Ever Growing Friendship

Written By: Thunder-Dasher

Edited By: Bytestorm

Chapter Twelve: Warmth of the Hearth

“Shouldn't I like... get dressed up or something?” Trace sighed, throwing on his denim blue jacket over his button down blue shirt. He quickly buttoned it up save for the top two, allowing his shirt and a small portion of his chest to be seen.

“Nopony else is getting dressed up. I told you, this is just a casual party between friends.” Lyra giggled as she nudged Trace's leg, “Everypony is expecting you to tell that story; what was it? The Nighttime before Criss-mass?”

“It’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, and I know everypony wanted to learn more about holidays back home, but this is a real pain... I literally had to write the entire book from memory.” Trace sighed in frustration while tucking the chicken scratch that was his hand-written book into the saddlebag that draped over Lyra's back.

“I'm sorry baby, I’ll be sure to make it up to you later.” Lyra nosed her way into the palm of Trace's hand to nuzzle her cheek into it.

Another sigh escaped Trace, grabbing a little makeshift group of leaves with three red berries attached, and pinning it to his jacked for safe keeping. Lyra eyed the weird trinket with a sparkle of interest, “What is that?”

“It's called mistletoe. I couldn't make one exactly like back home, but I figured since everypony is making me read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’, then I am going to get revenge and see if I can't get some ponies to kiss one another. It is a Christmas tradition. You hang it in a doorway or someplace, and when two people meet under it, they would have to kiss.” Trace snickered, the picture of hilarity stricken his face.

“That should be fun, but if you tell everypony about the tradition, then won’t everypony avoid it?” Lyra raised an eyebrow questioningly.

The smile on Trace's face remained as he continued, “I told Twilight and she cast a little spell on it. When two ponies step under the mistletoe, they will be desperately drawn into a kiss. The spell will break as soon as their lips meet, but it'll be interesting to see who will be the lucky ones that get caught by it!”

“I can't wait!” Lyra giggled, throwing a few wrapped foods into her saddlebag for the Hearths Warming Eve party.

They had already put out the fire in the hearth, making the cold quickly wage war on the house's stash of heat. They would be leaving anyway, so they just made sure to hurry. The pair was just about ready when Trace spoke up, “So, is there any last minute advice I should know about this party?”

Pausing, Lyra blinked as something suddenly popped into her mind. She slowly turned to face her stallion, hesitating before saying, “Actually! It is a pony tradition on Hearths Warming Eve, that stallions are… um… kept close, to make sure they know they are special. So don't be surprised if everypony is nuzzling up to you all night.”

“That can't be any worse than my aunt leaving lipstick all over my face every Christmas, so I'll be fine!” Trace laughed, happy that he wouldn't have to scrub his face raw to get that nasty, rubber-like lipstick off his face, 'I swear... her lipstick has to be made from blubber or something nasty!' Trace shivered at the thought, but Lyra didn't take notice.

“Anyway, let's get going. Fluttershy is supposed to meet us there. Twilight said she is usually late, but that'll just make her worry more if we arrive after she does.” Lyra stated in a rushed tone, illuminating Trace's front door in her minty aura and swinging it open, releasing the flood gates of the icy air into the house.

Thankfully, the weather team allowed Hearths Warming Eve and Hearths Warming Day to be the two days out of the year where the skies were clear, and there wouldn't be so much as a soft breeze blowing. That didn't stop from everypony freezing their flanks off though.

____________________________________________________________________

Concert Hall in town:

“Isn't this a little expensive, Twi?” Dash whispered, trying not to get Rarity's attention that had originally wanted to go all out on decorations this year.

Ignoring the fact Dash was trying to be quiet, Twilight grinned as she replied, “Nope, They will be using the concert hall to do the Hearths Warming play tomorrow, I promised we would set up for them if they let us use it tonight. With my magic, I can have everything set up by tomorrow!”

“Still... Why did we have to let Rarity decorate with Pinkie? It's bad enough when just Pinkie decorates, but Rarity too?” Dash stated as her whispering becoming just a tad bit louder.

