//------------------------------// // Fluttershy // Story: Pegasi Introspection // by NintendoGal55 //------------------------------// It had been several minutes since Rainbow Dash joined her in the car, then another several minutes since they last spoke to each other. Fluttershy could see that Rainbow Dash was oftentimes staring into space, looking out the window, down at the seat below her, or to the side. Sometimes she chuckled, mostly she smiled, other times she looked thoughtful, sometimes she looked a little sad. Sometimes she sighed through her nose. Otherwise, it was very quiet. The cyan Pegasus had said that she was lost in memories. It was probably what she was even thinking about at the moment, and why she was so quiet. A little swallow formed in Fluttershy's throat before she gazed back out the window. Memories. Yes, she too was lost in them. Her memories even drifted back to that very day they first met. Their first day of Summer Flight Camp. While at the time, she had just about begged her parents not to send her to camp, she was by now forever grateful that they did. She smiled at the memory. She knew that if it wasn't for going to camp, she would never have met her dearest friend. ~X~ “All right, Miss Fluttershy, here is your room. You'll be sharing it with another camper, and you may of course take whichever bunk isn't occupied.” Sky Blue told her sweetly. “Lights out is at nine. At the Mess Hall, breakfast is served at seven until nine. Then lunchtime will be from noon to one, with dinner from five to seven. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask me or any of the teachers and administrators.” Fluttershy nodded, looking down at the floor. “....Th-thank you,” She sighed sadly, hoping the receptionist wouldn't notice. Sky Blue, however, having dealt with children many times before, most especially those who were afraid or homesick. She smiled, and knelt down at the filly's level, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Hey, it's all right, sweetheart. I know this must be tough for you, isn't it? Are you homesick?” “...A little...but it's...it's not that,” Fluttershy admitted. “I...I just....I just can't fly...and I...just...I don't think anypony will like me.” “Awww,” Sky Blue said softly, and then met her eyes. “You know what, Fluttershy? I've dealt with fillies and colts who go through this all the time. You just have to give it some time, and let yourself get out there. Just do you best, that's all anypony could ever ask for. And even if you still fail, at least you will know you gave it your all. Kind of like...finishing a race, even though you don't win.” Blinking her teary eyes, Fluttershy looked up at the compassionate receptionist with awe. “...Really?” “Definitely,” Sky Blue smiled more. “You're going to do just fine, Fluttershy. You'll see. Like I said, if you need help at all, you know you can come to any one of us for assistance. We're here for all you campers, and you can take my word for it.” Smiling a bit, Fluttershy thanked the receptionist, and then managed to bravely step into her room. Sky Blue smiled and then closed the door behind her to give the fillies some privacy to settle in. Almost immediately, Fluttershy took notice of a filly hanging up a Wonderbolts poster on one of the walls. She placed her saddlebags on the bottom bunk (which she could see wasn't occupied) and watched her for a moment. She was so cute! Her coat was sky blue, her mane and tail were fuzzy, containing the colours of the rainbow. When she turned around, hovering in midair on her little wings, she faced Fluttershy, and the said filly felt her insides warm up. Her eyes were magenta, just adding all the more to her striking features. “Hey!” The rainbow-maned filly greeted as she lowered herself to the floor. “I'm Rainbow Dash! I'm gonna be your roomie! Who're you?” “Um...um...” Fluttershy looked nervously at her filly roommate, who she now noticed was smaller than she was. “I'm....” She mumbled in response. “Huh? What'd you say? I didn't catch that,” Rainbow Dash came closer to her. “I'm.....” She mumbled again. “Speak up, can't hear you.” “...