//------------------------------// // Worth // Story: A Kind of Chaos // by Lola Dotz //------------------------------// Celestia’s sun was shining as glorious as ever, as little foals and fillies played in the hills on the outskirts of Ponyville. Flying their kites and running around, throwing instruments of play across the park. Several couples were also there to bask in the glow of the sun’s rays, enjoying the company of their lovers. The day couldn’t be more clear and bright than that day, it was perfect. Perfect day indeed, enough so to be enjoying the serenity and peace of it all with a pegasus there. The draconequus broke off from his train of thought and looked over to the yellow pegasus who giggled at the aggravated bunny that laid atop her wing, hopping about and squealing, then proceeded to jump to her head. The Mister Cordwood was against the bunny coming along, but Fluttershy made him submit once again and talked him into letting the rodent friend tag along with them. The stallion continued to walk along the path carrying a basket in his muzzle and a blanket with pillows on his back, while Fluttershy stayed close beside him with Angel bunny on her head staring suspiciously at the strange stallion who asked Fluttershy if she would accompany him on a picnic. Discord had been doing this for the past few days, asking for time to spend with his “new” friend, so to speak, in attempts to strengthen her trust of him. The mare had agreed to join him, as she had for any other occasion she’d happily accept the invitation. For it was only a couple nights ago, when Fluttershy had first met the stallion, she had been put in a situation of choice. With Angel’s blessing, and the pegasi’s own hopes, Fluttershy wanted to see her relationship with Cordwood continue. Considering he had been the sweetest stallion she had ever met besides her friend, Discord. It was true, she had affections towards the Lord of Chaos, but told herself that he wouldn’t feel the same way. So she agreed to have lunch with the stallion of her interest today. She was a little fidgety and nervous when seeing new ponies, especially somepony she was fond of, and found very alluring. His gaze made her weak in her knees, and made her blush and shift uncomfortably as pleasurable sensations surged through her, but she couldn’t help but see memories of the same reactions to her “friend” Discord. Stop this...you know he would reject you! Besides, you have feelings for the professor too, the same in fact, it’s no different. It still felt off somehow, she could feel Discord’s presence even though he was nowhere in sight, as if he was watching her. Cordwood could see some distress holding on the shy mare’s face. “Anyfing wrong fy fear?” The stallion tilted his head to look at her, trying his best not to drop his basket, noting how ridiculous he sounded when carrying the basket in his mouth and trying to talk to Fluttershy, all the while keeping back the drool that threatened to leak as he spoke to her. Fluttershy giggled in response to his frustration of trying to keep a good image for her, noting to herself how cute he looked when he would tilt his head and scrunched his nose. “Hehe, yes, I’m fine…” Yes, no matter how nostalgic it feels...it feels equally right. She thought, sighing dreamily as she watched the Professor continue down the path with her, stealing glances of him, and him of her. The draconequus, disguised as a hoofsome stallion, laid out the cover on a designated hill and placed the basket in the center. He had taken her to several other places besides the park, but he knew that Fluttershy loved picnics the most. Though elated, Fluttershy began to notice a few stares from some mares around the park, even a few fanning themselves. What was making them do that- Fluttershy blushed when she looked back the stallion of her interest and noticed Cordwood taking off his vest leaving a loose white shirt to cover his chest only partially. Even though ponies usually didn’t wear clothes, unless they had money to show, watching Cordwood take his vest off from the heat of the day baking him, made her glow a bright red. Discord hadn’t realized Fluttershy’s embarrassment until he had finished taking his vest off and was trying to open the basket next. He watched Fluttershy for a moment as her face turned from an embarrassed blush to an angry heat. Discord was confused at what made her so stressed, until he noticed several mares looking at him wantingly...not exactly what he expected. Even more so, he hadn’t expected the yellow pegasus in front of him to be so-what? Was she… He chuckled under his breath catching Fluttershy’s attention once more, she was blushing a crimson now, for showing her obvious jealousy. Letting the thought slide by too fast, Discord carefully set out their meal, cherry tree leaf salad with bread crumbs, then escorted the lovely pegasus beside him to her pillow seat. She giggled bashfully at the bow Cordwood displayed, and his wink with a friendly smile. “My lady…” “Why, thank you, professor Cordwood... You're so sweet…” It made Discord’s heart beat at a faster pace to hear her say that to him. He had experienced these symptoms more strongly the past few times he had been with her. He still hadn’t understood why a few nights ago, he viewed her as extremely attractive, admittedly. It hadn’t made sense to him at all why his heart would beat so rapidly when she would give him a compliment or would talk to him in a certain way. He had one theory, but he didn’t know what to make of it. He was afraid to even approach the subject. What would she think if it were true? That he had grown more fond of her- “Cordwood? Is something wrong?” He was so distracted by his own thoughts he hadn’t heard the mare in front of him speaking. Fluttershy had been trying to engage in small talk for the past five minutes with an unresponsive stallion. She had thrown the thoughts of her previous monologue away and found her soul worrying as she noticed the heat of Cordwood’s cheeks. He seemed very sickly, but still hoofsome to her. “Oh, no-nothing is wrong my dear, I was so lost in thought-I...I’m sorry, I’ve been so tired lately, do continue, I’ll pay more attention.” “Tired? Are you getting sick too?” She got to her hooves and started to rub his temple searching for a temperature, it was an extreme burn when she touched his forehead, possibly because Discord was blushing so badly when he realized the mare was only inches away from his face. “No, no, I’m just a bit fatigued is all...probably from staying up so late and working on my lesson plans.” In truth he was extremely tired from lack of rest, and the amount of magic he had been using recently. He pressed against her hoof gently squeezing it to give reassurance, only making Fluttershy blush once again and smile tenderly at him. It made his heart skip another beat out of rhythm. “I wouldn't want you to get as sick as Discord...he seemed really sick from his recent letter and when you came by to tell me of the news...this flu is really getting him down.” The pegasus sat back down on her pillow, scooting slightly closer to Cordwood which made him uncomfortable slightly, and sent a pleasurable shiver down his spine. “Oh, um...I’m sure he’s fine, I told you he only needs some rest and he’ll be able to visit in no time at all!” The Professor told her yet another fib, nervously, about her draconequus friend, stating he was too sick to come for visits. In truth, Discord as himself was too exhausted and hungry for energy after he would cast his transformation spell, so he couldn’t visit Fluttershy in fear of raising suspension. Or discoloring her house. No matter how hard he tried to control the magic drain, he couldn’t suppress it, leaving many rooms in his house grey or devastatingly dull of magic and life. He had managed to get sleep, but