First Hearth's Warming (Moondancer)
She was nervous. And who wouldn't be when this is their first Hearth's Warming Eve in a very long time ago. Moondancer had to make sure everything was just as perfect. Especially when she had been the one suggesting this and also saying that she could handle it.
And, well, she wasn't completely wrong. She had lot of books about the best kind of decorations and cooking's. But when it came to actually making the preparations, she found out that it was much more harder than she had thought.
First she had to put the decorations around her house which thankfully isn't that hard when you are a unicorn. But then came cleaning and it proved bit more difficult. But she still handled it very well. But when it finally came to the cooking? Sweet Celestia she cried out few times. Even though she did follow the instructions, her cooking's didn't look like they were in the book.
Dear Celestia and Luna! I should have taken those cooking lessons back on my Second Year! Moondancer thought in panic, as she tried to make some date cake. Only to had it fall completely on her. “Aaah! This is a disaster!” Moondancer exclaimed.
But quickly tried to calm herself. Fear not Moondancer. You still have enough time. she reassured herself. I just need remake this one more time, and this time I will succeed! You hear me date cake! and Moondancer let out a maniacal laugh.
Only to be interrupted by knock on a door, followed by familiar giggling. “Hey Moondacer. You there?” the voice of Minuette, or Coldgate, called her.
And from there everything crashed.
Oh no! Nonononono! Half of the food isn't finished yet! And I still need to fix the table and OH Celestia! I forgot the candles! How could I have forgotten the candles!?
“Yeah, thought you might need some help.” Minuette said. Breaking Moondancer from her little breakdown. “And sorry for breaking in, but we thought you might have little trouble with something's.” Minuette giggled, quickly pointing behind her where also Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and her sister.
“Hope you don't mind?”
Moondancer let out amused sigh and then gave out a short laugh. Nodding her head. “Yes, I think I might need a little help.” she said. Feeling the previous pressure leaving.
But then a different kind of pressure took over her in the form of her sister and her very tight hug. “Fear not my little sister! For with our help, this shall be the most, best Hearth's Warming Eve ever!” she proclaimed as if she was addressing troops to the battle of their lives. “And by Celestia's name we will cook like nopony has ever cooked.”
“Uuum... sis?”
“And we shall clean that table that even Princess Luna would dare to lick it and declare the table itself, a delicacy!”
“I believe that is enough sis!” Moondancer said with a raised tone. “I think we got the general idea.” she said, teasingly. Which caused her sister to blush.
“Oh... eheheh. Yes... *ahem*! That is good my ponies.” she then coughed, giving out a sheepish expression. “So... I believe I could do the table, if that is fine with you Moonie?”
“Sure thing. And maybe Lemon Hearts here can give me some ideas on how to improve my cooking?”
“You don't have to ask me twice!” Lemon Hearts said jumping excitedly.
“Just make sure she doesn't eat too much!” Twinkleshine called. Earning a blush from Lemon Hearts, with a quick: “Hey!”
Everypony then laughed, and Moondacer felt that this could be a very good Hearth's Warming Eve. And she could improve the next one as well.
Nothing was ever so perfect. That's what Rarity had come in terms with, but everything had a limit. “Applejack... dear.” she said in tone that was promising trouble for the earth pony if she didn't get her act together.
“Calm yer hoovsies there sugarcube.” Applejack calmed her marefriend.
“Calm? Calm!?” Rarity raised her voice. “How anypony can be so calm if they had to wait on a cold, winter night outside like I have! While everypony else is spending Hearth's Warming Eve inside, where it is also warm!” Rarity was very close on losing her patience.
“A'hm telling ya, you should be more patient.” Applejack called back. Her own raised up a bit.
“Well excuse me if my blood isn't cold as the snow around us!” Rarity huffed. “At least someponies have the decency of getting inside and not wasting our time outside for some nonsense!”
Applejack groaned at Rarity's comment. “Yer such a prissy princess sometimes!”
To that Rarity gasped in shock. “Well, with that kind of language you are making me very unconvinced, and makes me think you called here just so you can secretly laugh while I'm freezing to death!”
