//------------------------------// // A Broken Window and A Broken Heart // Story: Return to Society // by Silent Sir 224 //------------------------------// The morning sun brought renewed hope to Dusk, he could feel Fluttershy breathing on his chest. She had snuggled up to him last night, he simply waited for her to wake up on her own. That didn't take long though, she gave a cute yawn and cracked her eyes open slowly. "Good morning, Sunshine," Dusk smiled. She woke up fully and realized how close she was to him, she immediately pushed herself back and off the couch. Before she could hit the ground she was caught in a dark blue aura and placed on her hooves, "was waking up next to me that bad?" Dusk joked. "N-no I was just surprised!" Fluttershy protested. "Yeah, yeah," he smiled, "so are you feeling better today?" "Thanks to you," she kissed him on the cheek, "do you want something for breakfast?" "Sure, I do love when you cook," he stood up and picked up the bedding he grabbed last night, "should I just put these back where I got them?" "Yeah that's fine," she headed into the kitchen, "you could've taken the bed last night you know." "Yes, I could have taken the bed, but it wouldn't have been nearly as nice as the couch," Dusk made her bed again and headed back downstairs. "Is my bed not comfortable?" Fluttershy asked as she grabbed a few bowls from her cupboard. "I don't know, but I wouldn't be with you so in that light, yeah it wouldn't have been comfortable," he answered while walking into the kitchen. "You're such a sweetheart," she smiled, "so what are you going to do today?" "Finally head down to the market to restock my little home with food," he gave her a peck on the cheek, "every time I try to something keeps coming up." "Oh, I can do that for you, I'm heading to the market today anyway since I forgot a few things yesterday," she offered. "You don't need to do that I can pick it up myself," he replied. "I know I don't, but I want to so I'm going to," she made it more of a statement than an offer. "I know when I've lost a debate," he conceded, "thank you Fluttershy, you're the best a stallion could ask for." "And don't you forget it," she teased. The two sat down and enjoyed the meal she cooked for them, Dusk never did like oatmeal, ever since he was a foal he found it bland, being polite, he held his tongue. But, he found out that Fluttershy knew how to cook quite well, she used the perfect amount of cinnamon to perk up the taste without over doing it. "Did I ever tell you how well you can cook?" He asked between bites. "Yes, I believe you did," she replied before taking another bite. "Well, this is delicious!" She smiled, and the two enjoyed the rest of their meal in silence and washed the dishes before leaving together. "So I will see you at the inn when you're done?" Dusk asked. "Of course," she hugged him and kissed him goodbye. He walked back home, he didn't walk particularly fast or slow, just as fast as his legs felt like taking him, he took this time to think. I can't believe this is happening again, oh well, I got through it before and I can get through it again. I just have to keep my head high and not react to whatever they throw at me. Upon approaching the inn, something didn't feel right, something was definitely wrong, he began to pick up his pace, nearly running. His worries were confirmed when Hummingway flew in front of him, chirping frantically. When Dusk made it through the door he was panting lightly. The receptionist called him, "Mr. Dusk, I'm sorry but I have some terrible news." "What happened?" He asked, almost in a panic. "Someone threw a rock through the windows of your room, and I'm sorry but you need to leave, we can't have such risk of damage to our property." Her words were heavy, she didn't want to say them but her job demanded her to do so, with a sigh he admitted, "I understand. I will take my things and leave immediately, I thank you for your hospitality." "I'm so sorry... I don't believe a word of that article," those words made Dusk perk up a little, "you're no freak or monster, ponies can just be irrational in the face of fear." "Unfortunately," he sighed, "thank you ma'am." He walked past her and headed up those stairs and entered that room, one last time, he took note of the rock on the floor and the hole in those glass doors of the balcony. The rock had a note tied to it, he levitated it in front of him and read it: Go back to the forest Freak. He gathered his things, the saddle bags from the hospital visit, the outfit Rarity made him for his first date and the decor that Fluttershy worked so hard to put up and make that place more of a home. With all the things he had received since he arrived, Dusk walked back down the stairs and just sat outside, his mind numb from what just happened. His little bird sat in his mane, equally down trodden by the eviction. The passage of time was irrelevant, but he realized he was out there for a good amount of time because he could see the one thing that could cheer him up right now. "What are you doing out here?" Fluttershy asked. "Evicted, some pony really wanted me to get this message," he floated it up to her eyes. "They tied it to a rock and sent it through one of the balcony doors. The inn keepers are just protecting their assets, I don't blame them for what they did, I probably would do the same thing in their same position." "You just can't catch a break can you?" She hugged him around his neck, "What