The snow covers the grounds and roofs of Canterlot as ponies crowd the streets and stores as the last bit of Hearths Warming shopping is being done. In the central shopping district Twilight is walking with Peanut Butter who has his mane pulled back with a dark purple scarf that nearly matches Twilight's coat with a red knitted cap on his head and dark blue boots. Twilight in her own outfit to keep warm as well as they look for gifts for their family.
"Thanks for coming with me Twilight, I'd ask Marshmallow Fluff but I'm getting her gift too and didn't want to spoil it."
"It's alright, besides with everything that has happened lately I think a bit of time with family is needed."
"Yeah, as much as I love mine, they can be annoying."
"I take it Luna has been bothering you again?"
"You have no idea, She's having me organize tonight's dinner as well as do shopping."
"I'll help you P.B., What do you need to get?"
"There's a cake that needs to be picked up, I have to go to the book store to sign some copies of my book, get some cider and drinks, get snacks for the party and get Fluff her gift."
"Is the signing the reason why you're more dressed up than usual?"
"Yes, though I would have to anyways for tonight."
"True, so what are you wearing?"
"Not sure yet, though right now that isn't my concern."
"True, you look nice by the way, taking Rarity's tips?"
"Thanks, yeah I have, funny how as a colt I hated being her model, now I enjoy it."
Twilight smiles as they near the bakery.
Peanut Butter goes into his saddle bags and takes out a bag with bits in it as they head into the bakery. Ponies crowd the bakery, most waiting on their last minute order. Peanut Butter and Twilight go to the counter to pick up the cake. Peanut Butter looks to Twilight and sighs with a smile.
"I need you to teleport this to the castle's kitchen and tell the staff to put it in the fridge." Peanut Butter says.
"Sure."
The cake is brought out in a tall white box and is places in Twilight's back. Twilight's horn lights up and in a flash of light she and the cake are gone. Peanut Butter leaves the bakery and waits outside for Twilight. Five minutes later she returns meeting him in front of the bakery before they go to various shops to look for gifts. They stop at a comic shop first and walk around a bit. Peanut Butter looks at the new issues and collectibles before he heads to the counter where a cyan unicorn with black glasses and a comic book cutie mark.
"Hey Page, did the order come in?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Yeah it did, I'll get it for you."
Page Turner goes to the back and returns with a box and a bag and places it on the counter. Peanut Butter grabs a few bits from his bag and a card from a small box and places them next to the box and bag on the counter.
"Hope that helps you in the city tournament coming up." Peanut Butter says.
"Oh it will, am I seeing you next week?"
"Depends on what I get done next week."
"Okay, The tournaments are more lively with you around."
"Oh?"
"Yeah."
"I'll consider it."
Peanut Butter puts the box and bag in his saddlebags before getting Twilight's attention and head out.
"Where to now?" Twilight asks.
"I have to get something for mom and then I have my signing."
"What did you have in mind?"
"I don't know,"
"What about video games?"
"That's stupid, I know she likes them, but I don't think that'll mean anything though."
"How long until your signing?"
"I still got two hours, but I have to be there early."
"Why?"
"To organize everything."
"Good idea."
"Hey, I learned that from you."
"I'm flattered."
"Let's look around and see and I might get ideas."
"Okay."
They both walk around the marketplace into stores to come up with ideas before reaching the book store Peanut Butter is supposed to be at. Peanut Butter sighs and goes inside to setup for his book signing.
"Whelp, looks like I can't think of anything to get her after all."
"Well you rejected my idea, so you have to blame yourself for it."
"I know, But I wanted to do something different."
"I understand, but you're adding more stress to your already chaotic day."
Just then a jolly laugh echos through the store.
"Did somepony say chaos?" A familiar voice says.
"Hey Discord."
After a flash of light the draconequus appears dressed in a red hat with white trim on the bottom of the hat and a white ball on top with a suit in the same style and a brown bag held in his gryphon claw. He looks down and sees Peanut Butter who has a plain look on his face as he continues setting up.
