The first thing that greeted her was the smell of cinnamon pancakes. She tried to ignore the delicious smell and go back to sleep, but her stomach betrayed her with a growl. Sighing, she opened her eyes and found herself in Roseluck’s living room. I stayed the night? Wait, it’s Hearth’s Warming!

Berry Punch jumped off the couch and into the kitchen where Roseluck was just finishing up a small batch on pancakes.

“Good morning or should I say afternoon?” Roseluck teased. Berry Punch looked at the clock. 11:15.

“I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“Honestly, I was surprised I woke up before you. I only got up two hours ago myself,” Roseluck said. Berry Punch’s mouth watered as she stared at the pancakes. “Also your parents were here, but once they saw you were still asleep they went over to my parents house. Now, have some lunch, I can tell you’re hungry.”

The two sat down and ate the delectable pancakes. These taste just as good as last time. When the food was gone and the dishes clean Roseluck spoke up.

“Now, I think we could both use a shower before we head over to my parents, I’ll let you go first.”

“Oh, right!” It had nearly slipped Berry Punch’s mind. It’s Hearth’s Warming you silly filly! Berry Punch headed off to the bathroom.

The feeling of warm water on her coat was heavenly. She scrubbed out any grime and dirt in her coat before moving on to her mane and then her tail. After turning off the water she dried herself off, brushed her mane and tail. After a cursory look in the mirror she nodded, satisfied, before letting Roseluck into the bathroom for her own shower.

Berry Punch idly looked over the pictures in Roseluck’s house, keeping her hooves to herself this time. She wondered if one day there would be pictures of them up there too. The thought brought a warm feeling to her heart.

The sound of a door opening brought her back to reality, and she turned around.

“Hey, ready to…” Berry Punch trailed off. Roseluck’s messy mane and tail from earlier had been thoroughly cleaned and brushed leaving it with a healthy sheen. Behind her left ear was the brooch she gave her. The colors accenting her perfectly. Her coat glowed and her eyes sparkled. Berry Punch was at a loss for words, instead she gaped her mouth stupidly.

“Ready to go?” Roseluck finished with an arched brow.

Berry Punch nodded, embarrassed.

“Yeah, sorry.” Berry Punch wrapped her scarf around her neck, and hurriedly headed towards the front door. “Let’s go.”

A quick walk later and the two had arrived at her parent’s house. The structure was both a shop and home, with the front door at the back of the house, and the shop up front. Iris Petal opened the door and welcomed them inside. There was a round of hellos between the new arrivals and those who had settled in. Her parents, Minuette, and a pink mare she didn’t recognize welcomed them into the living room.

Minuette was already talking animatedly to her parents. The unnamed mare walked forwards and put her hoof out.

“Hi, my name’s Daisy. You must be Berry Punch?”

“Yes.”

Daisy smiled.

“Nice to finally meet you. Roseluck’s letters gave me some insight, but there’s nothing better than an in-pony meeting.”

“What do you know?”

“Oh, not much. You’re an artist. Roseluck’s known you for about a year now. What else?” Daisy tapped her hoof. “Right, my sister talks a lot about how much she—”

Roseluck put a hoof over her mouth.

“No more about that.” Roseluck seemed embarrassed.

Daisy laughed and gently pushed aside her hoof.

“My lips are sealed.”

Berry Punch looked between the two for clarification, but Daisy stayed true to her word and Roseluck looked like she wanted the topic to change.

“So, Daisy where do you live?” Berry Punch decided to make her peace with the mystery and move the conversation along.

“Fillydelphia. I work a herbs shop there. It’s a nice place. The ponies can be difficult sometimes, but they don’t mean it.” She chuckled. “They got a hard shell, and getting around it can be tricky. Once you get to know them, they’ll warm up to you. What about you? Did you grow up here too or are you new?”

“I originally lived in Manehatten, then I went to college in Canterlot. Once I graduated I left later in the year to here. That’s a bit of a story in and of itself, but that’s the long and short of it.”

“Oh? So you’ve only been here a couple years then. I don’t think I was around when you arrived. Where do you work?”

“A bar.”

Daisy quirked an eyebrow.

“I would have assumed something more artistic.”

Berry Punch shrugged.

“It’s my talent, and it keeps the bills paid. I haven’t made anything off my art.”

