The Hearth's Warming Deal

Two Weeks Later

The man stirs awake in this early winter morning to an empty bed, the same doesn't go for the room. He spies Twilight sitting at her desk looking over some papers. If he had to guess, the guest list and menu or Fudge's letter. Yes, Fudge has wrote home to her dad letting her know that her last day of school was today, a few days ago. She wants him to meet her at the station in Ponyville, but he has some business to attend at Canterlot. A majority of the castle is now decorated, the only space not touched is the main room. His mare wanting to decorate that one as a family. He was down for the idea and gladly agreed with her. Justin starts to shift a bit, having yet to draw Twilight from her ruminations.

"Good Morning, Equestria." He murmurs just loud enough for her to hear.

She looks over and smiles at what is now their greeting in the mornings. "Morning."

The man gets to his feet, following with a stretch before he wanders over to the desk and gives his wife a morning kiss. "Whathca looking at."

"You're rather large guest list. This is most of the town." She confirms his suspicions. "Are you sure we can make enough food for this in time?"

He makes a noise with his mouth and waves his hand in a dismissive manner. "Of course we will! Pinkie is gonna help us cook."

Twilight found a sudden ease she wasn't looking for. The alicorn wasn't much of a cook compared to her human or her bombastic friend. Yet when it comes to baking with speed, Pinkie certainly dominates that corner. The smile soon grows wider as she looks back to the desk, setting the papers down then grabbing hold of a letter. Fudge' letter addressed to them telling them when her school will let out for the holidays and that she wants to meet them at the station. It's been a little while since Twilight last her, not since their wedding, and it warms her heart knowing how just as eager she is to see them. Soon her gaze turns up towards her husband.

"Do you think she's going to like us just showing up?" Twilight sounds a bit nervous. Still unsure how to be a real mother to a filly, let alone her own stepdaughter.

"Of course she will! IT may not be the station like she wants." His arms fall around her seated body in a warm embrace. "I know my girl and she'll be happy to see us either way."

Twilight just smiles and leans into him, knowing she can trust his words.

Man and pony walk down the snow-covered streets of Ponyville, making their way to the train station. The two intend to catch the early ride to Canterlot, surprise Fudge, then hand out their personal invitations. As it turns out, Justin also made a list of 'Honored Guests' that is mainly made up of all their friends. A majority of he list being taken up by Twilight's friends and fellow herd mates while the other was made up of strange selection of creatures Justin knows. Celestia and Luna are a given, Ember she could see since they got along rather infamously. She just wasn't expecting there to be one for the pirate that human-napped him. Then it dawns on her why he left for Manehattan by himself last week. Probably didn't know how the alicorn would react to meeting his captor for a brief time.

She finds it way too interesting that he now gets along with the pony that took him hostage. And almost threw Fudge overboard. And almost sold him on a black market somewhere. Twilight shakes her head, deciding not too focus too much on what could've happened if he didn't let himself loose and start causing problems. Instead just deciding to look ahead while on their way.

It isn't an uncommon thing for the couple to walk at a reasonably slow pace on while they take their strolls. Both of them tend to make it rather obvious that one enjoys the other's company and the feeling is always mutual. They do arrive at the station with some rather impeccable timing as the train to Canterlot just pulled in. They give one another a smirk at the supposed arrival, going on to getting their tickets and being seated. Twilight is feeling a bit uncomfortable at the fact they were given a private car all to themselves, still not used to to royal treatment that comes with her Princess status. Thankfully she doesn't have to be alone, her human was sitting nearby, looking over the two invitations he had kept stashed in his coat pocket. She can see the smile on his face and feel his excitement for seeing both his friends and his daughter, but a slight doubt lingers in his brain.

Twilight leans forwards, placing a hand on his knee. "If I know Celestia and Luna, they're going to say yes."

"I'm a little worried about catching them at a bad time." He looks up at her, his smile persisting.

"When haven't they made time for you or me?" She simply responds with a smile back at him.

"Yeah. You're right." Justin finally relents and slides the envelopes back into his coat pocket.

The streets of Canterlot are alive with the hoof traffic of the holidays. Ponies rushing to and fro in an attempt to get their gift shopping done. Shop windows have tinsel, paper snowflakes, and trees set up in them while the street lanterns all have wreaths hanging from them. Snow is gently falling down upon the crowded streets. The ponies running about seem to pay the odd couple no mind, but when one would happen to run across them, they would always bow to Twilight. Justin seemingly goes forgotten as he chuckles a little to himself at his wife's slight dismay, she's being respectful to them but he knows he's going to get a look every time the ponies left. They meander on however right up to their first destination: Fudge's school.

