//------------------------------// // The Time is Here // Story: A Brisk Hearth's Warming Eve // by Yurah //------------------------------// Bang, bang, bang, there was a repeated loud rap from the door. “Oh that must be him, it’s about time.” Dusk said, slightly annoyed when shutting his book. Dusk trotted down the stairs and to the front door. He lit his horn, a magenta aura spewed out engulfing the door knob, twisting it open. Only to see his date standing, huffing and puffing for air. “Sorry I’m late, I had to take over for the other cloud busters who were a no show.” Blitz said, gasping for breath. “Oh, ok that’s fine then.” Dusk replied, his face relaxing upon hearing Blitz’s excuse. “Well anyways we have to go, the play is going to start soon." "After you." Blitz said, as he closed the door behind Dusk. They both walked in the direction of the town square. Their hooves squashing the soft snow with every step they took. Both craning their heads up into the clear winter skies as they walked under the stone brick gate. Gazing back and forth at the snow covered trees flanking them to the sides. Accented with lightly hued flowers that had opened up at the tips of their long branches. "Burrraaahh. It's really chilly out here, I should have brought a jacket. Dusk said, his body shivering as the cool breeze wafted over his body. "Blitz how do you manage to work in this kind of weather?" "Well you get use to it after doing for a while and the wings do certainly help.” Blitz replied, looking away as he wrapped his right wing around Dusk pulling him in. “Rainbow!” Dusk cried, surprised by Blitz's actions. Dusk craned his head towards Blitz, a smile forming on his face. As Blitz turn his head, he felt the warm touch of Dusk's lips pressing against his cheeks. He turned his head to face his date, his cheeks burnt red as he looked into his gaze with a smile. Both saying nothing they continued walking, the town square in view. As they got closer to the town square the two stallion's eyes grew bigger. The edge of the town square was seemingly gated in, the red and green light decorations hung from the street lanterns connected from one another. The stalls of various carnival games and food hung to the leftern of the square while the stage for the play and musical acts were to the right. The town square were packed with ponies all busy having a good time. “Ahh there it is come on Blitz it looks like it's about to start.” Dusk said, suddenly pulling Blitz by his for leg through the crowd. “Alright alright just stop pulling.” Blitz responded, trying to keep pace. “Darn these are the only seats left.” Dusk said, as he and Blitz both sat down. “So whose in the play this year?” Blitz asked, wrapping his right fore leg around his date's shoulder. “I'm not really too sure but, the only pony I know that will be in it is my brother-in law Prince Bolero. Dusk replied, his hoof tapping his chin in thought. “Your brother-in law? What's h-” Blitz tried to say as the red curtain flung open. “Oh it's starting.” Dusk said, as he leaned his body left onto Blitz. They both snuggled together as the time came. The lights dimmed, the curtain drew, as the narrator appeared performing the introduction and disappeared behind curtain. The actors poured in to the center of the stage orchestrating the play together in harmony. Performing with such emotion it drew the audience in as if they were really there. From start to end the curtain closed, a beautiful performance to be had. The lights flickered on as the actors poured out and gave a bow to the audience. The audiences cheered and clapped their hooves in response. "Wow that was great wasn't it Blitz? Blitz?" Dusk asked, turning his head as to why his date wasn't responding. Dusk saw something completely unbelievable. Blitz's eyelids were shut tight over his eyeballs. He had fallen asleep during the play, in the middle of the date. "Rainbow Blitz!" Dusk shouted, causing the other ponies around to shoot their heads over at the commotion. "Huh what? I'm awake. Blitz replied, blinking his eyes open and sitting up. "How long were you asleep for?" Dusk asked, throwing his hooves into the air. "Uhhhhh...about right in the middle of the meeting." Blitz replied, a weak smile creeping onto his face. "What!? That's practically half of the play!" Dusk shouted, his teeth blaring. "Honestly how could you?" "Uhhh well we kinda starred in the play ourselves last year so it's not like I missed anything." Blitz said, shrugging his shoulders. "Grrrrrr...no no it's fine...really I should have expected this of you to do something like this. It was completely my fault." Dusk said as he got out of his seat and walked away. "Dusk, come on I'll make it up to." Blitz pleaded, following Dusk. "I know this one secluded spot by the frozen lake not far from here that we can have a...a picnic. Come on it'll be great." "Secluded spot? By the lake..." Dusk questioned, stopping in his tracks as he turned around. "You aren't gonna molest me again are you? Dusk's question attracted more attention as more ponies around them stared unable to comprehend what they had heard. "Hehe no no he's just joking everypony, such a kidder. "Blitz yelled, nervously as he mushed Dusk out of the seating area. Blitz lead Dusk over to food stall across from the stage seating area. Walking up to the stall they were greeted by a blue stallion. "So what can I do for you boys?" The stall pony asked, a smile on his face. "Ummm I'll take the deluxe picnic package." Blitz replied, While scanning the pricing signs. "Ok that will be 10 bits please." The stall pony told, putting the picnic basket onto the counter. "Alright here you go." Blitz said, dropping 10 golden coins onto the counter. "Thank you very much for your business and remember to return that after you are done." The stall pony said, scooping the coins into the register. "Yeah sure not a problem." Blitz replied, grabbing the basket with his teeth from the counter. "Mokay bear wready, leths bo." Blitz muttered, trying to speak and while holding the basket. "Hehehe let me help you there." Dusk laughed, as he levitated the basket out of Blitz's mouth and into the air with his magic. "Thanks." Blitz said, as he pointed Dusk in the right direction. "The spot is over here by the way. As they both walked out of the festival area they strayed from the main path. They eventually came across a vast flower field filled with rows upon rows of beautiful white flowers, sprinkled with both snow and moonlight. Dusk stared in awe of the wonderful sight around him. "Wow it's just beautiful." Dusk said, looking all around at the scenery. "See I knew you would like it." Blitz said, a grin forming on his face. They soon passed into the center of the flower field. "Ok this looks like a good spot." Blitz said, motioning to Dusk to drop the basket. Dusk nodded his head in compliance and dropped the basket onto the ground. Blitz undid the blanket from inside the basket and laid it flat on the ground with the basket soon after. While Dusk removed the food, drinks, and plates from it, portioning it out on the plates. "Stho how vare theings goein stho bar?" Blitz asked, biting into a sandwich. "Hehe fine so far." Dusk laughed, putting his hoof to his mouth. "You know I'm really glad you took me out. Although, somethings could have been better it is still fun hanging out with you." "Glad to hear it." Blitz replied, craning his head in attempt to kiss Dusk. "Haha stop it." Dusk countered, pushing Blitz's head away. Blitz tried again only to accidentally fall on top of Dusk. Both of them stared into each others eyes, their face both turning a red hue. Dusk gave a playful smile and pulled Blitz into a quick kiss, pulling away nearly instantly. Blitz's cheeks flushed red instantly as he continued staring. Eventually lowering his face onto his partner, to which their lips contacted. Dusk reacted by running his right hoof along Blitz's face while his left caressed his partners face all while his lips still lingered. Eventually Dusk pulled away and gave a quick peck on Blitz's forehead. "I love you Blitz but, I think we should take it easy for now." Dusk said, staring deep into his partners eyes. "Alright...I love you to Dusk" Blitz replied, lowering his body next to Dusk's and wrapping a for leg around his partner. They embraced each other under the clear winter sky. The numerous stars watched them from above as they kept each other warm from the chilly winds that passed over them. Always they will remember, this beautiful night under the Hearth's Warming Eve moon.