Fluttershy was out in her field, tending to all her little animal friends. She had just finished feeding them and is now just getting them settled.
Watching nearby was one of her current roommates, Laura Kinney, AKA X-23. Fluttershy had offered to watch over the mare as a favor to Wolverine.
Fluttershy was humming an angelic song to her animals, helping them get aligned as she continued to tend to her critters.
Laura couldn't help but feel at peace listening to Fluttershy's humming. She had the sweetest voice, topped with the nicest attitude. Only a gentle creature like Fluttershy can stand to handle someone like X-23 as far as the young mare was concerned.
Laura couldn't understand why Fluttershy was so friendly, but she's not gonna complain. She'll be there for Fluttershy, after all at this point, Fluttershy is the only creature in this world she cares about.
Fluttershy noticed Laura watching from nearby, "Oh, hello Laura, would you like to come over? I could use your company, if you don't mind at least."
Laura nodded and approached Fluttershy, standing with her as she helped sort her animals. Strangely or rather unsurprisingly, the animals seemed nervous around Laura.
Laura has never given off the best vibes when near the animals, they can almost sense her hostility. Truth be told Laura didn't like them either, in fact she couldn't fully understand how Fluttershy can deal with a job like this.
Though it's her patience with animals that probably allows Fluttershy to handle somepony like Laura, her understanding nature.
Fluttershy noticed her animals feeling nervous, but it's something she understands by now. Getting Laura to appear more friendly will take work but she knows it will happen eventually.
"So..." Laura said, breaking the ice, "What's it like dealing with these creatures all the time? Honestly I haven't seen the thrill so far."
"It's fun, I enjoy tending to my critters," Fluttershy explained.
"I'm amazed you can handle this honestly, I don't think I would have the patience, though I'm not sure who would," Laura said.
"Once you understand them, it's not that bad, maybe I can help you one day," Fluttershy offered.
"Yeah maybe, but still. Suppose they give you attitude? I mean I find it hard to believe that all of them are nice all the time," Laura said.
"Don't worry, I have my ways of handling misbehaving animals," Fluttershy explained.
Laura raised her eyebrow, "Oh really? How so?"
"It's nothing really, just a little assertiveness, and...My Stare," Fluttershy said.
Laura looked curious, "Your stare? This I have to see."
Fluttershy shook her head, "I don't think that's a good idea, I only use it when my animals are being bad, but luckily it's not that often."
"Aw, kinda wanna see this 'Stare' though, maybe I can get your animals to rile up or something," Laura suggested.
Fluttershy looked at Laura with disapproval, "I don't think so, it's not something to just show-off Laura, and not something I willingly wanna put my animals through."
"Aw, fine then. Do it to me," Laura said.
Fluttershy raised her eyebrow, "I don't think it would work, and even if it did I don't wanna put you through that."
"Hey I've seen worse, I think I can handle your stare," Laura insisted.
Fluttershy shook her head, "Not a good idea Laura."
Laura groaned, "Come on, just once for a few seconds, if you do that then I'll join you on your next shopping spree!"
Laura realized what she said and tried to cover her mouth but too late, Fluttershy's interest was peaked.
"Really? You hated it the first time I tried taking you, are you that interested?" Fluttershy asked.
Laura could have taken it back but foolishly she continued on, "Yeah I mean it."
Fluttershy still looked conflicted, but a part of her really wanted Laura to join her. It's nice to have the company.
"Alright, but only for a few seconds," Fluttershy said.
Laura grinned and waited in anticipation. Fluttershy faced Laura with her eyes closed, then moments later, her eyes shot open and her stare was in effect.
Laura felt her gaze, and it was nothing like she's experienced before. At first she was fine but suddenly she felt a bit frozen, she didn't understand why. Laura was essentially lost in Fluttershy's gaze as the normally timid mare continued for a few more seconds.
Eventually Fluttershy broke the stare and closed her eyes a bit before looking at Laura again, "So...are you satisfied?"
Laura was still frozen a moment before shaking her head a little and regaining her composure, "Yeah, I guess. Damn you got quite a stare, hate to ever piss you off."
"You could never um...you know...piss me off," Fluttershy managed to get out.
Laura stifled a chuckle, even when using profane words Fluttershy sounds so timid.
"Yeah you put up with lot of my crap, and that's why you're probably my favorite pony to deal with in this world," Laura confessed.
Fluttershy giggled, "Thanks Laura...so about you coming shopping with me, I know we made a deal but you don't have to uphold your end. I don't want to make you do anything you don't wanna do."
Laura could have said 'no' then and there, be done with it. But something inside told her otherwise.