The minutes tick on by as Fudge bounces her leg in excitement. Her anticipation is palpable as she waits for the las bell to ring for the day. This was the school's last calls for the rest of the holidays and the unicorn filly is more than ready to head home and see her parents. Well, foster parents but they're family to her nonetheless. She won't treat them any less since they've always treated her as one of their own. Especially her unique creature of a father. Fudge has long stopped paying attention, a smile crossing her lips from behind her balled up hand as she stares out the window. She is ready to go meet her folks at the station in Ponyville and spend a good long Hearth's Warming with them.

They didn't have to wait for very long as the bell rings out. The front doors burst open with all manner of fillies and colts running out. Cheering and excited chatter about their release for the holidays. The two were just chit-chatting away on a nearby bench while children just rush on by them like a horde. A few stopped to gawk at either Twilight because a real-life princess was outside of their school or Justin since they've never seen a human. None approached being too scared to talk to either. Until one certain white-maned, chocolate coated unicorn with the brightest blues eyes stops by them.

"Dad?" Fudge's confusions soon turns in to happiness. "Dad!"

The filly is quick to jump up on the man as soon as he stand up and hugs him tight. He gladly returns it with the same enthusiasm. "Heya, kiddo! How ya been?"

"Good." Her eyes shift to the alicorn not far. "Mom!"

She lets go and hugs Twilight as tight as Justin. The two look at each other with a growing warmth in their hearts a the unexpected. Neither of them thought it would happen so soon, or at all in reality. Fudge soon lets go of the alicorn to look at both of them a question hanging on her lips.

"Wait, why are you both here?"

Justin in about to answer, but Twilight is faster. "Your dad and I have some business here in Canterlot, so we decided to pick you up instead."

"What kinda business?" Fudge asks.

"We're giving Celestia and Luna party invitations." Justin responds.

"Oh, you're visiting Aunt Tia and Lulu?" Fudges asks with more excitement.

Someone's been spending time with Celestia.

Jealous?

"Yeah! C'mon, kiddo, I'll tell out all about what happened on the way." He tells her.

So he did. Justin told Fudge all about the upcoming Hearth's Warming party thanks to a deal he made with Pinkie. Fudge shakes her head with a bit of a smirk at not only her dad's antic's, but also Pinkie's. As they continue to walk down the street in the direction of the castle, the brown unicorn filly comes to find herself between them both. Fudge would tell them about her week, and soon all of them were chatting and joking with one another. They hadn't even realized they were upon the gate to Canterlot Castle. The guards looking at them with some recognition.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince Justin!" One guard greets with a bow. "Welcome back."

"Always good to be back." Justin bows back, mostly out of respect. "It's just a casual visit today."

The guard seems to nod. "I shall let her know. If you would like, I can arrange an escort for you all."

"Much appreciated, Sterling. We won't need an escort, we know where to wait." Justin responds with a knowing smirk.

Sterling just nods. "Very well."

Justin takes his family in to a side room, sitting with them and chatting while waiting. Mostly just about recent events, recipe idea between the three, magic nerding out with Justin and Twilight, and many miscellaneous topics of the like. They don't really know how much time has passed when the door to the room opens right up to both Celestia with a Luna in tow. They must've gathered that Celestia got her sister, but don't dwell on it for too long as the night sister lets out an excited squeal towards her long-time friend. She rushes over before any words could be said and take the man up in a big alicorn hug, term he coined for being a lot stronger than bear hugs. Greetings are exchanged and all five of them start to catch up just a bit. Celestia taking the time to dote on Fudge's work ethic and grades, much to the filly's embarrassment and her father's great pride. It doesn't take long for Justin to get around to giving the two their invitations to his party, both of which do accept and promise to attend. Luna a little more excited about it than her dear solar sister.

Twilight and Justin now finds themselves home, in the private lounge room long after everyone else has gone to bed. Both take up space on the loveseat with mugs of fresh cocoa. A lavender alicorn is leaning in to the side of one human man as they both watch the fireplace crackle with light. They both were enjoying the warmth and sounds of the mostly quiet room they occupied. Twilight gets an idea in her head and sits up to look at her husband.

"Honey, can you tell me about the human equivalent to Hearth's Warming?" She asks while moving off the seat and moving behind him, lacing her hands on his shoulders.

He looks up at her with a semi-smirk. "Again?"

She just nods, sealing their lips with a kiss. and he relents. Justin starts telling her about the human holiday that is Christmas for the umpteenth time. Honestly, she could never tire of hearing him tell his take on the holiday and why he loves it so. It was always that twinkle in his eyes he got when he started talking about something he shows passion for, that slight inflection in his tone that would shift ever so slightly that engages her, a lopsided smile that plasters itself on his face that she always found adorable. The more he talks about his love for both holidays and what they mean to him, his ears pick up the distinct chime of magic that precedes the locking of the door.

