//------------------------------// // Seeing Nature's Beauty (Dusk Shine x Fluttershy) // Story: Seeing Double // by flawlessvictory20 //------------------------------// A few days have passed since the events with Berry and Twilight, the group’s still no closer to getting to their goal. Both Dusk and Twilight have been working tirelessly with the aid of Starlight, Barb, and Spike to try and figure out a way to get them back home. Lately, however, Dusk has found himself getting more and more discouraged at their numerous failures. During another attempt, they seemed to have the portal stable. But after a few seconds, it just collapsed again. “Another failed experiment!” Dusk groaned. He wore a white lab coat, an off-white short-sleeved shirt with dark blue sleeves, and black pants. “We’ll get right next time. But for now, why don’t we take a little break,” suggested Starlight. She wore a white lab coat an aquamarine shirt, a light blue skirt and light aquamarine stockings. “Good idea, Starlight. Dusk, why don’t you go get some fresh air. You’ve been cooped up in here for the last seven days,” suggested Twilight. She donned a similar white lab coat, white collared shirt with mauve tie, maroon skirt, and black stockings. “But we’re so close. If we could just–” he tried to argue. “But it won’t do us any good if you don’t go outside to clear your head for a bit,” countered Starlight. “She's got a point, Dusk,” noted Barb, who wore a light green spaghetti strap shirt and green shorts. “Yeah, some fresh air will do ya some good,” Spike chimed in, wearing a dark green shirt and blue jeans. Feeling he was fighting a losing battle, Dusk let out a deflated sigh. “Fine, I’ll go outside,” he huffed. He took off his lab coat and headed for the door. Before the others could say anything he exited with a slam of the door behind him. “Oh boy…” they all sighed. As he walked through the town, he felt his frustration build. He saw mares smiling and laughing at another mare who was telling a story as they passed by. He saw Rarity and Jack arm in arm, shopping for fruit at a local vendor. He rolled his eyes at the sight of the happy couple. He knew that they didn’t belong here, that they need to get back home. He rationalized that he needs to be working, not taking a break. “I shouldn’t be wasting time like this. I should be working, but no~. They think I need to take a break. It’s not like it’s going to help,” he grumbled. During his trek, he found himself at Sugarcube Corner. He figured he might as well get a snack will he’s out. As he headed in, he bumped into a mare who was leaving. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you,” the soft-spoken mare apologized. “That’s quite alright…” he said, as he recomposed himself. “I wasn’t paying attention.” He looked to see it was Fluttershy. She wore a goldenrod shoulderless dress, a light raspberry camisole, and raspberry leggings. “Hey there…uh Fluttershy, right?” She looked up to him. “Yes. Oh hello there...um…Dusk Shine right?” “Yeah, that’s me. Sorry for bumping into you.” “It’s okay. I should’ve been more careful,” she said before bowing slightly. “I'm truly sorry.” As she is bent down, he took notice of her cleavage and shape of her rather large breasts. “It’s fine....really... I should’ve been watching where I was going…” he said, looking away while blushing. She stood upright and gave him a gentle smile. “I guess we both were a bit distracted then,” she said with a small laugh. “A bit for your thoughts?” He let out a sigh. “Well, we were close to making a portal to our home, but it ended in another failure.” “Oh dear. Well, I'm sure you and Twilight will figure it out.” “I sure do hope so. Prince Solaris must be worried sick about us.” “Prince Solaris? Oh, that must be Princess Celestia’s double.” “Yes, he’s our ruler.” As he let out a yawn, she took a good look at his face. She became worried when she noticed the bags under his eyes. “Have you been getting enough sleep? You look awfully tired,” she spoke with concern. “I don’t have time to sleep. I have to keep working,” he stated. “You need to, Dusk. It’s not healthy to go without sleep.” “It’s a small price to pay to be able to get us home!” She puffed her cheeks in anger. “NO!” she shouted before she quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell. But you can’t neglect sleep. Your body will shut down on you. I’m sure even alicorns need their sleep.” Still in shock, Dusk