Forte and Sunset walked slowly through the snow covered empty streets of Ponyville as they headed for the castle, the snow crunching under their hooves as they did so and the setting sun bathing Ponyville in a warm orange glow. Each of them had saddle bags on their backs filled with gifts for their friends back home including no small amount of Hearth's Warming Candies from Pinkie. Also gifted to them were the scarves and woolly hats they were wearing, made of course by Rarity and designed to match their fir and mane colours.

"You OK Forte?"

Forte turned to Sunset, "Yeah, I'm good."

"You sure? You look a little preoccupied."

"It's nothing really."

"Come on sweetums, it's just us."

Sunset moved in a little closer to Forte, giving him a nuzzle on his cheek, "What's wrong?"

"I just feel a bit....odd."

"In what way?" Sunset asked, not quite understanding what Forte was meaning.

"Well, I'm going home to my parents, yet this world's Forte doesn't have his anymore. It just feels odd that mine are alive and his aren't."

"I'm sure he feels the same."

"I can't imagine what it's like to lose your parents when you're that young."

"I never really had any," Sunset replied, looking downcast, "Princess Celestia was the closest thing I had to a parent...and I didn't exactly pay her back that well did I? Being a bitch towards her."

"Don't dwell on it Sunny. You've more than made up for what you did, the Princess knows that."

"Yeah, I guess so."

Within a minute they both reached the castle where Forte slammed a hoof against the door several times in quick succession.

"You don't need to knock so loud," Sunset said.

"It's a big place, they might not hear it."

"She probably has it enhanced so she can hear from anywhere in the castle."

"Only because I knocked loudly."

Sunset only just managed to resist the urge to facehoof.

Suddenly the door opened revealing a scowly Twilight who, quite unusually for her, was wearing her princess regalia.

"There's no need to knock so loud," she said grumpily, "The door's enchanted so I can hear it from anywhere in the castle."

"That's what I just told him," Sunset replied, "Stallions, eh?"

"You're telling me? My Forte did the same thing."

"Your Forte?" Sunset queried, smirking slightly at the specific use of words, "Getting a little close to Forte are we?"

"Oh shush, there's nothing going on between us."

"Yet," muttered Sunset.

"Anyway," Twilight said, narrowing her eyes unamused at Sunset's response, "Why don't you both come on in? There's drinks and food-"

"THERE'S FOOD IN THERE!! COUNT ME IN!!" Forte replied enthusiastically, suddenly running forward and knocking Twilight off balance and her tiara off of her head.

Twilight regained her balancer as Sunset placed the tiara back on her head with her magic.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," Sunset replied.

Looking up at the tiara, or more specifically the Element of Magic, Sunset couldn't help but feel memories of not long ago come back to her. The memories of that night during the Fall Formal when she succeeded in placing the crown on her head, and of the horror of what followed and the unbearable pain of transforming in a raging She-Demon. The Element of Magic forcing her to experience the misery and anguish she inflicted on others for years, forcing her to know how it feels to be on the receiving end of torment and suffering at the hands of a bully.

"I guess it's better placed on your head than it is on mine," she replied downcast as she looked down to the ground.

Realising her friend's distress, Twilight moved a little closer to Sunset and placed a reassuring hoof on Sunset's shoulder, "Are you still having flashbacks to the Fall Formal?"

Sunset nodded slowly, "Nightmares too."

"Does Forte know?"

"I haven't told him about that night. He knows of the events, but not about how I felt or what the Element did to me."

"Has he ever asked you about it?"

Sunset shook her head, "No. I think he knows more happened than I let on, but he's never pushed for more information."

"Maybe you should tell him, he is your special somepony afterall."

"Maybe.....I'll think about it."

"Hey are you guys coming?"

Looking back inside, Sunset and Twilight saw Rainbow fly enthusiastically towards them, doing a couple of loop de loops in the process before landing right in front of them.

"Everypony's all waiting for you two."

"We're coming Rainbow," Twilight replied.

