Chapter 24

“Holy fucking shit!”, I said aloud to hearing the shocking discovery

“Language Velvet.”, Amethyst said to me with a parenting tone.

“I know, I know, but I simply cannot believe what I have discovered. Like…”, I said excitedly.

“What do you mean about your discovery?”, she asked me.

“Oh my gosh this is perfect. This is what I can do.”, I said to myself excited.

“Slow down slow down. What are you talking about?”, Amethyst asked again.

I finally had that idea. The idea that would get me out of my sticky situation with Hearth’s Warming Eve.

“I made a promise to Ruby that one day I would reunite her with you. She thought I was joking because she had absolutely no clue where you were, but since I found you here I can get you too to finally be together again.”, I explained to Amethyst.

She sat silent for a second.

“Does she even want to see me?”, Amethyst said with doubt.

“Absolutely she does. It took me a while to really convince her that you could be out there, but she wants to see you. More importantly she wants to know what happened. But given how you explained it, I’m sure she would understand.”, I said to Amethyst.

She sat silent again.

“Are you sure?”, She asked me.

“I wouldn’t ever lie to you Amethyst, especially not after finding out that you are Ruby’s mother.”, I explained to her.

She finally nodded.

“Ok Velvet, I trust you to make this work. For my sake and my daughter’s.”, Amethyst said.

“I promise you, it’ll work out in the end. Let me tell you about the plan.”, I said to reassure her.

I told her my plan to make all of this come together with her and her daughter. For the most part, she seemed like she truly was down for this plan. Honestly, I feel that she would be okay with anything I came up with, as long as she could finally see her long lost daughter, Ruby.

Once I finished discussing the details of what to do on Hearth’s Warming, I left Amethysts house with giddy steps. At this point, my excitement was through the roof. I not only had something to give to Ruby in a week, but I also was able to fulfil my promise I made to her. Talk about killing two birds with one stone…...actual thinking about it that’s not a very appropriate line because of…..yeah, messed up Griffon joke.

I finally got home with the biggest grin on my face, letting it be known that I was having a good day so far. Opening the door, I saw Ruby sitting down at the kitchen table sipping coffee from a cup. She turned to face me as I walked in the house. She must’ve noticed my good mood as she smiled at me.

“Hey you.”, She said putting down her cup.

With the happiness I had from me discovering a truly heartwarming situation brewing in the future, I walked over to her without saying a word. I leaned in and kissed her, with Ruby leaning back in surprise before closing her eyes and enjoying the mid morning kiss.

“Someone is happy to see me.”, Ruby said after I broke away from her.

“It’s just a good morning, especially seeing you.”, I said to her.

She then gave me this look like she knew something was up.

“What? You looking to want to do it right now?”, she said raising an eyebrow.

“Oh no no! I mean, it’s not like I’m declining your beautiful self. Just um-”, I say stammering blushing.

She put her talon over my mouth laughing.

“You’re so cute when you’re nervous. One of the reasons I love you.”, Ruby said, smiling.

Once again, Ruby and her cute way of messing with me strikes again. I couldn’t help but give her a goofy smile as she kissed me with my look. She pulled up a chair for me to sit next to her.

“So how was your visit with Amethyst?”, She asked me.

“It was good. She and I had a good little talk.”, I said to her.

“Oh, what about?”, Ruby asked me.

I tried my best to keep the secret by holding back the wide smile emerging within me.

“Oh nothing much, I was telling her a lot about you and you moving in. She really seems to like you.”, I explained to Ruby.

“Oh that’s cool. One day you’ll have to take me to see her so I could meet her.”, She said sipping her coffee.

“Oh you will this week.”, I said softly to myself.

“What Velvet!”, She asked.

“Oh nothing, just me talking to myself.”, I said trying to cover up the secret.

“Uh yeah, you better not be like a pony who has 23 personalities in them.”, She said cocking an eyebrow.

“Oh hush you.”, I said to Ruby’s snarky remark.

After that very day, I made sure to keep quiet about the secret of Ruby’s mother. So secret in fact that I wouldn’t even tell Peach, the one pony I would trust to not say a single word about it. Instead, that secret would die with me.

