A Few Months later
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 friend's 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 Rainbow'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 misbehaviour 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 by 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 really 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 on 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 favour 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 labelled "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 recently 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 their signatures on 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. "This is awesome!" 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 safe keeping 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 and tentatively accepted 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 Fluttershy'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 mare's 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 through 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 weakened 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...?'
Returning outside to enjoy the falling snow and the cool air for a few minutes, Fluttershy settled down into the crunchy snow, bringing her multicoloured 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," Fluttershy trailed off into bliss.
"Oh 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.