"No need to be so down, I can recall a couple little colts calling me Uncle Discord years ago. Wonder what happened to them?"
"We grew up Discord, Though I think Moon Dust has quite a bit of foal left in him."
"That he does. How has he been lately?"
"He's been doing good, The naval division of the royal guard has been keeping him busy enough."
"I bet, It's unfortunate that he probably won't be joining us."
Peanut Butter sighs and looks down. His eyes squint and his breath goes heavy.
"Yeah, it sucks."
"Well since you're busy I'll just head back to the castle for tonight."
"See you later Discord."
With a flash of light Discord disappears as Peanut Butter looks over everything he needs for the signing. He sighs and looks over at Twilight before handing her his sack of bits and a note.
"Can you do me a favor and go to the game store on the corner next to the doughnut shop and request the pre orders for Peanut Butter?" Peanut Butter asks as a line forms outside the book store.
"Sure."
"Thanks."
Twilight leaves before the shop opens and ponies walk in as Peanut Butter's long day gets longer.
At Canterlot castle preparations are being made for the Hearth's Warming dinner. A light pink unicorn with a fluffy white mane and tail standing by the hall doors as the servants move around and follow the unicorn's orders. Celestia comes in and smiles at the decorations as she enters the dining hall.
"This is amazing Marshmallow Fluff." Celestia exclaims.
"Why thank you Celestia, I thought I'd give P.B. a break and help him out."
"Well, with you being his marefriend it's expected."
"This is true, can't believe it's been four years for us already."
"Same here, he found a real keeper that's for sure."
"It was more I found him."
"Either way, you have each other."
"True."
Marshmallow Fluff's horn glows as she lifts up a banner and has a pegasus maid tie the end of it. As the doors open again to reveal Twilight Sparkle entering the room.
"I take it you learned a lot from Pinkie Pie." Twilight says as she enters the hall.
"Oh, Princess Twilight, nice to see you here, yeah I did, it was worth moving to Ponyville to get the opportunity to learn from her."
"How is it at the pastry shop in Manehatten anyways?"
"Pretty good, had to make ten orders of macaroons in two days, so business was good."
"That's good to hear, I take it P.B. has adjusted well?"
"A bit yes, though the noise bothers him a bit."
"Well he does have strong hearing."
"That he does."
"So what do you have in store for him for Hearth's Warming?"
"Well........ I want to keep it a surprise."
"Ah, okay."
Twilight heads towards her chambers as Marshmallow Fluff returns to her decorating.
Hours later Marshmallow Fluff is walking towards the book store nearby to meet with Peanut Butter. She has always enjoyed the season as she sees the decorations and the smiles on all the faces of other ponies she's come across. She smiles as she reaches a crosswalk and sees a mare with a foal fussing in her hooves as she still has bags to lift. She uses her magic to help the mare as she helps put the bags into the mare's saddle bags.
"Thank you so much." The mare sighs as she comforts her foal.
"It's no problem."
"Have a merry Hearth's Warming."
"You too."
As Marshmallow Fluff nears the book store she sees a line outside of it as she enters seeing Peanut Butter at a table with his usual smile, though not genuinely happy as she knows when he's putting on a show for his fans. She was happy to see him be as successful as he is now. She comes up to him and silently gives him a kiss on the cheek. He blushes as he feels her kissing him as he finishes the signature he gives her a quick peck on the cheek as well.
"Hey hun." Peanut Butter says cheerfully.
"Drop the cheery mood dear, I know you're miserable."
"What gave it away?"
"Your shit eating grin."
"Curses."
He signs another book before the shop keep turns the rest of the line away from the table as the signing ends as Peanut Butter packs his saddlebags and puts on his scarf, boots and hat. Marshmallow levitates his saddle bags onto his back before they both leave the store and head towards the castle. Marshmallow Fluff leans into Peanut Butter while they walk as they reach a crosswalk.
"How about we take a detour today? I want to see the lights around the city." Marshmallow Fluff asks.
"Sounds like a good idea."
