Until I'm In Your Hooves Again

“Until I’m In Your Hooves Again”

Chapter 3

"Dreaming of a White Hearth's Warming"

Written by
JaydexTheShadowKnight

Sunday morning arrives all too quickly, and before you both know it, you have to gather your belongings and head for Ponyville station. You arrive around 12:15, and the train has already pulled in to be refueled with fresh coal and water, for its journey.

After checking your bags, you present your ticket and are instructed to wait until the boarding call has been announced.

The following minutes seem to fly by, much quicker than either of you wanted them to. Now, only a few minutes remain.

Redheart stays close beside you as you both walk along the platform. She hasn’t said a word since the two of you stepped onto the boarding zone. You turn to her and sigh softly. “Well, I guess this is it,” you swallow hard, trying to maintain your composure. You know you’ll only be gone for a mere week, yet for some unfathomable reason, you are finding facing it to be harder that you expected.

Redheart finally looks up at you. You see why she wasn’t saying much. Her sapphire eyes are glistening with tears, tears you can see she’s fighting back with every fiber of her being. The expression on her face tells you she’s feeling the same as you, which makes it all the harder for you to leave. But you have to, duty calls, and you don’t want to disappoint the mayor. It’s thanks to your job at town hall that you and Redheart can easily afford your home. On her own, she doesn’t earn near the money she should, given all the tireless work she puts in at the hospital.

“Thank goodness, it’s only for one week,” she mutters, taking in a staggered breath.

“Yeah. I’m sure it’ll go by before we know it,” you remark confidently, trying to lighten the mood. “Sure it’ll…go by…”

Redheart throws her hooves around you, and holds you tightly. “Just stop it, you don’t have to pretend everything’s okay…for me,” she responds. As she looks up at you, you can see the tears are already flowing freely, despite her endless efforts to fight them back.

“I…” you stammer.

She pats your side and glances at your eyes, and can see how they twinkle with tears you are refusing to acknowledge, but you know are ever present. “I know it’s hurting you, because it’s hurting me, too. You don’t have to fight the tears for me,” she sniffles, “You said it yourself, our tears aren’t a sign of weakness…so just stop fighting them…I can’t bear it.”

“But I…” you ramble.

“Please…don’t.”

“I didn’t want to cry…until I was alone…in m-my h-hotel…room,” you mumble, your words breaking down, syllable by syllable, until finally, you can bear no more. You drop to your knees and throw your arms around Redheart, and crack out a sob you were unable to hold back. “R-R-Redheart…sniff…I’m going to miss you…so much…e-even during this short time…we’ll be a-apart,” you cry, resting your head on her shoulder, feeling the tears run from your eyes.

Her forelegs hold you tighter as she lightly pats your back with one of her hooves. “I know, I know,” she utters, speaking your name. “I’m going to miss you…t-too. But a-as you s-said, we’ll…make it through t-t-this.”

Then the conductor bellows, “All passengers bound for Manehatten, may now board at this time! We’ll be pulling out in five minutes, say your good-byes and board now! Thank you!”

The other ponies on the platform say their farewells and make their way on board the train.

You and Redheart have calmed yourselves and dried your eyes. Now all that’s left to do is say your farewell to each other.

“I’ll think about you constantly, Redheart. And even if my mind should wonder, it won’t be long till my thoughts return to you,” you squeeze her in your arms, saying your piece.

“And you’ll never be far from my thoughts. I’ll be right here, in Ponyville, waiting for you! Never forget how much I love you!” she declares, giving you one last gaze into her heavenly eyes.

“And always know, just how much I love you!” you assert, sharing her loving gaze, managing a smile for her.

You both lean in close and join your lips for a tender and passionate farewell kiss. There is no hesitation as you share a loving open-mouth kiss. Knowing time to be short, your mouths break apart, and for the first time, you really notice that string of saliva as it fights a losing battle, trying to keep you both together.

“All aboard!” calls the conductor, making one last boarding call.

“That’s me,” you start, giving Redheart one last hug. Gripping your carryon bag, you head toward the conductor stallion, and present your ticket. He checks it over and nods, directing you to the appropriate car. You head for the door and take one last look back at Redheart. She walks over with you, giving you a loving smile. You return her affectionate look. “I love you!”

“I love you, too!”

You share one final hug, before you turn and board the car, making your way to your seat, which thankfully is one you have all to yourself. Its window faces the platform, and as you look out it, you can still see your mare. Redheart quickly discovers where you’re seated and waves her hoof at you. You smile at her and wave back.

The train begins its slow departure, sounding its whistle, slowly picking up steam. The station and your mare begin to move away as the train clatters down the tracks. She continues to wave at you as she starts to grow smaller and smaller from your vantage-point. Across the distance, you can make out a sparkle in her eye, and quickly realize it must be another tear. Thankfully, you are able to keep your composure this time, but your heart still feels deeply touched by how much you mean to her.

Placing your hand over your heart, you know when next you both meet, your love will have strengthened more than ten fold. Quickly, you turn to your carryon bag. Unzipping the front compartment, you remove the picture you brought, of your and her. In it, you are both standing close together, your arm is draped around her and you both have jubilant smiles on your faces. It eases your anxiety as you take one finally look back, but the platform has become so distant. You can only guess she is still standing there, waving good-bye to you. Even if she can’t see you, you decide to wave once more. Then you turn forward in your seat and take a deep breath. You’re on your way, to the city of lights.

* * * *

Your arrival in Manehatten goes pretty well. After checking into your room at the Harringhoof Hotel, you spend the rest of your Sunday getting settled. You waste no time in placing your picture of Redheart on the nightstand, by your bed. Even though you’ve only been apart for a matter of hours, you miss her already.

Walking over to the window, beside the small sliding door, which leads to a small balcony, you pull over the curtain and gaze out at the thriving metropolis. You sigh, and hope this week will go by quickly. Though despite being parted from your lover, you will prevail. The mayor has sent you here with an important task, and you will certainly do your best.

* * * *

The main attraction begins Monday morning. You walk into Mayor Lampwick’s office, in Manehatten town hall. After being given a brief introduction to her staff, she explains what she expects you to accomplish over the next five days.

Once the formalities are out of the way, her staff shares their warm greetings and gratitude at you for making the journey to their office. They are really looking forward to adding your impressive techniques to their normal day to day procedures. For some reason, “impressive” hardly seems to spring to mind, when you think about your normal tasks, back in Ponyville.

The first two days seem to go quite well. The clerks share with you the normal way they go about handling most of their office tasks, including an even bigger mountain of paperwork, and then you see just how your system will vastly improve things for them. Who’d have guessed? You grin at the idea of being able to help make such a difference for them.

Before long, the second day comes to an end, and you find yourself back in your room. Since your stay is all expenses paid, courtesy of Mayor Mare, you order room service for dinner. Even in the city of lights, it’s ridiculously cold outside. Rather than venture away from your warm room, you figure staying here and ordering in makes more sense.

Following your meal, not that your appetite was quite as healthy as it normally is, you walk back to the window, and stare out into the sprawling structures of the city, listening to the clamoring of the ponies as they go about their normal evening rituals.

Stepping away, you walk over and flop onto your bed. Looking over, you spy the picture of you and Redheart. You pick it up and stare at it for a while, feeling grateful that you have the most wonderful mare in Equestria to go home to. Three more days remain, before the eve of your trip home. Hopefully they won’t drag on too much.

* * * *

Wednesday evening rolls around, Redheart returns home from another day at the hospital. After stepping in out of the cold, she walks to the sofa, only to be reminded that you are still away on your trip.

She flops down on the sofa, and lets out a dejected sigh. Nearly three and a half days have gone by since you left. Your mare lays down, resting her weary head along the throw pillows. She places a hoof over her heart, and feels the pain of missing you continue to ache strongly within her.

It makes her smile to think back to the events of Saturday night. You two certainly made some wonderful memories together. She smiles, recalling how happy you were when she put on the Santa girl outfit and those naughty satiny panties. Following the memory of your playful antics, she walks to the bedroom, and retrieves the picture of the two of you together. The smiles on your faces bring a feeling of warmth to her soul as she returns to the sofa. Laying back down, she holds the image close to her heart. Then she recalls how you both made passionate love in front of the comforting fireplace.

Setting the picture on the small coffee table, she resumes resting on her side. She sighs softly, shedding a lone tear. The pain of missing you becomes all too real. Before another tear can fall, she’s able to calm herself, knowing that you will be home in a few days. She continues to count her blessings that you aren’t going to be apart longer, like if your trip had been for a month or more.

Looking to your picture, she begins to think of all the things that she wants to do with you, upon your return. Holding you in her hooves, seems to top the list. Well, that and making love with you is also up there. The lack of your presence only seems to increase her desire for you even more, and knowing you, she suspects you’d be more than happy to wait and simply hold her close. Your patience and restraint often drive her wild with even more lust for you.

She sighs contently, and smiles, knowing how wonderful it will be once you are home again.

* * * *

The week in Manehatten continues on smoothly for you. The mayor’s staff seems to have picked up your techniques quite easily and already they have begun seeing some changes as the result. You feel the normal sense of accomplishment that you do back in Ponyville.

Now that Friday has arrived, you complete your work and are given a happy farewell by Mayor Lampwick and her gracious staff. She assures you that your efforts won’t go unappreciated.

With your work done for the day, you once again return to your hotel room. This will be your last night in Manehatten, the city of lights, and you couldn’t be happier.

This time tomorrow, you will be back with Redheart and getting ready to crawl under the covers, together. You smile and lightly grin from the idea of being with her again. The first thing you want to do is hold her in your arms and give her a tender kiss. Then, you marvel at the thought of taking her into the bedroom and sharing a night of heated passion with her.

Gazing out your window, you notice the increased cloud cover. You saw it roll in as Celestia began setting the sun. A few stray objects float past your window. Rubbing your eyes, you look again, hoping you aren’t seeing things. Then, you see more of these things drift through the air. Could it be snowing?

Zipping over to the sliding glass door, you open it and step out onto the small balcony. Looking over the side, you can see that it is snowing. The flakes are illuminated by the glow of Manehatten’s building lights and streetlights.

The cold quickly nips at your body, forcing you to retreat back inside. Shutting the sliding door, you return to the other window and watch the snow. You remember what Redheart said last week, that the Cloudsdale Weather Patrol would have a snowfall scheduled in time to ensure a white Hearth’s Warming. With only three days remaining till the big day, you are glad they didn’t waste any time.

Dressing down, you turn back the covers of your bed and lay down. For a time, the excitement of heading home tomorrow makes sleep seem to elude you. Before you know it however, you drift off, and begin sleeping deeply.

The sound of your alarm wakes you. You slap the snooze bar, and contemplate tossing the timepiece across the room. Then it hits you…morning has arrived! You finally get to go home!

After getting dressed, you prepare to walk over to the window, eager to see the fresh coat of white on the city. But as you near the window, you hear the sounds of gusts whipping against the side of the hotel. Swallowing nervously, you draw back the curtain. Peering out the window, you see there is more than a mere coat of snow on the city. In fact, the snow is still falling, only to your alarm, it seems to be squalling down over the city, much in the same fashion as a blizzard.

With haste, you make your way downstairs, heading for the lobby. The hotel manager is standing there at the bottom. A grim expression consumes his face.

You walk up to the gray stallion and see his green eyes look right over to you. Setting down your bags, you look at him curiously.

“What’s going on?” you clamor.

He lowers his head and turns toward the front entrance. “I’m afraid we’re caught in a blizzard, my friend,” he replies in a solemn voice.

“What, blizzard? But I thought the pegasi control the weather. So why would they give us a blizzard?” you wonder eagerly awaiting an answer.

He sighs, “Well, it was supposed to be a simple snow shower, one that would drop about two to four inches of snow on this part of Equestria. But, the storm cell was far stronger than the Cloudsdale Weather Patrol expected. Sometime overnight, it grew in power and rapidly turned into a blizzard. Last we heard from the Cloudsdale Weather Center, their patrol teams were trying their best to regain control of the storm, but so far…”

“Oh, no!” You feel a rush of panic. “What about my train home?” you spy the clock in the lobby. “It leaves in an hour.”

He walks over and places a hoof on your shoulder. “I’m sorry, son, but I’m afraid all trains have been cancelled. There is over a foot of snow out there already. And with the wind blowing and drifting it, I’m not sure if the plow teams can clear the roads before this ends,” he reluctantly answers.

“Then…what am I going to do?”

Trying to offer you a positive face, he says, “You can stay here in your room. The mayor has issued a snow emergency and is urging all citizens and visitors to remain indoors. Until things clear up, you can remain here, free of change, like the rest of our guests.”

Well that solves one problem, but wait, you’d best let Redheart know. For that matter is Ponyville affected?

“Sir, is there anyway I can use a phone to call home?” you inquire.

He shakes his head dejectedly. “I’m afraid not. The storm has crippled our communication lines. And from what I hear, this storm is dumping snow on most of the tri-city area and even some places beyond. We're lucky to still have power.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you for telling me. Uh, I guess I’ll go to my room,” you utter, failing to conceal your disappointment.

As you walk up the stairs, heading for your room, you hear him call after. “We’ll keep you and our other patrons posted, should anything change. For now remain in your room, like I suggested our other guests do.”

You nod back and leave the lobby. Returning to your room, you flop on the bed and remain there, feeling helpless. Not only are you stuck in Manehatten, you have no way to let Redheart know that you’re okay, and that you won’t be home till the storm clears.

You can only hope she is keeping up with the weather reports, assuming Ponyville is fairing better than the city of lights.

