her head and grabbed a rag from the sink, wetting it and then ducked low to begin wiping down the floor. Yes, my suspicions were correct; Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were covered in what looked to me like waffle batter. The blue mixing bowl was sitting upside down on the kitchen floor with the rest of the batter surrounding said bowl and the wooden spoon was sticking out from underneath.

"Hehe, oops?" The yellow filly took off her chef hat with a blush, tossing it behind her while wiping off the residual batter with her apron.

"Trying to earn some gourmet chef cutie marks, girls?" I asked, politely moving Lyra and Bon Bon out of the way to help Applejack. Big Mac flipped the mixing bowl right side up and rinsed it out in the sink as I grabbed my own rag. The orange mare wiping down the floor with her hoof paused once she saw my rag wiping down the floor next to her. She braced herself on her hoof and raised her hat out of her eyes.

"Don't worry none 'bout this, Sugarcube," she said sweetly, "Ah got this taken care of," her hoof restarted wiping up the goop. Leaving her to clean up the mess didn't feel right, but I didn't like arguing with anybody, so I tossed my rag back into the sink just as Granny Smith was scolding Applebloom and her friends. The Crusaders looked apologetic while Granny shooed them from the kitchen, taking their aprons from them.

"Ah know it was an accident youngin'," she acknowledged to Applebloom, "but we got everythin' under control here. Why don't ya go play hide 'n seek or somethin'? Ah spent many hours 'o my fillyhood playin' that with my cousins," she reminisced a little. Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle pouted, but knew that there was no way they'd be allowed back in the kitchen again until Brunch was over. "Okay, back ta work!" Granny announced to AJ, Big Mac and Cheerilee, "everypony else, ya'll can go back ta yer minglin'."

"Hey, I'll go keep them company while you guys finish up?" I suggested to the orange mare that was now cleaning off the rag she had been using. She looked over at the three bored fillies and turned back to me with a nod.

"Food shouldn't take much longer; Ah'll give ya four a holler," she granted me permission. I gave Applejack a quick pat on the back and tried to follow the trio of fillies, only to bump back into the four ponies that I had been chatting with earlier as I turned around. Luna and Glock seemed to have looks of curiosity while Celestia and Checkered Flag had looks of concern on their faces.

"Sorry, everyone," I apologized, "we'll pick this up later; Applejack wants me to watch the Crusaders while the rest of the food is, for a lack of a better word: safe," I had a hard time choosing the right word so I wouldn't sound mean to the girls.

"Well, as long as everything is okay," Glock shifted his position between himself and Celestia to give me a clear opening to join the girls. "They're not in any trouble, are they?" the off duty guard questioned me. I didn't believe so; they didn't try to spill the bowl of waffle batter on purpose, but they did look a bit down in the dumps as they sat slouching on the couch.

"Nah, just bored and a little disappointed," I replied.

"Remember when we tried to bake mother and father an anniversary cake, Luna?" Celestia asked out of the blue. I didn't have time to enter the conversation as I made my way through the gap between the four ponies and started my destination towards the girls. However, I could hear the tail end of their chat as I left the hearing distance. "That was a fun day," Celestia continued.

"Yes, I remember you set off the smoke alarms and the guards sprayed us with that stuff in the fire extinguishers," I could sense Luna roll her eyes.

"You were the one who left the cake in the oven for too long!" The elder sister exclaimed. I laughed at how cute it was to see such regal sisters acting like ten year olds while away from the castle in Canterlot. My laugh alerted the fillies on the couch, making them hop up in excitement to see me. However, instead of stopping in front of them or sitting down on the couch, I changed directions and opened the door leading out to the front yard, turning back to the three.

"Let's get some fresh air, girls," I invited, holding the door open for them. Naturally, they were surprised at the sudden invitation, but knowing the Crusaders, they grinned happily and bounded off the couch, nearly tackling me as they rushed outside into the snow while I let the door close. The crisp morning winter air hit me like a brick wall, but in a good way. I inhaled the aroma of fresh snow, loving the chilling air inside my nose that brought back many Christmas memories of Alaska. Even wearing just my jeans and T-Shirt, the temperature didn't bother me at all.

"So, what are we doing out here, Cougar?" Scootaloo asked me. All three expected me to follow them into the snow, but stood in front of the porch steps where I still stood. The orange pegasus shook some snow on her wings, getting some onto Sweetie Belle's back whom yelped at the chilly substance.

