//------------------------------// // A Close Call // Story: My Lady, My Love, My Life // by MysteriousStranger //------------------------------// Fluttershy didn’t know how to react. She was confused at first, then surprised and, finally, she squealed of happiness and trotted to hug Trixie. “That’s so great, I’m happy for you! She will undoubtedly say yes! I’m sure of it!” “I thought that only Rarity squealed like that.” Trixie said as she hugged her friend back. “Thank you, Fluttershy.” The Pegasus broke the hug and looked at Trixie, still smiling. “I knew I was right. You were working on something for Rarity every time you disappeared! And Twilight, when she learns about this...” “About that… Fluttershy, I would appreciate if you keept this as a secret.” “Why? I thought that she was your best friend.” “She is, but, the less ponies know about this, the better. I’m just taking precautions, I know that none of you would tell Rarity, but it could slip by accident or somepony could bring this up thinking that it’s safe to talk about it and not noticing her, do you understand?” “I-I do… it saddens me but you’re right. I won’t tell anypony, not even Twilight.” “Thank you. But I also don’t want anypony to know just yet for a reason.” Trixie added before turning to the opposite direction. “I don’t want Spike to know. He still hates me and I don’t want to hurt him even more...” Fluttershy got closer to the Unicorn. “I see… it’s nice that you worry about his feelings despite his way to act towards you. He’s too blind to see your new self.” Trixie sighed and looked down. Fluttershy thought on something quick to make her friend change her mood again. “Where did you buy your bagpipe? Or is it the same you had when you were a filly?” “No, I sold my old one to a pawn shop, I needed the bits.” Trixie turned again and Fluttershy was glad to see her smiling again. “I bought this one months ago at the best music store I could find in the zone. It has to sound perfect for my lady.” “Do you have anything composed so far?” “Just a little bit. It’s hard, but I won’t give up. I began composing a month ago, until then, I was practicing. Listen to this.” Trixie said as she walked to where her bagpipe was. “This is something I play with the woodpeckers.” The critters cheered happily as she took the instrument and sat on the spot it used to be. Fluttershy smiled at this. Trixie took a deep breathe and began to play it again. She played alone for a few seconds, until a group of woodpeckers appeared flying out of nowhere and stood on the branches of a tree, pecking it with interludes, making a sound similar to a drum. Fluttershy watched amazed once again as her friend played yet another beautiful melody. Trixie had her eyes closed again, concentrated on each note she played. The critters surrounding her were moving their heads at the compass of the music. When Trixie finished, the the forest critters cheered again and Fluttershy joined them. The showmare opened her eyes, smiling and blushing a little. “Thank you, all of you.” Fluttershy made her way to Trixie. The woodpeckers greeted their caretaker by standing on her back. The Pegasus put her Teddy Bear under one of her wings. “I can’t wait until Rarity hears you.” “But before that, I need to compose something for her to hear.” “You’re playing amazingly great, I'm sure that you’ll think of something.” “Yes, you’re right.” Trixie smiled again. “Let’s go back to the cottage, shall we?” “Okay.” Trixie stood up and followed her friend as she levitated her bagpipe close to her while the forest critters returned to their normal lives. *** “And that last song you played, I heard some of the critters humming it once.” Fluttershy commented as she opened the door of her home and entered. “Yes, that’s one of their favorites. Sometimes, the woodpeckers ask me to play it again.” The timid pony closed the door behind her friend. “I’m going to put this in the chest I have in my room.” “Oh, so, there’s where you keep it? How did you get it inside without me noticing it?” Trixie turned to face Fluttershy. “Easy. I wait until you went to take care of the forest critters.” Fluttershy smiled. “Oh, of course. Do you want some tea?” “Yes, please.” Trixie turned once again to head to her room, when somepony knocked at the door. Fluttershy let out an 'Eek!' and approached to her door. “Who is it?” Fluttershy asked, trying to remain calm. “It’s me, darling!” Fluttershy gasped and looked at Trixie, whose ears raised when she heard Rarity’s voice as she widely opened her eyes. Trixie rushed to her room while Fluttershy waited until she got inside before opening the door. “Hello, Rarity. What