Shame, paranoia and an intense desire to turn tail and run, all were familiar emotions to Marble Pie. The earth pony had grown used to feeling at least one of those feelings at nearly every moment of their entire existence. It wasn't exactly Marble’s fault either as the pony had rarely if ever left the farm for more than a day at a time, making the list of ponies they interacted with on a daily basis small enough to be counted on all four hooves.
This had changed recently however when Limestone and Marble had made a trek to Ponyville to meet up with their sisters. Pinkie Pie had thrown them all a party that was one part good reason to enjoy each other’s company, another part thinly veiled attempt at Pinkie to convince her other two siblings to move to Ponyville. It hadn't worked, obviously, as Limestone was anything but easy to convince and had actually gone so far as to stubbornly announced that she was going to die on the family farm.
Marble had been a little more open to the idea, knowing full well that they weren't the greatest asset to the farm, despite their talent being directly related to geodes. Between their parents and Limestone they were simply able to work everything perfectly, their labor being more than enough to maintain everything without fear of overworking themselves.
This had perpetually left Marble feeling a little left out, which certainly didn't help the whole low self esteem issue that the earth pony had been struggling with for years.
More important than even the party was what happened the day after it.
Pinkie Pie, determined to get the rest of her siblings to move to Ponyville had tried to get them to befriend her friends, hoping that a special connection would help get them to move to Ponyville. Together the siblings met and interacted with each of Pinkie Pie’s friends in turn, spending the day going around town and hanging out with each of the elements of harmony one by one.
By the end of it was quite apparent that Limestone remained unconvinced, Marble was a different story.
Somewhere in the mess of running back and forth across town, and the hygincs that ensued due to Pinkie’s crazy activities combined with the general nuttiness of Ponyville, Marble Pie had been forgotten entirely, having been left behind with the element of kindness. Together the two awkward and shy ponies had shared a pot of tea and the snacks that had been set aside for their other friends to also enjoy.
It had been… strange to say the least.
Initially it had been as awkward as one may expect with neither pony able to speak for longer than a few seconds without stammering to a stop and muttering an apology. It hadn't helped that the manic Pinkie Pie had forgotten to make introductions, leaving the two shy ponies to have to do that on their own. A monumental task in it's own right as all of the newfound courage Fluttershy had gained seemingly blew away the second she was left alone with a pony even more awkward than her.
Eventually the group ended back up at Fluttershy’s, with Pinkie’s grand plans foiled by their ambitiousness and the random nature of both the pony making the plans and the town they lived in. But despite all that awkwardness, and the abruptness that it ended, the two shy ponies seemed to have grown inexplicably closer, conversation flowing briefly but easily. Near the end of their time together the two shy ponies seemed to have even come to an understanding and Fluttershy had turned her sparkling eyes to Marble, ready to share something intimate with the visiting earth pony. In the end Pinkie’s arrival had ruined that moment and Marble left the cozy cottage only reluctantly, stealing glances at the mare that had stolen their heart.
Was it love or just infatuation? Probably just the latter but to a pony like Marble, infatuation of any kind was not something regularly felt, which left the pony perplexed to say the least.
So when they had eventually returned to the rock farm, Marble knew that it was only a matter of time before they went back to Ponyville, the earth pony’s heart already yearning to see Fluttershy once more. Limestone made it clear that she would not be going back quite yet, leaving Marble to make the potential sojourn alone.
This task of traveling alone all the way from the rock farm to Ponyville would have terrified the earth pony only a month ago. Now, after only a few weeks after their visit to Ponyville though, now there was something out there worth fighting for. Something worth pushing past all the awkwardness, fear and paranoia that tinged the pony’s life until that very moment.
Marble still had required a bit of a pep talk from their sibling before they departed but with a fresh surge of confidence, Marble stepped out into the wider world once more. Marble found the familiar rode to ponyville beneath their hooves, the dull rock farm growing ever more distant behind them as sparkling Ponyville drew closer with every step.
Though it took longer than the first trip with Limestone, Marble made it to Ponyville, or at least the outskirts there of with little difficulty. The pony stuck to the edges of town, preferring to stay close to the forest and avoid the town itself lest Pinkie Pie catch wind of her arrival and distract them. Marble was here for one thing, and one thing only and it was not to see their sibling, or the town of Ponyville itself.
