//------------------------------// // Chapter Eight // Story: Love or Power? Which Will You Choose? // by atomicpuffin //------------------------------// Discord sat behind his desk and waited. He felt his anger rising the longer he sat there and he had to constantly tell himself to settle down. He looked behind him and to his right to see Flash still standing there. The stallion met his gaze and frowned, "Are you sure about this? I mean...I know that no pony can stand up to you in power, but threatening another immortal is still dangerous my lord." Discord snorted and nodded, "This has to be said...or else my poor Fluttershy will have to look over her shoulder constantly when we're together. I don't need this distracting the mare from her decision about me. I need all her focus to be on us and nothing else." He looked back when there was a knock at the door and Jubilee opened it and bowed to the side, allowing the queens to enter. Show time. He thought as he grinned at the sisters. He nodded to Jubilee who bowed again and shut the door behind her. He stood up and gave a slight bow to the queens. Neither looking amused at having been summoned like this, with no explanation. Luna was the first to speak, "With all do respect your highness, why am I here? I should be with my daughters, preparing for dinner." He smiled at them and sat back down in his chair and snapped his fingers. Two winged chairs appeared on the other side of the desk and he indicated they sit. Frowning, both took a seat and sat up tall as they stared at him. He chuckled at the way they were behaving, then his eyes fell on Celestia and his anger began to boil again. "I have a very important matter to discuss with the two of you and I felt it would be better to do this now rather than later. I understand that both of you are in...financial trouble as it were. What with the last changeling war...am I correct?" Both stiffened and frowned further, he could feel them growing suspicious, especially little Luna. No doubt she was afraid he would demand one of her daughters on the spot, the thought made him roll his eyes. He looked to Celestia and waited for a response. She only nodded and gave nothing else away, it made him smile. If that was how she wanted to play… "Well after a discussion with a certain lovely, little mare. I have decided to help your kingdoms with these problems. Honestly ladies, if you needed the help in the first place you should have just asked." He chuckled again at the stunned looks on their faces. He stroked his beard and waited, finally Celestia got over her shock and cleared her throat. She said as she bowed, "Thank you my lord. You have no way of knowing how much my people will appreciate this help." Luna bowed and basically repeated what her sister said, the blue alicorn still looked suspicious. He smiled at the pair and then stood up and they did the same. "Excellent, now later we will have to discuss the amount you will require and maybe a system that will allow further transfers should the need arise. Ladies." He bowed and they did the same then turned to leave. Discord turned his back and in a calculated move waited until he heard the door open. "Oh...Celestia...I will be needing an extra word with you...alone…" He nodded at Flash who frowned once more and then left the room. After the door had closed, he continued to stand there with his back to her. He put his hands behind his back and waited, he felt the rage once again rising and he fought to hold it back. "What is it you wished to discuss with me your majesty?" Celestia asked and he slowly turned to face her. He frowned when he noticed the smile on her face, he growled as he realized she thought he would be offering for her daughter. After all he had just mentioned helping them and now wanted to talk to her alone. Then his growl turned into a smug grin, oh how he would enjoy bursting her bubble. "Something that was recently brought to my attention I'm afraid. Something that...did not please me." He said and watched as Celestia's smile fell. She frowned at him and it only made his grin widen. He moved back behind his desk, but this time didn't not invite her to sit as well. She frowned further and moved to stand before his desk, he looked into her eyes and his grin fell. He frowned himself as he thought of this mare using her higher status to intimidate Fluttershy. He let out a small growl and said, "Something that has to do with a certain yellow pegasus...who happens to mean a lot to me." Celestia reeled back surprised, then glared at him and stood up straighter. "Forgive me your highness, but my servants are no concern of yours. Nor what I say to them." He growled again, this time a lot more audibly. He stood up out of his chair so he would tower over the alicorn. He glared down at her and said through clenched teeth, "This time it does...when what you're talking about happens to be me." Celestia didn't flinch at his tone or that he knew exactly what she had done. She closed her eyes and actually had the gall to smirk as she turned from him. The sight