could only nod his head in response. “Hmm...” she said, as tapped her chin. She was hit with an idea and grabbed his hand. “Come with me,” she smiled. “O-Okay...” he blushed. She led him down the road. The two soon found themselves walking in the park. “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Fluttershy hummed. “Nothing too special. Just an ordinary day,” Dusk replied. “Not true, every day is unique in its own way. That’s why we must enjoy them as they come,” she spoke, as she wrapped herself around his arm. As she did, he felt the softness of her breasts. “Wouldn’t you agree?” she winked. He looked away in a failed attempt to hide his reddened muzzle. “Um...I guess…” he stuttered. “That’s better,” she smiled. While walking they saw ponies enjoying picnics, fillies and colts playing, and couples doing some cloud watching. When he looked to the mare beside him, he noticed the joyous smile on her face. She leaned closer to him, which caused his arm to become sandwiched between her breasts. “If you don’t mind me asking...why do you keep smiling like that? If you keep doing that, it will freeze like that. Studies show that the muscles in your face can–” he began before he saw the confused look on her face. “What?” “Is it weird to smile because I’m enjoying myself?” she questioned. “Well no. I’m just saying that your muscles would tighten from doing it too.” “And is that such a bad thing?” “Not if it’s in moderation.” She merely sighed and shook her head. “Dusk, you take things way too seriously.” “It’s because of my scientific upbringing.” “Not everything you read in a book can fit in everyday life.” “Then how would you describe the world then?” She thought for a moment. “I’d say it’s magical…” she beamed. “Hmm…” “Wanna rest for a bit?” she said, pointing to a tree. He let out a groan. “Do I have to?” She gave him a bemused frown. “You’re resting! And no arguing mister!” He recoiled at the sudden assertiveness of the usually timid mare. “Yes, ma’am. But...how about some ice cream?” he asked, pointing to an ice cream cart. “Oh, yes. I’d like a strawberry cone~” “I’ll get us some. Just wait over by the tree. I’ll be there in a moment.” “Okay~” she nodded, then she walked over to the tree and waited for him. After a few minutes, he came back with the ice cream. He arrived at the tree to see she was looking off into the distance. As he gazed at her gentle demeanor, her mane billowed gracefully into the gentle breeze. When the sunlight reflects off her soft fur, for a brief moment she looked like an angel. While lost in her beautiful, she looked to see that he returned with their ice cream. “Oh, you’re back, Dusk. You were gone for a while there,” she spoke. He shook his head to snap back to reality. “Y-Yeah. It took longer than I thought. There was a long line,” he sheepishly grinned. “Here's your ice cream. Sorry, it melted a bit.” He handed it to her. “That’s okay, Dusk. Thank you,” she said, graciously accepting the ice cream. She patted a spot next to her on the grass. “Come sit down,” she smiled. He obediently sat next to her and the slowly enjoyed their ice cream. “So...have you started to adjust to life here?” “It’s not that much different from home, save there are more mares here,” he joked. “That’s true. But is there anything about our world you like?” she queried, licking her ice cream. He thought for a moment. “Hmm, nothing, in particular, comes to mind,” he responded. “Oh...is there...anypony you like here?” she pried, as continued to eat her ice cream. He out an audible gulp “Um...no one at the moment,” he lied. She looked at him for a brief moment, then let out a small laugh. “Oh...I see...” she said with a small smile. “Would you like to take a nap?” “Hmm, I guess a little one could hurt," he said. She guided his head onto her lap. While there he got an eyeful of her voluptuous breasts. “Comfy~?” she hummed, looking down with a smile. Getting flustered by her sudden forcefulness, he got up with a reddened face. “Y-You don’t need to do that Fluttershy. I-I can just lay on the tree,” he stammered, trying to lay against the tree. “That won’t do, Dusk. The tree isn’t comfy at all,” she huffed, as she placed his head back on her lap. Before he could get back up, he felt her gently run her fingers through his mane. The action rendered him immobile. “Now...get some rest,” she spoke. “B-But-” “No ‘buts’, mister! You need to sleep.” Knowing he had no way to fight