Skirting the Everfree was not a difficult task for the earth pony, as living on a rock farm meant Marble was stronger than most. They also lived a fair distance from the nearest town, meaning they had to be very self sufficient and wary of danger, turning the few obstacles that popped up into little more than tiny delays rather then anything threatening.
In the distance the small cottage where Marble’s adventure had begun now loomed in the distance, growing closer by the second. Marble was close, and with that closeness came a renewed surge of fear, making their steps falter as the earth pony’s confidence wavered. As their pace slowed, the mid afternoon sun dipped behind a passing cloud, echoing the feeling of darkness that Marble felt.
Was this really a good idea? What if Fluttershy didn't feel the same way Marble did? What if this entire trip was a waste of time and energy? What if Marble ruined the friendship Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie shared because of this bone head move?
The cloud above them passed and with the sun’s renewed light came an invigorating burst of confidence. Limestone had lectured her sibling at length after finding out about Marble’s crush, instilling a sense of confidence that Marble didn't usually have and with the sun’s return Marble felt that same assuredness surge.
This confidence wavered more and more every minute spent walking towards the cottage and not for the first time Marble wondered if a single pep talk, even if it was a good one, would be enough. Pushing such thoughts away, Marble turned and trotted off towards the cottage, hoping that Limestone’s instilled confidence lasted for as long as it needed to.
As Marble trotted closer they couldn't help but remember why they was here, their thoughts turning to the words Limestone had said and then to the wonderful pony that had changed Marble’s life in an afternoon. Marble thought of the way Fluttershy smiled, in such a perfect, beautiful way that just looking upon it seemed to make the earth pony feel as though everything was going to turn out alright. Her laugh, so polite and subdued, was like the tinkling of small silver bells, the sheer joy in the sound making the act of laughter utterly infectious. More then even her smile, and her laughter, was the way Fluttershy seemed to make Marble feel good with just a single look. Fluttershy’s eyes always seemed to sparkle whenever their gaze met, calming Marble’s nerves and making the earth pony feel strangely at home in the pegasus’ presence.
More than her looks and her mannerisms was the respect Fluttershy seemed to have for a pony she had just met. In all the time they spent talking and enjoying tea together, Fluttershy had never done that weird thing where somepony’s eyes go up and down, sizing the other pony up. The pegasus just looked directly in Marble’s eyes, or if that was too awkward, just off to the side. The element of kindness simply didn't care what Marble looked like, to her, all that mattered was what was on the inside, something the earth pony couldn't help but think about over and over. Throughout Marble’s entire life, everypony always seemed so ready and willing to judge and critique appearances, willing to say things Marble wouldn't dare utter in public.
Not Fluttershy, not that beautiful, kind and patient mare that always seemed ready to offer a word of kindness. And oh there were so many kind words, so many that if anypony else had been that nice, Marble would have assumed they were trying to sell them something. Yet the thought never seemed to occur to Fluttershy. While she was with the element of kindness there was always a sense of genuine appreciation and when the pegasus offered a kind word of encouragement it was always that, genuine. She wasn't trying to get Marble to buy into anything, or to convince Marble of anything, Fluttershy simply wanted to talk more and was genuinely curious about Marble’s personal life.
The earth pony sighed, a soft smile spreading across their face, until an errant thought caused their hooves to stop and a groan to slip past their lips.
Marble was here to try and ask Fluttershy out on a date yet hadn't even thought of bringing any flowers, or chocolates or a gift of any kind! The panic of doing the trip alone had been bad enough and it had consumed all the time that would be set aside for planning something romantic. Thinking quickly Marble looked around, spotting a few wild flowers growing nearby and hurrying over to them.
Marble knew that Fluttershy wasn't the type of pony to really care about such grand gestures or superfluous things like that, but Marble wanted to make such an offering, if nothing else then to show Fluttershy just how much they cared.
Trotting over to the patch of wildflowers, Marble leaned down and began picking out a few of the larger and more beautiful ones. It took a little longer then what Marble would have liked but after a little looking, some time spent picking and a some careful arrangement the result was a moderately good looking bouquet of flowers. There was a soft mix of purples and yellows and even an odd grey flower that Marble found near the base of a fallen tree. It was nice, and in a way it kind of reminded Marble of the two of them. Fluttershy’s soft pink and yellow mixing with Marble’s deep purple and grey, both coming together and creating something beautiful.
