Chapter Four: Hearth’s Warming Joys

Ponyville outskirts.

Snow covered the land of Equestria. Pure white snow, It was soon to be the joyous, wonderful time of the year, Hearth’s Warming Eve. Already, Ponyville was decorated with the amazing decorations of the holiday, along with an enormous Hearth’s Warming tree set up in the town square. Everypony in town, Earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns alike all utilized their capabilities in order to decorate it with a variety of big ornaments and streamers.

On this particular snowy day, Rainbow Dash trotted along the tree lot with her roommate and best friend Fluttershy, as they searched for a tree to put in their cottage. Rainbow had offered to go out into the forest and chop one down, but Fluttershy resisted, saying she didn’t want her friend to get hurt. It took some coaxing, but the daredevil finally agreed to just going down to the lot and finding a tree. They were also pulling a sleigh along with some ropes, which they would be using to bring the tree back to their cottage.

“How about this one?” Rainbow pointed to one nearby, which was at least ten feet tall.

“Um... I don’t know... I think it’s too tall...” Fluttershy replied thoughtfully, before she shook her head. “I don’t want the tip of it to get smooshed by the ceiling.”

“Fine, something shorter,” Rainbow relented, looking around the lot. “Hey! That one!”

The more studious mare studied it. “I-... well, I don’t know... what do you think?”

“It’s too skinny. We need one with a lot of pine needles! Wait, then it’ll need more water. Fine! Let’s get a medium one or something!”

“Oh, don’t worry, there are plenty of trees for us to choose from! Here, let me try. Mmm...mm...This one?”

“Too thick!”

“That one?”

“Too small!”

“How about this one?”

“It barely has any branches!” Rainbow Dash indicated, becoming rather annoyed at the lack of a clear winner.

The two pegasi were pretty hard-pressed to find a tree that was “just right” for them and the cottage, but with Dash being a little bit picky and Fluttershy concerned about the sizing, it took a while. A few minutes, neither knew how long, at the most.

But finally, within the trees, they found one that was just perfect. About six and a half feet tall, fairly thick branches that hid the trunk, but not too thin or thick. Frankly, for what they were looking for, it was just what they needed. A simple yet big enough tree, for their little home during the Hearths Warming season.

“It’s perfect, Rainbow! I’m glad we found one to make this very special...” Fluttershy murmured as she helped her friend tie the tree to their sleigh.

“I’ll say! For our first Hearth’s Warming in a new town and new place? It’s just what we need!” Rainbow grinned, tightening a few of the ropes.

The powerful muscles in the athlete went into action as she hauled the heavy object along on the sleigh. Fluttershy trotted contentedly beside her best friend.

It seemed to take no time at all for the pair to reach the cottage. Fluttershy gently opened the door for her friend. The bold mare briskly toppled the tree off the sleigh into the snow.

“Hey, Flutters? Help me get this thing inside!”

“Okay.” The yellow pegasus stepped back outside to assist.

Fluttershy helped by pushing in the tree, while Rainbow pulled the rope, the two of them working together as best as they could to bring the tree inside. Once they managed to get it through the doorway, the pink-maned pegasus flew over it to get inside, heading to the box of Hearth’s Warming decorations (one of the few boxes they didn’t need to unpack) so she could fetch the appropriate stand for it. She set it in place, then helped Dash pick up and prop the base of the tree into the stand. Dash held it in place, while Fluttershy slipped underneath and adjusted the hooks to hold the trunk in place.

Making sure it was steady, Dash gingerly let go, and Fluttershy crawled out from beneath the tree to examine it as well. Sure enough, the tree remained standing and steady, majestic in their living room.

“Ya know, since the cottage is bigger than the apartment and has taller ceilings, it’s no wonder it’s a great size!” The cyan pegasus grinned, taking it all in.

“Oh Rainbow, it looks wonderful! We were right to choose this tree...” Fluttershy smiled as she gave her crush a winged hug.

“Yea. It’s awesome.” The cyan mare disappeared into the container of decorations, throwing several out. “And now we get to decorate the tree.”

Tinsel settled on Fluttershy’s nose followed by several other items that were tossed her way by her friend. The shy pony began to feel like she was the tree. Suddenly a cyan hoof removed her coverings meeting her lips. Before she realised what was happening, her friend pulled away, grinning.

“Sorry there, Flutters. I almost thought you were a tree.”

“Silly....” A blush settled on Fluttershy’s cheeks as she giggled with delight, then began to search one of the other Hearth’s Warming Eve boxes.

“Right...” Dash studied the majestic tree for a few moments, tinsel in one hoof.

Without waiting for her companion to start, the speedy pegasus begun throwing items onto the tree, decorating it just like so. She tossed all kinds ornaments and tinsel along the tree as fast as she could. She flew up and hovered gently above the floor to reach the higher branches. Fluttershy found the star in one of the boxes, making the sure the lights in it still worked. Seeing that they did, she set it aside so that they could put it on last.

