//------------------------------//
// Hearth Warming Memories 
// Story: Learning to Live and Love 
// by FlashKenshin77 
//------------------------------//

	Autumn passed in a blink of an eye, snow already covering much of the land. I guess being stuck in a cave for a month kinda screws with your sense of time and summer and autumn vanished. It seemed like yesterday that we had just finished that Winter Wrap-Up song and dance.
A week ago they held their annual ‘Running of the Leaves’ thing. Not entirely sure what it was about, but it was a nice get together for the town. The doctor forbade me from partaking, wanted to be sure I wasn’t going to strain anything, so I sat on the sidelines and watched with Fluttershy and Sparkling.
Apparently last year Dash and AJ got into a big contest and tied for dead last and it seemed like they were repeating the same mistakes; the two trying to out boast each other. Strangely enough, didn’t see Thunderlane anywhere near her.
Sadly whenever me and Dash talked, there was something off about it. It was like she didn’t want to spend too much time with me or be around me. I’m not sure, but whenever I’d look into her eyes, there was something… there. I just couldn’t put my hoof on it. We’d get as far asking how the other’s day was before it’d lull into awkward silence or she’d leave.
Anywho, Twilight came in first place much to the surprise of everypony, with Dash and AJ coming in dead last again. Looks like history repeats itself, amongst the laughs of many ponies. Derpy got fifth place, tumbling at the end and nearly took out the finish line.
A few days back we held a ‘Welcome to Ponyville’ party for some new unicorn. Name was Inky… Inky something, I can’t recall his last name. Nice guy, was bedazzled about everything, I remember feeling the same during my own party. Pinkie was dragging him everywhere and he could barely keep up. After Pinkie left him alone, I saw him hesitantly wander up to Derpy. The two of them hit it off well, made me smile.
I kept seeing the two of them together too over the next few days, both laughing and smiling. I couldn’t stop grinning, glad she found somepony to make her happy. There seemed something off for him too though, like he was burying his pain. Hopefully Derpy could help him with that. She’s good at that sorta thing.
Sparkling was doing much better as well, the doctor said she’d be fine soon enough. Her body had healed nicely, if not fast, after all the abuse it endured. She was still a tad timid, not liking the party for Inky. Said it was too loud and filled with too many ponies, which I agreed with. But you don’t not come to a Pinkie party. It helped that she had the CMC, but I’m not sure about those fillies. Always trying reckless things to get their cutie marks. Last time I caught them was when they went manticore fighting in the Everfree.
Me and Fluttershy spent a lot of time together, which made me happy. It was just like last year, save I wasn’t in the hospital. When I asked what her plan was, she said she didn’t have any, well alone that is. Usually every year the girls would get together and have a little party. She invited me, said me and Sparkling were more than welcome.
I’ve been working hard to make up for missing so much work. What was strange was I wasn’t working with Dash anymore. When I got back, I was re-assigned to work with Flitter. Don’t get me wrong; she’s nice, a good flyer, we get along well enough, and quite funny… but she wasn’t Dash. And every time I went to talk to Dash about it, she wouldn’t answer or said she was too busy.
I brought it up with Fluttershy, who only looked at me sadly and gave me a hug. I will never understand these mares as long as I live. Why can’t I just get a straight answer? Why does everything have to be in riddles? Ugh, so infuriating.
Since I had to go back to work, Fluttershy volunteered to watch Sparkling, thankfully. She also homeschooled her a bit, to help her catch up with the other fillies. We talked and she wants to enroll as soon as possible. I brought it up to Ms Cheerilee, who said she could right after the holidays. Sparkling liked her and couldn’t wait; we went shopping for school supplies, Sparkling excited and nearly bouncing around. It was good to see her in such good spirits.
One of the biggest challenges was she didn’t know how to read. We had to teach her, and when I say we, I mean mostly Ms Cheerilee and Fluttershy. I just sat back and watched. Anyways, after that, she read everything I had and we had to go the bookstore. Guess her and Twilight have something in common now.
During one of our trips to the bookstore, I happened to catch a glimpse of a Daring Doo book. I’m not even sure how, it was buried in a pile of other random books. Without even thinking, I snatched it up and bought it. It’s sitting on my dresser now, just looking lonely. I don’t even know if Dash has this book, but she probably does. I mean, it is Daring Doo, she has at least three copies of each book.
Christmas or Hearth Warming, as it was known here, arrived quickly and I barely had any time to prepare. It was a week away and I scrambled to get most of my shopping done. Rarity helped me decorate, well, more of she decorated for me. After she left, me and Sparkling toned it down a bit and left to get a tree.


	--**--


I brought in the box of lights, putting them on the table as Sparkling came out from underneath the tree, a watering pot in her mouth. I turned and smiled, the tree we picked out was just as grand as the ones back home, a full pine tree with just a hint of snow on its branches. The tip of the tree nearly touched the roof and took up a good part of the living room wall.
She turned and looked at the lights. “Oh my… a-are you sure all of them are gonna fit?”
