A Very Warm Hearth's Warmingby BriarberrybonesChaptersWhat's This?Only The Best For YouA Cozy ClosureWhat's This?Recent snowfall had coated Ponyville in a thick, glistening white blanket that seemed to have every intention of sticking around. Winter had most certainly arrived in Equestria, but despite the ever present chill in the air, every heart that beat above and below to the ground was alight and warm with excitement; Hearth’s Warming day was only one more sleep away. The whole town was a bustling, beaming beacon of string lights, garlands, and ponies of every kind making their final preparations for the big day to come and amidst the sea of glad tidings and green stripes, a young dragon and a draconequuss sat contently overseeing the busy market place from a rooftop perch. Spike took a small sip from his hot coco and spoke, “I just love this time of the year. So much kindness and good will in the air, so many fun festivities to enjoy, so much good food! Hearth’s Warming is just what everypony needs during the cold months. Don’t you agree, Discord?” Discord snapped his talons to refill his own mug to the brim with steaming hot chocolate. “It’s starting to grow on me I’ll admit.” Discord wasn’t all that accustomed to popular pony holidays, but after his adventure during the prior year’s celebration at Twilight’s castle, he was beginning to see the appeal. The bright, red and green decorations and overly sugared holiday treats certainly did liven up a time of the year that normally would be quite bleek and a bit boring. He dared to even deem it chaotic and for that he had to commend it. He also had to admit that the tradition of gift exchanges had been unexpectedly fun. He blushed slightly at the memory of Fluttershy’s hoofmade gift to him. Tilting his mug away from Spike, he snapped his tail tufts, turning his hot chocolate into a rosy, warm strawberry milk. Looking away he took a long indulgent sip. “Twilight and I will be visiting Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire this year. What are your plans for the holiday, Discord?” Spike asked his somewhat distant looking friend. Discord choked slightly at Spike’s sudden question. He tried to pass it off by gently beating his chest with his lion’s paw and recollected himself. “Well, since you’re asking, Fluttershy has invited me to spend the Holiday with her this year. I’m actually supposed to stay with her this evening.” He proudly sat erect. “She mentioned something about it being tradition for some ponies to stay up until the midnight hour and then exchange gifts over breakfast during the morning of Hearth’s Warming?” Spike shot Discord a high, quirked brow as he nursed his mug again. “Every pony has slightly different traditions for the holiday and that sounds fun… So… what’d you get her?” Discord’s whole body seemed to drupe, but he quickly regained his composure once more. “Oh, only the best gift in all of Equestria, of course! A gift that’s truly worthy of the friendship that I and Flutter-” “You haven’t gotten her anything have you?” Spike said flatly. Discord tried to protest, but could only produce a small gasp before coming up short. He shamefully rubbed the back of his neck. “Perhaps…” He looked down sadly at the little remaining pink liquid that swirled in his mug. “I just can’t think of what she could possibly want. I could find her another rare animal, but I feel like that’d be too repetitive, but she has to have something! She deserves something, but not just anything! She deserves the best of everything, but nothing I can think of seems good enough and I-” He looked to his small dragon friend who was giving him an all too assuming smile. “Don’t look at me like that!” Discord snapped and pointed a claw at Spike’s nose. “That’s not helping!” Spike nonchalantly pushed the dagger sharp claw away. “Ya know, Discord… gifts don’t always have to be ‘things’. They can be experiences too. You could do something really special for her instead. Something that’s ‘worthy’ of her as you’ve seemed to put it. I mean you kinda did that last year too… Giving her the opportunity to be the hero of the day and all, and she really liked that! Your gift could be just making another memory together!” Discord perked up at Spike’s suggestion. He still didn’t like the look that Spike was giving him, but admittedly was impressed. Spike was a young dragon, but was surprisingly wise and insightful at times. He tapped his chin in thought. Hearth’s Warming was proving to be both a simple and complex holiday. It certainly was chaotic. “Hmmmm. I Suppose you’re right. I only have till this evening to think of something, but I’m sure it’ll come to me,” Discord proudly responded. He knew precisely what to do for Fluttershy, but he sure as Tartarus couldn’t let Spike know. “Oh!” Spike declared before rummaging through his satchel. “If you’ll be staying with Fluttershy for the holiday, you should take this along with you,” he said, handing Discord a small bundle of leaves tied with a simple white ribbon. Discord took the bundle and examined it closer. Its leaves were long and thin and from each shoot, clusters of small white berries clung together. It was simple, but quite pretty. “And just what in Scorpan’s name is this?” He asked, rather confused. Spike leaned back into the roof’s shingles with a triumphant little smirk. “Eh, ask Fluttershy. She’ll tell you.” Discord glared suspiciously at Spike, who seemed all too happy to leave Discord with an unanswered question. "I'll take your word for it," he said, snapping the little plant cluster away for the time being. Discord finished off the last sip of his rosy, warm drink before getting a devilish idea. Spike was looking all too pleased with himself lain on their rooftop perch and Discord couldn't help but disrupt him. "So, what'd you get for Rarity then?" Spike flung to the air in sudden desperation. "Sorry, Discord! I gotta go, uuuuh... have fun with Fluttershy and happy Hearth’s Warming," he stammered before zipping off. Discord sipped away his mug looking rather smug himself. "That's what I thought." Only The Best For YouFluttershy hummed a carol to herself as she strung up the last piece of garland over her mantleplace. The cottage smelled delightfully strong of pine and juniper and was enough to easily put anypony in a cozy mood. She paused to look proudly upon her efforts. Her tree was modestly decorated with hoofmade woodland ornaments of twigs and cotton, the main area was abundantly equipped with comfy throw blankets and pillows, and in her kitchen, she’d prepared a variety of festive baked goods to enjoy with her anticipated guest. Everything was perfect. Fluttershy was beyond excited to spend Hearth’s Warming with Discord. She felt it an honor to show him once again why the holiday was so special to so many ponies and, to be honest, was really missing the company. Just like clockwork, as soon as the weather began to shift just a few months prior, she began seeing less and less of her woodland friends that called her property home. She knew very well that it was just nature’s calling for most of them to seek out more food reserves and cozy resting places in the forest to hibernate. A few resident birds stayed close to her side during the cold months, but things were undeniably quieter around the cottage and it made her just a little lonely. Having Discord stay with her for a short while would certainly be a much needed change of pace and his presence was always welcome to her. With that thought, she retrieved a very chaotically wrapped gift box from her upstairs closet and placed it carefully beneath her tree. “Oh, I hope he likes it,” she thought hopefully to herself. She blushed as she remembered Discord’s, and Rainbow Dash’s, gift to her last year. The winterzilla was such a strangely delightful surprise and was very on brand for her funny friend. It amazed her that Discord had gone through such odd hurdles and planning to give her something that wasn’t material, but rather the opportunity to be the Hearth’s Warming