>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 hoof-step 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