are you going to do now?" "I don't know," Dusk sighed, "I don't want to impose on anyone, but at the same time I don't want to go back to the forest. That's way too far away to be from you and our friends," "You're staying with me, end of story," she tightened her grip. "So they can do the same thing to your cottage? I can't, you don't deserve that," he answered. "I don't care! They can break every window in there and I won't care! If it means you can stay here it's a small price to pay," she pleaded. "Fluttershy..." she wouldn't hear any of his protests, but this was too important to let go without some fight. "I have been through this before, I don't want you to have to go through with it too, I wouldn't be able to stand doing that to you." She shook her head, still not listening, "I wouldn't be able to stand you living anywhere else, I want to be right here with you if something goes wrong." I have to admit, she can be very persistent when she wants to be, he thought, but I love her, and I hate to argue with her. "You're one hundred percent sure, you really want to do this?" Dusk sighed, he already knew the answer when he asked the question. "Absolutely, I love you too much to let this go any other way," she answered. "Alright, I can't thank you enough," he kissed her five or six times on her cheek, she giggled in response before standing back up and leading him back to their home. The two walked side by side, one stallion walked up to Dusk, "did you get the message?" He joked. Dusk kept walking until he realized Fluttershy stopped. She looked him right in the eye, "you, are you the one who sent it?" Dusk tried to stop her from doing something and tried to pull her away, "come on Fluttershy, he's not worth the trouble." The stallion laughed, "and why do you care, little mare?" "Sir, don't call her 'little mare' and treat her with respect," Dusk warned, no stallion was going to disrespect her, not so long as his lungs drew air. "Oh, and what will you do if I don't?" He challenged. "Sir, do you know the real reason why people call me a 'freak' and a 'monster,' and why I lived in the Everfree?" Dusk hoped he could intimidate him before something started up. "No, but I'm not afraid of some little freak, no matter where he's been living," Dusk's intimidation didn't work on him. "Last chance, apologize and we both walk away," he really wanted to avoid a confrontation. The stallion turned to Fluttershy, "I'm sorry... that your colt-friend is such a wimp." The next thing the stallion knew he was flat on his back staring at the sky, but Dusk didn't lift a hoof, he just watched Fluttershy tackle him in the chest and knock him flat on his back. "Uhh, when did you learn that little move?" She just ignored him for that moment and leaned down to the stallion and said in calm but threatening tone, "now, what did you just say?" "I-I said that I-I'm so sorry ma'am for disrespecting you and your colt-friend," he stuttered. "That's what I thought, now please leave and don't let me catch you insulting him ever again," she warned. The stallion complied fully, running off the second he was back on his feet. She turned back to Dusk, "that, oh it's just something I was taught by my dad," she smiled as her voice returned to that sweet gentle tone. "That was... impressive, remind me not to get on your bad side." "Oh no, I would never do that to you, only hard heads like that guy," she promised, before snuggling up to him. It was like she had a switch: one side was sweet and innocent, the other side being aggressive and threatening. The rest of the walk was peaceful, they made it to the door and Fluttershy unlocked the door and let Dusk in, "I need to get a key made for you so you can let yourself in." Dusk walked over to the couch, put his bags of stuff down and sat down on one side, "so we're really doing this, huh?" "Yeah, we are, I almost worry we're moving to fast," she admitted. "Well, I think fate's pushing us along this path, like maybe we're meant to be together," Dusk stated. He always fought his philosophical thoughts and kept them from being vocalized too much, but this specific thought wanted to be heard. "That's beautiful, I hope your right," she sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder. "Me too," he put a fore hoof on her knee. The two sat there and cuddled until a knocking came from the front door, with a sigh Dusk decided to stand up and opened the door. Like the previous day, it was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, minus the tears and anger that he and Fluttershy were letting out. Dusk was torn between hugging them for bringing himself and Fluttershy closer together, or slamming the door in their face for all of the things they caused. The three fillies held up another Gabby Gums article, Fluttershy walked up next to him and read the article, Dusk was still unsure in his mind of how to act. But, when Fluttershy hugged the three fillies, he placed a hoof an her shoulder and smiled. The three beamed a smile at the two, before they ran off out of sight Sweetie Belle shouted, "YOU TWO LOOK LIKE A MARRIED COUPLE!" Dusk and Fluttershy looked at each other before turning bright red, Dusk just kissed Fluttershy on the cheek and waved the girls off. "You know, with the way things are going... that's probably the next step," he declared. "Yeah... just not too soon, right?" "No, not that soon, someday though, when the time is right," he promised. The two stood side by side