The only sounds I could hear at the moment was the fire blazing away in the fireplace, the heavy sounds of my breathing, and the frantic beating of my heart.  I sat on the couch, staring at small, adorable, heart shaped locket that Rainbow gave me much earlier.  Actually…I was more accurately staring inside of it and at the pictures inside of it, the first one being of our smaller filly selves.  I’ve been staring at this picture for hours now…even when I was using the bathroom I refused to avert my gaze from it.  Oh dear…that…that sounds a little…umm…wrong doesn’t it?

I couldn’t help it though…seeing this brings so much joy in my heart.  The days of our fillyhood…I can actually remember when this was taken.  How shy and nervous I was about starting our next year at flight camp and how she jumped on me to try and cheer me up.  I remember it frightened me but…also made me feel better…and then her grandma took a picture of us like that…she also said to me ‘I can definitely see that her mounting you like that is going to be a common occurrence in the future…’  …whatever that’s supposed to mean.

The other one was when we went to Rio last month.  The nervous and uncomfortable expression on her face gives off the same kind of feeling as the younger picture.  It really was a great time for me…e-even if it was ended by a weird event which may or may not be effecting us now…I don’t know and that’s the problem…but whatever the case…at least I still have this picture and those happy memories to overshadow the sadder ones…it’s like that all the time actually

I sighed to myself as I closed the locket back up and held it close to my heart.  I smiled and thought back to all those times…the good and the bad…wondering how we ended up in this position.  I was really a little too happy to receive this gift…I mean Rainbow has gotten me gifts before and…while they weren’t great I always appreciated the effort and thought that went into those gifts.  This however, meant a lot more to me…and I know it’s most likely because of my feelings towards her now.

Though, if she were to give me something like this earlier or even back in our fillyhood…would I react the same way?  The nice gesture of surprising me with a great gift, the gift itself being a representation of our bond, and of course the adorable way she looked at me when she gave the gift…maybe I would react the same.  Even the adorable part…well…she’s always been rather cute…even if she’s physical and more muscular than me she’s still soft and lean…that’s never changed along with her quirky and very easy to read fascial expressions.  I always thought she looked very attractive…both in a complimentary way and a…much deeper way now that I look at it.  

So…I…maybe I’ve always felt this way and just haven’t come to terms to it now…especially now.  The hug I attacked her with has to be one of the best things in my life.  Just with us hugging by the fire on Hearth’s Warming is enough to send tingles down my spine.  But how she hugged me back and held me…oh…it was like nothing I ever experienced before.

I moved left hoof way from the locket and began to rub my yellow chest as I vividly remembered everything that happened earlier.  How my muzzle was in her neck getting nothing but her addicting smell in my noise.  How I gripped onto her strong yet smooth body and felt her soft, gentle fur against mine…getting that in short spurts was one thing but a full hug in front of the fire for an extended period…ohhh…

I slowly closed my eyes and felt my hoof move on its own down towards my stomach still gently rubbing as it went.   Oh and how she held onto me…it wasn’t like anything before…it was firm and unyielding…like she would never let go of me and made sure I was hers.  Oh and how I felt her wings move across my body…that alone sent shivers of ecstasy through my mind in ways I never felt before.  I wanted her to keep touching me like that…and…and more if possible.

“R-Rainbow Dash…” I muttered in a soft tone before biting my lip and feeling my hoof continue it’s never ending pursuit lower to the bottom of my stomach.

Oh and how we broke and looked into each other’s eyes, our breaths intermixing and brushing against each other’s faces.  Her sparkling and wanting cerise eyes that made me want nothing more than to get a closer look at them.  Made me want to lean in closer and closer to her….close enough to where our muzzles and noses bumped into each other and then…then…

All of a sudden a loud buzzing sound rang out from the kitchen scaring me and making me jump slightly.   My eyes popped open and I breathed heavily as I tried to regain my senses.  Wha…What was I doing?  I looked down and raised my left hoof up to my face.  What…What exactly what I going to do…what was my hoof trying to accomplish with it rubbing my body like that?  I…it’s just so weird…like I fell into a sort of trance and my body acted on its own...is…is that normal or am I weirder than I originally thought?

I couldn’t think about this now…that buzzing sound is my timer letting me know that my pumpkin pie is done cooking.  I quickly moved my hooves to the locket and undid the chain that it was attached to.  I quickly took both ends of the now undone chain and wrapped them around my neck, moving my hooves to go under my mane, and then tied it so the locket now dangled down from neck and against my chest.

After that was done I tried to move my wings to fly into the kitchen but to my shock they wouldn’t move whatsoever.  I quickly looked behind me to see them sticking up fully straight to the point where they were touching the back of the couch.  What the?  It happened again like yesterday…what in Equestria causes that?  Am I getting sick or something?  Oh I can’t worry about it now…I have to get the pie out of the oven before it burns!

I quickly jumped off the couch and rushed into the kitchen.  I went over to the oven, grabbed two oven mitts, put them on my fore hooves, and finally opened the small oven.  Immediately I was greeted by the sweet and tasty smell that often accompanied pies and especially pumpkin pies.  I gently took it out and placed it on top of the oven.  It certainly looked done but then again looks can be deceiving especially when baking.  I grabbed a nearby toothpick and gently poked the center.  When I pulled it out it was clean and I did the same in two other spots which gave the same results...oh thank goodness it’s done.

I tossed the toothpick aside and sighed in relief.  I then turned off the oven and set the pie on the rack to start cooling off.  I had to leave pretty soon, but I have to try and let it cool off somewhat before I leave and I’m pretty sure when I enter the freezing cold outside it will finish cooling off.  I smiled and nodded to myself before turning around and leaving the kitchen.  I trotted upstairs up to my room to start gathering all the presents I was going to give to my other friends at Twilight’s.

I went and opened my closet which had my various assortments of outfits I had collected over the years.  More importantly inside was my saddlebag and the presents for all my friends.  I reached down and picked it up before putting it on my back.  I then reached back down and started to grab each of my friend’s presents one by one, gently placing them in the saddlebag.  I thankfully already bought my friends presents and wrapped them all weeks ago.  So I could happily check this off my worry list even.

After that was done I noticed my wings were now back under my control.   I still want to know why they did that and why they randomly return to normal.  Oh well, as long as it’s not a constant thing that puts me in a bad situation I guess it’s nothing to seriously worry about…though it’s still on my worry list.  Anyways, I opened my wings up and slowly flew down stairs and back into the kitchen.

I know it wasn’t a very long time for the pie to cool, but I don’t really have much choice since I have to go now.  I grabbed some plastic wrap and slowly wrapped the pie up.  Once that was accomplished I placed it in my saddlebag that didn’t contain the presents for my friends.  I then landed back on the ground as I didn’t want to fly and risk horribly ruining the pie.  I guess I’m walking from now on…which isn’t a big problem since I normally walk more than fly anyways.

After I sealed up my saddlebag I tried to think of anything I could be forgetting.  Presents…pie…my locket…wait!  I am forgetting something!  I slowly trotted over into the living room and to the couch.  I reached under it and felt around until I found the book that I placed there yesterday.  I got it out and looked at the old ancient looking book…I…I really want to know what this book says and if it could explain some…weird things that I think are happening…or if I’m really going crazy.  I know Rainbow won’t want to read this Jamarean book or translate it for me…so my only safe bet is Twilight.

Oh I really hate to ask Twilight to do this for me…but…I really want to know what it says and hopefully Twilight will have enough time in her busy Princess schedule to translate this book and…oh listen to yourself Fluttershy…Twilight has enough worries…she certainly doesn’t want a daunting task like learning another language to read some weird old book.  But I don’t think I have any other choice…I mean it’s not like I know any other ponies that speak or are capable of reading Jamarean and if I don’t find out what this book says…well…if my suspicions are correct…then…something bad might be happening to Rainbow and I…so I need to know if book is capable of fixing that…yes our lives might be in the balance!  I’m sure Twilight will make some time if it’s to help with that!  I’m sure of it!  …I hope…

I bit my lip in uncertainty before taking the book and putting it with the rest of the presents.  I hope Twilight doesn’t consider this a gift…she stopped accepting them after her coronation because of…political…social stand…I honestly don’t know…I was confused but I just know she doesn’t accept gifts anymore...but this isn’t a gift as so much a request…yeah that’s it!  Ok…now I’m sure I’m ready!  After I sealed up my saddlebag again I quickly turned around and headed to the front door. When I reached it I put my hoof on the door and then hesitated for a moment.  I took a deep breath and braced myself for the overwhelming freezing cold that lay on the other side of the door.

I held my breath and closed my eyes as I opened the doors and rushed outside in the c-c-c-c-cold…Oh my gosh it’s cold!  I opened my eyes and exhaled, seeing a puff of white air escape my lips.  I looked around at the snowy covered ground and snow covered trees and thought that this might be a little much for Hearth’s Warming.  I mean when I look down I can barely see my knees due to how much snow there is.

I turned around and shut the door, seeing some snow on the floors that would undoubtedly melt and be gone by the time I got home.  I then turned and started to trot slowly and carefully through the snow making my way to Twilight’s.   I didn’t even leave my property and I was already shaking and shivering…oh dear I think I should’ve bundled up before I left…then again I did…out of embarrassment from what I did…make Rainbow leave out in this cold wearing only a scarf…oh dear…nevermind I deserve this even if I do apologize for what I did.

I sighed to myself in disappointment, my hot breath making a long trail of white air in front of my face.  Why did I do that?  I…I mean I know I couldn’t stand being there any longer or risk Rainbow finding out about my…feelings towards her…I…she can never find out…I mean after how she reacted to Twilight when she thought she had a crush I’m sure she’d have a heart attack about finding about my genuine love for her…or worse…she might not even want to be around me ever again…she’d probably think I was some crazy mare or something.

I stopped in my place and looked down at the snow beneath me, feeling a wave of depression wash over me like a tidal wave.  Would she really do that?  Would Rainbow Dash…my oldest and best friend do that to me?  …no…of course she wouldn’t.  We’d still be friends no matter what…nothing will ever change that…but…there would definitely be in a change in our relationship.  It would cause an unrepairable dent in it.  The situation would always linger in our minds and even after a few years I can see her reacting a little differently around me…

Of course that’s if she reacts negatively to that…but…what if she responds…no no no!  That’s not going to happen…again if she reacts like that to Twilight she’d most likely react the same to me…and what she said a month ago about how she didn’t do relationships confirms that…so there’s never going to happen and once again damage our relationship.  I couldn’t risk that…I can’t let anything like that change our current relationship.  

But…that’s kind of hard when now every time I see the mare…my heart leaps in my chest and all I want to do is get as close as possible to do…do.  I closed my eyes and shook my head.  If I continued like this it was only going to depress me…and make me late for the party.  If I were late then I’d surely upset everyone and that’s something I also don’t really want to happen.  I took a deep breath, opened my eyes, looked forward, and continued on my path towards Twilight’s.

I looked around and took a moment to absorb the quiet and peaceful scenery I was surrounded by.  The dead silent surroundings, the clouds above concealing the sun creating a dim overcast, and the total absence of life everywhere you looked.  Normally I like things to be quiet…but this is just too cold and lifeless…I did really really really dislike winter…the only thing that made it worthwhile was the holidays and spending time with my Dashie…and the rest of my friends of course…

I sighed as I looked forward and finally found myself entering the cheerful and bright Ponyville.  The outside of houses and stores decorated and lit up to celebrate the holidays. There was barely anypony out and about though; most of them were inside staying warm and spending Hearth’s Warming together.  And those who were out were obviously heading somewhere…like me for instance...as they would pass me with barely a nod and a smile before rushing off to their destination.  I can’t blame them though…if it’s the Holidays you want to quickly get to where you need to go to spend as much time as you can with those you love.

I smiled to myself as I thought about increasing my pace to get to Twilight’s faster…but I was already endangering the pie enough so I didn’t.  I continued on my trip to Twilight’s passing by the park which seemed especially lifeless without any little fillies or foals playing in it.  As I was passing by I felt a strange…and yet somehow…familiar sensation and stopped where I was.  I felt a warm and gentle pressure coming from somewhere to my right and I looked over in the general direction to a bunch of bushes.

“R-Rainbow?”  I gently called out facing the bushes wondering if my suspicion was correct.  The bushes shook and ruffled before a Rainbow haired head popped out with a disappointed look on her face.

“Damn, how’d you know I was here?” Dash frustratingly asked in annoyance as she began to shuffle and move to get out of the bush, her breath being visible in the cold air like mine…I…there’s no way I can explain this without seeming…well…crazy…at least for now anyways…maybe….I don’t know!

