//------------------------------//
// Chapter Two: Hearth's Warming 
// Story: The Costume (UNOFFICIAL CONTINUATION!!) 
// by Sketchy Sculpture 
//------------------------------//

It had been a few months since Twilight had asked me to be her coltfriend. It was December which meant Christmas -or rather Hearth's Warming Eve- was coming up! And then literally just a month after was my birthday. January 25th. Twilight and I were sitting in front of the hearth at my house. I had put on my costume I had worn for Halloween this year. The wool trench coat with the very long multicolored scarf.

I had the scarf wrapped around both my neck, and hers. She lie her head on my shoulder, and I looked to her smiling warmly as I wrapped an arm around her waist. Watching the fire dance was so soothing along with the ever soothing sounds that come with it. A light crackling and popping. As long as fire doesn’t get out of control, it’s really soothing and warm. 

Twilight wrapped her arm around my waist. I blushed softly as I still not used to her doing this. Even though she had put her arm around me a few times, I blush every time she does so. After a while if just staring into the dancing flame,

Twilight looked to me, and I looked to her. “Hearth's Warming is tomorrow.” I said as I looked to the clock on the mantel just above the fireplace. 6:47pm.

She giggled. “I know that silly.” she said with a smile. I kissed her cheek in return and she kissed mine again. We then locked our lips for a moment before intertwining our fingers.

We had also set up a party here for anyone who wanted to come. My dad had found out when he got back from El Paso on a business trip. I had gone downstairs to refill my green army canteen -I had found it a few years ago in my closet- and heard the door open as I refilled it. I thought it was mom, so I said the usual ‘Hi mom.’ as she was a stay at home mom. But she would go out sometimes with her friends sometimes.

I then heard a gasp. It sounded much deeper than her. It was my dad. As I turned around, and saw a shocked expression on his face. I had explained everything to him. How mom ordered the costume -which I can’t just seem to even describe how glad I am she did that- and how Jalyssa -who is now Twilight Sparkle- made the costume -and how she worked at the costume shop- and finally how she put a spell on it.

I hadn't told him -or my mom- we were dating, but he took the new me rather well which even I was surprised about. He just doesn’t see me as an anthropomorphic pony freak. We hugged it out, and showed him how I could now use real magic like levitation and teleportation. Not that fools magic like sleight of hand.
 
Twilight and I stood up, and looked into each other’s eyes. There was then a knock at the door. We made our way to the door together and opened it.

My mom filled our vision. “Hey, Jessi- er… Sketchy.” she smiled. I had told her she could call me whichever name she wanted, and she chose Sketchy as the name sounded cute to her. 
Twi and I stepped aside, and she made her way in. But just as we were about to close the door, a hand stopped the door. A cyan hand to be exact with five others all wearing colored trench coats. Each of the colors of the wearers fur. With a darker colored trim of their fur around the edges of the coats -presumably made by Rarity- each with a scarf of the colors of their mane and eyes. Made of wool like mine.

They all made their way inside, and I shut the door. I smiled at their new -quite fashionable- coats. They all took them off, and I took them folding them and setting them on the coffee table with their scarves on top of them to save as much space as possible while still leaving room for coasters as well. Ten coasters in total were on the coffee table incase anyone wanted something to drink. A flat screen TV mounted on the wall just above the mantle. I didn’t really watch TV, so I didn’t really bother with it.


“It’s sooo nice to finally be out if the cold.” said Rarity.

“Oh, quit your fussin’. A little cold never hurt anypony.” said Applejack with a chuckle. 

“Well, I’m sorry if I’ve been ‘fussin’ too much.” said Rarity in a mocking tone to Applejack. 

She just laughed it off and looked to me. “Nice place ya got here, sugarcube.” said AJ as she looked around.

“Thanks.” I replied.

“Do you um. Have any animals?” asked a timid mare. Fluttershy spoke up.

I nodded. “Yes.” I said. I then whistled.

A small dog then came running down the stairs at my call. A blonde pomeranian named Tommy. He looked up at us all. His tail wagging.

Fluttershy gasped and knelt. “He’s so cute~!” said Fluttershy with a smile as she reached a hand out. Tommy sniffed it and licked it. Accepting her. She picked him up and cradled him like a newborn baby. He just lie there bringing his paws to his chest.

