And so the Christmas party was underway, with Spike talking it out with the boys, “So, Big Mac, Applejack says you're into Ogres and Oubliette's, right?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded in confirmation.

“Awesome, so do I. What's your character?”

“I'm Sir McBiggun, a level 27 Black Knight Unicorn from Castle Chadwick!” the oldest Apple sib declared.

“Impressive. I'm Garbunkle, a level 30 Enchanter with major skill points assigned to Intellect and Perception.”

"Not bad. If I'm ever in town, we should team up in a quest.”

“I'd like that,” Spike admitted, “So you brought your girl with you? How'd you meet Sugar Belle?”

“Well, I was making a delivery of apples to her family bakery. We got to talking, and she was thinking of making new types of apple flavored treats in her bakery. So she kept ordering more and more apples to help with her recipes, and yours truly was there to deliver them.” he winked.

“Awesome,” Spike said, before turning to Zephyr, “So, Z, what're your hobbies?”

“Well, I'm actually learning about hairdressing. In fact that's what I'm aiming for. A chance to design lovely dos for the rich and the famous.” Zephyr smirked.

“Based off your haircut, you may be onto something,” Spike joked, and turned to Sunburst, “Anything you like, Sunburst?”

“Well, I like to study. Mostly for research. There's so much untold history about everything. I want to learn as much as I can.” he explained.

“Well, good luck with that,” Spike looked to Mudbriar, “So Mudbriar. How does a guy like you get involved with a girl like Maud?” he eyed Pinkie's eldest sister who was busy mingling with the others.

“We actually met at a petrified wood show,” Mudbriar began, “I was there because I'm actually a stick person, and Maud was there because she's a rock person.”

“If Maud's a rock person, why would she be at a petrified wood show?” Spike asked in confusion.

“To quote Maud 'In the per-mineralization process of petrification, all organic material is replaced with silicates – i.e., rocks'. 'Whereas while retaining the original structural elements of wood – q.e.d., it was a stick show.”

Spike raised a brow having no idea how to follow up from that, except answer, “Right. I'm gonna go and get some punch.” he got up and walked away.

“Technically, the punch bowl is that way.” Mubriar told the boys while motioning to the opposite direction that Spike left in.

Over by the girls, they were enjoying a plate of gingerbread cookies, as Rarity spoke to Ember, “So, Ember, darling. Anything juicy you can tell us about Spike he wouldn't want to say himself?”

“Rarity.” Twilight scolded her.

“No-no, I don't mind,” Ember replied, “Spike's a cool cousin, but sometimes he does a lot of weird things.”

“Such as?” Rainbow inquired.

“Well, one time he ate a whole tub of ice cream and had a colossal stomach ache afterward.” Ember explained.

“Oh, my.” Fluttershy gasped with a hand over her mouth.

Rainbow laughed, “Oh, that's rich.”

“Eh, it took me a few tries before being able to do that without getting an upset tummy.” Pinkie admitted. Ember and Smolder could only blink in surprise.

“So how has our cousin been to you, girls?” Smolder asked, “He hasn't made an idiot of himself in front of you too much, has he?”

“Perish the thought,” Rarity replied, “Spike has been nothing but a perfect gentleman to us.”

'More or less.' Rainbow thought to herself.

“Is it true, Pinkie?” Maud asked her sister.

“Of course it is. Would I lie about that?”

“We're just concerned given the fact you girls have a boy living with you now.” Limestone noted.

“And I think it's unfair.” Sweetie Belle pouted.

“Me too.” Apple Bloom agreed.

“What do ya mean?” Applejack asked.

“How come you girls get to bunk with the cute boy?” Scootaloo asked.

“All the boys we know in school back home are just boring.” Sweetie Belle added.

Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow giggled a bit, as Rarity spoke, “Sorry, darlings. But I'm sure someone will come along that can grab your attentions.”

“That would be nice.” Apple Bloom sighed. The three older girls felt bad for the trio, before getting an idea.

Over by the adults table, Torch brought up some of the beer he brought with. Bowhoof took a look at it, “Mm, this is good stuff.”

“Only the best.” Torch answered.

“Can't wait to have some of this.” Night Light said, as he took a bottle.

“Night Light, don't overdo it.” Velvet warned him.

“When have I overdone it?”

“Remember your birthday last year?” Velvet reminded him.

Night Light winced recalling he went out to his local bar with some of his buddies and ended up getting so wasted. What he could remember was stripping down to his boxers, and his buddies carried him around from underneath making it look like he was flying.

“I'm Peter Pants-less!”

Night Light chuckled sheepishly, “Good point.”

“So you own a bar?” Magnum asked Torch.

“That's right. The Dragon's Den. Best place to grab a cold one.”

“It must be very hard running a bar while also looking after your girls and even Spike.” Windy Whistles said.

