The next morning came, and Double Diamond leaving was much harder on him and his new lover than they had both ever imagined it would be. They'd only spent an evening and night together, but love didn't follow any rulebook; love was different for everypony. Some fall in love at first sight, and others, it takes years. But one thing was certain for the young ponies: they'd be seeing each other again very soon.
Diamond packed the very few belongings he brought along in his saddlebags after a glorious breakfast cooked up by Fluttershy. She was a talented cook, but would not accept the compliment. Instead, she attributed her skills to having learned them from the local Master Chef: Pinkie Pie.
Now the pair stood outside in the warm rays of the rising sun. The late winter air had a new plant smell as the grass, leaves, and flowers all began sprouting and flourishing in the changing of the seasons. Butterflies and bees flew all around, foraging, while birds sat in trees and bushes chirping their beautiful tunes, signalling that spring was indeed near.
Diamond and Fluttershy stood near the cottage entrance, chatting before Diamond's departure. "So, I guess you'll want me to come back and see you again sometime?" Diamond asked, half joking. He already knew the answer, anyways.
"Of course I do, Diamond. I'd like to see you at least once a week..." Fluttershy replied softly, looking away at her growing garden nearby, smiling at the animals scurrying about it.
Diamond nodded. "Yeah, I figured as much. But don't you worry, I'll be here more than once a week for you. You're worth it."
Fluttershy blushed, turning redder than a tomato. "Gosh, you really are a flatterer..."
Diamond flashed her a bright smile. "I try, at least."
A few seconds of silence passed, but were then broken by Fluttershy suddenly embracing Diamond tightly, catching him off-guard. He hugged her back just as tightly, relishing in the feeling of holding such a sweet, amazing mare. His heart soared, and he really felt like the luckiest stallion in the world right then and there. Perhaps he was.
After what felt like an eternity, albeit a good one, Diamond pulled away, taking her hooves in his. "Fluttershy, you really make me happy. I'd love to stay, but... If I don't go now, I'll miss my train. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, I'd probably just stay here with you until the next one came by, but... Aw, well, you get my point, I think..." He glanced away awkwardly.
Fluttershy gave a quiet chuckle. "I understand, Diamond. Just remember to come back and see me soon, okay? I'll be here, waiting." She beamed at him, seemingly glowing in the light of the sun. Even with the slight chill in the air, Fluttershy mad him feel so warm inside. It really was extraordinary.
"Oh, I couldn't forget you if I tried, Fluttershy..." He gently kissed the top of her hoof, inciting another blush from the mare.
"You'd best head off now, before you miss your train," Fluttershy said, sounding disappointed.
"Hey now," Diamond admonished her, sensing her distress. "Don't be sad. I told you I'll be back soon. I promise that, alright? No worries."
Fluttershy nodded, seeming convinced, but he still felt a bit of unhappiness from her, which was understandable. He felt the same.
Diamond took a deep breath. "So, I... guess this is it. I'll... see you in a couple days. Don't miss me too much, okay? We'll go to the park or something when I see you again." He gave a gentle smile.
Fluttershy leaned forward suddenly and gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I will..."
Diamond hugged her close, burying his muzzle in her sweet mane, while she buried her muzzle in his neck, making him shiver when her cold, wet nose touched his coat. "Goodbye, Fluttershy..." He slipped away and headed off, waving goodbye to the kindest mare in Equestria... and his marefriend.
"Fluttershy waved back. "Bye, Diamond!" She watched him fade away into the distance and returned to her home, starting her normal morning duties, but with somepony special on her mind.
On the way to the train station, Diamond encountered a pony who very much helped to create the relationship he now had. She organized the meeting, paid for his trip here and back, and gave him advice on Fluttershy and how to approach her. After all, she was one of Fluttershy's best friends.
"So, Darling, how did the night go?: Rarity asked as she trotted up beside him, following him to the station to ask him a few questions.
Diamond sighed in happily, grinning hard. "It went better than I ever dreamed. I really can't thank you enough, Rarity. I really can't."
"Oh, pffft... Don't you even worry, Dear. It was my pleasure. Making you both happy is satisfying. She's always been so sad this time of year. I'll have to stop by and see her today, as well. I must see her excitement," Rarity went on, adjusting the large decorative hat on her head. "In any case, the night was a success, and two ponies are now quite happy, which makes me happy. Love is just so precious. Wouldn't you agree, Dear?"
They approached the station and stopped before it to finish their conversation.
Diamond nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it really is..."
Rarity frowned. "Is something wrong, Dear?"
Diamond sighed and glanced at the train station. "I'm gonna miss her. I know we just met, just started, but... I'm gonna miss her bad..." He plodded at the ground with a hoof, stirring up some dust.
"That's completely understandable. Why, I believe this is called the infatuation stage, Darling. You're starting it rather early, I'll admit, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. Just be sure to treat her well. I wouldn't want to have to intervene," she winked at him.
Diamond gave a nervous smile. "Believe me - the last thing on my mind is hurting this mare. She's like, all I have. And I don't plan on screwing that up."
"Wonderful. Now, get in there before you miss your train home again." Rarity shoved him along.
Diamond hurried off into the station, yelling back, "Thanks again, Rarity!" before disappearing into the building.
Rarity sighed in delight. "Romance is so romantic," she said aloud, turning back and trotting off to the other side of town, where Fluttershy's cottage sat.