Jingle Half the Way

“Hey everypony! I’m home!”

“Hey honey! Where’ve you been?” Pepperoni asked as she entered.

“Just some last minute shopping. Smells delicious here! Those cookies all ready?”

“Eeyup! Say, dear, I kinda made a scheduling mistake and, well, it looks like we’ll still be serving some customers today.”

“What?” she said confused. They’d always made a point to close the restaurant on both Hearth’s Warming Day and Eve so her family could be together.

“Yeah. The Wonderbolts had rented us again today. Apparently they have a show and want to eat here later on. Thankfully I got all our cooking done early,” Pepperoni said, pointing to his cookies.

“Aww. Thank you, dear. Wish I could’ve helped out, but honestly things have been so busy lately that I can barely keep track of time. Hay, I only just remembered yesterday that tomorrow would be Hearth’s Warming Day. Work’s just been insane lately with all these extra shifts.” Bloomheart then remembered what next week’s schedule would probably be like and shuddered at the thought.

“Well, hopefully you’ll be getting some help soon enough. After all, this is the time for miracles.”

“Unless there’s miracle of an army of new nurses coming I doubt I’ll get a break. Anyway, I’ll put these gifts away for now. Don’t want anypony peeking at what they got.” She looked at Pepperoni’s face as he remembered last year’s fiasco when he found his gift. He’d never realized how flammable his house actually was.

“Hey mom!” Sound greeted as she came downstairs. “Where were you? I wanted to find out if you know when Cleversong’s coming over.”

“Sometime today is all I know. Hopefully they get here before the Wonderbolts show up.”

“Oh yeah. They’re supposed to be here today. Anyway, I actually managed to finish up the next two issues I was assigned to do just this morning. Can you believe that? Crunch time right before the holidays. Way to kill the fun.” She went to the kitchen and took out a pack of ramen. “Now I’m eating ramen. I’ve officially become the overworked artist.”

“At least you’re done. That’s the good thing,” her mom told her. “Anyway, let’s get ready for Cleversong. I need to wash up and get some rest before they arrive. Don’t want to fall asleep while she’s visiting.” She went upstairs to the bathroom and got herself washed. After doing so she decided to take her nap, remembering to set the alarm for 2PM. Didn’t want to sleep through everything that was going on. Without hesitation she then went down and went out.

“BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!” the alarm went. Bloomheart got up, feeling energized once more. She fixed her mane and decided to wear a holiday sweater seeing as this is the only time of year you can do that and not look dumb. Checking out how she looked in the mirror, she started talking to herself.

“Would you kiss me under the mistletoe? I know I’d kiss me under the mistletoe.” She went out into the hallway and passed Sound’s room. Seeing the door was open, she decided to peek in and see what she’d been up to.

“It’s so messy in here. Look at all these papers.” She picked up the crumbled papers in the floor and put them in the trash basket. “Honestly, she could at least keep the basket near her or something. Not exactly the hardest thing to do.” While organizing the pages, she noticed that Sound’s computer was open, the image of her screensaver moving around. “Oh, geez. I really shouldn’t…” she said, looking behind herself, “but I think I will.”

Using what she learned from the tech store, Bloomheart got on the computer and accessed the internet.

“Now, I really do wonder what I’d get if I search ‘mares having fun’. I mean, I know that he’s supposed to know what he’s talking about, but I’d just like to see for myself.” She typed in the phrase and, with caution, pressed the ‘Enter’ key. The results loaded and, to her surprise, nothing horrifying came up. “Guess he really didn’t know what he was talking about. Or…wait. There’s some little lock symbol in the upper right corner. Wonder what happens when I click-OH MY!” The moment Bloomheart clicked on the symbol she doomed herself to the uncensored internet. “There’s a lot of, um, what? What does that even mean?” she asked, confused and curious about the description in of the link. “I think I should probably get off here. After all, this is where she does work and other-“

“Mom?” Bloomheart turned around to see Sound standing at the doorway. “What are you doing with my stuff?”

“I-“ without intending to, Bloomheart hit the link to the page and it loaded. She tried to move the mouse to close the page, but it seemed stuck in place.  She immediately jumped up and blocked the screen with her body. “I just wanted to figure out how your computer worked! That’s all. The salespony at that tech store in the mall was telling me about them and it was…interesting?” The computer behind her was starting to make very suspicious noises. Bloomheart tried to move the mouse without being seen and close the page, but it was easier said than done.

“What’s that noise? Did you mess up my computer?” she asked, anger rising in her voice.

“No! I’m…just…come on, work,” Bloomheart said, desperate to click out.

“Mom,” Sound said, getting closer, “I need you to get off my computer. I think you might be breaking-wait, WHAT IS THAT?” She pointed to something on her wall.

“What? Where?” Bloomheart asked, moving away from the computer. In a flash, Sound rushed over to computer to see what was going on.

“Now what’s…” Sound couldn’t say any more. She saw what was on the screen and fell silent. Bloomheart saw her daughter’s vacant expression and felt the blood rush to her face while her heart sank into her stomach. Without any expression, Sound clicked off the page and then turned her head over to her mother. “Mother,” she started, “why is it that there was fillyfooler stuff playing on my computer?”

“Well, you see, I wanted to see what would happen when I typed in the phrase ‘mares having fun’ and came across those results. When you came in I accidentally clicked on the link and that’s all.” Bloomheart’s explanation did nothing to lessen her daughter’s inquisitive glare. She kept on focusing in on her mother’s face, making her feel more awkward every passing second.

“Mother,” she said slowly, “are you sure you aren’t possibly…interested?”

“Wait, what?” Bloomheart was confused at her daughter’s statement before understanding what she meant. “No! I’m not...into THAT! It really was just an accident. Sound, dear, don’t read into this. I’m married to your father. I’m not interested in other mares. I just wanted to know what happens when you type that in. That’s all.”

“Well, alright. Just remember that on the internet, ANYTHING can be made wrong with just enough effort,” Sound explained.

“Well, I doubt that-“

“ANYTHING. Always have your guard up unless you want your sanity gone.” She closed up her computer and then exited her room.

“Sound?” her mother called out. “Please don’t tell your father this.”

“Why would I tell dad that I saw my own mother searching for things and coming across fillyfooler stuff?” The more Sound thought about it, the funnier it became. She soon started laughing and her mother joined in on it. Suddenly, Sound squealed a little. “Wait, what did I just do?”

“Hah! Looks like you inherited my little laugh from me after all. Guess I won that bet with your father,” she declared victoriously.

“Guess I also inherited your sexuality as well!” she teased as her mother went down the stairs.

“Shut it!” she yelled back. She could hear her daughter laughing, the occasional squeal coming up as well. “She is SO going to hate that squeal.”

“Alright, the Wonderbolts will be here in an hour. Hopefully Cleversong gets here soon so we can spend some time together,” Pepperoni remarked.

“Don’t worry. The weather’s been clear and nothing’s been in the news. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” Bloomheart had her hooves crossed when she said that. She honestly had no idea what could be taking her so long.

“Maybe I should check out the train station. She might be stuck over there and I could see if there’ve been any delays,” Sound told them.

“Good idea. We’ll get everything else set up,” he told her. Right as Sound was trotting out the door, somepony started knocking.

“Hello? Is Pepperoni there?” a deep voice asked. Sound opened the door to find her boss, Mr. Bates, standing there.

“Hey Bates!” Pepperoni called out, stepping out of the kitchen.

“Hey Pep!” The two stallions bumped hooves and patted each other on the back. “So, guess I’m early then.”

“Yeah. The rest of the family isn’t here yet.”

“Wait, is Mr. Bates staying over here tonight?” Sound asked, confused.

“Sure! After all, the more the merrier, am I right?” While Sound and Bloomheart probably would have disagreed with that, it’d be rude to kick Mr. Bates out now, especially since they were going to have the Wonderbolts as customers.

“So, anything I can help out with while I’m here?” Bates asked.

“Well-“ Sound put her hoof over her mother’s mouth before she could say anything.

“Nope! Make yourself comfy. Take a seat and have a cookie. You want me to take those,” She saw the bag Bates had and asked, “Are those gifts?”

“Oh, yeah. If you don’t mind I’ll hold onto these for now.” He took the bag over to a booth and set them down. He removed his coat and placed it on his seat. “Now, if you don’t mind I’ll have a cookie.”

“Sure! Sound, you go out and find your sister. Your mom and I will finish up with whatever else needs doing.” Pepperoni went and got a cookie for Bates while Sound went out, leaving Bloomheart to figure out what’s left to do.

“So, what else needs doing?” she asked.

“Well, I could use some help with these pizzas,” Pepperoni answered. “They already placed their orders, so I’m cooking them right now and I’ll just keep them in the ovens for warmth.”

“Great. Just give me a list of pizzas for me and I’ll do those.” Pepperoni wrote down the list and Bloomheart got started. It felt like forever since she helped her husband out in the kitchen. Lately all of her shifts had her working late or so early that she was too tired to help out when she got home. “Hey, you mind listening to the radio while we cook?”

“Sure! Let me pick the station.” Pepperoni put on the radio and turned it on to a station playing holiday tunes. “Remember this one?” Bloomheart listened closely and remembered the song that was playing.

“Oh Celestia, it’s that one song about Zeebrea by all those artists. Nothing says the holiday seasons more than talking about a country ‘where nothing ever grows’ and ‘no rivers ever flow’.” The three of them laughed when they heard that.

“You know a really bad one?” Bates yelled out.

“What? Is it a song about spending eternity in Tartarus, cause that seems like the only normal conclusion for outdoing this one,” Pepperoni commented.

“Nah. It’s song called ‘Haggis for Hearth’s Warming Day’. It’s about somepony who’s looking for haggis before Hearth’s Warming Day,” Bates told them.

“We would have never guessed from such an archaic title,” Bloomheart said sarcastically. “But honestly, who makes songs like this? Do we honestly have a need for songs about one specific day out of the year?”

“I know! It gets weirder when it’s a regional song and you hear it of context,” Pepperoni said as he laid the cheese down. “I remember this song when I went to Manehattan. It was called ‘Fariytale of Manehattan’ and BOY did it get weird. In this song these two drunken sheep start calling each other bums, drunks and even a slut. This is a Hearth’s Warming Day song, mind you.”

“That’s one of my favorites!” Bates exclaimed. “When you’ve lived there you know that it really speaks the spirit of the city. I mean, how many other holiday songs have sheep calling each other fa-“ He quickly remembered where he was and changed what he said to, “fat.”

“Wow. Sounds like a jolly good time,” Bloomheart said. “Wow, I’m really feeling sarcastic with all these songs.”