a pleasant surprise. I was just about to make tea.” Fluttershy said as she let her best friend in. She was carrying a package. “I would love to stay to talk, but I’m afraid I just came here to give this to Trixie. Is she here?” “N-No. She left me a note, saying that she would be away for a few hours.” “Oh, I see... I’ll leave it on her bed then.” Rarity sadly said as she headed to Trixie’s bedroom. “Rarity, wait!” Fluttershy trotted to Rarity’s side. “Why don’t you leave it here and I give it to her? You said that you didn’t have much time.” “Don’t worry, Fluttershy, I have time for this. I’ll just put it on her bed and I’ll leave.” Fluttershy tried to stop her, but she didn’t know how. Rarity opened Trixie’s bedroom’s door and Fluttershy closed her eyes and hugged her Teddy Bear more under her wing. However, all she heard was Rarity’s hoofsteps as she walked inside and put the gift on the bed. The Pegasus slowly opened her eyes to find her best friend looking at Clementine’s photo and the window opened with Trixie’s wagon outside. Trixie must have got out from the window. “I wish I could have met him...” Fluttershy walked inside, with caution, and looked at the photo. “So sad that he’s gone. Why did he has to die so young…?” Rarity sighed. “I don’t know, but it’s unfair...” Rarity put the frame back where it was and looking to a side of the room, spotting a chest. “What’s that?” The fashionista said as she approached to it. Fluttershy’s heart beated faster as Rarity got closer to the chest and finally opened it. “That’s odd, it’s empty.” Fluttershy was about to pass out. She wouldn’t resist another scare like that. “Why would Trixie keep an empty chest?” “M-Maybe she will eventually save something inside?” “Maybe…” An empty chest and she still didn’t let me look at her photo album. I know that she said that she keeps stuff from me to protect me, but, I would prefer if she told me so we could move on instead of prolonging my worries... Rarity thought while she stared at the empty chest before shaking her head. “Anyway, I shouldn’t be looking around much if Trixie isn’t around. I better leave.” Rarity walked out of the room before turning to face Fluttershy. “Oh, darling, don’t forget to close the window. I’ll see you later!” The fancy Unicorn waved at Fluttershy and left. The Pegasus didn’t move a muscle until she heard her front door close. Once she heard it, she trotted to the window. “Trixie?!” Fluttershy squeaked when Trixie suddenly stood up and appeared right in front of her. “I’m here!” “Y-You scared me…!” “I’m sorry. Is she gone?” Fluttershy nodded and Trixie climbed the window, getting inside before magically bringing her bagpipe with her. “That was a close call. I knew that her curiosity would win her over and that she would notice my chest. I didn’t have time to close the window, I heard your voices.” “I’m sorry, Trixie. I tried to stop her, but she was determined to bring your gift by herself.” “I know, you don’t need to apologize.” Trixie said with a smile as she put her bagpipe inside the chest. “I wonder what she got for me.” “I’ll leave so you can open it.” “What are you talking about, Fluttershy? You can stay, you’re not a bother.” Trixie said as she walked to her gift. Fluttershy smiled and watched as her guest inspected the box. “Hmm… it’s small, so it could be a hat…” She shook the box a little. “It seems light so it may be.” Trixie looked at Fluttershy, who was looking back a little confused. “Sorry, it’s just that I could use one. You know, sun rays hit me hard while I practice.” “Oh, I see.” The blue Unicorn looked back at the box, moved it closer to her and slowly opened. She magically took two opera tickets from inside. “Tickets...?” “Not any tickets. These are opera tickets for a foreign play I have been willing to watch since I was a filly... Carmen.” Trixie’s eyes widened, as well as her smile. “I can’t believe she remembered...” “Remembered…?” “I mentioned that I saw a poster of this play when I was a filly back when we first went to the theatre after making up months ago, but it was a vague comment. I didn’t think she would remember… she must have seen that the cast are in Canterlot. These tickets are for next week, how did she get them? And the best seats, no less!” “I didn’t see her all day and her boutique was closed. Maybe she went to Canterlot early this morning to get them.” Trixie looked at Fluttershy once again, with her mouth opened. “I-I have to think on something to thank her. She’s such an amazing pony, I must never let her go.” “Once you get engaged, you two will never break apart.” “If she accepts...” “She will, Trixie. She really loves