“All he wants is just love and affection. Never bites or growls.” my mom said with a smile. She made her way with tommy in her arms to the leather armchair which resided to the left -lengthwise- of the dark brown hand carved wooden coffee table and sat in it rubbing his chest. 

Fluttershy looked into his eyes with a smile. “Who’s a good boy?” she asked him rhetorically. Tommy had no idea how to respond as he couldn’t speak. So he just lie there in her arms. His tail wagging happily as he enjoyed being pet.

“Well, while Fluttershy’s busying herself with him, why don't we get something to eat?” I asked.

“I’ll bake!” shouted Pinkie in her usual boisterous tone.

I laughed, and gestured to the kitchen. “Knock yourself out.” I chuckled. Pinkie being Pinkie took a boxing glove out of nowhere slipping it on.

“Pinkie!” I laughed. She looked to me. “It’s just an expression. It means ‘go ahead’.” I replied with a laugh.

“I know, silly.” said the pink maned pony as she took her boxing glove off and happily hopped to the kitchen. Naturally everyone laughed except for my mom who just looked confused.

“Is she always like this?” she asked. Everyone around her nodded in reply.

“She’s always this sporadic, darling.” said Rarity with a chuckle.

After what seemed like minutes, Pinkie had prepared a tower of small cakes and other desserts in a cone shape. She carefully brought the tray of cookies, cakes and other tasty treats over to the coffee table. I moved the trench coats, and set them seat in front of the piano my mom had inherited from her dad after he had brought it at a garage sale. It did look very pretty though, and was out of tune, but it was still playable.

“I’m pretty sure you know, Flutters, to not give him chocolate.” I said. Fluttershy looked to me and nodded.

“Oh, of course.” she replied with a smile as she held him up. All four of his legs dangling downward.

“You’re probably hungry aren’t you?” she asked him. He just blinked. He definitely wasn’t dumb or anything. She just smiled and sat his down patting his on the head. Tommy then trotted off toward his food bowl which was by the downstairs bathroom.

“Pinkie! These are awesome!” said Rainbow as she took a handful.

“Hey! Leave some for us!” said Twilight as she gestured to both herself and my.

“These are just so good!” said Rainbow as she stuffed her face.

“If you keep eating like that darling, you won’t have an athletic figure anymore.” said Rarity with a giggle.

“Well look at Pinkie!” she cried gesturing to the pink pony. “She eats like that all the time and look at her body!” she whined.

“Touché.” replied Rarity. Applejack laughed. Fluttershy stood up and made her way over to the coffee table, -which was only a single step from the armchair- and picked up a cookie from the tray eating it.

“Thanks Pinkie.” I said as I looked to her.

“No problem!” she said with a smile.

I smiled back and sat on the couch. Twilight sat down next to me taking my hand in hers. I looked to her, and kissed her cheek.

My mom looked to our hands to see our fingers intertwined. “Are you two dating?” Asked my mom. I looked to her. My ears folding downward. I then took my hand back.

Twilight however was reluctant to let this happen. She took my hand back and held it. “Yes ma’am, we are. It’s been two months.” said Twilight. I then braced myself for my mom to start yelling at me. But instead, she just smiled.

“I’m glad you’re happy.” said my mom.

This was something I hadn’t expected. “Y- you’re not mad?” I asked. 

She shook her head. “Of course not. You always wanted a boyfriend. Or girlfriend now, and you’ve found someone.” she said as she hugged me. I hugged back with my free arm as my other arm was now wrapped around Twilight’s waist. My mom broke the hug she had on me and looked to us with a smile. Twilight lay her head on my shoulder and I smiled as I ran my other hand through her mane. My mom smiled back.

There was then another knock at the door. My mom got it, and saw my dad. “Hey, honey.” she said as she kissed his cheek.

He smiled and made his way inside to see six more anthropomorphic ponies in the house next to the fireplace munching on cupcakes and cookies.

“Uhh…” was all he said.

“Hello.” they all said in unison with a wave. My dad waved back.

“and I thought one was enough, but seven?” he said softly. Twilight stood up, and made her way over to him with a smile.