“I…uhh…saw the bush shaking and just knew it had to be you…” I half-heartedly lied as I watched her come out of bushes and start to walk up to me, noticing that she was still wearing the scarf I made her around her neck.

“Huh…I could’ve sworn I wasn’t moving that much.” The cyan Pegasus replied suspiciously as she titled her head a bit at me and raised an eyebrow.  I looked away and gulped anxiously…oh dear!  I should’ve known that lie was so bad that she could see through it.  I slowly looked back up ready to try and explain how it is I knew she was there…or at least how I think I knew she was there without sounding absolutely…umm…insane?  To my surprise when I did look up I saw her chuckling.

“I guess I should’ve known better than to hide from someone who has the Pegas-eye…might as well been trying to hide from someone with X-Ray vision or something…” Dash said with a shake of her head as she walked up and nudged me with her wing…oh…I guess I could’ve said that…but I didn’t see her at first…I…oh nevermind.

“Yeah...uhh…that’s it…” I weakly agreed with a nod and a smile…well I’m glad that turn out badly…but…I still have to wonder.  “So…uhh…why were you hiding in those bushes?”  I curiously asked as I looked back at the foliage…wait…why aren’t those bushes like…barren for winter?  Are those the kind of bushes that survive during winter?  Oh I don’t know…

“Yeah…uhh….I was kind of…waiting there to throw some snowballs at ponies…” Dash admitted with a grin as she raised one of her forehooves and rubbed the back of her mane.

“Isn’t that a little…mean?”  I asked in response as I just knew that ponies walking around on Hearth’s Warming probably wouldn’t like getting suddenly ambushed by snowballs.

“It’s all in good fun Flutters…in fact I just had a pretty cool snowball fight with Scootaloo a little while ago…” The cerise eyed mare shrugged off with a wave of her fore hoof…oh…I guess it’s ok then…bu-but…wait…

“Where…Where you going to jump out and hit me with snowballs?” I questioned a bit softly fearing that she was and that I would suddenly got hit by snowballs…unlike Scootaloo I don’t think  would be happy about that…

“Nah I was going to hit you with Snowballs…I was just going to let you pass and get the next pony that passed…”  She explained with a grin and sounding honest about it…which makes sense considering I’ve never got surprise jumped by her in the past, so why would she start now?

“Thank you…” I gratefully thanked with a smile and nod…but wait…she was going to wait for another pony to pass by?  “Oh…uhhh…ummm…shouldn’t you be getting over to Twilight’s…you know…for the party…” I pointed out, hoping that she didn’t forget or something.

“I still got some time to kill…I’m not always early like you…besides I got all the stuff I need back in the bush so when it’s time to go I can be there in ten seconds flat!” She confidently explained with a smirk as she turned and pointed back to the foliage she was hiding in.  

Oh…I…I see…ok then…maybe I was just silly for worrying then.  Dash always shows up on time if it’s important…she never lets anypony down after all…especially me.  I smiled warmly at that thought before I noticed Rainbow getting closer to me and starting to sniff me.  I gasped slightly and took a step or two back as I saw her smiling in delight.  Sh-She…is she sniffing me?  O-Oh why would she be doing that….do…do I smell bad or is she…is she-

“Mmm….smells like you got something good in your saddlebag there Flutters!” I heard her comment as she moved and tilted her head to look at my saddlebag that contained the pie I baked…o-oh…she…she smells my freshly baked pie…o-of course…that makes sense…whew…

“Y-Yes…I…I baked something like you asked…” I confirmed nervously as I was still reeling in shock from the idea of her smelling me.

“It smells delicious…I can’t wait to have a slice!” She complimented as she licked her lips slightly, which made me smile back at her….I’m glad I made her happy with something so simple…

“I can’t wait either…I made it just for you…” I responded in glee as I cocked my head a bit…Rainbow’s eyes blinked a few times as she took a step back…making me realize what I just said.  “A-And everyone else of course…” I then added in a whisper as immediately started to feel my face heat up.  

I saw her cheeks start to glow a slight tint of red as the only things now escaping our lips was visible white puffs of hair.  The only sound I could hear was my heart beat getting faster and faster with each passing millisecond.  My eyes then darted down in shame for making a very…weird situation between us…Celestia only knows what kind tension I created…and that was just over a small comment…I can’t imagine me confessing my feelings to her…oh I’m starting to feel sick…I think my heart’s going to jump out of my chest and run away and hide!

“Wh-What the hell?” I heard Rainbow Dash suddenly shout…or dear…here it comes!  The blowback!  And all because of some stupid comment I made!  I took a deep breath and quickly looked up, ready to say something or apologize…but to my surprise I saw that she wasn’t even looking at me and instead at something behind me.

I slowly turned around and saw a big red sleigh being pulled by an orange earth pony mare dressed in what looked like an elf costume.  In the sleigh was a white unicorn with a purple mane, eloquently dressed in a red outfit with frilly white trim and glistening golden and silver buttons.  Behind her was a large bag filled with…I don’t know.  I just stood there in shock as I watched the pony drawn sleigh come up and stop right next to us.  The white unicorn moved and looked at us with a smile on her face.

“My my if it isn’t Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash…together alone on Hearth’s Warming…why am I not surprised?” The azure eyed Unicorn teasingly said with a sly smile as she batted her eyelashes at us.

“R-Rarity…Applejack!” I called back eventually after a minute of staring at the two…still in shock from seeing the two together like this.

“Howdy you two…” The blonde haired earth pony cheerfully said with a nod, her elf hat jingling as the bells on top moved.

“And Happy Hearth’s Warming!” Rarity added with a flick of her head, her purple mane and small white ball at the end of her fancy hat failing to the right side of her head, revealing her horn glowing to my surprise…though it doesn’t look like she’s holding anything or using it for any reason….

“Happy Hearth’s Warming to you both as well!” I cheerfully replied back with a smile.  Applejack smiled back and I was expecting to hear something similar from Dashie next to me but instead all I heard was snickering.

“Pfff…I-I’m sorry…but…what the hell AJ…you lose a bet or did Rarity force you to do this?” Rainbow asked as she did her best to not burst into laughter, holding bother wings in front of muzzle to try and keep it closed or at least somewhat closed.

“Nope…Ah actually asked fer this!” The orange earth pony replied almost proudly with a grin as she titled her head back and raised a hoof to tip her elf hat at Dash.   I was expecting Rainbow to now burst into hysterical laughter, but again, to my surprise, she didn’t and instead look at her completely baffled.

“Wait what…seriously?” The bemused mare asked in disbelief as she looked at the pony in front of us wide eyed.

“Yes…as you know I’m always out on Hearth’s Warming given things to those less fortunate than yours truly and to anyone I come across as a token of my generosity…”  The white unicorn began to explain in place of orange pony….well of course we know that…you do it all the time because you’re such a nice pony!

“Yeah…uhh…I totally knew that…” Dash replied nervously as she rubbed the back of her head…garnering Rarity to narrow her eyes at her slightly….really Rainbow…you didn’t know that Rarity did that?  I mean she does stuff like this around every major Holiday…how did she not notice?

“Right…” She dryly said before rolling her eyes and shaking her head.  “Anyways I normally I do this endeavor alone, but Applejack insisted that she helped me this time…” She then went on back in her normal tone as she looked over at the pony hooked up at the sleigh with a gentle smile on her face.

“Well of course, Ah just couldn’ let ya do this by yerself…”  Applejack interjected as she looked back and smiled back at the sleigh driver…how nice of Applejack to do that for her…I’m sure it means a lot to her!

“You know I’ve done this for the past couple of years on my own…I didn’t really need your help…” Rarity reminded her almost teasingly as she waved her right hoof at her. “But I’m not complaining…I appreciate the sentiments and thank you for your helping hoof Applejack.” She then graciously thanked in a sincere tone as she titled her head a bit and smiled gently at the mare in front of her.   Applejack nodded back as she looked into her eyes…staying like that for a while, neither one of the wanting to break their gaze on each other.

“You still look like an idiot Applejack...still can’t believe you asked to be in something like that!” Rainbow commented with a snicker as she raised hoof to her muzzle and looked away, poorly hiding her laughter.

“Hell no!” The blonde haired pony immediately shouted in response as she turned her gaze towards Dash and stared at her angrily, much to dismay of Rarity…who pouted a bit and sighed in disappointment.  “Ah didn ask to be in this dang getup!  That was all Rarity’s doing!” She then explained as she raised her hoof and grabbed the bright green outfit.

“Oh but darling you looks simply divine in that pristine outfit I designed for you…and…” The azure eyed unicorn countered in a serious tone before stopping and grinning mischievously. “You certainly weren’t complaining earlier this morning my naughty little elf…” She then said in a strange sultry tone which made Applejack go wide eyed and quickly look at the mare behind her.  She opened her mouth to say something, but a sly wink from Rarity made her almost choke and stop mid thought as she just stared at the fashionable unicorn now starting to sweat and blush profusely…I…what?  Naughty elf?  Was Applejack being mean to Rarity or something?

“I…you…me…I…uhh…” I heard Dash remark from right next to me as I looked over to see her with her mouth gaping open like Applejack just staring at them in disbelief…did…did this mean something to her…I mean…why is she reacting like that?

Applejack slowly moved her head to look at Dash with her mouth hanging open.  She slowly closed it and gulped before opening it again.  “D-D…Don’t ask…” The freckled mare uttered out finally…Don’t ask about what?  I don’t get it…

“I…I wasn’t going to, but thanks for telling me that anyways!” Dash immediately responded in a shout with a slight stutter as she shook her head at the orange pony.  Does…Does that mean I can’t ask either?  Maybe not…I don’t know…

“G-Good, now iffen ya excuse us…we still hav more stuff to deliver…but we’ll see ya at the party later…” The still intensely blushing earth pony then said as she looked forward and began to trot away, dragging the sleigh behind her.

“Now hold on a moment Applejack…” Rarity called out as soon as they began to move, making Applejack stop and look back at her curiously.  The white unicorn raised a hoof at her before moving in her seat and looking directly at me.  “Fluttershy would you like to join me in our sleigh ride?”  The purple haired dress designer then asked politely as she moved her right hoof and patted to the spot next to her.  W-Wait…she wants me to go with her?

“Oh no…I couldn’t possibly accept your offer…” I denied softly as I waved my right hoof at her…I really can’t…I don’t want to be a bother and give Applejack any more work pulling the sleigh.

“Oh come now Fluttershy it’s quite alright…isn’t that right Applejack?” Rarity urged on before looking over and asking the orange pony in front of her.

“Ya it’s fine…Ah carry carts much heavier than this on the farm all the time…” Applejack agreed with a smile and a nod.

“Yes and it won’t that long of a trip…we just have to deliver a few more gifts and then we’re off to Twilight’s.”  Rarity continued in her persuasion as she reached a hoof out towards me…but I still don’t really want to go.

“I…I don’t know…” I responded as I looked over to Dash who looked back at me confused….I…I can’t leave her and I bet Rarity knows this…unfortunately.

“Oh darling, of course Rainbow can come along as well!” Rarity then said in delight as if reading my mind.  I gasped and looked back at her with a look of shock on my face before turning back to look at Dashie still standing there looking at me, though this time with a smile on her face.

“Sure…I guess I can go with you three…” The rainbow haired mare happily agreed with a nod and a chuckle, which made me smile and nod back to her.

“Alright…I’ll go…” I agreed happily as I looked back at Rarity and started to reach out to take her hoof.

“I’ll take that for you…” Rarity generously said as I felt my saddlebag lift off my back and be gently placed in the back with the rest of the stuff.

“Thank you…”  I gratefully thanked as I got onto the sleigh still holding onto Rarity’s hoof.  

“Oh and Rainbow…you have to help Applejack pull the sleigh!” The unicorn then instructed as she helped me into the spot next her…w-wait what?

“Wait what?”  Rainbow shouted out loud, saying what I was thinking as I looked over to see her giving a shocked look on her face.  “Now wait a second I didn’t agree to that!”  She pointed out with a shake of her head as she backed up a few steps…y-yeah what’s with the sudden change in plans Rarity?

“Rainbow, dear, you can’t expect Applejack to pull all of us can you?” Rarity questioned her with a laugh while simultaneously raising a hoof up towards Applejack to stop her from making some kind of response.  Rainbow also looked like she was going to make some kind of response as well before Rarity raised her other forehoof and cut her off as well.

“And you can’t expect Fluttershy to do the pulling can you?” The dress maker quickly asked before Dash could rebuttal, poising a question to her which made Dash close her mouth in response.  “Now honestly…does making your weaker friend do hard work for on Hearth’s Warming sound like something you would want?” She then questioned now sounding a bit confident in her reasoning, especially with Rainbow looking down starting to look guilty…I…I’m not that...well…I. don’t know…I think  I could help Applejack pull this sleigh…maybe…

“Or does Fluttershy mean that little to you?’ She then said in a louder tone as she pointed her hoof at the poor cyan mare on the side of the street…Rarity,  I think you’re being a bit mean now don’t you think?