“You know, there’s an art festival in the spring. They rotate around all the small towns. I’m pretty sure it’s being held this year. Give it a try, you never know how things could end up.”

Berry Punch turned to Roseluck.

“Would it really be fine? I mean, I haven’t shown my art in a long time. What if it’s not enough?”

Roseluck smiled.

“You won’t know unless you try, right?”

Comforted, Berry Punch turned back to Daisy.

“I’ll think about it, thank you Daisy.”

A sudden protest sounded from another room.

"You shouldn't be getting up!" A male voice said.

"Eh, you said today's a good day for me. What happened to that?"

"I did say that, but you should be resting."

"Well, I'm kinda tired of being tired. Boring as all get out. 'Sides I can hear Berry Punch out there, and I haven't even got a moment to meet the gal."

"I get it, but—"

"Now, Tender Care, I like ya son. I know how much ya've done for me, I mean Tartarus ya're pretty much family, but ya're getting into my business."

Tender Care sighed. "Can you at least get in the wheelchair?"

"I can accept that."

Iris looked over at the door frame in worry as her husband came into view. He had a cream coat similar to Roseluck's with dark teal mane and tail. His turquoise eyes were a little cloudy and unfocused, but still had a spark in them. His body was pale and skinny like their wasn't enough blood flow. He had a gear with a wrench overlaid over it as a cutie mark.

Tender Heart pushed the wheel chair out of the room, carefully balancing on two hooves. He was an all white pony, mane, tail, and all. His eyes were soft blue, and his cutie mark was red cross with an asklepian centered in the middle. He seemed polite and well mannered, if a bit socially shy.

Roseluck eyed her dad with a critical eye.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Dad? You can rest more if you need it.”

“Fine as a peach, as Tender Heart says.”

Tender Heart frowned.

“I said you were better today, not fine.”

“Semantics, details.” The stallion rolled his eyes. “I’m feelin’ fine. Only wish I could stand up and prove it. Nurse says no, though. I’ll listen, I suppose.”

Tender Heart nodded in satisfaction.

“I’m glad you listened today.”

“He’s a bit stubborn, so it’s hard to get him to relax,” Roseluck whispered to Berry Punch before turning to her dad. “Glad you’re feeling better, Dad. Don’t push it.” She lightly tapped his chest.

He chuckled.

“’Course, I know my limits.”

Tender Heart coughed at the assertion.

“Most of the time leastways.” The stallion turned his attention to Berry Punch.

"So, ya’re the mare my daughter talks about so much. Name's Gear Patch. Been fixin' up this shop for an odd twenty years, when my health permits." Gear offered his hoof shakily.

Berry Punch shook his hoof.

"My name's Berry Punch."

Gear gave a rattled laugh. "Oh, I know. Don't ya worry none about that. Roseluck talks plenty about ya here. Just haven't had a chance to meet ya proper." He scrutinized her. "Ya care for her?"

"I do. She did, and still does, a lot for me." He narrowed his eyes at her and Berry Punch returned the look.

They both stared at each other as the tension rose in the room. A tension which broke when Gear gave a wide smile.

"Ya care for her all right. If it ain't the truth, Celestia doesn't raise the sun."

Berry Punch broke her stare off in surprise at the stallion's change of mood.

Roseluck sternly stared at him.

“You didn’t have to do that, Dad.”

"Sorry 'bout the challenge, Rose. Ya know I didn't come from here. Ponies where I come from are a mite more mean. Ya’re your own mare anyhow, shoulda trusted your instincts." He chuckled and looked back to Berry Punch. "Not like I coulda fought with ya anyhow."

Berry Punch didn't know how to feel about the stallion’s admission, but felt happy he accepted her.

He clapped his hooves together. "My Iris here told me yer some kinda artist? Now, that don't match with the mark on yer flank. Gots me wondering how you got there. Wide range 'tween alcohol and artistry." He chuckled. "Though where I come from they might as well be entwined." This was more of the question Berry Punch was worried about when she met Iris. She bit her lip.

"It was a hobby, but I liked it better than my talent."

Gear mulled over the short reply for a moment. "There ain't nothin' wrong with that. Marks ain't an identity. They're just a push in a direction. Just rotten luck yers wasn't in one you wanted." He smiled widely. "Yer got a spirit in ya, I like that in a pony. Should've met ya sooner, pain be damned."

Iris frowned at the comment.