“Hello, sir.” she said as she extended her hand. He shook it awkwardly, and lowered his hand.
I stood next to Twilight and hugged my dad tightly. “How was your day?” I asked.

I tend to care about people’s well beings. “Good. Aside from finding six more anthropomorphic ponies in my house, it’s been alright.” he replied.

“You don't want us here?” asked Twilight.

“No, I do. It’s nice to have company. It was just a bit of a slap in the face is all.” he replied with a chuckle.

“Ah, well, in that case, welcome back.” said Twilight with a smile. A moment went by, and she looked to him.

“Oh, how rude of me. I didn’t introduce myself.” said Twilight with a light giggle. “My name in Twilight Sparkle.” she said. She then pointed to an orange pony with a stetson. “Applejack,” she said.

“Howdy.” replied AJ with the tip of her hat.

“Rainbow Dash,” she then pointed to cyan colored mare who looked to him. “Sup?” she asked with a smile.

“Rarity,” Twilight’s finger then moved to a white pony. “Bonjour, Darling.” said Rarity with a wave. My dad sheepishly waved back.

“Pinkie Pie,” said Twilight as she then pointed to a pink pony. “Hai!” she cried with a wide grin on her face.

“And finally, Fluttershy.” concluded Twilight as she pointed to a yellow pony who sheepishly looked to my dad.

“Hi…” she said softly.


After Twilight introduced herself and the rest of her friends, she sat back beside me, and took my hand in hers intertwining our fingers.

My dad saw this, -which I was hoping he hadn't, but I was hoping to keep it from him which mom already knew so she probably told him already- and looked to me. My ears folded back and I slowly let go of Twi’s hand looking to him.

“How long have you two been dating?” asked dad.

“A few months...” I said as I looked away from him.

My dad slowly turned my head toward him, but instead of anger, I saw a smile. I looked confused. “You’re happy about this?” I asked.

My dad nodded. “Of course, sweetie.” he said as he kissed my cheek. My cheeks flushed softly, and he smiled wider. I then looked back to Twilight with a smile as I took her hand this time and intertwined our fingers.

I then looked to Rainbow. “Where’s-” I began but was cut off by yet another knock at the door.

Dash looked to me. “Soarin.” I finished.

Rainbow giggled “That must be him.” she said as she made her way to the door opening it. Sure enough, Soarin filled her vision. Rainbow flew into his arms and the two hugged tightly after he was inside. Rainbow’s tail swishing happily. The two then broke the hug a moment later. 

They took each other’s hands and made their way into the living room. “The more the merrier.” dad said with a chuckle. Now there were eight anthropomorphic ponies in his home along with himself and mom which made up the only humans in the house. Or at least full humans.

The hearth’s warming festivities then began. Presents began to be passed out through either levitation or otherwise. I had gotten a full metal replica of the eleventh Doctor’s sonic screwdriver from Twilight.

Four aluminium claws encased a deep green enutter. Four metal struts resided next to copper struts leading down to another copper piece that tapered outward slightly which led to a thin copper band which met the top of a hand stitched leather grip with a microswitch on it. The bottom of the grip met with another thin copper band which met an ivory handle. The handle finally met the endcap of the device.

It was originally supposed to be opened with a thumb, but they changed it last minute to a flicking motion. I’m glad they did as the flicking gave more life into the device. I gave my wrist a good flick. The collar section if the device shot outward a good few inches only to have the claws spring open around the emitter.
I held the microswitch down, and the tip of the emitter lit up a bright green. Twilight smiled and I then collapsed the claws around said emitter, and slid the collar back down until it clicked and stay there -supposedly held by a strong magnet- attached to the inside of the screwdriver.

I then looked to Twilight. “Thanks hon.” I said as I kissed her cheek.

She giggled and kissed mine in return. “You’re welcome.” she replied.

I had told her how much I love Doctor Who, and how cool it would be if I had the eleventh Doctor’s screwdriver. She of course had no idea what it was -not just because she chose to be in character- so I explained it to her. She’s seen a few episodes, and fell in love with the show. She also fell in love with Amy Pond. She liked Rose Tyler but thought she complained too much so Amy Pond was her next favorite companion.