“More than you can imagine. Especially when my wife passed away.” Torch sighed.

“Our most sincerest condolences to you.” Igneous said in sympathy.

“And you brought Spike to live with you when his parents passed away because you were so close?” Granny asked.

“Correct,” Torch confirmed, “Geki and Elsa were very good friends of mine, ever since college. They were there for me when my wife passed. And when they passed away I owed it to them by taking Spike in. He always did feel like a nephew even if not by blood. Still I tried my best to help raise him even though my work at the bar has kept me busy.”

“Being a single parent's never easy.” Stellar said knowing the feeling.

“There's only so much ya can do,” Granny added, “When my boy and his wife died I really had to take it upon myself to raise my grand kids. Especially baby Apple Bloom.”

Holiday spoke, “Even Lofty and I have to watch Scootaloo while her parents are away on business.”

“It's never easy, but ya do what ya can.” Lofty added.

“I know,” Torch agreed, “I just hope letting Spike come here to the city was the right choice.”

Celestia spoke, “Mr. Torch, you letting Spike come here to attend my school was in fact the right thing. He's become such a model student and made so many friends. Even to my number one student and all her friends.”

Torch smiled, “As long as being here makes Spike happy, that's all I could hope for.”

The adults smiled, as Velvet noticed Spike heading for the kitchen, and an idea came to her.

Inside the kitchen, Spike was preparing hot chocolate for everyone. As he pulled out bags of marshmallows he poured them into a big bowl. He was busy focused on the marshmallows he was caught off guard by something big and soft pressing into his back while a pair of arms wrapped around his waist.

“What the?!” he looked back and saw Velvet hugging him from behind.

“Hi.” she greeted.

“Mrs. Sparkle?”

“That's me. But please call me Velvet.” she said, while letting go of Spike.

“Um, sure.” Spike answered feeling unsure.

“Making some hot chocolate, I see.”

“Yeah. A little warm beverage for everyone.” Spike answered.

“Good call. So, Spike, how have you been getting along with Twilight and her friends? No trouble I hope?”

“Not at all. They're some the best friends I ever had. In fact your daughter's been helping me with school work whenever I needed help.”

“That's my daughter for you.” Velvet giggled.

Spike looked at Velvet and smiled while feeling a little down, 'Twilight really was lucky to grow up with a mom like her.'

Velvet took notice of this and spoke, “Spike, are you ok?”

Spike snapped out of his trance, and answered, “What? Oh, yeah. I'm fine.”

Velvet looked suspicious, “I know that expression. What's wrong?”

“Nothing. Really.”

“Spike.” she said sternly.

Spike seeing she wasn't going to drop it sighed. Velvet put a hand to his shoulder comfortingly, “What's the matter, dear?”

“Nothing it's just. Having everyone's family here just makes me feel...”

“You miss your parents.” Velvet said.

Spike looked up in confusion, as she continued, “Twilight told me and my husband about what happened. We're both terribly sorry for your loss.”

Spike sighed, “Even though it's been years since that day and I've been happy living with Uncle Torch, Ember, and Smolder I still think about my mom and dad a lot. Especially around these times.”

“As you should,” Velvet replied, “There's no shame in thinking about the ones you've lost no matter how many years it's been.”

“Really?” Velvet nodded, “Thanks, Velvet.”

“No problem. Just remember you have family in my daughter and all her friends while you're here. In fact me and everyone whose come here are like your family too.”

“You are?”

“That's right. So if you ever need something like a mother's care or words, feel free to talk to me. I'd be more than happy to be like a mother to you.” Velvet said leaning closer.

Spike blushed as Velvet got closer with her beauty stirring Spike up. He answered, “Thank you. I'd really like that.”

Velvet smiled, as she cupped Spike's face and kissed his cheeks, “I'd like that too. Now then, you owe me something.” she stuck her cheek out to him.

Spike's blush increased from what Twilight's mom was requesting of him. Not wanting to be rude, he puckered up and pecked Velvet's cheek making the woman smile and blush. Spike felt it was over, but was far from it. He suddenly felt Velvet wrap Spike's head in her arms and brought it close making him rest on her bosom.

“If you were my son, I'd make sure to raise you into a kind and loving young man.” she cooed.

“Thanks,” Spike answered all muffled, and thought, 'Damn, these things feel so soft. I'm definitely in heaven.'

Later on, both Spike and Velvet came out of the kitchen with Spike carrying mugs on a tray while Velvet was carrying the bowl of marshmallows and a kettle of fresh hot chocolate.

“Hot chocolate and marshmallows!” Spike called.

“Come and get it!” Velvet announced.

“And Twilight and Pinkie, I think that pudding you have on the stove is almost ready.” Spike added.

