A Bubbly Hearth's Warming Eve

“So, what all do we need?” You ask, trying to stir up some small talk.

“Well we need drinks, cake and cookie mix, sugar, as well as some other things.

Ah I see, well that does not sound too bad. I was expecting to do some heavy lifting.” You say, relieved.

“Oh I almost forgot I have presents to buy as well!” Derpy says excitedly.

“Well I guess that figures. I should learn not to open my big mouth. I wonder who she is getting presents for though.” You curiously thought to yourself letting your gaze drift over to her.

You could not help but think of how cute she looked when she smiled. Her mane seems soft and its bright sunny color adds to her brilliance. A smile creeps across your face as you thought about how much her bubbly personality seems to rub off onto you. She is fun to be around all the time. You could almost say it was past admiration that you feel for her. However, it seemed wrong to jump that far ahead. Besides, that love at first sight thing seems cheesy to you anyway.

Lost in thought, you did not realize Derpy had caught you staring at her.

“What’s wrong? Is there something on my face? Why are you smiling like that?” She asks as she pokes you, gaining you attention.

“Oh uh, It’s nothing; don’t worry about it. You smile awkwardly and look away.

She looks over at you curiously for a moment before shrugging it off.

You both arrive at the market place soon enough. It was a buzz with open market stalls and mares and stallions of all sizes buying and selling goods.

“There is a sale going on today and I wanted to take advantage of it while I could.” She says as she walks up to the first stall to grab some fruit.

Shopping and hanging out together took up a lot of the day. You have both hands full of bagged goods by the end of it. After an hour or so of carrying everything your arms were beat, it was all you could do to hold them up.

“Hey, my arms are killing me; mind if we rest somewhere?” You ask after readjusting your arms.

“Sure, I am getting hungry anyway. Let’s go to the restaurant over there and get some food. We’ll also be able to sit out on those tables and relax!” Derpy points over at the building on the other side and starts walking towards it.

You both sit at the nearest table and set everything down next to it giving your arms instant relief. You both wait patiently for a moment until a waiter walks out of the building and greeted the both of you in a cheerful voice.

“Hello, what can I get for you two this afternoon?” The waiter said getting out a quill and paper.

“I want a sandwich with everything on it and a chocolate muffin for dessert! Also, I would like some apple cider to drink please.” Derpy looks up at the waiter who nodded his head as he wrote it down.

The waiter glances over at you for a moment. “Ah yes, the human; I presume the usual?”

You nod you head confirming that the waiter was correct.

“Right, I shall have your food ready momentarily.” The waiter bowed his head and left for the building.

“I didn’t know you were a regular here.” Derpy said, slightly surprised.

“Oh yeah, I ate here a few times. Luckily they never turn down a paying customer.” You laugh slightly at your own comment.

You both continue talking until the waiter comes back with two plates and drinks.

“Here you are young lady and sir. Please enjoy your meal and call if you need anything.” The waiter then left you both to your own devices.

Derpy looks over at your plate and notices a plain lettuce and tomato sandwich with salted potato wedges cooked to perfection.

She looks at you and smiles mischievously. “Hey what’s that?” She points behind in the opposite direction causing you to turn and look to where she is pointing.

Derpy proceeds to grab a couple of the potato wedges and devours them just as you turned back around.

“Hey, don’t eat my food!” You shield your plate.

She swallows and spoke up. “But it’s so tasty! It’s your fault for ordering good food.” She laughed when you stuck your tongue out at her.

“Oh really? Then it is fair game if I do this!” You take a small piece of the muffin in your fingers before tearing a small piece off and popping it in your mouth.

Derpy proceeds to copy your earlier move and shields her plate from you.

“Hey that’s not fair! You know muffins are my favorite!” She childishly sticks her tongue out in your direction.

You laugh at her antics and start eating your lunch along with Derpy as she scarfs the chocolate chip muffin. Her tomboyish eating habits surprise at first, but it came as a pleasant one as it matches her personality well.

You engage in more small talk and laughter as you continue eating, occasionally playing with your food and making her laugh.

“I have to admit, even though it has only been a couple of weeks, I have really enjoyed your company. You make my days so much brighter when you are around. I guess what I am trying to say is, thank you for being my friend.” Derpy smiles sweetly at you, patiently awaiting your reply.

