//------------------------------// // How We Suffered // Story: How We Met // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// How We Met By The Rated Ponystar Chapter 13: How We Suffered Edited by: Fernin, Souldin, and Clavier *** Hearts and Hooves Day had once been Fluttershy’s favorite holiday of the year. A day for those who found each other and dedicated their lives to loving one another, it had a special, magical feeling whenever it came. She always dreamed of spending it with somepony she could trust and spend every waking moment with. Fluttershy believed she had found such a pony in the form of one Rainbow Dash, who had been with her for so long and done so much for her. The idea of her and Rainbow Dash felt so right. Like destiny itself brought them together. It was her dream to become Dash’s marefriend. Maybe something more. But now that dream was gone. Four months ago she had been ready, and willing, to finally tell Rainbow Dash her feelings. But before she could, her heart had been ripped out and torn to pieces by a startling revelation. Rainbow Dash, her best friend and secret love, was in love with a mare, but it was Applejack. Not her. What came next was the worst week of her life. It was worse than the letter incident. For a brief time, she hated Rainbow Dash for ignoring her feelings, for choosing somepony else. She even felt angry at Applejack. Sure, she didn’t know anything, but just having Rainbow Dash’s heart was enough to make Fluttershy hate her. However, the one she blamed the most was herself. She was too late to reveal her feelings. Too late to take happiness by the hooves and shelter it with her heart. Now the love of her life was gone. Eventually, the hatred passed and all that was left was sorrow. Every waking hour was spent crying. She couldn’t sleep or eat. Her animals were left unattended, and all of them except Angel left because of her inability to take care of them. Fluttershy had given up on herself, but her friends never gave up on her. Rarity and Pinkie Pie were there for her every day as shoulders to cry on, or just to listen to her. She told them how horrible she was, how Rainbow deserved a better mare than her. Rarity was quick to sooth her tears with whispers of encouragement, saying that she was better than any pony in town, and Rainbow Dash had no idea what she was missing. Pinkie Pie spared no expense trying to cheer her up, pulling every prank and joke in her repertoire to make Fluttershy smile again. She even skipped an entire week of parties just to help Fluttershy push through her depressed state. At the end of the week, Pinkie Pie hosted a small party, just for the three of them, and for the first time in days, Fluttershy smiled. Slowly she had begun to heal. Her efforts to move on were slow, but with the help of her friends she begun to fix her broken heart. Two weeks after Dash’s revelation, she walked out of her house and sang with the birds. The song caught the ears of all her worried critter friends who came back to her, relieved to see their caretaker back to her old self. With effort, Fluttershy managed to feel comfortable around other ponies, including Rainbow Dash and Applejack. The former had been worried, believing in Rarity’s lies that she had been very ill. Fluttershy only cracked a smile and thanked Dash for her concerns. Fluttershy knew that she might never lose her feelings for Rainbow Dash, but she also knew that she had to stop being held down by them. It still pained her to see Dash pining over AJ, but there was nothing else she could do. As Dash’s friend, and the only one she trusted with this secret, Fluttershy had to do all she could to support Dash’s efforts to woo Applejack. No matter how much it hurt. Four months passed, and Fluttershy managed to slowly move on, but on Hearts and Hooves Day, her old wounds began to reopen. It was too much for her to bear. After feeding her animals, Fluttershy made her way into to town to speak with Rarity for support. Upon arriving in Ponyville, she soon regretted this action. All around her, couples were spending the day with each other. The way they snuggled and kissed left a cold, empty void in Fluttershy’s heart. Numerous times she saw herself and Rainbow Dash replacing them, a fantasy out of her reach. She tried to keep her eyes focused on non-coupled ponies with a few standing out. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were running around and singing about their teacher, a group of ponies were mouring at a funeral, and there was a stallion who seemed to be covered in jelly. Ponyville really was a strange town. Fluttershy was halfway to Rarity’s boutique when suddenly a pink arrow landed by her hooves. She gasped and fell on her haunches, staring at the arrow that came close to hitting her. Slowly reaching for it, she realized it was made of plastic. “Hi, Fluttershy!” shouted Pinkie Pie from behind. Fluttershy jumped into the air, squealing, before flying to the nearest tree and hiding inside its branches. Pinkie Pie picked up the arrow with her mouth and put it back in the quiver she carried behind her back. Peeking out of her hiding spot, Fluttershy saw her friend, dressed in a cupid outfit, complete with a bow and quiver. Pinkie skipped towards the tree and looked up. “Hi, Fluttershy! Happy Hearts and Hooves Day! Sorry about the arrow, looks like I need more practice.” Gliding back down, Fluttershy took a few deep breaths as she eyed the arrow and bow nervously. “I–it’s okay, Pinkie. Um, what are you doing?” “I’m going around Inviting ponies to my annual Hearts and Hooves Day party at town hall! You coming? I’ve got heart shaped cookies, we’re gonna play spin the bottle, and I found the cutest red and white ribbons!” said Pinkie Pie, eyes twinkling. She leaned over with a curved grin and whispered, “I even managed to allow the mayor to let me use the closet for seven minutes of heaven.” The thought of taking part in such a game made Fluttershy’s face look like a tomato. Pushing her dirty thoughts away, she reluctantly shook her head. “Sorry, Pinkie Pie... I think this year I’m gonna stay home. If that’s okay?” “Aw, but come on, Fluttershy! Maybe you’ll get lucky and find somepony who will be right for you!” suggested Pinkie Pie. Her smile faded as Fluttershy shook her head. Pinkie placed a hoof under her friend’s chin, lifting her head until their eyes met. “Fluttershy, I know you still have feelings for Dash, but it’s still not too late to tell her. I mean, she hasn’t told Applejack how she feels, right? I’m sure if you just tell Dashie—” “I–I can’t, Pinkie,” muttered Fluttershy, turning away. She knew Pinkie was only trying to help, but seeing Dash on Hearts and Hooves Day would just shatter her heart. “I do love Dash, but... she’s already made her choice...” “It still wouldn't be the same without you. Please come, if only just for an hour...” begged Pinkie, her tone driving the guilt trip home. With a sigh, Fluttershy gave a small smile and nodded. “I... I guess I can visit for a short while...” “Yippee!” shouted Pinkie Pie, clapping her hooves as her tail wagged back and forth. “I’ll see you at seven! Who knows, maybe you might find another mare worth your attention!” As Pinkie bounced away, Fluttershy pondered on the idea. Should I try looking for another special somepony? I... I still love Dash, but what if I fall in love with another mare? Or a stallion? Fluttershy shook her head. Who am I kidding? Nopony will ever take Dash’s place. Maybe I should just give up on love altogether... “Hey, Fluttershy!” The yell spooked Fluttershy out of her thoughts. Instincts kicked in and she tried to fly away, but somepony grabbed her tail and brought her back to earth. Rainbow Dash spat out the tail and gave a cocky smile that melted Fluttershy’s heart. “You’re getting much better on your kickoffs, Fluttershy. If only you could apply that effort in the air.” “R–Rainbow Dash! Wh–what are you doing here?” asked Fluttershy, hiding her red face behind her mane. Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows before pushed away the locks of hair for a clear look at Fluttershy’s eyes. Tilting her head, Dash asked, “Why are you blushing?” Her face went blank for a moment before a sly grin stretched across her muzzle. “Did somepony ask to be your special somepony? It is Hearts and Hooves Day after all.” “N–no! I was just taken by... surprise... that’s all,” said Fluttershy, getting back on all fours. She tried to will her cheeks to turn back to their normal color, but her blush persisted. Rainbow Dash shrugged and didn’t push the issue any further. “Well, it’s a good thing I found you. I need to talk about... you know?” She whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “That secret?” Fluttershy blinked. “Which one? How you didn’t stop wetting the bed ’til you were six?” “Not that one!” shouted Rainbow Dash, blushing. Her outcry attracted a few stares, which she nervously waved off. Leaning forward, she whispered, “The one with AJ.” “Oh, that...” muttered Fluttershy, doing her best to hide the disappointment in her voice. What else could it be? Rainbow Dash, dreamy look on her face, nodded with excitement. “Yeah, since this is Hearts and Hooves Day, I think it would be best to tell her tonight at Pinkie Pie’s party. But I want you to be there.” This shocked Fluttershy, but her surprise quickly turned to anger. “Why do you want me to be there?” she asked, bitterly. Are you trying to torture me? You want me to be there when you confess your love to another mare? Can’t you just have mercy on me? This surprised Dash at first, but only for a second before she answered. “Because...” Rainbow Dash struggled to continue, her face twisted like she was sucking on a lemon. “I’m afraid I might chicken out again. You know I’ve tried telling her before, but I always screw up. I say something stupid or random that makes no sense.” She picked up Fluttershy’s hoof and held it with her