Episode 4 - So This Is Hearth's Warming

THE KENT FARM, TWO YEARS AGO

May and Martha had been working around the clock almost all day. Preparing a Christmas meal not only for themselves but for Clark, Kara and Peter, was a herculean task in of itself , given that the boys' appetites were borderline insane at times. They even had to make a whole cake just to split between Clark and Peter given their sweet toothes were dialed to eleven. “And to think there was a time I had to be sure Peter wouldn't eat us out of house and home. But with his job paying as well as it does, I suppose a feast here and there won't hurt the bank account, now will it?” May lamented, her mind going back to the early days of herself and Ben raising Peter, and all the hurdles that came with it. She definitely didn't miss some of those days. Martha, having raised a super-powered child of her own, knew the feeling all too well.

“I tell ya, May, if I had known for even a second that Clark didn't need to eat all the time, I might have curbed on a meal here and there. But… I suppose it never did any harm. In the end he was always happy and healthy. And that's all we want for our boys, right May?” It had been tough the past two years. May had no one to talk to about Peter's double life except for him, and half the time it stressed her out to no end, even if he did come back every night. But since meeting Martha, she finally had someone she could vent to. Especially the more difficult questions. “Martha, do you ever worry about Clark not coming home? If one day, someone gets the better of him?” The question caught Martha off guard just a little, given it was one she had asked many times, and still did even years after Clark had begun his time as Superman. But she always came to the same answer.

“I’ve always worried about Clark. It's the job of a mother to worry. And there are days when I see him on the news fighting one of those villains like Luthor or Metallo, someone who knows how to hurt him. But they try, and my son still wins the day. Peter is the same. They won’t give up until people are safe. And we both know we could never stop our sons from helping others when they need it.” May had seen it many times herself. Nights when Peter came home, his suit half torn and bloodied, even if his wounds had healed ages ago. The next day she’d read of how his deeds had saved dozens of lives or more, and suddenly it all seemed worth it. Then she would remember how he looked the night before. “But I’ve seen Peter bleed, Martha. I’ve seen what happens when he gets in over his head. My boy can be broken, yours can't.”

Years of having to help Clark navigate his secret had taught Martha when someone was holding something in. “Clark can be hurt. I’ve seen it happen. And he CAN bleed. If one of those psychopaths uses Kryptonite in the right way, my boy does bleed. More than one tattered suit has found its way into my hands. I understand your fear, May. But at the end of the day, we can't stop our boys from risking their lives for others. They’d never live with themselves if they stopped. I'm sure Peter couldn't.”
She was right. May remembered the night Peter had told her about what happened to Ben. His inaction had major consequences. An inaction he vowed never to repeat. “I just… worry Martha,that’s all. Peter is the son Ben and I were unable to have. I don't want to lose him.” It was a situation Martha Kent knew all too well herself, being in the same position. “Jonathan and I had the same concerns. We could never give Clark a sibling, so all we could give him was our love and support. And I know our husbands would be proud of the men our boys became.”

While the two were in the middle of their heart-to-heart talk, the shrill ringing of a kitchen alarm went off, prompting Martha to race to the oven. “That’ll be the turkey done. Should be almost time to call the kids in.” The kids in question were all outside in the barn, clearing out any of the winter weather that had gotten inside. Despite being far away from anyone that would recognise them, Clark and Kara kept up their disguises. Though for the former it was pretty much muscle memory at this point. Besides, at the Kent farm he was Clark here too. Kara by this point had mastered her cousin's means of blending in behind a pair of glasses and a change of demeanor. But like him, away from the prying eyes of the world she could be herself. Peter on the other hand could be his usual, dorky self. No disguise required. “God, I can't wait for dinner! The way Aunt May makes roast potatoes is out of this world!”

