A Honest Hearth

by Next Gen Wonderbolt

Rating: everyone
Tags: Applejack, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 8039

It's Hearth's Warming and Applejack wants to treat Twilight to an Applejack styled Hearth's Warming

It's that time of year where the snow is plentiful and ponies love to spend Hearth's Warming next to a warm fire. Twilight Sparkle has nothing planned for this Hearth Warming, nothing except a show and an evening filled with Applejack and her efforts to make sure she has a great time!

Published 2013-10-28 00:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-12 04:44:12 UTC

Sparkling Snow

"There! Finished!"

Twilight Sparkle had just finished decorating her home for Hearth's Warming. Today was special mainly because today was Hearth's Warming Eve and tomorrow was Hearth's Warming! There was a wreath hanging above the fireplace and mistletoe hanging all around mixed in with a tree in the very center of the room. The fire was going strong for it was recently lit to keep the library warm because the snow outside was freezing the library and Twilight didn't like the cold. Twilight wondered if her friends would be going to the show in Canterlot like last year. They had all enjoyed participating in it as the main characters, and had enjoyed the show over all. Twilight snapped herself out of her memories and stood back to admire her work. The library looked very festive and Twilight grinned. The admiration was cut short however due to the fact that the front door had swung open and slammed against the wall knocking some of the decor off the wall. Twilight recoiled from the sudden intrusion and glared at the intruder which was, of course, Spike. The baby dragon didn't seem fazed by his entry and casually walked in to get warm. He was covered in snow and was tracking it every where he stepped.

"Hey, Twilight! Man is it cold out there or what?" Spike noticed that Twilight was staring at him like he had done something wrong. "What?"

"Spike, you can't just come barging in here leaving snow everywhere like that!" Spike raised his eyebrow.

"What do you mean? I'm not tracking snow." He lifted his foot and examined it and followed the trail he had left. "Whoops. I'm gonna have to clean that up aren't I?" Twilight simply nodded and Spike sighed and headed for the closet.

"How was sledding?" Twilight casually asked as she sat down.

"It was fun! AB almost ran down Sweetie Belle, but no biggie. We made a snow pony but Scootalo used it as target practice.." Spike replied while grabbing the broom.

Twilight giggled. "Sounds like you had a great time." Spike nodded his head and continued cleaning up the mess he had dragged in.

Twilight levitated a book over to her lap and gazed at the cover. The Greatest Gift was the title that stained the cover. Twilight flipped open the book to the first page and began reading her little holiday novel. It was in season and now was the perfect time to just sit next to a warm fire, relax, and read a good book. Spike had finished sweeping and wiped a claw over his forehead wiping away some sweat. He took the broom back over to the closet and put it away leaning it up against the closet walls. He looked at his feet again to make sure there wasn't any leftover snow and when he seemed clean he began his trek upstairs towards the room. Twilight looked up from her reading when she heard the broom being put away and followed Spike up the stairs.

"Now where do you think you're going?" Twilight asked in a motherly tone. Spike sighed and pointed his claw towards the room.

"To bed. What does it look like?" Twilight rolled her eyes and grinned as the baby dragon waddled off to bed.

Twilight continued to read her book. The fire was crackling in the background creating a little noise but it did nothing to distract Twilight from her goal of finishing the book in her hooves. The warm glow of the fire illuminated her coat and made her body tingle with heat. Twilight was about halfway through the second chapter of the book before she heard a knock at the door. Twilight really didn't want to get up from her spot, but she had to in order to answer the door. Slowly but surely she got up and lazily trotted towards the door. There was another knock and this time it sounded impatient which made Twilight pick up speed a bit. Twilight finally reached the door just as another knock was ringing throughout the library.

"Hey, Applejack." The orange mare was standing in the doorway with a blanket of snow covering her entire body.

"Howdy, Twilight. Mind if Ah come in? It's mighty chilly out here." Applejack tried shaking some of the snow off her coat and it was then that Twilight realized it had begun to snow.

"Of course! Come on in and I'll make us some hot chocolate." Twilight side-stepped and allowed AJ to walk into her home.

"That's mighty kind of you, Twi, but Ah don't want to impose." Applejack replied.

"It's not that big of a deal Applejack. Why don't you sit down and warm yourself up? I'm sure after being out in the snow you're bound to be cold." Twilight stated.

Applejack nodded and sat down next to the fire trying to regain some lost body heat. The fire was already sharing the heat provided that was warming up the farm mare. Twilight began making the hot chocolate in the kitchen. She had gotten lessons from Pinkie Pie and wasn't burning everything she touched, but she was still burning a good amount of food. She finished making two cups without burning it and gave one to Applejack and sat down next to her. They both took a sip of their chocolate before Twilight began a conversation.

"So, Applejack, what brings you to the library?" Twilight asked.

"Well Ah wanted to see how ya'll were doing." Applejack replied. Twilight didn't feel quite satisfied with that answer. It felt like AJ was hiding something.

