> Simple Things
>  by Arbiter Balemead
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> How it Starts (Flashback)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"The usual!" Rarity said happily as she tossed a few bits on the counter. Aloe smiled broadly as Rarity and I walked past her. Her sister, Lotus, escorted us to the room we always use for the massage. Once we were relaxed on the tables, Rarity looked me over with a bit too much enthusiasm... Or maybe I just thought it was too much.

"Oh, go on, darling, what did you want to tell me?" She asked me. She knows me too well. I thought I could keep it a secret just until dinner with the other three...*sigh* I suppose I could ask her to wait... No, this is Rarity. She can't.

"Uhm... I was hoping to just tell all four of you...but if you want to know now...." I mumbled. There had to be something wrong with me. There was always this gap between my mind and my mouth. I could never speak clearly. I was never sure if that had caused me to be so shy or if it was the other way around.

"Oh come ON, dear, I can tell you just NEED to tell me something..." She scrutinized me again with those piercing blue eyes that know me so well. "Oh...it's about romance, is it?" She really does know me.

"Eh-uhm...yes." I could tell by the way her pace suddenly picked up with the massage that Lotus had been listening. Aloe had been, too. I don't blame them, though, because they were a sort of friends to me and Rarity. They must have realized that we needed privacy. They're so nice.

Once the massages were done we went to the sauna room. Since there was no real need for them in here that me and Rarity couldn't take care of ourselves, Aloe and Lotus stayed outside till we were done.

"Soooo...?" Rarity asked.

"Well-uhm... I was hoping to tell you, and Pinkie, and Applejack, and Rainbow at dinner... B-but if you really want to know..." I started dumbly.

"Oh, do go on, dear. You KNOW I can't wait. Not now that I know this much." She didn't really know much did she? I mean- all I'd said was that it was a romantic thing...

I suppose it would be easier to tell the other three if I had Rarity's support...*sigh*

"Well- I uhm...limphsmephm"

"What was that?"

"I like maphm"

"One more time?"

I hate my stupid mumbling. I took a deep breath and mustered all my will behind three words.

"Ilikemares." Whew! I got that out...oh buck me, I said it! I watched her carefully, praying to Celestia she wouldn't be mad. She actually looked confused... maybe she didn't catch what I said? I did say it quickly...

"Okay... You were speaking rather quickly, dear, so correct me if I'm wrong, but... did you just say you like...mares?" Oh darn it she's in shock. She hates me, I can tell....wait no she just looks... sympathetic. I nodded slowly to answer her question.

"Well... I've known you for years, but I never saw that coming..." I felt my face fall. She didn't approve of this at all. I'm so stupid. I should've known not to tell anypony. I should've known that even my closest friend wouldn't like me once she knew. I shoul- "I always assumed you'd find a special somepony BEFORE you came out of the closet."

"E-excuse me?"

"While the other three may be oblivious, I noticed you stealing glances at us." I felt my cheeks heat instantly at that. I know I had been a pervert once or twice, but she talked about it like it was a constant thing. "Oh, no need to look so ashamed, my dear. I am merely giving you a hard time. I know you don't mean anything by it, but it is actually adorable; the way you do it." Looking at my friends' rears is... adorable? Uhm...okay.

"B-but you knew? Why didn't you say anything?"

"And embarrass you? 'Oh that was a lovely spa date, Fluttershy, and by the way, I know you're a fillyfooler.' Yes I think that would've been wonderful, don't you?" My cheeks flamed again at that word. That word. It made me feel horrible, and... unnatural. Rarity looked confused again. Before I had time to wonder why, my eyes began to sting, and I knew why THAT was.

"Oh, dear, I'm sorry I didn't mean to...I was just making a small joke, I didn't mean anything by it, dear, I just-"

"I-it's not that... I-I just don't like that word v-very much..." I said shakily. I never liked being called names, and that one was an insult, even if it wasn't true. And that hurt, too. I voiced this thought to Rarity. When she looked confused about it hurting, I had to point out why. "I-it's like if being called a white coated pony became an insult... wouldn't that hurt your feelings...even if nopony called you that?"

"Oh, I see. Very good point, dear...uhm...so, do you think you'll need help with the other three?" She asked awkwardly. Until now I had assumed I was the only one who could be awkward like that... I guess I make things awkward. Still, I could use help with dinner.

"Uhm-how do you think the others will react?"

"Well either she won't care or Pinkie will accept it. Rainbow will probably be okay with it... but I don't know how Applejack will react. I'm not sure if she would approve. She is raised by an old fashioned family, after all." I was scared of loosing any of my friends. And if Applejack didn't approve I was sure she'd tell me and I'd never see her again. Then she'd tell her Granny Smith and she would gather a mob and then I'd either be banished or imprisoned...or both!

"Fluttershy, don't panic, dear. I'm sure, whatever she thinks of it, Applejack will still be our friend afterwards."


Later that day, me and Rarity were sitting in Sugarcube  Corner waiting on Rainbow and Applejack. I could tell Rarity wanted to scoot away from me. I'm sweating so much, I'm sure, she wants to sit at a different table. Pinkie was finishing her duties as cashier of the little sweet shop.

"U-uh Rarity?"

"Yes?"

"It'll be five or six minutes before the other two get here...." I started but she interrupted me.

"You want to tell Pinkie?" I nodded. "Well, would you rather do this three times or just twice?" It may be easier the third time but then again it would be ME doing this THREE TIMES...but if I told Pinkie then I'd have her AND Rarity supporting me with the other two. I may as well try.

"I want to tell Pinkie."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Spike! That's just rude!" I nagged. "Now get out!" I turned to face Princess Celestia. "I am SO sorry. For some reason he's been respecting my privacy less and less lately..."

"It's quite alright, Twilight Sparkle. I was just wondering how your studies have been going."

"We're on break!" Spike shouted from the other room. I glared at the door, but I stopped when I heard the princess giggling. I looked back at her and she winked at me.

"With Miss Sparkle, there are no breaks, Spike." She said. Spike replied by groaning loudly. "Now, about those studies...?"

"Oh! Right I uh... I was just studying for... uhm..." I stuttered. Truth be told, during breaks I just studied for the sake of studying. I know. I'm so weird.

Celestia smiled at me in a politely sympathetic way. She glanced at the book I had been reading when she arrived. I was actually reading it for no reason other than the fact that it was one I hadn't read yet, but it was an embarrassing book to be caught reading when your...me.

It was called "Relationships:  A 'How To' on All Things Romantic."  The worst part was the chapter I was on. Same-gender relationships. Luckily, I was pretty sure the princess couldn't see that.

"Just reading? Very well. You know I don't need reports on your studies during breaks, right?" She said turning to leave. I watched her go, letting out a silent breath in relief that she hadn't questioned my choice of what to read. "Oh, and by the way," I froze. "If I may suggest, when you finish with that book, try this one..." She said, levitating a big book with a golden unicorn insignia on the front over to me. I read the cover.

"Equestria: The Story of How it Came to Be (History, Mythology, and Anything in between.)"

"...You may learn something...interesting. I love historical textbooks; I like finding the things they got wrong."

I opened the book and looked at the first chapter. "The Tale of The Two Sisters" 

"Princess? Isn't this the story of you and L-" But when I looked up, she was gone. Probably flew off while I was leafing through it. Oh well.

"Okay, Spike, she's gone." I yelled to the other room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So what your saying is...you like mares...but you don't have any reason to tell me?" Pinkie asked me with a blank stare. Pinkie had caught on really fast but she kept asking me WHY I wanted to tell her now.

"Y-yes, Pinkie. I just wanted to tell you girls and...get it off my chest." I said quietly.

"So, Pinkie dear, you have no objections to this?" Rarity asked.

"Well, of course not, silly! Why would I?" She answered as if the question entertained her. I suppose it'd be better that she find the question funny than explode with anger at me. I let go a sigh of relief, but stiffened again when I heard the bell jingle as Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked into the corner.

"So what's this all about? All ya told me was ya wanted to talk." Applejack said. While she was talking Rainbow flew right up to me and landed in front of me. I backed away, tilting my head so that my mane would hide my face. At least the mane thing was normal. They wouldn't question that.

But Rainbow noticed the blush. I was blushing cause she got REALLY close and had practically shoved her face in mine, but it wasn't the proximity (though that was a contributor), it was her eyes. They were so...nice.

She kept staring at me, making me uncomfortable. I actually got so focused on avoiding her eyes that I didn't hear a bit of the conversation.

"-king her uncomfortable, Rainbow Dash. Please stop staring at her like that." Rarity was saying. Instead of listening to her, though, Rainbow bent low to be level with me and asked softly,

"Why are you blushing like that?" It was a gentle, but prodding question. Or maybe I just thought it was prodding. I mumbled something, but even I don't know what it was supposed to be if it hadn't been so quiet. She quirked an eyebrow and backed off.

"Okay then... Let's have a seat shall we?" Rarity requested. The other girls complied, except for Pinkie, who went and got us some cookies.

"I'm officially confused. What is this all about?" Rainbow said, sitting next to me. Just a bit too close. My cheeks heated up and they only got hotter when she wrapped her arm around me. She was always a bit too 'touchy-feely', especially when things got uncomfortable. I guess its because I'm a comforting pony, but it wasn't the best thing for me. I mean, you try keeping your cool when you wanna tackle your friend in a more-than-friendly hug.

Oh dear... did I just think that? *ahem*

"Well I uhm... I needed to tell you all something...."

Just as I said this, Pinkie came bouncing back with a tray of cookies on her back. She stopped when I stopped talking and looked at me curiously. "Well if you needed to tell ALL of us, why did you tell me and Rarity one at a time?"

"Well I got nervous and-and I-I just wanted some-"

"Because she needed to get it off her chest sooner rather than later and we were available." Rarity said assertively. I only wish I could be more like that. *sigh* Why does this have to be so hard? "Now go on dear tell them." Rarity smiled at me encouragingly.

I took a deep a breath and said it as clearly as my nerves would let me. Rainbow removed her arm from my shoulders. That was a sign that this was about to end badly for me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Me and Spike managed to clean up my mess by nine'o'clock. That must have been one of the fastest clean-ups we've ever had, considering we started at six-fifty-ish. Spike went to sleep the moment we finished, and left me to finish reading my-erm...relationship self-help book.

*cough*

I went over to the window facing that little town called Ponyville and sat down to read the book.

The most important thing to remember about a same-gender relationship is that you may be shunned or rejected by your peers, but there is a good chance you and your partner will have a much more emotional relationship. It is also quite likely that things that please you physically will also please your par-

I slammed the book shut. A tear had made it's way to my eye and it just wouldn't do to be crying over something I did. not. need...*sigh*

I turned to the window and started stargazing. After Celestia knows how many minutes spent staring at the sky I saw a streak of white come and go. A shooting star. I closed my eyes.

I want somepony like me.

"Wishing on stars? *sigh* I know that doesn't work."

Wait...does it? I ran over to a random shelf and started reading the spines as fast as possible. I found one that may have my answer. "Wishes: What and What Not To Wish On" What a convenient title. I leafed through the book until I found the 'Shooting Star' entry.

