Misinterpreted Signs

by Fifty Shades of Yellow

Part 2: Getting to Know You

"You, have arrived." Your phone goes off.

It's just a Diner. This mus have been a joke all along. You kick the ground and sit along the curve. Hear the diner door open and just ignore it. Go back to your pone and set the way to go back home. You can't believe this, punked by a introverted girl? This is just a new low for yo-

"Anon?" A faint voice calls you while a small pressure is being set on your left shoulder.

You turn around to see... "Fluttershy?" Straightaway, she clutches you into a hug. The hug lasts for a prolonged amount of time. You wanted to speak up, but this just feels right.

She does let go and sits right beside you. "Why are you out here?"

"Actually, I should be asking you the same thing." You just realized that she's holding a bag from the diner behind you. It crepitates as it is being gripped harder in her hands.

"Well, there's something that you should see." She gets up and walks off to the side of the diner. You stand up and follow her. You head back of the diner and catch a whiff of the dumpster.

"Aww, God... Is this it?"

She turns her head to you for a brief moment and turns back. "I know, but I didn't wanted to show you that." Fluttershy points along a small trail, leading into the forest. She then heads off, entering it. OK, at this point, this must be some kind of joke. One thing about traveling here, but to go into the woods?

"Fluttershy. are we going for a small stroll and some fresh air?"

The small tee-hee that she made later was absolutely lovable. "Oh no, Anon. This is the way to where I live." It's difficult to ask her if she is serious anymore. You've made it this far, so let's just see on where this goes.

"You better not be making some kind of joke."

"It's not." She said while giving off a solemn tone. Fluttershy turns back and continues heading into the greenwoods. Best as well follow her. As you do so, you check on your right arm. See that there's a long bruise lined on one side. Shit, that will be hard to explain it in a badass story. You try to hide it by laying it against your side. It's not as sensible roughly an hour ago, but that doesn't mean that it's still sore. Screw it, off into the woods you go.

---

"Come on, we're almost there."

"Shy, you said that 4 minutes ago." You've been going down this path for about 10 minutes now. It was bothersome when you encountered a few logs, some rocks, and an unleveled crack. You almost tripped on a few of them, but thank god there's still light out here to see them.

"Trust me, it's not too far." She then runs off.

"Flutters, wait, hold on." You walk around the bush she went to and see a cottage in a clear, open space. Over at the doorstep, she is waiving off to you. You make a small jog to catch up.

"What do you think?"

"It's amazing."

She makes that same sweet giggle from earlier. "Wait until you see inside." She opens the door to reveal her living room.

"Woah..."

"Make yourself at home. Please, sit down."

You head for the couch and rest your stuff on the side. Fluttershy promptly sits right beside you. "I must say, this place is very cozy." She blushes and puts her hands in between her legs. "How come you live way out here?"

She dots her eyes around in a depressed motion, lowers her eyebrows and eyelids. "It's... it's nothing special. You wouldn't care to listen."

You scoff. "If I can listen to your troubles at school, then why can't I know you a little more?"

Fluttershy gives off a sorrowful sigh. "Are... you sure?" She gives her sad puppy dog eyes at you.

You give off a warming smile and look at her eyes. "I would love to." She then begins a narrative of her own life.

---

From the day she was born, it was followed with multiple unfortunate events. Her father died from a car crash incident when he was on his way to see her birth at the hospital. Her mom struggled to raise her for the next few years, only to caved in. Fluttershy was sent into an orphanage at the age of 5. That hellhole gave her some unreasonable abuse for a few years. At the age of 9, she then ran away and head into the outskirts of town. Only able to run into the diner, not too far from this cottage. The lady who own the restaurant saw Fluttershy and took her in. This is where they live. The problem is that the owner barely comes here. Since that diner is 24/7 and has a record of robberies from strangers and the employees. At school, it wasn't any better. She was too timid to make friends, and to make matters worse, being picked on by everyone because of it. Basically, throughout Fluttershy's life, she was alone. Not anymore.

---

She lightly snivels during halfway, and now after telling her story, it's now in full effect. In a compulsion, you cradle her into a hug. The crying stopped for a moment, but comes back later into small sniffles. This hug is like the one from back at the statue and for some reason, you didn't wanted it to end. As you tried to stroke her hair, your arm starts to have searing pain For now, you boldly pass through it and bite your lower lip.