"Is that all?" Twilight questioned.

"Yup." Applejack answered. Twilight was still suspicious.

"Applejack, is there something you're not telling me?" Applejack knew she wasn't the best at lying, but she couldn't hide anything from Twilight. The mare was too good at picking up on things.

Applejack sighed. "Twi, are you doing anything tonight? Ah know it's Hearth's Warming Eve and all, but Ah was just wondering."

Twilight didn't even hesitate to answer. "Well yes I have nothing planned for tonight. What were you wondering about?" Twilight's stomach felt a little lighter all of the sudden. It was like her body knew what AJ was going to say but her mind had no clue.

"Well, Ah have tickets here to go and see the Hearth's Warming show and I was wondering if ya' wanted to come with me." Applejack had a slight blush covering her cheeks, which was weird because AJ doesn't seem like the mare who would get nervous around her. Twilight thought for a moment. Her mind was at war coming to a decision.

Is she blushing? No she couldn't be! Could she? But why would she be embarrassed about this? Unless...

While Twilight was lost in thought she failed to recognize that Applejack was still in the room and sighed before getting up. "Ya' know what nevermind. Ah think Ah'll just go." That got Twilight's attention.

She quickly drew herself back to reality and stood up just as AJ was about to leave the library. At the time she wasn't considering her options and blurted out.

"Wait!" Applejack turned around with a crestfallen look on her face.

"Yeah?" Twilight trotted up to Applejack and stared her straight in the eyes.

"I'd love to." Now it was AJ's turn to be confused.

"Really? Yer not messing with me?"

"Yes, I'd like to go see the show with you. Applejack, why would I lie to you? You're my friend!"

Applejack let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah...friend."

Twilight could detect a hint of sadness and even disappointment hidden within the farm mare's voice. Twilight had no idea why Applejack could be sad about that. She was going to go with her to the show! Right? Applejack shook her head side to side and forced a smile. The way she did it looked painful to Twilight and it clearly showed something was up. Applejack thanked Twilight for the drink and told her when they would meet to head out.

"So 1:30 right?" Twilight asked.

"Yup!" Applejack replied,

"And the show starts at 4:00 right?" Applejack nodded.

"Ok I guess I'll see you then!" Twilight smiled at Applejack and she smiled back.

"Yup. Ah'll see ya' then." Applejack smiled and trotted back off towards her home and left a pondering Twilight at the door.

What's up with Applejack? She looked like something was wrong or that she was depressed about something! But what? Twilight continued to think on the matter and tried to piece it all together. So first Applejack shows up at her door, then she asks her to a see a show which, by the way she worded it, sounded like she was asking her out on a date. The only evidence behind that is that AJ was blushing when she asked, or at least it looked like a blush. It was probably just a light trick from the fire. Twilight quickly dismissed that because AJ's coat was orange so the light would have blended with her coat. It was a frustrating situation. On one hoof this whole thing could be a date and that would mean that Applejack has a crush on her. On the other hoof it could just be a friendly outing and nothing more.

This was a difficult decision, but it was one that had to be made. Should she treat it like a date and potentially lose a friend? Or should she just play it off as friends and potentially hurt AJ by friend zoning her? Twilight felt a sudden cold rush hit her and had forgotten to close the door. She hastily shut it and continued her debate. She sat down on the couch and warmed up by the fire. She now had to consider everything about this decision. Did she like Applejack enough to go out with her? Twilight knew only one way to solve this conflict.

"Make a list!" She shouted to no one in particular. She snagged a paper and quill from the drawer and began scribbling down the words pros and cons.

"Ok so let's see. Pros! Well, Applejack is nice. She's honest, strong, dependable, hard-working, beauti-" Twilight stopped herself mid-sentence. What was she going to say!? She looked down and saw that she had scribbled down beautiful on the paper. "What's going on with me?" Twilight shook her head and continued writing.

"She's loyal, humble, and athletic too." Twilight sighed. "Now for the cons. She's stubborn, proud, close-minded and..." Twilight couldn't think of anything else to add to the cons side. The mare was stunning in her own way. Her coat was the prettiest shade of orange and her eyes were like the rarest gem. Her mane was like a sea of beauty that dragged you in.

Twilight closed her eyes and shook her head violently. The more she thought about Applejack the more she thought about how amazing she was and how lovely she looked! Twilight needed somepony to help her out on this one. She already knew that none of the books in the library would be able to help her so she went with the next best thing.

"Rarity will know what to do! She does know a lot about romance!"

Twilight was about to rush out the door when she remembered again that it was snowing so she would need a jacket or a coat or something. She opened the closet and the only thing remotely close to one was her winter wrap-up vest. Twilight grabbed it anyway and slipped it on. She opened the door and was immediately blasted by the wind and snow. The white flakes were blinding to say the least and the sheer cold stung her face. Twilight shook her face to clear the snow and continued outside. The white snow was illuminated by the daylight and was making it hard for Twilight too see two hooves in front of her face. She couldn't use her hooves to feel where she was going and they were quickly growing numb with cold. Twilight regretted even thinking to walk in this weather and instead decided to teleport to Rarity's instead. Her face was burning from the freezing temperatures and her whole body was going numb.

