After finding a chess set in the library's storage closet, Twilight is eager to play a few games and turns to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Teaching the two most competitive ponies in Ponyville a new game should be a snap, right? RIGHT?!

Because the fireplace is warm and when you find yourself the only pony around, sometimes you find your thoughts drifting. Sometimes you think about your friends, your family, sometimes you just think about where you live and why you consider it home.

Fluttershy's birthday is right around the corner, and Rainbow Dash wants to get her something extra-special, something to show her what a great friend she thinks she is...but has no idea what that something is. Can her friends give her any helpful insight, or will she be led back to square 1?...

Probably not my best, but an idea that's been sitting on my head for a while, just meant to be a harmless one-shot, close enough to the holiday season. =)

*Update 7/25: After reading through comments, made a few changes to help the flow and mood of the story. Hope you still enjoy!