"Great! 'Cause Forte has already helped himself to food."

"Which one?"

"Both of them."

"At this point, I'm not surprised," Sunset deadpanned.

True enough, when Twilight and Sunset entered the main hall were the party was being held and seemed to contain all of Ponyville, both Forte's had plates piled high with food. Sitting next to one another, it was almost impossible to tell the two apart, the only noticeable difference being Pony Forte being more natural with eating with hooves.

Human-turned-pony Forte was making a bit if a mess of things.

Unsurprised, Sunset walked over and with a tissue she picked up and began cleaning Forte's face; much to his annoyance.

"Sunny!" Forte whined.

"Honestly, I can't take you anywhere," Sunset said as she wiped the cake frosting away.

"It's not my fault hooves are clunky and cumbersome."

"Hooves are not clunky and cumbersome!"

"They are compared to fingers."

Sunset lifted a hoof as if to make a comeback but soon lowered it to the floor again, "Fair point. I guess fingers are better in some ways."

The sound of a clinking glass could be heard. Looking to where it was coming from, everyone saw Twilight standing in front of her throne, itself having her cutie mark standing at the top of the back rest.

"Can I have your attention please?" Twilight asked in a regal manner, "First, I'd just like to thank you all for coming and for making this a very special occasion for two very special friends of mine."

"And a special somepony," Rainbow muttered to Sunset.

A blink-and-you-miss-it frown crossed Twilight's face as the Ponyvillians cheered and stomped their hooves on the floor. After a few seconds it died down and Twilight was able to continue.

"Forte and Sunset will soon be going home to the other world and I think it would be fantastic if we could give them a big and hearty Ponyville send off. So why don't we all join in the party by playing games and enjoying the excellent food prepared by Ponyville's very own Cake family."

The squealing and bouncing up and down of a particular earth pony came to the attention of Twilight.

"And Pinkie Pie."

"YAAAAY!"

"And at the end end, before Sunset and Forte depart, we can all join together and sing Hearth's Warming carols."

Forte managed to refrain from groaning.

Singing is the lowest form of communication, he thought.

It was 8pm and the party was at its end. Tables that were previously filled with food were now mostly empty plates, and all ponies were now standing around the tree, lit up in all its glory and shining more brightly with the sun having set. Forte and Sunset were stood with the girls and pony Forte beside the tree, with the Ponyvillians stood opposite watching on.

The chattering amongst the ponies ceased as Twilight stood forward to address everyone.

"Thank you all for attending tonight everypony, tonight has been a great night and I'm sure Forte and Sunset will return home with fond memories of their time in Ponyville and of each of you. Whilst it will be sad to see them leave, I'm sure that they will be visiting again in the future. Now, it's getting late and I think now would be a great time to bring this party to a close. Goodnight and have a safe journey home."

Ponies slowly began leaving the castle and making their short journey home through the snow. Quite soon, the only ones left in the castle were both Forte's, Sunset, Spike, Twilight and the girls.

"So," Forte began, "Shall we head to the mirror?"

"Sure," replied Sunset, "Our other friends are expecting us back tonight. They're probably stood around the Wondercolt statue now."

"Before you both leave," Twilight started as her horn lit up, "Take these. They're some gifts from all of us, for yourselves and the girl's counterparts."

Twilight levitated over two sacks, each filled with wrapped up presents.

"Here you both are, Happy Hearth's Warming."

"Happy Hearth's Warming," Forte and Sunset replied in unison, taking the gifts and opening them.

Sunset ripped off the wrapping of her present revealing a red onyx box. Undoing the latch and opening the lid, her eyes nearly boggled out of her skull when she saw a golden tiara rubies encrusted in the headband and trim of the spikes.

"This....this...it's beautiful!" Sunset exclaimed, levitating it out of the box and holding it still in front of her.

"What are you waiting for darling? Put it on!"

Sunset did so and a mirror was soon brought in front of her, allowing her to see how it looked on her.

"Looks great!" replied Forte, "Suits you real good!"