“Alright, alright…geez!” Rainbow gave in, almost shouting in frustration as she raised both wings up. “Let me just get my saddlebag first…” She then said as she turned around and started to head back to the bushes where I found her hiding in earlier.  After she was out of sight Rarity looked at me with a devious smile and a slight…scary…twinkle in her eye.

“Ahhh…it’s almost scary what the love for another pony will make us do for them…wouldn’t you agree Fluttershy?”  She asked me in a sly whisper as she leaned in closer to me with an eyebrow raised; close enough that I could feel the heat from her glowing horn.  It was making me uncomfortable, especially with the topic she was hinting at.  I looked around and breathed in heavily as I thought of something to say to change the topic…as I was breathing I started to smell the faint smell of something sweet.

“Uhh…w-what’s that smell?” I nervously asked in a whisper as I changed my view to the back of the sleigh which contained a few bags, a lot of wrapped up presents, and a large barrel.

“Why that’s the food for the party of course!” I heard Applejack happily answer as I looked over to see her smiling face looking at me in pride.  Oh that’s the food she normally always makes for events like this…but…wait…

“How long have you two been out?  It couldn’t have been long if the smell is still strong enough for me to smell…shouldn’t you be concerned about it spoiling?” I asked in concern as I looked back at the wrapped up bags that most likely contained the food, looking closer and now seeing a faint aura around them all.

“Not too worry Fluttershy…I’m keeping them warm with a simple spell…it’s fine…” I heard Rarity explain confidently which made me look back at her and at her glowing horn…oh…that explains that I guess…

“Oh thank goodness…” I replied in relief as I exhaled deeply and put a hoof to my chest.  I was worried the food we were going to have was going to taste…not so great.  

“Alright here ya go Rarity…” I then heard Rainbow shout as I looked over to see her coming out of the bushes with her overstuffed saddlebag on her back.  It didn’t take long for the saddlebag to be encompassed in a magical blue aura and lift off her body, gently floating over and passing above my head to be placed in the back of the sleigh with the rest of the stuff.

“Ok let’s get this over with…” Dash then said rather reluctantly with a groan as she moved to the front of the sleigh next to Applejack.  Rarity chuckled a bit evilly as she moved some reins that were stashed under the sleigh and up to Rainbow, moving them to hook her up to the sleigh to pull us.

“Welcome to the mazing world of submission, Miss Untamable…” Applejack quipped with a snicker as she looked at the cyan mare next to her be tied up to the large red sleigh behind them…well that’s a bit mean…and she didn’t really submit, but get pressured into doing something…

“Shut up!”  Rainbow shouted back not even looking at her as Rarity finished tying her up.

“Alright then…shall we be off?” Rarity asked playfully with a smile prompting Applejack to look back and nod.

“Yeah fine…just don’t expect me to do this ever again…” The cyan Pegasus grumbled with a reluctant nod before they started to trot and pull us behind them.

“Our first stop is Hoofshire lane…then we have to stop by Derpy’s….and then we’ll head to Twilight’s.” The sleigh driver instructed serious, giving a list of destinations to the two ponies pulling the sleigh.

“Whatever…” Rainbow mumbled in response as she and Applejack continued pulling the sleigh.

I sat back and got comfortable as I looked around at the passing snow covered buildings and trees.  The overcast skies were starting to get darker as it appeared the sun was going down, which gave off just enough light to make the snow glisten and sparkle.  Even though I could feel my body start to go numb, what I could still feel was nothing but static bliss.

I slowly averted my gaze down at the rainbow haired mare pulling the sleigh in front of me.  I sighed a bit and wished that she could be up here with me enjoying this moment.  Of course her being around is still good and from this angle I can see her perfectly toned body and muscles pull us with ease.  How her tail and mane swayed slightly with each step was very rhythmic and a little hypnotic as I watched the unique colored hair move gently as we continued on.  

I smiled warmly as I continued watching her until I realize that I was probably staring at her longer than I should…especially with a certain unicorn next to me.  I gulped with that thought and slowly turned my head to see the purple haired unicorn looking at me with a grin and a mischievous look in her eyes as she arched an eyebrow at me.  I quickly looked away and down off the side at the passing snow feeling my face heat up slightly…I’m sure it was already a little red from the cold weather but this only makes it worse!  Oh why couldn’t I just stare at the ground or something instead of her?

“So Rainbow…” I heard Rarity call in a teasing tone which made me force my eyes shut in fear of what she was going to say next.  “I love that scarf you’re wearing.” She then complimented as her voice got a bit lower…o-oh she’s just admiring the scarf that I …oh dear…this isn’t going to go well is it?

“I know isn’t it awesome?  Best scarf ever!” I heard Rainbow shout gleefully in response…which made my lips curve just a bit despite the inevitable bad end I could see coming.

“Oh I know it’s simply extraordinary…I can tell that a lot of time, effort…and love…went into making it…” The unicorn next to me commented, putting a little too much emphasis on the L word for my comfort.

“Yeah it’s not just any old scarf that’s for sure!  Flutters made it for me personally and gave it to me for Hearth’s Warming!” The oblivious Pegasus pulling the sleigh informed her…u-using my nickname…oh dear.  I bit my lip knowing that this was going to end much worse than I would hope.

“Flutters?” Rarity repeated in surprise, understandable since nopony ever before gave me a nice.  “You call her a nickname now?” She asked in a teasing tone…I slowly opened my eyes and looked at Rarity, who was actually looking at me with a smirk on her face.

“Y-Yeah…she…she calls me Flutters and I…I call her Dashie…” I nervously explained in a soft voice, wanting to answer her instead of Dash…because I think she would make my situation worse if she did…though I certainly didn’t help myself either with that answer…though I don’t think anything would honestly.

“It seems that you two get closer and closer and all the time…” The dress maker pointed out in a sultry tone as she leaned over me and started to nudge me, suggesting something out loud…something I didn’t want to be spoken.  I looked away and looked around to the snow covered area for anything to talk about to change the topic.  “Why I dare say that you two are-”

“L-Look!” I shouted frantically, cutting of Rarity as I spotted thankfully spotted a familiar grey Pegasus with a blonde mane.  “Isn’t that Derpy?” I pointed out as I raised my hoof towards her, thanking Celestia herself for the lucky save.

“Why it is!  Excellent we can’t knock off another stop off our list and get to Twilight’s sooner!” Rarity replied in a delighted tone before she leaned up towards the two mares pulling us. “Stop the sleigh you two!” She practically shouted, causing the two ponies to stop in their tracks and bring us to a halt close to the grey Pegasus on the side of the street.  The curious looking cross eyed mare…who…looked surprisingly very fat…did she eat a lot of Hearth’s Warming treats or something?

“Ahhh Derpy…perfect timing…” Rarity greeted happily as Derpy slowly walked up to the sleigh. “Here…Happy Hearth’s Warming!” The sleigh driver then said as she got a gift out from behind her with her magic and floated it over to the Pegasus.

“Gee thanks Rarity!” Derpy giddily shouted back as she slowly raised her right wing and took the gift, slowly placing it right in front of her as her left wing wrapped around her bulging stomach to keep it secure…uhhh…is it just me or is she…umm…expecting?  

“This explains why you didn’t get me a present three years go!” She then said at the top of her lungs as she slowly opened the gift with her mouth as her right wing wrapped around her stomach like her…wait…what?  Two years ago…I…ummmm…what?  I looked over at Rarity who looked back at me confused and then down at Rainbow Dash who was looking at Derpy…or more accurately…her bloated belly with a raised eyebrow.

“Ummm…Hey Derps…” Dashie called in a curious tone as the grey mare opened the present and reached inside to pull out the gift Rarity gave her.  “Are you-?”

“Oh wow!  Thank you Rarity!”  ” Derpy screamed in joy as she pulled out a big eloquent coat that looked to be made out of nice foreign fabrics.  She slowly opened her wings and put on the coat…which didn’t cover her stomach and sighed in content as the strange sounds of some strange machine was clearly heard.  “Oh…sorry I have to go now!  But I’ll get you something later…I know it for sure!” She then frantically said as she moved her large body carefully and quickly down the street and then around the corner.

“What…just…”  Rainbow uttered in confusion as she looked at the corner Derpy turned.

“I don’ know…let’s continue on…” Applejack replied dully as she shook her head, not wanting to think about what she just saw…and…to be honest…neither do I.

“Y-Yes…quite right…” Rarity agreed softly with a slight stutter before clearing her throat.  “Let’s continue onto Hoofshire lane then…” She then said in her normal cheerful tone as she instructed the two ponies ahead of them to continue pulling them to their previous destination.  The two mares hooked up to the sleigh looked at each other and nodded before looking forward and trotting once again, slowly dragging us behind them.

I bit my lip wondering if Rarity would continue the topic from earlier now that Ditsy was gone.  I looked over at her through the corner of my eye and to my delight I saw her looking very confused and looking blankly ahead…wow did seeing Ditsy really put her off?  She doesn’t look hurt or concerned just…well…lost in thought for a lack of a better term.  I don’t want to break her train of thought and looked back a head at the two mares pulling the red sleigh and giving us a very comfortable ride…both of them…c-certainly not just one…an…and that one is certainly not Rainbow…of course not…

I smiled warmly as I watched Dashie…a-and Applejack of course…turn the corner and head down the street Rarity instructed earlier.  There was less snow on this street which gave Rainbow more space to maneuver her perfectly toned legs…with Applejack of course…I mean her legs look…ok…but Rainbow’s just look so much…oh…oh dear…It…I…oh I’m pathetic!  I averted my gaze away from the front of the sleigh and instead looked at the peaceful looking houses on the side trying to clear my thoughts.

“Alright!  Stop you two!”  Rarity then suddenly instructed, notifying them that we apparently reached the right house or something.  The two mares slowed down and brought the sleigh to a halt.  I looked over at Rarity who was getting another present out of the back of the sleigh.  She looked over at me and grinned before looking over at the orange pony in front of the sleigh.

“Oh Applejack…” She began playfully; catching Applejack’s attention as the reins tied up to her and Rainbow began to be undone.  “Could you and Rainbow take this present to that house over there for me?” She then asked sweetly as the present floated over to the blonde haired pony and rested on her back…wait she’s having them deliver the gift and leaving me alone?  

“What?  Why can’t ya do it yerself?” Applejack pointed out in an annoyed tone as she cocked her head back and raised an eyebrow at the unicorn.  Does Rarity not want to get out of the sleigh and into the snow?

“Because…”  The thin red suit wearing pony replied a bit more seriously as she gestured her head towards me…O-Oh!  She wants to talk to me in private!  Th…That’s good I guess…I’d rather we talk out of the hearing range of…a certain cyan Pegasus.

“Oh!  Ok then!” The freckled earth pony agreed, catching the very obvious hint before turning to look at Dash.  “Let’s go Rainbow…” She instructed with a wave of her hoof before she began walking over to the dark looking house.

“Whatever…” Rainbow uncaringly agreed as she rolled her eyes, opened her wings and flew up next to her as they continued to the front door…leaving me alone with Rarity.

When they were out of hearing range the white unicorn slowly changed her gaze over at me and looked at me with a knowing look on her face.  I gulped as I knew what she wanted to talk to me about…and also knew how little I could to resist her accusations.  “So…I see you and Rainbow Dash already exchanged presents…” She pointed out in a teasing tone as she cocked her head and looked at the locket around my neck.

“Y-Yeah…we did…” I confirmed weakly as I looked down at the heart shaped locket and raised my right hoof up to it, holding onto it dearly before looking back up at her nervously.

“And that’s such a lovely scarf you made for Dash…” She complimented as she looked over at the Pegasus in question knocking on the front door to the house, “Oops, sorry…I mean…your Dashie…” The azure eyed unicorn then playfully teased as she looked at me with a smile and a hoof to her muzzle as if genuinely think that what she said was offense.  

I bit lip and turned my head away, feeling my face start to fluster in embarrassment…I…I can’t say anything against that…I…I don’t want to be honest…and that’s the scary part…knowing that I do want her to be mine…which is the worst thing I’ve ever wanted in my life…wanting another pony all to myself…just that alone makes me sick to my stomach…especially since it’s my best friend who I grew up with…oh if I only I go back and time and warn myself to stay away from Dash so to not have these feelings later to weigh myself down and possibly hurt Rainbow!