"No, I made a deal, I have to uphold it. Besides I don't mind spending time with you. Like I said, you're my favorite mare. I hope I'm at least one of yours," Laura said.
Fluttershy nodded, "You are, in fact I want to see you like my sister, so that would make you one of my favorites."
Laura raised her eyebrows, "Sister huh?" She then put on a genuine smile. "I think we can make that work, I'd like to have you as a sister honestly."
Fluttershy smiled and hugged Laura, "I'm so happy to hear."
Laura looked a bit stunned, she's not that used to physical affection. Fluttershy realized her actions and quickly broke away, "Sorry, I guess I got carried away. Let's get ready to go."
Fluttershy hastily left to grab some bags. Laura followed her, still unsure about what just happened.
The two hit the town, walking through the market area. Fluttershy just needed to grab some supplies and some food for her animals. Laura walked close to Fluttershy, keeping an eye on all the nearby ponies. She still had some trust issues she was working on, Fluttershy being the only pony she could trust. She could probably trust Fluttershy more than her Marvel allies, with an occasional exception for Peter Parker, though she could barely tolerate his annoying attitude.
Logan is a whole other story. Logan still lives with the Parker-Sparkle family, mainly because if he stays too long with Laura they start butting heads. Logan goes by once in awhile just to make sure things are well, though it's usually very brief.
She also barely tolerates their other roommate Lightning Dust. Lightning barely interacts with Laura and Fluttershy anyway, the only time she's interactive is when Trixie comes by with Logan.
Doesn't matter, all Laura cares about is forming a bond with Fluttershy, and she vows to always be by her side.
Fluttershy approached a stand and started getting what she needed. Laura stayed by, watching over, making sure nopony takes advantage of Fluttershy's kindness.
While waiting, Laura noticed the Apple Family walk by. Applejack, Big Macintosh, Apple Bloom and Remy were setting up a cart to sell some apples.
Apple Bloom noticed Laura and waved at her, though Laura responded with a quick hi type wave and looked away. Laura has had enough of Apple Bloom and her crusading ideas, that filly needs a better hobby as far as she's concerned.
Fluttershy grabbed her supplies and noticed the Apple Family, "Hey it's Applejack, let's go say hi to them."
Laura shook her head, "No! Please 'Shy, I can't handle being near that energetic filly!"
"Huh? You mean Apple Bloom? I know she can be a bit high energy, but it doesn't mean she's a bad filly."
"I know, but she's too obsessed with these cutie marks. Honestly what the hell is the big deal, it's just marks on your ass! Not that important really!" Laura said.
"I know it doesn't seem important to you but it's very important to her. But if you'd like I can help talk to her, get her to calm down about it," Fluttershy offered.
"You'd be one hell of a life saver if you did Fluttershy," Laura said.
The two approached the Apples and were greeted by Applejack.
"Howdy Fluttershy, howdy Laura, what'd you up to today?" Applejack asked.
"Hello Applejack, we're just shopping, that's all," Fluttershy explained.
Applejack looked to Laura, "Wow, you managed to get this one to join you for once?"
Laura glared, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Fluttershy grew concerned, is Laura losing her temper already?
Applejack raised her hooves, "Nothing, just saying that-"
Laura got in her face, "Saying what farmer girl!?"
Big Macintosh stepped forward in a threatening way, causing Laura to aim her claws and glare at Big Mac, "Watch yourself!"
Remy stepped forward, "Laura, behave yourself, you want Logan to find out about this!?"
Laura aimed her claw at Remy, "Back off Cajun boy!"
Ponies nearby noticed this and grew concerned.
Apple Bloom stepped up, "Laura, come on now, maybe yer just bored. Why don't you come with me, ah got some crusading ideas for ya."
"I don't WANT to do your stupid crusades! Honestly don't you have anything better to do with your time!?" Laura shouted.
Apple Bloom looked taken back, so Applejack stepped forward, "It ain't necessary to yell at mah sister!"
"Tell your sister to stop being so annoying, seriously one of these days I'm gonna-"
Fluttershy started moving Laura back, "Ok let's just move along now."
Laura reluctantly moved along with Fluttershy, though not before shooting an angry glare to the Apple Family.
Applejack shook her head, "Why do you even like that mare Apple Bloom? She ain't exactly friendly."
"Logan says she's just mad, she's had a rough life. She just need some friends, Fluttershy is a good start at least," Apple Bloom said.
"Ah hope so," Applejack said as she watched the angry mare get dragged away.