his magic wouldn’t build back up as much the next day, but he still continued his conquest using more and more magic everyday. Fluttershy gasped suddenly, making Discord jump at the sound of the yellow mare after a moment of awkwardness. “Oh! That reminds me, I need to visit Twilight today. Hearts and Hooves is coming up tomorrow, and Twilight and Pinkie are having a small party at the castle. I hope you don’t mind…” “Not at all. If need it be that our time be cut short, you know I’ll think nothing of it, you're needed from time to time...can’t keep you all for myself…” He didn’t know why he said that last bit, but a sting of jealousy touched his chest. Almost like a burn for not getting all of the mare’s attention. Fluttershy stared at him a bit shocked but then smiled, blushing. He wanted to spend more time with her? With her? He wants me... “Oh…” Fluttershy blushed, embarrassed by the thought, but felt relieved in a way. Cordwood wanted time with her, and only her. Then an idea came to her, making her blush a crimson. “Um...Cordwood, um...what are y-you doing for Hearts and Hooves Day?” She was playing with her hooves, Discord had learned it was a sign of embarrassment or nervousness. He grinned at the question, feeling heat well up within him. What would he say? What does he think? He wasn’t sure what he would do on that day. Usually he would play pranks on unsuspecting couples or just sleep all day. He had never celebrated “The Love Exchange” as a holiday. The whole thing seemed too sappy for his taste, and there was nopony to share that day with anyway. But a feeling was overcoming him, a calling to do something different. He wanted to spend the day with Fluttershy...for some odd reason. “Um...nothing comes to mind actually…” He took a sip of tea he had packed in the basket. Panic crept up inside. Why hadn't he said he would be busy?! He was going to regret this wasn’t he? “Oh, well…don’t you have a m-marefriend to spend the day with?” Discord froze mid-sip. Marefriend? What in the hay? What kind of question was that? Of course he didn’t have a marefriend! He was the Lord of Chaos! He didn’t love anypony...well- “No...I don’t...well that is...I’ve never had a marefriend before…” The disguised draconequus felt a bit uncomfortable, shifting where he laid on his belly still trying to drink the last few sips of his tea. He couldn’t get the flushing from his cheeks to go away and the uncomfortable sensations around his body. He turned crimson when another thought pounced on him by surprise. What would it be like if she were my marefriend? He shook the thought away quickly before it could bury itself in his deeper thoughts. He couldn’t think that way. He doesn't deserve some pony like her. And he had the feeling if she knew who was behind the hoofsome face and sleek brown coat...she would reject him. “Oh! W-Well…” Fluttershy suddenly seemed elated at the fact he was free that day, making the ‘professor’ intrigued. “Um...w-why don’t you come to the party? I-It will be lots of fun...a-and you can make new friends...also, I don’t have a special somepony either, so it would be great if-if you came...I hate being alone…” Her eyes pleaded, which made Discord crumble in her gaze no matter how much his insides protested. He dreaded Hearts and Hooves Day, too mushy, too gooey, too much romance and not enough...not enough what? He was making excuses...Discord knew why he hated it really, though he wouldn’t admit it. He was alone on that day. Yes he did hate cheesy and mushy stuff, but sometimes it was acceptable, and honestly he held a respect for the stallions that took part in the holiday. Would he enjoy it too, if he were there with others? With Fluttershy? His heart sped rapidly and he felt like he was sweating from all over. He felt frozen but so heated at the same time. What was wrong with him? He looked up from his tea and looked over at Flutter’s face, it read longing. He knew it, this feeling of his submission. “You know...I’d enjoy that…” He smiled as he looked at the shy pegasus who had just finished eating her meal and was now on the brink of fanning herself. She was holding it in, the feelings that were welling up inside when she waited for his reply, but as he spoke so calmly to her. His seductiveness overthrew her senses. Before she leapt out at him with joy, however, another question came to her. “O-Oh well then, you wouldn’t mind joining me today at Twilight’s would you?” He hesitated longer at this question, making Fluttershy feel uneasy and anxious. The alicorn was too smart, she would get it eventually, but he couldn’t disappoint the mare next to him, especially in his state. Her eyes pleaded once more, staring at him, begging him with her equally seductive glance. “Um...sigh, yes, yes, alright I will join you on your little...mare talk…” He said taking his final sip from his tea, finishing his meal also, trying his best to ignore his previous thought, and the flush of his cheeks. He shifted once again, the uncomfortable sensation of his position was giving away his passiveness. “Oh, thank you so much! You have no idea how that makes me feel! Your so kind!” She squeed like a little filly that had passed a test, or a giddy mare on her wedding day. She was so overjoyed she lost shyness, and broke the barrier between acquaintance and friend. Fluttershy sprung from her laying position and reached out for Cordwood in a hug. She held on tight to his neck, which made him flinch slightly at the unexpected welcome, but he accepted the gratitude. Though suddenly all the hair on the back of his neck stood up as the pegasus rubbed her nose in the crease of his neck and collarbone. His wings shot up in surprise at her affectionate gesture, and he froze in place unsure of what to do. Fluttershy nuzzled him. Actually loved on his neck. She then let go, leaning back, quickly realizing what she did. “Oh…” She had let the feeling of want overpower her for only a minute, which lead to the stallion frozen in place looking at her with bright red cheeks. He hadn’t even noticed how much he was actually blushing from the act of sentiment. “Oh...I-I’m sorry...I didn’t really-” “Wow…” “What?” “Oh-uh...I-I mean, um, nothing...I’m just shocked because I never realized how much I’d enjoy that...Ah! No! I-I mean...that’s not what I meant! Not to say that it wasn’t a wonderful feeling...just highly unexpected...but it was quite overpowering...oh! T-That’s not what I meant to say either! I mean...it was really nice and-and-” He stopped talking when he saw Fluttershy holding back her laughter. She was snorting and on the brink of bursting out laughing at how flustered he was. Why did he get so excited when she did that?! He can’t possibly be submitting to her, just like that! Sure he knew her for long enough...but...it just can’t be...could it? “I-I um...you're welcome…” He coughed that last statement, not understanding what was happening. Fluttershy giggled, as her bunny friend squeaked, sounding more like a groan, as if to say; “Gag, get a room...”