“Wasn’t there some song about a dad getting drunk?” Pepperoni asked.

“I really doubt they went that far with songs,” his wife responded.

“No, they did. ‘Papa, Don’t Get Drunk This Hearth’s Warming Day’,” Bates told them. “Huh. I think I know why ponies get depressed during the holidays.”

“Yeah. A whole lot of these songs are really dark when you think about it. Bloomheart, you know where the mushrooms are?”

“Right here, babe.” She tossed them over to him, catching it with his wings.

“Thanks. Anyway, you know that really well-known song about it being cold outside and the mare wanting to go home?”

“Sure. What could possibly be dark about that song?” Bates asked.

“Well, the song’s lyrics are really, really suggestive. The mare’s saying that she needs to go home while this stallion begs her to stay. He keeps on saying it’s bad out there and at one point she asks, no joke, ‘what’s in this drink?’.” He paused for a moment to let it sink in. “Yeah. Guess what that sounds like.”

“Whatever. I’m holding onto my trump card,” Bloomheart told the two of them. “You guys say your songs and I’ll wait to see if they’re any worse than the one I know.”

“Ooh. Here’s my most depressing one.” Bates took a breath and said, “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer’. Like, that sounds so racially charged against those guys that I’m surprised it even aired. The entire thing is some really weird country song about a grandma being killed. How messed up is that?”

“Wasn’t it a reindeer that made the song?” Pepperoni asked. “I mean, I’m sure that makes it okay then.”

“Maybe, but it really sounds weird otherwise. So, Miss Bloomheart, what song do you have to top ours?”

“Really, Bates? Pepperoni? None of you remembered the most depressing Hearth’s Warming Song of all time?” Bloomheart waited a couple seconds and then told them, “The Hearth’s Warming Day Boots.”

“Gah!” the two of them yelled out, realizing that they’d missed the most obvious choice.

“Yeah! The song’s about a foal who’s trying to get boots for his mother who is on her deathbed right before the holiday.”

“Actually, the song was from the stingy stallion’s perspective, remember?” Pepperoni pointed out.

“Oh yeah. That leads to the other horrifying part of the story where he says that he’s sure that the kid was sent to him to remember the true meaning of Hearth’s Warming Day.”

“What?!” Bates yelled out. “I forgot that!”

“Yeah. ‘Hey kid, sorry that your mom died. But hey, at least I learned the meaning of this holiday and I ALSO believe that this entire series of events was based around that’,” Bloomheart said in her imitation of a guy, causing the two colts in the room to chuckle. “So, yeah, I win,” she said as she slid the last of her pizzas into the oven.

“Can’t argue with that,” Bates said, taking one last bite of his cookie. “So anyway, why do the Wonderbolts come here again? Pepperoni told me once, but I can’t remember why.”

“Well, obviously it’s the quality of the food. Why else?” Pepperoni responded, partially offended.

“I meant why they come out here when they could find someplace to eat in Cloudsdale. It’s gotta be closer to where they are.”

“Bates, you wanna know exactly how many fast food places there are in Cloudsdale? None. Wanna know why? Cause apparently giant ovens can’t be supported on clouds. Why do you think I moved here to Ponyville?” Pepperoni had never told Bates about why he moved. To him this was all news.

“Huh. Do you miss-“

“Hey guys!” Sound announced. “Guess who I found?” She moved aside to let her big sister enter.

“Cleversong!” her parents yelled both rushing over to give her a big hug.

“Hey guys! Great to be back home!” She let go of both of them and took off her jacket. “Sorry I was late. The train apparently had issues and needed to stop for some repairs. Hope you didn’t get everything finished before I got here.”

“Aw, don’t play that. I always remember how much you hated getting decorations ready for the holidays,” her father reminded her.

“Yeah, but you kinda start to miss it when you live away from home, you know?” Cleversong looked at the occupied booth and said, “Oh, I didn’t realize there were customers here.”

“Actually, this isn’t a customer. Cleversong, meet my bud, and Sound’s boss, Mr. Bates,” Pepperoni beckoned him over and introduced each other. “Mr. Bates, this is my daughter-“

“Cleversong, yes. I can’t believe I’m actually seeing you in the flesh. Anyway, I work as Chief Editor at Trot Comics with your sister.” Pepperoni noticed that Bates looked nervous while talking with his daughter. “I remember your musical career.”

“Oh wow. Didn’t expect to find a fan here. Most ponies here never actually knew I hit it big. I kinda missed hearing compliments,” Cleversong joked. “Anyway, let me get set up in my old room. I need to help out Justice when he finally arrives.”

“Justice is here?!” Bloomheart exclaimed. She hadn’t expected him to come with her daughter.

“Of course! He hasn’t seen you guys in a while and decided to come with me. Right now he’s checking in at the inn and-“

“Wait just a second,” Pepperoni interrupted. “You telling me that he came all this way and he’s checking in at an inn? Why doesn’t he stay here? We have an extra room he can stay in.”

“Well, it’s just-“

“Nope. I won’t have him spend money on a place to stay while he can stay here. After all, he’s almost like family, right?” Everypony looked intently at Cleversong’s reaction to see if she’d give hints to whether he’d finally proposed.

“Alright then. I’ll let him know that they can stay here. I’ll be quick!” she told them as she flew to the inn.

“Wow, she’s a pretty fast flyer,” Bates commented. “You like that, Sound?”

“For more than one reason, no.”

“Oh yeah. That thing you have with heights. Anyway,” he paused for a moment, thinking about something. “Did she say, ‘they’?”

“Obviously. Justice brought his brothers as well,” Sound told them. “I…didn’t mention that, did I?”

“No! Now I have to figure out how to make room for his brothers as well.” Bloomheart then realized, “Wait, how many brothers does he have?”

“Three,” Sound replied as if they should already know this. “You guys should already know this from all those times she called about how she was doing.”

“WE DON’T REMEMBER EVERYTHING. WE SOMETIMES DO NOT CARE,” Bloomheart explained. “It might sound a little mean, but it’s the truth.”

“Okay, dear. Just calm down. The room is large enough that four stallions could fit in there. I’ll just make sure that there isn’t anything stored in there that’s taking up all the room.” Pepperoni went to check while Bloomheart was trying to calm down.

“I can do this. I’m a mother. We can do the impossible easily.” She took a deep breath and managed to collect herself. “I have enough mattresses for four stallions. They’ll just need to share. Also I’ll need to stock up on food for them. Can’t have them be hungry.”

“Mom, I don’t think that a restaurant will need to worry about running out of food for just for ponies,” Sound explained, knowing that her mom’s “calm” expression was better described as “accepting insanity”.

“How about I help out a little?” Bates offered. “I have a bunch of gift basket food that employees gave me and I know I’ll never eat all the stuff. Take some as my own little gift to you.”

“Wow. Thanks, boss!” Sound told him.

“No problem. Your mom looks like she’d blow a gasket otherwise.”

“I probably would,” she told them with a smile.

“Awesome. I’ll head to my place and get the food. You guys continue doing…stuff I guess. I really don’t know what’s going on anymore.” He grabbed his jacket and left for his place, hoping he could carry all the food he honestly couldn’t care about.

“Hey, what else were we supposed to be doing?” Sound asked, knowing that something else was supposed to happen now.

“I’m not sure. I know we are forgetting something though.” Bloomheart and Sound thought about what they could possibly have forgotten when somepony knocked on the door.

“Mom, you did remember the pizzas, right?”

“OH NO! I-“ Bloomheart freaked out for a moment, but then remembered that they’d already taken care of that. “Actually, we’re all set on that. Bring them in and I’ll set them down.” Bloomheart felt like things were actually falling into place. After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Things actually went smoothly after the Wonderbolts had been served, and it looked like Bloomheart would actually get through the rest of the day unscathed. Pepperoni had found a ton of workout equipment in the guest room that, when he thought about it, never actually bought any.

“Have we ever actually used this room before?” he remarked when dragging out a treadmill.

“Not that I know of,” Sound replied, helping her dad. “Maybe it’s some magic room that appears whenever we need something.”

“Really?” Pepperoni asked, looking at all the workout equipment. “I don’t like what my house is trying to imply.”

“Same here. I found a stack of magazines that talked about the comic book industry being a dead-end.”

“I found tombstones with our names and birth dates, along with dates of death.”

“Dad, now I know you’re messing with me.”

“I really wish I was,” he said solemnly.

“What?”

“Nah! Just joking.”

“Good. It’s bad enough that I can’t afford to move out. I don’t want the house conspiring to kill me as well.” Sound sighed and said, “Maybe Mr. Bates will give me a raise as a gift. You think?”

“Nah. I think I know what he’s up to,” Pepperoni replied, his facial expression actually looking pretty serious. “Let’s just say you’ll remember his gift if he finally manages to give it.”

“Um…okay?” Sound hated when ponies were cryptic. You’re not helping anypony but yourself when you talk like that.

“Pepperoni, dear, you finished with that spare room?” Bloomheart asked.

“Almost! Just need to find someplace to store this equipment now. Maybe just throw it outside?”

“That’ll look terrible for business just having a bunch of workout equipment left outside,” Bloomheart pointed out. “What would customers think?”

“That we not only give them pizza, but the means to burn it off?” he replied, half joking and half serious. “You know, we should probably not worry about it for now. As long as it’s not in the way we’ll be fine. Besides, I can’t come up with a better plan anyway.”

“Okay. Come back here so we can wash up and-“ Bloomheart was suddenly interrupted as the door to her restaurant was blown right open, several ponies entering as the wind rushed outside.

“Shut the door!” Spitfire yelled. She was closest to it was getting snow blown right at her.

“Sorry!” one of the ponies entering said, shutting it behind him. “It got really bad out there.” The mystery pony took off his hood to reveal that it was Justice.

“Justice!” Bloomheart exclaimed as she approached the stallion, giving him a big hug. “So glad you came! A bit of a surprise, that’s for sure, but still nice.” She looked at the three other ponies in coats and asked, “Is Cleversong with you?”

“She’s actually talking with some ponies outside. She said that she knew them and went right off. Anyway, let me introduce you to my brothers.” Justice stood to the side and called each brother forward. “This here is Procedural Justice. He’s currently an attorney for Manehattan and engaged to a supermodel.”

“The pleasure is all mine, mam. To make things easier on you, just call me Pro,” he said in a deep voice. The pegasus had a light blue coat and black mane pulled back. “They always do so in the courtroom. Never lost a case.”

“Too bad that doesn’t translate into helping out society,” one of the smaller brothers spat out. This one had a darker blue coat with a wild white mane.

