A Little Visit

by Annabelle RTH

Chapter 36

Flash’s POV

Okay, deep breaths. You know the drill.

“Ready?” I turned to see Twilight at my side. We were standing in front of her foalhood home in Canterlot. It was a two-story light gray building with blue trim. The bushes in front of the windows were delicately trimmed as expected. There was fresh snow on the ground and the neighborhood looked ready for Hearth’s Warming tomorrow. While Canterlot did not glow like the Crystal Empire, it was still a sight to see, the lights, the wreaths, the garlands, everything place to invoke the holiday spirit. This is home. Canterlot will always be home.

Home.

I smiled at Twilight, feeling a burst of confidence. “Ready.”

She smiled back and opened the door.

“Mom! Dad!” She called out as we entered. “I’m home.”

“Twilight!” A light gray unicorn with a white and light purple striped mane stepped out from the left side of the end of the entryway. Mother: Twilight Velvet. Occupation: Novelist. Loves: Her children and trying exciting activities. I repeated to myself like Twilight drilled me. She might have gone a tad overboard with the flashcards on her parents, but I did appreciate she cared enough to do this with me. Besides, it surely didn’t hurt. Velvet had come out from the living room. Up the stairs in front of us would be a few bedrooms. To the right, would be the dining room. The kitchen behind there. A study would be behind the living room. To prep for the visit, Twilight pulled a schematic for me to memorize, as well as photos of her family interacting in and out of their home.

Velvet hugged Twilight. “Welcome home Twilight.”

“Hi Mom.”

When she let Twilight go, she called out over her shoulder, “Nighty, get over here.”

“Coming Dear. Just putting the finishing touches on dinner.” Night Light called out to Velvet.

Then she turned her attention to Spike. “Welcome home Spike.” She picked him up and hugged him. I heard the Little Guy grunt slightly.

“Good to be back.” He said.

She turned to me. She gasped, “And you must be Flash Sentry. Come here, you.” Before I could respond, she had me in a bear hug with almost as much strength as Dad. Jeez.

“Uh, hello Ma’am.” I hugged her back with as minimal awkwardness as I could muster. I’m going to be feeling this in the morning. Wow. Shining Armor definitely got his strength from his mom.

“Wha-Oh, please call me Velvet.” She finally let me go and I smiled through the urge to check my wings.

“Twilight!”

“Hi Dad.”

I looked over to see a dark blue stallion with an even darker mane approach from the right side of the entryway. Father: Night Light. Occupation: Book Store Owner. Loves: His children and Bingo.

“Oh, Sweetie, it’s good to see you.” Night Light told Twilight as he hugged her.

“It’s good to see you too Dad.” She took a pause before letting her dad go.

“Spike, my boy.” He turned to Spike and hugged Spike more gently than his wife did.

“Honey, he’s here.” Velvet nudged her husband.

“I see him. I see him.” He offered his hoof. “Hello, I’m Night Light.”

I smiled and shook his hoof like my dad taught me, firm but friendly. Can’t let potential in-laws think I’m too weak to handle myself and protect my loved ones or too intimidating to be around. “I’m Flash Sentry. Good to meet you, Sir.” I said, almost like a guard.

He chuckled lightly. “No Sir here Flash. Night Light is fine.”

I nodded. “You got it.” Twilight and I thought we’d be going with a first name basis from the start but Mom and Dad… mostly Dad, instilled the Ma’am and Sir thing when meeting the parents.

“Well dinner will be ready in a bit. I hope you like eggplant parmesan.” Velvet said before corralling us into the living room. I felt magic starting to remove my winter gear and was about to take my saddle bags too.

“Wait, sorry.” I said as I held onto my bags with just enough force that I didn’t look crazy, hopefully. “My mother would kill me if something happened to these.” They looked at me funny which made me clear my throat and awkwardly chuckle while I rubbed the back of my head. “Heh, my family was pretty insistent um, Happy Hearth’s Warming.” I pulled out three lively decorated packages.