The earth pony clutched the flowers tightly, making their way back to the outskirts and towards cottage at the edge of the Everfree, confidence soaring.
The first thing Marble noticed when nearing the cottage was the smell, fresh wild flowers seemed to grow in abundance near the cottage, giving the entire area the fragrant scent of million flowers all in bloom. Next was the sound, all around her she could hear the movement of many animals. In contrast, on the long walk here Marble had heard several critters but they always kept a wide berth around the earth pony, fearing what Marble may do. Here in the pegasus’ grove, the animals had no such fear and several squirrels scampered up to her and sniffed at her legs, curious about the new comer.
Marble extended their hoof slowly, the same way they had seen Fluttershy do when a group of squirrels approached them when they were having tea. The tiny animals sniffed away until the largest amongst them seemed to nod and then leave, the rest following close behind. Marble couldn't help but giggle at the sight of the departing squirrels, feeling as though the tiny animals may have been testing Marble’s intentions.
Looking up she saw the low hanging trees to be filled with birds of all shapes and sizes. Most gave Marble only a single glance before flying off but a few lingered, watching Marble closely as the pony made their way over to the small bridge near Fluttershy’s home. Gripping the flowers tightly, Marble crossed the bridge quickly, a little frightened by the fact that her hooves weren't on solid ground for several seconds. With that behind them Marble breathed a sigh of relief and trotted most of the way up the winding path that lead to Fluttershy’s door.
The sound of movement coming from within made Marble feel the familiar touch of panic, and only through force of will was the pony able to suppress the urge to dive into a nearby bush. The urge to stand stock still, terrified out of their mind was a little harder to resist and so it was that Marble did exactly that.
“Thanks Fluttershy! See you next week!” A boisterous voice yelled before the door flew open, and a certain prismatic pegasus trotted backwards out of the cottage, a hoof raised, waving to whomever was inside.
Marble hardly had a chance to move before the door closed and the pegasus turned around, her eyes instantly landing on a terrified Marble. The earth pony gulped, half hiding behind her hair as one hoof hid the flowers from sight.
The pegasus’ eyes narrowed and with a burst of speed she leaped from the door to the cottage and landed mere feet away from the scared earth pony. “Who are you?” She asked gruffly.
Marble gulped, legs trembling. “M-marble, P-p-pie.” The earth pony whispered.
Rainbow Dash leaned back, relaxing somewhat. “Why are you here?” She asked, her neck craning to the right, trying to peek at whatever the earth pony had been hiding.
“I w-w-wanted to talk to Fluttershy.” Marble whispered before slowly beginning to back away. “Please don't hurt me.”
The pegasus withered, sighing to herself. “I’m not going to hurt you. Oh jeese, this is like talking to Fluttershy all over again.” She cursed under her breath and took a small step forward. “Hey, Marble right?”
Marble muttered an affirmation, hiding firmly behind the wall of hair that they had erected between them and the pegasus.
Rainbow Dash grinned, pointing to the half hidden bouquet of flowers. “Good choice with the marigolds by the way, their one of her favorites.”
Marble blinked, looking up at Rainbow Dash with a nervous excitement building inside. “Really?”
Rainbow Dash nodded. “Totally, I’d throw in some thistles if I were you. Most ponies don't like em but Flutters, well she's different.”
The earth pony slowly emerged from behind the wall of hair and smiled warmly. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” The pegasus rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “I uh don't suppose your here to uh?” She gestured to the flowers before jerking her head in the direction of Fluttershy’s house.
Marble nodded slowly. “I hope so.”
Rainbow Dash blinked, a wide genuine smile spreading across her face. “Have you told her about your little secret?”
Marble blanched, back legs clamping together tightly. “No… not yet.”
Rainbow Dash nodded slowly. “Don't worry about that part. I know for a fact Fluttershy doesn't care one bit about something like that, but she also isn't a fan of ponies keeping secrets from her.”
Marble nodded slowly.
The pegasus sighed. “Chin up kiddo. She's talked about you a lot you know?” Then with a smirk on her face, the pegasus jumped into the air, her powerful wings causing a plume of dust to kick up around Marble.