“Hey, I’ve said before that I am the one that needs to be thankful, not you. Before you came crashing into me I was starting to get depressed about all the negativity around me every day. Therefore, if anything Derpy, I should thank you for becoming my friend. You will always be precious to me.” A gentle and genuine smile appears on your face.

Derpy, slightly taken aback by your endearing words, found her breath hitched in her throat. However, right before she could form any words she saw something flash in her peripherals. She just managed to turn her head and say your name as a rubber ball bounced against your head and rolled a few feet away.

“As you looked around you noticed a little filly standing a few yards away from you. She had noticed that her ball hit you and it made her scared to come near you. You stand up and grab the ball lying on the ground. Slowly, you made your way to her with the ball in hand. The little filly looked at you curiously.

As you knelt down next to her at her level you ask, “You lose your ball?” handing it back to her with a smile.

“Thanks mister!” The little filly smiled back.

Derpy, still sitting at the table smiled as she watched the scene. “He is so kind hearted and sweet. I wonder if he ever had a special somepony...” She quickly snapped herself out of those thoughts.

“What was with that? He is only a friend you silly filly. Nothing more than a good friend, right?” Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard an “Eep!” come over by where you are.

The little filly had turned to run off after thanking you but then she bumped into someone and got knocked down.

“Hey watch where you’re running squirt!” A stallion said. He had a wood brown coat with a jacket and pants on. He is a little taller then you are, but not by much.

“Hey, don’t say that. It was a simple mistake. You could at least help her up.” You say as you walk up to the little filly and help her up.

“What does it matter to a freak like you? Go crawl under a rock or whatever.” He scoffs.

You look him dead on in the eyes. “Big talk coming from a stallion that bullies little fillies. Shouldn’t you have something less annoying to do?” You say in defense.

“What’d you say to me loser?” He walks up to you threateningly.

Just then, Derpy trots in from behind you and tugs on your arm. “It’s not worth it. Come on, it’s okay.”

“Oh this is rich, the freak and the wall eyes together like a couple. Isn’t that a cute sight?” He laughs as Derpy looks down at the ground, her eyes showing the sadness that you hate seeing.

Your anger peaked at the end of his sentence. “Shut your worthless face! You don’t even know her so how can you say that in the first place!?” You say, anger seething out in every word as you grab the stallion’s jacket.

“Hey you punk, get off me!” The stallion rips away from you and proceeds to throw a punch at you.

However, you easily dodge to the left, grabbing his arm and bringing his center of gravity to his torso as you pull him downward and making him flip over himself landing on his back.

The stallion getting the breath knocked out of him began to cough and breathe erratically.

“Now leave us alone and watch the way you speak about my friend.” You stay turning to leave, Derpy turning to follow you.

However, the stallion crawls to his hooves, and brushes off the snow clinging to his clothing and fur. He shouts, causing you to turn around just as he swings again to blind side you. It appears as though it was about to hit you when a hand came from behind your shoulder and caught the incoming fist. Both you and the stallion were so surprised you both simultaneously look over your shoulder to see the waiter that originally served you and Derpy has intervened.

“Excuse me, but fighting is prohibited on the property. Therefore, if you do not wish for me to call the guards you will vacate the premises immediately.” The waiter says to the stallion in front of you.

"Tsk, I won't forget this and you will pay for it!" He runs off leaving you, Derpy and the waiter standing there.

“Thanks, sorry to cause you trouble.” You simply say

“I saw the whole thing, don’t worry. He was clearly out of line and you were merely defending yourself and your marefriend here.” He said as he started to walk back.

“Yeah I guess you have a-Wait a minute she isn’t my marefriend!” You blurt out, blushing brightly.

“Oh? If you say so, though you seem very close to her compared any of the other mares you talk to; but that’s just my observation.” The waiter states as he shrugs

You glance over at Derpy who was looking away from you. It was obvious she was embarrassed at the accusation as well.

After you and Derpy finish your lunch you headed inside and paid for both of your meals; though Derpy complained that you did not have to do so. After bidding the waiter a good day, you head back out and grab most the bags.

You both then proceed to start heading back to her house.

“Where did you learn to fight like that?” She asks curiously.