“Just let them do their thing. They are just excited about it being Trace's first Hearths Warming. Personally, I am just as excited to learn about Christmas. Trace told me a little about it, but I really want to hear that Christmas story.” Twilight stated with her own enthusiasm, using her magic to levitate her checklist before her.

“Ugh fine, but I still don't see why Applejack had to drag that dirty ole pine tree in here. It was such a pain trying to put that string through the popcorn, every time I would get another piece onto it, Pinkie would eat another five off!” Dash grunted, her wings flapping in frustration.

“Just try to have fun, Dash! For Trace?” Twilight pleaded, lowering her checklist for a moment to nuzzle Rainbow's cheek pleadingly.

“Whatever; for Trace, I will.” The rainbow mare’s posture sank in defeat. She knew when even she was beaten, which wasn’t often.

“Good! Now, go have some Zap Apple Jam!” Twilight giggled, pointing her hoof to the snack table.

Dash's ears perked up and her gaze darted toward the table. Her wings flaring to life and flapping, almost taking to the air as she replied excitedly, “There's Zap Apple Jam?!”

Without waiting for a reply, Dash darted for the food, quickly pulling the jam from the table. Twilight giggled as she returned to her preparations, but paused to notice the large oak double doors to creak open to reveal a shivering Trace and Lyra, “Trace, Lyra! Welcome!”

Slamming the door closed, Trace sucked in the warm air trying to warm up from the inside out. He was patting his upper arms furiously to beat life back into his hands and body. Lyra had a similar problem, but she seemed to be having more trouble as she was carrying the full saddlebag on her back. Twilight aided her by removing the saddlebag and removing the food from it, placing it onto the snack table. The book that was hand-written by Trace was levitated over to the human. Twilight eyed Trace's chest where the mistletoe resided, “Here, let me take that!”

The mistletoe was quickly illuminated in a faint purple glow, before unpinning itself and rising to the ceiling right in front of the concert halls entrance. Trace looked around to notice almost everypony was here except the Cutiemark Crusaders, Spike and Fluttershy.

“Spike is out back playing with the fillies. Fluttershy hasn't shown up yet, but she is most likely still preparing food. She always brings pies and cake to our Hearths Warming parties.” Twilight stated, clearly seeing the questioning worry on Trace's and Lyra's face.

Though it didn't calm them, at least they knew this was a regular thing and they shouldn't worry so much. The cold once again surged through the concert hall as the front doors opened, revealing Fluttershy tugging along a small cart full of hot, delicious smelling deserts. Trace aided in closing the door behind her and following her to the desert table, “Hey Fluttershy, glad you made it okay!”

A small blush formed on Fluttershy's face, one of happiness and warmth. She thought Trace’s concern for her sweet, “I wouldn't miss your first Hearths Warming Eve party for the world, Trace!”

Returning her smile, Trace noticed the front doors open once more.

“Wow, that snowpony was huge!” Sweetie Belle yelled first, quickly darting through the doors. A scarf tightly held on for dear life to the filly's neck.

“I know! I still can't believe it fell apart on top of Spike though; It was so hilarious!” Scootaloo exclaimed, as she chased quickly after Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom however, didn't seem as enthusiastic as the first two. She slowly walked beside Spike, her side pressed firmly up against the small purple dragon, “Are ya sure yer okay, Spike?”

“I'm ok... AAACchhhoooo!” Spike sneezed, making a small bit of powdered snow fall from his body, quickly melting as it hit the floor.

“Spike, are you okay?” Twilight asked in a motherly tone, about to rush over to Spike's side.

“Ah think he's just a little cold is... is--” Applebloom looked over to Spike, her eyes turning a slight pink.

“O-oh no...” Trace frowned, noticing where they were standing; directly under the mistletoe.

The spells effects quickly kicked in, Spike blinked for a moment, but before surprise could take over, the spell took a hold of him first.

“Spike, no!” Twilight pleaded, trying to rush over before it was too late.