“That’s what the pony said.” I shrugged and unboxed it, blinking in surprise. I turned the box over and read how many lights, there was a lot more than I thought. “Oh wow… uh, I may have went a bit… overboard…”
She was silent for a moment as I started the weary process of untangling the lights. “Hey Leon?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are we doing this again?”
I looked up at her quizzically, lights slowly piling on the floor. “Doing what?”
She waved her hoof at the decorated room, the stockings hanging next to the fireplace. “All of... this, I don’t understand. Why go through all this hassle for something you’re gonna have to take down anyways?”
“Oh.” I paused and scratched my head. “What I always thought or at least was told, was it a good excuse to spend time with family. Especially after a long day at work, dealing with that stress, it lets your mind wander through memory field. It helps you unwind from a long day.” I walked over to the tree, fighting with it. “I mean, sure, it sounds weird if you think about it, but it’s just the thought of decorating for a holiday that means so much to everypony…” I shrugged. “I dunno how else to explain it, it’s a tradition I suppose.”
“Oh... “ She hesitated for a moment before she walked over and helped me with the lights, holding the slack I nearly tripped on. “Leon?”
I wrapped the first string of lights on the tree and grinned when they stayed. “Yeah?”
“Thank you…”
I patted her head with my wing. “Don’t mention it kid, now help me with these lights.”
She giggled and nodded. For the next few hours, we struggled to put the lights up, without toppling the tree. Finally we got it, with only minor electrical burns. Whoever figured out how to bind magic in these little bulbs are geniuses, because I never would’ve thought it was possible. It was very similar to electricity, but I guess it’s only a matter of time before they got to that point. I went over to the box of ornaments we bought and one by one, let her decorate the tree.
I watched her decorate the tree, pausing for a moment to look to see where it needs more attention. She found a spot, near the top of the tree, just out of reach. She tried to reach it anyways, the branch just missing the hook. She sighed in frustration and leaned up on her tip-hooves, tongue slightly out in concentration. She started to teeter as her wings buzzed to life and tried to stabilize her. I got up and stood next to her to help, but she shook her head. “I… got it…” She muttered before the ornament safely hooked on the branch. She turned and gave me a toothy grin, her tail swishing back and forth.
When we were finished, I grabbed the remote and pushed the button. The lights flickered on after a moment, her eyes grew wide with wonder, her mouth slack.
“What do you think?”
She was enthralled by it, the lights’ reflection dancing across her eyes. “It’s… so pretty…”
“Aye,” I wrapped a wing around her and pulled her close. “Thanks for helping.”
She blushed and nodded, leaning against me for a moment. “Hey L-leon...?”
“Hm?”
“Thank you for everything…”
“No problem kid, glad you finally got a place to call home.”
“You know you didn’t have to.”
“Aye, but I wanted to. You deserve some happiness.”
“So did the others…”
“They will… eventually… I promise you…”
She was silent for a moment, watching the lights. “You… you think they’re okay?”
I sighed and looked at the tree, wondering how many of those other fillies and colts knew about decorating. “I honestly don’t know Sparkling. Whether we like it or not, I know Chrissy won’t let them suffer unnecessarily.” I gritted my teeth. “I guess… that’s the best I can say.”
Suddenly there was a very quiet knock on the door and we both grinned at each other. Sparkling dashed off and beat me to the door, opening it to reveal Fluttershy, hoof hovering to knock again.
“Oh, sorry… I didn’t mean to dist-oh!” She squeaked as Sparkling nearly tackled her in a hug.
For a moment, Sparkling hugged her tightly before letting go, both embarrassed. “S-sorry…” she said bashfully.
Fluttershy smiled. “I-it’s okay, I’m glad to see you too.”
“Hey Flutters, come on in.” I asked, a small smile on my face as well.
“Oh, sorry,” She blushed and walked inside. She wiped her hooves on the mat and went to take off her scarf. “I was just wondering if you-” She noticed the tree and her eyes twinkled in the light. “Oh my, it’s beautiful…”
“Good tree huh? I picked it-”
“I helped!” Sparkling blurted.
I rolled my eyes and Fluttershy giggled. “Okay, we picked it out.”
Sparkling grabbed Flutter’s hoof and dragged her over to the tree. “D-did we do a good job?” She asked, a little flustered.
Fluttershy was silent for a moment, a hoof on her chin as she inspected the tree closely. I hid the grin with a hoof, trying to swallow the laugh as Sparkling nervously danced on her hooves.
“I’d say… you did…” Fluttershy glanced over and laughed. “You did amazing, both of you did.”
Sparkling let out a sigh of relief as Fluttershy pulled her into a hug. Sparkling smiled and nuzzled into her chest, her eyes closed.
“So what’s up Flutters?” I asked, trying to pick up around the living room.
“Oh! Right! Well, I was wondering if you’re going over to Twilight’s for Hearth Warming eve… I mean, if that’s okay to ask…”
Before I realized it I blurted out, “are you sure you want me there?”
She looked at me, confused, Sparkling was watching me, carefully. “What do you mean?”
I shook my head and waved a hoof dismissively, making sure my face was hidden. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”
Sparkling and Fluttershy shared a look. “A-are you sure-”
“It doesn’t matter Flutters, it really doesn’t.” I sighed and turned to them, forcing a smile. “Besides, I’m not needed there, right? If Dash is there… maybe, maybe it’s better for me not to be.”