* * * *

Ponyville isn’t being hit with the worst of the blizzard. So far, only a little over four inches of snow have fallen. Nevertheless, Redheart makes her way to the train station, eagerly awaiting the arrival of your train. To her dismay however, she finds out that the snowfall in Manehatten is far worse and your train has been delayed, at least until the weather eases and they can clear the tracks.

She returns home, still carrying a heavy heart. It’s been nearly seven days, now, since you’ve last seen each other. Her love for you has indeed grown stronger, but right now, she would give almost anything, just to see your face and hear your voice again.

Despite this alarming setback, she remains hopeful that you may still make it home, today.

Night falls, and there isn’t so much as even a peep out of you on the phone. No pony from the mayor’s office called either, to explain the situation. The local paper reported that the Cloudsdale Weather Center is trying its best to regain control of the storm cell, which blew up into this harrowing disaster.

Several hours go by, until finally, Redheart falls asleep. Her concern for your wellbeing kept her up, but her body began to grow weary, and without even realizing it, she dozed off.

A sudden racket rouses your mare from her slumber. Redheart doesn’t think much of it at first. Then she wonders if perhaps you are finally home, and are just trying to quietly slip into bed, without waking her. A rush of excitement falls over her. She reaches out her hoof for you, but to her dismay, you aren’t there.

Flipping back the covers, she confirms that she is alone. She crawls out of bed and walks over to the dresser, where your picture sits. Carefully, Redheart picks it up in her hooves, and stands in your room, waiting in the dark. Casting out a sigh, she lowers he head, feeling the pain in her breaking heart. She doesn’t blame you, but the fact that you aren’t back, begins to overwhelm her.

Redheart holds your picture close to her heart and begins to cry. Tears rain down from her eyes as the pain of your absence causes her body to tremble with each muffled sob. Finally, she breaks down and begins crying louder wishing you’d walk into the room, and hold her in your arms.

* * * *

Back in Manehatten, a day has passed, since you were due back in Ponyville, and little seems to be changing. It’s nighttime, once again. Walking over to the window, you draw back the curtain. Gazing out into the city of lights, you notice that even more snow litters the streets, and is even beginning to obscure the lights of the more distant buildings.

You made several trips to the lobby throughout the day, but sadly, all communications are still down. While, you’re confident that Redheart has learned about the situation from weather reports and her friends, you still wish you could speak to her. You know how she tends to worry at times. If you could at least tell her that you’re safe and sound in your hotel…it would mean the world to you.

Standing there by the window, you continue to watch the snowflakes fall. Each passing second that you are stuck here feels like a dagger being thrust into your heart. You know she must be hurting, because you certainly are.

Walking over to the nightstand, you retrieve your picture of her, and hold it close to your eyes. You miss her greatly. Beyond all hope, you pray that the weather clears. Then when you return to her, perhaps your loving touch…will be enough to take away the pain you never meant to cause her.

Standing there, holding her picture, you begin to think about all the times you’ve spent together. Some of the more recent events spring to mind. The time when you cared for her during that nasty head cold she came down with. Even though it was under trying circumstances, you would gladly go through it again. Nothing means more to you than her wellbeing. Even as you recall the time you recovered from your injured shoulder, you still kept her health as your top priority.

You manage a smile for her picture as you think back to Saturday night, a week ago. That was quite an early present Redheart gave you. Dressing up like that, then sharing a trip to the bathroom, and making love on the couch in front of the warming fire...it was all so…wonderful.

The more you stare at her picture, the more you being to miss everything about her. That’s when you being to realize, after searching for so long, everything seems clear. Redheart is the one that completes you and makes you feel happiest. Anytime you are sad, she cheers you up. Whenever you’re angry, she finds a way to calm you. She seems to always be there for you, and now, when she needs you most, you can’t be there. This thought weighs heavily on your mind, now that you’ve come to this realization.

You sit down on the edge of the bed and hold her picture close. Your chest begins to heave as you hear a few staggered sobs sneak past your mouth. “Redheart…I-I’m so s-sorry!” Tears begin to fall from your eyes, framing your face, while you cradle her picture in your arms.

* * * *

Later that night, back in Ponyville, Redheart startles awake. Just like last night, she could swear she hears you sneaking in, but sadly, she is still alone.

Unable to ignore the remotest possibility that you are back, she checks around the house, but sadly you aren’t here. Redheart sighs heavily, knowing that like you, she’s searched her heart over, many, many times. The thought of the two of you not being together, is like there being no stars to light the sky at night.

Stepping into the living room, she gazes up above the slowly dying fire. A large picture of the two of you hangs up in a simple frame, and reminds her of the days…you promised each other you’d always be together, through the good times and the bad. That’s why right now, she’d happily give up all of her presents…just to have you safely back home. For what good would any presents be, if you weren’t there to share in her joy?

Redheart gets back into bed. She sighs heavily knowing the pain in her heart will cause her to cry herself to sleep, again. Regardless of her tears, she refuses to give up all hope, and prays you’ll still be home…in time for Hearth’s Warming.

* * * *

Finally, Hearth’s Warming Eve arrives. You stand in your room at the Harringhoof Hotel, and are feeling like a prisoner, now. Just how long will this cursed blizzard last? Snow continues to fall, adding to the already bloating streets. Nearly two feet of frozen rain have fallen! It’s beauty now lost in the sheer excess that suffocates the streets of the once sleepless city.

You feel like banging your head against the wall. Once again the sun has dropped below the horizon, like a lead brick, bringing another night all too quickly to Manehatten.

Despite your stubbornness, even you are starting to become uncertain if you’ll make it home before the next dawn. There is just no let up! But you can’t simply give up, can you? No, of course you can’t! For Redheart’s sake, you mustn’t lose heart.

* * * *

The hour continues to grow late, back in Ponyville. Redheart lays in bed, lightly dozing. She startles awake, when she realizes she had almost fallen asleep. Looking over by the candle she kept burning, she sees the alarm read 11:30. Soon, Hearth’s Warming Eve will be over and the day will officially arrive.

The idea of you still not being home begins eating at her again. Reaching over to your side of the bed, she nabs your pillow in her forelegs, and holds it close. Redheart buries her nose in your pillow, while gripping it tightly in her hooves. It carries the scent of your shampoo, your cologne, and far more importantly…the smell of your sweat and thus the scent of you! The aroma always tickles her nose whenever the two of you are intimate.

While your musk brings a sense of easement to her, Redheart still continues to miss you. She begins to realize it's futile to hope you’d simply walk through the door any minute, causing her heart sink into the pit of her stomach. Once again, she begins to cry, wondering when the horrid snow will ever end, and allow you to come back to her.

Gazing up from your pillow, bearing tear soaked cheeks, your mare spies the picture of you both, together. She placed it back on her nightstand so it would be close to her as she slept. The soft glow of the flickering candle illuminates the image. Wiping a few tears form her eyes, she glimpses the words you wrote below, which reads: Redheart and Me together forever!