set his blood on fire, but not in the good way. She said over her shoulder, "I'm sorry to have insulted you in someway my lord, but I was simply protecting you when I warned the mare off. After all, it is unheard of for those of us in our position to marry beneath us." To hear another pony insult Fluttershy so openly around him was the final straw to his control. He flashed himself in front of the queen and growled in her face, his nose was not an inch away from hers. This seemed to crack her composure as he briefly saw fear flash in her eyes. "Careful what you say about the mare Celestia. Especially when in my presence." He growled again and noticed the queen swallow nervously, before trying to regain her composure. He continued, "I am going to say this only once so listen very carefully...leave Fluttershy alone. No more threats, or anything of that nature. Do you understand me?" He continued to glare at her and she took a step back. Then she shook her head and glared at him, "Since you have agreed to help my kingdom, I think it would be best if I return to my kingdom. With my daughter and her friend, I thank you again, but it would be best for all if we leave now...before anyone gets hurt. You must know that the mare is not for you...so it's better this way." He saw red at her words, she was telling him that she intended to take Fluttershy away from him. The thought sent a rocket of anger and fear through his body. He grabbed her shoulders, growling low at her as he said, "You'll do no such thing, you will remain here until the night of the ball. Back off Celestia. She will be mine and you will not get in the way again or you will regret it…" She jerked herself out of his grip and growled at him, "You do not rule over me Discord. I am not some common mare, I am a queen and an immortal!" "As am I…" The soft, deadly tone he spoke in froze the alicorn. He continued in the same tone and it made Celestia shiver in fear. "A much more powerful one in fact...I want Fluttershy as my queen, I have decided on her and you will not get in the way again. I have made a deal with the mare, she is to decide if she will be my queen on her own, without any influence. If you so much as breathe a word to her, trying to manipulate her in any way...so help me Celestia...the changeling wars will look like parties compared to what I will rain on your kingdom…" The queen paled further at his words. She stared up into his glowing eyes and knew without a doubt he was dead serious… "Tempt me again Celestia and I will become the monster you all think I am...leave...her...alone…" "Well I'm glad that awkwardness is over…" Rarity mumbled as they all filed into her and Cadence's room. They were coming back from dinner and it had been strange, there was a definite tension in the air, despite the laughs and jokes shared. None of them could place it, but it was as if something bigger had taken place and none of them knew about it. "I'll say...even the king seemed off...right y'all?" Applejack asked as she made herself more comfortable on the bed. Preparing for tonight's read. They all nodded in agreement and went to sit on one bed as Cadence sat on another. All except Fluttershy who stood in the doorway rubbing one of her forelegs with the other. Cadence noticed this and asked, "Fluttershy...is everything alright?" The pegasus jumped and stammered, "Oh well...um...I'm a lot more tired than I thought...I think I'll skip tonight's reading…" Rainbow who was walking in to 'guard' them frowned at the mare. "What? Why, I thought you wanted to hear this more than me-h, uh…" They all laughed at her blush and the mare growled before moving further into the room. Fluttershy giggled, but blushed when all eyes turned to her again for an explanation. She hid behind her mane and the action clued in Twilight. She flew over to Fluttershy and turned the mare around to walk her out. "Oh well, if you're not feeling good Flutters you should get some rest. I'll fill you in on what you miss. If you want I can give the book to you tomorrow for you to read on your own…" When they were at the door to the hallway, Twilight glanced behind her and then turned smiling to her friend. She lowered her voice so only the pegasus could hear. "Do you know the way? I learned the hard way that these hallways are tricky." Fluttershy jumped realizing that Twilight knew she wasn't going to bed, but to go see Discord. The mare's eyes widened and a small smile lit her face, "You...you're not mad? I mean...I know that you are…" "Fluttershy...you are like a sister to me. Your happiness is much more important than some duty. It's time you start thinking about yourself for once. Go see him...and enjoy yourself...but really, are you sure you won't get lost?" Fluttershy giggled and reached into the pocket in her dress and pulled out a red bracelet. She slipped it onto her hoof and held it out for Twilight to see, "I found this under my pillow when I got back in from the gardens with a note that said 'I almost forgot...wear this tonight when you come see me...' So I take it that it's