Author's Notes:

Sorry it's been so long my pips but Hearts Warming Eve was busy for me and I had very little time to write and edit. The good news is everything at work has calmed down now and I should be able to get back into writing for this story and my others, as much to my shock most of them haven't been updated in quite awhile. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will posting a blog Q=A soon as State of Mind has now reached 75 chapters yay!

I will try to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

Applepip

I brought down the axe and chopped more firewood. The snow was getting thick on the ground now and most ponies found it hard to walk around. I picked up the log on the floor and placed it in the basket behind me. I stuck the axe into the cutting stump and headed inside with the basket of logs. I entered the house and placed the basket by the door as I removed my coat and boots.

“John? Is that you?” Apple Pie asks from the living room.

“Yeah it's me, just got some more logs for the fire.” I reply walking into the living room.

Apple Pie was under a blanket and lying on the couch. Applejack and Apple Fritter went into Ponyville for a few items for tonight. I dropped the logs by the fire that was roaring very nicely. I turn to Apple Pie and she gives me a smile.

“That blanket looks warm.” I say raising my hands up.

“Don't you dare!” Apple Pie says grabbing the blanket in her fore legs. “I just got comfy.”

I sigh and lower my hands. “I guess, you are warm looking...” I grin as I suddenly lunge at Apple Pie and snuggle in beside her. “Is it me or do all ponies act like natural body warmers?”

Apple Pie giggles. “Now I know why Applejack loves you, you're so open with closeness.”

“What do you mean?” I ask sitting up.

“You're not shy to express your feelings. I mean most stallions would not go near me as I'm married to a griffon.”

I shrug. “I couldn't care less who you're married to. We both know we wouldn't cross the line with what we do, we are adults after all. Besides I've lived here long enough to realise ponies like a cuddle or two every now and again.” I give Apple Pie a scratch behind the ears. “You fancy some tea?”

Apple Pie nods. “I would love a cup.”

“How do you take it?” I ask as I walk to the kitchen.

“Milky with two sugars please!” Apple Pie replies.

“Apple Pie, can I ask something?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“What do you think of me really?” I ask returning to the living room with two cups.

“I've already told you.” Apple Pie states as I hand her her tea. “Why? Has something changed?”

I shake my head. “No...Yes. I want to start a family with Applejack, I love her so much that I freak out when I'm away from her too long. I just want to know if you think I'll be a good father.”

“Oh.” Apple Pie says. “In my personal observation you're a wonderful coltfriend and will be a wonderful husband to my cousin. As for being a father only you can make that determination. I can't say for sure if you're good or not but only time will tell John.”

I smile. “Thanks Apple Pie, I really needed to hear that.”

“Just don't worry about everything. You'll wear yourself out otherwise.”

I nod and lean back in the couch. “I just want to make sure this is one thing I don't screw up because this time it's not me alone that's going to be hurt.”

Applejack and Apple Fritter push through the wind and snow. Applejack had left her Stetson back at the Farmhouse and had put on her best winter gear but even through all her layers she still felt the slight sting of the chill in the wind. Apple Fritter was just as wrapped up as Applejack, anypony looking at them wouldn't know who was who at this point. Applejack poked Fritter in the side and gestured to an alley in town that was sheltered from the snow and wind. Fritter nodded and both mares headed for the alley.

The two Apple mares sit down and catch their breaths. Applejack removes her saddle bags and places them down beside her.

“Who's great idea was it ta go into town?” Fritter asks removing her scarf from her muzzle.

“Ah think it was yers.” Applejack replies removing her scarf. “Ah think we should have asked John to come with us.”

Fritter shakes her head. “Ya know he couldn't leave Pie alone cuz, he ain't like that. Though ah'm kind of thinking what they are both doing right now.” Fritter grins and taps her chin. Fritter looks to Applejack and notices her scowl. “Ah'm kidding cuz! Jeez!”

“Ah'm just worried Fitter. This snow is getting worse and we can't see more than a pony length in front of us.” Applejack states and looks out the alleyway at the blizzard. “Ah wish there was some way to contact John.”

Fitter stands up. “Oh ah think ah have a way.” Fritter grins. “Sorry about this.” Fritter lifts up her front hoof and brings it down on Applejack's left hind hoof.

Applejack screams in pain and grabs her leg. “Fritter! What the buck!” Applejack rubs her hoof when the alley was suddenly filled with a white light.

“Applejack! What happened?” John says kneeling down and checking Applejack's hoof.

