> Fluttershy's Mate > by Dr_MindQuill > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: A Noble Cause. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1: A Noble Cause. Spring The Forest is a lively place, home to many beautiful and mysterious beings. One of the more scarce species of said forest was the Red Fox. Their population has been dipping in recent years for reasons unknown and the local animal caretaker, Fluttershy, was beginning to worry about the adorable yipping scavengers of the Everfree. In her spare time from all the seemingly commonplace craziness around Ponyville she had been stocking up on kibble and other supplies for spring. Mating season was a very important time for animal caretakers like Fluttershy, every one of her animal friends had to be accounted for during the hectic season of various hormones. Many of them would act very ornery or impatient because of all the new pheromones floating in the air but she was as patient and kind as ever. However this mating season would be special for Fluttershy. She wasn’t going to sit by and watch such a proud and loving species such as the Red Fox die off. Not if she could do anything about it, and she most certainly could do something. Early on a particularly lovely Sunday morning, she made sure to get up way before the sun even started to rise up from the horizon and quickly ran through all her chores. Once she finished filling all her animal friends food dishes in her cottage, she went to work on gathering all the supplies she would need for this new mating season and piled them all into her cart. She had saved up quite a bit by buying an extra bag every time she went to the market, about 2 pounds of kibble specific to the Red Fox that her four legged friends had all agreed was very tasty indeed. Those bags along with quite a few bouquets of wildflowers she had picked the other day plus some other packed up supplies were all on the cart as well. As she got the cart ready and secure she saw her pet Angel hop out of the cottage while rubbing his tired eyes. It was way too early for him to be getting up now, and she cringed at herself, hoping she hadn’t woken him up by being too loud., The sun was just now making its way over the horizon, making her kick herself even more for being so loud. She knew he wouldn’t be happy about missing  out on some of his beauty sleep. Her more motherly and caring instincts took over and she rushed towards him to apologize and make sure he was taken care of. “Oh poor Angel bunny, did I wake you? I’m so, so, so sorry!” She said with all the care of a loving mother. The white demon bunny waves his free paw as he rubbed at the bag under his eyes with the other. His brow furrowed and his eyes squinted as he looked to her cart full of supplies then back to Fluttershy, seeming to wonder what she was doing and where she was heading. Fluttershy turned her own gaze toward the wagon then back to Angel with a nervous smile. She knew Angel had an aversion to predators and an even bigger one to foxes for good reason, they were one of his natural enemies. So she hadn’t told him about her plans. Now however she knew she was caught. “Oh, um, I am going into the woods to set up some things for mating season this year... You know... for…. for the foxes.” Angel deadpanned at that but sighed silently and shook his head. It was obviously too early for him to try and get her to stay home and groom his tail instead, so he simply shrugged his shoulders before giving her a good luck salute. He smiled slightly as well, as if to wish her a safe trip into the Everfree. Fluttershy smiles at that before picking up her cute little puffball of a friend, giving him a very tight, but not unwelcome hug. “Thank you Angel! And don’t worry, I’ll be extra careful!” she said, giving him a gently squeeze. Angle rolled his eyes, but returned the hug just the same. “Try to keep everyone calm while I am gone okay?” she added before letting him go. Angel crossed his arms and gave her the look he usually gives when she asks him a favor. He didn’t have to ‘say’ a word for her to know what he meant. She only smiled once more, good naturedly. She giggled at him before adding, “And If you do a real good job I’ll make you your favorite salad when I get back!” Angel gave his usual pout at that, acting as if he didn’t want to do what she asked of him, but they both knew he would. The smile on his face giving away just how bad his lust for carrots was. Fluttershy giggled behind a hoof and leaned down, giving a small kiss between his big floppy ears. “Don’t worry, I won’t be long, honest!” With that she turned and walked back to her cart of supplies, hooked herself up to the front, and made her way into the forest. The short canter over to the forest entrance gave her a little time to appreciate the warm breeze of the early morning and admire the beautiful sunrise. The small and quiet pegasus could be described as a morning pony but even she rarely gets up this early. The normally scary forest seemed so much more calm and enjoyable this time of day, but she really couldn’t waste any more time. She had to act out her plan fast. Along her way she saw very few animals up and about, many still asleep while most of the more nocturnal creatures were just now on their way to dreamland as the day started anew. Fluttershy simply smiled and gave small waves with her wings as she passed some of the creatures that were just starting to wake up. Most of them were actually quite familiar with her and some even waved back, feeling very comfortable with the pegasus walking through their territory. Her journey was a short one, though she hummed a little tune as she trotted along. After a few years of living near the Everfree she had began to know the outer rim very well so it didn’t surprise her when she reached her destinations ahead of schedule, entering into a small clearing with a small stream. The pleasant walk went by a lot faster than she expected with a lot less trouble but she was happy to have more time to prepare for the “event”. Her plan was a simple one but it was one she was sure would work if she put her heart into it. As she unhooked herself from the cart and lifted one of the bags of kibble, she thought about what she need to do first. The main goal was to get all the foxes mating so they could bring about a new stronger generation and save themselves from dying off completely in this area. In order to do that, they needed to have a welcoming environment so they could feel comfortable and think it was safe enough to start a family. With this in mind, Fluttershy began to open up the box she had brought along with the kibble and flowers. Inside were a few bowls she had let sit in the forest a few days prior so they wouldn’t smell like ponies and scare the skittish foxes off. She quickly went to work, setting the bowls up close to the stream of fresh water, making sure to space them out so none were more than five feet apart. She didn’t want any fights for food after all. As long as there was plenty to go around and it was all spaced out reasonably, there should be no trouble, but she was ready in case there was. “This should be perfect for them!” Fluttershy cooed as she admired her little set up. “Now they can get nice and full of yummy food so they will stick around and want to mate and start an adorable little family!.” A blush touched her face as she thought of how adorable all the new little fox kits will look when they start running around the forest with their parents. It was just too cute for her to handle and she had to rub her cheeks as she tried to suppress a happy giggle. Once she was done cooing and dawing at the adorable fox kits that danced around in her mind, she went and picked up the first bag of kibble and started to pour a generous amount in each bowl. Humming the same merry tune as before, she emptied both bags she brought in no time, all the bowls full to the brim with tasty kibble. Satisfied, Fluttershy wiped her forehead with a sigh of happiness and places the empty bags back in the cart for easy clean up. She only just began and the clearing was looking very appealing in her eyes. If she was a cute fox, she would want to come to this spot. “Now...” she said to herself as she looked into her cart again. “Onto making this place look more inviting and pretty.” She grabbed the bouquets of wildflowers she brought under each wing before placing them around the stream here and there. They still smelled and looked delicious to her equine eyes but she knew better than to eat any. The scent from the flowers was something that the Foxes in this area were drawn too, and she hoped that if she placed enough around, it would draw more of them to this spot. Fluttershy could really feel the romantic atmosphere starting to build once all the bouquets were emptied out, their contents all over the meadow. The small clearing truly looked beautiful but not orderly like a pony get together, kind of wild like the forest still was. It was all perfect in her eyes and she hoped the foxes liked it as well. With a smile, she set out to enact the last part of her plan. She crushed a few of the flowers to help spread their scent and emptied out of the crumbs of kibble in the burlap bags, shaking them out at the edges of the forest clearing in hope that the smell of food would always spread around. The wind was blowing today so it would most likely carry the scent and attract all the foxes to her little set up within the next hour. She made sure to fly up above the treeline and get the scent on the wind as well. Once that was done she landed next to the cart put away everything she didn’t need anymore, wiping the sweat from her forehead and sitting down on her rump to  rest her hooves for a little. “Whew, that was a lot of work, but it will all be worth it to see these adorable foxes get close and find love,” she said with a content smile, her heart fluttering as her cheeks heated up again. The tired yellow pegasus reached into her cart one last time and pulled out a nice cushion she brought in case she got herself a little worn out. She set it on a nice soft patch of grass and sits herself down on it, sighing with comfort as she kept watch for all the fluffy foxes that would come. The moments stretched on as she sat there listening to the forest come to life, the light pouring into the clearing slowly as the sun fully made it over the horizon and shone down on the waking land. Fluttershy was truly happy in that moment, surrounded by life and awaiting something great in such a beautiful place. Still it wasn’t complete