Day hero. She loved that about him. She often struggled to find the words to tell him exactly what she was feeling, but she appreciated it to no end that he always made the effort to make her feel special. It humbled her greatly that the Lord of Chaos himself was close to her and often literally and figuratively bent himself over backwards just to make her smile. With blush still painted across her cheeks, she flew to her nearest window to look out across the snowy landscape. It was only late afternoon, but as with every winter, Celestia had to set her sun earlier and earlier. The last slivers of light passed through the trunks and branches of the Everfree Forest and cast long marching shadows across the white hills. “He should be here soon,” she sighed. Not a moment later, a gentle knock came rapping from her front door. Fluttershy sprang to the air and fluttered excitedly to open it. “Discord! Happy Hearth’s Warrrrrrm… oh, my goodness…” Her eyes trailed up to see Discord in her entryway looking quite dapper. He sported a tall, red banded top hat, complete with matching scarf, and a long, black winter overcoat. It suited him nicely and made him … handsome, to say the least. Fluttershy tried to discreetly hide her blush behind her mane. “You’re very…dressed up.” Discord was far too excited to notice her flustered reaction and quickly responded, “Well of course, my dear! This is a special occasion is it not? That, and I thought it’d be appropriate to wear for your Hearth’s Warming Day gift!” “Oh, m-my gift?” Fluttershy stammered. “I know I was supposed to wait until the morning to give you my gift, dear, but I just couldn't pass up such a perfect night for it! Of course, you’ll also need a new wardrobe as well. It’ll be a bit chilly up there.” Discord snapped his claws and in a cascade of shimmering light, Fluttershy found herself now adorning a thick, emerald green cloak with a matching faux cossack hat. She lifted her hoof to admire the gold leaf designs in the cloak’s hem. “Discord, thank you! This is so lovely, but um… where are we going?” Discord was a little lost in thought as he admired his handy work that complimented her perfectly as he knew it would. She always looked so radiant in green. Shaking from his little fantasy he answered, “Oh, someplace very, very special, my dear.” Stepping aside from her entry way, he revealed a glossy, cranberry red sleigh behind him. Fluttershy brought a hoof to her mouth in shock. It was easily the most gorgeous piece of woodwork and craftsponyship she’d ever seen. She slowly trotted past Discord to get a closer look at it and was surprised to see a gold leafy design, similar to her cloak, painted delicately on its rims. She smiled, realizing that prancing rabbits, deer, and stags also had been added to the swirling fleurs and for a moment, she’d sworn they were moving. Discord appeared behind her. “Would you like a claw in, dear?” Fluttershy whipped around to face him in surprise, but her face softened upon seeing his open talon extended to her. With a gracious smile, she gave him her hoof, but couldn’t hide the warmth in her cheeks as she felt him begin to lift her up into the sleigh’s plush seats. Discord climbed in beside her. “Comfy?” he asked. Fluttershy bashfully nodded. “Then let’s be off!” With another snap of his talons. The Sleigh began to rise gently off the ground. Fluttershy gripped her cloak in anticipation as she awed at the height they were beginning to reach. Knowing Discord, this was about to get crazy rather quickly and she was right. Pulled by no ponies that Fluttershy could see at least, the sleigh revved forward. With an “Eep” she huddled into Discord’s arm. He only chuckled. “There’s nothing to be frightened of, dear. See for yourself!” Fluttershy gingerly peeked out from the safety of Discord's arm and gasped. Their self driving, self flying, sleigh was soaring steadily high over the Everfree Forest, leaving a wake of shining stardust as they went. All the while, Luna's moon hung above them, casting all below in a silvery glow. "Before we arrive at the destination of your Hearth’s Warming Day gift, you may also want this.” In another snap, Discord conjured a heavy, warm quilt and tucked it over both of their laps. "Oh! Very cozy. Thank you, Discord. But um, if this isn't my gift," Fluttershy gestured to the sleigh, "Then what is?" Discord gave her a warm smirk. "You'll soon see!" Fluttershy squinted as a flash of light engulfed their enchanted snow chariot and hesitantly opened them again as it began to fade. Before her, she saw Luna's moon still full and bright, but she quickly realized they were no longer above the Everfree Forest. It was certainly colder for sure and she instinctively huddled deeper into Discord’s arm for warmth without a second thought. Discord fought desperately to calm the sudden heat rushing to his own cheeks. "Ahem," he awkwardly coughed into his paw. "Dear, you might want to see this." Fluttershy loosened her grip just enough to look out to where they were heading, but found herself too awestruck to find her words. They were now flying over a frozen sea towards a mountainous snowy icecap. Discord must have transported them to the Northern unknown, far, far past Mount Everhoof. Fluttershy carefully peeked over the edge of their sleigh to see a massive pod or narwhal swimming just below the icy water, their great, spiraled tusks surfacing like battle lances before dipping back into the inky abyss. Fluttershy smiled in pure delight as she watched them majestically break through the sea slush, but her attention was broken by an odd green reflection in the water. She quickly looked up with another deep gasp. Above them, the Aurora Borealis shimmered in all its splendor, snaking through the sky, weaving itself with the stars. Fluttershy could feel tears welling up in her eyes. "Discord, I don't know what to say. It's so-" "Beautiful? I know," he finished for her. He could've stayed in that moment forever...Fluttershy, his first and dearest friend, wrapped in both pure elation and the heavenly green lights that danced wildly in the reflections of her eyes… It was perfect. She was perfect. He didn't quite understand these feelings that had come upon him so suddenly, but he knew for certain that her happiness needed to be protected at all costs. He would fight a thousand foes to Tartarus and back if it meant he could see her this happy forever. She deserved that and he would gladly give it to her. The more troubling thing that came with these feelings was his sudden need to be near her always; to touch her if she allowed it. At times, this need felt painful and more like an ache, but he subdued it. "Surely she wouldn't want me to hold her in such a way like that," he had told himself long ago. "I could never do a thing that could betray her trust in me ever again." On this night however, at this moment, those words felt like barbed chains around his neck. He didn't know how or why, but he needed so badly to pull her in close to him, to maybe… hold her warm face in his palm and tell her everything that she meant to him and how much he would do for her and that he'd never hurt her again and how perfect she was and how- His inner ramblings were halted when he suddenly felt something small and warm wrapping around his middle as well as something nuzzling into his chest. He dared to look down and simultaneously forgot how to breathe. "Thank you so much, Discord. This is the most thoughtful thing anypony has ever given me," Fluttershy mumbled into his chest. Discord felt his cheeks could burn right off and fall sizzling into the frigid water below them. He and Fluttershy had shared hugs before, but this felt… different. With all the courage he could muster, he gently wrapped his eagle arm around her and pulled her in close. "Only, but the best for you my dear," he finally managed to say. Fluttershy smiled warmly as she felt him press her further into his side. She was also thankful that their position made it easy to hide the rosyness in her