"It's so nice, *sniff* to have finally met someone who can hear about me... protect me... who cares about me." Tears start to swell up in you eyes. Not only from Fluttershy, but also from your arm. It has the sensation of it being slowly roasted on an open fire. Resistance from crying is now pointless, and you just release the dam. "Please... don't feel bad for me..."

"It... it's not only that."

She let's go, and you do the same with her hair. "What's wrong?" You start to wipe the tears from your eyes, until Fluttershy grabs your right one and looks at it. "Oh my. Your arm! I'll go and get something to help it." Fluttershy jumps up and speeds off into the kitchen. "Just keep that arm elevated while I'm gone." Do as she's instructed by grabbing your wrist with your left hand and holding it up.

She comes back in the room holding an ice pack. "Here, just relax and let me take care of it." You would refuse and say that you'll toughen it out, but seeing her taking care of you is something. Normally, when you're sick or injured, you just lay in your bed until you get better. Seeing Fluttershy taking care of you is something you'll allow. By now, you realized the cold sensation from the ice pack. The arm has a soothing vibe going around the damaged tissue. After a while, you notice that you have been staring at the ice pack. Intense thinking really does get you to look at nothing that has no purpose. You look up to see Fluttershy with her eyes googling at you. "Is everything alright? Do you need more or less ice?"

You're trying to think of some excuse, but nothing comes to mind. May as well come clean. "It's fine. It's just... I've been thinking, that's all."

"Do you want to talk about it? It's the least I can do for what you've done for me."

You then rambled about what there is about you. Well, for the most part. You told her about why you're here, where did you come from, and even told her that you're alone in this town.

"Well, that's not true. We have each other." That truly did give you a smile. And you end your story by telling her your incident with the arm. She couldn't help but laugh at it. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's so sweet that you went back to get it. But, you could have just send a text message about it."

"I didn't wanted to let you down or ruin a first impression, that's all."

"But you have done so much for me already, I would never be disappointed." Fluttershy backs away a little, only for you to see that her face is a few inches away from yours. Her cheeks are coloured in with a faint red hue, along with her beady eyes focused on yours. It seems like she wants to do something, but you're not sure of what it is. Whatever it may be, she slowly raises her arms to you shoulders and softly grasps them. She leans her head in a little, her teal eyes start to gleam. But for some reason, she just stops halfway. Only about four inches away of her face from your own. Instead you make the next move. You lower the ice pack resting on your arm and wrap it around her waist, giving her a firm hug.

"Eep!" Is there anything that this girl won't do something so adorable? She doesn't do anything, she's traumatized from your sudden movements. For a while it says that way, until she meets up with your hug. She wraps her arms around you and also snuggles along your torso. The arm that's damaged doesn't have that aching feeling like the last hug. But, you're remembered about the assignment. Damn, you hate to ruin this moment, but this needs to be done.

"Hey, Flutters?"

"Hmm?"

"Sorry to do this, but I really should do some homework."

"Oh. It's fine, really. You can go ahead, I'll get us something to drink. Would you like something?"

"Just water. That's fine." Simultaneously, both of you let go of the hug and go at what each of you needed to do.

"I'll be right back, you can do your homework here." As she leaves, you get out your backpack and take out a sheet of paper, 0.5 led pencil, and the "Romeo & Juliet" book. Open up on where you left off and continue reading. "Would you like it if I read along with you?" You hear the glass cups land on the table as your friend speak up from near you.

"Nah, it's fine."

"Please? I don't want to see you work all by yourself. And, when you read it out loud, it sounds... nice." Her voice dimmed down during that follow up, but that last word was barely audible. Someone liking your voice? That isn't common for you. But, having a reading buddy doesn't sound too bad.

"Sure, that sounds fine."

She reaches for her backpack and pulls out the book. "Um, where did you leave off?"

Huh, that was fast. "Oh, Act One, Scene 5, Line 95."

"Thank you. Please, go on."

You read out the first sentence for that page to her. "If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss."

"Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this, For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss." You freeze in awe of how she takes over as Juliet, and in a spot on attitude. "Oh, I-I'm sorry, did you wanted to do that by yourself?"