Ok Twilight. Focus...focus...FOCUS!

In a flash and a pop she was gone.leaving 4 hoofmarks where she was standing.

Rarity was busy finishing up a new dress for Hoity Toity most recent order. It was made for the holiday season but it was also made along with the other costumes for this years Hearth Warming show. Just as she was putting on the inishing touches, Twilight appeared in the lobby with a pop and a flash. Rarity was startled by Twilight's sudden appearance and nearly dropped her thread and ruining her dress. Rarity didn't have a chance to scold Twilight because in that instant Twilight already had her in her magenta aura and was situating her.

"Rarity, I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion but I need your advice. It's important." Rarity resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"And what would that be darling?" Rarity replied. She was freed from Twilight's grasp and was now resting on a cushion on the floor.

"W-Well uh where do I begin?" Twilight plopped down on the floor and situated herself directly across from Rarity.

"Preferably at the beginning, Twilight." Rarity got herself comfortable and stared at focused on Twilight.

"Applejack came to the library a while ago." Rarity thought nothing of it at the time and motioned for Twilight to continue. "And she asked me something." Now Rarity was interested.

"What did she ask?" Rarity asked.

"She asked me if I was doing anything tonight first, then she asked me if I wanted to go and see the Hearth's Warming show with her." At first Rarity was confused but thought it was just a simple friendly outing.

"And?" Rarity asked. Twilight was now confused.

"And what?" She replied.

"What else did she say!" Twilight was now confused.

"She didn't really say anything. But I said yes but something else came up." Again Rarity was fully interested.

"Whatever could it be darling? I hope it doesn't interfere with your plans." Rarity asked.

"Well I think she was asking me out, like on a date!" Rarity stared at Twilight for a moment and giggled.

"Twilight, dear how could you ever think that Applejack was asking you out?" Rarity stopped giggling when she saw the intense glare Twilight was giving her.

"Well she was blushing when she was asking though I'm not one-hundred percent positive. Also she seemed really disappointed when I didn't answer at first." Rarity thought for a moment.

"Well those are common signs but are you sure?" Twilight shook her head.

"No! That's why I came to you! I thought you might be able to help. What if it is a date? What if I hurt her feeling!? What if it's not and I do something stupid and she hates me forever!" Twilight began hyperventilating which was Rarity's cue to calm her down before she went insane like last time.

"Twilight, dear Applejack would never do that! She is our friend after all! Whether or not it's a date you should just act natural and let Applejack lead the evening." Rarity said.

"But what if it is! What do I do then!?" Rarity sighed.

"There's only one way to find out. Twilight, how do you feel about Applejack? Describe her for me." Twilight's face hit the ground with a loud thump.

"What help will that be?" Twilight asked.

"It will help determine if you have feelings for Applejack should she have feelings for you." Twilight sighed heavily.

"Fine! Well Applejack is athletic and a hard worker." Rarity smiled and urged Twilight on. "She is honest, reliable, humble a-"

"Twilight, dear I don't mean to interrupt but I think you're analyzing this way too much. Just let it flow naturally darling!" Twilight sighed again. She closed her eyes and pictured her friend in her head.

"Applejack is brave and honest. She's just so friendly and trusting. It's like, like, I can't even describe it. I've always enjoyed having her around." Twilight's chest seemed to be getting lighter the more she describe Applejack. Her heart started to pick up speed. "It's like she's just perfect. Like when she's around nothing can hurt me." Twilight had a dreamy smile on her face which resulted in Rarity grinning triumphantly. Twilight blushed tried to hunker down as close to the floor as possible.

"Well darling I think we know what is going to happen if this is a date. I never knew you liked mares." Twilight didn't move an inch from her spot.

"I don't! I-I-I don't know!" Twilight slammed her head down on the floor and Rarity stood up and tried to pull Twilight to her hooves.

"Twilight, listen." The lavender mare looked up at her. "You have nothing to worry about darling! Just let Applejack lead and you'll be fine."

Twilight feeling reassured got up on her hooves and thanked Rarity for her help. She had a lot to think about and little time to do so. Twilight glanced up at the clock and discovered that it was already 1:00. Applejack was going to be arriving at the library shortly and Twilight wanted to look presentable when AJ did show up. The lavender mare then looked out the window and it wasn't as bad as before but it was still windy. Twilight used her better judgement and decided to teleport back to the library. She waved one last goodbye to Rarity before there was a pop and a flash and she was gone again. Rarity sighed and resumed her work.

"Let's hope she doesn't do anything uncouth while she's out."

Author's Note

My god first chapter and first attempt at a romance fic. There's going to be lots of hate from this isn't there? Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter! Was going to be for the Twijack contest but my lazy butt couldn't do it. I hope everyone is having a good day and be sure to drop a like if you enjoyed it and don't forget to comment!

