It was a crisp winter afternoon, and Hearths Warming was only a couple days away. Berry Punch had been wracking her brain for a gift for Roseluck. Truthfully, she had an idea, but didn’t know enough to execute it.

She sat back on the couch with a sigh, and stared at the ceiling. Wrapped around her neck was the scarf Roseluck gave her. Lately she had been wearing it inside as much as outside. The comfort it provided felt nice. It also served as reminder that she wanted to get or make a gift as personal as the one Roseluck gave her.

Minuette could help. She sat up at the thought. Yeah, she knows more ponies around town then me. She should have some idea on how to help.

She shoved a bunch of bits into her saddlebags. Don’t know how much this will cost. She rushed out the door into the flurrying snow.

Minuette lived across town, and while Berry Punch felt comfortable when walking around with somepony else not so much when alone. Especially when she spotted a familiar pink pony out of the corner of her eye. She quickly ducked behind a house and cautiously peered out to see if Pinkie Pie passed by. To her relief the bouncy pony was nowhere to be seen. Berry Punch knew with how often she was going out that meeting Pinkie Pie in public was inevitable, but she tried her best not to be seen by her if at all possible. I can’t let this fester forever. She bit her lip and moved on.

Berry Punch trotted down the street at a brisk pace. Ever since the first time Roseluck brought her to Sugar Cube Corner, and the awkward interaction that followed she had been extra careful not to encounter Pinkie Pie. She felt guilty at avoiding her, but she had figured it was easier this way. Easier for me. She thought ruefully.

Once Minuette’s house came into view she gave a sigh of relief. She knocked on the door and waited.

Minuette opened the door and welcomed her inside.

Minuette’s house was a practice in controlled chaos. The centerpiece of her living room was a fireplace with various knickknacks placed above the alcove. Books, mostly romance novels, were haphazardly stacked on the table in the center of the room. Two crystal lights sat at the end tables beside the couch, one being blue and the other white. A blanket which appeared to have been recently thrown aside lay on the couch cushions. A book sat open, face down, at the end of the couch.

Her workbench had a nearly complete clock on it. The face wasn’t painted yet, but Berry Punch would help with that tomorrow.

Minuette had a mischievous smile on her face. “What brings you here out of the blue?” She had a ‘I think I can guess’ look on her face as she waited for confirmation.

“I need some help getting Roseluck a gift. I already have an idea, but I don’t know how to execute it.” Berry Punch didn’t think Minuette’s smile could get any wider, but was proven wrong.

“You came to the right mare!” Minuette tapped the ground with her hoof. “Now what type of gift are you thinking? Something material? Something functional? Something she’s missing? Or mayyyybe something personal?” Berry Punch’s expression must have given it away since Minuette continued on without waiting for an answer. “Something personal, right?”

Berry Punch nodded.

“So spill! What’s the idea?”

Berry Punch explained to the best of her ability what she wanted to do.

“Here, I think this calls for a day about shopping, hmm? There are a few stalls I know around town, and if they don’t strike your fancy we can always visit Rarity.”

The thought of visiting one of Pinkie Pie’s friends was not appealing. The risk of meeting Pinkie Pie there was too high. Plus adding on to the fact Rarity was one of the few that attended her Welcome to Ponyville party and witnessed Berry Punch verbally lash out at Pinkie Pie. She had a feeling Rarity would not be too keen on seeing her.

“I trust the places you know, but, um, can we not go to Rarity?”

Minuette looked confused at the request.

“Why? If the smaller shops don’t have anything you want she’d be your best bet.”
Berry Punch teetered back and forth mentally on whether to tell Minuette anything at all before deciding to settle on the truth.

“You remember my Welcome to Ponyville party? Or at least know something about it.”

Realization dawned on Minuette’s face.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, she was there. I don’t think she’d be happy to see me.”

Minuette looked at her.

“I know you don’t have the best history with her or Pinkie Pie, but are you sure? It’s been a couple years, right?”

Berry Punch nodded.

“Okay. Why not talk to them about it?”