"No, that was very impressive." Her face reddens from your compliment.

Fluttershy tries to hide it by raising the book up to the lower half of her face. "It's nothing. I just do it when no one's around."

"It certainly is a talent that you have."

The book is lowered from her face, and she reveals her pink cheeks. "Thank you."

The both of you continue on reading on and finish off Act 1, all that is left is to write out the report. You reach out for the pen- "Ow." Just as you tried to pick up the pencil, it rolls to the side and falls to the ground.

"I'll get it." She doesn't hesitate and gets the pencil.

"Ah, thanks." You try to reach out, but your muscles are still sore. "Man, that hurts."

"Here, I'll write it for you." She says while firmly gripping the pencil in your hand.

"No, it's fine. It's my assignment, I can do it."

"But I'm the one who got you into this mess." Sadly, that's true.

"If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have known the true Fluttershy, or possibly hang out with you."

"Well... But... I was the one who gave you that sore arm." You try to excuse her.

"That one was all me, just in a rush and all."

"Please, I must!" What sounded shy and nervous, is now more along the type of demand and plead.

You would continue this argument, yet you consider after that sudden outburst. "Alright, I guess. Just follow on what I say, alright?"

"Okay." For the next half hour, you instruct Fluttershy on your view of the tale's plot so far. "And, there. Here it is." She hands you the report and see it in a beautiful cursive writing. "How is it? Did I mess up. I'm so sorry that if I did. I knew that "I" in the third sentence was off a little bit and-"

You snicker a little from her self doubting. "Don't worry, it's fine. This is actually proficient from what I can ever write. It's true, even before you busted your arm, your writing was no different from hieroglyphics. At least those can be understood, compared to what you normally scribble down. "Thank you for helping me." You look outside and see the sun starting to set down in the horizon. Since you're in the forest, all you're able to see is a blend of sky blue with a light orange. "I probably must go."

"What?"

"It's getting late." You say while pointing to the window.

"Oh, don't worry, you can stay here a little longer can't you?" This sweet and naive girl. You start to put your things away.

"I wish I could, but I really should get home before-"

"NO! I mean- please. Stay." She then grabs you on the right arm. It's a small squeeze, but it still strains around the nerves a little. You groan in pain from her grasp.

"Oops, I'm so sorry!"

"It's... it's fine." You calmly reply as Fluttershy loosens her grip and lets go of you. You stretch the arm out a little bit.

"Please... don't go." She almost whispers. You think about this for a moment. Why is she like this? Oh, she's been alone throughout her life and barely had anyone to talk to, let alone be around her. But, what about the arm? Ignore that, it can probably heal overnight... or so that you hope. Is she that desperate for you to stay a little longer? Let's see...

"But if it get's any later, I'll probably have to sleepover."

Her eyes lighten up and cheeks a little, along with her hands twirling her hair. "C...could y-you?" She must be puling your leg. Although, you always wanted to have a sleepover. The thing is that you wanted it with a few guys, not with a girl. This just feels a little out of the ordinary. Then again, that foster home did fuck over any possibility on what she could've had at the time. It is best to make this on what you can.

"I guess... I can sleepover for tonight." Such a squee that she made just pulled the pin on your heart. It was just too much cuteness from her. So much that you didn't realize that she's getting you in a bear hug. Snap out of it! You try to breathe, only to wheeze out for air.

Fluttershy lets go and backs away. "I'm so sorry! Are you hurt? Did I crush you? Is your arm OK?! Oh no, I'm such a terrible frie-"

You rest a finger on her lips. "It's fine. I actually wanted to do something like this." Retract your finger from her mouth and giver her the hug back. You do not make it powerful, but not too loose, it's just perfect. She even starts to nuzzle your neck with her head. Dainty, benevolent, and somewhat fussy.

"Let me get ready for bed, if you're fine on leaving me to do it." She runs off and heads up stairs. You stay put to make sure everything is in your backpack and in the right order. It's still a school night, so you may as well get whatever you've had and organize for hell. Still, it's nicer than what was back home. This won't be too bad, especially with a friend to rely on like Fluttershy. Along with a few kids back at school, such as Flash and that group of girls. You just remember to check your phone. You bring it out and see that it was still left on vibrate. Wow... and you didn't even felt it once. You moved so often so why wouldn't you? You look at the screen and see a few messages.