“That’s not how it is…”
“It certainly seems that way. Besides, you girls have been friends long before I came along. I don’t need to be at every party.” I shrugged, putting the empty light box on top of the ornament one.  “I’m used to being alone, Sparkling, you should go…”
“Is that what this is all about?” Fluttershy asked in a small voice.
“Eh, maybe. I don’t know. It just feels… weird. But it is what it is.”
“Leon, you should try and talk to her-”
“Don’t you think I’ve tried Fluttershy? I’ve tried everything, going over to her house, trying to get her at work… She’s avoiding me…” I looked at the two of them. “Did I do.. Something wrong?”
“Well, you did point a sword at her.” Sparkling added and wilted under our gaze. “What? It’s true…”
“Leon, please, come over to Twilight’s. I’ll try and get her to talk to me before then…”
“Don’t bother, if she doesn’t want to be my friend, that’s fine. I’ve gotten over enough friendships.”
Fluttershy glared at me and I nervously scratched against the floor. “You can’t keep doing that.”
“What?”
“You know exactly what. Pushing it off or burying it inside.”
“I know Fluttershy, but it’s the best option right now. I’m not about to start something this close to Christ-I mean, Hearth Warming.”
Fluttershy sighed and walked over to me, giving me a brief hug. “If you want to talk, I’m here for you.”
I hugged back. “I know Flutters, and thanks.”
Fluttershy nodded. “I have a few errands to run, but I’ll be back later, okay?”
“Sounds great, I’m cooking dinner, trying out something Pinkie was telling me about the other day.”
Fluttershy faintly smiled and headed towards the door, waving goodbye. It was quiet in the house once she left and I took a deep breath.
“Were you serious?”
“About what?”
“What you said with Rainbow Dash. Do you think it was better if you weren’t around?”
I let out all that breath and sighed. “I don’t know kid, definitely feels that way.” She blinked and tilted her head. “What?” I asked.
“You’re an idiot.”
My mouth opened up slightly, surprised. “W-what?”
“I don’t believe I stuttered.”
I glared at her but she didn’t flinch. “What do you know? What would you know?”
“Not much, but enough that you’re a fool if you think your presence wouldn’t be wanted because of Rainbow Dash. You seemed to have forgotten who was there every day you in the hospital, or the fact that she searched for you every day you were gone. Who was the first pony to find you afterwards?” She walked over to the staircase. “You need to realize that maybe you’re not the only one dealing with some conflicting issues. I don’t know what she’s thinking, but it’s obvious she cares for you. I mean, even a useless pony such as myself have seen it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to see how Daring Doo escapes the collapsing temple.” She said and before I could reply, she disappeared upstairs.
I stood there in shock, my mouth slack. I looked around the room and decided to throw the empty boxes in the basement. I did everything I could to not think, trying to block out those thoughts. I’ve dwelled on them long enough, and if Dash didn’t want to be my friend, that’s fine.
Why she did what she did I’ll never understand, but as long as she’s happy, I don’t care. But that’s the thing, isn’t it? I didn’t know if she was. I never saw her. Of course she is, she’s with Thunderlane and all the girls.
Pff… A second voice said, very similar sounding like mine. Like that matters.
I sighed and smacked a hoof against my head. “Now’s not the time to go crazy.” I mumbled as I started making dinner. Pinkie’s recipe was short and sweet, something I was quite happy with. I never was good in the kitchen and I’d rather not have my kitchen catch on fire, again.
Well everypony’s a little crazy, just some are better at hiding it.
“Shut up… uh, me.” I said, dinner simmering and I plopped on the couch.
Wow, how mature.
I growled and suddenly there was another me sitting next to me on the couch. “Okay me, what do you want?”
I looked at me, hooves under my chin. I want you to admit that you like her and that’s why you’re afraid to meet with her.
I refused to look myself in the eye, staring at a couch cushion. “I… I do not...”
We’re really bad at lying, you know this right? I am you, I know how you feel dummy.
“But… it’s true, I don’t like her…”
Okay friendo, sure you don’t. If that’s the case, why have you been so mopey?
I blinked and turned to me. “I’m not mopey.”
You gotta stop lying to yourself. Ever since you found out about Dash and TL, you haven’t been yourself. Trust, I know me.
“So what if I’m not? Everything is fine.”
I looked at me, an eyebrow raised. If it was okay, we wouldn’t be talking now, would we?
“Uh… Leon?” Sparkling’s voice called out.
I blinked and opened my eyes, I was on the couch, my head in my hooves. Sparkling had a hoof on mine, her eyes full of concern. “Oh… Uh, hey Sparkling, what’s up?”
“You okay? You’ve been muttering to yourself for a few hours…” She shuffled her hooves a little. “I tried to get your attention, but… you didn’t respond…” She stared at the floor. “Leon…”
“What’s up kid?”
She hugged me tightly, burying her face into my chest. I sat on the couch, stunned, one too many times today, and hugged her back.
