The holidays were coming and it showed around Ponyville. The ground was covered in a thick layer of snow. Shops and homes were decorated to reflect the coming Hearth’s warming eve. Streamers and ribbons and bows, decorated trees and even a mistletoe here and there. Colorful lights strung everywhere lit up the city at night and even from a distance you would be able to see Ponyville as a beacon in an otherwise cover of white.

There was however one residence that was more decorated than the others, much to everyponies’ surprise. The library had decorations coating it almost to a point of absurdity. It didn’t end on the outside though, the interior was just as decorated. The purple unicorn who lived there was possibly more excited for Hearth’s Warming Eve than any other pony in Equestria. It was the first time she would be celebrating it in Ponyville. There was something that made it even more special. It was her first Hearth’s Warming Eve with her marefriend Fluttershy.

This wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who knew Twilight but she tended to be a little obsessive. It was no different now. This holiday had to be perfect. She wanted to be special above any other Hearth’s Warming Eve that Fluttershy had experienced in the past. They were still new lovers but Twilight worried about things like that none the less. To make it extra special Twilight had spent time agonizing over the perfect gift for her lover. She’d finally found what she thought was the perfect gift for Fluttershy and was quite proud of herself.

The door to the library flew open, the large red ribbon flailing wildly to match the intensity the door was opened with. Spike jumped as a flow of cold air came in and disturbed his nap. The young dragon sprang up to see Twilight coming in. Twilight knocked her hoofs against the mat in front of the entrance to knock the snow from her boots. She took her boots and scarf off. Spike came rushing to see if she’d brought any present for him (she’d already found something for him and hidden it somewhere he’d never find it.) She carried only Fluttershy’s gift. Twilight put the bag down on the nearby towel and finally let out a sigh of relief.

“What you get Twilight?” Spike curiosity got the best of him.

“I’m glad you asked Spike, I found Fluttershy’s gift!” There was no hiding her pride.

“Can I see it?”

Twilight nodded. From the bag she pulled out a hardcover book. It had a picture of a bunny on the front not dissimilar to Angel (Fluttershy’s pet bunny.) The title read “Ponyville: Flora and Fauna” Twilight grinned eagerly towards her dragon assistant. For Spike this seemed...Anticlimactic. It wasn’t at all what he’d been expecting. He thought of telling Twilight that but he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. This was important to her after all. He just gave her a smile.

“That’s...Great Twilight. Fluttershy’s going to...Uh...Love it.”

Twilight looked down at the book and back to Spike, as thought something were wrong. She used to her magic to lift it in front of her and as it spun around she inspected every corner of the book. Why had Spike reacted like that? Had the book been damaged? Had she accidentally gotten the wrong one? But everything seemed fine with the book which meant the book itself was the problem.

“Is there something wrong with the book Spike?”

Spike shook his head and scurried back to his bed. “I’m sure it’ll be just fine Twilight.” He was snoring a few minutes later.
Twilight sighed and draped her scarf around her neck again. She slid her boots on and prepared to go out, taking Fluttershy’s book with her.

I’d better get a second opinion, just to be safe...

**

Rarity was hard at work. It was surprising how many stallions were looking to buy dresses for their mares. It had brought in a good amount of business at the boutique but finally she was on the last dress. It would be delivered on time. She would be able to enjoy Hearth’s Warming Day the next morning. She was looking forward to see Sweetie Belle’s face when she opened her gifts. She was brought out of her daydreaming by a tapping at her door. Most of her friends should be at home with their families, or shopping or something. So she definitely was not expecting to see her powerful unicorn friend at the door when she opened it.

“Oh my. Twilight how are you? Would you like to come in?”

“Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight shuffled into the boutique. After their initial hellos Rarity set some tea for them and they took a seat together.

Rarity took a sip of tea before addressing her friend. “What can I do for you dear?”

“I needed your advice on something Rarity...”

“And what would that be?”

