//------------------------------//
// A Friend In Need 
// Story: A Kind and Prosperous Couple 
// by Israel Yabuki 
//------------------------------//

The next day, after most of the classes have been completed, lunch period arrived, but Fluttershy didn't even touch her food even when her stomach growled for its daily meal. She was still pondering about the argument she had with her parents and little brother. All these thoughts filled her mind full. And with her stomach empty and her mind was full, it was hard for her to concentrate on anything else. Of course, this made her friends worry and they couldn't stand to see her in this state.

"Fluttershy, what's the matter? You don't seem like yourself," Sunset asks. "You've hardly touched your food. Did you catch a cold or something?" Fluttershy looks over at her friend, then back at her lunch. "Fluttershy, if there's anything bothering you, you know you can always tell us. We're here for you."

"I'm fine, I just... lost my appetite," Fluttershy replied. Sunset and the girls just looked at each other with concern for their timid and kind friend. They didn't like seeing her looking so down. "If you girls don't mind, I think I'm just gonna go outside for a little bit." Fluttershy grabs her lunch bag and takes it with her outside the cafeteria, leaving her friends to worry about her even more. Israel, who was sitting at a different table, could see that something was troubling Fluttershy.

"Uh guys, 'scuse me, but I gotta go talk to Fluttershy," he said, talking to Soarin and Cheese.

"Ooh, looks like someone's got a bit of a crush on the butterfly girl," Cheese joked, but Israel wasn't laughing at all, not when Fluttershy was looking so down.

"Cheese, I'm being serious," Israel said.

"Relax, buddy. If you want to talk to her, go on and do it. We're not your mom or dad. You do what you think is right, no harm, no foul," Soarin said. Israel nodded and took his lunchbox with him out of the cafeteria to look for his good friend.

"Alright, where did she go?" Israel asked himself. He looked down each end of the hallway. Not knowing where she is, he just takes a wild guess and runs down the hall towards the exit.

Thankfully, he picked the right way and spotted Fluttershy sitting by the broken statue. Israel walks out of the school and towards Fluttershy. The timid animal caretaker didn't seem to notice Israel walking towards until she heard him sitting down right next to him. "Israel? Why aren't you having lunch with your friends, aren't they gonna get mad if you leave?" she asked concerned.

"My buddies are more chill than you might think. I came out here because I was worried about you. Why did you wander off like that?" He asked.

"I just... needed to get some air, that's all," she said, dodging the question. Israel didn't buy it, but he didn't want to be so pushy with her, so he just let it be.

"Well, if you want to talk about it, just let me know, I'm right here," he said.

The two of them soon ate their lunch together. Fluttershy's appetite finally caught up to her and she began eating her meal, quenching her hunger. As she ate, she glanced over at Israel again. She didn't like the way her family wrote him off like that and never gave him the chance. They just don't understand him as much as she might and as much as his own friends do. The fact that he chose to come out here and check up on her says a lot about him, which makes her want to know more about him.

"I-Israel?" Fluttershy asked. "If you don't mind, could you tell me more about yourself?"

"You mean like my whole life story, or just a few simple things about me?" He asked back.

"Just the simple things, like why were you always trying to hide yourself?" She asked.

"Oh, that. It's because I was diagnosed with aspergers when I was 7 years old," he said.

"What? But you look so... normal."

"In my world, the word "normal" doesn't exist. Granted, I do get uncomfortable when I'm around large crowds, hidden secrets I'd rather keep to myself, but I still manage to live a normal life. I've got some good friends, my grades are high, not like Twilight and Sunset, but I manage to keep up. In a way, my autism is sort of like a double-edged sword. It's a blessing and a curse," he explained.

"That's interesting. Also, does it bother you when your hair gets in your eyes?" She asked.

Israel felt the bangs over his left eye while explaining. "Sometimes, yes. But I like long hair. Whenever I see people with long hair, I feel kind of envious. That's why I decided to grow my hair out back in Sophomore year and so far, I haven't cut it ever since."