“This one’s for you two.” I held out the green one with the polka dotted ribbon.

“Oh.” Velvet responded.

“From my family to you.” I told them.

“That’s so kind.” Night Light responded.

“Thank you.” They said together. I smiled and saw Velvet whisper something in Night Light’s ear. He nodded and whispered back. Hm.

“This one’s for you Twilight.” The red one with golden swirls.

“But, you already gave me my gift.” She said as I held it out to her.

“This one’s from my family. Ruby said she helped pick it out.”

We exchanged gifts last week since we knew we’d be with our families for the Holidays. I got Twilight a copy of Ruby’s first story that I hoof bound myself. I had Ruby sign the title page. Twilight gave me a book, a collection of short stories taking place in a dystopian world. I gave Spike a comic book he’d been on the lookout for. Spike gave me a gem he carved himself to look like my cutie mark. Didn’t hurt that he got to eat a good chunk of the gem he started with. Still, it was oddly sweet, and it was pretty great representation. I gotta admit, he’s pretty skillful when he wants to be.

“And they didn’t forget you Spike.” I gave him a blue one with a white bow.

“All right. Thanks.” I smiled, seeing the excitement on his face. He’s a pretty special little guy. A little too confidant for his own good sometimes but he’s not bad… like a little brother…

“Welcome.”

“We’ll be sure to send them a thank you card.” Twilight responded.

“I think they’d appreciate it.” I told her.

“Well, I’m going to grab us some drinks.” Velvet stated as she made her way towards the dining room which led to the kitchen. “Sit, sit please. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Night Light led us into the living room. I saw a set of chairs with a love seat between them. A striped, green couch was on the other side of the round coffee table that was in the middle of the room. The home felt warm with all the decorations everywhere. The garlands on the fireplace had ribbons twirled into them. I could see the spot where they planned to set their Hearth’s Warming dolls. I saw bows, lights and knick-knacks all meticulously set up around the room. I saw a dark brown display case filled with rewards and one shelf was dedicated to family photos. Exactly what I expected from the Sparkles.

Night Light immediately sat in one of the recliners. Spike, Twilight and I took the couch.

“So, Twilight mentioned you’re a guard at the Crystal Empire.”

Here we go.

“I am. I transferred there earlier this year.”

“Ha, how’s our son treating you and your comrades?”

“About what you’d expect. He’s always been fair and pushes us to be our best.”

“Oh good.” Velvet said as she walked in. “I’m glad to hear that.” She handed us glasses of cider. I didn’t want to mention the whole protective big brother thing. I’d rather forget it and Twilight has mentioned the Velvet can be pretty protective of Shining. Rather not deal with a mom going into Mama Bear mode. Or come off as a scared colt or rude.

“You’re originally from Canterlot yourself, right?”

“Yup, born and raised. But we lived closer to the outskirts of the city. Mom and Dad liked the idea of a lawn and backyard.” I set my mug down on a coaster just as Mom has in her own way drilled into me. I went ahead and pulled out a small album from my saddle bag. Mom was also insistent I take a small album with me. I set it down on the coffee table and turned it right side up for Twilight’s parents.

“My mom Posey Click, my Dad Bold Striker and their prized peach tree.”

Mom always said, “Nothing’s better than going through an album with friends.” Not sure if I’d ever really become friends with Twilight’s parents but we should at least be pretty close… be on friendly terms.

I went through the album pointing out my family members and a few memories. It was a short one. Didn’t want to turn this visit into a one-sided conversation. Velvet and Night Light seemed entertained though. So far, no actual lulls and everypony had a smile on their face.

Velvet clapped her hooves and got up from her seat to go through the bookshelf near the fireplace.