Pinkie Pie was the earliest by sending: "Have fun w/ ur friend!" "Ya wanna hang out this Sat. w/ me & the gals?"

Applejack sent hers a few minutes later: "You're a nice guy, sorry for the roughing from Rainbow, she's that "Go to" attitude.

Rarity was the last one to be sent from the rest: "I look forward to our next gathering."

When you read what Dash sent, it was different from all the others. "Hey, sorry for the hard time earlier 2day, I acted like that to try and blend in with the rest of the school. Just to try and blend in. Turns out, I just needed this small group, rather than the entire school to be with me. Can't wait to hang out with you again soon! You up for Sat?"

You scroll past to read one that stood out from all others. It was from your dad. "Sorry that we haven't talked to you in a while. Your mom just got a promotion, and I just been working overtime. Don't worry, we're still getting some rest. Sure hope that new school is much more welcoming than the last one. Have a goodnight, Anon. -Dad"

You decided to text back. "I'm just fine. Finally made some friends, but there's this one that I surely won't let go. She really is one to keep as a best friend for the next few years. She went through hard times, But it will change. Thank you again for letting me take care of myself in this new town, I will not let you guys down."

You can hear footsteps coming down from the staircase. You slide your phone back in your left pocket and look up. "What do you think?" Fluttershy is swimming in a sweater a couple sizes too big, sleeping pants to match the sweaters color & her hair loose and free. You gawk at the nighttime version of her. "Umm... is it too much?" You try to sound out words that only can be made out as gibberish. "M-maybe I s-should change into... something more-"

"No, no. It's fine. It's more than fine. It's... beautiful."

She clutches her hands and rubs them together in an insecure manner. "Come, I want to show you my bedroom." Fluttershy makes her way upstairs. You drop your backpack and follow her. A few of them creek, but you continue on. There's a window to your left and the walkway seems to continue on the right. You start to enter the aisle and see three doors and a window, letting the setting suns rays peering in. There are two on the right and one on the left. "It's right in here." Walk down the hallway and catch up with her at the door. As she turns the doorknob, it slowly clicks and the door opens to reveal her bedroom. It seems to be more of a guest room, modified for some people who can't let go of the good days. The room is not exactly spacious, but it is just enough to room a couple of people.

"Wow... it's very tranquil in here."

"T-thank you." You wander in and stand by the bed. This looks like the biggest, softest bed that you've ever encountered. Normally, the beds that you sleep in are twin size. This one clearly seems to be much bigger. Queen, probably king size. The last time you saw a bed like this was the one you were created from. You cringe just by that thought. But, this is a nice room, even if you prefer some posters from M-rated games and the Alternative-Rock bands. In this room, you can feel more stable. "What should we do? We have a few more hours until we should sleep." Seeing that this is a house in the woods, there's no point to ask if there is some television or a laptop laying around here.

"What do you normally do to pass the time?" The sagging sleeves slide over her arms as she rubs them.

"Well... I-I have some games, d-do you want to play?"

Let's see what she has. "Sure. What do you have?" She goes on her knees and reaches under her bed to pull out a few puzzles and board games and a deck of cards. You open up a puzzle box worth of 250 pieces with no scattered pieces. Instead, it's all aligned and connected to form the perfect picture indicated on the box. You close it and open up another puzzle box, this one has much more, a total of 500. Open it up and see the same result, everything is in place. There's something about her free time that you're starting to catch. You close this one, and grab an 1000 piece puzzle of a city. What's inside is a halfway done puzzle. "I just recently got that one."

"You want some help to finish this one?"

The smile she had was just too much that you've ever seen on her. "YES! I mean, OK." For roughly 2 hours, the both of you grasp hands a couple of times to get the piece each of you wanted to place. This was too common to happen, more than a set of car crashes in a freeway. Nevertheless; it was completed. Fluttershy was extra cautious of putting it back in to not let a single bit fall out. She slipped to top part of the box back into place, like it was never opened.