Blah, blah, blabbity, blah...actually that was interesting...blah, blah...AH HAA!!!!

If you wish on a shooting star your wish has a two in three chance of coming true.

Squee!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I glanced at the clock. Seven'o'clock... and at the moment Rainbow and Applejack were just staring at me. I think. I couldn't really see Applejack through my mane, but I could see Rainbow out of the corner of my eye. She was still looking at me. She looked shocked...more that than angry. I glanced at her and realized she wasn't mad at all, just... shocked.

"You two DO realize that alienating her like this isn't helping, right?" Rarity said. She sounded a bit stern to me, but then again... what do I care? I just want them to say someth-

"Well, Ah uh... Ah'm just shocked is all. Ah mean you don't come to a sweet shop expectin' one a' yer best friends to come outta the closet ya didn' know they was in." I might just be acting optimistic, but she didn't sound upset at all.

"Yeah... I was just thinkin' it was something like... your cat was pregnant or Angel had found a girl bunny. Not...this."

I began to smile now. I couldn't help it. All four of my best friends accepted me for being a...fillyfooler. I STILL don't like that word.

We had a VERY well prepared salad and cake that Pinkie had somehow prepared just for this occasion in...six minutes? Yeah, six.

"So uh... Flutters..." I turned to look at Rainbow Dash.

"Y-yes?"

"Uh...what brought on the uhm... 'urge' to tell us all about this."

"I-I don't really have a reason...why?"

"Oh I was just thinkin' that maybe you uh...had a *ahem* crush on one of us." Her cheeks turned an adora-*ahem* they turned purple-ish.

"Oh...n-no I don't have a crush on any of you." I said politely. I guess Pinkie saw fit to make this hard on me by joking around.

"Why not? Aren't any of us your type?" She asked with a huge grin on her face.

"Well uhm..." I glanced at Rainbow and Pinkie Pie "...yes, but-"

"OOOoooOOOh. We're just not good enough?" She asked with fake hurt.

"No. I-I just..."

"Pinkie." Rarity warned.

"So then what's the problem? What kind of pony DO you want?"

"PINKIE!" Rarity almost shouted. Pinkie's face fell as she realized she was pressing me. She mumbled a quiet apology and lowered her gaze.

A long moment of silence fell on us and for a moment we just ate, but then I began to notice that, one by one, they each began to look uneasy and... curious. I sighed and decided to take the first step.

"I-is something wrong?" I asked.

They all looked at me and immediately found the table very interesting. After a moment or two, Applejack finally spoke up.

"Well, Ah don' know 'bout those three, but Ah actually kinda was wonderin' what yer answer was to that last one..." 

"As was I." Rarity said. The other two simply nodded.

They wanted to know what kind of pony I want? ALL four of them? I couldn't just say I didn't know. That'd be a lie, and lies aren't very nice things to tell. And besides, Applejack would know. She's good at telling if ponies were being honest.

"Well uhm..." My mouth started without me. For once I wanted to NOT talk, and couldn't. "I guess I would like a nice mare. One who is at least a little bit as shy as me. A really smart mare. I kind of like the uhm... nerdy type. And uhm... I'd definitely want her to get along with you girls."

"Feel free to get a bit more specific, dear, this is your fantasy." Shouldn't that have made me uncomfortable? Shouldn't I ALREADY be uncomfortable? But I wasn't. It was my fantasy, I guess, and I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to think or, better yet, talk about it.

"Well.. I've always like the color purple. And I'd like her to be one of those natural beauty types. Like, she doesn't need to brush and style her mane in the morning. Uhm...no offense Rarity...." I trailed off, not wanting to just give them a full picture of my imaginary love partner I had JUST invented on the spot.

"Well... That is quite the mare you got there Flutters." Rainbow said. I smiled awkwardly and ducked my head behind my mane.

"I'm sorry. I just don't know where that came from... I didn't mean to rant. I just got... caught up." I said quietly.


I made my way home after dinner. It was nice after that little...fiasco with the dream mare. My friends had dropped the subject at Rarity's request, but I hadn't stopped thinking about it. That mare I had described... I could NOT stop thinking about it. It must've been nine-thirty by the time I got home.

I looked up before opening the door and as I was watching those pretty stars a white streak flew across the sky. A shooting star! I closed my eyes tight.

I want somepony like me.

Mommy had always told me that wishing on a shooting star could get you anything. It had never worked before, but I always made a wish anyways. I always hoped that, just that once...
> The Next Day (Flashback)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	*sigh* That was Beakmire, crowing at Celestia's Sun. He's really such a nice rooster. He wakes me up every at dawn. It's such a helpful way to wake up, because I get to start my chores when a lot of the animals are still asleep. I only know one other pony who wakes up this early and she works on a farm.

I got out of bed and flew down stairs to start the morning chores. Every morning I have to feed all the birds and rodents. Then I have to find another way to convince Angel Bunny to eat his breakfast. I think I've managed to get him to eat all of his carrots four times this month. That's pretty good.

I offered him a plate of carrots this morning. He sniffed it then looked it up and down. He pawed through the carrots and picked the crunchiest off the plate. He kicked the plate at me and started nibbling on the one he chose. I ducked under the flying plate and glared at the back of his head.

What a brat!

Oh, was that too mean of me to think? I'm sorry I shouldn't have thought that... *sigh* He is really difficult, though. A lot of ponies ask why I keep him.

He turned to look at me, suddenly. His face fell and he hopped over and grabbed a few carrots from the pile across the room that the plate had left behind. He pointed at the last to and waved a paw in front of his nose. I think that means that the last two were spoiled. Then he hopped over to me and hugged my leg apologetically. He looked up at me with a cute little "I'm sorry" face.

THAT'S why I keep him.

I walked over and picked up the bad carrots and threw them in the garbage bin. I looked at the calendar pinned to the wall above the bin and realized what day it was.

"It's the Summer Sun Celebration today!" I blurted to nopony in particular. I finished the feeding quickly and flew out to the tree where I was having the bird choir practice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

...and Harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.

"Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I KNOW I've heard of those before...but where!?" I thought aloud. After a moment of thinking hard on it I decided to get back to the library. But along the way I ran into Moondancer, Colgate, and...her name escapes me right now.

"There you are, Twilight! Moondancer is having a little get together in the West Castle Courtyard, you wanna come?" She said. They all leaned in for my answer. I really did NOT want to, but I kind of wanted to as well. I decided to just make an excuse and get out of there.

"Oh...Sorry, girls...I got a.. lot of studying to catch up on." I smiled, and I know I looked like a bad liar telling a...well, a lie, but at this point, I didn't care what they thought. I ran past them and kept up a gallop till I got to the library. I think I heard one of them say something about me doing things besides studying, but I couldn't make it out clearly.

I know I've heard of the Elements of Harmony.

I think I may have heard myself think aloud, but I was too lost in thought to care. I arrived at the my library/room of the school and practically bucked the door open. I felt some resistance as it opened; probably a book or two Spike left by the door.

"SPIKE! SPIIIIIIKE!" I looked down and saw him on his back on the ground. Oops. "Spike? There you are." I started looking around the library for a certain book. "Quick! Find me an old copy of 'Predictions and Prophecies." I looked over at him and noticed an odd red box with gold ribbon tied to it stabbed onto his tail. "What's that for?"

"Well...It WAS a gift for Moondancer but..." As he said it a mangled teddy bear fell out of a hole in the box.

"Oh, Spike... You KNOW we don't have time for that sort of thing."

"But we're on a break!"

I elected to ignore him and started levitating books down to eye level from the shelves. I read their spines one by one. "No. No. No. No, NO NO! Ugh! SPIKE!"

"It's over here!" He said, waving a book from the top of a ladder. I used my magic to pull it over to me, dragging him with it becasue he wouldn't let go. I read it's spine, and sure enough, it was the right one.

"Ah!" And with that I aloud all the other books to fall to the ground. It made a mess but that was fine. Spike could clean it up. I started leafing through the pages. "Elements, Elements....E, E, E....Aha. 'Elements of Harmony. See Mare in the Moon'?"

"Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old pony's tale." I continued leafing through, still ignoring his complaints.

"Mare, Mare...Aha! 'The Mare in the Moon. Myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria. Defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the Moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring about nighttime eternal!' *gasp* Spike! Do you know what this means?"

"No." He said, trying to look over his shoulder from the ladder he was on. He lost his balance and fell down. I caught him and my back and gave him some pen and parchment. 

"Take a note, please. To the princess."

"Okie Dokie."

"My dearest teacher..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't know how many times you can correct a bird's singing before he gets it, but this is the twelfth time and he's not showing improvement. I'm just happy there's nopony around to make fun of my inability to teach him.

Oh, I'm being mean today. It really isn't his fault. I should be more assertive and louder with the tempo, but I'm just not. *sigh* This could take an hour or two... Maybe a good break is in order? Yes, I'll go see how the others are doing with their respective preparations.

It didn't take long to find Rarity. She was at the town hall, sifting through fabrics to use for the curtains up on the balcony that Princess Celestia would make her appearance on. At the moment Rarity was considering some really nice lavender colored curtains. When she heard me coming, she turned and smiled warmly at me.

"Fluttershy! Darling! So nice to see you. Did you sleep well last night?"

"Oh, yes! I uh... watched the stars a bit, then went to bed."

"Pleasant dreams?"

"Yes, what about your night?" Her face fell a tiny bit. I guess she didn't have a good night.

"Oh, I barely slept a wink. I was so worried about the these preparations that when I tried to go to sleep, I just couldn't. But that's not important dear. Now what do you think of this fabric? Is the color right?" She showed me the lavender curtains. I smiled widely at her.

"Oh. I like the purple."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*BURP*

"See? I knew she would wanna take immediate action." I said as the scroll materialized in front of me. Spike picked it up and unrolled it.

"*ahem* My dearest, most faithful student, Twilight, You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely..." He paused and I smiled proudly. " But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books." What?


A few minutes later we were on a flying carriage on the way to Ponyville. Spike continued reading another letter to me.

"My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I'm sending you to supervise the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration in this years location, Ponyville. And I have an even more essential task for you to complete:  Make some friends." *groan* You've got to be kidding me.

"Look on the bright side, Twilight. The princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?" I glowered for a moment while a plan formulated in my head. I perked up when the plan was ready.

"Yes! Yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right! I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find proof of Nightmare Moon's return."

"Then...when will you make friends like the princess said?"

"She SAID to check on preparations. I am her student and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends." The carriage landed as I finished speaking. I got out and walked by the guards who had pulled us. "Thank you, sirs." I turned and walked over to Spike, who was watching a bouncy pink pony approach.

"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" He paused while the smiling pony walked up to us and stopped. "Come on, Twilight, just try." I looked at him then at her. She looked...surprised. Like she never thought she would see me again, even thought we'd never met.

"Ehh...Hello?" I said awkwardly. She suddenly gasped, rising in the air a bit, and sped away without a word. Me and Spike watched her go in confusion for a moment.

"Well THAT was interesting alright."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Okay, everyone, let's try one more time. A one, a two, a one, two, thre-"

"Fluttershy!"