~FS

Frozen Apples

Applejack slowly trudged through the snow covered ground. She had just finished up talking things over with Twilight and had to prepare herself for tonight's show. The wind was buffeting her non-stop and kept going all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. The snow flurries torpedoed into her eyes and was blinding her and slowing her progress. Her body was barely fazed by the harsh winds but her face felt like it was getting pricked with tiny needles. She put a hoof up to her forehead to try and block the onslaught and continued her trek homewards. The snow covering the ground was thick and her hooves were starting to go numb. A shiver rippled through Applejack's muscles which caused her to cringe a bit but failed to slow her. She did stop however when her hoof covering her head bumped into a wooden pole. Applejack looked up and instantly recognized the sign.

Finally! Now I can get outta this storm.

Applejack let out a sigh of relief which was visible due to the cold. She continued trudging and thinking to herself. She had come so far and now it was just within her reach. The orange farm mare finally reached her destination and struggled to open the door. She managed to pull it open and leapt into the room. The wind almost pushed the door off it's hinges with the amount of force it was exerting. Snow flurries scurried into the new environment and were painting the brown floorboards a light shade of white. Applejack spun around and lunged for the door handle. She tried to pull the door back but the wind kept pushing the door farther and farther. Applejack's muscles bulged as she attempted to close the door and seal off the wind. The door finally closed much to Applejack's relief. A deep burly voice sounded behind her.

"So how'd it go?" Applejack laughed a bit.

"Well it wasn't as bad as Ah though it would be. Thanks for the advice Mac."Applejack turned around to face her brother who was standing a couple of feet behind her.

The red stallion smiled. "Anytime." He turned and entered into the kitchen and took out some pots.

"Ya'll finish the chores?" Applejack asked.

"Yup."

"Where's Applebloom?"

Big Mac put his hoof up to his chin. "Ah think she's out with her friends." Applejack smacked a hoof against her forehead.

"What?" Mac asked.

"How in the hay can she be out in this weather!? It's freezin out and she's off doing Celestia knows what!"

"Yup." Applejack rolled her eyes and went for the door.

"Dontcha think ya think you should wear a coat?" Applejack's hoof stopped right in front of the handle. A grin grew on the stallion's face as he watched his sister retreat towards a closet and retrieve a coat. Without a word the orange farm mare slipped it on and opened the door.

Instantly she was buffeted by the wind and snow began piling into the room. The flurries' assault was once again blinding Applejack, but she put a hoof up to her forehead to block out the snow. It took most of her strength just to take a step forward considering she was downwind and was being hammered by it. The coat was doing little to shield her from the cold temperatures but she pushed forward through the blanket of snow on the ground. Her hooves stung with cold each time she took a step. Once she was fully outside the doorway, she turned around and put two hooves on the door and attempted to force it close. The hinges creaked, but the sound was lost to the howling of the wind and Applejack struggled to close the door. Without warning the door flew out from beneath her and slammed shut. Applejack looked up and saw her brother standing in the doorway with a smirk on his face. Applejack stood up and nodded to Big Mac. He nodded back and walked away from the door. Applejack turned around once more and put her hoof up to block out the wind and snow. She began putting one hoof in front of the other and began her trek to find Applebloom.

Meanwhile, in the CMC clubhouse, three fillies were currently sitting around a lamp in the middle of the floor. They were all shivering and tried to huddle around the fire for warmth. How the fire had not lit the treehouse on fire as well is a mystery.

"See! I told you guys that spell would work!" Mystery solved.

"Well so much fer Cutie Mark Crusaders' snowboarders." The yellow filly said. glumly.

"Cheer up, Applebloom! We just gotta wait out this storm and then we'll be shredding snow in no time!" The orange pegasus exclaimed.

Applebloom sighed and looked out the window. "Uh, Scoots? You take a look outside?" Scootaloo jumped up next to Applebloom and gazed at the blizzard.

"Yeah. It's a snow storm so what?" Applebloom facehoofed.

"Ya ever think that the snow will gather up?"

"So what if it does?" Scootaloo asked.

"If it does we can't go snowboarding silly!" Scootaloo glanced down.

"Oh." The unicorn filly across the room peeked at her friends watching the storm.

"It's ok, Scoots! We can do something else to earn our cutie marks!"

"Like what, Sweetie Belle?"

"I don't know!" Sweetie's voice cracking.

"Applebloom let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, we're gonna be in here for a while." She hopped down from the window and plopped onto the floor.

"Wanna play Truth or Dare?" Scootaloo suggested.

"Sure." Sweetie Belle replied.

"Sweet! Ok, Applebloom! Truth or Dare?" Scootaloo asked.

"Dare!" Applebloom replied.

"I dare you to step outside in the storm!"

"That's easy!" Applebloom said as she ran for her coat.

"WITHOUT your coat!" Scootaloo added. Applebloom stopped in front of her coat.

