//------------------------------//
// Episode 11: Hearth's Warming 
// Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 2 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

	Burst took a deep breath as he stuck his head outside of his bedroom window. He gazed at the snow lightly falling, and smiled. "Yep. Looks like my favorite time of year's come around again. Can't wait for Hearth's Warming!" Burst set to work packing his bags for his return trip to Canterlot. "Can't wait to spend some time with Mom and Dad back home!" Burst checked his mailbox before leaving, and found a letter from Celestia. He instantly blushed at reading its contents. "Wow. That's a pretty big request of her. Better check in with my parents on this matter."  Burst finished packing, and headed for the train station. He found the girls and the rest of the guys were there too. "Looks like we're all headed to the same place. Next stop Canterlot." Burst and his friends boarded the train. 

"Must feel pretty good to be headed back home. Right Burst?" Inferno asked.

Burst nodded. "Yeah. So how're all of you spending your Hearth's Warming Eve?"

"We'll be with our special someones for the most part." Steel noted. "Ace, Ice, and Shadow flew back to Cloudsdale to get home before the snow really started to fall. Venus and Fang are staying in Ponyville. So I guess that just leaves you, me, Inferno, and Ty heading to Canterlot with the girls. Speaking of special somebodies..." Steel said with a smirk. "I take it you're planning on giving Princess Celestia a gift fit for royalty?"

Burst rolled his eyes. "No. But I do plan on giving her something that comes from the heart. First? I gotta see my parents." The train soon arrived in Canterlot, and Burst flew off toward his old home. He then knocked on the door, and his mother Lumina answered. "Hi Mom!"

"Burst!" Lumina pulled her son into a tight hug! "Oh, it's so good to have you home! Come on in!" Burst smiled, and followed his mother inside his old home. "Aether! Burst's back!"

"It's been some time Burst." Aether said with a smile. Burst was almost the spitting image of his father. Except Aether's skin was snowy white and he had hair to match. Unlike Burst whose white skin had a light blue tint to it. "You've been pretty busy while you were away." Aether motioned to all the newspaper clippings that highlighted the adventures of Burst and his friends. "Plus, it seems you've gotten quite popular with a certain beloved princess." Aether said with a knowing smile. Burst looked to the collection of articles, and found a picture of him and Celestia kissing! "Then again, I had the tendency to get attached to beautiful women. So you one-up-ed me by dating a literal goddess!" Burst shared a laugh with his family before bringing forth the subject he had observed in Celestia's letter to him.

"Yeah...about that Dad? I got a letter from Celestia." Burst said as he fished the letter out of his coat pocket. "She says that she wants me to spend Hearth's Warming Eve with her at the castle. But...you and Mom are my family." Burst's face saddened. "Some of my best memories come from this time of the year..."

Aether put a hand on his son's shoulder. "Burst. You not only kept your promise to Princess Celestia, but you've also captured her heart. And I'd say she's captured yours as well. We are your family, but she's your first love. And you're also living your own life now. These past two years have been full of firsts for you. This invitation from the princess is just another milestone. Go to her." Aether said with a smile

Lumina giggled. "I had the exact same problem during our first Hearth's Warming together dear. But I followed my heart." Lumina then turned to her son. "Do the same for yourself Burst."

Burst smiled as he hugged his parents. "Thanks Mom and Dad." As soon as Burst pulled out of the hug, he slapped himself on the forehead! "Oh man! I didn't get a gift for Celestia!" Burst clutched his head in desperation! "AGH! I messed up big time!"

"I believe I've got a solution for that." Lumina said with a knowing smile. Lumina went over to a small box and pulled out a necklace. It had a large blue gem as the focus, and there seemed to be a dragon etched onto it. "The gem is called a dragon's heart. It's a very special gem that can only be shared between true lovers. And when it's shared with your soulmate, it gives off the most beautiful glow. Your dad gave it to me on our anniversary. Now it's your turn to give your heart to the one you love."

Burst gently took the necklace and secured it in his pocket. "Thanks Mom." Burst went outside, and flew off to Canterlot Castle. He presented Celestia's letter, and was soon lead to a lounge area this time around. Burst found Celestia sipping on some hot chocolate while wearing a Santa hat. "Hi Celestia!" Burst greeted.

Celestia smiled as she set down her mug and wrapped Burst in a loving embrace. "I'm glad you could make it." Celestia then blushed. "You know, this is my first time spending Hearth's Warming with a boyfriend."

"It's new for me too." Burst then smiled affectionately as he wrapped his arms around Celestia. "But then again, I'll be able to keep My Little Princess warm through the cold." The two brought their lips together for a passionate kiss. The two soon broke the kiss, and Burst surveyed the decorated halls of the castle. "This time of year really brings everyone together, doesn't it? It united the different human tribes, and gave birth to where we call home. It really is the most wonderful time of the year."

Celestia smiled. "It's true. Everyone's so happy and together." Celetia then put a hand over her heart. "It really does make you feel warm inside." She then looked at Burst. "Kind of how you make me feel my sunshine."

Burst blushed. "I could say the same about you. So, is there anything you'd like to do? Twilight and her friends should be putting on their Hearth's Warming play soon."

"It'd be fun to see how it turns out." Celestia said with a warm smile. "Just let me grab my coat." Celestia then returned with a red coat. "Well, let's not delay!" Burst and Celestia soon took flight and landed at the theater. "You know, I've been wondering. How are you not cold?"