“Since we’re going through albums…”

Now, I was expecting the baby pictures… not the vacation photos where Velvet shows off a dare devil, adrenaline junkie side. Not something you’d expect from a novelist but honestly totally cool. You don’t meet too many moms who are this adventurous. My mom sure enough wouldn’t do something like this. Experiment with food sure, a round of paintball war maybe, but not sky diving.

“Oh, here’s the first time I went hang gliding, remember Dear?”

“How could I forget. The cliff you jumped from was unbelievably symmetrical.”

“You really should’ve joined me. The views were breathtaking.”

Ding!

That’s dinner.

I helped set up the table as I do and I felt Twilight’s folks watching me. I was used to the heat of attention that normally comes from this kind of visit, but I didn’t feel heat, it was more like a mist that was pretty cooling actually. I could hear them whisper but couldn’t tell what they were saying. I heard some giggling from the kitchen before Velvet and Night Light came out into the dining room.

“Who’s hungry?” Velvet smiled as she brought over a glass dish in her magic. Night Light had some rolls and butter in his magic.

“Twilight, can you bring in the green beans and carrots?” Night Light asked.

“Sure,” Twilight left for the kitchen.

“Sit Flash.” Velvet told me as she set the dish down in the middle of the dining table.

I waited to see where Twilight and I would be placed. The table seated six and there were five of us. Two couples and one sibling. That, and I’m supposed to wait until Twilight is seated first. Mom and Dad prepped me before I met up with Twilight. Not as long or as enduring like normal but they got a few points across before I was out the door. While I’m an adult and don’t have to do what they say… I don’t know, I couldn’t help it. Plus, it’s harmless and they’ve never steered me wrong. In a way, it was kind of nice, a little embarrassing but I could deal with it. I just miss them.

Anyway, when Twilight walked back in with two bowls of sides, I got behind a set of chairs. She set down the dishes and I pulled out the chair for her.

“Thank you Flash.”

She smiled her sweet smile at me while I sat down myself and noticed Twilight’s parents smiling at us. I knew they were watching the whole time but they both seemed… awfully excited… this giddiness can’t be genetic. Princess Cadence is related to them by marriage. Still…

This… is different. I’ve never met parents who were this enthusiastic about meeting the boyfriend before. I knew they’d be friendly and excited to meet me but this… was bordering on creepy… Think. Think.

“So… Velvet,” I started as she started to serve the dish.

“Hmm?” She focused on me.

“What’s left on your bucket list?”

And she could not contain herself. For a hot second, I really thought I was actually talking to Pinkie Pie. She and Night Light had some new plans to climb some pyramids in the Tenochitlan River Basin. Night Light was excited to see the ruins because of their precise placement, symmetry and historical context. Velvet was excited to climb and explore a piece of history. Both were excited to get in some culture. Velvet was more on board with trying new food than Night Light was. I was a little familiar with the kind of cuisine they’d see around there so I gave them a few options to look out for. Certain fried and grilled foods should go down easy.

“So yeah, it’s basically a pocket of corn dough filled with sauce and some veggies, and it’s wrapped in corn leaves. Can get a little spicy though.”

“Oh, that actually does sound good.” Night Light commented.

“I’ve tried to make it, but I can’t get the ratio of the spices right and making the dough takes forever.”

Twilight patted my shoulder. “You’ll get there, Flash.” She smiled reassuringly at me. I couldn’t help but smile back at her. It’s not that big of a deal really, but it was nice to hear some words of faith. And of course, I love seeing her smile. It’s a given that her smile brightens up my day… as corny as that sounds.

“I’m thinking I’ll find a shop here that has the dough premade and see how that works.”

“Great, I love eating the trial batches.” Spike said. “Especially, after you got your deep fryer.”

“Which…” I started as I scolded him gently like my mother would me and my sisters.

“Which I’m not allowed to use without supervision. I know, I know.” He made a face that told me he was annoyed but he understood why I wanted him to reiterate our agreement.

“Good.” I said, satisfied.

“Oh my, what happened there?” Velvet asked.