Failure ensued as Twilight came to a halt, Applebloom's and Spike's lips met and the whole room fell silent. Everypony except Trace, Lyra and Twilight was left in utter confusion of what just went down. Once the spell wore off, Spike and Applebloom broke apart, their eyes blinking in confusion, a blush shooting across their faces as they averted their eyes from each other.

“What the hay just happened? Why did Spike just kiss mah sister?!” Called out an infuriated Applejack.

Spike froze in terror as the angry orange cowpony trotted closer, her hooves slapping the wood floor in pure anger. The glare from Applejack's eyes bore a hole straight through the baby dragon.

“Wait!” Twilight yelled out, jumping in front of Spike, “It is my fault!”

“Ya either get to explainin' or ya gonna get hoof slapped if ya don't get outta mah way, Twi!” Applejack stated with a small growl emanating from the base of her throat.

Another pony made her way up to Applejack's side and began to nuzzle her cheek to Applejack's, “Sweety... please... don't get so upset...”

Applejack forced a sigh as she tried to calm herself, “Sorry Bon Bon.” Applejack turned back to Twilight, but calmer this time, “Okay, get ta talkin'!”

“Trace has a tradition back in his world; he placed a thing called mistletoe above a small space, and if two ponies walk under it, they have to kiss. I feared that if everypony knew about it, they would avoid it; and if we didn't explain about the tradition, nopony would follow it. So I cast a spell that makes two ponies kiss when they walk underneath. So if you want to be mad, be mad at me!” Twilight frowned, backing up until her hind leg brushed up against Spike.

“Ah guess I can forgive ya, I mean, as long as Spike doesn't go smoochin' on mah sister again, ah guess it's fine.”

Twilight let out a sigh of relief as Applejack turned back toward Bon Bon, nuzzling her cheek. The room picked back up as everypony finished up on the decorations.

“Rainbow, darling, would you mind placing the star on the tree?” As Rarity finished speaking, she turned to Rainbow, and a look of disgust shot across her face. Rainbow looked up in surprise at hearing her name, and they all noticed the jar that was once full of Zap Apple Jam, was snugly stuck on Rainbow's mouth, and a colorful jam that matched her prismatic mane coated her cyan coat in a sticky goop. Dash yelped as a lavender aura pulled the jar from Dash's maw.

“Dash, go clean up, I will place the star on the tree.” Twilight smiled, re-closing the jar of jam and gently placed it on the table.

Mumbling some incoherent, frustrated words, Dash turned for the bathroom, licking her lips for any remaining jam that she could get a hold of. The bright golden star levitated in a purple aura and gently placed itself atop the tree. Twilight then turned to Trace with a delighted smile, “Okay, when Dash gets back, why don't you start your story?”

“O-Okay...” Trace frowned, sitting cross-legged in front of a vent that was blowing warmth into the concert hall. All he could figure was that there was a furnace somewhere that distributed heat throughout the building.

Even though it was Ponyville's concert hall, it was still fairly large; large enough to fit the entire town if necessary. Trace sat down, pulling the make shift book that Twilight had given him to write the poem into his lap. He began to wait patiently for Dash to return. Meanwhile, everypony gathered around his body, Lyra and Fluttershy sat to either side of him, but Lyra's hoof gently rested on Trace's knee. Trace swallowed, not being able to help the nervousness that set in from being the center of attention. His heart skipped a beat as Rainbow returned, her face soaked from trying to remove the jam. Rainbow took a seat next to Twilight, who sat directly in front of Trace's feet, crossing her hooves over Trace's legs. Everypony looked to Trace as Twilight spoke, “Okay Trace, whenever you are ready?”

“D-does everypony have to be... so... so close?” Trace whispered to Lyra, taking a deep breath, trying to slow his racing heart.

“Trace, I warned you...” Lyra whispered back into his ear, trying to rub her stallion's arm in a soothing manner.

A sigh escaped Trace as he tried to calm his nervousness, “All of you, please bear with me. I'm not entirely positive I remember the story exactly, but I believe it is accurate.”