“Well, Fluttershy. I g-“

“Oh no. Are you two having relationship troubles? That’s just awful! Tell me what I can do to help Twilight.” Rarity was extremely concerned. She’d played a big role in them getting together after all.

Fluttershy had initially confessed her feelings for Twilight to Rarity. After that it had taken some work but Rarity had managed to help the situation out enough for Fluttershy to admit her feelings. It had turned out Twilight returned them and they had been happily together ever since. Rarity never missed a chance to talk about how she’d helped them get together. She was a huge fan of romance after all.

Twilight quickly corrected what Rarity was thinking. “No. Nothing like that! We’re doing quite well, I think. Some books say that by this time there’s some couples that are farther along but with Fluttershy’s shyness and my inexperience I don’t see it as that much of a problem. I’ve followed all the steps to being a good marefriend an-“ Rarity cleared her throat to help Twilight get to the point. She seemed to be avoiding. “Right, sorry...I feel kind of silly asking this but...I spent a lot of time choosing Fluttershy’s present and I thought it was really good but Spike seemed to disagree. And now he’s got me doubting or not whether I chose a good gift. Out of all our friends you know Fluttershy best so I was hoping you could give me your opinon.”

“Of course Twilight. It would be my pleasure.” Rarity was glad to offer her help. “What did you get our shy friend?”

The book levitated out from Twilight bag and placed itself between them on the table. Rarity took a chance to look at the cover. For a few moments they both sat there awkwardly. Rarity was expecting Twilight to pull something else out then realized that this was it. Rarity gave Twilight a small smile. It wasn’t that it wasn’t a good and thoughtful gift. It was more that it didn’t seem appropriate for a ‘significant other’ in Rarity’s mind. She didn’t want to hurt Twilight’s feelings but on the other hoof she wanted to be honest.

“You got her a book?” There was confusion. Then she realized how rude she’d been and tried to rephrase what she meant. “Twilight, darling, it’s a very well thought out gift. And your intentions are obviously good.” Twilight seemed to perk up, cheered up that she had chosen well. It was quickly taken away at Rarity’s next words. “But you love Fluttershy. We can all see it and I don’t know if you two have said it yet but I remain convinced you do. I know your new at this but girls like to be ‘wowed’. Even Fluttershy is a girl at heart. Although this is thoughtful it doesn’t shout out – How can I put it – ‘This is a gift for my marefriend’. It seems more like something you’d get a friend.”

Twilight looked down at the book and the more she thought about it the more she realized Rarity was probably right. Most couples would be giving each other something special and meaningful for Hearth’s Warming Eve and she’d gotten Fluttershy a book. Books were here thing, not Fluttershy’s. Maybe she’d made a big mistake after all. She should have gotten Fluttershy something more stereotypical. Like a diamond, or even flowers...

In that moment Twilight felt awful. Her stomach turned. She was no longer excited to give Fluttershy her gift but dreading it.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“No it won’t! Now I have to go find the perfect gift for Fluttershy! Thanks for your help Rarity”

Rarity didn’t have time to get another word in. Twilight packed the book up and redressed herself for the cold. She took off running. She wasn’t sure where she was going but she was sure she’d know once she saw it.

**

Twilight had systematically eliminated every shop in Ponyville. She’d considered every possible item. Jewellery, cakes, toys, pets and an array of other items. None of them fit the ‘special’ quality she wanted. Ideally she would have had made a gift for Fluttershy but now there wasn’t much time. Fluttershy would be coming over in only a few hours. Twilight slumped against the wall of the nearest building and sighed. If only she’d picked the perfect gift the first time.

“Hey Twilight what are you doing out?”

Twilight felt as though she’d nearly had a heart attack. She looked up only to be greeted by her cyan, rainbow-maned friend Rainbow Dash. “I’m looking for a gift for Fluttershy.” Twilight announced glumly.

“You still haven’t gotten her a gift? That’s so unlike you. You’re usually prepared for everything.”

“I got her a gift but everypony’s been telling me it’s not good enough.” Another sigh.

