//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: Christmas Company // by GuidingLight //------------------------------// The slow instrumental playlist had proved fruitless to Mark's sleep. After trying desperately for an hour to find that elusive slumber, he finally surrendered. He slowly got out of bed and headed to the kitchen, ready to satisfy his need to rehydrate. It was going to be a long night, that much was certain. He walked quietly down the hall, hoping not to wake Fluttershy as he did so. Flicking on the kitchen lights, he grabbed a glass and let the fridge's water dispenser do its work. A moment later, and the cool, refreshing liquid found its way down his throat. It provided at least some relief to his stressed body. Catching something in the corner of his eye brought the stress right back. He nearly spilled the drink as he jumped. His brain caught up with him a moment later, allowing him to realize it was only Fluttershy, looking understandably concerned. "Sorry." She whispered, lowering her head. "It's okay." Mark replied, catching his breath from the scare. "Do you need something?" Fluttershy stopped as she was about to speak, her gaze falling to the ground. "No." She whispered. "'Shy, are you okay?" Mark asked, though he already suspected the answer was no. His fears were confirmed when she refused to answer, though he could swear he heard a faint sobbing. He knelt down to eye level with the mare. "Fluttershy, what's wrong?" She hesitantly raised her eyes from the ground to meet his own. They were bloodshot, resting just above her red-stained cheeks. "'Shy…" Mark trailed off. Fluttershy began crying openly, resting her head against his chest. He responded by gently wrapping both arms around her shoulders and bringing her into a much needed hug. The crying slowly became sobbing as Mark used a hand to rub her back. Once she was calm again, Mark spoke up. "Let's go into my room. You can tell me everything there." Once the two were inside, Fluttershy let all her feelings out. She expressed her fears, her homesickness, and everything else that was keeping her awake and afraid. "I hate to say it," Mark replied after she'd finished, "but I'm feeling the same way, too." Fluttershy glanced up at her human host, surprised given his outward strength at this time. "I don't think either of us are going to be sleeping for a while." He added before turning on the computer and TV screen. He then pulled up the familiar site of YouTube, selecting a video Fluttershy hadn't seen before. "When I'm feeling troubled like this," he continued, "this makes things a lot better." The video began playing, filling the room with Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World". He'd selected the music video version specifically, allowing for the bright colors of the stop-motion animation to likewise brighten both of their spirits. "That song always cheers me up, at least a little." Mark stated after the song had finished. "Did it help you at all?" The pegasus sniffled slightly. "A little." Mark smiled. "Well, I think I know something else that might help." He pulled the keyboard back onto his lap and began typing into the search bar again. "The thing the internet was made for: Cat videos!" About an hour had passed, with the two laughing and smiling together while watching the internet's most popular animal. It had proven effective for Fluttershy, as the humorous yet adorable moments slowly brought back the feeling of comfort she'd almost felt would never return. She also made a mental note to add this strange internet phenomenon to her notes about this world. She had just finished watching a Bengal cat be introduced to a few weeks old kitten, when her lungs let loose a long-reserved yawn. Mark looked over, relieved that she was feeling relaxed enough to be tired. "Sounds like it's time for us to both get some sleep." She nodded. "It is. Thank you for everything, Mark." Her smile proved infectious. "You're welcome, Fluttershy." As quickly as her smile had appeared, however, it was chased away by some passing thought. "Everything okay, 'Shy?" Mark asked. "It's just…" She began, "I just don't know if I'll be able to sleep. All I could do in that room was wait. It felt like I was being watched." Mark put a hand to his chin in thought. The two definitely needed their rest, and in truth, he wasn't sure if he'd be sleeping well either. Which made the idea that popped into his head all the more valuable. "Stay here," He instructed, "I'll be right back." Mark walked the short distance down the hall to a closet storing many seasonal or situational items. Coats, backpacks, and even a tent made up the storage, but the prize he sought for was on the very top shelf. "Got it!" His voice sounded as he walked back down the hall and to his room. Fluttershy knew there was still much to understand and learn about Earth culture, but even she easily recognized what Mark's arm was wrapped around. "A sleeping bag?" She wondered aloud. "Yeah," He replied with a smile, "we can host a sleepover in my room! I figure that'll help us both feel a little more comfortable tonight." Fluttershy's smile showed she agreed with the idea, and so Mark began rolling out the bag, grabbing a pillow from his bed. Fluttershy unzipped the side of the bag and readied to lay down on it. Mark covered the bag's entrance with his hand. "I'll sleep in the bag, you can take my bed. It'll be more comfortable for you." Fluttershy glanced at Mark's bed, then back at him. "You don't have to do that." "I know, but I want to." He countered with a smile. "It's the least I can do." Fluttershy took a moment to process this. "Thank you." She finally replied with her same soft smile. The two retired to their beds - Mark his bag and Fluttershy the actual bed - and tried to relax, not thinking about the day ahead tomorrow. This proved to be much easier this time around. The pegasus mare fell asleep within minutes, leaving Mark staring at the ceiling, pondering over everything that had happened in the last few days. It was certainly proving to be an unusual week to say the least, but deep down, he felt that somehow things would work out. This final thought brought him the sufficient comfort to allow for a peaceful slumber.