-shy.” “Oh come on, speak up!” “Fluttershy!” Fluttershy burst in a loud whisper, her eyes squeezing shut. When she opened them, Rainbow Dash was grinning. “There we go! Now how hard was that?” Fluttershy blushed a bit, looking at the filly shyly. “Um...well I...” She looked around the room for something that she could MAYBE talk about, and bit her lip. Her eyes then fell on the Wonderbolts poster. “Um...that's...a...n-nice poster of the Wonderbolts...” Rainbow Dash's grin grew as she nodded rapidly. “Isn't it?! They're the best fliers in Equestria! First only to me!” She winked at her. “Aren't they awesome? Do you like them too? Aren't they the best?!” “Um...well I....well...not...actively...” Fluttershy admitted. She saw the rainbow-maned filly's expression drop into a look of disappointment. For whatever reason, it kind of...hurt her to see her like that. As if she had just been slapped. She cleared her throat. “I mean...I certainly don't hate them. I mean...I respect them, I admire them... And um...well, if you like them...well, I'm fine with that. I-I support that. You like what you like...you know?” She hoped that came out right. Rainbow Dash studied her for a moment, her eyes a bit wide with surprise. But then she grinned again, bringing a hoof around her shoulders. “Well, thanks! Hey, listen, I like you. So you can sit with me for breakfast! I'm starved!” A little smile crossed Fluttershy's face. Did this mean she made a friend? Oh, she hoped so! At least her roommate liked her, which was a relief. ------ As it were, they were separated for the day due to different sects they had to be in that morning, much to Fluttershy's dismay. She was all alone, surrounded by other fillies and colts for orientation. She felt...lonely. Lonelier than when she had arrived at camp. Did Rainbow Dash still like her? Did she still want to be friends? So many questions! Fluttershy lay on the cloud ground, her head on her forehooves, and sighed. The first day at camp had started good, but now, she wasn't sure if it was a good day at all. What if Rainbow Dash had found cooler friends? Someponies she preferred to hang out with than her? It would be no wonder, considering how fun and cool the rainbow-maned filly was. Wouldn't she do better with other fillies who were cool? And not quiet, shy, clumsy Fluttershy? “You're up, Fluttershy!” The counselor, a purple Pegasus by the name of Wind Storm. “All right kiddo, stand up and show us how high you can fly.” All the other kids were staring at her, which made Fluttershy nervous. She stood up, her gangly limbs trembling. Her little wings flapped noisily in a blur as she tried to lift herself off the ground, but couldn't. She tried harder, harder, even willing her body to move. But no success. Snickers and whispers were heard amidst the other fillies and colts, which were making Fluttershy even more nervous. Her wings flapped harder, sweat rolled down her forehead, as she tried hard to lift herself off the ground. Eventually, her hooves left the cloud below her! She smiled as she realized she was doing it! But when she looked down, she could see she was barely a few inches off the ground. Not at all impressive. That was when her wings receded to her sides, and she fell to the cloud ground with a soft phoomp. Almost immediately, the other fillies and colts began to laugh hysterically. It was no wonder, the rest of them could fly, especially higher off the ground! “Fluttershy! Fluttershy! Fluttershy can hardly fly!” They began to chant, pointing at her and laughing. Fluttershy didn't even hear anypony trying to call her back as she ran away, crying. ------- “They're right...I can't fly...I just can't!” Fluttershy whimpered to herself, tears rolling down her face. “I shouldn't have wasted their time like that...” “Hey look, it's Klutzershy!” “Haha! Pitiful for a Pegasus!” “Fluttershy can hardly fly!” A few colts and fillies were close by, now pointing and laughing at her. Fluttershy whimpered, placing her hooves over her eyes and flattening her ears. She just wanted them to go away! She curled into a ball, feeling so scared and alone as they continued to laugh and taunt her. There was then a rushing breeze, and she could feel a presence land next to her, while the bullies got quiet. “Hey! Leave her alone!” Came a familiar voice. “Beat it, you numbskulls, and don't let me catch you tormenting my friend again!” Grumbling, the bullies walked off, she could hear them retreating. Fluttershy sniffled, and opened her eyes, looking up to see Rainbow Dash standing next to her. Said filly smiled and approached her, gently touching her nose with her hoof. “Hey...you okay, Fluttershy? I'm sorry those bullies got to you, though. But what do they know!” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “But you're fine now, they're gone.” “....Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy managed to sit up, wiping her eyes. “Did...did you mean that?” “Mean what?” Rainbow Dash tilted her head curiously. “When you said...you called me....a...your...your friend...” Fluttershy looked down shyly, her voice dropping. Rainbow Dash blinked, but then she grinned. “Of course I did, Fluttershy! I wouldn't have said that if I didn't mean it! Of course you're my friend! I already said I liked you, and wanted to sit with you for breakfast, didn't I?” Looking at the filly once more, seeing that there was indeed no irony, doubt or deceit in her excited cerise eyes, Fluttershy felt herself smile once more. She could not believe that someone as cool and experienced as Rainbow Dash was willing to be her friend, willing to stand up for her. It was the nicest thing anypony had ever done for her. She felt a compulsion to hug her, but held it back. “Rainbow Dash...I...I...well I...well...um.... I just wanted to say...that means so much to me. Nopony has ever wanted to be my friend...I...You're my friend, too...” Fluttershy said softly, barely looking at her. “All right! And don't you worry, Fluttershy, I've always got your back! I won't let those meanie idiots pick on you!” Rainbow Dash promised, siding up beside her. “Now come on, we've got some free time, why don't I show you some tricks I can do?” Watching, yes. Fluttershy could do that. Not to mention, she was curious as to what Rainbow Dash could do, despite what she'd been told over breakfast. She nodded, and then happily followed the filly. Her smile never left her face, as she felt her entire body just warm up with happiness. She made a friend. Somepony who liked her, and would be there for her. She hoped with all her heart, that she could be there for Rainbow Dash, too. ------ “Not bad, Fluttershy! You can do it! Wow, ever since you got your cutie mark, you've been getting better!” Rainbow Dash praised, grinning. “Really? You think so?” Fluttershy beamed. “Sure I do! Maybe you're not fast like me, but...well, I guess it's kinda cool you can actually stay in the air like that! You never could before, but now you can!” Rainbow Dash shrugged a bit, and then landed on the cloud near her, laying down next to her. “...I'm glad I managed to improve. ...I mean, I may never get to be as fast as you, bu that's all right. ...I mean, I'm just glad to be able to at least fly somehow.” Fluttershy rolled onto her back, looking up at the sky above them. A sense of warmth and peace coursed over her yet again, something she hadn't felt in a long time...not since she had discovered the wonderful creatures on the ground below. Realizing that down there was where she truly wanted to be. At least, one day, even if not right this moment. Getting back up to Cloudsdale from the ground did still prove to be a challenge for her, since the search party Pegasi had to take her back up when they found her the first time. By now, her flying was fairly efficient, despite not being the level of a normal Pegasus. It was all right. Fluttershy knew that she would use her flying as a source of convenience, which worked better for her in the long run. Becoming fast and even doing stunts just wasn't her thing. Not when she preferred to slow down, smell the roses, and tend to her new animal friends. Besides, Rainbow Dash flew fast enough for the both of them. She was perfectly content just watching her best friend take on all the fast flying and aerial stunts she herself could never do. It made her feel proud, because she knew it made Rainbow Dash happy. That was what truly mattered to her. It never failed to entice the warmest happiness in her heart. “Yeah! You came a long way, too!” Rainbow Dash rolled over, and then climbed on top of Fluttershy in a rare act of close, physical affection. Something she only ever seemed to express around her and nopony else, especially when they were alone together. The smaller filly lay over her, making herself comfortable. “So did you, Rainbow...” Fluttershy said softly, looking up into the wide, happy eyes of her best friend. “Aw, come on!” Rainbow Dash blushed a bit. “You praise me enough already! Time you had a little bit thrown your way, too! You deserve it, Fluttershy!” Fluttershy giggled a bit, leaning up and nuzzling their noses sweetly. “Thank you, Rainbow Dash... Your encouragement really...really...m-means...a lot to me...” The rainbow-maned filly's eyes widened upon this admittance, but she grinned widely. “D'awww! Fluttershy, seriously, you're making me blush now! But um...you're welcome?” Now the creamy yellow filly laughed with delight as she brought her hooves around her smaller friend in a joyous embrace. “Oh, Rainbow Dash...you're my best friend!” “D'aww, and you're mine too, Fluttershy! We're always gonna be best friends!” Rainbow Dash laughed, and hugged her back, nuzzling under her chin. “Nothing's gonna change that!” “No, never...” Fluttershy agreed whole-heartedly. ~X~ Upon remembering their little fillyhood promise, Fluttershy couldn't help but feel her heart sink. Thinking of that cute little memory oftentimes brought on the thoughts of the aftermath. Which didn't happen until many years later, but had been, at the time, a realization that maybe that little fillyhood promise would be gone forever. It broke Fluttershy's heart when she thought of it, at least at the time. Of course, she no longer worried of it, considering that her friendship with Rainbow