Berry Punch was going to protest, but her earlier thoughts on the matter stopped her. It has been a long time. “I don’t know. I thought it was easier not to, but it just seems like avoidance now. Look, I’ll approach Pinkie Pie about it today.” She bit her lip. “Can we get the metal first?” Berry Punch knew it was a foalish delaying tactic. Minuette caught on too.

“Berry Punch…”

“Look, I promise after we’re done with this I’ll go straight to her. Wherever she is.” Now that she thought about it, Berry Punch realized she’d probably be out shopping too.

Minuette didn’t look happy at the answer, but she seemed to accept it.

After grabbing her own scarf the two hit the streets and made their way to the shopping district.

A light snow greeted them. The snow flakes lazily twirled until hitting the ground. As the two entered into the shopping district traffic picked up with many ponies buying gifts or food. Not nearly as busy as a city center, but about as busy as Ponyville could get. Minuette led Berry Punch around the crowds until they arrived at a brown mare’s stall.

A unicorn mare brushed her bouncy mane out of her eyes and greeted the two of them.

“Oh! Hi, Minuette! And hello…?” The mare eyed Berry Punch in confusion. “I’ve seen you around town but I don’t think I know your name.”

“It’s Berry Punch.”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Pliant!” The mare reached over and vigorously shook Berry Punch’s hoof. “Got all kinds of metals here for anything you need. ‘Cept for any weapons, need to present a license for those.”

“What about something like silver?” Pliant’s eyes boggled.

“That’s, um, a choice. Not a cheap one.”

Berry Punch felt uncomfortable. She definitely didn’t have the bits for silver. Maybe iron? She didn’t know much about metals. All she knew is that her idea would work with something silver-like in coloration.

“I guess iron would work.”

Pliant had a strange look on her face. “I think you should tell me what your trying to make first. I can give you some options then. Iron’s so dull to work with.” She stuck her tongue out.

Berry Punch explained her idea.

Pliant propped her front hooves on the counter in interest. “Oh? Is this something personal?”

Berry Punch hesitated before she nodded.

“For clothing?”

“No, for a mane.”

Pliant’s smile grew. “Somepony special?”

Berry Punch nodded again, backing up as the mare leaned forwards. Pliant noticed her discomfort and backed off.

“Sorry ‘bout that, just been so long since I designed something for a romantic occasion.” Pliant took on a more business expression. “Now, the materials. Silver’s too expensive, iron’s too dull, how ‘bout pyrite?” Pliant placed a pale gold bar on the table. “I know gold’s not the color you’re looking for, but I can always set a color charm on the metal if you want.”

Berry Punch looked over the metal, and had an idea. “Can the charm be placed on certain parts?”

“What do you mean?”

“Like as an outline or to create a shape?”

Pliant mulled over the thought for a moment. “Could be possible.” Pliant snorted and shook her head. “No, itispossible! I’ll find a way. What’d you have in mind?”

Berry Punch explained her idea and watched as Pliant’s eyes lit up.

“Not a problem!” Pliant picked up a quill in her magic and started furiously sketching on a note pad. “Just jotting down some notes for later, but this’ll work for you right?” Pliant floated a scratchy, but detailed image in front of her.

“Yeah, but could you hold off on creating anything until I find somepony for the gems? Oh, and can I have a copy of that drawing?”

Pliant nodded. “Not an issue, just swing by when you have somepony—and let me know who, so I can work with them.”

During the conversation Minuette had wandered off to a nearby stall and was amicably chatting with the vendor. Berry Punch noticed Minuette slip a package from the vendor into her saddle bags before walking back over.

“What?” Minuette said in response to Berry Punch’s look. “You’re not the only one looking for gifts.” She nudged her. “So, ready?”

Berry Punch furrowed her brows. “For?”

Minuette inclined her head.

Berry Punch followed where she was indicating and spotted Pinkie Pie chatting with a vendor.