in some ways. Like she was missing something in the silence, something or maybe someone… But before she could think more on that she heard a rustling to her left shaking her from her thoughts. She caught a brief glimpse of orange and black before it rushed into the shadows of the morning light. After a long silence she saw what looked like an adorable little snout poking out of the shadows of the underbrush. The little black nose sniffed about as it twitched, yet stayed in place. The inquisitive little fox that the curious nose belonged to must have been nearby and smelled the food, but he was no fool. He made sure it wasn’t a trap set by hunters like a smart tod. After a few tentative sniffs he leans his head forward, then looks around, his amber eyes sweeping across the clearing. He could see all the food from there, and it made his little stomach growl so loud that even Fluttershy could hear it. She suppressed a giggle and remained perfectly still as the cute fox slowly stepped forward. The small (but still adult) male fox stepped into the clearing and looked over at Fluttershy warily. He watched her for a moment, sniffing in her directions before determining she wasn't a serious threat though he was obviously still scared of her. This worried Fluttershy slightly, thinking maybe she should move farther away, but despite this, she simply smiled and waved her hoof slowly. The gesture seems to work as the fox stepped fully into the clearing looking toward the food bowls with hungry eyes, but before he could get closer, his ear twitched causing him to look back toward the underbrush. When Fluttershy looked in the same direction, she saw a few more inquisitive little foxes poking their head out. She counted at least four or five cute little snouts poking out, all of them wanting to know where the good food smell was coming from. Seeing the other fox already out gave them confidence, and one by one, they all started to step out as well, some of them looking between Fluttershy and the food before padding over to the bowls of food.. It truly was an adorable sight to behold and there were so many more to come. Within the next few minutes, most of them had started nomming into the bowls, the tension slowly dissipating as they all dug in. And of course the smell of foxes and food brought even more of the majestic creatures to the cleaning, and soon enough the whole place was alive with activity. Fluttershy welcomed each fox that looked her way with a small wave and a smile. Soon each bowl either had one or two foxes nibbling away at the kibble. All of them munched away happily, wagging their tails as they filled their bellies with delicious food. The sight was almost too much for Fluttershy to handle and she squealed softly in joy before sighing in contentment. Her plan was working perfectly and she laid her head on a propped up hoof so she could watch. She knew  the food would be gone soon and the atmosphere would shift once the males started smell the raging pheromones coming from the females in heat. After a few moments the kibble was gone completely, the congregation of foxes licked their jowls and started to nuzzle one another, all looking very happy and content. Joyus and playful yips and purrs filled the clearing as they fox's started to become more frisky with one another, some of them wrestle for dominance with one another but it was all in good fun. A more naughty smirk crossed over Fluttershy’s lips as she knew exactly what was to come next. She couldn’t help the feeling of butterflies fluttering around her tummy at the idea of what was to come, making her feel all giddy and a little heated herself.  She carefully watched over them as they were already starting to pair off into groups of one male and one female. It was so adorable how they would nuzzle and lick each other affectionately. It made her wish she had a special somepony of her own. The sounds of playful purring grew louder and filled Fluttershy’s ears with their sound. It was all so cute that it made her cheeks blush further and her smile brighten. She knew that there were going to be a lot of new families starting tonight and she was happy to be a part of it. Though as she moved to stand up make her way home, she stopped and noticed one particular sad looking fox standing near the stream all alone. The sight of a lonely animal in such a happy and loving place made her stomach twist into a knot and her blood freeze over, She couldn’t just let the poor thing suffer alone in such a joyful place, it just wasn’t in her nature and she had to make an attempt to help the poor creature. He could have been one of the more socially awkward or less dominant ones in the group, making it hard for him to find a mate. With quiet and calm movements, she stood and put her cushion she was sitting on back into her cart before slowly trotting over to the lone fox. All the other foxes seemed to be comfortable with her now, plus most of them were  too busy cooing and nuzzling with one another to pay her any mind. She was able to walk up to the lone fox without spooking him, though he was currently facing away from her, staring into his own reflection in the stream. She was close enough now that she could see his bright golden eyes as they stare off, seeming far away and lost in a world full of sadness that tugged at her heartstrings. That look of loneliness broke her and she knew at that moment that she couldn’t just leave this male to suffer and go one without helping him find a mate. Being careful and slow, she sat down next to him, trying to think of how she could go about helping this poor creature. The silence was long as she pondered, the male fox still seemingly unaware of her presence, but she thought she saw his ear twitch as she sat down so he must know she's there. After a few more seconds of awkward silence she leaned over and whispered as soft as she could to not startle him. “H-hey...” . The lone fox squeaks in surprise and fell over onto his side. Fluttershy tried not to laugh as he shook his head and looked up at at her incredulously. She let a few giggles escaped her lips behind a hoof before she collected herself to talk again.. “I’m sorry Mr. Fox, I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you knew I was there... Are you okay?” The lone fox blinked at her a couple of times, but  nodded, seeming to understand what she was saying. She smiled warmly at him, but upon closer inspection, she instantly recognized the fox as the first to have shown up in the clearing. “Why are you over here all alone? Didn’t you want to find a mate for the season?” She asked curiously as he got to his feet and shook off some of the leaves and twigs that got caught in his fur from his fall.. The fox gave a gentle and adorable sigh before sitting down in front of her. His ears pinned back against his skull as he looked down and away from her, his sad demeanor speaking volumes. He nodded his head finally, giving her his answer. Fluttershy looked back over all the other foxes who found mates before looking back to the lone fox. “You mean... all the other vixens are already taken? None of them found interest in you?” He nodded again. At first Fluttershy couldn’t believe it what he was telling her. There had to be at least one other vixen left to be his mate. She turned toward the clearing behind them and looked around a second time but saw no other females or even males that were still looking for a mate.  All the other foxes had found their partners and were already starting to leave in pairs to start families of their own. There was not a, soul left but her and him. As she turned back to the fox he looked even more downtrodden and depressed as he too looked over the clearing, desperately trying to find anyone he could pair up with, but there was no one. Tears started to well in the fox's eyes and it was like somepony had stuck a knife into Fluttershy’s chest. She might have been able to help all the other foxes of the forest find love, but she had failed her new friend. That stung more than anything she could have managed, she frowned deeply. “I’m so sorry, little one... I wish I could do something to help you, but it seems there are no more foxes around…” She said sadly as she reach a gentle hoof out towards him. The fox knew what she was doing and walked closer to her, letting his head rest on her chest as she wrapped her hoof around him, pulling him into a hug. “There has to be some way we can find you a mate this season...” The fox stayed there, enjoying her warm embrace as he cuddled into her, wiping away some of his tears in her fur. He was really enjoying to closeness with her and he let out a happy for soft yip of thanks which made her smile. “Don’t mention it... I’m always here for a fri...” Fluttershy stopped herself mid sentence as an idea came to her. The fox in her hooves, being curious as to why she suddenly stopped talking, leaned back and looked up at her with curious but confused eyes. He yipped and flinched back when he was meet with her happy and beaming face as she started down at him with an excited smile. “Mr. Fox!” she said a little to excitedly. “What if... what if I could be your mate!?” End of Chapter 1 > Chapter 2: A Proposal. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2: A Proposal. The facial structure of a Red Fox is an interesting one. Unlike its relatives like the domesticated dog or the wolf, it is very much sleek and complex. Allowing for many expressions to be made. This may be the reason why upon Fluttershy’s question the fox seemed to have blushed and look perplexed even though by all biological evidence foxes couldn’t blush. Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle at the adorable face he made, her hooves going to her muzzle to muffle the giggles as she watches the fox squirm in front of her. The most striking features of animals is their eyes, they always looked so wide and innocent to Fluttershy, so accepting and open that it made her feel deeply happy to see them look up at her and smile. What was so compelling about foxes and this fox in particular is that their eyes are their wide irises and sparkling color, this cute little one she has in her lap had blue-green eyes that seemed to be very subdued in tone but beautiful over all. Beyond their color and look, they were often very active. Foxes were of course very cautious creatures so they tend to be called shifty looking, that didn’t seem fair to Fluttershy but they certainly seem curious about all the things around them. In her eyes, she thought they just looked adorable and attentive, their little ears perked and their eyes scanning around. But when it came to this fox at the moment they seemed nervous and unsure, even though their body was at ease they still seemed scared of something other than a physical threat as their eyes looked into their little lap and seemed to be trying to think of something to say to the out of nowhere offer. Before the blush quite goes away he looks down at his forepaws and fidgets in place. Vocalizing in a show of primal communication beyond facial movements and looks. Showing that his tone unlike most other vulpines is very soft and gentle. To the normal pony it only sounded like strange animalistic yowling and yipping. But to the experienced caretaker like her it was like a second language. Everything from a low gekking to a very lively yell was like a normal conversation to her. Not only was she experienced but because of her special talent of animal caretaking she had a special insight through it all. Tone and body language helped immensely and made any guesswork vanish into certainty. The small tod looked up at the butter yellow mare finally and whined a little before responding in his own way. “Y-you are nice to offer… b-but you are not vixen, and you don’t know me.. I don’t want to bother you.” His soft voice sounding nervous and bashful to her ears much like her own voice before she gained confidence in herself. The yellow pegasus smiles warmly and hugs the small tod with her gentle wings and soft forelegs. The sudden hug made the small vulpine squeak with fear but after a few seconds and a tentative hug back with his small paws he began to relax and breathe in her different but very pleasing intimate scent. To his sensitive nose she smelled so good, like lilacs and morning dew in spring. The fact she was in early heat definitely helped her smell enticing even to a male of another species. As he nuzzled into her chest fluff he purred slightly. A rare thing for a fox but something they were capable of when completely relaxed and at ease. The sweet sound plus the tods affectionate nuzzling made her smile even more and have her wings fully cocoon around the little one, he was about half her size but he was very light, she slowly laid down next to the river with her new potential mare laying on her chest and tummy. He didn’t seem to mind as she nuzzled his head and stroked his back, only seeming to purr more. “I know I am not a vixen and we just met, but I can’t stand to see such an adorable critter be all sad and alone this season, you deserve to have a mate too even if there aren’t any vixens left.” She says with a slight frown. The fox comes out of his trance and grimaces a little at his forwardness, though he does not try to push her away or get out of the embrace. “I-I want a mate but… I am nervous since this would be my first time having one.” He looks away at that and stares at his own tail. This was both incredibly cute and logical to the animal caretaker. Red Foxes mate for life and that always seemed sweet to Fluttershy. “Well its my first time being someone's mate too but I am willing to try if you are Mr. Fox… maybe tell me your name and we will go from there.” The tod was confused for a moment for a couple reasons. He though, from what he had seen of ponies from foraging near the forest edge, that they had multiple mates and could even have more than one at a time. But he had never spoken to one before today so he didn’t know for sure. The other reason was that a pony had just asked him his name; But he didn’t know if he had one exactly. Foxes had specific calls for certain foxes but they didn’t function like names. He decided to give her that one since it was the closest thing he had to a name. “Um… I guess I am called Pebble.” Fluttershy couldn’t help but giggle just a little at the name, it was so fitting for such a small creature but also spoke of his ability to go unnoticed by others. It reminded her even more of herself and only made her want to help him come out of his shell as well. She nuzzles the adorable Pebble’s cheek and smiled. “Well I am Fluttershy and I would be delighted to have you come to my cottage for tea.” Pebble squirmed and was as indecisive as he was furry. He wanted to stay with this nice pony very much even if they just met and he smelled no danger on her. But he had never left the forest before and the thought of it scared him more than anything. Yet as he worried over everything that could go wrong he couldn’t stop himself from just breathing the nice mares… no, Fluttershy’s scent, it was so warm and cozy, inviting to the fox. Even if he didn’t know why he wanted to stay as close as he could to her. So he nodded and hugged her of his own volition surprising the animal caretaker and slowly hugged him back. Fluttershy smiled and picked up Pebble, placing him on her back which he quickly adjusted to and simply held onto her back and nuzzled into the back of her neck, she blushed at the suddenly very affectionate fox and began to pack up all the bowls in the clearing and pulling the cart back to her cottage slower than the trip there so she didn’t disturb the fox on her back who she suspected might have fallen asleep. She heard his even breathing and soft purring become slower and more relaxed. She squeals internally from this but keeps quiet to let him rest as he is a nocturnal and by his clock he is up pretty late as the sun climbs higher in the sky. By the time the kind pegasus got back to her cottage and put away her small wagon she could feel him start to shift a bit from the unfamiliar smells and the smell of her animal friends. He lifted his head from her back and yawned with a small noise and looked around at the humble home. He carefully jumped off of her back making sure not to scratch her and sniffed the air, backing away from the place a little and giving a nervous sound. “I d-dunno if I should be here, I-I smell bigger more predatory animals here.” He hides behind one of his prospective mates hind legs. The kind caretaker automatically goes into her mother mode and picks up the scared fox, cooing to him, holding him to her chest, and petting down his back. “Its alright Pebble, they are my friends, I take care of lots of animals and they all get along with others.” She smiles and puts him on her back, petting him with her wings as she opens the door and walks in. The animals inside were skittering and running about as they enjoyed the new day, some of them turning to the caretaker and her charge. Sniffing at her and the new animal before running off to do their own animal things. Fluttershy waving to each of them and petting some as they come closer, telling them in their own tongue who their new friend is. Eventually Angel hopped up looking very miffed, both because of her taking so long and especially for bringing one of his biggest predators into his home. Fluttershy knew he wouldn’t be happy with another mouth to feed or a fox, but she knew how to get him to calm down as well. She picked him up as well much to his chagrin before lifting him onto the kitchen counter and placing Pebble next to him. “Angel this is Pebble, Pebble this is Angel.” She introduced the two as she got down Angels favorite snack; parsnips from the top shelf where she keeps the rest of the treats. She gives Angel one and gives one to Pebble. The rabbit automatically scarfing down the vegetable before eyeing the one the fox held. Pebble looked to the pony questioningly, he didn’t eat such things, he was a scavenger. But she just tilted her head to Angel and smiled. Giving him the message silently and he got it after a couple of slow blinks. He held out the root vegetable to the rabbit and tried his best to be friendly, giving the fox version of a smile, a gentle trill, and lowering his head. Angel was wary as always since he didn’t know this creature at all but he simply took the parsnip and chewed on it. Giving Pebble side-eye before looking to Fluttershy and rolling his eyes, he knew he couldn’t stop her from taking in another animal but he didn’t have to be happy about it, He simply nodded to the fox and hopped off the counter to go about his own business. This perplexed the vulpine but Fluttershy simply smiled and watched Angel hop away knowing he would warm up to him eventually. She then turned back to Pebble and pet between his ears. “Don’t worry about Angel, he is just grumpy but now that we are here. I can make us some tea and we can get to know each other better.” She said with a smile, getting out her kettle and other necessities while Pebble watched her with curiosity. He had never had tea before but he trusted her to now steer him wrong. Even if everything around him was new and maybe a little scary. He still felt at home weirdly enough, like this place was its own kind of forest filled with warmth and other creatures. So he laid down on the counter where the sun came in through the window, the warm material of the counter feeling good on his belly as did the rays of sun on his fur. He laid his head down and watched her set the kettle to boil before she started to pet his head gently causing him to purr cutely once more. His amber eyes slid shut and he fell into a gentle sleep like he did on the trip here. The small sounds of his breathing as she continued to pet him seemed to lull Fluttershy into this dream like state. Seeing a creature... no, an individual she related to and cared about so much being so at peace after such a bad day for them. Seeing them feel at home and… loved for lack of a better word and knowing it was all because of her filled with a sort of pride she had never felt before. She has always taken pride in her work and cared for all her animal friends but this was different. It really was a sort of love she felt for Pebble and it only strengthened her resolve to be the best mate she could be to this wonderful fox. End of Chapter 2. > Chapter 3: A Romance and A Mating. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3: A Romance and a Mating. Pebble’s sensitive ear flicks as he hears a high pitched noise he never heard before, his eyes shooting open as he looked around scared, backing away from the source of the sound. The sight startling Fluttershy as she had zoned out simply petting her new mate as he napped. She soon noticed the sound and giggled a little, turning off the burner causing the whistling of the kettle to lower in pitch then stop. “Sorry, I should have warned you about that. It means the water is ready for the tea though.” The element of Kindness picks up the kettle in one wing and Pebble in the other, making the fox squeak adorably but not fight, taking them both over to the table before sitting down with them on its top. She was careful with the slightly startled tod and he calmed down as he was sat down a safe distance from the hot metal kettle, she scoops a good dose of tea into the boiling hot water and lets it steep for a little. “Now we just wait a little for it to soak in the flavor and then we can drink. It will be a little warm but I think you will like the taste, all my other animal friends love it.” Pebble nods, sniffing at the hot metal pot a little but keeps his distance from the strange thing. He looks over at Fluttershy as she sits across from him on a stool she pulled up, she had already brought over two cups and some sugar ready to help the taste go down better if the little vulpine found it too bitter. Pebble sniffed at these new things curious as his species befitted him. The white powder in the small bowl smelled kind of sweet like the berries he ate for breakfast last evening. The small cold bowls she put in front of both of them didn’t smell like anything, everything was so new and strange to him but he was excited instead of scared, something about having this mare near him made him feel safe and a little protective of her even.  The tod looked up at her and smiled in the subtle way foxes are known to, his tail wagging slowly. “T-thank you for letting me into your… D-den? Is that what ponies call it too?” His “voice” sounded less on edge to Flutters ears but still a little nervous as if he was trying to make the best impression he could on this little “date.” The attempt to learn more about her while also thanking her for giving him a chance made her heart swell with affection as she sees him coming out of his shell. “Well we call our homes cottages our houses, but I know what you mean. It’s no trouble at all, I really do want to be your mate. I would hate for such an adorable and kind tod to be alone during the season of love.” She said with a loving smile on her muzzle. Pebble for his part was a little embarrassed for his lack of knowledge of how ponies did things since his prospective mate was a pony and such an understanding pony at that. Once she called him adorable and kind he couldn’t help but feel himself blush again and look away. He had always been the runt of the skulk in the forest. So he tended to garner no attention from anyone, even his own birth mother always gave him the least attention because he was the weakest. Yet here was this pony showering him in attention, compliments, and affection. It was a little overwhelming for him but he looked up from his forepaws after a second, giving a soft “Thank you.” Fluttershy could see he was not used to the attention she was given and couldn’t help but find his reaction to it as adorable as anything he has done so far. Her instinct to cuddle and cherish this cute fox almost overwhelmed her but she held herself back from attack hugging him, she simply reached over with a wing, stroking down his back. “You are very welcome Pebble. Did you want to ask me about anything else while the tea gets ready?” She retracts her wing as she finishes her question, not wanting to distract him since she knows animals can find ponies very strange. Especially the way they find them cute but she couldn’t help herself with him. He was so pure and unassuming it made her heart ache with the need to protect and care for him. The fox purred deeply at the petting, the reassuring gesture making him smile and relax on the cool table as his little nose twitched, the smell of the “tea” as Fluttershy called it was becoming stronger as the steam wafted out of the kettle. It had the scent of warmth in a different way he had little experience with, like the taste itself warmed you instead of how hot it was.Yet it also smelled like it was sweet in a new way too. Like those fields on the western side of the whitetail woods, near that big pony place with all the trees. He stayed away from there, other foxes said the ponies there didn’t like foxes poking at their trees and the sweet smelling stuff growing on them. He decided to ask, even though he had a feeling it was a dumb question. “W-what's this tea taste like? I-it smells interesting.” Fluttershy blinked and looked at the kettle, not knowing he could smell it already, though his nose was more sensitive than hers so she shouldn’t be surprised. “Oh, its um… Apple Cinnamon Spice. I got it from a friend last month. Is it a good smell?” She asked hoping he would like it, even though her other animal friends liked it they were used to tea. Pebble nods and scoots towards the pot as it cools, sniffing closer to the spout but keeping distance so the steam doesn’t hurt his sensitive nose. “Yeah, I think I heard that word before, apple, I never got to taste one before though. I heard they are sweet like berries, does that mean its the Cinnamon stuff that smells warm?” The element of kindness nods, reaching over with her wing, picking up the kettle, and pouring them both their cups of tea. Then after putting it back down on the cooling seat uses her mouth to pick up the teaspoon and put two spoonfuls of sugar in each before stirring and gently moving one cup to her guest. “Yup you got it. Apples are fruit kind of like berries but they grow on trees and cinnamon is a spice that tastes a little spicy, gives the tea a little warmth in your belly. Hope you like it.” She says with a smile as she blows on her own tea then sips it. The small vulpine watches her do these strange things with the very hot liquid, listens intently, learning so much about life outside the forest, how things work in the pony world. He scoots close to the offered cup of tea, lowering his head to it, inhaling its aroma, and feeling warmer. The scent alone made him feel happier already, though the heat coming off of it made him apprehensive about drinking it. He saw how his mate blew on hers, trying to do the same, trying to be gentle and pony like but ending up blowing too hard. Getting a little on the platter under the cup which made him blush but Fluttershy either didn’t notice or didn’t think it anything but cute. She smiles at him encouragingly to keep at it. Soon he was able to do it just like her after a couple of tries then he was able to dip his tongue into the hot liquid, lapping it slowly. The taste was very warm, sweet as well as tasty in a way he had never experienced before. Like it was made just to calm and soothe your heart as he felt the liquid travel down to his belly. Making him feel pleasantly warm. He smiles at Fluttershy before nodding. “Its good, thank you Fluttershy. I have never had something like this before but I think I love it.” He says before continuing to lap at his tea slowly. Fluttershy watched intently before she breathed a sigh of relief at his reaction to the tea. It was one of her favorites and Applejack always had a case for her every month. So seeing him enjoy it as well only made her feel happier as well as closer to him. “I love it too, I am oh so happy I was able to help you experience something new. I guess this whole situation is new to both of us. Finding a mate and all.”  Pebble blushed at her words and nodded, stopping his lapping to look at her. He summoned all his courage and asked the question that had bugged him since the forest. “Why have never had a mate..? You are so p-pretty and nice.” He said, soon feeling like he messed up as he watched her blush, now looking very shy. “I-I mean, I just thought ponies could have multiple mates and don’t mate for life like foxes do. T-thats why I never had one, no one wants a weak small tod like me.” He looked down into his tea looking at his reflection much like when she first found him at the river. Frowning at himself but now for more than just being alone, for maybe messing up his one chance. The caretaker was taken aback a little by his question but as he elaborated on what he noticed about ponies. His compliments making her embarrassed blushing get worse as she squirms on her stool but then as he looked down at his tea in his disheartened state she felt her heart ache all over again. She put down her cup of tea, reached over with her wing and lifted his chin up so he met her eyes. “You may be small but you are far from weak Pebble. I never had a mate because I never had the feelings I had for you with another pony. And I think any vixen would be lucky to have you cause you are so kind and lovely.” She spoke with a quiet authority full of care and love trying to get him to see what an amazing tod he really is. The tod in question blinked as he listened, the way she spoke so enrapturing as the fire in his belly from the tea grew with something else. Staring into her beautiful eyes he reached up and hugged her wing. “Thank you… Thank you so much my M-mate.” He sniffles as he holds onto her. She brings him close with her other wing as he holds on bringing him in her lap, hugging him to her belly as he then hugs her chest. She squeezes him gently as he feels that love wash over him. His heart raced as he tried to compose himself but all he could think of was how much he loved her scent. Being so close to her as she showed him such love really got to him. He soon calmed his tears of joy long enough to look up at her as she stroked his head scruff and say. “I want to be your mate too, please don’t ever leave me sweet Fluttershy.” He said with pleading hazel eyes. She smiles and nods, hooking her hooves under his rump and lifting him up to nuzzle his muzzle directly in a show of affection. He immediately responded by licking her cheek while making deep purring noises as he licks her other cheek next. She giggles a little at the licks then licks his forehead making him shiver and nuzzle her neck, licking their next. The unexpected lick to such a sensitive place makes her eep and freeze up a little snapping them both out of the love drunk state. He scoots back out of her hooves onto the table in front of her. “S-sorry, I got a little heated there… its the season.” The mention of the heat and the season made something in the back of her mind tingle but she couldn’t remember, just focusing on making Pebble feel better about it. “Its okay Pebble, I just wasn’t expecting it. I-it felt nice but I have never done anything like that with anyone.” He looked down and spoke “Me either… it just felt right.” She nods and sits back down on her stool, using her wing to bring his cup of tea back to him as he now sat a lot closer to her.  