"I don't know. It's mighty cold out there. AJ'll kill me if ah don't wear it."

"So you're gonna chicken out?" Scootaloo said with a smirk.

Applebloom huffed. "Ah'll do it!" She walked up to the door of the clubhouse and opened it.

The room was instantly filled with snow and cold. Sweetie Belle let out a shriek of fright as the wind pushed her back towards the wall. Scootaloo wrapped her hooves around her to try and close out the cold while Applebloom fell backwards onto her haunches. Snow piled into the clubhouse making the occupants panic. Applebloom stumbled to her hooves and struggled over to the door. It felt like she was pushing a cart full of thirty pound apples. The stinging in her eyes overwhelmed her as she fell to the floor. The howling wind drowned out any sound and pelted her body. As fast as the door was opened it was closed by a pair of orange hooves.

"Thank Celestia that's over!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Y-Y-Yeah. Nice w-w-work S-Scoots." Sweetie Belle said shivering.

"Uh, Sweetie Belle, that wasn't me."

"Then who closed tha' door!?" Applebloom shouted.

"Ah did. What in tarnation were ya'll doin' out there in the storm!?" The other pony yelled.

"Applejack? Is that you? What are ya' doing here?" Applebloom questioned.

"Ah was coming to find you and get ya'll outta here before the storm hit." Applejack stated. "Why were ya'll stuck out here anyway? Ya' should'a been back at the farm hours ago!"

"We were trying to get our cutie marks in snowboarding!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"In this weather?" Applejack asked looking at Scootloo with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah! This much snow would've been PERFECT for snowboarding!"

"But where's your snowboards?"

Scootaloo smiled sheepishly. "We were coming back to get them when we got caught in the storm."

"Alright well we need ta get back before this gets any worse."

"Uh, Applejack, we're not exactly prepared to face the snow." Applebloom stated.

Applejack stared at the three fillies who didn't have a single piece of clothing to protect them from nature's onslaught that was waiting outside the door. The only gear that was available was the gear she was wearing at the time and even that did little to keep her warm. Applejack sighed and took off the jacket. She walked up to Applebloom and wrapped it around her.

"What about Scoots and Sweetie?" Applebloom asked.

"Ya'll are gonna have ta share it." Applejack said. Applebloom opened up the coat to allow Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo to take cover inside it. Applejack looked triumphantly at them and turned with a determined look towards the door.

"Let's get outta here."

Big Mac was getting himself a bottle of apple cider from the cellar when a loud slam echoed throughout the house of the Apple family. He popped the lid with a hiss and walked upstairs. He took a sip and glanced over at the door as he made his way to the kitchen. Applejack was standing in front of the door with the CMC huddled underneath her coat. He laughed silently to himself and walked over to the trio and freed them from the coat.

"Ah take it ya'll had a fun time out there?" He asked with a smirk.

"Loads o' fun. You should try it, Mac." Applejack snapped. Mac offered her a bottle of cider fresh from the cellar. Applejack took it and began to chug it.

"Ya never did tell me."

"Tell ya what?"

"If ya'll have a date or not." Big Mac stated sitting down in a chair. Applejack sat down across from him and studied the bottle in her hoof.

"Well, Ah do. Ah'm not sure how to go about it though. Never had time for that kinda stuff." The farm mare stated.

"Don't panic. Try to have fun with it." As cliche as it sounded, her brother was right. That's how most ponies preferred it.

"So, AJ, what time's yer date?" Mac asked.

"Well, the show starts at four and Ah'm s'pposed to pick her up at one thirty." Applejack looked at the clock which told the time as one twenty. "Horseapples! Ah'm gonna be late!" She attempted to bolt for the door, but was held back by her brother.

"Don't you think Miss Twilight would appreciate if you dressed up?" Applejack shook her head.

"Twi ain't one fer formalities. Ah'll be fine now if ya'll could go and let go of ma tail." Her brother released his sister and watched as she ran out into the cold. He shook his head and sat down taking another drink from the bottle of cider. He examined the bottle then smacked his lips.

"Yup, gonna need the hard cider."

Author's Note

Well...I feel this isn't as good as the first chapter. I want to apologize for the late release. I got busy with basketball and relationship problems and the fact that I was too lazy to finish this. Well I decided to get up off my butt and finish this. Next chapter will be released when it is. Thank you to those who stuck with it and I hope you enjoy this.

FS~

An Icy Finale

Twilight Sparkle opened the door to the library and stepped inside. She had gotten tired of fighting the wind and used a wind breaker spell to keep it from fighting her. She ran a hoof through her mane to get the little flurries out and to dry it a bit. She looked around the library for any hint that Spike was awake. Her confirmation came in the form of a loud snore coming from upstairs. Twilight rolled her eyes and giggled. Quietly, she walked up the stairs and into the bathroom. She opened one of the cabinets and pulled out a purple scrunchy and tied her mane up in a ponytail. It wasn't anything like Rarity, but it was enough for Twilight.