“I experimented with some gems and made a bit of a mess.”

“A bit?!” I cocked my head and eyed him. “The oil managed to reach my ceiling.” I pointed up and noticed the guilty look on Spike. For a second, he looked like Ruby. I felt a pangin my heart that I had only ever felt with Ruby and Cardinal. I let out a breath. Just like with Ruby, I can’t stay mad too long. “We’re really lucky you don’t burn easily Spike,” I said, bringing myself down from scolding older brother to caring older brother.

“Mm-hm. You gave us quite a scare there for a moment Spike.” Twilight said.

“I know… and again I’m sorry.” He looked away for a moment.

I placed my hoof on his shoulder. “It’s okay Spike, you live and learn. The important thing is you didn’t get hurt.”

He looked at me and he smiled a small smile. He was starting to feel better about this whole deal, and I was glad about that. He is still a baby dragon, so a few hiccups were in order. It wasn’t a fun mess to clean, but he was a pretty good set of claws in the kitchen.

“And hey, you’re still my favorite sou chef.” I ruffled his scales.

“Hey!” He shook his head and pulled away from me. We had a small laugh.

The rest of the dinner went by pretty well, I’d say. We finished up and I helped clear the table. I walked into the kitchen when Velvet turned around from the fridge and said, “So Flash, Twilight says you have an affinity for ice cream.”

“I do…” I said as I placed the dishes in the sink where Night Light was prepping the dishes for a soak. Did they-

“Well, we thought some sundaes would make for a great desert.” She beamed, as she pulled a few tubs of ice cream from the freezer.

Wait!

“Those are from Sprinkles! That’s my favorite ice cream shop in the entire city.”

She giggled.

“Would anypony like desert now?” Night Light asked.

We all gave a no in our own ways after a bit of debate. I was too full for a sundae and if I was going to dive into some ice cream from Sprinkles, I wanted to really dive in. My family and I would go that place maybe once a week in the summer. And even when it got cold out, we couldn’t help ourselves but to go. Ruby and I loved trying out the seasonal flavors and each year is just a little different.

“Later then.” Velvet concluded. “When do you need to head back to your home, Flash?”

“Oh, whenever really.” I don’t have a curfew… anymore. Coming home does make me feel like a kid again… a teenager really… meeting my girlfriend’s parents for the first time, them prepping me just before I left, my family wishing me luck.

“Still, with the holidays, we wouldn’t want to keep you away from your family.” She replied.

“Ah, no worries, really.” I reassured them.

We went back to the living room to talk more. This time, Velvet did bring out foal photos and not just Twilight’s either. I saw Twilight, Shining Armor and Spike at their most adorable and most embarrassing and some sweet moments.

There was one where a young Shining Armor held a young Twilight who held a newly hatched Spike. Mom would call it picture perfect. It’s funny, knowing these guys and dating the mare this filly grew up to be. Seeing how much they changed through the photos and the stories. It’s hard to believe the colt who refused to eat peas turned into my commanding officer. Or the young dragon who used to suck on his tail turned into a capable assistant. Or the little filly there lifting a book bigger than she is grew into a Princess of Equestria. It was like getting a crash course in this family all over again with more laughs.

We got around to the sundaes eventually. Twilight and I decided to share one. I let her eat most of the vanilla since it’s her favorite.

“Well, sorry to cut the fun short but I should probably get going.” I said after I noticed the time.

“Oh, hold on a moment. You should take some leftovers.” Velvet said as she stepped back into the kitchen. I wanted to object but then I remembered my parents’ prepping. She took the time and she wanted to share so accept it as gift.

Night Light got up and lead us into the main hallway of their home. I got my winter gear on while we chatted a bit. Velvet rushed in with the leftover packed up in her magic.

“Here you go.” She tucked the leftovers into my saddle bag with her magic.

“Thanks, and thanks for having me.” I said with a smile. Always show appreciation for company.