. Fluttershy then stood up, blocking the sun with her head giving her the look of an angel. It made Discord quiver, and his knees felt weak, he tried to shift his body to shake the sensations around his body away, all in vein. He was entranced by her creme coat shining in the sun like a crystal. “Come on, we should be going now to Twilight’s...I wouldn’t want to be late when I want to introduce my new best friend…” Best friend? He had been put higher than a friend already? But he didn’t complain. He only picked up the picnic items and condiments still stunned and blushing, unsure of how to feel. Twilight scurried across the crystal floors with a list enveloped in her magic aura. Spike, on the other hoof, was checking things off from his, and giving Owl Wishes chores to do. The room with the most activity from the two was decorated in pink, red and ivory hearts with streamers hanging from many columns and the balcony. The entrance hall already smelled of bloomed with roses and other “love” flowers, to symbolize the occasion. It had to be perfect. The Princess of Friendship let out repeated groans and whimpers as she tried to sit herself down and go over the checklist once more. Spike chuckled under his breath and smiled, knowing full well why Twilight was so stressed. “What’s wrong Twi?” “Spike, Hearts and Hooves Day is tomorrow! We need to get everything ready in time, but we’ve barely made any progress on this list!” “It will be fine, everything is going according to the list, we’re perfectly on time. And you know Twi...I do have a date tomorrow, and still need to pick up her gift…I can’t be here all day.” “Spike, Sweetie Bell wouldn’t mind if you-” “Really? Come on Twi…” “Oh. alright, fine...hang a few more streamers up there on those two columns and then you can go. Go…tell Flash to come here immediately so he can assist me until Fluttershy and AJ arrive.” The lavender alicorn huffed as she grabbed more items with her pink aura and neatly fixed up some tables. “Thanks Twi, your the best!” As soon as the now grown dragon left, knocking could be heard from the door. “That must be Fluttershy…Coming! You have no idea how much help I need for this! I was hoping you could-” She began to speak hurriedly to Fluttershy in a stressed tone as she opened the doors, but then veered off as she saw the hoofsome stallion next to Fluttershy. He looked a little tensed in the eyes, as if he honestly didn’t want to be there, but he was awfully too close to Fluttershy to be some sort of stranger. As if the male pegasus knew Fluttershy by heart, and everything about her that could possibly be known. He was hoofsome, but something was oddly familiar about him. She couldn’t help but have suspicions, when she noted the way the stallion glanced over at Fluttershy as she answered the door. The little bunny atop the pegasi’s head seemed to have the same suspicions, since he was eyeing the stallion as well. “Who are you?” The princess eyed the body of the strange, familiar stallion suspiciously. Unaware of the hoofsteps behind her. “This is Professor Cordwood, he’s my co- I-I mean friend…” She almost slipped, luckily no pony seemed to notice. “Your coltfriend, no doubt, right? Is this the stallion you told me you had a crush on, or something?” Fluttershy blushed crimson. Why would Twilight confess openly on Fluttershy’s secrets?! The pegasus couldn’t find her words for a moment, but then shook her head and looked slightly agitated, beginning to speak once more after her momentary loss of speech. “Uh, um...no...I don’t know what your talking about…” Discord could tell that was a lie, he felt hurt a little from the fact she had a crush on somepony. She never told him about her feeling where it concerned her heart and other stallions. He would ask occasionally, as himself, but only got mixed results from the shy pegasus. Only blushing faces and groans of frustration from her, whenever he asked. He even would try and give some advice, the irony being bitter, and it seemed she wouldn’t, or, hadn’t done anything about her feelings. “I...um...well, I don’t have a crush on him anymore that is...b-but that’s not what Cordwood is here for, I asked him to come and help…” Discord let out a sigh of relief, Twilight noticed the weight from the stallion lift. He couldn’t help but feel better at her statement. Whether he was happy that his friend didn’t seem too upset at her lost hope, or that he had her to himself again. The last thought made him flush slightly, and from the memories of being highly protective of her on many other occasions. One being with a certain tree lover. He couldn’t shake the feeling of jealousy whenever she paid attention to somepony else other than him. Discord didn’t realize that his last groan was audible to the alicorn Princess in front of him. She gave him a cold stare, which made him shrink under her gaze. He had never seen this side of Twilight before, an overpowering, overprotective mother goose looking after her weak and helpless little duck. “I can tell when somepony is lying…” Twilight deadpanned. Discord didn’t know what to say, he felt like he was being put in a corner, and had to confess to taking a cookie from the cookie jar. That fit the situation in more ways than one. He pondered on what Twilight was implying and almost laughed out loud, but he suppressed it and the smile that threatened to pull at the corners of his muzzle, in fear of disrespecting the mother goose. Fluttershy...like him? That’s ridiculous, she wouldn’t- He looked over to see a blushing Fluttershy that looked too nervous to speak, he couldn’t believe how this trip was turning out. “Skinny, hm...Wings? You're wearing glasses...interesting...red eyes...peculiar..." Twilight thought to herself in a low mumble, as if to piece together a puzzle. "For your information, only the best can court little Flutters...so spill it, tell me your story, and what your relationship is with Fluttershy…” Twilight was now in Discord’s personal space, only an inch from his muzzle staring him down like a mother. All of the friends of the lavender alicorn could vouch for the fact that Twilight would play the motherly role between her friends. Discord shifted uncomfortably, feeling the burn in his eyes as Twilight read into his thoughts, but he remained firm and gathered as much courage as he could muster. “Um-I-uh okay...I-I mean yes ma’am…” Well, this is embarrassing. Discord couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth, but the Miss Sparkle was quite terrifying in that moment. “I’m not skinny, it’s this vest, it shows my form more than my other clothes do;” He blushed realizing the vest did cling to him a little more than he thought it should. It made him shift yet again, feeling as if he was exposed, but continued. “These wings are perfectly healthy and strong, I can fly, yes; I wear glasses because everything that is precisely twenty feet from me is blurry, and it helps me read better. I'm not sure why my eyes are red...t-they've always been that way....” He was giving her his actual secrets, the full and honest truth. “...and y-yes I like Fluttershy, she is very kind, sweet and beautiful…” Discord closed his mouth shut in shock from giving that tid bit of info for his feelings on Fluttershy. This left all three of them in an awkward state for a moment until a cough from behind the Princess shook them from their bewilderment. Twilight spoke once more, after exchanging a glance with her guard Flash that stood behind her. “Hm...I don’t trust you, but I like you...don’t get on my bad side...and if you lay a hoof on Fluttershy without her consent, rest assured I’ll see to it you never see the light of Celestia’s day again, got that?” She poked his chest with her hoof for emphasis on where she would hit him first. Cordwood stepped back slightly, then also glanced at the guard behind the lavender alicorn. Flash carried a smile on his face, it was kind of reassuring. “Y-yes ma’am…” Gulp. Good Celestia she’s terrifying. Cordwood thought, then turned to find a smiling yellow pegasus blushing brightly, touched by his compliments. Oh great, now she’s got me doing it. He was blushing now too, it seemed to be happening a lot today. “Twilight, I wouldn’t have brought him along if I didn’t trust him.” Fluttershy moved over to Discord’s ear in a whisper. “She seems scary, but she won’t hurt you. She’s just a little protective over me and the girls…” Discord then leaned into her ear to give a hushed reply, as they began their walk within the castle corridors. “No worries, my dear...I’ll admit she’s intimidating, but I’m sure by the end of the day...she’ll be quite impressed.” He spoke with determination