//------------------------------// // Happy Hearth's Warming // Story: Brand New Dusk // by AlphatheGriffin17 //------------------------------// Dusk hurriedly placed the last stream of tinsel above his home, making sure that everything was ready. His tree was up in the living room, fully decorated and lit, with presents for the girls rested underneath. Streams of tinsel and sparkling red and gold hung from the ceilings and staircase. Cushions were good to be sat on, the table with drinks and appetizers were looking good to eat, the gramophone had a collection of holiday records. He was reasonably sure that it would be okay... after all, he was working together with the best party planner in Ponyville, who had very kindly offered to help him organise this little get-together. "Pinkie, how do you think this looks?" he called to her in the kitchen. She stuck her head out, her hoof holding a wooden spoon and mixing some cupcake mix. At least she would be able to get them right. "Looks fun, festive and fantastic! Just I've already told you Dusk, it's fine," she assured him. "You gotta calm down, it's gonna be great!" "I know, I know, I'm sorry... it's just..." He paused for a few seconds. "This is the first party I've ever hosted, in my Hearth's Warming in Ponyville, for the first friends that I've ever had. I just... want it to go well..." "It'll go great, trust me. Now, I've cupcakes to bake, be out in a bit, they're almost ready!" She hurried back into the kitchen, as Dusk tried to calm himself. Despite how nervous he felt about it, Dusk was still looking forward to having everypony around to his home. He'd never had guests before. They wouldn't be arriving for another half an hour, as they were still spending time with their own families first. Dusk had already sent a card and presents to his own parents in Canterlot, received one back, so he was fine where that was concerned. As Twilight's parents were also in Canterlot, she said that she would be arriving earlier than the others with Spike. Maybe once she was here, he would calm down a little He was waiting for about fifteen minutes, moving restlessly around the room. First he paced around the living room, then sat twitching on the couch, moved the window gazing out, then back to the couch again. He was trying, but he just couldn't stop feeling so anxious, as he was now twiddling with his hat. It was when he resumed pacing, that Pinkie came back in with her finished treats. "You keep that up, you'll pace a trench into the floor. That would be handy to take cover for a pillow fight though, so maybe keep it up. We can get a head start!" "No I uh... I think I'll stop," he agreed, halting his pacing. "Thanks again for your help with the decorations." "Happy to help!" she replied brightly, setting the cakes on the table. Hatching on an idea, Dusk retrieved a present from under his tree, wrapped in pink paper with a dark pink bow. He levitated it to Pinkie, who's smile became even brighter. "Ooh ooh, a present! I love presents! Thank you Dusky!" She tore off the paper and looked inside. "Oooh, a party planner! This'll be handy for if I forget about a party, then I can look in it and be like 'ooh, I have a party to do!" "I hoped you would like it..." Dusk said quietly. "You do... don't you?" "Uh huh, sure I do, thanks Dusk! Now, here's your's..." She whipped out her own present and gave it to him. Dusk gazed at the box, glowing inside. His first Hearth's warming present from a friend... he carefully undid the bow, opened the lid and pulled out a book entitled How To Plan A Perfect Party. "D'ya like it?" Pinkie was still smiling. "I knew you liked reading, so I wanted to get you a useful book, so I thought 'what could be useful'? Then, I saw this and I knew it was perfect, in case you wanna plan anymore parties and I won't be able to help y-" She was cut off as Dusk hugged her gently, as a way of showing his gratitude for her thoughtfulness that she had put into her gift. She gladly returned it, gave him another bright smile and hopped onto the couch, flicking through her new planner. No sooner had she done so, then there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it..." He approached the door slowly, did his best to control his breathing, made sure his hat was on straight and opened it. The instant that he did, his feelings of unease and worry just melted away, as he was hugged by his best friend. "Happy Hearth's Warming Dusk," Twilight greeted, when she released him. "Nice hat." "Thanks Twi... happy Hearth's Warming, you too Spike," he added to the dragon, who gave him a high hoof. "Hey Dusk, great to see you. Hey, do I smell cupcakes?" He hurried into the living room, as Twilight looked after him. "Well, that's Spike for you," she remarked. "What can you do? Here, let me get your things..." He levitated her scarf and boots, hanging them up near the door. "Thank you Dusk," she said, her cheeks a little red. "Don't mention it..." His own cheeks heated up slightly too. "This way, if you please..." "What a lovely home Dusk. You've really decorated it well," she commended. "Trying to make a good first impression?" "You know me, Twi," he replied sheepishly. He let her take a seat next to Pinkie, whilst he took a cushion on the floor. Spike, who had helped himself to a cupcake