//------------------------------// // Midnight Blue // Story: The Diary of Discord Wimp // by ThePianoMan //------------------------------// “...taking pleasure in the fragrant brilliance…” -Thomas Sunlight spilled into the window of Discord’s room in the calm quiet morning. The draconequus did not russel his sheets. His dreams were filled with warmth and adventure along with images of a certain pink maned pegasus. The dream soon faded with his sleep, his eyes opening up to the still air and the smell of waffles and other sugary confections. Rolling his head towards the floor, he noted the sleeping bag and pile of blankets that protected his friend, his brother, Spike the dragon. “It’s morning!” Leaping from his covers, he rushed to the dragon’s side to wake him from his slumber. “Spike! It’s Hearth’s Warming!” “Ugh.” Spike rolled over and muttered into his pillow. “Isn’t it tomorrow?” “It is tomorrow already!” Discord peeled back the blankets and dragged Spike half way out into the hallway, still in the sleeping bag. Spike finally sniffed the air, which made his eyes grow. “Food? Why didn’t you open up with food?” The two rushed down the hall to be greeted by the warm glow of decorations and lights surrounding a humble mound of brightly wrapped gifts. In the kitchen, piles of waffles and decorated cookies were set about along with a tired looking Redheart and Andee who had been up all night getting things ready. “Morning boys.” Andee raised a mug of steaming black morning fuel. “Sleep well?” “Happy Hearth’s Warming!” Redheart took a seat next to Andee. “Breakfast first. Then presents.” Breakfast went fast as Discord and Spike were eager to exchange and unwrap their presents. Wrapping paper quickly littered the livingroom floor. Discord marveled at the unpainted scale model of the Flash Magnus hover carriage. Spike cheered for his new O&O game master screen and maps. Both tossed school supplies off to the side, and they practically dragged Redheart and Andee into the living room to give them their presents. “Here Andee, this is from both me and Spike.” Discord handed off the rattling box to Andee. Andee tilted the box left and right to try and listen for the identity of the gift. Finally unwrapping it, he smiled. “A new tool set. Thank you boys, you didn’t have to get this for me. How’d you afford it?” Spike shrugged his shoulders. “We saved up money from mowing lawns. It took both our savings. But, I told Discord about how you burn through some of your tools. I hope you like it.” “I love it. Thank you.” Andee popped open the box and smiled as he inspected each tool. “Redheart.” Spike offered up a gift to the pony. Discord offered her one too. “Mom.” Redheart unwrapped her son’s gift first. “Oh, Discord.” She gushed over the “best mom” mug that she pulled from the wrapping paper. “It’s true. Thank you.” Moving on, she opened Spike’s gift. “Uh-huh.” Redheart laughed as she looked at the new in the packaged bedsheets. “This makes up nicely for the cape incident.” Spike chuckled nervously. “On my honor, no more fire in the Redheart household.” Andee walked off and returned with a small wrapped box. “Miss Redheart. For you.” “Andee, you didn’t have to buy me anything.” Redheart shook her head as she looked at the box. Andee shrugged. “I didn’t buy you anything. I made it.” Redheart tore open the wrapping paper and opened the box. “Andee. You-?” She raised from the box, a thin gold chain that held a pendant of a cross with a little red heart indented in the center of it. “You made this?” “Yeah.” Andee chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his neck. “I save certain circuit boards and harvest the gold from them. I had to ask Discord what to make it into, I wasn’t really sure what you’d like. He told me how much you love your work as a nurse, and your name is Redheart, so there it is.” Discord smiled at his mother’s speechlessness as Andee helped her try it on. Looking to Spike he secretly gave him a little fist bump out of sight from Redheart and Andee. “It’s beautiful. I love it.” Redheart slouched as she continued to admire the little gold pendant. “I feel silly now.” She pulled out a manilla folder that was tied up in a bow. “I can’t top your gift, I’m sorry.” Andee took the manilla folder and opened it up. “These are-.” His eyes widened at the listings houses and apartments. “You-.” Andee smiled uncontrollably when he saw each of the prices. “How did you find these?” “Friends.” Redheart responded. “I talked to my brother and he got in touch with his company. They got in touch with the realtors they deal with. It all just came together. I