Chapter 24: How to Have a Picnic
Sometimes, the question of a plan’s validity must be raised. Certainly, Twilight had a strange affinity for plans, even more so of checklists, but a more realistic, perhaps pessimistic pony, may have to ask: for what reason do plans even exist? By their very nature, they attempt to structure the future, a task both monumental and foolhardy. Fluttershy wasn’t a philosophical pony by any means, so none of these things crossed her mind. At least, not until the day was done, and the deeds of the afternoon never to be undone. Instead, she simply found herself enjoying a quiet walk through the forest with a revitalized stallion who found anything and everything worth sticking his nose into, much to one squirrel’s chagrin at the invasive nose that threatened his newly started winter cache of nuts and one stallion’s remorse as he, in his fervor, attempted to find out just what exactly a hedgehog smells like.
“Um, how is your nose, Whisper?” Fluttershy asked, trotting over to the stallion as he rubbed his muzzle.
“It smelled like pokey.” He had, fortunately, heeded Fluttershy’s warning at the last minute, and thus there was no obvious sign that he had nuzzled the sharpened quills of an irate mother hedgehog, and it did little to set him back as he again found himself fascinated by a new whatsit in a land so familiar, yet seemingly brand new due to the presence of one mare that he was absolutely sure made the world the best place to be, even if she did share it with the scary beasts known as “other ponies.” And yet, even with the dreaded meeting of somepony named Twilight and her daughter Dawn the next day, he couldn’t find it within himself to worry. At least, not while the excitement of the mystical rite of “picnic” led him on a magical journey through an arboreal wonderland.
I’ve spent lots of days in the forest, more days than I can count, but right now... with Fluttershy? It’s like everything is new! This plant, that bush, these trees... every smell, every birdsong... It’s like... like magic! Pegasus magic? Forest magic. Oh, mare magic, mare magic! Yeah, that’s gotta be it! Fluttershy was beginning to see more and more why Cerulean had equated Whisper with Pinkie Pie. When he wasn’t hiding from everypony that happened to come within visual range, there was a strange, natural euphoria that seemed to drive him to romp and rush, well, everywhere, at least that particular day as they made their way slowly towards their special place. She didn’t mind, really, as whatever strange, bubbly feeling that was no doubt the source of his exuberance seemed to be contagious, and her smile refused to fade as she beheld him, brimming with enthusiasm and examining every inch of the ground they traversed.
“Whisper? Forgive me for asking, but you seem really, really excited. Didn’t you, well, live in the forest before you met me?”
“Yeah, but it’s so different now!”
“Different?” she questioned, tilting her head as she caught up to the stallion, dutifully making sure that the purple wildflower he had gingerly thrust his nose into smelled every bit as good as the last one. “I don’t think it’s changed that much. Sure, the leaves have started to change colors, but... Whisper, what’s changed?” Startled by an angry buzz, Whisper yanked his head away as an angry honey bee used what little of its patience that remained to explain that the flower was property of his queen, and he didn’t appreciate being nuzzled. The dutiful worker was equally confused as Whisper silently made his apology, and lazily droned away to find a less occupied section of the forest. As the threat of yet another injury to his delicate face faded away, he turned to Fluttershy, his grin almost condescending as he stated the obvious.
“What’s different? Well, you’re here with me, of course!” Oblivious to the fact that his messages were slowly growing in their ability to make his mare’s heart leap at any given opportunity, he cantered on for a bit before realizing that she was still standing where he had left her, eyes closed and a warm smile gracing muzzle. Grateful she was happy but confused by her lack of forward motion, Whisper closed his eyes and listened, and sure enough, his chest lit up as a steady flow of pure affection wrapped around his heart and mind. He wanted to give back, somehow, and he focused harder, clearing his mind of everything: the smarting in his snout, the grass beneath his hooves, and even the lingering scent of flowers faded away as he focused every fiber of his being on the mare a short distance away.