and some punch, joined him as Pinkie joyously showed Twilight the gift she had received. Twilight, again, commended Dusk for the idea of trying to organise Pinkie, at which Dusk had joked that would be quite impossible. Five minutes later, there was another knock at the door, a more gentle and dignified sort of knock. As Dusk guessed, it was Rarity who was next to arrive. She too commented on the effort Dusk had gone to to decorate his home, though with a more detailed eye, one that only she could possess. She was shown into the living room, where Spike proceeded to stare longingly at her and engage in shy conversation. Dusk and Twilight exchanged looks, but said nothing. After the arrival of the fashion pony, the next was her complete opposite. Applejack, wearing tinsel around the brim of her stetson, was happy to be there, having already spent some time with members of her family. She said that his home rather reflected the pony who lived in it: modest, a little shy, but pleasant and welcoming. Touched by her honesty, Dusk poured her some punch, in time to hear a loud crash outside. A quick look showed a long skid in the snow and a blue pegasus pony shaking snow out of her mane: Rainbow had crashed attempting to land again. This certainly didn't dampen her spirits, however, as she gave him a tight hug, rustled up his mane and, just for fun, played keep away with his hat for a while. Still laughing by the time he snatched it back and jammed it on his head, the last guest arrived, though her gentle knock was more shy. Fluttershy actually asked nervously to make sure she had the right house and that she wasn't too late. Dusk always seemed to be able to reassure her, with his own friendly voice and tonight was no different. When she heard all of her friends, she quickly relaxed, wishing him a kind 'happy Hearth's Warming', even plucking up the nerve to give him a quick hug, before joining the proceedings. "Well, that's everypony," Dusk announced, as he too joined them. "Thank you all, very much, for attending this little get-together. This is my first Hearth's Warming in Ponyville, and you've all helped to make it... special, for me so... thanks." "Glad ta be a part, sugarcube," Applejack said happily. "Now, get on in here, be a good host." Dusk did so, placing on a record as he did. At first, they just passed the time with some idle chit-chat, or else dancing to the music or helping themselves some food and drink. Dusk, not wanting to be left out, got himself in a conversation with Rainbow Dash, as she gulped down her glass of punch. "Awesome party so far, Dusky," she remarked. "Not bad for your first one." "Thanks, Dashie," he responded. "Glad it was able to meet your high standards." She chuckled, then beckoned him in closer. "So, you know it's the Flyer's Competition coming up in Cloudsdale, right?" "Coming up? It's not for a good few weeks in spring, isn't it?" "Yeah, but I gotta get the practice in. I have to, if I wanna prove I'm the best. So, have you given any thought to my proposal?" "You mean... the one where we incorporate my talent into your routine?" he asked to confirm. "Exactly. It's all fine, zooming around boring old clouds, but your magic will give me that extra little bit of pizzazz, liven it up a little, you know?" She stood back expectantly. "So, have you decided?" "Yes, and..." He let her wait, before giving her a grin. "I accept... as long as I don't have to go in front of all of those ponies..." "Don't worry, you won't," she assured him casually. "Great! I knew you would! Now, it's gonna need precision and right timing on your part. I'll be doing the flying, you're gonna be on the side, but you're still important. Can I count on you?" "Of course you can. I'll need to find something that'll let me join you in the clouds though..." "We'll deal with that when we come to it. Now, let me talk you through my ideas so far..." He let Rainbow voice her plan to win the Competition while he listened intently. He knew he would be able to work with Rainbow around his own work in the library, but he still felt a little nervous at the prospect of the contest. He'd never been in anything like that before, never had anypony rely on him so much... and his talent... he'd never had that many ponies see it before... Still, he could deal with that later. For now, Rainbow was counting on him for his help and he would only be too glad to give it. Plus, seeing Cloudsdale would be an interesting experience, to say the least. As part of a tradition, they all stood together and raised their voices in singing a Hearth's Warming carol, reminding themselves of the ideals and values that Equestria had been built on, that brought them all together. As Dusk belted out the lyrics, he was reminded of how proud he always felt whenever he heard the carol being sung, how much he had hoped to one day understand them... now he truly could. After they had done that, they played a new game that Pinkie had thought of, one that used Dusk's power. They split into two teams, with Dusk being neutral. He started the shape as a formless blob, while the girls had to try and guess what he was making with it, with more details being added with each guess. Obviously, points were awarded for correct guesses. Needless to say that Dusk was thoroughly enjoying