knew you and Spike were looking for a home, and I couldn’t stand the thought of the two of you staying at a motel forever. Look.” She flipped to a page. “There’s also this house. The owner, his name is Gallop. He and his wife have two rooms they’re renting out, and it’s right across the street.” Andee gripped onto the page Redheart had pointed out. “You have no idea how much this means to me. This is perhaps one of the best Hearth’s Warming gifts I’ve ever seen.” Discord noticed Spike had gone quiet. Lookin, he saw the dragon’s face had gone stoic as he stared off into some distant place, some other time. Discord whispered to him. “Hey, what’s up?” Spike’s mouth began to curl into a smile. Reaching up, he brushed a tear away. “I haven’t heard him say that since I was little, when my mom was still around.” Discord looked back at Andee and Redheart in time to see them embrace. It was only for a moment, but it was as if time had slowed down. He wanted to remember this very moment, forever. Thinking about it, he wondered if he could ever stop time with his powers. This moment, he believed was worth saving if he could. The only thing missing was Fluttershy. Yes, he thought. If she were here, this would be perfect. ***** “See, I told you we’d make it in time.” Andee engaged the parking brake on his autocar and unbuckled his seat belt. “Who’s ready for too much sugar and no sleep?” Discord and Spike both piled out of the autocar and zoomed straight up to the school gymnasium, straightening their ties and jackets as they went. The high school was putting on one of it’s newer events that had been going on for three years. The school’s Hearth’s Warming dance had earned enough votes from students to remain in place this year. Though, due to the recent budget cuts the school was facing, it was up to the students and their parents to pull it all together. Redheart had volunteered to be one of the nurses on deck in case of injuries, and Andee had volunteered to be another chaperone and back up tech for the pony running the music. Discord and Spike bought their tickets, got inside and hunted for their friends in the packed crowd. The light was low, allowing projections of blue and white snowflakes to be seen as they bounced around the gymnasium. Tissue paper chains and lights were strung up all around over student painted renditions of the first flag of Equestria. In two corners on either side of the stage area, two trees had been set in place, wrapped in lights and decorated. “Happy Hearth’s Warming guys!” Discord and Spike almost tackled Rainbow before they looked at her. “Woah.” Discord fumbled with his words. “You-.” Spike cocked his head. “Are you wearing a dress?” Rainbow snorted. “Yes. What? I’m a girl. I can rock a dress.” Spike smirked. “A girl?” “Really?” Discord clapped his face with fake surprise. “We had no idea?” “Honestly,” Spike added as he fell into laughter. “I’m shocked.” “Eh!” Rainbow tried not to laugh as she threatened them both with her hooves. “I oughta slug you.” Twilight came up to them all. “I think it’s very becoming of you, Rainbow Dash.” She straightened her new cat eye framed glasses. “Hello, Spike. Discord.” Discord nodded to Twilight. “How you holding up?” “Better.” Twilight took in a slow and shaky breath. “I still haven’t figured out what’s going on with the elements of harmony and why only some of them-.” Twilight looked at Rainbow. “Wait, are you wearing one of the elements?” Rainbow tapped on the lightning bolt gem that was now affixed to a gold band. “Yeah. I was helping my dad with something and it sort of just had this neck thingy after that. I thought it would go good with the dress.” Twilight’s eye twitched. “You wore an ancient priceless artifact to a dance because you thought it would look good with your dress?” Spike smirked as he held his laughter back. "Rainbow Dash really is a girl." Rainbow hummed as she avoided Twilight's glare. “Well, when you put it like that… It does sound kinda bad.” A voice piped up as it approached. “Oh, dear. I’m sorry. I guess I did it too.” Discord turned until his eyes were glued on the figure approaching. “Fluttershy. You look beautiful.” He stared awhile at her white and green dress, the element around her neck, and fought to speak past his nerves. “Happy Hearth’s Warming.” “Oh, happy Heart’s Warming.” Fluttershy smiled as she sidled up to Discord. Twilight groaned. “Fine.” A spark from her horn brought the other elements of harmony in front of her. “Excuse me, I’m just going to dip these in holiday punch, because science.” Rainbow stopped Twilight before she could walk off. “Hey, listen. We’ll