The Obligatory "Dear Maria," Christmas Special
Hearth's Warming has always been Pinkie Pie's favorite time of year. They are also her busiest time of year, with planning the yearly party at Twilight's friendship castle with the mayor and Starlight, the Sugar Cube Corner baking rush, celebrating with her family and Applejack with her family, making time to celebrate with her other friends as well, it was all a lot to task. Fortunately, this year her husband was watching her, advising her to take breaks, helping her out when she needed it, being an unbiased voice of opinion on certain tasks, what have you. Last year, he had missed the winter festivities, as the couple at the time was far apart. But he was grateful, to be here with her now.
Shadow considered himself lucky. He's never been too invested in the holiday season, rather he would choose to work even more around this time. Perhaps it was of a feeling of having to honor Maria, or a sense of self to protect the innocent and the people of Earth. Often he had brushed parties and celebrations aside, only showing up after Sonic's (or Rouge's) pestering. Even so he usually only stayed long enough to greet and wish those there a Merry Christmas. He, really didn't think it was his place, or, maybe, that he wasn't worthy of joining any festivities. At least, that's what he used to think.
Having someone at your side to validate your accomplishments in real time is so much more than Shadow could have ever asked for. He personally doesn't feel the need for anyone to thank him for simply doing the right thing, but when these praises and complements came from his wife, it was worth more than gold. It made him feel worthy. It was because of her he learned to really value his relations with other people.
He had just left Amy's annual Christmas party, a bag of pastries in hand. Amy insisted he'd take them, as mostly a gift to his wife from her, but partially because he helped make them this year. Shadow showing up to the party early this year was certainly a surprise to Amy, but she welcomed him enthusiastically and the two bonded over cooking and baking for the party.
Greeting Tails once again at his workshop as he passed by, Shadow felt his body ease a bit. Still alert, but not on edge.
He entered Equestria, and sweet smells passed by as he navigated out of Twilight's friendship castle.
This year the Apple and Pie families were to be celebrating at the Pie's rock farm and Pinkie practically begged him to come along with her. Not that he had any objections to it. Besides, he wanted to sit down with her parents, get to know her siblings a bit better. The Apple family joining them was a nice little bonus.
Double checking he had everything he needed, Shadow joined the forementioned pink mare and apple loving farmers at the train station, boarding the train soon after and they were on their way.
He felt his body relax a bit more, being in the company of decent folk.
Greetings from Pinkie's family were formal yet homey. Her parents held the same vibe he got from them when they all last met. Everyone got a room to stay in at the big farmhouse, and the Pie's traditions commenced shortly after. A bit odd, but Shadow ain't one to disrespect a family's tradition.
As the evening arrived, everyone was in the Pie's living room getting ready for Hearth's Warming morning. Sharing stories, singing carols. The evening got quieter with the sunset and a calm stillness entered the room. Shadow and Pinkie were sitting on the floor, Shadow staying respectfully silent as Pinkie rattled on to her family about whatever was on her mind. Applebloom, Big Mac and Sugarbelle retired to their rooms first, followed shortly after by Granny and Marble Pie.
When the sun had sank and the hour of twilight was close at hand, everypony else had left the living room.
Well, almost everypony.
Sauntering back into the living room was the hedgehog and the pony, now holding a warm cup of liquid in each hand. Pinkie had an overfull cup of coca, topped with a mountain of whipped cream, a sprinkling of nutmeg and sprinkles, a candy cane hanging off the side, and a gingerbread pony sticking out of the cream. Meanwhile Shadow held a simple cup of black coffee- with a bit of baker's chocolate mixed in.
Pinkie was talking about a Hearth's Warming from a couple of years ago. "..And here's the riddle they gave me: "It's more precious than gold, but it cannot be sold, if it breaks it's not ended, for quickly it's mended, it cannot be bought, yet is easily saught."
Shadow took a seat on the family's couch, facing the fireplace, then turning to face Pinkie. "So, what was the answer?"
Pinkie plopped down next to him, almost spilling her drink, then giggling as she held it steady. "Friendship! Obviously. Twilight helped me solve it." Pinkie took a sip of her drink as Shadow was quiet for a moment, thinking about it.
Shadow glanced down briefly to the mug in his hands. He hummed thoughtfully. "Hm. Sounds more like family to me." A thin line curved ever so slightly down on his lips. To which Pinkie Pie noticed immediately.
Her own giddiness subsided, and was replaced by sympathy, turning to face him. She took another sip of her drink before speaking. "...Do you miss her?"
Shadow blinked, turning his head to see her. "What?"
Pinkie elaborated lowering the cup slightly. "I mean... Do you miss her more often during the holidays?"