“And the way you couldn’t take your eyes off her…staring at her constantly with nothing but desire and care in your eyes…” Rarity continued in a low whisper, now sounding like she was taunting me or pressuring me by remind me of what I was doing earlier.  “And will you still say that she doesn’t hold the deepest and most important place in your heart?” She finally asked me, questioning me with the one thing I couldn’t refuse anymore.

“Are you seriously going to say that you’re not-?”

“Ok…Ok….I…I admit it!” I immediately gave in frantically, cutting her off as I forced my eyes shut for what I was about to say out.  “I…I’m in…I’m in love with Rainbow Dash…” I finally squeaked out, unveiling what felt like the truth for the first time in my life…feeling immediately relieved for getting out and…oddly enough very happy for saying it…my heart felt warm and for a single moment I felt completely in bliss for saying that…just for a moment though as I remembered where I was and what position I was in.  I shot my eyes open and looked at the mare next to me as it literally looked like she was about to burst into screams.

“P-P-Please don’t shout!” I hysterically asked in fear and in stutters as I raised my hoof up towards her…I didn’t want to catch Rainbow’s attention for obvious reasons.  The purple haired unicorn instantly covered her mouth her hooves and nodded in response.  I made a very long and heavy sigh of relief, exhaling a large stream of white air as I lowered my head down…well at least that solves that small problem…but doesn’t fix the overall larger problem.  I took a big deep breath before I looked back up at Rarity with a serious and sincere look my face.

“And…And please don’t tell Rainbow I said that…or…that I…you know…” I pleadingly and…very weakly asked as I hoped that she wouldn’t automatically tell Dash how I felt and ruin our relationship right there.  To my surprise, Rarity lowered her hooves and revealed a genuine heartfelt smile.

“Oh I won’t…” She thankfully agreed in a sweet sounding tone and with a nod…oh thank goodness!  “I won’t have to…” She immediately added with a snicker as she raised her hoof back up to her muzzle…wait…

“W-What?” I simply uttered out in an almost an inaudible squeak as I looked at her blankly.

“Now that you’ve come to terms with your feelings it’s only matter of time before you confess you’re undying love to the brash Pegasus!” Rarity explained in glee as she swayed back and forth in excitement…H-How can she think that’s a good thing and be happy about it?

“N-N-No!  It’s never going to happen!  I can’t…I won’t…I’ll never reveal my feelings to Dashie!  Ever!” I refused in a stern tone, shaking my head repeatedly at her,   “It…It’s for the best anyways…” I then added in a much weaker tone and uncertain tone as I looked down at the locket still in my hoof….y-yes…it is for the best…

I bit my lip anxiously before the light laughter of Rarity made me look back up her. “Please…you say that now…but I know that you’ll reveal your feelings to her sooner or later…” Rarity argued with a smile on her face, not believing what I said one bit…

“N-No...I…I-”

“Fluttershy…” Rarity began softly and seriously, cutting me off as she raised a hoof and put it on my shoulder.  “Once you discover and accept your feelings of love for somepony it’s like a dam being released…a whole wave of emotions and desires washes over you in like one swoop…wanting to be held by, desiring to be close to her, and most importantly…feeling the need to be with her no matter what for as long as you live…” She thoroughly elaborated in almost a whisper as she looked down, possibly recalling her own feelings and…u-unfortunately seeming to read mine as I’ve been already starting to feel like that it hasn’t even been a day yet since I found I loved her…

“N-No…” I feebly said back under my breath as I tried to deny it…but…it was futile…I was already demanding that she lived with me and sleep in the same bed with me…if I was continue on this course…I don’t…I…I…

“It’s only a matter of time Fluttershy…”  Rarity went on as she took her hoof off my shoulder, causing me to gasp slightly.  “Love…can never be contained by the one who harbors it deep within them…” She then finished with a weak smile as she looked away.  I sat there on the red sleigh staring at her wanting to say something, but couldn’t…I…I can’t even muster up enough determination to say one syllable anymore.

“What the hell!  It’s you!” Rainbow frantically shouted at the top of her lungs, prompting both Rarity and I to look over at the two mares at the front door as a brown stallion stood inside the doorway and…oh dear!  It’s him isn’t it?

“Whoa nelly Partner!  Calm down!” Applejack shouted as she went over and held the Pegasus back with her forehooves, keeping the aggressive Pegasus from jumping the brown earth pony.  After she successfully held her back, she pushed the present on the ground closer to him with her hind leg. “Here…Happy Hearth’s Warming from Rarity…” She pleasantly said with a forced smile on her face as Rainbow looked like she was ready to explode in anger.  The brown stallion said nothing and just blankly stared at the two mares on his doorstep, slowly blinking in response

“What you’re not even going to say thank you?  You’re such a flankhole!” The rainbow haired Pegasus angrily yelled as she tried desperately to break free of the elf dressed earth pony to hurt the stallion in front of her…o-oh no…d-don’t do that…I know he’s kind of…mean…but…you just can’t hurt him…especially today!

“No ya don’t Rainbow…Ah can’t let ya go around beatin ponies up on Hearth’s Warming…let’s just get on outta here…” Applejack responded sternly as she started to push the brash Pegasus back towards the sleigh.

“Gahh!  Fine!  You got lucky today you bastard!   But you’re not lucky enough!  I know where you live now you flankhole!” Rainbow shouted in defeat as she threatened the stallion still standing in the doorway.  Dash then turned around and flew back to the front of the sleigh grumbling in frustration.

“R-Rainbow…” I called weakly, wanting to say something to comfort her or at least make her feel better.

“Forget it…let’s just get the hell out of here!”  She shouted back as she landed back in her original spot as Applejack trotted up next to her back to her spot as well.

“Agreed…” Rarity simply said with a nod of her head as she used her magic to move the reins back to them to reattach them to the sleigh.  I briefly looked back over at the house to see the brown stallion shut the door, leaving the present out on the doorstep…g-geez…what an awful pony…he definitely doesn’t deserve that gift!

“Alright…to Twilight’s!”  Rarity instructed after finishing to hook up the two to the sleigh again.  Immediately after saying that, Rainbow launched forward with Applejack stumbling next to her for a bit before finally matching her pace as we darted away from the house and down the street.  G-Geez Dashie…I…I know you really hate that guy and want to get away from him but…you could at least think about being a little considerate to the rest of us couldn’t you?

Well…I am happy we’re away from him…and on our way to Twilight’s.  I just wish you could at least give us a warning or something.  Oh nevermind.  I sighed to myself as I looked down once more at the pendant which I was still holding in my hoof.  I twirled it slightly as I closed my eyes, desperately trying not to look back up at the pony who gave it to me.   I bit my lip as the sleigh gently glided over the snowy ground with the trotting noises of the two ponies starting to fade away.  In my mind it was replaced by Rarity’s words from earlier endlessly repeating themselves…

Once you discover and accept your feelings of love for somepony it’s like a dam being released…no…I…I may love her but I can’t accept that…I just can’t…for the sake of our friendship it can never happen.  I clenched the locket and held it tightly against my chest as I knew deep down that this would end tragically…If I can barely contain my feelings after less than a day than what hope do I have if she’s going to be staying with me every night for the next couple of months?  I’m doomed!  I have to figure out something or else I’ll end up forever creating a small rift between us that will never be repaired for as long as we both-

“Ah excellent we’re finally here.” I heard Rarity announce in a cheerful tone, cutting me off from my thoughts.  My eyes popped open as I looked around the snow covered ground before looking up at Twilight’s library.

The large tree covered in snow was highly decorated with large crazy looking ornaments all around in the branches, along with tones of garland.  In the windows sat large plastic figures of Santa hooves along with decorative words saying ‘Happy Hearth’s Warming.’  On the front door was a wreath with a large bow dangling down from it.  It was all very nice, but was surprised me was that it had to be put up either today or yesterday because it wasn’t like that a couple of days ago before Twilight left for Canterlot.

“Thank you two for you hard work and helping me out…” Rarity thanked graciously with a smile as she removed the disconnected the two ponies from the sleigh and freed them from the reins.

“Like I said don’t expect it for it be a common occurrence…” Rainbow reminded her in a disgruntled tone as she opened her wings and took to the air to stretch her wings.  She flew back to the back of her sleigh and picked up her saddlebag, quickly putting it on and then slowly flying around some more.  It reminded me to do the same and I too reached back to grab mine.  

“Rarity now that we’re done can ya get me outta this dang outfit now?”  I heard Applejack ask in a complaining tone as I grabbed my saddlebag from the back of the sleigh.

“Aw, but darling you look absolutely sublime and not to mention that…you…” I heard Rarity retort before stopping.  As I stood up on the sleigh to put my saddlebag back on I briefly looked over to see Applejack giving her a blank almost threatening expression on her face…which honestly looked a little funny since she was wearing that outfit…but I think that only further proves her point.

“On second thought…perhaps your right…” She agreed with nod as the elf costume on Applejack glowed for a split second before coming off of her…leaving her completely bare like normal.

“Thank ya Rarity…” The freckled mare thanked with a sigh of relief as the outfit in front of her being held by Rarity’s magic began to be neatly and intricately folded up.   I giggled to myself as I put my saddlebag back on my back.  After that was done I shifted around on the sleigh and turned around to-

“Ahh!”  I shouted as I suddenly slipped on the edge of the sleigh, tumbling off heading towards the snow covered ground.  I closed my eyes before falling into to something soft…warm….wrapping me completely a-and…oh dear.  I slowly opened my eyes to see nothing but blue fur and as I moved my head I looked up to see a concerned Rainbow Dash looking back at me.

“Whoa careful…ever heard about watching your step?” The kind mare joked with a smile as she set me down on the ground still holding on to me delicately…like before…so…warm and secure…and the smell of the sky once again filled my nose.  I smiled and nuzzled her as I never wanted this feeling to go away.

“Uhhh…A-Are you ok Flutters?” I then heard her ask in an uncomfortable tone.  My eyes popped open and I immediately broke away from her, looking away and hiding behind my mane to cover my face as it instantly started heating up over what I just did.

“Y-Yes…T-Thank you Dashie…” I nervously replied with a quick nod as I looked up slightly to see Rarity giving me a smirk in response…I bit my lip and looked down…now undoubtedly blushing more now that Rarity was witness to this…

“Ok good…I was getting worried since you weren’t-” Rainbow began to respond before being cut off by the sound of a door suddenly bursting open.  All of our attention’s immediately shifted to the front of Twilight’s library to see a pink earth pony that….honestly didn’t look very good.

“Hey hey!  It’s all the rest of my friends!”  The frail looking party pone weakly shouted as she looked at us with large black bags under her eyes….nowhere nearly as lively as she normally would be…especially on the holidays…oh dear what happened to her?

“Uhhh…Pinks…” Rainbow began in concern as she flew up and over to the sickly looking earth pony.  “Are you feeling alright?”  She then questioned sympathetically, sharing all of our concerns over the poor pony at the front door.

“Of course I am Dashies…” Pinkie replied with a wave of her hoof as she swayed slightly from the sudden shift in her movements…w-wait…did she just say ‘Dashies?’  As in…more than one?  Oh dear… “Now get in here so we can get this parting mooooooooooving!”  She then weakly declared as got on her hind legs…almost falling on her back in the process…and pointed to inside the house.  She then fell back on her forelegs and weakly hobbled into the library with a flimsy smile on her face.

I looked at Rainbow with concern in my eyes as she did the same to me.  I put a hoof to my muzzle in fear as I looked back at the entrance.  I looked back to Dashie then nodding at me before she flew inside after her.  I switched my gaze over to Rarity and Applejack as they both looked at each other equally concerned.  Something was definitely wrong with her…though it’s for certain that she won’t tell us…I hope Twilight can shed some light on this situation.

“What do ya think we should do Rares?”  Applejack asked in concern as she looked back towards the doorway.  Rarity took a deep breath as a Stetson appeared out of the back of the sleigh and then floated towards Applejack.

“First we unload the sleigh darling…” She instructed in a calm tone as she put the Stetson on top of the green eyed earth pony, who turned around and looked at the white unicorn with a surprised look on her face.  “Then we talk to Twilight to find out what’s going on as I’m sure she’ll have a proper explanation to our friend’s predicament.” She then planned out as she looked back and started to lift up all the object with her magic…she had the same idea I head…unsurprising since that’s the most logical and easiest thing to do at the moment.

“Gotcha…” Applejack simply said back with a nod and a smile as she raised her right forehoof up to adjust her hat.  Rarity looked back with a grin as she started placing a lot of the bags on top of Applejack to carry…who had no problem especially since she pulled it and more since the start of their journey.