Berry Punch hesitated for a moment. She thought up all the excuses she had used over the years. That Pinkie Pie wouldn’t care, that it was better this way—no, that it was easier this way. The moment passed and Berry Punch walked out onto the street and towards Pinkie Pie. Her mind was screaming at her not to do this, that it was a mistake, but Berry Punch shook the thoughts away. Her friend was supporting her. She could do this. If only the nerves could go away too.

“I’ll need the red, gold, and green ones lickety split!” Pinkie Pie bounced in place. “The Hearth’s Warming party will be so good! I have so many things to gather, but once it’s done it’ll be my best party to date!”

“You bet, Pinkie, I’ll have the garland sent to your house as soon as can be.”

“Okie dokie! Thanks again, Tinsel!” The mare waved at the shop keep before turning to find Berry Punch standing behind her. “Oh, hi, Berry Punch. Sorry, didn’t see you there, but I’ll be going now.” Pinkie Pie turned to leave, but Berry Punch called out after her.

“Wait! I need to talk to you.”

Pinkie Pie turned around with an expression crossed between confused and tentative. “Ok, um, what about?”

Here goes.

“Look, when you threw me that party you just wanted me to feel welcome. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. It was wrong of me to take out how I felt on you. I’m sorry.” Berry Punch broke eye contact after finishing her apology as her anxiety got the better of her. She waited for any response from Pinkie Pie. Good or bad. Her mind tilted towards a bad response.

“Does that mean we can be friends?”

The unexpected reply forced Berry Punch to look back at Pinkie Pie who had a small smile on her face. Berry Punch didn’t know how to respond at first.

“I wouldn’t mind.”

Pinkie’s smile grew wider and she embraced Berry Punch briefly before backing off. “Great! Oh, I can’t wait! You still haven’t had a proper welcome to town, but I’d understand if you’d want to push it back. Don’t worry I Pinkie Promise you I won’t set anything up without asking you first.” Pinkie did a set of motions to seal the promise.

“I’d like that a lot, Pinkie Pie. I have to go, but let me know when you figured something out.” I can figure out the gems myself. I think. Minuette did say they were other ponies around town.

Pinkie Pie nodded, before she tilted her head.

“Soooo, whatcha doing today?”

“Trying to find gems for a gift.”

“Ooh, who for?”

“Roseluck.”

Pinkie Pie had a sparkle in her eye.

“I think I know just the pony who can help.”

Berry Punch had an idea of who she was talking about.

“Are you sure? I don’t think Rarity would like to see me. I can find gems from another vendor.”

“Of course! What’s the gift idea?”

Berry Punch explained the idea in full.

“See! Just tell her that. Rarity’s a romantic, she’ll get it.” Pinkie Pie put a hoof to her chin. “Although, she might be a bit frosty at first.” She shook her head. “It’ll be fine! Come on, let’s go!”

Minuette waved goodbye with a grin on her face. Berry Punch waved back before hurrying after the party pony.

As they approached the boutique, Berry Punch didn’t feel any more confident. If she was being honest, Pinkie Pie’s cheerful mood was the support she was leaning on at the moment.

Without an ounce of hesitation Pinkie knocked on the door.

Once Rarity opened the door, she embraced her friend.

“I didn’t expect you, darling. Tell me, what did you want?”

“I have a friend who needs some help.” She tilted her head towards Berry Punch. “She needs some gems pronto! I’ll let her explain why.”

Rarity’s expression turned neutral as she eyed Berry Punch.

“I see.” Her ear twitched. “Why?”

The question was about more than the gems.

“I’m… putting a gift together for a friend. I need some help.”

“Help me understand first.” Her voice sharpened. “Did you even apologize properly? Or did you only apologize to get my help?”

Pinkie Pie deflated at Rarity’s words.

“Rarity…”

“No, I want to hear it from her.”

Berry Punch was squarely under the spotlight.

“I was going to avoid apologizing today,” she admitted, “but a friend of mine convinced me not to. I had avoided the subject for so long it was easier for me to not address it at all. So, I apologized to her. Not to gain anything in return. Though she did offer her friendship afterwards. If you don’t want to do business with me that’s fine, I understand.”

