Hearth's Warming Future, with Eggnog · 5:22am Dec 26th, 2020

Thanks for coming by on such short notice Twilight

No problem Bumble, thank you for watching over him!

“H-happy *hic* Hearthz Warmin tuh you, palzy!”

*A drunken Fallout staggers as his universe’s Twilight Sparkle helps him through a portal leading back to their world. As Bumble rolls his eyes he looks over at his Twilight and smiles*

Wow, usually it’s me carrying you home, so weird to see it the other way around

Yeah, universe hopping is weird that way! *looks around the Castle of Friendship to see what remains of their Hearth’s Warming Party. Along with Trash littering the floor, there were also several guests passed out.* ugh, what a mess, everypony that didn’t leave drunk could have at least volunteered to help clean up

C’mon, you wake everyone up and get them into the guest rooms, while I pick up the trash *leans in close* Finish up soon and we can have our own little Hearth’s Warming Party in my study

*suddenly perks up* you got it! Alright folks let’s get up!

*later in the Study*

Sorry I’m late. Berry Punch threw up in the hallway… Twice…

Bumble Stops to see his special somepony relaxing in front of the fireplace with a drink

It’s fine, The Fire just got warm! *Pats right next to her* Come over here and grab your cup!

*Bumble did as he was told and looked inside his mug* Is this Eggnog?

Uh, Huh! Did you know Eggnog is traditionally served during the winter because of how well it was able to keep the body warm during a cold night.

Yeah? That’s cool!

Yes! Also it was derivatized from a dish created by the Pre-Equestria Unicorns known as “Posset,” it was mixed with spices and expensive drinks like Sherry or Brandy to warm up the body. But once the recipe was acquired by the Earth Ponies and Pegasi they mixed it with grog, and later Moonshine when rum was scarce.

Cool *Sip* mmm so good! Which drink is in this one?

*Sip* a little rum…

Mmmm, it’s good, It’s a wonder why this drink is only around for the holidays, I’d drink it way more often!

Because of how much Time, Resources, and maintenance go into making it, plus if it were available all Year-round it wouldn’t be as special.

True *Sip* Okay my turn, do you know where the name Eggnog comes from?

Tell me! *Sip*

Well the “Egg” part’s obvious, but the “Nog” part comes from two different sources. First is the fact that the recipe was originally called “Eggs in Grog” also the wooden mugs ponies made to drink from were called “Noggins” and somewhere along the way it became known as “Eggnog”

Very interesting! I’m so happy you were able to teach me something!

That’s kind of the perk of having a smart marefriend, you start learning stuff you previously wouldn’t have been curious about!

*Twilight laughs and kisses Bumble on the cheek* Hey we didn’t open our presents yet! Lets do that now before the rum gets to us!

Good Idea!

*Materializes their presents* Open yours first!

Alrighty! *opens the present to find a square bowl with a bag of white sand, dirt, some stones, small bits of plastic vegetation, and a mini rake* Is this…

It’s a mini Zen Garden, you said you always wanted to make one, I hope this will suffice.

T-Twilight… It’s perfect! I’m just surprised it’s not a book!

Well here, *Hands other present over* just keeping the tradition since I’m so predictable and all!

*Laughs* I said I was sorry *opens present* “The wonderful world of Zen Gardens” Nice! Thanks Sweetie!

Okay My turn! *Opens present and gasps* The complete dictionary of magic crystals, Volume 18!!!

Knew you’d love it!

*Bumble chuckles to himself, but it soon dies down when he sees the sorrowful look on Twilight’s face*

Hey Twi, you do love it, right?

Oh, yes… I love it… I just…

Just what?

… I just realized this will be my last Hearths Warming before the princesses retire…

Twilight…

… Everything is going to be so different; I’ll be living away from my friends, we’ll all be too busy to do any of the things we once did… *looks at Bumble*… are things going to be different between us too?

Bumble is silent for several moments before answering. He then moves toward her and hugs her

I know Change is scary, but it’s part of everypony’s life. Sure we won’t have the kind of fun and adventures we once had, but we’ll be paving the way for new and wonderful things to come in their place. And besides, just because we won’t hang out with our friends as often doesn’t mean we won’t see them at all! *They both look into each other’s eyes* We’ll find a way to keep everypony together, don’t lose hope!

Twilight places her present down and they both kiss. In their embrace their arms hold each other as the study is silent, save for the crackling sounds of the warm fire. They separate and look each other in the eyes.

Happy Hearth’s Warming Beau, I love you!

Happy Hearth’s Warming Sparkles, Love you too!

They then position themselves and cuddle next to the fire, with Twilight as the Little Spoon. the warmth of the flames was matched only by the heat they shared with each other.

Happy Hearths warming everypony! Sorry that this was so late, but I'm spending time with family this year, plus I'm a total perfectionist who is easily distracted.
Although this wasn't the way I wanted to introduce him, Fallout Shieldhunter is owned by Fallout Dude 50, who has done this blog story deal way longer then I have, so go check him out!
This is my first attempt at something sweet, so as always criticism is always welcome!