“I’ll believe it.” Clark added. “Combined with Ma’s special recipe Turkey, we’re in for good eating tonight!” The two boys chatted away about food, leaving Kara to her thoughts. She was excited too, just for different reasons. Most of the time, she was with other heroes having to save the day. And while she took pride in it, all she wanted was some time with her family. Today was that one day. “Will Lois be joining us, Kal?” She inquired, aware of the great affection her cousin had for his fellow reporter/sort of girlfriend. “Actually, she is! Not until much later, so she’ll miss dinner. I’m not surprised. Even on Christmas Day, Lois won't stop looking for the next big story.” In the midst of their conversation, Clark and Kara’s heads suddenly perked up, their super senses able to deduce that dinner was almost ready.

“Come on you two. Looks like Christmas dinner is served!” Clark exclaimed joyfully, always a big fan of Christmas day, maybe even more so than the two teenagers. Even running ahead of them out of the barn. Kara was still getting used to the idea of the festive season, and many other things on Earth in general. But the concept of a day with just family and loved ones sat well with her. Especially if it meant getting to spend time with Peter, the only other person who had made her feel at home on Earth. Before she left the barn, she found herself just gazing at Peter for a few moments, who thanks to his own senses was made aware that she was looking at him. Even when his eyes met hers, she never looked away, unashamedly in love with him. “I don't have anything on my face, do I?” Peter inquired.

“No, you’re fine. I just… Can’t believe how lucky I am. I get to spend today with all my favourite people. You most of all. You’ve made being here so much easier to deal with. I know Kal’s family, and I’m grateful for everything he's done for me. But you’re the one person who understands me the most, who went out of his way the most to make me feel welcome. And I love you for that, Peter.” Every time Kara said those words, Peter had to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Even the snowfall outside made it feel like he was having a moment while he was asleep. It all felt so surreal, making him more grateful when he realised that it wasn't a dream. “I know you didn't come here with much, but I’ll always be there when you need me, Kara. And I’ll always love you.” Their hands met as they walked back towards the house, Clark having gone on ahead to give them a moment. A smile broke out across his face, truly proud of the two young adults.

Food was enjoyed, laughter was had. It was a perfect Christmas.

APPLE FAMILY FARM, PRESENT DAY

A banging noise came from Peter's bedroom door, waking him from what was a pleasant dream. Even if it was more like a memory. “Come on, Pete! Up and at em! We gotta be headin’ over to the castle soon!” Applejack's voice called through, the only one she really raised her voice to Peter, and it was to get him out of bed. Even after months of living on the farm, he still couldn't get up on time without someone telling him to. “Maybe I should just get an alarm clock.” One shower later and Peter was layering up for the journey, the weather still a little on the frigid side. On the shelf behind his clothes, including a few spare Spidey suits, were two boxes. One contained the parts for his web shooters that were donated by the mirror world version of himself, and the other was wrapped up with a nice bow on the top. Though Peter couldn't take credit for the bow. After seeing the abysmal job he had done on the wrapping, Applebloom had swooped in to finish the job, judging him the entire time.

Inside was the surprise gift he had gotten for Rainbow Dash, having drawn her name in a raffle so that everyone would receive presents from different people. Fortunately, Dash wasn't shy in talking about her interests, so Peter had done some digging and found her the perfect gift. Thankfully, the weather had calmed down somewhat, with only a light snowfall coming from the sky, making the trip to the castle much easier. A few townsfolk were heading inside, though much less than weeks past. The work on Ponyville was close to completion, with many residents now being able to enjoy the comfort of their own homes for the first time in over a month, and reconstruction was set to be complete by the end of the year. Upon entering the castle, Applebloom made a beeline straight for the other kids, while Granny Smith and Big Mac went off to find a quiet spot of their own for the time being.

Entering the map room, Peter and Applejack noticed it was rather crowded. Friends and family all hunkered in making various conversations. And much to Peter's delight, Fluttershy and Zephyr were next to each other and appeared to be having a good time talking. And while he wanted to wish Fluttershy a happy Hearth's Warming, he knew that chance would come up later. Instead, his attention focused elsewhere, spotting the royal sisters talking to Twilight, Spike, Shining and their parents, with Celestia giving Peter a quick wave before her attention returned to the conversation. Flurry Heart was playing with the Cake twins under Cadence and Pinkie’s supervision. Everyone was entangled with each other at this point, leaving Peter unsure of where he could insert himself. Setting his present down with the others, he quietly left the room. “Wonder if they got any hot cocoa lying around?”