Applejack facehooved and made loud groan of annoyance. This was once again one of those moments that she just couldn't stand. And Rarity wasn't finished just yet. “Sometimes I wonder how I can stand being with you. You are such a stubborn mare!”
“A'hm stubborn?” Applejack gasped this time. “Now hold just a gosh darn secon' there! I'm stubborn! At least Ah don't take six minutes to put mah eyebrows!”
Rarity huffed at that remark and raised her snout. “I have you know that it only takes six and half minutes, and it is an eyelash! You also have to do things your way! Sometimes I don't understand how I got into you!”
“Well, Ah DO!” Applejack screamed this time. Making even Rarity jump from startle. “An' Ah also rememba' how Ah got into you!” There was hurt those green eyes that were so bright to Rarity for some reason.
“Yeah, ya can have yer moments when ya get on mah nerves, either unintentional or just intentional. Just like Ah do.” Applejack said. “But the way ya keep yerself up and try yer best so everypony can have what they want. Tha' devotion ya have. To yer work. To make sure everythin' was just as ya or yer costumers wanted it.”
“When ya get an inspiration, there' tha' fire Ah see in yer eye.”
As Applejack went on Rarity felt the frustration and anger towards Applejack decrease. It was true that both of them did get on each others nerves, but there was still something so beautiful about their relationship.
She remembers when Applejack had asked out the first time. And that time she learned that Applejack can blush could easily rival Big Macs coat, but it was still so sweet and she had learned more that Applejack can be more reasonable and even lady-like given the right circumstances.
And now, at Hearth's Warming Eve, Applejack had had something in mind, but it seems things haven't exactly gone as planned and that was costing on poor earth ponies nerves. And Rarity herself didn't help with her uncomplaining.
Oh my dear Applejack. she thought, slightly shaking her head. You could have just told me. But of course whatever it is, has to be a secret. Rarity said in her head, as a smile formed around her lips and she walked to Applejack. Embracing her in a warm hug, ending her ramblings that had gone quite a bit already.
“Just shut it you ruffian.” Rarity said half joking. “I think I get where you are coming from.” she said. “But you could have just told me.”
She and Applejack then separated from the hug, but now were holding their hooves together. Applejack giving Rarity expression that was cross between amusement and sadness. “Yeah... but all Ah wanted, was this to be our special moment...” she said in disappointment. Her ear flattening against her head. “Since it's been now six months...”
“Of course my dear Applejack.” Rarity soothed Applejack by running her hoof down Applejack's cheek. “Maybe you can show it to me when a cold weather doesn't get in the way?” she asked, or rather suggested with a smile.
That brought Applejack to much more happier mood and she nodded. Both them finally letting go, started to leave their place, but were halted by a soaring sound.”It can' be...” Applejack said in disbelieve. “Someponies know how to pick 'em...”
Rarity was bit confused. What happening right now? Was this the surprise Applejack had in mind? And soon she saw what was making that noise, and it was small squadron of pegasi. An aerial show? she thought confused. Isn't this more of Rainbow's department? she wouldn't dare to ask the question out loud to Applejack, who had gotten more of her usual cheerfulness back.
“Well, Ah guess it's better than never!” she exclaimed. Raising both of her hooves in triumphant as the pegasi fly over them, and then into the clouds. And then out from the clouds and back in, and they continued this for a while. Forming something on the clouds.
And soon Rarity could see, they were forming words on the thick cloudy sky. And through the letters, she could see the bright moonlight shining through them. And in little time, she could read perfectly what it read: Happy 6 Month Anniversary Sugarcube
“Heheh... yeah. It was actually Fluttershy's idea-” Applejack wasn't able to finish her sentence as Rarity had stolen her lips and then had collided them with her own. And Applejack didn't mind, as now things were more like how she had planned.
Few hiccups and bit of getting to each other's nerves. It was worth. This was now her best Hearth's Warming Eve. And she and Rarity would enjoy it the best they could.
Just a Spark (Slight TwiLuna. SpikeLight friendship)
”Okay... hmm...” Spike said thoughtfully while looking at his Hearth's Warming present for Twilight. It looked really good in his opinion. ”First Volume of the Life of Starswirl the Bearded” a very good present if he asked himself. The book itself was wrapped in nice purple string and Spike was about to wrap the wrapper, but halted himself with a sudden thought.