I can’t speak, not with my magic so out of control, but maybe... His eyes screwed shut tighter as he felt the magic start to swirl within. I want her to know. I want her to be sure, and never, ever doubt that I feel the same. Ignoring the danger, he relaxed his muscles and continued to let the magic build, unaware that his chest had begun to glow. Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes as her silent praises came to an end, and she let out a small gasp as she watched the soft, emerald glow around Whisper’s heart slowly grow.
Is this... what am I seeing? Is this his special talent? Unable to determine whether or not she should be excited, worried, or put an end to it, Fluttershy continued to watch in awe as tiny tendrils of light seemed to snake out, dissipating into the aether as another took its place. They’re coming closer... This is a little frightening, and I know he would never hurt me on purpose, but he... “Whisper?” His eyes began to open, slowly at first but then, seeing the worry written on Fluttershy’s face and the magic within his chest, grew terrified of what was happening; something that he didn’t know how to explain or control.
“Stay back!” I was so focused on letting her feel what I do, that I failed to hear her. She’s terrified. I hate it! I don’t want to be like this! “Don’t follow me! I’ll... be back, I promise!”
“Whisper, wait! Don’t...” But it was too late. Still fighting the magic that had accumulated for a spell that would, if it hadn’t have been him, likely drained an average unicorn of half or more of their magic, he tore off into the forest, running a short distance away and struggling to stop the glow around his heart. Come on... I can hear her worrying, hurry up! Fluttershy... Wait, Fluttershy, I told you to... Whisper had, at that moment, been ready to rattle off some ridiculous words about how he was dangerous and he was only trying to protect her, but he really didn’t have the chance. Fluttershy was instantly upon him, and given her facial expression, for just a split second, it occurred to him that maybe, just maybe, taking another oak tree might have been the easier way to go.
“You said you weren’t going to run away.” I know this is rather, well, aggressive for me, but... I can’t let that be an option in his mind. “I don’t care if it’s just a little ways, or a long ways. I’m going to help you, danger or not!” And there’s nothing anypony can do to stop me! Besides, I learned from Iron Will, and you’re not going to talk me out of it. “Now, I don’t like being mean, but if you run away like that again, well, you’re going to be in trouble.” Cowed, lectured, and entirely submissive, Whisper swallowed hard, thankful that the mare saw fit to spare him.
“I was just... trying to protect you. I’m sorry...”
“Whisper...” Gentleness returned to her voice as she brought a hoof over his cheek and gave him a short nod. “I know you were. Thank you, but we’re going to get through this together, ok? I want to be there with you through everything.” Poor dear... He really takes it hard when I’m firm. Slowly lowering herself down atop his chest, she leaned in and softly pressed her lips to his, savoring the faint heat that rose to her cheeks. Whisper, there’s so much to teach you. Like, right now, you’re supposed to hold me, but you’re not, and... oh, right. This morning. “Whisper... can you, maybe, hold me?”
“Promise me we won’t make a baby on accident?”
“Oh, Whisper... Somepony really needs to teach you about that,” Fluttershy murmured, laughing softly. She said that, but she wasn’t so sure she meant it. Whisper’s cluelessness about everything was adorable, and especially after the little exploration they had indulged earlier, she wasn’t so sure it would be necessary information anytime soon.
When somepony cool like, say, a Wonderbolt, responds to what she thinks is the approach of another pony by doing her best to hide behind her rather gargantuan special somepony, it tends to be ineffective for anything but garnering a few well meaning chuckles. This proves doubly true when said cool somepony happens to be pregnant with twins, and as Storm casually glanced from the woodlands to his mare, he reached back a hoof and placed it gently on her stomach which was clearly visible even from the most hidden of angles.