cheeks that wasn't just from the frosty air. She was beyond grateful for what Discord had given her, but the thought that tugged at the back of her mind was how undeniably romantic it all was. She doubted that Discord knew that what he had done for her could be perceived that way, but a part of her, a part she promised herself to never show, admitted that she quite liked it. She felt like she could just melt into him, completely protected, completely… admired. She tried hard not to use the word "love" when it came to Discord, for she feared if she did, it could only end in high hopes and then heartbreak, but despite it all… she reasoned she could still have this. She could be with him here at the edge of the world, tucked beneath his arm, and not a single care in the whole of Equestria. If she could still have that, then maybe it'd be enough. "Fluttershy?" Discord gently asked. "Mhm?" She answered, savoring the vibrations of his voice in his chest. "I realize now that although my gift was more appropriate to give you this evening, rather than in the morning, I likely interrupted plans that you may have already had for us." Fluttershy nuzzled just a little further into him, a slight lightheadedness canceling out some of her usual reservations. "I did, but they can wait. Maybe just a few minutes longer?" Discord smiled down at her. "As you wish." He looked out to the full moon that traveled along with them with a now worried brow. "Luna's gunna give me a hard time about this," he thought. A Cozy ClosureA harsh storm had rolled into Ponyville when Fluttershy and Discord returned from their polar adventure. Discord was quick to land their sleigh close to the cottage and in the same motion had bundled Fluttershy tightly in their downy quilt and snapped them safely inside. “That was an unexpected turn,” Discord said, carefully unwrapping Fluttershy and snapping the soaked blanket away. “I hadn’t heard any news of another snowstorm in the area this evening.” Fluttershy began undressing her cloak and draped it over a nearby chair to dry. “I hadn’t either, but it’s all right. I know all the animals are snug in the burrows they found and we made it back safe as well. I’ll start the fireplace so we can get warmed up.” Discord gave her a smile and began taking in how lovely Fluttershy had decorated her cottage for them. Only a few candles left lit illuminated the space, but Discord could clearly make out her modestly decorated tree and the very cozy pile of blankets and pillows in front of her open fireplace and stove. Snapping away his own overcoat, he gladly made his way over to slump into the nest she’d made. As he shimmied in, he couldn’t help but notice the aroma that hung in the air. It smelled heavily of winter pines and…he blushed… her; a perfect blend of honey and holiday spices sprinkling over his nose. With a huff he lowered his head down to the blanket he lay on and was delighted to find it lingering stronger in the fabrics. The harsh winds outside made the inside of the cottage seem all the quieter and the more safer. All of ponyville, including the animals, had gone silent and had hunkered away in their own nooks and crannies, patiently waiting for the morning. “It really is just the two of us here isn’t it? Here in our own little burrow” Discord thought longingly to himself. Fluttershy finally emerged from the dark kitchen with a small basket of waxed pine cones. Carefully, she lit each with a match and placed them beneath the logs in her fireplace. It wasn’t long before they had a crackling hearth and could begin to warm up. Discord loved watching her work. She had no magic, yet she made everything look so easy. She was clever in that way and seemed to enjoy the simple day to day challenges of living as well as taking care of other lives. He admired that so much about her. “There we go,” she said, rubbing off the leftover traces of wax and sap from her hooves on a spare cloth. “Now you stay right there while I go get our snacks.” Discord lifted from his daydreams, “Oh, would you like some help?” he offered. “Nope. You stay cozy and I’ll be right back.” A few moments later, Fluttershy returned with a plate of fresh baked gingerbread and another plate that puzzled Discord. “What do we have here?” “Oh, this is a savory snack that I think you’ll like very much.” She excitedly sat beside him and prepared a morsel from the plate that consisted of blue cheese on a wheat cracker, topped off with a small dollop of honey. “Open up.” She softly demanded. Discord gave her a quizzical smirk, but obeyed. Fluttershy gently placed the treat on his forked tongue and waited for his reaction with poorly restrained glee. Discord’s eyes grew wide and then fluttered close in exaggerated pleasure. Fluttershy had surprised him yet again. Her odd little snack was a perfect balance of sweet and sour and may have easily become his new favorite. “Absolutely delicious! I never would have thought of that combination, dear!” Fluttershy giggled. “I knew you’d love that. Now I’ve got one more thing for us.” She quickly trotted back into the kitchen and returned with two steaming mugs. “Here’s another combination I think you’ll appreciate.” Settling into the blankets beside him, she handed one of the mugs to Discord. He took a long whiff of the swirling potion. It smelled of mint and chocolate and was very creamy, but a tea bag hung from it’s lip. “And what do we have here now?” “This, Discord, is a tea latte!” Fluttershy said proudly. Discord’s ears perked in surprise, “A tea latte? Whatever is that?” He had an idea, but enjoyed playing coy with her. Fluttershy gave her mug a swirl. “It’s essentially just our favorite mint tea steeped in a bit of warm water with hot cocoa.” At that, Discord excitedly took a small sip. Once again, he was flabbergasted. Of course Fluttershy would find a way to combine both of their favorite things together to make something new and special for the occasion. “Always the clever one,” he thought again to himself. “This is perfect, Fluttershy! I love it!” “Thank goodness, I’m so happy you do!” she replied with a smile. She took a sip from her own mug and then placed it on the ground beside her with a content sigh. Discord watched as she pulled out a small hollyberry hair tie, seemingly from the air, and began tying up her mane in a loose bun. He couldn’t recall ever seeing her with her mane up before in such a way. He gulped when he caught his eyes sliding down her now fully exposed neck. It was a very, VERY lovely look for her. “T-trying out a new look are we?” he nervously stammered. “Oh, not really,” Fluttershy responded. “It’s just getting a little long and gets in the way sometimes.” Discord tried to stop his next words from spilling out, but failed miserably. “Well, you look very pretty with it up.” He thanked Scorpan that in the dim fire light, his crimson face likely couldn’t be seen. “Oh!” Fluttershy turned to hide her own sudden blush. “Thank you.” The night was nearing the midnight hour that would strike the official day of Hearth’s Warming. Fluttershy had enthusiastically retold the story of the first Hearth’s Warming to Discord in great detail as they finished their snacks and minty drinks. “And that’s what Hearth’s Warming is all about. Ponies coming together despite their differences to make something better. So we gather with friends and loved ones on this day in remembrance,” she finished. “I see, I see,” Discord replied with a smile. “Oh, I almost forgot!” Fluttershy sprang from their plush nest and flew to retrieve the gift from beneath her tree. She gently landed back down and extended the box to Discord. “Since we’re giving gifts early, I think it’s fair that you have this tonight,” she said softly. Discord gave her another warm smile and began unwrapping the mismatched paper from the box. With a gasp, he lifted out from it an extra long, hoofknitted, red sweater with black trimmings. On the front was a perfectly detailed cyclone pattern. He was at a loss for words. Fluttershy’s knitting skills had