Hmmm... I don't know if this present can just cut it this time. He wondered, his claw scratching his chin. Maybe this time I should add something bit more for Twilight. Spike liked the idea. He usually has been given the same kind of presents to Twilight long as he could remember.
Granted, so did Twilight as well. Always: a book. Not that Spike complained. Much. When Twilight wasn't around. But he would like to have something different, and just maybe, maybe Twilight would like to have something bit different than just a book?
But what's that gonna be... Spike then pondered. His brain working on, but couldn't think of anything. Maybe a nice marble with miniature version of herself- no! No. Not enough of time... but that could be her future birthday present!
I could turn to Rarity and ask her to make a really nice ice sculpture- naaah! Still the same problem. Spike huffed in annoyance. How come this was so hard for him anyway? He had known Twilight his whole life, and now he has big trouble of figuring out something for her.
Maybe I need to stretch my legs a little bit. he thought as he turned and jumped down from his chair and left his room. Yes. A good walk around the castle just might be thing he needs. Or rather... somepony could help me a little bit... he thought with a small smirk.
And thankfully what he was looking for was quite close by. Just few doors away. We probably could try to turn this place to a motel or something like that... Spike thought randomly as he walked. At least this place wouldn't feel that empty...
OK. Here's the door. Spike sneaked quietly to the door, slowly lowering the lever, opening the door quietly as possible. And it seemed to have worked as the occupant of the room wasn't aware of him.
OK Princess. Show me your secrets... afar from the door, Princess Luna sat, looking at her handy work. A perfect gift to Twilight from her. “This is the best kind of gift for her.” Luna smiled widely as she lifted her gift with her magic.
Spike felt his eyes getting larger and his spirits lower as he saw Luna's gift to Twilight. A small miniature figure of Twilight with her wings being spread wide, her body looking like she was going to take flight soon.
And then Luna did something with her magic, which made Twilight's figure glow a dim purple light and, what looked like a small moon, formed over her. Or rather, Luna's Cutie Mark. With that, Spike left quietly as he had entered.
Spike quickly returned to his room and collapsed onto his bed, his mood more lower than before. What he had had in mind, didn't work, and now he felt completely lost about how to improve his gift to Twilight.
“What am I going to do now?” he mumbled to his pillow.
“Having problems young dragon?” a familiar voice asked, making Spike jump on his chair from surprise.
“Princess Luna!” Spike gasped, jumping down from his bed, ready to bow but Luna stopped him by raising her hoof. “There is no need for that Spike.” Luna said amused. “You could say that we are like a family.” she smiled. Which made Spike feel bit awkward when Luna mentioned the word “family”.
It wasn't everyday when a Princess of Equestria would be considered something like a second sister to him. Or a second mother. “Right. Yeah. Heheh.” Spike replied awkwardly smiling. “Sorry about that.”
The two shared a brief stare, both waiting for either one to speak. “Soo...” Luna then broke the silence. “I couldn't help but notice you were looking into my room little earlier.” Spike started to blush badly.
“Guess I wasn't stealthy enough...” he said embarrassingly quiet.
“Oh my dear Spike, I've had these kinds of situations many times.” Luna laughed amusingly. “It was a good try though, and I commend you.” Spikes blush increased, while scratching back of his head. “But care to explain why you were spying on me?” Luna then asked.
“Uuuh... well, you see...” Spike started. “I'm really stuck on giving a perfect Hearth's Warming gift to Twilight.” Spike sighed. “And I was hoping to see, that if I could get any ideas from your gift, but that really didn't happened...” Spike said, lowering his head.
“Hmmm...” Luna tapped her chin, thinking about what the young dragon had said. “Why are you looking into this so much?” she then queried.
“I just want to show her how much she means to me, by giving her more than just something simple as a book.” Spike explained. Pointing at his table where the book laid. “And now I just feel that I can't come anything at all. Especially this quickly.”