“What is it?”

“A book.”

“You got your marefriend a book for Hearth’s Warming Eve?” her voice took the same tone that Rarity’s had earlier.

“Yes. I got her a book.” Twilight replied, unable to hide her annoyance. “Now I don’t have time to find anything either. All the stores are closing up and I’m supposed to meet Fluttershy at home soon. I don’t know what to do, Rainbow Dash...”

Rainbow Dash wasn't one who was interested in relationships and the like. She was, however, interested in helping her friends. She didn't think it was that big of a deal. It was a big deal to Twilight though, so she’d try her best to help. She’d known Fluttershy since she was a filly after all. Perhaps Rainbow Dash could think of something.

“Hmmm...Oh I know!”

Twilight placed her hoofs on each of Dash’s shoulders and shook her a little. “You do!? Oh tell me, please, please, please!
”
Rainbow Dash took a hold of Twilight and pushed her back a few steps. She smirked and began telling Twilight her idea. “If you can’t buy or make her a present do something instead. A gesture of some kind. For your relationship maybe?”

“I can’t believe I didn't think of that! Thanks Rainbow Dash!” Once again Twilight was off. Running back to the library to set something up. All she had to do was come up with a really big gesture.

Alright, I can do this.

**

It had taken a lot of thought but Twilight had finally figured out what she wanted to give Fluttershy. She wanted to give Fluttershy the most special gift she could. When she’d first considered it she thought it silly but it was the only thing she could offer to Fluttershy no one else could. She’d give herself to Fluttershy.

Twilight had sent Spike away for the evening. He’d be with Rarity so he wouldn't mind very much. Rarity had only agreed due to the circumstances. She’d quickly read “Seducing for Eggheads”, something she thought she would never have to do and then prepared the library.

Twilight had set candles all around. She lit them with the help of her magic. She had then led a trail of rose petals from the entrance all the way to her bedroom, and then to her bed. She had practiced a few moves from the book and in her opinion had become quite adept at it. Now that everything was set all that was left to do was prepare herself then wait.

Twilight had already bathed and now she was about to follow advice from the book. She’d read that a lot of ponies found a wild, disheveled mane sexy. She looked at herself in a mirror and cringed at what she was about to do. She put her two forehooves on the top of her head and then began running them back and forth. Then in all directions until her mane was wild and untidy. It stuck out in every which way and in her opinion looked quite ridiculous. But if this is what’s sexy…

She then sprayed some perfume on her neck. Clearly she had put far too much because the scent made her cough and caused her nose to burn. Once again she thought it was necessary though. She was thinking of there were anything else left to do but even if there were time was out. She heard a soft tapping at the door. There was only one mare she knew who tapped on a door so softly.

Twilight hurried the door. She took a calming breath then opened it to greet her marefriend. Twilight smiled at seeing the butter yellow mare. Fluttershy returned the smile but was clearly surprised at Twilight’s hair. She wrinkled her muzzle a little too. She then muttered softly.

“Oh my, Twilight…I’m so sorry. I must be early. Should I come back in a little bit?” Fluttershy took a step back as she spoke.
Alright Twilight, you can do this. Twilight gave Fluttershy a sultry smirk. “You’re right on time, actually.” Twilight made her voice lower than it usually was. “Come on in.” She spun on her hooves and began walking inside. She swung her hips back and forth as she walked, knowing Fluttershy was directly behind her. Her cheeks burned and she knew she was blushing. So long as it works… she thought to herself.

When she heard the door close behind Fluttershy Twilight turned back. Fluttershy had clearly seen what Twilight had been doing as she walked in. She was fidgeting nervously and the blush on her cheeks was visible. Twilight felt a little better now, her plan seemed like it was working.

It was only at this point Fluttershy got a good view of the library. The library lit by candles and the rose petals beneath her hooves. She looked towards Twilight and wasn’t even sure what to say. “You did this for me?”