I tossed the screwdriver in the air, and caught it after it spun twice. The emitter landed in my hand, and the end cap of the device pointed toward Twilight who took the device, and smiled. She scrutinized the device, and smiled.

“It looks really well made.” she said as she handed the device back to me after examining it.

Soon, all the gifts were handed out, and Pinkie made another tray of cupcakes and cookies setting them on the coffee table in front of both the leather sofa and armchair. Twilight and I were holding hands on the sofa as well as Soarin and Rainbow. Tommy -our dog- went back to Fluttershy who was petting him. Applejack, and Pinkie were chatting in front of the fireplace, and Rarity had a pencil and a piece of paper supposedly drafting up another dress or suit for either herself of one of her friends.

My screwdriver was resting on the coffee table just in front of the tray of cookies and cupcakes. Mom and dad were munching on some as well.

“These are really good.” said my dad in astonishment. He remembered the ‘best’ cookie he had had, but those topped them tenfold.

“Thanks!” chirped Pinkie with a smile as he took another from the tray along with mom who’s hands met for a moment.

They looked to each other and blushed softly. Mom then kissed dad’s cheek with a giggle. “What’s the matter? Never held my hand before?” she asked jokingly.

Dad swallowed the cookie in his mouth and responded with a shake of his head to tell her that they had done it numerous times. They smiled and kissed each other’s lips. Wrapping their arms around them. I kissed Twilight and Rainbow kissed Soarin.

“Aww!” we all heard a series of gushing ponies around us. We all blushed and looked to them.

“Shut it!” we all said in unplanned unison. We all then looked to each other, and everyone then laughed wholeheartedly.

“Who wants to have a snowball fight?!” shouted pinkie with glee and she stood up, and put her trench coat on. The other five of her friends put on their coats, and made their way to the door. I still hand mine on. I just stood up, and made my way to the door. My mom and dad joined us. I then opened the door with my magic.

Twilight and I held hands and ran out together yelling “Geronimo!”


After a fun time out in the snow, -we were all standing under a tree at one point except for Rainbow. She was up in the tree just above us. She flung a limb and all the snow on that branch fell off and covered us all- we were all back inside. Snow slowly melting as the fire reached us.

Rainbow laughed as she was the only one not covered in snow. “Th- that wasn’t fu- funny.” I said. My teeth chattering.

“You should have seen your faces!” she laughed.

We all glared at her. “Whaat?” she whined.

Sorin held Dash close running his hand through her mane. She leaned against his chest closing her eyes.

“Somepony’s a softie.” I teased. Rainbows personality is usually a hardened attitude. Not necessarily mean but more of a not soft attitude.

“Shut up!” Dash pouted.

“Aww.” gushed Soarin. He kissed her head and chuckled. “Don't listen to them.” he added.

Dash snuggled into Soarin while Twilight snuggled into me. I looked to her and smiled slowly running a hand up and down her back. My hand brushed her wing and she shivered slightly. Her left wing unfurled and wrapped around me. I smiled again and wrapped my arm around her waist. We both looked to each other and smiled before our lips met in a passionate kiss.
We broke the kiss a moment later, and looked back into the warm fire. “I need a job.” I said as I realized I don't have any money.

“Why don't you work at a restaurant, or a movie theatre of both? There’s this theatre called-” began Rainbow Dash.

“Flix Brewhouse. There’s one just down the road. Been there multiple times. You can eat while you watch movies. I actually have been thinking of applying there.” I said with a smile. Rainbow just smiled back. 

“You want me to come with?” asked the lavender mare sitting next to me. I looked to her and nodded.

“I think one pony walking in a theatre full of humans would be enough for everyone. But I don't want to leave you alone.” I said as I kissed her cheek.

She giggled and replied with a simple “Alright.”. After which then teleported in front of the theatre -After Twi put her trench coat back on of course as it was freezing out- and we held hands and walked in together. A large bar to out left -with large vats to our immediate left and the bar itself beyond those- to our right, two machines you can use to buy your tickets then and there, or reserve tickets for another time. In front was a hole in the wall which led to the hallways which contained the different theatres, and a counter next to said hole in the wall. We made our way -hand in hand of course- over to the counter.