Her sincere eyes were something Shadow couldn't lie to. He sighed heavily, looking back to the campfire of warm orange hue. "Yeah. I miss both of them." Briefly he closed his eyes. "Both Maria, and the Professor." He glanced down to his coffee. "That's why I'm often a little more somber during winter time."
Pinkie recalled last Hearth's Warming. At that time, they had nothing to connect their two words together, no way to see each other. It didn't help that their goodbyes before he left were already tearful and full of pain. While Pinkie had kept up her best to keep herself together, Shadow had closed himself off; More than he normally is. It took a heart to heart with Sonic to help him out, and Shadow would be lying if Amy's party that year didn't help out a smidge as well. That being said, being away from Pinkie for so long without a foreseeable return to Equestria had rocked his healing but still hurting heart.
Pinkie put her cup down, and scooted over to him. "You were hurting even more last year, weren't you?"
Shadow nodded. "Hm-nm."
Pinkie put a hoof on his thigh, holding back a sigh. "Even sang a little song about me..."
Shadow blinked in surprise. He glanced to her. "How did you know about that?.."
Pinkie shrugged, a cheeky grin growing on her lips. "Just a lucky guess."
Shadow smirked as Pinkie's hooves wrapped around hm, pulling herself halfway onto his lap. Shadow reciprocated the warm cuddly embrace, his arms holding her close and steady. She rested her head under his, sinking into the embrace, sliding a tad off the couch. For a moment the couple cuddled, Shadow leaving meaningful pecks in her hair.
The warm fire from the fireplace was still burning, though it was starting to dim.
After that moment of intimate silence, Shadow spoke up, albeit in a quiet voice. "Hey, you remember the GUN commander's offer to us?"
"Yeah! I still feel disappointed I couldn't make it to that special holiday dinner your planet celebrates?" Pinkie replied, trying to remember that holiday Shadow had mentioned before.
He nodded slightly. "Right. Since you couldn't make it to Thanksgiving dinner, he asked if you and I would want to have dinner at his house on New Year's."
Pinkie was enthusiastic in her reply, moving her head to look at him. "Absolutely! I didn't think you'd take another invitation from him Shadow~"
He grumbled slightly, shrugging. "Well, the first outing was kind of unpreventable. You can blame Sonic for forcing my hand on to what Abe told us at the GUN gala."
She lowered her head to nuzzle his snow white chest fur. "But you enjoyed yourself though."
A pleasurable sigh escaped from his lungs, relaxing into the couch. She always knew how to make him comfortable, his shield would drop around her whenever he felt safe. She made him feel safe.
He ran his gloved hand through her fushia mane. "It was a pleasurable experience, yes. Besides, I have a little more I wanted to discuss with him." He chuckled slightly, recalling his slightly awkward interactions with commander Tower's immediate family. "I'd think you'd get along with his wife and grandchildren swimmingly."
Pinkie giggled, tilting her head up to his his chin. "Of course. And they probably loved you."
This time Pinkie sighed happily, another moment of silence permitting.
She rose up from the embrace to fully slide onto his lap, turning to face him with a sweet smile and loving eyes. "I'm so happy that you could spend this time with me and my family this Hearth's Warming."
Shadow let himself smile. A smile he held in reserve for only her. He put a hand on her neck. She shivered at the touch. He spoke with sincerity. "It's nothing. Family is the most important thing you'll ever be apart of." And that was fact.
Pinkie gave him a light peck on the cheek. "Merry Christmas Shady."
Shadow chuckled at that. She remembered what he's told her after all. "Thanks. Happy Hearth's Warming Pinks."
The two's lips met with love, just happy to have this time together. it quickly deepened, passion intertwining the two. And as the intimate couple got lost in the drowning of kisses, in the kitchen two parents and a friend had witnessed the scene.
The older mare spoke first. "Would you look at them, Igneous. So young. So in love."
"Hopefully they'll continue the Pie family tree going forward." The father replied to his wife.
"Do you really think that could happen? He's a hedgehog after all." The mare sounded worried. Just then the young mare spoke up with a hushed accent.
"Eh, Crazier things have happened before. I wouldn't be surprised. 'Sides, Shadow's notoriously good with foals and fillies. They would indeed make great parents."
The wife sighed. "For now that's just a dream I suppose. We'll be happy with whatever our Pinkameana decides."
Author's Note
I felt bad that I hadn't gotten much ShadPie content out his year, so this is my Christmas present to you all! I hope you all enjoyed it and I'll see you in the New Year! Marry Christmas, Happy Hearth's Warming, Happy Holidays & Write you later!