Pinkie laughed loudly with a snort, making Trace wince as she suddenly jumped behind him only to throw her forehooves around his neck from behind, “No worries! A story is a story!”

“That's right Trace, just do your best.” Lyra said in a soft tone, a gentle smile adding to her adorable expression.

Trace looked across all his friends before gently opening the book, “Okay, here we go!”

__________________________________________________________

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

“Now hold on there Sugarcube; who is this St. Nicholas pon…er... person?” Applejack intervened, a confused look on her face.

A smile formed as Trace replied, “St. Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Clause is a man that travels the entire world once a year, giving all the nice good girls and boys, toys.”

“Wait, wait, wait!” Pinkie spazzed as her hair became poofier than it was before, squeezing a tad bit tighter around Trace's neck, “What do the bad fillies and colts get? They must be awful sad if they don't get anything!?”

“They get coal, because they were naughty.” Trace said matter-of-factly, as he raised an eyebrow, “Now, can I get back to the story?”

Pinkie and Applejack nodded and he returned to the story.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

“MMMmmmm, sugar-plums, and they were even dancing, yum!”

“Pinkie!” Several ponies yelled, making Pinkie's cheeks reddening, “Sorry everypony!”

Rolling his eyes, Trace decided to just keep reading. Hoping he had got the story right.

And Mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winder's nap.

“Now hold on just a minute!” Twilight exclaimed, “I thought you said humans don't hibernate?”

“E-excuse me?” Trace was caught off guard, not really catching on her random question.

“Well, it just said they settled down for a long winters nap, doesn't that mean they are hibernating?” Twilight raised an eyebrow, pointing out holes in the story.

“A-all I can guess is... because Santa delivers presents on Christmas Eve to the entire world, some say he freezes time in order to do so. I guess that is what it means by a long winters nap...” Trace looked to Twilight, hoping that was a sufficient answer.

The lavender unicorn briefly nodded, unsure if she accepted the answer, but it would have to do.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

“To create a Sonic Rainboom, just like Rainbow-awesome-Dash.” Rainbow snickered as she rudely interrupted.

“Rainbow!” Rarity hissed, “I decided to look away from your disgusting eating habits, but don't ruin Trace's story!”

“Okay, for one, I only eat that way when it tastes really really good! Second, Trace thought it was funny, see; he's laughing!” Rainbow smirked, turning to see the huge grin on Trace's face.

Trace cleared his throat, trying to hide his amusement, “Anyway...”

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow.

Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

“Reindeer? I thought you told me once that Santa FLEW across the world delivering presents?” it was Twilight's turn once again to interrupt.

“Santa gave reindeer magic feed corn that allowed them to fly; can I please continue, or do you want to poke more holes into the story?” Trace asked playfully, not really irritated, but more amused at his friends reactions.

With a pink hue lightening Twilight's purple fur, she nodded and averted her gaze.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name.

“Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

“W-wait... so he calls out their names each time they go to take off?” Dash spoke up, making just about everypony look to her in irritation.

“Must everypony feel the need to interrupt?” Rarity gave an exasperated sigh.

Dash snapped as she raised her voice, “I was just curious! I'm sorry I just wanted to understand the story!”

“Whoa girls... It is okay!” Trace stated with a nervous smile, “I don't mind, I'm enjoying seeing all of your reactions.”

“Really?” Dash and Rarity asked at once, earning them an honest smile from Trace.

“Really!”

“So, does he really call all of their names each time they take off?” Applebloom asked, snuggling closer to Spike whom sat in the middle of the three Cutiemark Crusaders.

Trace was about to answer, but was cut off by Fluttershy, “How else would he memorize all the reindeer’s names?”

The tall human couldn't help but chuckle, “Yep! That must be the reason!”

Clearing his throat once more, Trace continued with a humored look on his expression.

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof,

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

“Why didn't he just use the front door, and just park the sleigh in the yard?” Sweetie Belle cutely asked, her eyes wide with interest.

“Because most people keep their doors locked.” Trace kindly replied.

“What if they don't have a chimney?” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow.