Another box contained the tree lights, which Fluttershy tested as well and was glad to discover they still worked fine. She began to string them along the branches, starting at the lowest before she headed upwards with the help of her wings. Rainbow Dash helped her, taking another strand and starting up at the higher branches, so the two of them would meet halfway as they made their way up and down.

“All right....now for the star,” Fluttershy brought it over, holding it in her mouth, “Why don’t you put it up, Rainbow?”

“Nah, you do it! I did it last year.”

“Oh no, I insist! You do it.”

“Nuh-uh! Nothing doing! You’re putting it up!”

“...Why don’t we...both put it up?”

Rainbow grinned, nodding as she took the other end in her teeth, “I love the way you think sometimes, Fluttershy!”

A very blushy yellow pegasus giggled as the pair hovered up to the top of the tree, gently placing the star on top. Once it was connected to another one of the plugged-in lights a few branches down, it lit with a beautiful glow illuminating the pair in a warm gentle light.

Both mares stood back to take a moment to admire their work, amazed at how lovely their tree looked. While it wasn’t too much different from the trees they had back at their first apartment, it did still prove to be a unique and special Hearth’s Warming tree. Since they had a various assortment of ornaments, tinsel and lights, they were able to mix things up every year, so in a sense, it did feel like they had a new tree every year.

“Oh Dashie...it’s beautiful...it really turned out so wonderful...and for our first tree in our new home...” Fluttershy murmured, tears in her eyes, “I really don’t think I could have asked for any better...”

“Aww, come on, don’t get sappy!” Dash threw a foreleg around her best friend’s shoulders and held her close, “It’s just a decorated tree for the holiday and it looks great! Nothin’ to it!”

Fluttershy blushed and snuggled against her, “I know...that’s very true. I suppose I can’t help but get caught up in the sentimentality of it... And well, these past few years since we’ve been living together...it’s been a treat to share it together.”

Unable to keep from smiling, Rainbow Dash gave her a hug, “You’re right, Fluttershy! It’s pretty awesome we can do this together again!”

The two friends settled down under the tree and snuggled into each others comfortable embrace.

At least until Angel came scampering into the living room and rammed himself in between the pair, as if demanding for some attention too. Regardless of the interruption, both pegasi settled in together, embraced (with Angel, too), taking an afternoon nap together under the tree.

Feeling nothing but the placid beat of her friends heart, Rainbow Dash allowed herself to fall asleep to its rhythm.

Ponyville Marketplace.

Fluttershy trotted along beside Rarity as the two mares browsed for Hearths Warming gifts in the noon day sun. They shopped along in the stores, now seeking gifts they wished to buy for their friends and families. It was clear that the festive season was about to hit the town, everywhere they looked. As it drew nearer, it was no wonder the hustle and bustle grew all the more stronger. Fluttershy had to admit that it was very different from the holiday season in Cloudsdale, to be sure.

“Isn’t that necklace just divine?” Rarity’s eyes shone as she beheld yet another trinket her heart desired.

“Um... Rarity... It’s 350 bits. That's my entire budget for the gifts I have to buy...”

“Well, then do tell, what IS on your list, dear?” Rarity queried.

“Um... well.... I’m buying a sweater for my father....” Fluttershy looked over the list she had in her hoof, “A new figurine for my mother at the ceramics shop... a couple of things for my aunt and uncle, my cousins.... my grandfather...”

“Nothing for Rainbow Dash?” Rarity gasped.

“O-Oh! No no... I... I already have her present...” Fluttershy admitted, blushing a bit. “Well... um.... two presents, actually...”

“Oh?” Rarity turned an enquiring gaze upon her friend.

With a slight bush, Fluttershy indicated to a small box she had in her saddlebags, “I just bought it when we got here, actually. ...It’s mistletoe.”

Rarity gave her a blank look.

“...What?” The timid mare looked at her with confusion, wondering why she was looking at her like that.

Suddenly realization crossed the alabaster mare’s face. “You’re planning on asking her out, aren’t you?”

“N-no... of course not...! I mean, I want to... but I'm just... I can't do that unless I know for sure that she wants to be with me!” Fluttershy trailed off, shaking her head. “I just want to kiss her. All of times we kissed were spontaneous and I can’t just ask!  ...At least with mistletoe, I won’t have to.”

“Hoping your mare will come to you, are we?” Rarity observed with a smile.

“Um...!” The timid pegasus really didn’t need such information going public.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy. As much as I love gossip I want you to know that your secret is safe with me.”

Fluttershy smiled with relief, “Thank you so much, Rarity... That means a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome, my dear.” Spotting something, the white unicorns eyes went wide. “How about that for some stunning lingerie? Isn’t it darling? Perhaps that would make for some lovely sleepwear! And even, perhaps... entice Rainbow Dash?” Rarity gave her a saucy wink.

