//------------------------------// // Do it for Love // Story: A Study In Nonsense // by Professor Piggy //------------------------------// The Prompt: Despite how easily he changed physical appearance, the changeling remained utterly the same and unvarying on the inside … until the day he met Pinkamena Diane Pie. ----- The pink pony paced around him, eyes narrowed slightly and face twisted into a frown. He could feel her scrutinizing him, taking in every detail. It was a routine he knew far, far too well by this point. The fastest way to get through it was just to stand there, and hope that this time he’d gotten it just right. That was his usual mistake – he would panic, react badly, and she would know – that had to be it. He knew – knew – that he’d gotten every detail – “You forgot it again,” she chirped brightly, muzzle suddenly pressed against his own, “Really, you’d think you’d know better by now – I mean, you’re a Changeling! But you’re never gonna fool anypony if you keep forgetting all this stuff, especially not me! I know everypony around here, and I never forget a face. I’m starting to think you’re not even trying!” For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. His mind raced, trying to figure out how he could convince her, how her friend would react if she had – yes. He jumped back, widening his eyes in shock and letting out a loud “Eeeeep!” He forced himself to start sweating, and spoke in that strange, high pitched voice. “W…what are you talking about? Changelings? Where!?” She blinked at him, and a grin slowly made its way onto her face. And then she was laughing, rolling around on the floor and filling the room with the melody of her perfect, wonderful happiness. He couldn’t help but smile bright, wide smile. Somehow, this made Pinkie laugh even harder – she was clutching at her sides and near convulsing. “Uhmm….Pinkie, what’s so funny? If I can ask, I mean.” Pinkie didn’t answer right away – she tried, but she was laughing too hard to speak. It was only as her laughter died down to loud, repeated snorts that he got his answer. “You forgot who you are!” She giggled as she spoke, tears streaming down her face. “You’re doing Fluttershy but you’re not her you’re Dashie!” He blinked, and slowly looked down at himself. Light blue coat. Tacky but admittedly badass rainbow tail. He was Rainbow Dash, alright. There was only one thing he could say to that. “….Oh.” He murmured quietly, feeling a blush light up his cheeks as he averted his gaze. It was a rookie mistake – one he shouldn’t have made. He was better than this. He was a changeling. He was a master of deception. He was…being hugged. Or perhaps strangled. He had never quite been able to tell the difference – all he knew was that, whatever she was doing, the flow of love from her was incredibly, unbelievably strong. And she was warm, and soft. That was nice, too. “Don’t get all pouty,” she whispered in his ear, “I can’t really blame you for forgetting – I mean, you DO turn into ‘Shy a lot. Not as often as Dashie, but you still do it for me. And it’s not like I didn’t give you lots of other things to think about, right? Plus it was like, the funniest thing ever.” He didn’t respond. She wasn’t allowed to cheer him up. He wanted to pout. She might hug him more, if he pouted. “I know what you’re doing.” Her voice was sing-song and teasing as she kissed his nose gently. “You’re pouting so I’ll make kissy faces with you! But…you’re really sad too, huh?” He nodded. Poutily. “Yeah…kinda.” She nuzzled his neck gently, and he felt his heart beat faster. “Don’t be.” Her voice was stern, but gentle and loving. “I don’t mind if you’re not the most perfectest impressionist. I love YOU, not the ponies you turn into.” He kissed her then, feeling her love flow into him like fire in his veins. This continued for some time. He wasn’t really counting – but it was long enough for the sun to set. It would have been longer, but as they paused for breath the door creaked open slowly. “P…Pinkie? Are you here? I…I was wondering if I could –“ Fluttershy stared down at them, eyes wide and mouth agape. “Hi, Fluttershy!” Pinkie said with a wave and a smile. He said nothing. The pegasus’ eyes darted back and forth between them, slow realisation dawning. “…You and…I…um…you and Dash are….oh my. I’m so sorry. I’ll come back another time.” And then she was gone, a blur moving faster than even Pinkie could – and that sweet, melodious laughter filled the air again.