//------------------------------//
// From Afar - Esle Ynopemos 
// Story: Flarity Group Collab 
// by Jondor 
//------------------------------//


Written by: Esle Ynopemos




It had always been enough for Fluttershy. She was not a passionate, hot-blooded mare. She did not need to shout her love from a mountaintop. She did not need to feel warm hooves wrapped around her, nor hear her name whispered in her ear. She did not need the object of her love to even know of her feelings.

It was enough just to watch her from a comfortable distance. That was all Fluttershy ever needed; all she ever wanted. To know that Rarity was there, to know she was happy. She could listen every week at the spa as Rarity unloaded everything that had happened in her life, and that was as good as hearing sweet nothings whispered to her. She could care for Rarity's cat when needed, and sometimes her sister as well, and it was as good as having her scent there in the cottage when she woke every morning. She could help model Rarity's dresses, and her professional touch as she pinned the fabric in place was as good as a lover's caress.

It was safe. It was easy. It was enough.

Fluttershy even rooted for her friend as she cycled through bars weekend after weekend, searching for her prince. There was not a jealous bone in Fluttershy's body, and she truly did hope Rarity could find her perfect stallion. That would make Rarity happy, and seeing her happy was always enough for Fluttershy, even if only from afar.

Then the night came when Rarity showed up on Fluttershy's doorstep, mascara running in rivulets down her cheeks. Another Saturday night at the bar had become another failure, and Rarity had despaired at ever finding her prince.

Fluttershy ushered her in, set her on the couch, and fixed her some tea while Rarity told her she was beginning to suspect this prince did not exist.

Fluttershy smiled and played the good friend, telling her not to give up. There was somepony out there that could make her happy. She was sure of it.

Rarity gave her a tired smile in return, thanking Fluttershy for always being so supportive. Nopony had ever been so sweet to her, so she said.

And then the kiss happened. It was a slip-up, though which of them had slipped, Fluttershy couldn't remember. She could only remember warm lips on her own, the scent of perfume and wine filling her nostrils. She could only remember her heart leaping from her chest and flying off into the aether, leaving her trembling and numb.

The next morning, they agreed not to speak of it. It had been a mistake, born of despair and too many glasses of alcohol, and it meant nothing. Fluttershy stood in her doorway and watched Rarity fade away into the distance.

Her knees buckled and dumped her on the ground, a quiet sob escaping her lips. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough.