//------------------------------// // Fluttershy // Story: Celebrity Dating Game // by Dandereshy //------------------------------// The next afternoon, you're out shopping for your usual junk foods and healthy bullshit you're forced to eat, when you come across Twilight, bringing her owl somewhere on her shoulder. You stop her as you leave the carrot stand. "Twilight! Good to see you, despite the uh, strange appearance you made the other night." She trots up to you and smiles brightly. "Oh, yeah. That's just me being a good friend. Anyways, who are you? Out shopping, I see," she points a hoof at your backpack tossed over one shoulder. You pat it. "Yep. Gotta eat, you know." You motion at the owl. "What are you doing with him? Aren't owls nocturnal?" You paid enough attention in science to at least know that. "Oh, I'm taking Owlicious to the park for a playdate. Me and the girls bring our pets out to play with each other. We usually chat, but sometimes we join them," she replies happily. "Say, would you like to join us?" You would, except, you don't have a pet. "Yeah, uh, thanks, but I don't have a pet to join in. Sorry." She waves her hoof dismissively. "Oh, pfft. Fluttershy can hook you up. She's got every animal you can think of." "Well, I knew she was good with animals, but she has how many pets?" "Not that many. In fact, I'd say she really only has one. That would be Angel," she says, deep in thought. "Uh huh. Well, I guess you can tell Fluttershy that later I'd like to see her. She can help me pick out a pet." You stretch and prepare to head off and finish your grocery shopping. Twilight nods. "Sure, I'll let her know. Have a great day sexy!--I mean, Anon!" She chuckles and trots merrily away down the dirt path and away from you. You breathe a sigh of relief. "Thank Celestia... Wait. I don't believe in Celestia. Thank Bill Gates..." You wipe your brow and go off on your way. That evening, early, but evening, you run off to shy pones' cottage, situated near the dreaded Everfree Forest on the outside edge of town. You've never actually been here, but you knew where she lived from what her friends all say. The late-day sun glares in your eyes, nearly blinding you, so you have to use your hand to shield your eyes. It'd be better to simply put on your sunglasses, but of course, you don't have them right now. You cross over the final small bridge to the front of the tree-shaped cottage and walk up to the door, knocking heavily. She better be here and not off frolicking with the bears. It takes a few seconds for the mare to shout out a "Oh, um, give me a moment!" and a few minutes of waiting before she actually comes to the door and opens it. She seems pretty surprised to see you. "Oh, hello Anon. What brings you here?" You put on the least creepy, yet friendly smile you can. "I'm guessing Twilight didn't tell you?" She glances past you, behind herself, looks confused, then replies, "Um, Twilight was supposed to tell me something?" She opens the door a bit more, allowing you to see the large group of small woodland critters feasting on a pile of what you assume is food. You shift your weight to one leg. "Well, it seems I have to explain this to you now," you say and shake your head in disappointment. "Due to my inability to join you all on your pet playdates, I'd like a pet." You seem to have spoken the magic words, as she perks up suddenly and swings the door open wide, a huge grin on her face. "Ooh, that's great Anon! Oh, come in, come in!" She turns and skips into the house, leaving the door open for you. You go inside and shut the door behind you. The animals all look up at you, stop chewing, then go back to eating. Kind of weird. Fluttershy comes back up to you with a cup of tea, offering it to you. "Have a seat?" She motions for the couch. "We should discuss what animals you're interested in." You move over to the green sofa plop your bottom on it. You're a bit big, but you fit. Fluttershy wanders nearby, but doesn't sit with you. "So, what kind of animals do you have?" you ask, sipping the fresh, hot tea. It was pretty good. Tastes like chamomile tea. She rubs her forehooves together. "Oh, well, um, whatever you want, really. There's so much to choose from. What are you looking for? Cats? Birds? Fish? Insects? Odd-toed ungulates? Marsupials?" You ponder this for a moment. "Well, I'm thinking big. Elephant, blue whale, giraffe, tiger, you get it." She just stares at you, her eyebrows knitted. "What?" you protest, cracking a smile. "You asked. I answered honestly." "Okay... Um, are you interested in an animal that's a little more... Um... Realistic?" she asks, briefly watching the animals in the room finish up their food and scurry off to do whatever. That's a good question, considering you never really thought of what animal you wanted. Ever. "I suppose I'd be willing to settle for something... Larger than the average pet. So, essentially, I'd like a big cat or a wolf or something like that." She relaxes a little. You can see it in her posture. "A wolf wouldn't be too hard. Um, a big cat, though, that's a bit more of a challenge..." She gets out a broom and cleans up the little mess left from the critters. "Alright. I'll settle for medium cats," you give in. You stand up