Speaking of Peach, around five days before Hearth’s Warming Eve, she closed the store for the holiday. This is the one particular holiday that Peach is very atomit about celebrating, so much so that she has never opened up on that day despite many ponies asking for it to be open. She just had a very strong attachment to it, like she was truly dedicated to those festive times.

As the week had finally passed and it was the night of Hearth’s Warming Eve, my anxiety for wanting to finally tell Ruby about the surprise I got for her. So much so that she began to notice how I may have gotten her something good when we went to the Hearth’s Warming Eve parade that is hosted every year in Berry Avenue. She was talking about something she had seen going out one day when she went shopping. She made some remark about how her gift might be the best out of the two of us. My look I gave said right away that I had something planned. Thankfully she wasn’t able to pick up on exactly what I was preparing.

Later that night when we were in bed together trying going to sleep, I kept waking up throughout the night with anxiety for the plan. It was getting to a point where I was getting super jealous at Ruby, who was in the deepest sleep I could imagine.

“What could she be dreaming about that is keeping her that deep into sleep?”, I asked myself in my head.

Frustrated by the sight of the clock reading 5:30 AM, I got up for the morning letting Ruby sleep. Getting a glass of water from the kitchen, I looked out the small window by the sink to see the emerging sunrise in the distance. The slow rising sun had a strange feeling of serenity with it watching it. That’s when I really accepted it for what it really is; It’s Hearth’s Warming day, and today is the day I can show what I have been trying to hold back from Ruby for what felt like ages.

While I was looking at the rising sun, I caught a glance at my desk. It had been a little while since I really sat down and played SF2 or even drawn something. Feeling the need to want and check how the little desk is doing, I walked over to it. Moving my hoof along the top of the desk, I picked up some dust that was laying on it. It must’ve been a little longer than I thought it was since I last used it.

“Hmm, guess I should maybe start on something. Maybe not finish it, but just start something to pass the time.”, I said to myself in my head.

Sitting down, I grabbed my pen and notebook to start brainstorming of an idea. For somepony who is more used to just drawing abstract picture from nothing, this was becoming harder than I thought it would be.

“Come on brain! I know you have ideas. Don’t you hold back on me.”, I said to myself.

Then for some reason I kept thinking about those dreams with my parents in them. How they would always be right underneath the oak tree on a hill. That gave me a starting point. For the next two hours, I spent all the time I could making the most detailed tree on a hill as possible. The funny thing about making the drawing was that I didn’t have a reference image. I just followed the memory of that hill and tree in my head to keep going. It was kinda scary since I am used to having an image to look at to get a reference.

I finished up all I did in time for 7:30 AM, which surprised me because I thought Ruby would be up at this time. Especially since she was so excited about the day on the parade the day before. I had gotten up from my chair to go and wake her up for the special day. Walking in quietly, I saw Ruby still in her deep slumber. Seeing her closed eyes made me think that she was in a truly peaceful dream, there was no strain on her lids showing it is a bad dream. Instead, they were relaxed. Like there was no worry left in the world.

I gently rubbed her shoulder with my hoof. Her beautiful eyes showed with a gleam of joy in them, along with a happy kind of sleepy look in them. It was a look that you couldn’t help but smile to look at.

“Good morning sleepy head. Happy Hearth’s Warming.”, I said to her laying a small kiss on her cheek.

“Heh, Happy Hearth’s Warming as well.”She said softly smiling.

She leaned back in to kiss me on the lips.

“You ready for the special day?”, I asked her with genuine excitement.

She nodded before taking my hoof when getting out of the bed.

“Were you up for long?”, She asked me as she stretched.

“A little bit, but you looked like you were so deep in a dream that I didn’t want to wake you up super early for.”, I explained to her.

“Awww. How thoughtful. Too bad it won’t be as thoughtful as the gift I got you.”,She said with a confident tone.

“Oh really?”, I said raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Unless you manage to have something to top it. ”, She said with a smirk.

“I have a gift, but I wanna see what I am up against.”, I said to her trying to save the best for last.