“I’m sorry for what I said earlier…”
“Nah, don’t sweat it. It’s true, I have sorta been letting it eat at me.”
She nodded and looked up at me, a small smile on her lips. “What?” I asked.
“Dinner’s almost ready.”
“My casserole!” I jumped up and high tailed into the kitchen, Sparkling giggling at me from the living room. I took the casserole out of the oven; thankfully it was only slightly charred, but still edible.
Somepony knocked on the door, the same quiet knock as before.
“I got it!” Sparkling yelled and let Fluttershy in.
I heard them talking as I set up the table, glad that I got that extra seat. Fluttershy walked in as I set up the final bit of dinner.
“Oh, it smells wonderful.”
I pulled out a chair for her and dinner seemed to go by smoothly. She had to go pick up some groceries for her animals and then pick up a present or two. She asked how my shopping was going, it was going fine. All that was left was Fluttershy, but I didn’t tell her that.
Sparkling kept asking questions about Hearth Warming to her, like why it was so important and why ponies spent so much on gifts. Fluttershy said about the same thing I did, and I don’t think Sparkling really likes having all that attention.
Dinner was fun, talking about school and finding friends. It seems Sparkling was really excited for it. It was a weird sight, never was one for school. Guess when you’re raised on the road, school would be interesting.
After dinner, we decided to go out and watch a new movie that just came out. Apparently it was doing really well at the box office. It was some superhero movie, I think it was called Mare do Well vs Supermare, with some stupid subtitle. The tickets were pretty cheap, apparently they were having a holiday discount and the food was good. There was just something about movie theatre popcorn that was amazing.
Anyways, we got into the theatre and it was pretty empty. Only like five or six other ponies in there, so we got to pick our seats at our leisure. The movie started and Sparkling was transfixed by it. She was on the edge of her seat the entire. Me and Fluttershy spent most of the movie watching her reactions. Most of the time, I forget that she’s never really had this luxury before. It makes me a bit sad, but glad she can enjoy it now.
The movie was alright, but not what I expected. Story wise, it was a complete mess, but the actress that played Mare Do Well was fantastic. So I guess it has some redeeming qualities.
Afterwards, we walked around town and watched ponies trying to pick up last minute gifts. We window shopped for quite a while, till we were the only ponies left and most shops had closed already. We walked Fluttershy home, giving her a big hug goodnight.
Once we got home, I sent Sparkling to bed and picked up a bit, trying to figure out what to get Fluttershy. Most of the gifts I’ve gotten were stashed in my room. I did the dishes and pondered, staring off into the darkness.


	--**--


The sun had just risen into the sky, a few clouds protecting the ground from its warmth. Me and Dash sat on a cloud, watching the sun rise. The two of us had been there for awhile, the cloud floating lazily by Ponyville.
Dash had her mane up in a ponytail for some reason, snuggled against me as I had a hoof around her. My chin rested on the top of her head, the two of us simply relaxing in the morning light.
She moved out from under me and stared into my eyes. A smile had slowly grown on her and I returned the smile. She went to say something but what came out wasn’t words, but a blood curtling scream.
The dream suddenly vanished as I threw the covers off my bed and stumbled out of bed and towards the scream. It came from Sparkling’s room and I all but ripped the door off its hinges.
Sparkling was curled in a little ball, her eyes closed tightly. The bed was in complete disarray, a pillow hanging half off and the sheets all over the place.
She must’ve been having a bad dream, her hind hoof twitched and her tail swished about. I rushed over and gently rubbed her back.
“It’s gonna be okay…” I whispered, at a lost of what to do.
She fidgeted some more, tears streaking from the corners of her eyes. She muttered something unintelligible and her body spasmed like she was just hit.
I scooted into her bed and pulled her into a hug, holding her tight as her body shook intensely. She buried her face into my chest and after awhile, she finally seemed to loosen up. I didn’t let go, gently rocking her back and forth while whispering reassuring words to her.
Her eyes blearily opened, puffy and bloodshot as she looked at me. “I… I…”
“Shh… It’s alright kid, I’m right here.”
She deflated and what little courage she had broke and she cried. I rested my chin on the top of her head, still rocking back and forth for what seemed like eternity.
Through the sobs, she told me what she was dreaming and my jaw clenched tightly. Chrissy will pay for what she did, eventually. I swear it.
After a while, she calmed down a bit. I went to get up when she tightened her hold on me. “C-can… you stay…” She whispered, her voice cracking.
I nodded and let go of her for a moment, pulling her sheets over both of us. “Of course kid, I promised you I’m never leaving.”
“O-okay…” She was terrified to sleep again and used me as a pillow. I watched her eyes slowly droop close, until she passed out from exhaustion. I rocked her slowly, my eyes starting to close and with a yawn, I was out. Her grip never loosened.


	--**--


The rest of the week passed by almost in a blur. Between constant working, making sure Sparkling would be ready for school when it starts up again, talking to Fluttershy about what happened, and trying to get Dash’s attention, the days tended to blend together.
I was surprised when I was able to get all the gifts for everypony and had enough money to pay for the house and the other bills I’ve missed on. Apparently I had backup from Celestia, who convinced them that I’d pay when I returned. She had a lot of faith in me to make up for it.