The person behind the counter looked to Twilight and then me but mainly focused on Twilight. The name on the pin on his shirt read ‘Spencer’. He looked to be at least eighteen. 

“Hello there.” he said to the both of us.

“Hello.” we replied in unison.

“I’d like to apply for a job.” I said as I looked to the human.

He nodded and dove under the desk for a moment before reappearing with an application in hand which he set on the counter and I took.

I smiled. “Thank you.” I said. He smiled and nodded back. I was actually quite surprised. I was expecting him to freak out because of Twilight next to me.

“Do you have a pen by chance?” I asked. He nodded and took a pen out of a cylindrical grated holder. He smiled as I took it. Not with my hand, but with my magic.

That’s when he started to freak. Not in terror but in a fanboyish sort of way. “You can do magic?!” he shouted in astonishment.

From the shouting -which is what we were desperately trying to avoid- we got some onlookers from the bar. Twi looked to them. “Those people are staring at us. They’ll be seeing me run around anyway.” I chuckled as the pen began to write as if it were in my hand. My handwriting is a mix between cursive and print. Some had trouble reading it while others -including myself of course- could read it just fine.

The application was swiftly filled out and handed back to Spencer in about a minute. He looked astonished as he was not expecting it to one, be filled out in front of him, and two, be filled out so fast. He took the application and smiled.

“Thanks.” he said as he set the piece of paper on the desk. I nodded and smiled warmly at him. I took Twilight's hand with my right and extended my left.

Spencer took it and shook it. “It was nice meeting you, Spencer.” I said. The human looked to his nameplate and chuckled then back to me.

“Nice meeting you too…” he said but stopped. “Sketchy. Sketchy Sculpture.” I replied. 

“Sketchy.” Spencer repeated.

I nodded. “Yep.” I replied. “See ya later.” I added. Just after, we both teleported off and ended up back in front of the house. “I should get a call from them in a day or two.” I said. 

Twilight smiled. “Great.” she replied. We both then walked back into the house of course hand in hand.

My dad looked to the door. “How’d it go?” he asked.

“Went well. There was a brony there who was looking’ at Twi here.” I said as I pulled her close. She giggled and kissed my cheek. I smiled and kissed her cheek in return.


A few days go by and I finally get a call from Flix. I had been accepted into the crew. Spencer had called back and told me the news. I had also told everypony else the news. I could finally start making some money. I kissed Twilight’s lips softly before teleporting off to the theatre. I immediatly got some stares, but I didn’t care. I was too happy to care really. I walked in -holding the door open because I am nice- and made my way to the counter to see Spencer there with someone new.

Another guy next to him with the name ‘Ethan’. I smiled and asked where I needed to go as I had turned an application in the other day and was ready to get to work. They directed me to an office where I got set up with an arm mounted iPad which had the locations of the theatres listed on them. They told me the calling seat would light up blue when someone pressed the button on the counter, and that I was told to report to it and take their order, or their request for refills or the check 30 minutes before the end of the movie. I didn’t really need to walk as I could just teleport around and get around in an instant.

I looked to the iPad and saw everything was greyed out. They must not be seating now. I looked to the top center of the screen and saw the time was 3:00pm. I also saw something that said ‘Next showtime 3:30’. I smiled and waited for the time to pass. Quite a few of the employees came up to me and asked if I could do magic as they saw I was a unicorn. Ooh, a performance. I smiled and told them I could. They didn’t believe me of course as they said magic didn’t exist. I saw a basket they usually bought you to serve the food on, and levitated it. They all looked in astonishment at the floating basket.

“You’re amazing!” said a woman from the small crowd of eight people. I smiled and thanked her.

“You can be really efficient.” said a man in the front of the crowd.

“That I can. I can also-” I began, but in a flash of green light, teleported away and ended up behind the crowd. “teleport.” I finished.

The crowd turned around and looked at me in amazement and silence.They then erupted in a golf clap. I chuckled and blushed slightly in embarrassment. I had never gotten applauded for my tricks before. Time soon passed and I looked to the iPad on my arm. 3:29. 