"I thought we could enjoy the great, chilly outdoors while the food is being prepared," I explained, leaning against the wall of the house. "Don't you think it was getting a little crowded and really warm inside?" I added with a cocky smirk.

"Well, I guess," Sweetie Belle shook the snow off her back, making sure not to pass it on to Applebloom, "but if we want to be master chefs, then we have to get used to crowded kitchens and hot temperatures," she added, stepping ahead of her two friends.

"Although, Ah think tryin' that out fer our cutie marks durin' Hearth's Warmin' probably wasn't such a good idea," Applebloom adjusted her hair bow and found some globs of batter she had missed.

"Maybe you girls should have tried it like a week ago or sometime when the kitchen is nearly deserted?" I suggested jokingly, but Scootaloo shook her head.

"Nah, I don't think I can handle other chefs bumping into me and shouting at me in a sweaty kitchen anyways," the little pegasus shrugged. Sweetie Belle and Applebloom groaned, earning another smirk from me. "What?" Scootaloo questioned. Did I forget to mention how adorable these fillies always were?

"If I recall, trying to be chefs was your idea," Sweetie Belle accused, pointing her hoof in Scootaloo's direction.

"Hey, you know I'm the best at spur of the moment ideas," she stuck her tongue out at the little unicorn. Yep, even fighting amongst each other, these fillies were impossible not to be cute. Applebloom rolled her eyes at her two friends bickering while I stepped down into the snow to join them. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle didn't seem to notice as I bent down and scooped up some snow into my hands, squishing it into a classic snowball.

"Here," I tossed the snowball to Applebloom, "how about a little-" I began before my face was pelted with snow, making me jump a little from the drastic change in temperature. Scootaloo fell onto her back, laughing like a deranged hyena on laughing gas at the snow melting on my face. The snow flung from my cheeks to the ground with my hand as I glared at pony.

"Do you honestly think I don't see the brewing of a snowball fight?" Scootaloo asked once her laughter subsided. Sweetie Belle gasped excitedly before her green magic created her own snowball and launched it, directly at my face.

"Rarity doesn't like snowball fights; I've always wanted to be in one with somepony other than Scootaloo and Applebloom," she explained happily as I yet again wiped my face clean of snow. The snow was flung to the ground by my hand with a splat, an evil grin was born across my face and I let out a little chuckle. I knew just how to get back at both the pegasus and unicorn, something that Reaper and I would do when we were kids.

"You know, Scootaloo, that wasn't me trying to start a snowball fight," I took a step towards the three fillies. An idea had sprung into my mind; not a snowball fight per say, but something else fun that would make the wait go by quicker. "But if it's a fight in the snow you want," I added, bending lower to nearly a three point stance. Scootaloo blinked a few times, uncertain of what I was getting at before the realization smacked her in the face. She bent down low as her face changed to what I like to call the 'Rainbow Dash face of confidence.' Applebloom too saw what I was planning and took a step to the side to get out of the way, all with a knowing grin. Sweetie Belle, however, was confused and couldn't figure out what I was doing. I said nothing else as I launched from the ground towards the two fillies standing before me.

"EEEP!" Sweetie Belle squeaked in surprise and jumped back a bit just as my chest and stomach made contact with the ground. Scootaloo timed it just perfectly and had enough wing power to hover in the air so I would miss her. I slid a few feet past both the unicorn and pegasus, using my arms and hands to come to a stop. Applebloom, meanwhile, was giggling up a storm at what had transpired, nearly falling backwards as Scootaloo had done.

"I'm gonna get ya!" I said, pushing myself up off the snowy ground, lunging at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle again. The two laughed and ran, kicking up more snow while trying to get away as I chased them around, all while Applebloom ran beside me.

"You're too slow!" Scootaloo mocked me, pulling ahead of both me and Sweetie Belle slightly. Although I still had some more snow flying towards my face from the legs of the ponies, I didn't mind because moving around had raised my body temperature, and I was having too much fun.

"I don't need to catch you, Scootaloo," I called out, "I just need to catch the slowest pony," my gaze shifted to the multi mane colored unicorn behind the pegasus. Sweetie Belle gasped when she knew I was referring to her and tried to kick her speed up a notch. Suddenly, Sweetie Belle skidded to a halt and change direction as if she had utilized an E-Brake and I ran right past her, giving her a new lead so I couldn't keep up. I laughed when I gave up the chase on Scootaloo and skidded to a stop as well, going after Sweetie Belle again.