After she had finished getting ready for the show she walked back down the stairs into the lobby and glanced at the clock. The time read as one ten.

"Guess I got some time to kill don't I?" She said to no one in particular. "Where's that book?" She looked over to the table and found the item sitting open next to the vase. "There you are!" She trotted over happily and picked it up.

The pink mare tackled her partner as they tumbled down the hillside. Light flurries blew across the two lovers as they playfully rolled around in each other's arms. As they came to a stop, Rose ended up atop of Snow just inches away from his muzzle. He felt her steady breath mix with his as they lay there, invisible to the world around them. Snow brought a hoof up to Rose's face and slowly began to pull her closer. They both plunged into the kiss they were awaiting. Rose felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she-

Twilight was drawn from her story by a hard knocking at the door. She looked over and opened the door with her magic which revealed her yellow maned friend covered from head to hoof in snow. Twilight couldn't help but smile, but it was quickly replaced with a nervous smile as she realized the moment of truth was right in front of her.

"H-Howdy, Twi." Applejack said.

"Hello to you too, Applejack." Twilight replied as she got up to greet the mare.

"Mind if A-Ah come in?" Applejack asked. Twilight in return giggled.

"Of course. Here, let me clean you off." Twilight offered.

"It's alright, Twilight." Applejack replied but it was overlooked as the unicorn used her magic to clean the mare.

"There! All nice and dry." Twilight said with a smile that drove Applejack crazy.

"Y-Yeah." Applejack stuttered.

"Are you still cold?" Twilight asked.

"No, Ah'm fine, Twi." Applejack answered. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Celestia please don't let this happen now. Not now! PLEASE!

"Applejack? Hello?" Applejack refocused her attention on the mare in front of her.

"Huh? What?" Applejack asked. Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"I said we're gonna be late for the train if we don't leave now." Twilight repeated.

"Ah guess we should get a move on then!" Applejack said shakily as she moved for the still open door.

Twilight's suspicion was rising. Granted she was severely nervous about the upcoming date but she was able to hide it from her friend. Applejack on the other hoof seemed like she was more nervous than a filly on Nightmare Night. Twilight followed her partner outside into the storm. The wind pelted her as soon as she left the doorway and she could only make out a blurred image of Applejack. That's when the thought hit her. Why didn't she just teleport them to the station instead of walking in the storm.

"Applejack!" Twilight called. The mare kept going.

"Applejack!" Twilight called a little louder. The mare slowed some but didn't stop.

"APPLEJACK!" Twilight screamed. This time Applejack heard her.

"WHAT?" Applejack yelled back.

"COME HERE!" Applejack turned around and made her way back to the mare.

"What?"

"I'll just teleport us to the station!"

"Sounds good to me."

Twilight's horn began to glow as she prepared to transport them to their destination. She moved closer to Applejack to the point where their sides were touching. Applejack's blush from before deepened while Twilight's began to form rapidly. Twilight tried to focus on the station and not on the mare she had recently developed feelings for. Applejack desperately wished for the contact to end. She had to resist every fiber in her body telling her to just hug the mare and kiss her on the spot. Just as she thought she was about to lose it, the pair disappeared.

"So then I told her that there wasn't any trains heading to dodge junction." The ticket mare told the conductor.

"What'd she do?" The conductor asked.

"She demanded I get her a train and wouldn't move until I did!" The mare yelled.

"Did you?"

"Yep, but I gave her a ticket to Manehatten instead!" She began to laugh uncontrollably and so did the conductor.

"That's dirty, but hilarious!"

The two were interrupted by a loud 'pop' as two mares materialized right in front of the ticket window. The sudden intrusion caused both ponies to jump before regaining their composure. Twilight walked up to the ticket window and began the process of ordering the tickets for their trip while Applejack stood on the platform. She realized that they weren't being hammered by snow or the wind and looked up at the sky. The sun was peaking out over some of the clouds and was shining down on her. The snow clinging to her fur began to sparkle and twinkle. The whole sky looked so calm and reserved from the chaotic storm raging farther out. There was a light snowfall but it didn't matter much, just added to the whole scenery.

Twilight grabbed the tickets from the mare and after apologizing and thanking her turned around. The sight of Applejack sparkling in the sun stopped the unicorn in her tracks as she marveled at her friend. She thought Applejack was pretty before but now she questioned it. She wasn't pretty, she looked beautiful! Twilight felt her heartbeat quicken as she continued to take in the mare's beauty. She was ripped from her gazing by the mare she had been staring at.

"Uh, Twi? You alright?" Applejack asked.

"Y-yeah yeah. I'm fine." Twilight replied. Applejack raised an eyebrow.

"You sure? You were staring at me kinda funny." The farm mare asked. A light blush began to form on the unicorn's face as she attempted to hide that she was oogling her friend.

"Yeah. I'm sure." Twilight replied. "Oh look! The train is here!"

Applejack turned around just as the train pulled into the station. The giant machine hissed to a stop and the doors opened to allow ponies to enter and leave the cars. A conductor pony stepped out out the front car.