"Eep!" I ducked low to the ground as my bird friends flew away. I turned to see Pinkie running at me. She slid to a stop in front of me.

"Fluttershy! Do you know where that new mare is staying?!" New mare?

"Wh-what new mare?"

"The one that got here two minutes ago! I saw her and thought to myself 'I've never seen her before.' And if I know everypony in town, so if I'd never seen her before then she must be new and that means...?" She trailed off for me to fill in the blank.

"You'll throw a-uhm...party?"

"Exactly! So where does she li-*GASP* She must be the new librarian! That means she lives at the library! Thanks, Fluttershy!" And with that she was gone, and I don't mean she ran off, I mean she was just...gone. *sigh* That was random. 

I looked back at the tree to where the birds were gathering back together. Well if they're back then I guess we should go through the song again. I counted off the tempo and they started the song again. It sounded fine, so we did it again. And again. I guess I stopped counting after a while. I just let them go, trying to figure out what it was that was wrong with the song.

Then I noticed it. He was off beat now. Mr. Bluejay. He wasn't a bad singer, honest, but he just wasn't good when singing with groups. His rhythm was definitely off.

"Oh my! Uhm- stop please, everyone." I smiled politely at him as I flew up to him. "Excuse me, sir. I mean, no offense, but- your rhythm is just a teeny tiny bit off." He nodded kindly as I flew back to be a few feet from the tree. "Now, follow me, please. A one, a two. A one two three-"

"Hello!"

"Ah!" I turned to see who was talking, because I didn't recognize her voice. I saw purple unicorn with a dark purple mane that had a pink streak through it standing below me. Her face went straight from a pretty smile to apologetic.

"Oh my. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful." Her teeth showed as she smiled at me. I landed in front of her and started kicking the dirt shyly. And, boy, was that dirt in the other direction interesting or what? I know I should say something to relieve the awkwardness but... I just couldn't.

Her smile got bigger as the tension grew and I could see her looking around for a way out of this.

"I'm Twilight Sparkle." A pause as I looked at her. She kept smiling. As I started to look away again she asked, "What's your name?"

"Uhm-I'm Flumerfi..."

"I'm sorry, what was that?"

"Uhm- My name is Fluttershy." But this time I was even more quiet. I hate it that I can't handle pressure, I really do.

"Didn't quite catch that."

This time all I did was squeak. I really can be so pathetic sometimes. Embarrassed, I hid behind my mane, peaking out at her with one eye through space between strands of hair. I could hear the flapping of tiny wings as the birds all got back to the tree.

"Weeellll... It looks like your birds are back sooo, guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!" I attempted to acknowledge that, but it caught in my throat and came out as a soft whimper. She started to back away. "Ooookay...." I looked at her again. A small scaly purple...thing waddled up on to legs to stand in front of her. 

"Well, that was easy." Wait...I know what that is!

"*gasp* A baby dragon!" And in a moment I was in front of the little guy. I think I might have bumped Twilight, but I'll apologize later. "I've never seen a baby dragon before! He's SOOO cute!" He turned to look at Twilight.

"Well well well!" He said. Wait! He spoke!

"Oh my! He talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful I-.... I just don't even know what to say!" I said, beginning to hover in excitement. He suddenly lifted into the air then levitated over to Twilight. He landed on her back and she began to trot away.

"Well, in that case, we'd better get going." I landed and fell in step behind her.

"Wait! Wait. What's his name?"

"My name is Spike."

"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy. Wow! A talking dragon! And- What do dragons talk about?"

"Well... Whadya wanna know?"

"Absolutely everything."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think I liked her better when I couldn't even catch her name. I know that's mean to say but come ON! She and Spike blabbered on and on for the entire walk to the library. You meet a mare and assume she's the quiet type and look where that gets you!

"Do you want to hear about today?" Oh please say-

"Oh, YES please!" OH CELESTIA WHY!? I turned around quickly to stave off the flow of words from his infantile mouth.

"I am SO sorry. How did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville, and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep."

"No I don't-" But I jerked my hip so he'd fall off my back. He landed on his bottom and looked at me angrily. "Aww look at that. He's so sweepy he can't even keep his wittle bawance." 'kay now make the grin nice and wide, Twilight... She dived over and picked him up and hovered just above my head.

"You poor thing. We simply must get him to bed." She carried him into the house-tree...thing. I quickly ran in grabbed Spike from her and gently pushed her out.

"Yes, yes. We'll get right on that. Well, good night!" And I slammed the door shut.

"Humph. Rude much?" Spike asked as I walked over to him in the dark room. I suppose he was right. I didn't even try to make sure I didn't hit her with the door.

"Sorry Spike, but I have to convince the princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light?" I looked around for the switch, but the lights suddenly turned on. I was surrounded by just about everypony I'd seen in town. Not met but seen.

"Surprise!" They all said in unison.

"Ohh..." Fate is truly a worthy adversary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I think we surprised her. She looks surprised, at least. Pinkie Pie was introducing herself now. She's getting to the fun part. Annnnd... there's my cue. Me and the other girls all stepped forward as Pinkie finished her speech.

"See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Her head suddenly jerked away from her drink. She turned to face us, her face all read.

"Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked as Twilight began to sweat. She suddenly ran from the room quickly without a word, tears coming out of her eyes.

"Awww! She's so happy, She's CRYING!" Pinkie said happily. Uhm... I'm not so sure about that. I eyed the red bottle suspiciously while Spike picked it up.

"Hot sauce?" Pinkie tilted it in his hand so that it spilled all over a cupcake. Then she popped the defiled treat in her mouth. I'm sure I turned green, because so did the other girls.

"What? It's good!" I'm going to take her word for it and NEVER try it myself. I glanced over at the door Twilight had run through. The way she's been acting... I'd almost assume she didn't want any friends...No that's crazy even I want friends. I just had to be wrong.
> Here and Now (Present)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Everypony in this town is CRAZY!"

"Uhg..." I woke up, my eyelids sliding open slowly. I hadn't thought about my first day in town in so very, very long time. How long has it been? Two years? Almost I think. When I said that I don't think I saw anything that's happened since then coming. And the night before was stranger still. I mean how often do you see on a shooting star after the princess suggests some reading material? Not often, I'm sure.

I rolled out of bed and started the morning chores. As expected, Spike isn't up yet, and he'll probably be no help with these chores. I kept him up a bit too long last night, so I think I'll let him sleep in this morning. I began the chores and I REALLY don't want to describe these boring morning tasks. My mind kinda drifted off a bit anyways.

What had I wished on that star for? I think it had something to do with...friends? No.... it was... Oh yeah! I had wished for somepony like myself. Hadn't I been reading that embarrassing relationship advice book? Heh heh...yeah.

Dang... that was so long ago. Too bad my wish was never gra- wait was it? I doubt it but now I'm curious. Lemme think. Rarity and I were similar, I suppose. She uhm...she's a unicorn, annnnd.... okay moving on. Applejack and I have our values, I guess. Rainbow is a bit too sportsy for me, but we both have these surrogate younger siblings. I have Spike and she has Scootaloo.

Then there's Pinkie Pie. She and I enjoy a good party, and we certainly love baking. Of course, beyond that, she is almost intolerable. Somehow, she is still my friend. 

That leaves Fluttershy. That weird feeling came to my stomach. I think it's some kind of instinctual nervousness, as if I my body is telling me to be careful not to hurt her feelings. But there was something more to it. I never really thought about it and that's not what I'm thinking about now. What do me and Fluttershy have in common?

We both read, she may not show it on purpose but she is really smart. We both enjoy the little critters of nature. She is definitely not very social, and neither am I, we just show it in different ways. I can't help but feel like there is something about her that I'm missing and nopony else is missing, and it feels REALLY important. It eludes me, though, and I have to assume that it actually isn't that important or it would have come up by now. It HAS been two years since I met her after all.

The more I thought about it, the more I began to think that that star HAD granted my wish. Wow. it took me two years to realize that. And I'm supposed to be a genius. Heh.

But there's still that funny feeling. It's like butterflies in my gut. I decided to just ignore it and move on with the day. I hadn't realized how long I had been thinking and working this morning. I checked a clock on the wall. Ten-thirty. I woke up at least an hour and a half ago. I should make sure Spike get's up before I go visit my friends.

I walked up the stairs and into our room. He was still out cold so I levitated the blanket off of him and started poking his head with a hoof. He barely even stirred so I had to take more extreme measures. I turned on the faucet in the bathroom with my magic and went downstairs for a bucket. I came back up and, seeing him still laying in his bed, decided to give him one last chance.

"Spike! Get up!" Nothing. Oh, this is gonna be SOOO much fun. I walked into the bathroom. The sink was about half-full so I scooped as much of it up with the bucket as I could. I turned the faucet back off and walked back into the bedroom. "Spike?" Still nothing. 

I tilted the floating bucket over his head. As the ice cold water washed over him he suddenly jerked up, fire spraying from his mouth in shock, only to be put out by the water. A moment later a glistening, wet, purple dragon was sitting on the floor, chest heaving from being frightened.

"What was that for?"

"Don't act so surprised. It's not like this is the first time."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So, darling, how was your week?" Rarity asked me politely from the hot tub.

"Oh, it was nice. Angel has been eating a lot more lately, which is good because he's usually so picky. I think I uhm...accidentally gave him the stare." I never really did that on purpose, but when I do I'm usually aware. This time, though, I think I scared him into eating. I'm happy to see he's nice and healthy now.

"Oh, I'm sure if you had, it wasn't on purpose, dear. Anyways..." She trailed off. I looked at her nervously. She never said 'anyways' like that unless she was unsure whether or not she should ask her next question.

"Y-yes?" I encouraged. Or tried to.

"Well... I was just wondering...." She looked at Aloe and Lotus, probably realizing that they were still here. After all, I WAS still receiving my preening. After an awkward moment of silence they both looked up from my wings and realized what Rarity was hinting at. Aloe bent her head down to my wing and ouch! Took out one last feather.

"Time for your sauna, ladies!" Lotus said happily while Aloe spat out my feather.


Once we were in the sauna and Rarity felt we had some privacy she deigned to ask her question.

"So... how are things with Twilight?"

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"Oh come on. I'm not naive. You know that."

"Rar-"

"I'm asking about you and Twilight. As a thing?"

"E-excuse me?" I could feel my cheeks flushing.

"Oh, I see. You two aren't open yet."

"N-no. We aren't a 'thing'." She quirked an eyebrow at me and adjusted her position on the bench. "Wh-what made you think we were?"

"Well Twilight and you were spending an awful lot time together. Alone... Together... Without anypony else... Are you sure your not-"

"Yes." She looked at me quizzically. She continued to watch me as I stared back at her nervously. Her face was a look of curiosity, her mouth twisted oddly and her eyes slitted slightly. Her face suddenly reverted to normal and for a moment, I thought we were off the subject. But then,

"But you wish you were." She said half-triumphantly. I felt my eyelids tighten as I subconsciously attempted to glare at her. To no effect, of course. At the look on my face, she smiled gently. "Oh, I see. Do think I coul-"

"No, thank you." I interrupted politely. Can you do that? I think I pulled it off. She continued to watch me thoughtfully. "Really, I'm fine." She smiled sympathetically. I know I'm lying and she does too...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Pinkie, I just stopped by for some quiches. Please can we not do this for one morning?"