"Try harder than that, old man!" the white pony teased me.

"Old man?!" I repeated, pretending to be insulted, "you get your butt back here little missy for a timeout!" I teased right back. Sweetie Belle did nothing but giggle and continue to run away from me, changing directions every few seconds before eventually ending back up with Scootaloo as they ran around a few barren trees. Being an earth pony, Applebloom could run faster than both of her friends, but she stayed right beside me, chasing the two around her farm. We had pursued the duo closer and closer to where the Apple family and I had shoveled all of the snow out of the way of the path, causing Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to run into the deeper snow, forcing them to hop more than run. I couldn't help but cackle; my longer legs gave me one hell of an advantage over my little friends.

"C'mon Cougar!" The yellow filly beside me cheered, "let's get 'em!" She encouraged, running a bit faster. The crunching of the snow intensified while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hopped around as fast as they could to out maneuver both myself and Applebloom. Their attempts were all for naught as I again leapt forward once we had caught up with the two, sliding through the deeper snow and almost breaching like a humpback whale, grabbing onto Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's rear legs. Applebloom had used me as a spring board and landed atop her friends, completely trapping them within our grasps.

"No!" Scootaloo pouted in defeat.

"Not too shabby for an old man, huh Sweetie Belle?" I pulled her, Scootaloo and Applebloom out of the snow and plopped them back to the snow shoveled area.

"Don't forget yer partner in crime!" Applebloom puffed out her chest proudly. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo groaned and rolled their eyes, waiting for Applebloom to stop looking so prideful. All three ponies then shook their bodies like dogs, ejected the snow off of them.

"I certainly can't forget that!" I exclaimed in reply after they were done removing the snow from their fur. Opening up my arms, I scooped the tiny ponies up into my arms, trying to not drop any of them, and gave them all a big hug. "Wow, we really left our mark here," I acknowledged the hoof and foot prints we had made in the snow, making it look like a few ponies and a monkey got drunk and tried to do walk in a straight line. "This is another reason why I love the holidays so much, girls," they happily exchanged their own hugs. "Playing games outside in the snow with friends while cups of hot cocoa are waiting on the kitchen table," my tongue briefly made an appearance, licking around my lips.

"Or in this case, lots of food!" Scootaloo grinned and rubbed her belly as it gurgled. "I could really go for some waffles with maple syrup and fries on the side!" A little drool emitted from the orange pegasus' mouth; I gently set her to the ground so it wouldn't get on my arm or shirt.

"Applejack said the food was almost ready before, you know," Sweetie Belle blushed at the recent memory. "So, I'm guessing maybe ten more minutes, give or take?" She pondered. None of us were complaining about the cold thanks to our little game; we walked back to the porch and sat down on the steps, trying to think of other ways to pass the time. I don't think they were actually cold and that they wanted an excuse to be close to me, but I didn't mind it when all three ponies snuggled up to me.

"We're really relieved that you came back though, Cougar," Scootaloo said as she rested her head on my lap next to Applebloom's. Sweetie Belle on the other hand actually laid down on my lap and used my chest as a pillow, softly breathing away.

"Thanks, Scoots," I beamed at the statement. "Glad to know I was missed by more than Applebloom and her family," I had to force myself not to say that I was dating AJ to the pegasus and unicorn. I knew they would squeal as badly as Rarity, alert everyone that something may be wrong and have them all flood out here. I knew there was a time for that and it was rapidly approaching with each passing second. The weight of Sweetie Belle's head was removed from my chest, making me grow slightly intrigued as to what she was thinking.

"How could we not miss you?" She asked rhetorically. "We may have known you for only seven months, but you're practically one of us now," she continued. "You're kind, thoughtful, selfless," the unicorn began to list off things she liked about me before Applebloom took over.

"Not ta mention, ya make us laugh with pointin' out stupid stuff ponies do, yer always tryin' ta make others feel better 'n ya have great taste in music," she stuck her tongue out at her compliment.

"Don't tell Rainbow Dash I said this," Scootaloo propped her chin up with her hooves and jammed her elbows into my leg, "but you're also a total badass who doesn't take shit from anypony," her wings buzzed like crazy. The three then snuggled up to me closer, fidgeting around until they were comfortable. At that moment, I felt like more than a friend to the trio, like I was their big brother who wanted what was best for them and tried to steer them in the right direction, even though Applebloom practically held me in brotherly regards.