you. The effort she made to get these tickets are a proof I’m sure that she would say yes, even if you just proposed to her with a plastic ring.” “Are you sure?” “A-Aren’t you? After you, I know her very well. But, since you have the resources and you are already practicing with your bagpipe, you can finish it. I mean, if you want to...” “I wasn’t planning on stopping. I could just propose to her with a plastic ring, but she deserves better.” Fluttershy closed her eyes, smiling and leaning her head to one side a bit, before abruptly opening them, gasping. "I have to make Twilight some cookies for when she takes a break!” “Oh, right! She told me that she would be busy all week last time we practiced magic. She gave me a book to study and practice next time.” Trixie trotted to her drawer, where she kept her photo album and a book entitled Advanced Personal Defence magic. She glanced to her friend and noticed that she was looking down, sad. “You… is this because of Twilight?” Her host slowly nodded. “You really miss her...” “It hasn't even passed a day and I feel really bad...” Fluttershy took her Teddy Bear from under her wing and pressed it against her chest. “This helps me, but, it’s not the same.” “But it helps. You can even sleep with it to feel like if she was right in front of you, with your eyes closed and her scent in there.” Fluttershy looked up again, slightly smiling and blushing. “Y-Yes… you’re right. I will try that tonight.” Both ponies walked outside the room after Trixie took the magic book to study. Fluttershy heading to the kitchen and Trixie to the couch, where she sat. “If you need anything, just tell me, okay?” “I will! The magician pony said before starting to read. "Oh..." Fluttershy suddenly gasped. "Is there something wrong?" "I-I forgot to get the ingedients I need." The Pegasus blushed. Trixie chuckled and smiled. "I'll go with you to the market." *** Three days later... “Spike, put this book next to the one we just revised and bring me the next one, please.” “Sure.” The baby dragon obeyed, doing what Twilight asked him to do without any protest, like always. “Here.” “Thank you.” Twilight rubbed his head a bit with one of her forelegs, smiling, before opening the book. “Let’s see… the first page has a stain, probably ink… I’ll check the rest of it for further possible problems, but it can’t be checked out.” “Twi, you have been working nonstop for hours. Have some rest.” “I will after two more books.” “That's what you said three books ago! Your eyes are red for so much reading and I bet that they hurt, please, rest!” Spike walked towards the Unicorn and put a claw on the book she was reading. “At least after this book?” “No, it has to be now.” Twilight was about to say something else but somepony knocked at the door. “Would you get that, please?” Spike huffed and walked to the door. There’s a giant sign saying that we’re closed for the day, who can it be?! Spike thought before opening the door. “Oh, the mailmare.” Ditzy put a box on the ground. “Please, sign here.” Spike did as he was asked and the mailmare left flying, happy. Spike entered the library again. “There’s a package for you!” “I’m busy. Would you be so kind to open it for me?” Spike huffed once again before slowly and carefully opening the box. Inside, he found a box smaller than the previous one and opened it too. “Oh, cookies! The second one in three days!” “Fluttershy?!” Twilight exclaimed, raising her head before galloping to Spike, but she was stopped by her number one assistant rising one of his claws. “You aren’t getting any unless you promise me you'll rest.” “Just give me one...” “No!” “Spike, give me the box.” Twilight tried to magically take the box, but Spike grabbed them. “No unless you promise to rest!” They struggled for a few moments before Twilight eventually won. The Unicorn smiled proudly at herself and took a cookie from the box and ate it. “Yummy! You want some?” “No.” Spike said, crossing his arms. Twilight walked back to the book she was checking, taking another cookie. “Oh, there’s a note under them!” She said as she took the piece of paper. I hope you like them and share with Spike! Please, don’t overdo yourself, rest from time to time or you’ll go blind. With love, Fluttershy. Twilight put the note aside and sat on her couch with the box. “Maybe some rest isn’t a bad idea.” The baby dragon walked to the note and read it. ”Oh, sure, you listen to her but not me!” Twilight giggled and patted the spot next to her. “Come on, sit with me.” Spike eyed at the Unicorn. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling. Spike obeyed and sat next to Twilight, who pulled the dragon closed with her free foreleg. “Wh-What are you doing?” “We can hug from time to time. Do you want me to stop?” “I didn’t say that...” Twilight giggled again and gave a cookie to him. Spike looked at her. “Just have one, please.” Spike smiled and took it. “Thanks.” Spike slowly ate the cookie, enjoying every bit of it. “She really makes good cookies.” The baby dragon laid his head on Twilight’s stomach when he was done. Twilight put her free foreleg on Spike’s head. Spike liked to hug Twilight like this every once in a while. Her belly was soft and warm. But the moment got ruined when the door bursted opened by Pinkie Pie. “Hellooooo, Twilight!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash followed her. “Pinkie, ah told you to knock, not to kick!” Applejack angrily said. “Twilight said that she was busy!” Applejack looked at Twilight. “Ah’m sorry, sugarcube.” “Wait, are you two… hugging?” The cyan Pegasus said, making Spike to break the hug. “O-Of course not!” Spike said as he crossed his arms. He was blushing noticeably. Rainbow Dash put a hoof on her mouth to hide her chuckles. “Don’t worry, Applejack, I was taking a break. Do you girls need anything?” Twilight asked, smiling but a bit hurt for Spike’s pride. “We know that yer busy, Twi, but we were wonderin’ if you could come to Pinkie’s surprise night party tomorrow night.” Applejack said with a smug. “Surprise night party? For what?” Twilight inquired. “Just because!” Pinkie Pie answered. “You don’t need a reason to throw a party, silly! I was thinking this morning what to do tomorrow, and I thought, why not throwing a party that lasts all night!” “All night? I don’t know, I will finish late and wake up early to finish as soon as possible.” “Come on, egghead, you can’t stay here locked up until you finish, have some fun! One night won’t kill you. Besides, you can return early if you want.” “But, my work...” “Sugarcube, We haven't seen you in three days. We’re startin’ to get worried about your wellcare. Come to the party, it will be good for you.” The farmer pony said as she put her forelegs on Twilight’s withers. Twilight looked at her friends, all of them were worried, especially Spike. She looked away and thought about how worried Fluttershy could be. She sighed, and looked back at Applejack, smiling happily. “Fine, I’ll go.” “Pinky promise?” Pinkie Pie skipped on her spot. Twilight nodded. “Pinky Promise. I’ll be there. I only need to re-organize my schedule, which I will do now.” “Alright, we’ll leave then.” Rainbow Dash spoke. “We already asked you what we wanted, we’ll let you continue to do your… nerdy stuff. Don’t get up, we’ll close the door.” “Thanks, girls, for coming.” “Take care, partner, and see you tomorrow.” Applejack said. But before she could close the door, Twilight spoke again. “Wait! Is Fluttershy going?” Rainbow Dash was the one to answer. “No, sorry. She told me that she wouldn’t be able to make it.” “Oh, I see...” Twilight sadly said as she looked down. Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared a smile, which Pinkie Pie noticed. “Why are you looking at each other like that? Oh, I remember, it’s because of the pa-hmpf!” The party pony was silenced by Applejack and Rainbow Dash’s hooves. Both she and Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight and found her looking at them, confused. “We have to go!” And, just like that, her visitors left. Twilight laid her head on her couch. What was that?! Are they hiding something from me? I’ll ask them at the party. Fluttershy… I need to see you, I miss you. If only I could... However, Twilight’s thoughts were interrupted by a soft snore. Spike fell asleep. Twilight woke him up earlier than usual and he wasn’t used to it. The librarian smiled and magically put spike on his bed, covering him with his blanket and kissing his forehead gently. Twilight, then, took her schedule and began to modify it. I can make some room. I’ll definitely get some answers from them. *** “Where is she…? It will get late for Pinkie’s party.” Fluttershy was staring at the clock of her home. Trixie told her that she would practice earlier because she got inspired and wanted to test what she wrote so far. The problem was that they were supposed to go to the party in five minutes and she wasn’t back yet. Luckily, just when she was getting worried sick, Trixie arrived, panting. “I'm so sorry...! I lost track of… time!” The blue Unicorn was breathless for galloping all the way back. “Don’t worry, Trixie, you’re just in time!” “I will just put this in my chest and we can leave.” Trixie trotted to her room and returned moments later, wearing her cape only. They both walked outside and headed to Sugarcube Corner. “So, how was your practice? Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot that I shouldn’t ask that outside.” Trixie smiled at her. “Don’t worry. Everypony must be at Pinkie’s. It went great, all notes matched perfectly.” “I’m surprised that you didn’t need to write as you played, I mean, how do you know how it will sound?” “I have a good ear. I would be a musician if magic didn’t interest me more than music. I only have one problem with the piece, though.” “What is it?” “Well, I got too inspired. I imagined more instruments while I played and they fit perfectly. Whether I like it or not, I’ll need help, I can’t play them all.” “Can’t you remove them?” “I could, but as I said, they sounded so perfect. Perfect for my love. She must hear it.” Fluttershy smiled at Trixie. When the showmare noticed her, she blushed. She knew why she was looking at her like that. “Yes, I love her, Fluttershy. Tell the press!” “I know, but I still find it cute when you have that look.” Fluttershy’s smile faded shortly after. Seeing her friend with that look reminded her when Twilight and herself shared that look. Fluttershy sighed sadly and looked down. Trixie was now sad too. But she knew something that Fluttershy didn’t. They weren’t going to any party. Pinkie Pie planned it to reunite Fluttershy and Twilight. After Trixie told everypony how sad Fluttershy was, Pinkie Pie suggested a 'surprise surprise' party. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy, only three more days.” “You must think I’m pathetic, I can’t be away from her, not even for a week.” “I don’t think that at all. Remember when Rarity went to Canterlot for a month? I missed so much that I barely had the energy to walk. But you and our friends helped me to pass the time. We can do the same for you too. I’m sure that this party will cheer you up. Twilight is still here, she didn’t go far.” “But I still can’t see her. I sometimes walk past the library and look at it, wondering whether she’s thinking on me...” “Of course she is! But she has a job to do.” Trixie stopped walking and, for Fluttershy’s surprise, she hugged her friend. “Let us help you tonight.” Fluttershy smiled and returned the hug. “I’ll do my best… Thank you.” “Don’t mention it.” Trixie said before breaking the hug and continuing their way to the party. “What will you do with your piece, Trixie.” “I’ll think on something after the party. I’ll relax my mind for a few hours. It’s a good thing that I don’t have a deadline. You can’t force perfection.” Fluttershy giggled. “What?” “Nothing, Rarity.” Both mares giggled and stopped walking without realizing. A door suddenly opened in front of them, revealing the party pony. “There you are!” Fluttershy jumped on her spot and hid behind Trixie, scared. The showmare quickly looked at Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie Pie? What are you doing here?” The magician pony asked, confused, causing Pinkie Pie to giggle. “I live here, silly! Come on in!” “Oh, we have arrived? We didn’t notice.” Trixie realized that Fluttershy was still shaking. “Come on, Fluttershy.” The Pegasus nodded and the three ponies went inside. “Everypony else is upstairs. Go on without me, I have to look for something.” Both Trixie and Fluttershy nodded and walked upstairs. The showmare opened the door to find Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity talking lively until they saw them. “Howdy there, partner!” Applejack greeted them. “We were wonderin’ when would you show up.” “Sorry, everypony,” Trixie spoke as she and Fluttershy approached to the three ponies. “I’ll take the blame. I couldn’t find my cape anywhere.” “Maybe I should give you something to keep your stuff in so it doesn’t happen again.” Rarity jokingly said and everypony laughed. “Maybe. I would forget to buy one myself.” Trixie said before looking at Fluttershy. “Oh, girls, why don’t we help Pinkie Pie to bring the food upstairs?” “Fine...” Rainbow Dash said as she followed her friends. Fluttershy tried to follow too, but Rarity stopped her. “You stay here, darling. Just the four of us will be enough.” “O-Okay...” Fluttershy was confused, but she sat anyway as her friends left the room and closed the door behind them. She felt lonely. She looked around to see empty tables, the music off and the lights half on. She took her teddy bear from under her wing and hugged it. Suddenly, she startled when she heard the toilet flush and the sink’s water run. The bathroom door opened shortly after to reveal Twilight. “Pinkie, your soap is running out,” The lavender Unicorn had her eyes closed. “I didn’t