Despite the thin layer of dust settling over Marble’s fur, the pony didn't seem to mind, the last words Rainbow Dash had said still rolling around in her mind. She's been talking about me! Marble thought triumphantly.
The earth pony gave her head a shake, dislodging all the dust that had accumulated in their mane. With her mane and fur more or less dust free she turned back around to the yard, searching for some thistles to add to her bouquet. Sure enough a small patch of them grew just at the edge of the woods and the earth pony eagerly trotted over to it.
So focused was the pony that they hardly even noticed the fact that a bear was lounging mere feet away, snoring soundly. Marble gulped, sizing up the enormous animal slowly and wondering if the thistles were really worth the risk. All of a sudden Rainbow Dash’s words came unbidden to their mind, giving the strength Marble needed. “Totally, I’d throw in some thistles if I were you. Most ponies don't like em but Flutters, well she's different.”
If Fluttershy liked thistles, then Marble would give her thistles even if it meant risking the possibility of getting eaten by a bear. Surely Fluttershy wouldn't keep such a large animal around unless it was able to suppress it's more base urges, right? Marble gulped, the thought did sound logical, but Fluttershy had never mentioned that she was friends with a bear before…
The earth pony grit their teeth and slowly snuck a little closer. “Easy mister bear, I just want a few thistles. Don't mind me.” Marble whispered while edging closer and closer until they were mere feet away.
Marble reached forward, slowly moving to grab a thick hoof full of thistles. The bear seemed to have other plans though and it opened it's small beady eyes, instantly spotting the now terrified pony. The bear didn't move right away however, instead looking from the pony, to where Marble was reaching then back again.
After several tense moments the bear rolled over and seemed to go right back to sleep, it's snores echoing through the yard. Marble wiped a bead of sweat from their brow before grabbing a few choice thistles and adding it to the collection of flowers.
With that done Marble turned and trotted back towards the cottage, only glancing over her shoulder twice, making sure that the bear remained exactly where he was. After the second look the pony seemed to calm down, finally accepting that maybe the bear was just the lazy lug he looked like and was not trying to wait for Marble to stop paying attention to sneak up behind and eat them.
With awkward, stumbling steps, the earth pony walked up to the cottage door and raised a hoof. After several tense moments, the hoof fell and Marble sighed, unable to muster the strength necessary to actually knock. “Come on Marble you can do it. Remember what Limestone said.” The pony muttered to themself, closing their eyes as their mind went back to the pep talk given to them by their sister.
Limestone paced back and forth in front of a nervous Marble who sat on the bottom bunk of their bed, a teddy bear clutched tight under the earth pony’s chin. The mare stopped and turned to Marble, her eyes narrowing.
“Look, I know I can come off as a bit gruff at times but that's only because I Lo-” The ponies face scrunched up, her mouth straining to be able to utter the word. “Lllloo- You know what I mean.”
Marble giggled and rolled her eyes. “Mmhmm.”
“Then you know that I am about to say is not meant to sound mean, right?” Limestone asked, her eyes narrowing at the other pony.
“Mmhmm.” Marble muttered back
“Alright, I’m just going to come out and say it.” She took a deep breath. “You don't have the stones to go back to Ponyville and I can't come with you.”
Marble shrunk, hiding behind the stuffed bear. “Why not?” The pony whispered.
“I am busy here on the farm. That and I just plain don't want to.” She announced much to her sibling’s disappointment. “That doesn't mean I can't lend you a hoof. It's not like I’m jealous or anything either so don't go thinking that okay?”
Marble nodded.
“Good. Now what do you like about this pony?” Limestone asked.
Marble gulped and squeezed the bear a little bit tighter. “She's nice, patient, kind, she makes great tea. Her smile makes my heart go all funny. Her laugh makes me want to learn a million jokes so I could hear it all the time. Her mane is really nice, it's super long like mine. Her eyes are also so sparkly and…” Marble blinked, realizing how much they were rambling.
Limestone smirked. “Sounds like quite the dame.”
Marble nodded. “She is amazing.”
“Remember that.” Limestone commanded, her gaze hardening as she stared intently into Marble’s eyes.