certainly improved and he couldn’t help but wear it immediately with a snap of his claws. It was exceptionally soft, he noted. He pawed the hem and felt a lump in the bottom trim. He turned it up to reveal an embroidered tag sewn into the seam that sported three pink butterflies and a heart. “Do you like it?” Fluttershy asked, looking up at him with just a hint of concern. “Do I like it? Fluttershy, I love it!” He bellowed and scooped her in close. “This is the greatest, Hearth’s Warming I think I could ever have!” Fluttershy giggled as he swung her in a circle before placing her back down into the blanket pile and nestled back into his spot as well. “I’m so happy I get to share this Hearth’s Warming with you, Discord, and that you’re having a good time too,” she hummed. Discord rested his chin in his palms and wagged his tail tufts. “Well, I’m glad that I get to share it with you, my dear.” Fluttershy looked away, hoping to again hide her blush again. Discord was beginning to drift off into his own little fantasies once more, but that’s when a stray sprig of Juniper on the ground caught his attention. “Oh that’s right!” He thought. “That funny little plant that Spike gave me.” “Um, Fluttershy?” She looked up to him with a smile. “Spike gave me something odd in the marketplace earlier today and had said that you might be able to tell me what it is. You know the way Spike is, but would you mind taking a look at it for me? I think it may be Hearth’s Warming related.” “Oh, of course, Discord. I’d love to help,” she responded. With that, Discord conjured the white berried leaf cluster in his paw and extended it to show her. “Kind of a pretty little thing isn’t it?” Fluttershy's eyes grew wide. "Oh, um," she coughed into her hoof. Her throat suddenly very dry. "T-that's… m-mistletoe…" "Mistletoe?" Discord retorted. "That's a silly sounding name. It seems to lack both toes AND missiles! what does this little thing have to do with Hearth’s Warming?" He said, looking it over. Fluttershy fidgeted uncomfortably and kept her eyes lowered. With her mane pulled back, she had nothing to hide her evergrowing blush behind. Discord was clearly innocent here and was just asking her a question about a small tradition. It'd be incredibly rude not to answer him truthfully. "Well, um… nopony knows exactly where the tradition really came from, but it's a plant that grows in the treetops during winter and likely was originally used as a symbol of love and peace" Discord thumbed the little berries thoughtfully. "Well, doesn't that sound sweet?" Fluttershy kept her eyes down. "Um… usually ponies hang it from the ceiling and..and" "Oh, like this?" With a snap of his free talon, the humble little sprig now hung just above them from Fluttershy’s ceiling. "Eep! Oh, Discord, no! I-I wasn't finished…" Fluttershy hunkered her face into her hooves. Discord was incredibly confused and inched a bit closer, gently pulling her hooves away from her face. He was surprised to see that she was the same shade of red as her holly hair tie. "Fluttershy, what in Equestria is the matter? Surely this poor little plant can't harm us?" He joked. Fluttershy could now see the concern in his face. He truly didn't know. She scooted away from his touch slightly and with a gulp finally spoke, "Discord… ponies are traditionally supposed to… to… to kiss… under the Mistletoe." Discord reared back, his cheeks now matching the same tint as Fluttershy’s. "Oh, oh!" He chuckled, nervously stroking the back of his neck. "T-that's, t-that's certainly a funny tradition isn't it? You ponies, always coming up with such wacky things! It's pretty impressive!" Fluttershy couldn’t answer him. This certainly was not in her plans for the evening, but she kicked herself inwardly for having the faintest wish that something like it would. She always knew that this would be his reaction to something so forwardly romantic towards her, and was foolish to think otherwise. She was sinking her own heart and could feel slight tears begin to swell behind her eyes. She was about to apologize and excuse herself when she heard Discord speak. "Um… is it a couple exclusive tradition...or… or… are friendly kisses accepted?" It took every ounce of courage to piece his words together, but he didn't quite feel like it was him speaking; perhaps it was something deeper. Whatever it was, he couldn’t stop it. He waited with a nervous smile for her answer, desperately trying to hide his shaking claws by clasping them together. Fluttershy turned to him slowly, both in confusion and a hint of shock. "Um… pardon?" She looked so beautiful, Discord thought. The firelight danced on her face and in her watery, teal eyes. "Um," he choked. "Can… can friends also participate in um…" He glanced up to the mistletoe dangling above them… waiting. Fluttershy tried to find her words. Did he WANT to kiss her? "I um, I-I don't think that's against the rules," she whispered in a shaking voice. Discord gripped his back claws into Fluttershy’s wood floor, for fear that he'd shoot straight through her roof. Does she WANT me to kiss her? Does she actually want-? "Um…" she quickly added. "Only if you uh… want to, of course." "Oh, I do!" Discord exclaimed far, far louder and more excited than he intended. He quickly covered his own muzzle with a claw and cursed himself. "But, um… only if you also want to, my dear." This was all so incredibly awkward, but Fluttershy knew that she had to answer. Summoning all of her own courage once more she spoke, "I… would like to, Discord." Discord shivered at the sound of his name leaving her lips. Gingerly he settled himself closer to her. Fluttershy could feel her bashfulness beginning to get the best of her yet again, and tried desperately not to shake. She angled herself adjacent to him, but still found it hard to look at him face to face and so…close. Discord gripped himself further into the floor. She was so close. “Is this really happening?” He couldn’t stop thinking. He could feel her nervousness and desperately didn’t want to offend her, should he show hesitation now. Then she finally met him with her eyes; those luminous eyes of hers with firelight flickering wildly in them, looking straight into his…pleading. Discord could feel it now. Here amidst the storm, she could be his and he could be hers. He just needed to show her. Carefully he brought his lion paw up to cup her face and thumbed away a few loose strands of her mane. Fluttershy gasped at his gentle touch and let him pull her forward. She feared her heart could beat straight out her chest and then… they met. Their lips found each other in a soft, delicate peck and just as quickly, they parted. Discord still kept his paw cupped around her face. He felt indescribably dizzy, but then… he felt Fluttershy gently lean back into him. His eyes opened wide to see Fluttershy lightly pressing herself further into his lips again... he could taste her; sweet winter spices and mint. He daringling brought his talon up to her other cheek and deepened their kiss, begging entrance with his forked tongue across her lips. Fluttershy moaned slightly in surprise, but quickly found herself surrendering. Discord reciprocated by beginning to coil himself closer to her. All around them had fallen away, at least it felt like it had. Time meant nothing. The storm meant nothing. All that mattered was the feeling of their lips perfectly locked together and the tingling firecracker sensations running up their bodies and then melting together like hot, gooey chocolate syrup. Slowly, and a little reluctantly, they parted for air. The chiming of a clock somewhere in the dark of the cottage signaled the midnight hour and broke them from their lingering stupor. Fluttershy hid her blushing cheeks into Discord’s palm and brought her own hooves up to meet them. "Um… happy Hearth’s Warming, Discord," she whispered. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Fluttershy,” He said, tenderly pressing his forehead to hers and then his muzzle into the crook of her neck. Author's Note Thank you for reading *smooch* and Happy Holidays!