“Fair enough. I will say that you were blind to see where I hid it.”, She said walking behind me.

Ruby had walked over to the couch where we were, having a passionate time, and turned around the cushion with a small present attached to the back. My eyes widened because I had been sitting on that side of the couch and noticed that it was not as soft as it usually is. That would explain it.

“I really think you will love it.” , Ruby said taking it over to hand it to me.

I took it with my magic and examined the wrapped box. It was about the size of a picture frame and felt a little bit light. Using my magic to tear open the present, I was met with a white box inside the wrapper, the best gift of all time. (Sarcasm of course)

I pulled off the top of the box to see more mystery of what the gift could be, in this case it was protective tissue. Now I was really curious of what it was. With one quick swipe of magic, I pulled away the tissue to reveal a brand new artbook. This was not just some regular artbook, this was a high quality leather artbook. Not only was it a leather artbook, it was a Night To Forget artbook. It had all the members of the band on the cover as well as their logo, a clock with an arrow through it.

“Oh my Celestia!”, I exclaimed to seeing what she had gotten me.

“I had gotten that while you were at work one day and as soon as I saw it, I knew you would love it. It’s your two favorite things : Art and A Night to Forget.” , Ruby explained.

“Ruby, this is so nice. Thank you so much!” , I said to her before hugging her tightly.

“Don’t mention it darling.”, she said holding me tight as well before saying,” So how about your gift to top mine huh”.

My excitement went from zero to a hundred real quick.

“This is it. Time to show that you keep your promises.”, I said to myself in my head.

I let go of the hug and looked her in the eyes with great intentions.

“I have it, but we need to go out to get it.”, I explained to Ruby.

“DId you order it and it wasn’t able to be shipped in time?”, She asked me.

“No, it’s something greater.”, I said taking her by the claw going out the door.

“This better not be some philosophical gift. Unless it has a very close connection to me.” ,She said with a smirk.

“You’ll see Ruby, you’ll see.”, I said closing the door behind me.

We had walked through the jolly filled streets of New Saddle. For one day only, all of New Saddle would be happy with each other. How do I know this? Several ponies came up to me and Ruby to wish us a Happy Hearth’s Warming. Normally in New Saddle, they would only look at me and not direct eye contact with her. But today, they were more than happy to greet us both and treat us like we were just like them. Truly a wonder of nature the day of Hearth’s Warming.

We had walked over to the street where Amethyst’s house is. I knew right away that the mission was now ago. Just like she and I said, Amethyst’s gate to the back was open. For a second, I think I confused Ruby by stepping closer to the open gate.

“Uh Velvet, that is someone's back gate.”, Ruby said nervously.

“I know. It’s okay. Just follow me.”, I reassured her.

She anxiously took my hoof as we both headed in the back of Amethyst’s yard where a path awaited us. The path is what one would call dream-like or fairytale-esque, but it was far from that. The path led to a small park not far behind Amethyst’s house. The park had a small playground and a small pony made pond with a bridge across it. On that bridge was the one who was waiting patiently for us; Amethyst Heart.

Ruby noticed how the only ones in the park where me her and this mysterious, being on the bridge.

“Velvet, what is this?”, She asked anxiously.

I spoke not a word, but instead gave her a smile to let her know that it is what I planned. We walked closer until we right there in eyesight view of Amethyst. By this point, Ruby was silent and most likely taking in what is happening. As if she sensed our presence, Amethyst slowly turned to face us. By this point, Ruby gave a small gasp, not to the intensity that Amethyst gave to finally seeing her daughter again. Amethyst started to slowly walk towards us.

“Oh……...oh how much you’ve grown. Oh my- you’re so big now.”, Amethyst said with a tear filled voice.

Ruby was still silent with a surprised look on her face. Much like the one I gave her when she had first arrived to New Saddle.

“Oh my-my little girl. It’s so good to-”, Amethyst said letting her joyful sobs take over.

I felt Ruby slowly tremble as she was trying to muster up words with the shock of what she just realized.

“M-Mom?!”, she said letting a tear flow down her face as she walked up slowly.