“Remember what?” Marble asked nervously.
“That. What you said, the way you gabbed on about her, remember those things when you are worried or scared.”A smile slowly crept across her face. “Remembering those things helps us stick with it. Remember that and you’ll be able to do it all on your own.”
Marble smiled, putting aside the bear. “Thanks Limestone!”
The earth pony blushed. “It was- oof.”
Marble wrapped their hooves tight around Limestone’s neck. “It was not nothing.”
Limestone growled, making a weak effort to push her sibling away. “Yeah yeah, now get offa me. We gotta get back to work, we wasted enough time already.”
Marble nodded, slowly releasing Limestone. “Thanks Limestone, I won't forget it.”
With the memory still fresh, Marble breathed deeply and raised a hoof. Her smile, her laugh, her kindness, her patience, all of what made Fluttershy into the amazing pony she was flashed through Marble’s mind. “I can do this.” Marble muttered before bringing her hoof down with all the force she could muster.
Which was just enough to make a sound roughly equal to the noise generated by a mouse knocking. The earth pony stood nervously on the other side of the door, the wild flowers held tight against Marble’s chest, a wide fake smile pressed firmly on their lips.
Don't panic, don't panic, don't panic, don't panic. Marble repeated over and over.
The door cracked open suddenly and the teal orbs of the mare of Marble’s dreams appeared in the crack, instantly growing and gaining their trade mark sparkle when their gazes met. “Hello Marble, what are you doing here?”
The earth pony thrust the flowers towards the crack in the door, Marble’s face bright red with embarrassment. Fluttershy’s eyes lit up and she looked from the bouquet to Marble. “Are those for me?” She asked.
Marble nodded, unable to squeak out so much as a single syllable.
“Oh they are wonderful! And you have my favorite flowers!” She held a hoof up to the crack. “Just a second, let me unlock the door.”
Marble nodded once more, pulling the bouquet back against their chest while mentally berating themself. Come on Marble, how could you not see the chain lock? It was right there! Marble wanted to face hoof at their stupidity but the distinct sound of something clicking, and the door opening once more disrupted that thought.
Without thinking, Marble thrust the wild flowers towards Fluttershy, their face burning bright with shame once more.
Fluttershy giggled, her voice like the soft chime of a hundred tiny bells and doing wonders for the anxiety that tugged at Marble’s mind. “Thank you Marble. Why don't you come inside while I find some water for these little ones.”
Marble nodded, stepping inside and closing the door behind them with a soft thud.
The pegasus trotted off into the attached kitchen, leaving Marble alone and confused. Should they just stand there and wait or would it be impolite not to take a seat? Marble glanced over at the couch and then back to the entrance of the kitchen, making note of the soft sound of Fluttershy’s humming coming from the other room.
For a moment Marble merely stood there, transfixed by the gentle sound. The earth pony didn't know where the song came from, or the title, or even any words but none of that really mattered. Marble Pie, the scaredy pony that had only ever managed the nerve to leave the farm by themself once in their entire lives had made Fluttershy happy enough to sing a wordless tune.
In a bliss like state of only semi awareness, Marble found themself grinning like mad, drifting to and fro as Fluttershy's song drifted through the open doorway. It was slow but not morose, somber without being sad, it made Marble want to slow dance for some odd reason and the earth pony found themself wishing for a dance partner.
That was until the humming suddenly stopped and Fluttershy announced. “There, perfect.” She remarked, a hint of pride evident in her voice.
Marble looked around, only now realizing that they had waltzed around Fluttershy’s living room alone. Scrambling suddenly, the earth pony jumped onto Fluttershy’s couch, trying to make it look as natural as possible.
Fluttershy walked into the room, a smile already on her lips. The pegasus giggled again at Marble, holding a vase filled with all the flowers Marble had brought in one hoof. Fluttershy set them down on the coffee table and giggled again, looking away. “You know normally I like sitting on the couch part.”
Marble blinked, and shifted their weight back so they weren't lying directly on top of the bump at the end of the couch. The earth pony blushed awkwardly. “Oh uh, right.” Marble muttered, shifting over to an actually comfortable spot on the couch.
“Thank you for the flowers by the way.” Fluttershy offered, settling down across from the earth pony and smiling faintly, half hiding behind her mane.