Dash was better than it ever had been...but even now it did still create tension in her heart. As if it were going to burst and yet crumble with sorrow. There were two bits of this. First off, had been the confrontation against the dragon that had nested in a cave far off in the mountains outside of Ponyville. Fluttershy had never felt more scared...and that was saying something, especially at the time. She was afraid of dragons, and still was to this day. Back then, it was practically debilitating, especially in how she was even afraid of speaking up against it to her friends. What manifested, despite her assertive anger toward the dragon for daring harm her friends, Fluttershy could never forget a certain aspect. She knew Rainbow Dash, at the time, was completely annoyed with her. No patience, no nonsense. She was not willing to let it slow them down. Fluttershy had felt just so ashamed of herself for having put her best friend in such a position. She may have stood up to the dragon, but even before and after, it didn't completely overshadow the shame she felt. To think she disappointed somepony, especially Rainbow Dash, just that much. Fear and shame, two emotions she felt easily at the time. As if the fear slowly dissolved like a melting ice cream cone, with the shame re-freezing it all over again. Later following, there was that time when she had been called pathetic. Pathetic for her lack of any proud flying skills, pathetic of her lack of assertiveness. Just plain pathetic. To which her own best friend all too frustratedly poured into her. Looking back, it was a combination of tough love...and yet, misguided frustrations. She knew better now than to take that personally, but at the time, she had been hurt. Her heart torn to pieces, her mane and tail drooping, and her body weak. It had been one of the worst times of her life, second only to her days of being bullied in Flight School and Junior Flight Camp. And by her own best friend. Who she had thought, at the time, hated her, and would have wanted a better, cooler friend. Fluttershy swallowed, and stole a glance at the cyan Pegasus. There was no trace of anger or frustration there. Instead, she seemed calm, serene, and of course, thoughtful. As if she had a lot on her mind, but was calmly thinking of them rather than flailing and about to pull her mane out. She giggled a bit under her breath, before her mind returned to that sad, yet, lifting memory. ~X~ “Then why don't you DO something about it?! Just sitting there and spouting out words about it don't do a thing! Be more assertive, more confident! You're pathetic, Fluttershy! You are and always have been PATHETIC!” It took all of Fluttershy's strength, what little she even had left, not to break down into sobs. All that she could muster was her body trembling, and the tears streaming from her eyes like twin rivers. She looked up, and for a brief moment, could see a flash of regret in Rainbow Dash's eyes before she then flew away. Faster than she could comprehend, since it was only mere seconds before she was barely visible on the line of the horizon ahead. Now alone, Fluttershy dashed into her house (which she had been standing close to), the door slamming behind her, and collapsed onto the fainting couch, crying uncontrollably. Her heart shattered with each sob, her stomach clenched, and even her head was beginning to ache from all of her crying. A few of her animal friends overheard her crying, or had seen her running into her home, all came in to gather around her. A toad joined in, from where he had been sitting in a bowl of water set out for him. He croaked sadly, while the other animals tittered and squeaked. Fluttershy lifted her head, sniffling and sobbing, looking at her animal companions with sad, but grateful eyes. “Oh...I'm so sorry, my friends....I don't mean to get so upset... We just...Rainbow and I...we had an argument...Or...well, she was arguing with me...and I just took it,” she sniffled, laying her head on her hooves. “She yelled at me...calling me pathetic...” Mr. Toady croaked sadly. “Oh, I know...” Fluttershy said softly, and looked to see a tortoise slowly approaching the gathering. She smiled sadly at him, too. “But she was right! If she had just yelled out something stupid that I knew wasn't true...that would be one thing...but she was right! I am pathetic!” She began to sob again, her withers trembling hard. The tortoise made a croaking noise as well, not quite akin to Mr. Toady, but it was the only way to describe it. Hummingway twittered softly, landing on her mane. “I know, I know... But she's right. I have no assertiveness, and I don't even work hard at flying better,” Fluttershy whimpered. “She...she deserves so much better than somepony like me.” Angel Bunny frowned as he hopped up in front