“We're on it.” Pinkie said, as she and Twilight got up and headed for the kitchen.

“Before we do, Spike could you come over here for a minute?” Applejack asked.

Spike sat the tray down and went over to the girls, “What's up?”

“Would you be a dear and let us take a picture of you with our sisters?” Rarity requested, as the trio waved.

“They wanna have something to remember this day by.” Rainbow said.

“Well, sure.” Spike answered, as he stood by and the trio gathered around him.

“A little to left.” Rarity motioned them to move.

“A little closer together.” Rainbow motioned them.

“Perfect.” Applejack said, as she Rarity, and Rainbow took a selfie of Spike, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo together.

Rarity looked up and gasped, “Mistletoe!”

Spike's eyes widened as he looked up and saw he and the girls were under mistletoe. He looked at the three who smirked at him.

“Pucker up.” Apple Bloom said.

Spike didn't have a chance to respond, as Apple Bloom claimed his lips. After she had her kiss, Sweetie Belle cupped Spike's face and kissed him as well. Finally Scootaloo took her turn. When she finished, Spike was speechless, as the trio high fived.

“Yeah!” they cheered.

“And we got it all.” Rarity said, as she, A.J, and Rainbow texted the kiss shots to the trio.

“Awesome!” Scootaloo said, while looking at the selfie of her and Spike kissing.

“Alright, if you kids are done having fun over there come and get some hot chocolate.” Lofty told them. As they hurried over Spike followed from behind smiling at the kisses he just received.

Soon they were all relaxing enjoying some hot chocolate and some pudding Pinkie and Twilight brought out.

“Mm, this pudding is delicious.” Spike said, as he ate some.

“I'll say.” Smolder agreed.

“Good stuff.” Ember added.

“Glad you like it,” Twilight replied, “It's an old recipe I came across one day. I took it to Pinkie and we made it together.”

“It turned out to be the most delicious pudding ever!” Pinkie beamed.

“Ya got that right.” Applejack agreed.

“So we decided to make having this pudding a Christmas tradition.” Twilight said.

“And it's a good tradition.” Rarity put in.

“You bet it is.” Rainbow added, as everyone enjoyed their pudding.

(Christmas Vacation)

Soon dinner was served, and everyone was seated at a big table. After saying grace they all filled up their plates and proceeded to enjoy dinner. As they enjoyed their meal they continued to shoot the breeze, make jokes, and tell stories. As Spike ate he took glances of Twilight, her friends, even Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo shooting him smiles which made him blush in embarrassment, but made him feel happy too.

As it got late, it was time for the guests to go. Each of the girls and Spike were saying goodbye to their respective families promising they'd see each other soon.

As Spike hugged his uncle and cousins, he spoke, “Take care, Uncle Torch. Try not to work too hard.”

“Sure thing, Spike.” he answered.

“We'll make sure of that.” Ember promised.

“Count on it.” Smolder added.

“Thanks, girls. Until next time.” the three left.

As Twilight said goodbye to her brother, his wife, and their daughter they walked to Spike, “It was lovely to meet you, Spike.” Cadence said.

“You're an awesome guy.” Shining added.

“Thanks you two,” Spike looked to Flurry Heart, “Come back and see me sometime, Flurry.”

“Buh-bye.” she said.

The three left, and Twilight's parents came over to him, “Well, it was good meeting you, Spike.” Night Light began.

“Thanks. Same to the both of you.”

“Make sure Twilight doesn't overdo it with her studies.” Velvet said.

“Can do, ma'am.” he promised.

As Night Light walked out, Velvet gave Spike one more motherly hug before catching up with her husband.

Applejack's family walked to him, “So I guess I'll see you Apples around, huh?”

“Ya darn tootin'.” Granny Smith confirmed.

“Eeyup. See you at the next O&O Con, Spike.” Big Mac said.

“Looking forward to it.”

“Thanks again for being a good host with the girls.” Sugar Belle said.

“No problem.”

As they walked, Apple Bloom hugged him followed by a peck on the cheek, “See ya next time, Spike.” she followed her family.

Spike smiled to himself, as Rarity's family approached him, “We'll see you around, Spike.” Magnum said.

“Don't be a stranger, ya hear?” Betty asked.

“Right, ma'am.”

Sweetie Belle hugged and kissed him, “Bye, Spike.”

They left with the Pies and Mudbriar coming next, “We shall look foreth to the next time we cross paths, Spike.” Igneous said.

“I shall look foreth to it too.” Spike replied, as the Pie couple nodded and walked.

Maud hugged Spike, “Take care of Pinkie, ok? We love her very much.”

“You can count on me, Maud. Well, Mudbriar, guess this is goodbye.”

Mudbriar nodded, “But not forever.”

Limestone approached Spike with a scowl on her face making him nervous. Suddenly it softened up to a smile before she playfully punched his shoulder, “You're all right by me, Spike.”