“And this…” Justice put his hoof to his face to gather himself, “is Social Justice. He currently does-“

“What he does is do nothing but protest against any case that has anypony who’s not an actual pony or just an earth pony as the defendant,” Pro said, staring sternly at his younger brother. “Even when it’s clear that they committed the crime and there’s evidence.”

“You’re just a pawn of the oppressive establishment, sending anypony who speaks out against the system into prison!” The two were an inch away from each other’s faces, looking down each other with absolute fury.

“Now come on you two. Social, I’m sure that Pro never losing a case means that he’s always proven the defendants guilty because they actually committed a crime.” Pro looked self-righteous with Justice defending him. “And as for you, Pro, you know that Social’s just trying to raise awareness of illnesses in society that would try and use your abilities for evil instead of good. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” the two of them mumbled.

“ You know, the two of you would probably get along much better if both of you weren’t such pansies,” the largest of the brothers told them. This one had a light green coat with a brown buzz cut mane.

“Hey! ‘Pansy’ is a derogatory term for homosexuals!” Social yelled out.

“Ugh, Social, every time you think a word’s offensive to somepony, even if they aren’t here you start blowing up.” Pro did not want to deal with this right now.

“Actually,” Spitfire raised her hoof, “I’m somepony who could be offended if you use words like that without thinking. In this case I’m not, but just be careful,” she told him as she drank from her mug.

“Boom! Victory!” Social cheered.

“But yeah, you two are kinda pansies,” she then told them both, sending the other brother into a roaring fit of laughter.

“Anyway, I’m Retributive Justice, but everypony just calls me Ret. I’m a Captain in the Royal Guard, and I bring the pain to any fool who dares to make a joke of the law.”

“Well, nice to meet you all! My husband is currently clearing the room that you’ll be staying in. He just needs to find out where to put the stuff we pulled out,” Bloomheart explained.

“We’ll help! Come on boys! Gotta help out our host!” Ret yelled out, the four leaving to help Pepperoni.

“Actually, Justice dear, you mind staying here a moment?” Bloomheart asked.

“Sure. Need me for something else?” he asked.

“No. I was just wondering how long your brother, the one with the supermodel, has been engaged.”

“He’s been engaged since Hearts and Hooves Day. They’re hoping to get everything else set up by the end of winter.”

“Is that so? Well, I’m so glad that he proposed. After all, mares that are in relationships for that long sometimes wonder about that and can actually feel like they’re being used.”

“True. I’m glad he proposed. Seemed like he never would.” Justice was obviously not getting the hint.

“Hey, we doing the thing?” Sound asked as she came through the hallway.

“Yes,” Bloomheart told her, giving her the signal to join in. “Say, any news on whether A.C. is finally going to propose to Pawpads?”

“Not sure. I think he’s still a bit discouraged from the last attempt he made.”

“Well, I’m sure he won’t have any other hydras attack him in-“

“Oh, that was just his first failure,” Sound corrected. “His recent failure had him kneel on the floor and just as he was about to ask he knelt on a nail. He ends up stabbing his knee on it and fell back onto a cart. That cart apparently goes right into a sawmill for some reason and, long story short, he loses both his forearms.”

“WHAT?!” Bloomheart and Justice yelled out.

“Yeah. He actually doesn’t like to talk about it since it reminds him of all the therapy he had to have afterwards.” Bloomheart gave her daughter a menacing stare, as if to tell her that that was the last thing Justice needed to hear about proposals.

“Well, I better see how my brothers are doing. After all, they can get pretty rough at times.” He left the two alone, Sound looking as if she wanted to join him.

“Really?” the mother asked in disbelief. “You could have just lied about it. It’s not like he would even meet A.C. to ask him that.”

“Hey everypony! Guess who I found in the storm?” Cleversong called out, bringing both A.C. and Pawpads in. Pawpads was shivering relentlessly while A.C. tried to stay completely still as possible. “It’s getting pretty bad out there.”

“We actually got lost on the way from the mall. Stupid snowstorm started making it impossible to see,” A.C. complained.

“Cleversong, did you keep them out there all this time while you were talking with them?” her mother asked.

“Oh.” She looked at the two and saw that they had decided to head into the kitchen and huddle near the open ovens, A.C. moving stiffly. “It looks like I did. Sorry guys.”

“Dang. It really does look bad out there. You think that Mr. Bates is okay out there?” Sound asked.

“I really hope so. It’d be really awful if he got caught out there.” Bloomheart worried about Mr. Bates, especially since she was the reason he went out in the first place. “Hey, how exactly did the rest of the story go for A.C.? He obviously has his forearms back, so something must have happened.”

“Apparently it was a really clean cut, so the doctors just sewed them back on. He was feeling better in a month and you can’t even see the scars,” Sound explained.

“Huh. Guess things really did work out for him then. We should tell Justice that. After all, I’m sure he still thinks that A.C.’s a crip-“

“STOP!” a voice from the hallway yelled. “Were you about to say, ‘cripple’?”

“Oh snap!” Sound whispered. “I totally just remembered that you REALLY need to be careful about what you say around Social. He can detect a politically incorrect word from a mile away and will zoom like a rocket to correct you. I’ve heard stories about him from Cleversong. She says that he once tried to get a word banned from the dictionary because it almost sounded like a racial slur.”

“Really? What was the word?”

“Niggardly. It means that you’re being stingy,” Sound explained.

“Oh.” The mother thought that over and asked, “What’s the racial slur it sounds like?”

“I have NO idea. He just said that it definitely sounds like one though. Needless to say it wasn’t approved. He’s pretty odd that way. I think the only time he doesn’t complain about that sort of stuff is when he’s working as a barista.”

“So that’s what he does. The rest of the brothers seem to be in law though. Justice is trying to be a judge if I’m correct.” Bloomheart had a second realization at that moment. “Hey, what’s Justice’s full name?”

“What do you mean? It’s Justice?” Sound replied.

“All his other brothers have another name or title before ‘Justice’. He’s got to have something as well.” Sound opened her mouth to answer, but found she had nothing to say.

“Actually, I have no idea. I never thought there was anything else to his name. He certainly never told us. You know what? Let’s go ask him right now.” The two went to the hallway to find Justice. They found him with Pepperoni and his brothers stacking the workout equipment like a board game.

“If anypony asks, let’s just say its interpretive art,” Pepperoni told them.

“Hey Justice. You mind answering a question?” Sound asked.

“Sure. What’s on your mind?”

“Mom and I were just talking and totally realized that all your brothers are named ‘Justice’ as well. Or at least it’s their last name. What’s your full name?”

“What?!” Justice’s three brothers yelled out.

“Big brother, you never told them your full name?” Pro asked.

“Big?” Pepperoni asked, surprised.  “Is Justice really the oldest one of you guys?”

“Justice is oldest, I’m after him, Ret’s second youngest, and Social just turned 15,” Pro  clarified.

“Hey, cut him some slack. You know we did the exact same thing for a while as well,” Social told them.

“I agree with the shrimp on this one. But we usually let them know that it was just a nickname, not our full name,” Ret replied.

“Well, yeah. I never told them my full name. It seemed like something I would get to, but never did,” Justice said, excusing himself.

“Justice? What’s going on?” Cleversong asked. “I overheard the commotion and wanted to see what you guys were yelling about.”

“You mind telling her now?” Pro asked. “No point in hiding it anymore now that we’re all here.”

“Yeah. Each time they ask for ‘Justice’ I immediately want to turn around and reply,” Ret added.

“Alright. Fine. Cleversong,” he started nervously, “my full name isn’t ‘Justice’.”

“Wait, really? I mean, I just thought your other brothers just had that last name because they wanted to show they were family. It’d make sense that you’d be named ‘Justice’ since that alone works.” Cleversong realized that she should have realized something was up with his name earlier.

“Well, like my brothers, I have a first name.” The other brothers snickered as he prepared to say his full real name. “My full real name is Restorative Justice.”

“What?” Cleversong and the rest of her family asked.

“Yeah, I know that it’s a terrible first name. I mean, just look at my brothers and their names. What kind of parent names their child ‘Retributive Justice’? They were completely awful at giving us names.”

“It makes even less sense when you consider that our parents were a home salespony and a reporter,” Social told them.

“I’m fairly certain mom said that it was a tie between the different forms of justice and types of doctors. My name was possibly going to be ‘Heart Surgeon’,” Ret told them.

“Anyway, we all would just call ourselves ‘Justice’ seeing that it at least soundesounded impressive. It only became an issue when through some series of events the two of us would have to work with each other and everypony else needed to identify who was who,” Pro explained. “Seeing as he has managed to keep the title the longest, I say that we let him keep the name. You agree, brothers?”

“Right,” they replied.

“Cleversong, honey, I hope you understand what I was doing. I just really hated my name. That’s all.” Justice looked at his girlfriend who still had on her expression of disbelief. “Please don’t think of me as a liar.”

“Oh Justice. I don’t think you’re a liar.” She gave him a peck on the cheek before telling him, “I just think your name is absolutely terrible. Though it doesn’t surprise me that your parents would give you guys names like that when they thought they were being creative by naming their dog ‘cat’.”

“What in Celestia is that?!” one of the Wonderbolts yelled out. Bloomheart’s group rushed over to see what was going on and saw what the Wonderbolts had freaked out about. In their doorway was a massive pony covered in black robes and a mask. He wore goggles and had something strapped to his back.

“You better explain before we bring the pain!” Ret yelled at the figure, the Wonderbolts getting in formation.

“Explain what?” Social asked.

“You know. His name and why he’s here. Obvious stuff.”

“How do you know that it’s a ‘he’?”

“Social! Not now!” Everypony yelled. The giant, cloaked figure got closer and took off the mask and goggles to reveal it was none other than Mr. Bates.

“Bates! You’re alright!” Pepperoni exclaimed.

“Did you see it out there? I needed to dress up like a ninja buffalo to get through this weather!” He took off his cloak and revealed that the things strapped to him were baskets. “Anyway, here are the baskets of food as promised. This basket’s from Golden Belle. This one’s from Frank. Lastly, this one was from Merle.”

“Thank you so much, Bates!” Bloomheart said, giving him a hug. “This’ll help us out. Hope you’re not giving away too much good stuff.”

“Nah. It’s mostly fruit. I’m a grains stallion myself. At least you guys will use it. I’d probably turn it to compost. Also, Sound, if you tell anypony about this you’re fired.”

“As long as I don’t know what you do with the stuff I give you I’m fine,” she replied. Bloomheart took a deep breath of relief. With everypony here they could finally begin the festivities.