Berry Punch watched as Rarity scrutinized her answer, and picked apart the words as they were said. In a way, it was similar to what Paint Spots would do, except it was in defense of a friend rather than selfish gain.

“I believe you.” The words brought relief only for a moment. “But, if I do this for you, you’re going to let Pinkie Pie redo your welcome party. That’s my price.”

“I Pinkie Promise.” Berry Punch went through the motions.

Rarity nodded in satisfaction while Pinkie Pie smiled.

“Now, what’s this idea of yours?” Her voice took on a more business-like tone.

Berry Punch explained the idea in full.

True to Pinkie Pie’s word Rarity’s neutral visage cracked and a sparkle entered her eye. A smile spread across her face.

“You should have opened with that, dear.” She laughed. “I guess I didn’t make it easy on you. I care about my friends, you know. Do you have a reference drawing?”

Berry Punch nodded and pulled out the drawing Pliant made from her saddlebags.

“Ah! This is lovely!” Rarity levitated the picture from Berry Punch and motioned them inside. “Come in! We can talk more comfortably inside.”

Berry Punch settled on one of Rarity’s couches. The whole thing was surreal to her. Never did she think she would be here, much less talking to Rarity and Pinkie Pie. She had to thank Minuette for her help. Now that I think about it, Minuette really has helped a lot. Berry Punch thought something over. She should get a gift too.

“You seem to be daydreaming, darling.”

Berry Punch snapped out of her thoughts.

“Sorry, I do that sometimes.”

“Now, what gems were you thinking?”

“Something red.”

“Like a traditional rose. Fitting.” Rarity’s horn lit up, and an array of red gems floated in front of her. “A variety of garnet gems could do, or cherry opal, red amethyst, or a classic ruby.”

Berry Punch looked over the gemstones. To her they looked almost the same, but the one that stood out the most was dark pink with swirls of light pink across it’s surface.

“What’s that one?”

“Cherry opal, more on the pink side of red.”

“I think that will work,” Berry Punch said.

Rarity nodded to herself.

“Lovely choice. Now I see in the image here the gems are sharply cut. Do you want them sharp, round, or sharp with rounded edges?”

“Sharp.”

“Understood!” Rarity scribbled down some notes. “Can I keep this reference, darling?”

Berry Punch nodded.

“Oh, and Pliant is the one working the metal. I’ll let her know you’re working on the gems.”

“No need.” Rarity waved the concern away. “I’ve worked with Pliant before, I’ll let her know sometime today.”

“Thank you. And Rarity…” Berry Punch hesitated, “thanks for helping me out. I know you didn’t have to.”

“Not a problem. Roseluck’s a nice pony, and I’m sure she’ll love the gift.” Rarity got up. “Now shoo! I need time to work on this.” Pinkie Pie giggled as the two were pushed out the door.

“See, told you romance would help.” Pinkie Pie bounced in place. “I have my own stuff to prepare. Who knows when your welcome party could be! And there’s still a Hearth’s Warming party to put together!”

The two said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

Now to find a gift for Minuette.

Berry Punch went back to Pliant’s stall.

The mare in question was humming a tune while her magic molded metal into a round shape.

“Hey, Pliant.”

“Oh! Hi, Berry Punch. You find a gem vendor?”

“Yes, she’ll be contacting you soon. That’s not why I’m here though.”

“Oh? What for then?” She tilted her head in confusion. “I don’t have anything done on your order just yet.”

Berry Punch shook her head.

“It’s for Minuette. She’s been a great friend, and I thought of a gift for her.”

“Well, lay it on me. I can make just about anything.”

“What if it’s not something you can make, but can teach?”

The time was crawling past at a slug’s pace. Or maybe it was the fact Berry Punch kept glancing at the clock every couple of minutes. The bar was more packed then usual considering it was Hearth’s Warming Eve. Friends and family all celebrating in there own way. Berry Punch normally was bitter around this time of year, and kept her distance. Now, she wanted to leave for an entirely different reason.

