"Thank you so much for coming to help me walk the dogs," Fluttershy said to Sunset as they strolled through Canterlot Park, both with dog leashes in each hand.
Sunset laughed. "No problem, 'Shy. I had nothing to do this afternoon and since I had the song writing session with Rainbow yesterday, I thought getting some sun for one day wouldn't hurt."
Sunset had met up with Fluttershy at the Canterlot Animal Shelter earlier that morning, after stopping by Sugarcube Corner to bring the girl some coffee and donuts.
They talked about their senior year and college plans over breakfast, and at eleven, they got the dogs ready for their afternoon playdate at the park.
Sunset took on the bigger dogs since she were a lot stronger than Fluttershy. A Golden Retriever named Blondie, a Bulldog named Butch, and a Grey Hound named Kermit.
Fluttershy got the small lap dogs; Glitter, Buttercup, and Happy, (who were sibling yorkies) and Floyd, a dash hound.
It was a nice day in Canterlot, the summer sun had eased up a bit, letting a cool summer breeze blow through the park. Definitely a cooler day than the day before.
Sunset reached into her shorts for her phone. "It's almost twelve thirty. You wanna sit down somewhere to take a break?" They had been walking for a while, letting the dogs do their business and play with the other dogs at the park. Today seemed to be a day everyone decided to bring their dogs because everywhere they looked someone had their pup with them. Sunset guessed the heat was tiring for dogs too.
"Sure," said Fluttershy, who was pulling out a picnic blanket from her messenger bag. Sunset held onto the other dogs while she laid down the blanket.
"There," Fluttershy said smiling down at her work. She had used their bags as anchors so that the blanket wouldn't blow away. She sat down. "Sunset, could you get them some water? They must be really thirsty after all that walking we did."
Sunset nodded. "Sure. Are you sure you can watch them?" She asked in concerned tone, watching Fluttershy struggle with the leashes.
"No, no I'm fine. Just get a couple of bottles out the vending machine please," Fluttershy responded, her voice strained.
Sunset shrugged. "Okay." She wasn't exactly sure if Fluttershy was truly fine on her own, but she believed in her.
A few minutes later she came back with the water to find Fluttershy covered in dirt and panting. She arched a brow as she sat down. "Uh, what happened to you?" She handed her one of the many bottles in her hands.
"Blondie and Kermit wanted to play tag." The meek girl explained. "I got taken along for the ride," she sighed, putting the bottle to her forehead. She hummed in relief when she felt the cool water touch her skin.
Sunset giggled. "If I wasn't here how would you have taken on all these dogs by yourself?" She asked.
"Oh, I wouldn't be by myself. Flash stops by sometimes to help. Especially during the summer. He hasn't come around as of late because of his summer school schedule, but he usually walks with me," Fluttershy saw the look on the older girl's face. "Oh! I'm sorry! I forgot you two broke up!"
Sunset let out a humorless laugh. "It's...Alright, 'Shy. We're friends. We worked everything out. And I mean I realized after a while I did kinda have real feelings for him, but I saw how much he was into Twilight. I didn't wanna get in the way of their...thing."
"Oh, Sunny...I'm so sorry..." Fluttershy put a hand on her shoulder. "I don't exactly know how you feel right now, but I want to let you know that I'm here for you," She told her, hugging her.
Sunset breathed in her scent. Fluttershy smelled like the flowers in the flower beds around them, and thegrass beneath their feet. She smelled like a warm summer afternoon just like this one, and she realized that there was no one else she would rather be sitting under a giant oak tree on a old picnic blanket with.
When Fluttershy let go of her, Sunset started the conversation up again. "Since Flash is busy and all, do you mind if I come over to the shelter every Tuesday to walk the dogs with you?"
Fluttershy's eyes lit up. "Really?! You'd do that?! Oh you've been such a big help already! I couldn't possibly ask you to-"
Sunset put a finger on Fluttershy's lips to shush her. "Relax. I'm offering. Besides, you and the girls have shown me nothing but kindess and it's time I show some in return."
A stomach grumbled and Sunset looked over at Fluttershy, who was blushing.
"Um...speaking of kindness...Could you...Kindly buy me some lunch at Sugarcube Corner? I kinda forgot my wallet at the shelter," She admitted sheepishly.
Sunset let out another laugh, genuine this time. She smiled brightly as she linked arms with the younger girl. "Sure, 'Shy. Sure."