> A Hearthswarming Special
>  by Haunter_Rayne
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Heartswarming Eve
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Hearthswarming Special 
By Haunter Rayne
A Holiday Oneshot

“Whooee, it's cold out there!” Applejack shouted as she stepped inside with the frost coated door swinging closed behind her. Shaking the white powder from her shoulders she was now happy to be in the warmth of the newly constructed Community Hall. Taking off her snow cap and replacing it with her usual cowgirl hat, she took a proud look around at the building's craftsmanship. It was a large structure, much bigger than the original town hall but it had more of a rustic feel to it. The general design was wide and long; more like an auditorium building but it still had a homey feel since it was designed for parties and celebrations. The aesthetic made it look like a giant version of a cozy wood cottage and it had not one but two large fireplaces burning brightly near each end of the common space.

Inside there were about a dozen or so ponies already helping to setup for the night's Hearth Warming Eve party. Tables were arranged so they could easily be moved in and out so that the entire population of Ponyville could be accommodated. Decorative trees, giant model present boxes, and other decorations were arranged in a way to give the feel of smaller rooms within the larger open space. That way smaller groups of friends could gather together and let everyone come and go as they pleased. 

That was where Rarity was standing, working diligently on the decor. Looking over to see who had just arrived her face lit up as she saw her old friend. “Applejack! I'm so glad that you could make it! With this freak blizzard that has come in I was worried that you would have too much to do at Sweet Apple Acres to come.”

“Aww shucks Rarity, you know I wouldn't miss being here with ya'll.” She said with a smile. But before she could continue she gave a heavy shudder from the cold. “S-so, is there anything that I can do to lend-d a hoof aroun-’ here?” She saw that there were cider stands set around for preparing warm cider for the guests. There were also large doors in the back leading to a massive soup kitchen with entrees that need to be passed around.

But Rarity’s care for her friend far outweighed even her design planning for the party. “Oh but you're freezing! Goodness darling, please. Let's get you out of that cold wet coat. Come over with me, I have just the thing for you.”

“Aww Rarity, come on now. You know that I don't-”

“A-tut tut tut tut!” Rarity interrupted Applejack's complaining and she led her friend over to one of the fireplaces. “I know how you feel about fashion and frilly fru fru outfits. But this is not what I'm showing you.” Then taking her friends damp snow coat to hang it up next to the drippy garments of other guests, she led the way to a small mountain of boxes. “Here we are. I had these specially commissioned all the way from Canterlot and I should have enough for every guest who arrives, assuming there aren't too many new faces who show from out of town.”

Using her magic to pull from an already opened box, Applejack saw a very soft looking fur coat of sorts being levitated toward her. “What… is this Rarity?” She asked giving it a poke with her hoof.

“Oh for heaven sakes Applejack! It's not a cragodil that's going to eat you, it's a coat that I'm offering to keep my friend warm!” Rarity said with a huff as she waited for Applejack to take it.

Giving an apologetic smile the orange pony slipped her hooves into the sleeves and felt the material slide over her back. “Well I'll say... this here's softer than than a down pillow filled with goose feathers.”

Rarity raised a proud chin and smiled. “I'm glad you like it. It's the latest design in faux fur. It's meant to give that same soft cuddly feel of holding a rabbit with their tender coat but no need to worry. It's all completely synthetic, no actual rabbits are harmed in the making of these outfits.”

Just then another familiar voice spoke up sounding as if deeply worried. “Oh why I certainly hope not. I do love these new coats. They're so warm and soft, but it would be just terrible thinking about any poor little bunny or critter being harmed in the name of pony comfort.” Fluttershy stepped up to join them after having just spent time helping in the kitchen. The yellow pegasus approaching was already wearing one of Rarity's new outfits but had the sleeves rolled all the way up from recently cooking.

Rarity collapsed her rear to the polished wooden floor crying out, “Fluttershy please! For the millionth time! They are fake!”

“Hehe, just checking.” Fluttershy giggled and Rarity just palmed herself in the face from hearing that exact line for the sixth time already this evening.

Suddenly there was a loud gasp as a pink blur zoomed back and forth through the crowd. “AAHHH! FRIEND PILE!!!!!!” Then Pinkie Pie leapt into the air crashing Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and herself into the pile of boxes. There were several concerned voices in the room as box after box fell from overheard. But everypony gave a sigh of relief as Pinkie Pie emerged screaming, “Whoo hoo!”

One at a time the other three slowly climbed out from the avalanche of spilled coats as Rarity whined, “Pinkie, really. I had these all nice and organized by size for everypony.”

Taking that as her cue to leave Applejack chuckled and climbed out as best she could. “Heh, well I think I'll go find somewhere else to make myself useful. Thanks for the coat Rarity. It's mighty comfortable.”

Rarity just blew her mane out of her face and waved. But then she gasped loudly saying, “Oh no, oh my… there was a yellow box! A special one for the students… Where is it?!” She shouted as she attempted to sort through the mess.

“You mean this one?” Asked a voice from above her. Looking into the air she saw the young dragon Smolder holding one of the cardboard boxes but this one had a yellow embroidery on it.

Rarity beamed before saying, “Oh Smolder, good going!”

Flying down she chuckled saying, “I saw what happened and originally flew over to try to help you teachers. But this box caught my eye and I knew it wouldn't look different from the others unless it was special for some reason.”

Rarity smiled as she took the box from Smolder. “Oh it is. Very special indeed. But not just to me. It will be special for you too later on this evening.”

“What?! Is that a present for me?!” She shouted excitedly making a few others look over.

“Well yes, you and your friends. I wanted to do something special for my favorite students this year because I think you six have more than earned it. But you'll just have to wait until a little later before you can open it.” Rarity said teasingly. Leaning down to whisper she said, “I had some of these coats made in custom sizes for each of you and your friends. And you'll be able to recognize yours easily because you will have the only one with a pretty pink inner lining that's just for you!”

The dragon's eyes lit up with excitement. But just then a pale green colt called over to with a smile. “Hey, get back here and help us before Ocellus can escape!” Sandbar shouted. The group of them were playing in an area with giant fake candy canes pretending it was a prison.

- Not Long After Nightfall -

The party was now in full swing with most of Ponyville and even a few out of towners all gathered in celebration. Music was playing throughout the hall, the smells of pastries and different seasonal foods were filling the air, and ponies laughed that Rarity's coats had become almost like a uniform for the party. All over different groups of friends were huddled together chatting away while Pinkie was leading a winter conga line near the fireplaces. “Best, Hearts Warming Eve, EVAR!!!”

Over towards the entrance a special area was marked off for unicorns to teleport into so they could avoid the storm outside. But just then a special surprise appearance from Celestia and Luna definitely drew everyone's attention.

“Hello, yes hello there everypony.” Celestia said as she waved.

“Yes, it is us. We have come to join in Hearth's Warming Eve with all of you.” Luna added. Then the expected greeting of every pony who wanted to say hi to them ensued. Whispering so the endless crowd would not hear, Luna groaned through her forced smile, “Are you sure it was a good idea for BOTH of us to come? We are leaving the castle unprotected by doing this you know.”

Whispering back through a smile much more poised and practiced, “Oh stop it sister. The castle is fine. The guards know their duties and you know that ‘he’ would never allow anything to harm Equestria. Especially tonight.”

“You're speaking of the Shadow of Equestria I presume?” Luna whispered knowingly, giving just a hint of sarcasm. “The unseen one who protects Equestria, the lands, its inhabitants, and…”

“...You.” Celestia said pointedly, making no attempt to hide that she was teasing her sister.

“Stop making it sound as if…” She hushed herself for accidentally scaring Mrs. Cake who had been shaking her hoof.

Celestia chuckled as she whispered again. “What? You mean he's not your boyfriend?” Celestia had to hold back from laughing outright at the enraged look on Luna's face.

“Well I'm a little old to be having a special somepony, don't you think?!” Luna hissed.

“Nope.” Big Mac said as he had been greeting them now at just that moment. Luna blushed and nodded before saying hello and letting him pass.

While this was happening a few ponies noticed the princesses had seemed to have brought something with them. Behind them were two very big bags of unknown contents which had teleported in with them.

Looking over to see that one of Twilight’s friends was finally nearby, Celestia excused herself to step over to Fluttershy who was helping to pass out snacks. Beckoning her over, Celestia whispered, “There are foals here at the party tonight, correct?”

Fluttershy gasped and said, “Oh yes! Why we've had quite a lot of them this year. Their poor parents have been having a hard time trying to keep them under control, what with all the excitement of Hearts Warming you see.”

“I think we can help with that.” Celestia said with a smile. “Have you started the gift exchange yet?”

Fluttershy looked around before uneasily saying, “Well, no… but I'm sure that if you wanted to start with the little, little ones then that would be okay.”

Celestia just nodded and gave her a wink. Then after rejoining her sister she cleared her throat and called out. “Attention, everyone. May I please have your attention? Seeing as this is the biggest Hearth's Warming Eve party that Ponyville has ever had, Princess Luna and I have decided to give a very special gift to all of the fillies and colts as well as their parents who are here this evening!” Several in the crowd murmured approvingly.

Luna now took up the big reveal. “We, my sister and I, would like nothing more than to spend this evening tending to the little ones this night. As princesses we rarely get to involve ourselves with the daily lives of the citizens we care so deeply for. This also allows the parents the night off, as it were, so that you may really enjoy yourselves while knowing that your foals are in capable hooves.”

There were several cheers from older and younger ponies alike. As parents began to bring their wee ones forward, Celestia stepped beside her sister and whispered, “You did wonderfully addressing eveypony, little sister.”

Feeling a little stunned by this Luna's eyes widened, “Thank you sister.”

Using her wings to try to separate the foals from younger and older, Celestia went on to say, “Don't look now, but I see a lot of happy faces who are glad to have their princess here tonight. And I'm certainly not talking about myself.”

Luna looked out hearing both their names, together and separately, being praised from the crowd. Then to Luna's surprise a young colt suddenly hugged her leg as he looked up at her. “Hi there. I'm sorry that I don't know you yet. But you're a nice lady.”

Her heart melted at seeing the innocence of a child and she began ushering the little ponies to the end of the hall where she knelt down before them. Finding it difficult to contain her own excitement Luna eagerly asked, “Okay, so who wants presents?!”

“YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!” All the little ones shouted in unison.

Celestia looked on and smiled, seeing the praise and attention her sister was getting. “She needs this.” She thought to herself. “No, she deserves this. She always deserved this.” She said solemnly. But then she laughed seeing Luna get completely dogpiled by a group of youngsters scrambling for the presents bag. After that was resolved, the golden leader of Equestria spent her time tending to the smaller foals who were still near their infancy.  

- Outside in Ponyville, Not Far Away -

“Brrrrrrr ooh why did I think that traveling here by hoof was a good idea?!” Said a mysterious mare who held fast to her winter coat. She was tall for a pony but traveled with her hood covering her face. “There's no scenic view to be had when everything is white!” She grumbled in an attempt to keep herself warm. Looking onwards as she trudged through the snowy outskirts of Ponyville, she saw that she was not the only one who seemed to be a late arrival to the party. Couples held each other by the hoof as they raced toward the large building on the edge of town. Just then in fact, a small colt came running through the snow and almost slammed right into her.

He was a skinny little pegasus with brown hair and a yellowish gray coat. He seemed a little surprised to run into someone and then shuddered as he was not properly dressed to be playing in the snow. “Oops, I'm sorry miss.”

Feeling concerned for the foal out all by himself she asked, “Oh my, what are you doing out here, in this cold?” Quickly she brushed some of the snow from his shoulders and fluffed him up a bit.

He looked up at her and stated the obvious, as children often do. “Well, it's Hearth's Warming Eve. Everyone is getting together for a big party and I was on my way there. I guess I was in a bit of a hurry.”

Just then two grown pegasi came hovering along through the streets shouting, “Featherweight! Featherweight!”

Recognizing the obvious similarities, the mare pointed and said, “Back right now with your parents, little colt.”