"Do what?" Pinkie asked me with a huge, yet unknowing grin. Uhg. It would be so much easier to ask her not to be...Pinkie if she wasn't so naive of how....Pinkie she was. There has GOT to be a better word to describe her. I thought about it for a moment and came up with nothing.

"*sigh* Can you just get me my order?"

"Sure!" My pink party-hard friend turned to the counter behind her and started selecting the different pastries I had ordered, and assorting them in a paper package. I waited patiently, even when she went to hand me the bag then hesitated. I quirked an eyebrow at her and she frowned thoughtfully. Wait... Pinkie's thinking? Oh no.

"Uhm... I was just wondering..."

"Yeeees?"

"How are things with Fluttershy?" That was random. Well... this IS Pinkie Pie.

"Things are fine. She's doing okay from our last pet play date."

"No, I mean- You AND Fluttershy." She said, leaning in a bit.

"Uhm...We're BOTH fine... why are you asking?" She set the pastries down and facehoofed. I'm beginning to think I'm missing something here.

"No. You and Fluttershy. As a pair?" She did her 'Are you getting this?' face at me. And the worst part was that I wasn't

"We're really good friends." I said in a deadpan voice. I couldn't figure out why she was asking about just Fluttershy. Or why she smiled triumphantly then suddenly frowned.

"Just friends?"

"Really good friends." I corrected. "She's one of my best friends, you know." She looked a tiny bit jealous of my phrasing.

"Who else is one of your best friends?" She asked hopefully.

"Oh, there's Rarity, and Rainbow, and Applejack, and... oh what's her name?" She was leaning in expectantly at this point. "She has pink in her mane, and she's always happy." She closed her eyes and smiled smugly, like a young filly who knows they just won a contest before the victor was announced. "Oh yeah, Cheerilee!" She opened her eyes and frowned at me sadly.

"What?"

"I'm just kidding. It's you." She perked up upon realizing she'd just been pranked.

"Heh heh... you're really funny, Twilight." She said as she finally handed me my pastries. I turned to leave and looked over my shoulder as I reached the door.

"I know."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got back to my cottage and set about the afternoon chores. Rarity had had the decency to not mention Twilight after the sauna. After that we spent the next hour in the spa just relaxing quietly. That was unusual part. Rarity never lets the spa dates go on silently. Aloe actually asked me if she was okay. I said sure.

I felt a tapping on my leg and looked down. Angel was standing in front of me, glaring up at me. "Oh, I'm sorry Angel. Did I forget your lunch?" He nodded quickly. I hovered into the kitchen and quickly prepared a salad for him. I was sure he wouldn't care about the cherry on top not being there today.

I spent the next few hours tending to the random needs of the animals as they popped up. It wasn't ever boring living with the animals, of course. They kept me busy and no two days were ever the same for me. Not to mention the random adventures with the girls.

As I was helping a chipmunk with his bad back there was a tap at the door. "Just a moment." I called softly. POP! "Coming."

I opened the door and found Rarity standing at the door. I tilted my head at her quizzically, waiting for an explanation silently.

"Hello, dear."

"Hi Rarity."

An awkward silence. She looked around the door then looked back at me.

"Oh come in. I'll make some tea."

"Thank you." She followed me into my living room and sat down on the couch. "So, dear, I've been thinking..."

"Yes?"

"You and Twilight..."

"Oh..."

"I'm sure you don't want to talk about it right now, but I just had to know something."

"What?"

"Well you seemed so glum, so a thought occurred to me..."

"Go on."

"Well I was wondering if..." She trailed off for a moment. I stayed quiet waiting for her to ask whatever it was she was going to ask. "Have you said anything to her about it?" I felt my face fall.

"Well... no, but we... I- just- I don't know. I know I should say something b-but I just can't." I said as I sat down.

"It's okay. Everypony get's nervous. You more than anypony else. But that's just natural. Are you sure you don't want help."

"No." I said, biting back tears. 

"Good, because I'd try to help either way."


"So you want me; ME, to ask her out?" I asked quietly. Rarity had been brainstorming with me for the past half-hour. She had finally given up on the elaborate schemes and just decided that the best course of action was the direct approach. And Yes, I'm pretty sure I'm still talking to Rarity.

"Essentially, yes. Oh, but you don't need to tell her it's a date until afterwards. If need be don't tell her till the second...or the third. I think three would be pushing it though."

"Uhm... okay?"

"Good so what do you want your first date to be? Oh, this is exciting!" I glared at her playfully.

"For you, maybe."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So, all I'm saying is-"

"Spike. Shut up. I told you last week, I'm not using the floor for a shelf."

"Dang it!" He pouted before waddling off. He's really cute when he's upset. Cute enough to make me giggle a bit. He glared at me and I tried to stop, but his pouty little face just made it harder.

"Sorry. Your just so... adorable. Really. I can't help it." I said as another fit of giggles caught me. He rolled his eyes and turned back to the pile of books he'd been cleaning up. I checked to see what time it was. Almost Noon. *sigh* Rarity wanted to see me at twelve thirty. She never said why. I swear if it's about Fluttershy...

*sigh* You see, on the way home from the Corner I ran into Rainbow Dash. We walked and chatted on the way back here. That is until she started asking about Fluttershy. It was confusing. It was like she was hinting at something but didn't have the ability to tell me what, or make it obvious. She kept using terms like 'as a pair' and 'you AND Fluttershy' with a lot of emphasis on the 'and'. I don't know what she was playing at but she eventually got bored and flew home. It was odd.

Oh well. I'll start for Rarity's house now, I guess. "Hey Spike?"

"Yeah?" He said over his shoulder as he picked up another book.

"I'm heading over to Rarity's can you han-"

"Can I come?" Oh not this again.

"No I need you to stay here and handle the library. Do you think you can manage?"

"Aww...yeah." He pouted. Where did that attitude come from?

"I'll see if she'll make you a scarf." I said on the way out.

"Really?"

"Sure." Not really but hey, he's not making me promise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rarity set down a tray of tea and sat at the chair across the table from me. She'd positioned herself in that chair specifically so she could 'force' Twilight to sit next to me. I'd told her that she didn't need to but she'd even gone through the trouble of moving the spare chair to another room just so Twilight would sit next to me. It was a bit over-excessive but this IS Rarity. *sigh*

"Alright dear do you understand the plan?" It had started so simple. Ask her out. But now she was going to have Twilight and me help her with an order so that it would be the three of us. Then, she would 'suddenly' have to step out and that would be my chance. This is Rarity. Simple things get complicated eventually.

"Yes."

"Goo-" She was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Ah!" She practically galloped to the door. I giggled a bit as she stopped and took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She opened the door, and I took a sip of tea to calm mine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hi Rarity."

"Hello, Twilight. Do come in and have some tea with us." Us? I stepped in and noticed who she was talking about.

"Oh, h-hi, Twilight."

"Hi Fluttershy." She looked nervous. I wonder why... "So, Rarity, why did you invite us over?"

"Well you see, dear, I have a large order and I was I wondering if the two of you would mind helping me with it."

"Of course." I replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay she said she'd help, so now it's just a matter of time before I get my chance.... to ask...HER...out. *sigh* I took another sip of the tea.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She's taken at least two cups of tea since I got here. "Is something bothering you, Fluttershy?"

"N-no. I'm okay I was just....thinking." Rarity was looking between the two of us nervously. I seriously must be off the ball today, because I'm missing something that everypony else seems to see.

"Alright, girls, I'll go get the sewing supplies ready." I'm sure I wasn't supposed see this but-

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She winked at me on the way out. That's the signal. Here goes nothing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Uhm... Twilight?"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering..."

"Oh! I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I wanted to know if any of our friends have been asking you questions about me?"

"Uh... No, why?"

"Because both Pinkie and Rainbow were asking me about you today. It was like they knew something I didn't and they kept asking about 'us'." Her face went a little pale. I couldn't figure out why. Best not to ask. "They kept using phrases like 'as a pair' and 'the TWO of you' putting emphasis on the words like 'two' and 'pair'. Does that make sense to you?"

"N-none at all."

After an awkward moment, I remembered that she had something to ask me.

"Heh. Sorry, I forgot you were gonna ask me something."

"Oh uhm... I was just going to ask if uhm...if you would like to- I don't know. You probably don't want to..." She stuttered. Now I'm curious.

"Oh come on! I'm sure I will." I assured.

"Well I-I was just thinking...it's silly really."

"I'm sure it's not."

"Well..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"...w-would you like to go to a dinner...with me...or something..." I watched and held my breath as I waited for an answer. I watched her carefully for a sign of anger, or confusion, or frustration, or even elation.

"Sure!" Oh I knew she would re- wait what?

"U-uh..." I was dumbfounded. She sounded happy, like she was excited or something.

"What?" She asked, obviously confused by my confusion.

"W-well I hadn't expected you to be so...uhmmm... with me on this...I mean, I'm not complaining, but..."

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I-I don't know... I just thought you wouldn't want to..." And then it dawned on me. She had NO idea. None. I always knew she was a bit too focused on her studies but this is almost embarrassing. She really is this naive. Shouldn't that, I don't know, be a drawback? But it just made her a bit cuter. Uhg that's just not fair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She's confusing me. I'M confusing me. First off, I don't see what's wrong with wanting to hang out with a friend through dinner. Second, why did she wait till Rarity wasn't in the room to ask me? And third, why is that odd feeling in my stomach back? And did it flutter to life when she mentioned dinner? 

"Of course I want to. When were you planning to do this at?"

"I-I-uhm... well tonight- is tonight okay?"

"Sure." I said happily. No matter what oddities I was dealing with today, I'm sure this would be fun. "So, how about... seven? I'll pick you up?"

"N-no, I'll come get you." She said with a tiny boost of confidence.

"Okay." Rarity walked back into the room as we finished planning. This time-

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I winked at her to show that it had gone well. She smiled politely at us and sat down in her chair.

"So, what did I miss?"

"Oh, Fluttershy was just wondering if I'd like to have dinner with her." Twilight said.

"You don't say? Well that sounds lovely. So, would you like to start now? It won't take longer than a few hours with the three of us."

"Sure." We got up and went into Rarity's workroom. We got to work on some repeat dresses and I got to thinking about the imminent date. Asking her out really wasn't that bad. Now, telling her it's a date not just hanging out? *sigh* That's going to be the hard part...
> Naivete
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Five-thirteen. I have about two hours until Fluttershy comes over to take me to dinner. I can't help but wonder where it is we're going to eat. She said it'd be 'sort of fancy'. I doubt it'd be anything over the top, but who knows? In any case I jumped in the shower, ignoring Spike's question about the scarf on my way up, and just relaxed.

I haven't had a two person dinner at a restaurant in a long time. Come to think of it, I don't think I've gone to a fancy restaurant with anyone other than Spike since I arrived in town. Not unless I was accompanied by at least two of my friends. I don't think I've ever done anything like this. Wait... like what?