He leans down and keeps lapping at his tea as she sips at hers, a small silence passes as both of them try to recollect their thoughts. Pebble tried to figure out why he got so into it so fast since he never got that needy during the past mating seasons. While Fluttershy tried to figure out if she could go through with the rest of what being his mate meant. She cared about him and wanted to be here for him but she was so inexperienced with romantic relationships or the things that come with them. She pondered this as she sat at her table with Pebble, the both of them sitting in a pregnant pause for a long while. Soon she notices the time as the hour had grown late and excuses herself to go tend to her animal friends including one very irritated rabbit who didn’t get his salad he was promised. She made sure they were all well taken care of including Angel before coming back to find Pebble staring at his own tail as it swished slowly. He looks up as she comes back in and smiles that small smile that makes her heart soar just that tiny bit as she sees his tail wag a little faster. She puts away the now empty kettle and cups as they had slowly drunk all the tea along with some soft cinnamon cookies she had offered once she had begun to feel peckish. He had loved those as well and she had giggled at how he licked his own snoot clean of the crumbs.  Once all the dishes had been put away she yawned lightly and heard him yawn after her. She smiled and offered her back which he gladly took as he climbed on gently. As she walked through the living room, the sun was setting in the window as the lights dimmed making it dance in Fluttershy’s mane. Curling up once again on his mate's back Pebble couldn’t help but feel his chest flutter as he noticed how truly beautiful she was. As Fluttershy made her way up the stairs making Pebble yip and hold onto her shoulders but her wings made sure he didn’t fall as she ascended up to the second floor and opened the door to her bedroom. “This is where I sleep, I usually don’t let any of my animal friends in here but you are my mate so you get special privileges.” She says with a slight blush. The fox looked around the spacious room and sniffed the air, it certainly smelled of her unlike downstairs which mostly smelled of all her friends. He felt a sense of calm he had never felt before in here surrounded by her scent. Even as she sat him on her bed which was very foreign to him he couldn’t help but sink into the soft comforter, purring as he nuzzled into the fabric. “I-It smells so nice… like you, you make me feel so good and have taken such good care of me. T-thank you Fluttershy.” He says as he looks up at her with those golden eyes full of honest love. The caretaker smiles while laying down on the bed next to Pebble. Pulling him close and nuzzling the top of his head as she feels her heart swell with love. “You are very welcome Pebble, thank you for taking me up on my offer. I know its a bit crazy but I am happy to have you here with me.” She said with a soft and blushing smile getting butterflies in her stomach as she squirms a little in front of the lovely tod she is just now noticing in a different light now that they are alone in her bedroom. She had sometimes let Angel sleep in here when he had nightmares but this was very different indeed. She had only had secret crushes when she was a teen she had never had the nerve to invite a colt over. Eventually she just sits next to him on the bed and pets him in a shy way, for once feeling a little sheepish around an animal because of how much she wants this relationship to work but not knowing the first thing about having a mate or the more lewd details that made her hind legs shiver and her core heat. Meanwhile some very similar thoughts were running through Pebble’s head. He knew foxes all had the natural instinct to breed, to mate but he was feeling nothing like that. All he felt was a deep new feeling and it was seeming to come from how caring, how affectionate Fluttershy was. Along with that he knew nothing about how ponies mated or treated their mates, he only saw ponies from the periphery when they got close to the forest they were usually alone. Even when they were together it was rare they were mates or seemed like mates. He could only draw upon rare events. So as she softly petted lower back down to his tail as he squirmed a little in his unsure but still cute way he remembered one thing he did see once and decided it was time for him to be straightforward. He needed to show her how he felt, to give her thanks for being his mate. **CLOP WARNING, SKIP TO THE BOTTOM TO AVOID THE CUTE AND LEWD ACT** He wiggles up her body over her belly and nuzzles her fluffy chest furr that puffed up a bit because of her pegasus biology. It reminded him of how vixens would sometimes puff up their fur in their chest along with their tails to look more curvy for males. But in a different sort of way like this wasn’t for his viewing pleasure but to show her soft, warm nature… and as he nuzzled into her warm fluff she felt her blush starting to grow again. His sensitive nose felt her heat as he purred into her chest while holding her tight. The warmth in her core started to burn as she felt his body so close to her and his paws stroking her sides. At the same time his own blood was starting to heat up as he inhaled her scent and felt her heart beating against his snoot. The sound and feeling both calming and invigorating to him as he felt her own excitement grow. The sudden loving movement certainly surprised her but was far from unwanted as she had also been trying to figure out how to show these feelings she had. Her more reserved nature blocking her with fear of overwhelming Pebble with her needs, that same feeling in the back of her mind now turning into something that overtook her senses with him so close and being so intimate in her most private place. Her nethers started to really react to his actions as he nuzzles deep into her chest floof, holding on so tight, his body pressed against her. She could feel his body heat not to mention his heart racing as he starts to lick at her chest and murr in a way she knows she heard in the forest during last mating season. His little voice sounding deeper as his tail slowly wags. The sight being both adorable as well as invigorating as the lick makes her shiver and hold him closer, his tongue feeling good on her as she feels her body seem to react automatically as she nuzzles the top of his head, mewling with pleasure. Her wings wrapped around him as she rolled onto her back with him on top of her. The tod barely notices as he keeps nuzzling and licking her chest in a loving way seemingly lost in the act of making her feel loved. The mare cooed as he kept going as she leaned down, licking at his neck in return to give back the love. The sensation made him murr once more before looking up at her with his eyes so full of love, full of want for her. His unsureness went as he was overtaken with her scent that only got thicker and heavier in the room as they had kept going. Her body felt like it was on fire with need for him. He leans up slightly so he can lick her lips in the most intimate way as his loins cloud his mind with need as well. She accepted his invitation by kissing him passionately if a little inexperienced. The feeling new to both of them but very forgien to the tod. Though he clearly enjoyed it as he kissed back, his fuzzy muzzle opening as he tried to figure it out as she did her best to guide him silently. Their tongues danced in a slow explorative way as they got deeper into their first kiss, opening up more and experiencing this first together. One of her hooves reaching up, stroking the back of his head then down to his neck as she moaned lovingly into the lip lock. Her broader tongue being just as gentle as the rest of her as she explored his slightly smaller muzzle, feeling his sharper teeth, and he feeling her flatter ones. Both of them are doing their best to take in the new experience, loving every moment of it. Soon though they pull away both needing to breathe as they stare into each other's eyes, blue meeting golden amber both filled with desire but more importantly, love. She finally breaks the silence. “I want you... But I'm afraid I’ll put too much on you.” she says breathing slowly, her cunny dripping below him. The heat inside her turns to a raging inferno that she knows very well. The winking of her clit showing how soaked she is even if the tod hasn’t noticed yet though he can certainly smell it. His own body also reacted as his red tip poked out of his sheath, leaking slightly in anticipation. His fuzzy balls churning and becoming more heavy with virile seed in preparation of what was to come.  He pants heavily and feels like lightning is in his veins from this first taste of lust and need while also doing his best to be the best mate he can be. “I am not going to do anything you don’t want, but I also don’t want to leave you unsatisfied. You deserve to be given all the love in me and I won’t give up until I give you it if you will let me.” He replies with a confidence she hadn’t seen in him before as he looked so sure in this love he felt and this need to make her feel wonderful. She looks away still unsure herself but as she sees his member growing out of his sheath she can’t help but feel her heart swell and her cunny squeeze in need for the same things. She looks up at him and nods shyly. “J-just be gentle and don’t be afraid to ask me to take over, I-I don’t want to make you feel like you need to do everything o-okay?” He nods in response then leans forward again kissing her once more to show this will be a very gentle, passionate mating. The kiss is shorter as he pulls away to licks her neck in that same spot as earlier but this time doesn’t stop when her breath hitches and she moans. The sounds only encourage him as his paws rub at her chest floof, his tongue keeps licking, and lightly nibbling at her sensitive neck. The actions seem to come natural to him as well as just being a result of his curious nature as he sees how she reacts to how he keeps going. His cock was now fully out of his sheath, throbbing, leaking heavily with pre as his unswollen knot stays hidden but he hardly seems to notice his pulsing need. Focused instead on hearing more of her lovely squeaking, to hear more moaning as he switches to the other side of her long neck, giving it the same treatment he gave the other leaving the same little nibbles and licks as a trail of love as well as exploration of her soft intimate area. All the licks, kisses, and nibbles cause her core to only heat more. Her lower lips ache for his touch but she refuses to push him. Instead