own. Fluttershy gasped and stared into Dash’s pleading magenta eyes. She tried to look away, but she was entranced by the passion and desperation she saw in them. “You’re the only other pony who knows my feelings. I would love it if you could support me... but I won’t force you,” said Rainbow Dash. “I want my best friend by my side as I make the most daring feat of my entire life... next to the sonic rainboom of course.” Fluttershy found herself torn. If she did this, her crush would be out of her grasp forever, and while Rainbow Dash would be happy, she would forever be miserable. On the other hoof, wasn’t the point of love to give that pony all the happiness you could give? Even at the cost of your own? Could she stand to see Rainbow Dash struggle to give her heart to somepony besides herself? Was it finally time to let go? Fluttershy knew, without a doubt, that she loved Rainbow Dash and would do anything for her. She even once almost died for Dash. But could she do this? After what felt like a lifetime of struggle, Fluttershy closed her eyes and answered. “I’ll help you, Rainbow Dash.” *** As promised, Fluttershy had arrived at the party just as it was starting. The entire town hall had been painted pure white, and pink ribbons decorated the ceiling. Balloons shaped like hearts and doves floated in the air as the smell of fresh rose petals scattered throughout the floor filled her nostrils. An entire buffet of treats and refreshments stretched across the entire room. There were heart shaped cookies, red punch, white chocolate cupcakes and more. Finally, there was a dance floor, where songs ranging from fast and crazy to slow and moving were played by the DJ. Fluttershy had decided to do what she always did in most big parties: stay in the corner doing nothing. Sure, she would eat and drink a little, maybe exchange a few words here and there, but she was only here for one reason. Fluttershy searched the area for any sight of her best friend or Applejack. She saw Spike nervously asking Rarity for a dance, which she, to his joy, accepted. Twilight was talking with Cheerilee, who had been giving Big Macintosh interesting looks all night. And Pinkie was, as usual, everywhere at once, with no explanation as to how she was able to move that fast. At last she saw the familiar multi-colored tail, and made her way towards the dance floor. After a few instances of bumping into other ponies and apologizing, she saw Rainbow Dash shaking her hooves with the rest of the dancers on the floor. Fluttershy called out a few times, and managed to catch Dash’s attention. The two of them squeezed through the dancing crowd and walked towards the punch. “Hey! Glad you’re here. Listen, Applejack just went to help Pinkie bring in some more grub.” Fluttershy nodded. “Are you ready?” Rainbow Dash gave her usual cocky grin, but Fluttershy could clearly see the sweat dripping down her brow. “O–of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Scratching the back of her head, Dash’s smile began to fade. “T–then again, I can always tell her another day, right? Why right now?” Shaking her head, Fluttershy declared, “Rainbow, I can’t tell you what to do... but if you want my opinion, I suggest you face this head on...” Like I tried to do with you... This seemed to help Dash regain her confidence. She flared her nostrils and nodded. “You’re right, Fluttershy. Got to take this head on.” Rainbow Dash’s eye widened as she pointed behind Fluttershy. “There she is! Hey, Applejack!” Hearing her name, Applejack turned around and saw them. She walked over and tipped her hat. “Evenin’, Fluttershy. Evenin’, Rainbow Dash. Ya’ll enjoyin’ this party?” “Yes...” muttered Fluttershy, her tone emotionless. “You betcha!” yelled Rainbow Dash. She took a deep breath and gave the biggest smile Fluttershy had ever seen from her. “So, AJ. Do you think you and I could head outside for a second? I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.” “Sure, no problem. See ya later, Fluttershy.” The two made their way to the exit. For a second, Fluttershy was ready to follow them and watch but stopped. A part of her was screaming at her to stop them. Tell Rainbow Dash now before it was too late. Yet, Fluttershy did nothing, but watched them leave the building. Wiping a small tear from her eye, Fluttershy took a glass of punch. Gazing towards a heart shaped balloon, she raised her cup. To Hearts and Hooves Day... and to Rainbow Dash and Applejack... She finished the drink in one gulp and turned around, waiting for both her friends to come back and announce the good news. A few minutes later, she saw Applejack walk in... and nopony else. Fluttershy’s eyes widened. Applejack had a guilty look on her face, like she had committed a crime. There was no sign of Rainbow Dash proudly announcing her new relationship. A dark thought occurred to Fluttershy as her hoof instantly covered her mouth. She said nothing as Applejack hastily grabbed a cup of punch and drank