Luna smiled warmly, with a understanding look. She saw where the young dragon was coming from. He and Twilight have lived together long as each one could remember, creating one strong and loving bond, even though that probably didn't seem so obvious time to time.
And now Spike wants to remind Twilight of their better times with something bit more special. But he is looking too hard to see the obvious... Luna thought, eyeing Spikes room.
“Spike. What would you say, if told you I know a perfect gift for Twilight from you?” she asked with a small glimmer in her eyes.
Spikes own eyes seemed to captured that same glimmer, but only brighter as he seemed to be ready to jump around the room. “Oh YES Princess! I would be the happiest dragon ever!” he proclaimed excitedly. Close on jumping to the roof of his room. “Please tell me you have something!” he could barely contain himself as Luna nodded, smiling as her horn glowed.
Spike stretched out his hands, readying Luna to blink something to his hands. But what he got, wasn't what he was looking for. As Luna, instead of blinking something to Spikes hands as he had thought, she dropped Spikes partly wrapped Starswirl book.
The excitement was gone quickly as it had come, and in it's place was confusion and slight disappointment. “B-but... I, I thought you would-”
“-that I would give you something very special that would show your love and devotion to Twilight?” Luna asked, authority in her tone. Spike nodded embarrassed. “I thought I just did that.” she said, with more warmth in her tone this time.
“Huh?” Spike voiced his confusion. Looking first at his present and then back to Luna.
“The fact you got this by yourself is quite a feat enough my dear Spike. You do know this book is rather hard to come by?” Luna asked, smiling at Spike. Who had a small blush forming around his cheeks.
“Eheheh... it wasn't really that hard...” he replied modestly.
“But still, it is quite a feat. And you know how much Twilight always appreciates a new source of knowledge.”
Spike gave a sigh that had hint of disappointment in it. “But I wanted to give her something and really special. Something different from these usual books.” he then looked at the book, conflicted on his thoughts. “I know she loves books, heck she is almost obsessed with them.”
Luna replied to that comment with a heart warming chuckle. Agreeing with Spike.
“But I just thought that... maybe I should give something more. Something like you are giving her.” he then said, looking at Luna with a sad expression. Almost as if saying he had failed. Luna felt her heart tightening a bit, reaching her hoof to Spike cheek. Giving him a encouraging smile.
“That is my own making. Something I made out of my pure love for Twilight” Luna acknowledged. “And so this is yours. It doesn't matter if it's not the same kind of present I would give to Twilight.” Luna explained.
“What matters is how you show your appreciation to her. And this book is a perfect way to show it. The mere fact you got hold of it.” she said, looking at the book. “And you can make it even more of your own. If you just add something...” she finished secretly.
“And what that could be?” Spike asked, timid hopefulness in his tone. Hoping Luna would just tell him.
“I'm sure you can figure it out by yourself.” Luna just said, with her secretive and yet warm smile. Which reminded Spike a lot of Celestia. “But remember, everything starts from a spark.” Luna said, winking at Spike, and before he could ask what the Princess had meant with that.
Luna had left the room. Leaving Spike very confused. She and Celestia are sisters no doubt... he thought sulkily.
Spike walked back to his desk, where the paper laid. Waiting to be wrapped around his unfinished present. “'Everything starts from a spark...'” Spike mumbled. “What the heck is that suppose to mean anyway?” asked rather loudly from nobody. Before slamming his head onto his desk so hard that few items on it jumped a bit.
And one of them rolled towards him, gently colliding with his head. “Huh?” Spiked raised his head to see what had just rolled over to him. “Oh it's just a gem...”he said picking up forest green gem. “Maybe a quick snack might help-”
Spike then quickly halted himself, looking deeply at the green gem he was holding on his hands. He looked at it's smooth, gleaming surface. “Or maybe...” he said, as a wonderful idea slowly started to take a form in his mind.
Later...
“Oh thank you Luna!” Twilight exclaimed when she unwrapped her present and found a miniature figure of herself. “It is very beautiful!” she ran and hugged her Princess of the Night with a very tight hug, which still paled compared to Pinkie Pie.
