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// Of Tradition and Hearth Warming 
// Story: Sunset's Love Life - Holidays Together 
// by Lil Sunny 
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Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, a couple who had been through a lot together but any of their friends could see it looked like they were destined for each other.

Life was fairly simple in their household as college went on, they had time in the mornings to enjoy each other's embrace and eat a healthy breakfast before heading out and they were never far apart during college due to studying the same course. This also meant they could keep each other right and make sure they were both keeping up with work but also leaving time to relax and unwind. This was helped by the maintained friendship with their old classmates from Canterlot High who had been through the wringer as much as they had. 

Weekends were almost always reserved for the group to hang out together. At the park, the mall or anywhere else they could meet. They always had stories to tell of their own relationships and college hardships. But as a whole the friends were always there to comfort and console each other if something ever went wrong. Pinkie Pie was always bubbly and full of energy, her girlfriend Vinyl Scratch happy to sit back and let her take charge of the conversation. Applejack and Rarity always seemed to have different takes on events that occurred and Rainbow Dash often didn't let her girlfriend Fluttershy get a word in, not that she would have much to say on the matter.

But on a brisk Monday morning, no early rise for college was needed as it was finished for the holidays. Snow gently fell outside sparkling like glitter, the cold morning air chilled those unfortunate enough to be caught in it and those who remained indoors preferred the comfort of their bed and warm blankets to anything else that morning.

Sunset woke up that morning with her lavender lover snuggled into her chest as was so often the case. Twilight was certainly independent and liked to keep an air of intelligence around her friends, but at home she was the meek little geek Sunset fell in love with and happy to cuddle her Sunny. 

Sunset smiled and a glance at the clock which told her it was 10 AM, about time they were out of bed she thought. She shook Twilight gently and gave her a small peck on the nose.

"Twilight, I think it's time we got out of bed."

Twilight stirred and her eyes opened seeing the familiar face of her girlfriend in front of her. 

With a yawn she responded. "Alright Sunny, what time is it?"

"It's 10 AM, I know we don't have college for a few weeks but it would still be nice to get things done, not that I have any problem with snuggling you all day"

The two got out of bed and showered before dressing in lounge wear, they had no plans to go anywhere that day so the morning was reserved for being together. Sunset looked out the window at the decorations being hung by the local workers to begin making the city look more festive in time for Christmas. She sighed with a forlorn look which Twilight immediately caught.

"Sunset, what's wrong?"

"I've never had a real holiday celebration, that's all. All these lights, the decorations it's all great but I've never had anyone to share it with. I also kinda miss some of the old pony traditions we had back in Equestria, we celebrated a holiday called Hearths Warming. It celebrates the day that the three pony tribes came together in harmony for the first time and drove away the wicked windigos that almost froze their entire land. That moment was when they all together founded Equestria and they celebrated every year after to remember their unity."

"Wow Sunset, Equestrian traditions are very interesting, well if you miss it so much why don't you go back for a bit? You told me once that the Equestrian calendar is different to ours, so maybe you could celebrate both Hearth's Warming and Christmas. I'm sure Princess Twilight would be happy to accommodate you and I'd be OK with the girls here by myself."

"I wouldn't want to be part of a celebration of unity without my one true love, so unless you came with me I don't think that would be possible."

"Why not? Surely a Princess could put up 2 people...well I guess we'd be ponies technically. Long enough for us to celebrate your holidays."

Sunset thought for a moment. "Well if I remember my Equestrian dates right, Hearth's Warming eve would be about 2 days before Christmas Day. So if we celebrated it we could come back home in time for Christmas Eve and I'm sure we'll have something planned for the next day. Do you really want to come with me though? I don't want to pull you into a world you're not familliar with and completely transform your physical shape if you aren't comfortable with it."

"Sunset, I'd love to." Twilight finished with a peck on Sunset's cheek.

Sunset grabbed her book and began to write.

"Hey Twilight, It's Sunset. I've been feeling a bit homesick again, but this time I want to do something about it. I was wondering if you would have any problem with 2 extra guests for Hearth's Warming this year. Our Twilight has agreed to come with me to Equestria to celebrate and then we can come back to our world for our holiday of Christmas."

Within minutes the book vibrated and a response was given.

"Wow Sunset, I'd love to. My brother and his wife Cadence will be staying on Hearth's Warming Eve with their little foal Flurry Heart, with you and the other me there we'll be one big happy family. Oh and of course Starlight will be here too, no doubt with Trixie."

"Thanks Twilight, we'll be there next week."

Sunset closed the book and smiled at Twilight.

"Well she said yes, next week we'll go back to CHS and use the portal, it should take us into her castle right away."

"That's great sunset, but there is one problem I foresee. If she looks like me in this world, then presumably even without wings I'll look like her in Equestria. That could confuse people who don't know about the other world and explaining it to everyone would be a nightmare. As far as I know only Princess Twilight and her friends know about the portal at all."

"The Princesses know too, and I'd presume their immediate family as a result. But I'm sure we can come up with something once we get there. Magic is much more prevalent in Equestria and Princess Twilight probably knows a spell or two that could change your appearance just enough to still be you but also not literally be her doppelganger."

Twilight smiled. "Well I Look forward to it."

That day was mostly spent watching TV and snacking while tackling a little coursework they had to do over the holidays. Sunset was a bit grumpy asking why they had to do work when they should be relaxing while Twilight was more than happy to keep her mind sharp. After letting Twilight, who had become quite the kitchen wizard cook a delicious dinner they retired to bed together.