“Fritter stomped on my hoof.”

“For what reason?” John says turning to Fritter.

“We needed ya ta come rescue us, ah found a way ta contact ya.” Fritter smiles. “Ah had a feeling ya would come when Applejack cried out.”

“I will always come.” John states without smiling.

“We need to get home John with our stuff, can ya manage it?” Applejack asks.

John grins. “Just grab and hold on.”

The three of us plus our bags give Apple Pie a heart attack when we teleport into the living room. I drop Fritter and Applejack as they both let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh my goodness! Are you two alright?” Apple Pie says from her seat. “When John vanished in front of me I was worried something happened.”

“We're fine. We got stuck because of the snow and John saved us.” Fritter says with a grin.

I turn to Fritter and fold my arms. “I think you need to give Applejack an apology.”

Fritters ears flatten as she looks to Applejack. “Ah'm sorry cuz. Ah couldn't think of another way ta get John.”

Applejack smiles. “It's OK Fitter. Ah'm not hurt bad and it'll go away by tomorrow.”

“Still, it doesn't make it right what you did Fritter. You could have crippled Applejack if you hit the wrong place.” I state before sighing. “I should have gone with you, it wasn't right leaving you two to go by yourself.”

Applejack shakes her head. “Ah know ya John, ya couldn't leave Apple Pie by herself not when she's pregnant.”

I smile. “You're right, I wouldn't.” I turn and give Apple Pie a smile which she returns. “So? What did you girls actually get?” I ask turning back to Applejack and Fritter.

Fritter grins. “Ah got supplies to make this night go a little better!” Fritter reaches into her saddle bags and pulls out three bottles. “Canterlot Royal Gold, a wine ah have just been dying ta try. Berry's Special, a drink Applejack assures me will knock me out and Ponyville Number Three, an alcohol free cider for cuz Apple Pie.”

I bend down and pick up the Berry's Special, I rub my chin as I look over the label.

“This is very powerful but I'm intrigued.” I place the bottle on the coffee table in the living room. “You mind?” I ask gesturing to the bottles.

Fritter shakes her head. “Go ahead ah'll get some glasses.”

I turn to Applejack. “You got essential supplies I take it?” I ask as I remove the cork from the Canterlot Royal Gold.

Applejack nods. “Ah would get our milk from the cows but due to the cold weather they don't produce any so ah have to buy it from the store.” Applejack walks to the coffee table and gives the wine a little sniff. “Ah don't smell anything.”

“That's because it's got no smell cuz, that is why ah wanted to try it!” Apple Fritter replies coming back into the living room. Fritter puts down four glasses on a tray from her back. “Ah heard from the store pony that ya have to let it breathe for a few minutes.”

I nod and open the cider for Apple Pie. I hand her a half filled glass and she thanks me. I just sit down when someone bangs loudly on the front door to the Farmhouse.

“Who in Tartarus could that be?” Applejack says.

I stand up. “No idea, it's really snowing outside.” I reach the front door and open it revealing Rainbow shivering outside. I grab her and pull her in. “Rainbow? What the hell are you doing?”

Rainbow looks at me with chattering teeth. Her face had a look of worry that made me start to panic.

“I-I-I h-had t-to s-see y-you! S-Scoot-taloo h-has g-gone m-missing!”

My panic rises as I grab Rainbows shoulders. “What do you mean missing?”

“S-she has not c-come home today, H-her mother s-said she was s-staying at Sweetie Belles but I went t-there first s-she's not there!” Rainbow replies. “I'm scared John! I-I don't know what to do!”

I pick Rainbow up which causes her to squirm. I take her to the living room to which all the mares in the room perk up. I drop Rainbow onto the couch with Applejack and put the blanket over her. Rainbow looks up to me and I give her a smile.

“You are staying here and keeping warm. I'm the only one here that can safely go out there and search for her.”

“Search for who?” Applejack asks, looking to Rainbow then to me. “What's going on?”

“Scootaloo's gone missing, I have to find her.” I walk out the room and proceed to put on my winter gear. I wrap my scarf around my neck and mouth and put on the custom made goggles to keep the snow out of my eyes.

“I want all of you to stay here.” I muffle out. “I will return with Scootaloo, but I have to go to her house first to get something.” I make sure my coat was buttoned up and I give Applejack's mane a ruffle before turning away and walking to the front door.

“Be safe, ya hear!” Applejack shouts from the living room.

“You know me!” I reply before opening the door and walking out into the biting wind and snow.