Hearth Warming Eve was here and it was a normal day for the most part. Me and Sparkling wrapped the presents, well, most of them. I had to hide hers obviously. 
Now being the expert present wrapper I am, it only took half the day to wrap the handful of gifts. The best thing was, Rarity’s and Twilight’s were easy enough, just a small card and an envelope each. AJ’s… well, we all went in on some new supplies and tools for the farm, thought that’d be the thing she needed the most. Fluttershy and Spike were hard, but I hope they liked what I got them. And Sparkling was a near mystery, if it wasn’t for Spike, I’d be in the dark.
It had snowed a lot lately, the entire town coated in the cold fluf. WIth the remaining time we had, me and Sparkling went walking around. The CMC were running around town, launching snowballs at random ponies. I tried to figure out what was going on, but sadly I was one of their targets. When I went down, Sparkling avenged me and took out Scoots and Sweetie before she too, was taken out out by Applebloom. Sadly however, ponies don’t like being randomly hit with snowballs and saying they’re trying to get their pitching cutie mark wasn’t really working for them.
After helping them get out of trouble the best I could, me and Sparkling made a tactical retreat back to my house to get ready for tonight. When we finished, we had just enough time to get everything together and start heading over there.
We were one of the firsts there, Pinkie arriving only a few minutes before us. She was in the kitchen, baking a fantastic dinner for us. The fireplace in the corner of what I’d call the living room was going. To be honest, I will always be surprised a giant tree full of books have a fireplace. They must have some sort of magical field to stop any embers.
Anyways, while we waited for everypony to show up, Sparkling and Spike talked about the latest edition of Power Ponies while me and Twilight talked about some quest she had to go on for Princess Celestia. She had to leave soon, and the other girls were going. It was to the Crystal Empire or whatever. I remember Fluttershy talking about it, she had asked me to watch her animals.
AJ and Rarity showed up at the same time, Spike materializing at Rarity’s side. AJ thanked me for earlier and told me she scolded AB for it already. Fluttershy came next, the quiet knock barely audible over all the talking.
Dash was last to arrive and kept her distance from me. I could tell she was surprised I was there and there was something else. I ignored it the best I could as we all talked about what we’d been up to lately.
Pinkie announced that dinner was ready and my mouth watered at the sight. The table was lined with so much food; rolls, several different types of casseroles, lasagna, a bunch of sandwiches. Me and Sparkling stared in awe as everypony helped themselves. Spike had his own special dish, a giant diamond, by the looks of it.
Dinner was lively, everypony enjoying the vast amount of food and the atmosphere was lively. Me and Sparkling sat together, Fluttershy on the other side of her. Everypony was talking and laughing, AJ and Dash competing for something or another. Rarity and Twilight were discussing the upcoming trip.
When the food was gone, we all dragged oursevles to the living room, barely able to stave off the food coma. We all relaxed on the furniture, the fire crackling being the only noise.
I got up and staggered to the middle of the room. I cleared my throat and blushed when everypony’s eyes were on me. “I… uh…” I scratched the back of my neck. “I just wanted to thank you all for looking for me… during, you know…”
“Of course darling, you’re our friend.” Rarity said.
“And we don’t leave any friend behind.” AJ finished.
“I know that… and I’ve been thinking. You girls are the closest friends I’ve ever had… including the ones from Earth. And I just… wanted to show you my appreciation with some gifts…”
“You didn’t have to, we knew you cared.”
“Still, they may not be much, but with the season and all…” I walked over and grabbed our gifts. I hoofed them out to each pony, Dash being the last one. “I know you don’t want me around, but I thought you’d want this.”
She opened her mouth to say something but quickly looked down, opening the gift. She smiled and held the book tightly to her chest. Thanks… She said, ignoring the world and diving in.
Twilight opened her card and smiled, the book signing thing falling into her lap. “What’s this?”
“It’s where you go and meet the author and they’ll sign your book. Thought you’d be interested in meeting that one professor of yours.”
She squeed and jumped up, dancing a bit. “I haven’t seen her in ages! I’ve been meaning to visit her.”
I smiled and went to say something when I was suddenly pulled into a double hug, Rarity and Pinkie squeezing me tightly.
“Thank you for the opera ticket darling, I’ve always wanted to see Cirque du Soleil. Heard they put on a fabulous shows.”
“And I love Smiling Joe! He’s my favorite party supplier!” Pinkie giggled.
Rarity kissed my cheek and I could feel my face getting warm. “I-it was nothing… just thought you’d both like a little something.” I mumbled, rubbing my cheek where she kissed me.
I could feel Spike glaring daggers into my back and I turned to him, holding a gift for him as a peace offering. He took it, slowly opening it. His eyes instantly turned to hearts as the statue came into view. “Oh wow! Limited edition Radiance!” He turned to me. “How’d you get this?”
I tapped my snout. “My lil secret.”
“Well… thanks! This is awesome!” He said, completely enraptured by it.
AJ held her card confused and pulled out the slip. “What in tarnation is this?”