“In my old life I got into a lot of fights and learnt how to defend myself.” You explain.

Derpy seems lost in thought through the rest of the trip. After about several minutes you eventually make it to her house. It is a decent sized, Two-story house with wood brown coloration on the outside. As you and Derpy walk inside, a wave of heat contacts you. It is quite warm inside the house. Most likely, someone has been keeping the fire going all day. She leads you to her kitchen and tells you to put the stuff on the table. You do as she asks and place them gently on the table. She then asks to help put them away. It only takes a few questions of what goes where before you finished putting them all away.

“Well this was an eventful day. What do you have planned for the rest of the day? You ask nonchalantly.

“Oh, well I was going to hang around the house for a little while before starting with the preparations. It will probably be too late to do much afterwards.” Derpy states

“Alright then, I wasn’t planning much myself. I’ll probably head home and relax.”

“That’s good; maybe not try to pick fights with everyone.” Derpy teases.

“I didn’t start it, he did.” You whine.

“I know he did. I was only teasing.” She sticks her tongue at you and giggles.

You simply roll your eyes and chuckle at her. You both suddenly hear movement coming from another room.

“Derpy, you home?” said the voice; it was deep male voice.

“Yeah Dad, I’m in the kitchen with my friend!” Derpy yelled

The hoofsteps got louder as he approaches the kitchen. He was a couple of inches taller then you and had dark brown fur with plain shirt and pants on. He immediately smiled when he saw Derpy. However, when he turned to see you his smile disappeared quickly.

“Derpy, I told you not to bring boys over; even worse you bring the human? What will everyone think of you?” The father said.

“Dad! You should not say that! He is a good friend!” Derpy yelled out of shock.

“Sweet Heart, I am only trying to look out for you. If you hang around this human you will start getting teased again.” Derpy’s father said in a low voice.

“I don’t care about that. He is a good friend of mine!” She raises her voice in anger.

Just before the father could say anything, you spoke up “Derpy, it’s okay. He is only worried about you and being a good father.” You say trying to calm her down, her dad looking at you in silence.

“But!-” Derpy tries to interject but you simply shake your head and smile at her.

“It is fine, don’t worry about it!” You smile widely.

The father sighs to himself before speaking. “If you understand then please leave. I wish to speak with my daughter.” He said looking at you sternly.

“Sure, I am sorry to cause you any problems.” With that, you turn and head towards the door.

Before you open the door, you hear Derpy yell out something followed by quick hoofsteps heading upstairs.

You sigh to yourself before closing the door behind you and head for your house.

After a little while, you eventually made it to your house. Unlocking the door, you open then shut the door behind you. The coat you had on now rested on the floor next to the coat rack. The day started great, but of course, it ended on a sour note. Why did that have to happen? You decide it best not to think that way as you headed off to your room to relax and find something to take your mind off it.

Hours pass by as you lie on your bed while reading a couple of books and eat dinner. It was too bad you could not be with Derpy right now. At least then, you would have something to do. Another couple of hours past as you put away the book you were reading. You figure it was late enough to go to bed early without messing with your schedule much. You head into the kitchen and wash the plate you used to eat dinner.

All of a sudden, you hear a knock on your door.

“What the? It is a little late for anyone to come over. You wonder if it is Derpy. Maybe she came over after the party.” You thought to yourself as you headed for the door.

You open the door to see Derpy on the other side looking down. At first, you smiled until she looked up at you. Her eyes, reddened from tears and her cheek seemed swollen slightly. You immediately become concerned.

“Hey are you alright?” You ask, moving out of her way so she could walk inside.

Derpy immediately hugs you and buries her face into your chest. After shutting the door, you hug her tightly back making sure to be gentle with her wings, unsure of what to do or say.

She stays like that for a minute before slowly pulling away from you.

“Thanks, I needed that.” She says, wiping a tear from her eye.

“What happened?” You ask again.

“Can we sit somewhere first?” You nod and walk over to a small two-person chair and waited for her to situate herself.

She takes a deep breath and starts explaining everything that happened.

“So let me get this straight, your dad got drunk at the party and ended up arguing over me again after everyone left. Then he ended up getting angry at you and he hit you?” You say, a shocked expression appearing on your face.