"I know, I know, recover first, yappn' later." Gear turned back to Berry Punch. "I flap my gums too much. Need that energy for Hearth’s Warming. Nice meetin' ya, Berry Punch." Tender Care sighed in relief. He waved at Berry Punch before Pushing Gear back to his room.

Iris watched them the whole way until the door was closed.

"I worry one of these days he won't be able to leave that room," she whispered, barely audible. Berry Punch politely pretended not to hear. Iris turned to Berry Punch. "Sorry if he made you feel uncomfortable. He's very... upfront with how he feels. Not much room for tact or subtlety."

Berry Punch waved it off. "At first it took me off guard, but I don't think he meant any harm. "

"I'm glad. Some ponies around here don't take too kindly to him."

"I just think he's misunderstood." Berry Punch paused. "I understand that feeling."

Iris smiled warmly and Roseluck seemed to share the sentiment. "That's one more pony that understands him better. Feel free to come over any time. Between you and me I think the lack of socialization has him a little stir crazy. He used to talk to every pony around town, whether they liked him or not. Now, well..."

Iris shook her head.

"It's just good for him and his health."

"I wouldn't mind that."

"You're a good pony, Berry Punch."

Maybe some months ago the comment would have pricked at her insecurity, and made her downplay her own ability to be kind. Compress her confidence into a fine mist and throw it the wind. Now? She felt warmth. She felt good. It felt a little strange, but she allowed herself to feel it.

"Thank you, Iris."

“Hey, Berry Punch!” A familiar voice called out.

She looked over at the source and smiled as her parents came into view.

She embraced both of them.

“I’m happy to see you two here.”

“Well, we couldn’t turn down an invitation to see you, now could we?” Foster pulled out a wrapped gift and placed it on the table. “Plus I had to see your face when you opened this.”

Berry Punch unwrapped the gift. A plain box greeted her. She opened the box and was met with an immaculate piece of woodwork. This time it was a carving of her new home in Ponyville. The surface was carefully painted to match the color of her house. The only inaccurate detail was the cleaned up front lawn. Still need to tidy that up. A tiny version of her lounged on the house steps.

She smiled and hugged her dad.

“It looks great! Like always. Thank you, Dad.”

“Of course, sweetie. It wouldn’t be nearly as good without Roseluck’s help. She gave me the details I needed to make it happen.”

Roseluck had a red tint on her cheeks.

“You didn’t have to tell her that. I said you can take credit for the gift.”

“I could’ve, but why leave you out? You were a big help.”

“Thank you for the gift too, Roseluck.”

Roseluck nodded back, a little flustered. She looks cute like that.

Juniper glanced over at Roseluck and a smile crossed her face.

“Where did you get that?” She pointed to the brooch.

“Berry Punch gifted it last night as an early Hearth’s Warming gift.”

“Really?” Juniper shot Berry Punch a knowing look. “I think it’s a lovely gift. Don’t you dear?”

“Yep. Nice metal work too.”

Minuette popped up nearby.

“Aw, you didn’t wait for me before you gave it to her.”

“Sorry, Minuette I just wanted to, um, give it to her alone.” She lowered her voice at the last part.

“Oh! I see.” A mischievous grin spread on to her face. “You going to tell her tonight at the dance?”

“Dance?” Berry Punch whispered back.

“Yeah, it’s a whole thing. Pinkie Pie set it up. Since you didn’t know, I can lend you a dress of mine if that works for you.”

“Sure. When?”

“Around eight.”

Berry Punch nodded. “Works for me. Oh, also, here’s your gift.”

She hoofed over a envelope.

Minuette tore open the envelope and read over the paper inside.

“Is this lessons for metal molding?”

“Yep! I worked something out with Pliant. I know you always wanted to be able to make metal gears with your magic. Now you should be able—”

Minuette swept her into a tight hug.

“This is a great gift! Thanks, Berry Punch.”

“Not…a...problem.” Berry Punch managed to wheeze out. “You can let go now.”

“Oh, sorry!” Minuette released her and Berry Punch took in a mouthful of air. “I was just excited! Do you know what this means? I can make my clocks last a lot longer, and more complex. Thanks again.”

Roseluck nudged her.

“Nice gift. Glad you looked out for Minuette too.”

“She helped me through too. It’s the least I could do.”

A loud stomp sounded throughout the room.

“Dinner’s ready!” Iris’ voice carried across the room.