What was originally supposed to be a small party with just the family turned out to be much bigger. The Wonderbolts, unable to leave with the weather, decided to hang out with the family. Pepperoni took the radio from the kitchen and turned it on for everypony to enjoy some holiday tunes. Bates had also taken the liberty of bringing some of her own personal Poison Joke Juice stash from his house to bring to the party. Things got in full swing pretty quickly after that.

The first thing that Pepperoni did in the party was try to play the game ‘Who can offend Social the fastest?’ When Social heard that, he said that having a game like that was mean spirited, so Pepperoni won the game right there. Everypony else went off and then started doing their own things.

“Ya know, I’ve never met a mare as tough as you,” Ret told Spitfire. “So you’re not available to stallions then, huh?”

“Sorry, big guy, but I’m a lady’s mare,” she replied.

“Story of my life. All the tough mares I meet either have somepony else or are just like you. Hope there isn’t some weird connection.”

“Isn’t it obvious? Us fillyfoolers get super-strength whenever we see other mares. Why do you think there are so many mares with the Wonderbolts?” she joked. “Now I can’t even tell if I’m joking since most of the mares in the Wonderbolts actually are fillyfoolers.”

“Really?” Ret asked. “Guess I just lost that bet against Pepperoni.”

“You made a bet against Pepperoni dealing with somepony’s sexuality? Ha! You lost the moment you accepted it. He’s never lost a bet with somepony’s sexuality. He can tell if you’re gay or straight in just a second.” What Spitfire said gave Ret an idea.

“Actually, I know one pony he’d never be able to guess.”

“Really? Who’re talking about?”

“Trust me on this; bet in favor of him not being able to guess this pony’s sexuality and you’ll make a mint,” he told her. “Yo, Pep! Wanna make another bet?”

“Sure! Guess you wanna make up for your loss, huh?” he teased. “Hey guys, I’m starting another bet! Wanna enter the pool?”

“Geez, Pepperoni, seriously?” his wife asked. Apparently other ponies were interested and came forward, even Sound.

“So, what’s the new bet?” Pepperoni asked.

“Hold on a sec. Social, c’mon over here!” Ret yelled.

“What is it?” Social asked innocently.

“Pep, I want you to try and guess my brother’s sexuality.”

“Wait, what?” Social asked. “You honestly don’t see anything wrong with doing something like that?”

“Trust me, bro. This guy claims he can tell anypony’s sexuality just by looking at him. Don’t ya wanna make him check himself before he wrecks himself?” Ret told his brother, trying to invoke the social justice warrior within him.

“You know what? Sure. Let’s see what this guy apparently thinks of sexuality,” Social said in a way that sounded like he was challenging him.

“Alright! Everypony place a bet! Chances of me being correct are probably one-to-one. Me being wrong, well, let’s say you get triple. Hope you can pay up, Ret.” Pepperoni told him.

“I will,” he said confidently.

“You know what? I’ll take my chances with you. Fifty bits against Pepperoni,” Spitfire said, shocking everypony else. They’d all placed their money on Pepperoni.

“Alright; write down your sexuality and I’ll write down my guess. That way it’s all fair.” Pepperoni and Social wrote their things down and Pepperoni revealed his answer. “Based on your mannerisms, build speech pattern, and gut instinct, I come to the conclusion that you are,” he paused a moment, building up tension, “ASEXUAL!”

“Wow. That’s a twist. You never go with that one,” Sound commented.

“Ugh, really?” Social said. “At least you know more than one kind of sexuality at least. Here; educate yourself.” Social took out the piece of paper he’d written on, Pepperoni trying to read it.

“Heterodemisexual?” he said, confused.

“Eeyup. That means that I’m only attracted to other ponies of the opposite sex that I’ve developed an emotional bond with,” Social explained. The expression on Pepperoni and most other pony’s faces was a combination of shock and confusion.

“But…doesn’t that essentially mean you’re straight?” he asked.

“Really? That’s all you would define it as? You need to check your privilege,” Social said as he trotted away, head held up high with a smile.

“Well, I guess you owe somepony some money, then, huh?” Spitfire said.

“I…lost?” Pepperoni couldn’t believe that he’d lost. He’d never failed a wager like that. Slowly, he collected the bits from the pot and gave it to Spitfire, whose expression was firmly smug.

“Well, looks like you’re more than a well-built stallion, that’s for sure,” Spitfire complimented.

“Hey, body building is only second to mind building. Can’t uphold the law if you don’t know it,” he told her.

“That’s good to hear.” She took a gulp of her mug, finishing up the rest of her Poison Joke Juice. “Say, if you are interested in finding a Wonderbolt who actually likes stallions, hit up Misty. She may be a bit cold at first, but she’s a pretty nice girl once you break through. If you want I can wingmare for you.”

“You know what? That sounds pretty cool. Let’s do it!” The two got out of the booth and approached the available mare. In the meantime, Pawpads and A.C. were chatting with Cleversong and Justice.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long since we saw each other!” Pawpads told Cleversong.

“I know! Feels like forever since I moved to Manehattan. I was nervous at first, but now it’s going great,” she told her friend. “So, how’ve things been at the vet’s office?”

“Pretty good! I actually came across a Phoenix last month. It was pretty awesome to work with. You appreciate it much more once the burns have fully healed.” Pawpads showed her right forearm, which was covered in bandages.

“So what was wrong with the little guy?”

“He had a bad stomach ache. Apparently Phoenix’s like to eat Fruit Bats somehow and had one with rabies. She didn’t catch it, but it still didn’t sit well in her stomach. Say, I have to freshen up. Wanna join me?”

“Sure!” The two got up from the table, leaving A.C. and Justice alone with each other. Up to that point they had never met each other and had no real knowledge of each other.

“So…you’re a district judge?” A.C. asked.

“In training. Still a bit young, but I’m hopeful,” he replied, taking a sip from his mug. “Say, I heard something about you and just wanted to know something.”

“What?”

“How exactly do you still have your forearms after that sawmill incident?” Justice saw A.C.’s eyes freeze for a moment as he replayed the event in his head.

“Well, it was a pretty clean cut, so the doctors just sewed them back on,” he explained.

“Really? So what about you and Pawpads then? From what I’ve heard it sounded like you were gonna propose to her but haven’t since.”

“Well, it’s probably been the traumatic events that have occurred whenever I’ve made an attempt to propose, plus another feeling of not being ready to commit that’s slowly been creeping back up in my mind thanks to this one mare who hit on me. You know that I was a real player before Pawpads, right?”

“Frankly A.C., I have almost no idea who you are. Everything I’ve heard about you had been from Cleversong’s messages with Sound, so this is all new to me,” Justice explained.

“Guess I better introduce myself better then. I’m A.C., hometown of Appleloosa, Pawpad’s coltfriend, and independent musician.”

“Justice. Hometown of Manehattan, Cleversong’s coltfriend, and currently studying law.” Justice ate one of the grapes on his plate and asked, “So what kind of music have you made?”

“It’s mostly guitar stuff. I’ve made some hits and luckily the internet doesn’t hate my music. A bit difficult sometimes when worrying about pirates, but thankfully they have a conscience and don’t always go for the small guy. Hoping that someday I can make a band with Sound if anything. You know that she sometimes posts music online, right?”

“Yeah. Guess it helps your reputation when your older sister’s a former pop idol, doesn’t it?” Justice said, reminding him of Cleversong’s singing career.

“Totally. Definitely helps me out as well. Gets me even more exposure when I help publish songs with her. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I can never tell.”

“Hmm. Any chance I’ve heard your music?”

“Well,” A.C. mused over which songs were his most popular. “I did have one song that was on that singing high school show ‘Smile’, but they didn’t even give me credit for my remix. That one was called ’Filly Got Flank’ and I actually got a ton of downloads for that one after it aired specifically because the internet got outraged and just bought it like crazy.”

“Wait a second,” Justice said, fishing out his music player. “Do you mean this song?” Justice started playing the song and A.C.’s face lit up.

“Eeyup. That’s my version.”

“No way! A.C. stands for Apple Cider? Dude, I have all your songs!” Justice had suddenly turned into a fan girl at that moment.

“Really? And you paid for them? That’s awesome!”

“Yeah! Hey, would you mind signing my player?” Justice looked so eager that A.C. couldn’t tell if he should be creeped out or complimented.

“You know what? Sure. Let me see it.” He signed it with a marker he had on him and returned to the overjoyed fan. “Hey, you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Sure! What’s on your mind?”

“Well, I was just wondering about you and Cleversong. I mean, you guys have been together for a while and-“

“Let me guess; you wanna know if I’m going to propose to her anytime soon, aren’t you?” Whenever the topic of those two being together for a while popped up he knew where it was heading.

“Well, yeah. Definitely seems like something that would’ve come up by now. Don’t you guys already live together?”

“Look, it’s not THAT kind of living together. Right now it’s the ‘Three’s Company’ kind of living together where we couldn’t afford it otherwise. Neither of us have time for any hanky panky.” A.C. chuckled when he heard that.

“Sorry. I just think that’s a funny word.”

“Really? Panky. Pan-ky. Sounds foreign when you say it out loud, doesn’t it?” Justice couldn’t get through to A.C. with all his chuckling. “Anyway, we’re just too busy right now.”

“Then at least answer this; do you love her?” Justice was surprised at how quickly A.C. changed. One moment he’s laughing about the word ‘panky’, the next he’s asking questions about people’s emotions.

“What do you mean? Of course I do. What else could it be?” Justice suddenly felt the mood of this conversation getting dark.

“I don’t know. Does she know?” A.C. was sounding really cryptic right then.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t she?”

“When’s the last time you told her?”

“I just told her when, well, I know it was recently. It has to be.” The more Justice thought about it, the more he realized that he hadn’t actually told her so. “I mean, it doesn’t have to be those exact words, does it?”

“What do you think?” Justice was starting to get angry. At first he thought he was getting angry at A.C., but then realized that he was actually angry at himself. Before he could say anything, he saw Cleversong coming back. “Actually, hold on a moment.” Justice walked over to Cleversong and she started to say something.

“Hey honey. I was think-“ She was cut off as Justice kissed her right there in front of Sound and Bloomheart.

“To answer the question you guys have wanted to ask, no I have not proposed to her yet. However, I can say with absolute certainty that this is the mare I will marry. We just have some stuff to do first.” He then trotted back to his table, leaving the three shocked at what just happened. “To answer your question, A.C., no. You don’t always have to say those exact words when you already know it.”

“Oh. Well, damn. You showed me,” A.C. said, returning to his normal attitude. “Sorry that I went all cryptic on you there. It’s just that in the middle of our conversation I totally had I revelation.”