"Thank you," replied Sunset with a smile, "And your necklace suits you too."

Around Forte's neck hung a silver necklace with blue sapphires encrusted into it, perfectly matching his fur colour. As they admired their new jewellery in the mirror, Twilight walked up to them and continued talking.

"We thought that since you two are dating we could give you something you could wear when you next go on a date, or a formal event if you're ever invited to one. Rarity came up with the idea."

"Thanks Rarity," replied Forte.

"You're welcome darling."

"Well, we better not keep our friends waiting. They're already waiting as you thought earlier."

"How do you know?" asked Forte.

"I gave my journal to Fluttershy to look after and asked Twilight to send her a message."

"Are they all waiting for us?"

"Yeah. Come on Pony Boy, let's not keep them waiting any longer."

Everyone followed Twilight as they made their way to the room containing the mirror. Whilst Forte was feeling a little sad about leaving, he was nonetheless looking forward to sleeping in his own bed again.

Preferably with Sunset. It's always nicer when we sleep together.

Very soon they reached the mirror room and followed Twilight inside. As they approached the mirror, everypony was careful not to trip up of knock over any of the experiments Twilight had running.

She might not take it too well.

"We can visit again, can't we?" asked Forte.

"Of course you can," Twilight replied, slightly shocked Forte seemed to think otherwise, "You'll always be welcome here Forte."

"Thanks Twilight."

"So Forte?" Rainbow said flying down and landing in front of him, "What's it like being a pony?"

"It felt a little weird at first, it still does but not as much. Standing on four legs instead of two can make you feel that way. You'd probably feel similar if you ever came through and found yourself on two legs."

"I can attest to that," Twilight added, "I'm sure Spike can too, at least gong from two legs to four."

"Why does Spike come out as a dog anyway? Why not a human?" asked Forte.

"I've no idea," replied Twilight, "But it would give me something else to study."

Twilight walked over to the mirror and began to power it up. Everyone watched on as magic worked its way around each part until it finally power up and activated the mirror. Forte and Sunset walked over, but before walking through, turned around to say goodbye one more time.

"So," Sunset said, "Until we meet again."

"Bye girls," Forte added.

The girls, pony Forte and Spike all bid their farewells, some more excitedly than others.

"Ladies first Sunset."

"Thank you Pony Boy," Sunset replied with a smile, "You're such a gentleman."

"More like he wants to get a front row view of your pony plot one more time."

"RAINBOW DASH!" responded Rarity, scolding the cyan mare's uncouth humour.

"That totally isn't it!" Forte replied desperately, his cheeks blushing.

"Yeah, sure it isn't," replied Rainbow, smirking at Forte.

Shaking his head and turning around, Forte began to walk into the mirror. Only instead to walk into Sunset's plot.

Losing his balance he landed on his rump, all the while Rainbow was laughing her flanks off and struggling to remain airborne because of it. The others though managed to stifle their giggles and spare Forte any further blushes.

"Come on Forte," Sunset said, giving him a nuzzle, "Time to go."

Forte returned the nuzzle before turning to the girls one last time, "Until next time."

*OUTSIDE CHS*

"How much longer do we have to wait?" whined Rainbow.

"Be patient Rainbow," replied Rarity, "They'll be here soon."

"Oh I can't wait to see Forte and Sunset again," Pinkie said excitedly, bouncing around each of her friends, "I bet Forte and Sunset are super cute as ponies!"

"Well if they took any photos we'd know," added Aria, "I must admit I'm particularly interested in how Forte appears as one."

"I wonder if we would turn into ponies now that we're human," Sonata stated aloud, "How cool would that be? To be cute, little ponies?!"

"Calm down Sonata," Aria moaned.

Without warning, sounds emanated from the portal. Everyone immediately looked over and saw two figures land into a heap onto the ground, back in the same clothes and raincoats they were wearing before.

"Can't you wait until you get home before mounting your girlfriend?"

"RAINBOW DASH!" responded Rarity, scolding the cyan girl's uncouth humour.