take good care of the elements. Don’t worry, just enjoy yourself.” “You’re right. I’m sorry everyone.” Twilight placed the element in the purse at her side. “This time of year just gets especially hard without my brother.” “It’s okay. We understand.” Spike lifted Twilight’s chin up a little higher. “We’re here with you. And you know what, how about you and I go to the library to study about the elements. A second pair of eyes couldn’t hurt. And besides, with how great your magic is, I know you’ll get to the bottom of it.” “Thanks Spike.” Before Twilight could say anything else, she popped her purse open and winced at the flash of light. “What?” She pulled out the element that matched her mark, only now it was fitted to a gold tiara. “Fascinating.” “Here.” Spike set the tiara with the element on Twilight’s head before bowing. “Your majesty. I, Sparky Buckaroo, am at your service.” Twilight managed to crack a smile. “I guess if they’ve been around for a thousand years, one dance won’t ruin them.” “That’s right.” Rainbow nodded. “Hey, who wants to go get punch?” “Aye!” Spike saluted. He joined Rainbow along with Fluttershy. Discord was about to go to until he heard something behind one of the decorated trees. “Psst.” “Hm?” Discord looked at the tree. “Psst.” Jumping back, Discord almost tripped over Twilight who already had her sonic disruptor at the ready and on. The tree did nothing. “Psst. Discord.” Looking around the tree, Discord squinted at the white filly hiding in the dark. “Rarity? What are you doing back there?” Rarity frowned. “Please. I need to talk to you. Spike won’t talk to me.” “And for good reason.” Twilight snapped. “Please.” Rarity shook her head. “I’m trying to make things right, but Spike won’t listen. You’re his friend. You can talk to him. Please.” Discord motioned for Twilight to stay behind while he circled around behind the tree. “Okay, Rarity. After lying about your relationship and ultimately breaking my friend’s heart, how can I be of service?” Rarity shrunk at Discord's cross tone. “I’m so sorry, and you can never begin to understand how sorry I am. I didn’t mean to hurt him. But when he asked me out, I didn’t see any other way for us to hang out.” Discord blinked. “Hang out? Like, friends?” “Yes. I wanted to be his friend. I wanted a new friend, someone who wasn’t so full of hot air like the other fillies I hang out with. While I admit their taste in fashion is something to be admired, their character is nothing short of rude, arrogant, and-” “Woah, woah, woah.” Discord gestured for Rarity to be quiet. “Time out. What does your friends and dating him have to do with being his friend?” “My friends, if you can call them that, are rather judgemental about who they associate with. They prefer things that are in. And being friends with a dragon is not in in their book. That’s why I had that magazine you tore up. I only purchased the darn thing to convince them it was in to be around dragons. I was going to ask Spike out, but he asked me first. And, he was just so happy being my boyfriend that I could never find it in my heart to tell him otherwise.” Discord felt his body loosen up. “Then he found the magazine.” “Yes.” Rarity scraped at the gymnasium floor. “I still want to be friends with him. I did enjoy the time we spent together. Between all the lunches and dinners we shared, and he was such a romantic as well.” Discord coughed as he made air quotes. “Friends?” “Oh.” Rarity frowned. “I know. That’s how I seem to come off to others. I’m not sorry about it either. I just love everything this world has to offer. There’s too little of time to not be passionate about life. I do mean what I said as a compliment to Spike. He is a romantic, and I know that someday, he'll make someone really happy.” Turning, she pushed a wrapped box forward. “I counted the money Spike spent on our dates. This is worth every bit he ever spent, and then some. You don’t have to tell him it was me. Really, I just hope you can forgive me for breaking his heart. And maybe, in time, Spike can forgive me too.” Discord picked up the box. Any anger that he had saved for seeing Rarity again simply died. “This is really generous of you.” Before he could say anything else, he saw Twilight abruptly compare an element to Rarity. “Twilight? What’s up?” “I was listening when this happened.” Twilight held up a purple diamond shaped element with a gold band and looked at Rarity. “You? Really-!” She stopped. “Wait. Discord, what did you say to her just a second ago?” Discord shot a nervous glance between Rarity and Twilight. “That her gift was generous.” Twilight’s