“Dash, two things. One, if you’re going to hide, that giant rock over there might be a better bet,” Storm mentioned, casually waving a hoof at a small boulder that sat next to the pond that Fluttershy had shown Rainbow Dash. It really was a magnificent dating locale, perfect for a picnic, a relaxing bath, and above all, so unbelievably picturesque that even should she be wearing her Wonderbolt’s uniform, the mare would worry over her image taking an axe to the roots. “Secondly, you’re just as bad as Scootaloo. I swear, what is it with mares I know not wanting to be... marelike?”
“Storm, you don’t understand. I’ve spent years proving to everypony I was tough, cool, and unbeatable. Tell me, what part of cuddling next to a pond while enjoying a picnic and whispering mushy... words and stuff is cool?” she retorted, hesitating as she contemplated changing her hiding spots. Even with her added weight, Storm had little issue swiveling half way, grabbing the fretful mare, and pulling her gently back into his embrace, bringing his wings around and blotting out the sun.
“I think we both know you’re plenty cool enough for me,” he whispered, looking down at her as a slight breeze rustled his feathers.
“I guess I did good,” she whispered back, unable to keep her more affectionate side from rising again to the surface. “It’s only fitting that I should marry the coolest stallion in Equestria.” Letting her guard down completely, she leaned into a passionate kiss, the kind that leaves one breathless and wanting more, but she wasn’t quite ready for the main event just yet, and thus, with some reluctance, she pulled back, grabbed a cookie, and did one of the most embarrassing things she could think of: feeding her stallion by hoof. His oafish grin only made her blush harder.
It’s not that Spike wasn’t thrilled to find Rarity at the door of the library. No, he was actually quite excited to have his longest standing crush show up looking like she could use a hug. He readily delivered, even before she made it inside, and it was gratefully accepted, to a point that the young dragon couldn’t help but blush a little at the lengthy body contact. He and Twilight had been in the middle of playing a game with Dawn and Peewee while Cerulean kept everypony stocked with munchies and soda enough to fill a pool, and while a teeny part of him was slightly bitter that his special time with his mentor had been interrupted, the serious expression on Rarity’s face made it clear whatever was bothering her was important.
“I really hate to intrude, showing up unannounced and all...”
“Don’t worry about it, Rarity. Come on in,” Spike replied easily, releasing her and walking back inside with a claw held to his cheek. She couldn’t help but cringe at the way Cerulean and Twilight shared a knowing glance, correctly guessing, at least in part, the reason she had come.
“Twilight? There’s something... private I’d like to talk to you about. Could you possibly spare the time?” It was a silly question, really. Cerulean easily took charge of the residents while Twilight said goodbye to Dawn and Spike, motioning for Rarity to follow as she made her way outside the library. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear, about the somewhat sensitive subject matter? It’s not something I’d prefer to discuss in public, if you catch my drift.”
“Well, I had been intending to walk to a good spot, but since you’re so eager...”
Twilight, please find better ways to phrase your words... Well, actually, it’s likely just me that has the issue. A momentary lavender flash blinded the mare before she found herself a good distance away from Ponyville, not a pony in sight and dancing wild grass swaying under an autumn breeze. So, the setting has gone from “uncomfortable” to “slightly romantic,” then? I’ve really... got to find a way to get my mind under control.
“Rarity... don’t hold back. Whatever is on your mind, just let it out.”
Just remember, my dear mare, that you asked. “Twilight? Tell me, have you ever touched yourself?” While Twilight’s assumptions as to the general subject matter were indeed correct, the specifics and bluntness with which Rarity dutifully replied left her momentarily speechless, and made it all-too-clear why she didn’t want anypony listening in; Twilight was similarly minded, thankful that there was no way anypony could eavesdrop. “In my defense, you did say not to hold back, dear,” Rarity added, noting her friend’s rather nonplussed expression.
“N-no, you’re right, I just wasn’t... expecting that,” Twilight replied slowly, coming to terms with the topic at hoof. “I guess the simplest way to answer is to just say yes.”
Oh, she chooses now, of all times, to be uninformative... “Could you possibly be a little less simple?”