“I did. Do you like it?” Twilight held her head up proudly.

“I don’t even know what to say. It’s so nice, and so romantic and I just…Thank you.” Fluttershy seemed on the verge of crying. For once not because of her weakness, or some other pony making fun of her but simply for Twilight’s gesture. Nopony had ever done something like this for her. Flutterhy had never felt more grateful nor had she ever been more in love with Twilight than she was at that exact moment.

“It was nothing Fluttershy, really.” Twilight felt her heart speed up, both at Fluttershy’s words and what she was going to do next. “I have a special gift for you, Fluttershy. Come with me.” She gave her marefriend a wink and resumed her “seductive” walking. She led Fluttershy to the bedroom. The whole time even though Fluttershy tried to look away she kept glancing at Twilight’s flank.

Finally they reached the room and Twilight hopped onto the bed. She lay on her belly whilst facing Fluttershy. She grinned towards the shy mare. Fluttershy was unsure of what to do. “You said you wanted to give me a gift?” she hoped she wasn’t coming across as rude. She simply just didn’t know what else to say.

“Yes.”

“What is it.”

“Me.” Silence hung in the air. Confusion crossed Fluttershy’s features. Twilight had expected that to happen though and then continued. “I want you, Fluttershy.” Another wink was sent in the pegasus’ direction.

Fluttershy realized what Twilight meant now and her jaw hung open for a moment. She felt so many different emotions at once. She was flattered that Twilight found her attractive in that way enough to want to physically express it. She felt a little the same way too, after all Twilight was extremely attractive in Fluttershy’s eyes. Then she also felt that despite both those things she wasn’t ready. This was a big step for them to take and she felt it wasn’t the right time. After tonight she had a feeling it would be with Twilight that she did it with the first time at some point, just not on that night. She was unsure of what to say to Twilight. She didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She just mumbled out nonsense.

Twilight was watching Fluttershy expectantly. It quickly turned sour though. She wasn’t sure where she went wrong. She’d done as much as she could in the little time she had. She’d tried to make herself look more attractive to her marefriend to make things easier. She’d gone to the trouble of setting up this whole thing so it would be special. It crashed over her like a wave where she went wrong. She’d tried to turn something so important, something so special into a gift. That was a big mistake and no amount of preparation could have made up for that fact. Turning it into a gift had made it lose any value it may have had and now Twilight felt horrible. She’d ruined Fluttershy’s gift twice now. She felt tears well up in her eyes even though she didn’t want them to be.

This was horrible. Twilight had always been the one to comfort Fluttershy. To make her feel better when she was sad or being picked on. Since they’d been together Twilight had been Fluttershy’s strength. Always supporting her in whatever way she could. So when the tears began sliding down her cheeks and left streaks in her fur all Twilight could think to do was bury her head into the bed and try to silent her sobs.

Fluttershy was remembering all the times Twilight had been strong for her too. Now it was her turn though. Fluttershy crawled climbed into the bed and crawled over beside Twilight. She wrapped both of her hooves around Twilight’s middle and pulled the lavender mare to her. She hummed a soft lullaby into Twilight’s ear until she calmed down and was finally able to speak.

“I’m sorry F-Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy nuzzled herself into Twilight’s neck. ”What are you sorry for? You’ve been so sweet…”

“I just wanted to get you the perfect gift. I wanted our first Hearth’s Warming Eve together to be extra special.” Twilight wiped her eyes.

“It was going to be no matter what. You didn’t have to offer me something like that to make it special.” Fluttershy was running her hoof up and down Twilight’s back. She was beginning to understand now.

“I got you something else at first but it wasn’t good enough.” She pushed her head back down into the bed. She didn’t even want to think of the lame gift she’d gotten Fluttershy.

“What was it?”

“It was silly…I don’t want to give you something like that. It doesn’t even come close to showing how I feel about you…”

“Can I see it anyway, please?” She spoke in her softest voice. If Twilight really didn’t want to she wouldn’t push the matter.