He nodded and as the two approached the boy's mother wrapped her wings around him tightly. “Oh Featherweight! You shouldn't just take off like that. You worried your father and I sick and you didn't even take your coat with you.” The mysterious mare smiled seeing the touching reunion which made her think of her own children. But then Featherweight’s mother took notice of the stranger and said, “Oh, hello there. Are you the one who found our son? Thank you for stopping him so that we could catch up.”

Then the boy's father stepped forward to shake her hoof. “Really, thank you again. Hey, I can't help but notice that you seem to be out here on your own.”

The mare's lips could be seen smiling awkwardly from beneath her hood. “I…. thought it would be nice to take the scenic route and walk here instead of taking the train… like a normal pony. I mean, Canterlot isn't THAT far from Ponyville. And winter can be so beautiful this time of year. I thought I could use the exercise and…”

“Goodness, you walked here from Canterlot?! In this weather? Dear you must be freezing!” Featherweight’s mother said, her voice heavy with maternal instinct and worry.

Extending out a wing her husband politely offered, “Please, if you aren't already meeting somepony then you're welcome to sit down and share a table inside with us. Let's go together and get warm inside. I'm sure you're also hungry from making such a trip.” The mysterious mare nodded happily and they walked together the short rest of the way. Featherweight’s father turned and asked, “Oh and I don't think we got your name there.”

“Oh, forgive me. It's Spring… Spring Beauty.”

- Back in the Community Hall -

“Oh come on! This is taking… forever!” Rainbow Dash complained as Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Starlight sat with her in a little section decorated with gingerbread houses. “How long are they going to take to get here?!” She then brought her tankard of cider up to her lips and accidentally gave herself a foam mustache from the frothy drink.

Starlight raised an eyebrow as she awkwardly said, “Um, I just got finished telling all of you. Twilight and Spike were right behind me. Twilight was just checking the list of gifts that she wanted to bring… again.”

As the front door opened on the far side of the room Applejack chuckled and elbow nudged Starlight in the side. “Uh, yeah. I don't think that it's Twilight that Dashy is waiting on.”

The group looked over to see Maud Pie stepping in but with a shimmering barrier encircled around her. She didn't even have a coat on but was perfectly dry as if not a flake of snow had touched her on the walk over. “Thank you Rayne. That was very sweet of you to keep me warm like that.” She said in her usual monotone voice but with a small genuine smile on her lips.

Walking right in behind her, a large unicorn shaped clump of snow strolled in with just a single silvery horn emerging from the top. Shaking himself off, a tall dark stallion was revealed beneath whose long black mane hung handsomely from his head. “Don't worry about it. You know the cold doesn't bother me anyway.”

After clearing his mane and coat of snow he tried using his magic to push most of it back outside. However, that was when he suddenly noticed that somepony else had appeared right beside him. “Hi Rayne.” Rainbow Dash said, trying to play it cool but still being way too obvious about her desire to get close to him. Rarity and Fluttershy gasped because they hadn't even seen when Dash had left from sitting right beside them.

With a warm smile Rayne turned to his friend saying, “Hi Rainbow, I'm happy to see you. I assume the gang's all here?” He asked, seeing most of their usual friends but noticing a few faces were missing.

Rainbow Dash suddenly snapped out of her stupor from looking at his long wet hair dripping down his stallion frame. “Huh? Oh yeah, Spike is with Twilight who is obsessing over her lists again. But enough about them. You wanna come over and sit by the fire to dry off? Or would you like to get some cider?” She asked excitedly until she noticed that she was suddenly sliding backwards. “HEY!”

Applejack was behind her now and was pulling Rainbow Dash by the tail back to the gingerbread area. “Come on now. We're all happy to see Rayne and it'll be a long night that you get to spend together. But how's about you let him get cozied in first before you get to thinking that he's just here to see you.”

Rainbow just dropped her bottom to the floor and pouted as she was dragged away. Rayne smiled and waved to Rarity, Starlight and Fluttershy knowing he'd stop over to see them soon. But before that he turned back to Maud who he had come with. “Alright so, what would you like to do first?” He offered like a real gentlepony.

Maud looked around before saying, “It looks like Princess Luna is here this evening.”

“Wh-what?” Rayne asked, certainly not having expected that to be her answer.

“She's in the corner over there with Celestia.” She pointed out. Looking over, they saw Luna surrounded by a group of foals of various ages. She had two little fillies climbed on her back, one little colt she seemed to be playing hoof wrestle with, and all the while also using her magic to levitate toys around for a few others. But what Rayne noticed most was the overjoyed smile on her face. He sighed, taking a moment to appreciate how happy she looked. “So are you going to ask her tonight?” Maud asked, startling Rayne back to his senses.

“Ah come on. You know that I always do.” He said sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his neck. Out of every mare in Equestria it was Luna who had snared his heart most deeply. Even though every time he expressed his feelings for her, the only response she had given him was to simply run away.

Maud just gave him her imperceptible stare before saying, “And I also know you, that if you really got serious and tried, that you would have an answer from her by now.”

“Maybe…” He admitted softly as he took another glance back to the princess. “Maybe, but not right now. She's having fun. I don't want to interrupt.” He faltered when Maud just continued to stare at him and he knew that had been a lame excuse to not just walk up and say hi to Luna like he wanted to.

“Boulder and I are going to go get some cider. See you over with Pinkie and our friends a little later?” She asked before she stepped forward to wrap a hoof around him in an affectionate hug. Then she trotted off as Rayne turned to inspect the rest of the party.

“Wow, this is really something else. First this place makes a killer haunted house for Nightmare Night and now it's the best holiday hall a pony could ask for during Hearth's Warming Eve.” Rayne had finally gotten used to the outward monologuing that just seemed to happen to everyone in this land. It had been about six months ago when he suddenly woke up in this fantasy cartoon world with no explanation as to how he had gotten here. But he had certainly made a life for himself, making close friends and fighting to protect them on several occasions so far. However as he looked around, he did notice that there seemed to be a bit of a commotion stirring over by one of the buffet tables.

“Wow, did you see the eyes on that unicorn? Canterlot mares really are just the best.” Rayne couldn't help but overhear the conversation of two stallions who broke away from where the group had gathered.

“Haha, you weren't looking at her eyes flyboy. There's no way that a sophisticated mare like that would be interested in a shortstop like you. You've gotta be close to half her age, she's not looking for what you got. Trust me.” The earth pony stallion said to his pegasus friend.

Brushing the comment off the proud pony stretched his wings upward saying, “Hey don't be like that. I'm trying out for the Wonderbolt Reserves you know. That's sure to impress her.” His companion just rolled his eyes as the two walked passed the dark stallion who had been listening to them.

After stepping closer Rayne finally caught a glimpse of who they were talking about. From over the shoulders of nearly a dozen other ponies, Rayne saw what appeared to be a unicorn who he'd certainly never seen in Ponyville before. She had a long dark brown mane over a delicate coat of rosey beige. The other stallions had been correct as she was definitely not a young mare like Twilight or her friends. But she reminded Rayne more of Luna who had a refined beauty which had only grown as the years went by. The features of her face had matured with a sense of allure that only wisdom and experience are able to give. The way in which she carried herself and moved her hooves while speaking showed a grace that younger unicorns just didn't normally possess.

As he approached Rayne saw that she was wrapped up in a long overcoat which was certainly not one of Rarity’s. It draped around her shoulders like a blanket and covered down the full length of her back. But that did serve to frame her face in more of a picturesque sort of style. 

Rayne could also not help but notice as she was being backed up against an entree table behind her while pony after pony tried to get close enough to talk with her. “Welcome to Ponyville.” “It's so nice to have somepony visit us all the way from Canterlot.” “What brings a sight for sore eyes like you all the way out to a nothing to see place like this?”

She smiled and nodded but didn't get a chance to respond before another stallion said, “My name is Hard Hat and it's a pleasure to meet you Miss Beauty.” A large dark blue stallion said, clearly trying to lay on his rustic charm.

“Oh, I am delighted to meet you. But please, just Spring is fine.” She said in a genuinely kind voice.

Pushing passed the crowd, another stallion who Rayne knew very well said, “And I am Filthy Rich, the main proprietor of this here fine town.” He flashed the pale unicorn a charismatic smile. “In place of our dear Mayor Mare who is off helping to get tonight's festivities underway, I would like welcome you to Ponyville. And in that interest, I would also like-”

“To remember that you're married?!” Called a short tempered voice from Spoiled Rich behind him.

“Oh, now darling, I wasn't going to-” He began but was cut off again.

“Save it!” She snapped and then reached out to pull him away through the crowd while a few onlookers laughed.

As soon as he was gone though, others quickly stepped in to take his place. “Can I get you something to eat?” “Can I be your escort for the evening?” “How would you like go for some cider?”

With more than a bit of a blush on her cheeks she raised her hooves saying, “You all are so sweet to offer. Really though, I'm fine. I just came to enjoy Ponyville’s festivities.” Despite her bashful demeanor, she spoke with a confidence about her that showed she was far from being overwhelmed by a few eager stallions. Rayne chuckled seeing through her guise and feeling more than a bit of respect for her. Although, even that she seemed more than capable of taking care of herself Rayne still felt the instinct to step forward and lend a hoof.

But suddenly there was a smaller voice that beat Rayne to the punch and drew everyone's attention. “Hey, Spring said that she just wanted to grab herself a plate and then come back to sit down! Why are all of you crowding around and stopping her from doing that?”

Rayne recognized the sound of that young voice and quickly smirked as an idea came to his mind. “Featherweight!” He cheered happily as he struggled to push his way forward. Having had more than a few adventures with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Rayne had become familiar over time with a few of their young friends. “Hey, there you are buddy. I've been looking all over for you.”

“Hi Rayne! I'm glad that you made it to the party.” The little colt said as he was standing just at the base of Spring Beauty's hooves.

But suddenly Hard Hat and a couple other stallions grumbled from being pushed aside. “Hey, get in line to talk to the pretty lady!”

Then another stallion attempted to whisper so that the mare nearby wouldn't be able to hear. “Yeah, get out a the way pal! We're all trying to get her over to cider station…” Nodding over in that direction. Rayne noticed a patch of mistletoe had been hung on the rafter just overhead and he had to fight not to roll his eyes in irritation to all of their petty efforts. 

“Um, I believe this sir was speaking to little Featherweight here. Not to me.” Spring announced to them and they all begrudgingly moved out of Rayne's way.

Stepping forward now, Rayne bent down to look Featherweight right in the eyes as if Spring weren't even standing there at all. “Hiya champ. What are you doing all the way over here, huh? I saw all the other colts and fillies getting to play with the princesses by the fireplace. Don't you wanna go say hi to Luna and Celestia?”

Suddenly Featherweight just scoffed and stepped back closer to Spring. “Aww nahh. I'm not into anything like that. They're royalty and I'm way too shy to know what to say to them. Did you know… that they are alicorns?! I wouldn't even know where to begin.” But then he looked up to the mare standing behind him and smiled wondering why she had begun to giggle for some reason. “But that's all okay because I'm having loads of fun getting to know my new friend! This here is Spring Beauty! She's an artist who lives all the way in Canterlot. Can you believe that she tried to walk all the way here, just to enjoy the view?”

“Is that right?” He asked as his eyes glanced up to see her laugh and nod.

“It's true, every word. I did.” She chuckled. Rayne wasn't sure what she found to be so funny but he was happy to see her in better spirits than she was a second ago.

Turning his attention completely back to Featherweight Rayne said, “Well you know, artists need to find their inspiration. Some do it in all kinds of different ways. And you know what champ? I don't blame her for doing that. It is, one heck of a view…” He said softly while keeping his eyes on nowhere except for the colt he was speaking to. Spring had been watching Rayne very carefully but for the first time that evening she couldn't help but feel a genuine blush, knowing that he was talking about her and not the scenery outside. She had felt a sincerity in his voice as Rayne had not looked up even once to check for a reaction from her. Meanwhile several of the onlookers grit their teeth realizing they had all just been one upped by the dark stallion.

