A Night to Live Forever

>winter in Ponyville was always so calming
>the gentle snow, the warmth of every fire
>it was everything and more that you could ever want from such a time of the year
>spending it with Twilight made it seem almost like a dream
>it always seemed too good to be true with the lovely and magical pony near your side constantly
>seeing her wear the scarf you got her for Hearth's Warming seemed to put a permanent smile on your face
>of course, getting measurements proved tricky
>a few hugs here, a warm embrace there
>Rarity had to work off of merely your arm placement instead of numbers, but she made it work
>the light crunch of each hoofstep from Twilight reminded you of how close she was, barely more than several inches away as you both took in the sights of the evening
>it had started snowing again, reminding you of the hard work that goes into every season once a few of the precious snowflakes drifted past your face
>Twilight seemed to have her mind in the clouds as well with her lean towards you now and again
>you had to admire the princess' cute trots as she kept up with you
>her legs lifting slightly higher than usual to keep from kicking up too much snow
>a few times, you had tried to initiate a friendly snowball fight with her
>it seemed as though she could get several of the cold, ice orbs ready and thrown before you had even finished making one
>the outcome ended the same way every time, but you both laughed and dusted off the caked on snow
>some of the other ponies had joined in a couple times
>Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash seemed to have more energy to keep the friendly fight going longer than either of you two
>a stop by Fluttershy's got you both a warm mug of her natural honey cocoa drink, which was a wonderful treat for continuing your time outside
>Rarity had offered you take one, or rather several, of her newly made blankets with a little less bedazzle than most of her dresses

>thanks to Fluttershy's drink, you made great time in reaching Sweet Apple Acres to check in on Applejack and family
>they had offered you stay and eat, which Twilight politely declined for you both
>it seemed she wanted to spend more time with just you around
>reluctantly, Applejack let you both head off after a bit, letting you both take a good drink of apple cider to help keep you warm on the way home
>it was getting dark, but you both knew the way and the stars looked absolutely beautiful out tonight
>before long, Twilight began tilting her head this way and that, pointing with her horn and indicating what constellation was this one or that one
>you listened to every word, enjoying her vast knowledge of so much and even asking about other ones she hadn't pointed out
>once you were home, she shivered as her scarf was removed and hung up, settling next to the fireplace that Spike had been so kind to keep lit
>without a word, you settle in next to her and pull her to your side as she rests her head to your shoulder, stretching a wing out behind you to keep you just as close
>the two of you stayed quiet for the most part, enjoying the cozy fire and letting it be your only light for the night
>after a while of asking of a few more stars from out the window, you can hear her gentle breathing, knowing she wasn't going to answer anytime soon
>that was fine by you
>you had tomorrow night you could ask more
>and the next
>and the one after that..

>it was early in the wee hours of the morning
>the winter weather had made it perfect for sleeping
>and, of course, cuddling
>your eyes slowly open with the hazy blur of such a good slumber still fresh
>it wasn't the cold outside that woke you
>the blankets had done a wonderful job at keeping out the freezing winds
>something more had done a much better job, or rather somepony
>Twilight's soft and cozy body was nestled up against you, her wings tucked in and her mane draped over the pillow you shared
>her tail gave a small flick, caressing your leg and one of her ears giving an idle twitch at your stir
>it was her perfect warmth and the smooth feeling of her coat that kept you warm at heart
>upon you shifting in the sheets, the purple alicorn lifted her head slowly with a sleepy mumble
>it was impossible not to smile at her adorable yawn before she turned to face you
>"You sleep well~?"
>she asked sleepily while her eyes were still struggling to stay open
>you give a nod and hug her close, bringing your face closer to her own
>the princess takes the opportunity and gives your nose a playful and loving bump with her own
>added to it, she gently wiggles her nose and head, giving light brushes with her nose and muzzle to your own
>after a bit, she carefully rests her head again, looking out the window
>"Stay here for the day.. It's too cold to have you out there right now, anyway~"
>that's all you need to cradle her into a spooning position and gently start to doze back off with the magical pony in your arms