“It was good to finally meet you, Flash.” Night Light said as he extended his hoof towards me.

“Same here, Night Light.” I shook his hoof like before.

Velvet pulled me into a tight hug. Yup, definitely going to feel this in the morning. I hugged her back readily, now seeing how much of a hugger she is.

“Don’t be a stranger. And wish your family a happy Hearth’s Warming from us, okay?”

“Will do.”

She let out a slight happy sigh when she finally let me go. I resisted the urge to flex my wings and smiled. I didn’t want to worry her… as a mother does.

I turned to Spike and said, “See ya later Little Buddy.” I picked him up and hugged him.

“Wha-, uh, yeah. See ya Flash.” I felt him struggle at first, but he caved and hugged me back. We usually just bump claw and hoof but… it was the holidays and to be honest, I’ve actually gotten pretty attached to the little guy. I don’t always see him when Twilight visits but when he’s around, he’s actually pretty fun. He and Ruby surely got along when we dropped by. Actually, I’ve been getting letters from him, and we manage to talk games, comics, and graphic novels. We’re thinking of getting together for a one shot of Ogres and Oubliettes with Big Mac.

“I’ll see you out.” Twilight said.

We said a final set of goodbyes and then, Twilight and I stepped out. We walked down the short pathway to the sidewalk before turning towards each other. Out of the corner of my eye I could see some movement from the bay window. They’re watching. I chuckled to myself. They’re excited, a little overzealous but harmless.

“So, I think it’s going well.”

“What do you mean is?” She looked at me with a cocked eyebrow.

I nodded my head slightly towards the window. She took a quick look at the window and giggled.

“I think it’s going well too.”

She took a step towards me, and I followed her lead. We kissed for a few seconds, and I could feel the initial chill from the cold fade. I swear I could hear a squeal coming from the house. When we parted, I tried not to laugh at her mom’s response. But I couldn’t help but smile. I started to wonder of Cadence got all gossipy with her in laws.

“I guess that means she approves.” I said with a goofy smile on my face.

She smiled and said, “They both do. You really impressed them with your travels and culinary knowledge. And you were just as patient as always. Even when my dad went on and on about symmetry.”

“I only know of one other pony who could go on and on about a headdress.”

She cocked her eyebrow at me before realizing who I was talking about. Her eyes got big, and she flushed.

“It’s a compliment Twilight. I like listening to you talk and seeing how your face lights up when you go into detail.”

She smiled nervously and a blush grew on her face. I placed my hoof on top of hers when the wind picked up. Suddenly, I remembered how cold it was outside.

“Okay, you better get inside. I’ll see you… eh, hopefully before the foal is born.”

“Hopefully, but Cadence’s due date isn’t too far away.”

“Fair enough.”

We said our final goodbyes and shared a quick kiss before I flew home. I mentally started to prep for everything my family was going to throw at me. Every time I go and meet the parents, they bombard me with questions that I can’t even answer because they won’t let me. They talk over each other, and I get a small migraine from trying to focus on everything at once. I’ve managed to cross my eyes every single time.

---

As soon as I stepped on the front porch, the door opened, and they pulled me in. I closed my eyes and tried to tune them out. Need to let them tire themselves out and then I can tell them what happened.

Dad noticed what I was doing and promptly struck his hoof down. “Attention, Flash Sentry!”

Hearing that tone, I automatically saluted and replied, “Sir, yes Sir.”

Before I realized what had happened, Dad chuckled and said, “Good to have you back Flash.”

I groaned. “You know that really shouldn’t work as well as it does.” Dad ran us like he did guards under his commands… in the most loving way that Mom allowed. She kept Dad from turning us each into a mini guard as children. Any time my sisters and I got out of hoof, all he had to do was holler “Attention!” I’ve never seen it fail… not even after we left the nest.

“It’s the trademark of the family.” Cardinal reminded me. “It’ll work until the day we die.”