Once all the bags were neatly stacked on the earth pony’s back she carefully turned around and slowly trotted to the front door.  She had to bend down and angle herself to get all the stuff through the doorway, but it wasn’t difficult and she was soon inside the library.  I looked over back to Rarity as she slowly and meticulously got off the sleigh and trotted to the front door herself, holding a large barrel in front of her with her magic that Applejack couldn’t carry.  I followed her close behind and entered the library behind her, shutting the door behind me as soon as we entered.

After I shut the door, I looked around Twilight’s library and to my shock it was even more decorated than the outside.  A single table in the center of the room covered with sweets of all varieties, along with small Hearth’s Warming tree in the center.  The walls covered in garland and flat images of various Hearth’s Warming things like gingerbread ponies, wreath’s, and candy canes.  Dangling from the ceiling where large flowing streamers with once again Hearth’s Warming pictures on them.  Then in the corner was a fairly huge Hearth’s Warming tree that was so decorated I would say it would easily win best tree of the holidays or something!  Again all of this was done after they got back?  In front of the very large and zealous looking tree was a pink earth pony wearing a very festive hat with the letters, ‘H.H.W.’ on them.

“Happy…Happy Hearth’s Warming everypony!”  Pinkie tried shouting as she once again got on her hindlegs and held up two very large cylindrical objects, both of which popped sending confetti everywhere…and causing Pinkie Pie to fall backwards to the floor.  A small purple dragon quickly ran up behind and held his hands up, stopping her fall as she fell back onto his claws.

“A-A little help here?”  Spike asked as she struggled to keep the much larger pony from falling on top of him.  Immediately he said that, a light purple aura surrounded the pink pony and lifted her off of Spike and back onto her hooves.  Soon afterward a purple Alicorn descended down and landed next to the now swaying earth pony.

“Pinkie…I told you to take it easy if you weren’t going to get any rest…” Twilight calmly addressed as she looked at the shorter pony with an apprehensive look in her eyes….geez even Twilight herself isn’t looking all that great…her eyes are bloodshot, her mane looks messy, and to top it all off the feathers in her wings were all ruffled and out of place….what happened while they were in Canterlot?

“What!?  Take it easy on Hearth’s Warming?  One of the greatest super-duper days in the year!” Pinkie screamed, actually sounding like a scream as she raised her right forehoof up.  “You’ve got to be crazy!  As long as I’m standing I’m not ever going to-WHOAAAA!” She continued before almost falling to the ground, again being caught by Twilight who wrapped one of her large wings around the smaller pony and supported her as she began to escort her to the table.

“You can barely stand as it is…” The lavender Alicorn pointed out with a sigh as she held the sickly looking earth pony close to her side as they reached the table.  “So please just sit down…we can party as longs as you don’t hurt yourself…” She then pleaded as she gently guided her to sit down her haunches at the table.  She weakly nodded with a blank look in her eyes as Applejack began to take out the food she prepared earlier and place it on the table with the rest of the food.  

“Geez what the hell happened to you all?” Rainbow asked as she flew over and landed on the other side of the table as Spike walked up, yawned, and lazily sat next to Twilight…yeah I would expect for you three to be a little more…ummm…happy on a day like this.

“Well the holidays are great if you’re less important than like a district manager…” The Princess began to explain with a forced smile as she raised her hoof up.  “But if you’re as important as…I don’t know…say…Royalty…” She went on as Applejack finished putting all the delicious looking food on the table.

“Then it’s one of the most miserable and worst experiences you can imagine!” She almost shouted in frustration as Rarity trotted up and sat very close to Applejack…I blinked in surprise as I forgot that while she is Twilight my dear friend…she role in Equestria is almost as important as Celestia herself which would make her schedule for stuff like this...well…fill up to say the least…

“All high class events I had to schedule, plan, and throw drove me nuts!  Celestia had to deal with other important issues which left me to deal with all of that stuff by myself!” She complained in a groan as she rubbed her temples with her forehooves…O-Oh!  I can see why she took Pinkie with her now…if you’re going to do a string of parties there’s nopony better than the Super-Duper Party Pony!

“Oh my…Celestia not showing up to a lot of Canterlot celebrations…what could be so important that she needed to be called away from that?”  I asked in surprise, my eyes going wide as I knew that Celestia herself was normally the one to do all those things for Hearth’s Warming…and not Twilight.

“We don’t know…” Spike answered for her as she shrugged and shook his head.

“From what I heard from Luna…and this is only a rumor…but she made an emergency trip to Zebrica as apparently the war outside Equestria is starting to threaten that continent…” Twilight speculated in a low tone as she sighed to herself…o-oh dear…wh-why is there even a war to begin with…can’t they just learn to get along and be friends?

“Whatever the case I’m never doing that again!” Twilight then said sounding angry as her wings flared open almost covering the span of the entire table.  “I couldn’t stand all that ridiculous nonstop planning and boring partying!  I didn’t get that much sleep throughout the entire thing and I swear if I heard one more pony complain that I wasn’t Celestia I was going to flip out and kick them in the-!”

“T-Twilight…” Pinkie weakly called out.  The thin Alicorn gasped in response and look down at the smaller pink pony.  “Cheer up…it’s Hearth’s Warming…and unlike those stuffy regal parties this is with our friends…” The exhausted pony said in a low whisper as she looked at Twilight with a small smile on her lips, causing Twilight to relax and her wings to drop down to the ground as she stared at the party pony with a shocked look on her face.

“So please…no frowny faces today…just…smile Twilight…” She then finally pleaded as she reached out with her hoof and put it on Twilight’s shoulder.  We all held our breath’s at the passionate request she made.  The Alicorn held her breath as she looked at the pony next to her with her eyes quivering.  Then, after what felt like a few minutes of staring at each other, Twilight’s face eventually relaxed and a genuine smile appeared on her face.

“Y-You’re right Pinkie…” She agreed sweetly, which caused Pinkie’s face to light up…even if it did seem very mild compared to her normal expressions.  “This is Hearth’s Warming and no matter what I should be happy and grateful to be where I am right now…” She went on happily as she raised her wing and wrapped it around the pink pony, bringing her closer to her.

“With you…” She said softly as I could swear I saw a light shade of pink start to form on her cheeks…I think Pinkie caught it as well as I could see her very weakly giggle in response to that.  “And of course with the rest of my friends!”  She then shouted as she looked back at the rest of us with a now excited and happy look…very fitting for Hearth’s Warming.

“Yeah…so…let’s…let’s get this party started…”  Pinkie cheered…at least tried to…as she pulled out a record player and placed it on the table.  It immediately started to play and of course it played Hearth’s Warming tunes.

My heart smiled at the sight before me, only for me to realize that it was before me because I wasn’t sitting at the table yet.  I felt silly for not sitting down sooner and looked around the table for an open place for me to sit down…and…and unfortunately…the only open spot was next to Rainbow Dash and Rarity…oh I’m just sure Rarity planned that out.  I couldn’t do anything about it…I could stand and be rude…I could ask for somepony to move and be rude…or I squeeze in-between somepony and once again be rude…

I bit my lip as I had no choice but to sit next to Dash…and…and hope nothing bad happens.  I slowly and quietly trotted over to the spot next to Dash…she looked at me and smiled before reaching across the table to pick up some cupcakes.  I smiled nervously as I sat next to her and took a deep breath as so far things were going ok.  I looked next to me to see Rarity smirking at me…I know said she wasn’t going to tell Dash about my feelings, but now I know that she’s going to get me into a position where it comes out naturally.  I gulped as I began to wonder what else she might try to do to me.

Thankfully it appeared she wasn’t going to have much of a chance as there was currently a party going on.  We all exchanged presents…I received a beautiful…ummm…outfit from Rarity…I don’t really know how to describe it…it definitely looks like something I wouldn’t wear on normal occasions.  It was see through for one thing and soft like velvet…it’s probably a nightgown…but I have a lot of nightgowns…what makes this one so special?  Oh nevermind.

Pinkie Pie gave me cupcakes…and gave everyone else cupcakes and other treats as well…like she normally did every year and received what looked like a weird life sized Gummie costume from Rarity…huh...  Twilight didn’t get anything or give anything because of her…princess status or something?  I don’t know she made a big deal about it awhile go so we all reluctantly agreed not to get her anything or for her to give us anything and instead just hang out with her on Hearth’s Warming.  

We all gave Spike gems…which he reveled in and appreciated greatly…on the other hoof…what he got us was…well…no unexpected and we all smiled and thanked him for the…uhhh…nice sentiment…at very least.  Rarity and Applejack said they already gave each other their presents…like me and Rainbow Dash…and the last thing given to me was a small hoof made bird house by Applejack…which was very nice…

I really regret only giving her a special expensive brand of dog food for Winona and also giving Rarity a very expensive brand of cat food for Opalescence.  For Pinkie all I got her was another small ring for to use when she played with Gummie…which is what she asked for, but still…I feel really bad giving them all meaningless gifts when everyone else gave each other decent gifts.   I mean even Rainbow got Rarity a gift certificate to the spa and Applejack some new horseshoes for the farm…which…is what she got them every year but the point remains it’s still better than my thoughtless gifts.

It’s easy to say that the pony I spent the most time on when it came to gift giving…and making…was Rainbow Dash.  Of course I know why, but I can’t say that out loud and I really hope that nopony questions her why she got a scarf and everyone else got…not scarfs…oh dear.   I looked around as they enjoyed themselves and thankfully didn’t seem to be the case.  I sighed in relief as the music on the record changed to one that was a sing along.

Pinkie led…or at least tried to with her weak tired voice as we all sang with her…not too loudly so we didn’t over shadow her voice…but it was still a great time as we sang together with the party pony as Twilight kept her still wrapped in her wing.  It was a delight to see and as the song stopped and the laughter filled the air I almost forgot about the pie I made and decide to bring it out and just put it on the table…I only really expected Rainbow Dash and maybe Rarity to have a slice, but still…I was really doing it for Rainbow anyways.  I blushed at that thought as I opened my saddlebag once last time and reached in with my wing to slowly bring out the pie I made.

“Aw yeah!  Fluttershy’s breaking out her pie!” I heard Dash exclaim in excitement making me eep in shock and almost drop the pie.

“Wow…Ah didn know ya could bake Fluttershy…” Applejack commented as I looked up to see her and Twilight looking at me curiously…Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash looking at me with grins on their faces as they’ve all had my cooking before.

“It…It’s really not that good…” I shrugged off weakly with a nervous smile as I set the pie down and uncovered it, the sweet sent automatically starting to fill the room and overshadow the other treats on the table.

“Oh please your treats are simply divine!” Rarity disagreed with a sly smile as she used her magic to bring a few plates over to the pie along with a few forks and a knife.  She started to cut some slices and place them on plates, the first one being given to herself.

“And awesome!” Rainbow Dash agreed, adding a comment as she received a plate of pie too…which is what I wanted and smiled when I saw her start to immediately dig in and start eating it.

“And tasty!” Pinkie also added gleefully and somewhat energetically as a plate of pie floated over to her and another one floating over to Twilight.

“Well shoot!  Give let me try a slice of that!” Applejack declared in anticipation before one floated over to her and then finally one to Spike.  I didn’t get one but…then again I made it and wanted everypony else…or at least Dash…to get a slice of it…

“Ohhhh so damn good…” Dashie declared in pleasure as she started to shake slightly and smile with her tongue hanging out.  Just seeing that made the entire day and I giggled slightly in sight of that.

“Yes…simply lovely as always Fluttershy…” The white unicorn agreed, although putting it in a more eloquent way.

“Oh…n-no…it’s really nothing…it’s just a simple Double Layer Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust and Chocolate filling…I didn’t even garnish it or refrigerate it properly…it’s nothing special!” I shrugged off nervously with a wave of my hoof and a forced smile….it’s not that good…well…if Dashie likes it then it can’t be TOO bad so maybe it is…somewhat good I guess…

“Whoa nelly!  Are ya kidding?  This is one of the best darndest pies Ah ever had!” Applejack disputed as she nearly fell over after taking one bite of the pie.

“Yeah it’s really good Fluttershy!” Spike added in agreement as his slice was already gone...wow that didn’t take him long did it?

“Why don’t you ever bake more or at least tell ponies about it?” Twilight questioned curiously as she seemed to be in agreement with everyone else.

“Well…it’s not really something I like going around announcing to ponies if you know what I mean…” I explained softly as I raised my right hoof up and rubbed my mane slightly in discomfort…not really liking all this praise I was getting…except from Dashie…o-of course…

“Oh yeah…that reminds me!” The orange pony began after she finished the rest of the pie and wiped her mouth clean.  “Everypony…I have an announcement.”  She said very sternly and loudly as she stood up at the table, everypony’s eyes glued to her in curiosity…or in Rarity’s case concern.