“Yes…...it’s me Ruby. I’m...I’m here.”, She said, holding out her arm for a long time awaited hug.

Ruby let out joyful sobs as she threw herself into her mother’s arms. They had such a grip that couldn’t be replicated. Not even with me, it couldn’t be as loving as a hug that they were giving to each other. It truly filled me with joy to see them finally reunited once again.

“I’m so sorry…...I tried everything I could to save you from him, but there was nothing I could do.”, Amethyst began to sob with guilt holding her daughter close.

“It’s okay mom, don’t be sorry. You’re here now, and you show that you still care for me not even seeing me for 18 years.”, Ruby said trying to comfort her mother.

The two held onto each other for a little longer before they let go of each other and finally took in the moment with each other.

“Come sit. We have a lot of catching up to do.”, Amethyst said walking down the bridge to sit on the bench behind me.

Ruby nodded as she followed Amethyst down before stopping by me.

“Mother, could you give me a moment. I need to say something to Velvet.”, She said looking at me.

Amethyst nodded and walked on to go sit at the bench. Ruby then turned to me with the most joyous look on her face. She then wrapped her arm around me and leaned in to kiss me. I closed my eyes to take in the loving kiss.

“This…..this doesn’t even compare to my gift I got you. How could I ever repay you Velvet.”, She said with compassionate eyes.

“Don’t. It’s my gift to you for Hearth’s Warming. I reunited you with your mother and I kept my promise. Talk about ki-, making a truly great gift to top yours.”, I said comforting her.

She leaned back in to hug me with full capacity.

“Thank you so much Velvet. I love you so much.”, Ruby said leaning her head on my shoulder.

“I love you too. Happy Hearth’s Warming.”, I said placing a kiss on her cheek,”Now go and catch up with you mother”.

“You’re not gonna stay?”, She asked me.

“I don’t want to interrupt a beautiful moment like this by being the third wheel of this. I’ll be fine. I’m going to see Peach and you can meet up with us later when you’re done catching up.”, I explained to Ruby.

She gave a look of understanding, as she could understand my reasoning for not wanting to ruin her perfect moment.

We hugged one last time before I left her to talk with her mother. They both sat on the same bench together and began talking about what has happened the past 18 years. It warmed my heart to see them talking like they were friends forever, but I had to go to see Peach.

Making my way back to town, I began to notice how truly joyful it is to see happy families, especially on a day like Hearth’s Warming. The one example that really made me smile was seeing this family of four where the littlest one of the group handed a gift to both her parents. It was a crayon drawing of them together, but seeing them both embrace their daughter and son like they had been given the greatest gift of all time truly made me smile.

I finally made it to Peach’s home without being distracted by the number of happy families I saw outside. I knocked on her door. From the inside I heard the slow patter of her hooves moving towards the door. The door had opened up with Peach’s happy face on the other side.

“Velvet! My goodness it’s so good to see you. Happy Hearth’s Warming.”, She said pulling me in for a delicate hug.

“It’s good to see you too Peach. Happy Hearth’s Warming. May I come in?”, I asked her.

“Of course! Come in, come in. Say, where is Ruby.”, Peach asked me.

“She is over at the park enjoying the gift I got her.”, I explained to her.

“Oh I see. Will she be joining us later?”, She asked me.

“Oh she will. Just a lot of catching up to do.”, I said.

“Catching up?”, Peach asked confused.

“Let me tell you about a strange thing life can do.”, I said to Peach.

We both sat down in the chairs in the living room, where I explained everything that led up today. The promise, the day I found out about Amethyst, and even Ruby’s reaction to seeing the gift.

“Oh...how sweet of you to do that for Ruby. Looks like you figured your way out of your predicament.”, Peach said to me.

“Yeah. Celestia herself must’ve heard and decided to help me out with my situation.”, I said to Peach smiling.

“Oh speaking of which, I need to give you your present.”, She said getting up.,”Oooh, my bones were getting used to that chair”.

“You need help getting it?”, I asked her perking up.

“No no, just a regular thing an old pony like me goes through.”, she said with a slight sweat.