"Hehe, but you won't be able to find a job if the interviewers can't see your face," she giggled.

"You could be right, but I wouldn't worry too much. I'm planning on having a talk with my homeroom teacher to see if they can arrange a meeting in helping me getting a job. The school program works wonders when you know how to work around it." His optimistic attitude was enough to even make her smile. Then, an idea popped into Fluttershy's head before she reached into her backpack and pulled out her pet bunny, Angel.

"Israel, do you like animals?" She asked.

"Are you kidding me? I love animals," he chuckled. "I even have a pet dog at home."

"Would you like to pet my bunny?" She asked, handing her pet to him.

Israel gently held Angel in his hands. Angel tilted his head, his nose twitching as he was sniffing Israel. "Aww, what a cute little fluff ball. What's the little critter's name?"

"Angel. He's friendly around other people," she said.

"Aww, hi there Angel. You're such a cute little guy," he said, trying not to die from the cuteness. Angel let Israel pet him and then nuzzled under his chin. "Another thing you gotta know about me, I can never get tired of cute things, not one little bit." Meanwhile, as he started stroking Fluttershy's pet bunny's chin, making Angel thump his feet on his lap rapidly, Fluttershy soon felt a slight jolt go off inside her.

She couldn't explain it, but it had something to do with her friend, Israel. For some reason, every time she looked at him, her heart would skip a beat. Before she could panic, she asked, "Umm, I-Israel, could I have my pet bunny back, please?"

"Hmm? Oh sure," he then looked down at the still smiling bunny. "Sorry little guy, but it's time for you to be with your mom now, but I hope to see you again, yes I do." He gave Angel one last gentle hug and then handed him over to Fluttershy, who put him in her backpack. "You sure he'll be able to breathe in there?"

"Sure, I always make sure he has enough space to breathe before I get to class. My animal friends just get so lonely when I'm at school all day," she said.

"My dog always misses me when I go to school, but I could never bring him with me. My mom's got a sharp mind and she might get mad if I brought my dog here. If there's one thing you gotta know about my mom, it's that mama bear can even scare her own cub," he said, shivering. "But other than that, she's a really great mom and she works very hard to provide for the both of us."

"That's so nice of her. She must be exhausted after spending so many days working at... umm... come to think of it, where does your mom work?"

"At the traffic court. She handles processing the payments received from some of the bad drivers and she's a natural at what she does. The only problem is her boss," he explained. "She's constantly taking on tasks that are more than she can handle and when the pressure gets to her, she takes it out on my mom, always trying to keep a watchful eye on her. I tell ya, she's a real pain in the neck. She tells my mom how to do things a certain way and when she does, she throws a fit saying "No, that's not how I showed you!"

"Sounds like she's making life hard on her," Fluttershy said.

"That's not the half of it. Mom's trying to get away from her by working hard to get a promotion and her boss got even more obnoxious by saying "Oh, I'm coming along with you. Isn't it great that we're gonna be together just like we've always been? Mom can only hold onto her composure for so long. So now, mom's given up on the idea of a promotion and plans to get a new job. However, she's keeping her current job so we can keep a roof over our heads and fresh food in our bellies. That's pretty much the gist of what our lives are like, but why don't you tell me more about your family?" he asked.

"I... I'd tell you, but... I'm not sure if now's a good time. Y-You understand right?" Fluttershy asked, which Israel nodded in agreement to her.

"Sure. I understand," he replied. Fluttershy felt slightly guilty in having him talk about his family, but she wants to keep her family a secret. Or in this case, her family being so negative about him. After what felt like forever and having finished their lunches, the 5 minute bell rang. Israel got up and helped Fluttershy get back on her feet and she was grateful for that. "I guess I'll be seeing you soon. If you need anything, let me know, I'll be heading off to class now, so see ya."

"Umm, i-i-if it isn't too much trouble..." she called out. Israel stopped dead in his tracks and turned back, "Would it be, you know, umm... possible if we could... walk home after school?"

