//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Anniversary // by Aatxe360 //------------------------------// Fluttershy was dumbstruck. How could she have forgotten? It was only the off-hand remark made by Pinkie Pie that actually reminded her that today was that day. Maybe she could make an excuse. It was only two days ago that Twilight Sparkle and Braeburn finally tied the knot. Yes, she could certainly claim she had forgotten in all that excitement that she had her own special anniversary to prepare for. One she had never forgotten, until now. "Oh my." Her brow furrowed. She had to think quick. What was his favorite? He loved apples, especially the ones from Sweet Apple Acres. It didn't matter the kind, he ate them all. Mostly in baked form. It wasn't all that unhealthy since he worked up quite an appetite with his assistance in helping her with the animals. Fritters, pies, cider, strudel, tarts, turnovers, you name it, he'd eat it. Even though he worked it off, he was starting to take up most of the bed space. Scratch that, then. He'd get apples anyway. This was supposed to be special. Fruits and vegetables? No. He'd accuse her of trying to go on a diet or somesuch. So, probably no food in general. Think, think, think! That's it! A chaise! A thinking chaise! All for him. He still got rather upset when Discord came by and they'd fight over sitting arrangements. It didn't get near as chaotic as when Discord first reformed, but Angel did teach him some lessons about territory. They didn't stick as much anymore. Who would help her? Rarity! She had good tastes in chaises. Fluttershy gathered the cherries in her saddlebags and hurried over to Carousel Boutique. She quickly tapped on the door and put forth her greeting. "Umm, hello?" After a couple of minutes she decided no one was home and was about to turn away when the door opend. "Fluttershy, darling! I thought I heard somepony outside. Come in. I was just putting the finishing touches on my gift to Twilight and Braeburn. What brings you over, hmmmmm?" "Well, I..." she started. "I need help getting a chaise. I know you always have one around. I need one for a gift." "A chaise? A gift? For whom? Oh! Don't tell me! This is fabulous! Our little Fluttershy is next! Oh, will I be the only.." "It's for our anniversary. I'm not ge- ge- getting married." "Oh now, dear. I didn't mean to upset you. A chaise? On short notice all I have to spare are white ones. Here, let me show you." Rarity pulled out a chaise out of seemingly thin air. "Alabaster. These pillows resemble marshmallows, but they are not edible. Will that be a problem? I can bring it over later if you so wish? Good." Fluttershy wasn't even able answer. It was all for the best. Rarity could levitate it so she wouldn't hurt her back. It did look pretty heavy. "O- ok. Igottaleavebye." Fluttershy skedaddled out the door and down the road. Rarity waited three minutes to make sure she wasn't coming back, before giving herself a smirk for a job well done. She took Twi and Brae's gifts and ran off to her own ends. Rarity burst through the door startling Twilight as she was organizing her suitcases for the trip to Seaddle. She lost her near perfect control of her luggage and it shot everywhere around the library in an explosion of purples. "Twilight! I need your assistance to help our poor, dear Fluttershy!" She carefully set the clothes she made Twilight and Braeburn off to the side. "She's giving a gift of one of my chaises and it would be kind of you to help me get it over there." "Rarity!" Twilight sighed. Then face-hoofed. "I almost had this packed. The airship leaves Canterlot tonight. Spike's assisting Zecora tonight. Help me clean up this mess and I'll get it over there. Did you need a note?" "Of course, darling. Pardon me, I'm just so excited!" Rarity started helping Twilight pick up and fold the clothes. "Why?" "Well, who could this stallion be to merit one of my chaises for an anniversary?" Fluttershy meandered slowly back to her cottage full of worry. What if he doesn't like it? How can I make it up? Maybe I should have dragged it over. All those thoughts and more oozed across her mind as she slowly approached her door. She almost didn't see the note as she stepped on it. What's this? Fluttershy, Twilight helped me get this lovely chaise to you as soon as possible. Enjoy. Rarity Fluttershy looked around but didn't see it. Maybe Twilight teleported it to the wrong house? Oh no! Maybe Applejack won't be mad at me. Well, it was time to face her fears. Her forgetfulness. Her thoughtlessness. On the anniversary of one she held dear to her heart. She opened the door and peeked in. "H- hello?" Silence. She quietly invaded her own home wondering at all the silence. Usually, there would be a bird or two singing or a snake hissing, but there was dead silence. She closed the door behind her and looked around again. Still, silence. Creeping into the living area, she spotted some out-of-place furniture. The alabaster chaise sat facing away from her in the eerily quiet cottage. As she moved silently closer, she could actually hear something. She stopped to listen closer. "ZZZ-Zzzz-ZZzzz-hngGGggh-Ppbhww- zZZzzzZZ . . ." She smiled. He was actually snoring. She slipped closer and peeked over the edge. There, lying comfortably amidst the marshmallow pillows, was the reciepient of the chaise. Everything would be fine. Fluttershy smiled. Angel. Her most special friend ever. Still...how had he gotten it inside?