"All aboard for Canterlot!" he called.

Twilight gave the conductor her ticket and hurried on board. She took her seat next to one of the windows and eagerly waited for the train to part. She was too busy looking out the window to notice Applejack taking her seat unusually close to her. The heat radiating off the farm mare revealed how close she was to Twilight. The purple unicorn felt the heat rise in her cheeks. Thousands of thoughts flew through her mind as the train began it's departure and Twilight picked out a few.

Why is she sitting so close to me? Should I move away some? Should I move closer? What will she do if I move closer?

Applejack was also lost in her own thoughts. She looked over to the mare next to her and analyzed her appearance. She instantly took note of her mane in a ponytail and how little strands of her mane dangled in front of her face and tiny pellets of snow clung to her fur which made her glitter in the sunlight. Applejack turned away from the mare and tried to focus on something else. She gazed out the window and watched as the trees whizzed by along with the snow covered hills. The scenery did little to distract her from the mare of her dreams sitting right next to her. It didn't help that Twilight began to sneeze rapidly then shiver right after. Twilight ran a hoof underneath her muzzle and blushed.

"S-Sorry." Twilight apologized.

"Fer what?" Applejack asked.

"For sneezing all over you!" Twilight replied. Applejack giggled.

"It's alright, Twilight." Twilight shivered again.

"I-It's s-so c-c-cold in here." A look of hesitation flashed across Applejack's face. "Are you alright, Applejack?"

"Yeah. Just fine."

"Are you sure?" Twilight questioned.

"Eeyup." Applejack replied trying to imitate her older brother. It seemed to satisfy Twilight and she returned to her shivering.

Both ponies sat in silence for a moment before Applejack reached a hoof around Twilight's shoulders and pulled her close. A soft "Eeep" was drawn from Twilight as she was overwhelmed with heat from the mare next to her. It took Twilight a split second to realize how close she was to Applejack. If she were to turn her head to face the mare directly their muzzles would be a couple centimeters apart. A light blush played itself across Twilight's face. The more the heat spread through her the more the urge to snuggle up against Applejack rose. It took all of Twilight's willpower not to do that, but it proved to be too much as she leaned into Applejack and rested her head on her shoulder. Applejack's hoof slid down Twilight's back towards her torso which sent up red flags in Twilight's head, but were quickly dispelled when she realized that the farm mare was just re-positioning her foreleg. Applejack's fur felt soft despite her being a work pony. The strong muscles hidden beneath the coat were exposed to Twilight and she felt a sense of security as she laid against her. A thought in the back of her mind screamed at her to stop cuddling but it was dispelled quickly. Twilight was briefly drawn from her blissful state by the mare she was currently snuggled up against.

"Do ya fell better now?" Applejack asked. Twilight closed her eyes.

"Yes. Thank you Applejack." Twilight murmured softly.

The two sat there like that for a while snuggled up against each other. Eventually Twilight fell asleep leaving Applejack to her thoughts. There weren't many speeding through her head and she grew bored quickly. She looked down towards Twilight and grinned. She looked so adorable in her sleep, more than Applebloom did when she was excited for her first applebuck season. Then the reality hit her and hit hard.

What am Ah goin' ta say to Granny AND Applebloom?

Just the thought sent shivers down her spine which almost woke up the sleeping Twilight. Two scenarios played out in her head. Granny Smith would either accept it and be happy for her or she would scorn her and disown Applejack. Granny Smith was an old fashioned pony and she could be as stubborn as Applejack which meant that the odds of Granny Smith accepting her for a fillyfooler would be slim, very slim. The more she thought about it the more the fear built up like a forest fire. She didn't even know how she was going to explain this to Applebloom. She was too young to have had that kind of talk yet. Thankfully she was distracted from the problem by a soft yawn. Twilight wiped her eyes with a hoof and leaned off of Applejack. Twilight threw her forelegs in the air and yawned again as she stretched out her body. Applejack was again mesmerized by how elegant she looked. Every movement looked swift and graceful but sharp and rigid at the same time. Her mane and tail flew around wildly for a bit then gently swung back into place. Applejack would have continued staring had the train not come to a halt and flung her from her seat.

"Attention passengers we are now arriving at Canterlot station." a voice called over the intercom.

"Now ya tell me." Applejack muttered.

"Applejack, are you alright?" Twilight asked as she helped her up.

"Yeah Ah'm fine." Applejack replied. "Ah just wish they would warn me next time." Twilight giggled.

"So you don't fall off the seat?"

"Yup." The train's brakes hissed signaling their arrival into Canterlot.

"Well it looks like we're here so let's get a move on! I don't want miss the play."

Twilight began trotting off towards the doors and out into the streets of Canterlot with Applejack a little ways behind. She stepped out embracing the cold breeze slamming against her. The storm wasn't as bad as it was down in Ponyville and the light snowfall made everything that much more beautiful. The wind carried the snowflakes blissfully through the air with a couple landing on her nose. She began walking forward glancing at the buildings covered in blankets of snow. Icicles hung from the ceiling and wreaths and mistletoe were hung in windows and above doors. Applejack was so lost in the scenery that she didn't hear a certain unicorn calling to her.