What's This?Recent snowfall had coated Ponyville in a thick, glistening white blanket that seemed to have every intention of sticking around. Winter had most certainly arrived in Equestria, but despite the ever present chill in the air, every heart that beat above and below to the ground was alight and warm with excitement; Hearth’s Warming day was only one more sleep away. The whole town was a bustling, beaming beacon of string lights, garlands, and ponies of every kind making their final preparations for the big day to come and amidst the sea of glad tidings and green stripes, a young dragon and a draconequuss sat contently overseeing the busy market place from a rooftop perch. Spike took a small sip from his hot coco and spoke, “I just love this time of the year. So much kindness and good will in the air, so many fun festivities to enjoy, so much good food! Hearth’s Warming is just what everypony needs during the cold months. Don’t you agree, Discord?” Discord snapped his talons to refill his own mug to the brim with steaming hot chocolate. “It’s starting to grow on me I’ll admit.” Discord wasn’t all that accustomed to popular pony holidays, but after his adventure during the prior year’s celebration at Twilight’s castle, he was beginning to see the appeal. The bright, red and green decorations and overly sugared holiday treats certainly did liven up a time of the year that normally would be quite bleek and a bit boring. He dared to even deem it chaotic and for that he had to commend it. He also had to admit that the tradition of gift exchanges had been unexpectedly fun. He blushed slightly at the memory of Fluttershy’s hoofmade gift to him. Tilting his mug away from Spike, he snapped his tail tufts, turning his hot chocolate into a rosy, warm strawberry milk. Looking away he took a long indulgent sip. “Twilight and I will be visiting Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart in the Crystal Empire this year. What are your plans for the holiday, Discord?” Spike asked his somewhat distant looking friend. Discord choked slightly at Spike’s sudden question. He tried to pass it off by gently beating his chest with his lion’s paw and recollected himself. “Well, since you’re asking, Fluttershy has invited me to spend the Holiday with her this year. I’m actually supposed to stay with her this evening.” He proudly sat erect. “She mentioned something about it being tradition for some ponies to stay up until the midnight hour and then exchange gifts over breakfast during the morning of Hearth’s Warming?” Spike shot Discord a high, quirked brow as he nursed his mug again. “Every pony has slightly different traditions for the holiday and that sounds fun… So… what’d you get her?” Discord’s whole body seemed to drupe, but he quickly regained his composure once more. “Oh, only the best gift in all of Equestria, of course! A gift that’s truly worthy of the friendship that I and Flutter-” “You haven’t gotten her anything have you?” Spike said flatly. Discord tried to protest, but could only produce a small gasp before coming up short. He shamefully rubbed the back of his neck. “Perhaps…” He looked down sadly at the little remaining pink liquid that swirled in his mug. “I just can’t think of what she could possibly want. I could find her another rare animal, but I feel like that’d be too repetitive, but she has to have something! She deserves something, but not just anything! She deserves the best of everything, but nothing I can think of seems good enough and I-” He looked to his small dragon friend who was giving him an all too assuming smile. “Don’t look at me like that!” Discord snapped and pointed a claw at Spike’s nose. “That’s not helping!” Spike nonchalantly pushed the dagger sharp claw away. “Ya know, Discord… gifts don’t always have to be ‘things’. They can be experiences too. You could do something really special for her instead. Something that’s ‘worthy’ of her as you’ve seemed to put it. I mean you kinda did that last year too… Giving her the opportunity to be the hero of the day and all, and she really liked that! Your gift could be just making another memory together!” Discord perked up at Spike’s suggestion. He still didn’t like the look that Spike was giving him, but admittedly was impressed. Spike was a young dragon, but was surprisingly wise and insightful at times. He tapped his chin in thought. Hearth’s Warming was proving to be both a simple and complex holiday. It certainly was chaotic. “Hmmmm. I Suppose you’re right. I only have till this evening to think of something, but I’m sure it’ll come to me,” Discord proudly responded. He knew precisely what to do for Fluttershy, but he sure as Tartarus couldn’t let Spike know. “Oh!” Spike declared before rummaging through his satchel. “If you’ll be staying with Fluttershy for the holiday, you should take this along with you,” he said, handing Discord a small bundle of leaves tied with a simple white ribbon. Discord took the bundle and examined it closer. Its leaves were long and thin and from each shoot, clusters of small white berries clung together. It was simple, but quite pretty. “And just what in Scorpan’s name is this?” He asked, rather confused. Spike leaned back into the roof’s shingles with a triumphant little smirk. “Eh, ask Fluttershy. She’ll tell you.” Discord glared suspiciously at Spike, who seemed all too happy to leave Discord with an unanswered question. "I'll take your word for it," he said, snapping the little plant cluster away for the time being. Discord finished off the last sip of his rosy, warm drink before getting a devilish idea. Spike was looking all too pleased with himself lain on their rooftop perch and Discord couldn't help but disrupt him. "So, what'd you get for Rarity then?" Spike flung to the air in sudden desperation. "Sorry, Discord! I gotta go, uuuuh... have fun with Fluttershy and happy Hearth’s Warming," he stammered before zipping off. Discord sipped away his mug looking rather smug himself. "That's what I thought."
Only The Best For YouFluttershy hummed a carol to herself as she strung up the last piece of garland over her mantleplace. The cottage smelled delightfully strong of pine and juniper and was enough to easily put anypony in a cozy mood. She paused to look proudly upon her efforts. Her tree was modestly decorated with hoofmade woodland ornaments of twigs and cotton, the main area was abundantly equipped with comfy throw blankets and pillows, and in her kitchen, she’d prepared a variety of festive baked goods to enjoy with her anticipated guest. Everything was perfect. Fluttershy was beyond excited to spend Hearth’s Warming with Discord. She felt it an honor to show him once again why the holiday was so special to so many ponies and, to be honest, was really missing the company. Just like clockwork, as soon as the weather began to shift just a few months prior, she began seeing less and less of her woodland friends that called her property home. She knew very well that it was just nature’s calling for most of them to seek out more food reserves and cozy resting places in the forest to hibernate. A few resident birds stayed close to her side during the cold months, but things were undeniably quieter around the cottage and it made her just a little lonely. Having Discord stay with her for a short while would certainly be a much needed change of pace and his presence was always welcome to her. With that thought, she retrieved a very chaotically wrapped gift box from her upstairs closet and placed it carefully beneath her tree. “Oh, I hope he likes it,” she thought hopefully to herself. She blushed as she remembered Discord’s, and Rainbow Dash’s, gift to her last year. The winterzilla was such a strangely delightful surprise and was very on brand for her funny friend. It amazed her that Discord had gone through such odd hurdles and planning to give her something that wasn’t material, but rather the opportunity to be the Hearth’s Warming Day hero. She loved that