"I will say that it was fun." As she slips the puzzle boxes back in, a rosey red appears on her face. "It... really was nice. What should we do now?" You look at what is left on the floor. There is a few board games and the deck of cards. You browse through them and see what she has. Connect 4, Chutes and Ladders, Twister, Scramble, and something at the bottom. "This one's my favorite." She moves a few of the games aside to reveal the one buried in them. It's a board game named "Timberland Wanderers." Fluttershy grabs one side and tries to slide it open. You grab the other and lift it up. The cover comes off and shows of a standard board with trails. Looks like CandyLand, just themed at the woods. It starts off from the outside of the forest, and ends at the opposite side. There's the standard: "Stuck in mud, lose a turn." and "Lost, back 2 spaces." Can't have a board game without some obstacles, now can you? One of the pieces is a butterfly. There's a few more, but they are all in separate bags that haven't been opened. They have a bit of dust around the folds holding it. The others are a squirrel, raccoon, porcupine and a rabbit. "Go ahead, pick an animal."

You think about getting something badass, like the porcupine having the spikes coated everywhere. Or maybe the raccoon for having that robbers mask, it kind of reminds you of that one game. Instead, without even noticing, you grab the rabbit out of the assortment of critters. "Oh! That's a cute one! I actually was thinking of owning one someday, but I'm not sure." You open up the package without any struggle.

"What's stopping you from owning one?"

"I'm... just having some trouble on what to do with him. I'm not sure if my guardian will appreciate it, and what's worse, is that I'll be at school. I just don't want to leave him here."

That does sound like some trouble, but you may have an idea that could work. "This might be a little hard to do, but you could put him in your backpack. That way, he can be with you at all times."

Such eyes on Fluttershy's face never went so immense before. "That... that sounds like a great idea! Thank you! But... what if my guardian refuses to let me have one?"

Huh... she's got a point. Maybe having an animal companion wouldn't be too bad if thing's go downhill. "What if I took care of him."

"You're willing to do that!?"

"Anything for a friend of mine."

Her eyes dim a little, so does her smile. "Oh... OK. Well, thank you very much. You're really making my life easier."

"It's not a problem, that's what pals do." She flinches a little. Huh, maybe she's sitting on a missing dice or a lost puzzle piece?

"Yeah... let's start playing."

"Sounds good."

You lost, again. She has to be cheating. But with what, rigged dice? This is the third game now, and Fluttershy has beaten you in all of them. If only this was a video game console, the odds would be in your favor. Suck it up and admit your defeat. "Wow, you're extremely good at this game."

She fiddles with her sweater. "Just, some practice... maybe a lot." Oh no, she's starting to go down. Time to move the subject.

"I'm surprised that she bought all of these for you." Fluttershy's smile fades away into a sad frown. Shit, what did you say? "Hey, what's wrong?"

Hesitation is all that she answers, but then she exhales heavily. "I should... tell you something."

She tells that the owner of this house has a medical condition that prevents her from obtaining her own child. It was only a matter of time that she would adopt one. That's where Fluttershy's absence at the orphange came into play at the right time. Just as Fluttershy was taken into new arms, she noticed some baby clothes in the cabinet of her room. The owner crabbed armfulls of the clothing and thrw it into the master bedroom. That was the only time Flutters saw her protector cry.

After the story, you and Fluttershy just stare at the board game.

"Hey, you have a home now. Life is better here, even before I arrived. Don't let that get to you." You see her mouth curve a little. "Is that a smile, I see?" Fluttershy giggles like... She's already a little girl, what else?

"OK, you've got me." A yawn slips out of your mouth.

"Do you...-" She yawns. "-want to get some rest?" She finishes her sentence.

You look at the clock of her bed stand. It's past nine-thirty. "Yeah, that's probably best. It's a school night, and we're going to need a lot of energy for the last school day of the week."

"Good idea. I'll be right back, I need to head for the bathroom."

"Go ahead, take your time." You say as she heads off and exits the room. You eye the window in front of you. You get up and walk around the board game to stand near the window and open it. You look out to the barely visible pearl white moon in the horizon. You lay a part of your body to the wall and gaze outside, thinking about mom and dad back home. It start to flow through you, wondering If they are fine, what they are doing right now, and if they miss you. Then you realize Fluttershy's parents. A father who never got the chance to see his own daughter and a mother who surrenders her daughter to the government. Thank goodness you have parents that are alive and they care about you, even if they show you their love through sentimental items. They never had the time to have some quality time with you, but you know they cared about you. Who knows about Fluttershy's father managed to stay alive. Possibly her life wouldn't be this way, or worse... it was for the better. Something rests on the right side of your shoulder.