"Hmm, I suppose I could do that, where do you live?" he asked. Fluttershy then gave him her address and told him how to get there. "Okay sure, I'll see you later on today." Fluttershy squealed in happiness, making Israel grab a hold of his chest. "Sweet mother almighty, that was so cute!" Fluttershy followed it up with a cute head tilt, then giggled adorably, nearly causing him to have a heart attack. "Okay, you should know by now that I have a soft spot for cute things, right?" He said, regaining his composure.

"Y-You think I'm... cute?" She asked, twiddling her thumbs.

"Yes! Oh sweet lord the cuteness is too much! I... I gotta go before they write me as tardy! See ya later!" Israel panicked as he ran back inside the school. Fluttershy was left to ponder what Israel had said to her and began 2nd guessing about her  As she left to her own class, she quickly felt her cheeks heating up.

"I… I didn't know I was that cute," she said to herself. But even after what Israel said, she still had certain doubts about her natural looks. Fluttershy had trouble with learning to embrace the fact that she just might be just as cute AND beautiful than she thought, maybe even a little bit more. Getting her mind back on track, she entered the school and walked the halls, finally arriving at her class.





A couple more hours of struggling with their remaining classes, the bell finally rang and every student rushed out of the buildings, ready to head home. Most students were either gonna go home and relax, take a nap, or even play video games or watch TV. Only a handful of the hard-working students were planning to get their homework done and catch up on some studying to boost their already good grades.

However, there were still a few of them who stayed at the school grounds, just to talk about random things or even talk about plans for what they'll be doing on the weekend. 

As for the Mane 7, they stayed behind, talking about Fluttershy's current predicament. "You know, Fluttershy, if there's anything that's bothering you, you can always talk to us," Sunset said, comforting her friend. "That's what friends do for each other."

"I know, but I'm not sure how to handle this," Fluttershy said, rubbing her shoulder.

"If you tell us what the problem is, maybe we can lend a hand," Rainbow said. "So come on, what's the matter that's gotten you so bummed out?"

"I… well… you see… oh, there's no way to explain it in minced words. I told my parents about Israel yesterday and they're accusing him of using me when they didn't even give him a chance to prove himself. I'm just not sure how I can make them see that he's not all that bad of a guy, I'm just stumped," Fluttershy explained.

"So, that's it, huh?" Applejack asked. 

"Maybe there's a way for you to talk them out of it, like maybe invite him over to your house with your family for a nice dinner one day. And maybe invite his parents, too, so they'll know you're telling the truth about him being a very nice guy," Sunset said. "I'm sure this little get-together will help resolve the matter and end this silly feud between them and Israel."

"I hope you're right, Sunset," Fluttershy said.

"Anyways, if you need us, we're gonna be heading home ourselves. I've got a sweet date with my bed and pillow and I don't wanna keep 'em waiting," Rainbow said, stretching her arms and body.

"And I've got get to Sugar Cafe as soon as possible. My boss is expecting me to put in an extra hour since one of the girls called in sick," Pinkie said before zooming off in the blink of an eye.

"We're gonna get going, too. Twilight and I are gonna do some studying at my house," Sunset said, taking her girlfriend by the hand, "You do what you gotta do, Fluttershy."

"I will… thanks, girls," Fluttershy replied.

"And Ah gotta git home to harvest some apples, as usual," AJ said.

"I'd better get back home and get to work with my homework as soon as possible so I can finish my latest line of ensembles before the week is done," Rarity said as she and AJ went their separate ways. Now Fluttershy was left at the front of the school entrance, waiting for Israel to show up and walk her home.

Speaking of which, she could see Israel walking out of the school right now with his two best buddies by his sides, Cheese and Soarin. He seemed to be chatting with them about something. His two friends then noticed Fluttershy and had huge grins on their faces making Israel looking confused at them. They turned him around to show him exactly what they were grinning about. Jokingly, they pushed him forward and yelled at him for the entire area to hear “Go get her tiger!” They laughed and headed off to their homes.  

"Oh ha-ha, really funny, guys," Israel said. He shook his head and approached Fluttershy. "I didn't keep you waiting too long. Did I?"