“He uses magic to create one, for the time being.” a smile lit Trace's face; he was only telling them what he was told as a child. It was surprising that they were asking the same thing he had when he was young.

“Ah don't know... seems unbelievable...” Applebloom replied rubbing her chin with her hoof.

Laughing at her comment, Trace just shrugged it off as he thought, 'this coming from a talking pony!'

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

“Uh... beard? Is that like whenever your face gets all furry, and you have to cut it off, Trace?” Dash frowned, trying to picture this St. Nicholas person.

“Yeah; but much, much longer!” Trace replied, turning the page of the book.

“Continue Trace, we will be here all night if these ruffians keep interrupting!” Rarity's eye twitched in irritation, but gave up trying to keep them quiet.

“Very well.” Trace said in a calm tone before continuing.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

With a gentle closing of the book, Trace looked up to see everypony gently smiling at him. Spike however, long asleep, was still surrounded by three fillies that seemed also close to the sleeping world. Dash sprang into the air, stretching her wings and each of her hooves, “That was good and all, but let's get to the snack bar, shall we?”

At the mention of food, the Cutiemark Crusaders jumped to their hooves, letting Spike fall backwards to the floor. “Huh… what?!” exclaimed the befuddled dragon.

“It's okay Spike, we will go home soon.” Twilight warmly smiled, removing her coat to gently drape it around the dragon’s shoulders.

“Okay Twi, just let me know when you are ready to go...” Spike yawned, before curling up into a ball and disappearing into Twilight's jacket.

Everypony seemed to of had the same idea as Rainbow, they all herded to the snack bar, stretching their legs as they walked. Trace was about to get up, but when it was just him, Fluttershy, and Lyra, Twilight stopped them, “Hold on, I need to tell you three something.”

“Hmm, what is it Twilight?” Lyra spoke up first, stepping closer and sitting down.

“Well, Fluttershy, do you remember that book you returned to the library?” Twilight looked to Fluttershy as if she had made a breakthrough.

Hiding her face slightly in her mane, Fluttershy nodded, “Yes, I do.”

Twilight cleared her throat, “While I haven't read the entire thing, I seem to have found out a good bit about Humans, and how Trace may have come to be in Equestria. Before Celestia and Luna came to power, a group of humans were thrown into our world, via human magic. It was said that one was a sorcerer, or at least he claimed to be. They came across the three pony tribes; Unicorn, Pegasi, and Earth ponies. Promising riches, vast fortune, and knowledge, the ponies followed them without question. The humans, though, were consumed by greed, and started taking advantage of them. When the time for their end of the bargain came, they decided against it. They desired to become permanent rulers.”

“So, what happened to them?” Trace couldn't help but ask.

Twilight frowned, which made fear strike Trace. She softly spoke, continuing her story, “The ponies drove the three humans up against the edge of the cliff. The one that called himself a sorcerer stepped forth, and began chanting in some sort of ancient language. In a final spell, and in front of all three pony races, the humans turned themselves into ponies. Distracting the ponies, they quickly escaped into the angry mob, and were never heard or seen again.”

Frowning, Trace got up from the chair to kneel in front of Twilight, meeting her eye to eye, “So, how does that relate to how I came to Equestria?”

“The book contains the incantation of both the spell that turned them into ponies and the spell that was used that supposedly got them into Equestria. I will need a good while longer to finish the book and to test these so called spells. I'm guessing while we unicorns focus most of our magic through our horns, save only a few of the most powerful ones, humans can only use theirs through the use of words and gestures. Trace, I have a question though.” Twilight sat, tapping her chin with her hoof.

“Yeah?” Trace replied, looking to the confused look on Twilight's face.

“I once asked you a long time ago if humans had different races like we do. You remember what you told me?” Twilight asked, not really accusing him of lying, but wanting to re-verify.

“I told you that we had different races, but it was only by color and bodily features.” Trace answered quick and blunt.