“And what’s that?” Justice asked.

“The only reason you haven’t asked her to marry you yet is because not only do you have things to do first, but you already know that you’ll marry her. I’m not asking out of the belief that I’ll something horrible happen to me again. You know what? You’ve convinced me,” A.C. said, taking a small box out of his pack. “I’m gonna ask Pawpads. Tonight. No more delays or worries. You got my back, bro?”

“I’ve got it all the way. Brohoof.” Justice put his hoof out and A.C. did the same, returning it. The deal had been sealed.

“Hey,” Cleversong said, snuggling right up to Justice. “Did I miss anything good?”

“Well, A.C.’s finally gonna propose to Pawpads, so there’s that,” Justice told her.

“Awesome!” she screamed out. “She shouldn’t be too long now. Are you gonna do it the moment she comes out?”

“Yeah. I’m too pumped and scared already. If I wait any longer it’ll just be painful,” A.C. explained. He downed his drink and looked behind to see Pawpads leaving the bathroom. “Well, so much for that.”

“No!” Justice and Cleversong yelled, pulling A.C. into his chair.

“You’ve come way too close to finally doing it. Come on! You got that ring several months ago! You know you’ve wanted to do this for a while, right? Don’t tell me that my sis was wrong about you.”

“I know! I just need something to give me a kick,” A.C. told them. Cleversong decided to grant his wish by kicking him from under the table. “Ow! Alright! I’m on it. Justice, keep an eye on me in case I start to run out of here, okay?”

“Don’t worry. Just do your stuff.” Feeling confident, he got up from the table and approached Pawpads. Justice then turned to his girlfriend and asked, “So I give the big inspiring speech or talk about relationships and such and you get him moving by kicking him?”

“It’s a pretty good motivator,” she told him. “Besides, it takes all kinds to motivate somepony. You bring the logic and I bring the pain.”

“Great. You’re starting to sound like Ret. Next thing you’ll be lifting weights and going on about being the law or something.”

“I AM THE LAW!” she yelled out in her deepest voice, sending them both laughing.

“Hey, Pawpads, you mind talking?” A.C. asked nervously.

“Sure! What’s going on?” She saw the way he was shaking and asked, “Is something bothering you, or are you still shaking from the cold?”

“No. It’s actually something else.” He took a deep breath and knelt down. “Pawpads, I-“

“BANG! BANG! BANG!” went the door, interrupting the nervous stallion.

“Who the hay could that be in this weather?” Bloomheart asked. She looked out the window and saw that it was their neighbors and rivals from across the street.

“Who is it?” Pepperoni asked.

“It’s Burger Belcher and his family. Dunno why they’d come over here now.” Bloomheart knew that her husband and Belcher shared a rivalry that only restaurant owners could know. Hopefully they could keep things civil on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

“He wishes to challenge me obviously!” Pepperoni said, dashing any hopes Bloomheart had of things being civil.

“Why don’t we give them a chance in the name of the holidays,” she told him, his stern look of disapproval not diminishing. “Whatever. I’m opening it up anyway.” She opened the door, struggling against the strong wind and greeted the family. “Hey guys! What brings you here?”

“Our power went out and we’re freezing!” Linda Lettuce explained.

“Oh my! Sorry to hear that. Please come in.” The family’s three children came rushing in and immediately went to the nearest source of heat, which in this case was a busted radiator. Linda and her husband (and Pepperoni’s sworn enemy) Burger Belcher decided to talk with Bloomheart.

“Geez, thanks. Honestly we thought you’d turn us away with the way your husband acts,” Belcher told her.

“This guy right here tries to light a fire in his restaurant just so we don’t have to come over here. Can you believe that?” said Linda.

“Honestly, that sounds like something Pepperoni would do if something like this happened. Why, one time-“

“I’m sorry, Miss Bloomheart, but do you mind showing me the restroom? Kinda been holding it in for a while out there,” Belcher asked.

“Sure. Pepperoni dear, show Mr. Belcher where the bathroom is!” Pepperoni came forward, his face scrunched up as if he’d eaten something terrible.

“Come this way, sir,” he said sarcastically.

“Hey, thanks for letting our family in. I know we fight and all, but it really means something for me,” Belcher told his rival.

“While you may be happy, I’m still annoyed. Every time we meet you do something that just gets me so agitated that I end up doing something stupid. Like that drinking contest a couple months ago where I end up making myself look like an ass in front of my daughter.”

“Hey, ‘ass’ is a derogatory term for donkeys. Don’t go spreading hate,” Social told him as he randomly passed by.

“What was-“

“One of my daughter’s boyfriend’s brothers. Who is staying here. Along with three others.” Pepperoni felt like he should react to this somehow, but didn’t know how.

“Wow. And I thought I had it bad when my in-laws came to visit. At least they’re actually related to me, you know? Kinda overreacted to that thing,” Belcher told him.

“What’d you end up doing?”

“I ended up hiding in the walls of my restaurant and couldn’t even get out when I tried. Went temporarily insane as a result.”

“Ha! Sounds terrible. I almost ended up doing something like that once, but I remembered that I could just hide in the bathroom. After a while nopony wants to know what’s taking you so long.” Pepperoni thought back to all the times he managed to save his restaurant from debt collectors with using the bathroom trick. Eventually the bank just stopped sending ponies and threatened to demolish the place unless he paid them.

“Wish I could do that. My kids would just break down the door and push me out, even with my pants down. You have it easy compared to me, Pepperoni.”

“Oh really? Sounds like a challenge.”

“Just look at them now. I don’t even need to see what they’re doing to know that it isn’t good.” The two looked around the corner and peeked in on the kids. Silver Lining, one of the Wonderbolts, saw the two spying and decided to keep eating his pizza. From where they were they could see what Belcher’s kids were up to.

“Wow! This is good pizza!” Guacamole Gene said as he grabbed several slices from the tray. “I wonder if it’s be better snack sized.” He rolled up the pieces and stuffed them all in his mouth at once. He tried chewing, but couldn’t bite through all the crust.

“So, I was wondering if any of you guys share a locker room when you get ready for shows,” Teriyaki Tina asked Fleetfoot and Lightning Strike, both of whom were actively trying to ignore her. “I’m doing this thing for school and it’d be neat to know that. Or would either of you like to show me yourselves?” She sat right next to them in the booth, the two attempting to slide away with her following behind.

“Wow. I can see what you’re talking about,” Pepperoni told him.

“Hey, where’s Louise?” Belcher, asked.

“Your third kid? Don’t worry; she’s a good kid. She helped me out with making that pizza before, even when we fighting each other.” Pepperoni didn’t know that Limburger Louise was actually hoping to push him in the oven and make it look like an accident. Belcher didn’t have the heart to tell him that.

“Well, not always. Hopefully she isn’t trying to cause chaos like she usually does.” He looked around and saw her approaching the table where A.C. was trying to build himself up once more to propose with Cleversong and Justice’s help.

“Don’t worry. You at least started to ask her,” Cleversong told him. “And hey, compared to what happened with you the last two times you can definitely consider this an improvement.”

“Yeah, I actually think you’re right! I can do this!” A.C. yelled out.

“Do what?” The three of them turned around to see a young mare wearing a pink hat leaning against the table.

“I’m finally gonna ask the mare of my dreams to marry me,” he told her with a smile on his face.

“Really? In front of all these ponies? Aren’t you worried about what she’ll say?” Louise looked like she was about to have some real fun.

“What do you mean? She’ll say yes!” he replied, his faith starting to shaken.

“How can you be sure? Maybe she’s starting to lose interest in you. Hey, maybe you’re starting to lose interest in her. After all, if it’s this difficult to ask her then you know you aren’t sure. Am I right?”

“Uh…no! It’s not that at all. I’ve just been busy with-“

“With another mare?” A.C. took a step back when he heard that.

“How did you know about-“

“Cathy? I know ponies. They tell me things. Things like you two going out last week and you never telling anypony else about it?” Cleversong and Justice were shocked to hear this and gave A.C. a stern glare.

“Well, I guess that’s one thing,” he confessed. “It’s also that-“

“Whatever. Say, what about you two? Tying the knot also?” Louise asked Cleversong and Justice.

“Not yet,” Cleversong told her with her glare still holding onto A.C.

“I could never tell why anypony would want to get married. I mean, you stay with one pony the rest of your life and have a couple foals and die. Sounds depressing, and trust me when I say I know depressing; I’ve seen my dad try to work out.”

“Not everypony’s like that in a marriage,” explained Justice. “You see-“

“And the foal thing. You know how terrible we are? Just look at Gene and Tina.” She pointed over to Gene, currently drooling while still attempting to eat the pizzas, and then Tina, who was currently harassing the Wonderbolts about locker rooms and such. “And those two are easy. You’ll have to worry about a kid like me, and I’m brutal.”

“I doubt you’re that bad,” Cleversong told her foolishly.

“Hmm, you think that? Hey! You with the five bit haircut!” she yelled at Pro. “Yeah! You! Come here.”

“What’s going on here?” Pro asked.

“You two realize that this guy is bald, right? That thing’s obviously a toupee.” Pro looked taken aback by such an insult.

“It is NOT a toupee. I just have very immaculate-“

“Yoink!” With a jump, she managed to grab the piece right off of him, exposing his deep secret in front of everypony.

“Pro! You’re bald? How? You’re younger than me.” Justice asked, worried about his own hairline.

“Don’t look at me!” he cried, running off to the bathroom. Louise held on the hair as if it were a trophy.

“Yeah. Imagine having somepony like me as one of your own now.”

“Limburger Louise!” her mother yelled. “How dare you make that stallion cry in front of everypony.”

“Hey, I was just trying to warn these two about what they’re getting into. Not my fault if the truth’s ugly,” she told them.

“The only thing that’s ugly is what you’re gonna get!” Linda grabbed her daughter’s ear and started pulling on it.

“Owowowow!  Come on, mom! You’re embarrassing me!”

“You are going to give that nice stallion his hard back and apologize, you hear me! Gene, spit that out! Tina, stop bothering those boys.”

“Yes, mom.”

“Um, excuse me Linda, but I think I should get my brother. After all, it’s the bathroom and all,” Social explained.

“Sure. We’ll be right here,” Linda told him, still holding onto Louise’s ear.

“Huh. I guess you were right after all,” Pepperoni told Belcher. “Never had to deal with that kind of stuff. Except, of course the time my youngest ran away from home and joined a rock band. While she was fifteen.”

“Wait, seriously?” Belcher replied.