“W-What?!” Fluttershy’s eyes went wide. Yet, at the same time, she couldn’t help but imagine the idea of herself wearing that, while Rainbow lay on the bed, looking at her with that sexy, predatory smirk and beckoning her to join-no! She couldn’t think that! “I-It’s... nice... very... nice... um... ooh! Over there! Let’s... go over there!”

Excitement lit the queen of fashion’s eyes as she spotted the nearby pet store. “Oh, now that would look amazing on Opal!”

While Rarity hurried off toward the pet gifts store, Fluttershy lingered for a moment. To buy, or not to buy? But what use would she have for lingerie? Thoughts of the look on a certain rainbow maned mare filled her head once again. Her heart begun to beat rapidly and she found herself walking toward the quiet lingerie shop. Whatever it was inside telling to buy it, and she found herself powerless to stop it.

The lingerie in question that Rarity had spotted and Fluttershy found herself looking over was beautiful. It was pink, with a trim of black lace, at a fair length that would likely cover half of her flank, the material was silk, and it had spaghetti-thin straps.

“That will be 80 bits, love.” The dry voice of the bored mare behind the counter rang out, snapping the shy mare out of her trance.

Fluttershy unleashed a small squeal of surprise.

“Oh come on. I’ve been here the whole time...” The attendant complained as she rolled her eyes.

“Um....” Fluttershy twiddled her hooves. “O-Okay... yes... I-I’d like to purchase this one,” she indicated to the very lingerie piece that was fitted on display of the dress dummy.

“Great. You must be very keen to impress your special somepony. I can guarantee you, he will just love to see you in this.”

Fluttershy felt her face heat up. No stallion would ever catch her in such an outfit! Even if she did go through with wearing it, the only pony who would ever be allowed see her in it was and always would be Rainbow Dash.

“I... I-I’m not... it’s... it’s... It’s not for me! It’s... uh, ..for a friend! For... Warming Eve's Hearth and all... hee...” Fluttershy said nervously.

“Of course... whatever.” The unimpressed mare stared back at her, holding out her hoof awaiting payment.

Nodding rapidly, the shy pony reached for her bag of money, then handed over eighty bits in exact change.

Satisfied, the attendant returned to her previous task of ignoring everypony, which allowed Fluttershy to hurriedly pack the kit into her saddlebags. The shy pony made haste out of the shop, hoping that no pony else had spotted her. She quickly scanned the crowd for her friend, and quickly spotted the unicorn still inside the pet gifts store. With a sigh of relief, the yellow pegasus made her way over.

“Ah, there you are darling!” Rarity didn’t seem to miss her temporary absence too much. “I was wondering. Should I get this one or this for Opal?”

Fluttershy tensed, unsure. But then again, she figured it best to just pick one and get it over with.“Um...the one on the right?”

“I’ll have the one on the right.” Rarity confirmed, then promptly handed the payment across to the serving pony.

“Well....then I guess we’ll continue our shopping, then...” Fluttershy said, a bit flustered, hopeful her friend wouldn’t catch on to the fact that she did indeed buy the lingerie after all.

Rarity gave a nod, then led her friend out of the shop. “Absolutely, dear!”

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Applejack made their way out of Sugarcube Corner and toward the packed marketplace. All three were happy to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festive season.

“This is going to be the best Hearth’s Warming Ever!” Pinkie couldn’t get enough of the festive sights around them as she bounced about.

“Ya say that every year,” Applejack muttered dryly, but smiled anyway, “So how ‘bout you, RD? Got anythin’ in mind fer yer... friend?”

“Um... not really...” The disorganized speedster trailed off, she still had no idea what she could buy anypony.

Pinkie Pie gasped, “What???? You don’t have a special giftie for your special Flutters? But Dashie! That’s so sad!!!”

With a nonchalant shrug in response, Rainbow Dash looked from shop to shop to see where she could start. “Yea. But I haven’t found anything, okay? Fluttershy needs something... I don’t know... special... Something awesome.”

Applejack chuckled, “Not something like a certain kind of hoof band ah’ hope.”

“Oooohhhh!!!” Pinkie giggled excitedly, “That would be SO COOL, Dashie!”

A cyan hoof covered the party pony’s mouth before she could go any further. “I am not getting anypony a wedding band!”

“Ah’ never said nuthin’ about no wedding band.” Applejack defended, her face split into a massive innocent grin.

“But you suggested it!” The accusing voice of Rainbow Dash caused Pinkie to giggle.

“An’ yer tha one who said it,” teased the farm pony.

“And then we all get to have a great big party for Dashie and Fluttershy!” Pinkie nearly exploded with joy.

“No Pinkie! I’m not marrying my best friend. That’s just... ewwwww...” Rainbow trailed off with a look of distain upon her face. At least, she hoped it was a convincing

However, a clear blush resonated on her face as she couldn't help but envision the idea of one day marrying Fluttershy. It had been at the back of her mind, especially since they practically lived like they were married, so to speak. But it wasn't quite something she was ready to even bring up. No matter how appealing the idea sounded.