for some time, thinking about what the future will hold for them, until Fluttershy broke the silence. "Let's go back inside, we need to get your stuff unpacked," she lead him back inside. He picked up his bag and was lead upstairs into the bedroom to get everything put away. She had a single wardrobe with two outfits, the spring green dress from their first date and a white suit with blue gems decorating it. Fluttershy pushed her two outfits to one side and placed his suit inside, "there, it's good to see this thing get a little fuller." "Yeah, what about the pictures you gave me?" "I don't have much room for those... probably the attic," she suggested. "Your house, your call." "No, it's our house, so it's our call," she smiled. "Yeah, you're right it just sounds so strange to be living with any pony, I have been living by myself for so long that it will take some time to get used to," Dusk admitted. "We have all the time in the world, don't worry," Fluttershy promised. "Okay, so where do you want me to put my bags?" "I got it," she picked the bag from his back, "you can go sit down, I will join you in a minute." "Okay," he did as she suggested and sat on the couch, until another knock came from the door. With a heavy sigh Dusk got up and answered the door, to his surprise it was Rarity. "Dusk, I heard about you getting evicted!" Rarity exclaimed. "That's terrible do you need a place to stay? I wouldn't feel right not offering my home if you need a place to live." "No, no Rarity it's quite alright I found a place to live," Dusk explained. "So quickly? Where are you going to be living now?" "Uhh, here," Dusk said hesitantly, he didn't know what she would think. "Here, as in, with Fluttershy?" She inquired. "Y-yeah, she was very persistent about it, wouldn't let me refuse her offer." "Oh, uh, wow that's, that's a little bit of a shock," she was finally able to speak after a moment. "So, what do you think?" He asked. "About this? I, I don't know, if it was Fluttershy that offered then, she must really care a lot about you," Rarity started to tear up a little. "Is something wrong?" "No, no that's great, you two are growing really close," she fought to hold the tears back, "a-anyway I needed to talk to you about that job offer I gave you." "The one I would start tomorrow?" "Yeah, that one, I did some financing and I found I can't afford to hire any pony this year," Rarity started to cry softly. Dusk gave her a hug to try to calm her some, "hey that's okay, I don't need a job anyway, you don't need to cry about something so trivial." "No, I'm not crying about that," she admitted. "Then what are you crying about?" "How unfair everything is! I mean, why Fluttershy? Why her and not me?!" Dusk was taken aback by Rarity's words, and answered with a sigh, "I can't say, if I had to guess, I would have to say it was just dumb luck that we met like we did." "What do you mean 'dumb luck'?" "It was the first time I walked into town, I was trying to get to the hospital to clean up my shoulder when Fluttershy ran right into it. When I helped her back up she thought she caused it," he admitted sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Really? What did she do at that point?" Rarity stopped crying and calmed down a little. Dusk pondered a moment recollecting the events of that day, "She dragged me all the way to her cottage, apologizing the entire way." "That certainly sounds like her, what happened after that?" She was intrigued by this story. "She all dragged me inside and grabbed a first aid kit and fixed my wound. We started talking and I told her that she was really pretty. A little bit of a slip up but it was and still is true. She hadn't really been complimented like that before and to be honest I'm surprised by that. We kept talk and it made the time flew by so we ran to the library. I knew that if Twilight was even a fraction like Celestia she would make me go deaf for not showing up earlier, Fluttershy helped me keep my head. She was quite literally the first pony I talked to in three years, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Does that help at all?" "Yeah, I think that helped me a little, but I need to know, when did you realized that you liked her that way?" "Uh, that would be a short time after my the incident my first night here at the library with Twilight and Fluttershy." "An incident? I never heard about anything from your first night in town," she paused and grinned, "you wet the bed, didn't you?" "No. I was ruthlessly interrogated about my past. Pretty much screamed that I nearly killed my parents, then proceeded to have a mental breakdown." Normally Dusk would be inclined to have shown some subtlety about the topic, but being accused of something that he hasn't done since he was four, threw subtlety out the window. "Oh my, what happened after that horrible event?" "I answered a few more questions for Fluttershy before she asked me to walk her home. She apologized for Twilight's behavior and related to how alone I felt." "And that's when you realized you had feelings for her?" "Not quite, I just knew she was a really good friend to have. I took a chance and told her exactly what happened to me. The same story I told you. " "It sounds like you put a lot of trust in her." "I did, and it was well placed. I had a nightmare of reliving that day, she helped me get through it. "Wow, that's... beautiful, not something I expected to happen to Fluttershy, no wonder she needed my