“Well… I was talking to the girls,” they nodded, “and we decided to chip in to get you some new equipment for the farm.” I said.
And just like that, I was in another bone crushing hug, this time from AJ. She pulled the other girls in it, and for a long moment, didn’t say anything. Finally, she let us go and pouted for a moment. “Ya’ll shouldn’t have…”
“We know, but you need some new stuff. Thought it’d be what you needed the most.”
She nodded and held onto the slip tightly. I turned to Sparkling and hoofed her a small package. “What’s this?”
“Open it.”
She did, and squealed, ripping the protective packaging and flipping through the pages. She rushed over and showed Spike, who grinned and the two of them sat off to the side, reading the new comic books.
I smiled at Fluttershy as she blushed. “I uh… wasn’t sure what to get you…”
She had already opened her gift, it was a receipt for all the food for the animals she was taking care of. She gently hugged me and I hugged back, a both of us were smiling.
“Sparkling…” She said and Sparkling turned.
“Oh! Right!” The filly walked over to the tree and brought a gift, hoofing it to me.
“What’s this?”
“Just a little something from all of us…” She put a wing over Sparkling.
“You girls didn’t have to get me anything…”
“Says the one that bought us all something,” Rarity said.
I rolled my eyes and opened the gift, well, I opened to a box. I lifted the lid and a scarf sat nestled up. I picked it up, it was soft, almost velvety. It was a mix of their colors, almost like a rainbow. I wrapped it around and the tassels were just to my knees. It fit snuggly and I nuzzled it. I walked over and hugged everypony.
“Thank you… for everything that you all have done for me…”
“There’s no need to thank us, we’re your friends.” Twilight said.
I nodded and everypony turned as the front door opened and closed, Dash surprising everypony as she silently left.
“What’s up with her?” I asked.
“Who knows…” AJ muttered.
“Who's ready for dessert?!” Pinkie asked rather abrasively, everypony groaning and holding their stomach.

--**--

Me and Fluttershy sat off to the side, the girls and Sparkling talking about school. Spike was engrossed in his comics, his new statue of Radiance right next to him. Twilight and Sparkling were talking about something or other, I wasn’t really paying attention. I was too busy grinning like an idiot and playing with my new scarf.
Fluttershy turned to look at me and giggled. “You like your new gift?”
“Oh yeah, I love it. I was always jealous of people who could pull off scarves. Heh, good to know my pony body is better than my old body.”
“Well I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. We weren’t sure if you’d like it.”
“Nah, I’m pretty easy to shop for. Or at least I hope so.”
“I don’t know about that…”  We went silent and watched the girls for a moment. “You really went overboard, you know?”
I nodded. “I know, but it feels like I owe you girls and Spike something… After what happened.”
“Is that why you’ve been working so hard?”
“Heh, you knew?”
“Well it would explain the bags under your eyes… And Rainbow Dash mentioned you were at the factory a lot…”
I rubbed the back of neck. “Oh, Dash saw me?”
Fluttershy nodded. “Of course, it’s hard not to when you never leave.”
“Well, if she saw me, why didn’t she at least say hi?”
She went quiet for a moment and looked out the window. It was sprinkling, the snow gently falling down. “I don’t know, it’s hard to say.”
“Aye…” I sighed and snuggled my scarf.
“Hey Leon?”
“What’s up?” I looked over and saw Fluttershy fiddling with her cup, her face was bright red. I raised an eyebrow before she gripped the cup firmly and nodded to herself.
“I have…  a secret to tell you…” She seemed to steel herself.
“Oh?”
She sighed a little. “I know this is sudden… but… Well… I…” She squeaked and turned away and whispered something, quickly covering her mouth.
“What was that?” I leaned closer to her, my ears straining to hear.
“I… I liked you,” she murmured.
My brain didn’t register what she said; I leaned back, blinked, and gaped at her. “Huh?”
“T-there was a time… Wh-when I… Liked you…” She said, her big blue eyes on me, watching my every move.
My face must’ve been set on fire, because it was suddenly very hot. She stared at me so I said the first thing that came to mind. “Wha?” I irked out.
She nodded. “W-well… I really did; you were always there to help me, and the way you go out of your way to help others.”
I waved a hoof dismissively, trying to bury my face in my new scarf. “It’s nothing…”
“I think it is.”
I looked at her, trying to see if she was lying. “W-why are you telling me this now? What brought this up?”
“I was just thinking… And I thought, after everything… There were times when we didn’t know if we’d see you again… So I just… wanted to say it… before something happened…”
“Oh… You worried that I’m gonna get snatched again?”
“M-Mmhm…”
“I doubt they’d do something so stupid again, at least so soon.”
“Leon...” 
“What?”
She leaned over and kissed my cheek. I blinked and that’s about all the control I have left. My mouth dropped open as I stared at her. She faintly smiled, her face red as well. A weight seemed to be lifted off her shoulders.
“I… I wanted to make sure. But I was right. I still care for you, but it felt more like kissing my brother…” She giggled a bit, I must’ve missed the joke.
“…”
“Y-you alright?”
I shook my head, my brain off on vacation. Finally, I got my voice back. “Well that was… unexpected.” I squeaked out.