the whole thing in one gulp. Fluttershy watched her drink three more cups in silence. After the last one, Applejack turned around and faced her, eyes filled with sorrow. “Did you know?” Unsure of what to say, Fluttershy didn’t answer, but Applejack shook her head. “ ’course you knew, she tells ya everything...” Fluttershy opened her mouth, but then closed it. “Wh–what happened?” Rubbing her forehead, Applejack muttered, “She told me she liked me. Really liked me and asked if we could be more than just friends.” “And what did you say?” asked Fluttershy, holding her breath. Shaking her head, Applejack answered, “Ah told her that Ah didn’t think of her that way. That Ah was into stallions and not mares—not that Ah've got anything against ponies who are like that mind ya.” With a sigh, she glanced down at the floor. “Everythin’ was quiet between the two of us for a while. Then she said it was alright and to just forget everythin’, but Ah could tell she was hurtin’. Then she just flew off, but Ah swear on mah farm Ah saw tears in them eyes. Now Ah just feel plain guilty for breakin’ her heart like that.” Fluttershy placed her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod. “I’ll talk to her...” “Really? Would ya tell her Ah’m sorry? Ah still want us to be friends...” Fluttershy nodded and gave Applejack a hug before taking off. *** The moment Fluttershy left town hall, she immediately knew where to look. She didn’t have fly far. On a cloud, just above the park, was her broken-hearted friend staring into the night sky with the most somber look Fluttershy had ever seen. As gently as she could, Fluttershy landed on the cloud and whispered, “Rainbow?” Her best friend turned around, fresh wet streaks evident on her face. That was all Fluttershy need to see before wrapping her legs around Rainbow and holding her tight. She heard gentle sobs and felt warm tears drip down her shoulder. Rubbing Rainbow’s back, Fluttershy encouraged her to let it all out. As Rainbow continued to cry, Fluttershy felt, to her shame, a bit of happiness as she continued to comfort her best friend. Applejack had rejected Rainbow Dash; Fluttershy still had her chance to be with her. She shook her head and held Dash closer to her, banishing such thoughts away. How can I even think such a thing? Rainbow Dash is suffering... just like I was... What mattered was comforting her friend. Helping Rainbow get through the same pain she went through for so long. “What happened?” asked Fluttershy. “I...I told her... said I wanted us to be more than friends. I knew everything was wrong the moment I saw her face. She told me she liked stallions. Celestia, it was so awkward.... “ muttered Dash through her hiccupping. “She said she didn’t like me that way, but we could still be friends. I just... flew off...” “I’m so sorry, Rainbow Dash. I know this hurts, but you’ll get better eventually...” Rainbow Dash broke out of the hold and turned away. “What do you know?!” yelled Rainbow, bitterly. “How could you know what I’m going through.” Fluttershy closed her eyes and sighed. “Because I was rejected too...” Dash’s ears perked up and she slowly turned around to listen. “There is this mare. This wonderful mare who I’ve cared for all my life. She’s never known my feelings, but then again I’ve never showed them. When I was ready to confess to her, I learned that she was in love with another. It hurt so much. I felt angry, sad, and useless for days. “But I managed to slowly recover. Because no matter how much I loved that one pony, in the end it’s not my happiness that matters, but hers. It’s going to hurt, Rainbow Dash, but it’s not the end. It’s never the end.” The two of them stared at each other, silent as they stood in the middle of the night sky. Rainbow Dash wiped her face and asked, “Do you want me to kick this pony’s flank for you?” Fluttershy giggled. “No, I don’t think that would be nice.” With a deep sigh, Rainbow Dash slowly nodded. “I guess I should have prepared myself for this. I mean I thought... I was so sure...” With a smile, she hugged Fluttershy again. “Thanks, Shy. Even though this wasn’t the best night, I’m glad you were there for me.” At that moment, Fluttershy felt it return. A warm feeling she thought lost forever. It was hope. Hope that there was still a chance for her and Rainbow. Hope to experience the happiness she longed for. Giving a true smile for the first time in months, she hugged back her best friend and said, “I’ll always be there for you, Rainbow Dash.” The two continued to hold onto each other. A few minutes later, Fluttershy heard Rainbow Dash's loud snores under her mane. At first Fluttershy thought of waking her up, but upon seeing Dash’s cute face, she decided to let it last a little longer. With a small kiss on the cheek, she rubbed her hoof through Dash’s colorful mane, and hummed into the night. “Hush now, quiet now. It's time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now. It's time to go to bed...”