Again, she clutches your pillow tightly and continues to cry for you, until she notices a knock at the front door.

She pauses for a moment, but figures it’s just the wind. Then the knocking sounds again. Gradually, she steps out of bed and places her cold hooves on the equally cold floor, slowly trotting toward the door, and still carrying your pillow in one of her forelegs.

The knocking fills her with dread, because you have a key, why would you need to knock?

Arriving at the door, she checks the peephole, but all she can see is darkness beyond the porch. Maybe it really is just the wind. Cautiously, Redheart opens the door. She had left the porch light on hoping it would light your way, should you make it home. Your mare looks outside and can’t really make anything out, her eyes are still wet with tears and a dark outline seems to block her view.

The figure steps closer into the light, and Redheart’s mouth falls open, almost like she’s seen a ghost. Could it really be you? Taking a close look at you, she notices your chest is heaving and you seem breathless. That, and your eyes…they appear to be red from crying.

Redheart begins to think she must be dreaming again. After wiping her eyes, she calls your name, to which you promptly nod in response. Her eyes light up as she slowly drops your pillow onto the floor. She begins crying loudly as she rushes out to you, throwing her hooves around you, saying your name over and over again!

“It really is you!” she wails.

You place your arms around her tightly, and don’t even fight back your emotions. You join her in crying loudly, feeling tear after tear trickle down your face. Resting your cheek along her head, you chuckle between sobs, “Yes. I’m home, Redheart. I’m home, my darling.” You begin running your hand along her head, saying her name repeatedly, never happier to be able to speak it to her.

Feeling the cold of night nip at you, you place your arms around her waist and lift her in your arms, taking both of you back inside, closing the door with a swift jab of your foot.

The two of you nestle down on the couch, in front of the fading embers of the fire. She rests her hooves against you, and slowly unzips your coat, so she can better share your warmth. You in turn, secure your arms around her, never happier to have her back in your embrace.

Redheart nuzzles her cheek against you. “How, did you make it back? I thought you’d be snowed in for days?”

“Several hours ago, the Cloudsdale Weather Patrol managed to regain control of the blizzard, with the help and leadership of Rainbow Dash! Thanks to her, the storm was ended and the city could begin clearing away the two feet of snow,” you reply, rubbing your cheek against hers, and working your fingers lovingly through her heavenly mane. Redheart wraps her hooves around you and squeezes you tenderly. You sigh happily. “I caught the very first train back to Ponyville. When I arrived, I ran the whole way back here as quickly as I could, making my way through the snow.” You snicker, “I didn’t even bother to get my luggage.”

You pause for a moment and drink in another needed gaze at your mare. Caressing her lengthy pink locks, you smile at her and feel yourself getting choked up. “I didn’t worry about my bags, because I just wanted to see you…I didn’t care about anything else,” you profess, holding her tightly. “I’m…I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to get a hold of you.”

Redheart reaches up and wipes a few stray tears from your face. “It’s fine, my love. I’m just so glad to have you back home,” she sighs, feeling her eyes tear up once again. She holds you in her loving embrace, and continues to cry with you.

You hold her close, letting her head rest on the crook of your shoulder. “I’ll never let you go again,” you whisper.

“Neither will I,” she utters softly.

Redheart blinks her eyes at you and shares a loving gaze with you. A familiar blush encompasses her face as you both move in for a tender kiss. Your lips break apart after several seconds, but you both quickly go back for another and another. Then, she smiles at you and hugs you tightly, feeling so very happy to have you back.

She looks up and can just make out the nearby clock. “Looks like you’re home in time for Hearth’s Warming,” she muses, sniffing back a straggling tear.

Running your hands along her velvety white back, you partially laugh and cry, “I am, I really am!”

Redheart rubs her hoof along your covered chest. “You must be tired after running all the way back home. Why don’t we head to bed? After all, there’s always tomorrow…and we can enjoy some well-deserved time off. Besides, as long as I have you, I have the best possible present!”

“Aww, Redheart.” You chuckle warmly at her. “Okay,” you yawn, “I am feeling a bit sleepy. I didn’t sleep well at all this week.”

She joins you in casting out a quiet yawn. “Oh my. I didn’t sleep well either. Oh, your pillow,” she starts. But before she leaves your side, she leans in and kisses you even deeper than she did before. Redheart slowly pulls back, giving you the most loving of faces.

After she fetches your pillow, you place your arm around her and join her in walking to the bedroom. You dress down to your underclothes, and after taking care of a few details in the bathroom, you crawl under the covers with her.

Redheart slides closer to you than ever, placing her hooves tenderly against your chest. After adjusting the blankets, you enfold her with your loving arms, holding her securely yet gently. You reach up and enjoy stroking a lock of her silky mane.

“I’m so glad to see you again. I missed you…so much.” You sigh, feeling at ease with her by your side.

“And I missed you…more than words could ever say,” she responds, nuzzling you affectionately.

You chuckle contently, “Well, I can think of three words, that might.” Pausing to take a breath, you whisper, “I love you.”

Redheart giggles happily, and quietly utters, “I love you, so very much.”

“I know, Redheart, and I’m so glad to hear you say it.”

You both cuddle for a few more moments, and each yawn softly. Then you both drift off, with smiles on your faces, delighted beyond words that you’re together again.

* * * *

You slowly awaken and discover that it’s a little after 5AM. Redheart is still in your loving embrace. Feeling a powerful joy in your heart, you squeeze her softly, continuing to feel thankful that you’re home again.

Laying there beside her, you enjoy gazing upon her beautiful face. You revel at feeling her gentle breath fall against your neck, filling you with happiness. Studying her face, you notice a stray lock of her hair hanging lazily over her eyes. Gently, you reach out and rejoin it to her mane, caressing her gingerly as you do so, making sure not to wake her.

You suddenly discover that you need a trip to the bathroom. If the circumstances were different, you’d consider waking her and asking her to join you, but she looks so peaceful – you haven’t the heart to awaken her. Carefully, you pull away from Redheart and slip out of bed, doing your best not to disturb her.

Silently, you creep over to the bathroom, partially closing the door behind you. After lifting the seat and lid, you tug your underwear to the side and start whizzing into the toilet. Your urine splashes into the bowl as you let out a soothing sigh. To your surprise, you notice Redheart saunter up beside you. You’re not sure if she’s really there at first, seeing as you still feel half-asleep. Her tail flips to the side and she lightly spreads her hind legs. Redheart starts peeing beside you into the toilet, and sighs softly as she joins you in getting up to speed. Glancing over at her, you see her smile through sleepy eyes.

She giggles softly at you. “So, thought you were going to go without me, huh?”

You snicker at her, smiling happily. Shaking your head, you reply, “No, I just didn’t want to wake you. You seemed to be resting so peacefully.”