Marble nodded. “I really enjoyed hanging out with you, before.” The earth pony tapped their forehooves together nervously. “It was really nice.”
Fluttershy blushed, smiling faintly. “Very nice, but why are you back so soon?”
Marble twiddled their hooves and looked down. “I wanted to see you again and my sister too.”
Fluttershy giggled, a slight blush coming to her face, only for her eyes suddenly lit up, the twin depths of teal sparkling as if they were filled with stars. “You must be thirsty from all that walking then. Would you like some tea? I have some left over from when Rainbow Dash came over. She doesn't usually like tea so I have plenty left.”
“I…” Marble wanted to refuse, to ask the question that had been burning for days, to strike while the iron was hot. A single look into those wide hope filled eyes and such a sentiment was whisked away, Marble simply could not say no to such a look. “I’d like that.”
The pegasus’ smile widened and she stood up and made her way over to the kitchen. “Oh you are just going to love it, I made this wonderful earl grey that I know your going to enjoy.” She stopped for a second and turned around. “Would you like some scones as well? I think I have a few left.”
Marble took one look at those sparkling eyes and found their head nodding before there was a chance to consider otherwise. “Sure.” Marble muttered.
Fluttershy smiled and turned back to the kitchen, vanishing once more.
Leaving Marble to sigh and plant their face into a hoof. “Stupid.” They whispered softly.
You were awkward and weird and you can't even talk, what is wrong with you? Marble berated their cowardice and groaned quietly to themself. You came all this way, when she comes back, just blurt it out! Remember what Limestone said and think about why your here!
The earth pony closed their eyes and focused, breathing slowly and deliberately. Marble’s mind went back to that moment right before Pinkie Pie and her friends had made their tumultuous reappearance.
Fluttershy was pouring Marble another cup of tea, which the earth pony wasn't even sure they had room for. The pegasus had been so kind and such a joy to talk to that in the end Marble couldn't resist saying yes every time she asked if the earth pony wanted more. Marble couldn't be sure but it felt like Fluttershy had been asking that question quite a bit, as if she wanted her newfound guest to drink more tea.
This would be a benign action in other circumstances but each time she came to pour more tea she brushed against the earth pony, always muttering an apology but still doing it the every time. It had been subtle, a small thing that was easily overlooked but to Marble it meant more then just a simple touch.
Sure enough when Fluttershy returned with the tea once more she brushed against the earth pony’s side. This time there were no muttered apologies, or excuses that she was just trying to make sure she didn't spill. In fact the entire teapot had been placed on the table, forgotten. The pegasus turned to Marble who had been seated at the very chair that Fluttershy now sat.
When Marble had turned and looked up at Fluttershy the pegasus was bright red, but despite her shame, she did not hide those sparkling eyes. She looked straight at Marble, proud and unashamed. “Marble.” She whispered.
The earth pony looked up at her, resisting every urge that told Marble to hide, or to whisper back her typical mumbled affirmation. Marble simply couldn't do it, not while under the spell of those sparkling eyes. “Yes, Fluttershy?”
The pegasus’ smile faltered slightly but she did not look away. “I have something I need to tell you. Don't freak out okay?”
Marble shook their head. “Never.” The earth pony responded clearly and confidently.
“I’m, well you see I am…” She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe before once more looking down into Marble’s eyes. “I’m a-”
Then the sound of an entire brass band, a balloon, three sofas and thirteen ponies plowing into Fluttershy’s yard destroyed the moment and before Marble had a chance to hold on to that precious moment of intimacy, it was gone. Fluttershy having already darted over to the door, a worried expression on her face. “What was that?” She asked nervously.
The question of what Fluttershy had been about to say was one that had plagued Marble’s mind ever since and been partially how the earth pony had managed to work up the nerve to walk all the way back here alone.
Marble just knew, in their heart of hearts that Fluttershy was going to tell Marble something important, something that she had been scared of saying aloud. Marble couldn't have been wrong, it felt like there had been something there, something special and right when Fluttershy had been about to let Marble in it had been ruined.
With that thought and the words of Limestone still rolling around in the earth pony’s mind, Marble took a deep breathe and steeled herself, waiting patiently for Fluttershy’s return. Thankfully it didn't take long and the pegasus trotted back into the room holding a silver platter with a tea kettle, two cups and a small plate of crumpets.