“Yeah, I know he didn’t mean it and he tried to apologize but I was so upset that I just ran out the door and flew here.” She took another deep breath after explaining.

“But still he shouldn’t have done that!” Frustration shows in your face as you go over what she said in your head.

“I know, I’m just-” Derpy stops mid-sentence to wipe tears from her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I was just frustrated. I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” You wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her close, letting her rest her head on your chest.

“No it’s okay; I understand why you would get upset… Thank you for being so great to me.” She then scoots closer to you to get comfortable.

“It’s no big deal; I know you would do the same.” You smile at her as she smiles back and nuzzles slightly into your chest.

You proceed to stroke her shoulder lightly with your thumb. You start to realize how soft her fur is against your skin. Not to mention how close she is right now. You can feel her breath lightly blow against your shirt as she rested on you. Not that you complained at all though. The velvety feel to her fur makes you continue running your thumb through it, lost in thought.

She starts giggling softly and squirming under your arm. “Stop that, it tickles!” she said through her laughter.

“Uh sorry, I didn’t mean to!” You blush, removing your hand away.

She giggles more. “It’s okay, it cheered me up.” She nuzzles into you more.

“So uh, anything you want to talk about?” You stutter, earning you another giggle from Derpy.

Derpy thought to herself for a few minutes before looking up at you. “Well, there was a few interesting things that happened. Do you want to hear about it?” She asks you.

“Sure, we can talk about anything you want.” You smile down at her.

Derpy begins explaining what happened before in incident with her father. How one mare got a little to tipsy and tripped over the table leg and knocked the punch bowl off onto someone else. You begin to laugh as she tells the story and you both continue telling each other stories about funny events that has happened to each of you in the past.

Roughly, an hour had passed since Derpy came over and it was around ten at night. She had talked herself to sleep on your arm. Her light snoring was proof of that. You decide it was best not to wake her, so being as careful as possible, you stand up and slowly pick her up bridal style; making sure she did not wake up. Her head had found its way under your chin. She began to start drooling on you slightly which made you chuckle softly.

Carrying her, you weave and dodge objects, careful not to bump her and wake her. You get to your room, carefully lay her on your bed, cover her up, and tuck her in.

“Good night Derpy.” You say softly. You go to turn around and walk away when all of a sudden you feel something grab hold of your hand.

Turning around, you see she was focused on your hand; then slowly travel up to your eyes.

Derpy is blushing slightly, her eyes avert away from yours as she opens her mouth to say something only to close it again.

“What’s wrong?” A confused expression appears on your face.

“Well, I don’t want to be alone because I will start thinking about what happened. Could you please stay here with me?” Derpy’s blush got brighter as she looks directly into your eyes.

You can tell by her eyes she was being serious but that did not make it any easier for you. Her eyes begged you to stay by her side. You sigh to yourself knowing there was no way you could say no to her even if you wanted to.

“Sure, I’ll stay with you all night if you want.” You turn to blow out the candle that was lighting up the room. Now the only light in the room was from the window that let in moon light. As you head around to the other side of the bed, you start to take off your shirt but stop yourself immediately. Out of habit, you started undressing in front of Derpy.

“If you’re worried about getting comfortable don’t worry. It’s not like I can really see you.” Derpy says nonchalantly.

Slowly, you slide your shirt and pants off then toss them aside. Luckily, your boxers were just like shorts on you so you felt a little more comfortable about it. Hopping into bed, you cover yourself up and use an extra pillow you had to rest your head on.

Derpy turns to face and smile at you; the moonlight reflecting off her eyes make you think just how beautiful her eyes really were. You quickly shake your head of the thought.

“Um, good night Derpy, wake me if you need anything.” You stutter as you close your eyes.

She giggles at your actions. “Thank you; you don’t know how happy I am that you are here with me right now.” She says your name sweetly making your heart skip a beat.

“Don’t worry about it. I would do anything for you.” You see her eyes widen at your words as you silently curse yourself for letting something like that slip.

You panic a little and lift yourself from the pillow. “I didn’t mean it like that I was trying to say…” You trail off trying to think of something to say to her.

“It’s okay, I know what you mean.” Derpy blushes more as your words still dance in her mind.

“Uh anyway, if you need me feel free to wake me, okay?” You see her nod in response and decide to close your eyes and try to fall asleep.