of her face, bopping her on the nose in a scolding way. “But it's true, Angel!” Fluttershy whined. “I do nothing but slow her down, irritate her, and I...I'm just not her! I never can be...she deserves somepony who is just like her...who can keep up with her and participate in what she wants. She doesn't need me...” Once more, Angel frowned and then slapped her, shaking his head. Hummingway twittered in agreement, while Mr. Toady croaked. The tortoise just looked up at her. A squirrel squeaked, and patted her mane. “Don't try to deny it, my friends. It's true. So please...there's no need to sugarcoat it. I have to accept it. Rainbow Dash may not want to be my friend...and I understand that,” Fluttershy managed to sit up a bit. “But I will always be there if she needs me. ...I...I just can't hate her...not for this. Well...I just hope she'll still follow her dreams, and will be happy. That's all I've ever wanted for her...” The animals were about to respond, but there was a loud knocking at her front door. Fluttershy's head shot up like lightning, her teary eyes widening as she gazed at the door. Could it be? “Is it she?” Fluttershy murmured to herself, wiping her eyes with her hooves. “Um...coming! Just...just a minute!” She called to the door. Looking at herself in the mirror, she could see that she was a mess. Her eyes were bloodshot, tears stained her cheeks and muzzle, and even her mane was a bit askew. Quickly, she went to the bathroom splash her face in some cold water. She then brushed her mane, applying herself to look as presentable as possible. Through some careful strokes of the brush, she managed to secure the blossom pink locks to a fair set. Once finished, she exited the bathroom and came to the front door, opening it. Much to her dismay, or relief, she wasn't sure, Derpy Hooves was at the door with a golden envelope in her mouth. “Oh, hello, Derpy,” Fluttershy managed a little smile. “You...have mail for me?” “Yes, I do!” Derpy dropped the envelope into the yellow Pegasus' waiting hoof. “It's a special delivery!” She reached into her mailbag, producing a clipboard with a pen attached to it on a string. “Sign here on the line!” Fluttershy nodded, taking the pen in her mouth and doing so. She offered Derpy a little tip of a few bits, and a muffin before the mailmare was on her merry way. When she closed the door and sat herself at the table to look over the letter, she came to see, to her surprise, that it was a letter from Cloudsdale. Given the official seal, it had to have been. A thought occurred to her. Could this be...? Upon reading the letter, her eyes went wide. It was an invitation to participate in the Best Young Fliers competition. Because she was of age and a Pegasus, it was no wonder she was sent one, since she technically qualified under those terms. Despite that, it wasn't for her, and she simply wouldn't accept it. That was fine, it was optional, anyway. But the fact she received this letter meant something else entirely. That meant Rainbow Dash received an invitation, too! Fluttershy knew how much she had always wanted to participate in the competition, especially since the Wonderbolts would be the judges, and the whole event would be witnessed by Princess Celestia herself. It was an exciting event for any Pegasus, to be sure. And for one like Rainbow Dash, it was no wonder that this competition would be up her alley. “Oh, this is wonderful! I just know Rainbow Dash will want to participate! I have to find her and tell her how much I-” Fluttershy paused then, a sinking feeling coursing in her stomach. She and Rainbow Dash were no longer speaking. Immediately, her countenance grew saddened once again. How, for one moment, her sorrows were forgotten. She was a balloon that had been inflated, but then was cruelly popped with a pin. A searing pain came to her heart as the creamy yellow Pegasus slumped on the floor, the invitation gently leafing down from her hoof. Tears pooled in her eyes, falling once more down her cheeks. “Now I can't even support her during the competition...” Fluttershy sniffled. “But what good would that be, anyway? I could never be the supporter to her that I wish I was. That she truly deserves, no less... But I just wish she knew that I do still hope that she will succeed...” Sniffling a bit, she looked down at the invitation, then the envelope. Then upon a pencil sitting in a cup on her table, along with some flowery butterfly stationary, and some personalized envelopes. An idea struck her. “I know...I'll write her a letter. She can read it at her leisure...and maybe somehow...it will be a way for her to know that I support her...even if she won't be my friend anymore...” Fluttershy smiled a bit as she thought of it. “At least it might make me feel better...” With her thoughts at ease, managing