his tone, giving Fluttershy a new admiration for him. She felt her body sweat and quiver from the sensations running through her as he spoke so gingerly. She felt mischievous for a moment, possibly from Discord’s influence on her, and decided to play with the Professor’s feelings a bit, see what made him tick. “So, you're wanting to impress her now, huh? Is this to show your worth…” Fluttershy was teasing him, but Discord thought on it for a moment. Why did he want Twilight to see that he was good enough? He didn’t need to prove his worth! But, for the sake of Fluttershy…he smiled. “Stop the whispers you two...you can’t work if you're flirting with one another…” She didn’t even pause or blink when she said that, scaring Discord to the bone. “We weren’t flirting!” The two said in unison, then looking at one another, blushed bashfully. What was wrong with them today? Flash chuckled as he moved over to a table with, what looked like gift bags on its surface. “Yeah, yeah...just help me hang some more decorations, go through the list, and make the food...speaking of which...you-Cordwork or whatever it is...can you cook? I need Fluttershy for something else, and since AJ isn’t here yet, and Flash can manage to burn water…” A distinct gasp came from beside her, along with a grunt in protest. But the flushing face of Flash Sentry gave him away too easily. “...you can probably start cooking tomorrow's meal…” She inquired, looking back at the other stallion in the room with a smirk, as if to put his nose back in the corner. What is her game? Discord thought for a moment, but smirked back. She’d be surprised how much I do know... “Oh, Twilight, I don’t think he can-” “Yes, I can cook…” Discord cut Fluttershy off, impressing the two mares with his statement. “You can?” The two mares were shocked as they said this, turning to him with their mouths slightly open. Flash looked at the other stallion and groaned again, possibly from the jealousy of being the only one in the room who had no skills in making food or drink. “Yes, I can.” Discord knew how to cook, baking was his specialty, but he liked the weirder version of his eating habits. Usually paper, or glass, the occasional tree or crowbar were also good to him. He continued to carry his smug look, as his gaze stared Twilight down. The heat of a rivalry heated up the room quickly, creating an awkward, and silent war between glares. “Hm...can you make cider?” “Apple Cider?” Fluttershy was a little confused by Twilight’s question, curious at the simple statement. Discord mentally noted in his head how innocent his friend was, it made his smirk grow wider. Twilight wasn’t talking about apples. “No...alcohol…it’s Hearts and Hooves Day after all...what better way than to celebrate with a little cider?” The princess didn’t even blink, she smirked as if she was putting the strange stallion, yet again, in an uncomfortable position. Invalid effort, instead, he accepted her challenge. “Of course I can, but I’ll make it weak for your sake…” He smirked, which intimidated the lavender alicorn. They both looked at each other exchanging concerns and good points with only their eyes. “Perhaps this could be a powerful friendship, Miss Sparkle?” He spoke with his eyes staring her down, the smirk never ceasing to pull at his lips. “Maybe...but don’t count your bits before the game…” She let a small chuckle escape her, as if something amusing caught her eye as she continued to stare at the familiar stallion. “I wouldn't hurt her…” His eyes softened. She got his message through his gaze and smiled respectively at him, a glimmer of light seemed to glide across his pupils, revealing a pair of yellow and red eyes for only a moment. She didn’t understand it, but only felt comforted and more at ease. “Impressive, kitchen is down the hall to your left, second door.” She said slowly, still looking at him, but now comfortable in his presence. “Thank you, Miss Sparkle.” Twilight was struck with an odd feeling of familiarity. Miss Sparkle? A certain chimera called her that too, but she didn’t want to assume. “And...um...how do you want me to help?” Fluttershy asked as Cordwood left for the kitchen, slightly saddened at his departure. “Huh? Oh-I just said that so we could be alone…” Twilight glanced back at where the professor had left, still with a confused look on her brows. “W-What? Why?” Fluttershy could hear the chuckling of Twilight’s guard at the table, as if he knew something she didn’t. “I wanted to ask you about this Cordfools…” “It’s Cordwood...and I said he was a friend…” Fluttershy reached for one of the boxes and began to pull out streamers and hanging them up on columns. Her face screamed out disappointment and frustration, making Twilight giggle slightly at her friend's distress. “Yeah, right...don’t think I didn’t catch that slip up from earlier, Flutters…you were about to say something else, not ‘friend’...weren’t you?” Busted. “I didn’t mean to...I mean he’s really kind a-and sweet and very hoofsome a-and-oh!” She covered her muzzle, but Twilight was already smiling from the pegasi's bashful behavior. “It’s alright...I don’t mind...he seems like a good stallion, but it feels like he’s hiding something...I’m not sure what...but I think you should be cautious.” “I understand...but he wouldn’t hurt me...is that why you don’t like him...do you think he’s not good eno-” “No, I didn’t say that. I’m just warning you to tread lightly around the fire Fluttershy. Besides, whatever happened to the other crush, it was very recent you told me that you liked somepony...why the sudden change, I thought you liked this stallion a lot more than you have liked anypony before?” Twilight read through her list as she started to make cards and placing them in gift bags. Flash stole a sight of his Princess working, but quickly continued when Twilight looked up at him and smiled. “Well, sigh, it wouldn’t have worked Twilight...he didn’t like me…” “I doubt that...you're too pretty Fluttershy, and your very kind hearted, I’m surprised that you're not even married yet!” This made Fluttershy giggle and blush, now helping Twilight with the candies and cards. “I’m a little surprised, myself…” Flash finally spoke up with a clear voice that pierced the air, while still being calm and collective at the same time. “I would honestly suspect you to be raising your own Family by now Flutters…” Flash had closely bonded with all of Twilight’s friends since he’d been reassigned to Princess Twilight Sparkle. He knew enough to understand that Fluttershy was a timid, shy, but also a very pretty mare. It was hard for him to believe that she wasn’t already a wife and mother. “The other stallion...he was...different, and it was just a small crush, he wouldn’t want me...” “Fluttershy, who is it?” Twilight asked nonchalantly, while still stuffing bags with candy and a card for each, decorated beautifully with hearts and lace ribbons. “Dis-I mean…” She stopped herself by covering her muzzle and gasping. “I knew…” Twilight sighed still smiling from her friend’s shyness. Fluttershy heard a “Me too.” Come from the orange coated stallion that sat next to his Princess. “It’s alright, just because he was so different didn’t mean you hadn’t had a chance. He made you feel happy.” The lavender alicorn looked up at her her friend as she said this, also feeling the warmth of a hoof rest on hers. Flash grinned at her, as if understanding how that feels. “Yes, he did, still does...but, Cordwood makes me feel the same way, like, their one in the same. So I knew I would be just as happy with the Professor as I would with Discord…oh-” Twilight let out a small giggle and looked back at her shy friend who was now hiding behind her bangs. It made Twilight feel the same way about this Mr. Cord...she had the same respect for him as she did with Discord. But, she didn’t want to assume