What, does she want tips or something? “Well, I took my hoof, and...”
“No, no, not like that... I’m perfectly capable of vividly imagining the act, and I daresay I don’t need an instructional!” I don’t know whether to feel offended that she counted me so clueless that I couldn’t possibly figure out HOW to engage in the act, or be delighted that she thinks me so pure that I'd need to be told.
“Oh, well then, have you tried it already?” Twilight replied, growing even more confused as to what the mare expected of her.
“Do you really think I’d be here right now if I had?” Rarity’s shout likely didn’t echo very far, but it did bid Twilight hold her silence. Frustration soon ebbed into apathetic exasperation, and Rarity clarified. “How did... you feel afterwards?”
“I’m not quite sure I know what you’re hinting at, Rarity. Physically? Emotionally? Morally, what?”
“Would it be too much trouble to say ‘all three?’” The lights finally went on for Twilight as she realized that Rarity’s struggle had progressed to a point that she was willing to break at least part of her creed to purity in an effort to try and save the whole.
She’s seeking a justification for likely the only outlet she can imagine. I really wish I could just tell you it’d be ok, and with some ponies, maybe I could, but you, Rarity... “During my teenage years, when I was studying back in Canterlot, I didn’t really... get out much, if you know what I mean. That didn’t stop me from feeling my natural desires, though, so self-gratification seemed like a logical conclusion. It’s not like I had time to find myself a coltfriend, nor did I feel so inclined, so yes, I did, Rarity. My urges became distracting to my studies. I saw a problem, so I found a solution.” Twilight became contemplative for a moment as Rarity dared to hope she’d found an answer. “But then... I stopped.”
“Why is that?”
“Rarity, you asked about three things. Physically, it felt about like what you’d imagine it would. It was fun, and satisfied for a time. But the other two? Well, that’s where things get more complicated. I didn’t view it as being an emotional act, it was purely biological to me, but the more I indulged... Well, it just left me feeling... empty. Alone. And it sure can’t compare to the real thing, let me tell you...”
“As much as I’m sure my ears would love to hear about your ‘adventures’ with Cerulean, I daresay it wouldn’t help my position right now...”
“I wasn’t about to let you in on that anyways, so on to the last, possibly most convoluted component. Rarity, it’s not mine to say whether it’s right or wrong. I don’t feel like it made me any worse a pony, but it did leave me unsatisfied on the inside. And Rarity?” Reluctant eye contact was made as Twilight drove her point home. “If you choose to indulge in that way, and there is any doubt in your mind, it’s going to feel wrong. I’ve seen just how hard you’re fighting for your ideal, and this... Rarity, I don’t think this is the path for you. But it is not mine to choose; that is on your shoulders.” Much like my hoof is supposed to be. Twilight shifted closer and rectified the dilemma, pulling her friend close.
“Thank you for... being so open, Twilight. It seems I have much to think about.”
After some hesitation, Whisper delivered the desired embrace, carefully avoiding Fluttershy’s wings which, due to yet another marvelous kiss that was little more than a peck, found themselves quite cheerfully catching the wind, though there in the forest with only Whisper around, she felt little need for embarrassment. Returning to the basket that had been set aside when Whisper started glowing, he dutifully picked the basket back up, paused as his stomach bid them hurry to their destination so feeding could commence, and trotted ahead of Fluttershy, looking back with eager eyes.
Having heard the rumble, she adjusted her pace and they soon neared their destination which was, regrettably, in use. Whisper, hearing the voices and sensing the emotions. which were flaring quite clearly, stopped short, glancing nervously around as Fluttershy crept forward. Not wanting to be anywhere but in close proximity to his safety zone, he mimicked the mare and followed, sitting beside her as she pried back the leaves of a large fern, revealing Rainbow Dash at her daintiest, something she never let out around anypony but Storm. It did Fluttershy well to see her so happy, and letting go of the shrub, she turned back to Whisper.