to comfort her even just a bit, Fluttershy retrieved the pencil and some paper. She sat down, getting to work on writing the letter to Rainbow Dash. ~X~ Snapping out of her thoughts for a moment, she looked to the other Pegasus curiously once again. What was she thinking about? Whatever it was, she seemed a bit...tense. It worried her, bringing a stinging feeling of concern in her stomach. Before she could think, already she spoke up to get Rainbow Dash's attention, “Rainbow Dash? ...Rainbow Dash?” “Huh? What? ...Oh, sorry, Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly, her ears flattening in embarrassment. “I was just lost in memories.” “Oh, I see...” Fluttershy smiled a little. Looked like she wasn't the only one lost in her thoughts, to be sure. “Me too. Sorry... I didn't mean to interrupt.” Rainbow Dash was silent for a few moments, but then smiled and shook her head. “Nah, don't worry about it, pal.” She then went back to staring out the window, looking contemplative, but a lot less tense than earlier. Fluttershy exhaled softly, relieved that she seemed to be okay. She too returned her gaze to the nighttime landscape as it rolled by. Her mind at ease, it was then that memories of not so long ago came to her. Tornado Day. Fluttershy's wings flapped lightly in response to the thought, offering a little draft before they closed at her sides. The memory of those faithful events tended to bring in mixed feelings, especially with how she acted at times. But it never did overshadow how proud she was of herself for having managed to overcome the adversities. One thing she could never forget, aside from how Rainbow Dash openly expressed how proud she was of her on different occasions throughout the process, but more simply, her smiles. The way she smiled when she first accepted going to training, the way she smiled when she showed up after training herself to work harder, and then most especially, when in the tornado, the way her best friend just lit up and smiled with so much relief and joy. To think, she could have ever possibly meant that much to somepony. It warmed her heart, gave her a sense of purpose and happiness. To be there for somepony, somepony you trusted and cherished deeply. That they want you there just as much as you wanted them there. Fluttershy, like Pinkie Pie, enjoyed making anypony and animals smile. Especially when doing something nice for them. Nothing made her happier than to make others happy. It was a gift, a joy she could never tire of. The sense of making someone happy always lifted her heart, filled her with its comforting essence, and wonderful tinglings of joy. How it seemed to embrace her, akin to a warm blanket next to a fire, or falling asleep on the most comfortable bed with so many comfy pillows. Or a cloud. Yes, a cloud. She loved to make her friends smile. She loved to make Rainbow Dash smile. Glancing toward the other mare, Fluttershy just couldn't help but take her in a little. To her, Rainbow Dash had always been cute, but as she grew up, she was actually very attractive in a way. Her lean body prone with toned but thin muscles, her windsept mane and tail, the colours of the rainbow adorning them, and her cyan coat. She really was pretty, especially since she cleaned up nicely. Fluttershy could remember her gala dress and accessories all too well, in how they not only complimented her style and personality beautifully, but managed to enhance her good looks without drastically altering her. Then came her bridesmaid gown. Similar, with the same kind of rainbow pattern, but with a trim that was akin to fluffy white clouds, and the standard wreath of flowers in her hair. She really did, if anything, look beautiful. Fluttershy felt her heart skip a beat, and a warm, tingling feeling washed over her stomach. Why was she thinking this? And why did it seem to bring forth such feelings? A feeling of strange tingles, and yet, warm fuzziness? This strange feeling, what did it mean? Why did it only ever seem to occur around Rainbow Dash, of all ponies? It didn't make any sense. Yet, Fluttershy knew, deep down, it meant something. She was almost afraid of what it could have been. While unsure of it, for the most part, she did have a feeling it could have meant more than she thought it did. It almost scared her. She wasn't even sure if she would fully accept it. Just when did she start feeling this? After all, she had known Rainbow Dash for a long time, since fillyhood, and it was only months ago that their friendship was rekindled, growing to be better than it ever had been. Naturally, it made her happy to be such good friends with her. Their bond meant the world to her, in so many ways. To her heart, her mind, everything. She was truly grateful for their friendship, and thanked Celestia and Luna