and stretch. "So, it's settled. Medium cat or a wolf. Is it possible I can get a timber wolf?" She stiffens, eyes wide. "No!" she wails, her voice wavering with fear. "Oh, I mean... Um, no, it wouldn't be such a good idea. Sorry..." Well then. "Fine. Just a regular wolf will work," you say with a sigh. "It'd better be cool, though. No lame wolves." "No... Lame wolves. Got it," she repeats in a mumble. "Okay, do you want one now?" She stands before you, looking hopeful. You almost forgot to employ your plan. "Oh, before I forget to ask, Fluttershy, you wouldn't mind discussing my final decision over dinner would you?" You wink at her. She looks utterly astonished, drawing back. "Wha--are you... Asking me on a date?" Now you worry she won't say yes. Applejack was kidding when she said no. Fluttershy might say no and mean it. "Yyyyyeah. I am. Whaddya say?" You're actually kind of nervous. Fluttershy was pretty, even by your standards. And those were some decently high standards. She blushes lightly and hides behind her mane, shrinking to the floor. "I, uh, I don't know... I've never been asked out..." Her voice seems to shrink too. This was another thing that made Fluttershy all around appealing: her femininity. Shy, fragile, graceful, soft-spoken, gentle--all words that can be used to accurately describe her. Now you knew why she was chosen as a model at one point. You can't help but smirk, folding your arms. "I can see that. But still, you haven't answered me. Will you talk this pet thing over some dinner?" She is silent for a what seemed an eternity, but then peeks up at you, acting as timid as you've ever seen her. "Perhaps... Maybe we could just... Go on a picnic...? Um, if you don't mind, that is... Whatever you want is fine... You asked me first..." she says, completely submissive. You have no choice but to agree with the picnic idea. It's a great day outside, and you've never really spent some quality time out in nature since you've been here. On a date, it'd combine to be absolutely amazing. "Sure, Shy. Let's go on a picnic. Food? Drinks? Snacks? Blanket?" You look around, searching for those items you just listed. You notice instead that a small white bunny is watching you intently. He seems to be deep in thought. "Hmm..." Fluttershy leaves the room for a few minutes and returns with all the things you'd need for a picnic. "Um, I was already prepared for a picnic with Angel, but I guess we can go instead..." she murmurs, setting the basket before you and putting on her saddlebags, which were clearly loaded. "Whenever you're ready..." You take up the basket, giving her yet another friendly little smile. "Lead the way. You pick a spot." You move over to the door and open it for her. "Oh, my..." she half whispers, bowing her head and daintily trotting out. "Such chivalry..." Before you close the door, you notice the bunny, which, upon remembering what Fluttershy said earlier, you realize it must be Angel. He's giving you this evil grin, rubbing his paws together. You flip him off and shut the door. The warm, late day sun shone down on you and yellow pony as you finish setting up the picnic and get started. She sits on the checkered red and white blanket, a full five feet way, almost off onto the grass. It was clear she was nervous. To be honest, you were in the same boat. You were pretty much alone in a park with the most attractive mare in Ponyville, quite possibly Equestria, and she'd agreed to go on a picnic date with you. What's not to be nervous over? You weren't the kind to be so highly strung, but lately while dating these mares, you've been ready to piss your pants. Fluttershy starts by grabbing herself what she called "cucumber sandwiches" she and Discord, a rather annoying draconequus you've come to know, especially lately, have often. And after you get yourself one, you have to say, they were pretty good. Ponies sure have some clever ways of getting around not eating meat. "These are delightful Fluttershy. Did you make them?" you ask politely, taking another sandwich out of the basket and grabbing some tea. She nods slowly. "Um, yes... I'm glad you're enjoying them." She scoots a little further away, now halfway onto the grass. This wouldn't end well unless you made her less uncomfortable. "Hey, um, what makes you so good with animals? And, why do you love them so much?" Mother always told you: best way to a girl's heart is to talk about what she likes the most. Or, talk about her in general. Let's see if she's right. The shiest pony in town finishes her first sandwich and sips her tea before replying. "Well, I kind of discovered my ability with animals on accident. Ever since that incident, my life has revolved around helping the poor, defenseless creatures of the forest." You immediately notice her being less tense. Ho, shit. Mom was right. You set you sandwich down and wipe your mouth with one of the pink checkered napkins she'd brought along. "Tell me about that incident. Was it good or bad?" She shifts, lying on her side like a dog on the blanket amdlooking off into the sky. "Well, it all started with Flight Camp..." You listen, intrigued by her story of being bullied and knocked out of the sky to the earth, only to be saved by a swarm of butterflies. You are