Redheart sighs lovingly as she continues peeing with you. “You’re as thoughtful as ever. Well, I’m just glad I was able to join you in time,” she muses.

“Me too,” you reply, still smiling. The scent of your streams greets your nose, reminding you of the many times you’ve shared this with her, and it also makes you realize this is one of the many things you’ve missed about her.

After enjoying each other’s show for a few more moments, you both begin to empty, coming to an end. Even in her groggy state, Redheart leans over to affectionately shake the lingering drops from you. You feel the heavenly sensation of her loving touch, despite the fact that you’re still waking up.

Thankfully, you’re with it enough to reach over and secure some toilet paper for her. She leans her flanks your way, offering you a charming smile. Gingerly, you wipe the tissue along her folds. Your tender motions cause her to sigh blissfully, “Mmm, this always feels so good.”

“I’m glad.” You feel a warm caress befall your cheeks as you finish drying her. Tossing the toilet paper, you close the lid and smile, placing your hand along her hoof, so you can flush the toilet together. You cover yourself, and notice the tail of your T-shirt needs fixing. After adjusting it, you walk over to the sink with her. She washes your hands, while you clean her hooves and together you both dry each other.

Placing your arm around her, you slowly walk back to the bedroom. “That was a lovely surprise,” you utter affectionately.

“Well, when I realized you left the bed and discovered what you were doing…I thought you might like some company,” she replies, resting her head against you.

“I did,” you chuckle, “Say, do you want to cuddle?”

“Uh-huh, I’d love to.”

The two of you crawl back into bed, folding down the covers. The air in the bedroom is a little brisk, but the hum of the furnace suggests it will soon add its warmth to your room.

Redheart sprawls beside you, resting her eyes on your face. You reach over and gently take her left hoof in your right hand, stroking its fur softly with your left. “I’m so glad we’re together again.”

“So am I.” She places her other hoof along your face, continuing to stare deep into your mesmerizing eyes.

You place your arms around her and hold her close, then you lean toward her, joining your lips to hers. Redheart wraps her hooves around your neck and happily returns your loving kiss, moaning softly as your lips gently wrestle against each other.

You moan tenderly, savoring the kiss for just a few more moments. Both of you pull back a bit, and she gazes at you half-eyed. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed your kiss.”

Giving her a loving expression, you smile at her. “I’ve miss yours as well. In fact, holding you in my arms and kissing you was one of the things I wanted to do most, once I returned.”

Redheart gives you a playful look and softly giggles, “Well, you have, and now that you’re back…what else would you like to do with me? Hmm?” Her sapphire eyes bat at you in the dim glow of her nightstand lamp.

A grin forms on your face. “Well, we just did one of the things I missed a few minutes ago…but the other thing…” Your expression shifts to a far more tender and loving one. Looking at her from head to tail, you marvel at her beauty and unmistakable cuteness. You sigh lovingly, reaching your hand out, affectionately petting her side, thrilling from the velvety texture of her fur. Your fingers glide down, until they arrive at her cutie mark. Very slowly, you begin tracing the red cross and four pink hearts with your loving digits. She closes her eyes and gasps softly from your delicate touch. “…I’ve been wanting you so badly…for days now. I want to feel your weight against me as we make love,” you yearn, a strong note of lust in your quiet voice.

She runs a hoof along your T-shirt, and moves it down to the tail, and slides it up, under. Redheart drives her hoof up, until she arrives at your chest, where she slowly caresses you. “You don’t know how horny it makes me, to hear you say that,” she replies, blushing deeply from her own words.

The two of you sit up, while her hoof remains under your shirt. You give her a seductive smile as you remove your shirt, tossing it to the floor. Then placing your hand on the end of her forelimb, you slide it over to your heart, while touching your free hand to her heart. Redheart simply gazes at you with loving eyes. She leans over and softly kisses your chest. Tilting her head up, she yearns, “Make love to me…now.” Her hooves encircle your waist, while you embrace her with your arms.

Your lips met for a deeply passionate kiss, fueling your desires even further. After a few moments, your lips part and you sigh contently at her, “Redheart.” She smiles at you, giggling softly. Adjusting your arms around her tenderly, you gently lay her down on the bed, and begin running your hands all over her velvety body. Your right hand caresses her belly as you lean down and kiss her neck. Redheart leans her head back against the pillows, casting out a lustful sigh, trembling with hunger for you.

You straddle her hind legs, resting your right knee against her silky tail. Your hands rest deftly on her shoulders, while you rejoin your lips to hers. The two of you being softly moaning for each other, feeling your love burn brighter with each passing second.

After parting for a few breaths, your kiss her again, and feel her right hoof swirl against your chest, while her left caresses your bare right thigh, filling you with pleasure. You begin running your fingers through her mane, while placing your opposite hand back along her chest and belly, gingerly petting her captivating fur.

You both pause as your kiss ends, allowing you each to gasp lightly for more air. She shares a loving gaze with you, as her wily hoof strolls down your belly, finding the elastic of your undergarment. Redheart softly digs against your skin, driving your underwear down, freeing your solid masculinity. She grins playfully and starts sweeping the end of her foreleg along the length of your member, making you tremble with bliss.

Leaning down, you kiss the other side of her neck, causing her to momentarily halt her actions, while she sighs contently. You slowly trail your right hand down past her belly and gently graze your palm against her crescent, enjoying a heavenly glimpse at it. Tenderly, you begin kneading your fingers along her delicate folds. Redheart sighs with pleasure as shivers race up her back.

She focuses her loving eyes on you, and moves her hoof, to stroke your smooth underside. Her endearing caress sends jolts of ecstasy across your body, making you moan and sigh softly as you realize just how much you’ve missed her touch.

The more you feel her hoof lightly tickle your flesh, the more you want to pleasure her back. After eliciting a few giggles from tracing the sensitive tip of her mound, you very tenderly slip two fingers into her marehood. Redheart moans with delight at feeling your touch move inside her. She lightly whimpers as you begin gingerly massaging her moist walls. Her head begins shifting back and fourth from the rapturous joy you are bringing her, while she continues stimulating your manhood.

Several moments pass as you continue pleasuring each other. Redheart lightly pants in between her delicate moans as she continues to succumb to the tender movement of your fingers. She opens her eyes and rests her gaze on your face, smiling grandly at you. “Your loving touch…oh how I’ve missed it,” she sighs.

You return her smile, as you let out a delighted heavy sigh, feeling an indescribable joy from the simple motion of her gentle hoof. “Mmm…and I’ve missed yours, oh, so very much,” you utter softly.

Redheart looks up at you, smiling in between heavenly moans. She places her hooves on your cheeks and pulls you down, kissing you as lovingly as she can, pressing her lips solidly against yours. Her hooves hook around your neck, pulling you closer. You move your arms to surround her back, drawing her nearer to you. Your kiss continues to grow, once your mouths open, allowing your tongues to gently caress one another.