Rayne then stood upright and cleared his throat. “Alright well, I'm glad that you're having fun. And if you don't want to go see the princesses then you don't have to. But Featherweight… you snuck off from your parents again, didn't you?”

“Oops.” The colt said in a guilty voice.

“Yeah, I thought so.” Rayne said admonishingly but all the adults could tell he was being playful. “Listen bud, you can't keep running off like that. I know for a fact that it worries your mother sick. Okay?” He said tenderly as he patted Featherweight on the back.

The little pegasus nodded saying, “Okay…”

Now Rayne spoke up in a confident tone, “Alright well, since you should be getting back but you are hanging out with your new friend here… Oh, excuse me Hard Head…” Rayne said while bumping the other stallion away from the table.

“It's Hard Hat!” The stallion argued but Rayne was quick to ignore him.

“Let's see…” Instantly a plate levitated from the table and various delectables from the entree platters were placed neatly together on top. “I do believe that somepony had originally gotten up because they were hungry.” He then levitated the plate to Spring who took it with her own magic. But Rayne had hardly stopped to take a break before saying, “And while I have no doubt that you have perfectly capable hooves, I just would like to ask if you would be willing to take care of my little friend here? He's a good kid, even when he is getting into trouble. Can I trust that you'll see him safely back to his mother for me?” Rayne gave Spring a smile to express that his entire purpose of speaking to her was solely for the best interest of little Featherweight.

She smiled back knowing that he was still just trying to be sly with her. But she had to admit to herself that he gave a very convincing performance. “You have my word that no harm shall befall your little friend while in my company.” She did her best to match his sly tone to tell him that she was onto his game, but that she wasn't quite calling him out on it either. “And thank you for the plate, Rayne was it?”

He gave her a courteous bow and then said aloud, “Okay well it seems the show is over boys. We have a little colt who needs to get back to his mother. Would everypony please make way for the two of them?” He knew that by doing this he would effectively cut off anyone else's chances to talk with Spring, at least for the moment. The group watched the mare walk the young boy back to a set of tables where an older pegasi mare immediately began fussing over the boy for having run off again.

“Yeah, yeah… very smooth Rayne.” Hard Hat grumbled as a few stallions intentionally bumped their shoulders into him as they dispersed.

“Well when you fella's gang up on a girl like a group of timber wolves, what's a gentlepony like me to do?” Rayne laughed, feigning innocence.

Just then there was another loud commotion but this time of a very different nature. Over in the teleport zone Princess Twilight finally popped in with Spike at her side and a large mountain of beautifully wrapped boxes also popped in behind them. “Oh, I hope I'm not too late!” Twilight panicked as she saw everypony already deep into enjoying their evening.

Spike just put a hand on his hip saying, “Oh, what… you mean like if we had arrived on time?”

Twilight frowned at him but then Celestia called to her from where she and her sister had been corralling the younger ponies. “Twilight, you made it! What took you? Luna and I managed to arrive here an hour ago!”

“I know, I'm sorry! Tell me I'm not too late for helping out the foal sitting!” Twilight called back.

The sisters looked to one another as Luna had one filly pulling on her mane and Celestia had a little colt jumping on her flowy tail. They snickered to each other and Luna was the one to suddenly point at Twilight and shout, “Hey, hey! Quickly, now! Look everypony! Princess Twwwwiiilighhhtt hath just arrived bringeth for you all those NEW PRESENTS!”

Suddenly every little face in the corner of the room turned to her in perfect unison like a swarm with a hive mind. “Presents! Twilight, yay!!!”

“Wait, what?!” She shrieked as the fillies and colts began to rush at her.

“Later! I'm going to go find Rarity!” Spike suddenly blurted out before bolting away to let Twilight fend for herself.

“Spike!” Twilight yelled and then watched as a sea of eager faces rose like a wave toward her. “No, no, no, no, no! Okay now, if we can all just line up I have the presents organized for boy, girl, age, gaaaahhh!” She yelled as she was completely stampeded over by the youngsters. Instantly both princesses and most of the hall broke out into laughter.

Just then Pinkie jumped into the air and yelled, “ALRIGHT! PRESENTS OPENING PARTY TIME!!!” Then every pony cheered as they all began to break up into groups to exchange gifts with their friends and loved ones.

As general merriment broke out all over, the sight of Rainbow Dash and Applejack came into Twilight's blurry vision. “Uuhuhh, what happened?!”

The two laughed as they helped pull Twilight back to her feet and Dash went on to say, “Twilight, you're the only pony I know that has wings and doesn't think to fly out of the way for an oncoming stampede of babies.”

This made her immediately want to cover her face from embarrassment but then she looked over to see her boxes being torn into as if by a swarm of angry piranha. “Heh heh, alright I admit. That must have looked pretty funny.” The three of them then worked to usher the foals and their new toys back over to where Luna and Celestia were waiting for them.

Meanwhile, two other individuals were standing in front of one another as if there were no one else in the world except them. “Uh, hi Rarity.” Spike said softly.

The light grey unicorn was holding a poised stance that was more than just a little bit flirty. Smiling back at him she batted her eyelashes before saying, “Hello, Spike. Happy Hearth's Warming Eve.” She had one of her front hooves lifted slightly and she even did a hair flip, giggling at how it clearly made him melt.

“Ha-happy Hearth's Warming… Rarity.” His eyes were fluttering with hearts for her. But suddenly he shook his head to come back to his senses. “I have a surprise for you.” She raised an eyebrow as he began to flap his wings. “It's a special present that I hid away where I knew it would be safe until I saw you.” Then he flew up into the rafters overhead. As Rarity looked up, she saw Spike slowly flap back down with a long vine of purple morning glories in claw. Then he did a careful job of draping them around her neck and shoulders from above her. She beamed at him happily and gave a twirl, admiring how the flowers matched perfectly with her mane. “There we go. The perfect accent for the perfect girl. I hope you like it.” He said, trying his best as always to learn her fashion tricks and impress her.

“Oh Spikey! Darling Spike!” Her voice was gushing with joy as she opened her hooves up for him. “You really are the sweetest. Come here my Spikey Wikey!” She laughed as he almost dove into her arms almost making them fall back together. Then they held each other gently as she gave him an endearing stare. “What are you waiting for? Kiss me dearest…” Closing her eyes she pouted her lips and leaned forward just as Spike did the same. The two shared a romantic, lasting kiss which was sure to only be the first of many that evening. Pulling back now from getting carried away she looked him in the eyes again before saying, “I love you Spike.”

“I love you Rarity.” He said feeling as if he could take on the world as long as he had her with him. Suddenly Rarity gasped and chuckled as her dragon boyfriend reached down to lift her off her hooves.

“Oh! Wha- Spike! Hehe. What are doing?!” She was a little embarrassed because she finally noticed that a few others had been watching their display. They made kissy faces to tease her but she knew they were only being playful. News had traveled fast about their relationship once they had made it official and every pony had plenty of time to adjust to seeing them together by now. Focusing back on Spike who was carrying her back to where their friends were waiting, she leaned forward to whisper in his ear before they got there. “Oh Spike. You definitely still have some growing to do, but my you have gotten stronger hehe.” She just put her hooves around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder allowing him to carry her away.

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were sitting down with Maud who had joined them. Fluttershy had been giggling as Pinkie was wrapping herself and Maud together in wrapping paper after a joke about the gift of the season being friends and family. It was just about then that Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Spike with Rarity in arm all made it back to the gingerbread area together. “Maud, I am so happy to see you!” Rarity called and climbed down from Spike's arms. The others all sat down together in a circle as the two carried on.

“Hello Rarity, it's nice to see you too.” Maud gave her a light hug. “I have a present for you. I have a present for each of you actually.” The faces of several ponies cracked into a fake smile as they didn't want to receive another rock for a gift like they had in previous years. But when Maud opened up a case with a six-way leather divider inside, they all looked forward with curiosity. “Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and of course one for you too Pinkie. I carved each of these for you myself but Rayne did go over to help smooth out the details a bit.” Sitting on the ground now were six twelve inch granite sculptures of each one of them. The faces were all very life like with realistic proportions of them all looking their happiest.

Twilight looked over hers in awe of the craftsmanship. “Maud… wow. The details are incred- wait how did you get the hairs of my mane to stand out like that?!”

Rarity was next as she marveled at her own miniature sculpture. “You aren't kidding Twilight. Maud even got the pattern on the dress I'm wearing correctly.”

Rainbow Dash was so enthused she was making hers fly around with whooshing noises. But Fluttershy almost had a tear in her eye. “You even added Angel Bunny in mine. Thank you so much Maud!” They immediately thanked her in unison after that.

Pinkie hugged her saying, “Aww that's my Maud. She always gives the greatest of gifts!”

After that Rarity set her sculpture down and asked, “You say that Rayne helped you with these? Well where is he? I would have thought that he would be accompanying you around the party.”

Maud responded in her usual tone but those who had gotten to know her understood that she was feeling good right now and was not in any way in a bad mood. “He's around somewhere. I broke off from him after we got here so he can mingle with who he likes. We might live together and are very close, but we aren't committed to one another or anything.” She paused to take a sip from her cider mug and then added, “Those two sure know that.” They all looked to see her pointing a hoof towards Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

“Hey now, I been good all evening!” Applejack said but then pointed to the pegasus. “She's the one who darn near jumped into his arms faster than your could shake a stick at him!”

In response to this Rainbow Dash just crossed her hooves saying, “Oh yeah? If you've been so good then why is there mistletoe hanging above two of the cider carts, nearby the southern fireplace, AND right above the back door leading to the kitchens? I know for a fact that Pinkie didn't have any mistletoe in her party plans for tonight.”

The jaws of Fluttershy and Rarity dropped when the orange earth pony just cross her own hooves before saying, “... I was investing in the long game.”

“Applejack!” Rarity gasped. “So scandalous…” She giggled in a teasing tone. Then all six mares as well as Spike laughed together because it was no secret that AJ and Dash enjoyed competing for Rayne's attention. Once the laughter died down though, Rarity repeated her earlier question. “Oh but really, official boyfriend or not, where is that Rayne of yours? I do wish he would come to join us.” She looked around but could not spot the dark stallion amongst the sea of other guests.

Maud took a moment to look up. “If I had to take a guess on where he would be, I'd say he's… there.” Then she pointed and everyone looked to see Rayne standing amongst some other stallions by the entree table.

“How does she do that?!” Twilight gasped.

Rarity just waved it off saying, “Oh it's just Maud sense darling, really. Ahem, Rayne! Yoohoo! What ARE you doing over there?! All of the ladies are over here! And we all want your company!” Rarity then smiled to herself proudly, not at all embarrassed to have just yelled across the party like that. Rayne on the other hand had developed quite the rosy hue as some of the other stallions joked and prodded him encouragingly.

Rayne just used a hoof and pushed his mane back from where it had fallen in his face. “Well, if you'll excuse me.” Then Rayne patted Hard Hat on the shoulder before walking away.

“Hey!” The other stallion yelled to Rayne one last time. After he stopped to look back, Hard Hat just gave a defeated smile saying, “Happy Hearth's Warming Rayne.”

“Happy Hearth's Warming, Hard Hat.” Rayne replied and then made his way slowly drifting through the party.

As he waded through the crowd the dark unicorn enjoyed the sights and sounds of Ponyville enjoying the season. He looked over seeing Featherweight laughing with his parents but it seemed that Spring Beauty had disappeared to somewhere else. Although she proved to not be the only out of towner that Rayne ran into that night. “Oh Apple Fritter, you're so right. I'm mighty glad that you convinced me to come with you to this here party. Even if it is far from home, the journey was worth it.”

“You're telling me! Just look at this fancy auditorium they got here! Have you ever seen anything like it?! It reminds me of back when we all pitched in together to help build Appaloosa.” Said the other mare who had a light yellow coat and a greenish brown mane.

“Um, excuse me.” Called a charming voice. They both turned seeing a dark unicorn standing before them. “I apologize but I couldn't help but hear your conversation. If I could just draw your attention… you see that big boy right back over there? The tall blue stallion by the entree table? Well if you like the architecture of our Community Hall, he one of the ponies who helped build it you know.”