“I-I’m sorry i-if that was awkward...”
“It’s not that… It’s just… I see you as a sister. Have for a long time. And I never really got kissed by my sister before. Was not… expecting it.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I gave her a brief hug and she sighed. “What’s up?”
“You know what you have to do now though, right?”
“What?”
“Talk to Dash.”
I let go and fiddled with the scarf, I could tell I’m gonna have fun with this. “I… I don’t know if I should.”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
“Because she doesn’t want me around.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh really? Then where has she been? Why does she treat me like I don’t exist?” I was faintly aware that the conversation had died down and everypony and dragon was listening. I think Fluttershy could tell too.
“You have to understand…”
“Understand what?”
“I… I can’t go into details, but everything isn’t okay with her either. She’s going through a very difficult time.”
“Is that why she was distant tonight?” Fluttershy nodded. “Is everything alright with her and Thunderlane?”
“Why don’t you go ask?”
“Because it’d be easier for her if I just got the gossip from you?”
She shook her head. “It’s not my story to tell. If you wanna know, you have to ask her yourself.”
“Even if I said please?”
Fluttershy gave me a small stare. ‘You can’t keep running from this.”
“Who said I was the one running?” I got up and stretched. “But it seems I need to be the one to ‘confront her’, because apparently it’s my fault.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Oh it is, but that’s okay, I’m used to it always being my fault.” The other were trying to act as if they weren’t listening as I walked by and went outside.
It was cold out, the snow blanketed the ground. The streetlamps were lit, small orbs of warmth in the otherwise freezing world. Dashie sat by the library sign, staring at the sky. Snow had started to cover her a bit and she shook her head, trying to disperse it. I walked up and sat next to her.
“Hey Dash.”
She turned at the sound of my voice. “Oh, uh,  hey Leon.” She scooted a little away from me and I went to say something, but closed my mouth.
We sat in awkward silence and both stared into the sky. We kept stealing glances at each other, but we must’ve been too afraid to speak. 
“So…” I murmured, grabbing a clump of snow and forming it into a ball.
She sighed and shook her head. “You want to say something?”
“Aye.”
“But don’t know how to?”
I hesitated for a moment. “...Aye.”
“Ugh…” She facehoofed, giving me a sideway glance. I could see her trying to hide a grin.
I looked over at her and faintly smiled. “A pain in the neck I am.”
“Tell me about it…” She was smiling too, which made my heart flutter.
“Hey Dashie…” She turned and faced me, blinking once. “What happened to us?”
She tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“Why… why are you avoiding me? I let go of the clump of snow. Ever since I got out of the hospital, you’ve avoided me…” I looked her right in the eyes. “D-did I do something wrong?”
I watched as realization clicked and the look of horror cross her eyes. She turned away and went silent, staring at her hooves. After a few painfully quiet minutes, she murmured something.
“What was that?”
She turned to me and for the second time ever, I saw Dash crying. “I’m sorry Leon…”
“Whoa, hey! I’m sorry, there’s no need to cry.” I said, trying to fight the urge to hug her.
She nodded. There is though, some Element of Loyalty I am…
I scooted over to her and draped a hoof across her shoulders. “I’m sorry too…” I paused and blushed as she leaned close and just rested against me. “Uh… is everything alright?”
She sighed. “It’s just… I’ve been thinking. I guess I never realized how much I’ve avoided you till now. I guess my mind’s been elsewhere.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing…”
“Dashie… I’m not that blind. This isn’t like you, you’re not usually the queen of mopesville.”
“Hey! I am not the queen.”
I raised an eyebrow and smugly smiled at her. “Oh really?”
She rolled her eyes and grabbed some snow, throwing it at my face. “Quiet you.”
“Hey! I’m just trying to help.”
She seemed to deflate a bit and bit the inside of her cheek. “I just… It’s hard having a boyfriend that doesn’t want to really be around you.”
“...What?”
She nodded and got up, my heart beating a little less intensely. “Thunderlane always seems to be distant, but whenever we’re in town, he wants to be all lovey dovey. Especially when we go to pick his brother up from Cloudchaser and Flitter. No matter what I do, he always picks the time and when our dates are, when we can hang out… She held up her hooves. “Even tonight, he said he’d come by…” 
She stopped for a moment as a pair of ponies walked by us, it was Derpy and Inky. Derpy saw us and waved, Inky waving after a moment. I waved back, Dash grinning as they continued home.
“Are they together?” She asked quietly.
“I don’t think so, but they totally like each other.”
“Oh really? Who told you?”
“No one, you can see it by they look at each other.” I shrugged. “I may be hanging out with Rarity a bit too much…”
She snorted and it felt like the old Dash was back, her grin in full effect and happiness in her eyes. Then as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, replaced with sadness. “I don’t know what to do Leon…”
I patted her back for a moment. “Do you care for him?”
Her jaw went slack for a moment, in shock. “Of course!” She said, slightly offended.
“Then talk to him.”
She sighed. “I’ve tried, he avoids those talks. Said it reminds him of his last relationship, and he doesn’t want to remember it.”