Twilight didn’t say anything. Instead her horn began to glow and Fluttershy’s original gift came floating over. It plonked down in front of her. Fluttershy took a moment to look the tome over. She turned it over and read the back. “Oh my…Where did you ever get the idea this wasn’t a good gift for me?”

“Everypony said I should get you something special. More meaningful. Not some silly book. Books are what I like…Not you. I’m sorry…” Hearth’s Warming Eve was ruined as far as Twilight was concerned.

“Twilight, this is wonderful!”

“You’re just saying that…”

“No I mean it.” Although Twilight couldn’t see it Fluttershy was smiling. “This is like having all the information I could possibly need. Everything on all my critter friends in one convenient book. I didn’t even know there were books like this. I bet I’ll learn a lot too. Thank you soooooo much.”

“W-what?”

“Whoever told you this wasn’t a good idea was silly. It shows you know me really well. Knowing you pay attention to me and know the things I’m interested in is more meaningful that any thing you could have gotten me.”

Twilight pulled her head up and looked at Fluttershy. She sniffed. “Really…?”

Fluttershy nodded. She leaned forward and ever so softly pressed her lips against Twilights. Twilight closed her eyes and melted into the kiss. Time seemed to stand still. She instantly felt much better. It was as though a soothing stream was passing through her entire body. She’d been worrying about nothing the entire time.

After what seemed like hours, but was really only a few seconds they pulled away. “About what you tried to, um…Give me…” Fluttershy was back to her usual self it seemed. She was proud of herself for having been able to help Twilight. She now knew she’d be able to help Twilight whenever she needed help as well.

“You don’t have to say anything Fluttershy.” Twilight really just wanted to drop the whole thing.

“Oh, but I do.” Fluttershy was fidgeting uncomfortably. “I want you too Twilight I really do. I’m just scared…I know that’s probably not a surprise coming from me. I like you a lot Twilight. Actually I love you. You’re my first love. Tonight’s convinced me that I’m going to do that with you, and you’re going to be the first pony I give myself to. Tonight wasn’t the right time, and I wasn’t ready but when I am you’ll be the first to know. Also…” Fluttershy wanted Twilight to know she hadn’t messed up. She couldn’t believe what she was about to say, but she wanted to be honest with Twilight. “You really were very sexy…I couldn’t stop looking at you when you walked like that. You have a really nice, um, backside.” Fluttershy’s cheeks flushed.
Twilight smiled. “Thanks Fluttershy. I don’t think I’m quite ready yet either and I’m glad that when I am it’ll be with you.” She kissed Fluttershy again.

“Oh, I um, got something for you too Twilight.” Fluttershy ran back to the entrance and quickly returned to the room. She place a small wrapped bundle in front of Twilight which Twilight was quick to unwrap. When she opened it and unfolded what was inside her eyes grew wide. “I knit it myself. I hope you like it.” It was Fluttershy’s turn to be nervous.

Presented to Twilight was a scarf. Not just any scarf though. Whatever the material was that it was made from it was extremely soft. It would obviously keep her warm. The design itself was the same color as her mane, with the same streak of pink running along the middle of the scarf. In the center Twilight’s name was knit in lavender color which matched her coat. It was very sweet.

“Thank you Fluttershy. I don’t think I could have asked for anything better.” She gave the pegasus’ a warm smile.

“Not even a book?” Fluttershy teased.

“No, not even a book.” Twilight giggled.

The two ponies crawled under the covers. The cuddled each other and held each other close. The night had turned out perfectly after all. Neither of them wanted anything more than this.

They smiled at each other
.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming eve, Twilight.”

“Happy Hearth’s Warming eve, Fluttershy.”

Author's Note

Just a Twishy oneshot I wanted to do for the holidays. To be honest I'm quite fond of it. Hope you guys enjoy it and Merry Christmas!

Also thanks to a good friend for drawing the cover art for me, if anyone wants a cover art or art in general drawn for them PM me.