important?" Twilight nodded and laughed, it must be like the amulets that the servants wore. She gave her friend a big hug and whispered into her ear. "Listen to your heart Fluttershy...Discord is a great guy and I don't think you want to let him get away." Fluttershy blushed and then giggled and said into Twilight's ear, "Same can be said about Flash…" Discord sat at his piano, playing a simple tune as he went over his plans for the night again. He was also trying to calm himself down from his rage earlier. He wasn't sure if Fluttershy had realized something was on his mind during dinner. He'd tried his best to remain as cheerful as always, but he was pretty sure he failed. He looked over the music room and smiled to himself, day one of his courtship and he was already nervous. He chuckled to himself and closed his eyes as he thought of the beautiful mare he was currently waiting for. He hoped tonight went how he had planned in his mind. You should be hoping that you can keep your hands off of her… Again he chuckled to himself, that thought was sadly very true. It seems that every time he thought about her his thoughts would twist and cause him more discomfort. He felt a soft hoof moved through his mane and it made him smile, his imagination was getting scary. "Discord…" He growled as he thought of her whispering his name like… "Um Discord…" He frowned, that was not how she spoke in his fantasies. He opened his eyes and stopped playing, he turned his head and blushed when he saw her flying behind him. Then he grinned and turned to wrap his arms around her, happy when she smiled and moved into his embrace. He lifted her chin and gave her a soft kiss. He growled low as he ran his claws through her mane. "Ah my darling, I have been looking forward to this all day." He purred into her ear and she blushed. Then she reached up with her hoof and gently stroked his cheek, the soft touch made his heart race. "Me too...Discord…" She whispered and he felt his control tighten, so he cleared his throat. Then he looked down at her and smiling, he said, "Alright my dear. I have a couple surprises for you tonight, are you ready?" Her eyes brightened and the sight made his heart soar, all the previous anger he had felt before vanished. She had an amazing ability in making him forget his troubles, he returned her dazzling smile. He wrapped his other arm around her again and snapped his claws as he held her close. In a flash of light they left the music room and appeared on the roof of his castle. She stared around her and clung to him tighter when she realized how high up they were. He chuckled and held her tighter against him, "Relax love, I've got you...and I'll never let you go…" He wasn't just talking about them being on the roof, he was becoming more and more aware of the fact that he didn't want her to go. Even if she never returned his love, he would still want to hold her here... His smile fell at the thought, no matter how he told himself that he would let go if she wanted to, it was becoming harder to imagine his life without her. He was falling so desperately in love with her that he doubted he would ever be the same if she left him. He needed her with him so badly that he had threatened another kingdom with war...something that had never crossed his mind in the past. It was frightening how much he loved her...and how afraid he was of losing her. She became less afraid and smiled up at him, that smile made his heart melt. She looked past him and noticed the small table set up. She giggled and said, "We just finished eating?" He chuckled and still holding one of her hooves, led her to the table. He held out the chair for her as she sat. "I know my dear, but this isn't a meal. You said you wanted to get to know more about each other. So I thought we would start with some drinks tonight." She smiled up at him again, tilting her head slightly. She was so cute...he moved to take his own seat and held up his fingers. "Red or white wine my darling?" "Oh...I don't drink that much...I...I prefer tea." He smiled at this and snapped his fingers, two cups of his favorite spiced tea appeared. She sniffed it and a blissful smile graced her face, she looked up at him and he answered her unspoken question. "I prefer tea as well my sweet...this is my favorite too, I drink it whenever I read. Helps relax the soul." She took a sip and sighed, the sound sent waves of pleasure through his body. She looked up and had a strange sparkle in her eyes. "See...we're already learning new things about each other." She said, giggling and it made him laugh as well. He smiled at her and chuckling said, "Indeed we are my darling…" He watched her drink her tea and his mind betrayed him by returning to the unhappy possibilities… Can you really watch her walk away? Face it Discord, she will walk away… He shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. He smiled at her again and decided he wanted to hear more about her life. "So my darling. You've told me about your childhood, what about when you moved to Canterlot?" She laughed and began to tell him about how she had first met Twilight and was too shy to say more than her name. He sat there and listened to her speak, her voice was so soothing...yet his mind began to wander again. His confrontation with Celestia must have shaken him more than he realized. 