They turn the corner and walk down a street that was less crowded as they look at the lights and decorations. Marshmallow nuzzles into his coat smiling. Peanut Butter nuzzles the top of her head with his barrel enjoying the spring and soft feel of her mane.
"I got such a good stallion." Marshmallow coos before giving Peanut Butter a peck.
"And I got a magnificent mare."
"Wouldn't it be nice in the future to walk down these streets with our own little family?"
"Yeah it would, someday it'll happen, a couple foals would be nice."
"Remember how we met?"
"How could I forget? I had to go to Sugar-cube Corner to pick up an order and saw you in the front desk."
"I remember you stumbling on your own words, it took a couple minutes for you to say hello to me."
"Yeah, remember our first date?"
"Yep, I still feel guilty for making us late for that movie."
"Its okay, besides four idiots were in the theater yelling at a screen."
"Aren't they a comedy group though?"
"Yeah, I heard one of them is going out with most of the mares in Ponyville."
"Ew."
"I know, funny thing is that they only do it because they feel sorry for the guy and he even paid a couple of them to go out with him."
"There's a blue one that is pretty funny."
"Which one? There's two of them."
"The one that didn't drink himself to death."
"Oh him, he's cool, hung out with him quite a few times."
"Ah, didn't they get a new guy?"
"Yeah, dunno who he is though."
"Anyways, how are you liking it in Manehatten with me?"
"It'll take some getting used to still, but I'll manage."
"That's good, I was worried you didn't like it."
"As long as I have you I can manage."
"Awww, so sweet."
They make their way back to the castle and up to Peanut Butter's chambers as Marshmallow Fluff gets ready for the dinner. Peanut Butter looks out the window and smiles as he waits. An hour passes before Marshmallow Fluff returns and gives Peanut Butter another peck on his cheek.
"Now go get ready hun." Marshmallow Fluff asserts.
"It's a bit too early."
"By the time that you are ready the dinner will be over."
"True."
"I'll help you get ready after your shower dear."
"Thanks."
Peanut Butter walks to the bathroom down the hall as Marshmallow Fluff gets ready. A minute later there is a knock at the door. Marshmallow goes to the door and opens it to see Cadance. She lets Cadance in as she sits by the bed to take care of her hooves.
"What bring you hear Cadance?" Marshmallow asks.
"I came by to say hello."
"Thanks, how have you been?"
"I've been doing good, the foal keeps me busy."
"I bet, where is the little cutie anyways?"
"She's being spoiled by her grandparents."
Marshmallow Fluff giggles, "They are known for that."
"That they are, So did you tell them yet?"
"Tonight I will, during the dinner."
"I have the spell all ready."
"Thanks Cadance."
"You're welcome Fluffy."
Marshmallow Fluff blushes at the nickname. Just then Peanut Butter comes into the room as Cadance takes her leave. Peanut Butter looks at Marshmallow Fluff with a small smile and kisses her.
"Can you help me put my regalia on?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Sure, now hold still this time."
"Yes dear."
Marshmallow Fluff helps Peanut Butter put on his regalia, consisting of a copper crown, shoes and a necklace. She uses her magic to style his mane to his usual spiked look. He looks over everything and smiles big.
"Thank you Fluffy, I have to go downstairs to get everything ready." Peanut Butter thanks before giving Marshmallow Fluff a kiss.
"You're welcome, I'll meet you downstairs."
Peanut Butter goes down to the dining hall and sees the work that was done for this night as he inspects the flower arrangements and the decorations. He smiles as he looks everything over as Discord appears in a flash of light in his orange suit and top hat. Peanut Butter turns to see him and chuckles at the outfit.
"Nice suit Discord." Peanut Butter compliments.
"Why thank you Prince Peanut Butter."
"Celestia had to literally dust off the regalia when mom wasn't looking, so I can't really say I'm royalty."
"I know, one thing that hasn't changed it seems is you not taking a joke about your status."
"My status to everypony right now is a writer who is living with his marefriend and helping her at her shop when she needs it."
"I always forget how humble you are about it."