“Yeah. She was gone for several months. Told us that she ran away and all that. You know that rainbow mane of hers? Was actually green when she left, but one of the ponies in that band apparently was a hair stylist who ended up using magic on it to give her that look. Was never able to undo it.” Pepperoni’s flashback to that time was interrupted by Belcher’s laughter.

“Wow! And here I thought everything for you guys was perfect. Turns out that all kids at some point are really terrible. Mine are just going through their awful phase.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts. It’s the only time when you can drink early in the afternoon and say it’s because you had a busy day,” he explained. “Now whenever I do that I just look like an alcoholic.”

“Well I know I could go for a drink right now. Mind joining me?”

“Sure. Bates has some pretty good stuff.” The two rivals decided that, for at least this night, they would have peace.

“Pro, come on. You can’t hide in there all night,” Social said, banging on the door.

“You don’t know that. I bet I could hide in here until New Year’s,” he told his younger brother through the door.

“Yeah, but then you’ll be known as the brother that spent Hearth’s Warming Day in a bathroom. You know that Ret would never let that down, right?”

“I know. I just need to collect myself. After all, I just lost my hair and my dignity.”

“Come on, Pro. So you’re prematurely bald. Think about how tough that’ll make you look in the courtroom. You’ll look even more mature and could probably get the criminals to confess on the spot.” Social really wasn’t sure on the positives of being bald, but he was going to find something at least. “Also, at least you’re engaged, so you won’t have to worry about a new style to impress all the mares.”

“Social, I gotta tell you something. Hold on.” The door clicked, letting Social know that it was unlocked. He entered to find his older brother with his face soaked in water.

“Geez, Pro, you look awful. Try drying off.” Social picked up some paper towels and gave it to his brother.

“Thanks. Listen, the truth is that I’m not actually engaged to anypony.” Pro said this like it was nothing while his brother appeared to be completely thrown off.

“What? How? You told us all that you were engaged to…um…you never actually told us her name, did you?”

“No. I just told you guys that and for some reason you never bothered to ask me any questions. Really weird how you just accepted it and didn’t bother asking.”

“Why did you lie though? Doesn’t seem like there’s a reason to lie about being engaged.” As Social thought about it, he came to a conclusion. “Unless-“

“No, Social. I am not a coltcuddler who’s hiding it by saying I’m engaged,” Pro told him, knowing where his brother would go. “Honestly, I didn’t want to be thought of as just an attorney with nothing else in his life. You guys think I’m just a law book with legs.”

“We know you’ve got other interests.” Social told him. “Like...um…rock climbing?”

“See? When Justice introduced me all he could say is that I’m an attorney who’s engaged to a supermodel. I can’t believe you guys forgot about my nerdy passions. Remember that time when we fought over ‘Oligarchy’? I said it was my turn to input into the Senate while Ret said that he was promised counsel. He ended up declaring a military coup and burnt the game board after that.”

“Oh yeah! After that he said we’d only play ‘Conquest’ and that the only way we’d play something else is if we defeated him in a game.” Social remembered the fun times he had with his brothers. He was the youngest, so some of them had really different interests, but it was fun when they did things together. “I can’t believe I forgot about that. Those were some of the best moments of my childhood. Listen, Pro, I know we’re not the closest brothers, but let’s that aside. We both know that we’ll have our opinions and we won’t budge anytime soon with them, so instead of focusing on what separates us we should focus on what brings us together.”

“You know what?” Pro dried off and fixed his shirt. “I think that’s a good idea. Let’s get out of here and enjoy the party.”

The two of them left the bathroom, Pro feeling a bit self-conscious about being bald. Social managed to egg him on though, finally getting him to show his face to the ponies out there.

“I’m doing better now,” he told them.

“Aww. Glad to hear. Louise, you wanted to say something?” Linda said to her daughter, still holding onto her ear.

“Yes! Alright, alright!” She got out and approached Pro with the toupee. “Sorry for being mean and stealing your hair piece. You can have it back.”

“Actually, I think I’ll be fine without it. After all, that thing was starting to be itchy,” he told her. “You can keep it.”

“Awesome! I know just what I’ll do with it,” Louise told him.

“You’re not gonna keep it after the way you acted here tonight,” Linda told her.

“Why would I keep it? I’m gonna give it to dad as my gift. He needs it,” Louise told her mother.

“Aww! That’s nice actually. It’ll look good on him, that’s for sure.”

“I also have something I want to tell you all. It might sound odd, but stick with me.” Pro took a deep breath and told everypony, “I’m not actually engaged to anypony.” Nopony in the room reacted. “Uh, did you hear what I said?”

“Yeah, we heard. We’ve just known that you didn’t have a marefriend in the first place,” Justice explained.

“Totally. All you ever said is ‘I have a marefriend who’s a super model’ and nothing else. Pretty obvious when you say it like that,” Ret told him.

“So why didn’t you guys say something? I kept this thing up for two years!”

“Cause that’d be embarrassing for us to tell you. Better you come up with something cheap like ‘She moved away’ or something else. We just thought you wanted to be more interesting when we got together,” Justice told his brother. “It’s not like we thought you were a coltcuddler or anything. It’s not like we jump to conclusions or anything.”

“Oh really?” Pro said, looking at his youngest brother. “It looks like one of you didn’t get the message.”

“I’m sorry. Probably shouldn’t have jumped the gun on assuming what your intentions were,” Social apologized.  “Next time something like that happens, I’ll check myself before I wreck myself.”

“Alright everypony. Enough awkward. More party!” While Sound yelled out, the door to her restaurant was suddenly busted open.

“What’s going on now?” Bloomheart asked.

“Bloomheart! I cannot hold it any longer!” Dr. Suave Studwell yelled as he entered the restaurant, the snow glistening on him. “I love you!”

“Oh great. Now I have this guy to deal with?” Bloomheart said, placing her face in her hoof.

“Excuse me, but who’re you?” Justice asked.

“Dr. Suave Studwell. Premier Doctor at Ponyville Hospital. Now, I need to do something, if you don’t mind.” He trotted past everypony and approached Bloomheart who was definitely not up to dealing with this. “Bloomheart, would you mind listening to-“

“Suave, I know why you’re here, and no. Please don’t do this right now,” she asked. “This is a party and I REALLY don’t need any more weird stuff going on today.”

“Please give me a chance. You’re the reason why I’ve never been able to keep a relationship. That one night ten years ago changed me forever. I knew you were the one and nopony else has been able to fill the gap. You’re tearing me apart!” Dr. Suave then ripped his jacket in half, sending several mares in the room to sweat.

“Woah,” Rapidfire, one of the colts there said. “I mean, that’s impressive how he ripped that jacket off with his own bare hooves. That’s what I’m impressed by. Not his body.” He looked side to side, seeing if anypony believed him.

“Ha! Gay!” Sound yelled out, knowing that she might never have a better chance of doing so.

“Hey! That’s offensive to homosexuals!” Social yelled at her.

“I’m actually gay, so I get a pass,” Sound explained.

“Wait, really?” he asked looking in the direction of Spitfire.

“What? You want me to answer that? What am I? Queen of the Fillyfoolers?” she replied.

“I’d nominate you,” Ret said.

“Same here,” Sound added.

“Oh! You could be titled ‘Drag Queen’ of Fillyfoolers, am I right?” Linda added.

“Haha! Good one,” Sound added before her brain finally caught up with her. “Hey, what does he mean ‘ten years ago’?”

“Well,” Bloomheart tried to figure out some way to tell her daughter, but Dr. Suave decided to do that himself.

“Ten years ago we had a party. During that time I was an insecure doctor who knew nothing about love. That is, until I saw your mother. She was the most radiant being I’d ever laid eyes on. In that party we had a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven where-“

“WHAT?!” Sound yelled, familiar with the basic rules of the game. “You cheated on dad with this…huh. Why does that make so much sense?”

“Sound, dear, it wasn’t anything like that. I was drunk and all we did was make out. Besides, it’s not like I’m the only one in the family who’s made bad decisions while drunk,” Bloomheart told her, reminding her about her incident with the band and her hair.

“Oh yeah? Well, you were browsing my computer for fillyfooler stuff earlier today. AND you forgot when my birthday was this year!” Sound retorted.

“Geez,” Cleversong mumbled, hiding her head in her forearms.

“This family just got way more interesting!” Gene added.

“Really? You’re brining those two things up? First, I already told you that the thing with your computer was an accident. Second, you’re bringing up the birthday thing now?” Bloomheart asked in disbelief.

“Mom, how exactly do you forget your own child’s birthday?” Cleversong asked.

“Hey, I told you before that at some family gathering I’d yell about it. Guess the proper time would be when I learn that you cheated on dad.” Bloomheart was starting to gather some steam under the collar.

“I-just-WHERE IS YOUR DAMN FATHER?!” she yelled out, frustrated.

“Here I *burp* we are,” he said, stumbling with Belcher by his side.

“Not again,” Linda lamented.

“I’m just hangin’ with my, my bud here. He’s…he’s not that bad actually. We both make stuff from tofu, right?” Pepperoni dropped the empty bottle he was holding and caught Belcher before he fell.

“Yeah, yeah we do. We both make food and stuff. We’re alright.” Belcher started laughing and Pepperoni joined in.

“Well, this explains why I never see you drink,” Justice said to Cleversong, whose head was flat on the table.

“I think I may have made a huge mistake,” Bates though, seeing the drunken mess occurring before his eyes.

“Look, I don’t want to create any trouble, Bloomheart. I just needed to confess my feelings for you and-“

“Hey, is that that guy you told me about before?” Pepperoni asked.

“Sir, you’re drunk and as a doctor I’m concerned that-“ Pepperoni cut off Dr. Suave with a loud belch.

“Listen here, Mr. Sexy Rockstud, or whatever. What are you, a soap opera doctor? Listen. I just…just…hey bud, you mind getting offa me? I gotta do something.”

“Sure. I’ll just sit down. You go do…stuff,” Belcher told his new bud, slinking over to a table.

“Geez, dad. Thought you could handle more of the stuff,” Louise teased. “You’re a lightweight compared to mom.”

“Eh. I’ve just had more practice,” Linda laughed.

“Listen you good looking jerk. When I heard the story my wife told me about you and her, I tried to be calm and did pretty good. Bloomy, you want me to be honest with you?” Pepperoni said, looking at somepony else before Justice turned him in the right direction.

“Um, sure.”

“I was ready to…do angry stuff. Not sure what, but GRARR! There. That’s one thing. I’m usually calm, but with the power of alcohol I can be angry!” He flexed his forearms and nearly fell over.

“Sorry to tell you this, Mr. Pepper, but I’m sure nothing in that last sentence was anything to be proud about,” Pro told him.