“A-Ah…Me…The truth is…”  She began nervously as she looked around at us all, then looking back at Rarity…she stared at her for a minute before taking a deep breath and smiling back at her.  “Ya see…The truth is….Rarity and Ah have…well…being dating for a month since the start of winter…but have been keeping it a secret…” The now relaxed earth pony revealed as she looked at all of us, the smile still on her face as if she was happy to say that.  Well I sort of knew that those two would get together eventually…I even stumbled into them on accident…

“Apple…jack…” Rarity called in disbelief as her eyes went as wide as the moon…obviously she was not expecting that though I’m sure she’s glad that it happened.

“But now Ah’m comfortable and ready enough to make our relationship public…” She went on enthusiastically before turning and looking back down at the unicorn next to her.  “I love ya Rarity.” She said softly in a sincere tone which made the purple haired mare tear up…out of joy most likely.

“Oh Applejack!” Rarity screamed before she jumped up off of her haunches and wrapped her forehooves around the freckled mare and moved her lips to meet hers.  The orange pony’s eyes widened for split second before they closed and returned the kiss.  Immediately I heard Rainbow Dash start stomping her hooves on the ground to applaud the sight in front of her and I slowly joined in, gently tapping away at the floor.  Twilight quickly did the same…much louder than me, and Pinkie weakly did the same next to her…though still sounding louder than my feeble applause.

“It’s about freaking time you two got together…I mean damn…took you two long enough!” Rainbow quipped with a snicker as we all slowly stopped applauding.  They broke the kiss and looked at her, both blushing to some degree before Rarity nuzzled the taller pony she was latched onto.

“Oh my gosh!  This is super-wonderful!  I have another party to plan!”  Pinkie said in glee as she slowly got up from where she was sitting, breaking free of Twilight’s wing.  She slowly walked…not bounced…to the door that led to Twilight’s room.

“Pinkie wait, I don’t think you really need to throw another party after everything you’ve already done!”   Twilight called in concern as she extended her now free wing out to the pink pony, as if beckoning her to return.

Pinkie stopped and looked back slightly surprised at Twilight’s outburst.  Then she quickly smiled and returned to her normal cheerful self…even if she still looked completely exhausted.  “Don’t worry; I’m not throwing another right now…I just need to get something I left in your room to remind myself to throw another party for them later!”  She shrugged off, dismissing her concerns and fears with a nod before turning her head back around and continuing on towards the door.

“A-Alright…” The lavender Alicorn weakly responded with a stutter as Pinkie opened the door and left the room  When she was gone Twilight lowered her wing down and looked down at the table almost in disappointment as Applejack and Rarity kissed once again.  I titled my head at her as I started to wonder what might be going on with her.

“It’s not fair!”  Spike suddenly shouted in anger as he clenched his claws and hit the table, prompting everyone to look at the small purple dragon as he stared at his small empty plate with tears in his eyes.  The scaly reptile’s claws shook as he slowly looked up at Rarity.

“It…It’s just….I…You...” He stammered in frustration in between his gasps for air before turning and running to the door to another room, slamming it behind him after going through it.  Oh dear…he…he’s really hurt isn’t he…I…I bet that would be me if I found out Rainbow…no…I can’t even think about that because it would make cry right on the spot…even though I know it’s going to be inevitable.

“I…I should go talk to him…” Twilight said softly as she began to get up from where she was sitting.

“No no Twilight…” Rarity replied as she raised her hoof up, Twilight stopped in her place and looked at the white unicorn.  “I…I need to be the one to talk to him…” She then said in a low tone as she got up from where she was sitting.  Twilight said nothing and nodded as she sat back down on her haunches.

“Ah’m going with ya…” Applejack said sternly as she began to get up herself, only to be stopped by Rarity’s hoof.

“No Darling…you’d only…complicate matters…” The azure eyed unicorn denied gently as she shook her head at the orange pony.  “I can handle it myself…you just stay here…” She then instructed before she full got up and began to walk towards the door that Spike bolted through a minute ago…oh…I hope she works things out with him…I’d hate to see him upset…especially today!

“Alright…” The freckled pony weakly agreed with a nod as she watched the white mare leave through the door, leaving us all at the table.

I looked around and everyone seemed uncomfortable and uncertain of what to do next to follow that sudden display of drama.  Twilight shifted in place as she looked at the door…not the one Spike left through, but the one Pinkie left through…Applejack just tapped her forehoof on the table and Rainbow just sort bobbed her head back in forth clicking her tongue before taking a deep breath and looking around.

“Well this atmosphere isn’t tense or awkward at all…” The rainbow haired mare then quipped with an awkward chuckle trying to break the before mentioned tension…I don’t think it worked but it’s a good start at least…all I was going to do was stay in my spot and not make a peep.

“Ah’ll say…It’s quieter than a room filled with rattle-less rattlesnakes!” Applejack agreed, making a quip of her own…wait…rattlesnakes can still hiss without their rattles right…so it wouldn’t be that quiet.

“We need somethin to help lighten the mood…” She went on as she put a hoof to her chin…then smiling and raising it upon coming up with an idea.  “Rainbow Ah think it’s time Ah give you your Hearth’s Warming present…” She announced happily as she looked at the cyan mare across from her…

“You mean…” Dashie simply replied in excitement as her face lit up and her wings opened up…oh dear…I think I know where this is going!

“Yep…it’s time to break out the cider for our annual ‘Cider Drinking Showdown’!” The cheerfully confirmed as she nudged her head towards the barrel they brought that was sitting in the corner of the room…yes I knew it…it’s time for the usual Hearth’s Warming Drinking match that Applejack and Rainbow usually have every year.

“Aw yeah!” The now thrilled mare shouted at the top of her lungs as she leapt into the air with her powerful wings and flew over me to get the barrel.

She flew back with the forelegs and hind legs wrapped around the large wooden object and gently placed it on the ground next to the table.   She then flew off again and came back with four fairly large glasses…one for each of us I assumed and placed them on the table.  She cracked open the lid on the barrel and poured some cider into the first glass.  She held the glass out for me to take but I gently shook my head to refuse her request…which shouldn’t be surprising to her since I normally don’t drink even if it is a special occasion…though it was nice of her to offer me the first glass.

She nodded back to me and then turned to hold the glass out to Twilight.  The Princess looked at it for a few seconds before shrugging and taking the small glass with her magic.  Rainbow quickly poured another one before holding it across the table for Applejack.   The blonde haired earth pony smirked, leaned over, and took the glass of cider before getting back in her seat.  Dash grinned back as she poured cider into a third glass…she took a deep breath and looked and then looked at the earth pony across the table, anxious to start their tradition.

“You ready?” Dashie asked excitedly as she leaned across the table holding her glass out.

“As always Dash…” Applejack replied happily as she did the same so their glasses were mere millimeters apart from each other.

“To Hearth’s Warming!” They both said in unison as the tapped their glasses together making a chinking sound before they both moved the glasses to their lips to quickly down the liquid inside of them.  

I sighed to myself as I watched Dash…and Applejack…and here we go again…another Hearth’s Warming where it’s done to a drinking match and more than likely I’ll have to help Dash home…actually I think I might…No!  Don’t think about…oh having her on top of me like so many times before…feeling every…o-oh dear…this isn’t going to end well…I knew it.  I gulped as I looked down, starting to breath heavily at my impending doom…I could always ask for Rainbow…no no I Can’t do that…it would be mean and rude for me to break their tradition…oh what am I going to do?

“P-Pinkie’s been gone a long time…I…I’m going to go check on her…” Twilight said nervously as I looked up to see her suddenly get up and head for the door that Pinkie left through earlier.  

“Yeah ok…” Rainbow said back as she reached over the table and took Applejack’s empty glass to refill it.

I looked back at the glass she had and noticed she take a single drink from it…wow she must really be worried about her…well considering how she is right now I’m not surprised…and she has been gone for a long time just to get something from Twilight’s room…I mean Rarity I can understand if she’s having a serious talk with Spike...but…oh dear…I hope nothing happened to Pinkie.

I looked back at Dashie as she reached over the table and gave Applejack her glass back, now filled with fresh cider.  She refilled hers as well and the both of them quickly downed their second glass at the same time.  Applejack wiped her lips as she leaned over the table to give her empty glass to refill it once more.  I didn’t really want to sit here and watch the two continue their drinking competition…mostly because I know how Rainbow gets when she starts to get tipsy and…knowing that I don’t think I could stand her being all over me in her deluded state…I…I have to find a way to get out of here..

I then remembered that I still have that book to give to Twilight.  I couldn’t give it to her when we were all exchanging gifts because…well she would think it’s a gift of course and not accept it and because Rainbow would be right there and I know she would be curious as to what the book is…and when I told her what it is what it would most certainly upset her…and I don’t want that to happen of course.  So now that Twilight’s off in another room this might be as good a chance as any to give her that book.

I looked down at my saddlebag and opened it up, I saw that it hadn’t moved since I put it there and sealed my bag back up.  I might as well try and give her it now…if she doesn’t accept it now I bet she won’t accept it ever and if it’s a bad time…oh I hope it isn’t…then I guess I could always try tomorrow…but I really want to do it now to get myself out of this situation.  I took a deep breath to try and build my confidence…and then slowly stood up from the table.

“You know…I think Twilight might need my help…” I announced as I looked over at Dash reaching over to give Applejack the refilled glass.

“Ok Fluttershy…” She replied simply as Applejack took the glass from her hoof.  “If there’s something wrong come tell us ok?”  She then asked sincerely as she quickly went to refill hers.

“I will…” I answered with a smile as I walked around her and up to the door.  I opened the door and went through it as I heard Applejack and Rainbow take another swift drink to down their third glass of cider…w-wow three glasses in like five minutes?  Oh dear....they’re both going to have massive headaches tomorrow morning!

When I entered the other room I looked around the bottom floor and didn’t find either pony.  I slowly and quietly walked up the stairs to the upper level and found both Twilight and Pinkie Pie.  The much smaller pink pony was underneath Twilight’s right wing as she was slowly being led to Twilight’s bed.  Her tail was weakly dragging on the ground behind her and her hooves sliding across the floor not even making proper hoofsteps.

“Come on…Twilight…I…I can still…” Pinkie tried to protest in a quiet whisper as she lifted her left forehoof up to grab the wing around her, instantly losing her balance and falling against the Alicorn.

“No…you’re done…just go to bed and get some rest Pinkie…you need it…” Twilight denied in a calm low tone as she moved her left wing around to help support the smaller mare as she moved her to the bed.  

She gently placed the pink pony on the bed and after a little bit of resistance and weak struggling…her eyes slowly closed and she was fast asleep. The taller Alicorn sighed in relief before looking down at the peacefully snoozing pony with a smile.  I thought this might be a bad time to interrupt and would talk to her as soon as she came downstairs.  I slowly and quietly turned around and started to head back downstairs before-

“Fluttershy?” Oh…Oh Dear.  I slowly turned my head around to see the lavender Alicorn looking at me curiously with an eyebrow arched.

“Oh…Twilight…I’m sorry for…you know…I…I’ll just go…” I apologized sincerely as I turned to face her, giving her a faint smile as my ears flattened against my head before I slowly starting backing up down the stairs.

“No it’s ok…” Twilight softly said, shrugging my apology off with a smile.  “I caught her on the floor passed out and decided to move her to my bed where it’s more comfortable…of course she woke up along the way and…well…I guess you saw what happened after that didn’t you?” She then explained as she nudged her head towards the pony on her bed.  I nodded my head to confirm her theory about me seeing her…after which she slowly looked down at the sleeping pink pony.

“She’s just an amazing little pony isn’t she?” She asked me in a whisper as she continued looking at Pinkie…though I’m pretty sure she was asking herself that and not me...I still have to agree and nod though…she is pretty amazing…wh-when she’s not shocking me with surprises.

“She worked so hard in Canterlot to make sure every party was perfect…and even made sure this one went great as well doing all the decorations…all with no sleep whatsoever…she did it for me so I could get as much rest as I could…she does so much to make me happy…everypony happy that I’m surprised she still has enough energy to be herself…though that’s her I guess…” She recalled almost dreamily as she raised her left wing and stroked her ruffled and messy pink mane…w-wow she did all that for you?  I…I can honestly see it knowing her and how Twilight is acting makes sense…but I think it maybe a little…nevermind, I think I might be reading too much into this.

“An incredible logic defying little pink mare known as Pinkie Pie…” She then finished sweetly, looking like she was about to shed a tear before she shook her head, wiped her eye, and looked back up at me with her cheeks showing a light shade of pink.  “I-I’m sorry…I was ranting…did…did you need something?” The embarrassed princess asked me nervously and with a couple of stutters as she gave an unnatural smile.  I blinked a few times at her as my suspicions were rising…but…no I shouldn’t bother her about it…I have something more important I need to get to.