Ruby agreed with “Mm-hm.”

“So…” My mom bounced on her hooves. “Tell us, how’d it go?”

I smiled and said, “Great.” I walked into the living room, expecting them to follow me. They started to press me for details, and I sat on the couch.

“Aw come on, you’re killing us.” Cardinal said. “Look at Mom and Ruby.” I refused, knowing what awaited me was a mom and sister near tears with pouting faces. They were not above begging.

I smiled and chuckled. “All right.” In all honesty, I just wanted to get comfy. This was going to be a while. They hung on my every word and congratulated me when I finished.

Suddenly, Ruby gasped, and we all turned to her. “Oh, and look at what they sent us.” I let out a breath in time for Ruby to pull me towards the dining room. On the table was a set of cupcakes that were arranged and decorated to look like a wreath.

That’s what they were whispering about.

“I can’t wait to eat them tomorrow.” Ruby gleamed.

“I get the one with the red bow.” Cardinal told us.

“Then I get a bell.” Ruby responded.

“Then I get the other bell,” I proclaimed feeling like a total kid. It’s like I never left.

“Not before I get a picture with all of us together.” Mom reminded us.

“Yes, Mom.” We responded in perfect unity.

“Now how about a story?” Dad asked with a book in his hoof. We all knew which one.

“You mean the one about Grandpa Steel-” Ruby started.

“And his reunion with Grandma Magenta?” Cardinal finished.

“As is tradition.” Dad nodded.

I heard a sniffle and we all turned towards Mom. As soon as I saw the tears, right on que, I started to tear up too.

“Awe, Ma…” I wiped eyes knowing a few tears would fall.

“I can’t help it, it’s so beautiful.” I tear fell from her face.

“I’ll get the tissues.” Cardinal said, exasperated.

Dad wrapped a wing around Mom and kissed her cheek.

“I’m fine. Really.” She wiped her eyes.

“Wouldn’t be Hearth’s Warming if you didn’t cry at least once.” Cardinal said in the just slightly annoyed way that she does. She held the tissue box out to Mom who took it some tissues and dried her tears.

“Thank you Dear.”

“You sure you can handle the story tonight, Mom?” Ruby asked.

“Yes. Yes. I’ll just… I’ll just keep these close.”

“Which means you’ll need these.” Cardinal pushed a box of tissues into my chest. I waited for her to call me Mr. Cry Baby but after a few seconds of her staring at me I realized she was expecting something from me.

“Oh, thanks Cardinal.”

“Welcome.” She nodded.

“Come on everypony, in the living room.”

We followed Mom and Dad out into the living room and took our places around Mom and Dad who sat in their rocking chairs. With Ruby in the middle, Cardinal and I flanked her. She had the floor cushions custom made for us when we were kids. We listened to Dad read from the printed version of Grandpa Steels journal.

It’s good to be home.

Author's Note:

Happy Holidays everypony. I know it’s late. I tricked myself into thinking I had already posted this one las week.

Hopefully the way I wrote Twilight’s parents is fair… we really only had an episode and a few snap shots to work with.

Next time, Flurry Heart is born. I know I’m off with the season. When I started this, I really thought they would announce the pregnancy in season 4 and the baby would be here in season 5. So, I’m just going with it. Starlight and Sunburst will not come into play.

Anyway, happy reading.

Comments

[HarryBuilder]

actually, it's still kinda early for Christmas since it's still two weeks away.

but Happy holidays all the same.

[RambleGaze]

you know, that new castle of twilight's is awfully big for just a pony and a dragon. perhaps twilight should get her own team of royal guards *hint hint*

[Annabelle RTH]

11109639
I've been playing with the idea. It's been done a lot but at the same time it's a logical turn of events so... we'll see.

[Annabelle RTH]

11080603
... Happy late Holidays... or maybe still holidays... there was New Year's and Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter and other's still coming up.