“Did you see those two ponies? The mare with the pretty mane is my best friend Rainbow Dash. She’s always been very kind to me, and helped me through a lot. I wouldn’t be nearly as strong as I am now, not without her help. I’m not very strong, still, but I’m very grateful anyways.” While doing his best not to show it, having new ponies near was making it difficult to remain calm, though Fluttershy’s gentle embrace went a long ways in calming the skittish stallion. They sat that way for a time until a soft noise bid Fluttershy sneak another glance at the couple, with Whisper right beside her. Fluttershy peeled back the leaves, took a look made much longer by her sudden loss of control of her hoof, before finally yanking it away and staring into nothing at all, mortified that she had just watched Storm quite unashamedly give Dash a good wing stroking.
“Hey, I can’t see!” Intrigued by the display of affection, Whisper pulled back the leaves and watched as the spread of food nearby the two ponies was forgotten, and Dash’s plans for staving off her other desires fell through in a most gratifying manner. Fortunately, she had planned for this, and with one sweep of his massive wing, Storm cleared the dining area and gently set an uncharacteristically timid Rainbow Dash on her back. Huh, so I guess ponies can kiss with their tongues. I wonder if it means something different from normal kisses.
Storm and Rainbow Dash, while active, never jumped straight into things, and thus the progression was slow. Unaware they had an audience and confident in their natural concealment within the forest, neither pony made much effort to conceal verbal expressions of joy that, while different than Fluttershy’s squeaking, Whisper instantly recognized. They had just brought their wings into play when his vision was suddenly obscured by a cream colored hoof, followed shortly thereafter by himself being hauled onto his back. “Fluttershy? What’d you do that for? I was watching the ponies!”
“Yes, I know, but...”
“They look like they're having fun, and I wanna know why. Can you let me up?”
“Whisper, you can’t watch them, they’re... they’re, um...” Her mind threatened to implode as the noises grew louder, and seizing the blushing mare’s moment of weakness, Whisper resumed his analysis with fascination.
Wait, that thing they’re laying on... Noting that Fluttershy was no longer paying attention to him, but rather something about a million hoof lengths into the horizon, he stole a peek into the basket and ascertained his suspicions. Hey, we brought a cloth just like theirs! “Fluttershy, they’re having a picnic! Oh, this is going to be fun! Can we picnic now? Wait, how is this different from this morning? Fluttershy? Helloooo?” His words did little, but as he waved a hoof in front of the mare growing increasingly traumatized by the second, it initiated panic protocols, and without thinking, Fluttershy raced from cover and towards the couple, desperate to put a stop to their display. In this she succeeded, but at the price of the coloration of her face and her coherency, and with Whisper watching from the safety of the bushes, the symptoms slowly spread to everypony but him.
Three young fillies slowly made their way through town with no destination in particular, proudly displaying their Cutie Marks and not-so-proudly unable to hide the mantle of gloom that they all seemed to be huddled under. Scootaloo and Applebloom had no reason to be upset, but when Sweetie Belle explained Rarity’s condition and subsequently her concern, they all wracked their brains to try and find something to cheer the mare up. But, as Sweetie went on to explain, the growing depression was something that they couldn’t fix, and would remain until the sudden appearance of an eligible stallion that fit her standards, was single, and looking to get hooked up post haste.
“Ah know ah’m good at fixin’ things, but that’s one problem ah don’t think ah can fix,” Applebloom muttered, glancing across at Sweetie Belle.
“I know I can’t find her a stallion, because we tried that with Cheerilee and it didn’t work out too well. I just want to try and find something to cheer her up, but I have no idea what.”
“It’s kind of hard when she’s only interested in pretty, girly things,” Scootaloo chimed in. “I mean, even if we had the bits, she’s the only dressmaker in town.”
“Hey, ah know, let’s go see Perfect Jewel! Rarity loves shiny things, an’ ah bet we could scrape together enough t’ get somethin’ at least. What do ya think, Sweetie Belle?”