deciding to show him the same kind of treatment by kissing and nuzzling his neck. Its thicker fur along with his primal scent was so comforting for her as she also reached down with her hoof to toy with her cunny to help keep her sane from his teasing exploration of her body. Playing with her labia and brushing against her winking clit as the lewd wet sounds make the foxes ear flick. Her wing reached down as well to brush over his member making her shiver as she could feel its warmth as it hovered over her belly. Its scent was so powerful as he got more into it. Each loving everything they found with each other. The musk of his sexual desire, the way it throbbed excitedly, bobbing under him made her bite her lip as she whimpered under her breath with both temptation to pin him down and ride him as well as trepidation on what it would feel like inside her with its non equine shape. She had toys like any other mare but nothing had ever gone so deep inside her as she knew he would. As her wing slid along the underside of his member with a of course feather light touch the tod shivered and bucked from how sensitive he was the sensation new to him. The touch made his member shoot a string of musky pre over her belly which made her shiver from the sight and feeling as it foreshadowed things to come. Soon all the kisses, nuzzles, and the stroke to his member break his concentration till he can’t help but bite lightly on her neck to show his need which sends shivers down the mare's spine. The primal hold on her making something in her click, her cunny squirting a bit of her juices onto the covers from the sudden unexpected pleasure. She moans even as he pulls away and licks the light mark he left, not breaking the skin or damaging but leaving some impressions. His eyes darken slightly as he slips into his instinct as he overtakes him. He gives light bites down her neck to her chest, stopping at her belly to lick up his pre then kiss her giving her his taste before continuing to her navel. Leaving another trail of light nips as well as loving licks to her beautiful body, each one making her mewl and gasp. He pushes her hoof away from her cunny so he can see her dripping sex. The sight is so beautiful, so mesmerizing to him as he inhales her scent where it is its strongest. The smell entrancing him, drawing him closer to her privates as his paws spread her hind legs making her feel self conscious about how intently he is staring. He notices her teats which were swelled a bit as well because of the season as well as her heat she is now keenly aware of. The sight so foriegn to him yet he couldn’t help but find it so arousing, beautiful just like the mare it belonged to. Without even thinking he leans forward and licks the winking clit as it shows itself making his mate eep in that adorable way as well as clench up causing another string of her juices to come out from the sudden pleasure which only serves to encourage him. He licks the juices off his muzzle before he hungrily digs in, his long tongue running over her folds as she leaks more and more of her juices licking up all of it. She has to bite her hoof, moaning into it to try to not wake her animal friends as he explores her most intimate area. Her other hoof petting and holding his head as her eyes flutter close as she feels her belly tighten. The tod just lost in his need to discover and explore his mates body as well as the way to please them. Eventually he nibbles gently on her clit knowing this area is sensitive from her reactions, it has the desired effect of making her have to pull her pillow over her face as she orgasms from the sheer buildup. The sensation of his dangerous but gentle muzzle feeling so good it unlocked something in her. She tenses up as she humps the air making him smile and lick his muzzle knowing to give her time somehow as she cums. His muzzle goes to her teats, nuzzling them as she calms down. The shower of pleasure was a bit quick for her but she couldn’t help it from just how much he teased her body, bathing her in his love. She finally gets her breath back, her face a red mess from going off so quick but she gives him a meek nod to keep going after pulling the pillow down from her face and hugging it to her chest. He puts one of his paws on her hoof and smiles understandingly with his face wet from her juices. He decides to make sure she is ready, leaning down once more to slowly push his long slender tongue inside her. The feeling made her shiver as he tasted her depths and touched her most sensitive place. He loved the taste even more than the juice that he was rewarded with, licking and pushing against her walls while reaching as deep as he could to explore her one last time before the real mating would begin.  The long tasting muscle brushing against every nook and cranny while listening and feeling her reactions, ever attentive and wanting to learn how to please his mate since she has done so much for him already. It was a feeling forgien to him as he not only never had a mate but never had to care so deeply for someone other than himself. Even his own skulk didn’t like him so this feeling of fulfilment from making someone feel good just because you want them to feel wonderful was something he could get very used to. However the burning in his loins was soon overwhelming him as he could feel his cock leaking heavily with need and his balls churning with intent to breed. After his teasing of her walls down to her deepest barrier he pulls his tongue out, whining as he looks at her. The caretaker pants as her forehead is matted with sweat, the pleasure so electrifying and all consuming as it burned through her body she couldn’t take much more of his exploration herself without the urge to pin him down in a very needy way almost overtaking her. She nods and uses her hind legs to bring him closer, wrapping them around his waist to give him permission to mount her. It was scary but the excitement smothered any fear she had as her heat was in full effect her body screaming at her to let the male take her and quench her fire. The needy tod gulps as he sees how badly she wants this as well as he does his best to follow his instincts that led him here but even now his worry of hurting her is causing him to hesitate and fumble. She can see how scared he is so she holds his paw, squeezing it gently in her hoof. He calms as he looks in her reassuring beautiful blue eyes full of love before nodding back as he places his leaking tapered tip between her winking puffy lips. Finding her entrance easily he slowly pushed inside and shivered at the tight velvety warmth that enveloped him the farther he went. His length sliding inside slowly as he hears her coos, her warm encouraging noises. Soon he is only halfway inside when he feels her tighten more as his thick member starts brushing against her more sensitive spots he found with his tongue. He tries his best to aim for those as he humps gently to get past the growing tightness. The gentle kind mare gasping as she feels him push softly then more powerful, desperate to sheathe his member inside her. This wasn’t her first time with something inside her but it was certainly on another level as she felt him pulsing and pushing against her in such a lively way. She squeals as he hilts almost all of his member inside her besides his quickly swelling knot. Inside her, the way the shaft thickens the further down you go seeming to be just the right fit for her as it seemed to perfectly hit all her most sensitive areas. She holds onto him tighter and for a moment he thinks he hurt her, forgetting the pleasure of the wet warmth around him he cautiously whines and tries to pull out but she holds him tighter as she struggles to reassure him.  “I-it’s okay. Keep going, you are doing so good sweetie.” She manages to say through breathless gasps. He nods and keeps going now loving the sounds he knows are pleasure overwhelming her. He again feels his instinct grip him tight as he bucks into her harder. His balls slapping wetly against her tailhole and her clit winking maddeningly fast mashing against his belly. Every thrust he does his best to just hold on a little longer just to bring his mate more pleasure. Trying to thank her with every plunge into her warm core that seems to only want to give thanks back by spasming, milking his cock. He could have never imagined he could feel such pleasure and yet here he was with a pony, no, his mare. Doing just that, giving it back to her in a way he never saw the other foxes do during his spying on others during past mating seasons. The intensifying breeding of her burning hot cunny was driving the kind caretaker wild as she gripped the sheets of the bed with each hard thrust. His cock felt so different then her toys but not only different but so perfect as it seemed like every throb, every hump strummed her most intimate and sensitive spots. Like they were made for each other, there was a sense of increasing fulfillment as he kept trying to please her yet all she wanted was to make him fill her. Her body tried to throw him over the brink but he just held on to repay her kindness and it made her heart overflow with happiness that he would do that for her. She wraps her wings around him and moans loud as he starts jackhammering into her g-spot, mini orgasms wracking her body as her walls go into overdrive trying to squeeze him into letting go. She shakes under him and he knows he can’t go much longer, his knot is swelling fast. He knows he can’t resist his need much longer but he won’t stop until he has her permission to blow.  “F-fluttershy! I can’t hold on! C-can I?” She answers by locking lips with him, kissing him hard, all her legs wrapping around the small fox as she presses her hips to his crotch. It was the last straw so he gladly accepted her request. With one final pull back to his tip he slammed home, his now very thick knot popping inside wetly as he moans into her mouth cumming hard setting off her biggest orgasm yet. The moment was perfect as he walls tightened almost painfully around him enveloping his sensitive knot as his balls tightened and his cock pulsed inside. The first rope powerful as his tip pressed against her soft cervix gently, the virile shot going right into her womb each one after joining it as his nuts jumped and pumped with the effort of shooting such a large load. Her walls helped milk every drop out of him as he bred her full of his litter. Her body accepted everything happily as the two kissed deeply shaking in silent bliss, no words could express the pleasure and fulfillment of that moment as they simply became one. They stayed like that for a minute that felt like an eon of pure bliss. Soon his orgasm subsided and his balls were empty of his seed as she was filled to the brim. They weren’t going anywhere with him knotted inside but they didn’t want to, they were content in that peaceful moment and could live forever in it. They lay there and simply kissed until they couldn’t anymore. He pulled away, hiding his face in her neck as he breathed hard. Both catching their breath. **CLOP OVER, NORMAL CUTENESS RESUMING. THANK YOU** The two now intertwined lovers catch their breath. Laying in the room now dark as the candle had burned out. Fluttershy soon used the last of her strength to pull the covers over them both as her mate laid atop her and she wrapped her forehooves and wings around him. “That was so wonderful Pebble… thank you so much for being my mate.” She breathed into his ear quietly as the tod was on the verge of sleep and she could tell as she was as well. She did her best to just nuzzle his ears and shower his head in kisses. He looked up, even in this darkness and her looking so frazzled and sweaty from their lovemaking he could only see her as the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes upon. He never thought he would be so lucky to find such a wonderful mate but here he was and he couldn’t be happier. “Thank you Fluttershy. For everything. I promise I will never leave you. I will watch over our litter. No matter what.” He said with absolute confidence. Knowing nothing would stop him now. She leans down, kissing his forehead. “And I will never abandon you. We will be a big happy family. You will never have to be alone again, my sweet little stone.” He blushed at the nickname and loving kiss, laying his head on her chest he drifted off to sleep. She did the same laying her head on his. Their future together looking bright. > Epilogue: A Happy Family > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pebble woke with a yawn showing his longue tongue and sharp teeth. His legs and back stretching as he made a doubtlessly adorable squeak as his back popped. His golden eyes peak open and he looks down at his mate with a warm smile. He had fallen asleep on her chest again and her hooves were wrapped loosely around him as she slept. He just lay there for a while watching her breathe and content in the quiet as he listened to the steady beat of her heart. He may be a little greyer in the muzzle then when they met but he still sees her as beautiful as the first time he laid eyes on her. That fateful day by the creek in that clearing doubtlessly saved his life and he had spent every day since doing his best to repay her. It had been a lovely and beautiful 8 winters, or years as she calls them, since they had come together. He couldn’t imagine being with any other being in the whole world… though life wasn’t always so peaceful like he sometimes wanted. “Mamaaaaaaaa!! Papaaaaaa!! Get up, it's feeding time! Mr. Ruffers is getting all bitey again!” A voice from downstairs called in a loud cracking timbre. Pebble whines and covers his head with one of his mates wings as she stirred awake from the sound of her children calling to her. The slightly older and wiser animal caretaker yawns then smiles as she sees her little husband hiding under her wing from the wakeup call. She nuzzles under her wing and nibbles his ear gently to get him to stop whining.  “Cmon Pebble, you aren’t a kit anymore, can’t avoid your responsibilities. Gotta help our little skulk run the place.” She kisses his forehead after he nods, though he doesn’t move.  “If I knew having a litter would be this much trouble I would have asked you to snip me.” He half jokes as he slides off her side and onto the bed as the caretaker gets up with a small giggle. She goes over to the mirror and starts brushing her mane into less of a mess.  “We will be right there Willow! Tell your brother and sisters to get started without us!” She calls back with that loving motherly tone she has developed almost immediately once they were born in Pebble’s eyes, but little did he know she had had it all along. She had been practicing all her life to be a mother and now that she was a proud mother of 4 adorable hybrid fox-ponies she couldn’t be happier. Sure sometimes just like Pebble she misses when it was just the two of them in the house with her animal friends giving them space to be with one another. But she couldn’t lie to herself and say she regrets a second of raising her darling children. Plus, she knew Pebble didn’t mean it, he just likes to pretend he is too old for everything while acting like a kit the other half of the time. She loves and cares about the old tod but he can be silly sometimes, though she would be lying once more if she said she didn’t find it adorable just like the first time she found him. “And miss hearing you give me the brittle old fox routine every morning? Never my dearest little stone~.” She says as she sees him act like he can’t get up from the bed. Though she did see his ear twitch and his middle shake a little with silent laughter. She knows what gets him up though because he does soon stretch his legs and stand up on the covers. Grumbling as padding over to the nightstand and flipping on his hanging collar with his snoot. Waiting patiently for her to get done with her mane and tail to fasten it on. Taking the moment to admire her like he does every chance he gets. He wasn’t receptive to the idea of a collar at first but she convinced him with a small talk from her then non-princess friend Twilight. The collar both showed he was tethered to his mate and could communicate with others so ponies would know not to bother him with pets and other such silliness he couldn’t stand as a proud father.  She almost laughs remembering their first time in the market with him riding her back ‘cause all the foals kept trying to pet him and feed him like he was a dog. It made her feel a little better that she could ease his anxiety around ponies as much he helped her with her own. Having him near made her feel calmer, like no matter what she had someone who would always be there to have her back and not let her give up. As she finishes brushing her tail she looks at him through the mirror and smiles as she sees his loving gaze upon her, not lustful or lecherous but a genuine love built from their connection that has only strengthened with time.  She gets up from her seated position and flips her mane back to give him an extra show before going over to him to help fasten the collar. She looks up at him as she fastens it with her mouth, his smile never leaving as he nuzzles her mane as she does. She nuzzles him back as she finishes and smiles contently, the two had never met a being that felt like they completed them before they met, and now they wonder how they ever functioned without the other. Pebble licks her cheek and sighs “Those kits better not make me feed that moose again, he always tries to step on me I swear.” He says with a fake grumble as he jumps down from the bed and springs to them through the foxxy door they installed in their room that only lets him in without permission thanks to the collar. She smiles again and follows him out and down the stairs to the main cottage where all the indoor animals are getting their bowls filled by her youngest.  The young Velquine floats on her developing wings as her tied up mane flows in the soft airflow it creates, her orange sleek coat that was a bit longer then a normal ponies, but not so much that she was floofy as this was summer, and dappled white and black paws working to make sure every bowl of every critter had enough as her cute little freckled face scrunched in concentration. Her azure eyes focused as her Red mane was tied up with an adorable pink bow. Her foxy tail was lazily swishing back and forth before her father who though was smaller than her even at her younger age booped her on her white dappled belly after sneaking up on her. Making the small voiced filly eep much like her mother and almost drop the bag of animal feed.  “Daddy! D-don’t sneak up on me please, I almost dropped the bag! It could have landed on a critter.” Her overly nervous voice gives away who she took after in the family as she looks to make sure she didn’t hurt or scare any little friend. Pebble laughs and just jumps on top of the shelves next to where she was floating and pats her head “Don’t worry my little one. They are all fine, I was just making sure you didn’t scrunch your face into getting stuck that way” Pebble said with a smile on his greyed muzzle. The filly harrumphed and tried to ignore their mean ol dad, but her gentle caring mother was next to her and just hugged her to her chest as she tried to float out of reach of her papa.  “He is right Gentle Breeze, don’t need to be so careful. The animals will let you know if they can’t eat that much.” Came her reassuring voice as she nuzzled the filly’s mane lovingly. Gentle smiles and nuzzles her mom's chest floof as she trills happily. Her little forepaws and hind hooves wrap around the mare's chest as Pebble jumps and grabs the food bag from her to finish feeding the critters, they were skittish of him when he started here but now they know he only eats what his mate catches for him at the river.  The little pegafox licks her mother's cheek and smiles. “Mornin’ Mama, Reed said you and daddy can feed the ruminants while they go feed the carnivores. He likes talking to Mr. Ruffles so I think he will be there a little while.” Said the little 5 year old, she was small but smart as a whip like her dad, while caring and loving like her mom. Fluttershy nodded and patted the filly’s back.  “Well why don’t you go help your sister feed the birds while me and dad get the food ready for the ruminants okay?” The filly nodded and nuzzled her mom before flitting away. Pebble finished feeding the indoor animals and smiled at his daughter as she left, she blew a raspberry at him and he just chuckled good naturedly. The matriarch smiled at her silly family before getting the food ready for Mr and Mrs Bucky and their neighbors. While Pebble jumps up and steals an apple from the table to munch, he was never one to work on an empty stomach so she let him get away with it as he helped her right after the apple was gone. The unlikely pair stepped outside into the pens out back with the caretaker pulling the cart and the fox distributing the food into the troughs and pens. Between the two of them it didn’t take long at all, considerably less time then when the element of kindness was doing this all on her own. And she was so thankful for the help, nuzzling her mate as they finished as she parked the cart next to the shed. They look around to see if their other kits are anywhere in sight when they see a grey blur come right for them. Having a sixth mommy sense Fluttershy opens her hooves and braces herself in time to catch her second youngest in her waiting grasp. Said blur made a disappointed yowl as they looked up with their yellow vulpine eyes and scrunched more fox-like snoot complete with a foxy sensitive nose and fangs. Their frizzy and unkempt pink mane is kept in a messy ponytail as she glares up at her mom in annoyance.  “How come you see me coming every time Mom!? Its like you know what I am thinking!” Came the voice of the tomboyish little firecracker in her mom's forehooves. The mostly dark grey and orange filly crossed her forepaws as she pouted not ever getting the drop on her or dad. Fluttershy just chuckles and hugs her little one to her chest as she makes her little protest of not hugging back.  “Sorry my little Flicker, your first name may be Swift but you can’t outpace a mother’s intuition.” Pebble said after hopping back up on the cart after he helped unstrap his mate from it. Patting his third oldest kit and only other filly on her back as her mother just loved on her to make her stop pouting, when that didn’t work she brought out the tickles which made the little so called “best sneaker in the whole everfree” giggle and flail like any other 6 year old filly.  “Stop, stop mom! No more tickles!” Squealed the little wannabe spy, her mother relenting once she was smiling again. She giggles and nips her mom's mane before climbing on her head, never one to sit still or wait. She used her vantage point to look around for her sister as she spread her wings.  “Where did Gentle go? You guys give her the morning off?” She asked curiously. Flutterhy stifled a giggle at how her little wonder-filly never let anything keep her down for long.  “We sent her to help you feed the birds, where you practicing flying instead of doing your chores Ms. Swift Flicker?” She said in her mock stern mom voice. The little shadowfox ummed and uhhed her way into looking very sheepish before saying  “Hey look! Willow is climbing that stalk again!” Before darting off in a flash. Pebble shook his head at his daughter with a sigh.  “We have to work on her attention span dear.” Fluttershy nods but does look over at where she had pointed. To her credit she was being truthful as her brother was climbing that same stalk he does seemingly every year. “We will talk to her after breakfast, let's go make sure Bark isn’t stuck this time.” Pebble nodded and followed his mate to the other side of their clearing where they let the animals graze and stretch their legs after breakfast to the edge of the forest. A new stalk had sprouted a few years ago, the base of a large vine tree that sprouted beautiful flowers in the summer and spring. Which always seemed to fascinate their second oldest; Willow Bark. As he kept climbing up the stalk toward one of the beautiful pink and yellow blossoms, his wings were functional like any other pegasus colt but he didn’t like to fly if he didn’t have to, the freckled young reddish brown colt reached forward as he stuck his tongue out of his ponyish snoot in concentration. His dark brown mane cut short to not get in the way. He reached, trying to reach one of the flowers with his white streaked paws. He heard a clearing of a familiar throat and flinched as he turned around to see his mother flapping in place behind him with his father on her shoulder looking bemused.  “Willow Bark, what did we tell you about climbing up here instead of flying?” Came his fathers voice. The young 7 year old gulped and looked down at the ground a dozen feet below making his fear of heights come on and his fore paws and hind hooves turn to jelly, his mom grabs him and the flower before he falls and flutters back down. Setting him down on the stump next to the stalk. Pebble jumps down next to his son and pats his back as the boy calms down from the slight panic attack, he gives him the flower to calm him down which helps. He holds the flower close and studies it.  “I’m sorry Mama, Papa. I just get so curious when I see these things grow. They always sprout new colors every day on a cycle. It made me wonder if it did something else special, like maybe help someone get better from a cold like when I gathered those herbs for mama.” He looks sheepish and embarrassed as he speaks but lights up as he remembers what gave him his calling in life. He didn’t have a cutie mark like normal colts and fillies but his mama gave him a necklace designed to remind him of what he felt was right for him to follow as his life passion, a piece of bark and a white willow blossom. He looks at his necklace and sniffles, hating how he worried his parents and could have gotten hurt but the two loving parents just hug him and kiss his forehead and cheek. “We aren’t mad Willow, just be careful next time. Get one of your siblings to watch your back if you aren’t going to fly, or let one of us help okay?” Flutters explained with a reassuring voice as Pebble nodded and rubbed the colts back.  “We know you love to research but it's gonna be hard for you to research anything if your paws or hooves are broken.” Came pebbles more concerned voice, trying to show why they were upset before. The young burgeoning herbalist and alchemist nodded and hugged both his parents lovingly, understanding all too well what they felt as he remembered how he felt seeing mama sick in winter with no medicine and no stores open so late.  “I promise, no more climbing unless I got a buddy to watch my back.” He salutes with a smile on his sharp grin, his golden eyes just like his fathers and his wings fidgety just like his moms. The two parents sighed and patted the cute colt's head.  “Alright, now go wash up for breakfast after you put it in your room with the other samples. Its waffle day so don’t be late.” Said Pebble in a stern but loving way, patting the colts back to get him on his way. The kit nodded excitedly and ran off with the flower in his mane, the fox and pony watching him so giddy for both study and food in equal parts.  Flutters looked at her mate and smiled a half cocked smirk, he looked at her incredulously knowing what that look meant.  “What? He doesn’t get that from me!” She raises an eyebrow at the old tod. “He doesn’t! I have no idea where he gets it from!” He yells in mock anger. She just shakes her head and plays back the memory in her head of their first time going to the fish market and how she saw the same look on his face and the same giddiness in his demeanor.  “Suuuuure Pebble, and I’m the princess of yakistan.” Pebble rolled his eyes and jumped on her back as she went towards the carnivore habitat on the other side of the clearing. He laid his head between her ears. They both looked over to the designated area for the more meat loving animal friends, they had to build all of these since they started having the kits. It was no longer viable to have newborns and animals running around the house but they had done their best to take all of the animals' needs into account and make sure they were all happy with them. One of the most difficult animals to make happy was indeed the one they were approaching; Mr Ruffers who was currently trying to avoid and ignore their oldest and most solemn son of late. The wolf layed half in his little sleeping area of a hollowed out log with some hay and old blankets in it, his back half still outside, the very picture of a dramatic wolf. As their son played his instrument on the fence of the enclosure, his music was bright and optimistic as he seemingly tried to make the wolf cheer up and join him but it was having the opposite effect. The gold and white furred colt gives up as the two approach and he looks over at them with his icy blue vulpine eyes and long silver mane he kept in a loose wave as he puts his flute down next to him on the fence, his paws streaked with white and hind hooves as well as he licks his foxxy snoot sadly. Pebble jumps up on the fence with him and sits quietly while his mom leans on the other side of their saddened son. “Mr. Ruffers not in the mood today eh kid?” Asked Pebble in a soft tone. The 8 year old shook his head and stared down at the flute and then at his necklace that was much like his brothers as they shared the inability to gain a cutiemark. The colorful rainbow bamboo recorder and flowing musical note. His mark and what he was supposed to be good at but he found lately he couldn’t do it right anymore. He felt his mothers caring hoof on his shoulder which made him look over at her with that questioning expression he always seemed to wear.  “We know you are having a rough time of it right now. But maybe you should take a break? Try another instrument or just go have fun with your siblings. They all look up to you y'know?” She says with that same reassuring smile that made his worries melt away, he hugs his mom and his Father joins in the hug as the wolf takes the opportunity to take the fish the kit had given him a half hour ago but then started making noises so he didn’t get to eat. Fluttershy could see Mr Ruffles wanted some alone time so she picked up her son and her mate in her wings and placed them on her back.  “Cmon, it's time for breakfast, it’s waffles, your favorite!” She smiled at her silent son and began walking back to the house as she heard Vibrant Reed pull something out of his pack he kept near him and began to play... a beautiful contemplative song. The song guided them back and let their son communicate in the best way he knew how. Through his heart, and thus even though neither Pebble nor Fluttershy were very much musical focused people. They knew he was their son. For no other being could speak so clearly through their soul and show love so openly as him. As they come inside, Fluttershy and Pebble begin to prepare the batter for the waffles, and the calm chaos of their kids excitedly gathering around the table for their favorite meal of many favorites. They both knew that on that day 8 years ago they had made the choice to save each other from lives of loneliness and gave one another a reason to keep hoping every day, for good days, just like this. They thanked one another in their heads and the other heard it in their own way. A silent but knowing glance is exchanged as they smile, knowing it could never have happened if that silly mare didn’t help those cute foxes down in the forest. The End.