“Oh-Oh…ri-right…I…I wanted you to look at something for me…” I responded a bit uncomfortably as I was trying not to sound like I was going to give her a gift and instead make it sound like a request.

“Alright…I’ll be right over-” Twilight began as she started to walk over to me, only to stop as she felt her right wing start to be pulled.  She quickly turned around with her eyes wide to see the unconscious pink pony still holding onto her right wing from when she grabbed it earlier.  The violet eyed princess sighed in relief before her lips curved into another soft smile.  “On second thought…”  She began in a happy tone as she backed up and started to get in the bed next to the smaller mare.

“Maybe you should go bring whatever it is to me…” She suggested as she laid down on the bed very close to the pink pony…making the unconscious pony coo softly and snuggle closer to her.   Much to the surprise and possibly delight of Twilight as her eyes widened, her ears poking straight into the air, and her tail shooting up as Pinkie cuddled up next to the much bigger pony.

The sight made me giggle softly as I moved my wing into my saddlebag.  “Oh that’s not a problem Twilight…I have it right here…” I warmly replied as I pulled out the fairly large and old looking book.  

“Ohhhh…that’s a really old book you have there…and even better an old book I’ve never seen before!” She commented happily as she leaned in closer and took out my wing with her magic…good she’s actually excited…then again maybe I should’ve seen this coming since she loves the sight of books she’s never seen before…both old and new.

“Y-Yes…it was given to me and I was hoping you could help me out with it…” I nervously asked as I watched book float over to and rest right in front of her on the pillow…unsure if she’d be able to read it and possibly lose interest because of it.

“I’d be happy to help, let me just see what it is…” Twilight giddily said with a anxious smile as she opened the book and looked inside…causing her excitement and smile to immediately fade and be replaced by a look of frustration.   “…great my worst nightmares…an interesting old book…and I can’t read it…” She said in a low mumble as she looked through each of the pages looking more upset as she went along…oh dear…this is what I feared.

“That’s why I came to you…it’s…it’s Jamarean which I can’t read and...well…I thought possibly you could…” I explained in whisper as I backed up slightly further down the stairs to where I could barely see her on the bed.

“Fluttershy…I spoke Jamarean a few times and all of those times I was…well...not the most accurate…and even if I could there’s no guarantee I would be able to read it…I mean speaking is one thing but reading is a whole different thing…” She explained seriously still looking at the book, detailing the sever gap between speaking and reading that I sort of saw coming…but still wanted to ask anyways…and now I feel guilty because of that fact.

“I…I should’ve known…I…I’m sorry for bothering you about it Twilight…” I apologized sincerely as I started to walk back up the stairs and towards her.  “I’ll just take it and leave…” I then said still in an apologetic tone as I went over to the bed to take the book…only for her to move it away from my hoof.

“Wait…why do you want to know what it says anyways?” She questioned curiously as I looked over to see her titling her head and raising an eyebrow at me…I knew she would ask me something like this…but I can’t tell her the craziness that probably isn’t true…then she’ll think I’m wanting to look at a weird fiction story or something…

“It’s…It’s just important…it…it quite possibly as some answers I’ve been looking for with certain…possible problems I’ve been having…” I vaguely tried to explain in a quiet whisper as I looked away, knowing that I just did a terrible job at trying to convince her to translate it for me.

“I…I know it’s a bad explanation and I’m sorry it’s just…I…I really want to know what it says!” I then said a bit more determined as I looked back at her and tried to give her most serious look I could possibly give.  This stunned the lavender Alicorn slightly as she leaned her head back and blinked a few times in response.

“Alright…I’ll do it…” She agreed softly with a subtle nod as I…w-wait…

“Y-You…you will?” I asked in disbelief as I felt my eyes widen…she…she’s going to do it?  O-Oh wow!  I must’ve been really assertive!

“Yeah…you’re my friend so of course I’ll help you!”  Twilight now happily said with a smile as she looked back down at the open book with strange words and pictures in it.  “It would be nice to learn a new language anyways…”  She enthusiastically added as she flipped the old worn out pages with her magic carefully…t-that’s true…it’s always helpful to speak a different language or two…

“Of course I won’t have it translated for a while…” She then informed me in a slightly more serious tone as she closed the book up and floated it up in the air, moving it past me.  “But…when I do…I’ll let you know…” She finished as she floated the book right on her desk for her to read in the morning…which made me so happy because now I’ll get to know what it is inside that book!

“Thank you Twilight…” I thanked gratefully with a smile and a nod, considering myself very lucky to have a friend like Twilight to help me with this problem.  “I can’t tell you how much this-Ahhh!” I then began to say before feeling a surge of pain in my head and a queasy feeling in my stomach…w-where did that come from?  It just came out of nowhere!

“Something wrong?” The violet eyed Princess asked in concern as she reached a hoof out towards me.

“No…I…I’m fine…I’ll leave now…” I shrugged off as I turned around to go…I mean my business is done so I shouldn’t really stay longer than I need…I really don’t want to be a bother.

“Ok…be sure to tell the others that Pinkie and I are fine and…and that I’ll be with her for the rest of night for…health reasons…” I heard Twilight say from behind me as I reached the stairs…well that makes sense considering she’s being held by her after all.

“Ok I will…” I cheerfully said as I started to descend the stairs…w-wait a second…I…I still want to know something.  “Oh…Twilight…” I called out as I stopped and looked back at the mare still lying next to the pink earth pony.  She looked at me curiously and waited for my…probably very inappropriate and rude question.

“I…I’m really sorry if I’m prying into your personal life…but…but remember a month ago when you needed help with a crush?” I began, asking her about something that happened a month ago, reminding her about she asked Rainbow for help and the mess that created for her.  Twilight blinked a few times in response before nodding, allowing for me to continue onto the real question.  

“Is…Is your crush?” I then asked very vaguely as I gestured my head towards the peacefully snoozing mare holding onto Twilight’s wing…oh dear…I hope she doesn’t hate me for asking me that or decide not to translate that book because of that!

Twilight gasped slightly, her eyes going as wide as her star shaped cutie mark as she leaned her head back in surprise.  Her eyes quivered as her mouth dangled open for a few seconds…then it closed along with her eyes…oh dear…I really messed up!  Stupid, stupid Fluttershy!  Never ask about your friend’s feelings and personal lives when you’re feelings yourself are a mess that’s going to, if not already, causing problems for your friend!  

“No…I don’t have a crush on Pinkie Pie…” Twilight answered softly and calmly as her eyes opened back up to reveal her gentle violet eyes....o-oh she doesn’t…th-then I really was reading too much into it…now I feel stupid for another reason.

“O-Oh…ok…I…I’m sorry…” I immediately apologized as I hide behind my mane, feeling like the worst friend in the world…only to hear Twilight slightly giggle in response to my reaction.

“It’s ok…I don’t have a crush anymore anyways…” I heard her kindly say after she stopped giggling, causing me to look back at her completely flabbergasted.

“Y-You don’t?” I asked in complete shock as that probably meant she tried to pursue her crush…and unfortunately failed.

“No…a crush is a small infatuation…based on physical attraction, emotional attraction, or even simple adoration for something…it’s basic, common, and is usually something that comes and goes….” Twilight began to explain with a shake of her head, detailing what exactly a crush was.

“Mine came and went…when I discovered that my feelings for…this pony…went well beyond that and went into the realms of…” She then said as she gently shifted her gaze down at the pink pony next to her.  My eyes widened as I knew exactly what she was talking about…figuring out that your feelings extend farther than you could possibly imagine…I wonder if she felt the same way I did afterwards.

“I…I understand…I really do…” I replied with a quick few nods…then starting to wonder another thing…if she really was like me and her feelings…went that far.  “So…you…you love this pony?” I asked in almost an inaudible tone, fearful that I was wrong and that she didn’t go that far.

Twilight didn’t respond and instead kept looking at the smaller pony curled up next to her as a small smile slowly appeared on their face…then suddenly her eyes began to water as she slowly opened her mouth.  “O-Oh yes…I love them so very much…just seeing them once a day is enough to turn my worst of days into my best of days…even…even if it’s just for a second and know nothing of my feelings…” She confirmed in a soft yet resounding response as a tear slowly slid down the side of her face…w-wait…she…she loves this pony and hasn’t said anything?  So…So she really is like me…

“Have you ever thought about…confessing to this pony?” I asked seriously and nervously…wanting to know for her sake and for mine…because maybe she can help me deal with my feelings since she’s been obviously dealing with the same kind of feelings longer than I have.

“Oh of course not…” The lavender Alicorn quickly responded with a shake of her head, a few tears falling out of her eyes and landing on the bed….oh dear…this must really be tearing her up inside…like me…I understand your pain Twilight…I understand it very deeply even after only experiencing it for a short while…that’s how powerful love is.

“W-Why…” I simply questioned, feeling horrible for the Princess as she raised her wing and wiped her eyes.

The dark purple haired Alicorn took a deep breath and as she looked back at me, her eyes glossy from the tears earlier. “Well…my royal standing sort of makes things…well…complicated to say the least…” She began in her normal tone of voice as she opened her free wing as if to remind me about her status.  

“So even if I did confess and sh-…they…” She went on, stopping herself as she almost admitted that the pony she loves is a mare…correcting herself even though I already know it’s mare now…but I’ll just play along anyways.  “Shared the same feelings…we couldn’t do anything except have a secret relationship that would slowly destroy us both…and I know neither one of us would want that….if the feelings were returned mind you…” She the finished as she fully elaborated the position she would be in if it would work out…so she’s holding it in because she’s afraid it would cripple their relationship….like…like me.

“But doesn’t having your feelings kept inside yourself drive you crazy…especially around this pony to the point where you feel like you might confess against your will and ruin your relationship…” I asked a bit too passionately and too accurately as I was more or less asking from my point of view than hers…but…that’s what I needed in order to try and get some clarity.

“Yeah…I did…it’s natural after all to want to openly love the pony you adore and be loved in return…” Twilight answered seriously with a nod as Pinkie moved and let go, freeing Twilight’s wing.  The lavender Alicorn looked down at the pink pony in shock, fearing that she woke up, but to her relief she just shifted in place slightly as she continued to sleep.  She smiled softly then as she opened her wing up and draped it over the earth pony, almost completely covering her.  “But…I realized something after days of torture and…craziness…” She then went on softly as wrapped it around her and brought her closer to her.

“What we have already…is enough for me…we spend a lot of time already and make each other happy…so what more could I ask for without seeming selfish or ignorant to their feelings?” Twilight explained as she looked and watched the pink pony smile in her sleep and nuzzle against her lavender coat.  

“As long as their happy…I’m happy…I don’t need them to love me back to justify my feelings…because in the end it’s just me trying to satisfy my wants and desires…when most of them are already met…” She pointed out as she moved her left wing over and gently slid it under Pinkie’s head to give her a soft pillow.  The unconscious pony cooed in content and rubbed her head against the sudden softness which made Twilight’s smile brighten.

“We’ll always be together and share something…and even if they do find someone to love and share their love with…I’ll still be happy for them because that’s what they deserve…and that…is all I need…” The Princess finally finished as she looked back at me looking as happy as she could possibly be…all from that simple contact.

“Twi-Twilight…” I called softly as I looked at her in disbelief…she…she’s so in control of her emotions and feelings that she can actually do that?  I…I certainly couldn’t do that if I were her…who is this pony that Twilight fell so hard for?

“I’m sure that sounds crazy or unusual…and maybe I am…but for right now…I couldn’t be happier…” Twilight said happily, as if sensing my disbelief as she looked back down at the smaller pink mare and nuzzled her cheek before resting her head on top of her fluffy pink mane, closing her eyes, and sighing in content.

I smiled at the sight and decided it’s now my time to leave.  I turned around and started to head back down the stairs.  I stopped though when the thought occurred to me that…maybe Pinkie was her crush…was and not anymore which prompted Twilight to give that answer…but as she said it maybe evolved into something more…is she in love with Pinkie?  I…I don’t want to be wrong again and look like a noisy fool but…you never know…

“Twilight?” I called softly as I looked back behind me, barely seeing the lavender Alicorn as she opened one eye to look at me.  I wanted to ask her so desperately…but…couldn’t bring myself to do it.  “…Happy Hearth’s Warming…” I said instead with a smile on my face.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming to you too Fluttershy…” Twilight said back as she smiled back at me, then closing her eyes and snuggling herself back up to Pinkie.  Maybe she is in love with her…maybe she isn’t…whatever the case…I just hope what she’s doing is right…and that everypony will be happy in the…owwwww…I…I don’t feel too good anymore…

I faced forward and slowly made my way down the stairs, feeling very sick and very lightheaded.  I felt like the room was shaking as I came to the bottom floor.  I looked around and breathed heavily as things started to spin slightly…it’s like I was drinking heavily….but I haven’t touched any kind of cider all…oh dear.  My eyes went wide in realization before I quickly trotted to the door, opened it, and entered back into the main room.

