//------------------------------//
// Fluttershy 
// Story: The Birds and the Bees 
// by Scantrel 
//------------------------------//

There was no doubt about it, this was Fluttershy's favorite time of the year. It might not be her favorite day, that being reserved for Winter Wrap-Up when she could see all of her animal friends again after their long sleep, but today felt especially vibrant. Fluttershy decided she would have to tell Rainbow Dash to thank her team for the absolutely gorgeous weather.

A light, happy song filled Fluttershy's heart as she trotted along the path, smiling up at the birds in the trees as she passed or pausing to greet a squirrel or field mouse with a cheery, "Hello, little friend!" 

A buzzing sound caught Fluttershy's attention and she paused to glance around. Perhaps a colony of bees were out to gather nectar? It seemed a little loud for that, though. 

The sound grew closer and closer until finally Scootaloo crested the slight rise on the path. When she saw Fluttershy standing in the middle of the path, Scootaloo was forced to skid to an abrupt halt to avoid running into her. "Hi Fluttershy!" Scootaloo panted, catching her breath.

"Oh goodness! Where are you going in such a hurry?" Fluttershy asked gently.

"I'm trying to find Rainbow Dash. Have you seen her?" Scootaloo asked.

"Umm...no...I haven't, sorry," Fluttershy said quietly. "She might be taking a nap after her weather duty." Fluttershy looked away from Scootaloo as she answered. She didn't want to make the little filly feel badly for not being able to fly to search for Rainbow Dash in the clouds.

"That's OK. I'm sure I'll find her eventually," Scootaloo said with a smile. Scootaloo got off of her scooter and walked closer to Fluttershy. "Oh, I wanted to see you also. I guess it's good I ran into you. Well, not exactly ran into you, but you know."

Fluttershy suppressed a slight giggle. "Of course, what do you need?" she inquired.

"Well, we have an assignment at school and I was hoping you could tell me about the birds and the bees!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

Fluttershy blinked as a bright blush started to color her face. 

"Oh...Oh my!" Fluttershy stammered. "I...I really don't think that I should...I mean, that's really not something I like to talk about with anypony."

"Are you kidding me?" Scootaloo asked. "Everypony knows you're the best at it!" 

Fluttershy's blush deepened and she practically trembled. "They...they do?"

"Of course!" Scootaloo replied, waving a hoof casually at Fluttershy. "I mean, who else knows more than you, right? I wanted to ask Rainbow Dash about it first, because she's so awesome and all, but you're the expert. I bet no one in Ponyville even comes close to you. They'd all recommend you, hooves down!"

Fluttershy's mouth opened in absolute shock, but no sound came out at first. When she finally found her voice, it came out in a very hushed whisper. "Oh dear...I...I could never...I would never discuss that in public."

Scootaloo cocked her head, wondering what in Equestria was going on. "I'm surprised Cheerilee didn't have you come give a presentation at class. She has to know you know even more than her about all that."

Fluttershy's pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks and she visibly wobbled now, feeling quite faint. "Presentation...at school? In front of all the little ones?" Fluttershy felt herself about to swoon.

"Are you OK, Fluttershy? You don't look well at all," Scootaloo asked with some concern.

After several moments, Fluttershy gulped and said, "I...I'll be alright, I just had no idea that everypony thought that about me. It's a bit overwhelming." All Fluttershy wanted at that exact moment was to flee back to her cottage and hide. 

"Alright, I didn't mean to upset you." Scootaloo frowned, completely at a loss what she had said that had made Fluttershy so stressed. Birds and bees should have been right up her alley.

"I know, Scootaloo. I...I think I need to go, I'm sorry. I'm sure Rainbow Dash can help you more, she's much more..." Fluttershy barely caught herself before she said "experienced". That was definitely NOT something she wanted to bring up.

"I'm sure she will be much more helpful," Fluttershy managed to squeak out.

"Ok, if you say so. Thanks anyway, Fluttershy." Scootaloo got back on her scooter and slowly steered around Fluttershy before setting off down the path again. 

Fluttershy waited until Scootaloo was out of sight before wiping her brow to pat away some of the cold sweat that had broken out. Today had definitely turned into a double-length bubble bath emergency day and the sooner she could get home, the sooner she could recover.