"Thanks, Scootaloo," I replied, squeezing the fillies like puppies in my arms. Somehow, I was able to get my phone out of my pocket with Applebloom sitting practically on the opening and opened up the music folder. "Do you girls want a little Christmas music?" I offered, scrolling until I found the folder specifically for the holidays. They lifted their heads from my lap and chest and nodded with cheesy grins. With a warm feeling in my chest, I clicked on a nice, upbeat song for the remaining wait time we had left: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. Sighing contently, I laid my head back to rest upon the siding of the house, enjoying the serene feeling of winter with my favorite fillies. The song played for a good while before Applebloom tapped my leg.

"Cougar, can Ah ask ya somethin'?" I nodded, graciously allowing her to ask whatever she wanted. "Ya said that reindeer helped this Santer Claus feller fly 'round the world, right?" she asked.

"Santa Claus, Bloom," I corrected, ruffling her mane.

"Oh, right," she blushed, "but what are reindeer? Some sort 'o deer with rain that comes out 'o its antlers?"

"Haha, no. A reindeer is a caribou, Applebloom. Equestria has caribou, right?" I asked, recognizing the fact that I had not yet heard a thing about caribou. Sure, Pinkie offhandedly mentioned moose before and Twilight once mentioned that some yaks lived north of even the Crystal Empire, but nothing about caribou.

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle now stood on my chest, somehow defying gravity, "they live north of the Crystal Empire near Yakyakistan, but in tiny villages spread throughout the frozen north," she explained. 'So, kind of like Alaska then,' I pondered. "Ms. Cheerilee taught us about them once, but I can't remember what their main home is called," she tapped her chin.

"Oh well," Applebloom shrugged, "anyways, why are those caribou that help Santa called 'reindeer'?" she continued her question.

"Well, the main debate that I remember is that caribou lived in the wild and survived on their own while reindeer were just domesticated caribou that humans owned as pets or took care of if they were injured or sick," I explained. Sweetie Belle then stretched a bit before laying back down on my chest, curling up like a dog and tenderly rubbing her head. I was a little concerned about her horn accidentally puncturing my jugular, but thankfully she didn't stretch her head too far. Raising my eyes back up, I spotted a familiar purple figure trekking its way under the Sweet Apple Acres sign.

"Morning Spike!" I called out, prompting the three fillies to jump up to see their friend. "Happy Hearth's Warming. You got here just in time; the food's just about done," I kept calling out to the dragon, but I never got a response back. In fact, as he walked closer, I could see his head was down and he was kind of dragging himself along. His arms were dangling, barely close enough to graze the snow on the ground. His feet never picked themselves off the ground; they just scooted along, pushing the snow down the path.

"You okay, bro?" Scootaloo asked, jumping down onto the snow from the porch with her wings sticking up on her back. Spike's eyes were closed and it looked like he was ready to start crying at the drop of a pin. In fact, a small sniffle escaped his nose as he trudged along, either ignoring all four of us or was too sad to realize we were there. The dragon took a step up onto the porch as we parted and Applebloom opened the door so he wouldn't accidentally walk straight through it which I was willing to bet would happen.

"Hey Spike, where's Twilight?" I questioned the purple dragon as he walked past me, still not even acknowledging our existence, though he sort of flinched the moment I mentioned his mother's name. The Crusaders bounded their away after the dragon, hoping to find some answers to help him out of his funk.

"Spikey!" Rarity exclaimed from the crowded house. The white unicorn trotted over to hug her friend, but upon seeing his expression, she slowed her pace until she came to a complete stop in front of the dragon. "Whatever is the matter, Spike? And is Twilight with you?" She questioned. All of the conversations died down when everyone saw how sad and worried Spike was.

The poor dragon then slumped down onto a chair with his head in his claws, sighing dejectedly. The world seemed to stop; all the ponies and myself surrounded Spike in the living room, trying to see if he was okay. "My mom isn't coming," Spike sniffled.

"We weren't going to yell at her or anything of the sort if that's what she's worried about," Fluttershy assured.

"Yeah, we just wanted to talk to her about what went down and how it was pretty crummy of her," Rainbow Dash agreed. Spike shook his head, removing his claws from his head only to squeeze them on the arm rests of the chair.