I looked around and saw Rainbow and Applejack still at the table where I left them…no Rarity or Spike however.  Applejack looked absolutely horrible…her mane a mess and eyes so glazed it was like wasn’t trying to focus on anything.  Rainbow however looked much better with a smirk on her face as I saw her pouring another glass of cider in her glass.

“Rainbow!”  I frantically shouted as I trotted…stumbling a bit…over to her, catching her attention as she looked at me curiously.

“Yo Fluttershy your back!” Dash announced happily as she turned and looked at me with a smile on her face after she was done filling her glass back up.   “How’s Twi and Pinks doing?” She asked a bit in concern before taking a quick….oooowwww….quick drink of her cider…downing it in one gulp…now I feel like I’m going to puke!

“They’re fine but…”  I answered quickly as I saw her go to refill her glass with another drink...  “You have to stop drinking!” I then suddenly demanded a bit loudly as I reached my hoof out and stopped her from pouring more cider into her glass, making her look at me stunned and surprised.

“What…why?” The prismatic hair colored mare asked me in disbelief as she raised her eyebrow at me.

“Because we-!” I began almost saying something like ‘We’re connected through or source feathers and because of that share each other’s physical pain and qualities so if you get drunk I get drunk so don’t drink anymore please!’ …oh that sounds crazy even in my mind…I can’t say that to her…especially if I’m wrong and just coming down with bad stomach flu after eating something earlier…but if I’m right and we both become under the influence…oh I just know horrible things will happen that will wreck our friendship or at least leave it permanently damaged!

“You…You just have to stop!” I weakly responded not giving a real reason, just pleading and hoping that she would stop.

“You’re joking right?” The now annoyed mare asked back as she pulled her foreleg away from my grasp.  “I’m finally about to beat Applejack in a Hearth’s Warming Drinking Contest!  There’s no way I’m stopping!” She excitedly shouted as she started to pour herself another glass of cider…oh dear…oh dear!

“Ya….Ya gots ta….ta be…cheatin….no ways in hellz can you hold…cider better than Ah can…”  Applejack said in an incoherent tone with lots of slurs as it was clear she was very much drunk as compared to Rainbow.

“Heh…nope…I just got an awesome resistance to cider now!” The cerise eyed mare replied smugly as she finished pouring herself a fresh glass of cider.  “Any last words before I drink you under the table finally?”  She then taunted as she raised the glass up towards Applejack.  The orange pony’s head wobbled in response as she just blankly looked at Rainbow.  Dash chuckled before raising the glass to her muzzle to take another drink.

Oh no, she’s going to keep drinking no matter what I do isn’t she?  And…And if she keeps drinking and keeps getting more cider in her system…it’s not only going to make her worse but make me worse.  Or maybe not…may…maybe I am just going crazy and this is all in my head…but what if it’s true and we both get drunk to the point where anything could happen…which would most certainly be bad….could…could I let that happen?  Could I take that chance with our friendship at stake?  No…of course not!  I never will!

“Rainbow no!”  I shouted as I quickly leaned my hoof up to her glass of cider and knocked it out of her hoof, sending it towards the ground, shattering and getting cider all over the floor…oh…oh no….what did I…what did I just do?

“Fluttershy!  What the hell?” Rainbow shouted in anger as she looked at me with furious expression in her cerise eyes.  I…I shouldn’t have done that…I…I just wanted her to stop drinking…I…I didn’t meant to knock it out of her hooves!

“I…I’m sorry I just…I just…”  I tried to apologize as sadness and regret immediately hit me like an unstoppable tidal wave on a beach.  I tried to continue but tears automatically filled my eyes and sobs were already starting to choke up my throat.  I couldn’t do anything but turn and run away, not wanting to be in front of her anymore and only cause more problems.

“Fluttershy!”  I heard Rainbow call behind me frantically, but I knew she only wanted me to stop so she could continue to yell at me.  I didn’t pay it any attention as I opened up Twilight’s front door and rushed out into the dark cold Hearth’s Warming night.

I ran through the snow covered ground, not caring where I was going so long as it was away from Rainbow as tears openly ran down my face.  The ice cold air causing them to sting against my cheeks and eyes as I just continued to ran as hard as I could through the streets, almost stumbling and tripping a few times either from my light headed ness or from my deep sadness…I don’t know.  After a good solid minutes of running my stomach couldn’t take it anymore and I ended up stopping dead in my tracks and leaning against a tree in the park.

I breathed heavily as I tried to contain myself the best I could and not throw up.  I leaned against the cold tree and looked around briefly, instantly spotting a slim grey Pegasus with bunch of presents on her back…one of them marked in big bold letters ‘RARITY.’  She was in front of a small slim brown stallion who was kneeling down opening a small box up containing a small ring.

“D-Derpy…will you…will you…”  The blue eyed stallion nervously asked with a stutter as the small box in his hooves shook in apprehension…wait…is he asking to marry her…but…I thought they were already married or something?

“Oh yes!  Yes I will!”  Derpy immediately shouted, understanding his question and leaping onto him, the boxes falling off her back she pushed him into the ground into a deep heated kiss.  W-Wait and she’s skinny now…I…I don’t…ughhhh…

I put my hoof over my mouth as I seriously thought I was going to vomit right now.  I slowly hobbled away from them and inched inwards into the park.  I did my best to keep my stomach contents in check as I laid down on the ice snow and took deep breaths.  Thankfully it felt like it was going to stay down…unfortunately another feeling sprung up in my senses…a familiar one I didn’t want to feel coming from above me.

“Fluttershy!”  I heard Rainbow call frantically from above me.  I slowly looked up to see her flying in towards me.  I slowly got up and tried to walk away, but was cut off by her landing in front of me.  “Fluttershy wait!” She desperately shouted holding a hoof up, concern in her eyes as tears were still in mine.  I couldn’t bear to look at her and slowly turned away.

“I’m…I’m sorry Dash…” I apologized in a whisper as I closed my eyes, still feeling freezing cold tears slide down the sides of my face…if only…if only…oh if only a lot of things but I don’t know where to begin!

“It’s ok…I…I’m not that mad or anything…I…I just want to know why you did that.” The cyan mare behind me tried to comfortingly say…wanting to know the reason behind my actions…and again I couldn’t tell her…I couldn’t tell her a lot of things…but...I can’t just not answer her…especially since she came all this way out here to find me.

“I…I was…” I began softly, choking on my words slightly as I thought of what to say next…I can’t tell her really anything except….well my basic feeling that drives everything I do aside from love.  “Afraid…” I simply said, answering her question with a vague emotion as I lowered my head…knowing that it wouldn’t do and she would ask for further details.

“Of what exactly?” Rainbow questioned curiously as I heard hoofsteps behind me in the snow...I knew she would ask that…but…I…well…I…I can’t…I…

“Lo…Losing you…” My voice answered against my will as I heard the hoofsteps come up beside me and stop.    I bit my lip as if it betrayed me…spilling the most basic truth of me not wanting to lose anything I have with Rainbow Dash…even if it’s just a few minutes I don’t want to lose that.

“W-Wh…What?” Rainbow simply said with a few stutters, not believing what I just said and for good reason.  

“I’m…I’m sorry…I…I just can’t lose you…ever…you mean so much to me and…I…I…” I tried to more thoroughly explain between my sobs…almost spilling out my feelings on accident…but I thankfully caught it and held my tongue for a split moment.  “I can’t live without you…” I then finished still giving out the honest truth…because I can’t…I need her…no matter what I need her and if our relationship changes for the worse I couldn’t possibly take it…I’d live a hallow life...all because of my desires to be with her and want her to love me back.

“Fluttershy…” I heard her call softly as I heard her hoofsteps once more, moving right in front of me.  I then felt a soft wing brush against my chin and lift my head up.  My eyes popped open in shock to see her gently smiling back at me. “It’s ok…I’m not going anywhere…” She then soothingly said with a nod as snow started to lightly drop from the sky.

“I’m especially not going to die from drinking too much…” She then added with a slight chuckle…w-wait…she thinks I was worried about her drinking too much and dying?  W-Well…I can see that actually and…well…maybe it’s a good thing she thinks like that because that means she won’t bother me anymore about my feelings…h-hopefully…

“But…I understand your fears…I…I’d be the same way if I were you…” Dash then said a bit nervously as she looked away slightly before biting her lip, the snow starting to cover her mane to give it a white texture.

“Y-You would?” I asked in disbelief…would she do the same thing in my situation…well…she couldn’t possibly since she doesn’t fear what I fear and feel what I feel but….m-maybe if she did and our roles were reversed…she would!

“Of course…you mean the world to me as well and I couldn’t live without you as well…you’re the most important pony to me until the very end…the very first thing I have ever been loyal to and will remain that way until my wings fall off and I’m ten hooves in the dirt…” She explained in a very serious and passionate tone as she looked at me with fierce determination in her eyes, making it clear that she meant every word about what she was saying…making my gasp softly and go wide eyed at her.

“And until then…we’ll always be together in some way….forever…” She then finished in a much softer tone as I felt her wrap her wings around me and bring me into a gentle hug, my face going into her scarf covered neck…I felt like crying again from what she said and then remembered what Twilight said about what she said being enough for her…and…she’s right.

How could’ve I been so foolish…what we have is much more than a lot of other ponies.  I love her deeply and she loves me deeply...even if she won’t say it or if it’s not the same kind of love it’s still a type of love and a kind of bond that only we will share.  Even if she leaves or finds another pony to call her own…she’ll still be happy with me and come back to me to make me happy…and that’s…all I ever wanted…for us to be happy…and now that I know this I couldn’t ask for anything else.

“Rainbow…” I called softly as I buried my face into the scarf I made for her, opening my wings up and wrapping them around her to return the hug. “Thank you…” I mumbled almost inaudibly into her scarf as I brought her closer to me.

“Thank you for everything…” I said again this time louder and more passionately as I tightened the hug….yes…we’ll always have each other…even if it’s just this…it’s enough and I’m eternally grateful….and now I can hold her without fears of me saying anything…because there’s nothing to be said.

“Same to you…” She responded in a whisper as I felt her head rest on the top of mine, feeling her wings tighten around me.

I closed my eyes and embraced the soothing warmth as I continued to feel snowflakes pelt against my fur.  This the best moment of my life and I could die right now and be fine.  The feeling of my face against her fur and scarf, the feeling her strong wings wrapped around me securely, and the firm yet gentle touch of her muzzle against the top of her mane with her breath brushing against it.  This…is perfection.

I nuzzled her as I felt my lips form the biggest smile I could and could also feel us getting slightly warming.  I felt the snow melt and turn into liquid and suddenly stopped feeling the snow fall on me period.  I slowly opened my eyes and saw a gentle aura of cyan and yellow mixing together around us in a bubble.  I glanced over and noticed the yellow light was going from my source feather as it glowed brightly and I could only assume hers was doing the same.

My mouth gaped open in surprise as it reminded me of what happened a month ago…only…this was…much nicer.  It was soothing and calm as it surrounded us in its warmth and the snow evaporated before it touched us, the snow around us also began to melt as we continued holding each other like this.  I felt so…relaxed…comfortable…all the pain, fears, and sickness from earlier being lifted off of me as it never happened.   I smiled brightly again as this made the moment much better than I could’ve possibly hoped before.

“Wh…What the hell?” Rainbow uttered in shock as I felt her muzzle move around on the top of my head, most likely looking around at the colorful faint bubble we were encapsulated in.  She began to undo her wings and move away.  I moved my left forehoof up and stopped her right wing from moving any further.

“Don’t…” I simply whispered as I tightened my wings around her and moved her right wing back around me, her left wing instinctually following suit and wrapping around me again.  “It’s fine…don’t worry about it and…just enjoy the warmth with me….” I asked softly as I closed my eyes again…I know I’m being selfish and unreasonable by asking this of her…but…I just want this last moment…and I’ll never ask or do anything again.

I felt her head slowly nod on top of mine as her wings gripped me tightly…which made it slightly warmer to the point where I think I could peacefully fall asleep here no problem…it was so relaxing and comforting.  I nuzzled against her again as I thought about making this a point of reference for telling her about the weird feather stuff…but…I don’t care…maybe it’s true maybe it isn’t…right now all I need is her…

“Happy Hearth’s Warming Flutters…” I heard Dash softly say…I giggled softly before I opened my mouth to wish her the same thing.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming Dashie…”