Forte stared into Sunset's eyes and blushed once more, "Sorry."

He rolled off of Sunset and stood up and immediately helped Sunset up too.

"Thank you."

"Forte! Sunset!" Pinkie and Sonata yelled excitedly together, "You're back!"

The next thing Forte and Sunset felt were the two excitable girls embrace them in bone-crushing death hugs; with Pinkie going for Sunset and Sonata going for Forte.

"Welcome back!" Aria said as she approached Forte and wrapping him in her own death hug.

"Hi Aria," Forte wheezed as Sonata's hug grew tighter.

"Let Forte go Sonata before you break him in half," Aria said, gently pulling prying her sister off of him.

"So, how have you all been?" Sunset asked, still wheezing a little from Pinkie's death hug.

"We've been good," replied Rainbow, "We all went to see the Wonderbolt match on Boxing Day. Wonderbolts won 4-0 by the way."

"Yes!" Forte replied happily, punching the air with a fist followed by a high five with Rainbow.

"We've got presents for you all from your counterparts," Sunset said, lifting the bags up off of the ground.

"Oh sweet!" Rainbow exclaimed jubilantly.

"That was kind of the other Fluttershy."

"Generous too."

"Why don't we all go back to Forte's and open them?" suggested Aria, "Unless of course you want to stand around in the cold."

After texting his mother and letting her know they were back, the group began making their way to Forte's house. A short while later, everyone arrived and went inside, wiping their boots and shoes on the doormat and taking them off inside. They all hung up their raincoats and began walking down the hallway, having heard noise coming from the lounge.

"We're back!" Forte yelled out.

Footsteps could be heard approaching. Forte looked up to see his grandmother approach.

"Oma!"

"Forte."

The two gave each other a hug and attention soon turned to the others.

"Oma, all these other girls are my other friends from school."

Felicitas greeted each one of the girls, recognising most of them from photos her grandson showed her on Christmas Day. The three former sirens however, she didn't recognise.

"And who are you three?" she asked kindly.

"Adagio."

"Aria."

"Sonata."

"We're fairly new to the school," Aria said, "Like Forte."

Aria decided against telling her about what happened to Forte and Sunset; for starters she didn't know if she already knew and at her advanced age and declining health, it would be in bad taste to put her in any worry.

"Yes, he's told us about you. He said you liked music and are a talented singer."

"Did he now?" Aria asked in delight, looking over at a blushing Forte, "Well that's a nice thing for him to say."

"Where're the others?" asked Sunset, sparing Forte any more blushes.

"They've gone out for some shopping. Don't worry though, they'll be back soon."

Forte and his friends all went through into the front room and sat themselves down. Felicitas was already watching TV, a reality cooking programme about a chef who helps out failing restaurants.

"Hell Fire's Kitchen Nightmares?" Forte stated, "I didn't know you liked this."

Felicitas nodded, "I love Hell Fire. I have all of his books and watch all of his shows."

"You don't swear like him do you?" Sunset jokingly asked.

"Only in Germanian. And to my husband. But don't you worry dear," Felicitas said, wrapping an arm around Sunset, "You'll never do anything wrong in the kitchen. If anyone does give you grief, just tell me and I'll deal with them."

"She isn't joking," Forte added, "She reduced one guy to a quivering wreck for talking down to my mother."

"What for?" asked Sunset.

"Many years ago, before Forte's mother hit the big time; she worked part time in a cafe and usually did the cooking. One guy threw a tantrum complaining his burger was undercooked, which for the record wasn't, and began harassing her saying she was a terrible cook."

"So what did you do, exactly?"

"I marched over there and gave him a dressing down in front of the entire cafe. By the time I'd finished he was on the brink if crying."

"Did you kick him out?"

"I didn't get the chance, he ran out himself."

"How did the other customers react?"

"They applauded."

"Did you work at the restaurant?" asked Aria.

"I owned it before retiring. Sold it to a budding young couple who wanted to run their own restaurant rather than work for someone else."