This is a one-on-one dinner, between two full-grown mares, at a fancy restaurant. Sounds like simply hanging out with a good friend to me, but I was still perplexed by the nervous feeling in my stomach. I just couldn't figure out why I was so nervous...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why am I so nervous? It could be that this is the first time I've ever been to such a fancy restaurant, or maybe because I'd be surrounded by uptight, judgmental ponies whose only goal in life always seemed to be to point out something wrong with everypony else. No that wasn't it... Oh yeah! I'm nervous because I'm taking the mare I've had a crush on for at least a year out to dinner and she doesn't have a clue why! Ha ha! I'm so screwed! Ha!

"Fluttershy? You're quite pale. Are you okay?" Rarity asked me.

"Wha- Oh, I-I think I'm okay..." I replied weakly.

"Relax, dear. It'll be fine. The restaurant won't be that bad. I believe it'll be perfect for you."

"O-okay, I believe you." I REALLY need to stop lying to her. I still relaxed a tiny bit. "So uhm... What was this part of the plan again?"

"It's quite simple, dear. All you need to do is get there order whatever you want, enjoy the meal, but be sure to have a good conversation with her. Your chances to confess your feelings will be during the wait for dessert, or during the walk home. It would be REALLY romantic of you to confess yourself in front of her door or something to that effect. If you don't manage to work up the nerve to tell her, that'll be fine, because I'll be able to write a note for you or help you prepare for a second date. If that's not an option, then I'll be forced to assume your feelings died during the dinner or she realized your motives and cut off all chances of a roman-tic... rela- Fluttershy? Are you okay?" She asked, cautiously moving closer to me. My eyes had begun to sting at the idea of Twilight openly rejecting me, and I guess it showed on my face.

"I-I'm- I just...REALLY hope that doesn't happen..." I stuttered out while holding back tears.

"Oh, I know, dear. Rejection can be hard, but don't worry! I'm sure everything will be fine!"

R-really?"

"Of course! Now, about that tea you promised earlier?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ten minutes!" I heard Spike yell from downstairs. I was still trying to do my mane up nice and pretty for...some reason... In any case I was trying to remember how Rarity had done it up for me for the Gala...Oh wait...I attended that with my mane the way it is now. Darn it! My mane is too short to style! Why do I even care? This simple dress Rarity had dropped off is all I really need to attend this restaurant. What was it called? Darn it, Rarity just told me half an hour ago. It was some Celestia-awful pun, I think. Whatever...

Okay, the dress looks good. Nice and...blue... and my hair is fine. I took like three showers, brushed my teeth twice as much and even filed my horn. Why am I obsessing over this? There is no logical reason why I would obsess over something like this. I seriously cannot think of anything and THERE'S THOSE DARN BUTTERFLIES AGAIN!!! Okay, deep breath, Twilight, deep breath... It's fine everything is fine. You'll be ok- *knock knock* OH CRAP! Not ready! Not ready! Not ready! No- oh wait, yes I am.

I took another deep breath and headed downstairs. Spike was there waiting for me. He rolled his eyes as said, "Took you long enough. You were up there for, like, two hours. And you look like it was ten minutes! Why are you working yourself up?"

"I don't know!" I said frantically. Another deep breath...then three more to be safe. He quirked an eyebrow at me but said nothing. He opened the door (none too graciously) to allow Fluttershy in. She was dressed in a dress similar in design to my own, except that it was a forest green. Her mane wasn't done up special, so why was I freaking out? Another deep breath. "*ahem* Hi Fluttershy."

"H-hi." She said. She sounded a little odd. She sounded like she was nervous. I guess I wasn't the only one who was striving a bit too hard to impress...

"So uhm... should we get going?" I asked.

"U-uh- yes." She replied. We stood there awkwardly for a moment, neither of us making a move to go. I felt a sudden push on my rear. I turned to see Spike shoving me towards the door.

"Just go! Sheesh!" He exclaimed as we walked out the door. I heard Fluttershy giggle for a moment while I blushed absentmindedly. We made our way to... darn it, that name is gonna bother me all night.

We kept a polite small talk during the walk. It was pleasant really, but she seemed.... distracted. As though she had something very pressing on her mind.

I decided to let that be and keep up the small talk. We arrived at "The Faim Cheval"... guess it wasn't a pun...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She's scrutinizing the sign. Why? Had she been here? Or heard a bad review of it? Had me and Rarity chosen poorly? Oh no, oh no, oh no...

"I-is something wrong, Fluttershy?"

"No. Maybe. Uhm... you were staring at the sign?"

"Oh I just didn't remember the name was all. I could've sworn it was some kind of pun...What language is that?"

"Prench. I-I here they have good food in Prance, and this is a Prench restaurant..."

"Oh! I've never had Prench." 

"That's why Rarity suggested it."

We walked inside and asked for a table under Rarity's name. Apparently Rarity had reservation for two, but had let us have it. Convenient, right?

"Right zis way, please." The waiter lead us to a table in the corner. It was a little dark and out of the way, unnoticed by the ponies around us.

I liked it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She seems to enjoy the placement of the table. Probably because its a spot that avoids attention. I never really told the other girls, but I like to watch things happen. You can learn a lot by the way other ponies interact. I kinda did this in cafes for a while after arriving here because I had no clue how to act in a...social environment. Books can teach you a lot, but not how to act in modern society...well, usually they can't.

We sat down and the waiter gave us our menus. I started reading through the choices, immediately realizing that none of these names made sense to me. I don't know Prench after all. I started looking for words that I understood. I came up with two choices. Some kind of weird potatoes or an onion soup.

*sigh* Potatoes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don't think she understands the menu. Should I help her? I speak a little Prench, but...oh she closed it. I guess she chose something. I'll just have whatever she's having. I closed my menu and put it back down. I can't wait to find out what she chose.

So what was the next part of the plan? It was pick her up, talk and walk, get here, dine and... oh yeah talk. Duh...

"H-hey, Fluttershy?" She sounds...nervous? Isn't that supposed to be me?

"Y-yes?"

"I uh... I was wondering... I mean, your older and...more experienced with... social stuff than me. And I was wondering...well, uhm... gah maybe Rarity would be better..."

"What is it?" Something in her voice had me concerned. Something between nervousness, confusion, and...something else. "I-I promise I'll try to help."

"Well, it's just this weird thing... ha-have you ever had this...odd sensation in your stomach. Like butterflies? I think I read somewhere that that's supposed to mean your nervous... but there's some other sensation with it... like- I don't know. It's like a tickle in my gut. I'm not sure but... I just can't figure it out." She'd been staring at her silverware intently, but now looked up at me, and her face went from nervous to concerned. "A-are you okay? Is there something wrong?"

I guess I must've looked floored, because I felt that way. And of course I knew exactly what she was talking about. She was more than nervous, but she was so naive that she had no clue what she could possibly be nervous about. I had a sinking suspicion about what it was. I felt a sudden boost of confidence with that thought... but... what if I was wrong? I really don't want to take that risk.

"I-I think I know what your feeling... but I'm not sure I should tell you..." I said quietly. I know what I should do. If I didn't already have a crush on her, I would've told her right away. But as it is? That could really change things...

"Madams? May I take your orders?" We were interrupted by the waiter stopping by for our order. We ordered some odd sounding potato things and he walked away.

"So, uhm... Why shouldn't you tell me? This is killing me and if I can't figure it out I think I'll have to ask the princess."

"No no. I'll just tell you... *gulp* Uhm... I'm not sure but... I think what your feeling is, uhm... well it's uhm... *ahem*..." I sighed and whispered out, "Youmighthaveacrush." She stared at me a moment, probably not quite understanding what I just said. Her eyes widened suddenly.

"B-but I don't even KNOW any stallions. At least not THAT well. I-I can't possibly... there's no way!" She stuttered out loudly. I looked around, but nopony else was paying any mind to us. She saw me looking and quieted down a bit. "But if I had a crush who could it possibly be?" Me, oh sweet Celestia, say it's me!

"I-I don't know. There really aren't any stallions I can think of." I have a chance here, but this could push her to far... If I suggest mares she could either break, or realize who it is. I don't want to take that chance. I don't want to shatter her innocent perception of the world, no matter what that could lead to for me. I know it's a pathetic sentiment, but she's frantic right now and I just don't want to make it worse.

Who am I even rationalizing to?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A crush? I've never even looked at a stallion! I've never even been on a date, or imagined one, or even wanted to go on one! How could I have a crush? Who could it be? This is worse than not knowing what it was I was feeling!

"B-b-but... what do I do? How do I... What do I..." I slammed my face into the table in frustration. It got uncomfortable on my horn, so I adjusted to rest my chin on the table. By chance, I looked directly into Fluttershy's eyes. I saw fear, nervousness, worry, a warm kindness, and everything else that defines her...but there was something else... something I couldn't name...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She's staring at me... This was uncomfortable, but I don't want to look away. This is.... I'm not sure. She didn't seem to be showing any affection, just a distracted curiosity. It was fine...those pretty, purple eyes... I mentally shook myself...if you can do that... Her last question came to mind.

"W-well uhm... wh-when did you first notice these feelings?"

"I'm not sure... around a month or two ago? They've been bothering me since. I didn't understand them at all and...wait..." She sat there a moment as though puzzle pieces were flying together in her head. But whatever it was she was thinking about was interrupted by the waiter arriving with our weird potato things.

She ate away with some kind of gusto that must have come from... you know what? I don't understand it at all. I just ate mine while watching her carefully. She finished and looked up at me. She blushed a bit.

"Sorry. Skipped lunch." Well that's anticlimactic.

"You looked like you were thinking hard on something before the food arrived."

"Oh yeah... I was trying to figure something out... never mind. It was a dead end, I think."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She walked me home... I don't know why, she just did. It was quiet and pleasant, but a little unusual. I told her I could get home on my own but she insisted, and if Fluttershy insists just let her do it. We didn't talk, mostly because she looked extremely nervous about something. I don't understand why she would want to walk me home if it made her uncomfortable.

We arrived at my door, and as I opened the door I noticed Fluttershy lingering behind me.

"What is it, Fluttershy?"

"Well I-I uhm...n-nothing. It's fine." I decided that it would probably be best not to prod her any more today. I don't really plan on learning any other odd things today.

"Okay... Well, tonight was... eye opening. So now I have a lot to think about, but thanks for the dinner, Fluttershy."

"Oh, your welcome. We should do this again soon."

"Yeah." And with that I gently closed the door, turned away, and sat on my haunches. I let out a soft sigh and levitated a piece of parchment and a quill over from a nearby table.

"Dear Shining Armor..."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I got home and sluggishly began my nighttime chores. It wasn't until after I'd made Angel a salad that I remember Rarity had already taken care of these. *sigh* I put the salad in the fridge. Angel would probably eat it in the morning. I hope all dates aren't like this. The moment I got home I felt like going straight to bed.

For some reason, this whole night had felt exhausting to me. I just hope Twilight doesn't mange to piece it together without me. Well... it probably would be convenient if she did, because I can't tell her myself. *sigh* Love is HARD...