legitimately surprised that this is how she discovered her talent with animals. She describes how Rainbow Dash's sonic rainboom sent the animals sprawling, and how Fluttershy coaxed them out and comforted them. Damn, she was stunning. What. Look at yourself! You started this charade only to have some company, and now you're actually falling in love with these mares simply by dating them once. And what's worse, you don't hate ponies anymore. How could you? They're adorable! Shit. Shit shit shit. You like ponies! This was an unprecedented turn of events. Not at all what you expected. Never foresaw this in your wildest dreams-- "Anon?" Fluttershys' soft, delicate voice interrupts your thoughts. You look over at the concerned mare. "I'm sorry. I was listening. I'm glad you found your talent with animals. You're really good at it. I love animals myself, so it's great you devote some of your time to helping them. Quite admirable." You flash a smile. Good save. Years of practice in CoD helped you here. You know how to save yourself. She blushes like a ripe tomato, pawing at the ground and twirling the tip of her mane around a hoof. "Y-you think so?" "I couldn't lie to you. You're too adorable." Her blush doesn't fade. It's probably here to stay now. "Oh... Oh my... You're quite the flatterer Anon..." You push your food and drink aside, done for now. "But seriously, I have to ask myself why you haven't been asked on a date. Why? You're perfect in every way. What's not to like about you?" What on earth are you doing? Trying to skip first and second base? She looks around, her cheeks still rosey. "Thanks... But I don't think I'm perfect... I think that's why I've never had anypony ask... Also, I've never really shown any interest in romance. I've never experienced it, and I don't know if I have the guts to try..." "You accepted my offer, and dates are supposed to be romantic. And besides the excessive prudence and shyness, you're doing just fine." You scoot a little closer to her, trying on a smile. She doesn't move away, much to your surprise. She instead makes direct eye contact with you. Good lord her eyes were astounding. "Thanks Anon... But I accepted your offer so as to not hurt your feelings..." She flips the lid for the basket up and down and looks away again. You move closer, now within arm's length to her. "Yeah, but now that you're here, are you feeling anything else? Maybe... Feelings..." Her slightly faded blush returns at full force. "Um... Maybe... I can't tell you..." Off to your right, you catch a glimpse of something white against the green, lush background of trees, bushes, and grass. You look over in curiosity and see that damn bunny again. He's watching. Moving closer. Pretending to be looking at the grass and nibbling dandelions, but you know he's watching. What was he up to...? Returning your attention back to Shy, you attempt to delve into those supposed "feelings" she might have. "Aww, come on... Don't deny what you feel. That never does anyone... Anypony any good. Embrace your feelings." She glances up at you for a split second, looks really uncomfortable, then turns away. "I shouldn't... No... My feelings are weird..." That's what you thought too! Hey, you and her have more in common than you thought. "Hey, I thought the same. Being attracted to somepony isn't weird, it's normal. So if you feel anything at all, don't be afraid to tell me. Have you never thought a stallion was cute or anything?" The creepy bunny Angel ventures ever closer, still pretending to be busy doing normal animal stuff. You wonder what his game is. Whatever. He's just a bunny. What could he do? Flutters takes a deep breath and lets it out. "Y-yes... But I'm not telling you who..." You scoot closer again. You can wrap your arm around her shoulders now, if she wouldn't die of anxiety in the process. Despite you being nervous as well, yours wasn't increasing as you got further into this; It actually was dwindling. Weird. You clear your throat gently and lean in, your face inches from hers. "Hey... I won't tell anypony about us or any feelings you might have for me. I know you have to have some. Your body betrays you every time I ask. Please, you sweet, diabetes-inducing mare--tell me. Do you like me, or no?" She turns and faces you, her muzzle close to your mouth. You can feel her slow, steady hot breaths. "I... Anon... I..." It was at this point that Angel decides to hop up between you two and force your lips together, making you kiss. In momentary shock, neither of you move. You just sit there with your lips locked, eyes wide, staring into each other's. Then Fluttershy breaks off, holding her hoof to her mouth. You sit there and feel a billion things. You just kissed a pony. And you liked it. Fluttershy stands up suddenly. "Um... Anon, I have to go... See you around..." She trots off quickly, leaving everything there, including you and Angel. "Shit." You rub your temples and glance over at the white devil that may have just pushed things too far. "You know--I've been here so long, I've missed the taste of meat. I'm feeling like some fresh rabbit stew. What do you think?" The little bunny gasps in horror and hops away as fast as his legs will take him. "That's what I thought you little twit."