After that Rayne took a step back because there was nothing else for him to do. The sunny Apple mare reached up to straighten her mane and then told her friend, “Here, hold my cider…” And off she went, as Rayne smiled and traveled the rest of the way through the crowd to where his close friends were waiting for him.

- Over in the North Corner of the Hall -

Luna gave a contented sigh as she rubbed her scalp where her mane had been pulled on a few more times than she would have cared for. “T'was very kind of Twilight to assist with helping to set up a meal for all of these dears before rejoining her friends.” She was sitting down to relax as she was surrounded by a choir of munching from all around her.

Celestia just scoffed as she held a foal in her arms that had fallen asleep. “Oh Luna, stop complaining. I know that you are having a wonderful time.”

Luna suddenly froze and then looked up to her sister, “I am not- … oh, it did sound as if I were complaining, didn't I? Please forgive me. Really, I am having the time of my life.” She said as she looked out over all the fillies and colts.

But knowing her sister as well as she did, it pained Celestia's heart to see the longing hidden behind Luna's eyes. “It's not too late for you, you know.”

“Celestia!” Luna whispered in surprise.

“I stole from you the time that you could have used to find somepony. If you had never been sent to the moon then maybe, you could have had a little one of these for yours-”

“Sister that's enough!” Luna snapped a little louder than she had meant to. Taking a breath she whispered again, “You did not steal anything from me. I lost that opportunity all on my own. I made my decisions and those decisions had consequences…. unforeseen consequences. But please, do not ask me to endure seeing my sister so worried for me amidst all this merriment. Not when it has been such a… wonderful evening so far.” She whispered becoming lost again while looking at all the colts and fillies surrounding her.

Celestia had more she wanted to say but nodded understanding that now might not be the right time. But that was when a new voice spoke out drawing their attention from the foals. “Must you two ALWAYS be at odds with each other? It is Hearth's Warming after all.”

“Spring Beauty!” Celestia said happily.

Luna looked up also excited to see the older mare that she too was familiar with. “There are no ill hearts here tonight, I assure you my friend.” Spring and Luna touched hooves so she would not have to stand from being buried in younger ponies who were still eating their holiday dinners.

Then Spring stepped over to do the same to Celestia who eagerly asked, “When did you decide to come to this party? I wish I had known you were attending. We could have arrived together.”

Sitting down and joining in to help with the foal sitting Spring said, “Oh but then I would have missed the adventure I had trying to get here on my own. Speaking of which, I wish you had told me that YOU two were coming… or that you would be foal sitting no less. I wouldn't have accepted Handy's offer to stay home and play Daddy to give me some much needed time out of the house. We could have all come as a family.”

Doing her best to stay in the conversation despite a few colts having started to run around again Luna asked, “And how is your husband doing these days?”

“Oh very well. Thank you for asking my friend.” After catching a little filly by the tail who had been trying to sneak away Spring asked, “What about you Luna? Any… potential partners in your near future?”

Suddenly the dark alicorn froze and then uttered, “Why Is every pony….?! Celestia! Surely thou did not tell things about thy sister behind her back?!”

Not even giving Celestia a chance to respond Spring chuckled and said, “Oh she told me everything!”

“Noooo!” Luna gave a weak cry of embarrassment and collapsed onto her hooves.

“So dramatic, I mean really Luna.” Celestia giggled.

Leaning in close now Spring whispered toward the older sister asking, “So… is that him?” Quickly Luna looked back up to see their friend gesture her sister's attention toward where Twilight's group of friends were sitting. The lot of them seemed to be laughing as a black unicorn sat with them, waving his arms wildly in the middle of a story that he was telling. Close by his side was Pinkie Pie’s sister who was often seen nearby him. And their group was growing as Starlight Glimmer and Trixie seemed to be walking in their direction as well.

“That's him.” Celestia sighed. “It doesn't matter what rumors you've heard in Canterlot about him, they are probably all true.” Celestia acknowledged.

“And he really does have Luna’s silhouette on his cutie mark.” Spring added, having noticed that when she spoke to him earlier.

“Yes… we don't really know what to make of that yet.” Luna sighed, clearly having mixed feelings on the matter.

Celestia piped back in enjoying the opportunity to gossip like a common mare. “And he really does have it bad for my shy sister over here. The poor boy just falls to pieces whenever she comes around him. And Luna hasn't done much better for her part.”

“Are you quite finished?!” Luna snapped feeling agitated from the current topic of conversation. Just then however, little Pumpkin Cake had been crawling away from Celestia toward Luna but started to cry from having gotten scared when she yelled. “Oh no, no no. Please forgive me sweet one. Luna was not yelling at you.” She cooed and picked her up trying to comfort Mrs Cake's daughter as best she could.

“Oh Luna.” Spring said but in a more comforting tone than Celestia would have put it. “You know I don't mean anything disrespectful by asking. And besides, I only have spoken to him once so far and I could already tell how strong he feels about you dear.” Spring had dropped that last line as if it were the simplest thing in the word.

But to Luna, her mind was now racked with curiosity. “You could?”

Smiling as an old mare does when children behave exactly as you expect them to, Spring just gave a cheeky smile and said, “In the thousand or more years that I have known the both of you, tonight was the first time that I had ever heard a stallion say Luna and Celestia, as opposed to Celestia and Luna… and with such sincerity I might add.” Celestia opened her mouth feigning mock insult before laughing and Luna looked to her hooves while blushing fiercely. “I will admit though,” Spring added surprising both of the sisters, “he certainly is quite a stallion. Very handsome and quite the smooth talker.”

“Oh?” Celestia said coyly. “Maybe you would like a chance with him then? You know, if Luna isn't interested in making a move on Rayne.” Instantly Luna gave an angry snort.  

Spring looked Celestia in the eye and said, “Mmm, I hadn't thought of it that way. Maybe…”

“Thou art already married!!!” Luna shouted, almost rising to her hooves.

Now Celestia gave a smirk like she had just cornered someone in a game of chess. “What's the matter sister? Feeling jealous?”

Luna's jaw dropped as she sat back down and turned away from them. “... No.”

Both of the other two burst out into hysterical laughter, falling onto their sides while being careful not to roll onto any of the foals. “Luna ha ha, I- I was only teasing my dear!” Spring had to wipe her eyes from how hard she was laughing.

“Oh Spring, your coat!” Celestia suddenly called, noticing that part of Spring Beauty's winter coat had slipped down her shoulder.

Looking down she saw that a few tufts of wing feathers were now poking out through the opening. After checking to make sure that no one else had noticed Spring used the magic of her horn to pull the coat back up tightly around her shoulders. “There we go, no harm done. And you won't tell anyone that nice Mrs Spring is an alicorn, will you cutie?” She asked to Pound Cake who was sitting right in front of her smiling. Pound Cake was just calm for a moment before squealing happily that everypony was looking at him.

“Awwwwww!” Celestia, Luna, and Spring all cooed together.

- Back in the Gingerbread Alcove -

“So this is where you all have been hiding.” Starlight said as nine happy faces looked up toward her.

“Hello Starlight, Happy Hearth's Warming.” Twilight said, making a point of standing up to give her friend a hug properly. “Please, come and join us. You too Trixie, we're happy to have you.”

The azure blue mare stepped up the the princess. But after a brief pause, was happy to also give Twilight a hug having put any disagreements between them to rest long ago. “Thank you Twilight. The great and powerful Trixie is happy to wish you all a happy Hearth's Warming Eve!” Rainbow started to mumble something but was kicked by Applejack before anypony else could notice. “But to be honest, the band is going to start playing again soon. Starlight and I were hoping to catch a dance with Rayne before he gets… surrounded… by other mares wanting his attention.” She drifted off into a mumble realizing that she was far too late. Rayne was laying there with Maud on one side of him, Applejack on the other, and Rainbow sitting in front of him holding his hoof.

The stallion was actually the next one to speak as very directly said, “Hi Starlight.”

“Hi Rayne.” She smiled sweetly, absentmindedly putting her front hooves together as she greeted him.

Looking around now Rayne smiled to the group and said, “Hey ladies, if you would excuse me. I'm going to get myself a drink and then I'll be right back.” Leaning forward he gave a kiss to Maud's cheek, Applejack's cheek, and Dash's cheek before standing and stepping over toward one of the cider carts.

Once he was out of earshot, Rainbow Dash spoke out sounding slightly annoyed. “Nice going Starlight.”

“Hey, come on. Don't be like that guys. It's important that I get a chance to talk to Rayne… alone. We have some stuff that we still need to work out.”

Applejack now tilted her hat upwards as she sat back and said, “Well normally I'd be chastising Dashy on her crude behavior but in this case I'm afraid I have to say she's right. We'd ALL love to get Rayne alone and work some stuff out, if yer getting what I'm saying.”

“Hey!” Twilight said quickly. “Easy there Applejack. I don't mind the open flirting with Rayne but the foals are still awake over with the princesses. And it's Hearth's Warming Eve, not Rayne… Holiday… Inappror- well whatever, you know what I mean!”

“Yeah, I'm sorry Twi. You're right.” She acknowledged.

While this was happening Trixie was feeling a little put off and accidentally blurted without meaning to, “Geesh, I knew the guy was popular and that he had had a pretty serious thing with Starlight but I didn't know he had an eight pony harem going on.” She said looking around at Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Maud and her friend Starlight. She realized only way too late however, how deeply she had just stuck her hoof in her mouth.

Fluttershy gasped in surprise. “Oh dear, is that what it looks like to you?”

“Wait a minute!” Twilight screamed. “We are NOT all interested in Rayne like that! What Applejack meant by ‘all' was ‘all of the ponies who would be interested in Rayne.’ Not all as in all, all! Don't lump Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and I in with them.”

Suddenly Rarity who had only been half paying attention to the conversation pulled her lips away from Spike and whispered, “Umm Twilight…?”

But her voice was completely overshadowed by Pinkie's as she said, “Weeeeelllll…. It's not like I'd mind.”

“What?!” Twilight yelled in surprise as she quickly whipped around.

Pinkie just shrugged. “It's not like I would mind doing things with Rayne. I mean yeah, he's funny, he's good looking, he's magic…”

“But, but… You have never shown any interest in him before!” Twilight whined, not liking the sound of where this was going.

Waiving a hoof around as if she were stating the obvious Pinkie said, “Twilight, just because I didn't SHOW interest doesn't mean I didn't HAVE interest. I mean, I even flirted with him pretty blatantly at his welcome party! And that's like a huge deal for me to do. I never do that with anypony!”

Applejack looked over to her in surprise. “Really Pinkie? I remember that party. I didn't know you flirted with him too.”

“It was literally like right after you walked out the door. Not that I was trying to step on your hooves or anything, but I just wanted to know whether or not I had a shot.”

Rainbow Dash then felt antsy from the silence that followed and asked, “Well? What happened? Why'd you stop trying?”

Pinkie then got very loud but not in an aggressive way as she pointed to Maud who was sitting right next to Dash. “Um, hello! Maybe because I found out that he is living with MY SISTER!”

“Oh yeah.” Dash bit her lip realizing that had been a stupid question.

“I mean, there are foals living at Sugar Cube Corner so that's out of the question. And what else am I going to say? ‘Hey big boy, wanna take me to your place?’ Do you know how awkward that would be for POOR, SWEET, MAUD?!”

“I don't care Pinkie.” Maud said in her calm and blunt voice.

“Wait what!?” Her sister cried in shock.

She said again in the exact same tone, “I don't care Pinkie. I know that Rayne has relations with other ponies and it doesn't bother me. We never at any point discussed a desire to be to monogamous to one another; and I am starting to wonder if I might not believe in restrictive committal relationships anyways. So if we were both seeing Rayne then… that would just give us something else to talk about I guess.”

“Oh.” Pinkie mumbled dropping back to her bottom while trying to process this information.

Twilight had to rub her temples not believing that she just actually heard the conversation that she did.

