//------------------------------//
// Fluttershy invites you to the Gala 
// Story: Invites you to the Gala 
// by Chaos57 
//------------------------------//

Reaching into the clear blue water at your hooves, you shift a few smooth stones around before grabbing a flat gray stone. You pull it out of the water and inspect it for a few moments before lifting it out of your grasp with your mouth. You turn your head to the side slightly and, with a quick twist of your neck, send the stone skipping across the surface of the water.

You count the bounces.

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Turtle.

You watch with disappointment as your stone comes to a premature stop thanks to the hard shell of a surfacing green turtle. With a soft thud and an even softer plop, your stone drifts down to the bottom of the lake never to be skipped again. You're about ready to search for another stone when you notice a yellow and pink pony across the lake watching you.

You quickly recognize the pony as your friend Fluttershy and you wave to her. She waves back hesitantly and slowly starts to trot around the edge of lake in an attempt to get to you.

You contemplate just waiting for her to come to you but you quickly realize that at the pace she's going, it would take a few minutes for her to reach you, which is odd considering the lake isn't that big.

You quickly trot over to her and she hides behind her mane. "That's odd. She normally doesn't hide until I at least get to say hi." You think but decide not to make any comment on it. "After all, she does look really cute when she does that." You think but keep all signs of that thought from your face.

"Good day Fluttershy," You say with a smile.

She squeaks in response and pokes her face out of behind the curtain of hair. To your surprise, her cheeks are flushed and she looks a little queezy.

"Are you feeling alright Fluttershy?" You ask in concern and receive a quick nod in return. You raise an eyebrow and put a hoof to her forehead.

Although she tenses under your touch, she doesn't move. "You feel a little warm. You sure you're okay?" You ask again but receive no answer. You pull your hoof away and she quickly relaxes and drops her head down so that she's staring at the ground.

Seeing this reaction, something clicks in your brain and your ears droop lightly. "I get it. You don't want to talk to me." You say sadly and turn away to leave.

You take less than two steps before you hear her squeaky voice call out. "W-Wait!"

You hear a few flaps and Fluttershy instantly appears in front of you. You blink a few times in surprise and you're shocked to see a small pink trail fade from behind Fluttershy. You open your mouth to comment on this when you notice her turn her head into her wing.

After a moment she turns back to with something very shiny and golden in her mouth. You take a moment to read it. "The Grand Galloping Gala at Canterlot Castle: ADMIT ONE." After you finish reading you look at her with your jaw hanging open.

"I-I have...a-a ticket..I..I..would..like you to go..with me..if you want..I-if not thats okay..." She stutters while somehow keeping the ticket from falling from her lips.

With a forceful hoof, you force your mouth shut and smile. "I would love to go with you Fluttershy." You say and are surprised to be caught up in a crushing hug. It lasts for a full ten seconds and you are left panting for air after your lungs are decompressed.

"S-Sorry." She apologizes and giggles lightly.

You chuckle ignoring the pain in your sides. After all, what are a few cracked ribs when compared to Fluttershy?