“Don’t worry, you didn’t Israel.” Fluttershy assured him. “My friends only left a few minutes ago.”

"I see. Well, let's get you back home, shall we?" he asked.

“O… okay.” The two friends left Canterlot High together. Fluttershy figured that maybe she could liven the mood by striking up a conversation. "Your friends sure have a sense of humor."

"That's one of the joys of having buds by your side. I'd say your friends tend to bring lots of joy in your life, too, from what I can tell.” 

Fluttershy giggled, “Yes, that’s true. Especially Pinkie Pie. She always knows how to bring a smile to my face. Even when I have a bad day sometimes.” 

"Something tells me she'll get along well with Cheese. He's always got a pretty good idea on how to make everyone smile. He loves to party a lot, too."

“Really?” Fluttershy asked intrigued “Pinkie also loves to party… a lot… well maybe a little too much. But I think she and Cheese would get along too.”

"Who knows, maybe one of these days, they'll plan a sweet party at the school one d-- wait a minute, there are a couple of parties I'm sure they'll love to prepare!"

“Hmm, maybe Cheese can join ‘The Party Planning Committee’ at school.” Fluttershy suggested. “They organize all the festivities at Canterlot High. That might be a good start for him and I’m sure Pinkie and Cheese would be a great team together.”

"I'll definitely recommend it to him. By the way, do your friends tease you about me the way mine do?"

Fluttershy shook her head. “No, they only told me that you’re a sweet guy and that you’re a really fun guy to have around with them.” She then frowned a little. “Unlike previous year, things were hard for me and all my friends when we turned against each other.”

"How come? What made the previous years so hard for you?"

Twirling her fingers, Fluttershy thought if this a good time to talk about it or not. She barely met him just yesterday, but something tells her that she can trust him. Getting her confidence back, she decided to tell a part of what happened in her previous year. Since it might be a little overwhelming and he might not believe it if she tells him everything.

Fluttershy sighed, “I was… bullied by Sunset Shimmer and she was the reason that me and my friends broke up. I was on my own for a few months.” She looked down at the ground. “Those were not pleasant memories.” 

"What? She got to you and your friends, too? Here, I thought everyone else had it bad in their previous years, but this is quite the news. I just don't get why she acted this way."

“When she came first to Canterlot High, she was nothing but a sweet innocent girl.” Fluttershy explained. “But, as time moved on she won the crowns of all the Fall Formals and the Spring Flings. She became more and more popular that it got to her head. She felt like she could rule the school. Until Twilight came along.”

"Really? I thought she didn't enroll into CHS until the Friendship Games."

Fluttershy blinked at him. “Oh, right. I haven’t told you about the ‘other Twilight’. Well there was another Twilight that came here the previous year. She looks similar to the Twilight you’ve met. Except the Twilight I’m talking about is from…. An alternate world.” 

"An alternate world, eh? Hmm… you know, after seeing Sunset turn into that raging she-demon, that would explain why you and the girls started floating in the air like that during the Fall Formal last year."

“Y- you’ve seen that?” Fluttershy was surprised at this.

"I almost got turned into one of those zombified teens that year, but I hid in the school because I didn't want to get involved or get hurt."

“Then I’m happy that nothing bad happened to you.” Fluttershy said in relief. “Then you might already know that Sunset is also from that Alternate world?”

"Oh, that explains why she knows the other Twilight so well."

“After me and my friends defeated her, she saw the error of her ways. She was so heartbroken of all the things she did to everyone here at school.” Fluttershy said. “So, Twilight asked us to help her in setting things right and in the end it paid off. Sunset became one of our closest friends and I am very proud of her.”

"That's certainly some real good news. I could tell she changed her ways back then when I found this little letter in my locker from her. To this day, I still have it with me and I memorized it exactly. It said "To Israel, I was wrong to question your existence like that. I was wrong to bully you like I did with everyone else, so I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me." And you know, coming from a forgiving family has its benefits for me and her."