Now Trixie smirked getting a bit of amusement out of this and maybe not being as over past misgivings as she thought she was. “Seems like your numbers of those immune to Rayne's charms are dwindling Twilight.”

Waiving Trixie off, Twilight then turned to who she thought couldn't possibly be harboring illicit desires. “Fluttershy? Please tell me…”

“I'm sorry Twilight, but I think Rayne is Very attractive. I don't think it would be me, but I think any mare would be lucky to end up marrying a stallion like Rayne… even if it did end up to be me.” She then gave a soft, wheezing, happy noise at the thought of it.

Rainbow Dash now quirked an eyebrow while saying, “You do realize that if Discord heard you say that he'd probably turn Rayne inside out and drag him through the desert. And that's before he started torturing him in a jealous rage.” Everypony including Spike all nodded in agreement to Fluttershy.

“Oh that's silly. What does Discord have to be jealous about? We're just friends.” Everypony including Spike all slapped themselves in their forehead in disagreement to Fluttershy.

Starlight then asked the obvious question. “So what's your excuse Fluttershy? He's not somehow rooming with a relative of yours too, is he?”

“Hmm? Oh no. He just simply hasn't asked me yet. And I'm too shy to show my interest like Applejack or Rainbow Dash.”

“I don't believe this!” Twilight yelled surprising all of them. She looked to Starlight, Rarity, Applejack, Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie. “I have six of the best girl friends that any pony could ever ask for. But four of you have all slept with the same stallion and the other two already want to. Am I the only the one who doesn't have a romantic or physical interest in Rayne like that?!”

It was Spike who actually spoke up next asking, “Well what about those stories that Rayne writes?”

Several of them looked around in bewilderment and Rainbow Dash asked, “Rayne writes stories? You mean like silly poetry stories or like Daring Do kind of stories?”

Spike stood up from where he had been cuddling with Rarity and said, “A little of both? He writes salacious novels. I haven't read any yet but he must be pretty good at them because Twilight gets really into it while reading them and-mmph?!”

Suddenly a big purple hoof went right into his mouth and everyone looked to see Twilight stretching half way over half of her friends to stop Spike from talking. “Okay! So, moving on! Oh look!” Suddenly the mistletoe which was hanging on the far wall over the kitchens was magically ripped off of the wall and stopped just above Rarity's head. “Oh lookie, mistletoe! Good. Quick, you two like each other, start kissing!”

Rarity for some reason also seemed to have her own sense of urgency and picked up right at the end of Twilight's rant saying, “Couldn't be happier to remove ourselves from this conversation, thanks!”

Then she grabbed Spike by the shoulders and shoved him to the floor, kissing him so fiercely and passionately that Fluttershy began to blush. “Oh! O-h, oh my. Wow, umm.. oh dear… My goodness!”

After a minute of the entire group doing nothing but watching Rarity furiously attack Spike with her lips it was Starlight who eventually said, “Yeaaah, so I'm going to go catch up with Rayne now. But it's been interesting everypony.” But before she could leave they all noticed Spike trying to pull himself away. “Um Rarity? Maybe your boyfriend needs some air?”

“MmMmMm, no he doesn't.” She mumbled and went back to smooching him.

After that Spike pushed himself away again and laughed with a big kiss drunk smile. “Haha, Rarity. Wow, that was like the best kiss you've ever given me. But hold on, I just want ask Twilight something.”

“No you don't!” Rarity insisted. “Come on Spikey, hey how about you and I go play a little game? ...Over there? ...Away from Twilight and everypony else for a little while?” The urgency in her voice was almost frightening but of course Spike failed to pick up on it even though everypony else did.

Naively Spike just smiled and said, “Sure, that sounds great! I love games. But let me just clarify this one thing with Twilight first.” As Spike climbed out of her arms everypony noticed how Rarity hung her head as if having just lost some great defeat. “Hey Twilight, I think you might have misspoken something earlier.”

Still wondering what could have just upset Rarity so much Twilight turned to Spike and asked, “Oh? And what would that be Spike?”

His generally cheerful attitude and lighthearted attitude almost made it worse as he asked, “You said that out of the six other ponies here, which I assume you weren't counting Maud or Trixie, that four of them had already been intimate with Rayne.” Suddenly Starlight's and Rainbow Dash’s faces looked horrified as they realized where this was going. “Not that there's anything wrong with that girls. Rayne is definitely a great guy and all. But Pinkie and Fluttershy just said they were the ones that hadn't done that yet.” Then Applejack and Pinkie also became shocked as they caught on to why Rarity was upset. “I mean, it's not like you to miscount something. But didn't you mean three ponies and not four ponies?” Now Trixie gasped and even Fluttershy's eyes went wide. “Because that would mean you're saying that Rarity had slept with Rayne as well.”

Now Twilight's face slowly devolved to shock, disbelief, denial, and a pained sense of guilt. Quickly Rarity wrapped her arms around Spike desperately saying, “Yessss, haha! Silly Twilight! Has she no control over what comes out of her mouth? Hehe.” Her laughter was obviously fake and she quickly pulled Spike's face into her chest so he wouldn't see as she leaned forward furiously mouthing, ‘ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Twilight, how could you do that?!’

‘Rarity, I'm so-’ Twilight started to mouth an apology back but stopped abruptly when Spike pulled his face back out.

“Hey, come on Rarity. I mean, it's okay. It's not like something like that actually did happen… right?”

The silence that followed in that little section of the Community Hall was cold enough to start freezing ponies to the bone. Rarity started to sweat nervously as Spike sat there waiting for an answer. But after Rarity took a moment to think about the situation she just took a breath and knelt down to look Spike right in the eye. “Spike… I'm going to be honest with you. It did happen.” 

"It did?" His expression didn't really change as he just looked up at her, allowing her to say what she needed to until she was done. 

“It wasn't recently of course. I haven't been untrue since we officially got together, nor do I plan to ever be untrue to you. But it was just before that, you see. It was before… oh darling, it was before I realized just how wonderful you really are and what we truly could have together. I wasn't trying to be deceitful by not telling you. I just, it makes me feel so terrible now to think about it because it happened so near to what ended up being the most magical day of my life. The day that I realized that I loved you as well. I assure you though, anything that existed between Rayne and I is one hundred percent in the past. So please, don't let this change anything between the two of us. I, couldn't bear it if you suddenly stopped lovi-”

She was suddenly cut off as Spike wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. “It's okay Rarity.” She was stunned but in a happy way, almost not sure she could believe her ears. “I would say that I forgive you, but there is nothing for me to forgive. I mean, it doesn't make me happy to know that actually happened. But if you say it was before we got together then it doesn't matter. It shouldn't be my business who you were with before me. All that matters is that you are with me now and that you stay true to what we have together.”

“Oh… Spike…” Rarity starting to tear up a bit. Soon even the eyes of their friends started to well up as the happy couple hugged each other tightly. “I will, I promise. There is no one out there for me except for you.”

After they shared a heartfelt hug together Spike looked up and said, “You were just being generous to my feelings. That isn't so hard to understand. I get why you thought I could be upset. But at the same time it shouldn't matter because it was before, well, ‘us.’ So since you are the element of generosity after all, you wanted to spare me having bad feelings if it wasn't necessary.”

Rarity sort of coughed uncomfortably before saying, “Uh, you know Spike. Not that I'm being ungrateful for you being so understanding but there is such a thing as being too perfect of a boyfriend you know.”

But to that he just smirked. “Oh, I'm not worried. Because if Rayne ever tries anything with you like that again then I'll just tell Discord that he tried to kiss Fluttershy and it made her cry.” Rarity suddenly went so rigid that she was surprised Maud didn't attempt to take a rock sample of her.

Likewise, every other ponies jaw dropped at how far Spike’s single comment took his point showing that he was indeed quite serious about it. All except for Fluttershy who just tilted her head saying, “I don't get it.”

Remembering that breathing was a thing to do, Rarity regained her composure and said, “Yes well, in any case. Let's all just move pass this nasty business and enjoy the rest of our Hearth's Warming Eve together.” No pony seemed to have a problem with that suggestion as one by one they all nodded in agreement.

Taking that moment as an opportunity to exit the scene Starlight quickly grabbed Trixie by the mane causing her friend to shriek out as she was pulled along. “Seriously Trixie, what is with you?! Why do you always have to incite trouble wherever you go?”

Stumbling along and struggling to pull her hair back Trixie yelled, “Oww, owww! Stop pulling, I'm coming! And, what do you mean me?! I didn't do anything!”

- Later that Evening -

The rest of the night had proceeded mainly without incident. Carols were sung and holiday stories were told. By this late at night most of the banquet had been devoured all but two of the cider carts had been completely run dry. While some ponies had left, many decided to stay to share a quieter Hearth's Warming Night now that the party had died down to a gentle lull. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were sharing a private exchange together at the door to a quiet room that was on the far end away from the kitchen area. That is where all of the foals they had been watching were now sleeping, spread out on the various pillows that filled the room. The band who had been playing for most of the evening now serenaded the space in a gentle melody. The atmosphere had changed as the foals parents as well as many other couples about now slow danced together by the light of the fireplaces.

Mr and Mrs Cake soaked up the opportunity to hold one another and just sway in each others arms to the music. Spike and Rarity danced slowly together still giving each other the occasional kiss as young lovers tend to do. As Rayne looked up to see why Applejack suddenly pulled out of his arms, he smiled seeing her suddenly pull Rainbow Dash to him instead. “Here ya go Dashy. You've been wanting this all night long.” The pegasus just smiled and then happily threw herself into Rayne's arms as they began to slow dance together. Even the beige unicorn mare Rayne had spoken with earlier was continuing to be quite popular on the dance floor. But he could tell that the other stallions were being more patient and polite with her than they had been earlier.

“Looks like it turned out to be a pretty good evening after all, huh Rayne?” Came a gruff voice from behind where he danced with Rainbow Dash slowly. The two of them looked over to see that Hard Hat was arm in arm with Apple Fritter who was resting her head on his chest with her eyes closed happily. Not wanting to disturb them Rayne just gave him a wink and the two clapped a back hoof together mid dance step.

Meanwhile over in the north end of the hall, “Celestia, please. Really, I cannot.” Luna protested but her tone sounded rather weak willed as if she were losing an argument and running out of excuses to back her point.

Celestia kept her volume down to try and not wake the little ponies who were sleeping. But she let the urgency of her feelings ring clear through her voice. “Luna, you are my sister and I just want you to be happy. Listen to me, I'm not telling you to go drag him into the kitchen and bang the cutlery around… but just go talk to him! Tell him how you've been thinking about him tonight. That you're glad you got to see him here. And… if a kiss should happen to occur somewhere in there, it is Hearth's Warming after all.”

“Oh sister, you are impossible to deal with!” Luna pouted.

“So you'll do it?!” Celestia coyly stated, edging her sister on.

“I… I will think about it.” Luna protested, and stomped her back hoof.

Celestia's hope faltered as she conceded her argument. “Very well, do as you wish. But if you do plan on doing something… anything… then you had better do it soon. You know as well as I do that the night never lasts forever. And you're running out of time.” With that Celestia walked back into the quiet room. She laid down and just rested while looking over the young ponies that she had so enjoyed caring for this evening.

Back on the dance floor Applejack returned and tapped Rainbow Dash on the shoulder about twenty minutes or so after she had started dancing with Rayne. “Hey uh, Dashy? I'm really sorry to interrupt. But we might need your help with something over here.”

Rayne and Dash gave each other a worried look before she let go of holding her hooves around his neck. “What's wrong? Did something happen?”

“Well…” The earth pony grumbled nervously. “Did you know that at some point, that flashy flight commander of yours in the Wonderbolts showed up here for the party?”

Suddenly Rainbow fluttered off the ground in excitement before gasping, “No way! Spitfire came here?! To the the Ponyville party?! Hey, why didn't she come say hi to us?”

“I can't really answer that but she's over there by the snow cushions that Pinkie made out of giant marshmallows and she’s mighty upset. She won't let no pony try to console her so I figured that you might know how to get her to say what's eatin’ her.”