about him. She often struggled to find the words to tell him exactly what she was feeling, but she appreciated it to no end that he always made the effort to make her feel special. It humbled her greatly that the Lord of Chaos himself was close to her and often literally and figuratively bent himself over backwards just to make her smile. With blush still painted across her cheeks, she flew to her nearest window to look out across the snowy landscape. It was only late afternoon, but as with every winter, Celestia had to set her sun earlier and earlier. The last slivers of light passed through the trunks and branches of the Everfree Forest and cast long marching shadows across the white hills. “He should be here soon,” she sighed. Not a moment later, a gentle knock came rapping from her front door. Fluttershy sprang to the air and fluttered excitedly to open it. “Discord! Happy Hearth’s Warrrrrrm… oh, my goodness…” Her eyes trailed up to see Discord in her entryway looking quite dapper. He sported a tall, red banded top hat, complete with matching scarf, and a long, black winter overcoat. It suited him nicely and made him … handsome, to say the least. Fluttershy tried to discreetly hide her blush behind her mane. “You’re very…dressed up.” Discord was far too excited to notice her flustered reaction and quickly responded, “Well of course, my dear! This is a special occasion is it not? That, and I thought it’d be appropriate to wear for your Hearth’s Warming Day gift!” “Oh, m-my gift?” Fluttershy stammered. “I know I was supposed to wait until the morning to give you my gift, dear, but I just couldn't pass up such a perfect night for it! Of course, you’ll also need a new wardrobe as well. It’ll be a bit chilly up there.” Discord snapped his claws and in a cascade of shimmering light, Fluttershy found herself now adorning a thick, emerald green cloak with a matching faux cossack hat. She lifted her hoof to admire the gold leaf designs in the cloak’s hem. “Discord, thank you! This is so lovely, but um… where are we going?” Discord was a little lost in thought as he admired his handy work that complimented her perfectly as he knew it would. She always looked so radiant in green. Shaking from his little fantasy he answered, “Oh, someplace very, very special, my dear.” Stepping aside from her entry way, he revealed a glossy, cranberry red sleigh behind him. Fluttershy brought a hoof to her mouth in shock. It was easily the most gorgeous piece of woodwork and craftsponyship she’d ever seen. She slowly trotted past Discord to get a closer look at it and was surprised to see a gold leafy design, similar to her cloak, painted delicately on its rims. She smiled, realizing that prancing rabbits, deer, and stags also had been added to the swirling fleurs and for a moment, she’d sworn they were moving. Discord appeared behind her. “Would you like a claw in, dear?” Fluttershy whipped around to face him in surprise, but her face softened upon seeing his open talon extended to her. With a gracious smile, she gave him her hoof, but couldn’t hide the warmth in her cheeks as she felt him begin to lift her up into the sleigh’s plush seats. Discord climbed in beside her. “Comfy?” he asked. Fluttershy bashfully nodded. “Then let’s be off!” With another snap of his talons. The Sleigh began to rise gently off the ground. Fluttershy gripped her cloak in anticipation as she awed at the height they were beginning to reach. Knowing Discord, this was about to get crazy rather quickly and she was right. Pulled by no ponies that Fluttershy could see at least, the sleigh revved forward. With an “Eep” she huddled into Discord’s arm. He only chuckled. “There’s nothing to be frightened of, dear. See for yourself!” Fluttershy gingerly peeked out from the safety of Discord's arm and gasped. Their self driving, self flying, sleigh was soaring steadily high over the Everfree Forest, leaving a wake of shining stardust as they went. All the while, Luna's moon hung above them, casting all below in a silvery glow. "Before we arrive at the destination of your Hearth’s Warming Day gift, you may also want this.” In another snap, Discord conjured a heavy, warm quilt and tucked it over both of their laps. "Oh! Very cozy. Thank you, Discord. But um, if this isn't my gift," Fluttershy gestured to the sleigh, "Then what is?" Discord gave her a warm smirk. "You'll soon see!" Fluttershy squinted as a flash of light engulfed their enchanted snow chariot and hesitantly opened them again as it began to fade. Before her, she saw Luna's moon still full and bright, but she quickly realized they were no longer above the Everfree Forest. It was certainly colder for sure and she instinctively huddled deeper into Discord’s arm for warmth without a second thought. Discord fought desperately to calm the sudden heat rushing to his own cheeks. "Ahem," he awkwardly coughed into his paw. "Dear, you might want to see this." Fluttershy loosened her grip just enough to look out to where they were heading, but found herself too awestruck to find her words. They were now flying over a frozen sea towards a mountainous snowy icecap. Discord must have transported them to the Northern unknown, far, far past Mount Everhoof. Fluttershy carefully peeked over the edge of their sleigh to see a massive pod or narwhal swimming just below the icy water, their great, spiraled tusks surfacing like battle lances before dipping back into the inky abyss. Fluttershy smiled in pure delight as she watched them majestically break through the sea slush, but her attention was broken by an odd green reflection in the water. She quickly looked up with another deep gasp. Above them, the Aurora Borealis shimmered in all its splendor, snaking through the sky, weaving itself with the stars. Fluttershy could feel tears welling up in her eyes. "Discord, I don't know what to say. It's so-" "Beautiful? I know," he finished for her. He could've stayed in that moment forever...Fluttershy, his first and dearest friend, wrapped in both pure elation and the heavenly green lights that danced wildly in the reflections of her eyes… It was perfect. She was perfect. He didn't quite understand these feelings that had come upon him so suddenly, but he knew for certain that her happiness needed to be protected at all costs. He would fight a thousand foes to Tartarus and back if it meant he could see her this happy forever. She deserved that and he would gladly give it to her. The more troubling thing that came with these feelings was his sudden need to be near her always; to touch her if she allowed it. At times, this need felt painful and more like an ache, but he subdued it. "Surely she wouldn't want me to hold her in such a way like that," he had told himself long ago. "I could never do a thing that could betray her trust in me ever again." On this night however, at this moment, those words felt like barbed chains around his neck. He didn't know how or why, but he needed so badly to pull her in close to him, to maybe… hold her warm face in his palm and tell her everything that she meant to him and how much he would do for her and that he'd never hurt her again and how perfect she was and how- His inner ramblings were halted when he suddenly felt something small and warm wrapping around his middle as well as something nuzzling into his chest. He dared to look down and simultaneously forgot how to breathe. "Thank you so much, Discord. This is the most thoughtful thing anypony has ever given me," Fluttershy mumbled into his chest. Discord felt his cheeks could burn right off and fall sizzling into the frigid water below them. He and Fluttershy had shared hugs before, but this felt… different. With all the courage he could muster, he gently wrapped his eagle arm around her and pulled her in close. "Only, but the best for you my dear," he finally managed to say. Fluttershy smiled warmly as she felt him press her further into his side. She was also thankful that their position made it easy to hide the rosyness in her cheeks that wasn't just from