“Well, according to the book, one was a sorcerer that controlled magic. The second had wings on his back and called himself an angel, but the book also referred to him as a hawkman. The final human was a fair bit larger and bulkier than the previous two and was said that he helped teach Earth ponies new ways how to farm. I believe that at one time, humans also had the three species like we ponies do.” Twilight fell silent, hoping Trace had more insight on the matter.

“Well... we do have those species in mythology, but that was all they were, myths!” Trace frowned, thinking the book might just be hearsay.

“I don't know... let me just finish the book and I will get back to you with more details and my opinion on it. I just don't have enough information yet and I just thought I should share what I have so far.” Twilight sighed, and by the look on her face, made Trace worry a tad bit more as she continued, “Trace, I know you are with Lyra and Fluttershy now; but you should seriously give it some thought about whether or not you wish to stay in Equestria.”

“T-trace, you're not going to leave us... are you?” asked Fluttershy, looking up to Trace with shaky fear in her eyes and voice.

Placing a hand gently onto Fluttershy's head, Trace gave a warm smile, “I don't even need to think twice about it, I'm staying!” Behind Trace's warm smile, a frown hid itself. He wasn’t certain whether he was reassuring Fluttershy, or himself. When the time comes, would he truly wish to stay in Equestria? Being stuck here was one thing, but having a choice? He could live with not having the choice, but would he really have the heart to just allow his family to think he is dead. Then again, he could ask himself the same question of would he have the heart to leave Fluttershy and Lyra, let alone the fact he didn't want too.

“Anyway, try to enjoy the rest of the party. I'm going to eat some and maybe dance a bit before I take Spike home.” Twilight gave an awkward grin as she forced a chuckle, “Maybe if Lyra and Fluttershy don't mind, I could get a dance from you, Trace?” Without waiting for an answer, Twilight turned and headed straight for the snack bar.

“Twilight, wait! I forgot something!” Trace called out, getting the attention of just about everypony, but everypony just returned their attention to the snack bar when Twilight turned back to them.

When Twilight returned, she sat down and gave Trace a curious look, “What did you forget?”

“I've been meaning to ask, but the past couple times I guess I just forgot. Anywho, I was wondering; can unicorns cast a spell for Lyra, Fluttershy, and me to have babies?” Trace asked, noticing all three grow silent.

A bewildered look was etched on Twilight's face as she asked, “Y-you three already thinking about having foals?”

“N-no no!” Trace panicked, waving his hands erratically in front of him, “Fluttershy was worried about being in a herd with me because she really wants a child one day... Lyra said she heard rumors of unicorns casting spells to make them compatible, so I wanted to ask you about it.”

Something of a sigh of relief escaped Twilight, quickly replying, “You got me worried there! I thought you three were jumping into something without thinking it through!”

Trace chuckled nervously, not really knowing how to reply, but trying anyway, “W-we aren't ready for something like that yet...”

“So, is there?” Fluttershy spoke up, an eager tone running rampant within her voice. Everypony could tell Fluttershy really wanted this; but if Twilight said there wasn't a way, would she leave the herd?

“Well, actually... there is... but it hasn't been perfected. I've only heard of a few unicorns that were strong enough to cast the spell and even then, if something distracted them for even for a millisecond… side effects happen...” Twilight stuttered near the end of her sentence, her gaze looking down to the floor, once again acting like the floor contained some sort of magical text only she could see.

Frowning, Trace looked to Fluttershy, glancing back to Twilight to ask, “What kind of effects?”

“In total, the spell has only been cast seven times. Out of those times, it failed multiple times and the caster had to try again... Each time the side effects were different. The effects varied, a few were put into a magically induced sleep, and some swapped species entirely; but every time they reverted back to normal after the magic from the spell faded. So, no matter the effect, it is only temporary. Not to mention if Celestia were the one to cast it, it has a sixty-seven percent chance of working.” Twilight nervously smiled.

“So... who were the unicorns that cast this spell, anyway?” Lyra spoke up, not sure if she would trust too many ponies with casting a spell on Trace or her herd.