The group gathered in the dining room. A large amount of food was laid out on the table. Boiled carrots, mashed potatoes, salad, turnip soup, and healthy heaps of seasoned hay. Cold water, non-alcoholic cider, and sparkling grape juice.

As everypony settled down into their seats, Berry Punch’s thoughts turned toward the dance later tonight. She wondered how it was going to go. Her nerves simmered on the edge in the background, even as she laughed and smiled in the foreground.

Berry Punch felt nervous. Tapping her hoof? Check. Eyes wandering to the floor and ceiling? Right on the mark. Butterflies fluttering around in her stomach? You bet. She didn’t feel comfortable in the dress Minuette loaned her, but the blue mare insisted.

“Hey, you’re looking green. Doing okay?”

“Fine, just nerves and butterflies.” Berry Punch looked at the ground, hyper focusing on the texture and color of the cobbled stone. The two were waiting outside Roseluck’s house. She would be out any minute now.

“Take a breath, center yourself. It’ll be okay.”

Berry Punch inhaled and exhaled.

“I don’t know if that helps. This anxiety feels different. I don’t know. I’m worried she’ll say no.” She bit her lip. “What do I do then? Things will be awkward then our friendship might fall apart.”

“Don’t let it ruin tonight. Go with the flow, and let your heart out.” Minuette smiled. “Besides, you look great! You can’t be moping with your thoughts.”

“Okay, okay.” Berry Punch took a moment and boxed her thoughts up in a crate, and pushed that crate into a lake. “I think I’m good.”

Minuette looked past her. “Perfect timing.”

Her thoughts trailed off as she saw Roseluck walk up to them.

She was wearing a long red dress. The back of which was made of a silky material that looked close to a petal texture. A lighter red made up the section that wrapped around her barrel with green cloth vines wrapped around it. The vines all connected around her chest and formed a gentle arch. A rose sat neatly behind her ear. All in all she was—

“Beautiful.” The word had slipped out before Berry Punch could regain control of herself. Minuette overheard and laughed knowingly.

“What’s so funny?” Roseluck asked as she walked up.

“Oh, nothing.” Minuette waved a hoof dismissively. Whew, I won’t have to— “Just something Berry Punch said.” Berry Punch gave Minuette the best glare she had, but Minuette only smiled innocently.

Roseluck turned to Berry Punch and smiled. “Well, if it made Minuette laugh, why don’t you say it again?”

“Um, I mean it wasn’t really a joke or anything.”

Minuette subtly nudged Berry Punch. Oh, this is about what we talked about earlier.

“I just said, you know, that you’re…” Berry Punch looked away “...beautiful.”

“Thank you! You look great too.” Berry Punch had the courage to look back to see Roseluck was blushing lightly.

“Let’s head on to the party, hm?” Minuette led the group down the road until they reached a decorated building.

Upon entering Pinkie Pie greeted them.

“Hello! Welcome to the greatest Hearth’s Warming party to date!” Pinkie smiled. “It’s nice to see you here, Berry Punch. Oooh! You gave Roseluck her gift.” The mare bounced in place. “It looks super! Really matches your mane Roseluck.”

“Thanks, Pinkie!”

“Hey, Pinkie, do you mind helping me with something?” Minuette asked.

“Sure! What do you need help with?”

“We can talk about it over there.” Minuette inclined her head to a table.

“Lead the way!”

Minuette winked at Berry Punch before heading off with Pinkie Pie.

Berry Punch shuffled in place.

“Have you been to this party before?”

“A couple times. It’s more of a couples thing than anything else.” Berry Punch felt her cheeks burn. Did she plan something too? She nervously pulled her thoughts together and got ready to ask.

“Do you want to dance?”

Roseluck could have said anything in response to the question. She could decline. She could give a lurk-warm response. She could have a lot of things. Berry Punch’s mind was working overdrive trying to quash all the bad outcomes.

“Yes.” The answer was almost unbelievable. Is this happening? She stayed reserved.

She found herself led out onto the dance floor.

“Is this a bad time to mention I can’t really dance?”

“You’ll be fine, follow my lead.” Roseluck smiled in encouragement.

Berry Punch did her best to follow what Roseluck was doing, but even if she messed up a couple times Roseluck kept encouraging her forwards. After a good ten minutes she had enough of handle on it to follow Roseluck convincingly enough.