he in his present state. He conceded in defeat. “Okay, Fluttershy. You win,” he chuckled, as he closed his eyes. Within a few moments, he slowly began to drift off to sleep. With a triumphant smile, she contently watched him as he slept. As the day went on, Dusk found himself enjoying his dream of finally making a working portal home. He began clutch something very soft, yet firm and began to snuggle against it. “...sk...usk...Dusk...wake up...” he heard a faint voice call out. He nestled deeper into the warm ‘pillows’. “Hmm....Barb please...gimme 5 more minutes...” he groaned. “Dusk shine...please wake...up...” said the voice, which now sounded like a hushed moan. “Okay...fine...” he huffed, as he slowly opened his eyes. “What’s so important Bar-” When he vision became clearer, he saw that the pillows that he was snuggling with were actually Fluttershy's breasts. He saw the deep blush sprawled across her face. “D-Did you...sleep well?” she asked, lightly panting. “GAH!” he shouted as he quickly got up. “I’m so sorry!” To his surprise, Fluttershy didn’t seem mad at him. “It’s okay, Dusk. You were just having a good dream is all,” she softly spoke. “Besides, I didn't mind it at all.” “W-What?!” he asked in shock. “What you did...I didn’t mind it,” she spoke before she turned her head to the side. “Since…it was you.” Confusion displayed on his face, as his mind tried to process what he just heard. “I-I don't understand…” he said dumbfounded. She shook her head and rose to her hooves. “It’s nothing,” she smiled. “Ready to go?” He nodded in response. She offered her hand to help him up, to which he politely accepted. Once on his hooves, he dusted himself off. “Do you feel better after your nap?” she asked. “Yeah I do,” he admitted before turning away. “Especially sleeping on those soft breasts of yours.” “What was that last part?” she asked with a tilted head. “N-Nothing,” he waved it off. “Oh, okay then. Um...did you wanna keep walking around the park with me? I mean unless you wanna head back to the castle?” He contemplated going back, but when is saw her pleading eyes the choice was easy to make.p “I can for a little while,” he answered. “Yay,” she cheered, before tugging his arm. “Come on, there’s a special place I wanna show you.” “A special place?” he asked. “Yeah, unless you don’t want to,” she spoke, as she gave him a puppy dog pout. ‘That’s cheating, Fluttershy!” he groaned. “Yeah, sure we can– WHOA!” He then felt himself being forcefully tugged. “Alright, let’s go!” she spoke with excitement. He was then dragged across the park by the timid mare who had a certain gleam in her eye. ‘Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into?” he thought to himself. After a few minutes, she led him to a secluded part of the park. She looked around to see if anypony was looking before she ushered him down an unpaved path. As they walked down the path, he noticed that the vegetation started to become more dense and fuller. “Are we almost there?” he asked. “We’re almost there,” she chimed, wrapped around his arm. “It’s just up ahead.” “Ok then.” After a few minute, Dusk could hear the distinct sound of running water. When they walked past the large hedge wall, he beheld a clearing that housed a tranquil landscape. There were large oak trees that encircled the perimeter, bountiful flowers draped along the ground upon the cliff, a small creek that bordered a large pond of crystal clear water, and which centered around a large cliff that had a small waterfall cascade down it. She then left his side and stood a few feet in front of him with extended arms. “Welcome to my secret grove~” she declared. “Whoa, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he said in awe. “Nopony has. I come here whenever I'm not feeling like myself. Here I remind myself to relax and see how beautiful the world really is.” “It’s impressive,” he spoke, as he took in the tranquil surroundings. “You have to share this place.” “I couldn’t do that. I don’t want ponies to come and harm the delicate balance here,” she said with a frown. “But why? It’s so amazing. Others could benefit from this place. Maybe I could research how the vegetation grows in such a secluded place. Maybe we can–” “NO!” she shouted. “It’s not always about science, Dusk. You must let nature exist without tainting it with the element of science.” “But if we just–” He turned to her and saw her ears droop as she let out a sigh. “I thought if I brought you here you’d finally understand, but I guess I was wrong,” she solemnly spoke, as walked to the edge and sat facing away from him. He felt a numbing pain in his chest. ‘Way to go, Dusk. You made her upset.’ He made his way over and sat beside her. He tried to find the words to say, but they failed him as she looked off into the distance hidden behind her mane. As the two sat in silence, he finally got the courage to speak. “I-I’m sorry, Fluttershy. I sometimes get ahead of myself and neglect to take ponies feelings into account. I sincerely apologize,” he said with a slight bow. She looked at him as if to silently accept his apology but soon returned her gaze back to the pond. Though he knew she had forgiven him, he still felt terrible for how he acted. ‘I’ll leave her alone for now.’ He then took to the skies and flew to the top of the waterfall. This got her attention. With his back facing her, he spread his arms. He then closed his eyes and fell backward. He impacted the water with a big splash. “Dusk Shine?” As she saw the water ripple from the impact, she noticed that he still hadn’t surfaced. “Dusk?” After a few seconds, he still hadn’t emerged. “Dusk Shine!” she gasped before she quickly flew over the impact area. The rippling of the water made it difficult for her to see where he was. “Dusk! Where are you?” she shouted with worry. He then emerged from the water a few feet behind her. She quickly flew over to him. She saw that his eyes were closed and he floated on his back motionless. “Dusk...no...please...be okay,” she whispered. After a few seconds, he slowly opened his eyes and smiled. I’m fine Fluttershy,” he spoke before he used his wings to swim forward. She let out a sigh of relief. “Don't scare me like,” she said. “You were worried about me? I thought you hated me,” he said, as he dove back into the water and resurfaced. “But...I never said that-” she replied, feeling a bit guilty. “You didn’t need to, your reaction did. Even when apologized, I could see that you were upset with me.” “It’s not that, Dusk. I was just sad that you only looked at this place with a scientific eye. Rather than seeing its true beauty.” “That’s my point exactly,” he said, as he walked out of the pond. As he got out the water, he lifted his shirt off his body. While he magically rung his shirt, she could help but notice his toned physique. His shoulders were broad, not overly muscular but well-built. She found herself blushing and quickly looking away. It pained her to think that her actions made him think that she hated him. It was at that moment she steeled her resolve. As he put his shirt back on, unbeknownst to him she then made her way over. He then felt her head rest on his back. “Dusk…” she spoke in a hushed tone. “I…I love you…” “Huh? What was that? I didn’t hear you.” She muttered it again as she tightly grasped his shirt. “Can you speak up Fluttershy. I can't understand you–” With gritted teeth, she chose to no longer hold back. “I LOVE YOU!” she screamed. Her words echoed throughout the whole area. As they rung in his ears, Dusk felt his body tremble at her words. With his shirt still tight within her grip, she continued her confession. “I truly do. I’ve loved you for a while now. That’s why when I saw the stress on your face today, I just wanted to help relax you. But when I showed you this place and you thought only of science, I thought I failed you and became upset with myself,” she admitted. “You...but...I...” he stuttered, still at a loss for words. “Then I went and made you think I hated you,” she spoke, as she fought back her tears. “I’m a horrible mare.” “You...You’re not horrible Fluttershy.” “Huh?” “You’re not horrible at all. It’s just me who’s the problem,” he sighed. “That’s why I want to help. You can’t go through life only thinking of science. You need to take time to relax and see the beauty in the world around you,” she said, as she nuzzled his back. “I’ve tried, but each time it never works.” “Maybe...” she timidly spoke, before she walked in front of him and looked him in the eyes. “Maybe you just need the right mare to help show you.” He felt his face heat up as she drew closer to him. “H-How?” he gulped. In a flash of yellow and pink, she leaned up to him and him a tender peck on the lips. “By always being by your side,” she spoke with a look of loving devotion to him. His world came to a screeching halt as he tried to comprehend the