the frosty air. She was beyond grateful for what Discord had given her, but the thought that tugged at the back of her mind was how undeniably romantic it all was. She doubted that Discord knew that what he had done for her could be perceived that way, but a part of her, a part she promised herself to never show, admitted that she quite liked it. She felt like she could just melt into him, completely protected, completely… admired. She tried hard not to use the word "love" when it came to Discord, for she feared if she did, it could only end in high hopes and then heartbreak, but despite it all… she reasoned she could still have this. She could be with him here at the edge of the world, tucked beneath his arm, and not a single care in the whole of Equestria. If she could still have that, then maybe it'd be enough. "Fluttershy?" Discord gently asked. "Mhm?" She answered, savoring the vibrations of his voice in his chest. "I realize now that although my gift was more appropriate to give you this evening, rather than in the morning, I likely interrupted plans that you may have already had for us." Fluttershy nuzzled just a little further into him, a slight lightheadedness canceling out some of her usual reservations. "I did, but they can wait. Maybe just a few minutes longer?" Discord smiled down at her. "As you wish." He looked out to the full moon that traveled along with them with a now worried brow. "Luna's gunna give me a hard time about this," he thought.
A Cozy ClosureA harsh storm had rolled into Ponyville when Fluttershy and Discord returned from their polar adventure. Discord was quick to land their sleigh close to the cottage and in the same motion had bundled Fluttershy tightly in their downy quilt and snapped them safely inside. “That was an unexpected turn,” Discord said, carefully unwrapping Fluttershy and snapping the soaked blanket away. “I hadn’t heard any news of another snowstorm in the area this evening.” Fluttershy began undressing her cloak and draped it over a nearby chair to dry. “I hadn’t either, but it’s all right. I know all the animals are snug in the burrows they found and we made it back safe as well. I’ll start the fireplace so we can get warmed up.” Discord gave her a smile and began taking in how lovely Fluttershy had decorated her cottage for them. Only a few candles left lit illuminated the space, but Discord could clearly make out her modestly decorated tree and the very cozy pile of blankets and pillows in front of her open fireplace and stove. Snapping away his own overcoat, he gladly made his way over to slump into the nest she’d made. As he shimmied in, he couldn’t help but notice the aroma that hung in the air. It smelled heavily of winter pines and…he blushed… her; a perfect blend of honey and holiday spices sprinkling over his nose. With a huff he lowered his head down to the blanket he lay on and was delighted to find it lingering stronger in the fabrics. The harsh winds outside made the inside of the cottage seem all the quieter and the more safer. All of ponyville, including the animals, had gone silent and had hunkered away in their own nooks and crannies, patiently waiting for the morning. “It really is just the two of us here isn’t it? Here in our own little burrow” Discord thought longingly to himself. Fluttershy finally emerged from the dark kitchen with a small basket of waxed pine cones. Carefully, she lit each with a match and placed them beneath the logs in her fireplace. It wasn’t long before they had a crackling hearth and could begin to warm up. Discord loved watching her work. She had no magic, yet she made everything look so easy. She was clever in that way and seemed to enjoy the simple day to day challenges of living as well as taking care of other lives. He admired that so much about her. “There we go,” she said, rubbing off the leftover traces of wax and sap from her hooves on a spare cloth. “Now you stay right there while I go get our snacks.” Discord lifted from his daydreams, “Oh, would you like some help?” he offered. “Nope. You stay cozy and I’ll be right back.” A few moments later, Fluttershy returned with a plate of fresh baked gingerbread and another plate that puzzled Discord. “What do we have here?” “Oh, this is a savory snack that I think you’ll like very much.” She excitedly sat beside him and prepared a morsel from the plate that consisted of blue cheese on a wheat cracker, topped off with a small dollop of honey. “Open up.” She softly demanded. Discord gave her a quizzical smirk, but obeyed. Fluttershy gently placed the treat on his forked tongue and waited for his reaction with poorly restrained glee. Discord’s eyes grew wide and then fluttered close in exaggerated pleasure. Fluttershy had surprised him yet again. Her odd little snack was a perfect balance of sweet and sour and may have easily become his new favorite. “Absolutely delicious! I never would have thought of that combination, dear!” Fluttershy giggled. “I knew you’d love that. Now I’ve got one more thing for us.” She quickly trotted back into the kitchen and returned with two steaming mugs. “Here’s another combination I think you’ll appreciate.” Settling into the blankets beside him, she handed one of the mugs to Discord. He took a long whiff of the swirling potion. It smelled of mint and chocolate and was very creamy, but a tea bag hung from it’s lip. “And what do we have here now?” “This, Discord, is a tea latte!” Fluttershy said proudly. Discord’s ears perked in surprise, “A tea latte? Whatever is that?” He had an idea, but enjoyed playing coy with her. Fluttershy gave her mug a swirl. “It’s essentially just our favorite mint tea steeped in a bit of warm water with hot cocoa.” At that, Discord excitedly took a small sip. Once again, he was flabbergasted. Of course Fluttershy would find a way to combine both of their favorite things together to make something new and special for the occasion. “Always the clever one,” he thought again to himself. “This is perfect, Fluttershy! I love it!” “Thank goodness, I’m so happy you do!” she replied with a smile. She took a sip from her own mug and then placed it on the ground beside her with a content sigh. Discord watched as she pulled out a small hollyberry hair tie, seemingly from the air, and began tying up her mane in a loose bun. He couldn’t recall ever seeing her with her mane up before in such a way. He gulped when he caught his eyes sliding down her now fully exposed neck. It was a very, VERY lovely look for her. “T-trying out a new look are we?” he nervously stammered. “Oh, not really,” Fluttershy responded. “It’s just getting a little long and gets in the way sometimes.” Discord tried to stop his next words from spilling out, but failed miserably. “Well, you look very pretty with it up.” He thanked Scorpan that in the dim fire light, his crimson face likely couldn’t be seen. “Oh!” Fluttershy turned to hide her own sudden blush. “Thank you.” The night was nearing the midnight hour that would strike the official day of Hearth’s Warming. Fluttershy had enthusiastically retold the story of the first Hearth’s Warming to Discord in great detail as they finished their snacks and minty drinks. “And that’s what Hearth’s Warming is all about. Ponies coming together despite their differences to make something better. So we gather with friends and loved ones on this day in remembrance,” she finished. “I see, I see,” Discord replied with a smile. “Oh, I almost forgot!” Fluttershy sprang from their plush nest and flew to retrieve the gift from beneath her tree. She gently landed back down and extended the box to Discord. “Since we’re giving gifts early, I think it’s fair that you have this tonight,” she said softly. Discord gave her another warm smile and began unwrapping the mismatched paper from the box. With a gasp, he lifted out from it an extra long, hoofknitted, red sweater with black trimmings. On the front was a perfectly detailed cyclone pattern. He was at a loss for words. Fluttershy’s knitting skills had certainly improved and he couldn’t