“Think? No thinking, more running! Come on!” Fueled by the hope that Applebloom could be onto something, and glad of something to do other than worry, the three took off towards Jewel’s store in Ponyville. Just hang on, sis. I’m going to find a way to make you smile, somehow.
Time is a fickle construct, normally presenting itself in a way opposed to the desires of the one beholding it. As Fluttershy merrily experienced a full cessation of neural activities, save those necessary for biological survival, time seemed to grow weary of forward motion and lay down for a nap. And, for a blissful five seconds that to everypony else may as well have been hours, everypony simply stared at each other. Storm himself was poised to advance to the next step, his wings wrapped around Rainbow Dash and himself fully unsheathed, exposed and quite out in the open. As his mind frantically raced to find a way out of the situation, it came to the single, obvious conclusion: there isn’t one.
With nothing else for it, he launched himself from Rainbow Dash, crashed into the pond amidst a shower of shimmering droplets, and remained submerged for quite some time as he desperately willed his body to cooperate. Rainbow Dash, bereaved of her romantic afternoon, let out an uncharacteristically feminine wail, mourning the absence of her stallion, his wings, and other fun things. Sure, she was kind of embarrassed about nearly being caught in the act, but that was far less humiliating than all that mushy talk she was giving him earlier, so rather than maintain any semblance of coyness, she marched over to berate Fluttershy for her thoughtless intrusion before her foals bid her halt with a double kick to the gut, making her pause just long enough to notice Fluttershy’s condition.
“Hmmm, I’m not a doctor, but if I had to give you a diagnosis, Fluttershy, I’d say you’re suffering from a severe case of mindbuck. What the hay are you doing out here, anyways?” Dash demanded, receiving another reprimand from her womb, chastising her for her callous tone of voice. “Oh, give it a rest, will ya? Well, are you gonna answer? Wait, where’s Whisper?”
“Uh... um... I... he...” Giving up on verbal communication for a short while, Fluttershy pointed a trembling hoof towards the bushes, where the telltale rustle preceded the timid advance of her silent stallion. What her mind couldn’t do in clearing away the remnants of a once functional cerebellum, her heart completed, and she found herself beaming with pride as Whisper cautiously edged towards her, and yes, while he hid behind her and pressed closed due to Rainbow Dash’s proximity, the fact that he had emerged at all spoke volumes for Fluttershy. “Whisper? I’m very proud of you for coming out, and I’ll be sure to reward you later, ok?”
“So, you’re the infamous stallion that has my best friend so wrapped up, huh?” Dash replied in her usual tone, receiving a third and final warning from below that threatened the return of her cookies if she didn’t start behaving. Whisper’s fright turned to worry as the mare held both hooves across her swollen gut, wincing. Her discomfort was temporarily ignored as she saw green letters dance across her vision, and she looked up at the stallion still eyeing her from behind his pink-maned fortress.
“Are you... are you ok? Does your tummy hurt? Did that other pony picnic too rough?”
“Uh... what?” Whisper was about to reiterate when Storm, unable to hold his breath any longer, burst forth from the pond with a massive gasp, and seeing as how Whisper had escaped time’s curse, it chose to take a second shot. Like a primordial monster of the sea, a massive black, winged pony loomed in his vision, teeth bared and eyes blazing like lightning. Water dripped like acid from his mane as he approached, each massive hoof landing like the beat of a drum. Fluttershy let out a small gasp as Whisper passed out cold, the picnic basket falling to the ground from his unconscious jaws. Were the foals able, they would definitely have dealt out abdominal retribution for their father’s transgression, but instead, they could only silently add their nonexistent voices to their mother’s, laden with sarcasm.
“Gee, way to be a gentle pony, Storm. You went and made him pass out.”