"Yeah."
Just then the doors open and a dark blue pegasus with a sky blue mane and tail in a formal military uniform with his own regalia. Peanut Butter gets a big smile on his face as he darts over to the pagasus in a blur.
"Moon Dust!" Peanut Butter cheers.
"Peanut Butter!"
They both leap into each other's forehooves and embracing each other into a hug giggling and smiling.
"I missed you so much!, how did you come here?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Discord stuffed me in a sack and left a note for the higher ups."
"How am I not surprised?"
Just then Luna and Celestia walk in to see Moon Dust and Peanut Butter hugging she smiles wide and rushes to Moon Dust and Peanut Butter before she squeezes them both in a strong embrace bouncing up and down.
"My boys are home!" Luna cries.
"Its nice to see you too mom, now can you let go? I think you broke my wing."
"Mine too." Moon Dust adds.
Luna lets go and sighs with a smile still on her face as she fixes her astral mane.
"It's nice to see you two again, it's been so long." Luna admits.
"I've been here for a couple days with Marshmallow Fluff."
"Oh she's here too? We need to catch up."
"She should be here any minute now."
Just then Marshmallow Fluff enters the room in a purple gown with white trim around the edges. She heads toward Peanut Butter and smiles at him looking him over as she makes her way towards him.
"So how do I look dear?" Marshmallow asks.
"Words can't describe it Fluffy."
She blushes at the comment as Shining Armor and Cadance walk in with Twilight behind them.
"Hey Twilight!" Moon Dust shouts.
"Oh my gosh! Moon Dust, its been so long!"
She hugs him tighter than Luna did earlier.
"Twilight, I think you should let him go before he dies from you hugging him." Peanut Butter states.
She lets him go and sighs a bit with a embarrassed look on her face as she fixes her dress a bit.
"I take it your parents won't be joining us?" Peanut Butter asks.
"No, we offered, but they didn't want to, besides they wanted to spoil their grandfilly more."
Everyone in the room laughed at the last part. They all sit down around the table before the waiters show with the first course of daffodil salad dressed with olive oil. Wine is poured into the glasses next to them as they start to eat. A half hour later the main course of Tofu fried in oil with a side with mashed potatoes and corn. As the eat they talk and watch the snow fall outside over Canterlot as lights flicker and glow in the night sky. An hour later the cake Peanut Butter got earlier came out and was set in the middle of the table. Just as the waiters leave Marshmallow Fluff stands and taps her glass with her fork with her magic to get everyone's attention.
"I have a surprise for everypony, now I want to say thank you all for welcoming me into your family with open hooves, it has been a great time," Marshmallow Fluff looks over towards Peanut Butter and smiles. "You are the greatest stallion I have ever met and I'm blessed to have you in my life," She places Peanut Butter's left forehoof on her belly and looks at him. "I want you to be in this one's life too." She announces.
The room is silent as Peanut Butter feels tears welling up as he embraces her in his hooves before crying.
"Of course I will Fluffy." Peanut Butter cries.
The room is silent as Marshmallow Fluff looks around the table. She nods as the room bursts into cheers and cries of happiness. Luna hugs Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff and bounces again.
"I'm gonna be a grandma!!!" Luna cheers.
"Yes you are mom, but again, I, can't, breathe!"
Luna lets go as the others gather around them to celebrate. Peanut Butter reaches into his coat pocket and gets a small black box and opens it to reveal a gold ring with a small diamond. Everyone gasps as Marshmallow Fluff bounces up and down faster than Pinkie Pie on a sugar high.
"Since we are talking about announcements, I think now is the time for mine," He gets down on his knee and looks up at Marshmallow Fluff. "I'm also blessed to be with you as well and you mean everything to me, so will you marry me?" Peanut Butter asks.
"Yes, yes,yes,yes!"
The ring is placed on her horn and hugs Peanut Butter and kisses him.
"Happy Hearth's Warming Peanut Butter." Marshmallow Fluff cries.
"Happy Hearth's Warming Fluffy."