“Showtime!” I said as I clasped my hands together and walked out of the kitchen and waited as I looked to my arm to see which lit up first. Luckily, the theatre closest to the kitchen -theatre 3- lit up, and I made my way into the theatre. I saw a blue light on the back of it too so I knew where it was. I made my way up to the seat. A pen and a pad -to write down the order- floating in my magic’s grasp. “Hi, I’m Sketchy, and I’ll be your server. What can I got you?” I asked. Nothing but silence from the couple.

A few moments go by before they finally open their mouths.

“Pizza.” said the woman. I wrote the female’s order down.

“And for you, sir?” I asked.

“Same.” he replied.

“Two pizzas.” I smiled.

“Anything to drink?” I asked.

“Coke.” they replied. I wrote down ‘Two Pizzas and Two Cokes’ before replying:

“Alright. Any appetizers?” I asked. They shook their heads.

“Desserts?” I asked.

“Shakes.” they said in unison. I smiled.

“Alright. It’ll be out shortly.” I said as I made my way back to the kitchen. I then tore the page off the booklet and stuck it on a hook. A chef began making the pizzas, and a woman began making the shakes. A few minutes go by, and they have me a tray with the requested items on it. I levitated the tray so I could have my two hands free to do anything else. I brought the tray back to the couple and gave them their food.

“Enjoy your food.” I smiled and took the tray back to the kitchen with a smile.

The hours soon fly by, and the movie finally ended. I made my way back into the theatre to collect the bill -which came out to $38.90- and the tip that came with it. Which -in total- came out to $46.68 which meant they payed $7.78. I smiled and pocketed the tip money and made my way back to the kitchen. I waited for another movie to start which was at 8:00pm. I checked the time on the iPad and saw it was 7:04pm. I decided to practice some more advanced spells.

I looked to a woman. The name pin on her shirt read ‘Alayna’. I smiled to her. She looked to me smiling back.

“Alayna?” I called.

“Yes?” she replied.

“Would you like to be a test subject for a spell I’m practicing?” I asked. She nodded. 

“Sure. What spell are you practicing?” asked the woman.

“Telepathy.” I replied.

“Oh, cool!” she said. I smiled and looked to the iPad’s clock. 7:05pm. I had enough time.
I closed my eyes and focused on Alayna. Specifically, entering her mind and communicating through her mind. Nothing really happened at first, but I soon managed to say a simple ‘Hello’ in her head. She gasped in shock.

“What did I say?” I asked clarifying to make sure the spell worked.

“Hello.” she replied.

“It sounded just like your voice, but echoey.” she replied.

“Awesome! Try doing the same. Just clear your mind, and think about what you want to say.” I said with a smile.

“Alright.” she replied. She too closed her eyes. I had no idea what she was currently thinking, but I soon heard a reply. A ‘How are you?’ in my head. The voice in my head sounded just like her voice, but an echoey version as well.

“And what did I say?” she asked.

“How are you.” I replied. She smiled.

“That is sooo cool!” she said with a smile playing across her face. I nodded in reply to her statement.

“Yeah, it is cool. I can talk with anyone really. I just need to focus.” I replied.

“Well, keep practicing. You can only get better.” she said with a smile as she looked to her iPad.

“Well, it’s time.” she said as she walked out and turned down the hall. I smiled and made my way out of the kitchen toward theatre 6.

The time flew by and my shift ended at 12am. I smiled and bid goodbye to the employees. I then put my coat and scarf back on, and teleported home. I smiled as I made my way inside to see everyone -well mostly everyone- still up. Rainbow and Soarin were on the couch asleep, along with the others nowhere to be seen. Probably in the guest room upstairs. I closed the door, and made my way upstairs.

I took off my new uniform, and counted the tip money I had made today. $35. I smiled and put the change in a glass jar, and the cash in my wallet. I then made my way to the guest bedroom to find Twilight -along with the others- sleeping together.

Twi thankfully was on the end of the bed, but it looked full. I made my way quietly over to the bed and softly kissed her lips. She opened an eyes and saw me. She smiled and kissed back.

“Wanna come to bed with me?” I asked. She nodded and carefully got out of bed not to disturb the others. We then linking hands and made our way to my bedroom. We then both climbed in bed together and began cuddling. My legs wrapping around her and my arms snaking their way around her waist falling asleep a moment later.