help." "Help? Help with what?" "She came to me seeking romantic advice, she asked me to help her admit her feelings to you." "So the whole birds in the window thing, that was your idea?" "It was the only way I could think of! She shot down the direct approach, that was the next best thing." "No, no I found it fitting." "Just what happened out there? Fluttershy explained what happened but I want to hear about your side. "Well, I will just skip to when we both were at the lake. Fluttershy wanted to walk as we talked. She told me the reason she wanted to talk was you asking me out." "I already knew that much, it was suppose to be a good topic to ease into the romance with." "Well, that makes sense. I told her exactly why I turned down your offer." "And what was that?" "I only had one mare I wanted to date. A very pretty mare who dragged me to her house before I could say hello. Now do you understand why it was Fluttershy?" Rarity took a deep breath, "yes, I get it now, you two are truly meant for each other, I just need to accept that and be happy for the two of you." "It could happen to you too, finding the stallion meant for you, don't give up hope on that." "I'm not so sure, since it hasn't happened yet." "Rarity, you're beautiful, classy and well-mannered, you just need to find the right stallion for you." "You really mean those things?" "I know you've looked in a mirror before you left your house, unless your mane and tail both keep that style permanently," he joked. "And you make the upper class of Canterlot look like they belong in below the lower class and the peasants, you give yourself too little credit." "I guess you're right." "Dusk, who's at the door?" Fluttershy asked walking up behind him, "oh, hello Rarity what brings you to our little home?" "I wanted to make sure Dusk had some place to stay after I found out he was kicked out," Rarity replied. "It's a shame isn't it, poor thing got kicked out for having a rock thrown through his window?" "It's terrible, so he's staying here now?" Dusk realized that he was removed from the conversation, he went back inside and sat down on the couch, he could still here the conversation, though. "Yes, it's the silver lining of this terrible situation, I couldn't be happier!" "I see...well I'm glad things got sorted out, just promise me one thing." "Sure, what would that be." "Promise me you'll treat him well, you two really do belong together," Rarity was fighting the tears again. "Of course, I wouldn't dream of taking him for granted... Rarity, are you crying?" "Oh no, I think I have an allergy or something, I'm going to go home and see if that helps, goodbye Fluttershy, I will see you at our next spa trip, okay?" "Okay, goodbye Rarity," Fluttershy waved as she disappeared from sight before turning back to join Dusk on the couch. "Do you know what that was about?" "Uhh, yeah, you don't to anything right away right?" "No, why?" "It's a little lengthy story, she came by to see if I needed a place to stay, but when I told her I was staying here, she kind of broke down a little. I asked her what was wrong and she told me something a little shocking." "What did she say?" Dusk took a deep breathe, "she said that, that it wasn't fair that I was with you... and not her." "Oh dear, I didn't think she felt that strongly about you," she admitted. "I thought those feelings sort of died out or something, she started crying and asked me why I was with you. I answered by telling her about when we first met and that first night here," Fluttershy nodded, following the story. "She then asked me exactly when I realized I had those feelings toward you." "What did you say? I would like to know that myself," she admitted. "If I had to say, it was when you helped me that first night, you told me what I needed to hear, and it wouldn't have been so meaningful if it was anyone else. If you don't mind me asking, when did you decide that you wanted to see if I had feelings for you?" Fluttershy pondered for a moment, "I have to say it was when you, as embarrassed I am to admit it, when we talked in my cottage for the first time." She laughed a little, "It sounds so bad, but it's the truth. No one ever said I was pretty or cute. It made me feel special. I couldn't stand to see you so devastated at the library. I never want to see you like that again. Then my animals destroyed everything you had. That's why I don't have them all in here, I didn't want them to be afraid of you or you to be angry at them." "No, I'm not angry let them back in, I won't have you choosing between myself and them." "You're sure?" "As sure as you were when you said I was staying here." "Okay, I will bring them back home tomorrow, they will be really happy to be back," she rested her head on his shoulder. Dusk slipped an arm behind her and rubbed her shoulder, "life is an enigma, such terrible times followed by opposing good times." "Yeah, but I wouldn't have it any other way," she nuzzled his neck. "Neither would I," he kissed her on the forehead. Time passed while the two sat together, night fell and the two slipped into bed together, Dusk remembered exactly what Whirlwind told him a few days ago. He simply shook the thought, marriage first, I can wait, not a pressing concern of mine, in fact ponies have been bringing it up and I haven't even thought about it. Fluttershy pulled him close, like he was a living blanket, but he didn't mind if he helped keep her warm he held her and drifted off to sleep...