"I see. Oh, look, we're here!" Fluttershy said, pointing at her house just a short ways away. Israel and Fluttershy walked together to the front door. Gently, Fluttershy knocked three times and waited for someone to open it. 

Moments later, the door opened and out came Fluttershy's younger brother, Zephyr Breeze. "Nice to see you made it home safe and sound big sis--" he said before he saw Israel standing next to her. “Now, who are you?” He pointed over at Israel rather accusingly. “Are you that boy that’s after my Big sis?”  

“Zephyr!” Fluttershy intervened.

"What? I'm just making sure you're not hurt. You might be my big sis, but a little bro's gotta look after you, too," Zephyr said.

"So, you're Fluttershy's brother, huh? Nice to meet you, I'm Israel," he said, extending his hand out for a nice and, friendly handshake, but Zephyr didn't return his nice greeting.

"Oh, so you're Israel," Zephyr said. "Yo, ma, pa, come on out here! Big sis brought that boy she told you about!" he called out.

It became apparent that he wasn't getting a handshake, so Israel put his hand down. "Is he usually like this?"

Fluttershy sighed. “I’m afraid so. He can be overprotective with me whenever I'm around guys."

“Maybe it’s better I leave?” Israel suggested. “Since you’re brother doesn’t seem to like me all that much.”

At that moment, Fluttershy’s parents arrived at the front door. “Son, what’s all this commotion?” Mr. Shy asked before spotting Fluttershy and Israel. “Oh…”

“Dear, what’s the matter? You’ve become so quiet all of a sudden.” Mrs Shy said and she then noticed the two as well.

“Mom, dad… Zephyr. I want you all to meet my friend, Israel.”

"Hello, everyone. Pleased to meet you," he said, going for another handshake. However, even her parents were hesitant with shaking his hand, so retracted it once more. "Okay, I can see you don't fully trust me yet."

"Fluttershy, dear. Why don't you come inside now?" Mr. Shy said, avoiding eye contact, but keeping a smile.

"Mom, dad, he's trying to be nice by introducing himself! The least you can do is show a little more interest and respect for him, too," Fluttershy said, disappointed.

"It's alright, Fluttershy. I'm just gonna head home now. You all have a nice evening," Israel said before turning and heading the other direction. But then…

"Wait, Israel!" Fluttershy called out. Israel turned around to face Fluttershy and her family. "I hope you don't mind, but… would it be alright if you would… join my family for dinner one of these days? You can even bring your mom, too."

"What? There's no way my big sis can be serious about this!" Zephyr said, shocked.

Fluttershy stared at her little brother with a rather peeved look, making Zephyr chuckle nervously. “Uhm, if you think that’s a good idea then fine by me, sis eheheh.”

Mrs and Mr Shy had shared a doubtful look but they decided to at least try, maybe their daughter was right. “I guess one dinner at our home could be a good idea.” Mrs Shy then said. 

“If you think it’s a good idea dear then I’m going along with it.” Mr Shy replied. “One dinner with Fluttershy’s new friend and family might be… interesting.”

Fluttershy’s lips curled up a little at hearing her parents words. “Thank you mom and dad.” She then looked back at Israel. “What do you think? Want to join me and my family at dinner one of these days?”
 
Scratching the back of his head, Israel had some doubts about this. He tried to make a first good impression at Fluttershy’s parents and her younger brother and they almost instantly disapproved of him hanging around their daughter. But seeing that cute looking face of Fluttershy, how could he possibly say no to her?

“Alright, a dinner with your family sounds really nice.” Israel then said. "I'll let my mom know about this, too. I'll be seeing you soon, Fluttershy." So, by waving goodbye, he jogged back to his house.

Fluttershy happily waved back, little did she realize that her cheeks were starting to turn red.

“Sis, if you keep blushing, your head will turn into a tomato.” Zephyr teased, leaning against the door. 

“Zephyr, please, just get inside and let me have this moment.” Fluttershy said in a peeved tone. 

“Oh fine!” He pouted and headed back inside with Mrs and Mr Shy following him.