eyes grew. “Quick! Describe Rainbow Dash in one word.” “Loyal.” Discord Shrugged. “Fluttershy.” Twilight demanded. Discord smiled. “Kind.” A happy grin spread on Twilight’s face. “Right. And me?” Discord pointed to Twilight’s horn. “Magic?” “Fascinating.” Twilight hummed to herself as she turned to Rarity and passed the element to her. “I take back every mean thing I ever said about you. This is an element of harmony, it’s over a thousand years old and has the potential of possibly saving the world. Hold on to it, please. We’ll stay in touch.” She turned to Discord. “I have to go. Tell Spike I’ll explain everything tomorrow.” “Got it.” Discord saluted as Twilight took off. Rarity stared at the element. “Should I be concerned about this?” Discord thought for a moment. “No. But, do you really care about Spike?” “Yes.” Her response was quick. “I do.” “Okay.” Discord nodded. “Next weekend, meet me by the park with the willow tree near Spike’s old house. I’ll get this gift to Spike and try to talk to him.” Rarity opened her mouth to say one thing, but then decided on something else. “Thank you. I’ll see you then.” “And Rarity,” Discord let out a long sigh before speaking, “if those fillies were really your friends, they wouldn’t care who you liked to be around. They should care if you’re happy.” “I suppose you’re right.” Rarity nodded. “Spike cared.” Discord watched as Rarity placed the element around her neck before she rejoined the crowded gymnasium. He decided it was his turn to do so as well. Finding the spot where all his friends were, he rejoined them with Spike’s gift in tow. “Hey guys.” Rainbow cheered. “Woo hoo, is that for me?” “No.” Discord smiled as he handed the gift off to Spike. “It’s for you. No idea who it’s from.” “Woah.” Spike tore past the wrapping paper and let his mouth drop at the sight. “The newest Game Master Guide, the Creature Index, Weapons and Artifacts, and Starswirl’s Guide To Everything!” He traced his claws over the O&O logos, still in disbelief. Tearing back more of the wrapping paper, his head just about fell off his shoulders at the sight of dozens of painted pewter miniatures. “By the sisters! Discord, you’re broke. There’s no way you bought this.” “You’re right. I didn’t.” Discord saw Rarity across the gymnasium and smiled at her. Spike gathered it all up. “I gotta get this to my dad so he can put it away in his autocar.” He was followed by Rainbow who kept pestering him along the way to let her look at the Weapons and Artifacts book. Looking to Fluttershy, Discord smiled. “Looks like it’s just you and me. Did you get my present in your front yard?” “I did. Thank you so much.” Fluttershy smiled. “The flowers were lovely.” “Did I spell Happy Hearth’s Warming right? That’d be pretty embarrassing if I spelled it wrong. It’s hard to write with flowers” Discord laughed as he looked out at the crowd. “I was worried my magic wouldn’t hold until morning.” Looking out he saw Big Mac dancing with a filly he recognized from his class, Sugarbelle. The two of them looked so happy. “Discord?” Fluttershy brushed the lapels of his jacket. “Are you alright?” Discord lowered his face and kissed Fluttershy. “Yeah. I’m just thinking about everything.” “What are you thinking about?” Fluttershy asked. “The next school semester.” Discord sighed. “You’re a senior, remember? And I’m a junior.” Fluttershy shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t see what you’re getting at.” “You’ll be graduating. And I’ll still be in school for another year.” Discord stroked Fluttershy’s mane, getting lost it how smooth it was. Looking into her eyes, he began to see some reflection of what he was feeling. “Discord.” The sternness in Fluttershy’s voice surprised him. “It’s just a year. We’ll be okay. I’ll still be volunteering at the downtown animal shelter for at least eight months before college.” “Fluttershy, I love you.” Discord huffed. Fluttershy smiled. “You say that like I don’t know.” “I’m being serious.” Fluttershy’s smile faltered. “Is that what you’re really worried about?” “It’s part of it.” Discord’s breath became shaky. “The comic book we were in. I think it was meant to be a trap. I mean, don’t you think it’s odd that my mom would just so happen to find and enchanted comic book of the same series I follow? What are the odds of that? It had to have been a trap, but we got out. Who’s to say another trap won’t be laid for us?” Fluttershy nodded. “You’re probably right. But, Discord. You and I know that fear is also a trap. We set it for ourselves. Let’s not worry tonight. Let’s just be happy we have each other.” She pulled out a small