Rainbow Dash took a step but then turned back to Rayne apologetically. Before she could even speak he just raised a hoof and said, “No it's alright. Go, go.” She smiled at him and then quickly rushed off with Applejack to elsewhere in the party.

Just then Rayne heard a whistle from behind him and a voice said, “Hey there big guy, got any time in your dance card for me tonight?” Turning around Rayne saw a mare leaning against the frame of the fireplace holding a drink in one hoof and twirling the stripe in her mane with the other.

“Starlight… I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had been waiting on me. Of course, I always have time for you.” Rayne said with a sincerity that came straight from his heart.

Placing her mug of cider down on the mantelpiece she stepped over and wasted no time slipping herself in close against Rayne's chest and taking hold of his cheek with a hoof. “Thank goodness. I was starting to feel a bit stalkerish just standing there staring at you like that. Hey, is there any room left for a kiss for an old fling?”

She hadn't meant to make her statement sound so self demeaning but Rayne was certainly quick to hold close and declare in a stern voice, “You will never be just an old fling to me Starlight.” Then he gave a lingering kiss right on her lips while they held one another in each others arms. 

As tears started to form in Starlight's eyes she quickly pulled herself away from Rayne before old feelings could rise to the surface. "Dont..."

“Hey…” He said softly as one of his hooves reached out to guide her face back up to look at him. “It's okay, see? We kissed and nothing changed with my cutie mark. It was just a kiss, it's alright.” He said trying to console her.

“No Rayne, it's not. We were only supposed to have a good time, just enjoying each other's company. But then feelings got involved… we got way too hot and heavy with each other… and I almost derailed your entire life! First I almost alter your destiny for you, then I go and turn my back on you just as you're confessing your lov- well, you know. I'm a terrible friend. I'm a terrible pony.”

“Hey now… none of that.” Rayne looked her right in the eyes with an unwavering sincerity. It triggered something within her, twisting her stomach until it made her feel like a school aged filly standing in front of her schoolyard crush. “Are you saying it was a bad thing that you made me so happy? That I was willing to give up everything I thought I wanted in life, just to be with you?” As she looked up at him she noticed how the light of the fireplace silhouetted his face and how the flames seemed to reflect in his eyes. It made her feel like she could almost see the burning passion he had for her.

“Oh for Celestia's sake Rayne, why do you have to be so romantic?!” She thudded her face into his chest and huffed, frustrated with herself that she had been preparing for this talk all night and still couldn't find the right words to say to him. “I know it's only been a couple of months since I broke things off between us. But I miss us. I miss this. But I don't know what to do Rayne because I'm not the one for you. I'm not who are meant to be with.”

Rayne just stroked her mane gently trying to calm her down. Then he gave a kiss to her forehead and whispered, “It would have been a good life… being with you, ya know? You have such a beautiful heart. You are anything but a terrible pony.”

Keeping her face against his warm chest Starlight just sighed and whispered back, “That is probably the sweetest rejection that I will ever get in my entire life. But thank you for always being honest with me Rayne.” Then the two shared a quiet slow dance together for a very long time. Only the occasional words were spoken as Starlight enjoyed dancing with Rayne as a lover would. For she knew it would be the last time. “So what happens now?”

“Hmm?” He mumbled, breaking the quiet between them.

“Are we just friends? More than that? Less? I don't want things to become awkward between us.” They continued to sway, dancing softly as they spoke to one another.

“That is up to you.” Rayne said bluntly. “What would you want to have happen between us now? What would make you happy?”

The unicorn buried her face in the fur of Rayne's coat for a bit, just taking in his scent as she tried to decide. “Could you maybe… treat me, the way that you treat Applejack and Rainbow Dash?” This made Rayne raise an eyebrow and attempt to look down at her. But she just held tighter to him until he relented and went back to dancing with her. “I see you hang out with them all the time. And I mean literally just as friends. You will go and lend a hoof at the Apple Farm one minute and then you're helping to critique Dash's flight routine the next. But despite that, I also know that here and there you are still having sex with both of them. If… I could have something like that with you then I think I would be happy. At least for now. And then I can decide what I want to do later… much later… when I'm ready.”

Rayne gave a chuckle before stating, “You realize that if I add another pony to the list of friends with benefits that I have, everypony around town is going to start accusing me of having a harem.”

Starlight laughed and looked up at him before saying, “Uh Rayne, everypony in town DOES already think that you have a harem.” 

His eyes went wide for a moment before saying, “Greaaat! Well that's certainly not something that I meant to have happen.”

Feeling that she might have upset him, Starlight leaned in close again before saying, “Look Rayne, it's no secret to anypony that since moving to Ponyville you've run a little wild having your pick of all the most popular mares around. But the point is though, that you don't treat us like you do. You treat each and every one of us like we're beautiful and special in our own right. So really, it's not you trying to get a slice of every mare in town. It's just you being you, which is amazing, and every mare wanting a chance to experience that for themselves.”

Rayne nuzzled her gently to show that he understood and that she didn't have to keep going. However while they were on the topic something had came to her mind that she wasn't quite sure how to address. “Oh and Rayne, I don't know if I should be telling you this or not but you might be curious to know that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy also have an interest in you. They would just prefer to hold their feelings back unless you actually make a move on them first. Twilight seems to be the only one of us not smitten with you.”

“Oh, I wasn't aware of that. Thank you Starlight.” After they had danced for another song in silence Rayne asked, “Was there something else?”

She scoffed but then hummed in agreement before saying, “Also, it finally came out tonight to Spike that you and Rarity slept together when you first moved into town. But don't worry, Spike isn't mad as long as it was only before Rarity confessed her feelings to him and not after. There was… some mention of threatening to tell Discord that you hurt Fluttershy if you do ever make Rarity cheat on him though.”

“Haha, wow. Well no worries there. I don't plan on it.” Rayne laughed as he just swayed Starlight to the music in his arms.

- Across the Room in the Cloud Cushions -

In the furthest corner away from where the Princesses had been tending to the foals all evening, Spitfire was sitting wearing a holiday dress while crying her eyes out into an oversized pillow made of marshmallow.

“Oh my gosh, Spitfire? Wow that really is you.” Rainbow Dash said, hardly even being able to recognize the usual hard up commander of the Wonderbolts.

Dropping the pillow down and wiping her eyes Spitfire saw Dash and then instantly reached out for her. “Crash, oh you've gotta help me! I did something terrible and I don't know what to do!”

Applejack and Rainbow were both surprised by this outburst and Dash was even more shocked at the heavy scent of cider on Spitfire's breath. “Wait a minute, Commander are you drunk? Just how many of those drinks have you had?!”

“Not enough to stop feeling guilty about what I did!” She cried as she wobbled on her hooves while Dash rushed to sit her back down.

“Uh oh.” Applejack said as she now whispered, “Listen, I've definitely heard that line before. And it never ends well, trust me.”

Once she had Spitfire sitting upright again Dash whispered back, “Listen, I've got this from here. It's late anyways and I'm all partied out. So while I take care of Spitfire here and why don't you start going around and making sure that all the cider carts are closed down?”

“That's a good idea.” Applejack said before she walked off to leave Rainbow Dash to it.

Looking at her drunken Wonderbolt instructor she slowly enunciated, “Spit-fire… Tell- me- what- happened- please-!”

“Easy, easy!” The golden pegasus said as she pushed Dash away. “I'm not as think as you drunk I am.”

“Really…?” Dash said in a slightly sarcastic tone.

“Definitely…” She replied. But then as if forgetting this conversation was happening she went right back into being depressed. “Oh Crash, listen to me. I've got to tell you. I've ruined everything! The Wonderbolts, a close friendship, my whole life is over!”

“What are you talking about?! Why are you acting this way?!” Dash now sat down beside Spitfire and held her hoof softly.

Looking over Spitfire sniffed and said, “I kissed Fleetfoot.” Suddenly Rainbow Dash froze for definitely not having expected that to be Spitfire's answer. “It all happened so fast, and yet it didn't. I don't know what came over me! It was on a whim and I have no idea what I was thinking! I was up in Cloudsdale and I flew right into her as she was out doing some late night shopping. I know it's freezing out but I asked if her she wanted to go with me to the Hearth's Warming party in Ponyville. You are always telling us about all the crazy events that happen down here. It was just the first thing that came to mind and it just jumped right out of my mouth. And she didn't even hesitate! She just said yes! So here we came.”

Rainbow Dash was just listening as Spitfire was starting to go off on a drunken rant. But she was finally talking so Dash just let her continue. “We were mingling, everypony was getting along, I was listening to that little lisp she has when she talks... and then I must have gone totally crazy! I looked up and saw the mistletoe hanging above the cider cart and I just reacted. I grabbed Fleetfoot! Pulled her right underneath it! Pointed up and like a loser said, 'Oh look, it's mistletoe!' Then I kissed her! And I was SO OBVIOUS about it! There's no way she couldn't tell that I totally did that on purpose! And everypony was staring at her! I must have humiliated her so badly. This is going to ruin EVERYTHING!”

Dash felt nervous because she had no idea what to say. But when Spitfire tried raising another mug of cider to her lips she was quick to knock it completely out of her hooves. “Oh no, you've had enough. Now let's just think about this logically okay? She came with you here willingly and was having a good time. That's an okay start. And so you kissed her… fine, so that happened. But what kind of kiss was it? Was it like a, ‘hey I kinda sorta have a secret crush on you maybe,’ kinda kiss? Or was it a-”

Spitfire just went completely straight faced and in a stone cold serious tone told Rainbow Dash, “No it was more of an old mare trying to get a better deal with her real estate agent kind of kiss. I grabbed Fleetfoot and thrust my lips to hers like a drunken prom date wanting to sneak off to Rainbow Falls after the dance. It was so bad that I knocked her down. She had to crawl out from under me and took off while holding her hoof over her face.”

Rainbow Dash's expression had completely fallen now as her ears and her wings drooped. One of her eyes twitched as she literally couldn't even picture that happening in her mind. But she knew that it had to have happened from how serious Spitfire was being about it. “Uuhhhh Spitfire… yeah I'm sorry but I think you're right.”

“How so?” Her commander asked.

“You probably just ruined that friendship, destroyed the cohesion of the Wonderbolts and once news of this gets out your life will pretty much be over.” The face on the golden pegasus was one of absolute shock and disappointment. But just when it looked like she was about to give up on everything and start crying again Rainbow looked surprised and said, “Or not… because I might be totally wrong.” Grabbing the Spitfire by the face and making her look up to were Dash was staring they both now saw that Fleetfoot was staring from just a few feet away from them.

“Spitfire? Are you okay? I'm thorry that I ran away from you like that after. I got nervous... and I panicked. I think either you accidentally bit my lip or maybe I bit it mythelf but after going to the bathroom to look, I ran into Applejack who recognized me. She told me that you had been crying. What's the matter?"

Now Spitfire looked at the artic blue pegasus with amazement and asked, “Wait, so you mean that this whole time after you took off… you had just been in the bathroom?”

Now the other pegasi stepped over and placed a hoof on Spitfire's shoulder. “Of courthe I was jutht in the bathroom. What, you mean you really thought that I got mad at you? Spitfire... Why would you think that? I already know all about you having a thing for me and I've told you bother it didn't bother me. If I had a problem with it I would have told you a long time ago. But why... wait a minute... Are you drunk?! Rainbow, I was only gone for a few minutes, how did Spitfire already get drunk?!" Rainbow Dash was starting to laugh about the whole thing now and she shrugged because their commander was totally wasted.

"Wow, who knew that she would be that much of a lightweight?" Fleetfoot laughed and then she knelt down right in front of Spitfire before taking hold of her cheeks with both hooves. “Okay I need you to pay attention to me very carefully. I want to make sure that you remember this so that you don't get confused when you wake up next to me tomorrow in the morning." Suddenly Spitfire's eyes shot open wide as her ears listened harder than any time she had ever listened to anything in her life.