You share pleasant moans, while savoring every passing second of your kiss. After a good minute passes, your mouths separate, leaving you both to gasp quietly in each other’s embrace.

Redheart looks at you happily with a strong longing in her eyes. “More,” she begs, “Please, don’t stop touching me.”

Your smile grows as you return your hand to her slit, and slowly trace the curves of her flower. “Anything, my love,” you whisper, continuing to rub your digits along her crease.

Redheart sighs again, “My darling.” She moans with a partial squeak as your fingers re-enter her and resume their loving caress. Her eyes seem to glisten as you feel her hoof return to the smooth side of your member, picking up where she left off.

The two of you continue touching each other, filling the room with a heavenly chorus of sighs and moans. Then Redheart signals for you to lean down. You do so happily, while she moves her lips to your ear. “I’m ready,” she whispers, making you shiver with anticipation.

You move your mouth to her ear and quietly reply, “So am I.”

Redheart moves out from under you and sits up by your side. She rests her head on your shoulder and sighs. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’d like to be on top,” she remarks, while tenderly rubbing her hoof along your chest.

Your rest your head against hers and sigh contently. “Of course not. I love it when you’re on top.”

Redheart leans in and kisses you feverishly, softly nipping at your lips as you begin returning her kiss, nipping back at her delightful lips. As your kissing continues, you both make your way to the middle of the bed. Carefully you stretch your legs, parting them wide. She remains close to you and adjusts her hind legs as you get into position, making sure not to lose contact with your lips. Redheart straddles your legs, moving as close to you as possible. She lightly bumps her crescent against the length of your spire, then you affectionately rub yourself against her. The heavenly motion of your touching loins fills you both with bliss, causing the two of you to gasp and sigh.

A few moments pass and you place your hands to her cutie marks. Staring deep into her eyes, she gives you a loving nod. Gently you press the tip of your masculinity against her marehood, parting the way. Redheart lets herself drop gracefully onto you, moaning softly as she feels your length enter her. You shiver with pleasure from the sensation of being inside her.

Your hands move to embrace her back, holding her close. You look deep into her eyes again and feel your chest begin to heave. “I don’t want to spoil the moment, but…I’m just…s-so glad to feel the warmth of your body a-against me…Redheart,” you sigh as your vision becomes blurry.

Her eyes begin to glisten as her hooves come to rest on your shoulders. Redheart’s mouth quivers as she tries to speak, “I…uh…sweetheart…” She’s barely able to say your name, before tears of joy begin falling form her eyes. You hold her close, running your hand along her back. You nuzzle against her cheek, feeling your passion for her burn on as you savor the enveloping sensation of being so deeply embraced with her.

“Oh, Redheart,” you whisper.

She sighs lovingly, nuzzling you back, gripping you in her loving hooves. “You always seem to find a way to make this special…always.” Redheart says your name, and then leans back. You wipe away each other’s tears, and lock your lips in the deepest of kisses, feeling her tongue reach out for yours. Happily your tongues share a loving dance, while your passions burn on brightly.

Just as your kiss ends, Redheart’s hooves rest back on your shoulders, while she begins lightly bucking her hips on you. She can still feel the unhindered excitement in your manhood as she starts adding some speed. You smile at her as your hands return to her thighs, gripping her to add their strength to her loving movements.

Redheart begins to moan and sigh between pants. You can feel a wonderful sensation begin to mount in your loins, allowing you to join her in moaning and sighing. As she continues to add more speed to her rapturous motion, you begin pushing upward adding to your combined bliss.

Her hair begins to flutter along her shoulders as she continues to move her hips faster and faster. You gaze into her eyes as she looks back. Sensing what you’re planning, she leans toward you as your lips meet hers for an exchange of heated passion. Your mouths break apart as you both begin breathing more rapidly.

A few minutes pass and Redheart’s moans begin to intensify along with her panting. The feeling you’re sharing with her is as amazing as ever. Your mind feels like its beginning to shatter under the overwhelming level of emotion you feel for her, while your breathing continues to grow shallower.

Her body begins to tremble as you hear her begin to whimper in between her moans and sighs. She closes her eyes and allows her head to drift back. Then only moments later, her back starts to arch as she lets out a loud moan. Her hips continue to buck against you as the culmination of her love washes against your manhood. You feel your body quake with pleasure as you hit the point of no return. Another moan from her drives you over the edge as you let out a lustful moan of ecstasy, feeling yourself burst repeatedly inside her. Redheart falls against you and grips you tightly in her hooves as you both are shaken by a continuous storm of pleasure.

You fall back, bringing her with you, landing softly along the pillows. There, you both begin gasping rapidly for air, while you hold her close.

Several minutes pass and gradually, you both can breathe calmly again. You look at her and smile. She returns your loving expression and nuzzles her cheek to yours. “That was so wonderful,” Redheart sighs.

“Yeah,” you agree, running your hand along her back. “It was heavenly.”

She enjoys laying along your chest, rubbing her furry cheek against your skin. Your mare hugs you tenderly and giggles, “I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m so glad you’re back.”

You gingerly run your fingers through her silky mane, while placing your other hand on her chin and softly kiss her lips. “It’s fine, honey. Say it as much as you want. I feel the same way.”

Redheart sighs, and enjoys feeling your chest rise and fall as you continue to breathe. “This is always so relaxing.”

Again you stroke her mane, and nuzzle against her. “It is. So my dear, shall we,” you yawn, “get some more rest?”

She giggles softly at you before yawning herself, “Yes…I’d love that…resting closely, by your side. Besides, it feels a little nippy in here.”

Gently, you scratch behind her ear. “It does. Well, I’d be more than happy to keep you warm,” you muse.

“I know you would,” she sighs lovingly.

You both crawl under the covers, and reaching down, you pull the sheets and blankets up over you. Then, you lay on your side as she moves close to you. You place your arms around her and she in turn rests her hooves on your chest.

Redheart rubs her cheek against you, and coos softly. “What a great way to start our Hearth’s Warming.”

Affectionately, you run your hand along her silky mane, gently rubbing your leg against hers. “I know, and it will be a wonderful day, especially since we’ll spend it together,” you reply.

She smiles at you and gently flexes her hind leg back against yours. “It’ll be so nice not having to be alone this year,” she remarks, patting her hoof against your chest.

“That’s right, I remember. You said you were really looking forward to today, because of how many Hearth’s Warming days you spent by yourself.” You squeeze her lovingly and rest your chin against her forehead. “I’m so glad I can be with you, so you don’t have to be alone.”

“Me too. I’ve always dreamed about spending this day with my very own special somepony,” she sighs as her cheeks turn rosy.

“Now you can. Oh yeah, that reminds me. Before I left on my trip, I did manage to get your presents. I hope you’ll like them,” you speak in earnest.