every day for having gifted her life with such wonderful friends. But what did this feeling mean? When did it kindle? Fluttershy searched her mind for answers. Whether or not it manifested before or after the stunning revelation that had been made back when Rainbow Dash revealed her side of the story in how she earned her cutie mark to the Cutie Mark Crusaders was a mystery. But it did seem the most likely. She just wasn't sure if she even realized it, if ever at all. Aside from little moments, Fluttershy just never thought beyond it. Any closeness they ever had, to her, was nothing. It was something she became very comfortable with, and even enjoyed. She liked establishing physical contact with Rainbow Dash, getting in each other's personal space, she had no problem with it whatsoever. She liked hugging, she liked nose-nuzzling, she liked snuggling, little muzzle nuzzles. Sweet little gestures of affection, she felt more comfortable sharing these with Rainbow Dash than anypony. Rarity, probably was a bit of an exception, considering how close they were as well. But nothing further, and it didn't happen very often. The feeling never quite crossed her mind until earlier on. Much earlier on, during the battle with the Changelings. It manifested, making it known to her mind completely, during that one little moment in the midst of the intense battle against the doppelganger creatures. When Rainbow Dash kissed her. Kissing. Fluttershy had never been kissed by anypony outside her family. Rainbow Dash was the first to ever initiate such contact. She wasn't even embarrassed by it, she just kept smiling on, looking as relieved and joyous as ever. Despite the feeling of the kiss, Fluttershy couldn't help but have felt reassured. She knew she was going to be okay. They were all going to be okay. It was all she needed to keep going. The kiss. Feeling her heart pound, Fluttershy looked away yet again, her cheeks heating up. The kiss was...amazing. The way it had sent tingles through her body, shivers up her spine, and her stomach pooling with fluttering butterflies. It had been that brief little contact of Rainbow Dash's lips against her nose, that she realized there was something there. Something there. It just about scared Fluttershy. Yet, deep down, the wondrous feeling of the kiss just never left. She couldn't stop thinking about it. That was partly why it felt scary to her, given that it never happened before, that the feeling was so new, and that it felt wonderful. More wonderful than it should have? That too, was the question. What was Rainbow Dash's motive behind it? The obvious answer was that it was the heat of the moment. Maybe she even threw it in because she wanted to reassure Fluttershy all the more, that she was the real Rainbow Dash. That everything was going to be okay. In all honesty, she didn't have to. But she did anyway. Why? That one little moment made her think of so many sweet things Rainbow Dash ever did for her. Not because she had to, but really because she wanted to. The physical contact they just about always had, especially snuggling and nuzzling. When Rainbow Dash not only woke her up to take her along, but let her go in front of her to get Cider on the first morning Cider Season. Even after the line was ridiculously long. When Rainbow Dash had gone with her to the butterfly migration. Something she knew Rainbow Dash would never go for, but just went anyway. When they grabbed onto each other tightly before falling into the water when trying to stop Spike the giant dragon version of himself. Okay, that was a sillier example, but it stood. Fluttershy blushed. Rainbow Dash really did do so many wonderful things just to make her happy...and in turn, must've made herself happy in the long run, too. Was that why she kissed her? As much as Fluttershy knew that it was a logical answer, compared to things the cyan Pegasus did for her before...it felt incomplete. A puzzle that was nearly finished, but missing one piece. She just couldn't put her hoof on it, not completely, and wondered just what it could have meant. Did she even want to know? That too, was part of it, whether or not she even wanted to know. On one hoof, she was curious and wanted some answers. But on the other hoof, she feared knowing would really compromise everything. Most especially due to her uncertainty of the situation. Prior to everything, she hadn't even realized it. What did that say about her? Fluttershy touched her nose for a moment. The nose, while a sensitive place, shouldn't lead to some life-changing moment from a kiss. If it had been below it, on her...lips... She almost shuddered at the thought. If a kiss on her nose felt that good, she could only imagine how it would have felt if Rainbow Dash had kissed her on the mouth. Her cheeks heated up like an oven at the thought. 