Bed sounds wonderful right now.


Mmm...that's Beakmire. I really don't want to get up right now, but I do have chores and little critters to take care of. *sigh* Okay fine, conscience, I'll do it.

I rolled out of bed and hovered downstairs. I did my usual, morning chores. As I passed by the fire place there was a sudden puff of smoke. I ducked under the nearest chair, then heard a familiar *plop* sound. I'd only heard that when Spike burped up a letter and nopony caught it.

I turned to see and, sure enough, there was a small scroll laying on my floor. Only ponies with dragon stewards or who lived in the Canterlot castle could send these things this way. Who in the castle could possibly want to write me? I picked up the letter and gently broke the seal and opened it up.

Dear Fluttershy,
My husband recently received a letter from his sister, Twilight, asking about our own relationship. I believe it would be better for you to read the letter than for me to attempt to explain it, so we shall be forwarding it to you soon. You may want to read it before you continue reading this letter.

I looked up at my fire place, and a moment passed before another puff of smoke popped out, materializing into a scroll inches from my face. "Eep!" I jerked backwards, surprised at it's suddenness. I picked it up and started reading it.

Dear Shining Armor,
Recently I have been dealing with some odd emotions and was forced to consult a friend on them. Not even thirty minutes ago I asked my friend, Fluttershy, about it while we were at dinner together. She told me she believes these feelings mean something romantic and I couldn't quite grasp it. I decided I'd need to get help from somepony with romantic experience and you were my first choice.

I have a list of questions, but I'll try to narrow it down to just a few:

Firstly, how did you first realize you "liked" Cadence and how long was it before it developed to love?

Second, I'm entirely unaware who it is I have this crush on, and Fluttershy, well, shied away from the subject. So I was hoping you may have some way to help me figure out who it is. I don't really know any stallions very well, and all my friends are mares. When I think of anypony close to me the only ponies that come to mind are Fluttershy, you, the princess, and the rest of my friends.

Lastly, I was wondering what exactly would be a good way to go about developing a relationship with this pony once I find who it is.

Please, any help you can provide would be very appreciated.

Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle

I put it down, heart racing. I come to mind when she thinks of ponies close to her? She listed me first, too. I shook myself and picked up the other letter, picking back up where I had left off.

As you can see from her letter she is... well ignorant. Shining Armor and myself believe we know from this letter alone who it is she has a crush on. And that would be you. She dropped a lot of hints and we're sure you noticed them, but what I'm afraid of is that she doesn't even realize that you COULD be a possibility. She spent so long in schooling with no social experience, I'm afraid she doesn't fully understand how love works.

I don't mean to throw you through a loop by telling you that one of your best friends has a crush on you and doesn't know it. I'm sorry if this upsets or even disturbs you. Please do not reject her or do anything brash to her, and don't be offended, either.

It may be brash of myself to assume this, but I believe that there is something special between the two of you and I hope that, whatever it is to you, this odd predicament only makes your relationship stronger. And don't openly reject my idea that you two may have something, because I am, after all, the pony with love based talents.

My advice to you is that you confront Twilight about her feelings. I'm sure you don't need me to remind you, but be subtle if you can. Though the time for subtlety may be passed, considering how naive she is on this subject.

Good luck to you.

Sincerely,
Princess Mi Amore "Cadence" Cadenza

I put the letter down, and stood there for a moment, wondering why my vision was blurring and why the floor was getting closer... Oh, I must be fainting! Yay... *flop*
> Results of Things Learned
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Spike! That is not funny!"

"I thought it was..." He said, putting my toothbrush down. I think I'll have to get a new one soon. I shuddered at the images burned into my mind just now.

"Well, you're wrong!" I said as I walked around him to the shower. "Now will you, please, get out?" I asked sternly.

"Fine..." He groaned as he left the bathroom. I turned on the water and took a quick shower. I couldn't help but wonder how long it would be before Shining Armor replies to my letter. I honestly thought that I'd receive a reply by the time I went to sleep. Guess not. Still, it was only eight-ish, so maybe he didn't notice the letter.

Spike, thankfully, didn't bother with looking at the letter before he sent it for me. He didn't even wonder why I was sending one to Shining Armor and not the princess. That's probably because he was too close to asleep to care. Heck, he might not even remember for all I know.

I got out of the shower and checked my schedule for the day. There wasn't much for me to do today, except for run the library. So I didn't really have much preparation for the day or anything. I kind of like days like this, where there are plenty of holes in the schedule for me to wiggle around in. Ahh, metaphors...

In any case I decided that, since the library wont open for another half hour, I'd go visit somepony. Lemme think... who haven't I seen in a while? Well, I saw all my friends except for Applejack yesterday. So I'll go visit her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mmmmm....why does my nose tickle? And what is tapping on it? I opened my eyes to find Angel tapping my nose. I sneezed before trying to get back up. Once I was on my hooves again I tried to remember why I had been sleeping in front of my fire place. I took a step forward and heard some crinkling beneath my hoof. I looked down and saw a piece of paper on the floor. What the-?

I bent down to look at it.

Dear Fluttershy,

My eyes widened as the memories came back to me.

"Angel, there's a salad in the fridge, I have to go, bye." I said as I flew out the door.

Advice. Some advice would be nice right now. Rarity would be my first choice, but she has to deliver that order to Canterlot today. I stopped suddenly and hovered in place. Who should I go to right now? Pinkie would be almost no help. Rainbow would probably advise a tackle hug/kiss. That left Applejack. Of course! She's smart and...more social. I bet she'll know exactly what to do!

I turned for Sweet Apple Acres and started pumping my wings as hard as I could. I got there pretty soon and landed quickly, taking a few deep breaths to calm down. I hadn't even noticed that I was so excited. Now that I think about it, I never fly like that without Rainbow Dash helping me through it.

"Fluttershy? What are y'all doin' here?" I turned to see Applejack frozen, mid buck, at the tree next to me. She set her back hooves down on the ground, relaxing. I guess me flying in as fast as I could wasn't normal for me. 

"W-well I just got a letter from-"

"Hey, Applejack! There you are. Twilight was lookin' for ya." Abblebloom called from off behind Applejack. I tilted my head to look past her and she turned to see. Applebloom was trotting towards us with Twilight just behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Huh... I wonder what Fluttershy is doing here... She's probably just visiting Applejack, like myself. As I got closer I noticed she was watching me carefully. I smiled politely at her and she looked away, hiding behind her mane in that adorable way of hers...wait... adorable?

"Howdy, Twi. Wouldn't have expected either y'all to show up today. Heh, I uhh... wasn't expectin' visitors today." Applejack said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Oh, I just had some spare time today and thought I'd visit. I, uh, didn't think I'd run into Fluttershy, though." I said trying to work up a laugh that didn't sound nervous. Why was I nervous? This is just Applejack and Fluttershy. Why am I nervous?

I got the odd feeling that somepony was watching me and looked over at Fluttershy. She was staring at me still, but the moment I looked at her she looked away and pretended to have not been watching me. Okay... that's odd. Applejack looked between the two of us quickly, then said to Applebloom.

"Applebloom, Ah think it's about time you got ta yer mornin' chores."

"Uh... Okay..." She answered before trotting off.

Once she was out of earshot, Applejack turned back to the two of us. "Alright, what's goin' on between you two?" I quirked an eyebrow at her curiously.

"Nothing. Right, Fluttershy?"

"U-uhm...wellll...." She trailed off looking away. Wait, what? WAS there something between us? Had I done something wrong? 

"Mhmm... Ah think Ah get it..." Applejack said after a moment. "Well, Ahmma talk ta Fluttershy real quick. She seemed a tad frantic about somethin' earlier." Applejack said before leading her off away from me. Why was I so worried about this? I really must be over reacting. There was no way I'd done something wrong, right? I mean, do I, Twilight Sparkle, ever do anything wrong?

...Oh, Celestia help me...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright, so tell me what's up, Shy."

"W-well... I'm just guessing that, since Pinkie and Rainbow have apparently already noticed, you have, too..." I started slowly.

"Oh, Ah've noticed alright. You got a thing goin' on fer Twilight, but she just ain't noticin' you like that." It's never nice when somepony summarizes something that feels so complicated into something so short. It just makes me feel... pathetic.

"A-and there's something else, too... I got this letter..." But my already low confidence petered out.

"Yeah, ya mentioned that. What's so special about it?"

"It was from Cadence..." She quirked an eyebrow. "I should just show you." I decided. "Oh... but I left it at my cottage..."

"Go get it. Ah'll talk to Twi."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fluttershy suddenly lifted off and flew away. I don't know why, but I wanted to follow her. I wanted her to stay. I just wanted to be in her company... Why am I confusing me so much? GAH!

Applejack trotted back to me slowly.

"Where is Fluttershy going?" I asked a bit too quickly. She looked at me, one eyebrow slowly rising. "I-I was just uhm...curious."

"She's goin' back ta her house. She needed ta show me somethin'."

"What is it?"

"Just some kind a' note she got." She said waving a hoof dismissively. "So, what's up with you an' Fluttershy?"

"Well, I don't know. I thought there wasn't anything at all. Not until just now. D-did she say what it was?" I asked hopefully.

"Eeyup." Silence.

"What is it?" I asked impatiently.

"Ah doubt she'd want me ta tell ya." Oh that makes me feel soooo much better.

"O-oh..."

"N'aww. T'aint like that." She said. It didn't make me feel much better.

"Then what is it like?"

"Ah uhh... Ah can't say, but it just ain't like that. Now about you an' Fluttershy. She doesn't seem... content with it, but Ah wanna know if you are."

"Well... I guess I'd like it to be more, but I don't see how it can be much better. I mean, she's already my best friend." I answered.

"Hmph... I know a way..." Applejack muttered, but I don't think she meant for me to hear her. Just then I heard a flapping sound, and looked up to see Fluttershy returning. She landed a short distance from us and tucked something under her wing as she folded it it over the...thing. I didn't quite see what it was.

"Wait here a sec." Applejack said before trotting over to her.

"Yeah... I'll just... be here..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Alright, lemme see it."

I gave her the first letter and read through it. "Fluttershy... Twilight sent this to her brother...why do you-?" I held up the other letter in answer. She read it over, her eyes bunching slightly in thought. "Hmm... Ah see....And whatya plannin' ta do?"

"I don't know. She has no idea about this! I don't know if Shining Armor even wrote back to her. I really want to tell her how I feel but... wouldn't that be awkward for her? I don't think she realizes that you can.... 'swing that way'..." I said frantically.

"Calm down there, sugarcube. Now, what ya need is for her ta get it, right?"

"I-I guess?"

"Well, it is. So you let me handle that and you just get yerself home and maybe she'll stop by, okay?"

"O-okay..."

"Go on now, get!" She slapped my rear.

"Eep..." I quirked a brow at her, but flew off anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What the hay? Applejack just spanked her! She flew off and I'm...not really mad but something close. It's like...no no, that's impossible. What could I possibly be jealous about here?

"Somethin' wrong, Twi?" Applejack asked.

"Ye-eh... no no, I-I'm fine." I stammered. She eyed me with a small grin on her face. Why was everything so confusing to me right now?

