//------------------------------// // Not Ready // Story: Two Nymphs, One Pony // by CitreneSkys //------------------------------// “Thorax...Pharynx...I want to talk to you.” Both nymphs were caught off guard when they heard Fluttershy’s door creak. Cyan and violet eyes turned to stare at her, and she could feel a slight nervousness in the air. “Um...you aren’t sending us away...are you?” “What!?” The winged mare jaw dropped. “Why would you think that?” “Oh...um...about the situation with your rabbit-“ “No no! That’s not at all what I was going to talk about. I’ve talked to Angel already, but you two are still welcome to stay here as long as you need to, got it?” Thorax nodded, lifting his head off of his brother’s back. Pharynx was still faced towards the window, it didn’t look like he had moved an inch. Increasing worry channeled through her head, but she shook her head. Her wings fidgeted at her sides as she took a deep breath. “I...may or may not have invited five other ponies over to my cottage...” That got both of their attention. Thorax flattened his ears, eyes widening as he chirped nervously. Pharynx snapped his neck around, growling towards her. “Um... not today though. In two days, my friends are coming over...and they are hoping to meet you guys so...” “Oh...um...sure...I guess,” Thorax whispered. Fluttershy looked at the ground, kicking her hooves, sighing. “I can cancel it if you guys want...if you are uncomfortable with it-“ Both nymphs became quiet. Pharynx frowned, curling into his blanket. His translucent purple wings buzzed with annoyance, while Thorax’s buzzed nervously. “Um...they can come over if you want...” he clicked, his cyan eyes shinning in the dimly lit room. “I mean...it’s your home...your rules...” She placed a hoof on the young changeling’s shoulder, her teal eyes gazing sympathetically. “I need to know if you guys are one-hundred percent okay with this.” Thorax bit his lip, looking away. “Are your friends...nice...?” “For the most part, yes. Rainbow’s a bit brash, but that’s about it.” Thorax peered over towards the older nymph, who was still hidden amongst the blankets. Slowly, Pharynx uncovered himself, violet eyes bright in the dark. He shook his head, his fangs bared. Thorax shrugged in an apologetic manner, but Fluttershy nodded. “I understand your discomfort, I’ll go talk to my friends. I’m sure they’ll understand.” Walking into town, she looked over to Sugarcube Corner. The girls should be there for brunch if I remember correctly. The winged pegasus had turned down the offer the week before, saying she’d have too much on her plate that day to do so. Here she was, about to go to said brunch, even with everything being busy. Hurrying to finish cleaning the chicken coop and Harry’s cave was a hassle, but she managed to do so in record time. The bell jingled as she opened the door into the bakery. Instantly, a wave of freshly baked goods and frosting filled her nose, a bit too strong for her liking. Sitting at a rounded table, five mates turned to look at the door. Each one bore a surprised expression seeing the yellow feathered pegasus in the doorway. Pinkie sprang up to from her seat, waving at her. “Hey, Fluttershy! Thought you said you couldn’t make it.” The pegasus returned the smile. “I managed to get everything done pretty quickly, so I thought I’d stopped by.” “Well, darling, don’t just stand there! Come sit with us,” Rarity gestured towards an empty seat beside her, and Fluttershy gratefully nodded. “Thanks, girls...” Seating herself next the Rarity, Fluttershy perked up in the conversation. “Anyways, I do need you girls over at the Boutique next Thursday for another fitting session.” “Got it, right,” Rainbow grumble, chewing her pancakes. “So, Flutz, Twi, anything ‘bout those changeling you mentioned yesterday.” “I’ll have you know I did see them,” Twilight voice ticked, as if she was getting tired of Rainbow’s skepticism. “Actually...um...I want to talk about it...” Fluttershy whispered. The winged mare shrunk under the eyes that laid onto her, but shook her head, taking deep breaths. “I know I said you guys can meet Thorax and Pharynx but...I talked to them about it yesterday and they don’t like the idea.” She shook her head. “I think we are going to have to cancel it. Until they are ready at least.” Applejack nodded, dipping her hat. “Alright, sugarcube. Sorry for makin’ them changelings uncomfortable.” “Oh, it’s not your fault! Maybe give them a week or two, I’m sure they’ll come out of their shells eventually. Right now, though, just give them some space.” “Aw...that means I can’t through a welcome party, can I?” Pinkie pouted, shaking her puffy mane. The yellow pegasus giggled, her wings fidgeted at her sides. “Maybe later, Pinkie.” “So we won’t get confirmation until a few weeks from now?” Rainbow asked, still handing some skepticism in her eyes. “I dunno Fluttershy seems a little too-“ “Don’t start,” Fluttershy sighed, casting a hard stare onto the brash pegasus. Rainbow yelped, smiling nervously. “Do whatever they need first, darling,” Rarity smiled. “We can wait.” “Thank you, girls,” Fluttershy sighed, smiling. She jumped when she felt ahead tap her shoulder, and she turned around to see Pinkie at her side. “C’mon, silly! It’s brunch, eat!” Pinkie pulled a plate out of her mane, letting it clatter on the table. Out of thin air, she also pulled out a daisy sandwich. “Oh, thank you, Pinkie!” Biting into the sandwich, she enjoyed rest of the brunch session.