“An’ ya’d rather marry some complete stranger?” Applejack jabbed, winking.

“NO! If I had THAT kind of choice, duh, of course I’d marry Fluttershy over a stranger!” Dash huffed.

“What about me? Would you marry me?” Pinkie bounced up and down with no clue as to why she herself was offering such a thing.

“NO.” Dash said outright, shaking her head.

“It’s alright Dashie.” Pinkie giggled. “I was only teasing you. We both know you love Fluttershy.”

“I DON’T love Fluttershy!!!” Rainbow blushed hard, “I, yeah, I love Fluttershy but I’m not IN love with her!”

This was of course a big lie. Admitting it to herself and then out loud to others wasn't exactly the same thing in her mind.

Pinkie rolled around on the path in hysterics, even the orange earth pony couldn’t help but join in a little.

“What?! Why are you laughing?! That’s not funny! ...You two are acting totally uncool.” The cyan pegasus huffed, scowling. “It’s just a fact, that’s all! Now I’m done saying sappy things! Can we just get this over with already?!”

“Oh. Okay. Hey Applejackie, come with aunty Pinkie. I need to show you something.” The two left Dash to her own devices for a minute, both of them sent winks at her over their shoulders.

“Yeah, uh, okay, I’ll...meet you girls over there... later...” Dash stared after them, confused. Why did they just leave?

Her eyes, however, caught on to why. Right in front of her now was a lingerie shop. Oh no. They did NOT just...! In a wild panic she gazed around. They did...

She saw their plan. This was not what she had in mind. A lingerie shop? Who in her family or out of her friends would she buy something like this for?! And she herself would never be caught dead in lingerie. It was outrageous! Oh, she didn’t have to play this game. All she had to do was walk away. Just walk away. Away from it.

Her eyes caught sight of a lovely lingerie nightgown. Pink silk, black lace trim, thin straps... Dash gulped. Why was she staring at it? Who in Equestria would she want to entice by wearing it? It was stupid, she couldn’t possibly-

“Oh, Dashie...” Fluttershy murmured with seduction in her tone. The cute mare stood on her hind legs as she presented the lovely lingerie she wore in full view.

“C’mere you, you sexy beautiful pony...” Dash purred, beckoning her with her hoof. “You look beautiful, Flutters...stunning.”

“My rainbow...my Dashie...my sexy Wonderbolt...” Cooed a loving Fluttershy as she crawled into bed, full of joyful giggles. “Let’s make sweet pegasus love...”

Rainbow Dash forcibly snapped herself out of uncalled for, yet hot fantasy, the weather mare decided to wander inside and see what the fuss was about. The nagging feeling wouldn’t go away otherwise, anyhow.

“Hello... Welcome to Passion Night Lingerie Store. What can I get you today, miss?” The bored attendant asked with no apparent interest in her customer.

“Uh...” Dash’s mind went blank. What was she doing here again?

This was not her sort of place. She turned her attention back to the wares and suddenly remembered why she had entered the shop in the first place.

“Well, hurry up, I don’t have all day.” The bored tone of the shop keeper cut through the bold pony’s trail of thought.

“Hey! Aren't you supposed to be nice to your customers?” Rainbow Dash’s tone carried enough of an edge to cut a cake in two.

However, she might as well have bashed her head against a brick wall as the bored attendant appeared to be completely unfazed. “Whatever miss. Now are you going to buy something hot or not?”

“Yeah, ...that one.” Dash indicated the lingerie that she imagined Fluttershy would fit so well that- No! It was just going to be a present for her best friend... nothing more.

“80 bits.” The dull mare grabbed the money given to her.

Rainbow Dash packed the lingerie in her saddlebag and hurried out without saying another word to the rude shop keeper.

She strutted about, doing her best to appear as if nothing had happened. She had not just brought her beautiful friend something so... personal... but try as she might, the athlete could not keep the thoughts of how... nice... her best friend would look dressed up in such a way. Her wings continued to rise as she scanned the crowd for her friends.

Dash just hoped that her companions wouldn’t know what she just bought and why she bought it.

Much to the muti-coloured pegasus’s relief, nopony mentioned anything of the sort as the small group continued with their Christmas shopping.

Ponyville outskirts, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy’s cottage.

It was Hearth’s Warming Eve. A beautiful, bright snowy day in Ponyville, as everypony bustled about to get ready for their pageants and celebrations. Already there were carollers going about the streets with the beautiful traditional carols that were still practiced and sung even to this very day. The town Hearth’s Warming tree was decorated to its full prosperity along with a giant gold star, the entire town was decorated with beautiful ornaments and garlands, and it seemed to be that you could hear jingle bells in the air...