Fluttershy managed to continue her shopping day, though she had to keep an extra eye on Laura, who seemed to be in a fouler mood. However Laura did have a bit of regret, feeling that maybe she overreacted a with the Apples.
After the day was done, the duo made their way back home. Fluttershy could see that Laura's guilt was starting to show.
"Um for the record, you can always go apologize later if you'd like. I'm sure they'll forgive you," Fluttershy offered, hoping to make Laura feel a bit better.
Laura nodded, " I guess, maybe."
Fluttershy nuzzled Laura a bit, "You'll be fine, you seemed a little less hostile than normal at least."
Laura rolled her eyes, "It didn't even take me two seconds to lose my temper, I don't see that as me getting better."
"But Laura-"
"Listen, I get that you wanna make me feel better, but you don't need to patronize me, I know I messed up. I'll deal with the Apples later, try to make peace, but it's obvious that I still have quite a bit of work to go," Laura said.
Fluttershy nodded, "What's important is that you want to get better. I'll be here for you."
Laura nodded, "Thanks, you're the best friend a girl like me can ask for, and a great sister too."
They arrived at the Cottage a while later. Fluttershy went to sort her food so she can properly feed her animals soon. While waiting Laura heard the doorbell, so she approached and opened. She saw Apple Bloom waiting.
"What is it Apple Bloom?" Laura asked, hardly in the mood.
"Ah just wanted to check up on yah. Ah know you got angry a while ago, but ah know yer not bad. Maybe you just overreacted a little."
Once Apple Bloom noticed a change in Laura's facial expressions, she quickly re-worded, "Uh, what ah meant was, yer just not used to her yet. But ah know you can soon be a friendly mare, especially when you got Fluttershy helping yah. And with me and The Crusaders you can finally get yer Cutie Mark."
"Kid, I don't care about Cutie Marks, I probably won't be here in a few weeks, or months, besides they don't seem important to me," Laura said.
"But Laura-"
"Listen, I appreciate you coming over to check on me, and I'm sorry for losing my cool, but for now I just don't want to be bothered. Now maybe later on me and Fluttershy can go by your farm and we can do something fun that doesn't involve those damn cutie marks. But for now, I just wanna be with Fluttershy," Laura explained.
Apple Bloom nodded, "Ok, see ya later then."
Apple Bloom ran off while Laura sighed. Maybe Fluttershy's right, she's not bad, just too energetic. When she's not high energy, she can pretty reasonable.
Later on Fluttershy fed her animals and even taught Laura exactly how she does it. Laura tried her take at it, though she struggled a bit, especially when it came to the patience with the animals.
Fluttershy assisted Laura, often giving 'The Stare' to the animals that gave Laura a hard time. Laura enjoyed seeing 'The Stare' in action without being on the receiving end of it.
It took a while but they were all done, Laura had done a decent job, she can only get better later.
Fluttershy rested outside on the grass, Laura laid down right next to her.
"Thanks for showing me how it's done," Laura said.
"No problem, we should do this more often," Fluttershy offered.
Laura nodded, "I'd like that."
Laura then put her foreleg around Fluttershy and pulled her into a hug. Fluttershy was a bit surprised but happy at the action.
What surprised Fluttershy more was that Laura had kissed her cheek, plus three extra words that really stunned Fluttershy.
"I love you."
Fluttershy nuzzled again Laura affectionately, "I love you too."
The two laid there a moment but then thought they heard something coming.
"Who's there!?" Laura asked in a threatening way, even sticking her claws out while holding Fluttershy close.
They then saw two ponies that Fluttershy was happy to see, but Laura didn't care for.
"Hi Peter, hi Twilight," Fluttershy greeted.
"Hi Fluttershy, how are you doing?" Peter asked.
"I'm doing good, what brings you here?" Fluttershy asked.
"Just here to check up on things, I heard that a scene almost happened at the marketplace...Laura," Twilight said, glaring briefly at the mare.
Laura scowled at Twilight and turned away, not really caring what the alicorn had to say.
"It was a little hectic but it all turned out just fine," Fluttershy reassured.
"I hope so," Twilight said.
Peter noticed that Laura was still in a bad mood, so he turned to Twilight, "Now that we know things are better, maybe let's head home, leave those two be. I think they were having a bonding moment anyway."
Twilight nodded, "Right," she turned to the two, "See you both later."
Laura watched suspiciously as The Power Couple left, and grew even more suspicious when she saw Logan watching from a distance.
Fluttershy noticed the tension and nuzzled against Laura again, "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
Laura nuzzled back as The Power Couple left with Logan.
All Laura cared about right now was being with Fluttershy, and she'll be damned if she ever loses that privilege.