"It's just good to " He muses as she ever so subtly slides back around to the front of the loveseat and straddle his lap.

Twilight just gives him an inquisitive hum while softly planting kisses on his neck.

"Are all unicorns nymphos or is it just the ones I know?" The question causes he stop for a moment and stare at him.

His smirk meets her gaze. "You know I'm not a unicorn anymore, right?"

"You were one." He states, leaning in a bit closer. "Between you, Rarity, and Starlight being some of the horniest mares I've ever come across, I'd say that's a legit question."

Twilight let's out a giggle while pressing her palms against his chest. "Hm, maybe." The response is coy with her own smirk to match his. "I'd say mine is a lot worse since ascending."

"True that." He just chuckles and gives her a quick peck to the lips. "I'm up to challenge alciorn libido again."

Morning light pours in to the bedroom of the couple. The shower is going strong with hot water with moans leaving the slightly ajar door. Twilight is happily getting drilled into by her ever dutiful husband. They've been at it since shortly before sunrise and the alicorn is enjoying the way he always seems to satisfy her. Right now Justin has her back pinned up against the shower wall, her legs wrapped tightly around his hips, her lips being dominated by his, and his tool buried deep inside on her canal. Water cascades down over both of their bodies as he dumps another load into her. This is nothing like her heat, she lasts way longer now but he s slowly adjust to keep pace with her needs. Also kind of doesn't help that their little bond makes to where when she's horny, he also gets in the mood with her. Probably vice versa for her when he's with the other girls and they decide they want their fun. He grunts as he starts to pick up his thrusting again since his alicorn is yet to be satisfied.

"Who's... next... on your... list?" Twilight manages between her own moans and squeals of delight.

"I believe.... Ember." He responds, he usually love it when she tries to talk their business during sex.

He couldn't really explain why it made him harder than diamonds.

Twilight lets out a high-pitched yell of pleasure, signaling that she's crossed her own finish line. Her walls clamp down around his shaft with the vice grip of what he describes as an Olympian. Then again, how many mortal men can say that they fucked a nigh immortal goddess and married them in the process? After Twilight comes down from her sexual high, they finish up actually washing up, getting ready, and head into the kitchen to start on breakfast since noone else in the castle is up quite yet. The two work like one well-oiled machine of man and pony as they go about the kitchen space preparing and cooking food. The smells of which they made sure were to reach as far into the halls as it would allow. It works wonders as the first two to walk into the kitchen after they started cook is Spike and Fudge. Both taking in a big whiff of what's on the menu; eggs, toast, pancakes, and special dish.

"Mm. Smells like dad's making his hay bacon again." Fudge comments, taking a seat at the table.

Justin looks over his shoulder with a smile. "What? Have my girl's first day home from school not be special?" His accent suddenly changes to something that reminds them of a Manehattenite. "Get outta here!"

Both mares chuckle, Twilight busy setting the table with the help of Spike as the man finishes the final touches of his signature breakfast dish. Starlight is next to groggily trudge into the room, a big yawn leaving her as she wishes everyone a good morning that gets returned rather quickly. Justin turns around with a big plate of his hay-based food and gets to work balancing the other platters along his arms.

"Long night, Star?" Justin asks upon seeing her, setting the plates of food down in the center.

Starlight nods a little. "Yeah, couldn't sleep."

"Nightmares?" She shakes her head.

"Got to catch up on some reading though." Starlight states with a tired smile.

Twilight sets a bowl of fresh fruit out on the table and they two remaining beings take their seats at the table. Everyone starts to pass around the various breakfast items while idly talking amongst one another. Starlight taking the time to chat with Fudge while Spike and Twilight talk. Justin just collects a plate full of food, minus the bacon since humans can't really digest it. What he does notice near him is Fudge not really eating much.

"Fudge, you may wanna eat more than that." Justin waves a fork at her plate.

"Why?" Fudge looks at her father with some confusion.

"Cuz we going to the Dragon Lands today, and I know if Ember hears ya stomach, she gonna give me crap." He explains.

She still looks at him confused. "Okays?"

"Ember is getting an invitation to the party." The comment makes almost everyone else stare at him, except Twilight. He takes a brief moment to look at the other surprised and confused looks. "She's going to be there, that dragoness absolutely loves me for some reason."

You know why.

Shush you.

There's a visible smirk on Twilight now as she silently eats her breakfast.