Over at the sweet little cottage near the Everfree Forest, the Hearth’s Warming spirit was just as alive there as it was everywhere else in town and indeed, all across Equestria.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were preparing their holiday meal to share together. It had been a tradition since they’d began living together to spend Hearth’s Warming Eve with each other, and then to share Hearth’s Warming Day with their families, then come back in time for New Years.

“Wow Fluttershy. This looks amazing.” Dash couldn’t help but lick her lips at the tantalizing sight of their upcoming meal.

“Rainbow.” The chef warned as a stray cyan hoof ventured too close to some of the appealing food before them. “No! No! Bad Rainbow. Down, girl.”

Feeling cheeky, Rainbow leaned across and licked her friends muzzle. “How about now?”

Fluttershy shook her head as a soft blush settled upon her muzzle, “Noooo. It’s not ready yet, silly filly...”

Rainbow Dash noticed the rising temperature and decided to have some fun. She licked her best friend once more, then followed up with a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Hee...Rainbow, you can help me by cutting up the-oooohh!!” Fluttershy trembled and squealed as a pair of cyan forelegs wrapped around her body from behind.

Fluttershy’s wings bristled as she felt hot breath across her neck. A moment later she felt her bold friend gently nibble her ear eliciting a little squeak. She trembled, the spoon fell from her hoof and into the bowl of pudding she was mixing.

“R-Rainbow, what are you doing?”

“Nothing, just making sure you’re not all tense.” Rainbow Dash smirked, then kissed the back of her neck lightly, “And all that.”

“Ooh...” The shy pegasus trembled, blushing furiously. “Rainbow, stop...”

Chuckling, the cyan mare didn't let up in her ministrations on her best friend. “Sure doesn't sound like you want me to stop, Flutters.” She ran her hooves along Fluttershy's chest and stomach gently. “Do you?”

Excited tingles coursed through her body, her heart pounded, and her legs felt weak. Her wings were struggling to rise up despite being pushed down by Rainbow's body. There was even a strange heat pooling in her stomach as more intimate thoughts ran amuck in her mind. Even to where she hoped that one of Rainow's hooves would just travel a little lower...

“...No... I don't want you to stop... u-unless you do.” Fluttershy uttered honestly, yet she hoped that the bold pegasus would stop before things got... heated...

Encouraged, Dash kissed the back of the yellow mare’s neck again and nuzzled into the soft pink mane while her hooves continued their work. As Fluttershy leaned against her, it thrilled her all the more.

“Ouch!” The projectile bounced off Rainbow’s nose, spinning off into space.

Dash locked gazes with the offending carrot eater. “Why did you do that, you stupid bunny?” Her demands were not met as he blew her a raspberry then took off around the corner.

With the moment over, the thankful yellow pegasus turned back to the meal she had been tending to. Though not without the intent in scolding Angel for his misbehavior and interrupting the special moment. It was so close! Yet, at the same time, she almost felt relieved. What if something did happen? Would she have even been ready for that? It was hard to tell if she felt relieved or disappointed from the interruption. What was even going to happen, had it actually gone through?

Saddened at the sudden end to her fun and with no bunny there to take her disappointment out on, Dash turned back to her friend. She planted her hind on the floor, and settled down to observe the skilled pony was putting the finishing touches on their meal.

‘You know...she really is good looking....heh heh, she grew to be a real pretty mare. When she’s cooking something up, it’s weird how she looks awesome and graceful doing it. Wonder what’s going on in her-WHY AM I THINKING SAPPY STUFF?!!? ...Must be the holidays getting to me.’ Thought Dash, a hot blush upon her face, glad that her friend’s attention was elsewhere.

Fluttershy hummed to herself as she continued to work, mulling over the different possible ways to get her friend under the mistletoe with her. Tonight was her only chance, after all, since they were to head back to Cloudsdale to be with their families first thing tomorrow... she had to think of a good way to do it.... but how?

She cast a glance at her friend and did a double take. ‘Was Rainbow just checking my flank out?’ A further glance confirmed her thoughts. The clear blush that had formed on the bold mares face told Fluttershy all she needed to know. ‘She is looking...’ An adorable little giggle escaped the shy pony. At last she was able to return the favor and embarrass her friend.

Fluttershy playfully, though unsure why, gave her flank a little wiggle. Sure enough, Dash’s cheeks burned more and this time she looked away for a moment out of embarrassment.

‘But...why was she checking me out? She can’t really... have a crush on me or something can she?’

Dash meanwhile, couldn’t believe that Fluttershy caught her looking. And didn’t even seem to mind! This was getting to be too much. Her hormones were rising again, as were her wings.

Dash trotted out of the room to find something to do, and went to the bedroom. Under her bed was a box labeled “magazines”, which was true, it was indeed filled with all kinds of sports and stunt flying magazines, but within the box, wrapped up in tissue, was the lingerie she had bought for Fluttershy. Was she actually going to give it to her tonight?