"Hey lemme ask ya somethin'."

"Sure."

"Ya've been havin' weird feelin's, right?"

"Yeah... How did yo-"

"You'll find out soon." She interrupted. "Okay, so when do ya usually get them feelin's?"

"All the time."

"So ya had 'em yesterday?"

"Sure. Plenty in fact."

"When?"

"Mostly at the restaurant. Why?"

"What did ya think about before the feelin's popped up?"

"I don't see how that's relev-"

"It is. Trust me."

"Okay... I mostly thought about the dinner, the setting, impressing Fluttershy, Fluttershy herself..." I answered. I was getting more and more confused with each question. I got the feeling she was going somewhere with this, so why not humor her?

"Okay. Now, Fluttershy told me that ya might have a crush, but ya don' know who it is. Ya think ya can tell me all the stallions ya know that well?"

"Big Mac." She waited patiently for another name but none came forward.

"Really? That's it?"

"Well, there's The Doctor, but he's a little cooky. I mean, he keeps saying he's going somewhere then disappears for like twelve minutes, then comes back with stories like he'd been gone for a month."

"He sure is strange...." She said thoughtfully. Then she shook her head and looked serious again. "Where was Ah? Right... Okay so if it's no STALLIONS you know that leaves...?" She trailed off suggestively.

"Nopony?" I winced at the sound of her facehoofing. It looked like it hurt.

"Not quite..." She muttered. "Alright, Ah'll be forward with you now. You get funny feelin's whenever you think of Fluttershy, you got nervous about a one-on-one dinner with her, ya can't think of any stallions close to ya. Ah bet you was feelin' upset when Ah spanked her jus' now?"

"No!" She eyed me sternly. Stupid Element of Honesty...."Okay I felt a little uhm...well I'm sure I was wrong, but..."

"Ya were jealous." She wasn't asking, she was stating. I lowered my head and just nodded.

"And Ah bet she's more important ta ya than the rest of us." She said. I looked up at her, a little hurt that she would say that. They were all my friends, after all, but as I thought about it, I realized she was right.

"Yes. I guess she is." She didn't look hurt. Just triumphant.

"Ya want more from yer relationship, right?"

"Yeah, but she's my best friend how does it get better than that?" I asked.

"Think about it." So I did. And then from the deepest, most untouched corners of my mind a silent voice suggested something I'd never even considered. Something nopony had ever mentioned to me. Something I'd never read, or learned about from Celestia. Something I never even considered. Wait.. I already said that...

Could I like... As in 'LIKE' Fluttershy? That was impossible, unheard of, beyond strange, so completely and utterly...

IT! It was the thing I'd been missing. It was what everypony else had been commenting on. It was what had been causing those odd feelings. It felt... right. 

I facehoofed. "Applejack I am so stupid. Wh-what do I do?"

"Well, obviously, ya go talk ta Fluttershy! Go on! Get!" She said with a sudden enthusiasm. She shoved me towards Fluttershy's cottage and my legs automatically started carrying me there.

I stopped and looked back at her to ask something. But she was already gone. This was going to be so hard...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What was Applejack planning? The look on her face as I flew off told me she had some kind of plan. I paced back and forth in the middle of my living room, wait impatiently for Twilight to show up, but after a while I began to think she wasn't going to show up.

Angel hopped up on the windowsill and starred hard at something. He suddenly hopped over to me and frantically tapping my leg. He pointed at the door, so I walked over to the door and opened it. I stepped outside and looked around, but there was nopony there.

"What is it Angel?"

He looked around and shrugged. I rolled my eyes at him and walked back inside. I guess she's not coming. I walked up to my bed and laid down. Celestia's Sun wasn't even directly above us yet, but it felt like nighttime already. I didn't feel like doing anything anyways. A nice nap sounds juuuuust fine. *sniff*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stopped in front of her door. A thought occurred to me. Wasn't this wrong? I mean all the couples in my novels were always a mare and a stallion. This wasn't right. And besides isn't there a better way to tell her how I feel? And what if she doesn't feel the same way? What if our friends reject us? What if the princess disapproves? What if... What if... 

I can't do this... I just couldn't. Before I could turn to leave I saw Angel in the window staring at me. He turned away and hopped down. Horseapples! He's gonna get Fluttershy! I had to get out of there. Now! I thought hard. There was no way...wait yes there was. I concentrated hard, then suddenly *POP!* I opened my eyes and I was in the library safe and sound...

I am such a wuss. I went upstairs and went to bed. I did not feel like upholding that schedule, today. It wasn't even noon, but I decided a nap would be *sniff* just great...
> Satisfaction Guaranteed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	*sob sniff sob* No! No! I can't give up! Not like this! I looked up at the concerned birds and little critters around me. Angel hopped up to me and offered me a cherry. I smiled at him through the stinging tears.

"Oh! You are the nicest little things." I said weakly to them all. "I-I'm fine, really." I said shakily as I got up. I wiped the tears from my face, and went to the bathroom to wash up. I took a quick shower, checking the clock on the way in. How long was I laying there? It was almost three in the evening... *sigh*

I showered as fast as possible. I should go see Twilight, right? Maybe she had to get back to the library before Applejack could finish her... plan...thing. Maybe Applejack just forgot to send her here. There were lots of reasonable excuses for not showing up, right?

I got out of the shower and flew towards the library, but stopped in the air. I could just confront her. Confess myself, live happily with her... but what was stopping me? What was I afraid of?

I'm not sure how long I was floating here before-

"Hey, Fluttershy! What are you doing up here?" Dash asked.

"Uhm... Hi Rainbow...Cou-could I ask you something?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Uhg! Leave me alone, Spike!" I yelled from my bed.

"But, Twilight! What's wrong?" He called through the closed door.

"You wouldn't understand!"

"Try me."

I didn't say anything back. I know he'd heard me crying. I know he knows me  too well. But I doubt if he could help me. He's no romantic. Look at the whole Rarity thing. But he is a shoulder to cry on, though...

"Come on, Twilight. I REALLY want to help you." *grrr* Why did he have to be so tempting. I gave up all resolve.

I swung the door open with my magic. "Fine. I'll tell you."


"So, you like Fluttershy, but you didn't have the guts to tell her... And why was that?" He's taking this pretty well... I guess he's just rolling with the punches. But that is one heck of a poker face.

"Think about it! I was so stupid about it! Even if she did like me back... I mean, how could I be so stupid? I must've been crushing on her for months and it took me this long to even realize what it was that was going on? I'm an idiot!"

"Your not an idiot."

"Of course I am! I just sat there, wondering what in the hay I was feeling, while she sat there, patiently waiting on the most naive pony in the world to finally catch a clue! Fluttershy deserves somepony WAAAY better tha-" *slap!*

I sat there rubbing a hoof against my sore cheek. "Sp-Spike did you just-"

"Yes. You needed a good one and I've been waiting to do that for months." I just gawked at him quietly. "You should just go tell her how you feel. Does it ever occur to you that the simplest plan has the least room for failure?" I feel like I've heard that somewhere.

"Spike, have you been reading?"

"Does it matter? Go talk to Fluttershy!" He started shoving me towards the door, but stopped. *tink tink* We looked over at my window, and I opened it with my magic. Rainbow Dash flew in through in through the ajar window, and landed next to me.

"Come with me." She said simply. Before I could even react she grabbed me and flew out the window, me in tow.

"Rainbow! Are you crazy? You could drop me!"

"Then stop squirming." She said shortly. I complied upon realizing she had a point. "You still remember that spell for walking on clouds?"

"Yeah."

"Good. Do it now." She commanded. So I did. She took me up to a big cloud and set me down. She turned me to face her before I could go anywhere. "Okay, I got fed up with sitting this one out. You and Fluttershy need to talk NOW. So I'm leaving you on this cloud. Fluttershy's up here somewhere, go talk to her. I'm done letting you two play around this. She doesn't know I was bringing you, 'cause all I told here was I'd be back. I'm leaving." And with that she flew off.

Wait... crud. If she doesn't take me down that means I have to get Fluttershy to take me down, and I have to do that before the spell wares off. Clever, Rainbow, very clever. I peeked over the edge of the cloud, to see how high up I was. Let's just say I needed a moment to calm down.

I looked around. This cloud was huge. It was a big floating landscape. I looked up at mountains of cloud and around at hills and rolling plains of the stuff. This is the kind of cloud you would use to make a town like Cloudsdale. Well, I'd better get going. Don't want to fall and die...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, that's lovely. And he's in a choir now?" I listened to the array of chirps and peeps from the bluejay in front of me. When she stopped, I smiled politely.

"That's wonderful. Uhm... I was waiting for a friend so- not to be rude but..." I hinted. She nodded and flew off. I looked around for Rainbow, but saw no sign of her. She'd told me to just wait on this big cloud. She said it'd only take a few moments... I wonder what she had to-

I ducked behind a small bump of cloud at the sight of a purple pony wandering around not far from me. What was Twilight doing up here? Had Rainbow... That clever mare... I'd have to take Twilight down myself if Rainbow didn't. Which meant we'd have to... very sneaky....

"Fluttershy? Is that you?" How did she see me?

"I can see your tail, Fluttershy." Darn it! I hadn't noticed that my rear was sticking up when I'd hidden behind this tuft of cloud. I stood up, and shyly watched her approach.

She walked up to me and stood in front of me silently. We stared at each other for a moment. I started to look away when she spoke.

"I- I need to tell you something..." This is it... "I-I ha-..." She stopped herself...why? "I don't deserve this..." She muttered. What? I'm confused...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I don't deserve this..." I thought aloud. I don't deserve a second chance. I don't deserve her. I just don't... All the waiting I put her through. All the stupid things I did and said...

"Twilight?" I hadn't even realized I wasn't looking at her anymore. I looked up at her. She was smiling comfortingly at me. I just couldn't do this. I just can't keep her waiting. She's been too patient.

"Fluttershy, I- I like you." Her smile widened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finally! It was worth the wait! It was SOOO worth the wait! I wanted to hug her. I wanted to kiss her... but she looked... sad.

"Wh-what's wrong?"

"I don't deserve you." She said quietly. "You certainly don't deserve somepony as slow as me." I quirked an eyebrow. "I took so long, and you were so patient. I don't de-" I shoved a hoof in her mouth.

"Twilight, I waited for a reason, and it was not so you could say that this wouldn't work." I said quietly. Squee! That was so cool of me! Er- not to brag but...

Again, who am I rationalizing to?


Hours later we were still on that cloud. I don't even remember what we'd spent the time doing; just that we did it together. We were sitting on the edge, watching Celestia's Sun set. We were sitting in complete silence until Twilight broke it suddenly.

"Fluttershy."

"Yes?"

"Today has been... amazing." She leaned her head on my shoulder. "I see why you've been doing this to me. It's comfy." I blushed as she said it. She looked back up at me and our eyes locked and my mind went------------............

I snapped back as she started leaning towards me. I began to tilt my head towards her... 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We're about to kiss! This is so exciting...wait.... why am I moving down? I was eye level with her chest then her stomach then her *ahem*...

