"Oh, hello my little friends. I had such a good time with Pinkie. Thank you for asking. Why yes, we will be going out tonight for a small dinner. Oh, I don't know where yet."
Fluttershy was in her cottage feeding and conversing with various critters.
"Well, I don't think we will be out late. I have a lot of you to take care of," a question made her stop in her tracks and look into space, "I have all of you to take care of me."
A critter chittered.
"Well, if I get sick you can send help. And if I get hurt I know you'll help me."
Another creature added her thoughts.
"W-what? I mean, it's true that none of you can set limbs or mend cuts; but I'm sure there's a way that you can help me like I help all of you."
A bird tweeted in a somber tone.
"I-I don't know how the other ponies will understand you. I guess I..."
She felt Angel climb her tail and walk across her back and sit on her head while she pondered. She looked up to see a concerned look on his face.
"I love you too. All of you; but you're right. I can't live out here alone forever. Someday, even though I don't want to think of it, something will happen and I won't get help right away. And yes, that could be very, unfortunate. Very well, friends. I'll try a little harder. But, I don't know," she hesitated as a breeze blew in from the open window, washing over her, "I just don't want to be hurt or hurt her."
A mouse squeaked.
"Well, I know she wouldn't hurt me. And I won't hurt her, as well. Very well. I, Fluttershy, will be a good marefriend."
She was expecting the cottage to roar with applause and approval. Instead several critters approached her.
"Um, is everything alright?"
They looked at her. A bird tweeted.
"Y-you want to help me be better? How?"
A squirrel chittered.
"Oh my. Well, that's a very good offer. I accept."
The cottage roared with approval making Fluttershy tingle with happiness.
The sun was low in the sky when Pinkie knocked on the door to the cottage. She waited patiently at the door. She was wearing a maroon bow tie, a brown vest, and hoof boots that were very stylish.
"Oh my, she's here! Hurry, finish up," Fluttershy called loudly. A flurry of noise happened then silence. The door slowly opened to show Fluttershy. Pinkie's mouth opened slowly, stopping slightly more than should have been possible as she stared, unblinking, at her date.
Fluttershy was wearing a dress of light blue that faded from blue in the front to yellow in the back, accenting her wings. Her legs were covered in knee length stockings and she had on silver gilded horse shoes. Fluttershy's mane was elegantly coiffed into an updo that Pinkie felt like she could slide down, if she was small enough.
"Fluttershy, you look beautiful," Pinkie screamed, startling several critters away.
"I-I think I'm over dressed, m-maybe I should change?"
Pinkie shook her head so fast it blurred. "No, please. You look amazing. If anything I'm underdressed! Don't worry. No pony will say anything. Please, don't change."
Fluttershy blushed and looked to the ground as she poked it a few times with her hoof. "Thanks, Pinkie Pie. It means a lot that you're doing this. And with me."
Pinkie took a step forward and lifted Fluttershy's chin so they were looking at each other. "Thank you for saying yes. Let's go," she finished softly. Pinkie turned and began bouncing, a grin on her muzzle, as she pronked away.
Fluttershy stepped out of the door, looked back with a sheepish grin. "See you soon, friends." With a farewell and series of 'good lucks' she closed the door and turned to catch up to Pinkie.
The walk into town was uneventful as they walked. They talked about general life, just to pass the time until they got into town.
"Oh my," Fluttershy said softly as she looked ahead into town. The street was lined with streamers between the lights and more variety of flower petals than Fluttershy could Identify lined the path they were to take to the restaurant. "Pinkie, did you do all this for me?"
"Well, duh! This'll be my first date too! I want it to be perfect."
Ponies were treading carefully across the street, doing their best to not overly disturb the setting as Pinkie pronked happily beside Fluttershy down the flowered path.
"Wow, look at them."
"They're so beautiful together."
"Why won't you do things like this for me?!" Were a few random comment Fluttershy heard as she looked intently at the ground as they moved at a steady pace.
"Um, Pinkie? This' Sugarcube Corner. Are we going to be eating here?" The shades were drawn and it seemed awfully dark, sending a slight chill down Fluttershy's legs.
"Well, yeah! It's a great place to have a date."
Fluttershy felt her expectations deflate at the prospect of sharing a tray of cupcakes with Pinkie. Maybe I got too excited. This wasn't what I was expecting at all.