himself with this game. It was Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack on one team and Rarity, Pinkie and Rainbow on another, with Spike announcing clues, if the girls requested them, from what Dusk was making, the two having already confided in what shape to make. Each team had two clues on each round they had, to help them along. The scores were currently tied, with this being the deciding round. "That's a good one," Spike remarked quietly, as they finished discussing. "Right, deciding round ladies. Good luck!" Dusk started with the formless blob of this round, green in colour. "Is it a plant?" Twilight asked first. "Is it a cake?" Pinkie asked quickly. "No, and no," Spike said. "Pinkie, just 'cause you guessed right on the first round with that doesn't mean you'll get right this time." "Mm, had to try," she shrugged, still smiling, as Dusk added another detail, a pointed tail. "This looks like an animal," Fluttershy said eagerly. "Let me see, pointed tail... is it a manticore? Unless... anypony else has another idea?" "Nope, that sounds like a good guess ta me," Applejack agreed. "Hmm... let's see here..." Rarity conferred with her own team. "We shall guess that it's a chimera." "No, wrong again." Spike noted that, as Dusk added a long neck with a pointed head at the end. "Ooh, it's a lizard, I bet it is!" Rainbow yelled at once. "A snake perhaps?" Applejack suggested. "No, but you're getting there..." Spike gave Dusk a quick wink, as he added clawed feet. "Aw, come on, how can it not be a lizard?" Rainbow sat in a huff on the couch, as Pinkie and Rarity exchanged confused looks "Spike, can we have a clue?" Twilight asked. "Sure: this creature can be helpful," he said simply, his eyes twinkling. "Hm... a helpful creature," considered Rarity thoughtfully. "This shall take some consideration..." "Hm..." Twilight had her signature look for thinking, then her eyes brightened. "I've got it, it's a dragon!" "Correct! Twilight's team wins!" announced Spike. In celebration, Dusk added the dragons wings, set it flying above the girls and had it shoot a long stream of fire, before making it vanish in a flash of light. After everypony stopped clapping, Dusk pulled out their presents from under the trees, levitating to each of them in turn. Dusk felt so good, so rich inside at the sight of their faces glowing when they saw that, the pony they had just welcomed into their lives, had been so thoughtful to buy them gifts. He just sat back as they opened up their presents one by one. Spike was the first to tear his open. "A gem stash!" Spike's mouth watered at the sight of them. "They look so... delicious..." "Well, how 'bout that? A new pair-a galoshes." Applejack pulled out the yellow boots. "Ma old pair have seen better days, ah guess." "Awesome! The Greatest Moments of the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow flicked eagerly through the pages. "It even has photos from their first show!" "Oh my, what a lovely hoof-crafted wooden rabbit." Fluttershy marvelled at the sculpture. "Fashion Through The Ages, marvellous!" Rarity looked through the pages of the book. "This should give me some great ideas... really, they wore those in the eight-hundreds?" "A Revised Magical Theory! Now, I can finally replace that copy of New Magical Theory in the library." She beamed at Dusk. "How did you know I needed this?" "What can I say? I must be psychic," Dusk replied, with a wink to Pinkie. "I'm glad that you like them..." "Sure do. Now, it's yer turn," she said, reaching to pull out a present. The girls swiftly returned the favour, bringing out their own gifts for him. That warm feeling now the same as a fire, Dusk wiped a happy tear away as he proceeded to open his own gifts from them. Applejack had, once again, made him some of the Apple family's apple pie that she knew he loved, placing it in the fridge for later. Fluttershy had bought him a book entitled The Cutest Critters in Equestria, which he had to assure her was a wonderful gift that he would peruse later. Rarity had made him a new scarf, that looked exactly like the one he'd lost in the forest, except with his cutie mark on this time. Rainbow had made him a sort of cloud sculpture in a glass box, in the shape of a pegasus pony. Twilight had bought him Daring Doo and the Changeling Swarm, the latest in the series that he didn't own. "Thank you all, so much..." he said sincerely. "This has been... this is great." "There's still one more present in there Dusk." Twilight's seemed to shine as she said this. "Open the book." Curious, Dusk turned over the cover. A flash of gold caught his eye as something fell out. Some kind of book mark? He levitated it to his face, as it glowed even brighter. It was a ticket to the... to the... was he reading this right? "... the Grand Galloping Gala?" He felt his jaw drop and his eyes widen. "You got me a ticket... to the Grand Galloping Gala?" "Isn't it awesome? Now, you can come with us!" Rainbow exclaimed. "All of you? B-b-b-but these tickets cost a small fortune. How did you afford this one, let alone six?" "Seven, I'm coming too," Spike pointed out quickly. "Well, we all have tickets to attend the Gala, but then I realised that you didn't have one," Twilight explained. "So, I wrote to the Princess to see if she could