“Whatever. It’s go time! I love my wife and now I’m finally gonna get off my flank and do something about it.” He approached the doctor slowly, stumbling part of the way.

“Sir, I’m honestly sorry if I offended you with my confession and attempts on your wife, but as a medical professional I must say that in your current state-“ Dr. Suave was cut off as Pepperoni went and finally punched him straight in the face.

“You’re already dead!” he screamed as the doctor fell back. Pepperoni finally conked out and fell on the floor.

“Would you mind if I checked him? I really wouldn’t want somepony to die on my watch,” the doctor asked.

“Sure. Sorry that he hit you,” Bloomheart apologized.

“It was justified. I was being far too invasive with you two and he stood his ground. I’m just lucky his punch wasn’t too strong.” The doctor felt his face and confirmed that everything was fine.

“Well, at least nothing else can go wrong,” Sound said just as another pony nopony expected to see tonight burst in.

“Dr. Suave, are you alright?” Cathy asked.

“Leave your body, A.C. Leave your body,” A.C. said, knowing his night was probably about to go downhill.

“I’m alright. I’m sorry that I needed to run out, but I needed to do this. This stallion is exhausted and drunk, but I think he’ll be alright. Now, I think we should leave before any other trouble is caused,” the doctor told her.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, at least with this weather,” Linda told them. “Bloomy, you mind if they stay here. Please?”

“This guy here has been trying to get me away from my husband for years now, and this mare right here is a slut who tried to get to my husband and A.C. here and…uh oh.” Bloomheart realized she had made two mistakes. The first thing had everypony waiting for Social to chime in.

“Huh? Sorry. I was just blanking out. Did something happen?” After that, everypony turned their attention to A.C.

“A.C., what did Miss Bloom mean when she tried to get to you?” Pawpads asked, curiously. A.C. stood there, trying to figure out how to explain himself. Deciding that tonight already had enough drama he decided to rip the band-aid off and just tell her.

“I went to lunch with her about a week ago. I think we considered it a date. I now regret it, and feel like a jerk, mainly because I was one. I’m really, really sorry. I think I went out with her because I was nervous about all the bad things that have happened whenever I tried to tell you something and felt like I wanted to not be in horrific pain again.”

“Um, now I’m more confused than anything. What was it that you were trying to tell me that resulted in you receiving horrible physical pain?” Pawpads was more concerned than angry at her boyfriend. She knew his past where he wasn’t tied down to just one mare, but she helped him get over that. Something must have happened to bring it up again.

“It’s… well…” he saw everypony’s eyes focusing on him, including the hateful little girl’s.

“A.C., you can do it,” Justice said, standing behind him, Cleversong to his side.

“Thanks,” he said, smiling and gaining the strength to tell her. “I wanted to tell you I love you and ask you to marry me.” He took out the ring and presented it to her, everypony in the room gasping when he asked. All except Louise, whose plan had been foiled.  “I was worried since every other time I tried I either had a hydra attack me or lose my forearms. Those things really affect a pony you know.”

“Oh, A.C. you jerk! I’ve wanted to hear you ask me that for over a year now!” Pawpads told him with tears in her eyes.

“Wait, so you’re saying-“

“Yes, you idiot!” She kissed him right there, everypony applauding at the beautiful sight (except for Louise). “I only wish you’d done it sooner and didn’t worry about making a big spectacle of it.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t want to tell Sound’s dad that the ring he helped me buy was given in the dullest way possible. He gave me the money he made with one of his bets and that’s what I used to purchase it.” A.C. looked at Pepperoni, still out of it, and told him, “Thank you, sir.”

“No problem!” Pepperoni yelled out, jumping up from the floor, completely fine. “Wait, what’re we talking about?”

“He finally proposed to her,” Bloomheart explained.

“Finally! Thought I’d never have grandfoals,” he blurted out. “Oh, wait, that’s the other couple. Whatever.”

“Good going, A.C.” Justice told him. “Knew you could do it.”

“Thanks, bro. Next album’s dedicated to the two of you,” he replied, making Justice giggle. “Also, sorry for leading you on, Cathy. Hopefully you meet a colt who treats you well.”

“Uh, technically we’re dating,” Dr. Suave pointed out, making the situation once again awkward.

“So let’s get this straight; you dated this doctor, dated the musician, and tried to get with the Mt. Pepper? I envy you, Cathy,” Tina told her.

“Yeah, well, Dr. Suave tried to hook up with Bloomheart again. What about him?” Cathy asked the crowd.

“Hook up?” he asked, confused. “Oh, no my dear. I wasn’t attempting to hit on her again. It was merely a confession of emotions that I needed to say to free myself from her siren’s song.” Bloomheart rolled her eyes at that statement. “I guess my way of talking may sometimes sound as if I wish to romance somepony, but that is merely accidental.”

“Well, at least the pony I took to lunch was just a boyfriend and not married. I mean, I knew the difference clearly when…crap.” Cathy just realized that she’d said too much and was staring straight into the eyes of a very angry fiancé. “What I meant is when I made him take me out is…um… I didn’t mean ‘make him’. I meant –“

“Wait a second. I remember that lunch now! You told me that you were a friend of Miss Bloom’s, then went on to invite me to lunch, and at the end you said that we were on a date! I never agreed to a date, just lunch!” A.C.’s revelation of Cathy’s manipulation finally pushed Pawpads over the edge.

“Somepony hold me back cause I’m about to hammer the slut!” she yelled as she dashed forward only to be grabbed by a blonde haired pegasus.

“Hey! Slut’s a-“ Social immediately shut his mouth when Pawpwads looked his way. “It’s an appropriate term to use in this situation,” he finished meekly.

“Phew. Thanks for saving me, Surprise,” Cathy told the Wonderbolt. The pegasus’ eye twinged when she called her that name.

“What did you call me?” she asked.

“Oh boy. I’ve got fifty on Breezie winning this one,” Pepperoni told his wife.

“Wanna make it interesting and double it?” Louise asked. “I say she wins in the first two minutes.”

“Uh, Surprise?” Cathy restated.

“My. Name. Is. Not. Surprise. I. Am. BREEZIE! STOP CALLING ME SURPRISE!” she yelled, shaking the entire building. “Pawpwads, when I let go, you go for the hind legs. I’ll handle torso. Deal?”

“Deal.” At that moment, time seemed to slow down as the pegasi duo leaped into action, ready to bring the pain. Just before the fight started however, a large puff of smoke filled the floor, chocking everypony there. Suddenly a large rumbling laugh was heard, the bearer being Discord.

“Ho ho ho! Merry…huh?” He looked around and saw the sight of two mares about to gang up on a third. “Uh…okay? Listen, I’m doing my yearly ‘Sorry I stole Hearth’s Warming Day’ thing by giving out presents and found that it was way too cold to do it outside, so I’m going home-to-home to deliver. Looks like a party’s going on here, so I’ll have to check what gifts I’m handing out more carefully.” He fished around through the bag he was holding and pulled out a pile of presents bigger than the bag itself. “Now I’ll be off. You’ll have to sort through the presents to see which one are yours. Maybe make a game out of it, giving each other the gifts the somepony else is supposed to have. Anyway, Happy Hearth’s Warming Day!” he yelled before popping out.

“Huh. Forgot he did that,” Belcher said, coming to his senses. “So, is there a fight still?”

“Well,” Pawpads looked at the fear on Cathy’s face and said, “No. The mood’s gone. Why don’t we open gifts then?”

“We’ve only got the gifts Discord gave us. The rest are at our homes,” Tina pointed out.

“You know what? I can do it. I’ll get our gifts and bring them here,” Belcher told his family. “After all, it’s just across the street.”

“I’ll help as well,” Pepperoni added. “Who knows how much we have to carry?”

“And my axe!” Bates told them, nopony except Pro understanding what he meant by that. “That means I’ll also help. Let us journey forth!” The three left the restaurant on their journey next door.

Not surprisingly, the journey was not too arduous. They came back with the Belcher family’s gifts in tow and put them in the pile and decided to share a drink (of water). Everypony started handing out gifts to each other. Cathy picked up Pawpads’ gift and vice versa, the two swapping gifts awkwardly.

“Wow! It’s a prescription for my condition! Now I won’t have the urge to keep on hooking up with different stallions now.” Cathy’s statement drew glances before she clarified, “The doctor says my ADHD causes me to go through relationships quickly, so I need to take something so I can calm myself. Normally I avoid taking it since they don’t usually have this version I need, but now I’ll be able to.”

“Huh,” Pawpads responded, opening her gift as well. “I just got a bag of jelly beans. I guess that’s something.”

“Awesome! I love jelly beans!” A.C. yelled. “Too bad the gift I got was black licorice.”

“SHUT. UP. I love that stuff.” The two looked at each other and swapped gifts, immediately pigging out on the candy.

“So, my thing’s a new spatula. At least it’s useful,” Belcher said after opening the gift Pepperonni handed him.

“Yeah. My thing’s a new pizza cutter.” The two looked at each other and knew that these were terrible gifts. “I think I’ll give you something extra. Here,” he said writing down a number with his initials on it. “Consider this a one hundred bit gift card for my place.”

“You know what?” Belcher did the same thing, handing his signed napkin to his new friend. “We should eat out more.” The two laughed and hoped that it wasn’t just the alcohol talking.

Over at Spitfire’s table, Gene was exchanging her gift. When she opened her box, she was stunned to find that inside was a genuine crown with the words ‘Drag Queen of the Fillyfoolers’ etched into it.

“I don’t know whether to be offended at how last minute this gift seems or complimented at how funny and actually impressive it is for a last minute gift.” She then put the crown on and realized that this was her life; getting crowns from a creature made up from the parts of other creatures, delivered to her by a colt who stuffs multiple pieces of pizza into his mouth. Damn, she sure had it made.

“Please be a crown, please be a crown,” Gene chanted as he opened his gift. “It’s better than a crown! It’s a tape recorder! Demos, here I come!”

Sound got her present from her mother and opened it immediately to find that it was a brand new, fully charged and updated laptop.

“Wow. Guess I got the best gift, huh. Let’s see how well this thing runs.” She opened up her browser and decides to check her email, finding herself shocked. “Geez! My other laptop must’ve been busted, ‘cause I didn’t see all these messages. And great, he was messaging me a week ago and probably thingks I’m dead now.”

Who’re you talking about?” Bloomheart asked.

“I have this online friend who I chat with. Apparently the last message he sent me was a week ago and I haven’t even responded. Hope he doesn’t think I’m dead or something.”