"It's this coat. My mom made it." Burst answered as he looked his white coat over. "She used a special fiber to craft it. It's good at maintaining body heat, and it's pretty durable. That's why it didn't get torn up in all the battles I've fought." Burst looked at Celestia with a warm smile. "Of course, it could just be your warm personality." Celestia giggled and the two soon took their seats in the theater. The two watched the play unfold. All the girls are perfect for their roles. No wonder Celestia picked them out! Burst thought as he looked on with a smile. The play soon ended, and Burst got up to stretch as he and Celestia left the theater. He then noticed Celestia looking at him almost longingly. "Celestia? What's up?"

"Oh. Just a realization." Celestia said witha  light blush.

Burst tilted his head in interest. "And what would that be?"

"Seeing the girls put on the play made me realize why I love you." Celestia answered. "It's because I don't need a mask when I'm around you." Celestia took a deep breath. "I am a princess and a goddess. But at the same time, I'm flesh and blood. I still love, laugh, cry, and hurt like anyone else. But because I have such a responsibility, I can't afford to always let everything out because my people look to me as a symbol." Celestia's face saddened. "The only person that I could confide in was Luna. But then..." Celestia shut her eyes at the memory and shook her head. "Well, you know what happened. For so long, I've longed for someone who just saw me as a person. Someone to share joy with, cry upon, and to love me just like anyone else." Celestia smiled at Burst as a tear of joy trickled down her cheek. "That's what made me so happy when you addressed me so casually after my sister's return." She then giggled. "The first thing that came to your mind was that you gave me that Optimus Prime plushie was so adorable. Also, you wear no mask yourself. You're not afraid to speak your mind." Celestia then clamped her hands on Burst's shoulders. "I love you Burst. With every bit of my heart. You truly make my days brighter my sunshine."

Burst had never felt so warm at his core. This woman. This amazing woman was here pouring her heart out to him. But what really made Burst melt was the fact he had made her so happy. "Well, I made that promise all those years ago just to see you smile..." Burst put a hand on Celestia's face. "And I've never seen anything more beautiful sight. Or a more beautiful soul." Burst craned his neck, and tilted his head as he and Celestia shared a passionate kiss. The world just seemed to melt away as the two expressed their love. Burst soon broke the kiss for air. "So...do you want me to walk you back to your place?" Burst offered Celestia his hand, and she gladly accepted.

"I would love that." Celestia said lovingly. The two headed back to Canterlot Castle. Enjoying the sights around them as they walked. "I hope you don't mind staying for dinner."

Burst smiled. "Time to see if your chefs can beat my mom's cooking!" The chefs prepared a fine meal for the two, and they soon dined in peace. "The steak tastes awesome!" Burst said in between mouthfuls! Celestia giggled at the sight of Burst's enthusiasm for a good meal.

"You know, you're kind of like a big kid at heart." Celestia said fondly before she took a bite of her own meal.

Burst beamed. "That's probably why I enjoy this time of year so much! I'd ask what's for dessert, but I'm pretty stuffed." Burst then looked at Celestia. "But...I think there's one sweet thing we can fit in." Burst walked over to Celestia who was blushing at how close Burst was to her. She then melted into the kiss Burst gave her. "How was that?"

"Delicious." Celestia said with a loving look in her eyes. An idea then came to her as she looked at the piles of snow that blocked the roads. "Well, it looks like we won't be going anywhere for a while..." Burst put a finger to Celestia's lips.

"You don't need any excuses." Burst said lovingly. "I'd be more than happy to keep you company." Night soon fell, and Burst found himself sharing a bed with Celestia. "I forgot to pack my pajamas, so I'll just sleep shirtless. Or coatless in my case." Burst climbed under the sheets, and soon found himself facing Celestia. "It can get cold at night. Hope you don't mind snuggling."

Celestia smiled as she held Burst close. "No one I'd rather have to keep me warm." The two soon fell asleep in each other's arms. That night, Inferno, Steel, and Tyrannus also dreamed of the ones they loved. Luna, satisfied that all was well, returned to her own slumber. However, as soon as she left, a new presence entered the dream realm. Nightmare Moon looked over Inferno and Rarity's dreams.

"Time to see how much I've recovered." Nightmare's hands glowed with a blue light as she linked the dreams to each other. Inferno spotted Rarity in the crowd, and walked over to her as soon as he finished performing. The two reacted to seeing each other, and shared a hug and kiss. Seeing such a happy dream filled Nightmare with a sense of satisfaction. She moved on to Fluttershy and Tyrannus. Linking their dreams of peacefully slumbering together. Then she moved over to Steel and Rainbow Dash. Setting up a dream that the two were in a kissing competition. Both of them won. Nightmare then admired her work. "I guess...it really does take a nightmare to know what a sweet dream really is." Nightmare then drifted across the dream realm, and stopped when she came to Burst and Celestia. She considered linking the dreams, but was surprised to find they were already linked. As she observed Burst and Celestia's dreams, she felt something stir inside her. Longing. She was about to alter the dream, but stopped when she saw Burst's smile. Nightmare managed a small smile. "Any more perfect, and they'd wake up." Nightmare drifted out of the dream realm and returned to the real world. But to her shock, she felt more solid. More whole before shaking her head and drifting off to her own slumber.

Hearth's Warming Day

Burst woke up with a happy yawn as he looked at the peaceful smile on Celestia's face. He then stared over at his coat. Burst got out of bed, and pulled the necklace he'd been saving for this day before gently nudging Celestia awake. "Wake up beautiful." Celestia stretched her arms as she rose. "Happy Hearth's Warming. I got you something." Burst showed the necklace he was holding. "You've given me your heart. Let me give you mine." As Burst put the necklace on Celestia, the gem gave off a beautiful glow.

"Makes me wish I got you something." Celestia said as she admired the necklace.

"What're you talking about?" Burst asked with a loving smile. "I have you don't I?"

Celestia smiled as she touched her forehead to Burst's. "I could say the same about you."