"Don't worry, 'Shy. We'll eat something different this time," Pinkie ensured as she walked to the door and opened it slightly, gesturing for Fluttershy to enter.
Fluttershy sighed and forced a kind smile as she walked up the stairs and past the pink mare and inside. It was dark. Too dark.
I hope this isn't a surprise party. I really don't like those.
Pinkie walked in and closed the door. A rustle was heard and Fluttershy readied herself for the shouting and cheering. "Wait here," Pinkie said softly. Fluttershy began to grow nervous as Pinkie left the room, the shadows felt like they were coming to life around her.
A snap was heard in the kitchen and Fluttershy's ears swiveled to listen. The soft sound of hooves carefully clopping back toward the door and a slight light got her attention. A controlled fire that was chasing away the shadows began to calm her.
Pinkie Pie slowly trotted into the room and set a candle in the center of a table. The light brightened and lit the room with its flickering wick.
Fluttershy felt elated at the setup.
A small round table, just low enough to sit at comfortably with soft, fluffy pillows set at opposite ends; One pink, the other light yellow.
The main room was lightly decorated with balloons floating against the ceiling, flowers adorned every available corner. A slow melody began to hum from outside, slow and steadily.
"Pinkie, this' amazing! Did you get the Pony Tones to sing outside?!"
Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded calmly. "This' a special night for us both," she started as Fluttershy trotted to the window and peeked out to see the quartet singing softly from across the street, "I've told you so much about me, and I have to say this before we eat, and I hope you understand."
Fluttershy turned back to Pinkie and looked at her. "I will, and if I don't I won't be upset."
Pinkie walked over to Fluttershy and looked at her. Their eyes met.
"Fluttershy, I just don't know if I can make you happy enough as a marefriend."
Fluttershy smirked at Pinkie. "You're the most fun pony in Ponyville-"
"I know that, but," Pinkie hesitated, "I, um, it's, well. I have problems, and I don't know how to be in a relationship."
"Oh, well, me too, Pinkie. We can learn together and, no matter what, we'll always be friends."
"But, well, this isn't really first date talk but, I want to be more than just friends."
"We're marefriends, what else could we be?" Fluttershy asked, slightly cocking her head to the left.
"...Lovers."
Fluttershy froze, the look on her face was slightly twisted from comforting to concern. A minute of silence passed.
"Um, I-I don't know. Uh, I just, well..."
"No, it's okay, 'Shy. I know I move too fast. I talked with Rarity and told her I'd wait a few years if we had to. If it takes that long for you to love me enough," Pinkie forced a smile, "then I'll wait."
Fluttershy stepped closer to Pinkie and placed a hoof on Pinkie's cheek. "It's not because of you. I-I can't tell you right now. But I promise I will soon. Okay? I do love you, and I want to really love you and trust you before," she stopped and looked ahead, lost in memory.
Pinkie saw the pain of Fluttershy's past beginning to grow. "Suppertime!" Pinkie said loudly with a grin. She clapped her hooves together twice and a series of hoofs were heard entering the kitchen. With a push Fluttershy stumbled and landed, chest first, on her pillow at the table. Pinkie was sitting already, looking at the swinging kitchen doors.
Three stallions in tuxedo's entered the room carrying large silver trays covered with domes. Setting them on the floor beside the table the lids were removed and the stallions left, unceremoniously. The kitchen door closing with a light slam as they left the business.
The trays each had a full meal set on two plates for the mares to choose from.
"Ladies first," Pinkie offered. Fluttershy smiled and looked to the options, choosing an item from two different trays. A large salad and a bowl of fruit. Pinkie chose a small salad and a sandwich, of some sort. Fluttershy couldn't see it well enough, but it didn't matter.
"Care for a drink? What would you like?"
Fluttershy thought and decided to be silly. "I'd like a crystal smoothie, grape flavor."
Pinkie pulled one from under the table and set it in front of Fluttershy, pulling a malt out for herself next. "I made sure yours was made by a crystal pony trained in the art of smoothies. Do you know how hard it is to keep a smoothie perfect all the way from the Crystal Empire?" she asked excitedly. "It's very hard! Drink up," she said plugging a straw into both their drinks while Fluttershy stared at her beverage in awe.
"Wow, thanks Pinkie. I didn't know if I'd ever have one again, they were so good the last time we were there."
"I know. That's why I ordered a dozen for you!"
They shared a smile then began to eat. The silence broken only with their enjoyment of their meals.