situation before him. Here, a mare from another world was offering to always to be by his side. And what’s more, she confessed her love to him. “Am I no good?” she asked, worry laced her words. Feeling that he couldn’t process it all at once, he slowly back away from her. “D-Dusk?” With a scared expression, he turned and ran away. “Dusk...wait!” she cried out. As he disappeared into the forest, she fell to the ground with tears streaming down her face. Later, back at the palace, Dusk busted through the door and headed straight his room. He closed the door and headed to his room. Once there, he closed it behind him. He then leaned against the door and slid to the floor. “Why? Just.... why?” he asked in disbelief. He then heard a series of knocks on his door. “Dusk Shine? Hey, you okay buddy?” Spike asked, dressed in his dark blue sleeveless shirt and matching pajama pants. “Please just go away,” he groaned. “Huh? What’s wrong?” He didn’t respond to them and sunk lower to the floor. “Bro, what happened?” asked a bemused Barb, who wore a two-piece short-sleeved raspberry shirt with matching pants. “It’s not worth talking about!" Dusk huffed. “Dusk I know you. What are you moping now? Did you try to hit on a mare and she shot you down again?” teased Barb. “Oh shut up!” “This is why no mare will ever be with you. You’re too closed in your shell,” Barb stated. “Like you know anything about a relationship,” countered Dusk. “Please, me and Prince Ash are in a very committed relationship,” she rebutted. “Prince Ash? Who’s that?” Spike questioned. “My world’s Princess Ember,” she answered. “Ah...” “Big deal, that doesn’t mean you know how to be in an intimate relationship," Dusk spat. “Well...unlike you I've kissed someone I love,” she mocked. “Whatever, show off!” Dusk barked. “Why are you acting like this? What happened?” asked Barb. “I told you. I don’t want talk about it...” “Stop being so stubborn. Just open the door and talk to us!” Barb demanded. He knew that she would yield until he talked, so with a heavy sigh he opened the door and ushered them in. Once inside he sat them on his bed. “Okay, here’s what happened...” he began. He then explained what happened. After he finished, he saw them look at him in shock and disbelief. While Barb fell silent Spike glared at him. “And you just left her there?” he bellowed. “I panicked okay! I’ve never been in that position before," Dusk defended. “You should've at least said something-” Before Spike finished, Barb stood up quickly from the edge of the bed. “B-Barb?” spoke Dusk. He was then met with a hard slap to the face from her, which knocked him to the floor and made him slide to his door. “OW! Barb! What the heck was that for?!” he seethed, as he held his cheek. However, as he looked at the young dragoness walking to him he noticed the burning rage in her eyes. Before he could say anything, she lifted him into the air thanks to her dragon strength. “You heartless, uncaring idiot! Do you realize the damage that you've just cause?!” she barked. “Barb, I’m sorry! I didn’t know what to do. I might’ve if I would’ve had time to assess the situat-” She slammed him against the door. “That’s your problem, Dusk! You’re too smart for your own damn good. You overthink to the point where it makes you stupid. Think about Fluttershy’s feelings! She showed you a place precious to her and confessed her love to you. And what did you do? You ran like a coward. Put yourself in her hooves. If you did that for the one you loved and they ran away...you’d feel empty...worthless...like your love will never be good enough...” she spoke with her claw trembling in anger. “That’s the point. I don’t believe I’m worthy of her love. I’m just-” “What Dusk?! It’s clear she likes you for you. So what's the problem?” “I take things too literal. Always looking at everything through a scientific eye. Even when she tried to help me, all I did was just...just...err I’m such an idiot,” he said, as he hung his head. Barb let out a sigh and released him which made him fall to the floor with a loud thud. “You gotta be the dumbest smart alicorn I know,” joked Barb, as she lightly punched him on the side of the head. Dusk rubbed that side of his head. “Okay, I get that message Barb! Now, will you please quit hitting me!” Barb then looked to him with a softer expression. “She already knows how scientific you can be and probably accepted that. But even with that, she’s still willing to