“My apologies for not being able to breathe water, Dash. I didn’t particularly feel like showing Fluttershy my... is that a problem?!?” Storm retorted, smiling as he approached even as his lungs fought to make up for lost time.
“Nah, it’s probably for the best that you hid. I think Fluttershy has been scarred enough for one day,” Dash muttered with a sigh, returning her attention to the mare who now sat with her stallion’s head cradled in her hooves. “Fluttershy, what are you even... oh,” she stopped, answering her own question as she saw the basket discarded on the ground. “Clearly, you saw that I had an awesome idea and tried to steal it.”
“Well, um, I discovered the spot, so... I win.” The mare’s soft-spoken assertion had a way of dealing deathblows to arrogance, and Rainbow Dash found her sharp tongue dulled in the face of her delicate friend’s mannerisms. “Goodness... things sure didn’t go like I planned they would. Still... I’m glad to see you’re doing ok, Rainbow Dash. And, while it was a little embarrassing, it was really cute the way you were acting with Storm before you, well... you know...” Rainbow Dash used Storm’s muscular chest as an eye shield, burying her muzzle and rattling off a chain of mumbles neither pony could make heads or tails of. “Teehee! You’re blushing~!” Fluttershy tittered, covering her mouth with a hoof. “It’s really nothing to be ashamed of, Rainbow Dash. I thought it was really sweet how you were acting with Storm.”
“Sweet? I’m a Wonderbolt, I’m supposed to be cool, not sweet! Ugh, next you’re going to say I’m...” she paused, looking at the grinning mare who had, somehow, developed a teasing side. “Oh, don’t you say it.”
“A...”
“Fluttershy?”
“Dor...”
“C’mon, I can’t handle...”
“A..."
"...ble!” Storm finished, slicing the cables and letting the proverbial axe head fall, severing the last of her pride and letting her dignity fall into the basket. Defeated, she slumped against her stallion’s chest, wailing dramatically and ruefully accepting his comforting embrace. “You know, you really are, especially when you pout like this.”
“Oh, give it a rest, you dunce,” she muttered, weakly pounding at his chest with a hoof. So much for a romantic afternoon alone. Disregarding his mare’s obvious displeasure, which she’d likely soon rebound from, he took a closer look at Whisper.
“Dang, that’s some mane he’s got. No wonder Rarity freaked out like she did. I take it he’s still scared of everypony but you?”
“And Cerulean and Crimson, since he remembered them,” Fluttershy replied, running a hoof through her stallion’s hair. “Um, I know you two were kind of... having some, you know... time alone. But, if it’s not too much trouble, could you maybe stay a little longer? I’d like to see if I can get Whisper to not be so afraid of new ponies.” She closed her eyes and squeezed a little tighter. “You probably wouldn’t think so, but just the fact that he came over to me means he’s close, Rainbow Dash. And... I’d really like to spend a little time with you, too.”
Oh, like I could really say no to that? From anypony else, that would just be shameless manipulation, but... dang it... “Ok, I guess I can take some time off my date with Storm, but just for you, Fluttershy.” Thanks was given, and scooping some water into a cup, Fluttershy trickled just a little onto Whisper’s face, and he slowly came to, thoroughly disoriented but unable to knock the fantastic view of Fluttershy’s mane as it cascaded around him.
“Fluttershy? I think I had a scary dream or something. There was this black monster thing that came out of the pond, I think, and...”
“Whisper, it’s not nice to call other ponies monsters, you know.”
“Pony?”
“Remember how you said you could trust me?” He nodded, patiently waiting for the rest of the statement to come. “Don’t be afraid,” she murmured, lifting her head back and directing his eyes over to the “monster” from what he realized was no dream at all. The mare was all fine with Whisper, as much as a frightening new pony could be, at least, but it was the hulking pegasus that had her wrapped in his massive hooves that was sending shivers down Whisper’s spine.
“Who’s that scary black one? He’s really, really big! I didn’t even know ponies could be so... big.”