After weeks of having half of Ponyville contained within the castle, it was strange to now see it so empty. Only a few guards lingered around the halls, their duties mostly tying up loose ends with supplies and paperwork, casting Peter's mind back to the start of the town's reconstruction. “AJ will be happy to see the end of the bureaucracy.” Wandering towards the kitchen, Peter found no one around, at least for now. Fine by him. Which meant he could just help himself to whatever was available. And there were plenty of goodies still left over, including some cocoa powder and cookies. Making some hot cocoa (with a decent amount of sugar), Peter returned to the hallway, happily sipping away and taking a bite out of the cookie he had swiped (chocolate brownie if anyone is curious). “I hope you kept a few of those for everyone, Parker.”

His attention brought to the doorway, Peter had a mix of surprise and shock to see Adagio Dazzle entering the castle, followed closely by Sonata and Aria. “Sorry to disappoint you, but this was the last one. If you wanted more, maybe you three should have stuck around after the fight.” He stated, taking another bite as if to purposefully mock Adagio, who rolled her eyes in response. “Well we would have loved to have stuck around, but we needed assurances that the princesses wouldn't have us killed after we helped out. Surely you can understand that?” Peter had wondered why the ladies had dipped out so quickly, but after having lived with the prospect of being enemy number one for a good month, he understood. “Well I have to say, it's good to see you three. And I don't think I ever thanked you properly. Without you three, who knows how many people could have gotten hurt.”

It had been a long time since any of the Siren trio had been thanked for any action they had taken that didn’t directly benefit themselves. And in a way, it was more worthwhile. “I want to say we owed you, but that would be a lie. We balanced the scales by warning you of Starlight's little death march.” Normally Adagio spoke with some degree of bravado, but it was clear she was speaking from the heart. “I hate to admit it, but Sonata has a bright idea every few centuries. And she was right. If we didn't stand with you, we’d die eventually anyway. And besides, after Starlight's bluster and Sombra’s threats, it was worth being there just to see you smack them around a little. So I guess… you’re welcome… Peter.” Adagio extended her hand out, shocking her sisters. The elder Siren never saw anyone outside them as worthy of any respect. So clearly Peter had done something right to earn it. With his hand now cookie free, Peter returned the gesture.

“Well, seeing as no one else is around, welcome to the castle. I would say the princess is in another one, but all of them are here. Follow me.” With a spring in his step, Peter began to head back towards the map room, with the Sirens following behind with some level of scrutiny, which Peter picked up on. “You three ok?” It was evident that the sisters were now fully aware of what lay ahead of them. Even Adagio's confidence was rocky at best, exemplified by how much she was trying to shield Sonata and Aria. Whatever magic they still possessed, it was far from the power of the Alicorn princesses. “Hey. I know you're all still worried, but nothings gonna happen to you. I’d stake my life on it.” Having been alive for so long, the Sirens knew when someone was lying to them, or just having hollow words. But Peter's words were nothing of the sort. Everything he said was genuine, and they knew it.

“Hey everyone! We have guests!” The attention of everyone in the room turned to the doorway, a few gasps coming out at the sight of the Siren trio. There was some hesitation of what to do, that was until Fluttershy broke the silence. “Um… welcome to all of you. It's so nice to have you here for Hearths Warming.” Once again, the Sirens could tell if someone wasn’t being sincere with them, and all they got from Fluttershy was real kindness. Though from what they remembered of the mirror dimension’s Fluttershy, she was always this nice. With the silence broken, Celestia stepped forward, followed closely behind Luna. “Adagio. Sonata. Aria. I have had time to ruminate on the punishment I dealt you three. I am sure Peter has already said this, but without your help, many citizens of this town may have lost their lives. With that in mind, my declaration of banishment is henceforth withdrawn. And, if you would permit, I would like for us to start fresh again.”