wrapped gift. “Let’s just enjoy Hearth’s Warming.” Discord smiled and nodded as Fluttershy gave him the gift. Unwrapping it he found a red bandana. “Thank you, Fluttershy.” Looking closer, he noticed it wasn’t quite just a piece of fabric. The threads were not as tight as manufactured fabric. The edges were sewn by hoof. The black paisley patterns were as well. “Did you make this from scratch?” “Mm-hm.” Fluttershy smiled. “Big Mac and his little sister showed me how to weave fabric, and their mother helped me put in the patterns. I overheard some of the other students making fun of your collar. I didn’t know if you wanted a way to cover it up, at least until you feel comfortable controlling your magic with your collar off.” Discord reached down, undid his neck tie, and tied the bandana around his neck over his collar. “I’d wear it regardless of the collar. Beside’s, it’s really cool. I should get myself an old west hat to complete the look.” “It really brings out your eyes.” Fluttershy hummed. Discord tossed his necktie into the crowd of dancing students. He looked once more across the gymnasium to spot his friends. He saw Rainbow and Spike had returned to the dance floor, swinging and stepping along side Big Mac and Sugarbelle. He found Twilight, who he thought had left, but she seemed to be occupied by the colt he knew as Flash Sentry. Discord could tell he was complimenting Twilight’s tiara. “Should we dance?” Fluttershy asked. Discord shrugged. “It’s not time, yet. My song request hasn’t come through.” He smiled at Fluttershy’s confusion until the current music faded away and a new song began. Looking back to the crowd he watched as students meekly asked one another to join each other for the slower dance. Discord smiled at Big Mac and Sugarbelle. He laughed as Rainbow nervously accepted an equally nervous blue pegasus’s request to dance. Spike wandered over to the wall up to a particular grey griffon. Discord recognised her. Gabby, Spike’s senior buddy. She was all by herself until Spike asked her to dance with him. “Discord.” Fluttershy listened to the music. “This is from the music tape I made for you.” “It sure is.” Discord offered his paw out to her. “Are you ready for part two of your Hearth’s Warming present?” Fluttershy blinked. “Part two?” She rested her hoof in his paw. Focusing, Discord closed his eyes as he readied a snap. Warm and cool air slowly swirled around them before they were enveloped in light. The music grew around them as they were transported to another realm. Fluttershy marveled at the tunnel of grass and trees that wrapped over itself and flowed like oil in water. At one end of the tunnel was two suns, and at the other end was a moon with two crossed rings. Fish-like furry creatures swam through the flowing grass that parted here and there to reveal rainbows of stars that contrasted against planet sized bioluminescent butterflies. Fluttershy noticed too that they were floating as swarms of tiny origami foil pegasi danced around them, echoing the music from the gymnasium. “Discord, this is beautiful!” Discord twirled Fluttershy in the air. “I’m glad you like it. It took me a few teleports to find this place. Then I had to practice getting back here and figure out how to bring the music with us.” “Where is here?” Fluttershy asked as she flew out of the twirl and hovered low to watch the animals swimming through the grass. Discord explained. “Technically we’re still in the school gymnasium. This is just a place between it and anywhere you want to go.” Fluttershy giggled as one of the animals leapt from the grass and kissed her nose before diving back into the stars. “How long can we stay here?” “As long as you like.” Discord floated over to Fluttershy and pulled her in close. “May I have this dance?” “Yes.” Fluttershy kissed him. “You most certainly may.” She yelped and laughed as Discord drew her into a spin as they dove in and around the grass. They floated and danced like that, for as long as they were willing, and their will seemed without end on that night. Between two suns and a ring crossed moon, Discord and Fluttershy danced through the night until time was lost to them. And when their dance had ended, they floated there in each others company, embracing one another and dreaming of a bold future full of love and sincere friendship. Discord stared into Fluttershy’s eyes, his heart beating faster than he could keep track of. “Fluttershy?” Fluttershy smiled as she pressed her face next to his. “Yes?” Discord felt fear rising in his heart, but before it overtook him, he managed to whisper to Fluttershy: “Will you marry me?”