Bloomheart thought back to earlier that day in the tech shop and asked, “Do you know this pony in real life?”

“I don’t think so. That’d be weird, wouldn’t it?” Bloomheart decided to keep quiet about what she knew and opened her own gift.

“Black coffee beans. Didn’t expect to get that as a gift.”

The rest of the ponies opened their gifts from Discord as well. Louise received a lump of coal and was overjoyed to find a way to make it into a diamond and get rich. Tina got a blank picture of the Wonderbolts and, at the request of Spitfire, all the stallions decided to sign it. Linda got a bottle of wine while Mr. Bates got a bottle of Alka-Seltzer water for tomorrow’s eventual hangovers. Ret got a compendium of the comic ‘Judge Doom’, a comic about an overzealous lawman, which he enjoyed without getting the hint. Social received a deck of Magi: The Gathering cards, a surprise for him since he never played the game. Pro got a pre-release copy of the new version of ‘Dungeons and Dilemmas’ that hadn’t even been released yet and started grabbing his dice to create a new character. Justice got an oak gavel while Cleversong got a pamphlet on upcoming theatre productions. The rest were not important to write about, so there.

“Alright! You kids wanna see the presents your father and I got you?” Linda asked. Her family went off to the pile to grab their stuff while Bloomheart’s family took their gifts out.

“You guys mind if I go first?” Pepperoni asked.

“Sure!” Bloomheart told him, nervous of the gifts she’d gotten them. Now that she thought of it, she had no idea if they were even that good.

“Okay then!” Pepperoni first presented a gift to Sound, which happened to be a copy of a DVD.

“Uh, dad? Do you have any idea what you actually bought?” she asked, her eyes wide while staring at the cover.

“I saw this animated DVD and thought you might like it for the animation. Why?” he asked nervously.

“Well, um, I know about this show, and, yeah. That’s a foal on the front.” As soon as Sound said that, Bloomheart immediately knew what she was talking about. “Also,” she whispered something into his ear, his face twisting in all sorts of ways.

“Three?” he asked.

“Yes. Three.” Cleversong burst out laughing and the rest soon joined in, knowing that this would definitely be a gift to remember.

“Alright then. Here’s your gift, Cleversong. And no, it isn’t a DVD.” He pulled out a box and handed it over. She opened it up and found that inside was a red dress with her cutie mark stitched onto it.

“Oh my goodness! I love it! Thanks dad.” She hugged him tight and put it down. He then looked over from Cleversong’s smile to Sound’s dour pout.

“Uh oh. I think I did that thing again, didn’t I?” he asked.

“Eeyup,” Sound told him.

“I don’t have any problem with it,” Cleversong teased, her sister pushing her like she did when they were younger and she got better presents.

“And for you, my dear wife,” he told her, anticipation growing on Bloomheart’s face, “will have to wait last. We all have something to give you.”

“Really? Can’t wait to see,” she said, excited at the possibilities.

“My turn!” Sound yelled. She gave Cleversong and her father their gifts at the same time and looked at their expressions. “So, whatcha think?”

“You got me a box of spaghetti?” her father asked. “How’d you know that I wanted it?” Sound remembered the numerous pamphlets that he had left around the house with the spaghetti page left marked. That stallion loved spaghetti but never could get up and get it himself.

“I love these earrings, Sound!” Cleversong said, putting them on. “It’ll go great with dad’s dress.” Sound pushed her again, the two laughing at how bad dad was at giving good gifts to both kids instead of just one.

“Alright. My turn!” Cleversong took out a box and opened it, handing the two of them models of characters from Sound’s “Hoof of the South Star” series. “I got these from a comic convention in Manehattan and knew that you’d like them. I even got one for mom. It’s that griffon character she-“

“Nononono!” Sound screamed covering up her ears and trying to get rid of the mental image in her head. She immediately thought back to Hearts and Hooves Day where she saw her mother dressed up as on her characters and her dad also…well, you get the point.

“Uh, is something wrong?” Cleversong asked.

“Nope! She just remembered something. Somethint not awkward,” Pepperoni said, knowing exactly what was bothering his daughter.

“It’s my turn now,” Bloomheart said, nervously taking her gifts out. “For your father I got this.” She took out the fishing rod with supplies and watched his face light up.

“Awesome! Now I can join Bates on his next trip.”

“I hoped you’d like that. For Sound, well, I hope this isn’t weird or anything, but I got you this.” She took out the first issue of “Hoof of the South Star” and watched her daughter’s expression to see how she’d react.

“Oh wow.  I can’t believe you managed to get this. I remember Heyfield saying that everypony at the studio hated themselves for never actually keeping the original first issue. They thought it would bomb quickly and never even bothered to get one. Bet he’ll be happy to see this one,” Sound told her mother, giving her a sense of relief.

“Oh thank goodness. Thought you might’ve hated it. Anyway, here’s the last gift I have. Here you go, Cleversong.” Cleversong looked at the pen that had her name engraved, her face still for a moment. “Is something wrong? I thought you would like it for when you finally became a pharmacologist.”

“Oh! That’s… um, great.” Cleversong was not great at lying and knew it. “Can I be honest with you? I think I might want to give med school a break for now.”

“WHAT?!” the three of them went.

“It’s just that I’m not sure I want to work in a place like a pharmacy. The one time I interned there I felt like I was gonna die, and this was for an entire semester. To be honest,” she held up the pamphlet for theatre productions, “I think I wanna try out theatre again for a little bit.” Her parents looked concerned while she told them this, but realized that this was beyond their control.

“Well, at least we weren’t the ones paying for school,” dad joked, giving both his daughters a hug. “Now, I think it’s time we show mom our gift to her, don’t you girls?”

Bloomheart sat with anticipation rising, waiting to see what she’d been given. Her family was huddled together, getting something ready for her to see. They came forward and presented her with what looked like newspaper.

“Huh. Um, I don’t know what this is?” she asked.

“Read the circled area,” Pepperoni told her. She did so and was surprised to see what she was reading.

“Wanted: Professional Nurses for Ponyville Hospital. Interns and Experienced Nurses welcome.” She looked up and asked, “You guys bought a wanted space in the paper for me?”

“Not just this paper, but in all the papers from here to Manehattan,” Cleversong explained. “Dad told us that your place was understaffed, so he went to the hospital and told them his plan. He got the okay and then placed the ads.”

“That’s so sweet! I really hope that they work.”

“Actually,” Pepperoni took a piece of paper out from behind him and showed it to his wife. “They were hired not too long ago. The Head Nurse promised me she wouldn’t tell you about it and ruin the surprise. This is your work schedule for next week.” Bloomheart looked the list over and couldn’t help but smile.

“I don’t have crappy hours for once!” she cheered, glad that Nurse Triage had hidden the news from her. “Thank you all so much!” She hugged the three of them in her arms tightly, happy that they would go to so much trouble just to help her out at her job. She’d be able to actually be with her family instead of always working now. “There’s only one thing I feel like we need to do now.”

“What’s that?” Pepperoni asked. Bloomheart walked over to Justice and his brothers and started talking to them.

“I’m sorry that I didn’t know that you fellas were coming for the holidays. I hope you like these gifts. Somehow.” She gave the brothers the book from the emporium, along with the playing cards.

“Hey! I totally remember this book!” Ret commented. “This was the thing that got me into that entire coup thing with that old board game, remember?”

“Oh yeah! Totally forgot about that!” added Justice. “You think we could finally play another game, O Great Conqueror?”

“Sure. Let’s try out this card game. It’ll be neat to learn a new game like the old days, am I right?” The brothers took the card decks and read over the rules, Pro explaining the more difficult text to them. Bloomheart walked back to her family, glad to have made their Christmas.

“Thanks, mom,” Cleversong told her while hugging.

“No problem. After all, one of them’ll be my future son-in-law,” she replied. “Well, I think it’s time to hit the sack.”

“Wait! I totally just remembered. Bates, we’re good to go!” Pepperoni yelled out.

“Oh yeah! Mt. Bates apparently brought us presents,” Sound told them.

“Actually, it was just for one of you. Specifically for Cleversong,” Bates clarified, disappointing Sound.

“That’s so sweet of you. Honestly it’s felt like such a long time since a fan gave me a gift,” Cleversong admitted, thinking back to her singing days.

“Actually, I’m not the fan that wanted to give you something.”

“Huh?” That statement confused her.

“Here. Let me show you.” Bates opened up his pouch and took out several papers that were laminated. Cleversong looked at the papers and saw that they were fan drawing of her in concert.

“Wow! These are incredible!” she said, looking through all the papers. “Did you draw this?”

“Nah. I’m not any artist. These were…excuse me.” He turned around for a moment and took a deep breath. “These were my daughter’s.”

“I didn’t know you had any family, boss,” said Sound. Hearing that started to make things difficult for him, but Pepperoni stood by his side.

“I lost her several years ago. Sickness. She was one of your biggest fans, and she always wanted to see you in concert. We were going to go, but it happened so fast. She wanted to give these to you but always felt embarrassed. When I heard you were coming, I just…” he became quiet, unable to say anymore. Cleversong was barely holding it together when Sound noticed something with the drawings.

“Hey, this looks a whole lot my-“ She suddenly stopped talking when it hit her; she was hired only several years ago as an artist for a big comic company by Mr. Bates. He actually knew the connection between Sound and Cleversong, and in the interview even had a picture of her sister in her portfolio. She noticed that she was always treated just a little differently from the other employees. Now she knew why.

“Well, that’s all I wanted to share.” He was about to walk away when suddenly Cleversong and Sound hugged him. Pepperoni stood there with Bloomheart, taking it in.

“Told her it was a special gift,” Pepperoni whispered to Bloomheart. He kissed her on the cheek and she hugged tighter.

“Thank you,” Bates told the two, eventually letting go. “Well, nice to meet you, Cleversong. Hope to see you on the stage in some way. As for you,” he pointed to Sound, “I better get those new issues ready after the holidays. You’re the pony that everpony else counts on so we can start early.”

“Already took care of it, boss,” she replied with a bit of a grin.

“Good girl,” he told her, patting her on the head.

“Actually, I think everypony’s gonna stay here tonight. It’s still bad out there, so why don’t you stay in our room?” offered Bloomheart.

“I’d actually like that. Hope these guys don’t mind sleeping down here.”

“It’s alright. Reminds me of my early days as a soldier,” Spitfire told him.

“Alright then. Goodnight everypony, and don’t steal anything while we’re asleep!” Pepperoni told them as the family went to bed. They’d all had a busy day and would finally get some rest. It was already Hearth’s Warming Day, and everypony could feel it.

To all reading this,

Happy Holidays.