The rest of breakfast went over just fine, dishes are washed, and what little in terms of leftovers are put away. Justin, Twilight, and Fudge are getting ready to travel to the Dragon Lands. By what means you may ask? Teleportation of course. They couple had decided it would be the fastest since no railways went all the out there, and flying in a balloon would take way too long. The man is holding on to a bucket while they all gather in the foyer. Twilight places her hand on his shoulder, he looks over and nods at her, signaling him being ready. The alicorn charges a teleport spell and her magic encases all three of them, a pop rings out in the room and the three disappear in magenta light.

There's a scant few seconds of just nothing before Justin and his party pop back into a barren landscape and a scathing hot climate. Dragons gaze upon the trio with mild curiosity and a certain regard for their very existence. Fudge, however, has never been to the Dragons Lands and thus is her first visit. She starts to look around with her eyes wide with both wonder and fear as the creatures bigger than her are look down at her with her parents. Her excitement is cut short by the horrific sound of a man violently vomiting into his bucket. She had forgotten her dad's 'quirk' as he put it. Kneeling down over the bucket with her mom by his side, rubbing his back. She looks over as he's taking a second hurl into the bucket, effectively filling it to brim with rainbow bile.

"Rainbows, always rainbows." Justin mutters. "Can you even eat those?"

"You can drink them." Twilight replies. "Though, they're rather spicy."

"Wild. More you know."

Twilight magics away his bucket while he recovers. They al are looking around at the dragons keeping their distance, but still knowing those looks are not the welcoming kind. None of the larger than life creatures make a move on the new intruders mostly due to the Dragon Lord's orders that ponies are friends. Doesn't mean they have to like it, which means that works for the trio since they're only here for one. They don't have to wait long before Ember shows herself by means of tackling the human from and wrestling him to the ground. A short time is taken for him to release himself from the pin, bringing them his their feet and locked in a stalemate of dominance. He eventually pushes her back only for her wings to spread, charging at him by way of a spear tackle before taking him to the sky.

"Dad!" Fudge calls out.

Twilight lays a hand on her shoulder. "He's fine, this is how they greet one another."

As Ember carries the man up high, her death squeeze lights to a bear hug. She peeks down at he human while she coves to a hover just above a canyon wall before setting him down. Justin takes a few moments to straighten out his windswept clothes before looking at the dragoness with a smirk.

"Hey." She says.

"Hey yourself." He responds. "How ya been, stranger?"

"Me the stranger?!" Ember has an incredulous look. "You're the one who doesn't visit!"

Justin makes a snort that's both dismissive and gets under her scales. "Ain't my fault you live in a hotter-than-fuck hellhole that's a hazard to any other living being other than you dragons."

"Isn't my fault you're a pussy." Her expanded vocabulary courtesy of one human.

"Ain't my fault you're just a bitch." He retorts with a knowing smirk.

Then they both just start laughing, sure they may insult one another but to them it's always in good fun.

"Hey, you should meet my kid." He tells her as soon as he recovers from their laughing fit. "You'd love her."

As if on que, Twilight teleports to them with a Fudge in tow. In an uncharacteristic turn of events, the unicorn is peeking out from behind the alicorn with wide eyes and fear. Her bravery towards Justin when they first met was more of child-like curiosity, this was a living, breathing dragon. Those tales are vastly different, usually containing them eating ponies whole, burning villages to the ground, and viscously guarding hoards of treasure. Yet, this one is just looking at her with friendly eyes and a small smile. Ember raises a brow at the unicorn filly and jokingly scoffs at the human.

"That quirt yours?"

"Yup."

"Well," Ember starts as she walks up to Twilight, who steps to the side a little while the dragon kneels down to be eye-level with the unicorn. "If she's a chip off the old block, she must be one tough nut. What's your name, squirt?"

"Fudge." She meekly replies.

"Ember, nice to meet ya." She puts her palm up. "I want you to hit my hand."

Fudge takes a moment to flick her gaze up to her dad, who was smiling. Justin gives her a subtle nod with a thumbs up. Now Ember made one error in this situation: giving a challenge of strength to the unicorn daughter of the one creature she considers her equal. She isn't expecting a unicorn of all ponies to hit all that hard so she felt there is no reason to brace. Fudge got into position and threw a punch into the open dragon palm with all her strength. Ember let's out more of a yelp in surprise than pain, though the hit does sting a little.

"Definitely been taking after your old man." Ember admits with more pride in her tone than she intended.

"Glad you think so." Justin chuckles as we walks over and presents the Dragon Lord with an envelope.

"What's this?" She asks, taking it.

"An invitation to a party I'm throwing." Ember looks at him with some worry. "Trust me, you'll do fine. I'll be there."