The cyan pegasus gulped as she pulled out the garment. She looked it over for a moment and wondered how had she ever thought this was a good idea in the first place? Fluttershy would indeed look amazing in it, it would enhance her cuteness and her beauty all at the same time. It was perfect for her. The cut and design was sensual and alluring, skimpy even, but it wasn’t dirty nor sleazy. It was just the right kind of idea to showcase a mare like Fluttershy’s more sensual side.

But the question lingered in her mind. Why did she buy it for her? Did she really want to see her in it that much? For future use? How was she going to explain it to her? And what would Fluttershy think when she saw her gift?

Dash shook her head and did her best to clear the annoying thoughts. As soon as she glanced down again however, she was immediately reminded of how well it would fit her cute friend. She felt her cheeks heat up, then heard hoofsteps approaching. She hurriedly stuffed the lingerie back in the box and pretended to be in the middle of flicking through her magazine collection.

“Dinner's almost ready, Rainbow!”

The cyan mare took that as an excuse to stuff everything back in the box like a filly caught with her hoof in the cookie jar.

“I’ll be there in a minute!” Rainbow Dash hoped her shy friend hadn’t just caught a glimpse of the surprise present.

“All right, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said from the top of the stairs, only able to spot the top of Rainbow’s head considering she was obscured by her bed, “It should be ready in about five minutes or so!” She retreated slowly back downstairs.

With the receding sound of her friend’s soft hoofsteps, Dash sighed with relief. She had nearly been caught. She glanced up to meet the gaze of Angel Bunny.

“What?” Her chilling tone cooled the winter air in the room.

He simply gave her a disapproving look and refused to budge.

“Oh, you’re angry I’m giving her something like that? Come on! Get over yourself! I’m not about to make decisions based on what you approve!” Rainbow shot at the bunny.

Surprisingly, Angel just made a sighing motion and palmed his face with his paw. He then returned his gaze to the pegasus in front of him and gave her a look that was clear about what he was trying to say.

“I’m not giving it to her because I like her! It’s just... something nice for her to wear!”

Angel gestured over to a sweater that was hanging on a chair.

“Well yeah, I know it’s different than something normal to wear, give me a break!”

The bunny pointed at her, then made a pantomime of the likeness of Fluttershy, and then made a swooning pantomime.

“It’s not like that!” Dash hissed. “I know what you’re trying to do but it won’t work! So shhhh!”

A little smirk overcame Angel’s face, clearly stating that he knew something she didn’t. Now that confused her. It happened a lot with Angel giving her these looks in regards to how he knew something she should know yet didn’t. It was a mystery she wasn’t even sure how to approach. Not that she cared, mysteries like that weren’t her thing unless she really wanted it. Did she want to know? Partly, but she had no clues to go on. What was he trying to tell her? That was the real question.

“Look, I have a present for you, okay?” Dash whispered, “But I’m not giving it to you until after dinner. Maybe then you’ll shut up for once?”

Angel gave her an “I’ll consider it” look before he hopped away to go downstairs.

“Rainbow! Dinner time!” Fluttershy called from downstairs. “Come and get it!”

Feeling a mixture of nerves and eagerness, Rainbow answered the summons. She went downstairs and stood by the table, eager for some good food. Since it was a special occasion, they used the good plates and silverware that Fluttershy had inherited from her grandmother years ago. The table had a little assortment of Hearth’s Warming flare, along with two candles, one green and one red, along with a bottle of cider, two special glasses, and all of the food spread out in various dishes along the table.

It looked awesome, a mixture of an intimate setting for two and also a holiday meal.

“Have a seat, Rainbow!” Fluttershy appeared near her and delicately slid a plate of bread onto the table.

“Sure thing Flutter-oh!” Dash was caught off guard upon seeing her friend.

Much to her surprise, Fluttershy wore a beautiful dress. It was green, with a white silky trim, hugging her form perfectly and yet flowing beautifully in a flattering and modest way. She even had some tinsel in her mane set behind her ear, along with a red hair tie set into a bow.

After a few moments, Rainbow Dash realized that she was staring and closed her mouth, trying to act as if nothing was wrong.

“What do you think?” Fluttershy looked at her with a shy, sweet smile as her cheeks flushed a bit, “Do you like it?” She indicated to her dress.

“Fluttershy, you look awesome.” A big goofy grin adorned Dash’s cyan muzzle. She tried not to stare too much, despite how hard it was for her to keep her deep pink eyes from wandering.

With a growing smile, Fluttershy giggled with delight, clapping her hooves a bit, “Oh, yay! Thank you, Rainbow!” She approached her crush, quick to offer a well received nuzzle.

“D’aww, n-no need to thank me! You went and prettied yourself, I’m just saying what I see!” Replied a very blushy Rainbow Dash.