"I need to get a job," Forte abruptly said, "I still can't get one despite trying."

"I could talk to my boss," suggested Aria, "See if she'll at least give you a weekend job?"

"That'd be great!"

"Yeah, you'd get to see Aria more often," Adagio stated gleefully.

"DAGI!" scolded Aria, balling a fist ready to punch her sister's lights out.

An hour or so later, the front door opened again.

"We're back!" Travertine called out.

"We're in the front room," Forte called back.

Travertine walked into the front and was slightly startled by all the girls accompanying Forte.

"More girlfriends I see?"

"They're just friends."

"Sure they are. Now then," he said, looking around the room until his eyes landed on Sunset, "It's time."

"Time for what?" she asked, slightly worried.

"You'll have to wait and see," replied Forte, getting up and holding his girlfriend's hand, "Come on Sunny, we have somewhere to be."

"Where?" she asked as Forte lead her out of the room and down the hallway. He put on his raincoat and handed Sunset's hers, helping fasten it up.

All the other girls too put on their coats and boots, further adding to the confusion Sunset had.

"I drove your car back here Forte," said Travertine, "It's in the garage."

"Thanks. Anyone else wanna ride with me?"

"I will," Aria replied.

"Me too," added Rainbow.

Travertine and Fioritura took the other girls in their respective cars, leaving Travertine's parents alone for a short while. Forte, Sunset, Aria and Rainbow all took their seats in Forte's car with Rainbow and Aria sat in the back and Sunset riding shotgun.

"You're not going to tell me where we're going?"

Forte shook his head, "Nope. You'll have to wait and see."

"You're not going to give me even a little clue?"

"Nope."

"And there's nothing I can do to tempt you?"

"Correct."

After thinking for a few moments about what she could tempt Forte with, she soon thought of something she knew he definitely liked and would find hard to resist.

"If you give me a little clue I'll let you tie me up and have your way with me."

"Where did THAT come from?" Forte spluttered, blushing profusely, "But no, not even that would tempt me."

"His resolve is strong, Sunset," Aria said, "But at least it's not just you who now knows what he likes. Rainbow, are you taking notes?"

"Way ahead of you sister. I'll make sure Rarity knows too."

"There's no need," replied Sunset.

"Why not?"

"Who do you think gave me the rope and ball gag to start with?"

"I have a fantastic idea!" yelled Forte, "Let's put the radio on! There's bound to be some Christmassy tunes on!"

Forte quickly turned on the engine, followed by the radio and soon enough he found a radio station he liked.

Why do I get the feeling that this won't be the last time this topic is brought up?

With stifled giggles from the girls, Forte reversed out of the garage and driveway, and made for his destination. Fioritura and Travertine had already made a head start and were further down the road.

The drive was a relatively short one at fifteen minutes but with virtually no traffic to slow them down they got their quicker than it usually takes. As Forte turned down an inner city street, Sunset noted the small blocks of flats the lined both sides of the street. They were brand new builds completed only a few weeks ago, and some of the flats were still empty. Parking up at the side of the road, Forte switched the engine off and began to get out.

"We're here, Sunny."

Sunset got out too, more curious than ever, and saw Fio's and Travertine's cars also parked up but void of any occupants.

"Where are they?" asked Sunset.

"In time Sunny," Forte replied, giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Come on, let's go up."

"Up? Where?"

Forte took her by the hand and lead her to one of the entrances. Punching in a code on the electric door, the door unlocked and he went inside, followed by the others. Forte lead Sunset up several flights of stairs until they reached the top floor, and lead her to the front door of one of the flats.

Forte unlocked the door and motioned for Sunset to go inside.

"Ladies first."

"Thank you," she replied, giving him a quick kiss on his lips.

As Sunset entered, she realised just how dark it was and attempted to find a light switch.

Before she could however, the room suddenly lit up.

Looking around she soon saw, with great surprise, the rest of her friends and Forte's parents standing underneath a banner.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME, SUNSET SHIMMER

Author's Notes:

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