How long have I been in bed? Ten minutes? An hour? Who cares. I don't feel like doing anything right now. A knock from downstairs, that's odd.
(Narrators POV)
“Oh of course! She's right upstairs.” Mrs Cake calls from downstairs, concern lacing her voice. Small footsteps grow closer to the room, each one cautiously placed.
“Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy nervously called out from behind the door.
Pinkie didn't shift or bother to call out.
“I-I saw you running today, I was worried.” From outside the Pegasus leant her head up against the door. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Thank you.” Pinkie whispered, barely audible.
Fluttershy gave a little smile, calling out softly. “Can I come in?”
Pinkie sniffled, lifting her head up. “Okay.” Came another short whisper.
Fluttershy slowly pushed open the door, her head peeking around the door knob. She was more cautious than ever, it was hardly noticeable, but there was definitely change. Her fear filled eyes were met with wet ones, the smile wiping off her face.
“Are you okay?”
Pinkie pie shook her head slowly, face to the ground.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Fluttershy gently stepped across the room, assuring herself there was no danger every step. It's how she always moved now.
Pinkie Pie shook her head again, adjusting on the bed. “Do you think...” Her head dipped even lower as she gave a short sniff. “Can you sit with me? Please?”
Fluttershy nodded, trotting over to the side of the bed. After taking a moment to scan it, she pulled herself up, placing one of her wings around Pinkie and nuzzling into her chest. “I can stay here all night.”
Pinkie Pie's lips curved upwards, ever so slightly, and there was just a hint of a sparkle in her eyes. It wasn't happiness, but he wasn't lonely any more.
Pinkie laughed, unconvincingly and quietly. It wasn't one of genuine happiness, rather something flat and bland to cover up what she was really feeling. “You know, I thought I would have stopped by now.”
“Stopped what?” Fluttershy asked, bending her head upwards.
“The element of laughter only has so many tears to give Fluttershy. I don't think I can cry any more if I wanted to. Isn't that strange?” Another fake laugh.
“You're so strong Pinkie, always giving. But that's enough for now, okay? You don't need to hide any more.”
Pinkie Pie bit her lip, hiding the way it was trembling. Her gaze drifted down from the ceiling, back to Fluttershy's eyes. They were warm, inviting... not a look you get from many ponies. And then, she glanced down. Fluttershy was smiling.
“Ohh Fluttershy...” Pinkie buried her head again, crying without any tears falling. The two stayed there. No words needed to be spoken; they both could read each other like a book right now. Words would only get in the way.
They stayed like that, long into the night and onto the next morning.
–
The two mares woke up in each other's hooves, having sat up all night and sleeping early morning. Fluttershy guessed it was around 10am, which meant she had to get back to her animals.
“Fluttershy...?” Pinkie asked drowsily, Fluttershy slipping out of bed.
“You get more sleep, I have some duties. Sleep well.” Fluttershy turned around, Pinkie grabbing her tail. Fluttershy squeaked and nearly jumped out of her skin. (More nervous than usual, remember?)
“Don't leave me alone!” Pinkie begged, her eyes not leaving Fluttershy. “I don't want to be by myself!” Her voice dropped down to a lower volume. “Please...”
Fluttershy frowned, a face of pity. “I'll be back in an hour. If not, come and meet me at my cottage, okay? I'll be as quick as I can, I promise.”
“You forgot your bow...” Pinkie held out a purple strip of silk ribbon.
“Rarity's bow... Thank you for picking it up for me.”
The earth pony tied it in Fluttershy's hair, to the side of her fringe.
“I don't know what I'd do if I lost it... I wear it everywhere to remind me of her, and to honour my old friend. But it's a little more than that.”
Pinkie knew this much, but still asked “What else is it for?”
“This piece of silk was on the last project she worked on for me. It was never finished though.”
This took Pinkie by surprise. Rarity hadn't told anyone about sewing projects for weeks before she died. “What was the dress for?”
“She told me that...” Fluttershy took a moment to breathe. “It was to celebrate our close friendship. Something that would never die.” Fluttershy dipped her head, her eyes stinging. “I have to go now. Angel will be really mad if I don't feed him soon.” Fluttershy turned around, waving as she left. “Try and get some sleep Pinkie.”
(Pinkie' POV)
Fluttershy's light steps are disappearing. Poor Fluttershy... I never knew that the bow meant so much to her, that it was so important. I have been pretty out of it lately.
I turn back around, laying down and pulling blankets over me.
I'll just forget everything and sleep for now.
Tried to make this chapter a little happier? Probably didn't work..