"Applejack! Equestria to Applejack!" Twilight called.

"W-What?" Applejack put a hoof on her head. "Keep it together Applejack. Don't mess it up."

"Applejack, are you feeling alright?" Twilight asked walking up to the mare.

"Yeah. Ah'm fine. Let's get going, wouldn't want to miss the show." Applejack replied heading towards the theater. Twilight raised an eyebrow.

"What is up with her? She's been acting weird since this morning." Twilight whispered to herself.

The two mares began the short trip to the theater just up the street. The rainbow of lights that decorated it shone brightly illuminating the street and ticket booth. Applejack walked up to the mare manning the booth and pulled out twenty bits and placed them on the counter.

"Two tickets please."

Twilight Sparkle and Applejack both trotted out of the theater with petite smiles on their faces. The play was a splendid way to end the evening and both ponies simply walked in silence down the road. Twilight looked up towards the moon and took in it's beauty tonight. The stars were forming pictures that only Luna could form in the great canvas that was the night sky. That's when a either brilliant or idiotic idea popped into her head. She hesitated for a moment deciding whether or not it was appropriate for the current situation, but proceeded to carry it out. She turned to the mare beside her.

"Hey, Applejack?" Applejack's reaction was slightly delayed.

"Yeah?"

"Come with me for a second." Twilight began trotting at a quicker pace towards the castle.

"Somethin' wrong?" Applejack asked.

"No. Nothing's wrong." Twilight stopped abruptly and let Applejack catch up.

"Then where are we-"

There was a flash and a pop and the two mares reappeared in a lush garden filled with various plants and flowers. Applejack put a hoof to her head and struggled to stay on her feet. Teleportation was often dizzying if one wasn't used to it so it was natural Applejack had trouble staying on her hooves. After the dizziness wore off she joined Twilight who had made her way to a pond off near some lilies. She sat considerably close to Twilight to the point where their coats were almost touching but weren't. Applejack gazed up at the stars littering the night sky. Granny Smith and Mac had showed her some of the constellations when she was younger and she had showed them to Apple Bloom. She hadn't noticed the lavender mare next to her shift closer and closer with each passing second until she felt her coat up against hers. The warmth between them combining to keep both ponies heated amongst the freezing cold.

Twilight sighed which helped relieve the nervous energy building within her. It was the moment of truth. Whatever happened next would determine the fate of Equestria. Ok not that serious but the friendship she shared with Applejack was on the line here.

What if she rejects me? What if she doesn't want to be friends anymore!? What if she hates me and won't talk to me!?

Twilight frowned and took a deep breath. She had come this far and she wouldn't let anything stop her. She didn't know where this newfound courage had come from, maybe she should do some research on the subject of love and it's affects at a later date. Right now though was where she needed to be fully attentive and aware.

"Applejack?"

"Yeah, Twi." She replied not looking away from the stars.

"I got you something for Hearth's Warming." Applejack shifted a bit.

"Ya' didn't hafta get me anything." Applejack replied.

"I wanted to. Now close your eyes." Twilight replied. A scarlet blush was deepening on her face.

"Twi, Ah-"

"Applejack just close your eyes." Twilight stated in a firm tone.

"Fine." Applejack closed her eyes and waited patiently.

She had expected Twilight to grab her hoof and hand her an apple or something like that. What she didn't expect was the softest pair of lips to connect with her own. Applejack's eyes shot wide open and the full realization hit her when she the pair of lips she felt belonged to the lavender mare she had seen the show with. At first she was in shock and it took her a while to fully grasp the situation but when she did Twilight was already beginning to end the kiss. Applejack threw a hoof around Twilight, closed her eyes, and melted into the kiss. Now it was Twilight's turn to be surprised. The bliss on Applejack's face was evident and Twilight decided to mimic the bliss as well. Every nerve in her body tingled and screamed with joy. Her chest felt lighter than a feather and her heat sped up. When they parted both of the lovers had matching blushes that stained their faces. Words needn't be spoken for their actions spoke louder than they ever could. Both ponies turned back to watch the stars twinkle, their tails intertwining with each other and the space between them gone. Twilight rested her head against Applejack's shoulder and Applejack rested her head on Twilight's.

"Hey, Twi."

"Yes, Applejack?"

"Would you, ya know."

"Yes."

Applejack was slightly surprised at how quickly Twilight answered but decided not to question it. The two lovers watch the stars twinkle and shine putting on their own show for the new couple.

"Happy Hearth's Warming, Applejack." Twilight said.

"Happy Hearth Warming, Twilight."

Author's Note

Thank you for staying with the story over this very long period of writing.

Now go outside and stretch your legs and play for a bit before coming back here and complaining about how crappy this story was.

~Xela