Redheart raises her left hoof and begins brushing it along your hair. “I’m sure I will,” she giggles, “But either way, you’re the greatest present I could ever ask for.”

You feel your cheeks become flush as you feel a surge of happiness pour out from your heart. “Aww, Redheart. That’s so sweet of you to say,” you utter softly.

“I mean it. I just hope…that you like what I got you,” she notes, resting her gaze on you.

You return her caring look and gingerly run the back of your hand along her cheek. “They’ll be fine, whatever they may be. Though, you know something?”

“And what’s that?” she asks, batting her eyes in a flirtatious manner.

“I don’t really need any presents…not as long as I have you.” A strong smile curls up on your lips and you gently sweep your fingers through her hair.

She softly coos your name, gazing at you half-lidded. Redheart leans toward you, while you move to intercept her, suspecting what’s coming. Your lips meet for a deeply passionate kiss. Her hooves surround your neck, while you grip her tightly in your arms. She moans softly along with you, savoring the kiss just as much as you are.

A few moments pass and your kiss ends. Redheart remains in your embrace, starring at you with devoted eyes. You move your hand and scratch behind her ears, again. She gives you a loving smile as she curls her tail up over your legs. You notice its silky texture sweep against your bare skin, adding to your smile.

Looking in each other’s eyes, you share a short goodnight kiss. “I love you, Redheart,” you whisper affectionately.

She softly utters your name, and sighs, “I love you.”

“Are you warm enough?”

“Yes, thanks to you,” Redheart replies, snuggling against you. “Till morning, my love.” She reaches over and darkens her lamp.

“Till morning…” you softly utter, squeezing her affectionately.

You let out a final sigh, as sleep slowly lulls you back under its welcoming veil. The room remains calm, now that you both have gone back to sleep.

* * * *

The two of you awaken to a sunny morning. The sun’s golden rays beam in around the curtains, basking the room in it’s warming light. Together, you walk to the window and greet the day, beholding the snow capped Ponyville.

After taking care of your morning routine, the two of you share a tasty breakfast, one that you prepared together.

Now, the two of you have moved to the living room. Redheart is waiting on the sofa, while you are placing fresh wood into the fireplace. After loading the final log, you scatter some kindling around the timber. Reaching to the side, you grab one of the long matches and strike it. You hold the flame against the kindling and in moments it ignites. Carefully, you blow out the match and place the guard in front of the hearth. As the logs begin to burn, a splendid fire begins crackling, adding its warmth to the room.

You happily join Redheart on the couch. She immediately leans against you and quickly the two of you lay on your side, with her resting partially on top of you. She nuzzles her cheek against yours, letting out a contented moan. “I hope we can share plenty of moments like this, while we both enjoy our time off work,” she muses.

You reach up and run your fingers through a few locks of her beautiful pink mane. “So do I,” you utter softly. “It’s going to be a wonderful day.”

She giggles at you, “It is. And later on, I’m going to make you my extra cheesy lasagna for Hearth’s Warming dinner. I hope you’ll like it.”

You chuckle warmly at her, “Well, I love your cooking, so I’m sure it will be great! By the way…you wouldn’t want me to lend you a hand now, would you?” You raise an eyebrow at her, trying not to grin.

Redheart can’t help but giggle at you. “I’d love to prepare dinner with you. It’s always fun when we do things together,” she winks.

Your fingers continue to dance around her mane. “You’re so right. Oh yeah, would you like to exchange gifts now?” you ask.

She nods affirmatively. “Yes. I’ll go gather yours, and you can go get mine.”

“Okay.”

The two of you leave the couch and head to where you’ve hidden the other’s presents. A few minutes pass and the two of you meet in front of the brightly decorated tree.

You carefully place her gifts under its lowest branches, and Redheart in turn places your presents right beside hers. The two of you stand together, enjoying the sight of the twinkling lights as they continue sharing their cheerful glow for you both.

Tenderly, you place an arm around your mare. She leans close to you, while you both gaze at the colorfully wrapped items as they add that finishing touch to your tree.

Redheart softly coos your name. “I’m so happy,” she sighs, her words overflowing with joy.

You run your arm along her velvety side. “Just wait, my love…it’s about to get better,” you muse.

“Yeah,” she whispers.

“Come on,” you urge as you both sit down in front of the tree.

You smile gleefully, handing Redheart her two presents. An equally jubilant expression presides over her face, while she slides your two gifts beside you.

“So, ladies first?” you check, looking at her.

Redheart shakes her head. “Mm-mm, you open one of yours first,” she responds, the gleefulness in her eyes making her seem like an excited filly.

“Okay,” you smile, picking up the cube-shaped package. Your eyes glance over at her and back at the item. “Hmm, I wonder what this might be?” You lightly shake the box, there is no sound and the item is curiously light for its size. Slowly, you begin pealing the wrapping paper, savoring the sensation of opening your first present. As your fingers slide along the smooth texture of the paper, you give in to your inner child and savagely tear the rest of the it off. Setting the removed wrappings aside, you look at what appears to be an old kettle box. Giving her a funny look, you ask, “You got me a kettle?”

She places a hoof over her grinning mouth. “Oh come on, do you know any kettles that are that light?”

You join her in chuckling as you remove the tape from the box flap. “You’re right. So let’s see what I’m working for…hmm,” you mutter. Opening the box, you discover a small white envelope inside. Removing it, you study the writing on it. The face reads: To my lover. Slipping your finger under the flap, you open the envelope and remove the fancy textured paper from within. Holding it up, your eyes widen as you discover what it is. Looking at her, you gasp, “A certificate for the two of us to the Ponyville Day Spa!”

She nods at you with a grin. “Yep. You said you wanted to know if what you heard about that place is true. Aloe and Lotus are known for their skillful techniques. And just imagine you and me, resting side by side getting a massage, then taking a dip in the mineral bath or the hot tub, and ending things with a relaxing trip to the sauna. Mmm, wouldn’t that be lovely?”

You set the certificate down, and throw your arms around her. “Oh yes, spending an afternoon with you in a spa, I bet it would be very relaxing. And I’ve always wanted to see how those two ponies give a massage. I hear their hooves are like magic. And who knows, maybe I could learn a thing of two from them, so I can give you private massages, here at home,” you grin.

She returns your hug and chuckles, “Yeah, that would be fun.”

“Thank you, honey.”

“You’re welcome!”

Moving apart from her, you smile. “Okay now, open one of yours, the small one,” you suggest.

“Hmm, the small one. Okay,” she grins. Redheart takes the item in her hooves and notices the box is rather light. “Are you pulling a fast one on me, too?”

“I don’t know, maybe?” you snicker.

“Well at least I got you,” she notes with a smirk.

“You won’t let me live down putting that picture pendant in that large box for your birthday, will you?”