without proof. Meanwhile, in the other half of the castle, Discord began cooking. He liked the fun bustle of movement he made when he would scurry through the kitchen. The chaotic filth that built up when he would bake and create. At first, he slowly walked through the kitchen unsure of where to begin until he saw the cookie pan and supplies on the counter, he was reluctant to use the heart shaped cookie cutters, but continued his task, eager to impress. He didn’t know why he really wanted to make Twilight see that he was worth Fluttershy’s time. Maybe just to get her off his back, it made him blush to think about what he said before. He coughed, then jumped as a familiar bunny jumped up on the counter and eyed him. “Do...you want to help?” Discord asked looking at the slight fascination in the rabbit’s eyes. The rabbit seemed reluctant at first, but Discord’s next move made Angel drool. The stallion used a small amount of his magic to conjure up a carrot, giving it to the bunny. The rodent sniffed it, then realized who had actually given him this sweet treat. Cordwood winked at the bunny before proceeding with making cookies. From behind, he could hear the bunny moving some of the pan on the counter top and open a bag of powder to make the dough for the next batch of sweet treats. Discord smiled at his success of receiving a new friend. “Promise not to tell, friend? Not yet anyways…” The bunny put a paw under his chin but then nodded and smiled, making his whiskers twitch up, as if to say, “I accept you, you giant noodle goat...so long as you provide me with your lovely magic veggies…” “Of course, wouldn’t have it any other way, my friend…” Discord smiled once again beginning to roll out the dough. He seemed to be enjoying cooking, considering it had been awhile since he’d actually put eggs and powder together. The professor knew more than he would ever let on, unless Fluttershy asked. It was a good time to think as he began making the cider, he moved onto preparing it after he had cut and cooked the last batch of cookies. He searched through the cabinets for the alcohol, only finding plates and more dishes, accidentally hitting a switch on the floor near the trash, however, opening a cellar in the wall. “Good Celestia, Twilight...how much does one mare need?!” Angel bunny squealed as if to let out a chuckle. Discord smiled yet again, and with that he took a bottle, and got to work once more. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being talked about in the next room. What would Fluttershy say about him? Would she blush again? Discord couldn’t believe what was going on through his head. She showed affection towards him. He accidentally called his friend beautiful. That was just wrong, wasn’t it? He couldn’t accept it, he wouldn’t accept it. The Lord of Chaos didn’t want to believe that Fluttershy could see him that way, he feared rejection, but he also knew he wasn't good enough. His concentration broke when Flash came into the kitchen and told Discord he needed to help with some of the decor in the halls. He had left the kitchen a few more times after that, to help with other things, either in the library or the main entrance hall where the party would be held. At one point he went into the library to help organize decorations that were kept in a storage closet. He kept tripping over objects and junk, but managed to pull the box of decor out in one piece. The stallion mindlessly put the box on the table and began to dig into it, trying to find the wanted items on the list Twilight gave him. He didn’t even notice the hoofsteps coming down the hall. Fluttershy peeked in the room, and noticing the stallion was already in there, was careful not to make a sound. She didn’t want to disturb Cordwood when he was working on his current task. The disguised draconequus didn’t even look her way, but instead gasped at something else. Fluttershy froze beside a bookshelf when she heard his gasp, afraid she had startled him, or disturbed him. She managed to get in but had been found out before she could continue with her chore of getting a book on “Parties” for Twilight, that is until she looked over to see if the stallion even noticed her being there. Cordwood had no clue, the only thing he was smiling about at the moment was at an instrument of some sort. “Oh my Celestia, you are a lovely piece of wood aren’t you?” Discord was fascinated by the piece of work, and gently put its loose fabric around his neck to play it’s strings. It was confusing to see him look at something as if it was an old friend. Fluttershy watched in wonderment as Cordwood sat and began to play the instrument. He sung a few notes but mostly listened to the guitar play in his hooves. “It’s harder with hooves…” He whispered, then he put the instrument back in the box. Fluttershy had an idea at that moment, and she was sure he’d enjoy it. She grabbed the book she needed and hurried out the door before Discord could notice the presence of somepony else there with him. His good hearing didn’t fail him, the notes he played muffled the scooting of hooves, but not too much. He turned to see if anypony was there...but there was none. He shrugged it off and continued on with his fixated chores. They all finished their task after that, and the day continued on normally, with things finally made and done at Twilight’s house. Soon evening began with the Professor walking the shy pegasus home. Angel laid on Cordwood’s wing, passed out from all the cookie making. It made Fluttershy smile to see the two getting along. The two carried on a conversation that made shy pegasus laugh, and the stallion lowered his head with a small smirk. “She hates me…” “Giggle...she doesn't hate you. She just is a little over protective…” The two talked, which seemed to make the walk slower, almost time stopping. But Discord didn’t want it to end. He enjoyed making her laugh, it was after all his specialty. The day had felt long and tiresome, so at the moment he wanted to savor the peace he was receiving with Fluttershy there beside him. “Why? I wouldn’t hurt you...you don’t think I would, do you?” His anxious soul was unsettling to Fluttershy, she didn’t want him to be so upset. “O-Oh no, of course not!” She said it a little to loud, but made the disguised draconequus more relaxed. “She’s just that way with all of us...especially with me.” “Well, I don’t see why...you're not as weak and helpless as you seem...you're strong and actually independent from what I’ve gathered...you just need more help than others at times, which you shouldn’t be ashamed of. I just can’t fathom why Twilight would have so little faith in you as to look after your own well being.” “Oh no, that’s not it! It’s just...my life wasn’t always like this you know.” Discord felt his heart stop, and the air around him left. The space between the two grew warmer, and both could feel what was coming. Discord, as himself, had only heard about her past on a few occasions from her friends. He knew that her family didn’t accept her, or the fact that she moved to Ponyville in her yearling. It fascinated him that she had moved away from her family at such a young age. Fluttershy knew she would have to discuss her life with Cordwood if she was going to further their friendship. She hadn’t told Discord yet, but mainly because the topic had never been brought up before, mainly because it was a subject most knew not to bring up around Fluttershy. “I guess you should know…” She said quickly, nervous as to how the conversation might turn out. “It’s alright...I’m sure I’ll understand…” The stallion stopped on the path, with only the lamplight to illuminate the two of them now, as the sun left them, only the warmth in their cheeks remained to blend with the dim lights of the candle lamps. Fluttershy moved closer to him and sat down, breathing deeply