find an extra bar. Do you keep them somewhere else or...?” It was only then when she opened her eyes and found no other than Fluttershy sitting in the middle of the room. “S-Shy?” The Pegasus was still gazing surprised at Twilight. However, when she was called, she was sure that it wasn’t her imagination and trotted to her marefriend. “Twilight, it’s really you! I’m so happy to see you!” Fluttershy was crying of happiness. “I’m happy to see you too, and surprised.” Twilight hugged her back. “Rainbow Dash told me that you wouldn’t be able to come.” Fluttershy moved her head to see Twilight. “And I thought that you wouldn’t be able to come. What about your work?” “Pinkie, Rainbow and Applejack came to the library to invite me and wouldn’t leave unless I said I would come. Then, Pinkie was about to say something when Applejack… oh, I get it now!” “Wh-What?” “You and I not knowing that the other would come, our friends leaving just before I was about to finish using the bathroom… Shy, they planned this.” “They did?” Twilight nodded excitedly. “I’m sure!” Fluttershy smiled as Twilight stroked her hair. “I missed you so much… these days have been hard for me.” “I feel the same, Twi. If it weren’t for your gift...” She showed Twilight her teddy bear. “I wouldn’t have been able to stand the feelings.” “You brought him?” Fluttershy nodded. “I didn’t know you that would come so I brought him to feel like if you were with me like you told me. I carry him everywhere and I sleep with him.” Twilight smiled as she put her forelegs on Fluttershy’s cheeks and gently leaned toward her lips to kiss her with passion. Fluttershy gladly kissed her back and she pulled her closer with her wings while she used her hooves to hug the teddy bear tighter. No more words were said, their eyes were closed, lost in the moment. Meanwhile, downstairs... “When can we go back?” Rainbow Dash impatiently asked. “Give them some time alone, darling, they haven’t seen each other for three days.” “You haven’t seen Trixie for more than three days and you aren’t kissy kissy with her.” “Our relationship is different from theirs. We can be apart for more time before getting our mood dumped.” Only Trixie noticed her voice breaking a bit. She had been spending more time at Fluttershy’s, working on her song and practicing. She felt guilty, but she had no choice. The sooner she finished, the more time she would be able to spend with her marefriend. Rarity also made a good job by smiling, again, only Trixie noticed that it was fake. “Fine then, five more minutes.” Rainbow Dash said. “Rainbow, try to be more patient for our friends. We’ll go when all Pinkie’s cupcakes are done.” Applejack suggested. They took half an hour, much for Rainbow Dash’s distaste. She complained, saying that she made too many cupcakes just for seven ponies, but Pinkie Pie said that the leftovers would be later put on sale. The party started. The music was loud and eveypony danced, except for Twilight and Fluttershy, who spent most of the party on a corner, snuggling and talking with whispers. No pony bothered them since they knew how much they missed each other. In one particular moment, Trixie watched them, smiling. Once again, she helped to do something good and felt pleased with herself. Rarity walked to her and nuzzled her cheek against Trixie’s neck from behind her with her eyes closed. The magician pony closed one of her eyes and used the other one to gaze at the pony she loved. “My darling, what are you doing?” The fancy pony sweetly asked, which always caused Trixie’s heart to melt. “Just… watching them. Their happiness make me happy, and it makes me feel good for being one of the reasons they smile again.” “I know, they make such a cute couple.” “So do we...” Blue eyes met lavender before they were closed to enjoy a kiss. It was meant to be only a peck, but they missed each other lips and it turned into a passionate kiss, with Rarity embracing her marefriend like she usually did. When they parted, they half opened their eyes to look at each other. “I missed you these past days, Trixie-boo.” “I missed you too, beautiful. I’ll make it up to you one day.” “Why not now?” Rarity said as she slowly moved her rear legs as in dancing a vals. Trixie smiled and followed her. They put their heads on each other’s withers. Fluttershy and Twilight noticed them and joined them. Applejack and Pinkie Pie watched happily but Rainbow Dash was busy eating. Applejack shook her head with a smile when she saw her best friend and rival chewing before focusing on her friends again. The love that the couples shared were unmatched. She believed that nothing could break them apart.