'She's not for you…' Look at her...she's absolutely beautiful. Why would she choose to stay with something like you? What will you do on that night when she's not standing there? How will you recover from this? She won't stay willingly, no matter how you wish it or how much you say it will be...she will walk away… "Discord? Are...are you okay?" Her voice brought him out of his own mind and he gave her a weak smile. "Of course my darling...I was just so entranced with your voice that I must have started daydreaming…" She blushed at this, but continued to frown at him. She tilted her head and looked closely at him, he felt like those teal eyes were looking into his soul. "That's not all...Discord...what's wrong?" She whispered and his smile fell. He couldn't hide his fear from her, she had an unnatural ability to read him. Maybe it was her experience with animals? He sighed and thought about telling her his worries, but this night was to be a happy one. He didn't want to bring her mood down with these troubling thoughts, they were for him to deal with. "Forgive me Fluttershy...I had a meeting in the afternoon, after I left you and it continues to plague me." "Oh what was it about? Was it something to do with your kingdom? I don't know much about this land, in fact no pony really does…could you...could you tell me about it?" She whispered and he looked at her surprised, he hadn't expected her to want to know about his kingdom. At least not right away, she was so reluctant to be queen he thought she would avoid the subject altogether. The fact that she brought it up now raised his spirits again. His cheerful smile returned, "What do you want to know?" She put her hoof to her chin in thought and it made him chuckle, every little gesture she made was so adorable. He sighed in content as he waited, thinking to himself, I can't believe how much she's come to mean to me in such a short time...I love her so much...oh please Fluttershy...say you'll stay with me… "Well...when did you first come here?" She asked and he thought back to his past and frowned again. "That's...that's not a happy tale my dear...I don't think you want to hear…" She interrupted him by reaching across the small table and taking his hands in her hooves. The touch made him blush and his heart stopped, before resuming at a much faster pace. It still amazed him that she touched him without hesitation… "Of course I want to hear it...I...I want to know as much about you as I can. Tell me Discord...please..." It was her saying his voice in that pleading manner that made him oblige her, he would do anything if she would just say his name like that. He also acknowledged that it sent blood racing through his body in an uncomfortable way...how many times had he heard her say it like that in his dreams? "Alright...but you've been warned…" He continued to hold her hooves in his hand and he began to stroke his thumbs over the soft fur, he smiled when he felt her shiver. He sighed and looked out over his kingdom. "It was so long ago...I don't even remember how long...I was just a normal...whatever you want to call me...I tried to live among the ponies as one of them. However, no matter what I did, none of them would accept me. I was met with fear and hatred wherever I went and eventually I got tired of it. "I came to this land. When I found it, it was a barren wasteland, no pony dared settle here. So I decided I would claim it as my own and I would change it. I used my magic to return life to the ground, I built my castle and decided I would hole myself within these walls...determined to be alone forever…" He glanced at her and saw a slight frown on her face, her beautiful eyes were also misting slightly. She cleared her throat and whispered, "So...what changed? I mean...how did it become this?" She pulled her hoof out of his paw and indicated the town below. He smiled over at her and shrugged. "It was an accident. One day some settler ponies came and began to farm the land. There were only about four...five families. I chose to ignore them, so long as they left me alone in my castle, which they did so I let them be. They made pretty successful farms out of the land, not too surprising since it was enhanced by my magic… "Well, I found myself coming out onto my balcony to watch them. The way they all worked together, it fascinated me...looking back on it now I guess I was envious. I wanted to be a part of a family like they were...I never realized that while I was watching them I was also being watched." He smiled as he remembered that little filly and how she changed his point of view. Fluttershy looked at him confused and he chuckled, "One Hearth's Warming I heard the doorbell to my castle, which was strange because I didn't know I had one…" That made her giggle and he smiled, he refilled her tea and continued, "I went to the doors and when I peeked out I didn't see anything so I thought it was a joke. I closed the door and started to walk away when the bell rang again. I got annoyed and used my magic to throw open both doors. Still no pony was there so I got frustrated, until I looked down...sitting on my step was a present. "I walked to it slowly and picked it up. All the tag said was 'Merry Hearth's Warming Love Fizzy...' I frowned, but curiosity got the better of me and I opened it. I was so surprised when a small, hoof stitched, quilt fell into my claws. There was another note pinned to it...I'll never forget the words. 