“Just Celestia and myself. Though, I have only cast it a couple times in a controlled environment. Luna is said to also be learning the technique, but doesn't want to try it for a couple hundred years. Celestia told me that it took her a hundred years to get as good as she is now.” A sigh escaped Twilight as her gaze lowered, “But, when you three decide to have kids, just let me know. I will put in a good word with the Princess. She doesn't normally accept requests for this spell, but seeing as it is me asking on behalf of the three of you, I'm sure she will say yes.”

Trace smiled as he looked to Fluttershy, “See, maybe we can have kids one day?”

The tall bipedal stallion wasn't going to ask, but apparently Lyra wasn't above asking it herself, “Fluttershy, if Celestia says no, would that mean you will leave the herd?”

Fluttershy immediately took several steps back, before almost falling on herself and landing on her rump, into a sitting position. Her eyes frighteningly darted between Lyra's and Trace's eyes, but soon calmed as she looked down to the floor. The butter colored Pegasi could clearly be seen having trouble with the question. Trace frowned, 'I don't blame Fluttershy's reaction, but I don't think it was fair putting her on the spot. I just hope she doesn't leave us though.'

The four of them could barely hear her as Fluttershy started speaking, gaining volume the more she spoke, “I love you, Trace, Lyra... I really do, and if being with you both means never having a little baby of my own, then so be it...” Suddenly a look of determination formed on Fluttershy's face as she tried slamming her hoof down, but ended up barely making a sound.

“Fl-Fluttershy...” Trace and Lyra softly whispered.

Getting onto his knees, Trace inched his way toward the pink maned Pegasi and brought her into a loving embrace. Lyra quickly joined in and was about to try and wrap her hooves around the two, when Trace pulled back, pulling both into his arms, holding them snuggly against his chest, “If Fluttershy is willing to give up the chance of having kids for us, then I can give up the hopes of going home! I love both of you, so very much!”

The three herd members held tightly onto one another, not daring to let go. After a while though, they began to notice the concert hall was quiet. They finally broke apart to notice that everypony was all watching them. The look on everypony's faces told them that they definitely all approved of their display of affection. Trace pulled away first to say, “Now, how about we get some of Fluttershy's cherry pie I've heard so much about?”

“I made an extra one, just for you and Lyra!” Fluttershy smiled warmly, getting up herself to lead the way over to the snack table.

“Wow, you didn't have to do that! Was that why you were so late?” Trace asked, grabbing a plate upon reaching the table.

“Well, I'm always the last one here anyway. So it was okay.” A pink hue formed on Fluttershy's cheeks, but managed to look up to Trace.

Out of the corner of Trace's eye, he noticed something floating over his head. It was the mistletoe that was originally in front of the front door. Trace turned his attention to Twilight, whose horn was glowing with a faint lavender hue. She just giggled as the lavender unicorn stated, “Don't worry, I removed the spell.”

Trace smiled as he turned to Fluttershy, plainly stating, “Spell or no spell.” Keeping it short but sweet, Trace discarded his plate back onto the table, getting down onto one knee. Being eye level to Fluttershy, he easily was able to gently run his fingers through her pink mane and to the back of her head, bringing her closer into a kiss. She didn't fight him in the least, he had thought she would at least need encouragement, kissing in front of her friends; but she seemed to be okay with it. Their lips warmed quickly against one another into a passionate embrace, even though tongues didn't become involved. Trace cracked his eyes open to see Fluttershy's wings expand slightly and he broke away to whisper, “Happy Hearths Warming Eve, Fluttershy.”

“Happy Hearths Warming Eve, Trace.” Fluttershy returned, lunging forward to bury her face into Trace's chest.

Fluttershy's snuggling lasted for mere moments before somepony else could be felt nosing her way into the embrace. Fluttershy and Trace giggled as they willingly let the minty unicorn join in the love. They both cooed as Lyra whispered too, “Happy Hearths Warming Eve.”

Author's Note

Special thanks to Bytestorm for editing.

Thanks everypony for liking Ever Growing Friendship and I hope I continue to produce chapters that everypony will love!