Advertisement
Not a member of Pastebin yet?
Sign Up,
it unlocks many cool features!
- >Hearthswarming.
- >You give a heavy sigh and watch from the balcony as the ponies hurry about their usual wintry tasks, preparing for their annual celebration.
- >Normally you’d be right down in the mess with them, but you don’t have much you feel like celebrating this year.
- >Several months ago, you were torn from Earth and landed in Equestria.
- >In that time you’ve managed to adjust fairly quickly, admirable considering your situation, but the holiday just felt as though it was lacking.
- >Things hadn’t been ideal back on Earth, but they were familiar at least.
- >You had friends and family that you could spend the season with.
- >Not here.
- >Of course you have friends; the ponies have made sure of that.
- >But a bitter melancholy has settled in over the past few weeks, and all you really want at this point is to be alone.
- >It had taken some doing, but even Pinkie Pie realized that you needed some time to grieve over what you no longer had.
- >So they backed off and gave you your space.
- >They still waved and spoke with you, patiently waiting for you to come out of your funk.
- >Some days you wondered if that would ever happen.
- >And so, you sat on the balcony, letting your legs hang over the edge as you watched the activities below with a detached disinterest.
- >At once, the reverie is broken by a familiar voice calling out to you.
- >You twist your head and see Rarity wave her hoof in your direction.
- >She wears a pleasant, if somewhat tired, smile on her lips
- >“Yoo-hoo! Darling, can’t you hear me? I’ve called you at least three times.”
- >You mutter a greeting and a halfhearted apology as you twist your body so that you can face her.
- >Cocking her head to the side, the marshmallow mare tuts a few times with her tongue.
- >“My, my, such poor manners. Come downstairs so we can have a proper conversation.”
- >Despite your protests, the classy clothier eventually does wear you down.
- >Within five minutes you’re on the street, plodding along beside the trotting mare.
- >She gives a few kind words of greetings to various ponies that pass, and you even manage to work up a few grunts, even an occasional ‘how do you do’, much to Rarity’s delight.
- >The cold air bites at your neck and you shudder as the two of you make your way to a park and grab a seat on a bench.
- >Several moments of silence follow, and just as you’re beginning to consider leaving, Rarity speaks.
- >“You’ve been rather distant lately, Dear.”
- >Another apology, and you throw in a shrug for good measure, but as you try to defend yourself further, Rarity shakes her head.
- >“No, there is no need for you to explain yourself. I can’t imagine what it must be like, being forcibly removed from everything familiar and dropped into a strange new world. You’ve done a marvelous job coping with the changes, but it’s clear you’re still hurting.”
- >Silence settles in again as the two of you consider her words.
- >And then she continues.
- >“I know you’ve been working with Twilight, trying to find a way home. I know that she told you that even with her considerable expertise, it may be months or even years until she finds the means to send you back.”
- >You grunt, reluctantly adding that it may not be possible at all.
- >Rarity gives a slow nod and purses her lips.
- >“Yes, that too.”
- >Another few moments of quiet, punctuated only by the whispering crunch of hooves in snow as a pony passes nearby.
- >“But I’ve also been talking to Twilight about some of the customs you have back on Earth. I found one to be particularly interesting.”
- >The sugar white mare nudges you gently with her hoof and when you turn to face her, she’s holding up a red and white scarf with a gentle glow from her horn.
- >“While it’s not traditional Hearthswarming practice to give gifts, I thought that something familiar might help you feel a little more at home. Happy Cross Moose, Anonymous.”
- >She bites her lip when you don’t immediately take it, red coloring her cheeks as her eyes flit about.
- >“W-well, I realize it’s not much but I would be grateful if you’d try it on before you make any decisions.”
- >Snapping back to reality, you apologize and thank her for the gift before setting it about your shoulders.
- >The fabric is smooth against the bare skin of your neck, yet the chill is warded off immediately.
- >Rarity chuckles, one hoof going up to toy with her mane as she sees you give an impressed nod with her gift.
- >“Well, I’m glad that you like it.”
- >At once, concern seizes you.
- >You weren’t expecting to receive anything, and you have nothing to give in return.
- >It’s your turn to blush as you stammer an apology for not being able to give her a gift, but the white mare simply waves her hoof.
- >“Pish-posh, I told you that ponies don’t celebrate your Moose holiday, so there’s no need to feel bad. It was my pleasure to share my gift with you.”
- >That’s really sweet of her.
- >But you still feel bad, and tell her as much.
- >Rarity looks thoughtful for a moment and then offers a small smile.
- >“Very well; I’ve decided what you can give me.”
- >Uh oh.
- >As you brace for some outrageous demand, the magnanimous mare tosses her mane to the side.
- >“Lift up your arm.”
- >Not being in any position to refuse, you do so.
- >There’s a gentle creak from the wood as Rarity presses her body against your side.
- >She looks thoughtful for a moment before her horn glows again, the scarf around your neck loosening ever so slightly before it wraps around her neck as well.
- >With an expectant smile, she meets your eyes again.
- >“Now lower it.”
- >Again, you do as she asks.
- >Sighing, Rarity snuggles her cheek into your chest and turns her eyes skyward.
- >“Now, if you would be so kind, stay with me a while and watch the stars come out.”
- >That’s it?
- >At your question, the mare puffs out her cheeks and scowls.
- >“You are making this gift-giving situation very difficult, Darling. If you must give me something else, then a smile will do just fine.”
- >Squirming again to get comfortable, Rarity smiles and looks upwards.
- >“An evening with a dear friend is a precious gift as well, you know.”
- >Well, she’s made herself pretty clear.
- >With that, you set aside your feelings of inadequacy and settle in to a small half hug with the mare, the two of you sharing your warmth as singular points of light begin to burst into existence with the setting of the sun.
- >It may not be Christmas with your family.
- >But you’re not alone.
- >And that’s something.
Advertisement
Add Comment
Please, Sign In to add comment
Advertisement