Adagio's eyes flickered between the two royal sisters, her mind scrambling with thoughts on the situation. Given everything that happened, was she ready to accept such an offer, especially from the ones who were ready to punish her and her sisters? What was the right thing,no, the safe thing to do? Her questions were answered for her as Sonata and Aria took her hands in theirs, assuring her that it was the right path. “I suppose we accept. I’ll admit, it would be nice to not always be on the run, looking over our shoulders. It's been a long time since we’ve felt welcomed anywhere.” The eldest Siren held her hand out once again, with Celestia accepting it with both hands. “You are most welcome here.” With the tension now broken, the others in the room got back to chatting amongst themselves, with Sonata and Aria invited over to join in. It had been a long time since Sirens were a thing in Equestria.

As Celestia left, Luna approached Adagio, making her and even Peter a little nervous. But to their surprise, Luna bowed her head to Adagio. “I must apologise, Adagio Dazzle. I of all people should never have judged you, especially when I have been given a second chance to make right to my own mistakes. You and your sisters should be allowed the same opportunity.” A smile broke across Peter's face, delighted to see that Luna had softened a little since her last meeting with the Sirens. Adagio, still recovering from the fact that she and her siblings were now free, could think of no other response than to return the bow. “It's an opportunity we won't waste, Your Highness. I can assure you of that.” As Luna returned to her sister's side, Adagio stood motionless, a tear flowing down her cheek. A concerned Fluttershy approached her. “I know it's a lot to take in, Adagio. But believe me, you're safe now.”

Wiping away the tear, Adagios initial thought was to return to her default setting, using her bravado to shield her true emotions. But that wouldn't work here. And after some thought on it, she didn't want it to. “Almost a millenia being on the run, moving from place to place so we wouldn't be found out, or killed… I’d like to think we’re safe here.” Always the empathetic one, Fluttershy couldn't help but bring Adagio in for a hug, the Siren caught off guard by the gesture. While instinct told her to get out of it, she knew that wasn't going to happen with this particular pegasus. “Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine. I was wrong to judge you, Fluttershy.” As the hug broke, Fluttershy grabbed Adagio by the hand, dragging her towards the others, with the Siren unable to find the strength to resist. It felt nice to belong. Finally.

***

The day turned into a splendid night, with a hearty dinner having been prepared for the many guests, which went down in no time at all. Now had come the part everyone was waiting for - the gifts! Spike looked at his gift with some level of hesitation, as if he already knew what it was. Twilight did tend to get him the same gift every year, that being a book of some description. Much to his surprise, beneath the wrapping paper was an action figure he had been eying for some time, causing him to leap up with joy into his sister's waiting arms. Under the tree, Rainbow Dash spotted one with her name on it. The wrapping paper had been done atrociously, but the bow looked pristine. She had a better look at the tag to see who it was from. “To Dashie. This should make you look 20% cooler. From Peter.”

Dash instantly knew that her parents must have used their pet name for her in front of Peter, realising she would never be spared from it now. Rather than let it annoy her, she decided to see what the gift was. After the easiest unwrapping of her life, she lifted the lid on the box to find an incredible sight. “A vintage Wonderbolt flight jacket!? AND in good condition!?” The overtly fangirl response got a chuckle from Peter. But that was the intention. What he didn’t intend was the bone crushing hug she gave him at warp speed. “Thank you, Peter! Maybe you aren't such a doofus after all.” Thankfully Peter was largely unfettered by the hug, though he could have sworn his back felt a bit better. “Huh. She must have cracked my back unintentionally. Lucky me. It was feeling stiff.”

Presents were traded across the room, joyous noises ringing out as someone got a new toy or piece of clothing they really needed. “It would appear that you are without a gift, Mr. Parker. Perhaps we can solve that issue.” Rarity’s voice rang out, a rather sizable box in her own hands. And unlike Peters, the wrapping job had been done much more expertly. And it almost felt wrong to undo such amazing work. It didn't stop Peter from tearing it apart. Inside the box was a jacket also. This one however was fully red, with some subtle blue highlighting. It was clear that this was Rarity's attempt to make something that was emblematic of Spider-Man, but without giving it away. And for the most part, it was rather conspicuous. A quick try on also revealed that it had been made to his size. “The perks of already having your torso measurements. Comes in handy for more than one project, wouldn't you agree, Peter?” A cheeky wink of the eye from the seamstress giving an inkling as to what else she meant.