“I know, but I appreciate it very much,” cooed the pretty yellow pegasus who added a little hug to the already warm glow of the room. “Well....shall we?”

“Yeah!” Dash sat down at one end of the table, Fluttershy took her’s at the other, “Oh boy, this looks awesome! Seriously, you’re the best cook ever.”

Fluttershy giggled, looking down, “Oh...thank you... I’m glad it turned out good.”

“It always does, Flutters! You know that! Now, let’s eat!”

“Don’t you want to make a toast? Like we always do during these special occasion dinners?”

“Oh yeeeaahh...” Dash chuckled, grinning, “All right!” She poured them each a glass of cider then quickly held her glass up. “What should we toast to?”

“Um...well...to our new home, to living in Ponyville, making new friends, and our first Hearth’s Warming Eve in our new home. And... to us... to our friendship,” Fluttershy smiled as she held her glass up as well.

Rainbow Dash smiled too, “To all of that, to my awesomeness, and to you making an awesome meal, Fluttershy!”

They clinked their glasses, took a sip, then proceeded to eat. The meal passed with a sense of bliss, even with Dash occasionally devouring the food happily as if it were her last meal. But eventually she’d slowed to a more civil pace, even if just to appease Fluttershy. It was already dark outside, with only a few candles lit around the cottage to dimly illuminate it. But also, it was snowing outside, creating a beautiful, perfect image to Hearth’s Warming Eve.

Even Angel had his own little Hearth’s Warming meal over where he sat at a tiny doll-sized table, along with a little sweater and a toque on his head with his holes for his ears. And for a change, he was actually fairly well behaved. Despite the looks he often sent his owners, he didn’t throw anything nor slap them. Whether or not it was because he was indeed a jerk with a heart of gold or if it was because he didn’t want to lose out on the carrots, celery and other treats in his stocking was debatable.

After dinner, Dash helped Fluttershy with the dishes and put all the leftovers away in the fridge. The shy pony then led her friend out to sit by the tree and look out the window at the spectacular view of the snowy landscape, the snow falling from the night sky, the entire sheer beauty of Hearth’s Warming Eve.

To add to the atmosphere, a fire was lit up in the fireplace to warm up the cottage all evening. Fluttershy let the peaceful moment sink in slowly. Here she was, enjoying Hearth’s Warming Eve with her best friend. The best night of the year, and it was theirs to share as always. She nuzzled her defender, relishing the cozy rainbow mane. She grew delighted when the bold mare nuzzled her back. But as the evening grew warm with the two young ponies embrace, something felt out to Fluttershy. Here they were doing what they had always done, what could be different?

“You know, this kind of thing is usually boring,” Dash admitted, breaking the silence between them. “But I gotta admit it’s awesome with you, you know. I know I’m sappy, but I guess I can get away with it on a night like this, with only my best friend around!”

Fluttershy gave the cyan pegasus a nuzzle of thanks. “Would you like your Hearth’s Warming Eve present?

“Definitely!” Dash grinned. “Gimme gimme gimme!”

From inside her dress, Fluttershy withdrew a large envelope. She was given a quizzical look from her friend.

“Here you go, Rainbow... Happy Hearth’s warming...” Fluttershy smiled, holding it out to her.

“Um... It’s so small.” Dash commented, her desire to open presents thrown off for the moment by this small package. The light blue pegasus quickly realized she had done and a small look of panic crossed her face, the last thing she wanted was to make Fluttershy sad.

A little hurt by her friend's words, Fluttershy decided to try something “But... um... this... this is only one of your presents. I-I have another one for you too...”

“Okay. Thanks Fluttershy.” Dash gratefully took the envelope. She tore the top open and pulled out... a group shot of the Wonderbolts, with all of them having signed it! “WHOA! A signed Wonderbolts picture!?”

The bold, surprised mare rushed her shy friend, hugging her tightly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!”

“N-no problem Rainbow.”

“I mean...WOW!!” Rainbow Dash grinned widely, she hugged her friend some more, then let go, abuzz with excitement. “How did you get it?! This is awesome!”

“Well...um...while you were at a weather conference in Cloudsdale... I was working one day at the veterinary clinic, and Spitfire herself was in town visiting her sister. Her sister has a parakeet, and so Spitfire brought the bird in since her sister was at work, and so I helped heal it and make it feel better. After that, she kind of owed me a favor...and so I asked her for an autographed Wonderbolts photo I could give you.”

“She did what!?! You're so awesome Fluttershy!” Dash carried her friend up into the air, pulling off a little loop the loop of joy.

She settled down in the snow, placing her smiling friend beside her. Rainbow Dash was still buzzing, the was one cool present. Fluttershy said she had another one too. Dash grinned, something told her, Fluttershy was saving the best for last.

“Oh Rainbow, it’s nothing... I just knew it would be a great gift for you, that’s all...” Fluttershy mumbled, her muzzle tinged pinkish red as thoughts of the final present took over.