“Rainbow Dash ate all the scones it seems, are you alright with cookies?” Fluttershy asked sweetly, settling the entire platter down on the table and setting out the cups.
Marble shook their head. “That's fine.”
Fluttershy smiled faintly, her features partly hidden behind her hair. The pegasus swiftly deposited the cups and filled them with tea before sitting down, teacup in hoof, an action Marble quickly mirrored.
The tea was nice, but not as nice as Fluttershy’s sparkling eyes and Marble found themself pulled into their depths, making Marble forget what they had been about to say. Together they settled into a silent lul of conversation, neither awkward nor forced, but simply… comfortable. They didn't seem to have anything to say right now, so rather then try and make conversation they simply enjoyed each other’s company. Something most ponies simply didn't understand but the two shy ponies understood quite a bit. In the silence they both sipped quietly at their tea, exchanging blush filled glances every few seconds.
That too didn't last, Marble felt a quiet sense of calm fill their body, the courage they had mustered rising back to the forefront of their mind. “I want to tell you something.” Marble blurted out.
Fluttershy blinked, setting down her teacup. “Of course, you can tell me anything Marble.”
Marble loved the way that Fluttershy always seemed to use their proper name, it felt almost intimate in a way. “When we were alone, it felt like…” Marble breathed deep, mustering every last nerve. “That there was something… between us.”
Fluttershy nodded, her eyes sparkling a little brighter.
Marble’s heart soared at the affirmation to all that had been left unsaid, but despite the urge to do otherwise, they couldn't dwell on that thought quite yet. “I like you. But I have to tell you something… something important.”
Fluttershy leaned a little closer, scooting to the edge of her seat, her already wide eyes growing wider. “Anything.” She whispered.
Emboldened by their success so far, Marble dug deep, summoning every last bit of will power available. “I am a stallion and I want to take you out on a date.”
Despite everything, all the little successes, all the steamy glances and the confirmation that the infatuation Marble felt was not one sided, the earth pony couldn't help but wince, hiding behind his mane and pressing his hooves together. He looked up, only to see Fluttershy stunned to silence, her mouth hanging open as she looked at him.
Marble’s heart plummeted in the silence and he could already feel tears beginning to form. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn't have said that. This entire trip was a mistake. I should go.”
The stallion got up and turned to the door and nearly made it a step before getting tackled by a flying Fluttershy who pushed him back onto the couch. “Fluttershy?” Marble asked, awkwardly hugging the pegasus back, too stunned by the sudden move to say anything more.
The pegasus pushed him back to hooves reach, wiping away the stallion’s tears with a tender feather. “I’m sorry I didn't say anything. I was just so shocked because I...” Her smile grew and her eyes regained their sparkle once more. “I was going to say the exact same thing.”
“I, you… Even the part when I said I was a-?” Marble’s jaw hung open, staring at Fluttershy in absolute shock to which Fluttershy simply nodded. The already stunned earth pony gaped wordlessly, too baffled to speak.
Seconds ticked past and Fluttershy’s confidence seemed to diminish, the stallion shrinking back slightly. “I hope this doesn't change anything…” He whispered.
“Was that what you were going to tell me. Back then?” Marble asked.
Fluttershy nodded. “I don't usually tell ponies that quickly but it felt like we.. connected and I knew that on some level that you would understand. I didn't think it would be like this though.” He giggled in that amazing way that only Fluttershy could do, soothing Marble’s frayed nerves.
Marble shook his head. “I’m sorry I didn't answer your question, this doesn't change anything I am just so… so…”
“Happy?” Fluttershy offered, a faint smile crawling onto the edges of his lips.
“Very.” Marble whispered breathlessly.
The other stallion giggled, allowing Marble to pull him close. They embraced briefly before Marble pulled back, a question burning on his lips. “Should I keep calling referring to you as a her? What do you prefer?”
Fluttershy smiled. “I don't care either way, so long as you call me yours.”
Marble, unable to contain the bliss building within them, reached forward and pulled Fluttershy close, their lips drawing closer and closer until finally touched. In that moment the only thing that existed in Marble’s world was the pegasus’ lips and those sparkling eyes of hers.