The spell! It was waring off! Oh cru-ahhhhhh!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Twilight!" She'd sunken through the clouds and was now falling. Without thinking I flew through the hole she'd sunk through and dove straight towards her. I tucked my wings in and went as fast as I could. She would hit the ground in a matter of seconds, and if I didn't catch her... I didn't want to think about that.

I squinted my eyes at the speed. I'd only felt wind like this when we were making that tornado for Cloudsdale. I could barely see, but when my hooves touched something soft I latched onto it and pulled up. Next thing I knew I was gliding along with Twilight in my arms, holding on for dear life.

"Fluttershy?" I looked down at her. I was met with her lips on mine and my mind wen---------------------------...........

Wow.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We landed back at the library, on the balcony. I finally started to breath normally. I will never enjoy heights for the rest of my life, that's for dang sure. We stood there awkwardly. How does one end a dare when their brand new marefriend just saved their life?

"Uhm... you don't owe me your life, or anything..." She started. I giggled.

"Thank Celestia...I still want to repay you though. I can't think of anything to do that with..." I said.

"I'll think of something." She said, smiling. She gave me a peck on the cheek, and turned to go inside. I was about to follow her in when a shadow passed over me.

"I take it that means it went well?" I turned around and found Rainbow Dash hovering with her arms crossed near the balcony.

"You devious dare devil!" I started, but I was grinning to hard to pull off being angry.

"Yep that is what I am." She half-laughed. I tried to glare but she made a shooing gesture at me. "Your babe is waiting." She said before flying off. I'm going to get her back for this. Pinkie is going to have a hay day tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What took so long? Uhm... not that I'm upset or anything, I was just wondering." I asked.

"Oh, Rainbow stopped by. No worries. So uhm... I uh, I guess... it's time for... bed and... stuff...." She mumbled.

"O-oh... yeah." We had spent some time flying. I kinda got lost while we were kissing. The Sun had set a while ago, and Luna's Moon had risen. "I guess I should be going..."

"Y-you don't have to leave..." She said quickly. I looked at her curiously. "You could stay...here...with me..." She mumbled.

"Uhmm..."

"Nothing 'funny' I promise." She gave me a puppy dog look. That's just too cute.

"O-okay."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mmmm... That was a pleasant night. I tried to roll over but couldn't. Something warm was draped over me and it tightened its grip when I tried to move. I looked down and found a buttery arm around me. I traced it to it's shoulder then up the neck to...

Oh...right. Fluttershy and I shared the bed. I just lay there, watching her sleep. She breathed softly, hugging me like a teddy bear. It was adorable. Every once in a while her wing would flap and she smile peacefully in her sleep. Eventually, like all good things, it came to an end and her eyes slowly fluttered open, immediately followed by a smile.

"Good morning." She said.

"Pleasant dreams?"

"Oh, yes! You were in them." I smiled and kissed her on the forehead.

"Breakfast?" I asked, getting up.

"Oh, thank you, but I should get back to the cottage. My animal friends will be getting hungry." I sat back on the bed and just watched her walk towards the balcony.

"Oh...okay." I said, a little disappointed. I perked up at a thought. "When are you free today?"

"A-around noon, why?"

"I'll meet you at the cafe on the corner for lunch!"

"That sounds nice. I'll be there." She said then she stepped onto the balcony and flew off towards her cottage. I flopped back on the bed and just stayed that way for a while.

Wow......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I arrived at the coffee shop Twilight had mentioned around the right time...I think. I looked around and didn't see her anywhere.

"Psst!" Whosat!? I looked around for the source of the sound. "Psst! Fluttershy!" I looked over and saw Pinkie Pie standing in the door of the cafe. I walked over to her gingerly, not knowing what to expect.

"Pinkie? What are you doing here?" I asked.

"I'm here to keep an eye on you two, duh!" She said excitedly.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"Still not open yet? That's okay! I'll be right here to make this 'lunch' go well."

"Pinkie, you don't work here."

"But the manager doesn't know that." She winked then bounced inside the shop.

"Fluttershy? There you are." Twilight said from somewhere behind me. I smiled politely at her and we went inside together. We sat at a table near the door and waited for a waitress to ask for our orders.

I should've expected Pinkie to show up with a waitress uniform on, but then again you can't really expect anything from her. She's just too random and... Pinkie... I don't think there's a better way to describe her.

"What can I get you two?"

"Pinkie!?" Twilight jerked away in surprise. She quieted down and hissed. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to take care of two little lovebirds, of course." I felt my cheeks flame up and Twilight's turned a delightful shade of purplish pink. "Oh, sorry, I'm not supposed to know that yet. But then again, I think we all know already so I don't think you really need to worry about telling us."

I stayed quiet while Twilight just stared at her. I had to suppress a giggle at her gaping mouth. She looked at me suddenly. "Was I that obvious?"

"Well... Yes." She hit the table with her head while I finally let out my giggles.

"Just get me a latte..." She muttered into her napkin.


We spent the next twenty minutes eating donuts and drinking coffee. It wasn't that bad until the manager caught Pinkie and kicked her out. We laughed nervously at that. Once we were done eating we left and walked around town for a bit. I lost track of time after a while, but I didn't care.

"Hey..." Twilight started. We were somewhere in the park, walking along with nopony around.

"Yes?"

"I just thought something. Way back, before I came to town, I was up watching the stars..."

"Yes?" I thought back to those days. I don't quite remember, but I'm sure I had done some stargazing the night before Twilight came to town.

"There was a shooting star, and..." She started blushing. "Well I wished for somepony like me, the next day I came to town and met you..." She trailed off. My heart skipped a beat. She wished on a star?

"That's crazy... I wished on a shooting star that same night!"

"No way! That's insane." She pondered over this for a moment. She looked back at me and smiled. "It's like the rainbow." I kissed her on the cheek.

"Only, this is so much more special."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Princess Celestia,

Every friend is special to you, no matter what is that makes them special, but sometimes a friend can stand out to you more than the other friends, no matter how close you are with all your friends. That friend could be your best friend or something so much more... Fluttershy stop I'm writing a letter to the Princess! Spike don't write that!

That friend could end up as your closest companion, with whom you'll happily spend the rest of your days. It's easily possible for an endless, boundless happiness to be reached with this pony.

Love is a wonderful thi-... Fluttershy I'm almost done!

Fine. I'll be upstairs.

Spike! I told you not to write that! Uhg.

Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle

P.S. Don't tell her I left those parts in.~ Spike 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"So what's it like, dear?"

"It's absolutely, amazingly, wonderful! I love it! We go for walks, and we have dinner together, and I've even worked up the nerve to kiss her in public. Oh, it's so great! I love her so much. I still pinch myself every day to make sure it's real!" I answered with gusto. Rarity smiled at me.

So did Aloe and Lotus, whom I finally realized were still in the room... I don't care any more, though. They can know if they want to.

"Love's a wonderful thing isn't it?" Rarity sighed contentedly. She rested her head on the built-in cushion of the hot tub.

"Yes."


The End
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Fluttershy I-I don't know what to say...except that I'm really flattered. I-I mean... you really want it to be me?" I gawked at her. This was sort of random. Well, not really. We'd talked about it last week, although we weren't thinking about it THIS way.

"Yes. Wait... does that mean there is a spell for it?" She asked me hopefully.

"Well, yes." She smiled brightly at me. I tried to not appear doubtful, but something about the way her smile began to fade told me I didn't do a good job at it. "Listen, Fluttershy, I'm not sure we're ready for this. I mean, I know we've been together for years, but this is a big step. Now, I'm all for it if you think we're ready, but are you absolutely sure?"

"Positive." I resisted the urge to say that only fools are positive to my marefriend.

"Okay. One second."

"You want to do it now?" Her smile spread open. I giggled a moment, levitating a book down from the nearby shelf.

"No, no. I'm just going to go over the facts with you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She opened the book and started scanning through it. She stopped at some parts for a moment, seemingly fascinated by tiny details. I couldn't hold back a giggle at the sight of her getting distracted by reading. Even while reading.

She found the page she was looking for, and showed it to me.

"I did some research on it after that little conversation last week, and I found these little things about it."

I started reading through some of the facts. "Caring for foals can be very hectic, but completely worth it to a loving parent. It will be demanding, seeing as foals have many needs that they cannot tend to by themselves. As they grow and develop into full blown ponies they will go through many equally chaotic stages- Twilight I already know all this. I was a foal once."

"I know, it's just..." She trailed off.

"Twilight, we both live where we work. Staying home with a foal won't be hard." I said warmly.

"Exactly! We don't even live together! If we can't live together, then how can we have a foal together? Obviously we aren't ready for a foal, right?" She sounded a little frantic at this point. Her eyes were wide, pupils shrunk slightly, and her eyebrows were scrunched together and raised the way they would be if she was...

Afraid.

"Twilight. Are you afraid to have foals with me?" I asked, just a little hurt at the idea.

"No! Well... yes, but not the 'with you' part. I'm just a little...what if I'm not a good mom?" She looked at me in a way that reminded me greatly of Angel when he was trying to apologize. Big eyes, worried expression, and a subtly quivering lip.

"Twilight." I scooted closer to her and wrapped her in a hug. "You will be, I promise. Besides, I'll be there the whole time, right beside you. And about us not living together?"

"Yeah?"

"You could move in with me. I can't really move into town and still take care of the little critters..."

"And I can still work here." She finished for me. "It's not a long walk at all. I really could move in with you, and Spike and me could help out at your house and-"

"Twilight?"

"Huh?"

"Calm down, please." I said, smiling warmly. She gave me a sheepish grin.

"Right, sorry." She smiled sheepishly at me, to which I replied with a kiss.

"So uhm... When will we do the spell thing?"

"We CAN do it now. If you want." She said, getting up. She levitated the book on children up to where it belonged, and pulled another one down from another shelf with her magic. She opened it up and found a bookmarked page. "It's a little complicated, and very intimate."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

"I mean it'll...feel weird for both of us." She replied awkwardly.

"Oh. That doesn't really matter; I still want to do it."

"Okay....It's a simple procedure. As the middle-mare, I take one mare's DNA, or in this case mine, and give it to the other, which is you."

"Okay."

Her horn began to glow as she started working her way through the spell.

Weird wasn't the right word for how it felt...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It'd been more than nine months sense we'd made the decision to have a foal. Now I'm sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Nurse Redheart to get back to me.

Well, not sitting. I'm surprised there isn't a trench in here from all my pacing, really.

"Twilight?" I turned to look at the nurse. She smiled widely at me. "Congratulations. Come with me."

I followed her through a maze of hallways until we arrived at Fluttershy's room. I walked in and found her on the bed cradling a little bundle in her arms. I pecked her on the cheek before peeking at the bundle she was holding.

I found myself looking at an adorable, green coated foal. It opened it's eyes and looked at me for just a moment, and my heart just melted.

"What should we name her?" Fluttershy asked.

I thought about it a moment, then suggested a name. She said she liked it, and handed her to me. As I sat on the chair by the bed, happily cradling my new pegasus daughter I proudly proclaimed,

"Welcome to Equestria, Dew Drop."