show there’s more than science out there. You should consider yourself lucky to find a mare willing to do that.” “But...how am I going to talk to her?” he asked after a heavy sigh. She merely pointed to his chest. “With this,” she grinned. “My chest?” he questioned. She facepalmed in response. “No, you idiot! With your heart.” “Well, technically it’s located in my chest so-” He saw the bemused glare on her face as she raised a clenched fist “Leave...now!” “Right, I’m heading back. Wish me luck!” He then ran out the castle and headed back to Fluttershy. Back and the secret grove, Fluttershy was still crying at the edge of the pond. As her tears rippled into the water, she was at a loss. “What should I do?” she spoke, clutching the bottom of her shirt. As she looked up at the moon above, she heard a faint voice coming from behind her. “Fluttershy!Fluttershy!” Dusk called out. She wiped her eyes and turned her head. “Dusk?” she whispered. As he cleared the hedge wall, he ran up to her a bit winded. “Fluttershy....I’m glad.... you are...still here...” he panted. “Dusk...” She turned back around and prepared to fly away from him. “I’m sorry!” he shouted. His words made her stop her ascent. “W-What?” “I said I’m sorry Fluttershy,” he spoke, finally able to catch his breath. “I overreacted and hurt you. I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but please hear me out.” She turned her head to give him a sideways glance. With a deep breath, he made his way over to her. “I didn’t understand before what you were trying to do for me, but now I do. You were just trying to help me get out of my state of mind. You only wanted to help and I acted in a way unbecoming of a prince,” he said, with a hung head. She hovered down to the ground, but still had her back to him. “W-Why’d you run away? Was the thought of being with me that terrible?” He quickly shook his head. “No, No, No, No! That’s not it at all. You see I was scared. Scared that I wasn’t good enough for your love. In my life mares weren't very interested in me because of for my science background. Most shied away from because they found me to be 'too extreme’ for them.” “Huh? What do you mean?” “They would say ‘I’m too literal' or ‘I take things too seriously’.” She fully turned to him. “But that’s just part of who you are. That’s one of the reasons why I fell in love with you and wanted to help you.” “I realize that now. That’s why I-” he began before he tripped on a stray rock. While he tried to keep himself from falling, Fluttershy ran to try and catch him. As he fell into her grasp, they became locked in another kiss. The initial contact caught her by surprise and caused her to pull him with her as she fell backward. While on the ground, she closed her eyes and leaned deep into the kiss. After he came to himself, Dusk pulled back from their oral service. “I’m so sorry, Fluttershy. It was a acci-” He felt he hand snake behind his hand, and with a blushed smile she pulled him into another kiss. His eyes widen at how forceful she had become. No longer feeling the need to hold back, Dusk hungrily return the kiss. As their tongues wrestled for dominance, Fluttershy’s vibrated in both their mouths. When he went to caress her cheek, he felt tears roll down her cheeks. Confused, he broke away from the kiss. “Fluttershy, what’s wrong? You’re crying?” he asked with concern. “It’s nothing bad, Dusk,” she smiled. “I...I’m just so happy right now.” “Are you sure? Because the last thing I wanna do is make you sad again. It would make me feel-” he started, before being silenced by her finger on his lips. “You talk too much, Dusky,” she said with a lidded gaze. “Let’s just enjoy to moment, shall we~.” Seeing this side of her made him a bit flustered but in a good way. “So, did how about we head back to my place? It’s getting rather late,” she offered. “In a bit. Can we stay a bit and enjoy this place?” With a pleased gasp, she gave him a smiling nod. “Sure,” she spoke as she leaned into his chest. “You’re so warm, Dusky.” “You are too, ‘Shy,” he replied, as he scooped her into wing hug. The two then gazed up at the falls. As the moon slowly ascended above the falls, its luminescent glow danced across the water and filled the area. It was at that moment Dusk fully understood what Fluttershy was talking about. “Y’know, you’re right my dear. This place is beautiful,” he mentioned. With a giggle, she nuzzled his neck. “See...I told you~.”