Everything in Canterlot seemed to shimmer that night, as they left the theater. Twilight’s whole family had been to see the Royal Hearth’s Warming Eve performance along with her and Applejack, and after saying their goodbyes to Celestia and Luna, they made their way through the snowy Canterlot streets towards Twilight’s parent’s house.
While she knew that visiting her parents was probably not on Applejack’s list of perfect holiday moments, Twilight had tried to make this visit special. They’d had a delicious dinner, gone to the show, and now had a walk home with the starry sky and twinkling city lights reflecting off of fresh snow on the streets.
“Careful, kids! It’s a little slippery!” Twilight Velvet called as she glanced back at where Shining Armor walked next to Cadance and Twilight next to Applejack. She almost slipped herself, wobbling before being caught just in time by Night Light leaning into her.
“Aww, how romantic,” Cadance cooed, leaning into Shining Armor.
“Yeah, if it wasn’t our parents,” Shining whispered loudly to Twilight, who giggled.
Applejack grinned and shook her head. “I’m with Cadance. Y’all’s folks are cute as a button together.”
“I knew I liked you, Applejack,” Night Light said with a chuckle, before leaning over to kiss his wife on the cheek.
“Yeah, I wonder if we can trade those two of ours for Cadance and Applejack?” Twilight Velvet laughed.
“Hey, I married Cadance, so you got two for the price of one here.” Shining smirked and raised an eyebrow at his sister. “It’s Twily’s turn.”
“Shining Armor!” Twilight blushed furiously. “We’re not-- I mean, someday-- soon-- but not-- Applejack, help me!”
“He’s teasin’, sugarcube. He knows there’s no plans yet.” She leaned close and added softly, “But we’ll see ‘bout someday soon.”
Shining bumped Twilight’s other side, pressing her up against Applejack. “There ya’ go, Twily, I got you engaged.”
“Shining! Really!” Cadance rolled her eyes. Then she hopped to the side just as a lump of snow, surrounded in a magenta glow, fell on Shining Armor’s head.
“Hey! Mom, Twily dumped snow on me!” Shining complained, his magic pulling the snow off of him.
Twilight smirked. “I’ve been walking right here next to Applejack.”
Shining Armor rolled his eyes. “You used magic. We all know you can do that, Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight stuck her tongue out at her brother, who stuck his out back, all four of the younger generation dissolving into laughter.
“Are you really sure they’re adults?” Night Light raised an eyebrow to his wife.
Twilight Velvet shrugged. “I hear they made her a princess, and him Captain of the Royal Guard...”
“Look out!” Applejack yelled, shoving Twilight to the side. A huge pile of snow buried the earth pony in the spot where Twilight had stood.
Applejack’s head popped out of the snow, blinking and still wearing her now snow covered hat.
“Sorry, Applejack. But, nice reflexes, and very gallant.” Shining Armor saluted her.
“My hero!” Twilight giggled, flying over to help Applejack out of the snow.
“That’s enough, kids,” Night Light said over his shoulder. “It’s one thing to torment each other, but we like Applejack and Cadance.”
“See? Applejack and I are Mom and Dad’s favorites,” Cadance said, sticking out her tongue at her husband and sister-in-law.
“That’s not fair, Applejack is my favorite, too!” Twilight said, grinning as she wrapped a wing around her girlfriend. “She can’t be everypony’s favorite.”
“Well, I’m Cadance’s favorite,” Shining Armor said proudly.
“I don’t know, Applejack is pretty nice…” Cadance mused.
“Hey!” Shining Armor pouted at Cadance.
“Y’all, quit it. You’re embarrassin' me.” Applejack blushed and pulled her hat down to shade her face.
“Okay, okay, I guess my kids are kind of good.” Twilight Velvet laughed. “At least they picked nice ponies to bring home.”
“And saved the world a few times,” Night Light pointed out.
“That too.” Twilight Velvet nodded as they came to the steps of the brownstone townhouse where Twilight had grown up. Night Light trotted up and opened the door as she motioned up the steps. “Everypony inside! Boots off before you track snow in the house! And Applejack, Twilight, you’re having hot chocolate before you catch your train. I insist.”
Twilight stopped and gave her a nuzzle as Cadance and Shining Armor headed up the stairs. “Sure, Mom.”
“Thank ya’, Ms. Velvet.” Applejack grinned.
“You can call me mom, Applejack.” Twilight Velvet gave Applejack a nuzzle as she turned to head inside. “You’re practically part of the family.”
Applejack blushed and stammered, “Okay… Ma… Velvet.”
“Close enough.” She chuckled and went inside.
Twilight was about to go up after her mother when she noticed that Applejack was just standing there blinking.
“AJ? Are you okay?” As she walked over next to her, she noticed tears in her eyes. “What’s wrong? I thought you were having a good time...”
“Twilight, I had an amazin’ time. It’s just…” She took a deep breath and smiled through her tears. “It’s been a-- a long time since I called anypony ma…”
Twilight’s eyes went wide and her wing wrapped around Applejack. “Oh! I totally forgot! You’re okay with it? If it doesn’t feel right, I’ll talk to mom--”
“It feels right, Twilight.” Applejack wiped her tears away, leaving only the smile. “I’m so happy, I just don’t know what to say. ‘Cept, thank you, for lettin’ me share your family.”