'Don't forget to stay warm in that castle of yours my king.' I looked all around, but couldn't see who had left it." He smiled as he realized he still had the quilt, it sat folded over the end of his bed and would remain there forever. A sign of his first real friend… "Did you ever meet this...Fizzy?" "Yes...she…" "She!?" He looked up at her tone and saw her making a face, she turned away and hid behind her mane and he smiled wider. Dear me...she's jealous! He chuckled and flashed his chair next to hers and used his claws to turn her face back to him. Her cheeks were red and she was frowning, the sight made him chuckle. He made her look up at him and whispered, "Calm yourself my dear...Fizzy was just a filly when I met her, a friend and nothing more...you are the only beauty that has ever captured my heart." He leaned forward and gave her a soft kiss, she settled against him and he chuckled again. He pulled away and she made a sound of protest, which pleased him immensely. Then she surprised him further by scooting closer and laying her head against his chest. He blushed, but smiled and wrapped his arms around her, holding her against his heart. "So Fizzy…" She whispered and he chuckled. He continued with his story. "It was during a bad snowstorm...I was sitting in my library, the small quilt laying across my stomach as I read. I heard what sounded like bells ringing, it was faint in the wind, but my hearing is very sharp. I sat up and went to one of the windows. Down below I could see torch lights, trying to stay lit in the storm. I wondered what could have the settlers out in such a terrible storm and curiosity got the better of me...and I'm glad it did. "I teleported myself onto one of their roofs, with the storm they couldn't see me, but I could still hear them. They were forming a search party, apparently a little filly had gotten lost in the storm chasing her pet cat. When the father started calling for his daughter...I heard the name Fizzy and froze. It was the name on the tag...I began to look around the area, my instincts taking over. "It would be pointless to look for the filly the way they were so I used my magic instead. I teleported them all back inside, locking them in their houses. I sent out my magic to locate the filly. When I finally had her pinpointed she was so sick and weak, I grabbed her shivering body out of the snow and teleported back to her home. "It was quite a shock for her family, they reacted as most would. The father shouted in anger and the mother screamed. They were about to attack me when I unwrapped my arms and held out the filly. They stopped yelling and froze, then the mother came running over and grabbed her child crying. "They quickly got her covered...but she had been out for so long I knew no normal means would save her. I went to her side, the father started to protest, but his wife stopped him. I knelt before the shivering child and used my magic to rid the chill from her…" "You...you saved her life...oh Discord that was so…" "It was what any decent being would do...it was nothing special…" He muttered and she pulled away from his chest and frowned at him. She reached up and grabbed his face, making him look into her eyes. He chuckled at the stern look she was giving him, she was even more adorable when she tried to look angry. "Discord...why are you so hard on yourself? You saved that little filly, if you hadn't used your magic she would have...you were a hero." He reached up and took her hooves in his hands and pulled them away from his cheek. He shrugged and muttered, "Maybe...that's what her mother said when she thanked me. From then on the villagers started referring to me as their king. I became more involved in their lives and the land they were cultivating. From there more and more families came to live on my land, but Fizzy's family agreed to keep my looks a secret at my request. They were the only ones who had seen me and I kept it that way, even to this day...strange the way things work sometimes." "What do you mean?" She asked and Discord chuckled, he looked down at her and stroked her mane, "Little Fizzy grew up and married a handsome stallion, and started a family of her own...Fluttershy, Fizzy is Flash's great-great-great...let's just say many greats...grandmother. She was my first friend and now her grandson is my best friend. I don't know if Flash was ever told that story, but it was why I was