Meanwhile Rainbow Dash took that as her cue to play crowd control, fluttering around saying, “Alright everypony. The show is over. Let's leave them alone.” But doing this didn't stop her from eavesdropping on them herself.

“You've had your eye on me for a long, long time. But you have never really done anything about it until now. I don't know why, but I know that you think my lisp is just the cutest thing in the world. But you also know that I like stallions. I am not into other mares. And if you're being truthful with yourself, I don't think you are really into other mares either." Spitfire looked down, preparing to accept the rejection which was obvious that she was about to receive. “But you are into me. And I can accept that. And maybe, just maybe, being into you wouldn't bad for me either.”

The shock of hearing these words instantly struck Spitfire sober and she reached up to hold Fleetfoot's hooves in her own. “What are you saying?”

Now the blue pegasus gave a confident grin. “Well, you were taking so long to make the first move on me so tonight for Hearth's Warming Eve, I thought that I would make the first move on you. I lied when I said I had been doing late night shopping when really I was headed to your place all along. And I had this whole plan to flirt with you when you opened your door. But you caught me halfway along which threw off my game. Although I was relieved when you invited me to the party here in Ponyville.” 

"Really?" The golden pegasus asked as she could hardly believe her ears. 

Now Fleetfoot was blushing heavily but that didn't seem to deter her in the least. “So, Spitfire. For tonight... and then for more than just tonight... Will you be my special somepony? Not just for fun, but I mean for real... Will you be my girlfriend?" Rainbow Dash saw Fleetfoot look into Spitfire's eyes like she was everything that could cause happiness in the world. She looked eager and desperate, vulnerable but hopeful. It was the look of a pony putting her heart out on the line.

Spitfire was astonished because this was a reaction that she never expected to get from Fleetfoot, not even in her wildest dreams. But after a moment of stunned silence Rainbow Dash zoomed over and kicked Spitfire in the hoof. “Oh, yes! YES! Absolutely yes! I- Oh my…” She gasped as Fleetfoot smiled and then pushed Spitfire back. The sudden change to Fleetfoot's demeanor was dramatic as she now looked down to Spitfire how a cat looks at a cornered mouse.

“Good, I thought you'd thay that. Now thit back and thhow me again how that kisth goeth!" Smashing her face down into Spitfire's, Rainbow Dash got a pretty good view of what must be happened to earlier but now the other way around.

“Yowza!” Dash exclaimed and quickly started covering the two of them up with pillows to block the view of any remaining on lookers. “That's certainly going to make Wonderbolts practice a little more interesting.” She said to herself as the two other pegasi lost each other in a flurry of romantic giggling.

- Back Near the Southern Fireplace -

Rayne gave Starlight a tight hug and once more kissed the top of her head. He sighed, realizing that it was time for her to start traveling down her own path for love and that it was up to him now to help guide her along her way. “Hey, listen. Would you take a little trip with me? Nothing fancy, it's just to the Crystal Empire and back. I'm going to need to stop by there in a week or two and I would really like it if you would come with me? Just the two of us.”

Finally pulling back to have eye contact with him now Starlight smiled through her puffy eyes and nodded. “I would love to. That sounds great.”

“Listen to me, everything will work out in the end. It's going to be okay, I promise.” He assured her. She nodded and eventually took a step away. She stood there for a moment but realizing that there was nothing else to say she gave a slight sigh and turned to leave from him.

“Well… I guess that's that then.” Rayne said to himself now that he was standing alone on the dance floor. “Wow, this has been a long night. I think I'll go get one last drink before-”

“Yes but please excuse me. I have been dancing for quite a long time and I'm now very thirsty. I would just like to-”

Suddenly there was a loud slam and a great toppling of hooves as two ponies collided into one another on accident. “Owww, that really hurt!” Spring Beauty said as all she had seen was a wall of black come into her vision before getting knocked to the floor.

There was a sensation of something sweeping over her before a gentle voice spoke out. “Oh, I am so sorry. Here, may I help you up?” Looking up from the ground she saw Rayne standing there extending a hoof out to her. Reaching up to take it she allowed him to help her up to her hooves. Then she checked her coat to make sure it hadn't slipped but found that it had already been pulled up for her. She quickly looked into Rayne's eyes and found that he was just smiling gently. The band which had been playing softly now changed the background ambiance to a slow jazzy rhythm and Rayne asked, “One dance with me? While we sidle ourselves to the drink cart?”

“Y-yes, I think that would be wise.” She stated and slowly the two joined together into each other's arms. Spring placed her hooves around his neck while he held her sides and the two let the music begin to carry them away. Rayne was patient allowing her to make the first comment and eventually she whispered to him, “So… you saw then?”

The dark unicorn gave a charming smile as he said, “You mean that feathery pair of something you're hiding with that coat you won't take off? Actually I noticed earlier as we spoke by the entree table. You blushed for a moment and I saw your side fluttered a bit.”

“Oh.” She stammered now feeling a little embarrassed. “So you've known this whole time then?”

Rayne nodded but added, “Don't worry, I haven't said anything. And I don't intend to.” Slowly he gave her a twirl while holding her hoof over head as they danced. “Let's just say that it adds to your mystery, princess.”

Rayne had smirked thinking he was being clever. But Spring shook her snout a bit saying, “No, not a princess. I may be what I am, but the only royalty in Equestria are those you are familiar with.”

Now Rayne's curiosity grew as as he adjusted their hold on each other while dancing. “And the mystery of the beautiful pony grows deeper.”

She smirked, not missing that he was fishing for more information from her. “Oh? Well I guess that's high praise coming from the pony of mystery himself. Or, I believe that the Shadow of Equestria is the proper moniker that you have been given. Is that right?”

Now Rayne looked around and danced a little closer with her as they were nearly approaching the cider cart. “Ah, so it seems that you somehow figured out my secrets as well. I'm curio-”

“I'm close friends with Celestia and Luna.” She revealed.

“Of course you are.” He declared as all the pieces seemed to now be falling into place. “So I take it, alic-... that ladies such as yourself, are not as rare as the rulers of Equestria would have every pony believe?”

“It would be more correct to say that we once were not so rare. Very, very long ago. And now… well you know how politics goes. Things are just, easier this way.” She sighed, trusting that Rayne was not someone who would take advantage of her revealing this to him.

They had reached the cart now which had been left unattended due to the late hour.  Rayne released her from their dance and then took the job of serving them both a fresh tankard of the frothy drink. “So how does this work? Are you here enjoying this one night of bliss with the common pony folk and later you disappear back to a magical kingdom that hides others like you?”

Spring stood there confused about what he had meant for a moment until she started laughing at the very idea. “What? Oh, oh no, ha ha ha. Why, I live in Canterlot and work as an artisan for the kingdom. In fact I did the designs for the stained glass windows that you see in the castle.”

“Commendable work.” He applauded quickly before handing her drink to her. “I've had the chance to admire those windows though I never imagined that the mare who came up with their esthetic would be even more breathtaking than the craftsmanship itself.”

This brought a light blush to her cheeks as she waved with her hoof for him to desist. “I’m just an old mare. Don't tease me hun.”

Rayne just leaned an elbow upon the side of the cart. “So, Miss Spring Beauty. What is it that brought you here tonight then? Tell me about yourself, I am very curious.”

“Well,” She began slowly, “if you must know, it is actually Mrs. Beauty even though I kept my maiden name after marrying.”

This definitely took Rayne by surprise as he said, “Oh? And is your lucky other half here with you this evening? Should I be watching my back, sharing a drink with you like this?” He teased light heartedly.

“Oh I think that you will be fine. My dear Handy is at home with our youngest. I would have brought them both but was unaware there would be free foal sitting services offered.” They enjoyed a peaceful silence for a moment as they sipped their cider. But then she turned to him and asked, “And what of you? The charming dark stallion, appearing one day out of nowhere, who seems to find himself in relationships while also helping others to fall in love wherever he goes. It sounds all so romantic. How exactly does one become so powerful as to accomplish this? Meaning of course, while at the same time being able to become a fearsome beast that can vanquish all of Equestria's foes?”

Rayne almost choked on his cider as he definitely found Spring to not be one to pull her punches. “Oh well maybe I just have a knack for finding myself at the right places at the right times.” Despite her tact, this was one game of cat and mouse that he had no intention of losing. “But for all my power, it pales in comparison to your Handy. I'll have to ask some time how does one successfully steal the heart of a alicorn? So far that seems to be the one feat beyond my ability.”

Chuckling lightly she set her drink down and said, “Oh, it isn't that hard. A bit of open heartedness, a lot of patience for our stubborn attitudes, and I assure you that perseverance can definitely be rewarded. You just need to not give up when things get difficult.” Without trying to be too obvious about it she did her best to encourage him because she knew that this unicorn haunted Luna's thoughts even if she would not yet admit it.

“Wise words, I'll take them to heart.” He said with a smile. The two looked into each other's eyes for a moment before it became somewhat obvious that there were several other ponies staring at them. Feeling startled by this they both looked around and Rayne checked to make sure the alicorns wings were not showing. But nothing seemed amiss as they looked around. “What? Why is everypony staring at us?”  

Just then someone spoke to them as they stepped closer. “Excuse me ya'll, but it's getting late. We're closing up these here cider car-, oh Rayne! It's you. And… of dear…”

Spring fidgeted with her hooves a little nervously and Rayne turned to Applejack as he asked, “What is it? What's wrong? Why is everypony looking at us like this?”

Applejack chuckled now and said, “You mean you two have been sitting here jaw flapping and you really haven't noticed? Go on and look above yer heads there.” Without even having to Spring Beauty suddenly blushed. Not immediately getting the hint Rayne had to look up to see that they had just walked to the cider cart which had the mistletoe nestled above it.

“Ah, no wonder this cider cart wasn't emptied yet. Ponies were probably avoiding it who didn't want to get caught underneath that.”

Spring Beauty had brought her hoof to her lips as she giggled. “Congratulations Rayne. I have been having stallions trying to get me to this cart all night long. But dancing with you I had forgotten all about it.”

Rayne rubbed the back of his neck a little bashfully. “Heh, it's not just you. I had forgotten as well.”

She looked the handsome unicorn up and down before saying, “I can be a good sport about it if you can Rayne. As long as you can promise that just one kiss won't cause some sort of love magic to whisk me away with you forever.” She jested at him playfully.

“Shouldn't that be my line? Mrs… Spring… Beauty?” Slowly the two stepped closer and closer together until their snouts were almost touching. Applejack watched as her jaw slowly dropped and from across the party Pinkie Pie gasped, drawing the attention of the others to what was happening. Leaning forward Rayne slipped a hoof into Spring's mane and cradled the back of her neck as they kissed. It was a smooth, gentle kiss which Spring decided to take her time and enjoy. The lips of the stallion and the secret alicorn glided together tenderly and Rayne leaned in hoping she was enjoying this as much as he was. There were several calls from the crowd as it was a very debonair kiss that the stallion was giving her.

However just before pulling back away Spring had decided to open her eyes right at that moment. That was when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a visage of black and dark blue staring at them before it turned to walk away. “Oh Luna, no…” Spring thought sadly to herself. “Please my friend, you must know that this kiss meant nothing. Don't give up, just as you had found your courage to approach him.”

Rayne opened his eyes after he felt the mare in his arms pull back from him. She smiled sweetly before saying, “Thank you for your company tonight. I hope that we can continue to be friends in the future.”

“I would like that.” Rayne said simply, returning the warm glow of her smile.

“Rayne, I wish you all the happiness that you hope to achieve in life. For your sake and for the sake of others. Have a pleasant evening.” Then without another word she turned to push her way through the crowd, trying desperately to catch up in the direction that Luna had gone.

“What, was THAT all about?!” Applejack asked as she stepped over beside Rayne.

“I have no idea.” Rayne said. But then looking to his friend he noticed the tired circles that were growing under her eyes. “Hey, one more dance before we wrap up the night?”