help but wear it immediately with a snap of his claws. It was exceptionally soft, he noted. He pawed the hem and felt a lump in the bottom trim. He turned it up to reveal an embroidered tag sewn into the seam that sported three pink butterflies and a heart. “Do you like it?” Fluttershy asked, looking up at him with just a hint of concern. “Do I like it? Fluttershy, I love it!” He bellowed and scooped her in close. “This is the greatest, Hearth’s Warming I think I could ever have!” Fluttershy giggled as he swung her in a circle before placing her back down into the blanket pile and nestled back into his spot as well. “I’m so happy I get to share this Hearth’s Warming with you, Discord, and that you’re having a good time too,” she hummed. Discord rested his chin in his palms and wagged his tail tufts. “Well, I’m glad that I get to share it with you, my dear.” Fluttershy looked away, hoping to again hide her blush again. Discord was beginning to drift off into his own little fantasies once more, but that’s when a stray sprig of Juniper on the ground caught his attention. “Oh that’s right!” He thought. “That funny little plant that Spike gave me.” “Um, Fluttershy?” She looked up to him with a smile. “Spike gave me something odd in the marketplace earlier today and had said that you might be able to tell me what it is. You know the way Spike is, but would you mind taking a look at it for me? I think it may be Hearth’s Warming related.” “Oh, of course, Discord. I’d love to help,” she responded. With that, Discord conjured the white berried leaf cluster in his paw and extended it to show her. “Kind of a pretty little thing isn’t it?” Fluttershy's eyes grew wide. "Oh, um," she coughed into her hoof. Her throat suddenly very dry. "T-that's… m-mistletoe…" "Mistletoe?" Discord retorted. "That's a silly sounding name. It seems to lack both toes AND missiles! what does this little thing have to do with Hearth’s Warming?" He said, looking it over. Fluttershy fidgeted uncomfortably and kept her eyes lowered. With her mane pulled back, she had nothing to hide her evergrowing blush behind. Discord was clearly innocent here and was just asking her a question about a small tradition. It'd be incredibly rude not to answer him truthfully. "Well, um… nopony knows exactly where the tradition really came from, but it's a plant that grows in the treetops during winter and likely was originally used as a symbol of love and peace" Discord thumbed the little berries thoughtfully. "Well, doesn't that sound sweet?" Fluttershy kept her eyes down. "Um… usually ponies hang it from the ceiling and..and" "Oh, like this?" With a snap of his free talon, the humble little sprig now hung just above them from Fluttershy’s ceiling. "Eep! Oh, Discord, no! I-I wasn't finished…" Fluttershy hunkered her face into her hooves. Discord was incredibly confused and inched a bit closer, gently pulling her hooves away from her face. He was surprised to see that she was the same shade of red as her holly hair tie. "Fluttershy, what in Equestria is the matter? Surely this poor little plant can't harm us?" He joked. Fluttershy could now see the concern in his face. He truly didn't know. She scooted away from his touch slightly and with a gulp finally spoke, "Discord… ponies are traditionally supposed to… to… to kiss… under the Mistletoe." Discord reared back, his cheeks now matching the same tint as Fluttershy’s. "Oh, oh!" He chuckled, nervously stroking the back of his neck. "T-that's, t-that's certainly a funny tradition isn't it? You ponies, always coming up with such wacky things! It's pretty impressive!" Fluttershy couldn’t answer him. This certainly was not in her plans for the evening, but she kicked herself inwardly for having the faintest wish that something like it would. She always knew that this would be his reaction to something so forwardly romantic towards her, and was foolish to think otherwise. She was sinking her own heart and could feel slight tears begin to swell behind her eyes. She was about to apologize and excuse herself when she heard Discord speak. "Um… is it a couple exclusive tradition...or… or… are friendly kisses accepted?" It took every ounce of courage to piece his words together, but he didn't quite feel like it was him speaking; perhaps it was something deeper. Whatever it was, he couldn’t stop it. He waited with a nervous smile for her answer, desperately trying to hide his shaking claws by clasping them together. Fluttershy turned to him slowly, both in confusion and a hint of shock. "Um… pardon?" She looked so beautiful, Discord thought. The firelight danced on her face and in her watery, teal eyes. "Um," he choked. "Can… can friends also participate in um…" He glanced up to the mistletoe dangling above them… waiting. Fluttershy tried to find her words. Did he WANT to kiss her? "I um, I-I don't think that's against the rules," she whispered in a shaking voice. Discord gripped his back claws into Fluttershy’s wood floor, for fear that he'd shoot straight through her roof. Does she WANT me to kiss her? Does she actually want-? "Um…" she quickly added. "Only if you uh… want to, of course." "Oh, I do!" Discord exclaimed far, far louder and more excited than he intended. He quickly covered his own muzzle with a claw and cursed himself. "But, um… only if you also want to, my dear." This was all so incredibly awkward, but Fluttershy knew that she had to answer. Summoning all of her own courage once more she spoke, "I… would like to, Discord." Discord shivered at the sound of his name leaving her lips. Gingerly he settled himself closer to her. Fluttershy could feel her bashfulness beginning to get the best of her yet again, and tried desperately not to shake. She angled herself adjacent to him, but still found it hard to look at him face to face and so…close. Discord gripped himself further into the floor. She was so close. “Is this really happening?” He couldn’t stop thinking. He could feel her nervousness and desperately didn’t want to offend her, should he show hesitation now. Then she finally met him with her eyes; those luminous eyes of hers with firelight flickering wildly in them, looking straight into his…pleading. Discord could feel it now. Here amidst the storm, she could be his and he could be hers. He just needed to show her. Carefully he brought his lion paw up to cup her face and thumbed away a few loose strands of her mane. Fluttershy gasped at his gentle touch and let him pull her forward. She feared her heart could beat straight out her chest and then… they met. Their lips found each other in a soft, delicate peck and just as quickly, they parted. Discord still kept his paw cupped around her face. He felt indescribably dizzy, but then… he felt Fluttershy gently lean back into him. His eyes opened wide to see Fluttershy lightly pressing herself further into his lips again... he could taste her; sweet winter spices and mint. He daringling brought his talon up to her other cheek and deepened their kiss, begging entrance with his forked tongue across her lips. Fluttershy moaned slightly in surprise, but quickly found herself surrendering. Discord reciprocated by beginning to coil himself closer to her. All around them had fallen away, at least it felt like it had. Time meant nothing. The storm meant nothing. All that mattered was the feeling of their lips perfectly locked together and the tingling firecracker sensations running up their bodies and then melting together like hot, gooey chocolate syrup. Slowly, and a little reluctantly, they parted for air. The chiming of a clock somewhere in the dark of the cottage signaled the midnight hour and broke them from their lingering stupor. Fluttershy hid her blushing cheeks into Discord’s palm and brought her own hooves up to meet them. "Um… happy Hearth’s Warming, Discord," she whispered. “Happy Hearth’s Warming, Fluttershy,” He said, tenderly pressing his forehead to hers and then his muzzle into the crook of her neck. Author's Note Thank you for reading *smooch* and Happy Holidays!