so startled when I first met him. He looks a lot like her, except that her hair was puffy and she wasn't a pegasus. "Then when he didn't react to me in fear...it reminded me so much of that little filly. I put him to the test to see if he was just like her, and he is even more patient with me than she was. Don't tell him I said this but...Flash means a lot to me...he's not just my friend, he is the closest thing I'll ever have to a brother. I love the guy and I hope he finds happiness in this life. If I can, I'll make sure he does...he deserves it after putting up with me." She giggled and leaned against him, she nuzzled his chest and it set his heart racing again. Her nose even brushed some of the hairs at the opening of his tunic. He growled low and forced himself to sit still. "I don't think it matters if I say anything Discord...I'm sure he knows and feels the same about you." She whispered and he grunted, but didn't respond. He looked up at the night sky and sighed, sitting with her in his arms was like a dream come to life. He looked down at her as she happily snuggled against him. Fluttershy...be mine…say you love me...please my dear, don't leave... "I can't lose you…" "What?" She pulled away from him and he realized he had spoken that out loud. He blushed and cleared his throat as he let her go. "Oh nothing...um...it is getting pretty late my dear...shall I bring you back to your room?" She shook her head and looked up at him confused, "Discord...I have one more question. If...if you don't mind…" She blushed and turned her face away. He lifted her eyes back up to his again and whispered, "You can ask me anything my darling Fluttershy. Anything you want to know…" "Why do you hide?" "Oh...well I thought that would be obvious...my looks are very frightening and I don't want to upset the ponies of my…" "That's not what I mean…" She whispered, cutting him off. He stopped and frowned down at her. She looked up at him and he swallowed at the intensity shining in her eyes. "Discord...why won't you open up to others? You hide how you're really feeling inside and you hide your true self away from those around you...any time you are given praise you brush it aside. You seem to put yourself down so much, despite all that you've done...are you so afraid to admit that you have a heart?" He stood up out of his chair suddenly and moved away from her. It was a topic that made his hair stand up in irritation. Flash had tried several times to get him to answer that same question and he always reacted the same way. "It's not important…" He muttered as he turned his back to her. He had said he would answer anything, but that was one question he didn't want to. It delved too deep... "Discord you said that…" "I know what I said dammit…" He snapped and instantly flinched. He turned to see tears forming in her eyes. "Oh darling…" He moved back to her and knelt before her. She pulled back from him and hid behind her mane, he silently cursed himself. He reached up and brushed her mane out of her eyes. "Oh love...please don't cry...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just...a touchy subject with me...I shouldn't have...look Fluttershy...the only answer I can give you is that...It's hard to see anything else when I've been met with fear my whole life...the actions of a few don't change the mindset of the whole. Most ponies will still fear me for my looks, I've...I've just grown to accept that I will forever be a monster…" She gasped and started to protest, but he placed his claw over her lips to stop her. "No love don't say anything else...I think we've said enough for one night. I have something else to talk to you about, something important. This afternoon, when we were leaving the garden I noticed you were frightened…" Her eyes widened and she paled slightly, he frowned at this and some of his earlier anger returned. Celestia was lucky he let her off with just his warning, poor Fluttershy looked terrified at the mention of the queen's threats. "Darling...I don't like to see you so upset like that so I...may have...um...taken care of the problem…" He hesitated, he wouldn't tell her details about what he did. He didn't want to frighten her after all. "Discord...you didn't...you spoke to…" "Yes...I told Celestia that I would be giving her kingdom the funds they need and I...I told her that it would be best if she left you alone...that yours and my relationship was no longer her concern…" That wasn't exactly a lie right? He waited for her reaction then she put her arms around him and gave him a gentle hug. "Thank you...and thank you for keeping your promise to give them the money they need. Did you do this...so I wouldn't have to worry?" He returned her hug and ran his claws through her mane. He put his nose against the top of her head and smiled. "Yes love...I told you, I didn't like to see you upset. Besides...I had a selfish reason to do it as well...um..I…" "You wanted me to have nothing interfering with my decision right?" She giggled and he jumped. This mare's ability to read him was really starting