“I'm grateful that you love it.” Luna smiled, returning to the hug. But more gently. “And there is bit more that my dear Twilight.” Luna quickly added. “But I'll let you find out about it yourself.” she said teasingly.
“Oh you...” Twilight laughed, very lightly punching Luna on her elbow. “But where is Spike?” Twilight observed. “He still isn't here, and usually at this point he has opened up all of his presents.”
“I think he had something... important project he wanted to do.” Luna said mysteriously. Which went over by obvious Twilight.
“What kind of project that could be?” she wondered out loud. Luna clearly hearing Twilight's scientific mind starting to gear up. But thankfully that didn't went too far as Spike made a small coughing sound.
Getting the attention of the two Alicorns. “Sorry I'm late, had a... something in mind.” Spike said, stumbling with his words.
“Yes, Luna said you had a important project on the way.” Twilight said smiling. Spike glancing confusingly at Luna, who shrugged giving him an awkward smile.
“Uuuh... I guess you could call it that...” Spike blandly said, while his hands were behind his back. “So... everypony else have gotten their presents?” he then asked when he had seated himself next to the couple.
“Everypony, except one little baby dragon.” Twilight said happily, which made Spikes eyes glint from excitement. But that had to wait a bit.
“Twilight,” he started. “We've known each other, well.. forever. Right?”
“Yeah...” Twilight replied. Not sure where Spike was going with this.
“And you have been there for me, and I have been there for you. And I really look up to you.” Spike continued. “You are the kind of family I probably never can have. Of course Cadance, Shining Armor and your parents are also part of the family. And I guess Luna is too.” Luna sheepishly smiled with a small blush.
“But you, you were with me from the moment when I was hatched. Again thanks to you. You always tried to have time for me, and I always have wanted to show you how much of a assistant I can be for you.” he continued. “And yeah, we have our bad times, and maybe I kinda had few more...” he added off hand.
“But beside all those things, we still are here. So...” Spike paused, taking a quick calming breath. And let it out. “So I've been thinking about how to really show you how much, I really, really do like being your #1 Assistant. And that you really are my family.” he took his present from behind his back. Peaking Twilight's interest.
“It was rather hard to get it... and I thought about giving it as it was, but then I thought I would give it bit more... original look. So I hope you love it as it is.” he said, handing out his present to Twilight. “Since I really want to give you something bit different from the usual. Well, it's not really that different, but you get the idea.” Spike quickly added.
“So, Happy Hearth's Eve Twilight.” Spike said, as his present was engulfed by Twilight's aura. Carefully, Twilight detached the paper from the tape. Slowly and carefully she opened the paper. And she gasped from what she saw.
Her eyes getting very tearful, she placed both of her hooves over mouth without realizing. While Luna peaked to see what Twilight was reacting to, and had a very satisfied expression.
And soon Spike was embraced by Twilight's very tight, but still gentle hug. And Spike could feel his own eyes getting bit misty. “Oh than you Spike.” Twilight said tearfully happy. “It is simply perfect!” she said. Brining the ”First Volume of the Life of Starswirl the Bearded” to fully in view.
The book itself was rather simple. It had a brown cover and with snow white title name. And small picture of Starswirl on the middle. But Spike had giving it something more. As the book itself was literally sparkling.
Sparkling from large amount of gem dust that Spike had spread all around the book, that it made it look even more magical. But that wasn't all of it. There were at least three round, purple gems on each side of the picture and above it something that resembled a small wave. Also made from gem dust, but this was color green.
“Thank you so much Spike!” Twilight said again, wiping her tears away.
“Open the first page...” Spike said. Twilight did as she was told.
On the bottom of the left side of the page read: To Twilight Sparkle, in purple gem dust and ink. And the next words right under it was: From your Number One Assistant, Spike. Which were written in green gem dust and ink.
“Oh Spike...” Twilight gasped again, and feeling that her eyes were watering up again. And she went for the second hug, before Spike could stop her. “It truly is a perfect gift. Thank you so much!” Twilight whispered as Spike hugged her back.
And Spike could see Luna winking at him again. This time signaling that he had done well, to which Spike winked back.
It had required a spark to make this a perfect Hearth's Warming Eve for all three of them.