“Storm, could you, um, come introduce yourself? Move slowly, though.” Adopting a pace that Granny Smith could out-canter even on a bad day, the massive pegasus made his way forward, sitting himself down and speaking in a voice far gentler than Whisper was expecting.
“Hey there, little guy. My name’s Storm Blitz. Can you tell me yours?”
“Whisper.” While minorly surprised, the green letters that clouded Storm's vision were more entertaining than they were scary, and Whisper found himself amazed yet again by how accepting everypony near Fluttershy seemed to be, both of the danger he felt he posed and everything else about him that wasn’t normal.
“Hey, that’s a neat trick! Pretty cool, Whisper.” Taking a moment to look up at Fluttershy with absolute confusion, he weighed the risk of braving the unknown with the safety of Fluttershy’s hooves. Safety looked like it would win, but the possibility of making Fluttershy happy tipped the scales, and thus he swallowed his fear, pressed himself against his mare to glean a few more seconds of comfort from her warmth, and made his request.
“Can I explore you?”
“Uh... I guess?” That has got to be the weirdest phrased question I’ve ever heard. Or seen, in this case. I wonder what... ok, he’s sniffing me. That’s ok though, there’s nothing wrong with... Holy smokes, those are my wings! They were indeed, and it wasn’t that the motion of Whisper nudging them with his hoof was pleasant, but that it was strange, unexpected, and slightly uncomfortable.
“Fluttershy? What’s he doing to my stallion?” Rainbow Dash questioned, eyeing Whisper with suspicion.
“Exploring,” came her answer. As Storm patiently bore his uncouth greeting, Rainbow Dash left his embrace and turned her attention to Fluttershy, who was making no effort to contain her amusement at her Whisper’s quirky behavior.
“Any particular reason he is nuzzling my stallion’s wings? I’m pretty sure that’s my job,” Dash asked quizzically.
“Oh, well, you see, Rainbow Dash... Whisper doesn’t really know anything about, um... ‘wrestling.’”
“He should sure know better than to touch wings, though! I mean, wasn’t once enough?”
“Twice, actually,” Fluttershy corrected, letting a smile creep into her muzzle as Rainbow got to suffer from her own case of mental disruption, very similar to Fluttershy’s a few minutes prior, though to a lesser degree. Meanwhile, Storm was wondering just how much longer Whisper was going to continue his disturbingly thorough investigation.
Ok, man, I know you’ve been in the wild and haven’t spent much time with other ponies, but really? I don’t let anypony touch my flanks, much less a stallion. I... ok, your nose is uncomfortably close to my muzzle. Fluttershy, I’m sorry, but I draw the line at tasting. Evading Pinkie is bad enough, and I don’t need... “Whoa! Easy there, Whisper,” Storm cried, thrusting a hoof between his legs to keep a curious nose from going where no stallion’s ever had, or ever would. Fluttershy caught Whisper as he yanked back, startled by the sudden noise.
“I’m sorry! I don’t know what I did wrong! Don’t yell at me!”
This poor little guy... doesn’t even know where not to stick his nose... “Hey, no worries, Whisper. I’m not upset,” Storm replied softly, trotting back over and holding out a hoof. “Friends?” It was a poignant moment for Whisper, one that he would remember for a long time to come.
He wants... “You want to be friends with me? But... but I just touched you all over!”
“As long as you keep your hooves off my mare and your snout from between my legs, I have no issues calling you friend. Come on, don’t leave me hanging,” he encouraged, waving his hoof a little. Whisper looked from face to face, feeling nothing but a sense of welcome, and slowly snaked out a hoof, touching it gently against Storm’s. “No, not like that. You have to pound it a little, like this,” he corrected, tapping his hoof lightly against Whisper’s and smiling. Inhibitions disintegrated like Spike’s sanity around Rarity, and there was an audible clap as Whisper thrust out his hoof once more, sealing the pact with his very first brohoof.