- A Few Minutes Earlier -

“Oh, what ist thou so worried about?!” Luna argued with herself as she paced around like a nervous wallflower. “Thy interest of the heart will not end up biting thee for asking to dance. Or doth we still really desire to not admit that we find our suitor as charming as he would like us to think?” She turned and glanced across the dance floor seeing Rayne holding Starlight close in arm as they danced together. She sighed at the sight, indeed finding him charming but also feeling daunted at the same time. “But can one such as I, really have any business entangling herself with the affairs of the young?”

Then as she looked on from her reclusive distance Luna laughed a bit seeing him bump straight into Spring Beauty of all ponies. “Aww, how lovely to see that for all his suave nature he can still be a clumsy fool at times too. But what's this?! Oh no, Beauty's coat hath fallen from her shoulders! Some pony will-” But just as soon as Spring had stumbled to the ground Rayne reach out and swept her winter coat back over her wings. It was almost as if he wasn't even stunned by seeing them and that he was only concerned for her modesty. 

"What's this?" Luna asked herself. "He hath to have seen. He, does not care upon finding that Spring Beauty is like us? Hmm.” As she watched the two of them begin to dance as if nothing had happened, Luna turned away and rested her head against the wall beside her. “Maybe he is different. Maybe… he really is one who could accept me for who I am, and not what I am.” She thought to herself longingly.

After nearly pacing a hole in the floor Luna bit her lip and nodded to herself. “Okay. Just walk over there and ask him. It's not so hard. Just say, ‘Excuse me, if you would not mind my interruption, I would like to ask thee to dance.’ Yes, there is nothing wrong with that. It's just one simple question. We need not even have small talk during. Then after one song we may part ways for the evening. No pressure… it is only the first time that I hath ever asked a stallion to dance… ever… in over eleven hundred years…” Looking up she suddenly realized that she had no idea where Rayne and Spring Beauty had danced off to. “Oh for pony sake Luna! You're losing your only chance!” Then she rushed forward through the crowd to find Rayne before her bravery failed her.

But a minute later she stood frozen amongst a group of other ponies. She didn't know why but her hooves refused to respond to her commands and her voice had abandoned her entirely. There was Rayne, right in front of her, but his eyes were closed and his lips pressed right against Spring Beauty's. She didn't know why finding him like this bothered her so much. She was well aware that he had relations with other ponies. Was it because Spring was another alicorn? Or a personal friend of hers? Or was it because of the comment Celestia had made earlier in the night? She didn't know. But when control of her body returned to her, there was only one direction that it was willing to move. “No… I'm not ready.” Turning her face away she pushed back through the crowd to run from the sight before her, completely missing it as Spring looked up right in her direction.

Tears started to fill her eyes as she made it to the entryway of the Community Hall.  “You foolish, fickle minded mare!” Luna cursed vehemently. “Why did you run away?! Why do you always allow your emotions to control you?” The dark alicorn sniffled as she stepped to the teleport area she had arrived at.

“Please! Where is the princess? She went that way?!” Looking upward Spring Beauty could be seen approaching quickly. “Luna! There you, wait, no Luna don't go!” She yelled. But the princess of the night just turned her saddened face away and with a flash of magic she was gone. “Oh you silly little filly hearted girl…” Spring whispered softly as she saw that she had been too late.

- The Final Hours of the Party -

Dawn was now less than a few hours away. Ponies left as the party had dwindled down to a few dozen at most; several of which had, whether intentionally or not, opted to fall asleep at the party until things were being cleaned up the next day. Most of the staff ponies who were helping out had gone home but three members of the band had stuck it out until the bitter end. A melody of piano, saxophone and light drumming for tempo carried in the ambience as couples danced themselves to exhaustion.

Rayne looked around at the faces he recognized. Twilight had stayed so as to keep a ‘presence’ of princesses at the party but she did not come even close to making it through the night. She and Fluttershy were nestled together dreaming the early hours away. Rayne was also aware that the mysterious mare he had met this night had escorted Princess Celestia home after rumors of Luna's sudden disappearance. Mr and Mrs Cake had taken up baby duty and helped parents to gather their foals without waking up the others as each family left. Rainbow Dash was tired but her sense of loyalty to look after a friend who had drank too much was keeping her wide awake. She sat resting by the fire watching with a smile as Spitfire and Fleetfoot slow danced hoof in hoof nearby. Rarity and Spike had left some time ago to retire for the night at Carousel Boutique together.

Suddenly a big yawn was made by Pinkie Pie as she was falling asleep in Rayne's arms while they casually danced together. “I'mmmm, I'm awake.” Her worn out face mumbled.

“Of course you are. Say, why don't we go be awake over in the cushy seats by Twilight and Fluttershy?” Rayne suggested with a bit of reverse psychology for her.

“Oookay, that sounds nice…” Once they had gotten there, all Rayne had to do was lean her down and the usually excitable party pony fell right into a deep slumber. “I'm… awa… mmm-ke…”

Smiling to his friend he brushed her mane back with a hoof. “Good night Pinkie.” Just then he looked up and saw that for the first time that night Discord had shown his face at the party. “Hey there you are tardy Draconequus. Where have you been all night?”

Smiling softly as he looked to the sleeping Fluttershy, “Oh, just getting the Hearth's Warming morning present ready for this little one here.”

“All night?” Rayne asked and his magical multicolored friend just nodded.

“Oh yes. I have temporarily transformed Fluttershy's animal sanctuary into a winter paradise. There are crystal ice sculptures, water droplets that drip according to tune for a melody I picked out, you name it.”

“Discord! Tell me that you aren't responsible for the blizzard that has frozen half of Ponyville just so that you could make some pretty ice sculptures for Fluttershy.” The Draconequus gasped and crossed his arms as if he were offended, yet he didn't actually deny the accusation either. Raising an eyebrow Rayne just chuckled, “Finally making your move?”

“Shhhh!” He urged as he looked around to make sure no other pony could hear. “Maybe.” The two shared a quiet hoof bump. “Did she have a good time?”

“I think she had an excellent time at the party.” Rayne reassured him as Discord carefully picked the sleeping pegasus up in his arms. “Good luck Discord.”

“Good night Rayne.” Discord smiled and then teleported away with Fluttershy with a pop.

Just then Rayne turned towards the entryway as he thought he heard someone call his name. There he saw Hard Hat with the mare that he had sent his way earlier. She was nestled tightly under one of his arms and it appeared that they were leaving together. Rayne gave him a smile and a nod. “That's nice. New love should always bloom wherever it can.”

The thought came to him of asking Dash how the two Wonderbolts were doing that have seemed particularly close this evening. But a calm monotone voice spoke out to the dark unicorn from behind. “Rayne? I am actually going to head home. But I don't want you to come with me yet. I heard what Discord said and that gave me an idea for a surprise I would like to give you.”

Rayne was definitely taken off guard by this but he just nodded to Maud and said, “It's cold outside. Want me to pop you back home so you don't have to walk?” He offered as he stepped toward her, expectantly leaning in for a goodbye kiss.

After happily obliging him she shook her head. “I'm going to take my sister home first. Then I'll head back to our place to get things ready.”

Being insistent on caring for the pony that had become so deeply a part of his life he offered, “Then how about to Sugarcube Corner at least? And I'll trust you to make it home from there?”

She looked surprised for a moment but then nodded with a small smile. “That would be nice, thank you Rayne.” Walking over to lift Pinkie over her shoulders she said, “Do you know what you'll do in the meantime?”

“Oh I have a pretty good idea.” He said warmly to her and she nodded. Stealing one last kiss from him first, Maud nodded before Rayne then teleported the two Pie sisters to the safe interior of the bakery shop in town.

Elsewhere in the Community Hall, Applejack and Big Mac were breaking down crates as well as storing items away to get the party wrapped up. “Hey there Jackie.” Rayne said softly.

Her tired eyes turned to his direction but nevertheless she gave a smile, clearly being happy to see him. Rayne did find it strange though that just after smiling she suddenly turned and frowned. “Hiya there Rayne. What can I do you for?” She asked, having just a slight bit of a tone as she turned her shoulder to him and kept working.

Rayne laughed softly, not missing the fact that she was clearly feeling a little let down. “I was actually hoping…”

“Uh, huh?” She mumbled. “Wanting one last mug before we pack all this here cider awa-”

“If I could walk you home?” He finished, which completely made Applejack stop what she was doing. She kept her back to him to not show the smile she couldn't resist having but then regained her wits about her and said, “I think that would be lovely. Let me get my coat?” Then the stallion nodded and leaned against the cart to wait for her.

“Rayne…” A gruff voice then said to him. “If you two are leaving now then I'd expect to already see my sister back at the farm by the time I get back there with all this.” Big Mac scolded.

But before Rayne could answer Applejack had returned and admonished him. “Now see here you big galoot! It ain't none of your business what time Rayne ends up getting me back by. You know there ain't nothing gonna harm me as long as Rayne's around to keep me safe so that should be enough for you!”

Big Mac looked like he wasn't entirely satisfied but he knew that was logic he couldn't argue with. “Well alright. I suppose I'll just haul this all back home by myself.” He pouted and his sister just rolled her eyes before walking hoof in hoof with Rayne to the door.

“Are you ready to go?” He asked her. She looked around to make sure that all was right.

Then she nodded as she asked him, “And you? I know how overprotective you can get. Any last minute something or others you wanna do before we head out?”

Rayne gave a guilty chuckle and she just waved a hoof for him to go ahead. He stomped one of his back hooves and a part of his shadow underneath him suddenly began to spread outwards across the wooden floor. Turning to face it, Rayne and Applejack saw the silhouette of what looked like a Timber Wolf on the ground but there was certainly no Timber Wolf in the room to cast the shadow. “There is a princess and several other ponies resting in here still. Watch over them until the Community Hall is empty and then return.” The shadow wolf moved as if it howled in response but no sound came out. Then it ran from the entryway, scaling up the walls without leaving a scratch and disappeared from sight into the dark rafters overhead.

Being one of the few ponies that knew about Rayne being the ‘Shadow of Equestria’ she didn't bat an eyelash at this. Following the dark stallion outside she said, “It looks like the blizzard finally stopped at some point last night.” She stated seeing the clear sky with the town covered in fresh white snow. “So, any trouble brewing out here in the dark while we was all having fun?” She asked him.

Rayne looked out into the night and then several shadows were pulled in from around them. Applejack was surprised to see the shadow of a Bugbear, a Manticore, and what looked to be a Hydra amongst nearly a dozen other Timber Wolves. Then they all slowly drifted back into Rayne's shadow before he smiled at her. “Not a spot of trouble for miles. It's a perfect night.” He said and started to walk down the snowed over path with her toward the farm.

After they had put a good bit of distance behind them Applejack spoke softly as she sided up next to him. “Ya know, it's really sweet of you to walk me home like this.”

“Who said I was walking you home?” Rayne said playfully and Applejack yelled in surprise as he suddenly wrapped his arms around her. Throwing them both off the side of the road they rolled down a snow covered hill bank which left Applejack feeling a bit dizzy.

“Why you schemin’ varmint!” She yelled and tossed a loosely clumped snow ball to his face.

“Hey!” Rayne chuckled and soon the two were chasing each other through a snow field. Laughter and a bit of competitive snowball fighting eventually made both of them collapse from exhaustion, neither having the strength they usually would have from staying awake so late at night.

Once they had rested for a moment Rayne crawled close and pulled the earth pony in tight. “I wanted to thank you Applejack. You were a lot of help to putting together one of the best Hearth's Warming parties imaginable. And I know that you were hoping to get a bit more attention from me tonight than you got.”

She gave a sigh but then just smiled realizing everything had turned out perfect anyhow. She grabbed him by the collar and sank a deep kiss right onto his lips. “It wasn't all a waste of time.”

Giving her a deep smile he leaned in over her to hold her properly and said, “So you're saying it was worth it playing the long game with me tonight?”

She gave him a satisfied stare and reached up around his mane with her hooves. “It couldn't have ended any better than this.” No other words were spoken Applejack happily disappeared into her make out session with Rayne, just as the sky broke into dawn above them.

(A Merry Early Hearthswarming Eve to All.)

The End.