Kind of strange that she was developing sweat simply from getting up from a chair, but I believed her when she said that it was an old pony thing. She walked slowly to the kitchen where she had made some noise grabbing a small box.

“You really sure you don’t need help getting it?”, I yelled out from the living room.

“No no, I have it. Thank you though.”, She said slowly coming back from the kitchen with a small box in her hooves.

She sat down in front of me in the chair and placed the box down in front of me.

“I had been saving this for a special occasion much like the recipe on your birthday, but this was one I had been thinking about the most. I hope you like it.”, Peach said with a small smile.

I took the box with my magic and examined it. It was so small that it could literally be anything. Not wanting to continuously guess what it is in my head, I used my magic to open the top of the small box. Lifting the top, I saw a velvet box with my name etched on top of it. Taking it with my hoof, I opened the top to find a surprising gift. It was an old looking locket chain that was similar to the one Peach showed me a little while ago of her and Corn Flake.

“Peach, why are you-”, I asked before she interrupted.

“It’s not what you think, open up the locket.”, She said before leaning forward.

Hesitantly, I took the old locket and opened it with my magic. Inside wasn’t an old picture of Peach and her late husband, rather a slightly recent picture of me when I was younger with Peach when I was working with a cake batter bowl covered in yellow cake mix. I remember that day like it was yesterday. It was the first time I had ever met Peach. Both my parents couldn’t afford a babysitter for me at the time and decided to bring me to work with them. Apparently, I was a little ball of energy back then, as I had managed to climb onto a table and spilled the cake batter all over me. Peach being the absolute kindest pony she was, didn't get mad at all and instead played with me as if I were her own child. Man, that day still rings with me to this very day.

“Oh Peach, it’s so wonderful. Thank you so much. I kind of feel bad now that I couldn’t get you anything because of my scramble with getting Ruby something wonderful.”, I said to her.

“Don’t mention it. You coming here every year is enough a gift to me. Also seeing you grow into the pony your parents wanted you to be is enough for me.”, Peach said with a genuine tone.

We talked more and more about stuff before we heard a knock at the door.

“Oh that must be Ruby, I’ll get it.”, Peach said slowly standing up before seeing her hooves slowly shake.

I used my magic to push her back down so she didn’t fall.

“Don’t worry about it, I can get the door for you.”, I said to Peach.

“Oh thank you Velvet. I felt something that time.”, She said slumping back in her chair.

I walked over to the door and opened it with my magic. As Peach predicted, it was Ruby, only now she had Amethyst with her.

“Hey Velvet. You think Peach will mind if my mother comes along?”, Ruby said to me.

“Oh not at all. Come on in.”, I said leading them both inside.

We all walked in to see Peach slowly stand up from her chair. Thankfully it looked like she had her grip.

“Oh Ruby! Happy Hearth’s Warming! Oh and you must be her mother, Amethyst correct?”, Peach said with excitement.

“Yes, I am honored to be in the house of the famous Peach of New Saddle. Not only just to meet you.”, Amethyst said smiling.

“Oh you’ll meet me in a minute. How about I prepare a little lunch for us all.”, Peach said heading for the kitchen.

“Only if it’s not too much trouble,'' Ruby said to Peach.

“Oh it’s no trouble at all. Just sit down and I’ll be done in a jiffy.”, Peach said from the kitchen.

All three of us sat down in the living room as we patiently waited for the Hearth’s Warming lunch Peach was making for us. In a matter of seconds, we were just like those small families out there in the streets of New Saddle. We were talking like we had known each other for years and years, like one large family.

After that, we had all gathered into the kitchen for the lunch that Peach had made. It only continued from there as we chatted over Hearth’s Warming salad. Truly I felt at peace. Here I am with Ruby, the love of my life who know felt more complete than ever, with the friend I never thought I would be calling my mother-in-law, and the one pony who shaped me to be the best pony I could be. It was all rainbows and flowers for me. All I kept thinking to myself was,” It is so perfect, there is no way I could ever feel any less than this. I’m truly happy”.

Author's Note

UwU