***

The night was beginning to settle down, with many of the older guests deciding to turn in for some much needed rest. Some would be leaving tomorrow, needing to return to jobs or other duties, and could do so in the knowledge that their children were safe. The princesses themselves of course had to take their leave, though Cadence, Shining and Flurry would be leaving in the morning. And though it was well past her bedtime, the infant alicorn refused to go to her bed. Or away from Peter, who had evidently become a favourite of hers. In the end, he had to be the one to try and coax her to sleep. “I’ll be here in the morning to see you off. And we’ll see each other again soon. I promise.” Finally, sleep took Flurry, her baby brain unable to fight it off for much longer, while her hand still attached to Peter's finger until the moment she entered her slumber.

“She's taken quite a shine to you. I think we all have.” Said Cadence, she and Shining watching on. “You showed incredible courage to save her from Sombra, and we still don't know how to repay you properly.” It was far from the first time Peter had placed his life in jeopardy for the sake of someone else. And far from the first that he was offered some form of reward. “No need to repay me. I did it because it had to be done.” A firm handshake from Shining and a rather tender kiss on the cheek from Cadence signalled goodnight from them, allowing Peter to return downstairs. Back in the map room, the only ones left were pretty much his immediate friend group, with the kids also having turned in for the night. Adagio, her mug full of something a bit stronger than hot cocoa, raised it into the air. “Well, now that those not in the know are out of the way - here's to the conquering hero!”

A small cheer went out around the room, a few hoots and hollers from Pinkie and Sonata. An embarrassed Peter could feel his cheeks blushing. It had been a long time since he had gotten this sort of praise. “I'm pretty sure it was a team effort. I wasn't the only one in the fight. Plus, I wasn't the one who finished it.” While the girls acknowledged that Peter was being humble, some of them wouldn't let it slide. “I mean, yeah we all took part in it. But you were the one that knocked Sombra about. And let's be real - you WON that fight! Not your fault he was a sore loser.” Rainbow Dash screamed out, with the other girls nodding in agreement. Fluttershy handed Peter a cup of cocoa so that he could partake in the celebration. “We'll just have to keep telling you you're amazing until you believe it.” She not so subtly suggested, the other girls seeing her intentions clearer than what Peter did.

“Alright, alright. It just… felt good to be a hero again. Being Spider-Man is just what I’m meant to do I suppose. I can only hope I didn't scare anyone.” Peter was clearly elaborating to his Berserker state, which some of the girls had confessed as to being off-putting. Though he wasn't exactly the biggest fan of it either, he now had to see it as another tool in his arsenal. “It is… uncomfortable to see. We see you all the time with such a laid back personality. But we never thought there was all that rage behind you, Peter.” Twilight confessed, a few nods and quiet agreements around the room. The Sirens all shared a look with each other, knowing they had seen the full extent of what Peter truly was capable of. And they would never forget it, even if the past was behind them.

“I can only promise I won't use it unless absolutely necessary. But if someone like Sombra comes along again, I gotta know how to use it.” An uncomfortable reality, but one they would have to live with. But even if Peter's power was somewhat terrifying in the girls' minds, there was one thing they had to remember: it would never be aimed at them. “Well!” Rarity shouted out, cutting the tension. “Now that we've gotten the melodramatic part out of the way, let's just enjoy what little of Hearths Warming we have left. Here's to friends, old and new!” Cheers went out, drinks were enjoyed (even if a little too much by those more than old enough to do so) and quiet conversations broke out. It may have been a different place with different people, and with a different name, but there was one thing Peter couldn't deny.

It was another perfect Christmas.

Author's Note

Hello everyone! So here is my very late christmas-themed episode! Hope you all enjoy!