“It was AWESOME! You’re the best of the best, Fluttershy! Thank you! I’m gonna go put it upstairs to frame it later!” Rainbow Dash hugged her best friend once more, and then raced inside and upstairs.

She placed the photo into a plastic sheet for safekeeping then placed the package into the drawer of her dresser for the moment. Nervousness set in as she realized that this was the inevitable moment of... giving Fluttershy the present she got for her.

The nervous mare slowly reached under her bed, Dash pulled out the now-wrapped box. If Fluttershy really didn’t like it, they could return it, right? Yeah... they would do that... But a part of her almost hoped that wouldn’t happen. She really wanted to see Fluttershy wearing it and-no! She could not think that. Not like this. The point was giving her a nice present. Nothing more.

Fluttershy sat there, waiting patiently in the snow for the return of her friend. What could her friend have gotten her this year? Hopefully it wouldn’t be something silly like the last years poorly thought out gift.

“Uh... hey! I’m back! And look at this! I found your present!” Dash grinned nervously as she hovered over to her friend and held out the badly wrapped gift. “Uh...Happy Warming Hearth’s! I mean...! Hearth’s Warming Happy! ….Darn it! Just... happy whatever! You know what I mean... Hope you like it!!!” Her cheeks were flushed by this point, and not just from the climate of the room.

Fluttershy looked at her friend. Her normally bold companion was certainly acting off. ‘It must be whatever gift is in the box... It must be something embarrassing. Extremely embarrassing for her to be like this.’ The shy animal caretaker gently reached out a hoof, accepting the gift.

Rainbow Dash looked on with wide, almost fearful eyes as her yellow friend ripped off the covering to reveal-

“Rainbow Dash!” The shock in Flutershy’s voice killed any and all thoughts that were running through the weather ponies mind.

“I’m sorry! I'm sorry, okay?!” Dash yelled, she squeezed her eyes shut and madly hoped to Celestia that her friend wouldn’t abandon her in shock. “I’m sorry, Fluttershy! I’m sorry! It was a stupid idea, wasn’t it? I’m sorry! We’ll return it tomorrow before we leave to Cloudsdale! I’m sorry....”

“Dashie....”

Rainbow opened her right eye a crack to see the warmly smiling face of her pretty yellow friend. This sent her mind into a tailspin, she had no idea how to take such a smile.

“Look up.” The soft voice of Fluttershy melodiously rang out, sending the bold mares heart into a frenzy.

With a glance up, Dash spotted her companions pink tail. She did a double take. ‘Is that... Mistletoe?’

“This is your other present, Rainbow....” Fluttershy cooed sweetly, her eyes gleaming as her smile grew. “A Hearth's Warming Eve kiss.”

Dash glanced nervously between mare and mistletoe, unable to believe her eyes. ‘This is impossible. She can’t do this after such an awful present from me...’

The pretty creamy pegasus closed the gap between them, only to plant a soft but purposeful kiss upon Dash’s lips. Rainbow Dash’s eyes went wide, stunned by the kiss Fluttershy had initiated. But her desires were slowly awakening as she embraced her best friend and kissed her back. Her wings flared open, wrapping around them.

Feeling her friend kiss back, a squeal of joy escaped the timid mare. This was a perfect idea. Passion flooded her system and she held her strong friend, unwilling to let go. She felt her yellow wings open, slowly flaring as a mirror of her desires. She wriggled as a tingling sensation flashed across her as blue and yellow feathers brushed together. This was amazing. She ran a hoof though her friends rainbow mane enjoying the play of it against her hooves.

While unsure of why Fluttershy wanted to kiss, it didn’t matter. Dash was all too happy to follow through with the suddenly awesome Hearth’s Warming tradition of the mistletoe. She ran her hoof through her companion’s soft mane, relishing the feel. As well as that, the warmth and sweetness of Fluttershy’s lips were intoxicating, it weekend her muscles, but she was all too glad to surrender to it all. The smell of her friend was even better, it added to the moment and the warmth they shared in their sweet kiss.

The pegasi held for what could easily have been a couple of minutes, lost in each other. After what seemed like forever, they parted with reluctance, and eyed each other fondly.

“I hope my pretty rainbow enjoyed her kiss.” Fluttershy cooed as she lovingly nuzzled her companion.

Grinning goofily, legs weak and her entire body on fire, Dash nodded, “Yeah.....definitely....awesome...” ‘But why...?’

Going outside to enjoy the falling snow and the cool air for a few minutes, Fluttershy settled down into the crunchy snow, bringing her multicolored mare with her. She rolled Dash gently onto her back as she slowly snuggled into the warm tummy.

“This is a perfect Hearth’s Warming...” She trailed off into bliss.

“Ohhh yeah... best Hearth’s Warming... EVER!” Rainbow Dash grinned goofily in pure bliss, unaware of the cold against her back.

For these two friends at least, all was right in Equestria.