Roseluck had invited her over for Hearth’s Warming Eve night. All she was doing now was waiting for her shift to end so she could wash up and head over there. Berry Punch eyed the clock again. The hour hand sat firmly on six. Only two more hours, then I can go. Her musing was interrupted by multiple calls for drinks. After she mixed the last cocktail and served it she idly wiped the counter. Maybe just one more glance at the clock?

6:23.

She sighed. Normally she’d be able to blink through a shift no problem, but thoughts of Roseluck made that more difficult than usual.

“What’s got you down, Berry Punch?” Berry Punch turned to see Sour Whiskey leaning on the counter beside her. Age had not dimmed the sharpness behind his gold colored eyes.

“It’s nothing.” She mixed another drink and hoofed it over to a customer. Sour lightly chuckled.

“Normally I wouldn’t pry into your business, but you’ve been happier these past few months.” Sour hummed to himself. “You’ve been workin’ for me for awhile, but I’m not blind. You don’t like workin’ here.” Berry Punch was about to deny it, but Sour shook his head. “Don’t lie now. Unless you somehow suddenly like the job, which I doubt. I’m guessin’ it’s something or somepony else.”

Berry Punch nodded.

“Thought so.” Sour seemed to mull something over for a moment. “You got a date or something tonight?”

“No, it’s not a date.” Berry Punch found herself blushing at the thought. She didn’t call it that, and neither did I. So, it can’t be one… right? Berry Punch found herself withering under his disbelieving stare.

“Mhm, sure, if that’s what you say.” Sour turned and pulled an apron off a nearby hook and used his magic to strap the clothing on.

“Um, what are you doing?”

“Preparin’ for a long night. You should get goin’ though. I reckon you need some time to prepare for your not-date.” Berry Punch looked at him in surprise.

“Don’t you need help?” The stallion snorted.

“I’ve been runnin’ this bar since before you were born. I can handle a night by myself.” He looked over at her. “’Sides, you won’t lose any pay for this. Consider it an early Hearth’s Warmin’ Gift.”

Berry Punch felt a smile grow on her face.

“Thank you so much!” She moved to give him a hug, but he held a hoof out.

“I’m good. Save that for whoever your meetin’.” Berry Punch blushed and backed up. “Enjoy your night.”

“Thanks again!” She called back as she left the building and headed to her house. She had some cleaning up to do before she headed over to Roseluck’s house, and she needed to grab her gift.

Berry Punch stared at the door. Roseluck’s door. She had been invited to come over the day before Hearth’s Warming. It was not a date. Right? Doubt lingered in her mind. Roseluck was a friend. This was just a friendly visit between friends. With no one else here. I don’t know if she wants anything more. I know I do, but I’m too scared to say anything. I might screw up. Scratch that I will screw up.

Some part of her mind groaned in frustration and demanded her to knock on the door and get it over with. Standing out here in the cold isn’t going to solve anything. She rapped her hoof on the door and waited.

The door swung open and Roseluck greeted her with a hug.

“You’re just in time! I finished with the hot chocolate a couple minutes ago.” Roseluck released her and gestured inside. “I also have marshmallows if you’re interested?”

Berry Punch smiled and nodded. Her fears melted away in Roseluck’s presence. I’ll just enjoy her company either way. I can ask her some other time.

The living room had been rearranged, presumably for the holidays. The record player was moved away from its usual corner, and in its place was a decorated tree. Various types of blooming paper flowers hung from the branches while golden vines wrapped around the tree with hanging tassels. The tree was topped with a sun and moon ornament with a soft yellow light emanating from the sun and a gentle white from the moon. The coffee table had a decorative red, green, and white cover. Snowflake decorated coasters sat on the table in a neat stack of four.

Roseluck came back in the room with a tray balanced on her back with two mugs on them. She deftly placed the tray on one of the end tables next to Berry Punch before taking a mug and settling herself on the couch. She set out two coasters on the table and placed her mug down on one of them.

Berry Punch took the other mug and gave a test sip.