while shuffling her hooves. “I’m afraid to talk about it...I would have told Discord, but...I thought he wouldn’t understand and it hurts to talk about...and Twilight and Rainbow Dash are the only two friends I have that know about it.” “It’s alright…” Discord felt a little hurt from her fear of telling him, as if he wouldn’t understand. He probably would. Considering he had never heard her past, but knew how she was mistreated because of her small weak wings and frail body. He felt that pain of being mistreated too. Though a little hurt, Discord knew that talking about past affairs was difficult, even with somepony you trust. “Sigh...I-I was born prematurely...my mother was sick when she had me...leaving her and I very weak after my birth. My mother recovered, but I still remained weak...my wings wouldn’t work properly because they were so small, and I was afraid of flying because my wings would hurt if I flew too fast or-or if I bent my wing in a certain way. My mother didn’t expect such a weak flyer as her daughter, considering that both my parents were both a part of the Wonderbolts.” Discord eyes widened at this. He never thought that Fluttershy could be the daughter of such strong flyers. He was in awe of her, she seemed so brave. “My father didn’t mind, he was the only one who seemed to support me. But...he passed away from an accident in a practice routine for a performance, I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” A single tear came down from her now glossy eyes. The disguised draconequus knew much about loss, he felt the pain. Discord couldn’t handle the sight, he wanted to hold her, and tell her that she was amazing in every possible way, but he held himself back when a small breath from the mare lead on to another part of her story. “My mother and I were left together, and things changed, too fast. She changed...she went into this obsession of turning me into this exceptional flyer. Morning, noon, and night I would work so hard to please her...flying whenever I could...just so she would stop calling me worthless.” Discord growled low, too quiet to be heard. How could a mother call her own child worthless?! “I still have trouble with flying even now, I still have a few scars from the practices…” She touched her back and revealed streaks of skin and a loss of fur. Discord felt angry, he protectively looked at the cuts in her lovely creme fur with sympathy. Gently touching the scars that rested below her wings, it wouldn't be seen unless Fluttershy pulled back her feathers. It was still a sensitive area, making Fluttershy shiver slightly, but she let him rest his hoof on her back. “My mom soon gave up on me, she kicked me out of the house when I had just turned fifteen...which was how Rainbow and her family brought me in and called me their family...later on I went to camp with Dash, but wound up falling off a cloud...I couldn't fly yet because I was still recovering...but, hehe” She giggled making Discord look at her surprised for a moment. “I wound up being caught by butterflies...which lead to me getting my cutie mark...so I moved to Ponyville.” Cordwood was speechless. The Lord of Chaos held Fluttershy at such a high respect, even more than before, she was most definitely tougher than she looked. “You're amazing…” He whispered under his breath, very hushed, but Fluttershy was able to hear it. “Not really...my mother was right...I am worthle-” “Never say that again.” Fluttershy was cut off by the stallion beside her. The moon had come up slowly and was now lighting up Cordwood seductive eyes, making the pegasus blush. Discord couldn’t believe that such an amazing mare existed. He had never noticed the scars on her back...or the scars in her heart, till now. “You’re amazing, you're not worthless...you never were…and never will be...” Fluttershy’s tears couldn’t be held back any longer. She let them flow down her cheeks as she smiled at her new friend, her best friend...her lover. Where had he been when she needed this? Discord slowly wrapped his hooves around the shy pegasus as she cried lightly. He felt her breathing stagger but she gave him a hug back, nuzzling him in the crease of his neck. He didn’t know what to do before, but now he understood. The Lord of Chaos submitted to her gestures, and nuzzled her back, smelling the scent of roses in her mane. “Thank you…” She whispered in his ear, which made him slightly nervous, but otherwise happy. “It’s alright...I actually understand your feelings more than you think…” Discord knew he had to open up to her too, he couldn’t let her freely speak about her painful past, and not tell her anything in return. Fluttershy leaned back and looked up, into his red eyes that made her quiver and blush. She was slightly confused, but intrigued to be hearing his story. “A long time ago, I was abandoned, my mother didn’t want me. I was left at a mare’s home and she raised me to be strong and smart. When I came of age, and after homeschooling she sent me off to college where I learned that I wanted to teach. I wasn't always fully accepted by others...but my skills in ma- I mean...study and hard work made me an exceptional student. I was given the privilege of attending this school, but I soon figured out that nopony really liked me. They even thought I was a monster.” Fluttershy cringed at the word. Discord had mentioned it a few times on occasion when he would tell her how other ponies feel about him. She didn’t believe him of course. Discord continued, “I moved away, to here in Equestria, away from May- I mean um, my adoptive mother. I found a job...in the city, and began teaching to little ones...I was then hired for...special children. Eventually, I found myself in a fight with somepony who thought he could challenge me. He...hurt me...bad." Technically I was cursed, but more on that later, I suppose. "It wasn't just me who was injured, he hurt my friends too, and my mother. I have to wear glasses because of a spell he cast that disabled my senses, it’s not something I’ve had since birth...my sight was just a side effect from the damage of a battle…” “Oh my goodness...that’s just...awful…” Fluttershy held her hooves to her muzzle. He was so strong and brave to go up against somepony who could test his knowledge, and he got hurt in the process. “No, nothing compared to what I did next...I-I hurt him back...got my revenge on him...which lead to an...imprisonment, in a sense. I had gotten too carried away in my own desire, I didn’t even realize the pain I was causing others. It ate me up on the inside…and once released from my well deserved sentence, I striked all who feared me...until somepony wasn’t afraid of me…” He stole a glance of Fluttershy blushing at him. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was talking about her. “They helped me see what I had lost so long ago, and it made me re-live the pain of loss...so I changed, though, I don’t think I can ever get rid of the feeling of being alone and of being the monster I am.” Cordwood was staring out into nothing now, trying hard not to show his true sadness. Through his efforts, Fluttershy saw it in his eyes. She hugged him this time, leaving them both speechless, and the disguised draconequus glossy eyed, and on the brink of exposing his true self. “I was bullied too...everypony thought I was weak, not just my mother...the only one that believed in me was Rainbow...she would always visit me when I was sad and needed a friend, or try her best to make me feel wanted. My friends are the only ones who make me feel loved...” “You...are wanted...you know that?” Discord, who was beyond helpless at this point, held Fluttershy in his arms. “You have no idea how much I really needed you…” The stallion’s true pain of rejection was slipping away, and he let the pegasus in to be healed by her kindness. He felt relieved when Fluttershy pulled him in closer, comforting him. “You don’t know how much I needed you too…” Fluttershy felt so safe with this stallion, the same safety and security with Discord. It was strange, they did feel the same. Discord let a tear fall, but he smiled while holding the small mare. It was a nostalgic feeling, calm and lovely, he didn’t want to let go. Fluttershy didn’t either, but they soon broke off from their embrace and made their way back to the cottage. Fluttershy showed a longing face as if she waited for something as she looked up at him. Discord didn’t know what to do next, he had exposed his past, held her, even given her affection and he called her beautiful. On top of that he had helped her with chores at Twilight’s, put up with Twilight... What was she waiting for? “Um...thank you for everything a-again…it was actually...nice to tell somepony about my past…it was...comforting.” “For me also.” Discord smiled, feeling fixed and happy once more. Fluttershy felt herself leaning, which made Discord furrow his brow and lean in somewhat in curiosity. Before he knew it, Fluttershy had pecked him on the cheek. “Um...thanks again! See you tomorrow!” Fluttershy galloped inside, slamming the door behind her with Angel on her back. She let those eyes talk her into it, she couldn’t help it, they seduced her to doing it! The pegasus leaned against the door now, with Angel flat against her chest still fast asleep as if nothing had happened. But something did happen, she could still hear Mr. Cordwood outside. Discord was confused, lost...he had no idea on how to feel about the current events that just took place. She kissed him? Why? He didn’t do anything...he only told her the truth about his past. He felt his smile pulling at his lips. Am I happy about this?! You know what! That’s it! I can’t take this anymore! That’s right...I like her! I like her a lot! Possibly more than a friend! Oh Celestia help…I like her. I know I'm not worth it...but, maybe a little while longer wouldn't hurt...would it? Discord chuckled and continued to smile uncontrollably. The stallion began to walk along the path, but at first feeling awfully light headed, making him trip over a little. But he didn’t care, he was too happy to notice that he was exhausted, that he was flushed and burning up from a fever, he didn’t even notice how sick he felt, he only thought he had...was of the innocent love he received that day. It continued on to the next evening at the party held by Twilight for Hearts and Hooves Day. Most guest had left for the night with happy drunk smiles and cheery moods. All who were left sat at a table off to the corner of the room, beside the dimly lit fireplace. “Ah gotta give hic yah credit here Mr. Cord…hic fine job on the cider…” A cowpony chugged the remaining contents of her glass down her throat. Cordwood shook his head chuckling as he brought more cider to the table. Rainbow reached out for another glass and looked over at AppleJack who looked a little sick. “Wha’s the matter AJ? Gettin’ a lil’ sick, huh? hic Looks like I win this round!” “Nuh-uh! Look at me skittles...I got hic a lot more to go before I get hic drunk!” AJ grabbed from Cordwood’s trey and started to drink more. “Yeah! Skittles are great! Candy is great! You guys are great! Everything is great! ” A pink earth pony guffawed and threw cider in the air. “Careful girls...I wouldn’t want you to have trouble getting home…” Twilight sipped from her glass, chuckling under her breath from the silly competition between her friends. Flash sat next to her drinking some of Discord’s hard cider. “Hey! Why aren’t you drunk yet? You're like…hic an egghead, and you don’t even drink!” “Alicorns don’t get drunk without a large consumption of alcohol.” The professor spoke up then drank from his glass. “Right...well, then why aren’t you drunk Mr. Cordy...huh?” Rainbow said leaning over the table in the stallion's face. “I have a high tolerance level…” He smiled taking another swig of his cider, impressing everypony at the table with his tenth glass. “It takes me about twenty chugs to get drunk…” The stallion explained. “My, that is impressive!” Rarity smiled taking a sip of her white wine. “It really is.” Twilight said rubbing her chin, as if trying to figure something out, but stopped short when she saw the yellow pegasus beside Cordwood playing with a straw. “Hey flutters, why not try some.” “Oh, um...I don’t drink…” “That’s a lie from Tartarus Flutters! We all know about your wine cellar!” Rainbow hyped, laughing at something that seemed hysterical to her. Fluttershy blushed in embarrassment, then saw Cordwood staring at her with a mischievous grin and knew she would be hearing about this again. “Do you now?” He said taking a quick sip of what was left of his hard cider. He was going to use that against her some day, it made him smile wider. “I don’t really drink too much, but...sigh...on occasion I drink wine...not really cider though.” “Try some...it’s actually sweet, I made it taste better than others.” Discord hoofed her a glass expectantly. Fluttershy was reluctant at first, but then chugged it, making the professor gasp. “No! Wait! Not that fast! You’ll get-” It was too late, Fluttershy set the glass down and looked at him. She observed his face for a minute then grabbed it and played with his cheeks. Her face was turning beet red, and she looked drowsy. “You actually look very hoofsome you know that~” She giggled and then looked at his eyes trying to decipher what he was thinking, even in her drunken state. “Um, thank you…” Discord was blushing as deep as her now, even though it took much to get him drunk...he felt the alcohol going to his head. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably, as a pleasurable feeling came over him, leading to sensations he’d rather not expose. Fluttershy continued playing with his face, looking even more lost every second she spent rubbing his cheeks. “That hic tasted amazing!” Fluttershy finally said aloud, then tried to reach for another glass, but was stopped by Cordwood's hoof on hers. “I think that’s enough booze for you, my dear…” Discord chuckled at the innocent mare’s face. She got drunk in less than five seconds! Is there anything this mare couldn’t do that wasn’t cute? “Why you always hic call me that? hic” Fluttershy and everypony else looked at him for an answer, the other mares seemed to be smirking or looking at him, expecting him to do something to Fluttershy. “Call you what?” “Dear? Why hic you call me that? I-I’m not your mare friend or anything…hic Discord calls me that, but he don't hic like me, hic I think, but you treat me like you like me or somethin’...do you? hic” Several of the mares were giggling at the flustered stallion. “Um-well...I, uh…” “Kiss me.” “W-What?!” Cordwood was staring at the yellow pegasus that seemed to also be staring him down. The other mares watched as if they were watching a play, and wanted to see the two lovers come together at the end before the curtain closed. “Kiss me hic...because I like you…” “Y-You what…” Cordwood was silent, he didn’t know if he should believe her. She was intoxicated, and wanted him to kiss her. Fluttershy, the shy young mare wanted his lips to touch her. “I like you, a lot. hic So kiss me so I know you like me too…” Fluttershy was only a few inches from his face, with a drunk blush. Discord felt her hooves rub against his chest making him shiver in pleasure. Her hooves felt so soft as they came around his neck and into his mane. He felt as if he couldn’t hold back until the bells went off in his head- Wait! You know nothing! You don’t know what you're doing at all, you never learned about this kind of stuff, Discord! She’s also intoxicated! She would surely hate you if you rid her of her innocence! Discord blushed even deeper, if that was possible. He was so