"I don't think that's gonna happen, Rainbow Dash," Spike grumbled.

"Well, why not?" Bon Bon chimed in. "Is Twilight okay?" She added.

"She hasn't said a word to me since last night," Spike replied, "when I ignored her pleas to talk to me." A few tears slipped out his eyes and trailed down his scaly cheeks, leaving his face a little shiny. "I'm a terrible son." he covered his eyes to prevent the waterworks from blasting full force. Nopony had a chance to talk to him, not even me as he started to go off on his story. "The last I heard from mom, she was begging me to just sit and talk to her after everyone left, but I neglected her and went to sleep, locking my door so she couldn't get in."

"Oh, Spike," Celestia tried to reason with him, but he continued as if she hadn't said anything.

"I woke up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and saw she wasn't in the foyer anymore, so I felt a little guilty and knocked on her door; I just wanted to talk to see if she was alright and comfort her like she's done for me so many times before. Her door wasn't even latched, so I walked in to find her crying under blanket," Spike sniffled again. "She wouldn't say anything to me, no matter how much I talked to her, even about things that weren't even remotely related to the holidays."

"I'd want to be alone too if something like that happened to me," Scootaloo cut in, only to be shushed by me and Rainbow Dash. Now I was starting to feel really bad for the alicorn. She probably felt all alone and hated, no matter how sorry she was. To have all of your friends angry at you all at once and during the holidays and completely shun you had to take a toll on even the strongest hearted pony.

"She just cried for about 45 minutes straight while I tried to at least get her to say something, but she couldn't. So I eventually gave up and cuddled with her for the rest of the night, praying that she would be calmer in the morning so I could be there for her and we could smooth out everything before coming here. But that's where I gave my hopes up; she still wouldn't say a thing to me, and her cheeks were caked with dry tears."

"You don't think she'd try to hurt herself, do you?" Glock asked.

"No, not our Twilight," Applejack quickly dismissed the idea, though she sounded a little hesitant.

"She wouldn't even eat a small breakfast I made her; I came here after giving up on that," Spike concluded. "I was hoping maybe one of you could talk to her, maybe Celestia?" He practically begged. "Please, princess, I love my mom; I don't want to see her like this anymore. "It's scaring me," he added quietly as Rarity immediately wrapped her forelegs around him in a hug.

This was strange, I swear I could feel everyone's heart seemingly break or crack simultaneously, even mine. "I shall return as soon as I can, everypony," Celestia agreed to Spike's request. Everyone stepped back a bit, anticipating a teleportation spell and did not want to get caught up. The alicorn took a deep breath and began to charge up her horn, but I stood in front of her and spoke out.

"No, Celestia, let me go," I announced. The princess' horn dissipated of magic, returning to its normal state.

"What do you mean, you'll go, Cougar?" She questioned, confused. "Don't take this the wrong way, but you're the last one on my list who I believe would want to talk to Twilight at this time," she said apologetically.

"I think I can make a bigger impact if I go," I explained. "The shock that I would want to speak with her might snap her out of this funk. Trust me, I've been in plenty of situations like this," I added, trying to convince everyone to allow me to go.

"Are you certain?" Luna debated, "Tia has been Twilight Sparkle's mentor for many years; I would assume she would listen to my sister over anypony else," she touched my shoulder with her wing.

"That makes the most sense, Luna," I replied, politely removing her wing from my shoulder. "But I believe an unexpected answer is the right one for this case. You guys have told me that Twilight tries to see the best in everypony she meets and tries to help others the best that she can. Well right now she needs a friend, and making amends with her just might be the help she needs," I concluded, waiting for someone else to counter my idea.

Applejack softly nodded, trotted over to the door and held it open. "If ya think ya can help her, partner," she said sweetly.

"Just, go easy on her, please," Spike begged with wet eyes.

"I'll be back, and with Twilight, I promise," I said to everyone and tightened my hat, walking out through the door and in front of the house. What have I gotten myself into?

End Chapter 33

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Man, it seemed like the Universe didn't want this chapter to get out; every time I sat down to write a bit more to it, something else would come up! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and be on the lookout for the next one where Ivan goes to confront Twilight. Can they repair things for the holidays? Plus, a few more surprises to come!

Also, next Saturday, I will be moving to Seward, Alaska for school, but each dorm room has Wi-Fi and I will have weekends free. I shall continue Fallen Eagle until it is completed.