“Ach! Hot, hot!” The small bit of hot chocolate she drank burned its way down her throat. Berry Punch expected Roseluck to laugh at her, but when she looked over all she could see was concern.

“It just came off the stove, be careful! Are you okay?” Roseluck had a hoof on her shoulder.

“I’m fine, should’ve waited for it to cool down first.” Berry Punch blew over the hot liquid, but the steam rising from it didn’t abate. She placed the cup down to cool on its own. She tried to be sneaky about it, but it was hard to carefully get Roseluck’s gift from her saddlebags secretly. “I got you something. I was going to wait until tomorrow, but I couldn’t wait.”

Berry Punch hoofed over the wrapped box.

Roseluck unwrapped the gift only to be met with an unassuming rectangular box. Roseluck examined the box, but there were no markings or obvious signs of what was inside. So, she opened the top. Berry Punch watched her expression nervously.

Roseluck let out a soft gasp. “You got this for me?” There was a note of disbelief in her voice.

“Yes.” Berry Punch felt increasingly anxious as she didn’t take the item out of the box. “Do you like it?”

“Do I like it?” Roseluck took the object out of the box and placed it on the table. The rose brooch sat there. The metallic stem ended in a sharp point with two leaves as additional support to keep the brooch firmly in place while being worn. The rest of the leaves curled outwards with silver detailing inlaid into the pale gold surface. At the top cherry opal gems made up the shape of a rose. Each one sparkled in the ambient light. Berry Punch made a mental note to thank Rarity sometime. She put a pin in that thought as the mare who’s thoughts she really cared about was put to the forefront.

Roseluck looked from the brooch to Berry Punch then back again. Then she embraced Berry Punch.

“I love it.”

Berry Punch felt her heart swell in her chest. Her anxiety washed away, and she was filled with relief.

“I’m happy you love it.”

Roseluck let her go and leaned against her shoulder.

Berry Punch leaned back.

“So why did you…um...want me over today?” The question was simple. The context behind it not so much.

“Well, ever since the holidays swung around I’ve been swamped with flower orders. Now that everything’s died down a bit I wanted to relax with somepony I care about. Things been busy at your workplace too?”

“Yeah, but probably not the same as yours. Lots of ponies celebrating there tonight. I’d probably still be there, but Sour let me off early. I don’t know how he knew, but he found out I was going somewhere tonight. I guess it was written on my face.”

“That was kind of him. What do you mean by it was ‘written on your face’?”

“He said I looked happier.” Berry Punch leaned her head on top of Roseluck’s.

“Are you?”

“With you in my life, yes.” Berry Punch hastily added, “And Minuette too. I didn’t mean to leave her out. She’s one of the first genuine friends I’ve had in a long time.” She felt Roseluck snuggle closer.

“I’ve been happier lately too,” Roseluck hummed. Her eyes were closed, and she had long since placed her mug on the floor.

“Are you tired?”

“It’s been a long day, Berry Punch.” Roseluck’s ear flicked. “I only got home an hour ago. I was going to set up something for us to do. A board game or cards, but...” She felt Roseluck shrug. “You coming over earlier also didn’t give me a lot of time.” Berry Punch’s ears drooped.

“Oh, sorry about that. I was so excited to come over, and when I got off early I couldn’t wait any longer.” Berry Punch blushed as the explanation tumbled out. “I can set something up to make up—” Roseluck’s hoof had reached up and covered her muzzle.

“I wasn’t mad Berry Punch.” Roseluck’s hoof dropped back down. “Besides I don’t think a pillow should talk this much.”

“Pillow?”

“Mhm, yep, that’s you. Now shush.” Roseluck adjusted herself to be more comfortable before her breathing slowed down.

Berry Punch made herself as comfortable as possible before she too slipped into sleep.

Author's Note

I know, it's been a long time between updates. But! I have this chapter now, and another chapter will be posted on Christmas Eve! Pinkie Promise . As usual leave any thoughts or corrections in the comments (If the list of corrections is long, feel free to PM me the list! )