provide another, and she gladly obliged. It just wouldn't have felt right, leaving you behind." "Oh right," he said, feeling better now. "I suppose being a princess protegee has its perks then." "It does yes," she giggled. "Now then, Rarity, is it ready for him to try on?" "Oh yes!" She immediately shot up. "Come on everypony, I want you all to see this." "See... what?" Dusk asked unsurely, slipping on his new scarf. "Why, your suit for the Gala dear. Come along now," she ushered, leading them out of his house and off the Carousel Boutique. The stage that Rarity had used for their fashion was set up at the Boutique when they arrived. Even though Hoity Toity wasn't going to be coming this time, Rarity still wanted give Dusk the chance to show himself off, if he so pleased, like they still had the fashion show. Twilight had noticed his eyes sparkle at the mention of that, as he had gone to change into it and she knew he had something in mind. Waiting with the rest of her friends in the customer section of the Boutique, Twilight reflected on how much she had enjoyed herself at Dusk's party. He really had gone out of his way to try and make a good first impression with his first party. She noticed that he usually went out of his way anyway. Friendship really had made a difference in his life... just like it had done with her. Returning herself to the here and now, she wondered how he would look in his suit, what kind of job Rarity had done on it. She had, of course, done wonderful work on the gowns for herself and the others, but she'd never really seen her work on clothes for a stallion. In Twilight's opinion, there wasn't a lot things you could do with a suit compared to a dress. But, then again, this was Rarity they were talking about. She was sure she'd done great. "Ooh this is exciting!" Pinkie remarked. "Just too bad he missed the fashion show, I bet that would've been great." "I don't know, he mentioned that he doesn't really like standing in front of a crowd," Twilight noted. "I don't think he would have liked that much." "Oh well," she shrugged. "You really know him well, dontcha?" "Well, he is my friend Pinkie and he works at the library with me and Spike. That's kind of to be expected." "I know, that's so great. Two good friends working together, it makes work so much more fun. Unless you work at Sugarcube Corner, then it's fun all the time!" She beamed at Twilight. "D'ya like spending time with Dusk?" For some reason, Twilight found herself blushing at the question, like there was another meaning behind it. Had Pinkie noticed the way she acted around Dusk? She could be rather uncanny with things like this. "What... what do you mean by that?" "I mean do you like hanging out, like friends do, ya know?" Pinkie looked curiously at her. "What did you think I meant?" "Oh um... nothing." She cast off those thoughts, for now. "Well, yes I do-" "Ahem, if I could have everypony's attention?" Rarity had emerged onto the stage. "Our friend is ready to present himself. Spike, the lights please." "Of course, m'lady," he bowed, closing the curtains and switching off the lights, as Rarity left the stage. At first, there was darkness. Then, a purple, flower petal-shaped form appeared. This was followed by orange, pink, white, blue and cream, so that they formed a multi-coloured circle. Then, it turned a shade of dark blue, glowing brighter so they had to shield their eyes a little. When it exploded in a light flare, the colours soared around the room, as a trilby hat floated in the air above... and Dusk stepped out of the blue orb. He was dressed a black, silk suit, with dark blue pinstripes moving vertically down. A white undershirt displayed a dark-blue velvet tie, that sparkled against the lights playing around him, the scroll of his cutie mark pinned to his lapelle. His mane was more neatly parted, his horn aglow with magic, both of which were covered up as the trilby came to rest neatly on his head, giving his audience a shy smile as his show finished and everypony applauded. As Twilight clapped her own hooves, she was surprised at how different he looked. Although she might never say this out loud, she did think he looked very... well, handsome. "Rarity, y'all have done it again," Applejack complimented. "An' Dusk... why, ya clean up like a shiny new penny." "Yeah, you clean up nice Dusky. That's a cool look for you," Rainbow remarked "Doesn't he look absolutely smashing?" Rarity stepped smartly beside Dusk. "I'm sure that our male chaperone will be the eye of every other stallion at the Gala." "I hope not, I don't like being stared at," he pointed out shyly, still smiling at Rarity. "Thank you Rarity, this is a wonderful piece of work you've done." "It was no trouble at all dear. At least you didn't ask for about a dozen different alterations." Her eyes flickered to the girls, as they laughed a little at the memory of the fiasco. "And, to the rest of you..." He tipped his hat again. "Thank you all again, for this... this had been the best Hearth's Warming Day ever." "Best Hearth's Warming Day ever so far," Pinkie brought up, as they all laughed again. Twilight too, couldn't help but smile, as Dusk stepped down to let them look him over. He truly had enjoyed this holiday and she was glad she was here, to play her part in doing so.