“Oh, I will, but you know what they say…turn about is fair play,” she giggles, “Now what could this be?” Redheart carefully tears the end of the wrapping paper, and like you, she quickly removes the rest of the coverings. Looking at the box, she remarks, “A box of chocolates?” Throwing you a less than convinced look, she notes the lack of weight, “Hmm, an empty box of chocolates.” Opening it, she discovers a very fancy envelope with gold trim inside. The envelope reads: (Your Name) and Nurse Redheart. She turns it over and opens it. She removes the contents and immediately notices the fancy gold color on the items. Her eyes widen as she reads what’s written on the two tickets. “These are…tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?!” she gasps in awe. You smile grandly and nod your head. Redheart blinks in disbelief, “How did you get these?”

“Princess Celestia gave them to me about two weeks ago. She was checking on the humans she brought to Equestria and wanted to see how we’re doing. She also said she was giving all of us invitations to the gala, to properly welcome us,” you explain. “Oh yeah, did you see when the gala is being held?”

A big smile remains on Redheart’s face as she eyes the tickets again. Glancing over them she suddenly notices the date displayed on them. “F-F-February…14th?! Heart’s and Hooves Day!” she squeals with delight. “Oh my gosh! You’re taking me to the fanciest gathering in all of Equestria…on the most romantic day of the year?!”

You continue to smile and nod, “I am. Just imagine it.”

Redheart giggles, “Oh I can. Wait! I don’t have anything I can wear. Well at least I have time to get a dress made.”

“Hold that thought,” you reply. “Go on, open your other present.”

She looks at you suspiciously. “Why?”

“Just open it, and you’ll see,” you say in a singsong voice.

Your mare grabs her other gift. It’s in a fairly large, somewhat flat, rectangular box, and there is some weight to it. Rubbing a hoof along her chin, she feels a bit stymied. “I don’t know what this has to do with the gala, but I guess we’ll soon find out,” she notes.

Redheart removes the fancy ribbon from around the package and then slowly begins to tear open the wrapping paper. After getting the one end started, her patience evaporates, leading her to vigorously rip off the remainder of the paper. She blinks excitedly, recognizing her gift to be in one of Rarity’s outfit boxes. “Could this really be?” she wonders, fettering her excitement. Placing her hooves on either end of the box, she fidgets with the lid, before it slides free of the bottom half. Pulling it away, she closes her eyes, and slowly opens them. Her sapphire orbs meet the sight of the dress you had made for her. Redheart’s mouth drops open as she realizes what you got her. “This is…” she stammers. Reaching in, she removes the dress and carefully unfurls it. “Oh my…it really is…you got me a fancy dress!”

“Now you have something you can wear to the gala,” you remark, still wondering if she likes it.

Redheart starts to hum happily as she dances around holding up her dress. “Oh wow, this is simply gorgeous. I’ll have to try it on. The color looks perfect,” then she gasps, “And what’s this?” Checking the box, she discovers a few accessories. “A silver tiara, matching pink stockings, shoes and a necklace!”

“So then, I take it you like it?” you ask.

Redheart deftly sets the dress back in its box. She leans over to you and kisses you deeply on the lips. “Like it…no, I LOVE IT!” she beams with a joyful grin. “How did you manage to get this?”

You laugh at her. “Well, you know those winter coats we got measured for at Rarity’s?”

“Yeah.”

“This is what you were being measured for. There are no coats. Rarity and I just needed a cover story so we could get your measurements without making you curious.”

Redheart giggles at you, “Why you sneaky devil.”

“After Celestia brought those tickets, I remembered you saying you lacked a nice enough gown to go to the gala. I wanted to get something nice for you, and a dress seemed perfect,” you explain gleefully, smiling at her.

She rubs her cheek against yours. “It was more than perfect, it was wonderful, sweetheart. Oh, open your other present. I hope you like it,” she chirps.

“Well, let’s see,” you utter. Picking up your other gift, you note its curiously small size. Just what could this be? Eagerly, you tear off the paper, after briefly savoring the nice job your mare did wrapping it. You study the item closely; it appears to be a sort of jewelry box. “What is this?” you wonder.

“You’ll see,” she replies biting her lower lip.

Carefully, you open the box and study the contents. A joyful smile forms on your face as you remove the item. “A gold pocket-watch?” you ask with intrigue.

Seeing the fascination in your eyes puts her at ease. “Look inside,” she beams, giving you a warm smile.

You pop open the cover and open it up. The watch is beautifully crated and features time in fancy black Roman Numerals, with golden hands. “It’s incredible…and what’s this,” you gasp, “It’s a picture of you, smiling.”

“I thought that would be a nice touch. You said you wanted a keepsake that would always make you think of me. Well, I couldn’t think of anything more fitting, and I thought you’d enjoy having a picture of me with it,” she explains, beaming you a loving gaze.

You close the cover and slip the watch into your pocket. “Thank you Redheart…I’ll keep it with me, always,” you profess.

She leans against you, softly nuzzling your cheek. “No, thank you, for the presents…but most importantly, for being with me. You’ve already made this day unbelievably special.”

For a moment you hardly know what to say. You nuzzle her back and sigh, “You’re very welcome, my love. I know my life has already been vastly improved…thanks to you,” you declared.

“Come on, let’s go over to the couch and cuddle,” she suggests.

“Sure,” you chuckle. The two of you curl up on the couch and nestle close together. Redheart just rubs against you and tenderly caresses your chest, while you return the favor, running your hands along her sides and rubbing your cheek against her silky mane.

She sighs softly, enjoying having you so close to her. “The day isn’t even half over and this is the best Hearth’s Warming Day I’ve had in years,” she notes with a thankful heart.

“I’m glad I could be part of it. And you know something, Redheart?”

“What’s that?” she asks.

“While I was away, I realized just how lucky I am to have you. You complete me, and I hope we’ll be together always,” you muse.

Redheart leans against you, resting her head on your chest. “Me too, my very special somepony,” she sighs, placing her hooves around you. “I missed you so much, while you were gone. You’re still the greatest present of all!”

“Happy Hearth’s Warming my love,” you declare, lightly stroking her mane.

“Happy Hearth’s Warming, my darling,” she sighs, placing her hoof over your hand. Then, Redheart giggles playfully. “You know, I just may have to put that Santa girl dress and those panties back on, this evening,” she muses.

“Oh yeah, my other present,” you recall, “I certainly wouldn’t mind an encore performance.”

“I was hoping you might say that,” she remarks, running her hoof along your cheek.

“But for now, why don’t we just stay here in front of the fire…and cuddle some more. We have some time to make up for,” you note.

She sighs dreamily, while you squeeze her in your arms. “You’re right, sweetheart. And after I try on my dress, we can go start dinner…together.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” you smile, resting your head against hers.

The two of you continue to cuddle on the couch, happily looking forward to the remainder of your first Hearth’s Warming Day, which is already becoming more memorable than either of you could have ever hoped!

Your story with Nurse Redheart is still very far from over! It will continue, again…