to frighten him, what's more she didn't seem to mind that he had manipulated the situation more in his favor. He chuckled and lifted her chin once more, she was smiling up at him too. Her eyes were shining brighter and she looked as if a weight had been lifted off of her. "Thank you Discord...besides...now Flash and Twilight can focus on their own relationship." She winked at him and it made him laugh. He grinned at her and said, "So you see it too? I just hope those two can find a way to tell each other soon…" Just like I hope you will tell me… He stood up with her in his arms still and chuckled again. "Come my love...I have kept you out for too long. It's time to get you to bed." His body gave an involuntary shiver as he imagined her in a bed...his bed… "Okay…" She whispered and he stared down at her shocked. Then he mentally slapped himself when he realized she was not thinking the same thing he was. He growled slightly, knowing that tonight was going to be a long night for him. He snapped his fingers and they were standing outside her rooms. She smiled up at him and leaned up to give him a small kiss. His body reacted and he figured if he wasn't going to sleep anyways… XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX He deepened the kiss and moved forward until her back was pressed against the wall. "I'm sorry my darling...I can't seem to stop myself around you…" He whispered against her lips and she gave an answering moan. He growled and moved to her slender neck. He nibbled on the soft fur and she bit her lip to suppress her giggling, the sound made him smile and he whispered, "Where else are you ticklish my dear?" He moved his hands to her waist and her giggling continued as he gave a gentle squeeze. He grinned and kissed her again as his hands slid lower down over her hips. Her giggling turned into a gasp when his fingers reached the hem of her dress. He moaned again as he slid his tongue into her mouth. His claws slid under the dress along her soft leg, this time he let them slide all the way up to her thigh. She shivered under the touch and he did as well. He dug his talons into her soft fur, but not hard enough to hurt. He growled as he caressed the soft fur and continued to move his tongue around her sweet mouth. She pulled away to catch her breath and he moved back to her neck, this time when he nipped it she moaned. He felt his body heat rising and he could feel hers burning his claws. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX He groaned and with the willpower of a thousand ponies he pulled his hand away and placed it against the wall, beside her head. He looked down into her eyes, enjoying the fire that danced within the deep pools. He took a deep breath to try and calm his rapid pulse. He grinned at her and she gave a weak smile, her face was flushed and he hoped the others were asleep. He'd hate to cause her any embarrassment...no matter how the blush pleased him. He sighed and gave her another soft kiss. She sighed against his mouth and he grinned, when he pulled away she breathed his name. The same way he had heard her say it in all his dreams. He shut his eyes tight and mentally told himself to behave, to not react to that sound. It was difficult, but he managed. He opened his eyes again and smiled down at her. "Oh darling...what are you doing to me? At this rate I will die of a heart attack or stress...either one...I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out…this is true torture my love..." She giggled and his smile softened at the sound. He loved to hear her laugh, it may be the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. "I'm sorry...but...well you may not have to wait much longer…" He pulled back and stared into her eyes shocked, his heart began to beat even faster. He whispered, "What do you mean?" She winked at him and gave him a small kiss before turning to open the door. His heart was pounding so hard he could feel it banging against his ribcage. "Fluttershy...what do you mean?" She was inside the room and held the door partially closed, she smiled up at him, but shook her head not answering. He groaned and braced himself against the door frame, he begged her, "Darling don't do this to me...what did you mean?" She only smiled up at him and gave him a small kiss whispering. "Goodnight Discord…" She shut the door and he slammed his face into it growling. This mare was going to be the death of him. He pulled away and glared at the wood, willing her to come back and put him out of his misery. Did she mean that he would soon have his answer? The ball was still six days away...but maybe she would give him an answer before. The idea made him smile. He ran his claws along the wood and whispered, "Goodnight my darling Fluttershy…" He turned away and teleported to his chambers. Preparing for a LONG sleepless night, thanks to that irresistible mare and her teasing...of both his mind and body. What Discord didn't realize was his entire heated, exchange with the pegasus in the hallway had been witnessed...by a pair of very angry, green eyes.