“Thanks.”

Marble approached Spike, and hugged him, before whispering into his ear, “Thank you.”

Spike watched as Pinkie's sisters and Mudbriar left, before Fluttershy's parents and brother approached, “Well, we got to go to.” Reginald began.

“We hope you'll take care of our daughter, Spike.” Posey said.

“Then again she can take care of herself just fine.” Reginald joked.

“Don't worry I will.”

“And if you ever need a new do, call me.” Zephyr said.

“I'll keep that in mind.” Spike answered but felt unsure.

Windy Whistles and Bowhoof approached, “You're a heck of a guy, Spike.” Bowhoof began.

“Just like our daughter.”

“Thanks, you guys.”

“And here a little something we made.” Bowhoof handed him a prize ribbon.

Spike looked at the title, “Best guy friend to Rainbow?” the couple winked before leaving.

Following them was Scootaloo and her aunts, “Keep in touch, Spike.” Scootaloo said as she gave Spike a hug and a kiss.

Holiday and Lofty hugged Spike together from both sides with their racks pressing into both sides of his head.

“It was so good to meet you, Spike.” Holiday began.

“Thanks, same to you two.” Spike blushed.

“If ya ever interested. Scootaloo is up for grabs.” Lofty whispered, causing Spike's blush to increase.

“We sure wouldn't mind it.” Holiday said, as the two kissed his cheeks before taking off.

Finally Stellar and Sunburst approached, “It was good meeting you, Spike.” Sunburst began.

“You too, Sunburst.”

“See you the next time we all get together.” Stellar said.

“Can't wait.”

And so the last of the guests left, and Celestia spoke to the group, “Now then. Let's clean up.” So the teens and two sisters started working together to clean everything up. Once everything was cleaned, it was time for everyone to turn in.

In Spike's room, the boy had already got changed. He looked out his window and watched the snow fall, “Today was an awesome day.”

Suddenly there was a knock at his door, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Spike saw the girls in their pajamas, while bringing in sleeping bags, “Girls, what's up?”

“We decided we want to spend Christmas Eve in your room, Spike.” Twilight began.

“Is that ok with you?” Sunset asked.

“Uh, sure. No problem.” he answered.

Pinkie closed the door and locked it. The girls laid their sleeping bags out on the floor, as Fluttershy spoke, “Then we hope you don't mind if we get extra comfortable?”

“Huh?” Spike wondered what she meant, until he saw the girls stripping down to their undergarments like they did before. Spike blushed up a storm still remembering the last time they did this.

“Come on, Spike. Time to join us.” Rainbow said, as she and Applejack removed his sleepwear leaving him in his boxers.

“Well, this night took an unexpected turn.” Spike said to himself.

As the girls sat down with Spike, Twilight spoke, “So what did you think of our families, Spike?”

“I think they're neat in their own ways of course.”

“Yeah. We love them.” Rainbow added.

“And what did you girls think of my uncle and cousins?”

“Torch seems like a caring guy despite his big and gruff demeanor.” Fluttershy admitted.

“”I know.” Spike chuckled.

“Ember and Smolder are also nice as well.” Rarity added.

“Glad you think so. So this turned out to be a great party, didn't it?”

“It sure did.” Applejack confirmed.

“I hope you don't mind the little stunt with our sisters.” Rarity said.

“Actually, I liked it.” Spike admitted.

“Good because there's one last thing.” Rainbow said motioning up.

Spike looked up seeing some mistletoe hanging from his ceiling, “How'd that get there?”

“I snuck it in earlier today.” Pinkie grinned.

“Clever.” Spike replied.

And so Spike gave each of the girls a kiss who kissed him back. Spike smiled at the group, “You girls are just so beautiful.”

The girls blushed, as Pinkie hugged Spike and started nuzzling her cheek against his, “Oh, Spikey-Wikey. When you say sweet things like that, it's just so cutesy-wutesy!”

Rarity pulled Spike away from Pinkie, “Hey! Only I get to call him, Spikey-Wikey!”

“Then can I call him sugarcube?” Pinkie asked.

“Already taken.” Applejack reminded her.

“Oh, all the good pet names have been taken.” Pinkie pouted.

“Really, I don't need a pet name from all of you.” Spike assured her.

“Still, it's so we don't have to be so formal with you.” Rainbow said, as she took Spike from Rarity, and hugged him close.

“I know. Because we're friends and family.” Spike said, as the rest of the girls joined in a group hug, and the seven ladies spoke.

“Merry Christmas, Spike.”

“Merry Christmas, girls.” he replied.

They turned out the light and watched the snow fall outside until they all fell asleep.

Author's Note

Well hope you all have a Happy Holiday. And to play us out, Pinkie Pie's rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.