"Hey." Fluttershy slowly peers from the right side.

"Oh, hi." She leaves her hand on your shoulder, but you don't mind that.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yup, just... just thinking that's all."

"Thinking about what?"

You feel skeptical on telling her. "Just... my parents."

Her mouth agapes a little. Are they... alright?"

"Yeah, they're working nonstop. I just hope things work out."

She nuzzles her head against your arm. "They're fine. And I'm sure they still love you."

"I guess..." Both of you just stare at outside for another minute. Fluttershy then breaks the silence.

"We probably should clean up the mess we've made."

You look over and see that she's looking at the board game. "Oh, right. I'll help." She goes around and starts to place her knees to the ground. You bend over- "Ow!"

"OW!" The both of you fall back and land your ass on the wooden floor. You rub the top of your head and look over to Flutters to see that she is doing the same to her head.

"I'm sorry! I was-"

"No, no. It's fine."

"It's my fault, I should have let you go first." You apologize.

"Don't worry, a good night's rest will give it a heal by the morning." You start to grab the board and fold it up. "W-wait, let me fold it."
You look at the board and notice that you are flipping it in a different pattern.

"Whoops. Here." You hand over the board and see her flip it once with a flick of her wrist.

You are stunned at the performance she gave off. "Is everything fine? Did I show off?"

"Everything's fine. You just never stop amazing me, Flutters."

"Oh, stop. It's nothing." She lowers the board and tries to slide it in the box. You notice that one of its corners is stick, preventing it from slipping down.

"I'll get a side." You grab the side of the board and slide it down at the same rate as her. Once it fits like a glove, you set everything else inside; the playing pieces, dice, "Fate" cards and rule book. The both of you do the same thing with the lid of the box. She slides the box under the bed and stands up. You do the same and start to head out the room.

"W-where are you going?" You turn around and see her sitting on the bed.

"Oh, I thought that I could sleep on the couch or something."

"You don't need to. You can sleep with me."

"Fluttershy, are you sure?"

"More than ever."

It's an offer. A genuine one but, it's too much to handle. You know damn well that she is a friend. This is just too much.

"Can't I just sleep on the floor?"

"Don't be silly. There's more than enough room on this bed." You can't argue on this one.

"But... I can't sleep in my street clothes. I don't want to give out germs from the outside." You are really digging for any excuse.

"Well..." She raises the bed cover high enough that you can only see her eyes, "You could... take them off." There is no way she is serious. In the same bed is one thing, but being stripped? Making sure about her safety is one thing... but getting "comfortable" is another. This day is just beyond out of the ordinary. The one thing that prevents you from arguing any further is the thought that if she is happy, it's worth it.

"Alright Flutters, I'll..." Her vest eyes stare into your very soul. She's on the edge of your answer. "I'll sleep with you." She lets go of the sheets and squee's harder than a rubber duck. "But I'm only taking off my shirt, OK?" She nods, like a damaged bobble head. You take off your shirt, and set it on the couch in front of her bed. Look back up and see Fluttershy's mouth agape and overwhelmed at you're upper nudity. "What?"

"It's nothing, nothing. Just, rest, please. It's going to be a looong day tomorrow." Ain't that the truth. You take off your shoes and socks and set them next to the foot of the bed. Climb in and take your side. You roll to the right and see Fluttershy, staring at you with a grin on her face.

"Happy?"

"S-so much." You shift back to stair at the ceiling. "I just wanted to let you know that... I feel completely safe with you here. The kids at the orphanage where ruthless and harsh. With you... I feel protected and relaxed. No one ever had the time to be with me for anything."

A warm feeling slowly rises inside you. "Anything for you." You close your eyes and head into sleep.

The sound of the sheets move around and something very hushed goes through. What happens next, is that you must've thought from a long, and hard day. "Goodnight... Romeo~"

"Hmm?"

"N-nothing."

Comments

[Moongaze14]

Fluttershy is really adorable in this chapter.

[TOECUTTER]

i was waiting forever for this chapter can't wait for the next one