“I see…” Our eyes met again… and it was hard to explain. I felt something click and it was just like the old times. Looking at her, I think she knew that I liked her, but there’s no way it’d work now. I was too late, she’s in a relationship now. I couldn’t say anything. I was the one that turned away from our moment. “I don’t know what to say.”
She nodded with a soft sigh. “I know…”
“Hey Dashie?”
“Yeah?”
I put a hoof on hers. “If you need to talk or just somepony to hang out with, ya know you’re more than welcome over at my house, right?”
She looked at our hooves and smiled. “Yeah, I know.”
I grinned and got up, shaking the snow off me. “Good, I didn’t wanna sass at you.”
She got up and did the same. “Oh please, I could outsass you any day.”
“Challenge accepted.”
She held out a hoof. “Whatever you say.”
I bumped her hoof as we glared at each other before we both started laughing and it felt… good. Even though it was only a couple months, it felt like years since I had her laugh. And I gotta say, I missed it.
And then it dawned on me where we were and I grinned. “Hey Dash?”
“Yeah?”
“We should probably head back inside, it’s getting late.”
She was confused for a second, before realization struck her and she looked up into the still falling snow. “Huh, yeah… guess you’re right.” She took a deep breath as a gentle wind blew her mane back, snow and all. “I sorta forgot I was outside.” Old Dash was back, her trademark smile with it. “Hey Leon?”
“What’s up?” I asked as I led our way back into the house.
She got close and hugged me and for what has to be the fourth time today, my face must’ve been shoved into an oven. “Thank you.”
“N-nah, don’t mention it.”
She nodded and I opened the door for her as we traveled back inside.
The rest of the night was fun, with everypony smiling at the two of us. It’s as if they heard our conversation and somehow Pinkie had snow in her mane, which she never explained to me.
Pretty soon everypony started heading home, AJ and Rarity leaving first. Pinkie was next, giving everypony extra hugs before hopping away. Dash soon left after that, holding onto her book tightly. She gave me a final smile and flew off.
Soon me and Fluttershy left, Sparkling half asleep on my back. With a quick hug goodbye,  I walked Fluttershy home and we paused outside her house. She said she probably wouldn’t be able to visit tomorrow, her parents were throwing a party. I told her to have a good time and left, Sparkling lazily waving bye.
Me and Sparkling made it home and trotted up the stairs, Sparkling murmuring to herself. I gently slide her off my back and into her bed, tucking her in. I turned around and turned off her light, about to shut the door.
“Mmm… L-leon?” She half asked.
“Yeah?”
She rubbed her eye with a hoof and blinked, trying to focus on me. “W-will you always be there?”
“Always.”
She smiled and her head hit the pillow. “Night…”
“Goodnight kid,” I said, but she was already fast asleep. I quietly shut the door behind me and walked to my room.
I dug out the few small gifts I had hidden from her and walked down the stairs, putting the gifts under the tree. I made my way up to my room and collapsed on the bed, quickly dozing off myself.


	--**--
	

There’s nothing like being awoken in panic. One minute, I was lying peacefully on my bed, passed out. The next, there was a crazy hyper filly on my bed, talking quite loudly about something and I was on the floor, suddenly awake.
Sparkling blushed and grinned. “Good morning sleepy head!” She said, a little too enthusiastic for being so early in the morning.
I muttered something and got up with a yawn.
She sat on my bed, wagging her tail before grabbing my hoof and dragging me down the stairs. For such a little filly, when she’s excited, she’s strong.
She let go of me and dashed to the tree, her eyes practically sparkling. I staggered over to the kitchen and got something to drink, clicking the tree on on the way. The lights sparkled and danced as Sparkling sat next to the tree, looking around.
I sat down next to her and hoofed her the few presents. I leaned back and watched her open them. They weren’t anything fantastic. A new blanket, that me and Fluttershy made together, some new books that Twilight recommended, and a Mistress Mare-velous plushie that I had to hunt down.
She squeed and hugged the plushie tightly, her wings buzzing happily before turning to me. “I know it’s not much…” I said.
She football tackle hugged me, nuzzling my chest. “Are you kidding?! These are amazing! Thank you!” she exclaimed and let go, skimming the new books and pausing only to tie the blanket around her neck like a cape.
I got up and rustled her mane, getting ready to make some breakfast for the two of us. It wasn’t anything amazing, just some hashbrowns and cereal.
As I was setting the table, Sparkling silently came up behind me and tapped my side. “Leon?” she asked with something in her mouth.
I turned and saw she had a gift. “What’s this?”
She held it out and I took it and stared. I looked at her and she smiled. I raised an eyebrow and slowly unwrapped it, the edge of a picture frame slowly revealing itself.
The wrapping paper fell to the floor as I stared at the photo, my mouth open. It was a picture of me, Sparkling, and Fluttershy right after I had gotten out of the hospital. Fluttershy took us to watch comets fly by, the other girls having their own plans. Featherweight was taking pictures of the sky and must’ve gotten us by accident.
I turned to her, a smile on her face as she hugged me tightly. “Happy Hearth Warming day Leon.”
I hugged her back, a grin on my face. “Happy Hearth Warming day too kid.”