embarrassed, he didn’t know the first thing about...anything. Especially, that...and that’s exactly where this was going. “Oh yes! Go on professor, show us how it’s done!” Rarity said giddy, starting to be hit by the burn of her wine. Discord was having trouble holding back his urges, being torn into two pieces of himself. She wants this, though. She said she likes me… But, she wouldn’t know if I were Discord or a Centaur at the moment…though, I don’t know the first thing about...that. What do I do! I can’t pull myself away! Get a grip! “Ugh, gross…” Rainbow gaged then fell to the floor, officially passed out, breaking Discord from his passionate, and heated trance. Too close. “I win!” The orange mare beside Rainbow jumped from her seat, then face first into the table, making a few bottles tumble over. “Oh no, we should probably get them home…” Twilight walked over to the passed out mares, who seemed quite sick to their stomachs. Cordwood and Fluttershy turned and faced the others, which stopped their train of thought from the previous conversation. “I’ll help…” The two said in unison then looked at each other's drunken faces. The last stallion of the party left with two mares on his back and another right beside him. On the way to the mares’ homes it was silent, with the occasional nausea from Flutters and the two passengers. He had to endure several complaints from the Apple family, and had to use his wings to get Rainbow to her bed. Discord dropped the two competitors off and started on his way to the shy pegasus. She looked drowsy, but smiled mischievously at him as he flew back down to the ground. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Discord questioned as Fluttershy continued walking with him. His fluffed out his wings, after they had been used, to fix some of the feathers. “Those wings make you look hoofsome…” She said winking at him, making Cordwood flinch and sweat slightly. The moon and lamplights illuminated the way, glistening dimly. She looked so beautiful when the moon hit her soft flowy hair that way. The disguised draconequus tried his best to ignore her lovely appearance, until Fluttershy stopped, holding her head. “Are you alright, my dear?” “I don’t feel so-” She closed her eyes and lost her balance, having Discord catch her before she hit the dirt of the road. He grunted, but was silenced when he looked at Fluttershy, her chest rising and falling as she passed out in his hooves. Discord sighed and lifted Fluttershy from the ground onto his back with his magic. “Come on, let’s get you home…” He carried her the rest of the way still having his thoughts consume his time. Did she mean it? She was drunk after all, and probably didn’t have a clue as to what was happening. He felt his pleasures from before arouse his thoughts, making him deepen in his drinking flush. He could picture it, not as vividly, but enough to make him walk uncomfortably. Her touching him and trying to kiss him, her hooves on his chest and then around his neck playing with his mane. Discord wished those thoughts away, but wished even more for them to come true. It felt nice to think about. He smiled to himself, but the mumbling from behind broke him from his thoughts. Discord turned to see Fluttershy holding on his neck and mumbling something. She moaned in a satisfactory way, rubbing her muzzle against Cordwood’s shoulder making his wings fluff up. He continued on, trying his best to ignore the shivers from Fluttershy and her non-stop nuzzles, finally looking to the door of her cottage. He could hear the ranting squeals of Fluttershy’s bunny friend from outside, and as he trotted up the stairs to the bedrooms, in protest of bringing his adoptive mother home drunk! The professor let out a sigh of annoyance, still trotting up the stairs, hearing the rodent squeal louder as he entered Fluttershy’s bedroom. “You better not have touched her you old geezer…” The rabbit squeaked, crossing his paws over his chest in an intimidating manner, but was ignored as Cordwood disappeared into the bedroom. Gently, the stallion placed the pegasus in her bed and pulled up the covers. She was still clinging to his neck as he did all this, which made the stallion chuckle. Fluttershy acted like a foal that wanted to stay awake, or be held for as long as possible. Discord looked at her for a moment and a thought occurred to him. She doesn’t like me...because this isn’t me. He sighed in desperation, but continued to lay the slumbering mare down to rest in the covers. He hadn’t realized his hooves were brushing along her thigh up to her arm as he pulled the cover up to her cheek, until Fluttershy moaned in satisfaction. “hm...Discord…” She whispered. This got the stallion’s attention. Quickly turning to face her, he was met with her lips. The uncomfortable senses surging through him sped up in pace, making him hurt and ache with yearning. “Hm!” The disguised draconequus was internally frightened by the mare’s sudden boldness. She kissed him, intoxicated and asleep, but kissed him all the same. Discord couldn’t understand what was going on, he was too stunned to move. Cordwood could feel himself letting go of his fears and submitting to her love and want, gradually changing him back to his true form. The draconequus grunted from the pain of being turned back, but watched as Fluttershy gave in to her desire of love. She grazed his mane, and moaned in satisfaction as his mismatched body came back. The draconequus didn’t have anything else on his mind, instead he pressed a kiss in return, not realizing he was waking the pegasus up. It was only their lips to touch, but it was enough to make Discord be himself. His wings enveloped her, shielding her from the moon that crept through the window and threatened to reveal Discord’s true face to the pegasus. Her vision was blurry, all she could see was a familiar figure holding her close and giving her a magical moment. She pulled him tighter, almost making the creature fall on top of her. The draconequus soon saw her opening her eyes and backed away from his kiss, gasping for air. It felt like poison as the oxygen hit his lungs, he wanted nothing more than to continue. Fluttershy groaned in disappointment, saying his name. Oh Celestia...Discord thought, trying to leave the room through the door. Fluttershy moved over on her pillow and slowly closed her eyes once more, moaning his name again. Discord froze, his face red. He was so flustered, and confused, he was so unsure of what to do. There was one thing he knew had to be done, before he could change his mind and join the pegasus in her bed. Discord quickly flung his lion paw up and sliced the air creating a hole, and left through a portal to his home collapsing once again on the floor, and hyperventilating from exerting his powers to their limit. Oh, Celestia...oh Celestia...what have I done...she kissed me and I kissed her back! I-I….I really, enjoyed that…what has she done to me…? This is too soon! I don't deserve her. Oh no! What if she remembers me kissing her! But, maybe...maybe she won’t remember...maybe she will forget tonight...hopefully- He felt energy flowing back into him, but not from the rest he was getting, laying on the floor. The room became grey faster than the last few times he had taken the color from the chaos of his house. It steadily made its way into his system calming his breathing and slowing his heart rate. Control. He thought, but in his state he couldn’t even control himself from passing out on his living room floor, the last thought being his kiss he shared with the mare he had affections for. What was he going to do? Fluttershy liked him. She said his true name and kissed him. Discord was unsure of what tomorrow would hold, but he couldn’t think of anything else besides the said mare as he slept on the cold floorboards of his black and white house.