'What am I thinking...Rainbow Dash is my best friend...she wouldn't! That's...why she even kissed me, right? Because we're just that close? ...Right? I mean...we snuggle...we have no problems...getting close...and well...I suppose the fact she kissed me could just be a way of us getting closer, right?' The thought was somewhat relieving, and yet, on a strange level, it wasn't. Fluttershy just wasn't sure what to think at this point. She relayed the evening in her head for a moment, hoping it would bring some answers. After the battle against Queen Chrysalis and the Changelings was won, thanks to the Power of Love, the wedding proceeded as planned. The way it was supposed to be. It did make Fluttershy smile at how the real Princess Cadance was so kind and nice to her, and to her birds, how she just let them sit on her mane and body, and her hoof, all the while she demonstrated their performance to her. The wedding proceeded as planned from there on. Fluttershy had been to weddings before, but this had been her first wedding to which she was a participant in the important event, especially in a royal wedding, no less. Having been able to conduct her bird friends to provide the music was truly an honour. It warmed her heart, and she could feel proud of herself for not having succumbed to stage fright. Then again, that was also partly due to everypony's attention being on the bride. It worked perfectly, for her to be able to provide the music as she always enjoyed doing, without everypony's eyes on her. All that love. Fluttershy could feel her heart melting as she could recall just seeing all the love between Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance. Love. It really was a beautiful thing. She couldn't help but agree with anypony who had ever said that going to a wedding, where a couple so in love were marrying, made you yourself want to find love like that one day. And in a sense, it did. Fluttershy just couldn't help but want to one day find love like that, and marry that pony, to spend the rest of her life with them. Her eyes cast once again to the mare sitting beside her. Rainbow Dash was smiling then as she gazed out the window, looking relaxed. Fluttershy smiled a bit too, feeling her cheeks heat up all over again. 'Where was I? ...Oh, yes, the wedding...we hadn't seen much of each other at all, did we?' That had been a little strange to her, and yet, at the time (while trying to hide the feeling), she had attributed it to them having been busy. After all, she saw Rainbow Dash conversing with the Wonderbolts, and then occasionally dancing with Soarin'. For whatever reason, Fluttershy felt...slightly uncomfortable with that. But why? She was happy for her best friend to be able to dance with one of them and hang out with them. Just that dancing... It didn't make sense, she had been trying to give her best friend some space, especially since she felt nervous about the kiss. But why did that bother her at all? It didn't make sense. It especially bothered her with Rarity had whispered to her that the next bride could be Rainbow Dash...to Soarin'. Something about that remark really stung Fluttershy. She didn't understand why, which bothered her even more. So many questions filled her mind, jumbling and frazzling her brain, to the point that she just excused herself to go get some punch. Ever since that moment, she hadn't cast her eyes toward her best friend the rest of the evening, not unless she absolutely had to. After it was over, and everypony who wanted to head home to Ponyville, that was what led to now. Fluttershy hadn't been able to sleep, then Rainbow Dash, claiming the same sentiment, came to join her in the car. Everything still did beg the question. 'What does it mean? What does it mean?' She looked toward Rainbow Dash once again, feeling her throat tighten. A strange compulsion overcame her, filling her heart with eager anticipation, her stomach quivered with butterflies, shivers running up and down her spine, and her own breathing quickening ever slightly. Why was she even thinking to do this? Why was her body betraying her, when her mind tried all it could to (pointlessly) deny it? Why was her heart telling her to do it? Fluttershy pushed all thoughts aside, and then went through with it. She scooted closer, just a bit, and then... Lay her head against Rainbow Dash's shoulder. She felt the cyan mare stiffen with surprise, along with a short breath escaping her. But within a second or so, Rainbow Dash not only relaxed and let her, but she even leaned her head against hers, gently nuzzling. This was going to be a long, long night. ------------ Yes, that tortoise mentioned in the flashback is Tank. ;) Before he became Tank. There's one last chapter to go. :D I hope you'll all enjoy it. :)