//------------------------------// // XVI: A visit to a friend // Story: The Flutterheart Diaries // by lilinuyasha //------------------------------// “Daddy, you won’t be gone too long, right?” asked Flutterwing, her eyes full of sadness. “Of course not. I should be back tomorrow.” he said, hugging her and Anacrusis tight, before kissing both of them on the cheek. “Be safe! I love you!” said Fluttershy, giving him a quick kiss before sending him out the door. She watched Trey fly off towards Canterlot before closing the door, eagerly awaiting spending the rest of the day with her kids. *** “And there’s my most loathed schoolmate.” said Trey, smiling as he greeted Frederic Horseshoepin. “And my most annoying friend. Did I ever mention your compositions sucked?” greeted Frederic, a faint smirk on his lips. “Did I ever tell you that you just couldn’t play them worth a damn?” “Oh, how I’ve missed you, Trey. How have things been on the homefront?” “Well, I’m married with two kids.” “I know. I played at your wedding, remember?” “Oh. Yes. I remember now.” said Trey, sheepishly smiling. “Other than that, there’s not much to say. My kids are both doing well in school, Fluttershy’s been doing great, and we’re generally a prosperous family.” “You still doing much composing?” “No, not really. I’ve spent more time focusing on the marching band. After I got the job in Ponyville, I put aside my composing for the most part. What about you?” “Life hasn’t changed much for me, actually. Still performing around Canterlot with my small ensemble. We added a harp player though. Some pony named Lyra. I heard she came from Ponyville. You happen to know her?” “I think I do recall somepony by that name, yes. How’s business in that sense?” “About the same as ever. Play at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I’m honestly getting bored with it. I’ve been looking for something that can really showcase my talents.” “Need something new to play?” “Actually, that would be nice. Got anything in mind?” *** “Now, Flutterwing, you have to be careful. These ones like to have fun.” said Fluttershy, as the two of them fed the squirrels. “It tickles!” yelled Flutterwing, laughing, as a couple of them pranced about her back. Fluttershy smiled, finding the scene cute. “Now, Flutterwing, didn’t I say to be careful?” she said in her usual, happy tone. Flutterwing beamed at her mother, trotting up to her to give her a huge hug, leaning against her. Fluttershy smiled, blushing, leaning her head down to embrace her daughter. “I love you, Mommy.” “I love you, too, Flutterwing. Now, want to play with the bunnies?” *** “...but I digress.” said Frederic, downing the last of his soft drink. “Where did the time go?” he asked, checking his watch. It was dark outside, something he and Trey just now noticed. “Time flies when you’re catching up with an old friend. We should do this again soon sometime.” “You’re always welcome to pay me a visit. Maybe exhibition for the High School.” “That would be nice. Tell you what. You compose a new piece for me, something that will test my abilities, yet is graceful to the ear, and I’ll come do show and tell or whatever for the High School.” “I thought being able to play the piano with hooves would have been enough of a challenge, but you’ve got a bet. I’ll send it to you once I finish it.” “That’s the spirit. You heading out tonight?” “No, I’m staying at the castle overnight. the princess was kinda enough to let me stay. I caught up with her for a little bit, too.” “Ah well. Here’s hoping I see you sometime soon.” said Frederic, extending his hoof. Trey matched it with his and shook it, sending Frederic home with a smile. *** “Hello!” shouted Trey, as he opened the door to the cottage, trotting in proudly. “Daddy!” shouted Flutterwing, galloping to greet him, hugging him tight. Fluttershy and Anacrusis trotted in the living room as well, happy to see him. “Daddy, Daddy! Look what I got!!!” shouted Flutterwing, beaming as she hoisted her flank slightly up in the air. Trey smiled from ear to ear. “Your cutie mark, huh?” he said, examining it. Her design featured a squirrel eating an acorn, which she was excited to have. “I’m so proud of you! You really liked taking care of the animals, huh?” Flutterwing simply laughed a small amount, hugging her dad tighter. “I’m glad you came home when you did!” said Fluttershy, kissing him. “I’m afraid I would have lost circulation in my arm.” she added, smiling. Anacrusis joined the hugfest. Trey smiled. This was one hell of a welcome home present. He loved his family so very much. *** “...no, I really like her cutie mark!” said Trey. “Then...what’s wrong?” “It’s just...I feel bad that I wasn’t there to see it myself. That’s kind of a big deal, you know?” “Oh, she’s not upset.” said Fluttershy, trying to reassure him. “I’m sure you’ll be there when Anacrusis gets his.” “I’m going to make damn sure I am.” “It’s really bothering you, isn’t it?” “...is it that obvious?” “Treyngel, you just swore. I’ve never heard you swear before. At least, I can’t remember it. Calm down...it’s ok.” “You’re right. I’m sorry.” said Trey, sighing heavily. “There’s nothing I can do to change it anyhow.” “Please don’t let it bother you...” “I won’t. I’ll be better in the morning.” he said, to which Fluttershy smiled. ‘I hope...’ he said to himself silently. He knew he’d have that lingering regret for a while. He didn’t want to let that on to Fluttershy, though. *** 3-12-12 I’m starting to second guess myself...I love Fluttershy, that never changes, but now I’m starting to debate whether I’m really ready for marriage or not. There’s always the joke that love stops after marriage. Or sex stops after marriage (Which I find it never begins before marriage for me.). I fear there’s going to be some validity on that. I could never get tired of being around Fluttershy, but what if she starts to get tired of me? I’m probably letting my fears get the best of me, but I can’t help it. It just seems as though we’re doomed to fail, bound to end up like 50% of all the marriages out there, which end in divorce. I took a huge risk asking her to marry me. I was so confident, then. Now, I just...I just really hope we don’t split apart. I love her too much. I’d best end it before I write myself into madness. Thinking about marriage, Trey 4-22-12 Well, things have been going well. My lingering doubts about a doomed relationship have nearly subsided. I’m just going to take things a day at a time. If I last another day with the most beautiful mare in the world at my side, I can feel victorious. Fluttershy and I have decided on a wedding date and place, though we haven’t determined much else than that. We plan on getting married July 3rd. Her favorite number was 7, and my name means Three. So, it’s kind of symbolic in a way. Actually, it IS symbolic. Yeah. Anyways, I’ll be sure to write more as the wedding approaches. I’m going to need a nice suit. I should probably contact Rarity. I faintly remember her offering her services to me when I first met her. Something about a handsome colt. The charmer shall acquire clothing. Ready to acquire clothing, Trey