The dance was nothing close to anything traditional, but that was fine. It was a mix of improvising and care. A balancing act of sorts. She felt the words welling up, she wanted to let her heart take control of her vocal cords and play a symphony.

“Hey, Roseluck?”

“Yes?”

“You’ve helped me so much this past year.” Once she got started Berry Punch found she couldn’t stop. “You brought me back on my hooves when I was stumbling. You helped me reconnect with my parents. You helped me with my alcohol problem. I can’t even count the number of days which you cheered up just by being there. You didn’t judge my hobby based on the mark on my flank.” Berry Punch laughed. “And you helped clean up my house. I didn’t think anypony else would do something like that.”

Berry Punch noticed the space between them shrinking, but she didn’t mind.

“Then my… birthday. When I really thought things would break. Minuette helped me see clearly. Even then I didn’t think an apology would be enough, but you surprised me like usual.” She felt herself faltering. “I guess what I’m trying to say is thank you. Thank you so much and…” Berry Punch’s heart was hammering in her chest. Of all the things she wanted to say this was the hardest.

“It’s okay, take your time.” Her heart swelled. A moment of quiet passed between them.

“I like you, a lot.”

Her nerves got the better of her and she closed her eyes and waited for any response. Despite her hopes, she felt Roseluck would let her down easy. A gentle rejection. Then she could take a cold shower and put the pieces of her heart back together. Some part of her expected it.

Then she felt Roseluck’s lips against hers, and she took her expectations and smashed them against the floor. The kiss only lasted a couple seconds, but it felt much longer. Berry Punch felt almost dizzy. She blinked and looked into Roseluck’s sparkling green eyes.

“I like you too.” Happiness like she hadn’t felt in a long time spread throughout her body. She was almost giddy. As the music wound down to a close she walked side by side with Roseluck back to Minuette and Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie was sliding a couple bits over to Minuette who swept them up into a small bag.

“What’s this?” Roseluck asked.

“Oh! We were just playing a little game! I thought for sure Berry Punch would kiss first, but you chickened out.” Pinkie waved an accusing hoof at Berry Punch, but her face broke out into a wide smile.

“I didn’t know you were betting.” Berry Punch turned to Minuette. “You bet against me?”

Minuette smiled.

“Sorry, Berry Punch. I know you pretty well, and I know Roseluck too. Besides I had some inside intel.” Minuette looked at Roseluck. She talked to her too?

“I bet for you!” Pinkie Pie interjected.

“Thank you, Pinkie Pie. I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem!” Pinkie Pie beamed. “Oh! Can you look over this? It’s for your welcome party next year.” Pinkie Pie brought out a pink book with confetti on the cover. “I haven’t got a date yet, but I wanted you to look over somethings.”

Berry Punch eyed the cover. A part of her wanted to open the book, but another part respected Pinkie Pie’s skill enough not too. In the end she hoofed it back over to her.

“I trust you, Pinkie Pie. Let me know when and where the party is when it’s ready.”

Pinkie Pie slipped the book into her saddlebags.

“Will do!” Pinkie Pie’s tail twitched. “Nearly forgot! Twilight needs my help with the fireworks. Seeya around!” Pinkie Pie bounced away without waiting for a response, humming a tune to herself.

“Oh yeah! The fireworks show.” Minuette got up. “We don’t want to miss that!”

The trio headed out towards the fields where the show was taking place.

The three sat in the grass as the show started. Red, greens, blues, and yellows danced across the sky in spectacular shapes.

Berry Punch leaned against Roseluck.

“You talked to Minuette too?”

“I was nervous too, Berry Punch,” Roseluck admitted. “I didn’t know entirely how you felt. To be honest I had a whole script I was going to read out before you started talking. After you finished I gave the only response that mattered.” Roseluck kissed her on the cheek, leaving Berry Punch to blush furiously. “The way you get flustered is adorable.”

Berry Punch only found herself blushing more. Berry Punch managed to focus enough to get a thought out of her mind.

“What’s after this?”

“You worry a lot you know.” Roseluck hummed. “We can take things at your pace. I think as long as were together we can weather anything.”

Berry Punch took the words as comfort.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Author's Note

Hey guys, sorry about the missed deadline! I had some difficulty putting this one together. At least it's only two days late. (As usual, if you have a long list of corrections, PM them to me! Otherwise a comment is fine. ) Happy late Christmas!